Chapter 565 - Another Ancient Rainbow Dragon
The recording finished, and we returned to the original hotel, where we changed cars in the parking lot.
It was past 4 PM, and we were treated to dinner today. I assumed it would be an expensive restaurant somewhere.
"How did it feel?"
"Mm. It was good..."
"Indeed. It was my first time hearing Mion-dono's singing up close, and it was a voice that truly stirred the heart."
Even Miki, who usually had no interest outside of game music, was unusually engrossed.
Mion only recorded one song today. But she redid it quite a few times.
Apparently, this song would be used in commercials that would air on major streaming platforms starting in September. Essentially, it was the main theme for IRO.
Anyway,
"Shizuku-san, are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine..."
She replied, though she looked quite tired.
In the end, after a while, Shizuku-san, Misha P, and Chairman Rokujo all arrived together and watched the recording.
During the break, everyone ate the mango pudding I had saved, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
"The Chairman was very friendly, wasn't she?"
"Mm-hmm."
Miki had gotten quite friendly with her, and Mion and I were treated like grandchildren, which made me wonder if it was really okay.
Misha P laughed and said, "You absolutely don't need to worry about it," but Shizuku-san seemed to be taking it extremely seriously.
"To be honest, if that person glared at you, our company would disappear in an instant."
The Rokujo Group was one of Japan's top three corporations, after all. Construction, finance, machinery, and software.
My mom, on her business trips, was probably interacting with some part of the Rokujo Construction Group too.
"By the way, where was Tsubaki-san?"
I was in a separate room talking with GM Choco-san. It was about Lady Mion's schedule after September.
A reply came over the speaker.
"Did they have any demands?"
No. I conveyed that academics take priority, and they said to let them know if there were any open dates within a reasonable scope.
"I see. That's good."
Since the other company was overwhelmingly larger, if they said they wanted to do a schedule like that... I imagine it would be hard to refuse.
Apparently, such pressure was legally prohibited, but the line defining what constituted pressure was ambiguous.
"But autumn is likely to be quite busy. There's also the cultural festival."
"Mm"
I heard Mitsumori's cultural festival would be quite a commotion, but I wonder if our club will do anything...
*
After enjoying dinner (rotating sushi) courtesy of expenses, we returned home.
After drinking tea and taking a breather, I logged into the Virtual Club Room.
Mion was there, but President Bell seemed to be waiting too.
"Mm?"
"Was something wrong?"
"Yes, it's about what I heard from Season-san and Marie-san yesterday."
"Oh! And what about it?"
I thought she was waiting for Seth about the new interaction with NPC Elves, but instead,
"Marie-san and the others are apparently heading further south, and there's talk of someone seeing a dragon flying in that direction."
""Eh?""
In response to our surprise,
"Is it a dragon we know?"
"I don't know. But it's apparently not Argenta-san. She also appeared in the PV, so it's unlikely to be a mistaken sighting."
Also, Vermilion-san apparently had a video from before, when he casually tossed away some folks who tried to cross the mountains, so the argument was that it probably wasn't him either.
"The possibility of Lord Azure is also low. He would be in the Necropolis, or on the Southern Island, or on your island, Brother."
"That's probably true."
Then there was the White Dragon Princess... but that was impossible.
Are you asking Shou-kun to inquire?
"Yes. I won't force it, but I'm worried about Marie-san and Season-san."
"Got it. I think the reply to my letter should arrive soon anyway."
My preparations were complete, but they would need to prepare too, and if it was some time in the future, I'd want to go north eventually.
If the reply hadn't arrived, contacting them via Guild Card would be fine.
.........
......
...
"Ah, a reply has arrived."
Mion opened the Magic Transfer Box, took out a letter, and handed it to me.
I read it, thinking how diligent she was.
"They want to talk via Guild Card when it's convenient for us. What should I do?"
I'm fine, but it might be better after Lupi-chan and the others have eaten.
"You're right. Then, let's do it after dinner."
I think I'll make roasted boar sandwiches.
Looking in the Ancient Magic Storage, I found vegetables Pan and the others had grown, and eggs Shal and the others had collected, so I added some fried eggs.
For Sweee and Raz, I prepared candied Lycos (tomatoes).
"Oh, if the White Dragon Princess is coming, I'm thinking of asking them to swap out the Ancient Magic Storage for a larger one. Would it be okay to ask?"
I think so. Althena-chan eats a lot, after all.
Okay, I'll ask when I contact them.
After everyone had eaten and said grace, I needed to contact Argenta-san.
"Hello. Is Argenta-san there?"
Lord Shou. Thank you for contacting us. Regarding the matters you wrote about in your letter, among other things, there have been various developments. May I explain, though it may be a bit lengthy?
"Yes. Please do."
Mion next to me nodded in agreement.
Sweee was eating Dried Grapeful on my shoulder and seemed curious to listen to the conversation.
First, regarding Lady Lupi's statue, El will be visiting the underground transfer room today, so could you please hand it over there?
"That's helpful."
Apparently, the Dragonkin would temporarily hold onto it, and Azure-san would deliver it later.
Geira-san and the Dragonfolk would handle the delivery to the requester, so I could leave it to them... I should give them some extra alcohol.
Regarding Hii-sama's visit, we're currently experiencing a slight problem...
"A problem?"
It's just that... reports have come in that the Emerald Dragon Emeraldia has awakened.
Ah, was that the dragon President Bell mentioned seeing in the south?
Mion also nodded.
"Um, I heard a rumor..."