Chapter 683 - I-Is Someone There?
Sunday.
Sunday. As usual, Mion and I made and ate lunch together at her house. We made the same hamburgers as in yesterday's stream, but we had them with grated radish for a lighter, more Japanese-style feel. I was happy that the boiled spinach turned out quite delicious, though it was likely because I used high-quality dashi.
"That is right. I heard from Rokujo-san before noon that the initial sales of Mio's first album have exceeded expectations."
Shizuku-san said with a beaming smile. Both Mion and I were relieved to hear that. We'd heard that pre-orders were going well, but we were still a bit anxious, and to be honest, we'd just been hoping they wouldn't fail to sell entirely.
"Regarding the next album, we have agreed that it will be a year from now at the earliest."
"Ah, okay."
I didn't know the details, but it seemed it was decided that school would come first... or rather, our high school life would be prioritized. The other side was perfectly fine with that, and as long as Mion continued her role as the Jade Goddess in IRO, they didn't mind her play frequency either.
"Uh, is it really okay for them to be that relaxed?"
"I heard the chairman of Rokujo told them that Shota-kun and Mio's high school life should be the priority."
The chairman must be the grandmother I met during the recording. She was a gentle but powerful person, quite different from my own grandmother.
"There was also talk that a new PV for the game would be coming soon."
"Please keep that a secret until it is released."
Tsubaki-san followed up. Apparently, they really wanted us to appear in it, and an inquiry for permission to use our play scenes would be coming early next week. The only things I wanted to keep hidden for now were the Fairy Path using the Divine Tree and the other set of Transfer Magic Circles. Well, I figured I'd think about it after seeing it...
...
When Mion poured mana into the Jade Goddess Statue, which was her own likeness, a sanctuary emerged and covered the castle courtyard.
"Okay, I'll go take a look."
"Yes. Please be careful."
I logged into IRO and arrived at the castle courtyard. I had brought the Jade Goddess Statue here to increase the safety of the place and had the sanctuary expanded, but I felt like it might have been a bit excessive.
"Leave this place to me."
"Nya!" """Nya!""" ""Bow!""
I decided the castle investigation would be done by me, Lupi, and Raz. Mion, Leda, and Roy all wanted to come too, but I knew if I let them, the group would just keep growing until it became unmanageable. There might be monsters inside, and there might be undead like the ones in the Large Transfer Room. Considering that I'd started the Uninhabited Island Start at the sandy beach at the south end, I suspected this castle at the north end would have some nasty enemies. If we had to retreat, it would be instantaneous with teleportation for just me, Lupi, and Raz, so I thought it would be better for the others to guard this spot.
"Woof."
"Yeah. Let's listen first."
I put my ear to the large castle door and used Eavesdropping. I didn't hear anything, but that was probably just because the door was thick.
"It should be fine. Give me your blessing."
I received blessings from the light, tree, and water spirits and was ready. When I put my hand on the large handle, the usual question reached my ears.
[Access for Blessed One confirmed. Top-level administrator authority confirmed. Unlock?]
"Yes."
I slowly and carefully pushed open the double doors. I checked the inside through the small gap. It seemed fine, so this time I pushed them wide open.
"Whoa, the ceiling is high."
Before me spread a hall with quite beautiful stone paving. Thanks to the large glass windows high up, the inside was reasonably bright.
"I'll bring out a light just in case."
A light emerged from my chest and flew toward the ceiling. Straight ahead was a wide entrance hall. Immediately to the right was a staircase leading to the second floor.
"Let's start with the first floor. Raz, watch our backs."
"Kuru~ ♪"
With Raz in her usual spot in my hood guarding our rear, I left the way forward to Lupi. When we entered a doorless room on the left, the west side... was it a drawing room? A waiting room? There was a large wooden table with six chairs, but...
"There's no dust. Is someone living here?"
I didn't like the horror vibes. If a Maroon Wraith or something appeared, we'd have no choice but to run. Maybe I should have brought the Jade Goddess Statue after all?
"Woof."
"Okay."
Leaving the room and proceeding down the passage to the west, there was a staircase leading to the basement at the end. The Ancient Magic Door at the bottom was closed, so I decided to save that for later. Returning and going to the room at the far left, the northwest... this was a quite large kitchen and dining area. I guess you'd call it a dining kitchen.
"Hmm, it's well-maintained..."
Cupboards lined the walls, and they were filled with beautiful silver tableware (?). The magic stove was also in good condition, though it didn't look like it had been used. And...
"Is this magic storage the same as the one in the manor?"
"Woof!" "Kururu."
It looked like the large one I'd received. I wanted to check inside, but I felt it would be rude if someone was living here. No, I decided it was too late now, and if I got scolded, I'd just deal with it. When I opened it... it was empty.
"Hmm? Have I seen this magic circle somewhere before?"
I couldn't recall, so I used Appraisal, and it came up as [Transfer Magic Circle]. Ah, it was the one I saw at the mining facility on the Southern Island, the one used to send ingots to the workroom. In other words, this was likely for sending dishes made here to another room.
"Okay, next."
"Woof!"
Returning to the hall, the Ancient Magic Door at the end of the north side was closed, so I skipped it. In the passage leading to the northeast, there were empty rooms on both sides, and at the end was another Ancient Magic Door.
"I guess that's it for the first floor."
"Woof." "Kuru~"
I was thinking of going up the stairs to see the second floor when I returned to the hall...
"Welcome. We have been waiting for you."
A woman in a maid's outfit... no, a ghost? ...said that as she gave a deep bow.