28: Ionia Again / Yuzen Dyeing of Tropical Scenery / Macaron Transformations 2

The voice of the Acacia’s Book echoed in Jill’s mind.

“Ungh”

She reflexively began to reply, then sealed her lips.

After regaining her composure, she responded only in her mind.

(What kind of person is it? Is it a child again?)

‘It is not an immature form. It is an adult male.’

(An adult male… Can you stream an image just for me to see?)

‘Understood. Activating private mode.’

Then, a screen appeared in the air.

However, Maureen and the others did not notice it.

Jill was once again stunned, but this time she managed to suppress her voice.

She immediately realized that this was probably some form of ancient magic.

And she gazed at the screen visible only to her.

“What’s wrong, Miss Jill?”

Matthew and the others looked at Jill, who was staring at an empty space, with curiosity.

Jill struggled with how to explain it.

“Uh, well…”

But since an intruder had come, it would be unwise to keep it a secret, so Jill gave up.

If she was suspected, she could only make excuses about using some amazing magic.

“…It seems someone has entered the forest.”

“What?”

Matthew signaled the other two with his eyes.

It was a sign to not say anything unnecessary.

But Jill, oblivious to such subtle cues, tried to make a poor excuse.

“Oh, well, I mean, I had a sort of premonition…”

“It’s alright. We know that a mysterious magic is placed over the entire mansion, and we understand that you, as the master, are capable of handling it. Although we don’t know the full extent, there’s probably some magic for thief prevention, right?”

“Ah, yes. It’s more or less like that.”

Matthew had already almost completely figured out Jill’s background. Garda, Maureen, and also Roland had been told about it around the time the horse armor was completed.

The three were troubled and then angry with Matthew. They told him not to hide such important information. After arguing and drinking all night at Roland’s shop, they eventually agreed. They decided that unless Jill asked for it herself, they would continue to treat her as usual. Jill thought she was keeping secrets, but in reality, she was the one being kept in the dark.

“So, how many? What does it look like? As detailed as possible.”

“One person. A man in a robe… He looks like a traveler and doesn’t seem to be from the town. His face is obscured by the hood, so it’s hard to tell.”

“Does he have any weapons?”

“Not that I can see at a glance. But he’s carrying a somewhat large bag… Huh?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Somehow, the Karappa is extremely angry. It has started fighting.”

◆

Dailan Karappa.

A large crab-like monster that has existed in the land of the Dailan Magic Kingdom for a long time.

The average size is between 50 and 80 centimeters. However, this is only within the range observable by humans, and it is expected that individuals several times larger exist in the labyrinths and secret places. The Karappa with Jill is precisely that proof.

They primarily inhabit freshwater rivers, water sources, labyrinths, and underground springs, but their large bodies can store moisture and use magic to survive for extended periods in places without water.

Their temperament is gentle. It is said that their high defensive ability, which makes them less likely to be targeted by other animals, and their slow movement and lack of aggressive hunting contribute to this.

After living for nearly ten years, they instinctively learn water magic and defensive magic, which further reduces external threats. Although it is said that they are considered a delicacy when made into a stew, few target Karappa. They tend to protect the water sources and forests they inhabit, which keeps malevolent and ferocious monsters away. In short, thinking of hunting Karappa is synonymous with being a greedy fool.

Therefore, the reason Jill and the others came to the fighting Karappa was to support it.

Maureen, among others, took out a spear to protect the Karappa.

“Hey, hey, hey! Wait! I was wrong, I apologize!”

“Blub, blub, blub!”

“Hey! Miss Jill! Could you stop him! Ah, no, her, I mean!?”

The Karappa cast a water magic spell.

The spell called [Water Bullet], as the name suggests, shoots water like a bullet.

A skilled user could make a hole in a wall with it.

It was being unleashed indiscriminately towards the intruder.

The intruder skillfully avoided the magic.

But it was clear that it was a close call.

At this rate, a direct hit was inevitable.

“Uh, sorry, who are you…?”

“Eh!?”

The intruder seemed somewhat shocked by those words.

“It’s me, it’s me! Oh, and Garda is here too!”

“I don’t know who you are! Show your face!”

“Oh, I forgot.”

The intruder threw off his hood.

Revealed was a handsome man with silver hair.

He was a man who had traveled together for a while before arriving at this mansion from the royal capital.

Before Jill could recall his name, Garda spoke up.

“You’re Ionia, aren’t you!”

“Oh, Karappa, please stop. Maureen, lower your spear as well. It seems to be someone we know.”

“Blub, blub…”

“Is that alright?”

The Karappa, which had been preparing a deadly spell, begrudgingly stopped its movements.

Maureen, though still suspicious, also lowered her stance.

The intruder— Ionia— let out a sigh of relief and sat down.

“Phew… That was a close call. Thank you.”

“Why are you being attacked by the Karappa? This is quite unusual.”

“Well… It seems I’ve incurred its wrath from a previous incident. I did something wrong.”

Ionia shrugged with a wry smile.

The Karappa still seemed agitated, clicking its claws in warning.

Jill recalled the time since she first met Ionia.

They had traveled together for a night, parted ways, and shortly after encountered the Karappa.

At that time, the Karappa had been grievously wounded.

“…When I first met this Karappa, it was in a pitiful state. Could it be that you, Ionia, were responsible?”

“Not at all. I had no intention of doing such a thing, nor do I have the ability.”

“But there must be some connection, right?”

“Your deduction is correct.”

Ionia smiled and raised a finger.

“During the journey, I was almost attacked by wolf monsters tracking the scent of meat. I pushed this Karappa onto them and escaped.”

“So you threw a monster at it. No wonder it’s angry… and you were expecting me to come to the rescue, weren’t you?”

Ionia smiled again, as if to say ‘exactly.’

Jill was left dumbfounded.

“I realize I did something wrong. Could you please accept my apology?”

“That’s what he said?”

Jill addressed the Karappa.

“I’m sorry. I was in a life-or-death situation… though that’s no excuse. You can do as you please.”

Ionia knelt down, took out a dagger from his pocket, and placed it on the ground.

It was the proper gesture to show surrender in wars or duels. The nuance was “there are no weapons here, and you may do as you wish with my life,” but this was a human gesture and did not necessarily convey the same to animals or monsters. Still, Ionia performed the action with utmost seriousness and according to the proper etiquette.

“…Clack”

The Karappa skillfully picked up the dagger.

“Eh, oh, you’re taking it? It’s quite a valuable item…”

“Blub, blub”

The Karappa ignored him and turned its back, heading deeper into the forest.

Its behavior seemed to imply that it was offering forgiveness.

“Well, if it’s accepted as an apology gift, then that’s fine.”

“This might have just been a retreat. Whether it has truly forgiven you is uncertain.”

Jill was a bit exasperated by Ionia’s nonchalant demeanor.

However, Ionia remained unfazed and smiled cheerfully.

“If that’s the case, then it’s fine. It’s truly rational behavior to find a compromise and withdraw. But isn’t there an increasing number of people these days who can’t take such actions?”

“That’s…”

Jill was at a loss for words.

It was a talent to speak profound words with a cool demeanor right after such a struggle, Jill thought, though she couldn’t help but listen.

“People become trapped by entanglements, unable to retreat or forgive. They must destroy those they have become adversaries with. They become insensible to the value of life. Compared to such people, I even admire the Karappa’s rationality.”

To respect the Karappa’s rationality.

If taken alone, this statement might seem laughable, even to children.

Jill thought so, but she could not laugh.

Rather, she thought it was quite true.

At the same time, Jill felt that this person was not just an ordinary painter.

The impression she had felt from the beginning was growing stronger.

“…For now, please come to the mansion. I’ll at least offer some tea.”

“Oh, that’s much appreciated.”

Ionia’s face brightened up immediately.

He seemed to have completely forgotten about his previously cryptic remarks.

Jill thought, “Good grief,” but decided to guide Ionia to the mansion.