“Chapter 213: Grandmaster’s Gratitude”


    – Grandmaster, what are you doing her-!?


    – DON’T LOOK! (Meirir)


    Ever’s figure was completely overshadowed by vapor, but Meirir covered my eyes before it dissipated.


    – Hey, why are you covering his eyes? I’m here to talk with my disciple. We can’t talk like this.


    – S-Shut up and get underwater before you poison his brain!


    – You’re so loud… Whatever, this is a bath, after all.


    This is probably the first time Ever has listened to Meirir. What a good time to do so.


    – Why are you- (Takaya)


    – here? I heard you the first time. I told you I was going to a hot spring, didn’t I?


    – Right. So why did you neglect any contact for an entire month?


    Wols isn’t a place where Akane’s Grosbeak wouldn’t reach.


    – Where were you? Why didn’t you help us at the Royal Capital? (Takaya)


    – Were you worried about me? (Ever)


    – Yes. I was.


    As strong as Ever is, there’s no guarantee that a stronger being wouldn’t attack her.


    There are other sages in the world, and there’s the crew of the thundercloud boat.


    – …Sorry for worrying you.


    Ever extended her hand and stroked my hair.


    – You’re a good kid. I mean that…


    Her eyes look full of tenderness whenever she does this. It’s as if she was looking at her own child.


    – …Grandmaster?


    – I went to meet someone.


    – “Someone”?


    – Yeah. The light one.


    Ernika? Didn’t they talk about living with a religious organization back then or something?


    – It’s not that big of a deal. I just thought I’d stop by to see how you were doing. I had to repay her for your treatment, too.


    – I see.


    – She lives in a place protected by a special barrier. Even well-trained familiars can’t locate her.


    That would explain why Grosbeak wasn’t able to find Ever.


    – Man, I thought I had it bad with my debt on Shimazu, and now this…


    – Stop acting like it doesn’t exist. Make sure to pay Fuji-sama.


    – Well, that’s enough talking. I should get back. Takaya, what’s your room? Maybe I’ll take a night trip later.


    – Don’t tell me you don’t have a room for yourself.


    – Hey, you know I don’t have any money. Come on, let me use your room. I’ll pay you with my body~


    – B-B-What are you on about!? (Meirir)


    – Could you please stop interrupting us? We’re trying to have a Grandmaster-Disciple moment over here.


    – T-Takaya!?


    – Alright, Grandmaster, that’s enough teasing. If you need a room I’ll be happy to pay for one.


    – Haha, thank you! Once again you’ve saved me from debt. Here, have a gift.


    Ever got close to my ear.


    (I have arranged for you to talk with the Sage of the Volcano. You’ll find out more tomorrow at noon)


    – Huh?


    Laughing, Ever floated away.


    – I’m sure you’ll be able to get some good information there.


    Enveloped by vapor once again, Ever’s figure disappeared completely.


    – Ahh, what’s wrong with that granny?…Takaya?


    – Ah, right. Yeah, she’s pretty troublesome.