Vol 2: Chapter 30

There was a heavy silence.

The sound of rain clashing against the window echoed.

However, it cannot be dragged out any longer.

Does the young lady know this?

The Earl slowly shook his head from side to side.

She doesnt know, huh I think that is for the better, too. Even if she were to know, it would just instill meaningless guilt.

What is the young ladys condition right now?

My relative was exposed to the magic eye when it activated. There seems to have been disagreement on the color of the dress, so I heard that she hit the chief maid who was beside her.

Is the chief maid alright?

Of course. The chief maid is well-versed in self-defense. As for Eva, due to the sudden change in behaviour of my relative and running out of mana, she has fallen into a deep sleep.

I was relieved. Even with the worst situation occurring, we seem to have gotten out with one of the better outcomes.

Then, how do we help the young lady?

The caster said that the seal would eventually break one day, and she should learn to control her mana by then. However, there are very few people who are well-versed in seals. You cant find them in a day or two.The Earl then placed a small leather bag on the table. I was very much familiar with the thick, spherical form.I was going to give this at the awarding ceremony.

What came out from inside the bag was a skill orb that shone a blue light a light that mysteriously felt warm. The light illuminated the room brightly because the outdoors were dim due to rain.

Mana Control floated in the center of the skill orb.

Once Eva gets used to controlling her mana, she can drop to a lower starMana Control, until she doesnt need it anymore. Or, at the very least, a one starMana Controlis all she needs to control her mana.

I see. The Earl had a proper countermeasure. If a skill orb can solve this problem, the Earls financial strength should be able to do it. Although, I think a four-starMana Controlis still quite rare.

If the awarding ceremony was held the day after the Sprout and New Moon Banquet, we wouldnt have had to worry about the seal.

If so, its my fault.

Reiji-san, you saved Prince Kluvshrats life. No one blames you. And there were no particular injuries today.

However

If it still bothers you, then I have a request.

The Earl smiled Wow, what a nice smile! Im sure it is all due to my guidance.

I am not allowed to give the skill orb before the awarding ceremony. But since Eva cannot be left as she is, I will use a magic tool that draws out her mana to the limit.

The Earl placed a silver bracelet studded with five green jewels on the table.

Is this the magic tool?

Yes. It absorbs mana, and when mana is absorbed, the green jewels turn blue. Since it has a considerable amount of mana capacity, it will be able to absorb and store mana until the day after tomorrow but the problem is Eva herself. If her mana is too low, it will put a strain on the body.

Ah, right

I also have the experience of fainting due to lack of mana, so I understand it well.

It is going to take a toll on her body, especially in these times of tension. So, I want you to be with her, Reiji-san.

That doesnt even have to be said.

When I replied immediately, the Earl shook his head.

Eva relies on you more than you think.

I wonder if thats true? Well, I guess Im happy and embarrassed at the same time.

Okay, then I shall go visit the young lady.

Thank you.

When I stood up and was about to leave the room, I remembered something.

Oh, right. Wasnt there two things you wanted to discuss, Earl?

Ohyes, I forgot.the Earl said, in a disinterested tone.

Regarding the skill orb to be given to Prince Kluvshrat, apparently there is a strong possibility of it being 7 or more stars.

Hou

Seven!?

Hmm? Is it the information youve been wanting to know so much, Reiji-san?

N-No. Its just that Ive never heard of 7-star before.

I havent, either. But, this isnt the skill orb youre looking for, correct?

That is yes, thats right.

Reiji-san, you seem to already have an idea of the skill orb you wish to know information about, so I dont think you are actually interested in a skill orb with 7 or more stars.

How scary! The Earl has already discerned that far.

No, no, I am interested.

Even a skill orb with 7 or more stars?

Even with 7 or more stars!

If you are so inclined, it can even be 9 or more.

Is that so? I understand. Please take care of Eva.

Okay.

I bowed and left the Earls room, and headed for the young ladys bedroom.

According to the doctor of House Sillys, the young lady is sleeping soundly, so I got permission to enter the room, and stood by her bedside.

Although it was daytime, it was dark outside, and still raining. The room was gently lit by a small magic lamp at the bedside.

I brought out a small chair and sat down next to the bed. Normally, it would not be okay for me, as an escort, to come to her bedroom, but it seems that the Earl had given permission, and two maids were in standby at the corner of the room. I faced the sleeping young lady.

(I didnt think I would learn about the young ladys mother in this way.)

If the young lady learns about it, Im sure she would be terribly hurt. She might even think that her magic eyes killed her own mother even though it wasnt her fault.

(If I can help the young lady by staying close, Ill be happy to help her. Of course, I have to look for Lark and Lulusha, but I can stay with her if its at least until the young lady gets used toMana Control. I might even be able to give her some advice by usingWorld Ruler.)

In my hand was a magic tool given by the Earl a bracelet that looked like an accessory. Looking throughWorld Ruler, I saw many magic symbols engraved on the surface that come into contact with the hand.

To me, the magic engravings looked like a chain that tied up the young lady.

(The Earl didnt disclose such a personal story because he trusts me, but because hes trying to garner sympathy. The Earl is that kind of a man, after all.)

Of course, if he read my mind, he would say, I am disclosing all this because I trust Reiji-san. It is most regrettable that you would think that way, without batting an eye.