It was just before the ceremony.


So this is my home...


　It was around noon and Arx was looking up at a two-story mansion in a corner where many nobles of the royal capital lived.
　The bright red triangular roof made of unglazed tiles stood out.
　The dark wood pillars and white plaster on the walls were unevenly applied in places, with wrinkles appearing as if they were veins.
　The gates and entrances are fitted with shimmering glass, and there are also the cylindrical towers that are common in Western-style architecture in the man's world.


　As I said earlier, "my house", this property is already in Arx's name.
　I had asked Noah to look for a reasonable house for me shortly before I left for the west, and we finally found it recently.


　The biggest problem in purchasing the property was the money, as the Mage Guild had offered a reward for the development of the magic meter, so that problem was solved. I had been thinking that if I could find a house that I could call a mansion, I would go for it, but I came across a good used house sooner than I expected.
　The house seems to be old and somewhat dilapidated, but it's good enough for now. I have to take care of it, because I don't want it to be infested with insects, but I'm going to use the engraving to take care of that.


　Noah bends down, looks at me, and gives me a small applause.


Congratulations.

"Oh, now I can finally live without worry.


　I let out an exhale that was almost a sigh of relief.
　Now I can finally live my life without worrying about my father, mother and servants.
　No more tantrums, no more backbiting.
　He would be separated from Lisha, but that wouldn't bother him too much.
　You won't be leaving King's Landing, and you'll see each other more often once you enter the Academy.
　I don't think we'll feel lonely.


　Kazui, with his arms crossed, looked up at the house and said.


It's smaller than Raytheft's main residence.


　It is true that this mansion is much smaller and cramped compared to Raytheft's mansion or Crabbe's mansion. The number of rooms, except for the office and guest rooms, is minimal.
　However.


This is just fine. The only people who will be using it are us and the servants we'll be hiring.

"Yes. The bigger the room, the more servants we'll have to hire.

Sure, that's true too. Keech.

But... ......


　As we were talking, Noah suddenly narrowed his eyes in concern.


What is it, Noah?　What's going on?

"Yes. If you're going to make a name for yourself in the future, you can't keep doing this.

Oh, you think?


　Arx had been thinking about that too.
　As he nodded his head in agreement, Kazui noticed it and cocked his chin toward the house.


What the hell. Isn't this enough to make me look good?

Of course. The aristocracy is seen from the outside, so even if it's just a single house, they have the wealth to build a luxurious mansion. If you don't take care of the garden of the house properly, you will be underestimated.


　Noah is probably right.
　Since ancient times, there has been a tactic to lavishly decorate the interior of a mansion to make the guests think that they are getting a good deal and to make them want to make a deal with you.
　Raytheft's success as a military man meant that he had no problem with being simple and sturdy.
　This kind of vainglory is one of the strategies to succeed as a nobleman.
　But there was one concern about that.


...... I don't want it to look like the garden of a marquis's house.

That's unusual. I wouldn't say it's uncommon, but it's not unheard of for a nobleman to have a very assertive garden.

That's not unusual. That's right. ......


　I've heard that there are quite a few of those in the capital that are in bad taste like that. In the man's world, there were architectural styles such as "what's that" or "what's that" style, but in this world, such culture may not have been fostered that much.


In the garden, you can see the amount of money spent ......, of course. The most important thing is the essence of the garden. The garden should be well prepared to welcome others. Is it cultured enough to make people who see the garden imagine a story? You can also see if they have a good gardener and other ...... connections.

Aristocracy is a pain in the ass.

Seriously, nobility is a pain in the ass.


　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　Then, Noah gives me a disturbing look.


...... Why do you say such things even to Arx-sama?

What?　I'm more of a commoner.

I don't understand how you can be a commoner when you've been in a nobleman's mansion all your life. When did you have your first experience as a commoner, Mr. Arx?

"You know, you can feel like a commoner when you walk around downtown!　That's it!


　While I was giving Noah a rather bitter excuse, Kazi looked out into the garden.


"So?　What are you going to do with this garden?

We'll have to move some of the Soma plants from my uncle's house, so it'll be almost empty.

Then you won't be able to do your favorite training.

"Hmm... I'll rent the garden of my uncle's mansion or find someplace more suitable. It might be a nice change of pace.




　That was when I was talking with the two of them.


"Wow, so this is Arx's house. It's pretty cozy, isn't it?

"Yeah, it is. Well, this is about as good as it gets.


　I was tempted to reply, but I suddenly realized that it was strange.
　I turned to the voice and saw Suu standing there.
　A black-haired girl looking up at the house, making the shade of Weasel's eyes. She blended naturally into the circle, as if she had come here with us.


"Hey!　Suu, where the hell did you come from?

"I heard you bought a house. I came to take a look.

Where the hell did you get that information? ......

Hmm. Someone was kind enough to give it to me, you know?

Where'd you get that information, ......?


　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
　I'm sure you'll be glad to know that I'm not the only one who can help you.
　I don't know where she got the information from. She really is a girl of many mysteries.
　Anyway.


"So you're my master's freakish wife.

"What's a wife?" ......

So, you're the one who's been studying magic with him, right?

Yes. Nice to meet you both.


　Suu greets Noah and Kazui.
　The fact that she is so naturally superior to her servants is an element that reveals her status.
　She and Kazui have had a run-in once, but there seems to be no ill feeling between them.
　Kazui has a light-hearted personality, and Suu has deep pockets. It seems that they have nothing on their minds.
　After a brief greeting, Suu turned to me and smiled.


　He smiled and said


"Arx. Welcome back.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm back. ......


　The unexpected words and smile caught us off guard.
　I was a little embarrassed to hear her say that again, but it made me realize that I had finally come home.
　I guess it's because my schedule has been a roller coaster ride since I got back to the capital.


"I'm sorry I didn't call you.

"You've been busy, haven't you?　You've been busy.


　Suu said, shifting her gaze to the side.


"So, is your left arm okay?

Yeah. It doesn't move as much as I'd like, but I think I can manage.


　I answered, and then I noticed something strange.


"Hmm?　Suu, how did you know I had an injury on my left arm?

"Huh?

Because you did, didn't you?


　Yes, this is the first time I've seen her since we came back to King's Landing. Even though I haven't told her about my injury yet, it's strange that she knows about it.
　When I asked her such a casual question, Suu for some reason became distraught as if in a hurry.


"Well, yeah, because, you know, that!　It's bandaged!

"That's true, but...

I'm sure you're right, but only an injured or delirious mage would have a bandage on his arm. Oh, maybe Arx is too. ......

No!　Don't take the liberty of turning someone into a midget!


　You can stop your imagination from running wild with a tsukomi.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help.


I'll heal your injured arm for you.

What?

I'll take care of you until you're completely healed.

Oh, yeah. Thank you .......


　I was a little confused by Suu's serious expression, but I thanked her.
　I don't know, but Suu seems preoccupied. It's strange that she would think this way, even though the injury is none of her business.
　But why does this girl say things that make me embarrassed with her face?
　I can't stop the burning of my face.


　On the other hand, there is a butler who is looking at her as if he is smiling, and another who is smiling at her.


Well, well, well. ......

Khihihi.


　After a quick glare at them, Suu looked up at the house again.


I've got a place to study magic now. I'd like to use the room facing south, where there's more sunlight.



You're turning this place into a hangout. ......

Why not?　I mean, it's the easiest place to get together.

Yeah, I guess so. Sure.


　I'm the owner of this house. There's no need to worry about anyone else.


Oh, and make sure there's snacks and tea.

You can't be selfish in someone's house.

What are you talking about?　What are you talking about? You're a nobleman. You're supposed to entertain your guests.

I don't think the barging in is part of that.


　The embarrassment of earlier is nowhere to be seen.
　In the end, we ended up arguing about nothing as usual.

It's been a while since I've felt this way.

　............ Of course, he also took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy my cheek.