The Crawford family's mansion is located in the suburbs, a short distance from the center of the island.
　There are no houses in the vicinity, and the magnificent house is surrounded by a large garden and a high wall.

　It looks like the house of a rich man, but there is a good reason for this. The reason is to avoid disturbing the neighbors.
　All of the family members are involved in some kind of magical research as their life's work, so the house is often filled with explosions and weird noises.
　Although this is an everyday scene for Allen, who has lived in the house since he was a child, he would have been very uncomfortable if he lived in a crowded residential area.

　Allen and his friends were ushered into the parlor of the house.
　The large room was covered with a long, furry carpet, and Lu and Goussetsu, tired from their long trip, lay down and showed their bellies.
　Allen and Charlotte are facing each other, and sitting across the low table from them is Harvey, their adoptive father.
　He smiles softly and opens his mouth.

"Well, well. It's been a long time, Allen. I'm relieved to see you haven't changed. ......

　Harvey cut off his words and narrowed his eyes at Charlotte, who was sitting next to Allen.
　He then deliberately took out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes, which were not even wet.

I had no idea you'd bring home such a pretty girl. If there was a championship for sociopaths, you'd be a surefire seed slot, if not the winner. ...... But are you sure it's a consensual relationship?　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
A word or two too many .......
You know, Mr. Allen has been very good to me. Of course, your ...... relationship is consensual.　Charlotte, come on.
Charlotte, come on. Don't make your uncle happy for nothing.
Oh my God, it's so rare to see Allen embarrassed. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
Stop it or I'll physically shut you up.

　Allen glared at Harvey's ever-growing smile with a pale stare.
　It's a waste of time to take advantage of his provocation here.
　He let out a huge sigh and stared at Harvey again.

"So, Uncle. Let me ask you straight out, is it true that ...... Charlotte's sister is here?
"Yes, of course it's true. Eureka.
Yes. I'll get ready then.

　Harvey nodded easily and made eye contact with Eruca next to him.
　He waved her off and turned to Charlotte again.

I've heard all about your situation, Charlotte. I'm sure you've had a difficult time. I'm here to help you, so please don't hesitate to let me know if you need any help.
Yes, yes. Thank you very much.　

　Charlotte nodded with a firm face. She was nervous because she was meeting Allen's father for the first time, but her face was tense for a different reason.
　He clears his throat, and then asks tentatively.

It's not about me. ...... Why did Natalia come here?　Did something happen to her?
"As it turns out, she's just studying here.
"Studying?
Yeah. It happens all the time. It's not uncommon for children of noble families to be sent here on the condition that they stay until things settle down.

　Harvey shrugged his shoulders.
　It happens every now and then. Until the scandal cools down, they'll use the money to disappear to hospital or study abroad.
　This island is a half-day boat ride from the mainland. It is a perfect location to hide himself.

I've been offered a job again through an intermediary. We're an institute that doesn't mind people coming and going, so I gave my permission. That was about three months ago, right?
If it was that long ago, you should have contacted me right away at .......
"It's another common story, but she lied about her identity. It was only very recently that she found out that I was Charlotte's sister.
It's true that the incident was known to our country. ...... Of course, you're going to try to hide it.

　Allen let out a small sigh.
　Because of Charlotte's incident, her birthplace, the Evans family, was in the national spotlight.
　And Natalia was the precious heir born to his wife. It was only natural to take her out to protect her from the eyes of the world.

But if she was just going to study abroad, it wouldn't be a 'big deal' as Eruka said. What the hell happened to you?
"Yes. Before we get to the point, ...... just one thing.

　Harvey held up his index finger.
　His smile remained soft, but there was a dull light in his eyes. In a quiet voice, he asks Allen a very simple question.

"Allen. Would you like to think about that story one more time?
"No.

　Of course, Allen answered immediately.
　Charlotte blinked her eyes and nodded her head.



What's that story?
I told you. Me and your uncle had a fight.

　Three years ago. Allen had a falling out with the faculty of the Athena Academy of Magic and was forced to leave teaching.
　But then Harvey came to him with a proposal that he couldn't believe his ears.

"Your uncle is the president of this school, ...... and he wants me to take over the reins.
"What?