Well, since we've agreed to cooperate, I guess we should just talk about the future.

　Only the Wraith was the only one who looked into the crystal dragon at that place. I'm sure I've given you all the information I could, but I haven't told you about my unconfirmed guesses.

　In any case, this is the first time I've ever seen a demon, and that's a rare kind of dragon called a crystal dragon. We don't want there to be any misunderstandings. Sharing information should be a priority.

''Does Seth know anything about crystal dragons?''
''I don't know much more than what was discussed today, I guess. To begin with, even us noblemen rarely see a crystal dragon itself,''
Heh, you didn't know it was like that.
Such a waste of a beautiful woman.
'I suppose when you're a national 'symbol' you'll be treated accordingly. And, well, that's about it for me, but what about Wraith?

　The Wraith quickly saw through the crystal dragon's condition. He would surely come up with some means to do so. His eyes, filled with such expectations, are turned to the Wraith.

　Sensitively sensing this, Wraith shook his head apologetically.

''To be frank, I haven't come up with a reliable method. Neither has your master, right?''
'Yes, I wish I could experiment, but I can't do that with a 'symbol'.
Oh, yeah...

　The situation is more difficult than I thought. The world is not so sweet. Wraith sighs distressedly with his cheekbones.

'The question is, what is that metal? A metal that even a crystal dragon can't melt, or that can be restored after melting it...''

　I search for the conditions that correspond to the knowledge that exists in my brain, but no response is returned. Of course, as an alchemist, I've studied the knowledge of metal-based materials.

　So, is the condition itself wrong or is it a metal that Wraith doesn't know about? It's possible, though, since Wraith doesn't know all metals.

''No, wait...''

　Wraith had just thought that far and suddenly felt uncomfortable. It was as if his vision was getting narrower, as if he was missing something.

　He put his hand on his chin and deepened his thoughts for a while. The state of the crystal dragon, the nature of taking in metal, in light of these, I look once again for possible possibilities.

　--The conclusion I've reached is.

"...Seth, is there anywhere in the kingdom that deals in liquid metal?
No, I don't know... maybe it has something to do with it?
I suppose it's possible,

　Despite the words, Wraith has a confident smile on his face. Rulimes also nodded unanimously and showed a positive reaction to Wraith's opinion.

''It certainly seems likely...''

　Wraith had selfishly thought of it as being limited to solid metal. However, solid metal wasn't the only metal that was anything but solid.

　If it was a liquid metal that could easily change shape, it would most likely be able to meet the conditions Wraith had mentioned. Then, there was only one thing to do.

　Namely, the question that Wraith asked Seth. It's to go to a place that handles the liquid metal that is distributed in this country. As long as the crystal dragons don't go out of the kingdom, all the metal that they eat should be limited to those in the kingdom or imported.

　Then we can find something that matches the requirements from among them. Then we will find out the identity of what is invading the body of the crystal dragon.

''Speaking of places in the royal capital that deal in liquid metal...''

　Wraith looked for a place that looked like it, following the memories of his life in the still young royal capital, but he couldn't find it. Seth, who was born in a medicine man's house, had no connection with liquid metal either.

　Naturally, my gaze is drawn to Lurimes, the last remaining person in the place.

''I only know the location of the tavern!

　Lurimes, with a big smile on his face and an ehemism on his chest. It's not something to be proud of at all. Wraith didn't even expect it, so he quickly drove Lurimes' presence out of his consciousness.

　Then he snorted, for a few minutes.

''Well, maybe that guy would know. ........No, but hey.
What... What... What does that mean to you?
Well, I could think of someone who might know...

　Wraith looked at Lurimes' face and let out a silent sigh. It was because if the Wraith had Lurimes meet with the person he had come up with, it could definitely be troublesome first.

　Lurimes stood up vigorously, as if he had gotten into trouble with Wraith's toothless state.

''Alright, let's go!　Let's go now!

　Leaving a stunned Wraith and Seth behind, Lurimes headed out of the shop alone first. The two of them looked at each other and had a delicate expression on their faces.

''Are you sure you're okay...?''
No, well yeah, I think I'm okay.

　The sad part is that I can't say for sure here.
　Seth puts his hand to his forehead and sighs, "Oh dear.

'I can't help it, let's go.......that.'

　Wraith gets up from his seat and suddenly realizes.

　.........Master, did I pay for it?

　It was already late, and Wraith's wallet would be a little lighter again.



　*****



　As expected. Or perhaps I should say that my bad feeling was right. Wraith sighed in his mind.

''Ho, the real Rulimes-san........!　D-d-didn't you hear me?　No, this could be a dream. Yes, it could be a hallucination I'm seeing. But my cheeks hurt, so this is real...!　I mean, the Mr. Lurimes in front of me is real!

　The person who was mumbling in some kind of excited manner was the person that Wraith had once been a part of when he was building his workshop. That person, Nicola, was busily moving around Lurimes, who was blinking her eyes in wonder.

'Is this the person Wraith was talking about...?　I mean, how do you say, you're quite a unique person...
'Last time I met you, my mentor said you were the man of his dreams.

　Looking at the way Nicola was distraught, it was clear that her words were not false. In terms of the magnitude of the reaction, it's more than Wraith could have imagined.

　If I remember correctly, though, he also said he was acquainted with her.

''Oh, uh, I'm Nicola. Do you remember me!
Mmm.... uh...

　Looking at Nicola, who was turning bright red as if she had just confessed, Rulimes looks clearly troubled. Looking at that expression, I knew the answer without needing to put it into words.

''I'm sorry.''
Oh, I see.

　Nicola is visibly depressed. The drop-off is severe, partly because of the previous tension.
　Even Rulimes, who is no doubt feeling guilty, holds his forehead and searches his memory again.

''No, wait a minute.......I think it was a few years ago when we were drinking in the royal capital.......''
'Yes, that's right!　You remembered that!
Oh, you know, that one.　You've grown up!

　Apparently, he managed to regain his memory. Rather, it was probably because he had been drinking, so his memory was vague. It's a very Rulimesque reason.

It's a good thing that I'm not the only one who can remember. I talked to her about many things at that time.
Heh, I see.

　I don't want to be a wraith to deal with a drunken Lurimes, but apparently Nicola was different. From that point on, the fact that he was so favorable to Lurimes, I can only call it a miraculous result.

　I've been talking with them for a while as if they were reunited with each other, but I had other business to attend to today. Feeling apologetic, Wraith breaks off the conversation.

''Well, the emotional reunion is in moderation, and today I came here because I wanted to ask you something........''
Okay, I understand. Please, have a seat.

　Nicola managed to calm herself down by waving her hands in the air and sending a breeze in her face. As if that wasn't enough, he took a few deep breaths before sitting down in front of Wraith and the others.

　Both Wraith and Seth couldn't help but chuckle at the reminder.