It had been about five hours since Rotia had visited the shop.

　That's how long it had been since he had shown her alchemy, looked in reverse, and taught her some about the magic circle. Even the bright outside had become completely dark before I knew it, and the time was already dinner time.

　Dinner was prepared by Lace as usual. There's potato salad, sauteed pork with salt, and ice cream for dessert.

　By the way, apart from Lurimes, Rotia tried to help me cook. However, Wraith did his best to stop her the moment he saw her handiwork. There is a certain class of people who are not suited to cooking.

　It would only be a problem if they cut off their own hands.

''Oh, you're so cute!
Hey, don't press your cheeks so hard...!

　After sitting at the table, such an exchange was unfolding in front of Wraith's eyes.

　Lurimes is the one who is mercilessly rubbing her cheek with her eyes shining on Mimi, who is looking endlessly depressed. She's been like that the moment she sees Mimi. Mimi has tried repeatedly to tell her that she is a spirit and move away, but the reality is that it doesn't work that way.

　As a wraith, it's a somewhat predictable sight, so it's not a big reaction. Rather, there is a section of him that enjoys seeing the always pompous Mimi in trouble.

　As for Rotia, she was so engrossed in her meal to begin with that she didn't even see Mimi or Lulimes in her field of vision. Or rather, he's probably not even aware of them. He was completely absorbed in his own world. The speed at which he moved his hands and mouth was unusual.

''It's time for you to stop........!

　With that, Mimi spontaneously slipped out of Lurimes' arms. Ignoring Lurimes' expression of disappointment, she returned to her stationary position on Rotia's head.

''Speaking of which, aren't you going to eat something, Mimi? I'll do my best if it looks like I can prepare it, though.''
I'm a genie, so I don't need to be fed, unlike soft humans.

　Mimi sighed in dismay. In fact, spirits don't need to eat, they live solely on magic power. To be more precise, though, it's not 'living' but 'existing'.

　Basically, spirits do not have an end in mind. When their magical power runs out, they lose their memories and are reborn as spirits again. This is also the reason why spirits are considered to be the existence that stands at the top of this world.

'Saishika.'

　It was an offer from good intentions, if you ask Wraith, but there's no point in arguing with a spirit partner. I silently and maturely reach for my food.

''Come to think of it, where did Rotia-chan and the others come from?
I didn't hear that.

　Rotia finally stopped her hand, which had been moving since the food had been lined up. By the way, about half of the food had disappeared in that time. It's a fearsome stomach.

''A place called 'The Land of Harmony'........''
'I don't know if I've ever heard of it. What about the master?
I've only been there once. It was a very strange place.

　Wraith had been to several countries outside of the kingdom with Lurimes, but the name 'Land of Harmony' didn't even sound familiar.

''What kind of place is it?''
There's a lot of good food...
Oh, well...

　It wasn't that I wanted to ask such a question, but to Rotia, it was probably the most important thing. She had no choice but to turn her attention to the being on top of her head.

'Well, it's quite a different place than this one. From the structure of the building to the way it looks. Also, as Rotia said, the food is also rather different. This is a place with a strong sense of propriety.
Well, that's just polite...

　Wraith looks at Mimi unintentionally with a hint of a word and a grin. Waving her three tails menacingly, Mimi stared at Wraith sharply.

'Yes?'
No, it's nothing, so don't worry about it.

　Considering his expression and the look in his eyes, he couldn't help but look agitated.

''Even though Rei-kun is the same, Rotia-chan is quite young, isn't she? You've been studying alchemy all your life?''

　Leaving Wraith and Mimi in a stern mood, Lurimes asks. It's a guess that they must be quite into alchemy since they are coming to another country just to find Wraith.

　However, contrary to expectations, Rotia shakes her head in a shake.

''If anything, magic........''
So why do you do alchemy?
'I was actually interested in alchemy but my parents put me in a school for training mages. So I came here on my own.
'Then........Rotia-chan, you must be quite a lady.......'

　An academy that aims to train mages costs a good deal of money. Most of the students are nobles, and every country there is similar.

　If that's the case, it means that Rotia is also the daughter of a good family. As an added bonus, from what he said, it's not clear if he has permission from his parents.

'Rotia is a young lady........?
Ray, you don't make a good match.
How long are you going to pull that stuff...
I'm sorry.

　The process of apologizing is very speedy. Sadly, this is what we've known each other for years.

'Heh, well, it's not like it's our business,'

　If it's called a young lady, it certainly shows a glimpse of the same naive side as Wraith. It's no wonder she's so easily fooled.

''Well, why is Mimi with Rotia?''
'Well, for a number of reasons, but in a nutshell, it's like Rotia signed a contract with me when she was still a kid.
It's really unusual to sign up with a genie - I don't think I've ever seen one before.

　When you make a contract with a genie, you can borrow the genie's power in exchange for magical power. It's not just the spirit's power, but it's also much more powerful and scaleable than normal magic.

　However, spirits that make a contract with humans are extremely rare in the long history of humanity.

''A contract as a child, that sounds like a scam.
Do you want me to tear you apart?
'I'm very sorry. I'm very sorry.

　Wraith lowers his head to the table with the force of hitting it. I don't have the means to resist a spirit opponent. That's exactly what it would be like to trample those ants if it were Mimi.

There's another great kid on the block.
'Well...'

　In earnest, there are very few civilians who seem to be civilians in Wraith's acquaintance. The only ones who fall under this category would be Daisy, Amelia and Nicola.

　The rest are the four great nobles, S-class adventurers and spirit contractors. They are not the kind of beings that you can get to know by thinking about getting to know them all.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. It's a powerful thing.
Hey, I'm gonna be working for you, Ray.
In exchange for teaching him alchemy.
I see. You're so cute, Rotia.

　Rotia tilts her head at Coten while sipping her ice cream. Even taking into account the fact that she has no expression, her appearance is indeed very cute.

　I have high hopes for attracting customers from tomorrow.

''Anyway, since it's going to be anyway, let's make a flyer or something...''
It's all right, honey, we've got to keep it that way.
Don't talk while eating ice cream...

　Wraith says, looking dumbfounded, and Lurimes silently squirms his mouth.

''I'll make some more after this.''

　After making plans for after dinner, Wraith puckered up and took a bite of ice cream.

''Well then, Rotia and Mimi, take care of you tomorrow.