“Come to think of it, we never really got to ask about him properly, did we? All we know is that he’s supposed to be Elia’s friend.” [Kanan]

  “Yeah, I’m a little curious too actually. Elia sometimes talks about him with Miyabi, but it always sounded like it wasn’t something she could easily talk about with us, so I never brought it up, but…” [Riera]

  “Oh? You never told them about Ryouma-kun, Elia?” [Elize]

  “Yes, I’m quite sure I haven’t talked about him properly, but it’s not as if I was intentionally trying to avoid bringing him up… It’s just that whenever I thought of explaining, I couldn’t really find the words to.” [Elia]

  The three adults and Miyabi, who knew Ryouma, nodded.

  “I didn’t have anyone I could call a friend before enrolling, so I never really thought anything was amiss, but after meeting classmates of my own age and the senpais here, I finally realized that whether it’s ability-wise or mentality-wise, Ryouma-san is very different.

  Oh, but he’s not a bad person. If anything, I suppose you could say he’s a very good person?　Father, mother, grandfather?” [Elia]

  “That’s right. I was the first to be acquainted with him. At that time, one of my subordinates was wounded, and just as it seemed all hope was lost, he was the one who saved us.” [Reinhart]

  “Apparently, he was raised by his grandparents. He’s a year younger than Elia, but he knows many things and is also a skilled hunter.” [Elize]

  “He’s also a brilliant mage, though his spells are mostly geared towards improving his daily life.” [Reinbach]

  “Since everyone’s all praises for him, he must be a remarkable child. And if he’s one year younger than Elia, then that means he’s one year younger than us too.” [Michelle]

  “Brilliant… Yes, he is brilliant indeed.” [Elize]

  “He has some quirks, though.” [Reinhart]

  “Quirks?” [Michelle]

  “Ryouma-san is a slime researcher, you see. So when the topic turns to slimes, he becomes just like how Michelle is when she’s talking about magic formations.” [Elia]

  “Ahh…” [Riera and Kanan]

  That was enough to get Riera and Kanan a general understanding of Ryouma’s personality.

  “Please don’t just drop a person’s name and start comprehending things on your own.” [Michelle]

  “Well, it’s the easiest way to get the point across, so it can’t be helped.” [Kanan]

  “Yeah, I immediately understood that he’s the kind of person to lose track of his surroundings when there’s something interesting in front of him.” [Riera]

  “Mu…” [Michelle]

  “Accordingly, the both of you are experts in your respective fields. He also has a wealth of knowledge in other things and is very reliable. He taught me about monster taming too when I was going to catch my first monster just like how you taught me about magic formations, Michelle.” [Elia]

  “I’m not wholly convinced, but let’s just leave it at that. I take it he’s the reason why you have those three slimes with you?” [Michelle]

  “Cleaner Slime, Heal Slime, and Scavenger Slime, right?　They’re really convenient to have around. Especially during camping training at the school dungeon. The other groups were so envious.” [Kanan]

  “It’s only a given, though, considering that we were able to make a simple toilet and bath thanks to Elia’s slimes and Michelle’s earth magic. Even the teachers already used to camping didn’t have such a great setup.” [Riera]

  “Because of that the noble groups demanded that we lend or make it for them too. I was the one who had to talk to them, so it was really troublesome.” [Miyabi]

  “Indeed, that was really a pain.” [Elia]

  “Every year, especially during the first practical training, those bunch tend to lose their temper. Anyhow, although you’ve already learned the gist before enrolling, you have to keep practicing and reviewing or you won’t be able to master the techniques you’ve learned.” [Reinhart]

  “Just as Miyabi-san said awhile ago, it’s good to have friends who can compensate for the parts where you’re lacking, but people like those who live proudly as nobles or are simply selfish are present even among adults…” [Reinbach]

  “Come to think of it, something like this happened before, didn’t it?” [Elia]

  Like that Elia spoke about the events that happened at the academy and the tension of her four friends gradually loosened.

  When the sun had started to set…


  “Excuse me. My lord, it’s almost time for your appointment.” [Maid]

  “Oh? It’s that time already?” [Reinhart]

  “Father. I went out of my way to bring my friends here, and yet you’re leaving already?” [Elia]

  “Sorry, Elia. But I’m to have supper with a senpai from my school days that I haven’t met in a while.” [Reinhart]

  “Huh?” [Elia]

  “Hmm?　What’s the matter?　Is it really so surprising?” [Reinhart]

  “…You had friends during your school days?” [Elia]

  In that moment, the air in the room seemed to freeze and a strange tension could be felt.

  Elia’s excessive words left Reinhart’s face cramping. He spoke.

  “W-What do you mean by that?” [Reinhart]

  “Umm… Well you never had a friend visit, and I’ve never heard you say that you’re going out to meet a friend. And whenever the topic turned to your time at the academy, you’d always make a difficult face.” [Elia]

  “Ahh… Yeah, well…” [Reinhart]

  Speechless, Reinhart turned to his wife and father.

  But the two of them were already doing all that they could just to keep themselves from laughing. The way they quietly looked at him tacitly implied that he should do something about this on his own.

  “Sigh… Right. It’s not really a subject I wish to broach much, but my time at the academy was indeed not something I wish to look back on. Still, I did have one or two people I could trust. For example, Elize, who is laughing over there. She’s my wife now, but in the past, she was a friend of mine.” [Reinhart]

  “Ufufu. This sure brings back memories.” [Elize]

  “Really? I’m sorry, Father.” [Elia]

  “Please don’t apologize. I’ll feel sorry for myself if you do… Anyhow, it’s not something you need to worry yourself over. It is a fact that I rarely visit my friends, and the person I’m about to meet now is someone I haven’t contacted since graduation.” [Reinhart]

  “Why all of the sudden then?” [Elia]

  “Actually, Ryouma-kun visited his territory just recently and received his help. Apparently, despite our respective positions, he’s still worrying over me as a kouhai of his. Ryouma-kun secretly informed me that through his letter, so I figured I could use his recent visit to drop by.” [Reinhart]

  “Really?” [Elia]

  “The person himself was fairly surprised. And I’m happy to be able to have a friend who could support me regardless the passage of time. I hope you too could find such a friend, Elia. It doesn’t have to be a crowd, if you can just find one such friend, it’ll mean the world.” [Reinhart]

  “Yes, Father. But you don’t have to worry about that!” [Elia]

  As she said that, she looked at her four friends.

  “After all, I already have four such friends. If you include Ryouma-san, then that makes five! Five friends I wish to be with for a long time!” [Elia]

  “Elia…” [Riera]

  “Oh, my. Well, I guess you sure showed me.” [Reinhart]

  “She doesn’t hold back does she?” [Miyabi]

  “It’s kind of embarrassing.” [Kanan]

  “Oh, did you girls not want to be that kind of friends?” [Elia]

  When Elia asked that to the four girls, they shook their heads with a smile.

  Seeing the five like that, the adults gently smiled.

  “Thank goodness. It seems Elia managed to meet some great friends at the academy. I’d love to hear more, but unfortunately, we really ought to go. Still, please do take your time here.” [Reinhart]

  “Right. I’d love to talk more too, so how about you all stay the night here?　I want to help Elia pick a dress for the coming parties. Ryouma-kun had also sent us a beauty product prototype. He said he wanted to get as many opinions as possible, so why don’t you girls give it a try too.” [Elize]

  “Ryouma-han made a beauty product?” [Miyabi]

  “Yes, our conversation turned to that direction before. He says it’s to deepen his understanding of medicine, though I think it’s also partly because I showed an interest in the idea. Apparently, he studied under his grandmother. He’s a really studious child, and just between you and me, I think his beauty products are easy to use and effective.” [Elize]

  “Consider my interest piqued. My mom is researching medicine too, so…” [Kanan]

  Like this the conversation within the room became lively again, and Elia and the others spoke until it was late in the night.

  Volume 3 Extra 2 - Elialia Introducing Her Friends (1/4)

  Some time passed since Ryouma’s departure, and just as in the last days of the year at Japan, the people of this world also busied themselves to greet the end of the year… At a certain mansion in the imperial capital, within one of its rooms, were tea and sweets being distributed to five girls.

  But only one of them touched those teas and sweets.

  That girl was the daughter of the mansion’s master, Elialia.

  “Girls, you don’t really have to worry so much. Especially you, Kanan.” [Elia]

  “Telling me that only makes it worse!” [Kanan]

  “Kanan, can’t you just do it like you normally do? I’m sorry, but now I’m nervous too.” [Michelle]

  “I beg your pardon!?　Michelle, aren’t you the daughter of a count? At the very least, you should show us how it’s done.” [Kanan]

  “Ha ha, unfortunately, our family’s peerage was something we acquired by chasing after our scholastic pursuits for generations. It was something we just happened to pick up. This isn’t really something that could be said openly, but frankly, whether it’s me or my parents, we would much rather prioritize our scholastic pursuits rather than manners and etiquettes. I have been instructed on it, yes, but only the barest minimum required. If you’re looking for a demonstration, you should ask Riera instead.” [Michelle]

  “You sure don’t hesitate to say something so unadmirable so brazenly. Unfortunately, I don’t really have the right to speak for others about being a proper lady… At most, I suppose I could teach about the proper ways to put on a dress?” [Riera]

  “But didn’t she say to just do it ‘as you normally do’? Besides, if anyone here is going to be seen through for doing it poorly, it would be me.” [Miyabi]

  “I see. Still, you sure are calm despite that.” [Riera]

  “Surely you don’t believe that. I have simply – how would you put it? – ‘accepted my own fate’. Something similar has happened before too anyway…” [Miyabi]

  “Honestly, girls. This is just an introduction of my friends to my family…” [Elia]

  “Elia.” [Michelle, Kanan, Miyabi, Riera]

  ‘And that in itself is an important event,’ they tacitly told her with their eyes.

  It was at a time like that that someone knocked on the luxuriously decorated door.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting. The masters have come.” [Maid]

  “!!” [Michelle, Kanan, Miyabi, Riera]

  The moment the maid announced that, the four girls simultaneously stood up with a jolt, while Elia elegantly stood up a little slower.

  And then a young couple and an elderly man entered.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting. I am the current head of the Jamil family, Reinhart. Thank you for always taking care of my daughter.” [Reinhart]

  “Father! And grandfather and mother too, you’re late.” [Elia]

  “Sorry about that. An unexpected guest came, you see.” [Elize]

  “But enough of that. You seem to be doing well, Elia.” [Reinbach]

  “I see you’re doing well too grandfather, mother, father.” [Elia]

  After the family exchanged a few words, the topic moved on to the four girls visiting them.

  “By the way, Elia. Won’t you introduce us to your friends?　A simple introduction will do.” [Elize]

  “Right! From the left, the most nervous of them, Kanan.” [Elia]

  “Greetings. My name is Kanan Shuza!　I’m aiming to become a magic tool craftsman!” [Kanan]

  “So you’re Kanan-chan. I’ve heard about you from Elia’s letters. You’re from the Shuza family, yes?” [Elize]

  “Oh, speaking of the Shuza Family, is Defel-dono doing well? He helped me a lot in the past, but when I dropped by his store recently, I was informed that he’d retired already…” [Reinbach]

  “Gramps— I mean, my grandfather is doing well. And he didn’t retire because of illness but because of his age. He complained, saying that he couldn’t move his fingers well, and couldn’t do a good enough job anymore, then suddenly retired… But he still fiddles with magic tools every day as a hobby, and his works are still better than actual active craftsmen and is even always scolding the young craftsmen.” [Kanan]

  “That’s good to hear. If there’s an opportunity, please send him my regards.” [Reinbach]

  “No probs!　…Ah.” [Kanan]

  Darn it!　Kanan seemed to say as her countenance went grim. The three adults were all smiles. In the first place, although she hasn’t noticed it, her dog ears and tails have always been fidgeting the whole time, so it was evident to everyone here how nervous and unfamiliar she was with the situation.

  Elia paid her faux pas no heed and proceeded to introduce Miyabi.

  “My name is Miyabi Saionji. I think you might know already, but I am the daughter of the president of the Saionji Company. It’s a pleasure to make everyone’s acquaintance.” [Miyabi]

  “So you’re Pioro-san’s daughter!” [Reinhart]

  “Your dad’s been a great help to us too.” [Elize]

  “I heard you’d be here, but this is our first time meeting each other. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” [Reinbach]

  “Thank you very much.” [Miyabi]

  “Next is Riera.” [Elia]

  “Greetings, Your Grace. I am Riera Clifford, Baron Clifford’s youngest daughter. It brings me great joy to be able to meet you.” [Riera]

  “A serious child, I see. This isn’t a public place, so feel free to be at ease.” [Reinhart]

  “It is reassuring though that there’s at least one girl like her.” [Reinbach]

  “Personally, I’d much rather hear all the stories.” [Elize]

  “Understood! I’ll do my best.” [Riera]

  Her salute was wonderful, but the words that followed afterwards were weak.

  The adults couldn’t help but smile at her diligence.

  “Lastly, Michelle. She’s wearing male clothes, but she’s definitely a woman, so please don’t misunderstand. Especially you, Father.” [Elia]

  “Of course. Michelle-san, right? I heard you’re Count Willdan’s oldest daughter.” [Reinhart]

  “It’s an honor to learn that you know me, Your Grace. But may I know what exactly Elia meant by misunderstanding?” [Michelle]

  “Ah, I’m really sorry about that, but… Elia had sent me a letter prior, wherein she mentioned that Michelle-san was ‘popular among female students’. Well, how do I put it…” [Reinhart]

  “Let me guess, you thought that the Michelle-san spoken of was a male student, and in your jealousy, sent back a letter demanding to know who he was?” [Elize]

  “Good grief, you should know full well that going to school means that your daughter will have to interact with boys as well. And yet just because you heard your daughter was getting along well with some guy, you lost your cool. And we’re not even talking about a romantic relationship here. You may be my son, but that is truly pathetic behavior.” [Reinbach]

  “Ugh…” [Reinhart]

  “…” [Kanan, Miyabi, Riera, Michelle]

  Volume 3 Extra 3.2 - Reinhart and Porco (2/2)

  “Now that is a sight to behold. That is all I can say.” [Porco]

  Porco gently closed the box and asked.

  “What are your intentions for showing this to me? This item is too much for me. Surely, you’re not saying that you’re planning to use this as compensation.” [Porco]

  “I could prepare another of the same kind if you want, but this particular necklace I intend to give to an acquaintance at a later date. He’s a newlywed man, you see, just last year, in fact, and I just couldn’t figure out what to gift him.” [Reinhart]

  “You would gift something so luxurious? Hmm… Of the people you know who married last year… I see, it must be to His Majesty whom this gift is addressed then. In so doing, you will also gain the right to sell the pearls.

  There are many nobles looking for pearls. I don’t know how you managed to procure these pearls, but you must have a remarkable source if you’re saying that you can procure another of such quality if I so wish. Moreover, if you can gain the endorsement of his Majesty, then not only will your assets, but also your influence over the other houses will increase.

  And if I were to be one of those who are able to form a connection with the Jamil house, then I too will gain some influence, though at the same time, just as was the case with the dragon’s might, this too will antagonize quite a few people.” [Porco]

  “I’ve already resolved myself. The Jamil family shall face the hostilities of the other houses. And I do not wish to merely have your support for the sake of having ‘cushion’, rather I am hoping that we will truly be able to become ‘friends’. And regarding the route of the pearl I showed you just now, you are actually not all that unrelated to it, Senpai.” [Reinhart]

  “What?” [Porco]

  “Please take a look.” [Reinhart]

  Reinhart opened a box, and inside could be seen a seashell.

  Its surface was polished, and the hidden mother-of-pearl was both dazzling and beautiful.

  “This, this brilliance, and this shape… Could this possibly be?” [Porco]

  “Ryouma-kun found it at your territory. Apparently, it’s a shellfish that’s often eaten over there.” [Reinhart]

  “So this is really that ‘Sunagakure’?” [Porco]

  “He said you had him clean your hot spring. Apparently, it was then that he used a chemical to polish the shell.” [Reinhart]

  “Oh, that thing! I see. So this shell was hiding such brilliance within it.” [Porco]

  “According to him, this shellfish and the pearl are made of the same thing, so I would like you to supply these shells to me as a food commodity.” [Reinhart]

  “Since you’re going out of your way to ask for them, I take it these shells are the ‘source’ of your pearls?” [Porco]

  “To be more precise, it’s something else. For example, the lump of filth from the hot springs that Ryouma-kun cleaned. If he were to perform some process, he should be able to use that as a substitute, but when it comes to a stable supply, these shells are the best.” [Reinhart]

  “…Haven’t you thought of hiding it a little?” [Porco]

  “I did say that I wanted us to be open to each other. There’s no point in doing something meaningless. So will you cooperate,　Senpai?” [Reinhart]

  When Reinhart said that so matter-of-factly, Porco was shocked. He rested his whole body’s weight onto his chair and looked up the ceiling.

  “It would be my good fortune to be able to aid you, but in the first place, would you even allow me to reject?” [Porco]

  “If you really wish to reject, I don’t mind. In the first place, Ryouma-kun was the one who asked me to pass this message to you.” [Reinhart]

  “What?” [Porco]

  “He got the shellfish from your territory, so he thought it would be best to inform you, but he figured you might become wary of him and cause problems if he didn’t say it properly. He doesn’t know about your situation that much, but he vaguely sensed that you had a ‘delicate problem’, so he asked me to pass you the message instead.

  And just so you know, he wanted me to let you know purely out of the goodness of his heart. There’s no ill will in it. That’s why I’m also not trying to use this information to try and force you to do anything. it would be terribly painful if I were to do something like that and be hated by him.” [Reinhart]

  “I see. I didn’t think he was a normal child, but I didn’t expect he would be able to see through me.” [Porco]

  “Honestly, at the start, both me and my wife also thought he was a kid who knew nothing about the world and would easily be swindled, and were really anxious, but he’s surprisingly sharp.” [Reinhart]

  The ill feeling in his chest was also undone.

  Seeing Reinhart talk like that, Porco remarked.

  “Reinhart. could it be? Is he your illegitimate child?” [Porco]

  “!　*Cough, cough!” [Reinhart]

  It just so happened that it was while Reinhart was taking a sip of his black tea that Porco blurted out that remark, causing poor Reinhart to choke.

  “I’m sorry, but why would you ask something like that?” [Reinhart]

  “Because you were making that face that’s somewhat happy and yet sad. The kind of face a father would make seeing his child grow.” [Porco]

  “Really? I was making a face like that?” [Reinhart]

  “So you weren’t aware.” [Porco]

  “To clarify, I don’t have any illegitimate children either.” [Reinhart]

  “It’s true that you don’t look alike, but your personalties are a little…” [Porco]

  “That’s enough for the jokes, let’s get back to the topic.” [Reinhart]

  “But you said you wanted to go back to how we were before— Alright, alright, I got it already. Don’t glare at me like that. Where were we again?” [Porco]

  “We were talking about how Ryouma-kun asked me to talk to you about the shellfishes, and how he’s surprisingly sharp.

  If word of this shellfish were to become public, the territorial dispute occurring behind closed door for Ratoin Lake would intensify.” [Reinhart]

  “It would no doubt. If the others see this as an opportunity, many of them will come in and try to get an advantage for themselves.” [Porco]

  “Your father also worked on the roads of your fief. Other than the areas around the lakes, your territory was difficult for humans to settle in, but that’s different now. In other words, it’s become that much more appealing.” [Reinhart]

  “To be honest, having the duke’s house as my backing would really be a huge help. So by all means, please do join the dinner party. I’ll also introduce you to the influential nobles I know and promise you my full support.” [Porco]

  It was in this way that these two men promised to work together.

  “By the way, what’s in the last box?” [Porco]

  “Something different from the pearls but still related. It will be profitable to us both, so how about it? Will you cooperate with this one too?” [Reinhart]

  “The last two shocked me plenty, and yet you’re saying you still have more? There’s no point in doing needless things, right?　Just get to the point.” [Porco]

  “I’ll be frank then. Are you interested in a new technology that could allow food to retain its freshness and taste for a longer period of time?” [Reinhart]

  “Of course I would be. My fief’s local specialty is fish, and that’s a commodity that’s all about freshness.” [Porco]

  “The technology is currently under research, and the prototype freezing magic tool apparatus is inside this box.” [Reinhart]

  “But if you freeze it, the taste will get worse. Are you saying it can be done now without losing the taste?” [Porco]

  “The difference is like night and day. If you ask me, it’s already good enough.” [Reinhart]

  “Just how did you accomplish it?” [Porco]

  “This magic tool can produce a temperature far lower than a normal magic tool. Apparently, the key point is to freeze the food commodity quickly. To that end, a powerful liquor known as ‘industrial alcohol’ is being used. And supposedly the raw materials for that liquor is the ‘white sake’ of Fatma Territory that even amateurs could make.” [Reinhart]

  “We certainly do have something like that. It takes quite a bit of skill and effort to make something that could be drank properly, but of course, it’s a different story altogether if only a strong liquor is demanded. The ingredients also grow in those parts, so cultivating them if necessary won’t be difficult either. I suppose in that sense it’s really suitable for my territory.” [Porco]

  After coming to an understanding, Porco asked another question.

  “Reinhart. I feel like I’m having deja vu, but the face of a certain boy just keeps popping up.” [Porco]

  “As you’ve surmised, this too is indeed Ryouma-kun’s research.” [Reinhart]

  “Just who is that child? One thing after another…” [Porco]

  “Since we will be cooperating, I suppose it would be best to tell you… He is the forgotten orphan of the famed Melia the Sage and Teagle the Martial God. However, it seems they aren’t related by blood and was merely adopted by them.” [Reinhart]

  “…So the troubadours weren’t wrong to call him the ‘Barley Tea Sage’ then.” [Porco]

  Porco smiled in understanding, but in the next moment, his expression became serious.

  “We have the opportunity, so I might as well tell you, but I think that boy is a bit unsteady.” [Porco]

  “…You think so too, Senpai?” [Reinhart]

  Reinhart’s expression also became taut when Porco pointed that out.

  “I’ve noticed it since awhile ago, but with the recent events, I’ve confirmed it. He’s too devoted.” [Reinhart]

  “You’ve probably heard of it, but actually, I asked him to do a job too. His performance was far beyond what I’d expected, but he didn’t really seem to care about the compensation.” [Porco]

  “That’s just one part of it.” [Reinhart]

  “What?” [Porco]

  “His problem is much more fundamental to humans. At least, that’s what I think.” [Reinhart]

  “Did something happen?” [Porco]

  “Yes. But I, no— Our family would like to continue supporting him, both as nobles and as individuals.” [Reinhart]

  Seeing Reinhart’s eyes that were full of resolve caused him to once again break into a smile.

  “That part of you hasn’t changed one bit.” [Porco]

  “R-Really?” [Reinhart]

  “Yeah… Alright!　We’ll talk lots today, we’ll eat delicious food, drink liquor, and hear each other’s grumbles and worries over our work and our family. That is my duty as both your friend and your senpai.” [Porco]

  “Thank you, Senpai.” [Reinhart]

  “We’ll be supporting each other from now on, so there’s no need to be reserved. Just like old times, right?” [Porco]

  Porco rang the bell again and ordered Piguu to hurry the preparations for supper.

  After that the two men spoke and rekindled their friendship.

  Volume 3 Extra 3.1 - Reinhart and Porco (1/3)