Return.

Chapter 1

[In the courtyard.]

One day, in the early afternoon.

Akira: (The weather is so nice, I feel great.)

I squint against the sun as I leisurely walk through the courtyard. This moment of peace left me feeling relaxed–

[Loud growling noise]

Akira: !? W-what was that noise…?

Mithra: Hello.

As I turn around in shock, Mithra is standing behind me. Next to him, a beast resembling a bear lingers.

Sharp fangs peek out of its wide mouth. The paws that trace the ground, with their claws pointed directly at us, paint a picture that’s exceptionally menacing.

Akira: (Eeek….!)

Akira: M-Mithra. What happened to that bear-like creature next to you?

Mithra: I brought this demonic beast along to surprise you.

Akira: A surprise? Well, you certainly succeeded, but…

Mithra: Alright, then. I win.

Akira: Huh?

Murr appears.

Murr: Master Sage, I found it!

Murr:《Eanul Rambul》

Akira: Wha-!?

Suddenly, fireworks began shooting up in front of me. The colors rapidly transitioned from red to yellow to green.

Murr laughs.

Murr: The Master Sage is surprised! Yay~ I win!

Mithra: Master Sage, do not be shocked by this.

Mithra: Very well. I will show you something even more incredible.

Mithra: 《Arthim》

Mithra grabs the pelt of the beast he carries, throwing it forcefully into the Door to Space he summoned.

Mithra: I’ll be going.

Akira: Going where…!?

Mithra frowns.

Mithra: Hush now.

He suddenly grabs my wrist. The Door to Space continues to remain open.

Akira: (What should I do? It seems like the two of them are competing in some way…)

Shino: Hey, what’s going on here?

Shylock: Master Sage, are you quite alright?

Akira: Shino! Shylock!

Shino and Shylock come up from behind Mithra.

I pray that their arrival will put an end to this chaotic situation.

Mithra: Are you both here to compete as well?

Akira: Um, what are you two even fighting for?

Mithra: A match on who will surprise you the most.

Akira: So you brought in demonic beasts and set off fireworks in my face…

Shylock looks troubled.

Shylock: …It seems I was right to follow after him.

Shylock: I apologize on behalf of them. I’ll explain the purpose behind this little competition.

Shylock then lowers his eyes.

Shylock: They had come to the bar when I asked them a question.

Shylock: I asked if they had planned on offering repayment to express gratitude, in accordance with the Master Sage’s culture surrounding White Day.

Shino: So I said, of course, whatever I do will surprise the Sage the most.

Shino: Then these guys…

Mithra: I am the winner. In fact, I surprised the Master Sage the most.

Murr: It shocked me, too! How’s that? Do I win?

Shino: They just keep going.

Akira: Haha… In other words, it seems a question of returning gifts turned into a competition of surprise.

Murr: Mithra, where were you going to take the Master Sage? The lair of that beast?

Murr: I wonder how the Master Sage would look when surrounded by so many monsters?

Murr: I’m so curious! I wanna come too!

Shylock laughs.

Shylock: Murr, let’s be quiet.

Hearing Murr’s words, I gulp and stare apprehensively into the Door to Space.

Akira: (Even one demonic beast was frightening, but a whole lair of them would be far worse.)

Shylock: Mithra, look at that on the Master Sage’s face. It seems that you have won the competition.

Shylock: Therefore, would you please let him go now?

Mithra: That was quite the battle.

Mithra extinguishes the door with ease. He releases his grip on my wrist, and I find myself grabbing my chest in relief.

Akira: Thank you, Shylock.

Akira: Also, Mithra and Murr, uh… It was a bit extreme, but I’m glad you thought to repay me.

Mithra: Ha, of course.

Murr cheers.

Murr: Ya~y!

Shino: Don’t worry, Sage. I’ll return the favor with an extra large lemon pie.

Shino: I’ll let Nero handle the baking though. His pies aren’t as good as my Mistress bakes, but I’d say they come in a close second.

Shino: How’s that? Are you happy?

Mithra: Meat is far better than pie. I find that sweets aren’t as filling.

Murr: Let’s make a meat pie!

Shino frowns.

Shino: Hold on, don’t change the subject all over again. Lemon pies are clearly better.

Just as they were about to devolve into a debate on what pies to bake, Shylock leisurely exhales a puff of smoke from his pipe.

Shylock: …While both would surely be appreciated by the Master Sage,

Shylock: Wouldn’t you want to give him something that makes him truly happy?

Murr: Shylock, you talk as if you know how to exactly please the Master Sage.

Shino: Hey, don’t waste our time and tell us already.

Shylock: In the Western Country, there’s a mysterious salon whose purpose is to allow you to spend time with loved ones to your heart’s content.

Shylock: It is a popular place where you can learn the art of respect and hospitality… Although, you do require an escort to enter.

Akira: Huh…! So this salon is referral-only?

Shylock: Indeed, and I would have liked to invite you all.

Akira: Shylock, you’ve been to this salon in the past?

Shylock smiles.

Shylock: Yes, I’ve been several times. It’s owned by a friend of mine.

Shylock’s eyes grow heavy-lidded with nostalgia. The atmosphere surrounding him is always gentle and comfortable. A slight hint of familiarity is mixed into the aura.

Akira: (Maybe they’re a close friend of Shylock’s?)

Akira: (Shylock has so many friends, I wonder what kind of person they could be…)

Shino: If I go to that salon, will that really make the Sage happy?

Shino raises his voice. He cocks his head, not really understanding the point.

Shylock: It may be difficult just to gain access.

Shylock: It is full of those with a respect for each other, doing what comes naturally to make each other happy.

Shylock: Why not observe their actions and replicate that hospitality to showcase your talent?

Akira: Are you sure? To go through such a bother just for me…

Shylock offers me a gentle smile to reassure me of my hesitance.

Shylock: I want to see you smile. Besides, it would be my own personal repayment and expression of gratitude.

Shino: … Sage.

Shino shifts his gaze from Shylock to me. He blinks alluring red eyes.

Shino: If you want to go, then I’ll go as well.

Akira: (I’m curious about the sort of place this salon is, and if Shino is on board, then…)

Akira: If it is alright with everyone, then I’d like to visit the salon!

Shino gives a toothy smile.

Shino: Alright. I’ll be with you.

Murr: I’ll also go!

Mithra: I don’t want to go.

Murr and Mithra’s voices overlap in harmony.

Mithra: I don't have time for this, it’s far too troublesome.

With that, Mithra went away.

Akira: (I would’ve liked if Mithra were to go with us, but I can’t force him… It’s too bad, but it can’t be helped…)

Next >>