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Chapter 3

Rutile: It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Monkey. My name is Rutile. What’s yours?

Rosa: Its name is Rosa.

Akira: Huh? It has the same name as Ms. Rosa?

Rosa: This little one is my precious companion. Is it wrong to name such a treasured being after myself?

Akira: No, it’s a fine idea! I just didn’t ever think about it, I think it’s very nice.

Rosa strokes the head of the monkey figurine that climbed to her shoulders.

Mithra: More importantly, can we get something to eat, now?

Akira: M-Mithra!?

Before I knew it, Mithra was lounging on one of the couches, his long legs crossed.

Rutile: Mithra, you need to greet Ms. Rosa and her monkey, Rosa, properly.

Mithra: I’m not interested in doing that. Instead, let’s get the chefs to make some food.

Rosa: Hehehe… The Sage’s wizards are quite lively, aren’t they?

Akira: I-I apologize…

Rosa: It’s not a problem. I’m sure Shylock adores being around such unique wizards.

Shylock: Indeed. Thanks to them, my existence is never dull.

Shylock: Rosa, the condition to enter the salon is to be with your escort. May we be permitted inside?

Shylock gazes towards a door in the back of the room. Perhaps that’s the door leading to the main hall.

Rosa: …

However, Rosa seems lost in thought, almost unsure.

She then pulled the monkey from her shoulder and held it tightly.

Staring at Rosa, I am reminded of the infantile behavior she showed earlier, when Cain asked to shake her hand.

Shylock: Rosa, it will be alright. Whatever you wish, we will not deny you of it.

Seemingly assured by Shylock’s words, Rosa releases the monkey figurine from her tight grasp. The monkey, once more, begins to climb up her arm.

Rosa: May I be selfish for one request?

Shylock: Oh, what could it be?

Rosa: There are various kinds of people in the salon. One may think of something as important, while the other struggles to understand…

Rosa: Can you please assure me that you would not say such mindless things to those people…?

Rosa: Of course, Shylock would never do such a thing, and I am willing to trust you all because of it.

Rosa: Although… I wouldn’t say that it’s impossible.

From her words, I can finally understand the reason behind the salon’s popularity.

Although her manner of speaking is humble and kind, she has great sincerity in thinking of the feelings of her guests.

Mithra: That’s too troublesome. I’m going in now.

Rutile: Ah, Mr. Mithra!

Mithra lacks interest in entertaining Rosa’s request, and continues towards the door in the back of the room.

Akira: P-Please wait!

Mithra looks irritated.

As I raise my voice, Mithra stares back at me. Though his gaze is usually languid, his eyes are now as piercing as sharpened blades.

Akira: Can… Can you please do what Rosa requested?

Mithra: Haa?

Akira: Those in the salon are Rosa’s valued customers.

Akira: I think it’s natural for the manager to be concerned for the wellbeing of their customers.

Akira: So I believe we should respect that notion…

Akira: When we return to the Manor, I’ll try to fulfill as many of your requests as possible! So please, do this for me.

Mithra: …

Mithra: Not just those that are “possible”, but all of them.

Mithra: Please, lend me your hand.

Akira: Huh?

Mithra: You are quite slow to understand things. I need your hand to help me sleep. When we get back, please prioritize it more than anything else.

Akira: O-Of course! I’ll always hold your hand until the moment you fall asleep!

Rosa: Master Sage… Thank you.

Rosa bows to me deeply. I hurriedly try to wave her off.

Akira: It’s alright, if I were in the same position as Ms. Rosa, I’d also want to ensure nobody hurts my friends.

Akira: I care for everyone too.

Akira: Um… You wanted to make sure we wouldn’t be rude to those in the salon. How should we prove it?

Rosa: I understand from the Master Sage’s words that you are all sincere enough, but…

Rosa: Yes, this’ll work. Can we all express our appreciation and fondness for each other?

Rosa: If you truly respect one another, such words of gratitude and goodwill should come naturally.

Rosa: If you can weave together words of sincerity, mindless manners of speech will surely not reach the customers.

Rutile: That sounds lovely! It’s important to express our gratitude in words, isn’t it?

Rutile: Please, let us begin.

Chloe: Yes, I suppose it is! I wonder what everyone will say to me… I’m getting excited!

Figaro: Who will convey their feelings to whom?

Figaro: I have a lot of experience in hospitality, being from the South. It won’t be a problem for me.

Shylock’s eyes narrow as if something has occurred to him.

Shylock: Then… Me, the Master Sage, Rutile. Figaro, Cain, Murr. And…

Shylock: How about Shino, Mithra, and Chloe get together and express their feelings to one another?

Mithra, Shino, and Chloe!?

The three look at each other in shock at the unexpected combination.

Shino: Wait, why do I have to express my feelings of gratitude and goodwill to these guys?

Mithra: He’s right. All I know of Eastern wizards is that they are always gloomy and brooding.

Shino: Hey! Who’s gloomy and brooding?

Chloe: Uh, calm down, both of you!

Akira: (W-what should I do? I have no idea how Shylock came up with this combination, and storm clouds are starting to roll in…)

While Mithra and Shino were glaring daggers at each other, Figaro quickly approaches Cain.

Figaro: Cain, despite your youth, I find you responsible, competent, and thoughtful.

He gestures casually at Cain, treating him as if he were a longtime friend.

Figaro: The wizards of Central Country can only stick together because of you. I know it can be tough to manage them, but I look forward to seeing how you progress in the future.

Cain: Figaro…

For a moment, Cain looks shocked, but he quickly understands Figaro’s intent. His smile glistens beneath his words.

Cain: Ahaha, It’s embarrassing being praised directly to your face. But I’m glad you think so. Thanks!

Figaro’s words quickly softened the once tense atmosphere, easing everyone around him.

Murr: And me? What about me!

Cain: Murr is quite smart. Whenever we play chess or cards, I always lose. But it’s still fun playing with you.

Cain: I also don’t understand how you come up with such crazy ideas. I’m constantly amazed by your way of thinking!

Murr laughed.

Murr: Wow! It’s refreshing to be praised by a younger wizard! Well, I’ll do Figaro next!

Murr: I like people that think! I also like people with wisdom! That’s why I like Figaro!

Murr: I like that he’s so interested in other cultures that he tries to change his own!

Murr: In other words, I love Figaro, the gentle Southern doctor!

Figaro: …

Murr: Are you surprised!

Figaro: Yes, I’m very surprised. I would’ve never expected such a straightforward compliment.

Figaro: I’m a little irritated, but I’ll pretend I’m charmed.

The clash of cymbals echoed into the air. Rosa folded her hands and nodded, seemingly satisfied.

Rosa: Excellent! Such praise and respect for one another. The last one was a bit more humorous, but that’s also wonderful. I’d love to hear the others.

Rutile: Okay, my turn! Master Sage, please allow me to express my feelings.

Rutile smiles, and then rests his right hand upon his chest. The gesture and his expression are as gentle as sunshine.

Rutile: Despite coming from a different world and having all the right to be affected because of it, the Master Sage still treats us all with great care, doesn’t he?

Rutile: I am very grateful for you, Master Sage. But if you ever find yourself hurt or struggling, please feel free to always call on me.

Rutile: I will soothe your heart or please you in any way!

Akira: Rutile… Thank you. It makes me so happy to hear you say that!

The gratitude I received from Rutile now must be, in turn, given to Shylock.

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