The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Welcome back, Princess and Ruruk-sama."

Regarding the mansion that was built.

When I mentioned to the Dragon King that I wanted a base where the five of us and one pet could live, a surprisingly grand mansion was completed.

Half of me was impressed that when the king officially builds a house for his daughter to live in, he goes this far. The other half was a bit intimidated, feeling it was too extravagant for someone like me.

At times like these, I envy the confident young ladies in our party. Everyone except me greets the maid who welcomed us and casually heads to their rooms.

It's tough being timid.

"Ruruk-sama, is there anything you need?"

"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought."

I apologize to the tall maid.

She was a rather stern-looking dragon species. Come to think of it, I've been so busy with moving and whatnot that I haven't properly greeted the maid corps yet.

"I am Jacqueline, the head maid."

Oh, she sensed my inner thoughts. What a capable maid.

Jacqueline places her hand on her chest in a salute.

I bow slightly in return.

"It's a bit late, but I'm Ruruk. Please take care of me from now on."

"Likewise. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any trouble with the mansion."

The maids' job was to maintain and manage the mansion, and also to take care of Seori, if I remember correctly.

I shouldn't misunderstand, though. Even if they're called maids, they don't serve me or my other companions. They're only caretakers for Seori personally and the mansion. Their superiors are not me but the True Dragon bloodline, so I can't give them orders or commands.

By the way, the 20 or so maids in the mansion are all high-level attribute dragons. They're probably doubling as the princess's guards.

"A strongest species maid corps... how romantic..."

"Did you say something?"

"No, just talking to myself."

"I see. Well, I have work to do, so I'll take my leave."

The head maid departs briskly.

The small courtyard used as a teleportation point has the maids' private rooms on the near side, and stairs leading to the second floor on the far side of the interior.

It's a small garden considering the size of the mansion, but it's a glass-enclosed garden invisible from the outside where one of the maids can immediately notice if someone returns.

I don't know who requested it, but this will be very convenient as a teleportation room.

"Well then, shall I explore the mansion?"

The business in the Elf Village ended early, so it's not even evening yet. Since I'm here, I might as well look around the mansion. It would be laughable if the owner didn't know his own mansion.

So I go around the mansion, memorizing the layout.

Although they said they tried to incorporate the party members' requests as much as possible, there weren't any particularly unusual facilities or rooms. If I had to mention something, it would be that the private kitchen was extraordinarily spacious, the bath was large enough for everyone to enter with room to spare, and there was a huge basement.

Also, there was a training ground about the size of a tennis court in the backyard.

When I peeked into the backyard, Nagi was just practicing swings with her sword.

"Training right after coming back. You're diligent."

"Ugh, it's the pervert peeping tom."

"I told you, I'm not peeping."

I can see through things, but I'm a gentleman, so I don't peek without permission.

Of course, being a gentleman, it's a different story if I have permission.

Nagi, with a displeased face, says,

"I can't believe it."

"Why? I think I'm quite rational, you know?"

"Put your hand on your chest and think about it."

I put my hand on my chest and thought about it.

Then I smile brightly.

"By the way, changing the subject..."

"See, I knew it."

"Oh, come on! Just let me change the subject! Nagi, you have that necklace you got from your brother, right? That doesn't have any effect anymore, does it?"

"You mean this?"

Nagi takes out the necklace and holds it up.

I immediately appraise it.

[["Sage's Secret Treasure"

> Legendary accessory.

>> Can heal the wearer's fatal wounds up to 3 times. Remaining uses: 0.]]

Just as I thought.

In Saturn's castle, Nagi suffered severe injuries with her limbs blown off. I knew she had used it twice then, but it seems it had already been used once before.

Nagi, with a solemn expression, quietly tucks it back under her clothes.

"...But it's a memento from my brother."

"It's important, isn't it? But if there's a chance that accessory's effect could be restored, would you be willing to entrust it to someone?"

"Restored?"

Nagi looked dubious, but I have connections.

"When I went to Luney Trading Company the other day, Heptan-san said that if we have any equipment that has lost its effect or become less effective, they could try to restore it. Knowing that Luney Trading Company, they probably have some outrageous technology hidden away... It would mean leaving it with them for a while, but do you want to try?"

"...I'll think about it."

"Okay. If you decide to try, let me know, and we'll go ask together."

Nagi was lost in thought, clutching the necklace under her clothes.

It's a memento, after all. She's probably hesitant to entrust it to others.

Ah, speaking of accessories.

"Oh right, I had something I wanted to give to Nagi."

"What is it? Another jack-in-the-box?"

"I'm sorry about that. I've been reflecting on how stupid that was last time."

"Aren't you always stupid? So, what is it?"

I took out an accessory that I had kept in my item box for about half a year.

It's called the "Ring of the War God."

Its effect is "Doubles physical damage in close combat at all times," another legendary accessory.

I heard that legendary equipment is considered national treasure level, so I carefully stored it away and completely forgot I had it. Since we have a close combat specialist in our party, I decided to give it to her.

"Here. I'm giving this to you, so wear it."

"Huh?"

Nagi stares intently at the ring.

"...This is a ring...?"

"What else does it look like? Are you planning to play ring toss with a minimum-sized ring?"

"This is for Nagi...?"

"That's right. There's no one else here, is there?"

Saying that, Nagi's eyes widened suddenly.

With a slightly trembling voice, she asks,

"N-not for Saaya or Elenora or Seori... but for Nagi?"

"That's right."

Well, Nagi is by far the one who engages in close combat the most. Saaya would be next, but her status is already comparable to mine, and her attack power is becoming excessive. Nagi would make the best use of it.

"...Are you serious?"

"What's with you? If you don't want it, I'll take it back."

"I-I didn't say I don't want it! It's not like I'm happy to receive something from a pervert, but I'll reluctantly accept it. I'm not happy at all!"

"How much do you hate getting something from me? Then give it back."

"I didn't say I hate it! You're really stupid, dense, and dumb!"

"Why am I being insulted? Is it my fault?"

She's way too emotionally unstable.

Well, as long as she uses it, that's all that matters, so I'll keep quiet about it.

Then Nagi, with the tips of her ears turning red, suddenly pushes the ring back to me.

"...Are you returning it after all this?"

"I really want to hit you. Ruruk, p-please put it on..."

"You can put it on yourself easily enough--"

"Don't argue! Stupid!"

As always, Nagi's aggression towards me is strong.

Well, can't be helped. I take the ring and reach for Nagi's outstretched left hand, towards her ring finger...

Hm?

...Left hand ring finger??

Tick, tick, tick, ding.

"Um, Nagi. This is hard to say, but this ring actually--"

"Ah! Hey, what are you doing!?"

Saaya burst out from the back door of the mansion.

Elenora and Seori are behind her.

The three of them quickly come to where we are, and,

"That's not fair, Nagi! I've never received a ring either!"

"Mm, sneaky."

"My comrade! How dare you monopolize the master's affection!"

"H-hmph! From now on, Nagi is first in the hierarchy. Come on Ruruk, hurry up and put it on Nagi's finger!"

Nagi puffs up with pride, showing a sense of superiority while cowering at the momentum of the three girls.

Her behavior is typical of Nagi, but that's not right, you know.

"Um, Nagi. This is a bit hard to say, but,"

"Hurry up! Hey, Saaya, don't grab Nagi's finger! Elenora, don't cast magic! Seori, using tears is cheating!"

"No, but listen,"

"What are you doing! Ugh, when the three girls team up, it's troublesome. I'll have to make you quietly faint--"

"'Everyone be quiet'"

I ended up activating "Word Soul" unintentionally.

No one could resist my "Word Soul" now that I'm nearly level 90. The noisy girls who were making a fuss suddenly stop talking and look up at me.

"First, Saaya, Elenora, Seori. You're getting ahead of yourselves, so calm down. And Nagi, this ring doesn't have any deep meaning. It's called the 'Ring of the War God,' and it's an incredibly powerful accessory that doubles the wearer's close-range physical damage without any risk. I thought it would be a waste to keep it unused, so I decided to give it to Nagi. Don't misunderstand. Now, I'll release the spell."

I quickly explain and release "Word Soul."

Nagi, red to the tips of her hair, says,

"I-I-I knew that from the beginning! I was just teasing you! You're really dense and useless and the worst scum for not even realizing that!"

"I-I see... Sorry."

Nagi, breathing heavily, snatches the ring from my hand and puts it on her finger herself.

Well, at least the misunderstanding is cleared up, so I guess it's fine.

Just as I was thinking that, Saaya and the others were puffing out their cheeks.

"That's not fair. I want one too."

"Mm. Me too."

"Bestow your blessings upon me as well."

"Even if you say that... It's a 'legendary' rare drop, so it probably doesn't drop easily."

It was a rare drop from clearing the 100th floor of the Stoania Dungeon.

Even if we farm it, I wonder what the probability would be.

As I was thinking that, Saaya puffed out her chest and said,

"I can do it."

"Huh?"

"My 'Probability Manipulation' can make any drop appear with 100% accuracy."

Oh, that's right!

Saaya's numerology skill isn't just for missing long-range attacks.

It's the ultimate cheat that can win at games of chance, rock-paper-scissors, and even the lottery. I tend to forget because it only affects long-range attacks in battle... but Saaya actually has the most cheating ability in this party.

"Then next time, let's take Saaya to Stoania--"

"But that's not it! I don't want the one I got, I want the one Ruruk got!"

"Eh..."

What's with this girl now? I don't understand at all.

"So Nagi, give me that ring! I'll get you the same one in exchange!"

"No. This is the one Nagi received."

"Mm, I want one too."

"I desire one as well..."

The members start to quarrel again.

I think equipment is the same no matter who gets it.

Oh well. Let's leave them be.

I quietly slipped away from the scene.

"Excuse me for intruding! Wow, it's spacious! The ceiling is so high! It's too luxurious!"

"...These are gifts from Leelin and me."

At dinner time, Leelin and Lakirala came over.

I had told them to let me know when the mansion was ready, so I informed Leelin last night.

As a result, we decided to have a dinner party today. It's a celebration for the completion of the mansion.

"Thanks. And Lakirala-san, I'm sorry for breaking our promise the other day."

"...It's fine. It's in the past."

Lakirala says bluntly. She brought a set of luxury fruits as a housewarming gift.

What mature composure. She seems to be in a good mood, not at all like the usual low-tension, scheming villainess.

Glancing at Leelin and Saaya running excitedly through the hallways, amazed at the size of the mansion, I quietly speak to Lakirala.

"Did something good happen with Kemuna-san?"

"...You can tell? As expected of you, Ruruk."

So that's the reason for her good mood.

Progress after the kiss means... No way, no way!

"...He held it."

"Huh?"

"H-he held my hand... Big brother initiated it."

Says the 27-year-old beautiful girl, looking embarrassed.

I take a deep breath and say,

"Lakirala-san."

"...What?"

"Today's meal is on me!"

Everyone has their own pace in love.

Lakirala is usually super aggressive, but when it comes to actual physical contact, she's extremely pure. It's amazing they've come this far in about half a year.

I'm happy.

It feels like watching a fledgling leave the nest.

"I'll tell our house chef to make tonight's dinner extra special."

"...Okay."

"By the way, where's Kemuna-san?"

"...Big brother and Besmond will be here a little later. They're finishing up a quest. Also, I invited a new member, is that okay?"

"Of course. Well then, let me show you to the living room for now."

I chat with Lakirala as we walk down the hallway and up the stairs, looking at the courtyard.

In the living room, which is about 20 tatami mats in size, there are four sofas. They're all high-quality, made from monster hide, but Seori and Nagi are sitting on the carpet playing a card game instead of the sofas.

They're playing their usual "Familiar War" game.

Seori jumps in surprise at the sudden visitors and drops her hand of cards.

I wonder if she's territorial even with familiar faces, or just easily scared... probably the latter.

Even Lakirala, as thick-skinned as she is, couldn't be rude to the dragon princess.

"...Princess, thank you for inviting me. I hope I'm not intruding."

"U-um. Make yourself at home!"

"Thank you very much."

"Hey, it's Seori's turn. You only have 100 life points left."

"Eek!?"

Seori immediately returns to the game.

Lakirala and I sit on the sofa by the window, looking down at Saaya and Leelin walking in the backyard and catching our breath.

"Leelin-san is as energetic as ever."

"...I'm envious. But Saaya is a bit similar, isn't she?"

"Indeed. The way they both speak their minds without hesitation."

And they're both good at making friends with anyone.

It seems they get along well and even go shopping together sometimes.

Well, Lakirala and I often go drinking together too, so I guess we're similar in that respect. It's best when party members interact freely with those they get along with.

"...Where's Elenora?"

"She's probably developing magic in the basement laboratory."

In the basement of this mansion, there's an experimental room surrounded by thick ceiling and walls.

Apparently, that was the only request Elenora made. She wanted a place where she could immerse herself in magic research without worrying about the surrounding environment.

Our genius magician's scale is big, for better or worse.

"...By the way, what kind of magic is she researching?"

"Right now, it's forbidden holy magic. It seems she wants to be able to teleport on her own."

"...I'm speechless."

Lakirala pressed her hand to her head as if in pain.

"Do you want to go take a look? She'd be happy if you helped out."

"...I'll pass. The most I could do is offer idle comments."

"I see."

Lakirala is also called a genius magician. She always underestimates herself, but her magical theory construction is probably quite impressive. I think she could be of help to Elenora.

Well, I won't force her. Just then, Punisuke brought us some tea.

"Welcome, scheming big sister! Dinner will be ready soon!"

"Punisuke, can you add some Star Grizzly meat for today? It's a celebration, so I want to make the meal extravagant."

"Understood! I'm fired up~!"

Punisuke returns to the kitchen, his chef's hat bobbing.

He's really grown into the role of our house chef. Well, chef slime, to be precise.

"...Hey, Ruruk."

"What is it? I won't give you our Punisuke, you know?"

"...What's with the 'scheming big sister'?"

"Ah."

Oops!

I usually explain to Punisuke that she's a scheming person, so he must have remembered it that way.

But let me explain.

In the past half year, the number of times Lakirala has tried to drug Kemuna's drinks to seduce him is 15.

Well, she's never succeeded. That serious yankee has too much self-control.

It's more unreasonable to insist she's not scheming, right?

So, I'm not at fault here.

"...I see. Then I'll spread a new rumor too."

"May I ask what kind of rumor?"

"That mystic arts can brainwash young girls."

"I'm sorry!"

Please, seriously, stop adding fuel to these suspicions.

After that, I tried to appease Lakirala while waiting for Kemuna and the others to arrive.