The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

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"President, I have urgent news for you!"

In the shared living room on the fifth floor of the student dormitory at the Ladies' Academy in the Kingdom of Mataisa.

It was lunchtime on a rare day off with no plans. Lilith Muuteru, who was relaxing comfortably on the sofa, turned to face her schoolmate who had come rushing in.

"Raising your voice like that is unladylike, Milfi-san. What's the matter?"

"I'm sorry, President! But, but, just now we received an urgent message from Her Highness Margaria... I mean, from 'Tetran'-sama!"

"...Please give me your report."

Lilith narrowed her eyes slightly at how her schoolmate Milfi corrected herself when mentioning the princess's name.

The Luney Trading Company, which Lilith had started with a countess's daughter from a neighboring territory, had already grown into the largest trading company in the Kingdom of Mataisa.

Lilith herself had no talent for business, but the magical devices and mystic instruments she created were more high-functioning than anything seen before. It was her best friend, the countess's daughter - "Jin", the head of marketing strategy - who took these inventions that surpassed holy relics and grew them into a successful company.

With outstanding skills that belied her upbringing in a margrave's territory, she rapidly expanded the company. At the same time, she incorporated Lilith's existing fan club at the academy and trained them as personnel for Luney Trading Company.

The members who were once part of Lilith's fan club now all hold important positions in Luney Trading Company.

Among them - or rather, at the top - was Princess Margaria, the former student council president, who held a high-ranking position as the head of personnel development, on par with "Jin".

Lilith briefly considered the meaning behind such a high-ranking official as Princess Margaria contacting her assistant Milfi rather than Lilith directly.

Given past trends, it was easy to guess, so there was no need to question it further.

"It seems that Ruruk-sama has entered the royal capital. Apparently, he's been assigned as an instructor for this year's dungeon class, arranged by Marchioness Cardel."

"I see. So it's about that."

"...You already knew?"

Milfi blinked in surprise.

In fact, information related to Ruruk, known as "Big Brother matters" among company members, is usually conveyed through Milfi, except for extremely important urgent communications.

The reason is simple: if all information were to be directly relayed to Lilith without filtering, the usually calm and refined ducal daughter would become flustered or show her emotions, completely at odds with the dignity expected of a company president.

This might be acceptable in a small, close-knit organization or a small-scale company, but they've already become a company representing the country. Moreover, there are many people in the academy who don't know Lilith's true identity.

Additionally, due to certain circumstances, most company members revere Lilith - President "Empress Monon" - almost like a holy mother. Considering various factors, the executives decided to go through the trouble of first relaying "Big Brother matters" to Milfi.

However, this time that precaution was unnecessary.

Lilith was already aware of Ruruk's whereabouts.

"How could I not know the reason when Ruruk onii-sama is nearby?"

"Normally, it would be more surprising that you do know."

By the way, the fact that Milfi can speak quite frankly to Lilith is also one of the reasons why the executives entrust her with this task.

"Well, it's not unusual for the president's information network to be no joke... So, what should we do? Should we have company members make contact?"

"No, there's no need to act yet. Please inform all company members to guide onii-sama to 'Pentan' if he needs us."

"Understood~"

Milfi nodded obediently and immediately took out a stone-shaped magical device similar to a communication stone to relay Lilith's message.

Of course, it's not just an ordinary communication stone, but a [Shared Speech Stone] that can share audio with all stones of the same type and has a playback function - another incredibly valuable invention in this world.

"I've shared the information. Is there anything else you need?"

"Let's see... Onii-sama is probably looking for a base, so please discreetly inform the real estate division's subcontracted companies not to introduce any poor properties if he visits."

"Yes, ma'am."

Lilith adds that they should be careful not to go overboard.

Thanks to the strict guidance of Princess Margaria, the education director, most members of Luney Trading Company have great admiration for Ruruk.

Originally, only "Jin" and "Ann" from the development division had directly met Ruruk among the company members.

However, the education director, who was heavily influenced by Lilith's ideology, also developed an extraordinary admiration for Ruruk despite never having met him.

This was then passed down to the lower ranks through education.

Of course, it's not brainwashing, just education. Ordinary company members don't have such strong admiration.

However, for executives at the area manager level, the impact of the education was immense.

Making sure they don't interfere excessively even when involved with Ruruk is currently one of the challenges for Luney Trading Company.

After hearing a few more points to keep in mind, Milfi rushed out of the student dormitory.

"...Now then, what should I do?"

Lilith begins to reconsider what she had been worrying about since this morning.

Until now, she had been careful not to have Luney Trading Company contact Ruruk as much as possible.

But recently, there have been more and more connections. Lilith's existence might be revealed by chance. In that case, wouldn't it be better to make contact as the president of Luney Trading Company?

She had continued developing magical devices with the hope of someday being useful to Ruruk. Before she knew it, she could even create "legendary" accessories.

Some people have started calling her the "Empress" who expanded her influence to this extent in just two years.

Lilith's value, both as a craftsman and as the head of the company, is immeasurable.

It has come to the point where revealing her identity would be too dangerous. Only a few people, including the king and her parents, know that Lilith is "Empress Monon of Luney Trading Company" outside of company members, and she wants to keep her identity hidden as much as possible.

Besides, if she suddenly showed up, he might find it troublesome.

Above all, what Lilith fears is being disliked or avoided by Ruruk.

"Ah, Ruruk onii-sama. Lili wants to meet you right away..."

Both Lilith and Ruruk are operating while hiding their identities.

As a mere Ladies' Academy student, there's no reason to meet an adventurer, so she continues to worry like this.

In the end, the only straightforward approach Lilith could think of was to participate in the dungeon extracurricular class.

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"Wow! So this is the royal capital!"

"It smells delicious~!"

"It's warm here. I'm returning the coat."

"Wait, master, there are so many people..."

"Mm. Lively."

At the entrance of the main street in the Mataisa royal capital.

After stopping by a real estate agent and contracting a suitable house as a base, I returned with my companions for sightseeing in the royal capital.

The Mataisa royal capital is famous for its street stalls on the main street, with stalls lined up for several kilometers all the way to the central plaza. There was an array of everything from food, miscellaneous goods, suspicious medicines, to weapons and armor.

According to the real estate agent, there are over a thousand shops on this street alone.

"Indeed, the number of people is incredible."

It was as lively as the plaza in front of the Stoania dungeon.

"Alright. We haven't eaten yet, so shall we do some food-walking?"

"Ooh! (nano!)"

While walking noisily with my companions, we bought and ate things that caught our interest.

My favorite was fish steamed in herbs. Since we don't often get the chance to eat fish, I was happy and asked the shopkeeper about it. Apparently, it's a specialty from the coastal town at the eastern edge of Mataisa.

It was quite expensive, but I was satisfied to enjoy seafood after a long time.

As for my companions,

"This is my recommendation!"

"Whoa! Isn't this yakisoba?"

Saaya happily bought what was essentially street stall yakisoba.

The seasoning is traditional Mataisa sauce so it's a bit spicy, but the noodles and ingredients are completely yakisoba.

"Where is this a specialty from?"

"It's apparently becoming popular in the imperial capital of the Maguu Empire recently."

"The Maguu Empire again?"

There must definitely be a reincarnated person there.

The yakisoba I ate after a long time was delicious too. I wonder if I can buy these noodles somewhere... Maybe I'll ask Luney Trading Company later.

"Mm, this is the best."

"What's this? Fried chicken...?"

What Elenora recommended was a fried, squishy mass.

The texture was close to chicken skin, and it was greasy. The coating was sprinkled with spices making it spicy, and it had quite a junk food taste.

It's certainly delicious, but it has a strong flavor.

Saaya also frowned after taking a bite.

"Ugh, it's bitter! How can you eat this with such a straight face?"

"Mm. Childish."

"Oh, you've done it now! There was a chili sandwich over there, let's see who can eat the spicier one!"

"Easy."

"Wait for me, big sisters! I want to eat spicy things too~!"

Saaya and Elenora went off somewhere while arguing. Punisuke also jumped onto Elenora's head.

Well, it's usual so I'll leave them be.

"The yakisoba was certainly surprising. Also, Ruruk, there was this too. It's a fried ball."

"Ah, sata andagi. Nostalgic."

Nagi bought round fried sweets.

It's famous in Okinawa, but here it's a traditional Mataisa sweet called a fried ball. I ate it a few times when I was at home. It has a simple taste and it's delicious, but it's filling so it's not something you eat alone.

"Come to think of it, Ruruk, are you from this country?"

"That's right. Though it's my first time in the royal capital."

"Have you eaten other Japanese-like things?"

Nagi, who's usually indifferent to food, is really interested.

Remembering the face of the muscular chef at the Muuteru house, I say,

"At home, we sometimes had curry since I was little. Also, I taught our chef about chawanmushi, clear soup, and fried tofu, which were well-received. Unfortunately, I didn't eat sushi... I haven't even seen rice..."

"Chef? Ruruk, are you perhaps of high status?"

"Just by family lineage. I had no authority. My parents ignored me continuously, or rather, they found me a nuisance."

"Just like Nagi. But Nagi had big brother... big brother..."

Oh no! I stepped on Nagi's landmine!

Let's stop talking about the past. I never know when Nagi will go into big brother mode.

Feeling awkward, I immediately change the subject to Seori.

"Seori, which one did you like best?"

"Hmph, nothing is worthy of my praise! Only my lord or comrades can bring me joy!"

"Thanks for the compliment, but it's not convincing when you're holding crepes in both hands."

Seori, who likes sweets, has a weakness for cream-based confections.

She often eats too many sweets and can't eat dinner, getting scolded by Saaya.

"Everyone's taste is so different, huh."

"Is that so? Everyone eats Punisuke's food deliciously every day."

"That's because Punisuke is skilled."

"...You have a point."

Our house chef is a first-class chef.

As we were talking like this, we walked through the main street and arrived at the central plaza.

There's a large fountain in the middle, with the royal castle towering behind it. If I had a camera, this would definitely be a place I'd want to photograph.

"There's a huge crowd by the fountain."

"You're right. That's... a dancer."

There was a girl dancing lightly to the rhythm of pleasant instruments.

She's dancing so joyfully that it makes you want to dance too. Nice, it feels like a tourist spot.

"Hmph, ridiculous. Such fragile movements won't even drive away monsters."

"That's not the point. This is popular art."

"Humans are such fleeting lives... what meaning is there in a momentary brilliance..."

"I like that kind of thing though."

"What wonderful art!"

"Hey now. If you say such cheeky things, I'll have to lecture you--"

"L-let's go see it up close! Nagi too!"

"Yes, yes."

Just as I was about to scold them, they ran off taking Nagi with them.

Well, I'll leave Seori's babysitting to Nagi. Maybe I'll go take a closer look too.

I skillfully avoided the crowd and watched the dancer from the edge.

The dancer bouncing around to the music.

The young musician playing the lute lightly while swaying his shoulders.

The audience clapping their hands and whistling to cheer on the dancer.

It was a moment when the girl dancing joyfully seemed like she could be the center of this world.

A pleasant time flowed through the plaza until that performance and dance ended.

Eventually, the music stopped, and the girl came to a halt.

The dancer bowed her head to the applauding audience, breathing heavily.

"Thank you very much!"

"Bravo! Nichika-chan!"

"Nichika-chan is the best!"

Many tips flew from the audience.

The young musician taking off his hat to collect the tips, and the dancer Nichika waving her hand with a smile.

That name, I think, was a recently popular idol in Mataisa.

The saint from the Holy Nation, the dancer Nichika, and the adventurer Saaya.

These three are apparently the hot idols right now.

Indeed, Nichika is healthy and pure, so it's understandable that she's popular with her dancing talent.

"Thank you everyone!"

Nichika waved to the audience while slowly sweeping her gaze around.

Her gaze made one full circle around the audience, passed by me at the very edge, and then Nichika turned her back--

"Huh?"

She immediately turned back.

She had a very surprised expression. That gaze was directed straight at me.

"...No way..."

Nichika covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide open.

For some reason, she's staring intently at me.

What's this, I don't have any doodles on my face, do I?

"No way, but, it can't be... but, but but!"

Nichika slowly walks towards me.

Staring fixedly at my chest area, she squeezed out her voice.

"...There's no mistake. There's something strange mixed in, but, no, it's definitely that!"

"Um, what is it?"

"I found you!"

Nichika grasped my hand tightly and let out a shrill cry with tears even welling up.

"I did it! I wanted to meet you! I've always wanted to meet you!"

"...? It's our first time meeting... right?"

No matter how bad I am at remembering people's faces and names, I would surely remember if I had met a famous dancer like this.

It should be our first meeting... but.

Nichika didn't listen to my doubts at all.

She shakes my hand vigorously.

"I was right to become a dancer after all! I met you! I did it! I did it!"

What's with this excitement?

Maybe she's a fan of the "Child of Mystery"? Oh no, have I finally become such a famous adventurer that even beautiful girls are fans? Did I do something again?

As the surrounding audience looked on in bewilderment, Nichika let go of my hand and smiled shyly.

"Um! My name is Nichika! I'm sorry for suddenly talking to you!"

"There's no need to apologize, young lady who dances like a butterfly."

"Oh my! Um, I know it's rude, but may I ask, do you usually live in this royal capital? Are you a student? Or do you work? D-d-do you have a girlfriend!?"

Huh? She doesn't know I'm an adventurer?

So she's not my fan after all. It's quite funky how she's asking for personal information with a red face, but if she's not a fan, why did she say she wanted to meet me--

"Ruruk~ What are you doing? Who's that girl?"

"Mm. Smell of infidelity."

Saaya and Elenora caught up.

That's what I want to know. Anyway, let me introduce them.

"This is Nichika-san, the dancer."

"Wow, a celebrity! I want an autograph too!"

"I wasn't asking for an autograph."

As I was about to introduce Saaya and the others to Nichika, for some reason this time Nichika stared at Saaya with wide eyes.

"Wh... wh-wha!"

"Wha?"

"Why are you here!!!!!!!"

Nichika screamed.

"I thought I had finally found him, but why are you here again! How much more are you going to interfere with me! Why! Why is this happening!"

"W-wait! I don't understand!"

Nichika lunges at Saaya. Saaya is bewildered.

No matter how much of a child Saaya still is, there's no way a mere dancer's strength could do anything to Saaya, she couldn't even move her from that spot.

Soon, the young musician came running to try to calm Nichika down.

The audience starts to stir.

Nichika yelling and Saaya confused.

Elenora trying to interrogate me about cheating... let's ignore that.

This is becoming chaotic.

"Is she an ex-girlfriend? Is this perhaps a love triangle?"

"No, I don't know what's going on either..."

While brushing off Nagi's teasing, we were troubled about what to do with this situation.

By the time the excited Nichika calmed down, the sun was already starting to set.