The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Listen to this, Ruruk! Roze-san is so mean!"

After finishing Punisuke's special training and returning to the inn at a good time, Roze and Saaya had also just returned from their training.

We joined up and settled in the restaurant, and immediately Saaya pounced on me.

"When she said magic training, I thought we'd be shooting at rocks or something, but all the targets were monsters! It's good that she kept them from getting close to me, but isn't it too much to start like that?"

"Well, they say it's easier done than worried about."

"Who's this Angie that gave birth to Yasushi?! Are you cheating?"

"What kind of situation is that?"

More importantly, let's order, order.

We had barbecue for lunch today, so let's skip the meat. I'll go with the usual soup and pseudo-pasta.

After everyone ordered what they liked from the menu, it's time for our daily report.

"Master, good work on instructing Saaya. How's the progress?"

"Yes! Progress is terrible!"

"Be quiet for a bit, Saaya. ...I've checked on her attribute magic. She can use basic attributes and beginner-level lightning and ice magic without problems, but her image of holy magic is still unstable. However, she can already use intermediate-level light attribute magic. It seems she has a high aptitude for it."

"Oh? What kind of magic is it?"

"'Doppelganger'. She can freely move an illusion of herself."

"That's amazing. It's quite a useful magic, isn't it?"

"Ehehe!"

Saaya looks at me, seemingly wanting praise.

I'll pat her head. There, there.

"Ehehe."

"So, what were you doing, Ruruk?"

"I was training Punisuke."

I explain what can be done with the current skills and how I'm thinking of using them.

Roze's eyes particularly lit up at the talk of elasticity.

"The difference between hardening and elasticity, even though they're both physical defense... Really, Ruruk, how do you have such knowledge of physical arts?"

"I was a bookworm, after all."

In both my previous life and this one.

But Saaya should know about elasticity too... Huh? Why are you looking away, Saaya? You should have learned this in high school physics class, right? Hey, hey.

"I-it can't be helped. It's been 10 years already."

Saaya made excuses in a small voice.

Well, I guess you forget things if you don't study. Let's not pursue what her physics grades were like.

As I pet Punisuke sitting on my lap, I say,

"So, I plan to make Punisuke stronger and stronger. Right, Punisuke?"

"That's right! I'm going to become strong~"

Punisuke quivers, full of enthusiasm. The atmosphere lightened.

Well, that's about it for the training report.

There's one more important thing.

"Master, do you know about the rumor going around that we defeated the demons?"

"Yes. I got that from an informant this morning. Apparently, there was a man spreading it around in some tavern last night."

"Do we know who it was?"

"It seems he wasn't from this town. None of the people in the tavern knew him either."

That's strange.

It's hard to believe someone not from this town would know about us, or know that we defeated the demons.

I feel like there's some intention behind this.

"Should we be on guard?"

"Yes. Keep it in mind."

"Understood. Is there any other information you've gathered, Master?"

"It's not related to us, but the reconstruction is progressing quite well. Apparently, the earth magic users worked so hard they're on the verge of death from overwork, and the buildings are now in a temporary operational state. You were able to enter the guild, right?"

"Yes. The receptionist looked happy to have a roof over her head."

"Hmm. Is that weak type your preference?"

"No, it's not. My type is beautiful women like Mererosu-san."

"Who's that, an old flame?"

Saaya bit at that.

When I explained that she was an elf lady I met in the past, she nodded, saying, "Ah, elves can't be helped. They're elves after all." Well, they are elves. By the way, she thinks all Japanese people have this sentiment.

"Continuing about the reconstruction, there's talk that some nobles are gathering people who contributed to the town's reconstruction for an appreciation party. It's officially hosted by Count Ketaaru's house, but that's just for show. In reality, it's his pet Viscount Montarc pulling the strings. Information about the nobles being attacked is already circulating, so the real aim is probably more about showing off their own robust health than appreciation."

"I see. Well, making an impression on the common people is important for town management."

"Why are you talking like it's someone else's business? You're one of the invited guests, you know?"

"Eh?"

That came out of the blue.

I mean, all I did for the town's reconstruction was defeat the demons as an adventurer, go around donating to various affected organizations, provide food and labor for reconstruction aid like soup kitchens, and donate 1000 gold coins as reconstruction funds...

"You've contributed a ton!"

"You really have."

"Mm, great achievement."

I guess I have.

So I'm being invited. Parties are such a hassle.

Maybe that thought showed on my face, because Saaya smiled wryly and reached out to pat my head.

"Ruruk might not be good at formal social interactions, but it's not like you're being asked to do anything, so make sure to make yourself known at times like these. Having connections with nobles can make a huge difference in getting things done when push comes to shove. You've realized that from this incident, right?"

"Yeah... Alright, I'll do my best."

"Good boy, Ruruk."

As expected of the Big Sister Championship winner, 100 Big Sister points.

"By the way, Master, when is this appreciation party?"

"If I remember correctly, it's in three nights. The location is Count Ketaaru's great hall. As of now, the invited guests are the nobles of this town, Ruruk and Elenora, the Adventurers' Guild branch manager, several priests and sisters from the church, the higher-ups of the town's knights, the Merchants' Guild branch manager, merchants who made large individual donations, and several doctors from medical organizations. This is based on this morning's information, so I expect the list to grow."

"That's quite a turnout."

I'm not good at remembering faces and names.

"I assume you're not going, Master?"

"That's a foolish question. Of course not."

"Right. Is it okay to bring Saaya along?"

"It depends on the invitation. But if you're curious, you should ask directly."

"Who should I ask?"

"Him."

Roze pointed at a muscular giant figure peering around near the corridor connecting the inn and restaurant.

It's Count Babel Ketaaru.

I wonder what business the Count has coming all the way here.

As I was pondering this, the Count saw me, broke into a smile, and walked over.

I stand up and give a slight bow, just in case.

"Oh, Ruruk! I've been looking for you!"

"Count Babel, what brings you here?"

"Well, I was in the neighborhood inspecting the reconstruction, so I thought I'd stop by and greet a friend. I heard from my butler that you were staying at this inn. But choosing this place, you have quite an eye!"

The Count was slapping my shoulder repeatedly.

It hurts.

"I'm honored. We chose this inn to avoid inconveniencing the Viscount's daughter."

"Oh! You must be Karl's niece. I've seen you before, but... this is the first time we're meeting face to face. I am Count Babel Ketaaru. As rumored, you've grown into quite a beauty."

"I am Saaya Schreine. It's an honor to meet you, Count."

Saaya said this, holding the hem of her skirt and returning the greeting gracefully. She pulls it off quite well.

The Count looked around, then hunched his large body and spoke in a low voice.

"I've heard about the recent matter, Ruruk. I'm glad Miss Saaya is safe and sound. I'll take care of that fool's treatment, so feel free to focus on your adventurer activities."

"Thank you for your trouble. We appreciate it."

"I too would like to express my gratitude and apologies, Count. Please give my father appropriate punishment."

"Mm. Leave it to me."

With that, the secret conversation ended, and Count Babel straightened up.

"Well, now that I've seen Ruruk's face, I'll take my leave. I shouldn't interrupt your meal."

"Would you like to join us, Count? It would be my treat."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to eat or drink outside of scheduled times. I appreciate the invitation, but as the head of the Ketaaru family, I can't be flexible about this."

"I see. My apologies for the oversight."

"It's fine, it's fine. Oh, that's right, Ruruk. Could you keep your schedule open three nights from now?"

"Do you have some plans?"

"I'm thinking of holding a modest banquet at my mansion. Due to the ongoing reconstruction, we can't provide lavish hospitality, but I'd like to serve some specially prepared dishes. How about joining us? I'd especially like to request the presence of B-rank adventurers Ruruk and Miss Elenora, but of course, Miss Saaya and your porter Roze are welcome to join as well."

"Understood. The common porter has plans that day, but the three of us will gladly accept your invitation."

I didn't expect to be invited directly by the Count.

It's good that he came to meet us, as we got confirmation that Saaya can come along too.

"Well then, Ruruk, I'll take my leave now."

"We appreciate your visit."

We exchanged farewells and watched the Count leave.

I sigh and sit down.

This unexpected encounter drained my energy. Saaya seems to have been a bit nervous too, as she's drinking water.

By the way, Roze kept pretending not to notice while petting Punisuke, and Elen was eating her soup with a face that said she couldn't care less.

Those two are really composed, even with the Count here.

After that, we ate our meal leisurely and went to sleep soundly.