It was two days after Renya had welcomed Elfaria as his Servant, and their hearts and bodies had become one.
Renya had introduced Elfaria to his Servants, including Lavinia, and seeing that they were getting along without any issues, Renya, who had believed it would be fine, was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Then, with his departure for Japan scheduled for the following day, Renya spent his remaining time in Italy doing what he could, and as his final task, he went around saying goodbye to his acquaintances.
"So your trip to Japan is tomorrow, Ren-chan. I'll miss you."
It was Mephisto Pheles who spoke these words with a hint of nostalgia, sitting on a sofa in the chairman's office at the headquarters of the Gray Sorcerers, sipping tea.
"You're the one who brought it up, Dad."
Renya, seated on the sofa opposite, replied while nibbling on a cookie served with the tea.
"Well, that's true. But four years ago, you and Lavinia-chan were away as well. This time, even more people are leaving, so it's going to get quiet around here."
"Is that so... Well, I'll contact you regularly."
"Uh-huh. I'd appreciate that."
Their father-son conversation flowed easily over tea.
"Ah, that's right, Ren-chan. What are you going to do about your future servant candidates?"
"...I don't know the situation yet, so I'll stick with just my current Servants for now."
Thinking of another childhood friend, a talented mage, Renya replied to Mephisto that it would be fine to decide after assessing the situation at his destination.
Aside from his Servants—meaning servant candidates or contracted mage candidates—if he asked them, they would surely provide combat strength, but considering the Five Great Clan Houses and other factions, he thought it was better to keep the number of forces he moved at once small to avoid arousing suspicion.
"Hehehe. Are you sure about that? Some of those girls have a level of affection for you that rivals Lavinia-chan's. Aren't you afraid of the consequences?"
"...Well, I'll just have to make it up to them when the time comes. Some of them have work with the association, so I can't just drag them along suddenly."
Mephisto seemed concerned, but Renya had no intention of abruptly taking anyone from among those who had duties within the association. If they were upset, he planned to make amends later.
"Is that so? Well, if you're fine with it, I don't mind, and as a board member of the association, it's helpful."
Saying this, Mephisto shrugged. After continuing with various meetings and confirmations, judging that a sufficient amount of time had passed, Renya said, "Thank you for the treat," and rose from the sofa.
"Well then, Dad. I have other things to finish up, so I'll be going now."
"Ah, I understand. Are you leaving directly tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow I'm heading straight to Japan without stopping by the association."
"I see. I'm the one who suggested this, but be careful. I'm counting on you. If anything happens, contact me. I'll help you as much as I can."
"Understood. I'll do what I need to do and what I want to do, as much as I can."
With those words, they exchanged smiles. Renya turned on his heel and headed for the door.
"Ah, that reminds me, Ren-chan."
Mephisto called out to his back, and Renya stopped with his hand on the doorknob.
"What is it, Dad?"
"In Kuoh Town, Japan—at Kuoh Academy—an old friend of mine is there. If anything happens, you can rely on them."
"...Understood. I'll at least go and say hello when I get to the academy."
Renya replied, and this time, he truly left the room…
Having finished greeting Mephisto, there were only about two people left to see.
The first was a friendly young female mage who belonged to the same Gray Wizards.
Kurosaki Renya asked around among other mages on the way, and hearing that she was in the association's library area, he headed there.
This area was a vast space expanded by spatial magic, storing various knowledge, from general books to those concerning the supernatural and the aberrant, such as books on magic and sorcery. Simply being able to use this facility was a significant advantage of belonging to the association.
In fact, the research environment differed markedly between members and non-members.
Renya searched this vast area for his target, using the aerial elevators—platform-like circular floats—to move between floating bookshelves. Using flight magic was prohibited here except in emergencies.
"There you are, Fern."
The girl addressed as Fern looked up from the book she had been absorbed in and turned her violet-tinged navy eyes toward Renya.
"Renya-sama."
Fern replied, a smile gracing her lips as she tucked her waist-length hair, the same color as her eyes, behind her ear.
"What brings you here? You said you were looking for me."
"Yeah. Actually, I'm heading to Japan for a job. I thought I'd have a chat before I leave."
"I see... That sounds tiring."
Fern said, quietly bowing to Renya. Her height and development were excellent compared to others her age, and even this small motion caused her ample breasts, discernible even beneath her robe, to bounce softly.
"Well, being busy is nothing new. So, do you have a moment now?"
"Of course, not at all. I was just thinking of taking a break myself."
Saying this, Fern closed her book and accepted Renya's invitation.
They moved to a break room within the association's headquarters, where Renya and Fern sat side by side, having tea.
"I'm sorry for having you treat me."
"Don't worry about something like this. If it bothers you, I'd rather have your gratitude than an apology."
"...Hehe, yes. Thank you very much, Renya-sama."
Fern, who had been looking apologetic, smiled at Renya's playful manner and expressed her thanks.
Thus, while moistening their throats with tea, they chatted amiably about recent developments and topics concerning magic.
"Speaking of which, Fern. Have you thought about that matter?"
"You mean the offer to become your Servant, Renya-sama?"
Fern responded calmly to Renya's casual question.
Fern came from an ordinary family, but in her childhood, a wicked Fallen Angel, noticing her magical talent, murdered her parents. The Fallen Angel had abducted her to use as a pawn and was in the process of developing her abilities.
However, she was rescued from that situation by Mephisto Pheles, who served as a board member of the Gray Sorcerers, and since then, she had been raised as a mage belonging to the Gray Sorcerers.
Given this background, she was an old friend of Renya's, in other words, like Elfaria, one of his childhood friends.
Naturally, Renya had invited Fern to become his Servant, but she had deferred her answer because she felt she wanted to stay with the Gray Wizards under Mephisto, to whom she owed a debt of gratitude.
Fern set her drink can aside, placed her hands neatly on her knees, turned to face him, and bowed her head deeply.
"I'm sorry, but rather than becoming your Servant, Renya-sama, I wish to remain a mage of the Gray Sorcerers and repay the debt of gratitude I owe to Mephisto-sama."
"I see... Then it can't be helped."
"No, I was simply happy to be asked."
"Given your abilities, Fern, it's only natural. Actually, not just your abilities. You're more outstanding than you think."
Renya had no intention of forcing her. He was disappointed by Fern's answer, but he had anticipated it to some extent, so he accepted it readily while adding this.
Yes, Fern was capable as a mage. She could be considered one of the top-tier talents within the Gray Sorcerers alone.
Moreover, as Renya said, it wasn't just that. Her appearance, personality, and abilities outside of magic were also excellent, so it was understandable that anyone, not just Renya, would want her as a Servant.
"But I'm persistent, you know. If you ever change your mind, let me know anytime. As long as I have a slot open, I'll welcome you."
He wouldn't force her, but he wouldn't forget to extend the invitation. Fern gave a small smile at Renya's words.
"Yes. If that time comes, I'll be the one to ask you."
Renya could tell from Fern's reply that it wasn't as if there was no chance at all, so he decided this was fine for now.
"...Well then, I'll be going."
"Yes. I think I'll read a bit more."
"Is that so. Then, see you, Fern."
"Yes, let us meet again. Renya-sama."
Renya stood up, and Fern stood and bowed. Renya nodded with an "Ah," and then left the place.
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