Chapter 34: Visiting Cyril-san’s Hometown

“I’m happy to be with everyone, but what about Cyril-san and Pauline-san’s work?”

When I asked, both of them smiled and said, “Don’t worry, it’s fine.”

“I’m single and have been working as an architect, so I have savings. I made arrangements to take a break from work while Haru was being taken away. It’s actually a good opportunity for me to relax for a while.”

“Me too. I haven’t taken a break in twenty years, so I want to rest.”

If they say so, then I guess I don’t need to worry.

“I’m relieved to hear that. I want to start my business again.”

“Oh, if it’s a gelato shop, I’ll help too.”

“Thank you, Victor. I’m counting on you.”

The horse-drawn carriage continued on. Cyril-san’s hometown seemed to be a bustling town with a thriving commercial district near the sea and the border.

“No one lives in my family’s house, but I asked the neighbors to ventilate and clean it, so it should be ready to use soon.”

“Then we can start the business right away.”

“Haru has been restrained for a long time. How about taking a break without pushing yourself?”

“Oh, Victor. I’ll be fine. In fact, moving around will help with my recovery.”

“If you say so.”

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As the comfortable horse-drawn carriage swayed, Pauline concealed her inner anxieties.

After the culprit behind the whirlwind was caught, she had a vision of the future, thinking, “This should have nothing to do with a major disaster.”

She brought her fingertips together, closed her eyes, concentrated the magical power within her body into her fingertips, and gently released them. A small and precise circular magic circle appeared, and when she poured her magical power into it, she could see the designated future within the magic circle.

Pauline took a sharp breath. What she saw was smoke rising from various places, with patches of land stripped of greenery and exposed soil.

“What is this?”

It was the future appearance of the kingdom that she had seen before summoning Haru. The bad future of the two possibilities was clearer than last time, while the prosperous future was strangely vague.

So, the arrest of those boys is connected to the calamity of the Kholdar Kingdom.

“What does this mean? They were arrested.”

She had seventy days of vacation remaining. Even if she tried to take Haru to the capital now, she wouldn’t get permission, and it’s unclear if that’s the right thing to do. Anyway, she must make sure not to leave Haru’s side. She must keep track of her whereabouts and actions to continue her foresight. Pauline believed it was her responsibility. 

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Eventually, the carriage arrived at Cyril-san’s family home. As expected of a town near the border, there were merchants dressed in foreign-style clothes and shops with foreign-style facades lined up. It was bustling with many people.

“It’s surprising. I thought Cyril-san would live in a less populated area.”

“Haru, it’s the opposite. I grew up in a crowded place and didn’t get along well with people, so as a reaction, I started living in a remote countryside.”

“I see. . . When Cyril-san is with us, he doesn’t seem like someone who has difficulty socializing, so it’s kind of mysterious.”

When Pauline-san said that, Cyril-san stopped moving for a moment as if he had seen something dazzling, blinked his eyes a few times.

“It’s strange even to myself, but when I’m with you guys, I almost forget why I used to avoid people. Despite having hated humans and thought I didn’t get along with them after going through so many unpleasant experiences, being with you all is very enjoyable.”

So Cyril-san, who answered like that, looked at Pauline-san with a gentle face.

“It’s probably because Haru can see gold dust. I’m really grateful to you guys. You opened the door to my small, closed-off world.”

“I’m glad I could meet Pauline-san too!”

“Oh, Haru. Don’t tease me.”

“Fufu.”

Eventually, we arrived at Cyril-san’s family home. It was on the outskirts of the lively shopping district, at the boundary between the residential area and the commercial district.

“Lovely. . .”

It was no wonder that Pauline-san was enraptured. The old-fashioned two-story building was large, with white walls and an elegant deep red roof. Sculptures resembling entwined flowers adorned the corners of the building, and the doors and windows were intricately decorated with carved designs.

The garden was filled with blooming flowers, and the lawn was neatly trimmed. It didn’t seem like no one lived there at all.

“I asked the neighbors to take care of the maintenance, and it seems they have been doing a thorough job. I have to go and thank them later.”

“I would like to go together to introduce ourselves and pay our respects.”

“Oh, of course, Haru. Is it okay with you, Victor, Pauline?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, of course.”

A few houses down, there was a house where the person responsible for Cyril’s family’s management lived. They were greeted by a gentle-looking couple in their fifties.

“Hey, long time no see. I was impressed by how well you took care of my house.”

“Cyril-san, it’s been a while. I did everything I could.”

“Perfect. By the way, these people are my friends. We’ll be staying here for a while.”

“I’m Pauline.”

“I’m Victor.”

“I’m Haru.”

“Welcome to Deals. I’m the caretaker, Dennis.”

“Welcome. I’m his wife, Dolly.”

The red-haired couple greeted them with warm smiles. It was clear from Cyril-san’s family home that they were hardworking and sincere.

And so, our life in the town of Deals, near the border, began.

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