After crossing the Asura Canal, they arrived in Brannor's capital, Sunnaria, four days later.

The gate to the capital was magnificent, but beyond it were many wooden buildings that looked like private homes, and as they walked through the city, they came across a solemn palace. When they showed their Builderna permit to a woman who seemed to be the palace's gatekeeper, they were let in without any problems. At the same time, Elliot turned his attention to Kate, who was on his shoulder, but she returned her expression and was shown around the ornate palace.

"It's quite different from a castle town."

"Yes, the government of this country is run by those who can use magic. Most of the people who live around the palace are civil engineering craftsmen and merchants who make a living dealing with them. The rest are farmers who live outside the capital."

"I see..."

So there is a world like that.

Elliot was still unfamiliar with the world, so that was all he could interpret.

"This way."

Once they opened the door and entered, they found themselves in an open space supported by several thick pillars. The three, excluding Karna, were astonished by its splendor.

"It's incredible," Belhardo commented.

"The Pope will be arriving shortly, so please wait at the bottom of the central staircase."

"This way."

Karna guided the three, who were stunned. The four stood at the bottom of the seven steps and waited. It was not an elderly woman who appeared on the stage, but Clare, clad in a pale robe.

"Professor Clare!"

"Mr. Clare."

"Sister-in-law!"

"It's been a long time, Elliot-kun, Whis-chan. Or maybe Elliot-san, Whis-san would be better."

"Do you know us?"

"Yes, I'm the teacher who taught me and Whis about magic and our studies. It's been a long time, teacher."

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Elliot and Whis bowed their heads. "There's no need to be so intimidated. Let's just talk normally like we did back then."

Saying this, she clung to the handrail of the stairs and came downstairs.

"Sister-in-law, why are you wearing the Pope's robes?"

"He was elected as the next Pope two months ago. It was right after you went to Bilderna."

"Is that so..."

Karna looked down and fell silent.

"Elliot-san."

"You can call me Elliot, sensei."

"So, Elliot, you've grown big. And is that a fairy on your shoulder?"

"Yes, it came with me when I helped you along the way. And it's only natural that you'd grow big. It's been two years since you returned to your country, sensei."

"Have you practiced magic?"

"Of course."

Elliot raised his index finger and produced a pillar of fire about five centimeters long. It was the magic that Clare had once shown Elliot.

"Whis has grown into a fine young woman."

"Yes! If Clare hadn't taught me, I would be..."

Seeing Whis's feminine figure, Clare smiled sweetly.

"And you are..."

"Yes, my name is Belhard Galey. I am a student of Elliot's father, Ralph."

"Is that so? A student of that Ralph."

"Although I am still inexperienced, I am acting as Elliot's guardian."

"You must be a very skilled swordsman."

"You are a very kind person."

"It's been a long time since we last met, so let's talk over some tea."

"Wait a minute, sister-in-law!!" Karna raised his voice in the quiet great hall, which was unusual for him. "Why, sister-in-law, why weren't you by my mother's side when she was sick?! She was suffering so much from an unknown illness!"

The other three stiffened at his words. At the same time, a feeling of guilt began to wash over him that Elliot had left his aunt to come to him in order to train himself.

Karna's words had surprised Clare, but he relaxed his expression and spoke.

"Let's talk about that too. Now, all four of you, follow me."

Clare went up the stairs. Whis also pushed Karna's back, urging him on.

Going up the stairs and to the left, he saw a door. Clare opened it.

"Sit wherever you like at the round table. I'll bring you some tea now."

It was a large room of about twenty tatami mats. There were four large glass windows and a large desk in the corner of the room, which he immediately recognized as Clare's desk. In the center of the room was a round table that could seat seven, with sunlight pouring in from the skylight. Once the four of them had entered the room, Clare closed the door. There were only four people left in the room.

Given the appearance of the palace, he had thought that there might be some antiques in the room, but it was quite bleak. There was not a single painting on display.

"Let's just sit down and wait."

Belhard urged, and the four of them sat at the round table.

Kate got off his shoulder and sat lazily at the table.

"Can the people here see me?"

"Yeah, I think everyone in the building can see me."

"But that person just now felt like something special."

"So they can see me?"

"It feels different from Elliot, it feels clear. I wonder what it tastes like."

"Mana has a taste too..."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Clare came in accompanied by a woman pushing a cart.

Kate, who had been sitting at the table, quickly jumped up and returned to Elliot's shoulder.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Please have some tea."