CH 154.1

Chapter 154.1. The Heroic Spirits Guards

“Um… I’m Takano Yoshiyuki. Thanks for helping Miu. Matsu-san, were you the proprietress of the inn?”

Papa looked bewildered as he introduced himself, observing Matsu-san. Well, she used to be the proprietress of the inn they visited. Understandably, he would be confused.

“Yes, that’s correct, Takano-sama. At that time, I undergoing training to fulfill the role of an escort assigned by my master. It was training to protect Miu-sama’s residence.”

“Uh, that place was the inn at Galdo Farm… I see, so the druid magician is also lending a hand.”

Matsu wears a miko outfit, nodded gracefully with a smile. She was a beautiful woman who embodied the essence of Yamato Nadeshiko.

Papa seemed to catch on to Matsu’s response.

“So, the reason was related to the soil of Galdo Farm… I understand now.”

The secret was sitting next to him, a cute girl swinging her legs back and forth. Mii-chan didn’t say anything, just smiled with a smile.

“As you rightly surmised, people often misunderstood, but magicians and witches live separate from the secular world and have patrons. Magical research requires a lot of money. One of my master’s patrons is one of the investors in Galdo Farm.”

With a hand on her chest, Matsu spoke with a smile. It seemed genuine. At least Grandpa Odin can’t live without a patron.

Frigg-oneesan earns money, and Grandpa spends it like water, collecting magical tools, precious books, and expensive machinery. Magic research requires a lot of money.

“I got approved as suitable for guard duty. When I’m the inn’s proprietress, I have apprehended numerous intruders, too many to remember.”

“So many? It hasn’t even been 3 months yet.”

Papa’s eyes widened at Matsu’s unexpected statement, and he let out a surprised voice. He had concerns, but he thought everything was still fine.

“Takano-sama, if I may say so, you seem to lack a sense of crisis. That place is a very conspicuous source of money. There have been many intruders, from those who cause trouble and try to attract attention to those who sneak into the warehouse to steal secrets or even attempt to kidnap the druids. It’s quite impressive.”

“What?! I haven’t received any reports of problems!”

Papa stood up from his chair, his expression changing dramatically, but Matsu calmly tried to appease him.

“Yes. I suppose those problems get reported as resolved, so there shouldn’t be any issues.”

“Is that so… Thank you very much. I am also responsible for managing Kamakura. Let’s strengthen the security from now on.”

Papa, who could say thank you sincerely, is cool. Some people would get angry or grumpy if they had too much pride.

“Takano-dono, your sense of crisis for your security is too low. Even though I have put my sword down, you allow me to guide you to the presence of the head without any precautions. It doesn’t sit well with me.”

“Ugh! Th-That’s… I heard they were the honored guest of the head of the household…”

The guards standing against the wall fell silent under Gamon’s reproachful gaze.

They showed signs of fear in the face of his condemning stare.

That’s right. Despite Gamon having his sword sheathed, they let the guest pass without even taking custody.

It’s one of the weaknesses in the Night of Magic’s world. The guards stand behind and intimidate like scarecrows. And then, they fail to notice intruders or suddenly find themselves in chaos when the person they are supposed to protect is attacked by a guest.

Yeah, it’s a normal pattern in novels and anime. It’s a template. However, if they rely on templates, the lives of Papa and the others are in danger.

I speculated on why it ended up like this, and I guess that the important figures in this world are stronger than the guards. Most influential people are powerful magicians, after all.

That’s why they might believe that as long as the guards can block the initial attack from a guest with a sword, we can handle it afterward… It’s a terrifying thought. I want to shout at them, “Are you underestimating the guards?”

I gave up on my thoughts about why they were being infiltrated at night. It’s true if someone uses [Stealth], even magical detection tools like [Magic Sense] won’t notice them.

Or perhaps, even when using [Stealth] some powerful individuals can sense their presence… In other words, only the person being guarded can notice.

Based on the comparison to reality, that’s the conclusion I came to. Why Kongou-oneesan and the others installed numerous [Magic Sense] magical devices in the mansion is for that purpose.

And the magical detection devices for [Magic Sense] spread mana thinly in a predetermined wavelength, making them easier to evade.

It’s a hopeless situation, but I felt bad for Kongou-oneesan and the others. So, I stopped relying on the existing guards and called upon the Heroic Spirits.

“Takano-sama. As an onmyoji, I have some confidence in my abilities. My husband, Gamon, can use a sword and earth magic, so I believe we can be of assistance in guarding the mansion.”

“Yes, yes! And as the leader, Nimue, I have even more confidence in my abilities. It’s about time I speak, so Matsu, please step aside. The winner is me, you know?”

In her calm tone, the blue-haired beauty with flickering ears resembling bamboo leaves pushed Matsu and the others aside, seemingly dissatisfied.

“Um, Nimue-san, are you an Elf Druid?”

“No, my lineage is Elf, but I’m a Dru… Ah, no, I misspoke. I’m an Elf Druid.”

Papa asked, looking at Nimue’s ears, and she tried to answer honestly but was elbowed in the side by Matsue. It looked very painful.

And Nimue’s head also seemed to hurt a lot. Mii-chan’s harboring fears about whether I can trust her not to betray or let slip things unintentionally, but I wonder if she’ll be alright.