Vivian had changed outfits several more times after that, but she still hadn't earned my approval.
And Weller was no different.
But with her, she didn't even seem to have any intention of improving, which made it even more of a problem.
"...Sister. Even if we let Vivian slide, shouldn't you know better?"
"Whatever I wear is my business. Mind your own."
Her icy response sent chills through the air, so I scanned her from head to toe.
A hat with an overly wide brim and a garish dress whose hem was puffed out stiffly with wires.
Anyone would think she was heading out for a picnic.
"Hmmm... Well, do what you want."
"That's exactly what I planned."
She snorted primly while fussing over her nails, then casually tossed out a comment as if it had just occurred to her.
"By the way, what do you plan to do with the magic tools and magical prosthetics? There's no way you know the channels for that stuff. And even if you did, you know selling them is illegal, right?"
"...? What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
I stared at her blankly for springing something so out of left field, and she let out an exasperated sigh.
"Don't play dumb. You think I'm trying to take it from you or something? I'm just curious."
"No, I really have no idea what you're talking about..."
She scowled furiously at my words, her eyes narrowing into slits.
"Don't even think about doing anything shady with them. Just sell them to our Mage Corps. We'll pay you properly."
"I keep telling you, what are you even referring to? Explain it so I can understand. Sister, you feeling okay?"
"...You seriously don't know? Father didn't pass anything along?"
"This is driving me nuts... What exactly? Spell it out."
The conversation was going nowhere, so my irritation bubbled up, and I downed a swig of liquor.
Weller stared at me in utter bewilderment.
"Cambello's makeshift workshop. You were the one who gave us the coordinates. You really didn't get any message?"
"...Ah."
Come to think of it, right after repelling the demon invasion, I'd given them the coordinates and passed out cold.
I'd completely forgotten.
"But what does that have to do with me?"
"...Father said the workshop's ownership belongs to you. No one's allowed to touch it."
"Huh? Father did? What was he thinking?"
"Beats me. Anyway... that workshop is packed with all sorts of important stuff. Magic artifacts, grimoires, magical prosthetics... you name it."
"I see. So that's what you were asking about—how I plan to dispose of it?"
"Exactly. Since it came up, just hand it over to the Mage Corps. I'll make sure you get a price you'll like."
"Hmmm..."
Since I'd forgotten about it until now, I had zero interest and just took another casual sip.
"Hey. Are you even listening? Stop drinking and answer already."
"Just take it, Sister."
"...Huh? What?"
I waved her off as she blinked in surprise at my unexpected reply.
"You're making such a fuss, so there must be something in there that interests you... Just take it. I don't care."
"...You're saying you'll sell the whole lot to us?"
"Hey, money's money. But haggling over it sounds like a pain. Handle it yourselves."
"You're deciding way too lightly. Those things are worth way more than you think. Thousands of gold coins, easy."
"Impressive. Then just give me a nice allowance later."
"..."
I tuned out her piercing stare and turned to the knight standing rigidly at attention, awkwardly glancing around.
She had brown hair, brown eyes, and a wholesome look accentuated by the freckles across her nose bridge.
"You there. What's your name?"
"Lira, sir. I've been temporarily assigned as escort knight to Lady Vivian and Lady Weller."
"What's your level?"
"Aura: peak advanced."
"Hooh..."
Adding her to Murel and Rebecca, that made three peak advanced Aura users.
What a powerhouse lineup.
We could clear a dungeon in no time.
"Got it. Do your best."
"Yes, sir. I will."
With that exchange done, we quietly waited for Vivian.
A moment later.
"Um... Brother. How about this outfit...?"
Having been rejected too many times, Vivian appeared with teary eyes, timidly showing off her clothes.
"Hmm."
This time, at least, she'd put some thought into it—pants and a top that looked easy to move in.
The fabric and embroidery were needlessly luxurious and flashy, screaming nobility... but rejecting her now might actually make her cry, so this would do.
"Good. Approved."
"Really!? Yayyy!"
Ecstatic, she thrust both hands high, beaming from ear to ear as she bounced up and down.
Rebecca watching with a fond smile was quite the sight.
"Phew... Alright, time to head out."
"Yes!"
"I'll say this upfront: it won't be an easy trip. Steel yourselves."
"Of course! I know dungeons are super dangerous! I won't be any trouble!"
I chuckled at the youngest clenching her tiny fists in determination.
I hadn't meant it that way... but she'll figure it out.
"Alright. First stop: raid the Mage Corps warehouse."
"...What?"
I ignored Weller's puzzled look and started walking.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
A middle-aged man in mage robes clung desperately to my pant leg.
"Aigoo!! Lord Alzen! If you take that too, I'm done for! It's the ducal castle's special potion! Have mercy, please!"
"Ow! Let go! You won't?! You dare defy me taking what I want? Get lost!"
He kicked the man away roughly, sending him tumbling unceremoniously. Now wearing a dumbfounded expression, the man latched onto Weller instead.
"Aigooo! Lady Weller! Vice Commander of the Mage Corps! Please stop Lord Alzen!"
"Haa... Alzen. Enough already."
"Yeah, yeah. I was wrapping up anyway."
I stuffed healing potions, antidotes, mana potions, and the like into my bag wholesale and handed it to Murel.
"Good. Think we got everything. Next: alchemist workshop and church branch."
At the alchemist workshop, I cleaned out strength potions, speed potions, mana amplifiers, and such. From the church branch, I stocked up nicely on holy water. Only then did I finally leave the ducal castle.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Lady Starnassila Weller. Lord Starnassila Alzen. Lady Starnassila Vivian. We've been waiting."
Greeted as we exited the castle with our luggage was a four-horse carriage so ostentatious it could be spotted from the other side of the planet.
Obviously, I had no intention of riding that thing, so I breezed right past it.
"Eh? B-Brother? Not taking the carriage?"
"Vivian. Riding something like that is as good as announcing to the world that we're heading out."
"Oh...? Oh! Right! Dungeons are dangerous but full of treasures and artifacts! If word got out because of a carriage with the Starnassila crest... You're so smart, Brother!"
"...Yeah. Something like that."
Totally not the reason.
If I cared, I'd have disguised us from the start.
Our outfits already screamed nobility anyway.
I just didn't want the aggro from that gaudy ride.
"..."
I pretended not to notice Weller's suspicious squint.
Crossing the citadel into the city of Terabaon below the castle, sure enough, countless stares poured in.
"Isn't that... Lady Starnassila Weller?"
"What, really?"
"And that one's... Lord Starnassila Alzen."
"Hmph... Down here to cause trouble again?"
"We're busy enough... Better stay out of sight."
"Hope they don't come our way."
They thought they were whispering, but the murmurs stuck right in my ears oddly enough.
"Hmmm."
As expected, most were cursing me, looking down on me, or resenting me.
But surprisingly, not all.
"That's Lord Starnassila Alzen, who saved the ducal castle..."
"Is he really an avatar?"
"They say he knows the past and future..."
"Heard he knows everything and solves citizens' problems."
"For real?"
"Yep. Remember the elves rejoicing lately? Alzen fixed their issue."
"Whoa... Thought he was just a wastrel..."
I scowled at the whispers.
This made it seem like I'd polished Starnassila Alzen's image.
Not a fan.
Ruined my mood.
Starnassila Alzen should forever be a wastrel and scum.
Gulp!
"Phew..."
For a second, I was tempted to charge over and start a ruckus, but no, that wouldn't do.
I didn't like his image improving, but I wasn't about to act like Starnassila Alzen either.
I'll think, act, and choose on my own terms.
Not that I could mimic that trash anyway.
Devolving into such vulgarity probably takes talent too.
"Hey, where are we even going? You planning to walk to the dungeon?"
Weller's sharp voice pierced my eardrums right then.
With that movement-hindering dress and high heels, walking must be tough.
"Use magic or something. Can't you float?"
"...You picking a fight?"
I sighed at her glaring eyes.
Can't say a word right.
I waved dismissively and turned away.
"Murel. Arrange a carriage... No, scratch that. Buy a whole freight wagon. Two horses."
"Understood."
I handed her a heavy coin pouch, and she headed off immediately.
I watched her go, then beckoned Vivian and headed elsewhere.
"Eh? Brother. Murel's going somewhere else?"
"Gave her a quick errand. More importantly, Vivian. What do you think is the most essential skill for travel?"
"Huh? Um... Combat strength and skill? You need power to protect yourself, right?"
"Not wrong. But not the answer."
"Hmm... Ah! Knowledge? I heard you need to know a lot to navigate and forage in unknown places!"
"Oho. Close. But still not it. Want a hint?"
"No! I'll figure it out! Hmm..."
As I quickened my pace watching her ponder seriously, Weller eyed me with half-lidded suspicion from the side.
"What now."
"Nothing. Just surprised you sound like an expert when you've never even traveled."
"Have I?"
Digging through Alzen's memories confirmed it.
His stomping grounds were solely Terabaon, the ducal territory's capital.
He'd wandered a bit during academy days, but never left the region after expulsion.
"..."
I shut my mouth, and her narrowed gaze intensified.
As her stare started grating on me, Vivian bounced excitedly.
"Ah! I got it! Survival skills!?"
"...Oho. Impressive. How'd you figure it out?"
I patted her back in praise, and she grinned ear to ear, pointing ahead.
"Got the hint from where you're heading, Brother!"
"Hooh, smart cookie. Well done."
"Ehehe..."
I stopped and looked up at a building remarkably intact compared to those around it.
-Paradise General Store-
A name that might draw church complaints.
"What are we buying here?"
"Anything could be useful in a pinch, but let's get the essentials."
"Welco— L-Lord Starnassila Alzen!?"
"One big pot, ladle, kitchen knife, frying pan. Oh, and tent, thin rope, bug repellent, fire starters... Nah, scratch those."
"Y-Yes sir! Right away!"
The owner paled at the sight of me but moved swiftly, letting me grab the goods quickly.
"Brother. Are all these really necessary?"
"Yep. Essentials for adventurers or mercenaries. Shelter and cooking are musts anywhere."
"I see...!"
"Alright, then..."
Just then, Murel approached riding the freight wagon.
"Perfect timing."
Inspecting her purchase: smooth and unblemished, fresh wood scent like it was brand new.
The horses were lively, coats gleaming.
She handled business like a pro.
"Good work, Murel."
"Thank you. Heading out right away?"
"Nah, need rations first."
I loaded the luggage, seated the group, and sat on the driver's bench with Murel.
Of course, I couldn't drive, so she took the reins.
"Good. This should do it. Time to roll out."
With ample hay for the horses and assorted preserved foods bought plentifully, we left Terabaon, vast plains stretching before us.
Seeing the ducal territory's famously barren lands firsthand was something else.
"Lord Alzen. Which way?"
"East for now. Toward the Worm Mountains."
"Worm Mountains."
"Something wrong?"
"No, sir. Hyah."
Murel cracked the reins, and the pair of horses started forward slowly.
"Waaah... Brother! My first long trip—I'm so excited! What adventures and trials await us!?"
Her childishly pure question drew an involuntary chuckle.
"Enjoy that optimism while it lasts."
"Pardon...?"
She tilted her head, uncomprehending.
Several hours later.
I poked the slumped Vivian on the wagon floor.
"Vivian. Bored?"
"...Honestly? Yeah. Same scenery forever... Not even sure we're moving."
"Yeah, figured."
In games, a few clicks skipped to the next stage. Reality? All on foot.
Magic or artifacts could speed things up... Damn, shoulda pried a gate relic from the church.
"Wanna play a simple game then?"
"Huh?"
I moved to the cargo area and pulled out bundles of cards from my bag.
Ones I'd commissioned from mages and alchemists.
Perfect for killing time.
And great for bonding.
A few rounds, and Vivian and I would be much closer, no doubt.
I grinned and spread the cards.