Keeping the Appointment

But Frog didn't know was that in the past, not only Galan, but also Lia would sometimes suck her fingers when eating her favorite food.

The two would occasionally do this in sync after meals, leaving Duncan, who was standing next to them, completely bewildered.

"Hmm - I'll probably be resting here for a long time - then I'll go and discuss the next business with some old acquaintances."

"To be honest, orders from the North are getting harder and harder to come by, especially with the war so intense lately. After entering the city, we just learned that several important trading ports have also fallen, and the sea routes have been cut off by the Demons. The only remaining route is by land."

At this point, he sighed helplessly, "It's difficult. With each trip we make, we earn less and less, while the risks are getting bigger and bigger. Plus, we lost a few more men in the team this time. I don't know how to make up for it."

Frog pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked at Galan with hopeful eyes.

"Not as good as one?"

"No"

Frog was somewhat frustrated, seeing that he had been sternly rejected by Galan before he could even speak.

This guy is really something.

"The main problem is that I really can't go with you guys—I have a date with Serie."

Realizing that his resolute answer might have hurt the other party, Galan quickly brought up Serie to smooth things over.

Since I lied about "amnesia" before, I still have to play the part until the end. "Serie said she would try to help me regain my memories, so I have to stay here and cooperate with her treatment. I really can't leave with you all."

Seeing Galan's sincere explanation, Frog could understand it quite well.

"But how did you manage to get Lady Serie's help? I've considered many possibilities along the way, but none of them seem very plausible."

He looked at Galan suspiciously. With the keen intuition he had developed over many years of business, he felt that something was amiss. Galan's previous perfunctory answer was also hard to believe.

Watson, you've hit the nail on the head.

Indeed, I can't really say why Serie would help me.

This great Mage probably gives people the impression of being extremely aloof, right?

After all, he has the kind of personality that enjoys conflict, so he's definitely not the kind of nice guy who would help an old lady cross the street.

Helping a complete stranger suffering from amnesia is something that only a kind-hearted person would do; it doesn't seem like something Serie would do.

Did you two know each other before?

"No..-"

Should I speak out? Obviously, there are risks involved. But if I don't speak out, then the problem seems even more apparent.

Moreover, it's never good to hide things from friends you've confided in, but I really can't tell him the real reason. I've already had to involve Lia, and I really don't want to drag other people into this so-called "Time Paradox."

The more people who knew, the more he felt a vague sense that something was going to happen to him.

This feeling became even more pronounced after meeting Serie.

If he were to affect the life trajectory of others or cause something bad to happen because of his own actions, he would never be able to forgive himself.

"Well—I'm not entirely sure about the specifics, but she seems to think my situation is rather unique; she's never seen anything like it before, so she wants to investigate it."

Galan pointed to his head, but the gesture was clearly ambiguous; anyone who didn't know better would think he was saying he was mentally ill.

Lia, who was standing to the side, was also a little confused by the conversation between the two. She looked at Frog and then at Galan, blinking her rabbit-like eyes, looking rather adorable.

"You've probably heard that Serie is proficient in almost all magic, and not only that, she's also knowledgeable about all sorts of novel things."

"Hmm--that seems to be true."

Frog scratched his head, successfully falling into a mental trap set by Galan's words.

Indeed, many people know that Serie is proficient in almost all magic; it can be considered an objective fact.

However, the later part about "learning about all sorts of new and interesting things" is misleading.

However, given the established objective facts that are known to the public, and considering Serie's own character, this seemingly unfounded and unstable point actually sounds quite reasonable.

After all, she's Serie, so it's normal for her to know more.

So it was precisely because my situation happened to be something she was blind to that it sparked her thirst for knowledge, and I was fortunate enough to receive her help under the premise of being studied.

Galan said with a serious expression.

The research was genuinely helpful, but the "amnesia" claim was a hoax.

Such half-truths are often the most difficult to discern.

Galan spoke without any qualms, so Frog couldn't possibly discern that he was lying through micro-expressions or other means.

After some thought, Frog seemed to agree that this made sense, so he didn't press the matter further.

"Well, you've actually turned misfortune into a blessing in disguise. Being able to establish a connection with Lady Serie will surely bring you some guidance in the future, right? Who knows, she might even recommend you for a position in the Empire."

He spoke with an air of authority, as if he could already foresee the That Day Galan would rise to prominence.

No. In fact, I find it really troublesome to be associated with this matriarch.

Although she herself is the ultimate tsundere, she can't help but be a killer.

"What if she's in a bad mood one day and makes fun of herself?" "Speaking of which, Lady Serie and Lia are both Elves. Why don't you take her with you? It would be good to help Lia find a place to stay."

Noticing that Lia had been silently listening to their conversation, Frog suddenly realized something.

He suggested.

He also learned about her situation and felt sorry for her.

"Being under Lady Serie's protection would surely be better than having her stay by our side, wouldn't it?"

Is that so?

It seems that's really true.

With Serie around, Lia would never be in any danger, right?

But—if she was truly willing to offer refuge, why didn't Serie protect those away from [Äußerst]?

Where are the Elf so close by?

With her abilities, she could have easily prevented this tragedy from happening.

Is it that they don't know, or...?

Galan glanced at Lia out of the corner of his eye. After eating, Lydia seemed to be in a much better mood than before; at least her face didn't have an overly heavy expression.

Should she go see Serie?

Galan felt this was not a wise decision.

What would Leah think if Lia knew that Serie had the ability to prevent yesterday's events but didn't do so?