Summer grew stronger by the day.
Even here in the Northern Kingdoms, near the Dark Mountains, the heat of summer was gradually making itself felt.
The study windows stood open, and birdsong and insect chirping drifted in from the courtyard. A breeze passed over the sunlit desk, lifting several sheets of paper slightly, but then a hand picked up the documents and began reading through them carefully.
A rhythmic knock came from the door. Gawain continued reviewing the documents before him without looking up. "Come in."
The study door opened gently, and Tir wriggled her way inside with a yawn—first her upper body, then, with practiced ease, she gradually drew in the several-meter-long tail behind her and coiled it into a huge heap on the floor. Once the sea monster lady had fully entered, the previously spacious study instantly seemed a little cramped.
"How rare. You're actually awake at this hour," Gawain said with a smile, glancing at the deep-sea couch potato. "Something happened?"
"There's news from Antavien," Tir said, yawning again as she forced herself to stay alert. "The signal you detected before wasn't sent by sea monsters—the Queen has already begun investigating its source."
"...So it really wasn't the sea monsters..." Gawain's hands came to a complete stop. After frowning slightly, he shook his head. "Anything else?"
"The Queen asked me to convey her thanks to you," Tir said, trying hard to straighten her face and look more solemn and formal. "She's very pleased that humans are willing to share the principles of Magic Net Communication with the sea monsters. It will help us repair Antavien's main antenna within this world's Magic Environment. Our Technical Personnel also said that if the main antenna repair project goes smoothly, communication between Antavien and Cecil may become more convenient afterward. It