Nanahoshi Shizuka stood in the center of the Great Hall, staring at Perugius on his throne.
"Lord Perugius, I hope you will honor our agreement and share everything you know about this world's Summoning Magic."
On his throne, Perugius swept his cold, sanpaku gaze over Nanahoshi.
"Very well."
They had struck a bargain long ago.
Nanahoshi Shizuka had devoted herself to researching Summoning Magic that connected the two worlds.
Perugius had promised that once she achieved a crucial breakthrough,
he would teach her the true essence of this world's Summoning Magic.
It was an exchange that benefited them both.
"Incidentally..."
Perugius looked past Nanahoshi, his gaze settling on the small group behind her.
"You seem to have brought quite a crowd. Who are these people?"
Nanahoshi Shizuka bowed slightly. "They helped me with my research, providing many valuable ideas and lending their strength."
"As compensation for this introduction, they hoped to have an audience with Lord Perugius and witness your splendor for themselves."
"Oh?"
Perugius let out an indifferent breath.
He had long since grown accustomed to such adulation, and even found it rather tedious.
Nanahoshi Shizuka continued, "Among them is also a Demonfolk woman named Roxy Migurdia."
"With her extensive grounding in magical theory, she made a great contribution to this research."
"However, because she is Demonfolk, your Familiar turned her away at the entrance, so she could not accompany us."
At the word "Demonfolk," Perugius's face showed none of the expected disgust or displeasure.
His golden, slit-pupiled eyes merely narrowed slightly.
"I cannot say I am fond of the Demonfolk."
"But I, Perugius, am not one to slaughter innocents indiscriminately or take out my anger on ordinary Demonfolk."
He paused, seemingly recalling events from the distant past.
"Even my dear friend, the First North God, Kalman."
"When he