String-Pulling Marionette

"Before I answer that question, do you think you could put me down first?"

Sifa sounded rather helpless. Every time she hugs me, my feet leave the ground. Do I, Duke, have no dignity left?

"Ah."

"Sorry, I didn't notice."

Nefi hurriedly released him, and Sifa landed on both feet without changing his posture.

He looked Nefi over, then said, "I can't help feeling you've grown taller again."

Nefi immediately nodded, looking pleased with herself. "Boss, I'm a Gladiator now."

"I've heard that Beyonders of the Warrior Pathway keep growing taller as they advance through the Sequences." Caven entered the private room on his own and closed the door behind him, then said to Sifa, "It's good to see you again, Duke."

Only then did Sifa turn his gaze from Nefi to look Caven over. "You've been looking well lately."

The Seer smiled gently. "That's probably because I've advanced too. Yes, I'm a Sequence 8 Clown now."

"How strange. I've heard the next Sequence in this Pathway is called Magician. Is someone on the Seer Pathway supposed to play an entire circus by themselves?"

Sifa smiled and invited them to sit down before saying, "Actually, I'm just passing through Tingen this time, and there's something I wanted Caven's help with."

"What about me, boss? I think I've gotten stronger again. I should be able to help you now." Nefi looked at Sifa expectantly.

Sifa resisted the urge to pat her head. The thought that Nefi would keep growing taller made it a little difficult for him to look this pretty girl in the eye.

"It's not time yet, Nefi. Trust me, we'll have chances to go on adventures together in the future."

Next, Sifa took out an iron box. Caven sensed what seemed to be invisible walls inside it.

"A