To our apprehension, Mr. Rabbi returned as if nothing had happened before the evening fell. Horrible... Mr. Rabbi!? Oh, my God, that hair...!
"Uh... there was some sort of nomination, so I hung up"
Oh, my God, Mr. Rabbi's ponytail was gone and he was cut so short that it didn't fall on his shoulder. Is that weird? And Rabbi laughing like she was lit scratching her head, I don't feel like she's sick...
"What, wow, Meg?
I kind of couldn't say anything and accidentally hugged Mr. Rabbi on his hip. Even Richter and Ronnie are stunned without saying anything.
"Mr. Rabbi, nothing was wrong!!
Apologizing isn't the same, thanking you isn't the same. Sympathy is different, and anger is more different. I didn't know what to say, and that's all I could say.
In this world, there are also women with short hair on the human continent, and I don't think cutting hair means anything heavy... but still, losing long, beautiful hair to disguise is kind of a mockery. I don't suppose even Mr. Rabbi cares, do you? Still. Still! I stuck with the strength of my clinging arm and strengthened it.
"Uh... I didn't want you to look like that..."
Mr. Rabbi must be smiling with a troubled face right now. That's how you stroke my head. I wonder why I'm the one being comforted. Mr. Rabbi is strong...
"My hair grows fast, and I don't care. Look, you're just aligned with Meg, right?
Even the words you call are so sweet.
The favor I can do is make sure I get home safely. And.
"Mr. Rabbi, if I can safely return to the Devil's Land, shall we go to the Devil's Land together? I beg everyone in the guild!
I just lifted my face as I held it to my hips. That's what I said. They even arrange for a nomination, and Mr. Rabbi will have to live in Kosovo while he hides his face on the human continent. No, you can't do that! You can't sacrifice for us!
"... Oh, that's a fascinating invitation. I'll think about it. Thank you."
Mr. Rabbi's eyes looked slightly wet. So I decided to persuade my fathers somehow.
We gathered in Richters' room to hear a report from Mr Rabbi.... my report? He said he was scolded for snitching on Richt. Quietly angry Mr. Rabbi was so scared......! Ugh, I won't do it again -!
"Apparently, the knights dispatched from the eastern royal castle were headed straight for this city. I'm telling you, through all the villages, there's no rush to chase us down in no time."
Mr Rabbi was discussing that it would be a decision that this is a big city so there is a good chance of stopping by. And then there's a lot of personnel. I thought you were putting out a few knights in all directions. Seems like Mr. Rabbi thought that this country was huge anyway, and there were quite a few people who could get it out for a search.
How do you feel about that, so much!? Is the Royal Castle in the east that serious about finding children? I wonder if you mean spending so much money, effort and magic on the transfer team. I felt real shivering.
"There's still bad news. Apparently, other royal castles have sent knights to our search. I mean, it's not a solo operation in the east."
For the bad news that followed, both Richt and Ronnie blued their faces. I'm sure I'm something similar. It was such a shocking reward.
Because that means this big country itself will be our enemy.
It is the will of the Tortiga Country that is planning to acquire precious children with magical powers. Don't you think the state is behind this unacceptable trafficking in human beings other than criminals?
"Is that okay...!?
Mr. Rabbi roared in his arms at the words he accidentally leaked.
"Maybe it's not for trading."
"Not for trading...? Then what the hell are you after us for? I can't believe the country did this..."
"That's why."
To Richt's objection, Mr. Rabbi tells him how he feels about eating.
"Just for the sake of human trafficking, you don't think we're gonna do this far. The damage will be enormous, but I don't think it's going to move the Knights to get the three children back."
Sure... it makes sense. I don't have to wonder if it's so valuable if it is if you say so... if you can move a lot of the Knights to get us and make a profit from it, then I don't think it's possible.
"I'm sure there's something I'm trying to do with you guys. I don't know what that is... I'm not just trying to sell it, I'm trying to make you do something, I'm sure...!
"What is...?
When Richt frowned and questioned him, Ronnie, who was silent, pinched his mouth.
"Using magic, something,"
Sorcery. Yes, I'm sure it is. Otherwise, I wouldn't choose to have magic in the first place and let it transfer. That's a lot of magic too. Because it's not weird to have a lot more children with a little magic, if that's the case. That's what must have transported a lot from the Devil's Continent.
"Then the country wants a lot more magic than us."
"I think that's the closest thing to the right answer."
A temporary silence flows between us. I just got here on a journey, but it was actually a more critical situation than I thought.
But, you know what?
"Hurry up as much as you can and head to the mine is the same, isn't it?
Yes, the purpose is still the same. You'll need to worry about the route you go through or be more careful than ever, but the point is, you just have to get to the mine as soon as possible.... Of course, so, I don't know if I can go to Devil's Land, but if Ronnie is around, maybe you can hide a little.
"Right, right. The knights here didn't even notice Rabbi or Meg, so they proved that the disguise meant something."
"Yeah, it doesn't change. Nothing."
Richt and Ronnie agree with me. In an effort to cheer up, I smile with care.
"Heh, you're reliable. You guys! All right, if you decide so, have dinner before the dining room gets crowded and go to bed early! And let's get out of here in the early morning. Richter, is magic going to recover?
"Mm-hmm, well, something. Worst case scenario, I might get Meg a pill..."
"It was okay! Keep drinking every day, or else your body would be less burdened!
Still, it's not very good to continue drinking, so if you want to drink it, only this time, I promise. If you eat well and go to sleep, you might be recovering! It is insurance, so to speak.
We confirmed our policies and intentions for the future and headed down to the dining room downstairs for dinner as soon as possible.