Dark Continent (3rd)

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It only took us a half hour of flying from Mount Dorz to reach Dragon City.

As soon as we landed, the noble mage told me he was heading to his room in order to study the magic circle he had copied down. The spatial magic he mentioned appears to be extremely rare. He’ll likely be locked away for several days. Maybe I’ll go see if I can learn anything about it after he’s had some time to analyze it.

The loligon also went off on her own after we arrived. She started getting excited as soon as the city came into view and she immediately went off to patrol the streets. “I have to make sure everything is still running smoothly! I am the mayor after all!

As for myself, I was left alone and returned to my room where I’ve done nothing but lie in my bed. I didn’t have the energy to take a bath so I collapsed into my bed without even changing my clothes. There are plenty of things that I need to do, but I just can’t bring myself to do anything.

“….”

Goggoru-chan is the reason.

Her words still echo in my mind and memories of her fill my thoughts.

The same thought keeps running through my mind.

It’s an event not far into my future. The next opportunity I have to use the teleporter at Mount Dorz will be tomorrow. I’ll instantly be transported to Goggoru-chan’s home where I’ll find her lifeless body lying alone on her bed of straw.

I was afraid that I would break her mind with my constant mental sexual harassment, but leaving her alone may have been the final straw. If my inaction was what finally made her decide to go through with it, it will haunt my every waking moment for the rest of my life.

Thinking about this made a painful mix of emotions well up inside of me.

It takes a considerable amount of mana to activate the magic circle. Based on what I saw on her status window before, Goggoru-chan won’t be able to activate it on her own. Which is why, no matter how desperately she wants it, she’ll never be able to come here on her own. She’ll be left to live alone in her cave for the rest of her life, cursing the day she was born.

“….”

Maybe I’m completely wrong.

I should try to think more positively.

However, I can’t stop the pessimistic thoughts invading my mind and I continuously follow these negative trains of thought. Locking myself alone in a dark room isn’t going to do anything to help either. Still, I don’t think I could be around anyone right now.

And as a result of this self-isolation, my mind was filled with constant thoughts of what the Chocololi may do and how it was all my fault.

“….”

The only thing I know for certain is that the magic circle is completely inoperable for one full day. That was what the loligon told me. Which means there’s nothing I can do for her until it refreshes.

There’s no point worrying about her until there’s something I can do.

I should use this chance to get some sleep.

Yeah, that sounds good.

Let’s do it.

A good night’s rest will help clear my mind.

***

[Sophia-chan’s point of view]

Tanaka-san is back in the city. He arrived with Lord Fahren and the Dragon-san. I guess they all went to the Dark Continent together. I’ve only ever heard vague rumours about the place, but it’s supposed to be very far away.

Is it possible for someone to travel all the way there and back in the short amount of time that he was away?

It may be possible for Lord Fahren and the Dragon-san, but Tanaka-san was only gone for a few days. No matter how fast he may be able to fly, a few days would hardly be enough time one way. Still, after seeing everything he’s capable of over the recent months, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.

Anyway, I’m glad that everyone managed to return safely. I want to thank all of them for allowing me to return to my maid duties. I’m so happy. I’m finally saved from the mountain of paperwork that’s piled on my desk.

It would’ve been nice if they came home earlier.

I’m still happy about their return, so I’ve prepared my special tea for Tanaka-san.

“Tanaka-san, it’s morning. I’ve prepared some tea for you….”

This maid has overcome countless difficulties and shame and has grown strong because of it.

From today onward, I go on the offensive.

It’s morning and it’s a maid’s duty to wake up the master with a cup of tea.

There’s a strange throbbing sensation on the back of my head.

I heard a faint reply after I lightly knocked on his door. He told me to wait a moment and I did so. It didn’t take long for the door to open and Tanaka-san to appear.

He had already changed out of his sleepwear and was fully dressed.

He’s the same as always.

It’s rare for even his personal maid to see him in his sleepwear.

I’ve never once helped him change his clothes. I hate the idea of being asked to but he’s never even asked. More than anything this hurts my pride as a woman.

We’re around each other a lot, but he’s never made any type of advance toward me. I’m seriously going to start losing my confidence as a woman if this continues. Of course, if he were to do anything, I’d hate every second of it and do whatever I can to stop it as quickly as possible.

“Good morning, Sophia-san.”

“Umm, I brought you some tea….”

“Oh, thanks for thinking about me.”

He moved out of the doorway and motioned for me to enter while holding the door open. It’s a weird feeling having your master be so on guard. It creates unnecessary hurdles for me in my attempt to do my job.

The door was closed behind me and Tanaka-san took a seat on the sofa in the centre of the room. I glanced over at his bed and noticed his comforter was already folded and there were no wrinkles in the sheets.

He should know that all of that is part of my duties, and yet, I’ve never once had to wash his bedding nor make his bed. It makes me feel like I’m in the room of a woman my age.

I’m a fully grown woman, yet Tanaka-san’s room makes him feel like an older woman that I should take after. As a woman, this is my complete and utter defeat.

“….”

“…what’s wrong?”

“O-Oh, it’s nothing!”

I can’t look at it for too long or he’ll notice.

I should focus on my duties as a maid. I’ll stand by my master’s side and fill his cup when needed. I’m confident in my tea making abilities. I was doing it at my parent’s house before becoming his maid.

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