Chapter 41 (2/2)

Apparently things did not develop into the worst case scenario.

We are in the living room, reporting what had happened to each of us.

“Actually……”

While I was off having my meeting with the Council Chairman, there were some intruders who tried to kidnap Mora.

The burglars were a 3-woman group who managed to infiltrate the mansion without anyone noticing and knock Mora out. Mora was about to be taken just like that, but one of the burglars was rendered immobile by ‘an invisible ent.i.ty.’

That burglar raised a shout, which caused Irudo and the servants to realize what was going on. They all rushed towards Mora, which prompted the remaining 2 burglars to use Mora as a hostage. However, when they saw the genie that Irudo summoned out of nowhere, they lost their will to fight and fled.

The damage that I saw from outside the mansion was all caused by the genie.

♥♦♣♠

“I see…… In any case, I’m glad that Mora is safe and uninjured……”

It seems that the [Invisible Demon] that I used beforehand did its job properly. Irudo also managed to use his Genie’s Ring well. I breath out a huge sigh and relax all my tensed-up muscles.

“Gio-san was the one who protected me, right? Th-, thank you very much!”

“To think that you have saved my daughter once again……”

Mora, who is sitting next to me on the sofa with her body glued to mine, looks up at me with teary eyes. Irudo also deeply lowers his head in thanks.

However……

“...... However, I bear responsibility for things having become like this.”

Considering that the burglars’ target was Mora, then I believe it safe to conclude that I am the target of whoever orchestrated everything that happened, and that this is not related to the Council’s inner power struggles. I do not know for sure if they are Demonists or not. When I conveyed what I’d heard from the Branch Leader to Irudo and Mora, it turns out that they also know of the rumors.

“‘There are Demonists conducting sacrificial rituals underground’…… this is a rumor frequently pa.s.sed around at least the citizens, if not the Magician Guild. But more importantly……”

“It’s not Gio-san’s fault at all! Those people are the ones in the wrong!”

“It is exactly as my daughter says. Margil-sama, please do not take it upon yourself.”

While patting Mora’s head as she gives me a tight hug, I absentmindedly let my thoughts roam.

I get it now. So this is what it means to be a Great Wizard, a hero.

Whether I like it or not, my very presence greatly affects the people around me. The reason why great wizards in stories isolated themselves in towers might have been because they hated this.

In actuality, could I, by myself, really protect these two, as well as all humanity, from anki?

…… That’s not right.

“I am sorry…… Actually, thank you, you two. I won’t let anyone lay even one more finger on either you two or the servants in this mansion.”

If it is a given that the hero’s nakama have to get hurt regardless of his will, I will gladly kick such logic to the curb.

The burglar who was caught by the Invisible Demon was tied up and locked away, but had apparently escaped soon afterwards. Well, if she’s a nakama of that fake maid, then I’m not surprised.

It’s indeed painful that I didn’t charge investigative spells like [Sense of Adept] and [Psycometry] today. Tomorrow, let’s make sure to change my loadout with focus on investigation, defense, and pursuit. As for fighting, my Wizardry Staff and various magic items would have to make do.

And one more thing.

I’ve just thought of a City Adventure conquest method that neither a j.a.panese salaryman nor a TRPG character can do—it is a hand that only the Great Wizard Gio Margils can play.

“There is a place I want someone to guide me to.”

“Yes? Where would that be?”

From my sling bag, I take out a leather bag almost bursting with gold coins and precious jewels.

“The Adventurer Guild.”

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