The Mage Will Master Magic Efficiently In His Second Life

As we got closer to it a delicious smell invaded our noses.

Looking through the window we could see a pair of ears and a womans silhouette. It was Shirushu.

As soon as Milly saw her, she relaxed her body and let herself fall into my arms.

Good grief In the end what was the point of all that walking!!

It seems like it would have been better if we had just waited at the church.

Wasnt it precisely you Zeph who said that we had to find her cause you couldnt swallow your pride! Milly said angrily.

Ahaha, its fine. I had a lot of fun. Lydia said as she tried to calm Milly down.

We approached the churchs door as we talked cheerfully. Just as we were about to open the front door we suddenly heard a voice.

Dont move.

I felt something cold touch my throat.

Looking closely, I noticed that it was a short knife. My right hand was twisted behind my back, causing squeaking in my joints.

I couldnt see very well because of the position I was in, but there was certainly someone behind me.

Zeph!!

That goes for all of you as well. The person said in a quiet but firm tone.

Milly was stopped in her tracks by the voice, which contained a heavy pressure.

Good grief, I didnt notice him at all Hes not your typical guy if he can get behind me even with Lydia present.

Answer my questions. Who are you?

As the person spoke I could feel the blade attached to my throat dig even deeper

I guess it cant be helped.

Just as I prepared myself to strike back someone yelled out.

Zeph-san?!! Shirushus voice sounded in the area.

I took advantage of the opportunity to break free from the grip and gain some distance.

Looking back, I noticed that the enigmatic figure was wearing a black mask with only his eyes visible.

And he had the nerve to ask us who we were. Youre 10 times as suspicious as us!

Sarutobi-san please stop! These people are Zeph-san is my friend!

Hm, so you are

The person named Sarutobi slowly sheathed her short blade as she spoke.

Shirushu then hurriedly appeared in between me and him.

Her long peach hair fluttered in the air and her beast ears rose above her head. It was my first time seeing her in these past three years.

Even though she wore the same sister clothes as before, she had a completely different air around her. It was obvious that she had trained her body quite a bit.

This person is Sarutobi-san. Shes my master.

I go by Sarutobi. I apologize for my rude behavior.

Im Zeph Einstein. It seems like youve been looking after Shirushu. I said as I shook Sarutobis hand.

It seems like we finally cleared up all of the misunderstandings.

Sarutobi huh Have we met before? Silverie asked as she took a step forward.

I am a shinobi that works under Yera-dono. Shes been taking good care of me.

Just as I thought.

Now it all makes sense. So Yera sent one of her subordinates to train Shirushu.

How about we talk while we have dinner? You must all be tired from the long trip, right? Shirushu asked.

You are right. My stomach is gurgling like crazy because we spent the whole day searching for you, Shirushu. Milly said.

Youre making stew arent you Shiru-chi! Ill help. Lydia exclaimed.

Following that all of us entered the church and sat around the dining table.

Zeph-san Im glad youre awake. It must be because of Gods protection.

Well Millys spell helped as well I guess. I said while laughing

Hey! What do you mean by that!!! Milly said angrily.

She really needs to get used to these jokes.

I nodded Millys head, who seemed to be in a foul mood as she looked down.

Sarutobi, on the other hand, made no attempt to communicate with us and simply ate without taking off his mask.

Could it be that he wears that thing 24/7?

Shirushu, have you seen Sarutobis face?

I havent. It appears that master has no intention of showing it, so I havent pried that much as well.

It seems like Shirushu doesnt know as well.

Lydia moved her neck like a snake in an attempt to get a better look at Sarutobis face, but Sarutobi didnt seem bothered in the least.

Its just as I thought.That mask has a spell cast on it.It most likely makes use of the lights reflection to obscure the owners face.Lydia Im afraid to say that its pointless no matter how hard you try.

So Shirushu, can you introduce us to Sarutobi-san? Milly asked.

Youre right! Im sorry I completely forgot!

In that case Ill introduce myself first. As she put his spoon on the table and wiped her mouth with a napkin, Sarutobi said.

My name is Sarutobi. I serve under Yera-dono and am currently Shirushu-donos teacher. Due to being a beastfolk as well I was tasked with helping her control her power.

Im honored to be under your care. Shirushu said as she lowered her head towards Sarutobi.

I see. I guess theres a lot you can learn from your own species.

That aside, you lot came here because you took a request from Yera-dono, correct?

You know about it?

I was the one who reported it I have the necessary sealing scroll here as well. Can I ask you to come with me as soon as tomorrow? Sarutobi said as she took out a single sheet of paper with a magic circle on top of it.

This magic circle could be activated by supplying it with magic power.

And after its activation it would prevent the emergence of monsters for several years.

When building a city these types of scrolls were usually laid around the area in order to prevent it from turning into a dungeon. They were also used before the construction of any facilities.

With a newly formed dungeon, as long as it was placed at the centre of the dungeon, it would be able to seal it then everything would go back to normal.

Of course. Well count on you to guide us.

Im excited to see what youre capable of. Sarutobi said as we once again shook hands.

Thank you for the meal!

After finishing with their meal, all of the children brought their hands together and said words of gratitude.

Similar to them we also brought out hands together.

The stew that Shirushu had prepared for us was as simple as usual. It included some basic vegetables and market scrap meat, as well as a stale slice of bread. And the amount was limited as well.

In the past Ryu used to beg for food in the market in order to fill his belly. The amount of food served was definitely not enough to feed a growing child.

I could see where he was coming from now, because despite having eaten, I was still hungry.

Ill go to the market later and buy something.

While I was thinking that I noticed that Lydia was rummaging through her bag, searching for something.

The next moment she placed a cardboard box on top of the table. As she opened the lid, a massive cake coated in whipping cream filled the inside of the box.

I actually made a cake, so how about it everyone, want to share it with me?

Whoa!!! Yes, yes!

I love you big sister Lydia.

Im glad that you like it! Lydia said while hugging the children.

Lydia seemed to be overjoyed despite being surrounded by children.

She made a cake in order to be popular with the children huh Nothing less from her.

Thank you very much Lydia-san. Shirushu expressed her gratitude

Its fine. I made it because I felt like it So Shiru-chan, will you try it as well? You like stuff like this, right?

Well Im

Your tails going wild Shirushu.

Wha-?!

Even though Shirushu tried to hold back her tail, it wouldnt stop moving.

It was somewhat inconvenient not to be able to conceal your emotions.

After seeing everyone smile at her, Shirushus face turned bright red.

Considering she was a pure breed, Shirushus hair and eyes would turn red when her emotions were stirred.

Still I guess with this much it shouldnt be a problem.

Well then lets eat! I made a lot so no need to hold back!

Yey!!

Lydia looked extremely happy as the kids filled up their cheeks with cake and even came to ask for seconds.

It looks like there wont be any left for me.

Thinking that I moved to a desk placed at the corner of the room and sat on a chair.

As soon as I sat down Milly came closer while hiding something behind her back with both hands.

Zeph. This please take it!! Milly said as she pulled out a plate with a piece of cake on top of it.

When did you get that?

Actually, I made this myself.

Really?

It really looked a bit different than Lydias cake.

Millys cake was much smaller, fitting in the palm of ones hand, and her shape was a little awkward. It was difficult to make a comparison to Lydias. Even so, it had a cream pattern drawn on it, and even had a heart shaped mark with a number of cute decorations. It was evident that it must have taken quite a bit of time to make. It was definitely something that screamedhand-made.

My mouth unconsciously turned into a grin as I stared at the tiny cake.

W-What is it

Nothing much, I just thought that it looked really cute.

D-Dont be stupid Come one, hurry up and eat it! Milly said as she turned bright red and pushed the plate at me.

She must be quite embarrassed that she made it herself.

Milly kept a close eye on me as I took the fork and sliced a tiny slice of cake with a smile on my face and shoved it into my mouth.

H-How is it?

Hm

I slowly chewed while trying to fully savour the cake.

Millys eyes grew wider and wider as she waited for my answer.

Its hard to eat with you watching me like that, you know.

The moment the cake touched my mouth a slightly sweet taste assaulted my mouth after which the silky cream spread itself around my tongue, slowly melting into the inside of my mouth.

The slight sweetness left a pleasant feeling in my mouth. It made me wish to take another bite.

Its delicious Milly. Youve done a splendid job.

Really?!!

And to think that three years ago all she could do was bake cookies. Lydia must have taught her a lot.Her skills have improved quite a lot.

As I patted Milly on the head to thank her, she smiled brightly.