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“Yeah… with this body, long baths are dangerous. That’s one lesson learned…”
“I’m so sorry, Master!!”

After nearly passing out in the bath, I was rescued by Momo and left to cool my overheated body in a well-ventilated room.

Luckily, the rain had brought the temperature down today. Between that and the breeze from the fan, I was starting to feel much better.

“The rain doesn’t seem to be stopping… Does this happen often?”
“If storms like this came all the time, this wouldn’t be a desert anymore—it’d be a riverbed. No doubt it’s the effect of the Scorchflame Dragon’s death.”
“Mr. Valka’s?”
“Yes. The desert climate around Regulus was heavily influenced by him. From here on, this city will change drastically.”

I pushed myself halfway upright and gazed out the window.

The thick clouds completely blotted out the sun, pouring rain without end. It was as if the sky itself were rejoicing at the death of the dragon that had ruled this land.

“…No clear sky in sight. Not surprising, I suppose.”
“Are you still thinking about what happened when we fought Theo?”
“Yes. Several townsfolk besides us witnessed the same phenomenon. The king deeply regretted missing it.”
“Ah—I can picture his face right now…”

That ominous vision in the sky… even now, it was burned vividly in my memory.

If others had seen it too, then it couldn’t have been a mere illusion. That had been a real phenomenon.

“The ruins underground, the anomaly in the sky, Theo and Ragna’s existence… and then there’s the lost millennium, and Babel as well.”
“Mm… it’s nothing but mysteries. My head’s going to get all tangled up.”
“Perhaps none of it has anything to do with our goal. Still, too many things can’t be ignored—especially Ragna and the others.”

For some reason, we kept running into those girls who called themselves the Seven Calamities.

And with the matter of the ruins, it was clear Theo and the rest were trying to conceal something significant.

“…Momo, once the ruin investigation is finished, we’re leaving this city. Be ready.”
“Eh? O-okay… but where are we going?”
“We’ll decide in consultation with the rain. But the direction we’re headed is already determined.”

I had only six months to return Momo to her original world. Yet right now, we had no leads whatsoever.

With so little time left, even hesitation felt like a luxury we couldn’t afford.

So we would chase after the only clue we had—toward the tower that bore the same name as this body’s former owner.

“Momo, if you’re truly serious about extending my lifespan, then you’d better steel yourself. I will send you back to your original world first.”
“I won’t lose! I’ll make sure you live—and that you’re happy, Master!”
“Mm, the bond between master and disciple is a fine thing indeed. I shall celebrate it!”
“Wha—waaah!? Y-Your Majesty, since when were you there?!”

At the door stood the foolish king, his hair damp from the rain.

There hadn’t been a single sound of the door opening. He must have warped over with his unique magecraft again.

“Eavesdropping, is it? You have fine taste, Your dripping wet¹ Majesty.”
“Fuhaha! I was walking through the castle town when the rain suddenly came down. Out of courtesy, I waited for you both to be done.”
“How very considerate of you. My apologies for the trouble.”

Had he barged in without regard for the mood, the only thing pouring down would have been blood instead of rain. And likely not by my hand—Momo’s slap would have taken his head clean off first.

“I heard you nearly collapsed in the bath. Are you well? Forgive me—the water is always heated to my liking.”
“It was the perfect temperature for me!”
“It was far too hot for me. If you ever plan to host guests, I suggest adjusting it…”
“As an apology, I have brought a frozen treat. Fruit juice pressed and frozen, then shaved into a dessert. Sweet and tangy—it is perfect after a bath.”
“All is forgiven.”
“Master, don’t you dare eat nothing but sweets.”

Momo said something, but I pretended not to hear. Sweets came before everything.

Besides, it would be rude to refuse the king’s offer. And leaving food untouched would be a waste.

“So, is it true you plan to leave this city?”
“Hwow mugh diidh hyuu owewheah?”
“Master, please, either eat or talk. Not both.”
“…Ahem. Sorry. Honestly, how much did you overhear?”
“I could not help but hear it. Forgive me. Shall I bring you another serving?”
“All is forgiven.”
“Maaasteeer…”
“Wait, Momo! I saved some for you too, so let’s not get violent.”
“No! You can’t just eat sweets when you haven’t even had a proper meal! And Your Majesty, stop spoiling her!”
“Fuhaha! My apologies. I shall serve something nourishing for dinner. Forgive me.”

Momo, fuming, snatched the frozen dessert straight from the king’s hands and shoved it into her own mouth in frustration. Such a waste.

“Guooooohhh—ahhh, brain freeze…!”
“…So. Has your resolve not wavered? I want you. In this country, I can promise you a life without hardship.”
“My answer won’t change, no matter how many times you ask. I won’t live my life chained to anyone.”
“Even if it means burning through the little time you have left?”
“So you’ve noticed. That’s exactly why—I’ll spend what time remains in a way I’ll never regret.”
“……Ah. I see.”

The king gave a faint smile, like one greeting a long-lost memory, then turned his back to us and opened the door.

His posture seemed to speak without words: Follow me.

“Before dinner, I have something to show you. Lend me a little of your time. I promise you will find it interesting.”
“S-something interesting…?”
“Yes. A keepsake my friend left behind for you.”