Author: Akashari	Original Source: Syosetu
Translator: Mui	English Source: Re:Library

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

“…So the fire’s finally out. That took way more effort than I expected.”
“Wh-Why did we have to help too…? Damn you white-haired teacher…!!”
“M-My magic power’s gone… Teach, you’re incredible…”

Looking down at the almost completely carbonized house, I confirmed the situation was under control.

It had been a dangerous fire. Just dumping water on it hadn’t worked—without the saint’s prayer, the damage could have gotten a lot worse.

We were lucky this time. Since a top-class sorcerer happened to be with us, we avoided the worst-case scenario. Still, someone’s going to get a proper scolding later.

“Just to be safe, let’s keep spraying water a bit longer. If there are any embers left, they’ll be a pain.”
“W-White hair… You’re still not out of magic power…?”
“If something like this drains you dry, you’ve still got a long way to go. Your magic usage is full of waste. Remedial lessons when we get back to the academy.”
“Teach… so strong…”
“Stell, you’re still inexperienced as a wizard. It can’t be helped. No need to rush—just keep learning step by step.”
“Hey! Why are you treating us so differently!?”

I chose to ignore the loud complaints coming from behind me.

Stell and Plerion had a difference of years when it came to experience as wizards. Of course I was going to treat them differently.

If Plerion hadn’t slacked off in his training, he would’ve had some magic power left. Rather than taking it out on me, he ought to blame his own laziness.

“Ms. Laika, looks like this was the source of the fire.”
“What is this? A pipe? It’s pretty badly damaged.”

The saint, who’d just returned after confirming there were no injuries, handed me a soot-covered, rod-shaped smoking device.

It looked like it had taken a serious impact—the handle was snapped clean in two. The bowl had carbonized so completely it crumbled at the lightest touch.

The material had apparently been treated to resist fire, but judging from the damage, it had been caught in some seriously intense flames. The fact that it even retained its shape was something of a miracle.

“There’s a magic stone embedded in the bowl. When you channel magic into it, it generates heat to burn the shredded tobacco. That’s the basic mechanism.”
“I see… So it broke, and when the magic stone was exposed, someone hit it with a flood of uncontrolled magic power and set the whole thing ablaze.”
“ “ “We’re so sorry…!” ” ”
“Hehehe, it’s nice to see you all getting along. Now then—let me teach you, in the name of Ascles, just how dangerous it is to start a fire in the middle of town.”

She was smiling, but I could see a demon standing behind her.

As a follower of Ascles, there was no way she could overlook the fact that innocent lives had been put at risk.

“Before we start lecturing—what caused this? If it was just a fight, that’s one hell of a stupid reason.”
“It was a fight, Master…”
“Saint, wring them out good.”
“Yes. First, let’s make sure they can recite the teachings of Ascles from memory.”
“P-Please help, Master!!”
“You brought this on yourself. Why did you even let those two meet, when you knew exactly what would happen?”
“Well, it was a whole thing, like this and that…”

According to Momo, she’d once again tried to meddle and patch things up between them—classic her.

Apparently, she thought that working together on the Outlander-killer case, she could use that as a bridge to mend their relationship. As far as ideas go, it wasn’t the worst—if you ignore the fact that it was pure wishful thinking and entirely self-centered.

“…Do I need to put a collar on you and keep you under constant surveillance?”
“I am terribly sorry…”
“Even a chicken can feel sorry. If you don’t learn from it and apply that next time, then it means nothing. And just so we’re clear—there won’t be a next time.”
“Y-Yes, sir…!”
“Also, your fire suppression was downright sloppy. At the very least, learn one water-based spell. I’m going to drill it into you, so be ready.”
“M-Masterrrr…!!”
“Hey! Don’t cling to me, it’s annoying! You can suck up all you want, I’m still going to be strict with you—no mercy, got it!”
“Strict…?”
“Stell, what’s with that look?”

I was suddenly met with a wave of dubious stares—not just from Stell, but from everyone around me.

Meanwhile, Momo was rubbing her tear- and snot-covered face against my chest.

…My clothes are not a tissue.

“Teach… you go… easy on your first disciple…!”
“I do not. I’m raising her with strict discipline. The fact that there’s been no improvement is due to her own lack of potential.”
“I see. I believe I’ve heard of this before—from Mr. Kagase. It’s what they call ‘a lid for a cracked pot,’ yes?”
“Hm. I don’t know what that means, but I’m guessing it’s an insult, right? And Momo, let go already! Damn it, she’s not budging!!”
“Um… may I say a word…?”

While I struggled with Momo, who was absolutely refusing to let go, a bald old man wearing a monocle raised his hand hesitantly.

If I remembered right, his name was Runira. He didn’t seem to get along with the Guildmaster, who was sitting quietly beside him in formal seiza, deep in reflection. At least he was being well-behaved for now.

“That white hair and seemingly endless magic power… By any chance, might you be the one they call Lady Laika?”
“Oh? So even your decorative excuse for ears have heard of the great wizard, have they?”
“What did you just say, Mintark!?”
“If you two are going to fight again, take it outside the city,” Saint warned.
“ “Apologies…” ”
“Master, you’re kind of famous, huh?”
“Not that I enjoy it. So, what does the head of the Magic District want with me?”
“If you’ll allow it, might I borrow a bit of your time?”

Runira stood up, stretching his numb legs, then began walking toward what used to be his home.

Roughly around the center of the burned structure, he came to a stop and began to chant a short incantation. It activated something buried beneath his feet.

There was a low rumble—like something heavy shifting—and before long, a staircase appeared beneath him, leading underground.

“Lady Laika… and—though it pains me—Mintark, you too. I have something I wish to confirm… about the girl you encountered.”

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