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Since Ciel isn’t against it, I don’t plan on refusing either. However, there’s something I’m curious about.

「Come to think of it, what are the people of mother’s faction doing about this?」
「Nothing. I’ve told them not to act haphazardly in these sorts of situations, you see.」

After all, it’ll likely be troublesome if the fellow freeloaders get into conflict and cause collateral damage.

「To prevent the damage to the land, right?」
「While this might be a battle, it’ll be a problem if resources are wasted needlessly, and mending holes and damage to the land would be bothersome.
Fufu, I see you understand me well, Ain.」
「Mother isn’t here for the people’s sake, after all.」

While she may be acting to prevent the world’s destruction, she does not exist to prevent humanity’s extinction. Mother Fii, who is giggling with such a dazzling smile, is a fundamentally different existence from humanity. I’m kind of similar to her in some regards, though.

「In that case, should we take those in consideration when we make our move?」
「Yes, yes. However, you don’t have to be perfect about it. If it’s only one area, the spirits can mend it quickly. Besides, if you hold back too much, there will be people who will underestimate you again, so feel free to give it your all.」
「Right, I’ll keep it in mind.」

Ciel’s the one who’ll actually do it, though. I’m just in charge of barriers. While I can enclose people, I can’t do anything beyond that. Trapping people is effective, but there are situations where it’d be better for Ciel to enclose the enemy instead.

「So, what will you two be doing today?」
『What should we do?』
『Do you have anything you want to do, Ain?』
『We’ve already been to the den for the last two days, so why don’t we take a break? Sumiaria is coming today too.』
『I see!』
「We’re thinking of staying here today to rest for the whole day.」
「That sounds good. Have fun and relax.」

With the conversation finished, I stood up. After switching with Ciel, she then headed straight back to our room. And then, 『I’m going back to sleep! To sleep!』 after loudly announcing so, she crawled back in our bed.

◇

After Ciel woke up from her nap, we went to the courtyard where I then sang and Ciel danced. Much later, we were called by mother for tea, and while we were having our tea time, Sumiaria also arrived. It was a really comfortable time.
In other news, Sumiaria –– Mia –– has now joined the ranks of Mohsa and Luna, mostly situating herself behind them.

And while I said “joined,” most things are handled by the two as usual and Mia only assists them.
At first, we exchanged greetings –– that’s when she insisted we call her Mia –– and we haven’t talked ever since then. Actually, the last time I switched with Ciel was before Mia arrived, so I haven’t actually talked to her yet.

As the day ended, Ciel, who was falling into a doze, finally succumbed to her drowsiness and entered the world of dreams. After seeing my song lull her to sleep, I noticed that the maids have yet leave the room and gathered that they must have some business with me, so I decided to borrow Ciel’s body.

「Lady Ainsel, pardon me for having to trouble you.」
「I don’t particularly mind. But keep it short, alright?」
「Certainly. Thank you very much.」

After sitting up on the bed in and giving my reply, Mohsa gave a respectful bow. I want Ciel’s body to have as much rest as it can. Though I say that, I suppose I did overexert a bit wild last night.

「Sumiaria has already given her greetings to Lady Cielmer, but Lady Ainsel, she has yet to do so with you. Would you mind meeting Sumiaria face-to-face?」

Mia is just right behind Mohsa, so we’re technically already face-to-face, but I suppose we have to follow the formalities. Currently, we have yet to be officially acquainted and she cannot initiate a conversation on her end. That’s probably the case right now.

「I don’t mind. I practically took her in, after all.」

As I replied, Luna lightly nudged Mia forward. I saw this happen earlier today too. It’s the same situation, so I guess that’s only natural.

「My name is Sumiaria. Please call me Mia. It is my pleasure to meet you, Lady Ainsel. Please feel free to ask whatever you need of me from here on out.」
「It’s not quite our first time meeting from my perspective, though. I know we basically forced you to come here, but have you had any problems adjusting?」
「Not at all, thank you for the consideration.」

Is that really true?
Particularly in Mia’s case, she was in the complete opposite position until recently, I don’t believe she has ever had any experience attending to people. But if she says insists. I suppose she intends to handle the problems she’ll encounter by all herself. It’s still her first day. I should observe for now and inquire again at another time.

Since there was nothing else to talk about, I thought this would be the end of our conversation, but Mia continued staring at me while appearing quite fidgety.

「Is there anything else?」
「Well, umm… Would it be a bother to ask some questions?」

As Mia timidly asked, Mohsa was about to interject but I stopped her.

「I don’t mind at all. After all, it’s her first day. I’m sure Mia has some questions to ask. However, I’m not quite sure how much she already knows about me.」
「If you insist, Lady Ainsel. Sumiaria has heard a little about how you two can change in personality and colors.」

I’ll assume they’ve only informed her of the bare minimum for now.

「So, what would you like to ask?」
「Lady Ainsel, is it… you who operates the barrier?」
「Why do you think so?」
「I’ve been told by Viviana that you are Lady Cielmer’s protector.」

Ah, right, I did say that. I referred to myself as a protector because I strive to defend and protect Ciel, with my barrier being a prime example. It’s not an issue for people to know about that, but it did surprise me a bit. I presumed she might have been able to recognize the difference in magic power between Ciel and me.

「That’s right. I’m responsible for the barrier.」
「How can one create such a beautiful barrier like yours?」

Ah, this person, she’s the same type as Carol. Mia’s eyes are sparkling. That isn’t directly related to my barrier being a result of magic, so I suppose share the secret with her. Honestly, I’m sure most individuals proficient in sorcery are able to infer the answer on their own anyway.

「You simply need to master the circulation and control of magical power.」
「So that really is the only way……」

Just as she seemed to delve deep into her thoughts, Mia suddenly said,「Thank you for your guidance.」 and bowed her head. So that was what she wanted answers about, huh? I expected her question to be about my true nature or something similar, but I suppose this is fine in it’s own way.

And that’s the end of the chapter. Mia being outed as a sorcery nerd (like most decent sorcerers should be, if you ask me). Welcome to the Fii mansion team, Mia!

Not much to say this time, it was funny how Mia had to be formally introduced to Ain twice because Mia *technically* didn’t meet Ain on the first introduction with Ciel. Also, Ciel immediately going back to sleep after they decided to rest for the whole day, highly relatable. The small mentions of them just having fun is nice too.

Now then, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to comment. Stay healthy, stay safe, and have a nice day~!