I wonder if the reason Nanahoshi ultimately refused Perugius's invitation to stay at the Sky Fortress was because of me. Perhaps I'm being a bit narcissistic.
After being away from Sharia for a year and a half, we have finally returned.
Nanahoshi didn't communicate much with me and went straight back to her research lab on campus.
I, on the other hand, returned to my home in Sharia.
Since it was noon, I found only Hilda at home when I arrived.
After dropping off my luggage, I headed to Ranoa Magic University; after all, there were important matters to attend to now that I'd rushed back.
I searched the campus for a long time and finally found Rudeus in Zanoba's research lab. Zanoba had already begun his doll research work because of the dolls from Rudy's old house.
In their lab, besides Zanoba and Rudy, there was a petite figure. This must be Zanoba's child bride, Juliet, right?
Ignoring the little girl from the mine clan, I walked straight toward Rudeus.
He was also very excited upon seeing me.
The previous letter said it would take about seven months to rush back, but thanks to the proximity of the teleportation circles provided by Orsted, we actually returned to Sharia in less than three months.
"Brother Dorin, I really didn't expect you to return so quickly. I've truly troubled you this time."
"It's fine, these are all small matters. How is it going? Are you all ready?"
"Yes, I found a book called 'transfer maze exploration records'. I heard this book is a walkthrough written by an Adventurer who explored the Teleportation Labyrinth. We can pass through the first few layers of the labyrinth very easily using this book. It'll be quite simple."
I'm not surprised Rudy could see the book 'transfer maze exploration records'. But how does he know this book is a walkthrough for the labyrinth? Could the Human God have told him?
Suspicious. I should still be careful this time.
"Alright, having a walkthrough is certainly a good thing, but the most important thing to keep in mind when exploring a labyrinth is not to be careless. The author of this walkthrough didn't finish exploring the entire labyrinth, so there are definitely other dangers."
"Still, a walkthrough is better than nothing, so let's not waste any time. After all, we don't know your mother's current state; every day we wait is a bit more dangerous."
"Go contact Roxy and Elinalise; we set off tomorrow."
"Eh? Is Brother Dorin in such a hurry? You just got back from outside; won't you rest at home for a few days before leaving? There's really no need to be this rushed on my account."
"Don't say so much. The sooner we go, the sooner we can return. Additionally, due to special reasons, I am currently unable to use magic, so all the magical support work on the road is left to you. I'll be responsible for close combat."
"Okay?"
Rudy was clearly a bit confused as to why I couldn't use magic and was likely questioning my close combat level. Humph! I'll give him a big surprise.
Because of me, Rudy's departure is already three months later than in the historical timeline.
Although Roxy isn't in Paul's party, it's not impossible for someone else to step on a teleportation circle in the labyrinth just like Roxy did.
I hope Paul's party is unable to descend to the deeper parts of the labyrinth due to poor composition!
After agreeing on tomorrow's meeting place and time with Rudy...
I hurried to go see the people who missed me.
Inside the Student Council at Ranoa Magic University.
Ariel, Sylphiette, Luke, and several other attendants were processing documents.
"Sylphiette, haven't Rudeus and the others set off for the Bekalite Continent yet?"
"Yes, Princess Ariel, Lord Dorin has not yet returned to the school."
"Who asked you if Dorin was back? I'm just concerned about whether your little boyfriend has set off."
At this moment, Luke suddenly chimed in:
"Sylphiette, you need to be careful of Dorin. Everyone in his family is a pervert, especially fond of flat-chested women. Some members of the Prodia Family won't even let children off. You must be careful."
"Sigh! Luke, don't say that. I think Lord Dorin's aesthetic is quite normal? I see that the maid in his house, Doris, is developing quite impressively! Lord Dorin likes her very much too!"
"That's just his disguise. Look at that long-eared elf Elinalise who often attacks boys at school; I heard the two of them frequently haunt the small woods. That is his true nature."
"Lord Ariel should also be careful; if he can't find any more flat-chested ladies, he might even make a move on a well-proportioned woman like you."
Ariel was so embarrassed by what was said; to this day, she's been too ashamed to tell this group of subordinates that she has already been taken by Dorin.
Just as Ariel was secretly grieving over the fact that she had recently eaten a bit too much and grown larger...
With a "bang," the window was blown open by an air wave, and a burst of sword qi struck Luke directly in the chest. It sent him flying into the bookshelf. The books on the shelf fell one by one, burying Luke in a pile of books, his life or death unknown.
"Enemy attack! There's an assassin!"
"Protect Lord Ariel!"
"Marslan, go quickly and help Luke by casting Healing Magic."
"Karam, Dominic, step forward to meet the enemy! The rest of you, follow me to protect Lord Ariel and evacuate!"
Just as the guards around Ariel were in a chaotic mess, a red-haired male wearing Water God Style standard armor, holding a precious sword, and wearing a wicked smile on his face flew in through the window that had just been shattered by the Wind Blade.
"Luke, are you getting too big for your boots? Badmouthing me while I'm away—did you never think there would come a day when I'd catch you?"
"Your Notos Family has the nerve to judge us Prodia? Do you dare say you never lusted after your childhood wet nurse? The number of women you've toyed with in school couldn't be counted even if you used your hands and feet combined!"
"I heard from my maid that you even tried to flirt with her. Believe it or not, I'll cut off your tool of the crime right now and send you to the Euros Family as a boy toy!"
"If you're a man, let's go downstairs for a duel! Do you actually dare to come?"
After seeing my face, Ariel's guards all breathed a sigh of relief.
Luke also emerged from the pile of books. I hadn't struck a killing blow; his clothes were shredded from his left shoulder to his right leg. His skin had already turned deep red.
Ariel's subordinates cast a Healing Spell on him. He took a cloak to cover himself and looked at me with venomous eyes. I returned a mocking laugh as if looking at an insect.
Seeing the atmosphere on the scene so tense, Ariel wanted to come forward to ease the situation.
After all, to her, Luke was also her Guardian Knight.
Seeing Ariel preparing to speak, I didn't give her the chance. I used magic to pull her over directly. In front of all Ariel's attendants, I forcibly kissed her.
My two hands embraced Ariel's body.
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