Partnership

The tavern Olivia led him to was different from the Starlight Sanctum. This one felt more like a working establishment, with sturdy wooden tables and a clientele that looked like actual adventurers rather than socialites. The atmosphere was warmer, more lived in.

"So," Olivia said, settling into her chair with her usual confident smile, "now that we've established I can't beat you in a fight, perhaps we can discuss more civilized forms of collaboration."

Itsuki took a sip of his drink. The ale had a rich, complex flavor that tasted genuinely crafted rather than magically enhanced. "You mentioned consultation. What exactly are you researching?"

"The nature of this world, primarily." Olivia leaned forward, her expression growing more serious. "I've been documenting the differences between what people think they know about the realm and what actually exists. The discrepancies are fascinating."

She gestured broadly. "Take the Continental Drift Events, for instance. Most scholars treat them as natural phenomena, but the patterns suggest something far more deliberate. The timing, the locations, the way certain areas remain stable while others shift constantly."

She's talking about world generation, Itsuki realized. The way the game world expanded and changed over time.

"And then there are the people," Olivia continued. "Individuals appearing with knowledge that doesn't match their supposed backgrounds. Warriors who fight using techniques that exist nowhere in recorded history, yet demonstrate mastery that would take lifetimes to achieve."

"Like me," Itsuki said.

"Exactly like you." Her smile returned. "Which brings me to my proposal. I need a competent partner for my research. Someone who can handle the more dangerous aspects of exploration."

She tapped the table with one finger. "I'm searching for someone specific. A person who might have answers about these anomalies."

A party invitation, Itsuki thought. In the old game, most content could be handled solo. Even raids could be completed alone with enough preparation and skill. I'd done it once just because finding a reliable party was more trouble than it was worth.

But looking at Olivia, considering what he'd learned about this expanded world, he realized that approach might not work here.

"The rules have changed," he said, more to himself than to her.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing. Just thinking out loud." Itsuki studied her eager expression. "What exactly are you searching for?"

"Evidence," Olivia said simply. "Proof that this world is more than what it appears to be. I have theories, but I need concrete findings to support them."

She leaned back in her chair. "Plus, I'll admit, traveling alone has its limitations. Having a legendary fighter as a partner would make the more dangerous aspects considerably safer."

She needs a tank, Itsuki thought with amusement. Someone to handle the threats while she focuses on research.

"And what would I get out of this arrangement?"

"Knowledge," Olivia replied immediately. "I know this world in ways that most people don't. Geography, politics, hidden locations, historical connections that aren't in any public records. You're clearly someone who values understanding systems and underlying mechanics."

She wasn't wrong. The more he learned about this expanded reality, the more questions he had.

"Alright," Itsuki said. "I'll partner with you."

Olivia's face lit up with genuine excitement. "Really? Excellent! I have so many locations we need to investigate, and several leads that require immediate follow up, and oh, this is going to be wonderful!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious. Despite himself, Itsuki found he was looking forward to exploring this world more thoroughly.

◇◇◇

They spent another hour discussing potential destinations and research priorities before Itsuki suggested they return to his mansion to plan properly. Olivia eagerly agreed, clearly excited about seeing his base of operations.

The flight back to the cloud layer where he'd stored the mansion was pleasant, with Olivia keeping pace easily on her broomstick. She chattered about various theories and observations, her scholarly excitement evident.

"Why are we flying so high?" Olivia asked as they rose above the normal flight paths. "Most travelers stay in the lower altitudes."

"Privacy," Itsuki replied, pulling out the Manor Token. "I prefer to avoid curious observers."

He activated the token, and reality shimmered around them as the massive floating mansion materialized from the item. The structure appeared section by section, elegant spires and crystalline bridges forming out of thin air until the complete manor floated majestically among the clouds.

Olivia let out a low whistle of appreciation, nearly falling off her broomstick in surprise.

"A pocket dimension mansion?" she breathed, staring at the elegant architecture. "Those are incredibly rare! And you just... materialized it from a token?"

"Something like that," Itsuki replied, leading her toward the main entrance.

The doors burst open before they reached them.

"Master! You're back!" Maria appeared in her usual flurry of energy, then stopped short when she saw Olivia floating beside him.

"Pardon the intrusion," Olivia said politely, bowing slightly as she dismounted from her broomstick.

Maria's expression went through several rapid changes. Surprise, curiosity, realization, and then something that looked suspiciously like panic.

"Master brought home a woman!" she exclaimed, loud enough for half the sky to hear.

"Maria," Itsuki said, feeling his face warm. "This is Olivia. She's a research partner."

"Research partner," Maria repeated, her eyes narrowing as she studied Olivia with the intensity of a scholar examining a particularly interesting specimen. "I see. And will this 'research partner' be staying the night?"

"If that's acceptable," Olivia said smoothly, apparently unfazed by Maria's scrutiny. "I have several documents and maps that would be useful to review."

Maria's expression shifted to something between resignation and determination. "Of course. Maria will prepare the guest room. The one at the far end of the mansion. The very far end. With several locked doors in between."

"Maria," Itsuki started.

"And Maria will need to interview this woman to ensure she's suitable company for Master!" Maria continued, warming to her theme. "There will be questions! Many questions! About her intentions and her character and whether she appreciates fine cooking!"

Olivia looked amused. "I'd be happy to answer any questions you have."

"Good!" Maria declared. "But first, Master must eat dinner! Maria has been preparing something special, and it will not be ruined by... research!"

She spun on her heel and marched back into the mansion, muttering something about "young masters" and "inappropriate timing" and "what will the neighbors think (as if we had any)."

Olivia turned to Itsuki with barely suppressed laughter. "Your maid is quite protective."

"She takes her job seriously," Itsuki said, still feeling embarrassed by the entire exchange.

"It's sweet," Olivia said. "She clearly cares about you. Though I suspect I'm in for quite the interrogation over dinner."

As if summoned by her words, Maria's voice echoed from somewhere inside the mansion: "And there will be proper table settings! With the good silverware! This is not some tavern!"

Itsuki sighed. "Welcome to my life."

"I think I'm going to like it here," Olivia said, grinning as they headed inside.