Episode 10 — The Sage Who Lost at the Gate

The outside had been noisy since morning.

No—more accurately, someone was shouting at the gate.

“Master of the manor! We are from Felsen!

We have come to apologize for yesterday’s discourtesy and to greet you properly!”

(…Too loud. Why is this happening first thing in the morning.)

I checked the entrance monitor.

The same knight and elf from yesterday were standing at the gate.

(They came back…? Seriously? Fine.)

I sighed and pressed the intercom button.

“…The master of the manor is currently in training.

Leave at once…”

I tried to make my voice as low and sage‑like as possible.

(Perfect. They’ll definitely go home now.)

But—

“Ohh! Master of the manor!

Our voices have reached you!”

(No, I didn’t want them to!!)

The knight shouted even louder.

“Please! We beg you for an audience!

We have come with proper decorum!”

The elf stepped forward as well.

“Master of the manor!

We only wish for your peace and well‑being—!”

(No, my peace is achieved by you being QUIET!!)

I pressed the intercom again.

“…You disturb my training.

Leave at once…”

But the knight refused to back down.

“Precisely because you are training!

We shall keep this brief so as not to hinder you!

Please, even a single glimpse!”

At that moment, a black shadow moved at my feet.

“Meow. (Just give up already.)”

After a single meow, Tama leapt gracefully—

—and landed directly on the gate’s open/close switch.

Beep.

GRRRRRR—!

The gate opened.

“Wh—!? Tama!?”

Outside, the two froze in shock.

“Th‑this… does this mean we are permitted to enter…?”

(No it doesn’t!! She just stepped on it by accident!!)

But my silent scream reached no one.

After a moment of stunned silence—

“O‑oooooooohhh!!”

“The gate…! The gate has opened…!

We have been granted permission…!”

The knight clenched both fists and trembled toward the sky.

The elf placed a hand on her chest, eyes glistening.

“What mercy…!”

“What generosity…!”

(No no no no NO, it’s just a CAT PRANK!!)

They were fully convinced a sacred ritual had just succeeded.

“Sir Bartos…! We have been chosen…!”

“Indeed…! What greater honor could there be…!”

(What am I supposed to do now?

They’re so happy I can’t tell them to go home…)

(I’m the type who reads the room, damn it…)

I had no choice.

I exhaled deeply and opened the front door.

“…Well… come in, I guess.”

Both of them nearly dropped to their knees bowing.

“We are deeply grateful!!”

“Our sincerest thanks…!”

I led them into the living room.

On the sofa, Tama was grooming herself like nothing happened.

(This is your fault…)

Bartos spoke with a stiff, formal expression.

“Master of the manor. Allow me to introduce myself properly.

I am Bartos, Commander of the Felsen Knight Order.”

The elf followed.

“I am Elishua, mage of Felsen.”

I scratched my head.

“Uh… I’m… well… just an ordinary guy.”

They exchanged glances and shook their heads firmly.

“No. An ordinary man could never reside in such a manor!”

Elishua pointed around the room.

“This structure… the mana flow is completely sealed.

Such a thing is impossible in nature.”

Bartos looked around as well.

“The arrangement of the furnishings, the purity of the air…

And that gray robe of yours—without a single visible seam.

None of this is ‘ordinary.’”

(That’s just a gray sweatshirt.

Top and bottom set.

Bought on sale for 3000 yen.)

Elishua leaned forward, serious.

“Who… are you?”

Tama hopped onto my lap, tail swaying.

“Meow. (Just make something up.)”

(This is all your fault…)

I let out a long sigh.

“…Alright.

Let’s talk.”

And so began my “interview” with the two representatives of Felsen.