The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 29.3

“I wanted to see the shape of this continent. The library in the commoners’ district doesn’t have maps that show that.”

“And, what did you find out?”

“Hmm, it’s hard to say. But I did find a place I want to investigate.”

“Is it where your country used to be?”

The captain is sharp.

“Well, yes. There’s supposedly nothing there now, but I thought I’d see it for myself.”

“I see… Are you planning to leave this country?”

Did the captain notice something?

“I might have to soon. My magic abilities were discovered by a noble, or rather, I had to reveal them.”

“To that noble?”

“Yes. When I asked to see a map, they suspected I was a spy from another country. Rose is a knight, and her brother is also a knight. I told them enough to prevent trouble for their family. For now, I’ve asked them not to report my abilities until next March. If higher-ups inquire before then, they’re allowed to report it.”

“What did you tell them?”

“I said I was a magician serving a country abroad. I told them I was teleported here after making a mistake, and that the impact caused memory loss. I explained that I wanted to see the map to know if this continent was near my country.”

“So you didn’t lie?”

“Some people have the ability to detect lies, so I didn’t. It’s true that I was teleported to the future by petrification. It’s not a lie.”

“I see… But if you said that much, it’s only a matter of time before everything comes out.”

“Probably. That’s why I’m preparing to leave this country. I plan to train Iris so she can get invited to a strong party by spring. My concern is the orphans who are attached to me.”

“Those three kids?”

“Yes. They want to become hunters. Can you look after them, Captain?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Hire them until they come of age and train them in the meantime. I’ll modify my house as a hideout for them.”

“Modify?”

“Yes. If I don’t make it look like they’re secretly living under the floor, others from the slums will try to take the good spot.”

“True. There are many who think only of themselves and push kids aside. But isn’t that place rented?”

“The current owner of the shop is an old lady. I’ll prepay the rent until the kids can fend for themselves, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Alright, I’ll take care of them here.”

“Thank you.”

“Mergin.”

The captain looked serious.

“Come back once in a while.”

“You’re jumping the gun. It’s not decided that I’m leaving yet.”

“Right, true. If you leave, washing dishes will be tough.”

Laughing at that, Mergin tidied up the shop, did the piled-up dishes, and then carried Iris on his back to head home.