Shishō, how should we proceed?"
"First we'll start by investigating the right side of the house, looking through all the rooms. I don't think that there are traps, but please be careful where you step because there is a possibility that the floor and ceiling have become rotten."
Zanoba nodded, and Cliff looked back.
"You, you look like the real thing, you know."
"...For the time being, I am also an A-rank adventurer after all."
"Ah, that's right."
Cliff seems to be tense or something.
That reminds me, it seemed like he went off on an adventure with Elinalise and [Stepped Leader] the other day, but I never heard any details.
How did it turn out?
"That reminds me, how did the adventure go the other day?"
"...It was harsh."
"Well, they are all S-ranked..."
It probably wasn't that harsh for every member of [Stepped Leader].
I understand that their partner is a rookie.
They might not have been very considerate of that fact since it was their intention to educate him about this and that.
However, it's another story if Cliff didn't think of it like that.
"What should I do?"
"Please attack with Exorcism magic if you find an enemy."
"I understand... What should I do if that doesn't defeat the spirit?"
"Please withdraw, Zanoba or I will handle it."
When I said that, Cliff made a face that seemed offended.
I follow up.
"Because if Cliff-senpai uses magic, the house may be damaged."
Cliff seems to be convinced when I say that.
I had better let the beginner get a hit in.
You use Exorcism magic if you find an enemy.
That's the first wave of attack.
Then I'll join in if that doesn't work.
"Zanoba. There is a possibility that a demon who uses magic is lurking, so please be careful."
"Leave it to me."
Unexpectedly Zanoba has a warrior's temperament and was not scared at all.
Reassuring.
I enter the door to the right of the lobby.
It was a large room.
The room was around the size of 20 tatami mats.[5]
It was well lit, there was a large fireplace against the wall towards the back of the room.
I wonder if this place is the living room or the dining room?
The fireplace becomes a concern.
"Cliff-senpai, this fireplace, could it be a magic tool?"
"Here, I will know if I try to examine it."
Cliff was just about to go look around the back of the fireplace...
"Stop. There may be an enemy."
We'll stop there, I'll inspect the fireplace.
"Um."
Winters around here are cold, so heating is important.
If the fireplace is a magic tool, then the whole house will become warm.
If it isn't[6], then we'll consider remodeling.
No...! In the cold, Sylphy and I hugging each other naked is what will keep us warm... but a good fireplace is still hard to pass up.
"Get ready, when I start forcing air through the fireplace anything like a demon hiding inside should come flying out."
And to draw its attention, with magic I force a strong wind through the fireplace's chimney.
Nothing happens.
I listen carefully, but there isn't any sign that something is moving.
Some soot fell down from the chimney.
I wonder if I should try maintaining a fire in it at least once while we're here.
If there's a hole or something in the chimney and it starts a fire, that would be unpleasant.
Anyway, I decided to go and take a look through from the bottom.
I could see the sky from the depths of the chimney.
For the time being I light it and try to maintain the fire for a moment.
There is no sign that anything is lurking.
It should be all right.
"Cliff-senpai, thank you for waiting."
"All right."
Cliff investigated the inside of the fireplace and discovered a magic circle immediately.
As expected, since he has been examining a lot of magic tools and curses recently.
"It is usable?"
"I don't understand how the fire works, but it seems to be no problem with magic."
"Is that so, thank you.