A half day's travel to the citadel ruins before we teleport inside the Sky Castle.
Roxy also managed to enter the Sky Castle.
Arumanfi looks in disgust as he explains the conditions for Roxy's entry.
Immediately upon our arrival, Sylvaril and two of Perugius's other familiars surround the magic circle.
Tight security for only one individual, Roxy.
"Rudeus-sama. Perugius-sama was too generous this time to prohibit this Magic race from entering the castle..."
"Yeah, thanks."
"..."
I go through the motions, but Roxy can only silently look down.
Condition Number One.
Roxy must remain silent when inside the castle.
Also, don't touch anything.
And don't come within sight of Perugius.
Only then would she be allowed passage.
Roxy understands this.
"..."
Only that, Roxy looks dreamily towards the breathtaking Sky Castle.
Gawking like a country bumpkin at the castle standing before her and pulling my sleeves.
Even though I just explained how Roxy has been barred from the castle.
I pat her shoulders to stop her.
From under her hat she looks up to me, slightly red-faced.
Really looks like an embarrassed bumpkin.
"Cough."
Sylvaril coughs at our playfulness.
Isn't it fine as long as she doesn't talk?
Though Perugius might be known for his magnanimity. If you show too much prejudice against Roxy, bad rumors might spread about his underlings.
The ones that would spread them would be my dog and cat.
"Well, this way."
Sylvaril leads the way. Flanked by the other familiars, we head underground.
No sightseeing, but, it can't be helped. I'm the one asking for a favor.
Bringing in a Magic race that Perugius abhors.
I don't know why it's such a big deal, but he must really favor Zanoba to permit her passage.
Perugius really wants to keep Zanoba alive.
"... Sylvaril-san."
"What is it?"
"Please give Perugius-sama my thanks again."
"Certainly."
A reply, as matter of course.
Nanahoshi awaits us at the teleport chamber.
She stands behind the already activated magic teleport circle.
Speaking of which, I forgot to mention our trip to her.
Maybe she heard about it from somewhere and came to send us off?
"Zanoba... I heard you're going home, but..."
Nanahoshi might have heard of the situation, but doesn't really know what she should say.
With her arms crossed in front of her, she looks troubled.
Slowly Zanoba approaches her.
"Yes, Nanahoshi-dono. I'm going home first."