I have forgotten, since this area doesn't share much prejudice against the Magic Race, but hatred towards them still runs deep.
Perugius may be a person of legends, but he's also a witness to war.
Perhaps like Ruijerd, he has memories that can't be erased of those battles.
But only Roxy is left out, I feel bad for her.
"No, it's fine. In that case, I'll stay home. Since I was a little scared of meeting Perugius... -sama as well. I still have school work to do, so just as well."
Her shoulders drooped, a flat refusal.
But looking carefully, I see some lingering regrets.
She turns to me with a forced smile.
"Rudi, I'll take care of the house."
"Okay. I'll make sure to bring some gifts back..."
"Don't worry about that, just a kiss is fine."
That, I do immediately.
A whole ten seconds, Roxy's heart races, my ATOMIC BAZOOKA engaged, its nuclear warhead loaded, fire! [1]
"Thanks."
"No, the pleasure is mine."
Still a little upset, but with her face red, Roxy backs away with a slight smile.
I will shower her with affection when I get back.
"Done, are you?"
Arumanfi approaches us as Roxy and I say our goodbyes.
He hands me something like a baton.
I turn around to look, seems everyone else is holding a similar one.
"Hold this."
I take it and follow his instructions.
A golden baton around 20 CM in length, some intricate patterns engraved on its surface.
Magic crystals nested on top and bottom.
Another magic item?
"Now what?"
"Just hold still. Perugius-sama will use teleportation magic to bring you to the Sky Castle."
Ah, teleportation magic, so this is a magic item for that.
So this exists as well.
How convenient.
Eh? I thought humans cannot be summoned..?
No, this is teleportation.
What's the difference?
Use this baton to teleport over to the Sky Castle, is that how it works?
"Ah, what about the return trip?"
"The way back, something similar."
Arumanfi replies as a matter of fact.
In that case, then it can be done.
If I have to walk home, by then Lucy would have grown up already.
I feel reassured with that said.
"Everyone got it? Hold on tight."
Nanahoshi nods after checking up on everyone and confirms with Arumanfi.
"Just a moment."
Arumanfi nods and disappears in the light.
Reporting back to Perugius that the preparations are ready, I suppose.
"... This is kind of exciting."
"Indeed."