After you.

Wow, this room is beautiful…!

Reminds me of the rooms my grandmother and her friends used for their noon tea.¹

I have received a message from the master addressed to Domeki-sama. I will now deliver it.

<⁠Thank you for accepting my invitation. You are free to roam around the manor as you wish, and you may use any of the items inside.⁠>

<⁠However, I do have one condition if you would like to accept ownership of the house.⁠>

A condition?

I guess…he won’t just give you…such a big manor…for free.

The master would like for Domeki-sama to grant his “wish.”

His wish? What is it?

You should already know what it is, Domeki-sama.

Should I…? Good grief, I have no clue.

Unfortunately, I cannot elaborate further.

Maybe figuring out his wish is a part of the wish itself.

Hmm, a roundabout way of doing things. And bothersome at that.

…Hm?

Meow.

Ah… A black cat.

Oh, do you live here?

Hello, Noir. I see you have finally shown yourself.

Is Noir the name of this cat?

Yes. He was originally a stray, but he eventually started taking residence in the manor, so the master took him in.

So that’s what your name is. C’mere, Noir.

Mrmp.

Urk, he turned away from me…

He’s totally glued to Kuguri-san’s legs… He must really like you.

I prefer the company of cold-blooded creatures, personally.

Myahh…

That is all I have to say. I shall retire to the foyer, so if there is anything you need, please let me know.

I hope you enjoy your stay here. Excuse me.

Hmm, what could the owner’s wish be…? Kinari-kun, do you have a moment?

Yes, Master.

The head of this house is Sakai Alfred, right? Could you do a quick search on him?

Understood. Now searching for “Sakai Alfred.”

……

……?

What’s up?

I am not able to connect to the external network. There seems to be a sort of jamming or interference in the way.

What?! W-Why…?

Um, are you gonna be okay? Like, will you be able to operate properly…?

Yes. I am simply unable to connect to the external network, but there are no issues with my general functions. However, if my battery is depleted, I will forcibly enter sleep mode.

Oh, okay… I guess the only thing we can do is search for info around the mansion then. Let’s start with this room.

There’s a lot of…food and…drinks…on that big table.

Oh! They got water! I’ve been feeling kinda thirsty. Can I take it…?

They said we’re allowed to use anything we want, so I assume it’s fine.

Alright. I’ll drink some then!

…Phew, that hits the spot… Maybe I’ll get another glass…

(If he drinks that much water…)

…Hm? What’s this supposed to be?

…I believe it is a salad made with boiled egg, mozzarella cheese, steamed chicken, and mushroom.

All of the food here has no color.

…! There’s that…laugh again…!

Yeah. I heard it too⁠—

Wah, what?!

(There’s a gust blowing in…!)

! Master, please be careful. The glassware and cutlery are floating in the air.

Uwaaaahhh?!

…?! Is there…

A polter…geist…?!

…What a fuss.

I believe this is an effect of the gust that blew in from the window. Master, please stand back.

Oh… Thanks, Kinari-kun!

Kisuke, get behind me too! Don’t worry, I’ll protect you…!

O-Okay…!

The house certainly has a lively way of welcoming us. Alright, where’s that wine that was promised in the letter?

Wha⁠— Kuguri-san?! You shouldn’t be moving around right now…! You’ll get hurt!

I can handle this much, cica.

…Hm? It’s certainly a rare one, but it’s just a white wine. Don’t they have any red wine here?

(Th-There’s stuff flying around everywhere, but none of it’s hitting Kuguri-san, and he doesn’t seem to care at all…!)

I-I’m kind of impressed…

N-Nishizono-san…! There’s another…candlestick coming towards us…!

WHUH?! S-Stay back!

Master, I recommend we relocate.

(I need to stop being distracted by Kuguri-san…!)

Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get outta here, everyone!