So it's just a normal apartment

We managed to slip into Academy City without a hitch.

Inside, the place was packed with buildings that could've passed for office complexes.

All of them shared the same sandy-brown hue, many draped in climbing ivy.

Apparently, researchers who'd mastered earth magic had been churning them out left and right as architectural mages.

The massive outer wall encircling the city was also earth magic construction, and they expanded it every few years.

That's when whoever's in charge gets to show off their skills.

"Come to think of it, did Aishia end up entering illegally…?"

"Slaves are technically classified as belongings, so it should be fine. I mentioned her at the gate too, so there shouldn't be any problems."

"Ah, gotcha. Thanks."

Actually, I feel like they called me a new student or something back there. I mean, I am wearing a school uniform right now.

… Hmm, school life. What was mine like in my previous life again? Can't remember.

But!

Right now, I have a very cute junior—namely, Dea-kun—right here with me!

A school life with Dea-kun would be, to put it modestly, absolutely the best.

"No, I'm the senpai here, you know?"

"…! Now that you mention it, you're right…!?"

In other words, a loli senpai. This is incredible…!

"So, um, can't I wear the boys' uniform?"

"I already said no. This is an oracle. You never know when the goddess might be watching, you know?"

"Uuu…"

Dea-kun hung his head, cheeks flushed.

We had that exchange from the driver's seat while heading toward the Adventurers' Guild. That's when something occurred to me.

Come to think of it, are there student dormitories? Or wait, what about Dea-kun's place?

"Hey, Dea-kun. Where should we park the carriage after the Adventurers' Guild? Do you have a place here?"

"Ah… Yes, I do. Yeah. A townhouse."

"Then let's head there."

"… … … … … … … … Yes."

I sensed some internal struggle going on there, but that's what we settled on.

After dropping off the delivery request at the Adventurers' Guild, we made our way to Dea-kun's place.

Visiting Dea-kun's home. My heart's racing.

"So where's your place, Dea-kun?"

"It's coming into view. That apartment over there."

"So it's just a normal apartment."

Across the street from a park, a sandy-brown, four-story building that could've doubled as an office complex came into view.

Another structure built by an earth mage, from the looks of it. No elevator or anything fancy.

"I live on the second floor. Shall we go up? Fair warning—it's kind of like a storage room. Messy."

"Don't worry about it. As long as we can set down a door, we can use the usual base."

"Your mobile base really is convenient, Onee-san."

With that, we left the carriage in the parking lot and climbed to the second floor with Dea-kun in the lead.

Key in hand, Dea-kun unlocked the door with a click and inside was… yep. This is a storage room.

Sure, there was furniture, but it had been crammed in there haphazardly. Every piece was shrouded in a dust cover.

"It's a storage room."

"It's a storage room."

"It's a storage room!"

Even Arthur's saying it, Dea-kun.

"I said it was like a storage room, didn't I? Um, see, I usually slept over there."

Dea-kun pointed at a sofa—also draped in a dust cover.

"What about meals and the bathroom?"

"Basically eating out or takeout. Toilet's over there, shower's that way."

"Dea-sama. This is a storage room. Don't tell me you were actually living in a storage room? Is this camouflage because you didn't want to invite us to your real home?"

"It's cozy, like a secret base."

Mmm, I kinda get that! Dea-kun really is such a boy about these things!

"Rena. The fact that the key was just casually on his person means there's a high probability this is the truth."

"I see. An excellent deduction, Karina-sama. However, that key—you retrieved it at the gate, did you not?"

"I left it there because I was going to be away for a long time. And I put on the covers to keep out dust, okay?"

"Tch. A watertight argument. —sniff sniff. Yes, the sofa does carry Dea-sama's scent. I shall acknowledge that this storage room is indeed Dea-sama's dwelling. Quite faint, though."

"It's been over a year since I left here."

She's judging by smell. Well, if she's satisfied, that's fine.

Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps came thundering up the stairs.

"Deasalt-samaaa!!"

"Geh."

At the male elf's voice, Dea-kun's expression curdled.

"Deasalt-sama! Have you returned!… Hm? Beautiful girls? Ah, I see you have the key to this place. So this is Deasalt-sama's harem, is it? My, my, Deasalt-sama is quite the player! Welcome, ladies. What business brings you to this storage room?"

"…"

"Oh, how rude of me. I am Deasalt-sama's number one subordinate! Bergamot Lotus, at your service!"

"… Ber. Thank you for your service. Now please return to your post."

Dea-kun said that with a strained smile. Oh, so he's someone Dea-kun knows.

Deasalt…? Is that his real name? First time I've heard it… or have I heard it before?

"Ha ha ha, what a lovely young lady. My post is to stand guard over this storage room. In other words, my job is to watch over and protect you ladies, and help carry luggage! Please don't hesitate to ask for anything. Oh, shall I move that sofa? That's Deasalt-sama's favorite!"

"Ber. Say nothing and return to your post. And pretend you didn't see anything."

"… Deasalt-sama!? That manner of speaking—could you possibly be Deasalt-sama!?"

"I'll only say this one more time. Say nothing and return to your post. You saw nothing. Understood?"

"… It seems there are deep circumstances at play… Understood! I, for one, did not see Deasalt-sama giggling and chatting with a group of women! Now if you'll excuse me!"

With that, the male elf snapped a salute and left.

"What was that about?"

"Please don't worry about it. He's like Misha."

"I see?"

I decided not to worry about it.