"Then, Master, let me show you around my mansion."

"Wait a minute. What do you think you're doing, trying to take him away without permission?"

"Even without an exclusive contract, it's only natural that I guarantee Master's safety and comfortable life. Do you think there's a place in this city safer and more comfortable than my guild master's mansion?"

"Yes, it's right here!"

"Please wait. In that case, I believe my clan house has the best security. Yes, is there anything else?"

"What... Ester, even you?!"

This time, Sylvia and Ester are about to start arguing as they go around Christophe's base. Christophe can only manage a wry smile at the three of them.

"As for me, I've already had a room prepared for me at Sylvia's house, and I've just started a garden in the yard. Honestly, I feel comfortable here right now, so I was hoping you'd let me stay."

When Christophe said that, Sylvia's face lit up. She puffed out her chest ostentatiously and gave Ester and Fana a triumphant smile.

"...That's what he said. Since Christophe-san himself said it, you have no complaints, right?"

Ester and Fana looked frustrated, grumbling gnu-nu-nu, but it seemed they couldn't push back strongly.

Just as Christophe breathed a sigh of relief and the air in the reception room began to soften, Sylvia suddenly murmured.

"But... just like what Fana said earlier. If clans cooperate, we might be able to accomplish great things we couldn't before."

"That's if we can coordinate, of course."

As Christophe was wondering if that was just the way things were...

Fana looked at Sylvia and the others with a look of exasperation.

"You lot are taking things a bit too lightly. Before I came here, I went back to the guild once to look up the address of Sylvia's mansion. Do you know how tense the atmosphere was in the guild at that time?"

"Oh? Why is that?"

Ester was taken aback as she was solemnly told by Fana.

"The 'Wings of Flash' and the 'Silver Hammer Brigade'. The leaders of two of the top clans in the Labyrinth City, if not the entire continent, are somehow joining forces. Of course, that's a good thing in itself... but at the same time, the country was also on guard, wasn't it? It seems they were worried the clans might be planning something."

"That's an exaggeration. What do you mean by that?"

"That must be about a war with a country or something. Even the Royal Knights were on high alert, so the tension must have been considerable."

The person most surprised by those words was Christophe.

"Is it really that serious?"

"No, rest assured, Master. There's no problem if I give the orders. However, I would appreciate it if the clan representatives would refrain from acting on whims. Please, always act with restraint."

"...Isn't that also true for Fana?"

"...Yes, I don't think it's just us."

As the two of them muttered that to each other while looking at each other, Fana glared at them.

"What are you saying? My authority is limited, after all. But, you know, if all of your forces were to get serious, you'd become a force that even the Royal Knights wouldn't be able to contain, right? Be aware of that, be aware."

"Even our clan members don't all just follow my lead. If they start a war with a country, hardly anyone will cooperate."

"That's right, isn't it? It's a bit exaggerated."

When Ester teased, Fana's cheeks twitched.

Listening to their stories, Christophe felt his heart warm a little again.

And so, everyone lived their lives so wonderfully, and he was just happy about that.

As he smiled like that, Fana gave him a sidelong glance.

" Master is Master, and His power is truly amazing, so act with awareness."

"Yes, really."

"That's true."

Similarly, perhaps because they had also recovered, everyone agreed. Christophe didn't think he had as much influence as those S-rank adventurers, but he nodded quietly in that situation.

"Understood. Anyway... please take care of me from now on, everyone."

"...That's right. Again, please take care of me, Christophe-san."

"Yes, please take care of me as well, Christophe-sama."

"Master... Please take care of me."

After greeting each other again in that way, everyone exchanged smiles.

Chapter 26