The two of them were heading toward Darius's workshop. They were walking along a forest path. Along the way, Aldo suddenly voiced a question.

"By the way, Director Luna, why does Darius-dono have his workshop in a place like this?"

"...It's because he couldn't freely pursue the blacksmithing he wanted to do. Not inside the barrier, anyway."

Luna replied calmly. Guild rules, old customs, rejection of new technology.

Hearing those stories that Darius hated, Aldo nodded deeply.

"I see... That's something the Magic Academy also has in common. In our world, too, there are many old rules, laws, and factional entanglements."

"Yes, of course. I also understand that not all of those things are bad. They are necessary to maintain order and to properly pass on technology. I also understand that some things cannot flourish if everything is completely lawless."

"Me too… However, in the end, people who truly grow will forge their own path in any environment."

Aldo was speaking as if it came from his own experience.

Luna was there, reminiscing a little about Aldo's past.

"You were like that too, weren't you? You came from a commoner background, taught yourself magic, and eventually rose to become the highest-ranking magician, right?"

"...Yes, well, you're quite knowledgeable."

"I also referred to various examples to see how I could advance in my career."

"That's... impressive, Director Luna, that you can actually follow through on your words… In my case, I think there was also an element of luck involved, though."

"Me too. However, looking back now, perhaps the world of magic is still freer compared to guilds like the blacksmiths' guild."

"That's true. Perhaps it's related to the fact that magic is less about the inheritance of technique and more about the significant influence of individual talent. Also, the existence of adventurers is a big factor."

"That's true. If all magic were banned, our combat strength would decrease significantly… Thinking about it that way, Darius-dono―"

Magic can sometimes be directly linked to life. If they restrict it too much, the defenses inside the barrier become vulnerable. That delicate balance is what maintains the current level of freedom.

Luna jokingly finishes the sentence Aldo started to say, but then swallows.

"However, I didn't think Darius-dono was reckless or foolish enough to suddenly leave the barrier just because he didn't have freedom, did I?"

"..."

Aldo looked like he had been hit right on the mark as he choked on his words.

That was the best answer of all.

"Hehe, I think so too."

"U-um, well..."

Aldo was alarmed as he opened his mouth as if to explain.

"...I apologize for speaking so rudely, but... I am well aware that he is a wonderful person who raised the three sisters… However, setting up a workshop alone in such a dangerous area... well, it's a bit... eccentric, shall I say..."

Sensing what Aldo wanted to say, Luna chuckled again.

"Yes, he might be a bit of an airhead. He only thinks about blacksmithing. He's not very good at cooking, he's forgetful, and he sometimes acts without thinking things through―"

One after another, Luna listed the shortcomings of her adoptive parents.

However, unlike those words, her heart was calm when she spoke of him.

"...But because he was such a fool, he wasn't bound by common sense or village rules. That's why he saved us, who were abandoned in the forest and should have been worthless, without considering any gain or loss. Thanks to him, our lives were saved... and here we are now."

"...That's right. I apologize. I certainly didn't mean to insult your father..."

"I know you didn't mean it that way. So don't worry about it."

When Luna said that, Aldo nodded silently.

After that, the two of them continued deeper into the forest, accurately dealing with the monsters that appeared along the way.

Eventually, the trees of the forest opened up, and a small, flat area came into view, with a single stone workshop standing alone.

"...We've arrived. That's Darius-san's workshop."

"Oh...! ...I never thought there would be such a facility outside the barrier... But it's strange. There's absolutely no sign of monsters around here."

Aldo is staring intently at the workshop and its surroundings, as if he can't believe what he's seeing.

"Yes. The magic that Darius unconsciously emits naturally forms a barrier."

"What...?!"

"Monsters are simple-minded, but because they act on instinct... they can understand the difference in strength properly."

Aldo was speechless again, but Luna was already peeking into the workshop.

Of course, the fire in the hearth, but also the magical power from the surroundings, as it could no longer be felt.

Anyway, there was no sign of anyone around.

Chapter 25