We started the camper van.
Began driving along the road.
Princess Charlotte, seated at the table, said:
"To think we truly obtained the manuscripts from Duke Dalnea. As expected of Erine-san."
"Not at all. I simply happened to have knowledge in a field that worked."
I smiled wryly.
Princess Charlotte announced:
"I'll prepare a separate reward for this matter too. Please think about what you'd like."
"Ah... about that."
I had a request regarding the reward for this assignment.
"I'd like an appraisal magical tool—do you have one?"
An appraisal magical tool.
A magical tool containing appraisal magic that analyzes targets.
—In alchemy magic, the most important thing is understanding materials.
Without understanding materials, high-level item synthesis isn't possible.
However, this world overflows with unknown materials.
Some materials have unknown names.
Appraisal magical tools help understand such materials.
As an alchemist, I definitely wanted to obtain one.
However, they're not commonly circulated.
Some say they're called legendary magical tools.
But I thought royalty might possess one, so I asked.
Princess Charlotte answered with a difficult expression:
"The royal family does own one appraisal magical tool."
"Really!?"
"Yes. An appraisal magical tool named Dafaldaum. But since it's designated as a national treasure, transferring it would be difficult. Without Mother's permission."
"I see..."
If it's a national treasure, transfer would indeed be nearly impossible.
Obtaining the queen's permission seemed unlikely too.
"Hmm... an appraisal magical tool seems impossible. I'll think of another reward."
"Yes. Please tell me whenever you decide."
Well, we left Belucil territory and crossed multiple territories over a day.
Grasslands.
Mountains.
Passing forest-surrounded roads, we eventually arrived at our destination—[Dazerett Territory].
The Dral Ruins apparently exist in this territory's southern part.
We drove the camper van at high speed.
Eventually, after an hour.
We reached the Dral Ruins.
In grassland far from human habitation, without maintained roads.
Before a vast forest.
There stood ancient ruins.
We disembarked from the camper van.
I stored the vehicle in the Item Bag.
Not knowing what might happen at the ruins, I put the [Sound Ring] on my right index finger as precaution.
"That's the Dral Ruins."
At the ruins' entrance stood a stone door carved with mysterious patterns.
As we approached, Aristy suddenly spoke:
"Lady."
"Hmm? What is it?"
Aristy was surveying the surroundings with a stern expression.
"No... somehow, this place feels like the magical flow differs from elsewhere."
"Is that so?"
Though I'd received training in reading magical flows, I sensed no particular abnormality.
There must be something detectable only with senses as keen as Aristy's.
She said:
"Yes. Since anything could happen, please stay by my side."
"Understood. I'll count on you when needed."
At my words, Aristy nodded.