Atelier Tanaka

Book 5: Chapter 3 (4)

Dark Continent (3rd)

It only took us a half hour of flying from Mount Dorz to reach Dragon City.

As soon as we landed, the noble mage told me he was heading to his room in order to study the magic circle he had copied down. The spatial magic he mentioned appears to be extremely rare. Hell likely be locked away for several days. Maybe Ill go see if I can learn anything about it after hes had some time to analyze it.

The loligon also went off on her own after we arrived. She started getting excited as soon as the city came into view and she immediately went off to patrol the streets. I have to make sure everything is still running smoothly! I am the mayor after all!

As for myself, I was left alone and returned to my room where Ive done nothing but lie in my bed. I didnt have the energy to take a bath so I collapsed into my bed without even changing my clothes. There are plenty of things that I need to do, but I just cant bring myself to do anything.

.

Goggoru-chan is the reason.

Her words still echo in my mind and memories of her fill my thoughts.

The same thought keeps running through my mind.

Its an event not far into my future. The next opportunity I have to use the teleporter at Mount Dorz will be tomorrow. Ill instantly be transported to Goggoru-chans home where Ill find her lifeless body lying alone on her bed of straw.

I was afraid that I would break her mind with my constant mental sexual harassment, but leaving her alone may have been the final straw. If my inaction was what finally made her decide to go through with it, it will haunt my every waking moment for the rest of my life.

Thinking about this made a painful mix of emotions well up inside of me.

It takes a considerable amount of mana to activate the magic circle. Based on what I saw on her status window before, Goggoru-chan wont be able to activate it on her own. Which is why, no matter how desperately she wants it, shell never be able to come here on her own. Shell be left to live alone in her cave for the rest of her life, cursing the day she was born.

.

Maybe Im completely wrong.

I should try to think more positively.

However, I cant stop the pessimistic thoughts invading my mind and I continuously follow these negative trains of thought. Locking myself alone in a dark room isnt going to do anything to help either. Still, I dont think I could be around anyone right now.

And as a result of this self-isolation, my mind was filled with constant thoughts of what the Chocololi may do and how it was all my fault.

.

The only thing I know for certain is that the magic circle is completely inoperable for one full day. That was what the loligon told me. Which means theres nothing I can do for her until it refreshes.

Theres no point worrying about her until theres something I can do.

I should use this chance to get some sleep.

Yeah, that sounds good.

Lets do it.

A good nights rest will help clear my mind.

***

[Sophia-chans point of view]

Tanaka-san is back in the city. He arrived with Lord Fahren and the Dragon-san. I guess they all went to the Dark Continent together. Ive only ever heard vague rumours about the place, but its supposed to be very far away.

Is it possible for someone to travel all the way there and back in the short amount of time that he was away?

It may be possible for Lord Fahren and the Dragon-san, but Tanaka-san was only gone for a few days. No matter how fast he may be able to fly, a few days would hardly be enough time one way. Still, after seeing everything hes capable of over the recent months, I suppose I shouldnt be surprised.

Anyway, Im glad that everyone managed to return safely. I want to thank all of them for allowing me to return to my maid duties. Im so happy. Im finally saved from the mountain of paperwork thats piled on my desk.

It wouldve been nice if they came home earlier.

Im still happy about their return, so Ive prepared my special tea for Tanaka-san.

Tanaka-san, its morning. Ive prepared some tea for you.

This maid has overcome countless difficulties and shame and has grown strong because of it.

From today onward, I go on the offensive.

Its morning and its a maids duty to wake up the master with a cup of tea.

Theres a strange throbbing sensation on the back of my head.

I heard a faint reply after I lightly knocked on his door. He told me to wait a moment and I did so. It didnt take long for the door to open and Tanaka-san to appear.

He had already changed out of his sleepwear and was fully dressed.

Hes the same as always.

Its rare for even his personal maid to see him in his sleepwear.

Ive never once helped him change his clothes. I hate the idea of being asked to but hes never even asked. More than anything this hurts my pride as a woman.

Were around each other a lot, but hes never made any type of advance toward me. Im seriously going to start losing my confidence as a woman if this continues. Of course, if he were to do anything, Id hate every second of it and do whatever I can to stop it as quickly as possible.

Good morning, Sophia-san.

Umm, I brought you some tea.

Oh, thanks for thinking about me.

He moved out of the doorway and motioned for me to enter while holding the door open. Its a weird feeling having your master be so on guard. It creates unnecessary hurdles for me in my attempt to do my job.

The door was closed behind me and Tanaka-san took a seat on the sofa in the centre of the room. I glanced over at his bed and noticed his comforter was already folded and there were no wrinkles in the sheets.

He should know that all of that is part of my duties, and yet, Ive never once had to wash his bedding nor make his bed. It makes me feel like Im in the room of a woman my age.

Im a fully grown woman, yet Tanaka-sans room makes him feel like an older woman that I should take after. As a woman, this is my complete and utter defeat.

.

whats wrong?

O-Oh, its nothing!

I cant look at it for too long or hell notice.

I should focus on my duties as a maid. Ill stand by my masters side and fill his cup when needed. Im confident in my tea making abilities. I was doing it at my parents house before becoming his maid.