>>5307209“As usual, exceptional work.” Vanir says, taking the cases in one hand and setting them all down on a table before handing over two pouches, as per your arrangement. In one is the payment in gold coins, this world's currency. And in the other are Manatite: ores which contain magical power and can be used in place of one's own energy supply. You'd found great utility in using the stones, allowing you to practice spells for far longer in a day than you could with only your own magic. “Your payment.”
“Thanks. Let me know when you need another batch.” you tell him, walking towards the door leading out to the front of the shop. “I'll be able to make them within a day of your next order.”
Leaving the shop, you turn to Megumin, who only blushes a bit and shakes her head. Guess she doesn't want carried to the manor after all. So the two of you walk down the streets, hand in hand until coming to the main gate of that man Ignis's home. You see two guards, armed and armored similarly to the two who were with him before, and the one seemingly recognizes you. But then as he calls out, you see he recognizes your wife instead.
“Absolutely not. You're not letting off a blast here, 'Crazy Explosion Girl'!” he declares, lowering his halberd at your wife. So you let go of her hand, walk up to the guard, and grab his weapon by the bladed tip. Then, without breaking eye contact with the man, you start bending the weapon's point back towards him. You can see the panic on his face as you don't say anything, just bending his halberd's point until it's pointed back at him before letting go of the weapon. Then, as he pulls it back, you finally speak.
“We're here to have an audience with the Princess, and Lord Ignis.” you declare, still glaring at him unblinkingly. “Now open the door. Or will your lord have to replace you?”
“R-R-Right away s-sir!” he stammers, tripping over his words as he turns back to the gate. His partner chuckles, and you recognize him as one of the ones who were with Ignis when he'd arrived at the Crimson Demon Village. Seems he hadn't told his partner on purpose, just to see what happened. As the gate opens, you see the attendants who were with the local lord are already waiting on you all, each one bowing shallowly to you both.
“Master Ignis is already with Princess Iris. This way, if you would.” one says, the woman only a few years older than you says, leading the way into the manor proper. And to your surprise, it's not what you were expecting. The interior seems rather utilitarian, not many flashy paintings or expensive decorations, in fact everything you pass seems to have been placed there for a purpose, or at least are small things out of the way. Seems this Ignis fellow doesn't like to spend his money on frivolities, which makes you like him even more.
