"You've all come from afar. After such a long journey, you must be tired. Why not find a place to rest first? After that, we can begin our discussion."
Anastasia glanced at Emilia, then at Shendu and the others behind her, speaking with a faint, knowing smile.
The moment they met, Anastasia positioned herself as the host. Instead of discussing business right away, she suggested they rest first. It appeared polite, but in truth, she had already begun taking control of the situation.
As expected of the president of the Hoshin Company—she was truly skilled.
"Thank you very much for coming out personally to receive us."
Seeing the purple-haired girl next door acting so courteous, Emilia visibly relaxed.
"Heh."
In response to Anastasia's tactics, Shendu merely gave a cold laugh. She showed no interest whatsoever in the architectural style before her. The same went for Akane at her side, who looked equally indifferent.
Only Garfiel, Natsuki Subaru, and the recently arrived Rem stared around them in astonishment, clearly captivated by the unfamiliar architectural style.
"As expected of my strongest rival."
Seeing how calm and composed Shendu and Akane remained, Anastasia showed no trace of disdain. Instead, there was a hint of admiration in her eyes.
"Since the last time we met during the subjugation of the White Whale, I haven't seen Miss Shendu again. It's been several months now. How is Roswaal's territory faring?"
Anastasia greeted them politely, her tone revealing nothing unusual.
"Quite well. The population of the territory has grown somewhat."
Shendu answered casually, her gaze fixed on the purple-haired girl as she replied calmly.
"That's wonderful to hear. After meeting Miss Shendu last time, Julius expressed that he wished to see you again. Ever since you became the Silver-Haired Hero, he's admired you greatly."
Anastasia clasped her hands together as she continued the conversation lightly.
"Tch. Admiration or not, forget it. We appreciate your hospitality this time. But we have no intention of getting along with our enemies."
While Anastasia spoke in a seemingly friendly tone, Garfiel did not bother to hide his hostility. His voice was cold and direct.
"Very well. Thank you for conveying your stance. I shall calmly accept it."
Seeing Garfiel's expression, Anastasia's smile only deepened.
Shendu was quite satisfied with Garfiel's attitude. At least he always remembered which side they stood on.
When Emilia sensed the tension and was about to speak, Akane shot her a cold glance. Emilia immediately fell silent.
At that moment, Emilia suddenly realized that speaking up might have been inappropriate. Because of her overly kind nature, she sometimes truly failed to grasp the situation.
"Ah! Sister Shendu is here! Miss, why didn't you tell Mimi?"
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, the wooden gate at the entrance was shoved open with force.
A small, adorable figure dressed in a white mage robe hurried over and leapt straight into Shendu's arms.
"Sister Shendu, the journey must have been exhausting, right? Mimi will take you to your rooms first. There are lots of fun things here! Later, let's go on an adventure together!"
Mimi tugged at Shendu's sleeve, her watery eyes sparkling as she spoke eagerly.
"Alright. Everyone, let's find a place to rest first."
Shendu looked at the group and spoke evenly.
With Shendu's decision made, no one objected. Under the guidance of the attendants, they were led to rooms within the inn.
The floors were entirely covered with tatami mats, and the bedding was stored inside cabinets. At night, they simply needed to spread the futons across the floor to sleep.
Faced with this Japanese-style architecture of another world, the girls around Shendu examined their surroundings curiously. Removing their shoes before stepping onto the tatami felt slightly unfamiliar.
After resting briefly, everyone quickly recovered their energy.
"This is truly fascinating. Are we going to live here for some time?"
Emilia asked eagerly, her face full of anticipation.
"Yes."
Shendu nodded with a faint smile.
As she observed the architectural style around her, Shendu had already formed a rough conclusion. Aside from herself and Natsuki Subaru—both transmigrators—there might have been others who had crossed over several hundred years ago.
Otherwise, how could there have been Japanese snacks even when she first arrived in the Kingdom of Lugunica? It was honestly a bit outrageous.
"Hehe, judging by your expressions, it seems you're quite satisfied with this Japanese-style inn."
Just as Emilia displayed her fondness for the building's style, the wooden sliding door was pulled open, and the purple-haired girl next door appeared before them.
Not only that, but a purple-haired knight stood beside Anastasia. With his elegant and dignified bearing and handsome appearance, most people would have screamed in excitement at the sight.
Yet Shendu's group remained perfectly calm.
"My apologies. I heard that Lady Emilia and Lady Shendu had arrived, yet I did not come to greet you personally. I have failed in my duties as a host."
Julius stepped forward and bowed politely.
"It's been a while, Julius. You seem to be in just as good spirits as before."
Emilia returned the greeting with a polite and graceful smile.
"There's no need to apologize. Shall we have a duel instead?"
Shendu joked lightly upon hearing Julius speak.
"I would rather not. I cannot even defeat your maid. Besides, Lady Shendu is so beautiful and moving—your beauty and strength are among the Kingdom's most precious treasures."
Julius' words were impeccable, tinged with a hint of flattery, practically praising Shendu to the heavens.
"Heh, Julius, since when did you learn to flatter people?"
Shendu said with a faint sigh.
"No, I am merely speaking the truth."
Julius remained respectful, as though he truly meant every word.
After the brief exchange, Julius' gaze shifted toward Beatrice, seemingly drawn to her involuntarily.
"What are you staring at? It's very rude to gawk at a lady."
Noticing his gaze, Beatrice shot him an annoyed look and hooked one arm around Shendu's, her expression full of disdain.
"My apologies. I simply did not expect to encounter such a high-ranking spirit. It is quite astonishing."
Julius said awkwardly. His Divine Protection naturally attracted spirits. The six quasi-spirits he had contracted were formed precisely because of that blessing.
"Tch. That's because I'm the most special one. I will always remain by Big Sister's side."
At his words, Betty shook her head and responded coldly, no longer paying him any attention.
"Alright, enough small talk. We came here on business, not to chat. Miss Anastasia, may I ask the purpose of inviting us here?"
With the time ripe, Shendu narrowed her crimson eyes and fixed Anastasia with a steady gaze, waiting for her reply.
"Hehe, of course—to create an opportunity for mutual exchange."
Anastasia's expression remained calm as she explained slowly.
"Then please tell us where the magic stones are."
Akane spoke impatiently. Uninterested in subtle maneuvering, she cut straight to the point.
"Hehe, revealing the location of the magic stones is not a problem. But after all, I am a merchant."
Anastasia's smile deepened as she looked meaningfully at Shendu and Akane, making her implication clear.
It was obvious—a merchant cared only for her own interests. She had gone to such lengths to bring them here precisely because she knew Shendu could provide value.
"Speaking of merchants, I am one as well."
Shendu stepped forward slowly until she stood before Anastasia, asking word by word, "What do you want? Say it plainly. Let me see whether I can help you accomplish it."
Shendu was already being generous. If this woman refused to show proper respect, then she certainly would not live long after the Witch Cult was eradicated. That much, Shendu could guarantee.
"Hehe, I only want a favor. There's no need to be so wary. When the time comes, I hope you'll agree to one request."
Anastasia smiled sweetly, a sly glint flashing through her eyes like that of a fox.
"A favor? That's quite a valuable thing—rare and priceless. Sometimes it can even save a life."
A trace of mockery flickered in Shendu's crimson eyes as she replied with amusement.
"Then, Miss Shendu, what is your decision?"
Anastasia adopted the posture of a negotiator, waiting patiently for Shendu's answer.
"I agree—so long as it does not violate my principles."
Shendu answered steadily, her expression composed.
"Very well. Now, to the main matter. The high-purity magic stone Lady Emilia seeks—the legendary colorless high-purity magic stone—I've just recently learned of its whereabouts."
"Then please, tell me at once."
Upon hearing this, Emilia hurriedly urged.
Facing Emilia's eager expression, Anastasia did not keep them in suspense. She calmly revealed everything she knew.
"The owner of the colorless magic stone you're searching for is the son of the successor to one of this city's major merchant guilds. While his business acumen is well known, in this city he is far more famous for another title."
Anastasia smiled mysteriously. Seeing the puzzled looks on Shendu and Emilia's faces, she paused deliberately.
"Get on with it."
Growing impatient, Garfiel spoke bluntly.
"Yes, don't keep us hanging."
Beatrice also frowned. Stopping halfway like that was truly irritating.
"Hehe. His title is 'the man bewitched by a diva.' Around the city, he's known as—the Diva Fanatic!"
After explaining, Anastasia glanced at their reactions and added,
"All you need to do is pay him a visit and obtain the magic stone from him."
"Thank you, Anastasia."
Emilia expressed her gratitude sincerely.
"No need to thank me. This is merely part of our transaction. The rest is up to you. I wish you success in acquiring the magic stone."
"By the way, I've already arranged an appointment for you. The meeting is tomorrow afternoon."
With that, Anastasia gave Julius a look. The two of them left together, closing the door behind them.
Soon, only the seven of them remained in the room. Even Natsuki Subaru, who usually preferred not to think too deeply, understood what this meant.
Indeed—Anastasia was having them negotiate directly to obtain the magic stone themselves.
It had to be said, her methods were quite clever. By merely providing information and arranging a meeting, she had secured a favor from Shendu.
Her talent as a merchant was undeniable.
After lunch, they began chatting casually.
"So our negotiation target is a die-hard fan of a diva? Honestly, calling him a star-chaser sounds more accurate."
Subaru commented wryly.
"And openly advertising that kind of obsession? There's definitely something wrong with him."
Garfiel scoffed.
"I agree, I suppose."
Beatrice nodded in approval.
"Regardless, let's rest well today. We'll begin negotiations tomorrow afternoon and do our best to secure the magic stone."
Shendu spoke with a faint smile.
She certainly had methods to seize the magic stone by force—but that would contradict her true purpose in coming here.
Her real objective in Watergate City was to eliminate the Witch Cult. Until that mission was complete, she needed to remain deliberately low-profile.
With Shendu's suggestion accepted, they spent the rest of the day wandering about. After dinner, they enjoyed the night scenery before falling into a deep sleep.
The next morning, just after Shendu and Emilia finished breakfast, a knock sounded at the wooden door.
Puzzled, Shendu stepped forward and opened it.
Standing outside was a purple-haired young man wearing a monocle—Joshua Juukulius. His demeanor was exceedingly respectful.
"Everyone, the dragon boats heading to the merchant guild have been prepared. We may depart at any time for the negotiation."
Joshua addressed Shendu and Emilia politely.
"Very well. Rem and Garfiel, you two stay behind and watch the inn. The rest of us will go."
Shendu gave her instructions. The blue-haired maid and the half-beast both nodded readily, showing no objections.
With arrangements made, the group headed toward the waterfront.
Small boats floated along the edge of the water. Beneath the surface, water dragons lurked, occasionally surfacing to observe them.
Judging by the size of the boats, seating eight people would not have been impossible—but it would have been rather cramped.
"We've hired two dragon boats. You may split up so it won't feel crowded."
Joshua explained courteously.
"Thank you. I must say, I've quite enjoyed this journey."
Shendu smiled as she looked out over the various dragon boats sailing along the waterways.
"To receive praise from Lady Shendu is my honor."
Joshua accepted her thanks with a polite smile.
Soon, the dragon boats began moving. Emilia gave Joshua a small wave in farewell.
Before long, they entered the main waterway and accelerated toward the city center.
After traveling for some time, Shendu noticed something peculiar—the water flowed upward at a slant. Within a single channel, there were no dividing walls, and upstream and downstream currents mixed together. Yet faint traces of magic radiated from the surrounding waters.
Turning her head, Shendu saw massive stone towers connected to the outer walls of the city. One stood at each of the four cardinal directions of the circular metropolis, their imposing presence unmistakable. They even resembled nuclear power plants from her previous world.
Of course, the fuel within them was magic stones—not atomic ore.
"Betty, what are those towers over there? Explain them to me."
Shendu asked the spirit girl beside her.
"Hehe. Those are control towers that regulate the water flow throughout the city. Each tower is essentially a complex magical device, powered by water-attribute magic stones. Even the city's great floodgates are controlled through them. They're rather remarkable mechanisms."
Beatrice had guarded the Forbidden Library for four hundred years. There was little knowledge she had not encountered.
Given that this city was built upon a lake, achieving such engineering feats required extraordinary magical technology.
"I see. Interesting."
Shendu's interest in this otherworldly technology was mild at best.
After observing for a while longer, she glanced at Emilia beside her.
"Emilia, you and Akane go ahead first. Betty, Subaru, and I will stay here and look around for a bit."
A faint smile appeared on Shendu's face.
"Alright. Sister Shendu, don't take too long. We can explore together later if there's time."
Emilia readily agreed.
She could not stay behind—the negotiation appointment had already been arranged. Missing it would create unnecessary uncertainty.
Obtaining the magic stone was crucial. If they wanted to fully awaken Puck, only a colorless high-purity magic stone would suffice.
After finalizing their arrangements, Shendu took Beatrice's hand, and the two of them leapt lightly onto another dragon boat. Subaru followed, visibly delighted.
Once aboard, the three of them began leisurely sightseeing, planning to head to the negotiation site later. It would also serve as a form of training for Emilia.