-125- Staying at home, how wonderful it is

In the following period, life in the mansion returned to normal.

Irori continued to manage the household as usual.

Komurasaki played around in various corners just like before.

Yaya remained her usual self, often defying Irori's attempts to stop her and slipping out of the mansion to interact with various people in the city.

As for Rozen, he continued his daily practice within the mansion, only stopping when his magic power was depleted. He would then spend time playing with Komurasaki, reading books, and newspapers, living a life that was both fulfilling and leisurely, resembling that of a retired old man.

On the other hand, since the day of their agreement, Rozen hadn't seen Karyusai Shouko again.

However, Rozen often heard Komurasaki mention that people would occasionally visit Shouko. These visitors engaged her in discussions about complex matters.

While practicing the "Heaven's Eye," Rozen noticed a few times that visitors had come by. Irori skillfully guided them into the mansion, leading them to where Karyusai Shouko was.

Based on their attire and the atmosphere they carried, Rozen had some guesses about these visitors.

"I guess those are probably military personnel?"

It was the most logical assumption.

Even though Shouko referred to "Oborofuji" as a failure, in the eyes of the military, it was a weapon with significant destructive potential. To be used on the battlefield, it would be highly suitable.

Given their capability to create such a weapon, the doors of the Karyusai Shouko mansion would undoubtedly be frequented by military personnel.

"According to historical records, this era is likely on the verge of the Second World War."

In this scenario, even if politics weren't involved, it's likely that many countries around the world had begun to engage in strategic battles, both cooperating and guarding against each other. The atmosphere would be tense and heavy, with the scent of war permeating the air.

"The Akabane Clan is also eyeing this and seems ready to act."

Rozen was well aware of his family's situation.

As a mercenary clan and one that could adapt to the times, transitioning from puppeteers to Automaton magus, the Akabane Clan had always been seeking an opportunity to enter the battlefield.

If they could achieve remarkable feats on the battlefield and gain the nation's attention, showing how well-suited the Akabane Clan's automatons were for this era of "Automaton Magic," it wouldn't be impossible to reclaim their past glory, reaching the same heights as the Izanagi clan. They could achieve that level of power once again.

It was due to this that the clan had been making various preparations, with Akabane Kuukan maneuvering in social and political circles around the world.

He also set his sights on Karyusai Shouko, hoping she could create automatons for the clan to enhance their military power. However, Kuukan knew the likelihood was slim, so he shifted his focus to enhancing Rozen's individual combat abilities.

Undoubtedly, in Akabane Kuukan's eyes, Rozen might also represent the Akabane Clan and become highly active on the battlefield.

"Unfortunately, I have zero interest in war, old man."

Every time he thought about this, Rozen couldn't help but feel melancholic.

If possible, he really didn't want to step onto the battlefield, let alone let his life be consumed by bloodshed.

"This precious life that's been granted to me... I'd rather it be accompanied by miracles, not used to rob others of their hopes and expectations."

Moreover, Rozen still needed to return to Chaldea, to save Human Order. He didn't have the luxury to get involved in wars in other worlds.

"Otherwise, if my big bro(Romani) and Mash find out I'm doing something like this, they'd be utterly disappointed in me."

Given this, it seemed Akabane Kuukan's plans would likely fall flat.

If he truly intended to have Rozen join the battlefield, then Rozen could only say sorry.

"Better for me to stay home, learn magic, play games, read books. That would be much better."

That was Rozen's only desire.

So, no matter what, Rozen persisted in his way of life, much like when he was in Chaldea. He went about his business, training magic when needed, enjoying leisure activities when appropriate. His days were indeed quite content.

And besides, in front of Rozen, a few lovely girls moved around every day.

Irori would come every day to bring him food and water, tend to his bed... well, maybe not that, but at least she took care of Rozen's needs like a proper servant would.

Komurasaki would occasionally come to Rozen to play, acting like an affectionate younger sister and mischievous child who had found a new playmate. She would often get close to him.

Even Yaya, recently, was no longer resisting Rozen as she used to.

Just like now...

"I got you!"

In the expansive courtyard, Rozen formed hand seals, controlling a puppet. After shouting out, he made the puppet wield a wooden sword and, as if pulled by an unseen thread, it dashed forward, heading straight for Yaya, who was preparing for a powerful strike.

"...!"

Yaya was surprised, but due to her action of charging up, she couldn't evade the puppet charging towards her. She could only watch helplessly as the wooden sword cut through the air and approached her neck.

"————!"

Just as the puppet, enhanced with "Magical Resilience," was about to reach Yaya's neck, it suddenly stopped its movement. The wooden sword halted precisely halfway, mere centimeters away from Yaya's fair neck.

"That's enough." Rozen withdrew his magic power, a smug smile forming on his lips. He said, "I won again."

"Ugh..." Yaya immediately displayed a very unwilling expression and protested, "One more round!"

"No." Rozen interjected, "Putting aside the fact that you've already lost three consecutive rounds to me, let's talk about magical energy. You're a Banned Doll, and your magic power is limited. It's already almost depleted. Continuing to fight like this won't lead anywhere."

"Then... then let's wait until Yaya's magic power recovers..."

"You still don't want to admit defeat? Fine! I'm up for it anytime! We'll keep going until you give in!"

The two of them argued in the courtyard, seeming like water and fire were incompatible. However, the atmosphere between them wasn't so much that of enemies, but more like the feeling between rivals.

Since the day Yaya returned to the mansion, the two had tacitly avoided discussing their past. They often quarreled like this and then proceeded to practice together.

Initially, Rozen had the habit of daily practicing his "Puppetry technique," and Yaya was still bothered by the fact that she had been defeated by a mere puppet. So, as Rozen practiced for the purpose of training, Yaya practiced for the sake of revenge. They often sparred like this.

Naturally, from the beginning until now, Yaya hadn't won a single time.

The reasons were not just limited to her lack of puppetry skills.

"I've told you before, haven't I?"

Rozen said as much.

"While you can enhance your physical abilities with magic, you're just relying on brute strength. You have no knowledge of combat techniques, tactics, or even scholarly aspects related to fighting. Not to mention, you have minimal combat experience."

Considering multiple factors, Yaya had never managed to win against Rozen.