I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace

For the time being, since it was about checking the return gift addressed to her, Marie came with a maid to the room near the mansion’s entrance where delivered parcels and such were kept.

[……That’s quite a large box. And this one…… has a sealing magic formula placed on it?]

[Yes. I believe the key to unsealing it is written in the letter. Since this letter is addressed personally to Lady Marie, we have not checked its contents.]

As for the parcels and letters delivered to Ritch Barony, those addressed to the household itself were generally checked by the maids and servants before reporting. The letters from the Lord Trading Company, from Rasal, and from Elune had been addressed to the household, so their contents were confirmed and then conveyed to Marie. But when it came to letters addressed to an individual, the maids could not simply open them on their own; instead, after checking for dangerous spells and the like, they would bring them to Marie herself for confirmation.

[For now, let’s read the letter.]

Along with the box containing the return gift was a personal letter to Marie from Kaito. Since it likely had something to do with the current situation, Marie opened it with a tense expression.

The beginning contained simple greetings, gratitude for sending ripples, and mention of sharing it with friends.

[It is delightful that Miyama Kaito-sama enjoyed our ripples. Now then, from here it seems to be about the return gift. Errr…… “I remembered Marie-san once said you struggled with travel, so I purchased the materials and, with the help of a friend, had a teleportation magic tool crafted to send you as thanks”…… Eh?]

[……A teleportation…… magic tool?]

Unable to believe what was written in the letter, Marie lifted her face from the paper in stunned silence and turned to the waiting maid. The maid too wore an expression of disbelief, and together, almost at the same time, the two of them looked toward the box that likely contained the gift.

[……U- Umm…… Teleportation magic tools…… even the cheapest ones, how much do they cost?]

[Even an outdated secondhand model…… would exceed 10 white gold coins, I believe……]

[Wait. Please wait…… This is so shocking I can’t process it…… Because, well, the difference in value compared to the ripples I sent…… it’s just far too……]

[H- He did say he purchased the materials and had it made himself, so the cost was probably reduced somewhat…… A- And if it truly is something as expensive as a teleportation magic tool, then sending it in a sealed box would make perfect sense.]

Teleportation magic tools were, without comparison, among the most expensive of all magic tools. Only high-ranking nobles could usually afford to own one.

Well, even the Ritch Barony could afford a secondhand outdated teleportation magic tool, but because the performance of that magic tool would just be poor and the magic crystals degraded with age, they would not last long. To pay several to dozens of white gold coins for such a thing would be too much of a waste, and so they had never bought one.

[I- I’m starting to feel frightened…… but first, let’s finish reading the letter. Errr…… ah, from here it talks about the letters that arrived at our house.]

Deciding to continue reading the letter first, she found that it went on to say one of Isis’ subordinates had taken a great liking to Ritch Barony’s ripples and, as part of the Death King’s camp, wanted to purchase a certain amount in bulk. It mentioned that Rasal, who handled such transactions, would likely be visiting the Barony soon, and asked for her cooperation.

[I see, so that’s why Rasal Marfik-sama of the Death King’s camp will be coming. In that case, Father should attend as well as Elder Sister…… Errr…… Well…… there’s nothing written here about the Lord Trading Company or the Goddess of Fertility. H- Hmmm, well, at least we managed to learn something.]

The reason for Rasal’s visit was explained in Kaito’s letter, but there was not a single word about the Lord Trading Company or about Elune, leaving Marie with a bewildered look. Still, since one of the three mysteries was now clarified before her parents’ return, she felt just a little relieved.

[……Ah, here is the pass for releasing the magic formula. Please go ahead.]

[Understood. I doubt it’s trapped or cursed, but just in case, Lady Marie, please step back a little.]

The maid, having received the letter from Marie, confirmed that she had stepped far enough away before touching the box and undoing the sealing magic formula. After giving Marie a reassuring nod, she opened the box.

[Ababababa, h- hyiiiiih…… ahyiiih……]

[Lady Marie! Please, stay calm!]

[N- No, no no no…… I can’t…… I just can’t……]

When the teleportation magic tool emerged from the box, Marie’s strength left her body; she collapsed onto the floor, letting out a strangled scream with a stiff expression.

It was only natural. Both Marie and the maid had assumed that even if it was a teleportation tool, it would be a cheap, outdated, low-performance model. But what lay before them was a magnificent piece made with a massive black magic crystal.

[Please…… Please tell me my eyes are playing tricks on me. That…… That looks like a black magic crystal to me.]

[……Lady Marie, I understand your feelings, and my own hands won’t stop trembling either…… but umm…… there’s no mistake. It is a top-grade crystal, with purity over 90%.]

Marie and the maid exchanged glances once again, their faces pale. She could almost feel her stomach screaming inside her, yet there was nothing she could do. All she could do was stare blankly at the teleportation magic tool.

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<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Is that alright? At this rate, Marie’s stomach is going to be destroyed before Baron and Baroness Ritch even get back……]