After going out to buy supplies that one time, Adam's attitude suddenly changed drastically. He used to avoid me like the plague, but now, whenever he had a spare moment, he'd find all sorts of excuses to be around me.

I did hope he'd become a bit closer to me. But this is abnormal.

Lately, he's been asking for my help every time he makes potions and pulls me into assisting with cooking. Those things are somewhat natural.

But the fact that I run into him every time I wander around town is a bit scary.

Even scarier is that he occasionally stares at me with a strange smile. That's not an expression meant for a friend at all—it's more like a mad scientist watching Frankenstein's monster walk.

Seriously, what's with that?

For a while, I thought he might have seen through my plan to confront Gray and was looking for evidence, so I tried to subtly bring up Gray in conversation. However, he just said meaningfully, "I'll support you," which left me even more confused.

I really can't figure out what he's thinking.

In contrast, Emily is exceptionally straightforward and adorable. If I had a little sister, she might feel like this.

But both Adam and Emily will soon become passersby in my life.

Today is Wednesday. I'm fully prepared for my confrontation with Gray.

It's time for a heart-to-heart with my old friend.

But first, I need to deal with the immediate problem.

"This... isn't it a bit too sheer?"

I was wearing a white dress.

The dress was made from a blend of chiffon and silk, translucent like morning mist. The skirt had a slit starting from mid-thigh, and it fluttered with even the slightest movement.

It was less like clothing and more like a layer of gauze. The fabric was weightless—it felt like wearing nothing at all.

Auntie pulled this dress out from a box deep in the wardrobe. She said she wore it for her engagement and insisted I try it on, her tone utterly sincere.

I thought, "It's just a piece of clothing. I survived being forced to kiss a man, so I can handle this." But after putting it on... ughhhhhhhhh.

Emily circled me a few times, delighted.
"It's fine, it's fine! You look incredibly cute!"

R-really?

"Adam, what do you think?"
"…………..It's good. Mr. Wilson will definitely like it."

His response came after a long, glitch-like pause, just a few words.

Will Gray like it?

Now that I think about it, that guy does prefer this style. A few of his fleeting lovers had a similar vibe.

If that's the case, then even though it's embarrassing, it's better to wear it.

Even though I'll be in disguise for the actual fight, this might help lower his guard beforehand.

"Thank you. When are we leaving?"
"It's good. Mr. Wilson will definitely like it."

This guy is a bit broken. Emily stepped forward and lightly knocked on her brother's head. Adam's eyes finally refocused.

"We can leave now. I'll go pack my things."
I gave him a playful little salute.

"Understood! I'll wait for you outside."

I tried being cute for once, but Adam completely ignored me and went straight into the preparation room.

I gathered the potions I had prepared and went to the front room. As I was about to leave, Emily came up to me, made a fist, and cheered me on.

"Sister Vi, good luck! See you tonight!"
Ah, what a lovely creature.

This is very likely the last time we'll meet. I should memorize her face well.

"Mm, thank you. I'm off. I left the notes in the preparation room. Make sure to apply the medicine for Mom on time."

Emily nodded with a smile.

The notes I left didn't just contain potions to help Mrs. Clara; they included the complete construction methods for a full set of healing magic.

As long as they find a moderately skilled healer to follow the instructions, even if it takes a while, they should be able to complete the treatment and cure her.

I am a person of my word, after all. Even though the lies I've told these past few days are too many to count.

I stepped outside and gazed into the distance toward the old watchtower.

On the day Adam went out to buy ingredients, I scouted the area, formulating various contingency plans. I wonder if they'll be effective.

Adam walked out carrying a backpack. He had swapped his usual classic outfit of a rough linen shirt and trousers for a drab, grayish mage's robe. How pretentious.

He smiled at me and said:
"Let's go."
"Please lead the way."

We set off for the watchtower.

The watchtower was built from gray-brown boulders. Bound by moss and vines, it stood in silent vigil over the forest.

When we arrived, a dozen or so young men and women were already gathered at the base. Their clothing varied in quality, but all were neat, dignified, and carried themselves well, clearly prepared for today's meeting.

In contrast, my outfit looked like I was out for a picnic, quite casual and leisurely.

I looked up at the top of the tower. A mass of crimson flame floated there, resembling a small, budding red flower from a distance.

This was the barrier Gray created with fire magic.

In the past, every time we rested in the wilderness, he would summon this thing, claiming it could ward off night attacks. It actually did block enemies several times.

But I always suspected that if he hadn't lit up such a massive beacon, the enemies wouldn't have found us in the first place.

"Sylvia, are you nervous?"

Adam suddenly spoke up, probably because I looked lost in thought.

Well, given that I'm about to fight one of the top powerhouses in this world, I should be a bit nervous.

Yet, right now, I'm quite calm and relaxed.

I said:
"Not really. I'm just worried about what to do if he's forgotten me."
"No one could forget someone like you."

What's that supposed to mean? Is he complimenting me or insulting me? I can't tell at all from his expressionless, iron-plated face.

"You remember, right? It's been a very long time since Gray and I last met, and my appearance has changed quite a bit. Besides, I only traveled with him for a short while... He has no reason to remember me."

Adam, uncharacteristically, showed concern in his eyes and seemed to hesitate.

Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm just saying this for the sake of conversation. I'm not actually nervous or sad.

I looked at Adam, intending to change the subject and spout some nonsense, when a familiar figure entered my peripheral vision.

I immediately averted my gaze, turning to look at him directly, a smile unconsciously curling my lips.

Long time no see.

"Adam, you're early. Did you read Edmund's eighth volume?"
"I've read about half. More importantly, you went out again yesterday? Isn't the progress on deciphering the notes important?"
"When you're agitated, research is impossible. It only adds to the fatigue. By the way, who is this lovely young lady?"

I didn't give Adam a chance to say anything unnecessary and stepped in front of Gray.

He was wearing an extravagant white mage's robe woven with gold thread and covered in dark red patterns—clearly expensive, high-end goods.

Hmph. With such careful dressing, you do look slightly better than the other rotten eggs.

I looked directly into his eyes and smiled.
"Hello. I am a spirit contracted with Adam. I've come today to observe and learn."

Gray initially wore a shallow, perfunctory smile but quickly became serious, observing me with cautious curiosity.

He focused entirely on peering into my essence, concentrating so intently it was as if the world had narrowed to just the two of us.

So much for lowering his guard.

But, I feel a faint anticipation.

Come on, discover my identity.

Even without any clues, even though it's absurd, your intuition must be screaming by now, right?

He simply put on that fake, gentle smile again.

"Welcome. The tower houses my collection of ancient texts and artifacts. Feel free to appreciate them, but please don't touch, alright?"
"That was my intention. But more than appreciating ancient texts and artifacts, I'd prefer to converse with you, the hero."
"It would be my pleasure. However, I have prior commitments today and cannot accept your invitation immediately. But these trivial matters shouldn't last past dusk. Might you be willing to wait a little while?"
"Of course. I'll be eagerly waiting."

After speaking, Gray and I continued to stare at each other until Adam broke the silence.

"...Um, Mr. Wilson, you should dispel the barrier now. Everyone is waiting."
"Ah, right. Miss Spirit, see you this afternoon. Adam, come help."

Adam went over, looking reluctant.

He glanced at me before leaving. I smiled back at him, which only made his expression darker. What's his problem?

Gray walked to the base of the tower and began drawing runes in the air. The bud atop the tower slowly bloomed open, and the tower's great door swung inward.

I watched his retreating back and tightened my grip on the several potion bottles I carried with me.