Wait, there really is a setting, right?

Hulim quickly looked around.

Well, there's no trace of that...

With my current vision, no matter how secretive or advanced the magic circle is, it cannot be hidden from me.

So maybe it's because this store looks too suspicious that no one comes in.

"That's outrageous! I'm still in business, after all. How can I run a business if I set up a barrier like that?"

Hulim stared at Irus in surprise.

So he's actually in business, and he doesn't deny that he knows that extremely difficult lost magic circle...

"What's that expression on your face? I'm going to get angry~!"

Irus's smile gradually became dangerous.

"No, nothing."

Hulim quickly picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"Hmph~"

Irus smiled, but didn't continue drinking tea. Instead, she just looked at Hulim with a smile.

"Hey, Hulim."

"What's wrong?"

Hulim raised her head and looked at Irus again.

"Starting next month, I will close the shop for a while."

“Eh—?”

Hulim froze with her teacup in hand.

"... ...Why?"

"Well, something's going on back home... I'll be gone for about half a year, maybe two months less if I'm quick."

"Irus' hometown, I remember it was in Ravenrium, right? What happened?"

"It's a very important festival for the elves, held every twenty years. For some reason, I must attend this festival."

"So... does that mean I won't be able to drink Irus's special flower tea anymore?"

"... Did you come to my shop just to drink tea?"

"What else?"

Hulim asked, tilting her head.

"I'm talking to you..."

Irus was speechless.

Hulim picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup of tea.

Gurgle~!

The sound of tea boiling can be clearly heard in the quiet shop.

A cup of tea is slowly drunk.

"That is to say..."

Looking down at the empty teacup, Hulim spoke slowly.

"Will I never be able to drink again?"

“… …”

Irus looked at Hulim silently, then smiled and shook her head after a moment.

"Not really~."

"Huh?"

Hulim suddenly raised his head and looked at Irus.

"What I want to say is—"

At that time, Irus said these words.

"The days we spend together are only about to truly begin!"

... ...

... ...