The sound of the lock being released and the door opening echoed through. As I opened the door and stepped inside, I frowned upon seeing the research lab filled with balloons and dolls.
Had her lab always been a party venue? As I was adjusting to the completely different atmosphere from what I knew, Professor Balan appeared in front of me in a straw hat and a pure white dress.
"Were you planning to go out?"
"It, it's the festival…"
It seemed that Professor Balan was also enjoying the festival in her own way. Now that I thought about it, most of the balloons and marumaru dolls decorating the lab were event giveaways.
I was forced to correct my own narrow-mindedness, having assumed that Professor Balan would be locked away in her lab, conducting dark, inhumane experiments.
"So, what brings you to see this Balan on such a bustling festival day?"
"Nothing too big. I think I might have found another host of Solomon's great magic."
Professor Balan trembled at my words.
"You are truly amazing. In the face of such remarkable insight, this Balan Sabrnak can do nothing but tremble and worship."
… Wasn't that a bit too much exaggeration?
It almost sounded like I was dragging her to work while she was trying to enjoy the festival. Of course, Balan might not see it that way…
Anyway, I'd be away for a short while.
So, I decided to briefly inform Balan of the matter.
"There's a high probability that Queen Aira has Solomon's great magic, Ars Nova."
"… I see! It all makes sense now. Why Theo, the illustrious descendant of the great Demon King, is obediently listening to the Spider Queen's words."
Balan continued to explain, nodding her head as if she understood.
"You were trying to contain the Spider Queen, and at the same time, recover the great magic that she stole, right? I, Balan Sabrnak, is deeply moved by your foresight." ŖΑꞐò𝔟Еȿ
Balan seemed to be greatly overestimating me. I only found out that Aira possesed a great magic just now…
However, explaining that would take quite a bit of time and energy, so I decided to brush it off vaguely.
"Now, it's fair to say that we've located the four great magics. First, you, Balan and Gamigin."
Gamigin, the 4th great magic, was created first.
It assimilated with Balan and became my henchman. And I was using it to my liking.
"Second, the second rank Agares, sealed in the eyes of Saintess Priga."
Saintess Priga sealed a powerful demon in her eyes after experiencing some kind of incident. According to the council's old mages, it was named Agares.
"And thirdly, Queen Aira. But I don't know which one is nesting inside. And the fourth one is the Guide whom I asked Professor Balan to monitor."
The ultimate magics created by Demon King Solomon.
I was not sure what he intended to do with them, but if I could retrieve them all, I'd be able to wield formidable power and rule the world.
The problem was, how could I get them out of a person so I would be able to absorb them?
Balan's case was easily resolved, but the others were entangled in complex causal relationships, making it difficult to see any opportunity to absorb them.
Then Professor Balan chuckled ominously.
"For now, leave Agares and the Saintess to me, Balan De Sabrnak. And if all goes well, I can even get the Guide."
"This Balan, wa, wasn't just enjoying the festival. I got some very good information from the errand imps."
Balan seemed to be doing quite well on her own.
"Theo-nim, you can devote yourself to taking vengeance on the Spider Queen and the four families that betrayed Angmar, as you have done so far."
"Especially, I think it would be good to try this to Queen Aira. When she is asleep, use this…."
Balan presented me with an object and explained how to use it and the effect it had.
"If used properly, it will help with skin whitening, making blemishes and freckles disappear. Hehe… And it will also soften a woman's heart."
"It will stir the emotions and bring the deep-seated great magic to the surface. For example, sexual temptation or stimulation. Hehehe-."
Sexual temptation or stimulation!?
If I could bring the magic within Aira to the surface, it was well worth the challenge for me. It was hitting two birds with one stone, as I'd be attacking her anyway.
If I were alone, I would never have figured out all this.
It felt reassuring to have a competent subordinate. While I used to be suspicious, Balan was now an indispensable and capable follower of mine.
Then Balan stuttered.
"A-and, if it's not too much to ask…."
"Ask? Are you asking me for a favor?"
"I-if this is over, please give me a one year vacation…."
Vacation? For a year?
My forehead furrowed. Just as she was doing a good job, she suddenly wanted a year off?
"Of-of course, you don't have to grant it. It's just a small wish…."
Bala waved her hands as if she had made a slip of the tongue. Seeing this, I couldn't help but recall my own request for vacation in front of Aira.
It was only natural for a subordinate to feel this way when requesting some time off. I think I could understand Aira's feelings a little better now.
"Very well, I'll give you a vacation after this is over. But you'll need to show good results in return, Professor Balan."
Leaving the bowing Balan behind me, I slipped away into the festival.