In accordance with the user’s instructions:

Even as I pressed my seal onto the contract, I looked at Askan and Decain with a strange sense of unease, but they were no different from usual.

Askan was expressionless and silent, while Decain was just joking around cheerfully.

Fortunately, both of them stopped crying soon, so I was able to finish the distribution contract with the Icteon merchant as planned, but just in case, I had people open the windows wide and ventilate the laboratory.

Decain gave me one of the contracts with our seals on it, kept the other one for himself, and laughed as if he was satisfied.

“Now that the contract is settled, we’ll see more of each other, won’t we?”

“Well, I suppose so.”

Feeling a chilly vibe, I looked and saw Askan staring at Decain with a disgruntled look in his eyes.

But it was all the more puzzling because there was no change in Askan’s expression that could be seen as anything more than a misunderstanding.

Decain grinned and said, “You’re going to show me around the lab like you promised, right?”

It wasn’t a difficult request, so I nodded and was about to stand up from my seat, but Askan spoke up before I could.

“If it’s alright, I’d like to show him around the lab instead of you.”

“You would?”

“Yes. You’ve been very busy lately. Please leave this sort of thing to me.”

It wasn’t a bad idea.

There was no need for me to step in to show Decain around the lab. Askan would do a good job of explaining everything.

Especially since I had a lot on my mind about the new magic stone, the idea was particularly appealing.

“So you’ll do it then?”

At my words, Askan nodded with a satisfied expression, and for some reason, Decain’s complexion seemed a little darker than before.

I had been worried because Decain and Askan didn’t get along well, but seeing that he proposed this first, it didn’t seem as bad as I thought.

Out of curiosity, I looked at Decain and asked again.

“Are you sure that’s okay?”

At my question, Decain smiled brightly as if it was nothing and nodded.

“Of course. I didn’t know you were so busy. You’ve been working on a research project recently?”

“Yes. I have something I’m thinking about… I’ll tell you once I have more concrete results.”

“Alright, I’ll wait.”

I could feel Decain’s support for my research from his attitude and tone of voice. It felt like I had received unexpected support.

Perhaps he sensed my emotions, because Decain’s smile deepened.

Askan turned his body to leave the reception room first and said, “Let’s go. I’ll guide you to the lab.”

“It feels strange to suddenly hear such formal language.”

Huh? What does he mean?

It was a comment I almost missed, but the more I thought about it, the less sense it made.

Did he mean it was awkward to hear such formal language from Askan after speaking casually with me?

Feeling a strange sensation, I looked at Askan and Decain, but they were just silently exchanging glances.

I was about to ask what they meant when Decain turned his head towards me and spoke first.

“By the way, Tanashia.”

“Yes?”

“I told you I’m thinking of staying here for a few days. Can I stay in the lab?”

“Here?”

It was so unexpected that I was taken aback.

Before I could even respond, Askan immediately objected.

“Miss, the lab has little space for sleeping. Therefore, the shower facilities are inadequate. It doesn’t seem suitable to accommodate guests.”

But Decain just smiled as if he didn’t care.

“It’s fine. After all, I’m a merchant. I can’t always sleep in a good bed while I travel. Can’t I take my time and look around since I’m here?”

“Are you really sure?”

As Askan had said, there was a place to sleep in the lab, but it wasn’t as comfortable as a typical house since it was designed for research purposes.

Decain shrugged and said casually.

“Of course. Who knows when I’ll come here from Lazent Empire again. I want to learn more about magical engineering when I have the chance.”

Just like Decain said, it was unlikely that he, who was working in the Lazent Empire, would visit my lab often.

He came to see me, but he came to sign a contract, and it seemed too careless to send him away now.

After a moment of consideration, I nodded.

“Okay, as long as you’re okay with it, you can stay in the lab. I’ll tell the maids to make it as comfortable as possible, but if it’s too uncomfortable, you can always find another place to stay.”

At my permission, Decain looked straight at Askan and grinned. For some reason, it made me feel uncomfortable.

“Thank you, Tanashia. And I’m not going to move to another accommodation.”

As he spoke, he slowly shifted his gaze. And soon, his red eyes accurately captured me.

“I want to get closer to you on this opportunity.”

I had roughly guessed that Dechain’s intentions were impure since I had read the novel, but I didn’t hate the other party who was openly showing goodwill like this.

I lightly waved my hand towards Dechain with a giggle.

“Then enjoy your lab tour, see you later.”

At my words, Dechain exited the reception room following Askan with a bright smile.