An Encounter in the Middle of the Night

Returning to the lodging wasn't all that difficult.

My mana pattern had already been officially registered with the lodging's defensive barrier system, so the intricate barriers woven around the lodging didn't recognize me as an outside intruder.

All I had to do was quietly duck down and pass through the main gate while avoiding the knights' eyes as they chatted together.

‘Haa… I’m exhausted. So exhausted.’

It was 9:43 by the time I reached the lodging lobby.

Although I hadn't met Asta in person, I made it back much earlier than expected, but it wasn't as though I had much time to spare.

I thought for a moment, then decided to at least wash up quickly before bed and headed to the bathhouse first.

Fortunately, the bathhouse door wasn't locked, and the mana-stone lamps were still brightly lit, illuminating the interior.

‘Asta has to check that letter….’

I had slipped it through the crack in the door, but the paper was quite small, so I couldn't guarantee that Asta would notice it...