After lunch, I was waiting in the doorway for Viscount Doll, when Viscount Doll and Tickle came in.

　Apparently, Tickle is also coming with us as an escort.

　I'm not sure if it's because of the fact that Viscount Doll wears a cutter shirt and brown jacket, and Tickle isn't wearing a maid's uniform, but rather a long skirt with thin long sleeves.

　Looking at it this way, he looks like a skilled merchant. In particular, Viscount Doll's monocle glasses are a nice touch.

''Well then, let's go to the forest!

Let's go.

　The three of us changed into our outside shoes and left the mansion and went to the usual single street.

　The weather outside was good again today, with a clear blue sky and lazy clouds floating in the air.

　In the distance, the mountains are in a row, and at either end, a beautiful plain stretches out.

　The sun's rays are still hot, but it's a lot better than it was at one point. It's not so hot that you have to walk around in the cold air with ice magic, since there's a breeze coming in from the plains.

I thought when I took the carriage ride through, this is a nice road. It's a beautiful meadow, and every time the wind blows it makes a thud.

There are flowers by the side, and they're beautiful, aren't they?

　I was impressed by the two of them realizing the goodness of this road.

　Thor, Asmo and Elinora, the girls around me, they don't really see the benefits of nature.

　I'm fed up with the long roads and all that kind of stuff.

　I wonder if people who live for their hobbies have the presence of mind to enjoy such things.

Oh, it's a beautiful stream.

"...hmmm, a creek. I suppose Gekota and the others spend some time in places like this.

　As they continue down the path, Tickle and Viscount Doll approach the stream.

　Tickle observes while walking, while Viscount Doll crouches down to watch and then geez, he doesn't move.

　In Viscount Doll's brain, I wonder if Gekota and the others are having some kind of conversation here right now.

　If it was a stream, I think there were frogs around here... I picked up a wooden stick and shook the grass nearby, and as I expected, a small frog leapt out of the water.

　The frog made a small splash and landed in the creek.

'Nuh-oh!　Gekko-tah!

　Viscount Doll, who was thinking about it, looked at the frog and exclaimed in surprise.

''Haha, it's not a geko-tah, it's just an ordinary frog.

Yeah, right. I thought for a second that Gekota was right in front of you.

　When I said it with a laugh, Viscount Doll laughed as if he was embarrassed.

　Perhaps it was funny when Viscount Doll was surprised, Tickle looked at me and chuckled.

　The frog that jumped into the water is floating around with only its face showing as if asking for us.

　When Viscount Dor peered into it with interest, the frog swam away as if it had become frightened and was running away.



The frogs would be amazed to see you get that close to their faces. They're so different in size.

Well, I guess we need that perspective.

　Viscount Doll muttered somewhat convincingly and stood up and began to observe the stream.



　◆



　When we were done watching the creek, we started walking back to the road.

　Incidentally, the forest we're aiming for is the forest to the east, where my home is. It's relatively close to home, and we rarely see any demons there.

　I mean, when Nord Dad and Elinora sister are on patrol with the vigilantes, there's no demons spreading in our territory, though. Even Rumba and Gates are there.

　For some reason, our village has an excessive amount of forces.

　When I was thinking about this, Viscount Dor asked me.

By the way, Alfried-dono, how is Tickle's training as a puppeteer?

I've gotten as far as making the doll stand up.

Oh!

　When I say that, Viscount Doll makes an excited sound.

　However, I can say that making him stand up isn't too difficult in itself.

''The problem is getting them to walk. This is the difficult part, so right now I'm having you train your psychic to do that at the same time.''

"...How long is it going to take for Tickle to make the doll walk?

'I can't say for sure about that. However, magic has a personal growth rate, so please don't rush him.

　Sometimes you want to get better at it as soon as possible, but there's nothing you can do about it.

　When I was a baby, I wanted to use magic too, but I almost despaired once when my magic didn't work for a month or so. Like that, in your heart, sometimes it doesn't work the way you want it to, no matter how much you wish to use it.

　Being Viscount Dor, I'll nail it down a bit for the possibility of getting overheated and rushing it.

''Hmmm...I get it. Your path as a puppet master is a hard one, isn't it?

　Viscount Doll nodded with a divine look on his face, as if he understood that.

　However, it must be a pity that he couldn't see the doll moving soon. He had a somewhat sad expression on his face.

''Wow, I'll do my best!　I'll learn it quickly so that I can show the viscount a puppet in motion at any time!

　Tickle looks up at Viscount Doll with a strong will in his eyes.

''Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Good luck.

Yes!

　Tickle smiles happily as he receives an enthusiastic pep talk from Viscount Dorr.

　How healthy he is. I'm sure this is also to repay the debt of gratitude he received in the past.

　Maybe it's because I know Tickle's thoughts, but I was moved by it.

　Yes, I should be more supportive of him. It's almost insulting to ask someone who has shown such determination to take their time to watch over you.

　Even if it's just a temporary thing you asked for, I'm Tickle's master. I must make him a fine puppet master.

"Alfried-sama, I hope you will continue to give me strict guidance in the future.

　Tickle turns to me and says with a bow of his head.

''I understand. I've been adding or subtracting since I'm a maid from another family, but I'll make it tougher.''

What?

You don't mind, do you, Viscount Doll?

''Oh, you'll be able to be a first-rate puppeteer like Lord Alfried. Fortunately, Bastian and the other maids are waiting in the house. You can concentrate on your magical training.

　I thought I shouldn't let her do it until she collapses since she has to work as a maid, but Viscount Doll said it's okay to focus on the magic, so I don't have a problem.

You still have some magic left, right?

Oh, yes.

'Well, now float a spoon in a psychic.

　Tickle looks puzzled when I say that.

''Well, I don't have a spoon with me right now, but...''

'You need more to be able to train at any time. Well, then, you can float around with a psychic, even if it's just a rock in there.

'Yes, sir!　"I seek and obey my will, and be mindful of my thoughts.

　When I say that, Tickle starts chanting and psychically floats a stone in front of me.

'Then float for the rest of the day,'

'What?　All day long!　And you're doing that while walking!

You're not making any sense. If you want to be able to control the puppets, you should be able to do this. As a minimum, you should be able to control ten substances as if they were breathing. Don't worry, you'll be able to do this in a year if you train yourself to use magic in your daily life!

'Oh!　Within a year, that's encouraging!

　Even Viscount Doll shouts with delight at my declaration.

''Normal people would be tough, but with Tickle's enthusiasm and determination, it's no problem. Hey, Tickle?''

...Oh, yes, I'll do my best.