After chatting with Cento and Cien for a while, the negotiations between Tre and Rasal finally came to an end. I thanked the two sisters and returned to my seat.
Both Tre and Rasal were wearing satisfied smiles; it appeared they had managed to reach an agreement that suited them both.
"Rasal-san, did the negotiations go smoothly?"
"Yes. As expected of the Special Advisor of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company, she was a formidable negotiator. Nevertheless, I managed to secure the contract on satisfactory terms."
"I see. That’s good to hear. Tre-san, thank you as well."
"Think nothing of it. For a request from Miyama Kaito-san, a task of this level is the least I can do."
"..."
"Why are you looking at me like you’ve just seen something creepy...?"
Even knowing she was the type to strictly separate her professional and private lives, hearing Tre speak with such formal etiquette was profoundly jarring. It felt even worse when that polite distance was directed at me.
Sensing my discomfort, Tre gave a wry smile and reverted to her usual tone. She stood up, her face bright with her familiar grin.
"Well then, my work here is done, so I'll go fetch Zex for you~"
"Ah, yes. Please do."
"See ya later~"
Since the business regarding the magic crystals was finished, I had intended to ask her to call for Zex, who was an old acquaintance of Rasal’s. Tre seemed to have seen right through me, however, heading off to get him before I could even open my mouth.
As we watched Tre leave, Rasal placed a hand to her chin in thought, speaking after a short silence.
"...Zex? Ah, yes... I remember the name. He is a Lich I dealt with frequently in the past. To think he was an employee of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company all this time..."
"Oh, so you did remember him? Zex was worried you wouldn't even recognize his name."
"I never had cause to call him by name. To the me of that era, he was not a partner of significant importance... That said, I rarely forget words once I have heard them."
"I see..."
She hadn't harbored any particular interest in Zex himself, which was why she had never bothered to use his name, but her memory was sharp enough to retain it regardless. However, the fact that she hadn't known he belonged to the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company suggested they truly hadn't shared much conversation beyond the bare essentials of trade.
A few moments later, Zex arrived in the reception room.
"Apologies for the wait. Thank you for making the time for me, Miyama-dono. And it has been a long while, Rasal-dono."
"Yes. Since the last transaction request... It has been a long time, Zex."
"Oh? That is the first time I have ever heard you utter my name."
"My circumstances have changed. You are a prominent figure of the Underworld King Faction, while I am a subordinate of Isis-sama. If I do not maintain at least a minimum level of courtesy, my behavior could, in certain situations, bring dishonor to Isis-sama's name."
"Hoho, my, how times change. My apologies. It is simply that the shock was quite significant..."
Zex looked visibly surprised to hear Rasal use his name, but he nodded with an amused expression after hearing her reasoning. He took the seat opposite us.
At that exact moment, tea was brought in and served to everyone. I thought this every time I saw it, but there was always a lingering sense of weirdness watching Zex drink tea in his skeletal form. I couldn't help but wonder if it ever leaked out through the gaps in his bones.
"By the way, Rasal-dono. Now that you have joined Isis-sama’s household, what became of that research of yours?"
"It is complete. I shall show it to you if an opportunity ever arises."
"I look forward to that day. Now then, I understand you are procuring a substantial volume of magic crystals; are they intended for some new research?"
I recalled hearing about this from Zex during a previous tea party. Apparently, Rasal had spent many years conducting ultimate research into necromancy, and it was only after its completion that she had decided to become Isis's subordinate.
Because of that history, Zex was likely curious if a master necromancer like Rasal was embarking on a massive new project. Come to think of it, I hadn't actually asked what the crystals were for either.
"No, it is nothing so grand. My primary intent is to use them for the renovation of Isis-sama's castle. She does not seem particularly concerned with such matters herself, so I decided to take it upon myself to improve the castle's convenience. Semi-permanently maintaining magic formulas requires a substantial quantity of crystals. Though, I suppose I will use half of them for my other research as well."
"I see... How unexpected. I never took you for the type to serve so devotedly. Then again, I suppose that only serves as proof that Isis-sama is a ruler worthy of such loyalty."
"...Her being a bit too sweet is a bit of a headache, though."
Rasal's voice was surprisingly gentle as she answered. Despite her words, it was clear she held a deep affection for Isis.
Just as Isis and Iris had told me, she really was a kind-hearted person who looked after those she cared for.
Serious-senpai: "Actually, out of everyone in Isis's household, she might be the one doing the most 'subordinate-like' work."
???: "That's very true..."