Loop Mob – A Mob’s Interdimensional Travel Caught in a Loop

Chapter 85: Returning to Marol (Part 2)

Now, it was a bit early, but we checked into the hotel. Bruno had reserved the suite room at the most expensive inn in Marol, Hotel de Marol, for us. We had planned to casually enjoy dungeon exploration trips by building towers around the area as usual, but when we returned to Marol, we were kindly allowed to stay there for once.

“Welcome, Lord Laquell. Welcome to our hotel.”
“Heh, it makes you look like a real hotelier when you do that.”

Upon arrival at the front desk, Bruno himself, dressed neatly in his uniform, greeted us elegantly. As expected of the hotel owner and heir to the major baratie. His playful demeanor was refined.

“Thank you for the welcome.”
“Sir, this way, please.”

While giving me a mischievous smile, he provided impeccable service to Lord Luca. Luca, too, behaved dignified like a noble’s son. He seemed a bit reserved, but I guess that’s inevitable. Although we get along well, it’s impossible for us to be friendly with each other. This is only our second meeting, and Luca is a genuine nobleman.

From the top floor, the fifth floor, you could see the town of the capital beautifully. On top of a small hill stood the mansion of the lord of the domain, while on the opposite side, you could see the wheat fields in the distance.

“I’m glad you didn’t book such an amazing room.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Since the school festival in May, we’ve been so busy. This is the least I could do as a token of appreciation.”
“I see, that’s good.”
“Let’s have dinner together tonight. Luca-sama, you should try the local specialties here too, right?”

I decided to take him up on his offer. While it’s fine to eat street food together, reservations are needed for proper local cuisine. Bruno is truly considerate.

Dinner time came quickly. At first, it seemed like Bruno was going to serve us himself, but I persuaded him to dine together.

“This is the roast of Marol deer. Due to the rich herbs in the area, the taste varies depending on the season.”
“Bruno, you’re amazing. You’re like a real butler.”
“That’s obvious. I’ve been drilled in everything.”
“I really wanted Luca-sama to try the local specialties when he came here. We can’t eat gourmet food like this every day, but this deer is a popular indigenous species around here.”
“In addition to duck and fish, you can also try them in the capital, but the mountain stream fish here is exceptional.”

Luca quietly enjoyed his dinner. We’ve been old friends, so it might be a bit awkward to get closer.

After thoroughly enjoying the meal, while having dessert,

“Alexi, about that matter, do you have time?”
“Oh, did you find out something? Sure, we can talk here.”
“But you…”
“It’s okay. Luca-sama is a trustworthy person.”

Some things like the loops and magical tools are still kept secret, but we mostly share everything. Luca nodded silently as he looked at us.

“I see. In that case…”

The matter in question was whether I knew anything about the noble children of dark and light attributes. He waved away the servants and brought it up again.

“I checked around the country, but I couldn’t find anyone who fits the description.”
“I see…”

He searched not only the capital but also the noble children throughout the country, even the ones who were not yet enrolled in school. And even the commoners. So far, it seems that all the individuals with light attributes are affiliated with the church. As for the dark attributes, it goes without saying that they are all under the protection of the dark attribute network.

This might require a fundamental reconsideration of the cause of the loop. I had always thought that going back three years meant I was in some typical game or novel world. Perhaps I need to start doubting that assumption. It’s overwhelming.

“But there’s talk that there’s one female student with light attributes enrolled at the Royal Academy of Arcart.”

—Arcart?!

As I changed color and stood up with a clatter, Bruno and Lord Luca were deeply surprised.

This area is crowded with powerful nations competing and restraining each other. To the west of the Rachine Kingdom is the Arcart Kingdom, two countries away. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, so they have formed a close alliance.

I was foolish. This country is, in the previous world’s terms, a French-speaking region. However, all the skill names were in English. Then why didn’t I think that the root of the loop might be in the English-speaking Arcart? And of all people, my old friend Bruno from Marol brought me the answer. The key had been right under my nose from the beginning!

“…Thank you, Bruno. I really appreciate it.”

“W-What? Is it that big of a deal?”

Bruno seemed a bit taken aback. But with the possibility that the loop might finally end, even I couldn’t stay calm. I took out a staff from my pocket.

“This is for you, as a token of gratitude.”

“What’s this for? Just for hearing about a student with light attributes?”

“Pretty soon, there will be a public construction boom for earth attributes. Then, all the earth attributes will start making stone walls or paving roads together. So…”

I lightly waved the staff and created a small stone wall on the desk, then made it disappear.

“I’ll give this to you, Bruno. Because you’re an earth attribute, right?”

“…?”

Bruno cleared his throat and took the staff.

“If you grip the magic stone, it’ll come from the magic stone. If you lightly grip the end, it’ll come from your own magic power. It’s convenient, so give it a try.”

And remember the scripture properly.

“…Looks like I owe you again…”

“For me, Arcart is more important than this staff. Oh, you have a lot of family members with earth attributes, right? If you dismantle it carefully, you should be able to replicate it. Use it with everyone.”

Without even having the usual carefree attitude, Bruno muttered “I appreciate it” and left the room. In his place, real hotel staff and maids arrived, and the dinner for that day came to an end.

“Alexi, what happened today?”

All the servants had left, and it was just us left to go to bed. In the dimly lit room, Lord Luca came in with a concerned look.

“Oh, I’m sorry to have worried you. It’s not like it’s nothing, but…”

“I’ll worry about anything. After all, I’m Alexi’s master, right?”

“It’s about that, Lord Luca. I’d like to have a word with you.”

A heavy silence fell in the dark room.