-22- No one should be absent

Today, the whole Chaldea is filled with a faint sense of tension, making the air carry a subtle pressure.

"Senpai...."

Mash seems to sense this tension and calls out to Rozen, her face slightly tense.

Yawning and looking completely the opposite, Rozen glances at Mash and sees her tightly strung expression.

"Relax." Rozen yawns and says, "Don't be so nervous; we've gone through many simulated battles before, no problem."

This nonchalant attitude might receive criticism from Olga Marie, but it actually influences Mash, making her mood slightly more relaxed.

Seeing this scene clearly, Rozen smiles and feels reassured.

Rozen intentionally adopts this demeanor to ease Mash's mind, as he understands the influence people have on each other.

When everyone around is tense, it's easy to feel some tension as well. On the other hand, if people around are carefree, it's difficult to stay serious.

Rozen uses this knowledge to guide the still immature Mash, considering her emotions.

Though they are the same age and both lack life experience but possess vast knowledge, Rozen excels in tactics and strategy formulation, and he knows precisely how to put Mash at ease.

This is because Rozen has a clear understanding of his role.

As a summoner manipulating familiars for battle, he might lack physical ability, but his mind must remain sharp.

For the actual combat, he relies on his familiars and servants, while his own task is to command and support from the rear.

This maximizes the fighting potential.

Rozen has always been aware of this and continuously absorbs knowledge to enrich his mind, making it easier to organize tactics and commands in various combat situations.

The same applies to this battle.

"In combat, mere magicians like us can't keep up with servant-level opponents."

"As Masters, our task is not to go to the frontlines but to command from the rear."

"Otherwise, we would be nothing more than a hindrance."

With this understanding, Rozen knows what he should do.

Moreover, he is a summoner, and his combat method involves manipulating familiars from the rear. This realization runs even deeper.

Thinking of this, Rozen can't help but be excited.

"I wonder what kind of hero will be summoned through 'Fate' and contract with me."

He genuinely looks forward to it.

A boy who loves magic, cherishes miracles, that is him. Rorelai Arnett.

//// My friend came up with Arnett. In the book MC and Romani doesn't share surnames so I used this. I've fixed the previous chapter too. ////

Just then...

"Oh, so you're here."

At the sound of this voice, Rozen halts his steps to the control room.

"Professor."

Mash also stops but, unlike Rozen, she respectfully bows to the incoming person.

The one who arrives is Lev.

"I've been looking for you for a while; it's good that none of you are absent."

Carrying a decorative cane and wearing his usual smile, Lev approaches them.

"..."

Rozen does not greet Lev but just looks at him.

For some reason, Rozen can't help but feel...

(This guy gives an even creepier feeling now...)

This feeling leaves Rozen unable to open his mouth to greet Lev, so he remains silent.

Lev, who seemingly knows what Rozen thinks, approaches them.

"Preparing to go to the control room, huh?" Lev says warmly, "Mary is about to hold a briefing for the gathered Masters, and it's just the two of you missing. Hurry over."

Hearing this, Rozen raises an eyebrow.

"Is Professor here specifically to find us?"

Rozen inquires somewhat tentatively.

Lev answers readily, "Well, you two are not selected from famous magician families, nor are you ordinary civilians. You are special candidates originally affiliated with Chaldea, possessing rarer and more valuable talents than ordinary candidates. On such an important day as today, you can't afford to be absent."

Though the answer is prompt, Rozen can still sense Lev's sincerity behind it.

"That's right, on such an important day, no one should be absent."

Lev smiles candidly as he speaks.

However, that smile and his words send a chill creeping up Rozen's spine.

Before Rozen can investigate further, Lev changes the subject, saying, "By the way, do you know where Romani is? I've been looking for him."

Ignoring Rozen's reaction for the moment, Mash is surprised and asks, "Isn't Doctor Roman in the control room?"

"He was just here," Lev shakes his head, "but lately, Romani has been pestering Olga Marie, saying things like 'I want a break! I want to read the latest update of 〈Magic☆Meri〉!' She got angry and said that with him around, it's impossible to set the right mood for the operation, so she chased him out."

Truly in Roman's style.

That's Rozen and Mash's first impression.

"Although that's the case, today's operation is crucial. In order to avoid any health issues among the Masters, we still need Romani's care." Lev turns to Rozen and asks, "Do you know where your brother is, Rozen?"

To be honest, Rozen does know.

Not long ago, Roman barged into Rozen's room and yelled at him, "Today, I'm going to slack off! If someone asks for me, tell them I'm not here!"

Then, Roman hid in Rozen's bathroom.

In other words, Roman is currently hiding in Rozen's room.

So...

"I don't know," Rozen straightforwardly replies to Lev, "Maybe he went somewhere to slack off?"

"Is that so?" Lev falls silent for a moment, then says helplessly, "Well, there's nothing we can do. The operation is about to begin. Let's head over first and see if we can contact Romani later."

After saying that, Lev takes the lead, as if leading the way.

Mash intends to follow, but she sees Rozen hesitating, staying in place.

"Senpai?" Mash tilts her head and asks, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Rozen shakes his head, trying to sound relaxed, "It's nothing. Let's follow them."

"Yes," though still a bit puzzled, Mash doesn't ask further.

The two follow behind Lev, heading back to the control room.

However, Rozen is no longer as carefree as before.

Gazing at Lev's back, Rozen's eyes flicker.

(Something feels off...)

That's the only thought in Rozen's mind.

Unfortunately, the situation doesn't stop because Rozen feels something is amiss.

Not long after, the trio arrives at the control room, taking their respective places.