Little Pink Starfish

The Fourth Remarkable Trait.

“A… monster research lab?”

“That’s right. His Lordship established it to study ways to more effectively counter monsters and share that knowledge.”

Senior administrator Petro nodded solemnly. Though Solar was protected by the Red Dragon’s blessing and safe from monster invasions, monsters were still something to remain ever vigilant against. On rare occasions, flying-type monsters would appear and attack civilian homes. Especially when travelling to other domains, even with knights as escort, it could be frightening.

Recently, something large had been under construction at the entrance to the road leading up to the Lord’s castle. Turned out it was the very monster research facility. Since the Lord valued it greatly, it was deemed necessary for the administrators to inspect it before opening it to the public. After work, Alika joined a few volunteers and headed toward the monster research lab.

The lab looked like a sleek, enormous egg cut in half and flipped over. At the entrance stood a huge stone slab engraved with the institution’s purpose. Admiring the craftsmanship of the stonemasons, they stepped inside—only to immediately be greeted by an enormous monster.

“Gah!”

Even administrators hardened by the castle’s many incidents flinched and recoiled. The monster’s many compound eyes gleamed as if it were about to attack—but it was a preserved specimen, its realism overwhelming.

“Th-That’s not alive, right?”

“Is it taxidermied? But don’t monsters vanish into dust when they die?”

One of the bravest administrators stepped forward. As he approached, a recorded voice began to play. It explained that the monster was a model, painstakingly crafted to be lifelike. Only after hearing that were they able to relax and move forward.

“His Lordship really went all-in on this.”

“I bet the research tower mages lost sleep over this one.”

Approaching another model, they heard a description play again, stating it was the most commonly seen monster in the north and explaining the proper countermeasures. Various models of other northern monsters were also on display.

As they continued, Alika realised this wasn’t just a research lab—it was more like a monster exhibition hall. Realistically, it seemed better suited for visitors from other domains than Solar residents, who lived in relative safety. A monster exhibit—what a unique tourist attraction no other domain could boast! Alika was impressed.

“His Lordship is truly remarkable. To build something so informative… These models look ready to move any moment.”

The highlight was a magically animated monster model that actually moved. Even knowing it was fake, its movements sent chills down the spine. The gift shop, which one couldn’t avoid on the way out, was also excellent. Mini monster dolls, research books, illustrations, red flower tea, and supposed monster-repelling goods—each product was high quality and likely to sell well. As Alika admired the Lord’s foresight, a few secretive eyes quietly observed him.

After confirming there were no problems with the exhibit, it was nearly time to head home. Senior administrator Petro stopped Alika just as he was preparing to leave.

“Administrator Alika, do you have time tonight? Shall we have a drink? My treat—how about a steaming bowl of broth buns?”

“If you’re treating, Administrator Petro, then of course I’m coming.”

Just imagining hot broth buns and a strong drink made his mouth water. Happily agreeing, Alika joined Petro and several others en route to Captain Hera’s bun shop. On the way, two mages from the research tower also joined.

Hera and her husband, Ulf, ran the shop together, and it was always bustling. But administrators never had to wait in line. A small attic space was always reserved for late-working staff. Though the ceiling was low, it was plenty high enough to sit comfortably. After ordering, Captain Hera herself arrived with a tray piled high like a work of art.

“Eat up! I added extra portions to keep you strong so you can keep supporting His Lordship!”

“Thank you, Captain Hera!”

The administrators licked their lips and picked up their utensils. Slicing through a bun in the clear or spicy red broth revealed savoury meat and vegetables inside. Scooping it up with the broth brought warmth surging through the body. A few pieces of tangy pickled radish followed by another bun stuffed with filling made for a satisfying meal.

Adding Captain Hera’s complimentary stir-fried pork and vegetables and pairing it with a drink—nothing could be better. Toasts for the glory of great Solar and the Lord rang out as they drank glass after glass. As the mood relaxed and conversation flowed, Petro leaned in.

“Administrator Alika, your loyal and diligent service to His Lordship is something all should aspire to.”

“Thank you, Administrator Petro. I’ve simply been doing what I should.”

Alika poured Petro a drink with sincere gratitude. It felt good to be recognised. The other administrators offered their own compliments. Amidst the joy, Alika couldn’t help but wonder—why were they praising him so much? Then, Petro sidled up to him and asked quietly,

“By the way, Alika… would you be interested in joining a certain group dedicated to His Lordship?”

“A… group for His Lordship?”

Alika blinked in confusion. Was that necessary? Weren’t they all, as administrators, already devoted to the Lord? Petro nodded gravely.

“It’s a gathering of those whose loyalty to His Lordship surpasses the norm. We meet regularly to share our devotion. Nothing more—just meals like this.”

It seemed slightly suspicious, but if it was just a chance to socialise with his seniors, Alika didn’t see the harm. He nodded readily, and the administrators beamed.

“Perfect! In that case, let’s hold an induction ceremony for our newest member tonight.”

An initiation ceremony? That sounded a bit more serious than expected. Still, Alika followed the seniors back to the Lord’s castle. One thing he had been grateful for in Solar was that there had been no hazing of newcomers. He’d been here nearly three years—surely they weren’t going to start now? He followed nervously.

They stopped at a door on the upper level of the inner castle—a place Alika had never been. Petro explained.

“This is a place akin to His Lordship’s treasure vault.”

“Excuse me? We’re allowed to just… walk into such a place?”

“It’s fine. His Lordship granted us permission to visit anytime we want to look.”

“A treasure… vault?”

Alika was even more confused. As far as he knew, the Lord had no such thing. He wasn’t the type to indulge in luxury. Most of His funds were invested in the research tower. Any flashy jewellery on His person was more likely picked by Ginas or Botello—or the Red Dragon.

“Well, it’s full of treasures in its own right.”

Petro affirmed, and the two research tower mages who had come along whispered among themselves.

“I tried to make one too… but without being a mage, it’s hard to manage.”

“Even the tower’s mages had a tough time.”

“Administrators wouldn’t know, but His Lordship’s skill with magic is almost eerie. Impossible to imitate.”

Alika was now completely lost on what they were talking about. Petro then pulled out a brass key from his coat and solemnly inserted it into the lock. With a click, it opened. He stepped aside and gestured to Alika.

“Go ahead. Take a look.”

Was it really okay to enter something like the Lord’s treasure vault? Alika hesitated, then carefully opened the door.

Soft, radiant lighting filled the wide room. Glass display cases stood in rows beneath the brightest lights, each containing spherical objects. At first, Alika thought they were polished gemstones. But he was wrong.

“…Huh?”

Alika stepped closer and blinked in disbelief. His eyes grew wide. Unconsciously, he called out to the divine.

Dear heavens… Morunka…