The fountain in the mansion’s rotary flows with a stream of water as clear as holy water. As I watch from my room window on the second floor, I hear a knock on the door.

"Come in."

A man around forty with brown hair, none other than Sorderic Manisears—the man who built this mansion—walks in. For those who have figured it out, this Sorderic is actually that lich. Now, thanks to being tamed by me, he has evolved into a “Spirit Lich” and regained his human appearance.

"Master Sai, your breakfast is ready."

"Got it."

Sorderic used to be a merchant, but 20 years ago, all of his family members were killed in an uprising by their servants. Thus, he still remembers the faces and names of those servants. Whether those names are still in use, or if their faces have changed, is uncertain. They may even be dead by now.

When I sit down at the dining table, a small maid brings the meal. This isn’t Pal. This little girl with braided blond hair, around 10 years old, is Artemis—Sorderic’s daughter. She was a high ghost accompanying him but has now evolved into a “Lich Doll.” I only intended to tame the lich, but it seems the six high ghosts bound to Sorderic came along too.

"Artemis, place the fork over here. Place the fork, spoon, and knife in the order Master Sai will use them."

"Oh, I’m sorry! My apologies, Master Sai."

Artemis bows her head and then smiles brightly. The servants who murdered Artemis 20 years ago were truly monstrous. No matter how much resentment they held against Sorderic, there was no need to kill such a young child.

"It’s okay. You’ll learn in time."

Both Sorderic and Artemis call me "Sai" now because I’ve given up my old name, Saijar. I’m just Sai now—plain Sai.

Only Sorderic and Artemis have regained human forms; the other five high ghosts evolved into liches, but without human appearances. It seems there’s some difference within the Manisears family itself. However, they, too, have been freed from the mansion’s binding curse and can move freely beyond its walls.

After some time living in this mansion and gaining strength, I plan to set out on my journey.

"After breakfast, I’ll head to the Adventurers' Guild. The mansion is in your care, Sorderic."

"Understood."

After breakfast, I make my way to the Adventurers' Guild. My mansion sits at the border of the slums and the commoners' district, near both the market and the bustling commercial area. Due to its proximity, Sandor is eager to develop the area around the mansion. The ghost story will eventually fade, and development will proceed. Sandor mentioned he would try to buy up land here while it’s still cheap.

—Storage Magic

This is magic that allows the storage of objects in an alternate space. With the “Creation” life magic, crafting such magic was simple.

The Item Box skill also allows for storage in an alternate space. Although similar, my storage magic requires mana to use, unlike the Item Box. The benefit is that I can store living creatures within it, unlike the Item Box.

By storing valuables in this magic, there’s no risk of theft. With food supplies in there, I can weather any emergency without concern. So, I have many items stored safely within the alternate space.

After confirming the contents of my storage, I leave the mansion, with Pal by my side, of course.