Lord Archelot.
She was a rather unique figure among the eccentric individuals at the Clock Tower. It wasn't that she was strange as a Magus, but compared to other Magus, she was exceptionally unconventional.
Because she was an idol. A genuine idol.
Despite being a Lord of the Clock Tower, she delegated roughly 70% of her duties to subordinates or other members of the Archelot family. She herself was far more likely to be jet-setting around the world for concerts, only appearing for the most critical meetings.
Because of this, Lord Archelot's reputation within the Clock Tower was far from stellar. Naturally, the Archelot family backing her also suffered the same consequences.
After all, the Clock Tower's evaluation of a Magus family was based on lineage and generational history. The Archelot family rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, meaning they had only about 200 years of history. Compared to families that had passed down their craft for millennia—some even predating the Common Era—the Archelot family seemed utterly insignificant.
Perhaps there was a reason behind Lord Archelot's decision to distance herself from Clock Tower affairs.
Back to the present—
Seeing this stunning woman, who truly deserved the title of "idol," appear beside him, Naoki couldn't help but be shocked.
"Lord Archelot… You're here?"
"My concert tour just happened to bring me here. Though I should be the more surprised one—I never expected to run into Lord El-Melloi's direct disciple in a place like this."
Direct disciple?
Kayneth's?
Naoki pointed at himself. "You're talking about me? Since when was I Kayneth's direct disciple?"
"Who knows? At any rate, that's what my periodic reports claim. The first ordinary person to make Lord El-Melloi invoke his privilege as a Lord to specially admit them. I thought this person must be extraordinary, but seeing you in person… you don't seem any different from a regular person. Just a bit handsome, I suppose."
Naoki's natural appearance was indeed quite good-looking, as Arthur had once remarked. After inheriting Arthur's Saint Graph, his features had also taken on some resemblance to the King of Knights. So, calling him handsome wasn't wrong.
"Here, take your room key."
"Ah… Thanks—wait, hold on. Gray and I weren't planning to stay here."
"Hah? But you came here to stay, didn't you? Why else would you be here?"
"It's a long story, actually—"
Before Naoki could finish, Lord Archelot cut him off.
"Whatever. Just consider this my treat. It won't cost me much. Take the key, then come with me. It's too crowded here—we'll talk upstairs."
"Eh? Talk? About what?"
"Obviously, the reason I sought you out." Lord Archelot smiled. "You didn't think I'd let you stay for free, did you? Do I look like a kind-hearted woman to you?"
'Damn, she's so self-centered!'
Just one meeting, and Naoki already had that impression. Though not as bad as Merlin, this Lord Archelot seemed like the type who loved causing trouble for others. And now that she'd gone out of her way to book them a room, Naoki honestly felt too guilty to refuse—after all, without her, he and Gray would be homeless.
"Big Brother…?"
"Let's go, Gray. Seems like our Paris trip won't be as relaxing as we hoped."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Lord Archelot had booked Naoki and Gray a VIP suite on the upper floors.
The moment they saw the extravagantly decorated room, Naoki and Gray—who were used to living in rented apartments, dorms, and even wooden cabins—froze at the doorway as if petrified. In contrast, Lord Archelot casually strode in and lounged on the sofa.
"Don't just stand there gawking. Come in and sit. Or what, is this your first time staying somewhere this fancy? Nervous?"
"Pretty much."
Naoki chuckled wryly before guiding Gray to sit across from Lord Archelot.
"Alright, let's get straight to the point, Lord Archelot. You—"
"May Riddell Archelot." Lord Archelot—Riddell—cut him off again. "This isn't the Clock Tower, and you're not from the Botany Department. No need for formalities—just call me Riddell or May."
"Understood… My apologies, Miss Archelot."
Naoki still maintained his politeness.
"First, thank you for helping Gray and me with our accommodation. If not for you, we might've ended up sleeping on the streets."
"It's nothing. Like I said, I didn't help you out of pure kindness. I just happened to need someone's assistance, and you happened to appear in front of me."
Naoki nodded. "I understand. So, what kind of help do you need?"
At this, Riddell's usual cheerful idol smile faded. She let out a heavy sigh.
"You saw the situation downstairs, right? Reporters and media swarming the hotel."
"Yeah, it's packed… They're here to cover your concert tour, aren't they?"
"Correct."
"Is that a problem? You're a globally famous idol—surely you're used to this kind of attention by now?"
Riddell's brow furrowed.
"Used to it? Of course I am. I've been an idol long enough. And it's not like I can't handle them. If I wanted, I could just use Magecraft to make them cooperate, and they'd scatter immediately."
"Then what's the issue?"
"The concert's in four days. Before that, I still have rehearsals, simulations, and other preparations. Plus, I have a new song in its final stages of production. I need focus—no distractions."
"While getting rid of reporters is easy, the Botany Department's been dealing with some issues lately. Some bastard blew up my lab, causing financial and scheduling chaos among the Magus. So, I don't have enough people to help me deal with the press, and I really don't want to deal with them myself."
At this point, her intentions were clear.
"Before the concert starts, I need you to act as my decoy. Lure the reporters away. You don't even have to do much—just pretend to be me and take a walk outside for an hour or two each day."
"Can you help me with this little favor, Natsukawa Naoki?"