"Is this ice maker too energy-intensive? Shouldn't the magic item vendor handle after-sales repairs?"

Mei Yige fiddled with the magic device—similar to a gachapon machine—and sighed inwardly. Why did this so-called Magic Consultant have to act like a jack-of-all-trades for anything magic-related?

"This thing’s twenty years old. Warranty expired after ten. Imported from the capital too—Water Fungus Town doesn’t stock such high-end gear." Old Dem, the fifty-year-old icehouse keeper who’d managed the facility for thirty years, leaned against the machine. He looked down on non-magical townsfolk, especially regarding the ice maker’s operation. "Only someone like you—a city folk—would we dare hire. Others? Might pocket a few parts when no one’s watching. Hmph…"

*Spot on.*

Mei Yige kept the thought to herself. After tinkering awhile, she confirmed the vintage model’s magic circuit had minor burnout.

"No need for new parts. I’ll just clean it up. Check if it works properly now?"

"Done! Oh my, it’s better than new! No wonder a big-city Sorceress like you knows her stuff. Don’t be so polite to an old man—take these frozen pears, *dongli*, for the road." Dem’s voice boomed. Young workers nearby sorting ice flashed brief disdain. Mei Yige accepted the *dongli* with a smile.

"Task settled then. Payment goes to the Association later. I’ll take my leave—"

A deafening crash cut her off.

Shouts and chaos erupted outside. Without hesitation, Mei Yige grabbed her Magic Wand and dashed out. Across from the icehouse, the orchard fence was shattered. Militia members with shields desperately blocked rampaging red-maned boars. The girl who’d bumped into Mei Yige earlier now rode one wildly, clutching its ears as it charged. The shouts came from townsfolk nearly trampled by *her* boar.

"Aisha! Stab it! The neck!"

"You little brat—just slash its forehead! Damn it, aim properly!"

…

*This winemaking town’s got spirit.* Mei Yige frowned at the chaos. Seeing icehouse staff rush out too, she made her decision. She stepped back, shielding them.

*Not in my job description. No need to intervene. No lives at risk—these hornless boars are clumsy anyway.*

Principled Sorceress she was, Mei Yige scanned for the carriage driver she’d arranged to meet near the icehouse. The staff, who’d brimmed with confidence when she charged out wand-first, now stared blankly.

*She’s not fighting?*

"I just know magic theory. My actual power? Weak. These beasts? Way out of my league. Ahaha…" Mei Yige chuckled awkwardly under their puzzled gazes. No spotlight for her—her sensitive identity might attract unwanted attention.

"Right, ‘Magic Consultant’ sounds like a desk job anyway. You’ve done enough. Leave the rest to us—we’ll ensure your safe departure from Water Fungus Town."

*Such pure-hearted townsfolk!* Mei Yige nearly teared up. She adored this uncorrupted warmth, this unity untouched by greed. Wiping imaginary sweat and tears, she nodded gratefully.

"Then I’ll leave it to you all. Truly, I can’t help further…"

*Time to vanish before trouble brews.*

"Finally found you!"

Too late.

The Association officer’s voice—her cue for extra tasks—stopped Mei Yige mid-turn.

"Y-yes?" *Stay calm. Smile.*

The staff she’d shielded had already joined the boar chase. Only she and the desperate officer remained.

"Please help us!"

Predictable. Mei Yige’s face shifted: 50% refusal, 30% conflict, 10% resignation, 10% resolve.

"I lack that capability, Officer. I’m just an ordinary Advisor."

"But… no one else can fix this! Losses are mounting, and reinforcements won’t arrive in time—" The rookie officer’s eyes welled up. Her first day on the job, and her mentor had dumped this boar crisis on her. Failure meant instant dismissal.

"D-don’t cry…"

*But tears won’t work on me.*

Mei Yige’s heart stayed ice-cold. One former Hero had taught her well about crocodile tears.

"I—I’ll commission you! Please! Save my job, and I’ll do anything!" The officer dropped to her knees, clutching Mei Yige’s arm.

*This hard? For a job?*

"Alright. I’m not heartless."

"Miss Mei—" Hope flared in the officer’s eyes.

"But—"

"Name your price!"

"—it’ll cost extra."

Mei Yige patted the stunned officer’s cheek, then sprinted back into the icehouse. Under Old Dem’s bewildered stare, she snatched the first ice sphere produced after her repair. She dashed outside again, Dem trailing behind.

In that instant, all eyes locked on the violet-haired girl. She extended her Magic Wand like a bat—and launched the sphere skyward.

"Home run!"

A blinding white light flooded Dem’s vision. When it faded, a world frozen in ice remained. Every moving creature—except townsfolk—was locked in frost.

"Huh…?"

Silence shattered only by the officer’s dazed whisper.

"Using tools effectively is basic for a Magic Consultant, right? Freezing them with pre-charged ice spheres? Totally normal~" Mei Yige grinned sheepishly. The sphere’s power had surprised even her.

"That’s *not* normal! You’re incredibly powerful, Sorceress!" The officer ignored her excuses.

Under the crowd’s awed stares, Mei Yige simply raised a hand.

"Ehehe~ (∠・ω< )⌒☆"

"What does ‘Ehehe’ even *mean*?!"