The three of us continued our journey, heading south.

Currently, there are no Five Great Wars with Demons, and it seems safe for the time being. Sylvie also has a means of high-speed movement… and she said she used it to rush to distant places, so even if it happens, the three of us can go, so there’s no immediate problem.

“By the way, I have a question.”

Along the way, Sylvie asks a question.

“I’ve also heard about the situation in the Barx Kingdom… If an opportunity for a counterattack arises, will you go to battle?”

“…I would like to, but I think we need to consider the situation at that time.”

Sofia’s calm remark. If it were in the book, she would probably want to answer immediately with “I will go.”

“If we can counterattack, I think it’s fine to make my existence public. However, I have concerns about whether my abilities can handle it.”

—She’s probably remembering being attacked by the Demon Race and is feeling anxious.

The Demon King’s army that attacked the Barx Kingdom included quite powerful individuals, perhaps because a Descendant of a Sage was part of the Royal Family. Furthermore, they invaded the surrounding areas, and now the level of Monsters appearing around the Capital City has probably also increased. If an attack is launched, it will undoubtedly be a very fierce battle.

Observing Sofia, she had a grim expression, perhaps thinking that she still lacked sufficient strength. Then she looked at me. I opened my mouth to alleviate her anxiety even a little.

“The tide of battle is slowly but surely turning. And Sofia’s strength is also increasing. You’ll be able to contend sufficiently.”

“I hope so… Also, I’m worried about Eina.”

“Eina?”

To Sylvie’s repeated question, Sofia turned her face to her.

“Ah, um. I haven’t told you, have I? She’s my cousin and a Knight… She escaped when the Castle fell… I hope she’s safe.”

—Currently, Eina and her group are indeed active, fighting in various places and liberating Towns, but although there are rumors of such a mobile Knight Order, information that Eina is a central figure in it has not yet spread widely. In fact, we have also heard rumors of the Knight Order, but we haven’t heard about who is in it. It will probably be a while before her name becomes widely known.

Currently, Eina’s group is in a situation where they are raising their levels and gathering forces. With Ririsha, who was not supposed to join in the original story, joining, their forces are gathering more than I expected.

The time to defeat the Demon Race rampant in the Barx Kingdom Capital is after the defeat of the third of the Five Great Demons. Therefore, if Sofia goes to fight, she will need to level up a bit more. However, that will change depending on when the Five Great Wars with Demons take place. Considering that Eina’s forces are gathering, it’s not impossible that the third battle will be hastened as a result of actively pursuing the Five Great Wars with Demons.

Two of the remaining three require prerequisite events and also take time, so dealing with them isn’t too difficult. The problem is whether or not one can house the Sage’s Power within oneself. Since the route where the Demon King is strengthened is definite, it might be useless to worry about that… Regarding this, I’ll consult with Lefin again.

The last one can be fought after defeating two of the Five Great Demons, but its location is in the Northern Region and not too far from a Stronghold where Executive Class Demon Race members are present. Therefore, since there don’t seem to be any individuals currently going there, there’s no need to worry too much.

Also, the other Protagonists are in a situation where they are completing sub-events… During this time, I will make sure to do what I want to do—thinking that, we continued walking towards our destination.

Upon entering the land classified as the Southern Region, the level of Monsters clearly decreased. As a result, the atmosphere flowing through Towns and such also became somewhat calmer.

Since the Demon King’s and high-ranking Demon Race’s main Castles are located in the Northern Region of the Continent, the Southern Region is less affected by the Shadow of the Demon Lord, and idyllic Villages can be seen here and there.

Amidst all this—we arrived at Eltira’s Forest, the Undine’s Dwelling. There was a maintained path, and we decided to enter from there.

“The Undine is in the Spring in this Forest.”

“A Spring, you say?”

At my explanation, Sofia uttered a word.

“Is there only one Spring?”

“No, there are various Springs, large and small, throughout the Forest, and the Undine lives there.”

“You know a lot.”

Lefin appears. Just like when we contracted with the Gnome, it’s her turn.

“Is Lefin going to speak for us here too?”

“That’s the plan, at least. There are no Monsters, so you don’t have to worry.”

She walked ahead of us with a smile.

“For now, let’s see… let’s greet the Tribal Chief.”

“…Tribal Chief?”

When Sofia asked again, Lefin nodded slightly.

“We Sylphs and Gnomes call ourselves Kings, but Undines often act individually, so there is no central figure like a King or Queen to oversee their kind. However, that means they wouldn’t be united in an emergency, so we’ve appointed a Tribal Chief to act as an intermediary with outsiders.”

“…It sounds like a Tribal Chief in name only.”

When I voiced my thoughts, Lefin gave a wry smile.

“I think that’s actually true. Humans rarely deeply interfere with the Spirits’ dwelling places, so such a role probably isn’t very common. However, as the Tribal Chief, there’s no doubt she knows the Undines living in the Forest best. It might be a good idea to ask her for advice on finding a Spirit to contract with Lady Sofia, along with our greetings.”

“Oh, that sounds good.”

I agreed… but a Tribal Chief, huh? The affairs of Spirits were never mentioned in the game, so I certainly didn’t know that.

Now then—when it comes to Undines, they also differ depending on the game, just like Sylphs and Gnomes, but in this game, they were characterized by a somewhat cheerful impression.

My image of them is polite and courteous, but this game is different. For example, just as Sylphs are polite beings like Lefin, the creators seemed to have twisted their personalities slightly. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.

And there’s one problem—Lefin must know the characteristics of Undines, but she didn’t mention it, probably because she was optimistic. I was a little concerned about the characteristics of the Undines in this world that she didn’t talk about—

As we walked along a path in the Forest, I could sense presences around us. There shouldn’t be any Monsters, so it was probably the Undines.

“We’re being watched.”

Sylvie muttered, looking around. Then Lefin laughed and said,

“Many Undines are belligerent, but… I’m here, so they wouldn’t pick a fight—”

Before she could finish, I felt Magic Power. It was clear enough for us to understand… no, it was a clear aggressive presence, meant for us to understand.

“…Ah, this is…”

“They seem to have taken an interest in us.”

There’s no doubt Sofia and Sylvie have grown stronger through the Battle with Belluna and their training. Is that why the Undines have taken an interest?

“…Should we force our way through?”

I asked Lefin. She thought for a moment and said,

“Persuasion is probably impossible now… I’ll quickly go call the Tribal Chief. I think this presence will subside once she arrives.”

“I don’t think they’ll wait that long…”

“It’s fine. It’s a perfect opportunity to check the results of our training.”

Sylvie put her hand on the hilt of her sword. In response, the presences around them became even more hostile.

I thought, “Oh boy,” but from the atmosphere around us, they probably would have acted even if she hadn’t moved. It seems we have no choice but to fight… though it’s definitely better to call the Tribal Chief. I told Lefin, “Please,” and she quickly flew off deeper into the Forest.

Now, what should I do—just as I was about to think, footsteps could be heard from the Forest.