“I don’t know how much Nefmeiza’s Magic will affect ‘him.'”

I continued to speak to Sofia and the others.

“But my view is that it can’t be said to be unrelated. Also, I don’t know the details of the event that triggered the World’s Collapse, but… I do have one conjecture.”

“Lord Ruon, what is it?”

“Before I died in my previous life, a new Story was about to be released. As I said before, it was meant to be the end of a trilogy. Something might happen there.”

However, whether that Story will cause the world to collapse, or merely be a trigger, I don’t know.

“All I can say now is that when that Story begins, we should rush to the scene.”

“It hasn’t started yet?”

“Yes… but that’s the problem. Even if it’s a trilogy, it might not happen soon, right? It could be a month from now, or a year from now. But since the characters of the Story seem to already exist, I don’t think it’ll be a hundred years later.”

“That place isn’t this Continent or the Shelzia Continent, is it?”

“I’m gathering information about that area. I know what the beginning of the Story is like, so I’ll infiltrate the relevant location at that time.”

“Before then, we have to do something about Nefmeiza.”

Richard’s words. I nodded deeply.

“The enemy we just discovered will be dealt with later. Our goal is still Nefmeiza. From now on, we’ll focus on the counter-Strategy.”

“First things first, then.”

I replied, “That’s right,” to Garuku’s comment… and the discussion ended.

After that, we moved to return to Exon’s Mansion. In the end, we didn’t encounter any Imperial Side Knights and obtained the Dragon Demon Stone.

We’ll consider how to handle it in the future… as a result, we were able to return to Exon’s Mansion by night.

“It’s reassuring to leave it to you.”

Exon, who greeted us, said so. However, perhaps sensing that our faces were somewhat grim, he cast a suspicious gaze.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

“…It’s a little different from the plot of this battle, but.”

Exon seemed eager to listen. Well, it’s probably fine to tell him, since he’s aware of the Story and such.

Sofia and Richard decided to rest, and I spoke with Exon.

“Hmm, a new enemy… or rather, the root cause of everything.”

“For this battle, it’s fine not to count them as an enemy.”

“That may be so… but will you eventually fight them, Ruon?”

“I intend to at least strategize against them.”

Here, I remembered the Dragon Demon Stone.

“Please keep the Dragon Demon Stone we obtained this time as well.”

Does that also imply fighting the mastermind?

For the time being, yes. There’s no doubt they’re a formidable opponent. If possible, I’d like to acquire the most powerful war vessel through the battle with Nefmeiza… but time is running out. If I decide it’s impossible, I’ll give up.

Nevertheless, we should do what we can. I’d like to integrate the Dragon Demon Stones on this continent and create the strongest weaponry.

–The conversation has become grand. No, it’s true that we should do something of that magnitude.

Anyway, we still lack materials. And traversing various parts of the continent as we are now will take too much time.

At this, Exon put his hand to his chin.

I wouldn’t say there’s no way to gather many Dragon Demon Stones.

You mean one of the remaining Four Dragon Marquises.

As expected, you know. Yes, the female Marquis who holds territory in the northeast… Anastasia Zelenfi.

–If I recall correctly, that person has an aspect as a war vessel collector. She doesn’t use them for military purposes, but simply collects them as a hobby.

She also collects Dragon Demon Stones, but she doesn’t use them. I think Nefmeiza is eyeing the Dragon Demon Stones she possesses, but…

Isn’t there a possibility that Nefmeiza has demanded them?

We won’t know that unless we ask the Book person directly.

Assuming we talk… do you think you can persuade her?

It would be difficult.

Exon wasn’t supposed to be on good terms with her. Even if they were to talk, they’d probably have to go to her mansion, and a battle might even ensue depending on the situation.

If it’s Ruon, you’d win even if you fought, right?

I might win, but… would that make her compliant?

I don’t know.

She tends to prioritize her own desires over loyalty to the Empire. Conversely, it might be possible to use that to bring her to our side.

However, in this case, there’s a very high probability that she’ll demand the Dragon Demon Stones obtained as a condition for the exchange. Giving away the materials when we’re trying to create weaponry is…

Would it be impossible to give her a reward after the battle is over?

I highly doubt she’d accept that. There aren’t many high-quality Dragon Demon Stones. If she’s a collector, she wouldn’t want to let them go.

…This is troublesome. In the game, the flow was to try and recruit her, fail, and then battle. The method of defeating her and taking the Dragon Demon Stones—because the storage location wasn’t her mansion, it became a labyrinth in the game.

Our interests don’t align.

To her, this battle probably isn’t very interesting. To put it extremely, she only needs to admire weaponry and Dragon Demon Stones. It’s highly likely that she won’t get along with us, who are trying to use them.

Acquiring the Dragon Demon Stones she possesses itself seems quite difficult.

Hmm, in that case, getting as many Dragon Demon Stones as possible that are sleeping in the wild… there’s a limit, isn’t there?

I assure you that even combining the two we currently have will yield something decent. However, Ruon, you wouldn’t be satisfied with just that, would you?

…It wouldn’t be absolute even in the battle with Nefmeiza.

That’s right.

This area is a challenge. But we can’t be troubled forever.

For now, let’s send a messenger.

Exon says.

Compared to the other Marquis, it’s still better to just talk to her. Let’s decide what to do after seeing her reaction, shall we?

That’s probably the safest bet… In the meantime, we’ll try to collect as many Dragon Demon Stones as possible.

Yes, that’s fine.

I think we’re making steady progress, but the pace feels slow… I can’t shake the feeling of impatience, but for now, I guess all we can do is what we can.

Well then, Exon. I’m going to rest now.

Indeed.

And so, for today, we’ll rest after achieving some results—but the next day, an unexpected event will occur.

The next day, after breakfast, I discussed what to do with Sofia and Richard in my room. For now, it was decided that we would investigate the Dragon Demon Stone through our sources, but then… after a knock, the maid entered the room.

Lord Ruon, a visitor wishes to see you.

A visitor?

Yes.

The maid said in a somewhat stern voice,

…Marquis Zelenfi has arrived.

I was surprised. Not only because it was the very next day after our discussion, but also because I never expected her to come to us.

Who is it?

When Sofia asked, I replied,

One of the Four Dragon Marquises… she has a hobby of collecting Dragon Demon Stones and martial vessels.

Could it be that she found out we are collecting Dragon Demon Stones?

Even so, I think the timing of her visit is too early… Anyway, shall we meet her?

Besides Lord Ruon, the two of you as well.

The maid said. Does that mean she wants to see me and my companions?

Understood. Let’s go.

Sofia and the others nodded silently and left the room. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the hallway as they arrived at the reception room. After a knock, we entered.