Chapter 610 – With the Labyrinth Village

And so—to allow Helvorte to freely leave Claudia’s castle without hesitation, we immediately began making preparations.

While we needed to increase production of the Hiders monitoring the castle, we also needed to modify the Hiders already deployed throughout the labyrinth. So while collecting them, I contacted Alfred via communication device.

Since we just needed to place them at key points connecting the Labyrinth Village and Ende Wiles, and at Claudia’s castle, it shouldn’t take too much time to increase production.

As for Helvorte herself… thanks to Claudia’s strong encouragement, she reluctantly agreed to leave the labyrinth.

The core was still being defended by the Last Guardian, and there was no one left to protect in Claudia’s castle. The Labyrinth Village residents were originally blocked from the passages and were currently at my house, so at present, the only person Helvorte needed to protect was Claudia herself.

“Oh, Lady Helvorte!”

When I returned home, the Labyrinth Village residents I had contacted were waiting in the entrance hall, and their faces brightened upon seeing Helvorte.

“It has been a long time. I have also awakened, so I will be accompanying the Princess.”

Helvorte greeted the Labyrinth Village residents calmly.

“Is that so? I’m delighted to see you again.”

“Please, this way. We have preparations ready to welcome you.”

The Labyrinth Village residents guided Helvorte to the courtyard. While we were collecting the Hiders, they had been contacted via communication device and had prepared a welcome for Helvorte.

Since she had also defended the Labyrinth Village while Claudia slept, it was clear the residents held her in high regard.

Once led to the courtyard, people quickly gathered, and everyone began greeting Helvorte.

The Carbuncles also seemed familiar with Helvorte, climbing onto her shoulders without much hesitation. Helvorte, as if this were usual, let the Carbuncles do as they pleased.

“They get along well, don’t they?”

“Lady Helvorte has helped us with many things.”

The Labyrinth Village residents smiled.

“Indeed. She assisted when building the Myugals’ new home.”

“I heard my grandfather was saved by her when he was a child.”

Apparently, she helped with manual labor when building new houses and such. The Labyrinth Village was generally peaceful, but she also rescued a child during a fire that occurred with Claudia…

“So, since she’s been involved with the village for a long time, there are various anecdotes. No wonder she’s so beloved.”

Rosemary nodded in understanding.

“What do you think?”

“Yes. It somewhat resembles the atmosphere during festivals.”

When Claudia asked, Helvorte replied in her usual tone.

“Actually—this is the normal state of the village residents.”

“I understand. When residents lived in Ende Wiles, there was also this kind of lively atmosphere.”

“Hmm. It might be a little disappointing that I don’t remember Lady Helvorte.”

Irmhild, watching the scene, said this.

“When I was awake, Helvorte was often asleep in case of emergencies… Irmhild was still young, and her compatibility with the emotion-suppressing magic tool wasn’t good either. It can’t be helped that memories from early childhood became vague.”

“That… might be true. But thank you for protecting my father and mother’s village.”

At Claudia’s words, Irmhild nodded, smiled brightly, and bowed her head to Helvorte.

“—I have not done anything significant. I am merely following the Princess’s wishes.”

Helvorte responded calmly, but her demeanor seemed somewhat softer. Considering how the Carbuncles were attached to her, her fundamental nature was likely gentle.

After the Labyrinth Village residents, Cecilia, Floria, Harvesta, Lasnote, and others finished their greetings in the courtyard… Princess Stephania and Sion’s group returned from training in the labyrinth, and Alfred’s workshop members arrived at the house together. They were immediately guided to the courtyard where everyone was gathered.

“Ah, Theodore-kun. First, this.”

Alfred handed me a medal engraved with the Control Formula for the Hiders. It was usual for Alfred to engrave the formulas I constructed onto medals or magic stones.

Whether for Hiders or Seekers, since the spell formulas were already constructed, the production itself was quite simple.

“Mhm. I’ll incorporate it into the Golem later and have it fixed in place.”

I accepted it and nodded to Alfred.

Well then, let’s introduce Helvorte to everyone.

“This is Lord Helvorte of the Valkyrie—Claudia’s direct Guardian from the labyrinth’s deep floor.”

“Valkyrie, you say… With Cerberus as well, the labyrinth’s deep floor is full of Legendary Grade beings, isn’t it?”

Old Sigmund widened his eyes and shook his head.

“She oversees the monsters in Claudia’s castle, and she said it’s fine to use them for training. I had been thinking of introducing her to Your Highness Stephania and Sion’s group as well.”

“Is that so? Then we may be in your care from now on. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Stephania Verdgar, First Princess of the Kingdom of Verdugal.”

Princess Stephania politely greeted Helvorte.

“A member of the Verdugal royal family. I am Helvorte. The Princess holds gratitude for your royal family’s reign.”

Then, the newcomers also introduced themselves to Helvorte in turn.

In that flow… when Corulis extended its hand as if asking for a handshake, Helvorte tilted her head for a moment but ultimately took Corulis’s hand and returned a normal introduction.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Helvorte.”

“I am Corulis. It is my Familiar.”

“Is that so? It possesses considerable magical power—a good Familiar.”

To Princess Stephania, who introduced Corulis cheerfully, Helvorte nodded solemnly.

With everyone gathered, a modest banquet began, meant to welcome Helvorte and celebrate her awakening.

Labyrinth Village residents brought out instruments to play, and others danced along, creating a quite enjoyable atmosphere.

Helvorte sat at the center, quietly watching. Her expression hardly changed, but she was clearly watching and listening to the residents’ performances, so it wasn’t that she lacked interest.

With Carbuncles on her shoulders and head, she watched the events intently. Seraphina also seemed accustomed already, being held on her lap.

“She’s a calm person, isn’t she?”

Seeing this, Grace narrowed her eyes as if looking at something heartwarming.

“She said that aside from battles, castle defense… and emergencies, she doesn’t know what to do.”

“Even so, she seems beloved by the village residents.”

“Yes.”

At Ashley’s words, Claudia smiled.

“Mhm. Theodore made various things.”

Then Sheila brought carbonated drinks and cotton candy to Helvorte. Along with Irmhild, Sheila might also have a favorable impression of Helvorte for protecting the Labyrinth Village.

“—A drink with gas confined at high density and flavored with fruit juice, and a sweet made by heating sugar into a cotton-like form, I presume. I haven’t seen these elsewhere, but if Theodore-sama made them, it makes sense. I believe the taste is good.”

After tasting them and calmly analyzing, Helvorte nodded quietly. Seeing this reaction, Claudia showed a soft smile.

Yeah. I feel like I’m starting to understand Helvorte a bit. When we first met, since her emotions didn’t show and with her title as Guardian, I thought she might be more mechanical. But as I glimpse her inner self, she gives the impression of being earnest and straightforward. Claudia closed her eyes and asked.

“How is the outside world after so long?”

“Termwills is lively. Around the Princess as well, people’s smiles never cease. It must be a good environment.”

Helvorte answered in a quiet tone. At her words, Marlene nodded repeatedly. Helvorte nodded back to Marlene, then slightly opened her Pure Eyes to look at me.

“Please allow me to cooperate in the decisive battle against the Demons. I have judged it will contribute to the labyrinth’s peace and the environment around the Princess.”

“Of course. Having Lord Helvorte’s cooperation gives me great reassurance in many ways.”

Saying this, I offered a handshake. Helvorte took my hand and nodded quietly.