In a situation with a choice between two, what’s often seen in games is something like, “As a token of our gratitude, we offer you one of these weapons.” It’s frustrating that you can’t get both in the game, but it’s a common pattern.

However, in this case, the targets are people, not weapons… meaning you join the event and can only save one of them.

I wanted to avoid this. That is, to save both knights and also save the general who is destined to die… However, it was true that I was troubled about how to do it.

In this battle, we’ll be attacked from three directions, but of course, I’m only one person. The question of what to do if a bad situation arises simultaneously in multiple places was on my mind.

Before I saved Sofia—that is, before the game scenario began—my plan was to speak directly to King Kanan, have him control the knights’ movements to some extent, and then I would defeat the enemy commanders. I thought that if I completely annihilated the Demon Race’s army with my abilities, the Demon Lord’s side would react, so I planned to move secretly, defeat only the commanders, and then have the Knight Order deal with the confused monsters.

In that method, there’s an aspect that depends on the Demon Race’s movements, and there’s also a high possibility that the movements themselves will change. Since Kanan’s Awakening Event exists at the end of the event, changing the way we fight might even prevent it from activating. Considering the dangers of the Southern Invasion, I’d prefer to have his awakening happen if possible, and thinking about it that way, the plan I originally considered was undoubtedly a risky gamble.

Moreover, the reason for the knights’ deaths wasn’t explained in detail in the game beyond the information that they died in battle, so there were limits after all… So, it was definitely a difficult point.

However, now a different method can be taken. Sofia and the others have high abilities. They are probably strong enough against the monsters that appear in this battle. Therefore, the method is to have Sofia and the others secretly guard the knights individually and respond if a dangerous situation arises.

With this, the enemy’s movements should be as in the game, and it will be easier to predict… Assuming various countermeasures are implemented in case Sofia and the others are in danger, having my companions cooperate was undoubtedly effective.

After consulting with Sofia, I tell Sylvie and Kuuza about this matter at dinner. The two agree, and then Sylvie speaks up.

Going to Alastin Kingdom is fine, but…

Sylvie looks at Sofia’s face. I know what she wants to say. It’s probably about her existence being exposed.

The reason she doesn’t say anything more is because Kuuza is present. I look at Sofia. I don’t know yet if I’ll talk to Kanan, but at the very least, I want to avoid Sofia’s situation being exposed due to our blunder.

However, if we’re going to talk about that, we’ll naturally need to tell Kuuza, who doesn’t know the situation. I also wonder about having only Kuuza leave the table at this point—

Lord Ruon, I don’t mind.

At that, Sofia spoke up.

Having seen Kuuza’s character, I’ve judged that it’s fine.

Huh? Are you talking about me?

Kuuza is suddenly surprised. Then, Sylvie sighs and starts to speak.

If Sofia says so, I don’t mind either. If anything happens, I’ll deal with it too.

W-wait a minute. What’s going on?

Kuuza is confused. I half-ignore his comment and say to Sylvie and the others.

Well, I think it’s fine since I’ve been fighting monsters during my stay…

Wait a minute. Don’t go on without me.

Kuuza starts to panic. At this, we all look at him simultaneously—and Kuuza freezes.

Is something bad happening?

“Lord Ruon, let me explain the situation.”

“Understood.”

So, I explained about Sofia to Kuuza again. As a result, he murmured, “I see.”

“I thought she wasn’t just an adventurer… So the problem is that we have to avoid being discovered by the King of the Alastin Kingdom, right?”

“Sofia herself is hesitant about whether to meet him or not… However, we want to avoid failing and being discovered.”

“That’s true… Uh, Princess–“

“Sofia is fine.”

“…Sofia, if it comes to a battle, is there a high possibility that the King will appear on the front lines?”

“I don’t think it’s impossible, and besides, my face is known to generals and others.”

“I see.”

“Sofia, when was the last time you interacted with people from the Alastin Kingdom?”

I asked. Sofia thought for a moment and said,

“…About two years ago, I think.”

“Then the risk of being identified by your physique seems low. If you hide your face, I think you’ll be fine.”

“Should I wear an iron mask?”

“That would look odd with your current equipment… Maybe a regular mask. If we have to explain, we can say you have scars or something and you’re trying to not draw attention. Some mercenaries, humans included, try to avoid showing their faces, so as long as you don’t stand out too much, it should be fine. We’ll back you up.”

“However, our sense of style will be tested when it comes to what kind of disguise device to use.”

Sylvie spoke, seemingly enjoying herself.

“Given the size of this town, there should be a decent selection of items, so I think we can manage.”

“…Although we don’t know if there will be a battle, let’s at least prepare.”

I said that, and the conversation ended. Afterwards, Sofia and Sylvie began searching the town for disguise devices.

I, on the other hand, continued to gather information. There were no signs of an event yet, but there was certainly an atmosphere that something might happen. Perhaps a battle might erupt in the Alastin Kingdom while we were traveling.

In parallel, while listening to reports about Garuku and the others’ activities… we waited for the day the swords would be completed.

And then–the day the swords were finally completed and we were to depart. The four of us, including Kuuza, visited Ganack’s shop.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

Ganack and Ganack’s Wife welcomed us warmly–and finally, the swords were handed over.

“I’ve made something quite good. Use these to drive away the Demon Race.”

Sofia and Sylvie were each given a weapon. Sofia’s was housed in a silver sheath, the same color as her hair. She gripped the hilt and drew it out slightly, revealing a blue blade.

A blue blade, reminiscent of the deep sea. Sofia gazed at the sword for a while… and then sheathed it.

“Its power increases in response to magic power. It’s up to your skill to be able to use that sword freely.”

Ganack stated. Sofia nodded slightly–then Sylvie drew her sword.

In a crimson sheath, different from Sofia’s, the blade was white silver. Illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window, its shining appearance was somewhat fantastical.

The significant difference in appearance was probably due to considering their individual characteristics.

“Ruon… Are you really sure?”

Sylvie confirmed here. When the decision was made to create two swords, she had said, “I’ll pay for them,” but I insisted until the end that it was “a thank you for fighting alongside Sofia.”

“Yes, it’s fine. In return, I want you to do well.”

“Of course.”

“I wish I could have had something made for me too.”

Kuuza said, looking at the surrounding weapons. I shrugged and thanked Ganack.

“Thank you very much.”

“I wish you good fortune in battle.”

They saw me off, and I left the shop. Now then–

“Our journey continues. The next destination is the Alastin Kingdom.”

“Perhaps this sword will be useful there.”

Sylvie said, sheathing her sword at her hip. By the way, I was to keep the original sword.

“Perhaps so… Well then, let’s go.”

With my words, we began to move. What kind of events await us in the Alastin Kingdom…? As I imagined various things, we left the Town.