“–There are several ways to identify traitors. First, the weaponized vessels they possess.”

As Lefin spoke, she gazed at the item leaning against the wall–the sword confiscated from the traitors.

“From my perspective, if I can see it up close, I should be able to tell.”

“But that’s only for Humans who possess weaponized vessels, isn’t it?”

When I said that, she nodded slightly.

“Yes, that’s right. I don’t think all the Insiders would be carrying these weaponized vessels, and it’s dangerous to judge based on just this.”

“Is there another method?”

“I can handle it.”

Lefin says, placing a hand on her chest… I see, the Humans’ Emotion Sensing Ability.

“It is difficult to read minds, but I believe my ability to grasp emotions can handle it.”

This is where the Queen of Sylphs truly shines… However, that brings up one problem.

Before he could ask that question, Balzard asked Lefin a question.

“Then, with the Princess, to Headquarters once?”

“No. If Lady Sofia were to appear at this stage, it might cause further confusion, so I will go alone.”

Lefin shook her head from side to side without hesitation.

In other words, Lefin intends to handle it separately?

“Will you break the contract once?”

This time, I asked. She shook her head from side to side again.

“Once the contract is broken, I won’t be able to contract with the same Spirits again.”

“So, with the contract still active… can you do that?”

“Yes, it’s possible. My Magic Power will remain reduced, but there will be no problem in reading emotions.”

—A Spirit Contract means being connected to a portion of the contractor’s Magic Power. This allows the Spirit Faction to lend some power to Humans, which inevitably weakens the Spirits themselves.

For someone of Lefin’s class, it might not seem to have much effect… but then she turned to Sofia.

“Lady Sofia. Being separated will make Wind Abilities somewhat harder to use, but I hope you will understand.”

“No. Besides, finding the traitor among the Knights is more important. Lefin, please proceed.”

The discussion was settled. Balzard then opened his mouth, saying, “In that case…”

“For now, the Knights in the Village should stand by—”

“No, that would also be bad.”

Lefin stopped his words. What did she mean?

“The swords the Knights carried seemed to emanate the same aura as the Monsters currently active.”

“So, the master of the Stronghold created the Weapon Vessels?”

“Precisely. I don’t know if the potential traitor at Headquarters is the same person, but… it’s safe to assume the Demon Race in the Stronghold has received information that the traitor Knight was captured. Given that our strategy has been broken, there’s no denying the possibility of even more severe attacks if we remain in this location near the Stronghold.”

“So, staying put means continuously taking attacks and being in danger… Then, our Knight Order has two choices.”

“Yes. Head to the Stronghold, or retreat once.”

“We’re going.”

It was Alto who spoke here.

“Sorry, but I have no intention of following the Knight’s policy. Even if you retreat, we’re going forward.”

“Can’t you wait?”

“I don’t know where Headquarters is, but it’ll take at least several days, right? Since damage is already occurring, I think we need to defeat them as quickly as possible. You might think it’s reckless, but even if you try to persuade me, I won’t stop.”

“I agree with that as well.”

Sofia spoke. Eina was the first to react to it.

“Princess…”

“Eina, I myself have traveled and seen many things. Based on that experience, I have no intention of retreating here.”

Declaring this, Sofia looked at Lefin.

“However, I agree that Lefin should go to find the traitor who might be at Headquarters.”

“…Understood. Knight Balzard, what will you do?”

“Just to confirm, sharing this information with me means you trust me, right?”

“Yes.”

Balzard smiled at Lefin’s immediate reply.

“Understood. Then I shall accompany you… Ririsha, you will command the Knights.”

“You mean, lead the remaining Knights and conquer the Stronghold?”

“Yes. But there will be Monsters around. I imagine just defeating them will be a struggle.”

“–Knight Balzard. I have a piece of advice.”

This time, I spoke up.

“Sofia and I have entered the Demon Lord’s Castle twice. From that experience, the Stronghold itself is rather lightly guarded. It’s possible to conquer it with even a small number of people.”

“You mean the same can be said for the Stronghold we’re attacking this time?”

“They’ve released so many Monsters outside. There must be a limit to the Monsters the Demon Race in the Stronghold can create, so I think it’s probably the same. If it feels too dangerous, you can always retreat.”

“Hmm… but what if the scattered Monsters return once we’ve entered the Stronghold?”

“I think that’s the biggest concern. So what we need to do is stop the Monsters trying to get in from the outside.”

“So we’re splitting into two groups.”

“Then, it’s okay for us to charge in, right?”

Alto asked. It was Eina who answered.

“You all? Are you sure?”

“I think we’ll be a sufficient fighting force.”

This time, I said. Eina frowned, but seeing Sofia nod, she backed down.

“…As for who goes, we’ll have to decide based on the situation when we head to the Stronghold.”

Balzard said. Then he looked at Ririsha and added,

“Please respond according to the situation. I know it’s a difficult request.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Ririsha said. So, the discussion is settled for now.

There are quite a few members of the Knight Order. I’m curious how Gudis will react if they all attack at once… but since some things are unknown until we try them, I can’t say anything for certain now.

In the game, no one intervened, and the Protagonist’s party conquered it alone. How will this differ from that situation now… that’s something we need to pay attention to.

“Then, let’s begin our operation tomorrow morning.”

Balzard announced his final decision, and the meeting concluded. We disbanded.

“Ruon, see you tomorrow.”

Alto said as he left the house. I nodded in return, and then Kyarun declared to me,

“This time, I’ll really show you what I can do!”

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”

Alto and the others left. Then Ririsha left the house, probably to contact the Knights.

At this point, Sofia turned to Balzard.

“Knight Balzard, I’m counting on you for Lefin.”

“Of course.”

He showed his gratitude and then left the Private House. After Lefin made eye contact with Sofia, he also went outside to follow him.

All that remained were Sofia, Eina, and me… It was my turn to go outside, but there was something I felt I needed to confirm with Sofia.

However, with Eina present, it was hard to bring up… Just as I was thinking this, Sofia started speaking instead.

“Lord Ruon, there are a few things I’d like to confirm.”

“…Ah.”

“And Eina.”

“Yes.”

“Could you step outside for a little while… please?”

At my instruction, Eina looked between Sofia and me. She particularly focused on me, seemingly wanting to say something, but eventually nodded and left the house.

“…I suppose Eina is curious.”

Sofia said.

“It doesn’t seem like she doubts Lord Ruon, though.”

“I guess that’s understandable… By the way, how did you explain me?”

“Various things, like how you saved my life.”

I’m curious about those “various things,” but oh well.

“Alright, then, this is our final meeting before the battle with Gudis.”

Sofia nodded at my words, and their discussion began.