Well, I knew from Richard’s story that the Southern Invasion would be a critical point, but we overcame it without difficulty, so I think it’s not bad. I’m concerned about the Demon King’s movements, but the Spirits and Spirit God are cooperating. There are uncertainties, but there aren’t many pessimistic points either.

It’s mostly thanks to Lord Ruon, though.

Is that so?

It is.

Her voice leaked out with a sigh.

Lord Ruon, you are far too unaware.

…Unaware, huh?

Even with the Southern Invasion, it would have been difficult to endure without Lord Ruon’s advice.

Well, I guess you could say that.

You subjugated the Divine Spirits to stop the Continent-Shattering Magic, and then you flew all over the place during the Southern Invasion, continuously defeating Monsters… I think your achievements are immeasurable.

Oh, really?

When you put it that way, I’m not sure how to respond.

Well, I’m happy to be praised, but the first reason I became strong was to keep myself from dying. If I had intended to fight like this from the beginning, I might have been more impressive.

Couldn’t you have found a way to avoid it without becoming stronger?

That’s true, but there were people I wanted to help, starting with Sofia. Becoming strong was essential.

Then I gave a wry smile.

It was unexpected that I would end up traveling with Sofia.

It was a bother…wasn’t it?

No, I think this was for the best. I believe Sofia’s efforts also contributed to bringing the war to such a favorable state.

Upon hearing my words, Sofia smiled.

I’m happy to hear you say that… However, I must work harder to be of more help to Lord Ruon.

You don’t have to go that far…

As I spoke, Sofia’s face clouded over. I wondered what was wrong, but she spoke first.

Lord Ruon, you still have things to do even after this war ends, don’t you?

I explicitly stated that when we talked before.

Yes, that’s right.

Are you planning to do it alone?

For now, I’m thinking that way.

Looking at Sofia’s expression, I could tell what she wanted to say, but…

Hey, Sofia.

Yes.

First of all, once the War with the Demon Lord is over, Sofia will return to the Barx Kingdom. It would be difficult for you to accompany me on my journey, wouldn’t it?

Silence – Sofia neither affirmed nor denied.

For a while, only the sound of waves echoed around us. It wasn’t an unpleasant silence, but my heart beat a little faster, wondering how Sofia would react.

Indeed, Lord Ruon is right.

Sofia states, admitting it, but her expression is as if she’s about to shake her head at my words.

I am the Princess of the Balx Kingdom, and by nature, I must act for the sake of the nation.

Then—

However, having gained the power that might defeat the Demon King… I also believe that if there are events that threaten people in the future, this power should be used for that.

…I see, there’s some truth to that.

May I state my opinion?

Yes, I don’t mind.

…If I were to be selfish, I would like to see what Lord Ruon knows and what he will do next.

Sofia turns her face toward me. Her lips are pressed together, and her eyes seem to strongly appeal to me.

I believe Lord Ruon has various reasons for not speaking. However, there is one thing I can say.

…What is that?

If I stand side by side with Lord Ruon… he will surely tell me, won’t he?

—I couldn’t answer. No, deep down I thought it might be true.

Hmm, strength, then.

Suddenly, Young Garuku appears before me.

The fact that I haven’t been explained means I’m not strong enough?

No, it’s a bit different from the War with the Demon Lord, so I thought it wouldn’t be right to explain it to Garuku. Besides, you’re going back to the forest after the war, right? I thought it would be wrong to tell you about a concern that might not even happen and make you worry.

I wouldn’t say that.

Huh?

When I ask again, Garuku laughs and then says,

Whether I leave Lord Ruon or not is my own decision.

Hey, does that mean—

It seems there’s something else of interest besides the War with the Demon Lord. I’d like to at least ascertain what that is.

…An unexpected statement. But, it’s hard to interject any further since I can’t stop him even if I wanted to.

I feel the same way.

Next, Sofia asserts. I understood what she wanted to say. However—

Princess Sofia’s thinking is like this.

Here, Garuku begins to speak.

If she can gain the strength to defeat the Demon King, she can somewhat catch up to Lord Ruon. In other words, she can fulfill her role as Lord Ruon’s attendant.

…I feel like this is turning into a strange conversation. First of all, what does it mean for someone who defeated the Demon King to be an attendant?

That’s right.

Sofia readily admits it. Here, I mention one thing.

Or rather, won’t the people of the nation forbid it?

I will persuade them.

An immediate answer. I am speechless at her unexpected reaction.

Can you do it?

I will show you.

Haha, I see. Lord Ruon, if you defeat the Demon King, they’ll have no choice but to acknowledge it, it seems.

I scratch my head. I feel like the Demon King is being pushed aside, and it seems somewhat strange—

Sofia, are you perhaps thinking of defeating the Demon King yourself to stand side by side with me?

…It’s strange, isn’t it? It almost sounds like the War with the Demon Lord is just a stepping stone.

Sofia gives a wry smile.

Of course, defeating the Demon King is also my earnest wish. There’s no doubt about that, and I intend to give it my all. However–

I understand.

Sofia fell silent at my reply.

I understand what you’re trying to say… but honestly, there’s no doubt that this isn’t something I can decide on my own.

…If I clear this obstacle, may I continue traveling with you as an Attendant?

There’s no reason to refuse.

It seems like an unreasonable request to me… but I look at Garuku.

It seems like you’ll follow no matter what I say.

Hmm.

An immediate answer. I could only force a wry smile.

…Talking with Lord Ruon for a bit has calmed me down.

Sofia smiled. Yes, a good expression.

Then, let’s discuss what to do from tomorrow onwards.

Yes. Lord Ruon, have you thought of anything?

After all, I don’t possess Sage’s Power myself… but since Phili can use it unconsciously, I feel like it might be possible if there’s some kind of trigger…

And then, I had an idea.

Come to think of it, there was one technique I didn’t try today.

Huh, what is it?

It’s ‘Spirit World’, which I learned as a Trump Card.

At my words, Sofia also exclaimed, “Indeed.”

That technique seems to be completely different from other techniques, and it’s a technique that gathers the power of Spirits, right? Sofia’s power should also be concentrated within it…

That’s right. It seems worth investigating once.

Sofia also agreed. Was it a feeling of finding hope?

Then, let’s start the investigation now–

Don’t be so impatient. Let’s do it after you’ve had a good night’s sleep and are in perfect condition.

Sofia looked a little displeased… but eventually agreed, saying, “Understood,” and backed down.