I figured she wouldn’t understand if I talked about a game world or anything like that, so I changed the topic to the Wind, explaining that this world’s story existed. The Queen of Sylphs then showed an interested expression and said,

“Hmm, you reincarnated from another world, and in your original world, this world existed as a story, you say.”

“Yes… However, there are many different endings to the story, so I don’t know what will happen next.”

“The Demon King… requires a person with the Sage’s Bloodline, you say… This is very intriguing.”

“You believe me?”

“The Wind tells me you are not lying.”

That was the answer. It seems she believes me.

“I see… However, if this world is a story in your original world, is there some causal relationship between your world and this one?”

No, I don’t know if you ask me such a conceptual question. Rather, I’m the one who wants to know.

I made a troubled face. As a result, the Sylph cleared her throat once.

“That was a question without an answer, wasn’t it… I understand the situation. So, you are secretly moving to support the War with the Demon Lord.”

“Well, yes.”

“And that attendant of yours became your comrade as a result of such activities?”

“That’s true.”

I wondered if Lefin had noticed Sofia, and at that moment, she spoke.

“Just to confirm… she is Princess Sophia, correct?”

“…You know her?”

“Yes. I could sense the unique aura of the Royal Family, so I immediately knew it wasn’t just a resemblance… I myself have been flying around to check on the Continent’s situation, so I’ve seen her before.”

“She’s not supposed to show her face in public, though.”

“Just a little inside the Castle.”

She snuck in… Her tone and demeanor are polite, but she seems to have a mischievous side.

“Well, you’re right… She died in the Story, so I saved her along with the King.”

“Is it because she’s of the Sage’s Bloodline that you’re training her?”

“No, it’s just how things turned out… If we’re going to follow the Story’s plot, wouldn’t it be best to leave the subjugation of the Demon King to the Story’s Protagonists?”

“I see, so you’re wondering if even the Sage’s Bloodline can truly defeat the Demon King.”

“…If the ‘Sage’s Bloodline’ element is what qualifies someone to defeat the Demon King, then Sofia should certainly have that qualification. But if we try and fail, there’s no turning back, so it’s extremely bad.”

“I understand.”

Lefin nodded and then stared at me intently.

“Earlier, you said you could stand against high-ranking Demon Races… From the way you’re speaking, do you also have the ability to fight the Demon King?”

“…I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

Even so, such a reply might conversely feel like an affirmation… However, Lefin replied, “I understand,” and didn’t elaborate further.

“I understand the situation… Lord Ruon, due to circumstances, came to train Princess Sofia, but now you are trying to move the world according to the Story, is that right?”

That way of putting it makes it sound like I’m manipulating the world like the Gods…

“Moving it, is it really that grand… For now, I’m just observing, while also trying to figure out what the Protagonists are doing.”

“Observing… I see. And I also understand the danger of you acting openly… although I feel you might be a little too cautious.”

Well, I won’t deny that. But failure is not an option.

“Hmm… However, if that’s the case, then I must also consider various ways to move.”

Lefin suddenly murmured.

“Consider?”

“Yes. This battle isn’t simply about defeating the Demon King; it requires a sequence… And having heard the story, it’s a very complicated path. I myself thought that I should take various actions.”

If the Queen… were to make a contract with one of the Protagonists, her power would be significant.

“Alright, I’ve decided.”

Then Lefin said,

“I will follow you.”

…Huh?

I was silent for a moment, not understanding what she meant. After a short while, I grasped the meaning in my head—

“…Did you hear what I just said?”

“Of course. I am not the Story’s Protagonist you spoke of, and I simply concluded that I could save the Continent by following you.”

—At this point, I somewhat understood what she was trying to say. In the current situation, where it’s unknown which Protagonist will defeat the Demon King, siding with anyone carries a risk. However, she probably thought that by accompanying us, she could at least create a being who would control the Story and defeat the Demon King.

“…Even if I refuse, you’ll still follow, won’t you?”

“Now that I’ve heard the story.”

“Then it’s meaningless for me to say anything.”

“Besides, I can be useful, you know?”

Lefin says, “It’s useful… Indeed, Spirits have a different perspective, and there’s a possibility they might sense something different from me and offer assistance.”

“However, it seems you cannot form a contract with Lord Ruon, so you will likely form a contract with Lady Sofia.”

“…If she’s acting alone, hasn’t Sofia already formed a contract with another Sylph?”

“That’s fine. I’ve sent instructions via the Wind for her not to form a contract until I return and speak with her.”

“That was before you noticed me, right? So, you had your eyes on her from the start?”

“Yes. Lady Sofia possesses the Sage’s Bloodline… and I myself judged Lady Sofia to have high potential. I wondered if she could become a being capable of defeating the Demon King, and I hesitated about forming a contract. Then, after Lord Ruon’s words, I made up my mind.”

The Queen herself says that much… but now a question arises.

“Is your home alright? Without the Queen?”

“I’ve made sure there won’t be any problems… Besides, thanks to Lord Ruon’s various actions, it seems we can cooperate with Dragons and others.”

So my actions also became a factor in her accompanying Sofia… However,

“In the Story, there was no mention of Demons like the ones we just saw attacking the Sylph’s Dwelling in events further in the future, nor was there any description of problems with their home… But given that the Demon Race will invade further, it wouldn’t be strange for Spirits to face even greater threats. In such a situation, wouldn’t it be a problem if the Queen were gone?”

“I have a plan… thanks to Lord Ruon. I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Is it related to helping the Dragon…? The smile emanating from Lefin possessed an indescribable power, and I could only nod.

“Alright… If you say so, then please do. If anything happens, consult with me.”

“Yes… By the way, have you told Lady Sofia the circumstances?”

“I haven’t. For now, I thought it best to maintain the current situation.”

“Indeed, that would be for the best now.”

…Huh?

“Is something wrong?”

“Somewhat… However, it’s not that there’s a problem between Lord Ruon and Lady Sofia. But there’s something that concerns me, and I think it’s better not to talk about it at this point. Of course, I think it’s fine to talk about it eventually.”

…I wanted to ask for the reason, but from her demeanor, it seemed she wouldn’t talk about it. I thought, ‘Since I’ve explained my situation, you should too…’ but she just smiled silently.

She doesn’t seem like she’s going to talk… it’s like she’s better at this game of deception.

“…I’d appreciate it if you’d tell me the reason eventually. However, please tell Sofia about your identity, Lefin.”

“Of course.”

Lefin nods… By defeating the Demons, a strange connection has been forged, and the Queen of Sylphs will now become an ally… How will this connect to the future Story?

Personally, I think having an ally who is a Spirit and knows the circumstances is a big deal. I’ll likely be able to get advice from a Spirit’s perspective on the various problems that have arisen so far… No matter how much I’ve mastered my stats and know the scenario, there are still differences between a game and reality. Her power will be quite significant in bridging that gap.

“Then, I’ll be relying on you from now on… Well then, let’s head back.”

“Yes.”

She agrees, and we begin to move.

On the way, we encountered the Dragon from before, and I instructed it again to cooperate with the Sylphs, which the Dragon readily accepted.

“Thank you.”

Lefin thanks me again. I nod back slightly and return to the Sylph’s Dwelling with her.