After that, I listened in on Exon and Shuon’s meeting while leaving the room. Shuon’s stance was to deftly evade any instructions from the Imperial Capital.

However, if it came to a final battle with the Emperor, he would undoubtedly cooperate with Exon. So, for now, it seems safe to consider him an ally.

Afterward, he had some discussions with Exon and returned to his territory. It’s good to know that he won’t be a threat.

“Well then…”

Exon murmured, gazing at the exterior of the mansion. Abel and Sofia were also present, assessing the mansion’s devastated state, much like the Marquis.

“They really did a number on it, didn’t they? Oh well. While we repair the mansion, let’s start creating the combat vessels.”

He said it would take five days to create them. Until then, I suppose I’ll focus on information gathering. Though, I probably won’t get any definitive information about Nefmeiza unless I enter the castle interior.

“What about the movements of the other Four Dragon Marquises?”

Sofia posed the question.

“I don’t think it’s likely that another Marquis will attack.”

“The other two won’t come here.”

Exon stated definitively. I agreed with him on that.

That’s because the remaining two of the Four Dragon Marquises are fundamentally not on good terms with the Emperor. While one might question if Exon and Shuon’s relationship is truly good, the Marquis whose territory is in the northeast particularly despises the current regime.

Well, even so, we ended up fighting them in the game… That one fundamentally defied the Emperor’s orders, changing the tide of battle based on their mood. They are extremely difficult to handle, and Nefmeiza likely wouldn’t try to get them to move proactively.

The Marquis of the Northwest… they’re also quite eccentric. Even if they followed orders, it would take time.

I should use my familiars to thoroughly scout this area… While I was thinking this, Exon spoke again.

“Now that we’ve brought Shuon over, no one will attack us for the time being. The only ones I can think of are Nefmeiza’s direct units, starting with the ‘Jet Black Sword.’ We will be on maximum alert for them. If anything happens, I’ll contact you.”

“Are we staying at the mansion?”

Abel asked. Exon replied, “Yes.”

“That’s fine. Now, those who don’t have Dragon Magic Stone Weapons, let’s begin preparations for their creation.”

“Then, I’ll go talk to the members of the organization.”

Abel said. I wondered what would happen with Katora, but she seemed to be following Abel.

“I’ll be back soon. I also have reports from those who infiltrated the Imperial Capital, so I’ll let you know if I find anything.”

“Alright, go on.”

Exon sent him off. Although there was the irregular situation of the battle with Shuon, it seems things will proceed according to plan from here on out.

Abel left, and we entered the mansion. There seemed to be a facility for creating combat vessels underground, so we headed there.

“This is…”

As soon as we entered the underground room, Sofia spoke.

A workshop, I suppose you could call it—a stone basement. Magical lights illuminated the entire room, dispelling any oppressive atmosphere. Tables and devices for creation were everywhere, and shimmering, translucent, colorful stones, seemingly Dragon Demon Stones, caught my eye.

“I guarantee the performance of the combat vessels I create.”

Exon said, then turned his head to me.

“However… I can’t grasp the full extent of your magic power, so it might take some time to create one for you.”

“…I have a bad feeling about this. You’re not going to tell me my sword can’t be made, are you?”

Exon didn’t answer. Please deny it.

“Let’s investigate that as well.”

Exon calmly stated… and the creation of the combat vessels began.

Our task was to undergo the basic magic analysis required for combat vessel creation. It wasn’t about deep investigation, but rather judging what kind of combat vessel would be best based on the magic power that manifested on the surface.

The investigation for Sofia and Richard finished without much trouble, taking about an hour. The problem was… me.

“Hmm, this is quite challenging,”

Exon said after completing his preliminary investigation.

“The qualitative aspect of your magic power isn’t much of an obstacle. I should be able to create a combat vessel suited for you.”

“Well then—”

“However, the amount of magic power is the problem. If you use it at full strength… you’ll need a Dragon Demon Stone of considerably high purity, but I don’t have any on hand.”

Ah, so that’s the direction he’s going in.

“But it is possible to create a combat vessel that matches my magic power, right?”

“Indeed. However, with the materials I have on hand, I’ll have to hold back.”

“That’s fine. For now, please do that.”

“Understood.”

…Does Nefmeiza also know about this? My doubts only grow, but for now, I have no choice but to do what I can.

There are some problems with the combat vessel, but it seems like it can be managed for now, so I’ll think about what we should do next. I said before that I would learn the Creation Ultimate Technique, so it might be good to start that.

Or perhaps I should start by training Katora… While I was pondering various things, Sofia spoke.

“Lord Ruon, as soon as my combat vessel is ready, I will begin my Ultimate Technique training.”

“Hmm, I see. What about Richard?”

“As for me… it seems like they can make me an enhancing bracelet so that magic can work on me, but will it be useful?”

Entrusting him with the rear guard is one option, but…

“Well, whatever. Anyway, I’ll create some monsters that can be used for transportation.”

“Monsters… how long will that take?”

“If you want them as fast as possible, I can make them in a few days even with my magic power. However, in that case, speed and capacity would be limited. What do you want to do?”

“What about a large dragon like before?”

“If I can utilize Dragon Demon Stones, it would also take a few days. If it’s just my magic power, it would take more than ten days.”

I should negotiate with Exon about that as well… Just as I reached a conclusion, I heard the sound of footsteps descending the stairs from the direction of the underground entrance.

Everyone in the room looked in unison. The one who appeared was—Abel.

“The maid guided me here.”

“Perfect timing. I was just thinking of making a combat vessel for you as well.”

Exon said. Abel approached, looking around the workshop.

“Mine too, huh… Is my current combat vessel still insufficient?”

“I commend your methods for devising many ways to counter me. However, there are many shortcomings, including in terms of technique. For now, you should compensate for those with a combat vessel.”

…With his abilities, I think he could become strong enough to defeat the Four Dragon Marquises in the not-too-distant future. Although the game protagonist is absent, if he is here, we can at least maintain the appearance of a fight.

Of course, Katora should also be trained to prepare for any eventuality… I don’t think this course of action is wrong at the moment. However, Nefmeiza’s movements… that’s what worries me.

Should I just infiltrate the castle and investigate? If I use presence-concealing magic… No, that might be too risky, right? Besides, if I get caught, it’ll be quite troublesome.

“—So, how is the organization doing?”

Exon asked Abel while I was thinking.

“Has morale itself risen?”

“Thanks to you, yes. Having the Marquis on our side is a big factor.”

“I see… And was there any useful information?”

“One thing concerns me. There’s some movement in the Imperial Capital.”

“Is it directed at me?”

“No, it’s not. It seems the court is looking for someone.”

Exon frowned. I also looked at Abel, wondering what he meant. And then he said,

“I don’t know the reason, but the castle is looking for a certain person… I couldn’t get the details, but what’s known so far is that the target of the search is a young girl.”