—The next day, since the combat vessel wasn’t finished yet, I stayed at Exon’s Mansion. There were still things to do, though.

After breakfast, I walked down the hallway and knocked on a certain room. A woman’s voice answered. After calling out, I entered and saw Katora sitting on a chair, and Yusuka sitting up on the bed, hand on his forehead, seemingly deep in thought.

Also, near the bed was a knight, presumably a guard. Even knowing the circumstances, Exon doesn’t neglect his vigilance… I thought as I walked, then approached Yusuka and spoke.

“The Marquis was under a spell, and it’s been broken, I hear.”

“…Indeed, my head feels strangely clear.”

Yusuka’s reply. For now, he didn’t seem to be acting violently.

I looked at Katora, and she informed me of the situation.

“Yusuka seems confused.”

“…I passed out and woke up in an unfamiliar mansion. Confusion is natural.”

“More than that, I feel as if I’ve been in a fever until now.”

Yusuka said. Hmm, was the magic Nefmeiza used quite powerful?

“Yusuka, how is your current condition?”

“I’m not bad.”

“So, we brought you here by force, but do you want to go back?”

At my question, Yusuka paused in silence, then answered.

“…What should I do?”

“Your heart is complicated, I take it.”

“Yes.”

And here, he turned his head to me.

“Why am I here?”

—Katora also seemed to want to know. The two of them didn’t know the situation yet. It was natural for them to wonder.

I had only heard his name from her. Moreover, Yusuka hadn’t introduced himself when we encountered him in the Imperial Capital. He must be wondering why he was brought back.

“…There’s a reason. I brought you here after understanding who you are.”

“Have we met before?”

“No. Abel knows the details about that, but even if I tried to explain it to you two now, you wouldn’t understand… I know you might not be convinced, but I can’t tell you the reason now. I’m sorry.”

We should also keep the fact that Katora is an Emperor Candidate a secret from the Book people. Even if we were to put pressure on them, it’s too early.

“Um, Yusuka. I came here because I wanted to confirm what we’re going to do next.”

“About me?”

“Even if there was some influence from magic, you wouldn’t immediately decide to join the ‘Sword of Heaven,’ would you? And… the ‘Sword of Heaven’ wouldn’t easily agree either. There’s a reason I brought you here, but for now, your status within this mansion is Katora’s childhood friend and a member of the Empire organization ‘Jet Black Sword.’ Even if you said you wanted to fight, Abel aside, the other Organization Members would probably be suspicious.”

“…You mean if I’m an enemy?”

“I apologize for bringing you here without permission and asking these questions.”

Yusuka’s expression was uncomprehending. The fact that I hadn’t revealed the core issue seemed to be exacerbating his confusion about what I wanted to do.

“Honestly, my head is still a mess, and I need to sort things out first… but I have no intention of fighting.”

“Understood. Those words are enough for now.”

Receiving his words, I then turned my gaze to Katora.

“What will you do?”

“…Can I stay with Yusuka for a while?”

Well, I can’t just leave him alone—I thought, and then pondered.

For whatever reason, Nefmeiza showed me around the Research Institute even though she knew I was coming… If Yusuka was part of her plan, it wouldn’t be strange if she had something hidden in him that I couldn’t see.

How much should I investigate him—perhaps sensing my stern expression, Yusuka offered a wry smile.

“I understand what you’re trying to say. But I don’t know what to do myself…”

“That’s true…”

Even if there’s no direct possibility of him causing harm, for example, getting information through him… Even if Nefmeiza knows everything, she’d probably want to grasp our situation.

There’s no end to the suspicions. There were no abnormalities, but should I observe him a bit longer?

By the way, currently, at Exon’s suggestion, he’s wearing a bracelet that prevents him from using magic. It causes pain when magic power is emitted, and it can’t be removed without special magic, so the possibility of him rampaging in the mansion is low. It seems there would be no problem letting him move around in the mansion, but—

“This will have to be discussed with the Marquis. However, I think a guard is necessary until a conclusion is reached.”

I looked at the Knight. He nodded slightly, expressionless.

Afterward, I talked with Exon after leaving the room. As a result, he made a suggestion.

“Regarding him, I know a way to confirm if it’s truly just brainwashing magic. We’ll investigate using that.”

“Is there a high possibility that something has been implanted?”

“The investigation inside the mansion showed no abnormalities, but… considering the opponent is Nefmeiza, it’s natural for Ruon to be cautious.”

–Exon stared at me.

“Furthermore, the same can be said for that girl.”

“Romilda, huh… Indeed.”

In fact, there’s a possibility that she’s the one who’s truly dangerous…

“If we’re going to be thorough, it might be better to investigate first.”

“Then, let’s get to work.”

Exon said—no way.

“You mean I’m the one who knows how?”

“That’s right. There’s time until the creation of the weapon vessel. You’d want to do what you can in the meantime, wouldn’t you?”

Well, that’s true… I scratched my head and replied.

“What is that method?”

“Haven’t you heard? It’s Flory, the Researcher of the Dragon Demon Stone.”

I tilted my head. He didn’t appear in the game.

“It seems he didn’t appear in the story then.”

“That’s right. A Researcher of the Dragon Demon Stone, you say…”

You might think the humans in the Imperial Capital are superior, but there are wise people even in the countryside. He is one of them… If it’s power derived from the Dragon Demon Stone, it might pass your and the Mansion’s inspection. The person who can thoroughly examine that is named Flory.

Where is he?

He’s within Shuon’s territory.

We’ll need Richard’s cooperation.

You can have your members freely. Even if Nefmeiza sends assassins, it will take at least a few days. By then, you can make a round trip, and if anything goes wrong, you can handle it.

…Hmm, I have nothing else to do, so I don’t mind.

Understood. Please give me a detailed explanation of the location.

Of course. So, who’s going?

–I thought for a moment. And then,

…Well then, let’s include Sofia and go.

As a result, it was decided that I, Richard, Sofia, Yusuka, and Romilda would go, making a total of five people. Richard had already finished creating the monster that would send Garuku to the Shelzia Continent—preparations were complete by early afternoon.

That was faster than expected.

The Marquis also provided the Dragon Demon Stone.

Richard replied to my comment and looked at the Wyvern in the garden.

My magic power has decreased, but carrying this many people is not a problem. Let’s get this done quickly.

Yes. Even if there’s an Emperor’s ploy along the way… I don’t think a Marquis Class would appear. We should be able to handle it.

I somehow looked at Yusuka and Romilda. Although we used them to escape from the Imperial Capital, Yusuka was unconscious at the time, so he’s surprised. Even on this continent where Dragonkin exist, it seems people don’t ride Dragons, even if they are artificially created.

By the way, Romilda’s expression hasn’t changed, perhaps because it’s her second time. She didn’t react much the first time either. Perhaps her understanding hadn’t quite caught up then.

Well then, it’s time to depart.

When I spoke, Richard gestured for everyone to get on. So we boarded—and the Dragon took flight towards our destination.