After leaving Flory’s house, we entered an inn in the Town. I decided to have my Familiar observe the surroundings just in case… and immediately after entering the room, I decided to investigate what Romilda had said.

“A Familiar, you say?”

Yusuka, who was in the same room, spoke up. I gave a small nod and released several Familiars.

“Well, I don’t expect to find anything during our stay, and it’s a long shot, but…”

There are probably Knights in this Town too, and it might just be that I can’t distinguish them.

By the way, I also heard from Romilda the names of other Towns they were investigating. It seems they are not within Exon’s or Shuon’s territory… I’ll have to consider what to do about this.

What I can say for sure is that if Nefmeiza is trying to get what lies in the Ancient Ruins, stopping him will increase the chances of winning this battle—I don’t know how much he’s considered, but I also want the items lying in the Angel Ruins. If possible, I want to seize them.

So, for this day, I decided to release Familiars and observe… and we spent one night at the inn without any particular incidents.

Early the next morning, I heard the results from Flory.

“To conclude, there’s nothing unusual.”

He said it clearly… Did Nefmeiza not do anything excessive to Yusuka and the others?

In addition, the Magic that altered Yusuka’s consciousness has also been properly dispelled… So, I suppose it’s safe to assume that the two of them are fine.

There should have been a chance to set something up… The fact that there’s nothing could be interpreted as him not doing anything unnecessary, considering I would be taking them with me.

“However, there is one thing that concerns me.”

Flory said. It was—

“Even so, there’s no actual harm.”

Saying that, he turned his gaze to me.

Are you the leader of this group?

Yes.

Then I have something to discuss with you.

Leaving my companions behind, I went to another room. We began our conversation in a room that felt like a small study.

It’s about that girl.

You mean Romilda?

Yes. She said she had no combat experience.

That’s certainly true, so I nodded.

I think that’s correct.

…For someone with no experience, her Magic Power is quite high.

So, she has awakened after all? Romilda showed a glimpse of her power when she escaped from the Imperial Capital, so Flory’s statement is likely correct.

As for that young man, it was clear that he had received training as a Knight, and his Magic Power reflected that. He’s probably quite strong too.

Is that so? But Romilda is different?

Besides what’s currently on the surface, she seems to have a very high latent potential.

He said, scratching his head. Was something bothering him?

What’s wrong?

She has considerable power already. I don’t know how she obtained it, but… I think we should be careful.

I haven’t asked her about the details. It feels awkward to press her, given her demeanor… And since there are no abnormalities, I don’t think Nefmeiza did anything to her.

Anyway, there’s no doubt she’ll be able to use her power quickly, depending on how we approach it.

I don’t intend to make her fight immediately, though.

She probably has no combat experience. Well, because of that, it might be good to keep an eye on her.

I nodded, and the conversation ended. Then, after thanking Flory, we left the house.

Lord Ruon, what about the Knights?

Sofia asked. I replied while contacting my Familiar.

There’s no abnormality so far… Should I hold out a little longer?

Well, I guess it’s fine to leave my Familiar behind and rush there if anything changes… I thought as I walked.

The Wyvern that Richard created is hidden a little distance from the Town. It would certainly cause a huge commotion if it were found, but for now, there’s no problem.

What should we do now?

Yusuka asked as he walked. I thought for a moment and said,

…Come to think of it, I haven’t asked much about your abilities. Can you use ‘Creation Ultimate Technique’?

Yes.

Yusuka replied immediately.

What kind of technique is it, by the way?

It’s a technique where I gather Magic Power into my sword and deliver a series of consecutive strikes.

It’s the same as in the game. He learns two ‘Creation Ultimate Techniques’, and one of them is what he just described. Its name is ‘Sword Arcadia’.

As the level increases, the number of consecutive strikes also increases, and the power goes up. It’s easy to use, so I used it quite a lot in the game.

He doesn’t seem to have learned the other technique, but that one can’t be used unless the level is maxed out, so it’s natural he wouldn’t know it given Yusuka’s current abilities.

Then… I’ll need to consult with the Marquis, but in any case, you might have to work quite a bit.

Is that so? I don’t mind.

…Do you have any regrets about having belonged to the Knight Order?

Yusuka let out a small sigh at the question.

“I don’t know if it’s appropriate to say I’m fine… but I intend to fight, even if I have to face the Humans who were my colleagues.”

“So, you’re prepared?”

“Yes.”

He himself seems to have his own thoughts about the current war, which is called the Emperor’s Tyranny.

“Understood. However, you’ll also have to undergo appropriate training. It might be tougher than Knight training, so be prepared.”

“Are you planning the same for Katora?”

“Probably.”

It’s unclear if he’ll fight on the front lines, but it would be good for him to have a certain level of strength, at least.

As for Romilda… I glance at her, walking behind us. She’s looking down, as if deep in thought.

I then quietly ask Sofia, who is walking next to me,

“How was Romilda at the inn?”

“She seemed to be troubled the whole time. I asked her, but she didn’t say anything.”

…She said she escaped from the Castle, but perhaps something happened during that time? It wasn’t Magic or anything like that, but something else—

“Romilda.”

I stopped and called out to her. She flinched and responded.

“Y-yes.”

“Are you perhaps hesitating about fighting?”

Her expression stiffened. She seemed unsure how to respond.

“…You don’t have to decide now. But at least, rest assured that we won’t force you to fight.”

Romilda nodded slightly at those words. Her tension seemed to ease somewhat, and her expression softened a little.

I need to carefully consider what to do about her… Just as I was thinking that again and about to start walking,

“…Ah.”

“What’s wrong?”

Richard reacted.

“Was there a report from a Familiar?”

—Since that observation was correct, I nodded.

“There are Knights heading south from the Town. And they’re moving towards the Forest.”

We are at the east entrance of the Town. If we hurry a bit, we might be able to intercept them once they enter the Forest.

“We should investigate.”

Richard said. Sofia also looked like she agreed.

“Understood. Richard, wait by the Dragon. I’ll create a Familiar for communication, so let me know if anything happens. Sofia, provide support.”

“What should I do?”

Yusuka asked. I looked back at him and said,

“If you have the will to fight, I won’t stop you.”

“Then, I’ll go.”

After hearing his declaration of resolve, I turned my gaze to Romilda. I thought she would wait with Richard, but—

“Me too.”

She said with a slightly stronger tone.

“I’m going. Is that alright?”

—She seemed to have no hesitation. Had the previous conversation helped her make up her mind?

“…Understood.”

I nodded and said to my companions.

“I don’t know if we’ll fight the Knights, but… I’m definitely curious, so let’s observe what they do.”