The next day, we returned to Exon’s Mansion using Richard’s Dragon. When I asked the Marquis to look after the three of them, he spoke.

Yes, I will cooperate as much as I can… If she does anything, I will take responsibility and respond.

That won’t happen, so don’t worry… Katora, Yusuka, with that said, I’m counting on you.

Yes.

Understood.

—I’m not too worried about Katora, who is an Emperor Candidate. The initial feeling of combining Shasta’s power was good. We can probably consider the problem with her resolved.

If Yusuka also trains with her… for now, two of the five Warriors have been found. But the remaining three… I’ll think about that after the Labyrinth Conquest.

Alright, Sofia, Richard—

At this, I turned my gaze to Romilda.

—It’s certainly a dangerous place, so you must follow my instructions.

Romilda nodded obediently. Since she calls me brother, it means she’ll listen, right?

And so we got on the Dragon and headed straight for the Labyrinth—

Oh, Richard. Wait a moment.

What is it?

Marquis Anastasia was also eager to join us, so let’s go to her Mansion first.

Understood.

And so we got on the Dragon and took off.

After the Labyrinth Conquest is over, will you start looking for companions?

Richard asked me. I agreed with “That’s right” and then answered.

There were also humans who resented the Imperial Side, and among them were individuals who could be immediate assets. There are also people who feel like master swordsmen, so it might be good for improving swordsmanship.

Lord Ruon doesn’t need any more skill improvement, does he?

No, no, I don’t think that’s the case.

Upon saying that, Richard began to laugh.

Truly, Lord Ruon always amazes me.

That’s Lord Ruon for you.

Sofia interjected. She seemed somewhat pleased.

We arrived at Anastasia’s Mansion that night using the Dragon. The distance from Exon’s Mansion is considerable, but flying through the unobstructed sky made us arrive faster than expected.

Oh, you’ve arrived.

Anastasia greeted us. I immediately spoke.

I’m going to the Labyrinth Conquest, but since you mentioned it, I came here first.

“Yes, I’ll join you. It would be an excellent opportunity for Lord Ruon to gauge me.”

He’s speaking under the assumption that we doubt if he can truly be trusted—I mean, just as Shasta said, his tendency to blurt out everything makes me feel like he’s at a disadvantage.

“Romilda, I’ll let you meet the Romilda of this world.”

“Oh, yes.”

She nodded and proceeded further inside, guided by a Maid.

“What about Lord Ruon and the others?”

“…I don’t intend to go today, as expected. However, I would like to at least confirm the Dragon Demon Stones to be used for the weaponry.”

“I have those prepared as well. This way.”

Saying that, Anastasia beckoned. We silently followed her… and were led to a Guest Room. There—

“This is…”

Sofia exclaimed in surprise. Richard was speechless, and I gasped, looking at the back of the room.

The room was filled with the light of Dragon Demon Stones. However, perhaps due to differences in their properties, the colors varied, displaying various lights such as red, blue, and purple.

“Since we are mixing Dragon Demon Stones, there’s no need to verify their unique abilities. I’ve gathered a selection of good quality ones.”

Anastasia spoke to us with an air of showing off a secret base.

“Rather than poor quality… if they don’t possess a certain level of power, the Dragon Magic Stone Power itself might be canceled out. Therefore, a certain degree of quality must be maintained. For me, this is the limit.”

“The limit, you say… there are quite a few… will you provide all of these?”

By my estimate, there are over ten. Just combining these into one would create something formidable.

“Of course, it’s not free.”

“Are you talking about the compensation you mentioned before?”

“Yes, I said I would ask for a favor, but I didn’t elaborate then.”

“Is it because Exon is here?”

“Well, that’s part of it… I wanted to speak only with Lord Ruon and the others, if possible.”

“…So, what are your demands?”

When I asked, Anastasia smiled.

“Oh, it’s not such a difficult matter. There are two demands. The first is that I want you to entrust me with the management of the weaponry you create.”

“You don’t intend to use it?”

“You’re going to process it so I can’t use it, aren’t you?”

Anastasia said, as if to say, “Don’t ask what’s obvious.”

“If it’s exclusively for the Emperor Candidate, there should be no problems, at least… No, the Mansion has this world’s Romilda. To be absolutely sure, it might be good to make it exclusively for the Romilda who acts with you all.”

“What kind of idea is it to manage something you can’t use?”

“The concentrated power of all the Dragon Demon Stones slumbering on the Continent—there won’t be any weaponry greater than this, will there? I want to cherish that.”

That’s right, this person was a weaponry collecting enthusiast.

In fact, she’s grinning so much just talking about it that she looks like she’s about to drool.

“I’ve always thought about it. I want the ultimate weaponry that Dragonkin can wield. However, if such a thing were carelessly manufactured, it would inevitably attract attention, and my collection alone would probably not be enough. But this time, under the goal of defeating Nefmeiza, you are actively trying to create it. And if someone who has defeated a Demon King cooperates, then what I crave will be made. If I can gaze upon it up close every day… just thinking about it gives me shivers.”

Well, I guess. But how to manage the weaponry we create is indeed one of the problems. Even if we talk about sealing it deep within the Ancient Ruins, suitable candidates aren’t immediately apparent. There’s also the idea of entrusting it to a Dragon Spirit we’ve befriended, but—

“…In any case, that’s something to consider after creating the weaponry and finishing its use.”

“Yes, that’s right. Now for the other demand, which is also not so difficult.”

With that, she turned her eyes to Sofia.

“I want you to tell me the details of your journey.”

“What?”

“I’m not speaking out of mere curiosity. It seems this war with Nefmeiza… no, it won’t be contained to this Continent, will it? I also want to know such information… the secrets hidden in this world, so to speak.”

After saying that much, Anastasia crossed her arms.

“This also benefits Lord Ruon. If Dragonkin cooperation becomes necessary, you can tell me, and I’ll make arrangements to mobilize them. It’s possible to rely on Abel and Exon for such matters, but… if we win the war, Abel will be busy as Emperor, and Exon will be moving around with him quite a bit. So, don’t we need at least one more Human we can communicate with?

What she’s saying isn’t wrong. There’s a benefit to us having more collaborators.

“…If I do that, will you cooperate?

“Yes, let’s build a relationship of trust starting now.”

Anastasia spread her hands and argued, still smiling. She has an incredibly cunning personality.

“Well then, let’s stop talking for now. Tomorrow, we’re finally going into the Labyrinth.”

Why is she so happy? Oh well. It’s probably pointless to think about it.

“Lord Ruon, you know the location and such, right?”

“Yes. We’ll head there early in the morning. I have some understanding of the Labyrinth’s interior, but… it’s definitely going to be very difficult.”

“That’s exactly what I want. It seems the time has come to utilize my Dragon Demon Stone after a long while.”

Her Dragon Demon Stone, huh? Now that it’s a reality, I should confirm what kind of power it possesses.

“Now then, you all haven’t had dinner yet, have you? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you eat plenty to prepare for tomorrow.”

Anastasia told us, as innocent as ever.