The Artifact looked like an amulet to be hung around the neck… Its structure was extremely simple, with two red jewels set vertically on a silver metal base.

“That is, as promised… or rather, it belongs to Sofia and the others who defeated the Guardian,”

Gilbert said, and we ended up receiving the Artifact. After a brief discussion about distributing the treasures we obtained, we started walking to leave the Ancient Ruins.

Perhaps because we had cleared out most of the Monsters on the way in, we didn’t encounter any more. There were no Monsters around the exterior of the Ancient Ruins either. Well, this was for the best. Because――

“Oh, um, Lord Ruon”

“I told you not to worry about it.”

“B-but, as an Attendant, this is…”

――Currently, I was carrying Sofia on my back.

Having exhausted all her Magic Power and being unable to walk properly, I ultimately ended up carrying her. Gilbert offered to “take over?” about three times along the way, but I politely declined.

“Also, Sofia. About that technique you used earlier… your control is still lacking, and you were scattering Wind Blades all over the place. It’s dangerous, so it’s forbidden for the time being.”

“Y-yes, I understand.”

After such a conversation, we headed to the Forest. There, Gilbert spoke.

“However, Ruon… it feels like you foresaw this happening.”

“…Foresaw?”

“Look, there’s also the perspective that Ruon was conserving his strength so that Sofia would be exhausted and unable to move…”

“…Is that sarcasm?”

“It’s just a joke. Don’t get so angry.”

Gilbert gave a wry smile… Somehow, I had a lot of regrets.

It was fine until we entered the Ancient Ruins, but inside the Ancient Ruins, Gilbert and Sofia naturally worked together to fight, leaving me with no role, and it became even more pronounced when Reitz and the others joined… As a result, even during the battle with the Soldier Golem, I barely moved until the very end.

I think I provided a decent amount of support, but there’s no doubt my movements were passive, so it wouldn’t be strange for this to be mentioned. What should I do… As I was thinking, Reitz spoke up.

“Um, may I?”

“Ah, I know what you want to say.”

It wasn’t me who spoke up, but for some reason, Gilbert.

You had questions about Ruon’s actions, didn’t you?

Yes, I suppose so.

There’s a reason for that. I didn’t explain it because there wasn’t a good time to talk about it in the Ancient Ruins.

For some reason, Gilbert starts talking. What is this all about—

Actually, a Monster Subjugation is going to take place soon. We were chosen for it, but there was one problem.

A problem?

Given the monster’s abilities, I wasn’t sure if Sofia and I could handle it. So, while we were here getting treasures and artifacts, we were also testing if we had the ability to go on the subjugation. I asked Ruon to support us if things got dangerous.

So, you judged it to be dangerous in the final phase and helped us?

That’s right… Ruon, how were our skills?

Gilbert casts a gaze at me. It’s as if he’s telling me to play along… I don’t know why he’s explaining this to Reitz and the others, but it’s probably best to go along with it.

Yes, that should be enough.

Is the chance of dying low?

Probably… but you shouldn’t do anything reckless.

I understand.

At this point, Gilbert looks at Reitz and the others.

So, that’s the story.

I understand the reason… A subjugation, huh… Be careful.

Are you worried about us?

Since I’ve gotten involved with you, yes. It would bother me to know you died after meeting you.

I’ll do my best.

After those words, we fell silent and… left the forest. When we reached the highway, the sun was already quite low. But it was good that we reached a safe place before the sky turned completely orange from the sunset.

Here, Sofia also recovered somewhat and started walking. We decided to disband once we returned to town, so we walked at a slow pace… and eventually reached the town’s entrance.

We part ways with Reitz and the others here. We watch them go… and after they disappear from sight, I tell Gilbert.

Was there a reason you gave them such a plausible explanation?

First, it’s a thank you.

A thank you?

I gave you the artifact, but we got most of the remaining reward, so I thought I’d mention various things since I was satisfied… It was better not to cause any trouble, right?

Well, yes.

I meet Gilbert’s gaze. Then he shrugs his shoulders and says,

You also have various reasons, don’t you? As someone who belongs to the Guild, I’ve seen people more eccentric than you, so I’m not surprised by this battle. And besides—

Besides?

Gilbert smiles here.

I felt it would be more beneficial to indebt you without bringing up anything strange.

I see…

However, even if you fight like you did today, Ruon, you might want to be more careful.

Careful? About what?

When I tilt my head, Gilbert scratches his head and speaks.

It’s hard to describe, but… while you were fighting, Ruon, your presence felt a little different from other people. Oh, I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s more like, because of that presence, you feel trustworthy, or you’re drawn to it…

It seems he himself can’t explain it well… Hmm, I wasn’t fighting with all my might, but perhaps Gilbert felt some kind of atmosphere from me. Is this related to my status in some way? In fact, that’s the only thing I can think of.

Speaking of which, Sofia’s father, the King, also sensed

Is this good or bad? If Gilbert gave Reitz and the others a plausible reason with that “something” and the treasure, then perhaps if we can use it well, we can move things in a good direction. This area will be a matter for consideration, I suppose.

“Well, I suppose it’s time for me to go too.”

Gilbert said. After a light stretch, he told us again.

“This battle has taught me a lot… The Demon Race’s attacks will only intensify from now on. I need to refocus my efforts.”

“Are you going to fight?”

“I don’t know if I’ll actively move, but it’s true that fighting the Monsters of the Ancient Ruins made me feel a sense of crisis.”

This battle seemed to have taught him some lesson… Eventually, he turned his back to us,

“I’ll be at the Guild, so feel free to talk to me anytime you stop by town.”

He said that and left… Our meeting was quite casual, but in the end, it was a rather clean farewell.

This time, there was the reward of treasure, so it could be said that we didn’t ask for a reason like with Kati. However, it’s not guaranteed to go the same way in the future… or rather, we might have just been lucky. Even when maneuvering, there will be many things to consider.

“…Now, Sofia.”

With just the two of us, I called her name.

“Yes.”

“You’ve obtained the Artifact, and you probably won’t be detected by Magic Detection anymore. And you should have learned Movement Magic while fighting. We might be moving around a lot from now on, but are you prepared?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Good. For now, our destination is the Gnome Dwelling.”

“To the east… and after that, other Spirits?”

In response to her question, I thought for a moment,

“I want to decide after seeing the situation on the Continent. Besides, if we contract with more than three, we’ll need to become even stronger. For now, let’s think about it after contracting with a Gnome.”

What to do after that—in the latter half of the game, an event occurs in a Southern Continent town after defeating four of the Five Great Demons. Numerous Monsters and members of the Demon Race attack from the relatively peaceful Southern Region instead of the Northern Region where the Demon King resides, and the Protagonist rushes there to participate in the defense battle.

If the town falls, it’s game over. Now that it’s the real world, I don’t think the fall of a town equals a Continental collapse, but still, it would be bad if it fell.

From there, the last of the Five Great Demons leads the army and begins a full-scale invasion. The Human Side stops them, and the moment the Protagonist defeats that Demon Race—the Sage’s Power is completely unleashed, and the Protagonist gains the power to defeat the Demon King.

If I have Sofia openly fight… depending on Eina’s movements, at least during a defense battle, it probably won’t be a problem if her existence as a Princess is revealed. No, rather, if she has the influence as a Princess, she might even be able to gather soldiers for the defense.

Anyway—it’s certain that everything, including how to handle Sofia, depends on future events. The scenario is still in its early stages, but all the Protagonists are moving, and the situation is fluid. I need to be prepared to respond to various movements.

And there’s still that unpleasant event from the game… I’d like to intervene and avoid that if possible.

“Alright, for now, let’s rest today and resume our journey tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

After hearing her reply, Sofia started walking with me towards the town… There were various points of reflection from this battle. I’ll need to thoroughly rethink things, including what to do about myself and Sofia.

While thinking… I headed towards Main Street to arrange lodging.