It has been ten days since then. The empire and the kingdom haven’t even publicized the event but somehow the demon version of me dubbed as the mysterious demon of Arx Norr is getting famous by the day. It seemed some passing by merchant took refuge of the imperial knights who managed to flee and heard the story from them.

I think the demon persona is rather useful and I might use it again though.

By the way Liz and I have been getting famous as well. We have been storming the tower every day since then so even if we tried to advance to higher floor in secret many has seen us in the currently highly populated floor 20 to 30 so the guild raised our rank to B without any test whatsoever. Teobaldur wanted to raise our rank to A but I refused since it might cause more commotion than it already is which I don’t need at all. Unexpected to me though, nobody frowned or laughed at my fully geared form with the scarf so I am currently following the demand of Liz’s expectant eyes to wear it. Maybe I was just being overly conscious about it?

Even today Liz and I had been fighting non-stop so when we finally reached the 50th floor I told Liz to take a rest at the ol’ makeshift base in the ruins of Praesia’s shrine. Of course I told her not to wander off so she won’t find my secret garden… well, it would be closer to a garden of carrion flowers I guess.

Liz is now strong enough to handle the 20th floor alone and that equals a class B team of at least 5 adventurers. Needless to say, her stats that increased the most was her magic. Going at this pace however, it will take too long to reach the top floor so for now I stopped going slow and experimented by taking her as far as possible to fight juggernaut class floor bosses including the 49th floor’s geckosaurus. And since it would be impossible for her to defeat them alone I helped to weaken the enemies so she can deal the final blow. Her stats increase can only be confirmed after a good night sleep and since she is too tired and it will take too long to go back now I decided to take her here to spend the night.

Aside from the troublesome event with the empire I’d say things are going pretty well. The guild side however is pressing the kingdom and the empire to make amends for the trouble they had caused. The empire sent an envoy bringing some half assed letter of apology from the Emperor which made Martlea furious while Teobaldur just laughed it off. He said some scary things like he is going to storm a fort of the empire if they didn’t reflect to the envoy though.

As for Rifst, it seems the apology will be in form of money and the guild accepted it gladly.

As for my own remaining problem, it would be how to defeat that massive dragon. My weapon couldn’t even scratch it. Liz’s fire magic would be able to weaken its scales but it’s not like I should count on that too much. Fighting something like that while covering for Liz would be more than just difficult. What I’ll need are better weapons and maybe… disposable pawn. Yeah, a decoy will be very useful but I don’t know of anyone who can follow us to the 70th floor right away.

“Erik, I found a huge axe in this room… do you think you can use it as a weapon?”

Liz’s head stuck out from behind the door to the basecamp.

“Ah no, Liz. I don’t use an axe since it’s not suited to my fighting style. Besides, it isn’t mine.”

“Eh? But shouldn’t it be a loot anyway?”

I know that Bagus won’t mind even if I used it, to begin with it was something he left since he got a better weapon. But I just can’t bring myself to use it.

Instead of answering any further, I just smiled and patted Liz’s head before entering the room myself while looking at the axe. I don’t know why but Liz didn’t say anything else as well and just followed me.

From my bag I took out and spread a sheet above the old and rugged one that’s already there. Then I looked at Liz. She is trying hard not to show it but I’m sure she is really tired, both physically and mentally.

“Liz, sorry but this is where we’ll sleep tonight. Let’s get straight back to the town when we wake up tomorrow.”

“Un, here is fine. But I can still go on.”

I hit her head lightly through the beret which she wears even in her human form when we’re in the tower.

“Fueee? Wh, why?”

Holding her head with both her hands she looked at me while puffing her cheeks.

“I know it was me who forced you to explore the tower but didn’t I tell you not to hesitate to tell me when you’re tired?”

“Hauu, okay. But I’m here by my own will. Erik didn’t force me or anything.”

This time I stroked her head gently and her usual “Fuee” is now accompanied by her delighted expression.

Perhaps she finally realized her own fatigue, it didn’t take long until she fell asleep with her head on my lap. I shifted my position slowly as not to wake her up and leaned on the wall to sleep as well.

***

“E…rik”

I heard somebody calling my name. It wasn’t Liz’s voice but it wasn’t an unfamiliar voice.

I opened my eyes and as I became aware of my surrounding I subconsciously let out a sigh.

“I thought you don’t have any power left?”

It’s been quite long since I was in this all too familiar complete darkness. The amulet of Praesia’s bluish white light is not as bright as before but it might also because it is hidden under my clothes. For some reason I wasn’t wearing my breastplate though.

“Actually I had been taking your mana little by little. Even though you have no affinity your mana capacity and its regeneration rate are a little above the average human in this world after all so you won’t notice the miniscule amount I have been taking by the seconds. This place also amplifies my power to some extent.”

Answering me was Praesia while she materializes herself in front of me.

“What kind of goddess steals from a human?”

“P, please don’t say that… I need to do that so we can talk again like this. And I already told you I’m not a goddess.”

Praesia showed a lonely and bitter smile as she said that.

“Alright, I get it. So what is your need this time?”

“Ah, yes. I know you are troubled on how to fight the le… the dragon from before so I have good news for you.”

Good news? What kind of good news can be related to that dragon? There was a strange pause in her speech as well.

“Since your mana capacity has increased much, I’m sure you can use the children I created better than before. The temporary contract you made can be then made a permanent one.”

“Huh? What? You created… children? And why the word「use」? What a mother you are…”

“…I, it isn’t like that. I never gave birth! I mean… Azanthys and Mareritter!”

The names she just said are more than just familiar. They’re my trusty weapons. I don’t know about the contract Praesia just said but I do remember the moment when I first held them I heard two mysterious voices telling me the names.

However that means I have to take them from Rifst royal palace. Scratch that, I’ll have to be a thief since nobody should remember me, including

“Lavinia…“.

I felt kind of sad when I thought Lavinia won’t recognize me but maybe it is better like this. By forgetting everything about me that means she won’t remember the day we parted as well.

As if knowing what I was thinking Praesia stayed silent for a while before she continued.

“The two will definitely be of great help to you even in the still far future as well. So please, defeat the dragon and rele….”

Before she could finish her sentence she disappeared and everything returned to darkness. So the power she sapped from me only enough for that much?

Thus I woke up while feeling like I’ve never even slept in the first place.

After Liz also woke up and after a small breakfast we did a test by returning quickly to the 30th floor. Her favorite finishing magic the rock spear Ures Eht Rancus is now capable to kill the boss, a brute demon beast in form of a 4 winged horse with dark purple spiky body within 3 hits. Of course the full battle took much more than just the finishing magic. Her stats jumped quite high and this means by repeating the same method as yesterday at least twice she will soon be able to completely solo the 30th floor. I’m not forgetting that the closer your stats with the enemies means the slower your stats increase will be. This is still good though. If the enemies she defeats are far stronger than her even if I helped her stats increase is high enough. I’m guessing if it was me with exact same method I’ll be able to solo the upper 40 floors right away instead. It took longer for me to be able to reach the 50th floor before because I was in a team of five.

I still don’t fully understand this world’s principle in regards of stats raising, whether experience points really exist or not, and how it is different for human, demon race, and heroes. But what I know right now should be enough for the meantime, maybe.

It then took us about three hours until we reached the exit. We were going to head straight to the inn but somebody stood in front of us with a hint of displeasure shown in her expression. It was Martlea. Needless to say, she was in her human form.

“Yesterday you two didn’t come out… just how far did you get in the tower, really?”

“Nah, I was just training Liz somewhere around the 30th floor.”

She might be able to see the lie but I don’t think she will ask further on that matter since it seems she got something else to tell us.

“Is that so? You seemed to be thinking as if it is normal but the only ones reaching that far are veterans and they usually take more than two days to reach there. I don’t actually care but let me say this just once, who are you?”

“Well, I am me.”

Only squinting in response to my words Martlea did look like she doesn’t really care, she also continued right away.

“Well, just follow me to see the guild master. I still have many more important jobs to do so I can’t waste any more time here. You made me wait here until night yesterday and I had to go back here early this morning.”

Martlea walked while not holding back her disgruntled expression.

“Yeah well, couldn’t you just like… pass the message to the gatekeeper?”

She stopped walking when I said that.

After a long pause she looked at me, furrowing her brows until they are knitted together.

“T, that… that wouldn’t do! The guild master asked me specifically to go to tell you. I’m just doing my job!”

Yeah, so you didn’t think of that eh? And didn’t you say you got more important jobs to do? Martlea will definitely get angry if I said that out loud though. I could tell from Liz’s eyes and awkward smile that even she doubted it. Let’s be silent for Martlea’s sake.

***

Even today once again I am holding the strange book which I found on my desk. It is strange because I don’t remember how or why it is even there. No matter how I look at it, they are not letters used within this continent. I don’t think the demon race uses these either. The paper it is made is also of higher quality than common paper used in this kingdom. Strangely, although the language is unfamiliar, I can read the letters written in it. Some of the things written in it looked too neat to be considered as handwriting but there are also some passages written in a sloppy handwriting.

“Erik Reynaldi Pratama.”

I read the words that looked like they were handwritten. My heart always get this warm feeling followed by an indescribable sadness whenever I read the passage which I’m sure is someone’s name.

A few pages further are what seemed to be letter comparison between these strange letters and the common letters. Perhaps it was used to learn the strange letters? No, even I understand that it was the other way around. Even more strangely, in the book there are also some of my handwritings but I don’t remember writing them.

“Good Morning princess Lavinia. I see you are reading the book again today.”

I was too immersed in the book that I did not realize my personal maid who is also the only one whom I could call as friend in its truest meaning, Ymi, entered my room and opened the curtain to let the warm morning sunlight in. At the same time the already dim light from the lieters in my room also turned off as it ran out of mana, perfect timing as usual.

“It was more of analyzing than reading though. Ymi, are you sure you don’t know anything about this book either?”

Ymi shook her head.

“I’m afraid not. I could vaguely remember handing over the book to you, princess. However I am sure the book is not mine and I could not imagine myself having such a book in possession to begin with.”

The more I look into it, the more mysterious it is. I put the book in the drawer and stood up.

“By the way, Ymi, have you find the amulet of Praesia?”

“I am terribly sorry but I have asked those whom I can trust not to spread the matter for help but as of now there is still no clue yet.”

“I always have it with me so how did I lose it? It is not just my own personal treasure but this kingdom’s as well… What a terrible blunder I have done.”

Brother Eneas might not be angry at me but brother Aylmer will surely scold me if they come to know about it.

“Also, it should be today but has elder brother Eneas and Aylmer returned?”

“Yes, in fact I am also here to inform you of the matter. Both princes should currently be in his majesty’s chamber.”

“Then I shall go there as well.”

Accompanied by Ymi behind me I started walking to father’s room which is located in the castle’s main tower. Since there is a special passageway connecting the tower where my room is and the main tower, it did not take long until I arrived. Other than the two guards I could also see my elder brothers’ attendant knights waiting in front of the room. I just exchanged a light greeting with them and entered the room. Of course Ymi did not follow me inside.

Father is currently ill and bedridden so my eldest brothers returned to see him from the frontlines which I heard is currently not so harsh anymore so they could make it. Father’s condition is bad but he could still eat his meals normally and could speak without problem, however the doctor said the worst is yet to come. Perhaps to raise father’s spirit or to brag off, or even maybe both, right now I could hear my elder brother, the crown prince, Eneas Ders Rifst telling father of his exploit in the battlefield. My other elder brother Aylmer Ar Rifst is standing next to him patiently as if waiting his turn to speak.

One of the traits of Rifst royal family is that our hair is aqua blue colored so everyone in this room except for father whose hair has whitened by age has blue hair.

My elder brothers are twins but brother Eneas has an ideally muscular build while brother Alymer is rather slender. Also, brother Eneas’ hair is short and spiky and brother Alymer’s is the silky shoulder length. So even though their facial feature are very similar anyone will be able to differentiate between the two easily.

“My knight division has retaken both the Oracia and Tirlan region within a month. The demons have become so weak and cowards just because of the absence of a demon lord. Once I return to the frontline I will continue to press ahead and retake our remaining lost territories.”

“Eneas, let’s not be too ahead of ourselves. Even the demons won’t stay like this forever. There is also some disturbing information from the demons side such as a demon strong enough to kill almost everyone in a company of Zagrant empire’s knights in a few minutes. The demon might be a new demon general. We have to think of our strategies further ahead.”

“Because they’re currently like this don’t you think we should take the chance as much as possible? You’ve always been too much of a worrywart, Aylmer.”

Brother Eneas patted brother Aylmer’s shoulder but it was brushed aside.

“And you barely think ahead. How many times have we been in dangerous situation because of that? Remember when you took me to Suvaard forest when we were just 10 years old while saying it would be interesting to see the brute gibwines pack rampaging through the trees?”

“Why would you bring up something from so way back anyway?”

Oh dear, I couldn’t enter the conversation like this. The two didn’t even notice that I’m only a few steps away from them. Also, shouldn’t they stop talking about war in such place and situation? When I looked at father, he only smiled at the two peacefully. Usually he would interject and say something so that the conversation flow would change.

What is this? I have a very bad feeling about that smile. It is as if father is looking at my brothers for the last time. No, I don’t want to think of such thing.

I shook my head to rid of the thought. And at that timing father noticed me and called me over.

“Lavinia, as you can see your brothers who just came back from the frontline are just as always. It is good that they are in good spirits but won’t you say something to them for me?”

“Umm…”

It’s very unlike the usual father to say that. With such thing in my mind I tried to think of what to say but it seemed to be unnecessary because my elder brothers might have noticed the same thing as I am. They stopped quarrelling and looked at father with half concealed sad expression.

“Well, Aylmer… I don’t think it’s the time to be saying such things. Let’s not show our embarrassing side to our little sister.”

Scratching his head, brother Eneas tried to dispel the gloomy atmosphere.

“I agree, why don’t we talk about something better and interesting like how to reproduce ancient class magic with modern magic knowledge?”

“That would only be interesting for you!”

“HaHahaha… Well, why don’t we just talk about random things? Anything is fine.”

With father’s remark, we finally managed to make a better atmosphere. Brother Eneas also talked about how there is a beautiful knight in brother Aylmer’s first squad which he just ignored and talked about some things about magic I could not comprehend. I only talked about some small things in the castle’s everyday life which I noticed lately.

Although there is no figure of a mother since she has passed away, after that we spent some time that most would call as ‘family time’ which we barely had any chance to have.

***

We spent several hour bells in father’s room.

After we got out, my elder brothers changed into their serious expressions.

“Lavinia, is there any important news we might need to know?”

Brother Aylmer asked me when I wasn’t prepared so I quickly racked my brain.

“There is nothing big other than the ones that should have been told by the messengers to elder brothers. Ah, but a part of the castle’s document storehouse were burned down by a fire of unknown origin. Investigation could not find anything that indicates who or what caused it. We also lost the documents containing the names of our knights who sacrificed themselves to kill demon lord Orcus to the fire. However, it should not be too hard to recreate it since we can gather testimonies from the families’ side. There is a risk of fabrication aiming for fame though. Next, there is a strange rumor circulating between some guards and servants saying that one could hear some noises and there are also some instances of mysterious light coming from the castle’s treasury.”

“Fire, eh? If I am not mistaken they were elites gathered from various different squads although strangely I don’t know how or who gathered them. I hope there is nothing even more serious behind it. As for the treasury, if it is just a rumor then until we can really confirm it maybe it would be fine to leave it be, it doesn’t sound dangerous either. Although that reminds me about the mysterious very high class weapons and armors we found in the treasury. A pair of uniquely shaped weapon was said to be literally untouchable by anyone was it?”

Brother Eneas and I just nodded to brother Aylmer’s words. I remember Ymi telling me about the last regular inspection and cleaning of the castle’s treasury when one of the guards who tried touching said weapons was flung by an unknown force and hit a wall. Someone else tried to touch the weapons as well and the same thing occurred again so nobody dared to touch the weapons while our magicians and scholars took interest on them. Could the rumor be related to that?

Before the silence continued for too long I continued.

“Lastly would be that representatives from Arx Norr branch adventurer guild will be coming tomorrow.”

“Is it related to the information about the appearance of a strong demon in Arx Norr and the knights our kingdom sent there to look for the demon princess?”

“Yes, prime minister Delan responded to the guild’s demand of apology by inviting their representatives to the castle for a formal apology and also to discuss our future relation.”

“Did PM Delan invited them without discussing it first with you and father? By giving them royal invitation while the king is incapable of meeting them also means letting the world confirm the already circulating rumor that the king is bedridden. Although the guild master himself might have known about it, I don’t think it is yet the time for such.”

“He did tell me but the decision was made in the meeting between the PM, minister of domestic affairs, and general Razak who oversees the knights.”

Responding to me only by furrowing his brows, brother Aylmer then sighed before saying

“Well, at least both princes are now here so we can just meet the representatives ourselves. I’m sure that woman called Martlea will be one of them. I have to admit that she is a very capable person.”

Saying that he admits such is rare for him so I was surprised a little. Brother Eneas also showed a slight disbelief.

“I have been thinking about this for a while but how come the guild can hold a position where we could not just simply send them a letter of apology?”

Answering my question was brother Eneas.

“The guild master is father and PM Delan’s old friend, not to mention that he is also said to be even stronger than general Razak. The guild is also a big and quite well organized neutral organization which we could not make to submit by force to come to our side in the war. At least PM Delan still managed to keep our higher standing clear by making their representatives come here instead of the other way around.”

Brother Aylmer also added

“The guild has branch even in the beastmen’s island nation and in the demon race’s region as well. The citizens should also be in favor of the guild since they are the ones who are completing many kinds of the citizens’ requests, especially where our knights and officials can’t reach. Although they have their own each guild master for each area and it isn’t guaranteed that they are completely united, it is not worth the risk to stir some trouble with such neutral organization.”

I’ve heard of it but it seemed the guild really is handling most of the matters troubling our citizens, be it small matters like finding lost things or demon beast extermination in rural areas. The town Arx Norr should also be a place with the guild as its center so we are risking a kingdom’s territory as well.

“Well, for now I think we should talk to PM Delan about the matter, how about it Eneas?”

“Yeah, let’s go. And Lavinia, I think your etiquette and dance teacher should already be waiting for you right now. It’s every day of lietus at the 5th bell right?”

Saying so brother Eneas and then brother Aylmer left me who was already very late to attend the lesson and had to apologize to the teacher who fortunately said it is okay since I was visiting my father.

***

“You want me to be rank S? I refuse! It’s barely three days since it was raised. I thought I told you I don’t want to stand out more than it already is.”

That was the sentence I said in response to Teobaldur’s offer to make Liz and I S rank adventurers. Liz is standing dumbfounded next to me perhaps because she doesn’t know what to say and Martlea left the room saying she still has some urgent matter which have to be finished A.S.A.P. or maybe she just doesn’t want to be in the same place as I am for too long.

“If you are worried about what other adventurers will say about your rise in rank, we of the guild will take care of that.”

Teobaldur who is wearing his pretending to be dumb look answered so to my remark.

“That isn’t the only thing and it would actually make us stand out even more as those who are receiving the guild’s special treatment, we never even took any request posted in the guild.”

“I don’t think it is a bad offer. The gold card I gave you before is actually the proof of an S Rank adventurer as well. With this magic tool I am holding your name will be etched on it in no time. The privilege of a gold card is that it can be used as identity card in any countries within this continent and the island nations without any troublesome procedures and paperwork. While A and B rank can also be used similarly, there will be less privilege and the procedures will take some time. Unfortunately for C to E rank, the card cannot be used as such. Also, as guaranteed by the manufacturer, the famous Elven ‘Regin Co.’ when somebody else other than the owner and those who got permission from him or her is holding it, the gold card will turn black and useless so thievery is unlikely.”

Teobaldur showed me a blue feather pen in his hand. If guild executives and S rank adventurers have the same kind of card does that mean their position is equal?

“Like I said, that is not the problem here… *sigh* I guess I’ll just ask why you want us to be S rank adventurer then. Is it our strength?”

“Of course, but that isn’t all. We have to send some representatives to Rifst castle which would be Martlea and some other personnel which would be you two. We can’t possibly send some random low rank adventurer as representative and due to some circumstances all other S ranks are incapable to attend… actually there are some who are able but their personality is unfit of those who will be answering a royal summon.”

I reacted to the phrase ‘Rifst castle’. Isn’t this a chance to go there without a need of sneaking around?

“And so it comes to me and Liz… wouldn’t it be better to just send someone from the administrative side for such a matter? How about yourself”

“That would be why I send Martlea as she is more than just capable for it. However, although Martlea is strong enough, her position is of a guild secretary and not many know that she is capable to fight even in the guild and I would like to keep it like that as insurance. So, won’t she need a bodyguard for the trip to the capital? Most of our official is also busy handling the previous incident and another problem which I also have to take care of myself.”

Another problem that requires the guild master himself to handle it? It piqued my interest but before I could comment, Teobaldur continued.

“You also seemed to be someone who will stay calm and collected at most situation. I don’t think you will mess up a meeting with the royalties. I heard the king is bedridden but the two princes are returning to the capital as we speak. It is likely one or both princes will welcome our representatives”

I looked at Liz. I was forgotten but it should be known to the masses that elite forces sent by Rifst was the one succeeded in killing Orcus. Won’t she have some mixed feeling if she goes there? It seemed she understood why I looked at her so she said to me

“I, I will be fine… maybe. At least I won’t become too nervous or tense if Erik is there with me.”

I still hesitated, the main reason is

“Being an S rank would be very troublesome… I can imagine that the guild will keep giving us many troublesome and time consuming jobs if we were to accept.”

I’m not really in a hurry but I don’t want to do something unnecessary that will delay my progress.

“I won’t deny that, I haven’t seen it directly but your capability will be a precious asset to the guild… Demon of Arx Norr, was it? Having you as an S rank will bring many kind of benefit to the guild depending on how I use you.”

So he knows… Well, I guess it’s kind of obvious since he was the one who gave me the necklace of transformation and Martlea knows that we went to the demon general’s aid that time. And, telling he will use me just like that? This old man doesn’t try to mince his words either.

“You do realize that there shouldn’t be any connection between this demon and the man named Erik, right? And I don’t plan on staying in Arx Norr forever either.”

“I doubt you will listen much to us to begin with so you’re free to leave Arx Norr anytime but be sure to visit any guild branch when there is one in the area since I might have some message or job for you. I promise I won’t force a job you don’t want to do, except if I think you are the most suitable for it.”

Damn, the balance is tilting to the ‘accept it’ side. Sending a message for a specific someone to every guild branch is no small feat even for a guild master from one of the main branch so it should be on the highest level of urgency which shouldn’t happen often.

“I guess I will accept it since I still owe you one for the necklace. But at least don’t publicize our rank up like posting it on the guild’s information board as before, some idiots won’t like it and it’s troublesome. I had to silence some annoying B and maybe also A rank guys who said some rude things to me and LIZ just because they can’t accept our quick jump in rank before. Some even stalked us both in the town and in the tower while having another group trying to ambush us so I stripped them half naked and hung them upside down in the fifth floor. I did it near the teleportation circle so they are relatively safe and will be quickly found by other adventurers passing by. I don’t know what will become of it if I have to silence some S rank guys next time.”

Saying, “Eh? You did what?” Teobaldur’s serious face crumbled off.

With that our talk is then over. I had my name and basic information like age and my guild affiliation to the Arx Norr branch written. The card needs to be checked by the branch where it was made, in other word, here, every six month for information update and to confirm that I am still alive. By my request and her own consent, Liz instead got a rank up to A since she is too young and it would raise different kind of troublesome things for her. I think it will still happen whether she’s a rank A or S since it isn’t a normal feat nevertheless. As her card is a normal one and not a magic tool, the update will need more time although Teobaldur said he will have it done by tomorrow morning. By Teobaldur’s personal judgement our unnamed two man party is still rank S though and Liz will have the same privilege as me. If people caught wind of this which I’m sure is bound to happen, I just know it, we will stand out too much and I can’t make any flashy movements that will rouse the empire’s suspicion at me. That reminds me, the empire should have my name written… Darn it, I should have used a fake name when registering at the guild…

Since we have to depart tomorrow, I chose to call it a day and took Liz back to the inn and make some preparations. Martlea is supposed to be coming to get us when it is time to depart and she will also return Liz’s updated card. I also thought of several ways on how to take Azanthys and Mareritter but all of them ended in doing it by thievery and sneaking up as conclusion. It was also interrupted by Yusa’s loud greeting right after she entered our room without knocking so I threw a pillow to her face, maybe I didn’t hold back enough so she magnificently flew back and hit the wall. After that, ignoring Yusa who is complaining about my pillow throw to Liz, Kaldor and Lloyd told us about Randall who just got discharged earlier this morning. He said Randall wanted to thank Liz personally and they decided to invite us to a dinner with their group. I don’t really care but I guess it won’t hurt to go. I told them that Liz and I will be leaving Arx Norr for a while without telling them the details. By Lloyd’s suggestion the party would be after we are back in Arx Norr.

The next morning started with Martlea’s grumpy face when she came to pick us off. It seemed Teobaldur didn’t tell her that it would be us, or rather me accompanying her until the last moment. Why does she hate me so much anyway?

The journey to the capital will be by coach Martlea had prepared beforehand. The coach driver is also a guild staff who introduced himself as Karl. As he is just a driver, he won’t be attending the meeting though.

During the journey, our carriage was attacked by bandits but I quickly took care of them so there wasn’t much delay by it. However we stopped by some villages and small town in the way for resupplying some food and temporary lodging at one since Martlea said she needed a bath no matter what which Liz strongly agreed so it took a whole week until we reached the capital. And here I thought we could arrive earlier so I can take a short tour around the capital after so long. By the way, there is no lucky pervert event since I hate trouble. I don’t really want to see Martlea’s naked body although I’d be lying if I said I don’t even have a tiny bit of such desire, gotta admit she has a nice figure if I might say. As for Liz, she’s out of the question. Yes, I am a reasonable and cool headed man except for when I’m dealing with the empire.

The first gate to reach the capital is a small fort with a squad of 20 guards, there are four other similar places located at the points where roads to reach the capital from each main region pass through the land. Of course we got through it without any problem. After passing through agricultural land and several small settlements of farmers, about one and half an hour from the fort, the 20 meter tall rampart surrounding the capital could finally be seen clearly. The town is largely unchanged from what I knew. The number of people walking around is even greater than that of Arx Norr but I could easily spot several people whom I had known from my stay here. The flower shop’s old couple where Mira often stops by to chat, the diner’s poster girl whom Surya and I often teased since she gave amusing reactions, and many more. What to say, it shouldn’t have been too long since I last came here but there’s a nostalgic feeling to it.

Maybe Liz noticed that I was smiling a little before I realized that I was myself, she tugged on my sleeve.

“Erik, have you been here before and did you remember something? You smiled but it looked kind of sad.”

“Ah… I see, so I smiled eh? Well, it’s true that I was once here though.”

“Erik… I understand, I won’t ask you anything but I’ll always be there for Erik so please talk to me when you feel like it.”

Clenching her fists while looking up at my face, Liz gave me a reassuring smile. Really, when did she become like this? She’s now rather sharp and considerate especially when I was thinking about the past. I couldn’t help but stroke her head gently.

“Fueee…”

Liz let out her usual ‘fueee’ while looking comfortable. Yeah, the ‘fueee’ is still there though.

When I glanced at the side, Martlea was looking at me with furrowed eyebrows.

“What is it?”

“Nothing, I just thought that you are someone I could not fathom… Not that I would try to.”

“Oh, I see.”

Like that we reached the castle without any trouble. The guards let us in as soon as they saw Martlea. She might have come here several times before. I have never met her here in the castle when I was a hero though.

Several royal servants came to greet us. I could see some familiar faces although I don’t know their names. After we gave them our weapons for safekeeping they led us to the meeting hall and there I finally met someone I know, the prime minister, Delan Aldrei, general Razak who was my mentor in the arts of battle and warfare, crown prince Eneas, and second prince Aylmer. I felt kind of glad I didn’t see Lavinia, I think it’ll feel rather awkward if I met her now, for me alone that is.

“Greetings and welcome. It has been quite a while, Miss Martlea of Arx Norr adventurer’s guild.”

Delan greeted Martlea in a high spirited voice and exaggerated smile while kneeling and reaching his hand out to Martlea in a manner where the man will kiss the back of a lady’s hand. Well, this beardy old man is fond of beautiful ladies so I thought that it might have been the reason. Could it be that he invited us here only to see her? Nah, no way… he is still the prime minister after all.

“Yes, it has been a while since we of the guild were last invited to the palace.”

Martlea calmly answered him, nodded, and just walked past him so with a nervously fidgeting Liz in tow I copied her and reached to our seat. Of course the three of us haven’t taken our seat yet as the permission has yet to be given. Acting as if nothing had happened, old man Delan returned to his seat while keeping his smile. I could see that Eneas is trying to hold his laughter, while Mr. Razak looked to be troubled, and Aylmer is showing a clear disinterest. Whoops, I should be calling them with their title or honorifics starting now or I’ll get in trouble.

“Please be seated, Miss Martlea and…her companions. I believe this is our first meeting with the other two. I am the prime minister of Rifst, Delan Aldrei. Next to me is his highness crown prince Eneas Ders Rifst and second prince Aylmer Ar Rifst, May I ask for your name?”

“Please call me Erik, and this is my little sister, Lissa.”

I took the initiative to tell them both our names since Liz looked too nervous to speak properly.

“They are our guild’s promising new S rank team.”

Martlea also added something I’d prefer to be unsaid.

“Hoo, an S rank team of only 2 youngsters… So it’s not that Miss Martlea came here without a guard. What about your individual rank?”

“The brother is S and the sister is A. Their rank up was a recent matter so not many should have known it yet.”

Martlea answered again in our place.

“Such rank by your age is amazing. Your name is Erik, right? Care to spar with me after this?”

There it is. I didn’t get along with the first prince because of this. When I first came into this world he challenged us heroes many times and won at first but after just two months the position got reversed. He got especially fixated on me for some reason and he would rant off when he lost. The reason might be because I got close with Lavinia since I heard something along “I won’t hand Lavinia to him, not until I approve of him.” once though. A brother’s jealousy or he might be just an overprotective brother…

“I’m afraid I must decline, we just arrived today so I’d like some rest after this.”

“It’s not like you’ll only be staying for today right? Tomorrow is fine so, how about it?”

‘I am not a battle maniac like you, okay?’ Was what I didn’t say. Unexpected help came from the second prince though.

“Eneas, why were we here again? Let’s just get to the topic already.”

PM Delan also cut in.

“Right, I hoped that Teo would come since I had something private to tell him but Miss Martlea’s presence here is also a blessing by itself.”

Hey, what are you saying?

Pressing his temple by his left hand Aylmer raised his other hand halfway up, signaling that he will take over.

“Regarding the amount we will be giving to the guild as compensation, how does 100 Uarum sound?”

I don’t know the standard but I think that is too low for an amount that can be given by a kingdom.

“I am aware that there is the war so the kingdom’s fund might be running low, however that amount is too unreasonably low. The promise was that it will cover our operational fund for three months, 375 Uarum.”

Martlea answered in her usual cold expression. Then PM Delan was the one responded to her instead of Aylmer.

“Miss, Martlea. That is indeed what was written in our letter. However please understand that we also have our situation here. After I discussed it with his highness the princes, we concluded that what we proposed just now is a suitable amount. Most of the blame should also go to the empire as well.”

“So it was decided without consulting the opinion of royalties? That might be the case, but we need to consider the need for reconstruction of Arx Norr’s plaza and the road leading northeast from Arx Norr ravaged by the battle since the kingdom also left such management to our guild. There is also compensation for the involved parties.”

I don’t think I’ll bother listening to the rest, all this talk about money will make me sleepy. When I glanced at Liz, she already looked more bored than nervous. I then took the time to think of a way to take Azanthys and Mareritter. The conclusion I came to was simply that since we’ll spend the night in the palace’s guest room I will sneak up to the treasury at midnight. I couldn’t come up with a better way. I just shouldn’t get caught. Easier said than done, eh…

After a while, it was decided that the guild will receive 200 Uarum as compensation. When I thought the meeting was over, what PM Delan said just betrayed my expectation.

“The matter of compensation is thus closed. We will present it tomorrow before your departure back to Arx Norr. Next would be the matter of what happened in Arx Norr itself.”

He continued after a short silence.

“I trust everyone here is aware about the gist of things. The points I’d like to talk about are the existence of Demon Lord Orcus’ daughter, the general of Estria’s coming to Arx Norr, and the mysterious Demon of Arx Norr.”

Liz reacted slightly to the words Orcus’ daughter while I wanted to cringe when I heard about the demon of Arx Norr.

“We’d like some opinions from a neutral organization and from the ones who were there when it happened.”

Aylmer added.