[Elise point of view]

Since we are currently split into a group of three, and the group which I am in is task with miscellaneous kind of jobs, gathering information so that we can plan ahead on what to do next will be the best idea. So far, from what I can say, the royal of this country are, without a doubt have themselves replace by their Doppelganger. Even if they aren't, I'm 100% sure that they are currently being accompanied by the said fake doppelgangers. If that is the case, then I'm afraid there will be no room for negotiation between Princess Diana and the ruler of this country. Even if by miracle, there is one person who has not been replaced or have any sort of fake doppelgangers accompany him/her, I doubt there's much we can do in this situation, which mean

(Should we just abandon this operation? Helping Sis Rafiah, Calypso and the other will undoubtedly be better) [Elise]

Yes, we are a hero, and we have the duty to help them, but doesn't this situation seem

"You're so deep in thought. Thinking about your lover Ray?" [Muse]

"That's not even funny" [Elise]

I answer with slight tone of annoyed. I know Muse means no harm with her tease but I can't help it since she's stopping my train of thought.

"You know, I was thinking, what would happen if Mr Ash didn't bother helping me out back then. Would I even be with Dear Rean if that's the case." [Muse]

"?" [Elise]

"I mean, I can't imagine him not helping other in need. Sure, he prioritize the orphans more than any other people, but what would happen if he didn't? For once, I'm sure I will not be with Rean right now, probably getting bid by the highest noble to become his wife" [Muse]

"Don't talk like that. I'm sure you will be fine" [Elise]

Muse suddenly express her thoughts. I can spare her my ears and thoughts since we are in the middle of a break inside one of the fancy tea shop, eating a sweat good fatty butter bread with strong cup of bitter green tea. Maybe the mood, the atmosphere and the food just make it much easier for one to talk herself out

"And it will not just be me. I mean, most adventures and knights might have lost their lives if it wasn't for him teaching his chantless magic for free. Mr Jacks getting from a B rank adventure to now a famous S rank adventure because of him. Mr Alaric improving his stealth mode by a mile more. Mrs Aries finally reunited with Kara and Mara. There's many more of people that he touch, not just the orphans" [Muse]

"True, for that I am grateful and proud that we call him Brother Ash" [Elise]

He have done so much despite only been here with is for a short period of time. It won't be an exaggeration to say that his contribution greatly help other, even turning their live around for the better. The more I think of it, the prouder I feel, and it make me smile unconsciously

"All of that is simply because he's trying his best to help other despite him being reluctant" [Muse]

"Haha, I can agree with that." [Elise]

He's not perfect, and he always complaining about not wanting to help certain kind of people, but at the end of the day, he still giving his best to do so regardless of his laziness

"That's why Elise, I don't want you to think that helping the people of this country will be waste of time" [Muse]

"Muse!" [Elise]

That was so sudden that I (with a very minimal decibal) shout her name. Thank goodness other beside us didn't take notice of it

"I'm in agreement, that the time we spent here can be better utilize to save Mrs Rafiah, Calypso, Mr Seraph and King Druser himself. They might be suffering now even as we sip out our cup of bitter green tea. Not to mention, we are close those four, but, like I said, if Mr Ash was not the Mr Ash we come to know, we might not be having this conversation now. Maybe I will be stuck in a cage in a wealthy mansion of a noble, being use as an object of lust, or better... Find myself hanging myself rather than being the object of lust" [Muse]

"..." [Elise]

"I'm not saying what you thought earlier is wrong, and it's acceptable for you to worry about them. It just that I was afraid, I was afraid that if I didn't interfere your train of thought just now, it will slowly consume your mind, and you might not be the same Big Sis Elise that we all come to know and love. The Big Sis Elise that is caring for eveyone and will always try her best for her little siblings" [Muse]

"Muse..." [Elise]

Now I feel ashame of myself. I must say, I have to thank Muse for her advice just now. It's always start with this unpleasant small thought that will one day corrupt a person

"Thank you, Muse" [Elise]

"You're welcome, and if you ever wish to repay me, you can always reserve a special seat for me during your wedding day with Ray" [Muse]

"Muse!" [Elise]

"Oh, it wasn't him? Who else could it be? Mr Crow maybe?" [Muse]

"Muse, I am being serious" [Elise]

"So am I. I can't wait to see whom will you choose as your future husband. The son of King Leogris of the Beastman Kingdom is a gentleman himself. Oh I know! Maybe even Motra's little brother" [Muse]

"Good grief" [Elise]

I guess Muse will always be Muse

"So here you guys are" [Zerolith]

"Enjoying a cup of tea my dear" [Rean]

"Care to join us? We are talking about a suitable partner for Elise here" [Muse]

"Meow!?" [Behe]

"No we are not!" [Elise]

"We would like to, since it will be a good time for us to update you on what we found just now" [Zerolith]

""!?"" [Elise, Muse]

With that, Rean and Zerolith join us as we begin to share latest information we get