The A-ranked dungeon 'Millennium Corridor of the Abyss' - a labyrinth whose walls are made up of mithril and whose innermost part is directly connected to the 'Demon King's Castle Realm', the territory of Demon King Gandalf. The five A-ranked adventurers had all explored this dungeon in common.

　The breathlessness of the ministers could be felt even in King Alfred's seat.

　There was no one in this meeting who didn't know about the war between the Golden Fang Knights and the Demon King's Army led by Demon King Gandalf that had been raging in the Demon King's Castle Realm just a short time ago.

　In those days, the status of the war was frequently on the agenda, and all of the ministers were worried every day, and when the news of the defeat of the Demon King came in, the applause was tremendous.

　In the first place, the recklessness of selecting a mere commoner as the head of a newly established knight's order was largely due to the fact that he was one of those who had defeated the Demon King.

　There was no way that an existence so feared could be easily heard of, being told that it might be related to the serial hunting murders that caused a stir in the royal capital.

''Are you saying that Gandalf's army has sent assassins to this royal capital?　But that would be strange.

　One of the ministers involved in military affairs objected in a relatively calm manner.

''By the time the brave Falcon reached the 'Demon King's Castle Realm', it was after a number of casualties had already occurred. At that point in time, Demon King Gandalf should not have been interfering on the ground yet, right?
You don't know how horrible Gandalf can be, that's why you say that!

　Another minister kicked his chair and stood up, his trembling voice showing his posture of argument.

'That dark elf once invaded the earth and destroyed a single country in the blink of an eye!　It's my hometown and neighboring country!　Cunning, brutal and ...... horrific deeds of cunning, cruelty and horrific deeds. ......!　He could send assassins to King's Landing as well!
''But shortly after the conquest, their stronghold was attacked by another underground force, and they abandoned the ground, withdrew, and were defeated. It is true that Gandalf, the Demon King, is a presence to be wary of, but he is neither omniscient nor omnipotent. You will misjudge him if you fear him excessively.
Shh, but... ......
You two need to calm down first. You're in the middle of your debriefing.

　Just as he was about to bite down again, King Alfred's dismayed voice interrupted him.

　After confirming that both ministers had shut their mouths, Alfred once again turned his argument to the Knight Commander Carmine.

'Having said that, I don't think Gandalf is involved in this incident either. Can you ask for a more detailed explanation?
''Of course. I also believe that the Night Ripper is not an assassin of the Demon King Gandalf.

　Carmine continued to speak calmly as he got a look from the minister who had just raised his voice in excitement.

''The biggest reason is the technological gap. It's true that Gandalf's army had surpassed our human magic technology in terms of remote control of the Mad Golem and other aspects. However, with that degree, they are still far from being autonomous dolls that can think like humans.

　The minister in charge of magic nodded repeatedly in silence to show his agreement.

''The golem that Gandalf used to make into a fighting force is only a modified version of an excavated item. Our Silver Winged Knights speculate that it is impossible to create that doll with the Demon King's Army's technology.
So who do you really think sent them?　From the way the story is told, you're not suggesting that it's the work of an unidentified force.

　Alfred asked the most essential question, and the ministers leaned forward to make sure they didn't miss the reply.

　Carmine shrugged off the pressure and continued to explain matter-of-factly.

'The geographical connection to the 'Thousand Year Corridor of the Abyss'. Technology that outperforms the armies of Gandalf. A known force that seems to fall under both ...... i.e., another underground force that defeated Gandalf decades ago and made that demon king say 'true enemy'.

　At that moment, the large conference room fell silent as if it had been hit by water.

　The 'true enemy' of the Demon King's army - it is said that Demon King Gandalf was once defeated by the forces he called himself, and was chased out of his original underground territory to escape to the 'Demon King's Castle Realm'.

　Gandalf's plan for an invasion of the earth is just a preparation for the mass production of human-modified dragon-humans to build a fighting force against the 'true enemy'.

　If such a group of people were harming the kingdom unnoticed, the ministers had every right to be horrified.

But the path to the labyrinth was blocked by Gandalf, wasn't it?　How did you get the assassins on the ground?

　The minister, who was intensely afraid of Gandalf, looked puzzled and questioned.

''I suppose that means there are other paths to earth. Because in the past, when the Demon King invaded the earth, his route was different from the labyrinth.''
''Mu...... mmm. Is it just that the front and back of the labyrinth is blocked off by the Demon King's army and the guild, so you couldn't get a glimpse of the interior: ......
'Because if the 'true enemy' was involved in the illegal distribution of mithril on the ground, he would have wanted to take the hard way to the end so as not to attract unnecessary attention.

　That's because, in reverse, this incident may be 'proof that the time is ripe for a final decision.

However, we cannot easily assert that. If the victims were targeted for exploring the Millennium Corridor of the Abyss, then it would normally be too late to commit the crime.

　Carmine stepped out of the room and began to walk slowly behind the ministers around the round table.

'The times they explored the labyrinth in the example are widely dispersed over the past few decades. Nevertheless, they have recently and suddenly sent an assassin to the thought(s) or the(s) of the(s) .......
''Hmm. To give you a plausible reason, it's either been sealed for a long time, or I've just now figured out that it's been explored by adventurers: .......
Perhaps it's both.

　While exchanging words with Alfred, Carmine continued to walk with such slowness that he multiplied a second for every step.

''The 'true enemy' had a reason for not wanting that labyrinth to be explored. However, whether it was a deliberate obstruction or not, the Demon King had made it impossible to keep track of the labyrinth. Recently, however, things have changed and I learned that several adventurers were exploring the labyrinth: ......

　Then Carmine stopped behind a certain minister.

''Your Excellency the Duke of Kingswell. It seems that all five adventurers, including Bruno, were hired by your(-) brother(-) you(-) to accompany you on your investigation of the 'Thousand Year Corridor of the Abyss'.

　All those present, except for the parties involved, were looking at the same point.

　However, the Duke of Kingswell showed no signs of panic, but neither mocked nor denied Carmine's statement, but took it in his usual manner.

You're going to be able to say that my brother, who was lost in the labyrinth, gave information to the 'true enemy' after a series of twists and turns, and they used that as a clue to determine their target?　It's not impossible, but if that's the case, you could have told me about it sooner.
'I'm sorry. It's just that I've taken the time to analyze the Guild's extensive material.

　Carmine also made no pretense of reprimand or pursuit, and continued to speak as a purely factual report.

'It was before the first incident that your brother disappeared, wasn't it? Not all of the hired adventurers were targeted, but it simply depended on whether the incident ended before they were targeted or on the results of the search.
It's a valid reasoning. I'm not ashamed of myself if it's the mismanagement my foolish brother caused.

　As the air in the grand chamber is tense, King Alfred opens his mouth on behalf of the consensus of ministers.

'Thank you, Lord Carmine. Thank you, Lord Carmine," he said, "and I will make a plan of action with that possibility in mind. And Lord Kingswell, as I recall, most of the material on your brother is still in your possession.
I'd be delighted to make it available to you. But, as you know, it's quite a lot of work, and I can't do it all at once.

　With this, for the moment, the role of the Silverwing Knight Commander in this occasion was over.

　The king and his ministers were called to provide the information they needed, and they were not asked to suspect the involvement of any particular nobleman.

　Even if the wording sounded like that, it was only speculation about the truth that made it sound that way - at least in terms of construction.

　Carmine finishes his role and turns to leave the large conference room, turning around and bowing deeply before closing the door.

　At that moment, his gaze met with the Duke of Kingswell's piercing gaze, if only for a moment.

''Excuse me.''

　After a short word of greeting, Carmine closed the door of the large conference room with a wry smile on his mouth.