The day after I was introduced to the garrison for adventurers, I took Roy, the leader of the adventurer's side of the party, and once again went to the administrator, Fraxinus.

　Roy's other companions were Garnett, the escort, and a few adventurers who held positions of responsibility within the party.

''It's a pleasure to meet you, Administrator Fraxinus. Thank you for the opportunity to have an audience with you.''

　After my introduction, Roy exchanged formal greetings with Fraxinus while he casually looked around the entire Great Hall.

　Unlike the last time we met face to face, several council members were also present this time.

　I had heard that there was one councillor for each race, but the number of people in the room was quite small for that, so it must be only a handful of people here.

　The problem was that there was a natural mix of Algernon councillors among these faces.

　He was also an official member of the council, so it should be a very common part of his duties to show up when he was doing something in the Great Hall.

　But even so, the timing was bad.

　If possible, he wanted to use this opportunity to learn information about the ancient magical civilization from Flaxinus, as he had promised, and to elicit a reaction to the suspiciousness of Algernon's movements, as he had told him.

　But as expected, he wanted to avoid it in the presence of Algernon.

　The latter's errand is out of the question, and the former could also expose our situation and our cards.

　Unless the relationship between that man and the 'true enemy' was clear, I didn't want to give as much information from our side as possible.

'' (It would be helpful if you could pay people off naturally. ...... Is that too difficult? It would be like confessing that there's a reason we have to talk about secrets).

　Garnett and I looked at each other to make sure we were both on the same page.

　The opportunity to provide information, which had been waiting due to the unavoidable circumstances of Fraxinus' dormancy, was likely to be postponed again this time.

'Sir Admin. May I have a few words with you?

　Suddenly, Algernon, who was sitting in his chair in the Great Hall, raised his hand and asked permission to speak.

'...... I'll ask you to be brief, please.
Thanks. I don't know if you've heard this already, but I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Algernon. I'm Algernon, and I represent the human race on the council here in Asropolis.
Yes, I've heard of it.

　Roy turned to Algernon, blissfully unconcerned.

　I've already shared information about that man.
　I've also told him about the "true enemy" that defeated the Demon King's army led by Gandalf in the past, as well as the suspected relationship with the Night Ripper, which caused a stir in the capital and which Roy was involved in investigating.

　So there's no fear of Roy screwing up in his dealings with that man.

'So let's get to it. I'm sure that as a human representative councilor, I'll take care of all your political formalities and all that stuff on your behalf, so if you ever need it, just let me know. It's my duty.

　I see.
　I suppose they want to take advantage of their position as councillors to put a collar and reins on us and keep us under control.

'It's a very nice offer, but we're not settling in Asropolis ourselves. Passing on our wishes through the councilors means that we are indirectly involved in the politics of Asropolis, right?　It is too much for a temporary visitor.

　Some of the other council members looked impressed when Roy made it clear that he was going to decline.

　For a species that didn't know about our underwater relationship with Algernon, it seemed like a humble gesture of understanding the position of not being a permanent resident.

'...... I see. If you change your mind, you can always let me know.

　As Algernon retreated with an unobtrusive response, Roy quickly stepped in and asked a question: "By the way, how did the people who live in Athropolis get here?

By the way, how did the people of Asropolis come to be here?　I'd love to meet you and hear your story because it's something that's never been recorded on the ground.

　I asked Eversol, a council member of the Lizard Men (Lizardmen) about this before, and received the answer that they were the ones Algernon had brought with him when he came down to this second level.

　So he's going to corroborate that - or take the pledge directly from the person himself.

Yeah, the guys I had in tow. I'm not able to say it out loud, but I've been sneaking in a bunch of non-adventurous people, taking advantage of the laxity of the ...... entrance monitoring, and I've been sneaking in a bunch of non-adventurous people.

　Algernon looked uncomfortable and continued his response, choosing his words carefully.

'Well, it's not uncommon for people who get hired for such stories to have back-breaking circumstances or a scar on their shins. I told them that you guys were here, but not one of them has ever said they wanted to see you. It would be nice if you could take that into account.
If you're at ......, we'll talk about this another time.

　Whether it is true or not, it was a difficult answer to pursue further here.

　This exchange is a bit of a draw in our favor, I guess.

　The same information from the Eversol councilor is available from Algernon's mouth.

　In the meantime, the conversation and exchange of ideas between the adventurer's side and administrator Fraxinus ends.

''--I'm very sorry. It's about time for the schedule. I have to use the Great Capitol for other purposes. ......''
I understand. Thank you for your time.

　We left the Great Hall with a backward glance.

　Me and Garnett were disappointed that we were leaving the expected results behind, but Roy didn't seem to have diminished the excitement of witnessing the mysterious appearance of Fraxinus.

'I've heard stories about it, but it's still amazing to see it in person. What on earth is the principle that connects the personalities together?''
We were surprised when we first saw it, too.

　It is said that the administrator Fraxinus is classified as a species of arborealist (dryad), but he is now a being without a physical body.

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

　If an adventurer with a great deal of ambition and intellectual curiosity listened to it, it would not be surprising if he or she crossed the continent to visit Green Hollow just to see it.

　Whether he lost it or discarded it himself is not known.
　We could have heard about that area as well, along with the old stories of ancient civilizations, but once again, we have to be patient.

"Master Luke White Wolf.
"Dear Garnet Argentia.

　As I was walking down the corridor thinking about this, a twin young tree man (dryad), the messenger of Fraxinus, blocked my path.

"It's a message from Fraxinus-sama.
Please come back to the Capitol building after dark.
You said it was time to make good on your promise.
He said it was time for a response.