--It's not long after that, we arrived at the fifth level of the Sundial Forest at the scheduled time.

　We passed through the familiar Hollow Bottom Branch and descended the vast, well maintained underground passageway to enter the Hollow Bottom Fortress.

　Normally, I would go through the grounds and start exploring the dungeon, but this time I went into a building that adventurers don't stop by.

''Wait. From here on out, it's non-related .......

　A female knight nearby stopped us, but she seemed to realize immediately that we weren't outsiders, and her expression relaxed in relief.

'Lionel, it's been a while. And Lord Luke, too.
Good to see you, Captain Hazel.

　That female knight was the captain of the unit that Lionel belonged to before he was transferred, and she was a knight that I was familiar with.

　I remember as if it was only yesterday that I dared an escape mission in the middle of the Demon King's Castle.

''I've already heard from you. You're meeting with the Demon General Norzuri. Please come this way.
Thanks for your help.

　I exchanged a brief greeting with Captain Hazel, and then she led me deeper into the fortress.

''To be honest, I was surprised when I heard that I was being handed over to the custody of Demon General Norzuri. Moreover, he told me that he was not a prisoner of war and that I should treat him respectfully. We didn't have a system in place to receive them, so it was a lot of work.
''I'm sorry for imposing trouble on you. By the way, the place to be housed wasn't the Demon King's Castle, was it? I thought they would choose one farther from the ground.

　With the current state of affairs, with the Demon King's War gathered and much of the military force raised, the only positions that could accommodate Norsuli were either this Hollow Bottom Fortress or the occupied Demon King's Castle.

　This fortress was adjacent to the 'Sundial Forest' across the passage, and it was right in front of where the residents of Green Hollow Town would come and go, so it wasn't likely to be chosen.

''Yes, the Demon King's Castle is a stronghold they've used for years. They've investigated it as much as possible, but there aren't necessarily any loopholes or traps that haven't been found.''
I see. I suppose it's possible that a room that you think is safe to keep in here could actually have a loophole hidden in it.

　Since the Demon King's Castle is their home base, the Norsemen have a better understanding of the situation than the Norsemen, but the Hollow Bottom Fortress is an unknown facility even to him.

　If you value the certainty of securing yourself, it's more effective than the Demon King's Castle.

　While I'm convinced of the reason, I reach the farthest part of the half-underground level.

''Sorry to keep you waiting. Demon General Norzuri is housed in this room.''
Captain Hazel. I believe this is the floor of the prison where we hold the prisoners. I'm afraid it doesn't meet the requirements for incarceration, sir.

　Hazel shook her head in annoyance at Lionel's question.

'I couldn't find any other suitable place to put it. But we're not using it as it was. It's in the form of removing all the prison doors and operating the entire floor as one room. Besides, ...... no, I'll let you see this for yourself, Lord Luke.

　Hazel said something meaningful and unlocked the door to the prison floor.

　And as soon as the heavy door was pushed open, cold air gushed out of the doorway.

''What is ...... this, huh?''

　Garnett let out a sound of confusion.

　The scene that was spread out behind the door was something that I couldn't help but be speechless, too.

　The interior is so luxurious that it's hard to believe it's a semi-subterranean prison - however, it's a bizarre space that's made up entirely of ice.

　The floor, ceiling and walls are all covered with hard ice, and the surfaces are decorated with geometric ice grooves that seem to mimic stone, with ice work that can only be considered for decorative purposes being installed here and there.

　Every inch of the cage was coated with ice to create a seamless wall, reminiscent of a high-class hotel suite, with multiple interconnected rooms.

'Watch your step, please. We have not taken care to prevent anyone other than the owner of the room from slipping.

　Hazel led the way to the ice room that should have been the prison ...... of the large room at the far end of the floor.

'-What do you want? I've just told you that there is nothing for you to talk about and hear.

　There was an ice sofa lined with cushions of snow, and on top of it a dark elf woman dressed in a thin loungewear was lying down.

　Demon General Norzuri - usually confronting her in her metal armor - didn't immediately match the outfit that came to mind and the state of affairs in front of her.

''Look who it is, it's Luke White Wolf. What are you doing in a place like this?''
"Wha...... what are you doing?" is my line!　What the hell are you doing, seriously!

　Garnett spits out his confusion loudly.

　Honestly, I'm feeling the same way, just not putting it into words.

　What is this room? What is it about this room that makes you so relaxed? I'm not afraid to be fearless.

I have the two names of ice on my back. That's more than I deserve. Just as the lily of the valley doesn't get burnt up by its own flames, the cold air doesn't cause me any pain.
"Don't listen to that shit!　Do you have any idea what you're up against?
It's because I understand.

　Norzli heaved himself up from the snow and ice sofa and threw a languid look in my direction.

I'm your right hand and your right hand," he said, "I'm a quality that must be exchanged for ten (10) other quality (10) others. It is your duty to keep your body and mind in perfect condition. All you have to do is give me a better room, and I'm just making up for that lack with good intentions.

　In the face of the unfamiliar armamentarium of theories lined up as a matter of course, Garnett shushed him with a look of giggling.

　In fact, Norzli was neither a prisoner nor a prisoner, but a hostage offered as proof that they would not touch each other carelessly until the outcome of the series of transactions came to fruition or ended in a parting of ways.

　It is true that the royal court reminded them not to treat him like a prisoner of war, but even so, this fearlessness is almost worthy of respect in a roundabout way.

"Well ...... Luke White Wolf. If you've come all this way, it means you want to talk to me. I'm just bored out of my mind. I'll keep you company until you're ready.