This is the audience chamber. "This is the audience chamber, where His Majesty Gandalf waits. Take care not to be misled.

　Norzli was just about to put his hand on the door when a wrinkled old man's voice came through the door.

Kaka," he said. You've finally arrived at last. I'm glad to see you've arrived at last.

　How could he forget? This eerie tone of voice was definitely that of the Four Demon Generals of the Demon King's Army, the Earth Vestry.

''But it looks like you've barged in with quite a large group of people. It's fine to be cautious, but did you think that all of us would be allowed to show your majesty a visit?
'Of course I don't think so. The majority of them are civilian officials who, in addition to escorting you along the way, are used to produce documents as soon as the audience is over. Only a mutually agreeable number of people will be allowed inside ...... and it won't be any different between the nations on earth.

　The delegate, the Duke of Kingswell, answered Vestri through the door with no sign of fear.

''In that case, fine. Let's hear your wishes first. At the very least, who do you intend to send in?''
'Me, the delegate of the delegation, myself, and Mr. Giles, the leader of the Adventurer's Guild. And Sir Luke of the White Wolf Guild. Two guards for each of us. At the very least, you have to acknowledge this, or else we won't be able to talk.

　This has been discussed with the Duke of Kingswell beforehand.

　Even if it was a meeting between human nations, there was no way they would have all the handfuls they brought with them in attendance.

　Only a limited number of representatives would meet in person.

　First, the red-eyed, black-haired man as the Duke of Kingswell's guard - Clyde, the captain of the guards.

　There were several candidates for the second one, but since Ezell the Brave was able to join them at the last minute, Ezell was to take on that role.

　Master Giles' escort was a convincing choice, the big man of unknown identity and A-ranked adventurer Theodore, who I had brought with me from the beginning.

　And my guards are Garnett, who can never be left out, and the other one--

But are you sure it's me?
I am only the Lord Commander's bodyguard. It's only natural that a regular member of the Guard will be with me.

　Behind us, Chandler and Sakura were having a whispered conversation.

　This time, Chandler, not Sakura, was to take on the role of escort, except for Garnett.

　The reason was just as Sakura had said.

''I would like to add a couple of researchers if possible. Probably because they'll have access to profound knowledge that only the Demon King knows.''
Kaka. Forgive me, but there is one person who would like to join you. But there's one person I'd like to request to be present.
What?　Is there anyone else like that besides Sir Luke?
She is the retainer of Hinokagahime, the shaman of Kakuen. It's Shiranui Sakura.

　All eyes around her gathered on Sakura at once, and she herself rolled her eyes in surprise.

'...... May I ask why?'
'With the knowledge he possesses, understanding His Majesty's words will be somewhat easier. That's all. If you can't, it's your own fault.

　The Duke of Kingswell silently turned his gaze to Sakura and asked for her consent.

　Sakura also shook her head, shaking her head as she pressed on, and seriously agreed to sit in on the audience.

''Fine. With the twelve of us present, I agree.
Go in, then. Don't be disrespectful to Your Majesty.

　The opulent door was slowly opened.

　The ceiling is even higher than the corridor, and the vastness of the hall extends beyond it.

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

　Sitting on the throne is the king of the dark elves, Gandalf, who has been living since ancient magical civilization.

　He is an unhuman being who has lived since the ancient magical civilization, yet has retained his youthfulness, which is not beyond the range of mature age in human terms.

　His well-groomed face is filled with a dignity like infinite darkness, and just by looking at him, one's heart almost stops.

　And on either side of the Demon King were three Demon Generals, except for Norzuri, who were waiting for him.

　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you can get your hands dirty.

　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on it.

　Austri of the Storm is a warrior whose body is stronger than the body of a Norzuri.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.

...... Hey, Luke White Wolf. Unbind them. It's time for an appointment.

　Almost at the same time as Norzuri demanded that from me, the dark elf's squire reverently presented me with a horizontal, luxurious box.

　I took it and [analyzed] it and found that my right arm, which had not deteriorated, was carefully tucked inside it.

''...... All right. Wait a minute.

　With the Duke of Kingswell's permission, I [disassemble] the magical restraints that were holding Norzuri back.

　Norzuri lightly moved his body as if to check his freed body, and then climbed the stairs leading to the throne to join the three demon generals and stand in a position to look down on us.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a look at your own personal life.

　--The one looking down from the platform was Demon King Gandalf and the four demon generals.

　--The twelve on the ground against them.

　The Duke of Kingswell. Clyde, the captain of the convoy. Ezell the Brave.

　Master Giles. An adventurer of unknown origin. The Dragonslayer, Theodore Beaufort.

　Luke White Wolf. Garnet Argentia. Chandler Rajasinha.

　Hild Armyfield. Ambrose Wirth. And Shiranui Sakura.

　If even one of them were to engage in an engagement, they would all escape the audience room safely, even if they couldn't win ...... such a hope can be entertained.

...... hmmm ......

　Gandalf looked at each of us in turn, and then he stood up from his throne.

''Wha, Your Majesty!
What's wrong with you?

　Austri and Norzuri shouted in surprise at their lord's sudden action.

　If the appearance of an audience is to be given, it is only natural that Gandalf, the king who welcomes the messenger, should remain seated on his throne in an imposing manner.

　But what did Gandalf, the Demon King, have in mind, he started to descend the stairs step by step.

If it were an ordinary human being, he wouldn't have had to sit up. But if you're going to welcome the king of the earth, you need to behave properly as a king.

　Not only the Demon General, but almost all of us can't help but be stunned.

　However, in such a situation, Duke Kingswell, Master Giles, and the four guards' captains, Clyde and Theodore, even rather broke out in their expressions.

　The Duke of Kingswell bowed his head reverently, as if he was representing that aspect of the group.

''I hope you will forgive my rudeness, King of the Demon Race. It is inevitable that Agatha-Ram will understand your true intentions if this is your move. Therefore, it was necessary to conceal the truth to the extent that even the people on earth were deceived.

　Next to Master Giles, a large man of unknown identity takes off his thick coat.

　I was even more distant from consciousness than I was when I looked directly at the Demon King Gandalf, seeing his exposed true face.

　--I'm not going to be the only one.
　The great man was unmistakably there.