Then we were given a ride in Cullen's carriage and we were to head to Rayford territory.
　They said we could stay at Karen's mansion while they received our request and until our business was done.

.............

　The caracara wheels turned and the scenery passed by through the window.
　I was lucky to be able to ride in the carriage, since I had planned to walk on to the Dead Swamp Maze.

''Come to think of it, Iori-san said you knew your father, what was your relationship with him?
'...... Mr. Gash saved my life a long time ago,'

　While answering Karen's question, she remembered the time she had met him before.

　Gash was a sorcerer with a kind-hearted nature.
　He was mild-mannered and also a cowardly man who would tremble at the mere sight of blood.

　At the same time, he was also an adulterer ...... "half demon".
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

　Although Gash was a nobleman, he was apparently severely slandered because he was an adulterer.
　But Gash did not break.
　He rebuffed discrimination, did what he had to do, and was recognized by many people.
　I remember seeing him being admired by many of his fellow countrymen.

　And Gash was better at defending than fighting.
　They used a magic item that has been handed down in the Rayford family for generations, called the Keystone, which increases the effectiveness of boundary magic, to protect people from the invading demon king's army.

I can't fight like Amatsu-san. I'm a coward who trembles just by looking at blood. ......''
"But even I have the makings of witchcraft
"You may not be able to fight, but you can protect your family, your friends, the people who live in your land and the people you love.
"So, Komatsu-san. I'll fight to the best of my ability.

　Gash had said something like that to me when we had our conversation.
　I remember that he had a calm expression on his face until then, but he was radiating a spirit that took my breath away.

　A short time later, my party and I fell for the ploy of the Four Heavenly Kings "Senhenyo" and were in a tight spot.
　When we were exhausted from the continuous battles, Senhen and a large number of demons rushed in.
　The others are pinned down by the demons sent by the Senhen.

　That's when Gash came to the rescue.
　I don't like fighting, but he led his troops to the scene.
　The warding he put in place allowed us to regain our footing and successfully fight off a thousand changes.

　If Gash hadn't come to me then, I would have lost my life.
　Lucifina and Dionis must have had a plan, though.

............

　According to Karen, her mother ...... Gash's wife is dead.
　Gash himself is also missing.
　I wonder if he is still alive and well.

　I wondered at the time.
　I thought someone with his courage is more worthy of being a brave man than me.
　Someone like Gash Rayford, who has the courage of his convictions, not the other way around.

............

　A few hours later.
　We arrived in Rayford territory just as the sun was beginning to set.


◆

　The Rayford territory, which I hadn't seen in a while, was less vibrant than before.
　I can't explain it well, but I remember the impression that the entire territory was vibrant when I saw it before.
　Combined with the fact that it's dusk, it looks as if it's deserted now.

　...... Isn't it unreasonable?
　There have been victims of demons in the territory, and some of them have gone missing even more.
　The lord, Gash, is one of them.
　It would be strange to be lively in such a state.

　We were led to Rayford's house.
　The exterior of the house has changed a lot, perhaps because it's been thirty years.

　We get out of the carriage and enter the house.
　After being shown the guest room where we will be sleeping, we will have an early dinner in the dining room.
　There doesn't seem to be a large number of servants, and a few people are busily arranging the food.

　Then Karen, who had changed from her dress to loose-fitting clothes, and Jean arrived.
　Karen had a letter in her hand.

'Mr. Karen, it's .......'
...... It's from His Majesty the Emperor.

　The letter apparently stated that Karen was to come to the Imperial Castle as the deputy to the head of House Rayford.
　He said he had something he had to tell them regarding the appointment to seal the labyrinth.
　From the look on Karen's face, it doesn't sound like we'll hear much good news.

...... For the sealing of the labyrinth, I have been using a magic power granting item (magic item) called 'Keystone', which is passed down in the Rayford family. As the name suggests, it's a keystone for warding.
'What's going on with it now?
'She took it with her when Olivia took over the labyrinth. This is a warding tool. This is a tool for setting up a ward, so it should be used by me, who will be setting up the ward from now on.

　Karen has repeatedly demanded the return of the keystone and the labyrinth she is occupying.
　But Olivia seems to completely ignore them and continues to put up the wards.

'The labyrinth seal is a life given to the Rayford family. Since my father and mother are gone, I must protect the territory ......!

　Karen said that stoutly, even though it would be heartbreaking.
　You look just like ...... Gash.
　Just like him, you can tell that Karen has a strong feeling for the people of the territory.

But ...... I wonder why that woman named Olivia has started doing such crazy things.
I'm sure I have some idea.

　Karen said, meditating and trying to keep her emotions in check.

'As I'm sure Iori and the others have already noticed ...... I'm a mixed bag.
...... Well, from the quality of my magic, I knew I wasn't just a man.
'Olivia, you seem to have a terrible dislike for non-human species. ...... I think that's why she was spotted.

　In addition to Gash and Karen having demon blood in their veins, there are several sub-humans and half-demons living in Rayford territory.
　Gash accepted those who had lost their places to live by the Demon King's army.

　Previously, Olivia had called the sub-humans and half-demons 'filthy cattle'.
　It's not inconceivable that it's because Karen, Gash and others don't like them.
　There may be something else, but it's just a matter of hunkering down and torturing him to get it out of him.

Totally ...... Looks like the guy you're dealing with this time is also a total a**h*le.
And I've never had a guy who's ever been a badass to begin with.

　We had dinner as we conversed.
　If it were a nobleman of the kingdom, he would say something about the etiquette of the meal or whether he could eat with the commoners, but Karen didn't say anything.
　The squire standing behind him is staring at us in silence, though.

''I have to head to the imperial capital tomorrow. I'm sorry I just asked you to do this.

　The imperial capital, huh?

Can you take us to that imperial city as well?

　Elfi said something like that.

　From what I've heard so far, it seems that Olivia has her sights set on Karen as well.
　If we work with Karen, we might be able to get a hold of that woman's movements.

''Of course, I don't mind.

　It was a brazen request, but Karen agreed with a smile.
　I suggested that I'd go along as an escort, since I couldn't just ask him to take me there.
　Karen nodded, "By all means, please! I nodded.

　This is how we are going to the imperial capital, too.

　After dinner, we rented a bathhouse and worked up a rough sweat, and we headed to our respective rooms.

　Before coming to our room, I heard that Olivia was ranked as a nobleman for defeating the demons that were attacking the empire.

　The Empire is a country that focuses on competence.
　In the beginning, it excluded sub-humans and half-demons, but one time when the emperor fell ill and almost died, a sub-human or half-demon cured the illness and showed it to him, and since then it has accepted both sub-humans and half-demons.
　Humans, sub-humans, and half-demons are accepted if they achieve results.

　The reason Olivia has become a nobleman is probably because her achievements in slaying demons have been recognized by the emperor.
　It seems that she has left the army now and is retreating to the Eliesteel territory as a nobleman.

''To ...... that woman, how do we get revenge while we're at it?

　Maybe I'll find something in the Imperial City tomorrow that will help me with that.
　Thinking about that, I fell asleep.

◆

　The next day, we left for the Imperial City in the carriage first thing in the morning.
　Riding in the carriage was Karen, her squire, and us.
　We had also taken on an escort, but we didn't encounter any demons on the way there.

''It's on!

　The Grand Silk Empire, the imperial capital Vander.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　The entrance to the imperial capital, the Great City Gate, is guarded by a gatekeeper, but thanks to Karen, I was able to get inside easily.

''Hou......''

　The imperial capital, located beyond the Great City Gate, is even more prosperous than the spa city.
　Since it is said that magic research is thriving, magic items and wards have been set up everywhere to light up the place.
　Just to maintain them, it must have cost a lot of money.

　Elfi also seemed to be impressed and let out a breath when he saw the scene.

''Iori Iori!　There's a delicious looking bread dish on sale over there. Apparently it's fish roe sandwiched between them!
''Yeah, that's right.''

　Yeah, I knew it.
　You'll be watching, won't you?

We'll be heading to the Imperial City first.

　Jean was opposed to this, but it seems that Elfi and I will be allowed to enter the imperial castle as valets as well.
　I've had many audiences with kings and emperors during my travels, but this is the first time I've been there as a valet.
　Elfie immediately bought a mentaiko French bread-like item and ate it with gusto.
　I'm sure you'll find that you'll be able to find some pieces of it, so I'll be able to wipe it off your clothes.

Iori-san and Elfi-san are like brother and sister for some reason.

　Seeing this, Karen let out a smile.

''Hey, even if it's the other way around, you think I'm your sister?
It's true. You're not actually a brother or sister, are you?
That's right. That's why I'm just traveling with him, he's not my blood relative. It's only recently that we've been traveling together.
'Well, is it?　We seemed to get along so well, I thought we'd be friends for a long time.

　I'm not a sister or anything like that, but Elfi is spilling crumbs all over the place.
　This guy is definitely older than me, though: .......
　Why is it so disappointing?

''Karen-sama, it's time to go to the imperial castle.
...... Right.

　In the meantime, I arrived at the imperial castle.
　It is a castle with platinum and a castle made of materials that are resistant to magic.
　Like the walls of the castle, it is carved with defensive magic, so it won't falter even if you fire advanced magic at it.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

''Fu......, it's nothing to compare to my castle.

　I take the bread from Elfie's triumphant hand and put it in the bag before tucking it into the pouch.
　It's not good to have crumbs of bread spilled over polo in the castle, you know.
　I'm sure you know the stone, but just in case.

　Before entering the castle, Karen identified herself to the soldiers.
　After showing the Rayford family crest and the letter from the emperor, permission to enter the castle was easily granted.

Who are you guys?
My valets, Your Grace. Will they also be allowed to enter the castle?
Yes, they can handle it. Yes, that's all right. But we'll still need to take all of your weapons.

　　I received a physical examination from the soldiers and gave them all the weapons and anything that had a magical reaction.
　Since I'm afraid of any trouble, I've tucked the priceless items into the pouch beforehand.
　Elfi is also fitted with a ring that hides his identity, but it seems to be indistinguishable from the ring unless it is hung up on the check of the inspection eye class.
　We were able to enter the castle without being aware of the ring.

　After being guided, we proceed inside the castle.
　When we got close to the audience room, we and Jean were stopped.
　From here, we couldn't enter without the Emperor's permission.

''Then we'll go. Jean, Iori and the others can wait there.
Yes, I understand.
Bye, Miss Cullen.

　With that, Karen walked towards the audience room.
　The rest of us will be waiting in a waiting room-like place.
　There are guards outside the room, so we can't walk around freely.

............

　Since entering the room, Jean has been silent.
　He is still in a bad mood.
　I tried to talk to him, but he didn't even reply.

'What the hell is this man ......?

　Elfie looks at Jean with a disgusted look on his face.
　I was leaning back on the soft couch, looking at the chandelier on the ceiling, thinking about something.

　The content is about this one.
　However, I already have a rough idea of what to expect.
　It's only a prediction, but that woman would probably do this (...) at least.
　The only thing left to do is to get the proof.

''Hey, I saw a strange potion for sale on the way here, right?
Yeah. That thing with the long-lasting effects?　What about it?
No, I was just buying some stuff on my way home.
Hm. ......?

　Some of it is genuinely useful, but I've come up with a use (...).
　I think we can do some interesting things with it.

　In the meantime, Karen came back.

◆

　When Karen came back, she was pale.
　She was pale and seemed to be in considerable shock.

''Karen-sama, what is wrong with you!
...... Rayford has been released from the ...... labyrinth seal.

　With a trembling voice, Karen told what had happened in the audience room.

　It seemed that the emperor had personally told her to dismiss the labyrinth seal.
　Instead of the Rayford family, Olivia was said to have been given the order to seal the labyrinth.

''The ...... 'Keystone' was also ordered to be transferred to Olivia-san.
Such as .......

　Karen had lost her mother, her father had disappeared, and she had acted stoutly if she didn't protect her remaining territory.
　But this time it must have been hard for her to be in a quandary.
　Her face was pale and her body was trembling.

''Karen-san, are you okay ......?
''Yes, I'm fine. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. I'm done with my business already. ......

　With unsteady steps, Karen walks out of the room.
　Unable to find the right words to say, we follow her.
　Jean is a little behind Karen, with a difficult look on her face.

'Oh dear, isn't that Karen in there?'

　I had just left the room and walked a short distance when I heard a voice call out to me.
　There was a voice from behind me calling Karen.
　The voice sounded familiar.

'...... looks like you're on your way out.'

　Standing there was a woman with long, reddish-red hair in a vertical roll.
　She wore a red dress that reminded me of a rose.
　She also has such a good look that if you pass her on the street, you can't help but follow her with your eyes.

　 Her mid-20 (・・・・) appearance takes my breath away.

“............ck!

　Olivia Eliesteel.
　For some reason, the traitor's appearance after thirty years hadn't changed at all from those days.

''Good day, how do you feel about being released from the labyrinth's seal?
...... Olivia, Mr.
So now, in both name and reality, it is my role to seal the labyrinth. Well, His Majesty is very impressive.
...... it,
It would be terrible if more harm were to come to my (my) people by leaving the seal to an intermediary like you.

　At Olivia's words of victory, Karen's body shook with a buzz.

''Well, it's a natural result. The lord's mother also disappeared without any responsibility?　Where in the world is your father, where in the world is he?

　Olivia sneered, revealing her malice.
　It's a different person than when I spoke as Amatsu.
　This is the true nature of the matter.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.　He's an adulterer, irresponsible, and can't even fulfill the life he was given!　Isn't she getting what she deserves, Karen Rayford?
......

　With those words, Karen turned her back on Olivia and ran away from the scene.
　Jean, who had been watching Olivia in silence, followed in her wake.

''Oh dear, did you get stabbed by a figure and run away?

　Olivia laughs at Karen's back.

'............'
Hey, who are you people?

　So, for the first time, Olivia turned her gaze to us.

''You are an adventurer? I'm sure they don't have a good squire to walk around with a crude stranger. Well, it's appropriate for that filthy mish-mash.

　Olivia curses at me for that, not realizing who I am.

Let's go, Iori.
Yeah.
Oh, dear, are you ignoring me?

　You don't deserve to hear the words.
　All you're allowed to say are apologies and regrets and painfully twisted declarations.

　Turning away, we went after Karen.