"...... what?

　Argos - a gentleman-like man who always has a thin smile on his face - can't help but ask back with a straight face.

It seems that Kakuza failed to instigate the attack. I'm sorry, I was late in sending confirmation that there would be no problem if I left it to the man.

"...... No, that's fine, but . Please continue with the report.

　After a slight frown, but with a quick smile on his face, Argos urges his men to do so.

It seems that Kakuza succeeded in luring the demons away at the same time as the heroes arrived in town. It is confirmed that a definite number of troops have come to attack.

"?　You think you succeeded there and still failed to incite?

Yes, it seems that our heroes have completely repelled the attack without causing any damage to the city.

　Argos looks bemused by his subordinate's words.

...... If that is really the case, then no wonder the incitement failed. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what to expect.　As far as I know, that brave man should only have abilities far below those of his predecessor: ......

I'd like to say at the risk of sounding rude, but I think I underestimated the potential of the person chosen to be the hero. It's a good thing that you have the ability to annihilate hundreds of demons by yourself: ......

...... That's just it, she's a brave girl. I understand, so next time, let's set a trap that prevents her from demonstrating her abilities. And you, Kakuza?

"...... It's a little strange,

"Strange, is it?

　You'll be able to find a lot of people who have been in the same boat for a long time.

The body of Kakuza has been found in the demon's lair. It's a little bit of damage because it was done by the demons as an example to them. ...... Among the wounds were stab wounds from a small knife.

...... I see. You have successfully induced the demon, but a body was found in the demon's lair, and there are wounds that look like they were inflicted by a non-demon. So, there is a third party who threw Kakuza into the demon's lair to have it cleaned up, right?

Perhaps. . and one more report in that connection.

Let's hear it.

A person appeared who claimed to be the brave man's fiancée. He was now with the brave man and wore a clownish mask.

"!　It's the 'mask' that appeared in the King's Landing fiasco!

　His subordinate nodded at Argos, whose eyes were wide open.

I can't be sure, but when the 'mask' appeared before, there was also a brave figure nearby. There is a high probability of that.

...... So you think it was the mask that got rid of Mr. Kakuza?　And you are concerned that the person has been privy to our information?

We have only vague information on this, so we don't know for sure that this is really the case, but with the possibility of a leak at ......, I think it's best to be vigilant.

I agree, but it's tricky. If that mask is indeed the same one that appeared earlier, he must be quite skilled. Judging by the fact that he was the most martial and intelligent of my subordinates, Kakuza, one wrong move and you'll be eaten.

　Argos paused for a moment of silence and then spoke up.

...... Anyway, I don't have enough information. Don't be a hero. Let's leave it to you to watch. I'll use half of my men to find out more about the man as soon as possible.

"Ha, yes sir.

　The man who works for him drops his head to Argos and leaves the room.

　Now alone, Argos' smile disappears and he mutters with an eerie straight face, with no expression on his face.

...... utterly abhorrent. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier and more fun. I'm not going to be the only one who can do that.

　The first thing to do is to grit your teeth, and then Argos suddenly softened his expression and brought his usual smile to his mouth again.

You can also use it as a tool to help you get a better idea of what you're looking for. It's too late for her to reach the capital now. It's just a blot on my plan, let her despair.

　A small cynical laugh echoed through the room.


　　　* * * *


　The next day .

　The next day, Nell's departure seems to have been overheard from somewhere, and she left town to the cheers of many people, and in the early hours.

It's not just a matter of how much time you have left, it's also a matter of how much time you have left. ...... But still, a carriage is pretty boring. I thought carriage rides would be more fun: ......

Well, it's just that this neighborhood has always been pretty much the same. --Yes, sir, full house.

"Nope. ...... Two-pair. You're getting good at poker face ......

I've been working out, playing with everyone every day.

　Nell says this with a smile, and I groan and shuffle the cards.

　But it was good.

　Yesterday's smile was a smile with a smile behind it, but today's smile is a double-sided smile, a smile of pure joy to win.

　It seems that after a night, he's completely recovered his mood.
　After that yesterday, I slept and rested for a bit and then went shopping with her all day, which may have paid off.

　...... Yesterday was a day that made me realize that girls, no matter what world they live in, love to shop.

　How can girls do such exhausting shopping for hours on end?
　It may be because of the fact that after moving around all day, I was beginning to feel mentally exhausted from the middle of the day, whereas Nell was full of energy until the end.



　Even the tireless body of a demon king is no match for a girl who is shopping.

　--You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of products.

"Oh?

　When I stopped playing cards and looked out the window of the carriage, I saw a wall .

　A wall that stretches as far as the eye can see.

"!　We're here.

　King's Landing, Arsil.
　When I looked at the front of the carriages of our lord and his band of heroes, there were several other carriages stopped in front of them, which seemed to slow them down.

......!

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

　...... By the looks of it, when she was playing cards with me, she may have been inwardly frightened, imagining what it would be like when she arrived in King's Landing.

...... It's okay.

　I put my hand on her head and crumple it.

"You'll always have me next to you. There's more people who will stand by your side than me. So you should just keep your head up. There's nothing to be afraid of.

"...... Yeah. I know. Thanks, man.

　Nell just looked firmly at the outer walls of the royal capital and nodded slowly but with a determined look on her face, cocking her head.