Some adventurers begin to move toward the crater of Bellpossoi Volcano.
　Some adventurers besides Frois, whom Neya knows, seem to be among them, but Neya leaves them without speaking to them.

You don't want to talk to them?　If we let them go, we won't be able to help them, and in all likelihood, they won't make it back alive.

"That is the path they have chosen, and I have nothing to do with it. That's what being an adventurer is all about, protecting your own life.

　Neya gazed at the backs of the adventurers as they made their way toward the mountain, and she could have been thinking of herself. While she was thinking about this, a party of nine came towards her.
　I thought it was Neya again, but she turned her head toward me and gave me a look that said it wasn't her.

It couldn't be Celestia, and it couldn't be ...... Phiel?

　But Pheuel also shook his head in denial.

I don't either. I don't know any of them.

　I can't speak for anyone else, but the party that comes here is a bit skewed, with two men and seven women.
　Of course, I don't know them either, but one of the women is walking straight towards me.
　The woman, a mage, was holding a pricey staff in her hand, and as she walked up in front of me, she put her face close to my chest and started sniffing me.

I'm a slave magician. I know because I'm also into slave magic. I can smell a strong slave smell coming from you.

　The woman who suddenly mentioned that I reeked of slavery looked up at me with pleasure and contempt in her eyes.

"...... what are you?

I'm a mage in the service of Master Ryuk.

"Ryuk?

　As soon as I asked, the woman looked at me suspiciously.

Who is your master?　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one.

　She said and walked behind a man who was one of the party.
　The man wore the best armor in the party and was uncharacteristically fat.
　He must have eaten lavishly and never moved a day in his life.
　He is almost certainly a member of the noble family of Leuk Raubundle, whom this wizard serves.

He's got good armor for a slave, and he looks regal. Are you sure this is a slave? Raubundle says in a slurred, inaudible voice.

There's no mistaking my nose. This is the smell of a slave in very strong bondage.

A slave should have a slave's attitude.

　Raubundle put his hands on one of the women behind him and grabbed her breasts, as if to show me.
　The woman didn't move an eyebrow and didn't take her eyes off me.

"This is what slavery is all about. Are you really a slave?

　Raubundle turns his attention to Celetia, Neya, and Pheuel, who are behind me.

The three women ---- are more like escort slaves. You're a very poor nobleman to leave it to just one person. How about I give you a portion of the credit if you obey me?

　Raubundle's eyes were sly as he looked at the three of them, his hand never stopping on the woman's breast.

I was wondering what kind of a person would have called for the defeat of Era, but if his son is this stupid, then it seems that Lord Rivendale is also very weak.

You think you can get away with mocking me, a member of the great nobility?　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

　Raubundle raised his right hand, and the women stood in front of me.
　All of them have low magic power and are definitely swordsmen who only specialize in physical strength.
　All of them seemed to have little confidence, like soulless dolls that simply followed orders.
　In a way, they are less human than the alchemy dolls.

"Celestia, these people won't survive anyway. It won't matter if we kill them here.

　The survival rate of the adventurers gathered here varies greatly depending on who leads them.
　If he's the one who's supposed to gather them, they'll all die for sure.
　It would be better for the other adventurers if they died.

The result will be the same, but what about ...... the other eyes?

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

　But there is another man, a masked figure whom I don't know at all, standing beside Neya, firing his sword.
　This man is not as strong as Neya, but he has a sword that is stronger than most high level adventurers, and he has the magic power of a high level magician.

It is a shameful act for a son of Lord Rivendale to commit such a foolish act.

　While the man was correcting Raubundle's actions in a strong voice, a man and a woman wearing the same mask appeared behind Raubundle.
　Of the two, the woman's magic power is considerable, and she is definitely a renowned magician.
　On the other hand, the man shows no sign of being a swordsman or a mage, which is a strange combination for a party of adventurers.
　These three men are also nobles who came out of the Crown System, and considering their abilities, it's hard to imagine them as mere nobles.

Borg, how much time do you need to eliminate these people?

　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following tips.
　The slaves, who had been unresponsive until a moment ago, flinched, and Laubundre, the mage, and the male swordsman froze, unable to move.

Even if I were to take on Lord Ryuk Raubundle, the rest of the female slaves, and all of the mages and swordsmen behind me, I alone would be sufficient. However, this female swordsman standing next to me is probably even more skilled than I am. These people are willing to take your lives. Do you still intend to continue?

　Raubundle's not-so-good face contorts further and he sniffs.

"Hmm, I'll let you off the hook for now. Next time we meet, don't expect to get off scot-free.

　The Raubundle began to retreat quickly, disappearing into the ranks of the adventurers.
　But the three masked men refuse to move from their spot.
　The masks looked familiar, and I turned my head to Neya, but she shook her head again.

Who are you people?　There's no point in helping us. You look like some kind of royalty.



　As soon as I mentioned the word "royalty," the man who seemed to have the least amount of ability turned to the squires standing on either side of him in surprise.

He said, "This is a very interesting man. He says I'm royalty.

He said, "Your Majesty, ......, Thor, this man is, in my opinion, a better swordsman than that woman. I think he's the most promising of the adventurers.

"Well, it looks like the god Edina is on my side.

...... Hey, what are you talking about? He may not be royalty, but he's definitely a powerful nobleman. Don't drag us into this.

　The masked one, who is getting excited on his own, is suspicious but somewhat lacking.
　The only woman in the room, the wizard, bowed her head and apologized.

"I'm sorry, sir. For some reason, we have hidden our identities and are participating in the defeat. Please do not ask any questions.

"Well, then we'll just have to follow the Crown system and do our best on our own.

　I say coldly.
　I don't have time to hang out with some nonsensical people here.
　Celestia seems to understand this, and nods at my actions.
　As I turn my back on the masked men, a female wizard grabs me by the shoulders.

"Please wait. Please listen to what Thor has to say. It is true that we have come here to follow the Crown system, but not for the purpose of defeating it.

What do you mean?　What do you mean? You're both quite capable.

　It is impossible for a single adventurer to defeat Era alone, but even so, I am certain that you are more than a head above the adventurers who participated in the defeat.
　I'm sure he's in an important position in the country.

I'll tell you about it," Borg said, stepping forward.

We were looking for a man of ability, character, and other qualities to help us defeat Era. We were looking for people who had the right combination of skills, character and personality to fight with us.

"It doesn't have to be us. There are plenty of adventurers out there.

　I pointed to the adventurers heading for the mountains in formation.
　But Borg shook his head lightly.

The other three women, all of whom I suspect to be of considerable ability, are the only ones I can think of who are capable of what Thor wants here.

　I'm a good judge of character, but there's no way I'm going to go along with such a shady character.
　I was just about to open my mouth to say no, when Neya interrupted me.

You are a man of great wisdom to see through Master Walth's abilities. It's a far cry from those guys," she said enthusiastically, shaking Borg's hand with both of hers. "I'm sure Fiehl would agree. These men are the real deal.

There's no denying it. "You can't deny that. Mr. Walth is restraining his power to avoid being detected. Still, I must admit, Mr. Walth has a keen eye for power.

　The tide is turning in a strange direction.
　It also feels like I'm being shot in the back by an ally.
　I thought it best to let the leader of this party speak clearly, so I signaled with my eyes to Celestia, who had not yet said a word.
　Celestia stepped forward with a sense of relief and glared at Borg and the man known as Thor.

I understand where you're coming from. I understand where you're coming from, but we don't have time to listen to people who hide their faces and identities. It is true that you are not crazy, but if you want to convince me, the leader of this party, you need to take off your mask right now and reveal your true identity.



　-------- Hmm?
　In the end, I feel like I'm just aiding and abetting Fiehl and Neya.
　As if my fears were correct, the three masked men take off their masks one by one.
　Borg is a man of middle age, with a fearless face.
　Thor, on the other hand, is a serious-looking young man, not much older than me.
　The last person to take off her mask was a beautiful woman with the same feminine scent as Neya.

"I'm sorry, sir. My name is Lynne Pineworks. This one is not a Borg, but a Borg-Magtalis. And this is His Majesty King Viktor Vrigtsburg.

　There was only one name that came to mind when I thought of the Vrigidburg family, the name that this woman named Lynne mentioned.
　It's the royal family that rules the kingdom of Theorning.

"His Majesty Viktor Vriggijberg is the Kingdom of Theorning. Do you have any proof of that?

　For some reason, Seretia's eyes lit up and she was biting into the Theorining royal family.
　I wish she would just say no, but apparently she doesn't intend to.