A few hours before Masamune returned to the royal capital - a few hours before he returned to his home country.

　When he stepped out of the main gate of the Royal Capital Rashausen and went outside the defensive wall, the plain continued for some time beyond that. The number of plants and trees dwindling, the land gradually became flat and uninhabited.
　Then the hills came into view. It was a small hill from which we could see only the Radshausen Wall and the Royal Castle. The three of them were there this morning under a pleasant blue sky.

'The day has come at last. This is a big step for us, but it will be an even bigger step for the Empire.''

　Guido was smiling wryly as he looked at the royal capital with deep emotion. Yun showed his disgust for Giddo as if to say that he was ugly.

''Madam Fran, have you prepared the things I asked for?

Of course, Master Guido. I want--

　Fran took a vial from her pocket and handed it to Gid.

'A dozen or so Nutkerenes. That was about the limit for me.'

'Enough. It's rather more than I thought it would be, and it helps. Thank you very much.

I'm thrilled to hear you say that.

'First, we'll elevate the grade A and below. Let's offer it to them as an appetizer. By the way, I had Yun look into it, but it seems that the last time the crazy adventurer left the King's Capital.

That's an opportunity.

Yes. Yes, the weather is perfect and the sun is shining, making it the perfect day for an attack. The heavens are on our side.

　Gid first opened the large bottle that Fran had given him beforehand. Inside is a dusky liquid. The things that were in liquid form when dropped on the ground split into one, two, or three, one after another. You can find a number of different types of products in the marketplace.

''It's really a brilliant magic, isn't it?''

　The one that appeared was a large bear covered in grey body hair - a grizzled bear. And a blackish-gray wolf - a hunting wolf. But there was no movement, and each one's eyes were colorless, as if they were not alive.

''The problem is the White King Knight. The problem is the White King's Knight. If they're not a**h*les, they should come out soon. As for Yun--

What?

'Be on the lookout for that adventurer, just in case he shows up,' said Gid. 'Just in case,' Gid glared at him and reminded him. So, Madame Fran. Let's get started.

　With a smile that said he was waiting for Gid's words, Fran held out her hand to those stationary monsters.

''Then let's begin. Reaper's Magic--《Séance of the Dead (Necromance)》!

　The monster's arms, legs, and neck, which should not have been moving slightly, began to gradually move slightly. Even its eyes, which didn't seem to have been alive before, began to scurry around to check its surroundings.

''Excellent!　Fran, your magic is still great, after all!

　The monster twitched repeatedly, but as it gradually stabilized, it opened its arms and let out a cry that echoed across the plains.

''It's so fragile, what a fragile and crazy life!

Now, Master Gid, you may proceed.

　I'm sure you'll be able to see the gums of my gums as you accept a fearless smile other than Fran's deep bow, and Guido held out his right hand to the monster.

''Training magic-- Puppet Control (Marionette)!

　What looked like spider threads appeared from his fingertips. Each thread adhered to the monster, and the cries that echoed around the area stopped with a snap.

'Then go kill them.

　As Gid had instructed, the monster ran down the hill and started for the royal city.



*



　--In front of the main gate.

　A walled watchtower, complete with a defensive guard tower at its top. Guardsman John, spear in hand, let out a yawn as he looked out at the plain as usual.

'Hey John, it's time to take over.'

Hmm, is it that time already?

　He stretched wide and let out another yawn. John had been up all night.

'I heard, John, that you're having a baby. I heard you're going to have a baby.

Well, yeah, well...

You smell like water. You should have told me.

I never thought I'd be a father," he said, "and I'm ashamed to tell you guys about it. I didn't think I'd ever be a father, and I was embarrassed to tell you guys. I'm sorry.

　John scratched his head to disguise his embarrassment as he walked down the ladder and replaced Tony.

'John....'

　It was right after Tony had climbed the ladder. Suddenly, Tony called out his name in a tense voice.

"Hmm, what's up? It's Kelaine again?

John!　Sound the alarm! Suddenly, Tony raises his voice loudly.

'Eh....'

Come on!

　At the expression on Tony's face, John immediately sounded the alarm, "Okay.
　The town's inhabitants looked up at the sky in bewilderment as the bell sounded to announce the state of emergency in King's Landing.

''To the White King's knights, let them know that a pack of grizzly reeds has appeared and they don't want to go to the hunting wolves.

'Grizzled?　But those aren't supposed to be monsters that act in packs.

　John doubted Tony's words at first.

'That's why. That's why Master Reinhardt told us to be extra vigilant.

　After the incident with Nutkelein, instructions had been passed on to each of the Kingdom Knights. It was mainly to strengthen the vigilance and surveillance of abnormalities. And if there was a problem that couldn't be dealt with, they were instructed by Reinhardt himself to immediately ring the alarm bell and send a request to the White King Knight.







　--The White King's Knights Headquarters.
　There was a lone figure of Reinhardt in his study, looking through a document.

''Master Reinhardt!''

　Then a tense-looking message appears.

'A herd of grizzled reeds has appeared on the plains!

Grizzled! Reinhardt's expression changed drastically.

''We've also seen the hunting wolves, and we believe there are at least ten of them visually.

Get the Ash Clan to come to me at once. And the Royal Knight. And send a request to the guild, ASAP.

Yes!

　Following the message, Reinhardt left the room and immediately called all the White King's Knights.



*



　--Ecarlato Manor.

　While the garden was filled with the same idyllic scenery as usual, a somber atmosphere was prevailing in the room where the mansion was located.
　While sitting on Masamune's bed, Nem was dangling his feet sadly.

''Nem, you're here.''

...but my master has not returned.

They'll be back in time.

　Toa smiled a watchful smile.

You're both here?" then Sierra appears.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea for you to have the same kind of expression on your face as I did when I looked at Nemours.

It's also a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

'Nem, why don't you come downstairs with me and have some lunch. There's a little bit of yesterday's Warstein left over.''

'Nem wants to eat with his master...'

Nem...

　Sierra and Toa looked at each other, wondering what to do about it.
　Then, unexpectedly, Sierra's expression changed. She turned away from them and replied to the ring on her left hand, "I understand.

'Sierra, what's going on?'

'I'm sorry, Annette has just called. The White King's Knights have been asked to gather and it appears that something has happened.

What is it?

'I don't know, but I'll get some out. Nem, please.

All right. Have a good day.

　With a prone Nem at her side, Sierra left the room at a trot.

'Sierra has gone away too.

'You can't sulk. Let's go downstairs to eat and wait for them to come back. They'll be back in time.

When are you coming back?

It's...

Do you think he'll come back?

Because Masamune said so.

....

Nem. Come on. Let's go.

　Then Toa held out his hand to Nem Nem, but his expression did not change. But his expression didn't change, and Nem Nem shook his hand as if he had no choice, got off the bed with a pounce, and left the room with Toa holding his hand.







　--The Adventurer's Guild.
　The guild's window was filled with adventurers in response to the urgent request that was suddenly announced.

''Adventurers, this is an urgent request!　We are requesting to take out a pack of hunting wolves and grizzly reeds that have been spotted on the plains near King's Landing!

'A bunch of grizzly reeds!　Oh, come on, there's no way they can travel in packs!　You're making fun of us adventurers!

　'Yes, that's right,' yells from the assembled adventurers.



Nootkelaine?

I've never heard of this!

There was a gag order on this one, which has now been lifted.

　The adventurers, confused by what the receptionist was talking about, stopped yapping and quieted down, but started talking to each other next to each other, "What do you mean?

We were told that we had to keep our mouths shut until we knew the reason for the appearance of the genie beasts, so as not to give the people any misunderstanding or anxiety. But there is a herd of grizzly beasts on their way to King's Landing.

　I noticed that the adventurers had grown quiet and were listening to the receptionist.

''This will be a request from the country through the guild, but the reward will be double the usual amount. Also, the state will take care of any accidents or injuries that occur during the request for free.

Wait ... did you just say double the amount?

Yes, sir. You will be paid by the state.

　As soon as they heard that, the adventurers' eyes lit up. And suddenly, a loud cheer erupted.

''No need to apply for a request at the reception desk!　If you are able, please head to the scene immediately!

　Even the taut voice of the receptionist no longer reaches them. But one of them said, "We don't need the procedure! The door to the guild was opened as he raised his voice.

'Guys!　Let's go to the plains!

　A crowd of adventurers flooded out of the guild at once, following the call. The guild and its surroundings were shaken by an earth-shaking shake and dust danced around them.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you're not the only one. This is your chance to make up for all the money you've spent on booze. Tonight is a party.

You're more motivated than ever. I don't know. I'm about to run out of money. Just in time to see what Master Yogi can do.

　Intrigued by the surroundings, Yogi follows the group. And as he ran out of the guild, he met an acquaintance.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. I heard you're doing bad things again," he said.

What, you're Sharon's old lady?

Who are you, old lady? I'm only 50 years old. What's the matter with you? They've gone running to the gate with all their blood on their faces.

　Yogi grinned at that statement.

'They're desperate to get ahead of us,' he said. There's a herd of grizzly reeds on the plains.

A flock?　That's another funny story. Wasn't that a monster that acted alone?

Yeah, that's why. This offer is from the state, and they're going to double the money.

So that explains why you're all in such a hurry. Are you going with us?

Yeah, that's a good request for booze money.

I don't like this story. I feel like I'm watching the sunset.

I don't want to be the first one to die. If you are the first to die, it's the old lady. But it's certainly a strange story. It seems that recently a Nutrikelane appeared in the forest near here. Did you know that, old lady?

That's new.

'Right. And then the grizzly reeds showed up in droves. And the state is offering more money.

Well, that's a funny story.

Well, I'm not gonna know anything about it.

　Yogi turned his back on Sharon and started walking towards the main gate.

'We're only willing to be pushed around.

Okay. Don't get f*cked up. And, hey, you take care of yourself, don't drink too much.

It's none of your business.

　Yogi waved his hand with his back turned and followed the group of adventurers.