I was in King's Landing at that time.



"I am grateful to His Highness Prince Cain, the Second Prince of Wales, for the opportunity to have an audience with His Highness Prince Cain and Her Highness Prince Zamel, a Class A sorcerer.

　Natasha-Torius was in the reception room of the royal palace, facing the representatives of the royal family and the 'Magic Guild'.

''Our Torrias territory also has many demons, and we are constantly being forced to deal with them. Moreover, if the empire reaches out to us, we would have difficulty dealing with this on our own... That's why I wanted to ask for the help of the royal family, and that's why I came to you as the Countess of the House of Hakuji. I would like to ask for your support.

　After finishing her prepared remarks, Natasha bowed her head.
　There was silence for a while.

　The second prince Cain, the representative of the royal family, and Zamel, the representative of the "Magic Guild", were staring at the materials at hand.

　There are two documents.
　One is about the empire that began to operate near the border of Torrius territory.
　The other one was about the 'Armed Ogre' that arrived from the 'Adventurer's Guild'.

''I understand the Countess of Torrius' appeal. I will advise my father to send troops to assist them.
Thank you, Your Highness. Your Highness Cain!
'But there's one thing that bothers me. According to the report, it was Imperial soldiers who started operating near the border, but it says here that they were 'strangely large soldiers', right?
'Yes, sir. We have received such reports from the soldiers we have deployed to the border.
'I've never heard of many tall people in the Empire. I've never heard of a good food system. This doesn't sound like a big soldier.
The border guards have only seen it from a distance, so...
Could it be a mistake? Never mind. We just have to be ready.
It's the other report that's most important, Your Highness Cain!

　Suddenly, Old Zamel shouted out.

The armored demon 'Armed Ogre'!　Moreover, he had a shield that prevented sorcery. It had been recovered and had come to the royal capital!　 Ah, procedures are such a troublesome thing!
Calm down, old Zamel. You've upset Miss Natasha.
Oh. Oh!　I know what I'm doing!　But you know....

　Old Zamel picked up the cup and drank the tea inside in one go.
　Next, he takes a small bottle from inside his robe and pours it into the empty cup. Cain chuckles as he sees that the contents are a sleepy potion.

　I've left the Spirit King (Lord of=) Horsemen (Phantom) in the care of old Zamel and his disciples.
　I've been working all night long on that research.

I'm sure you're a class-A magician...it's not good for your dignity to be excited like a child. Old Zamel.
Shut up, Your Highness Cain. Shut up, Your Highness Cain, we are regaining the wisdom of the past that was lost due to the Sanctuary Church. It's only natural to be excited at the prospect of making history in the history of witchcraft, isn't it?
...well...

　Natasha-Torius looked at those sorcerers with a plop.

(Was that shield that amazing?　The one who rescued me, Yuki-Grossalia-sama, was so unassuming, but...)

　Yuki-Glossaria - the most powerful sorcerer who defeated the 'Great Ogre'.

　That person didn't seem to have any interest in the 'Shield that Prevents Magic' or the 'Great Ogre' itself.
　Instead, he had a 'troublesome' look on his face.
　I remember that he was hunting down and defeating the 'Great Ogre' nonchalantly, as if he were doing a simple task.

　Looking at that man - I remember the lullaby my mother taught me.

　In the song, Natasha and her sister Ofelia were both descendants of an old village.
　It is said that in that village there was a guardian god called "My Lord" who always protected the villagers.

My Lord died because of the Sanctuary Church, but someday he will be resurrected and...
　They say that he's going to get a great inheritance and become the strongest My Lord - the True Lord.

　I remember asking my mother, "What does a True Lord who has become the strongest True Lord do? I said.
　When asked, my mother laughed bitterly and said, "You will be the strongest and live a carefree life. I remember her laughing and saying, "You will be the strongest and most carefree of them all.

"...Miss Natasha?　How can I help you?
Oh, yes.

　At the sound of Prince Cain's voice, Natasha realized that she had sunk into her thoughts.
　She shook her head (headgear) and turned to face the two men in front of her.

'I beg your pardon. I guess I'm tired from the trip.
Oh, that's understandable, isn't it? You've come a long way from Torrius territory, and you've also been attacked by demons along the way.
"Yes. The 'Magic Guild' saved me.
''It's Yuki-Grossaria, isn't it? He is my sister Iris's 'guard knight'. Totally, he never ceases to amaze me, defeating the C-class sorcerer Alec-Keels and now the 'Armed Ogre'....... I'm going to give him the rank of a D-class sorcerer when he comes back.
Well, he has a very low opinion of you. I'd say he's a Grade C student.

　Old Zamel stroked his beard and chuckled.

'Hmm. Hmmm... His talent would not be developed under the supervision of His Highness Cain. Well, I guess we'll just put him in my faction and let him grow up.
'Yuki-Grossaria is my sister Iris's 'guard knight'. It would be appropriate to put her in my faction. Young talents are nurtured by competing with the same young ones, you know.
This is not fair, Your Highness Cain. You've used your royal authority!
''Old Zamel is the one who would be cowardly to feed on the status of a quasi-C-level sorcerer. If he becomes a senior sorcerer and gets the right to study and deepen his ancient heritage, there is no way anyone can put up with that!

'No I'm afraid she's not really interested in that area.

　Natasha found herself mumbling, pouting.

''What?''
I'm sorry, too!

　Natasha couldn't help but press her mouth down at the attention of Prince Cain and Old Zamel.

''I'm sorry to say that I'm not allowed to do this. Please forgive me!''
No, no, no. I think I got a little carried away.

　Prince Cain and Old Zamel looked away awkwardly.

''Anyway, let's deal with the request from Torrius territory as soon as possible. The 'Magic Guild' will also send a unit to investigate the 'Armed Ogre's' nest. I will send a message to your father from here, so Miss Natasha should be reassured.
''Mm. The Countess of Torrius has obtained valuable magical materials, so the Magic Guild will spare no effort to support you in return.
Thank you!

　Natasha rose from her seat and bowed deeply.

'We'll have a few more meetings here. Miss Natasha, you can rest in your quarters.
Hmm. We've got a lot to talk about that shield!
''Old Zamel did that again. It will take a couple of years to figure out what that shield is for. There's no point in being in a hurry...''


　Snap.


　Natasha left the parlor and closed the door.
　A small, huffing, sigh.

　Mission accomplished.
　The royal family promised to send out troops to support us.
I was also able to give them information about the 'Armed Ogre'.

　The only thing left to do now is to inform the men accompanying me of this and return to the territory.

''I must thank........that person.......''

　Natasha closed her eyes and put her hands together as if in prayer.
　It was thanks to Yuki that she was able to get the support of the royal family and the 'Magic Guild'.
　If it wasn't for him, Natasha wouldn't have been able to reach the royal capital. If he hadn't found the Armed Ogre's nest, the Magical Guild wouldn't have been so friendly.
　In that sense, Natasha owed him an unrepayable debt of gratitude.

''........Thank you very much. Yuki-Grossaria-sama........''
"..........?　Now Milo........no, I think I heard my guardian knight's name......?

　She heard a voice.
　Natasha raised her eyes and saw a silver-haired girl across the corridor (Roka).

''Your Highness Iris-Lestia!

　Natasha knelt down in a hurry.
　Controlling it with her hand, Princess Iris

No need for a formal greeting. You must be Lady Natasha Torrius. I would like to take the time to talk to you about my guardian knight and my best friend, Odette, but before that I would like to take my time.
Yes, sir.
''My brother, Second Prince Kyle, and Old Zamel, a Class A sorcerer, are in the room?
Yes, I'm here!
'I have to inform you that it's urgent. You must come with me. Lady Natasha-Torius.

　Iris ordered the butler, who was waiting at the door, to attend to her.
　There was a few minutes' pause, and then the door to the reception room opened. As soon as she entered, Iris

It's possible that some of the handlers of the Gaiul Empire have gotten into the country.

　─ ─ I told the second prince, Kyle, and the A-class magician, Zamel.
　At a signal from Iris, the maidservant, who was waiting behind her, held out something wrapped in cloth.
　When she opened it, a rusty coin was revealed.

"This was discovered by my dear 'guard knight' Yuki-Grossaria and Odette Srei, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Srei. This coin was found in the nest of the 'Armed Ogre'.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

(What an interesting figure........this is Yuki-Grossaria-sama's lord.......)

　In front of the second prince and the A-class sorcerer, Princess Iris is imposing.
　This grace and demeanor will never waver.

''Well I've received that report. Iris. But what does it have to do with the Empire?''
'This coin is given to an Imperial nobleman when he makes a formal request to someone.

　Iris informed.

''It's not in general circulation, so few people know about it. However, I took the initiative to investigate it in the Magic Guild. In the past, when messengers from the Empire came, there were testimonies from those who saw these. Brother Cain and Brother Zamel know what this coin meant when it fell into the Armed Ogre's lair.
"...The Gaiul Empire is linked to the remnants of the 'Sanctuary Church'?
"I am not sure. But my dear knight-in-waiting wrote to me: 'It is possible that Dorothea-Zamuelus' companions have fled to the north. 'Dorothea-Zamuelus' companions may have escaped to the north. It is possible that the Armed Ogre may have been driven out of control in order to stop his pursuers.

　A silence fell in the reception room.
　Prince Cain and Old Zamel put a hand to their chins (chin) and looked thoughtful for a moment.

　Natasha felt her blood boil.
　If Princess Iris's words were true, then the master of the 'Armed Ogre' was in the Torrius territory.

''We should send out a team of investigators at the 'Magic Guild' as soon as possible.
'I know what you mean, Iris. But who's going?
'Of course. I'm responsible for bringing it up, so I'll come to you!

　Princess Iris turned her head to her chest and declared.

''This report was brought to me by my 'knight escort'. Then it is my duty as its master to confirm the truth with my own eyes. I will go. I will leave immediately. As a matter of fact, I am already ready to go!
"Oh, Your Highness Iris...

　Natasha couldn't help but murmur.
　She was on the verge of tears.

　What a wonderful princess. I can't believe that you've given so much thought to the Torrius territory.

''Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness Iris. I would be happy to show you the way to the Torus territory!
'Well, what a good one. Lady Natasha.

　Iris takes Natasha's hand and makes her stand.

''By all means, please. No, I'm not saying this out of personal feelings, but out of concern for the security of the kingdom.
Yes, Your Majesty. Your Highness Iris.

　Natasha had to answer that.
　The reason is that Iris's eyes were shining.
　The eyes that are burning with mission - they resemble the eyes of a maiden rushing to her beloved.
　With that kind of enthusiasm, His Highness Iris is trying to protect the kingdom.

All right. As the second prince, I'll send Iris to Torrius territory.
''I have no objection to being a 'magic guild'. Your Highness Iris's heart for the country has touched this Zamel as well!

　The second prince Kyle nodded and the A-class sorcerer Zamel replied in an impressed manner.

''However, don't push yourself too hard. We won't be able to move in earnest until we meet up with your 'guard knights' and hear the details. Good.''
'I intend to. Brother.

　Princess Iris picked up the skirt of her dress and made her formal bow as a princess.

'This Iris-Lestia will make it her primary purpose to join up with her 'knight escort', Yuki-Grossaria. Let me promise to never leave his side in the Torrias territory and to always be within earshot of both of you.
'Yes. Make sure you do that.
I have received an official decree from the royal family... to take a statement...
What? What? Yes?
No, sir, nothing.

　Iris clutches her chest and declares.

'Then we will depart with great haste. Let's go. Lady Natasha-Torius.''
Yes, Your Highness. Princess Iris-Lestia!

　Thus, it was decided that Princess Iris would go to the Torus territory as part of the Magic Guild's expedition team.

　The next day, the sorcerer and his escort soldiers departed with a carriage carrying a wide-eyed Princess Iris and Natasha-Torius, who looked at them with longing eyes.