The day after I left Fira Village and returned to Torrius Castle Town, the next day.
　The next day, Odette, Ofelia and a party of Count of Torrius returned to town.

　Around noon, at the sound of a bell, a procession of people walked down the main street of the town.
　At the front of the procession is a carriage with Count Torrius and Ofelia in it.
　The Count and Ofelia are on the other side of the window, waving to the people who have gathered.
　Odette is sitting across from me. She seems embarrassed for some reason, though she is shrinking back.

　The soldiers followed behind the carriage.

　In the middle of the procession was a cart pulled by a horse.
　The back of the cart was covered with a large cloth.

　Through the gaps in the cloth, we could see the red armor.
　The one on the cart was probably the "Lord of Beasts".
　A man's leg was protruding from the edge of the cloth.
　Is that the guy riding the "Beast King's Rider"? It looks like he's bound with chains and is bound.

　Many people have gathered along the roadside.
　I was in the middle of them too, but it's hard to see the front.
　My body is only 13 years old. I'm not tall enough yet.

　In a crowd like this, it's hard to see anything in front of me because the people in front of me are blocking my head.
　It's a good thing I'm secretly jumping and using my "flying skill" to reduce my fall speed, but otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to see anything. It's dangerous.

"Did you know, brother... Do you know that the town to the north was attacked by a giant monster...

　I let my heels down on the ground when I was suddenly approached.
　When I looked to the side, I saw an elderly woman looking at me with an excited look on her face.

It looks like the Northern Empire has been planning something bad. I heard that the Count and Princess Ofelia went to check on the soldiers in the northern city. That's when the demon appeared.
Yes. I've heard the rumors.
But the one that appeared was not just a demon, it was the 'Lord' from the ancient legends. It is said that he controlled the demons with a voice like a beast!
Oh.
And the one who sashayed in there was a black armor with wings!　I heard that he flew through the air like a flying dragon (wyvern) and put away the red 'King's Horse (Lord)' in the blink of an eye!
I didn't know that happened.
Ah. Moreover, the duke's daughter says that she and a bat covered the black armor, don't they? I've lived a long time myself, you know. It's the first time I've ever heard of such a thing!

　The woman is talking in hushed tones.
　I've lived a long time, but this is the first time I've ever heard of this kind of thing.

　That's why we live in such a peaceful time, don't you think? It's a hell of a thing. Wow, Iris' dad's family.
　I'd be happy if things were to continue as they are.

I'm sure that's just a rumor, but it's still a rumor.
Yes?

　The women were still talking.
　Perhaps it's because the voices are getting louder and louder, women and even children are gathering around them.

In fact, it seems that the person who controlled the bat was a magician of the baronial family!

　....Huh?

It seems that he was unable to move because he gave the bats their power. Thanks to the baron's magician, the bats were able to use powerful magic. I heard the Count said that!
I know that story!　A young lady who is a soldier told me. That wizard saved my life.
Wow. I don't know where he is. That person.
You know what, my dear boy? I'm sure that such a person is close to us, watching over us.
That's right. Oh, mother!

　It was a big party.
　You missed the chance to walk away. If we run now, we'll be too conspicuous.
　I guess I'd better just stand there and keep my mouth shut until the townspeople are done talking.

''Excuse me, sir. Are you Yuki-Grossaria-sama?

　Just as I was thinking that, unexpectedly, someone called out to me from behind me.
　When I turned around, there was a town guard standing there.

''Black hair and black eyes. His age is in his early teens. Your clothing is a black robe........just as the Count-sama said.

　The guards are looking at the parchment at hand, checking my appearance over and over again.

''I would like to ask you again. You are a member of the baronial family belonging to the 'Magic Guild', are you sure you are Yuki-Grossaria?
"" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "
Yes, but...

　I nodded hastily as people's voices rang out.

'What can I do for you, sir? No, whatever you need, come here.

　I walk out of the crowd.
　Behind me, a buzz of people. It's spreading faster and faster.

"No way, that person is the Lord of the bats who fought against the red 'Lord'.......
'It was true that he had given all his magic to the messenger and was resting...'
''The story goes that if it weren't for him, we wouldn't have been able to defeat the red 'King's Horse (Lord)'...'''

　And I turned around and they were staring at me.

　Well, all right.
　Odette and I will be returning to the capital soon.
　The rumors will die down once he's gone.

　Besides, if it's the case that I've been giving the demon a magical power from a remote location, it's also proof that it's not the person who's controlling the black "Lord's Horseman". No problem.

So, what can I do for you?

　I turned to the guards and asked.

"Count Torias said that he would like to thank Yuki and Odette. He wants to thank Yuki and Odette for their kindness.

　The female guard, for some reason, saluted me and said something like that.

''Also, I have a message from the duke's daughter, Lady Odette-Slay.
From Odette?
Yes. I couldn't get away with it. I'm sorry, sir.

　..........I see.
　Well, I guess it can't be helped.

　I decided to follow the guard.





"Well I see. In other words, Yukidono injected all the magic power into those bats and adjusted them to be able to use the same kind of magic as me. However, you yourself were unable to move because you had exhausted your magic power........

　This is the reception room of Torrius Castle.
　I was talking with Count Torrius when the guards called me in.

''That's right. The messenger I left with Ofelia-sama told me that the princess was in danger, so I did so to help her. I don't know anything about that "armor with jet-black wings" either. However, we were able to fight together, so I don't think it's an enemy, but...
Yes, sir. It was truly a horrific incident.

　Count Torrius sighed tiredly.

It's also unclear whether that "Beast of Beast" is really the legendary "Lord of Beasts". We'll have to investigate that with the help of the 'Magic Guild' from now on...
Did the person who used it say anything to you?
Only information about the base. Nothing else.
The base........you know where his hideout is....
A team of soldiers will be heading out to investigate later. If you wouldn't mind coming along with us, Yuki-sama?
Yes. I'd love to accompany you.

　It's a wishful thinking.

　That 'Lord of Beasts' user said that he was a descendant of the 'Gelast Kingdom'.
The "Gelast Kingdom" is the name of the country that participated in the Eight King's War and was destroyed along with the Sanctuary Church.
　If it was their hideout, there might be a clue as to what the 'Holy Area Church' had done after the war.

I'm not sure who was that 'jet black armor'.

　Leaning his body against the back of the chair, Count Torrius sighed.

''Is that also the 'King's Horseman (Lord)'? If that's the case, it may be that the users of the "King's Horseman" are fighting each other. If that's the case.......it could be the return of the 'Eight King's War'.......'
No, I don't think that's what I meant.
...Is that so?
''If it's the return of the War of the Eight Kings, the Lord of the Black Armor should have come forward to identify himself as a descendant of the royal family. As representatives of each other and the royal family. But that wasn't the case, was it?
''Indeed......... The only one who spoke the name of the old royal family was 'Beast King Rider', right?
Then the black armor must have appeared for a different purpose. Regardless of its purpose, I don't think it can be a repeat of the 'War of the Eight Kings'.
Yes.

　Count Torrius relaxed his shoulders, seemingly relieved.
　He seemed to be convinced.

　Until the heat has died down, it's best not to use that black "King's Horse (Lord)".
　It's not for combat, but for research.
　It would be a waste if it were to be destroyed in a battle. I'll keep it in a safe place.

It's a good idea to thank Yuki-san for her help.

　Count Torrius put his hand on the table and leaned toward me.

You know, Yuki-sama, Odette-sama saved my daughter's life and mine. Please say whatever you want.
That being said, I don't really want anything in particular...

　If I had to say it, I'd ask them to make the former site of 'Feela Village' off-limits...........................but if they started talking about it, they would look suspicious.
　Besides, there's no road leading to that place right now.
　Unless you can fly, there's no way to reach it. The bat army is also protecting us.

　They know that the bats of the messenger bats helped in the extermination of the 'Beast King Horseman', so the 'Magic Guild' will appreciate it. That's enough for me.
　If that's the case.......then yes.

''Could you give me the ingredients for the sweets?　Also, please let me use the kitchen.

　I said.

　I just found the Vanilara Flower on top of the mountain," I said.
　"Let's make some more snacks for the kids.




　And not long after that.



Good night. Thanks for your help, Yuki. This conversation with the Count is over... but what are those sweets?

　An hour later.
　In the drawing room, Odette and Ofelia were just drinking tea.
　Ofelia looked at me and got up from her seat and knelt down in front of me.

'True Lord thank you for saving my father's and my life. I will never forget this debt of gratitude for the rest of my life.
"Goshujin. Garum is here too!''

　Next to her, the messenger, Garum, cleared his throat.
　Ofelia nodded, as if she understood the words.

Yes. I was able to stay calm and wait for the True Lords because Garum-sama was there for me. I can't thank Cliff the Bat enough, and I can't thank the True Lords and all the messengers enough.
Cliff and Garm will be taken care of by Ofelia as it is.

　I patted my former pup, Garum, and Cliff the bat on the back.
　Garum is quite strong from eating the crystalline form of "Armed Ogre".
　It's perfect for Ofelia's guards.
　Cliff can continue to act as a liaison with me.

And I've also told the bat army in Fira Village to contact Ofelia if anything happens to them. I don't think the site of the village is going to be razed but do you mind if I leave it to you to manage?
'Of course!　That place is where my mother and I have been singing all the time.......so, you see....

　Ofelia looked at me, embarrassed, and

I'd love to write a song about what the True Lords did this time around, but...
'At least for sending an army of bats to you. If possible, it would be helpful if you could blur the personal information.
Okay, okay. To your heart's content.
Thank you. And while you're at it, try this. And Odette.

　I put the plate on the table.
　On the plate were the baked goods we had made in the kitchen.

　It's a thin baked cake with vanilla seeds inside.
　On top is a mixture of honey and Vanilara honey.

It's an unusual candy. Let's have it.
I'm hot. I don't know this candy either.

　Odette and Ofelia reach for the baked goods.
　They take a bite of it and...

Oh my. It's very sweet. I love the texture of the seeds in them. It's very good.
It's very good. And it has a nostalgic taste.
'This is a pastry I used to make back in the day when I was Dean Nosferatu in a previous life.
Really?
True Lord's candy...?

　Odette looks like she's having fun, and Ofelia is rolling her eyes, looking impressed.
　But it's not much.

　This is something I made for the children, using a combination of ingredients found near the village.
　It doesn't have a name, and I'm the only one who knows the recipe.
　The only good thing is that it's quick to make and filling to the stomach. The children in the village are very mobile and if you don't give them a snack at 10:00 and 3:00 p.m. they won't last the night.

We have to have the 'vanilara flower,' though. We couldn't make it in the barony since there are only a few places where it's available. It's been a long time since I've made it, so I'm not quite sure how it tastes, but...

　I grabbed mine and ate it.
　........it tastes just like the old days. Not bad.

''A candy that no one knew about 200 years ago? I feel like I'm having a rare experience.
'It's not that big of a deal. Odette.
Iris is going to be so jealous when she hears this.
I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't say anything about that.
'Yes. If Iris had gotten there a little sooner, we could have eaten together.

　Odette sipped her candy and then gave a teasing smile.

'I'm sure Iris is on her way over here right now with those from the 'Magic Guild'.
Is that so?

　I looked at Ofelia.
　Ofelia nodded, chortling.

'Speaking of which, Natasha said she was going to King's Landing to ask for help. But isn't it too soon?
'I've heard that the Empire is involved in the attack on Sister Natasha by the 'armed ogre'.
That's why I heard that Princess Iris will be coming to represent the 'Magic Guild'. My father told me that.

　Ofelia took over Odette's words.

'Have you arrived?'
Day after tomorrow.
'All right. I'm going to go get the 'Vanilara Flower' now.
How overprotective can you be? Yuki.

　Odette chuckled.

'Iris is the eighth princess of the Kingdom of Liestier, remember?　I won't be in a bad mood just because I missed a snack.
Is that right?
Yes. I'll have a word with him if something goes wrong.

　Odette puffed out her chest.

'And you and Yuki have things to do tomorrow, don't you, Yuki and I?
A wielder of the Beast... searching for his lair?

　Sure, I'd better take care of that one first.
　I want to make sure that no one else is hiding in the safe house.

　And if he's working with the Church of the Sanctuary then that's where we might find Lyle and Remilia's location.
It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.
　If we can find out what happened to them we'd better check it out before Iris arrives.

''If I could, I'd like to help you too.
Ofelia, you'll have to wait here. When Princess Iris arrives, explain to her about the 'Beast King's Rider'. I'll have Garum take Ofelia's place in the investigation and help her with the investigation.
All right. True Lord.
''I'm going to treat you. I'd like to serve you.

　Galum, the former puppy, pats my palm.
　Odette is scratching Garum's back. Odette looks more comfortable than Garum, though.

　Well, let's take a day off today and go exploring with the soldiers tomorrow.
　What kind of information is left in the hideout we don't know yet.