A few days later, in the main conference room of the Liestier Magical Guild...




　On that day, an emergency meeting was held in the Magic Guild's main conference room.
　A group of A- to B-level mages were gathered in the main conference room. Some Level B and C mages were assigned to assist in the meeting.
　Old wizard Zamel and Prince Cain, who just returned from the border, are also in attendance.

　The topic of discussion is the Gaiul Empire's invading knights and the replica lords they were using.
　And the search for the fifth layer of Elysian.

''Let me tell you first. The black 'lord' is not wielded by this Cain.

　Prince Cain looked around and said .

''Some sorcerers seem to have misunderstood me, but I was on the southern border when that 'King's Rider' appeared. The local lord will also testify to this. I was also in King's Landing when the Beast King's Horseman appeared in Torrias. The Kuro King's Rider can't fight the Kuro King's Rider. Don't get me wrong.
I know!　It was a mistake of mine to think that His Highness Cain was the messenger!

　Old Zamel held his head in his hands.

'You're vicious, Your Highness Cain!　There's no need to rehash it right here!
"I just wanted to share some information before we discuss it. Old Zamel.
...... don't embarrass me any more.

　Old Zamel looked away awkwardly.
　Then Prince Cain pulled a piece of parchment close to him and began to explain.

"First, I have something to report. The fourth princess of the empire, Naylara-Gaiul and her men are in the royal custody. The princess is being held as a prisoner in the tower and her men in the dungeons. I ask that you leave it to the crown to decide what to do with them and how to deal with the empire.
"And that is a decision on your part, is it not?　Your Highness.
"It's a decision I've made after discussing it with Your Majesty, my brother, the First Prince, the Prime Minister and the ministers.
"Okay. The Sorcerer's Guild has no objection to that.

　The old Zamel answered on behalf of the sorcerers.

We wizards stay out of politics as far as possible. That's what we've learned from the runaway and destructive effects of the Sanctuary Church. The guilds have no objection to the crown.
Old Zamel is a wise man, isn't he?
"Wise!　Haha, the young ones are the wise ones. This case has made me realize how old I am!

　Old Zamel spat to no one.

"We, the Zamelites, could do little against the intruder. The duchess Odette Sly saved my life. If she hadn't been clad in the Phantom, the Imperial Replica Lords would have killed us.
'She's a brave girl. I recognize Odette-Slay as well.
I would recommend Odette Slai as a grade C sorcerer. I doubt you'll have any objection.
There is no such thing. So the question remains.

　Prince Cain looked at Demeter, the C-class magician next to him .

''The 'King's Horseman' is difficult to handle. Even Demeter here couldn't handle the 'Spirit King's Rider' properly. So how was Odette Sly able to handle it? What difference does it make between the two of us?
"It's a matter of compatibility. The king's horseman is the most powerful ancient artifact in the world. No wonder they chose their users.
I'm curious about that selection criterion: ...... Well, okay.

　Prince Cain gave Demeter the eye.
　She walked among the sorcerers and handed out parchments.
　On it was written information about the fifth level beneath Elysian.

"This is a compilation of information gathered from Princess Naylara and her companions. It seems they intended to enter Elysian through a hidden passage in King's Landing and head for the fifth level below ground.
"It's been over 100 years since the 'sanctuary church' was destroyed, and now we're finding hidden passages. ......
They were set up for emergencies, and they were only meant to be used once. We will investigate that later, but...
The problem is in the fifth level of the basement, Your Highness.

　One of the quasi-B grade wizards raised her hand.
　She's still young. She is the daughter of a nobleman and belongs to the School of Cain.
　She looks challengingly at old Zamel and Demeter as she continues.

According to this, there's a system in the fifth underground level that makes demons grow bigger. I heard that the Imperials have rudely invaded our kingdom in order to get their hands on that system.

　She took a breath, looked around, and then

But if it really is possible to make a demon large enough to control it, then it's also possible for us to invade the Empire. If we can expand our territory and prove our kingdom's authority to the nations...
You're getting ahead of yourself. "Stand down, grade B magician Izetta.



　As Prince Cain chastises him.
　Then old Zamel glares at her.

We cannot wage war on a system we haven't seen yet!　Besides, what did I tell you?　A sorcerer should avoid politics as much as possible. If a war is to be fought, it is the choice of the crown, and we the sorcerers support and advise it. That's all.
Old Zamel is right. Izeta.
Yes, Your Highness. Your Highness Cain.

　The woman called Izzetta smiles and replies.
　Then she closes her mouth and continues to stare at Prince Cain.

"Let's back up. To enter the fifth underground level, you need to deploy the Anti-Magic Barrier while wearing the King's Rider or the Replica Lord - this is the testimony of Princess Naylara of the Empire.
"The testimony of an enemy prince. Do you believe it, Your Highness?
''Yes, ...... the Imperial Princess answered our questions without any hesitation, so it's possible that this is some kind of ruse.
When we captured her, she told me. "Don't throw the 'Holy King's Rider' into the volcano's crater.
"It seems the Kuro King's Rider has told you so. If you withhold information, the Holy King's Rider will disappear from the world.
You're bluffing?

　Old Zamel shrugged.

"Who could possibly dump his precious King's Rider into a volcanic crater?
I agree . If there really is someone who can do such a thing, ...... that person would be either greater than we can imagine or a fool who doesn't know the value of things.
"A fool is not a man who can handle a 'royal rider'.
Yes, sir. That's why I'm so frightened. That black 'King's Horseman' user is ......

　Prince Cain's body was trembling faintly.
　The Sanctuary Church wasn't so terrifying to him. It's because it's already in the past.
　The sorcerers of the Empire are a threat, but not to be feared. They see the same things the sorcerers in the Magic Guild do. They seek the ancient artifacts and ancient magic of Elysian. So you can predict their actions.

　But the black horseman is the only one who can neither predict actions nor thoughts.
　The black king's knight was broken into pieces and carried away.

　That's something Cain couldn't do.
　Even if he were the wielder of the King's Rider, he wouldn't have done it.

　If Cain were, he would have tried to get the King's Rider as intact as possible.
　It's just that this meant we had to make some sacrifices.
The King's Horseman is the most powerful ancient artifact and a precious legacy of the Ancient Magical Civilization.
　A few people's sacrifices are small compared to the merits of studying and replicating it and using its functions to benefit the kingdom.

　But the user of the black King's Rider doesn't see any value in the ancient artifacts.
　He did not use it to enhance his own value.
　He only defended people and defeated his enemies. That's all.

　It's like a parent protecting their child.

A child?　Parents?　What's silly: ......
What happened to you?　Your Highness Cain.
Absolutely nothing. I think we should start exploring the fifth level right away.

　Prince Cain waved his hand and returned to the conversation.

''We have the King's Horse and the Replica Lord needed to break through the barrier. Let's make a search before the Empire and the Sanctuary Church move. Since the 'Replica Lords' of the Empire's people are unrecognizable, I'd like to use the ones made by the Zamelites, is it possible?
Of course.

　Old Zamel chuckled and nodded.

"Two for my grandson, and two more for me.
"We should enlist Odette Slye as well. She should be able to handle the Spirit King's Rider. Demeter would be a great help. "as long as we handle the Spirit King's Rider together.
Yes, Your Highness. Your Highness.

　C-level sorcerer Demeter said.

''Just to be sure, would you mind if I brought Yuki-Grossaria from the same party with me?　He is a capable sorcerer. I'm sure Odette-Sleigh would feel more comfortable if she were next to him.
"Okay. Then I'll get Iris to go with you. It will be easier for the Spiritual King's Horsemen to handle if Odette-Slay is mentally stable. Demeter will support them...
Your Highness, would you mind letting me do that for you?

　Suddenly, the sorcerer Izzetta spoke up.



''I'm curious how Odette Sly, the duchess of the duke's house, can use the Spirit King's Rider. Get down, please. By all means.
I'll let you come along if you insist. But you'll have to be Demeter. If that's okay with you.
Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness.

　The sorcerer Izzetta stood up and gave a nobleman's bow, as if this was a social gathering.

''As a nobleman - I'm also very interested in it. Yuki-Grossaria and Odette Srei, who joined the "Magic Guild" and quickly rose to the C grade. Especially the daughter of the Sulley family, who is also a high-ranking nobleman.
"A sorcerer should not be concerned about his position as a nobleman. Izzetta-Memento.
Old Zamel. Old Zamel.
Even if it's just a theory!

　At old Zamel's rebuke, the sorcerer Izetta nodded and withdrew.

I think that's all we have to do to break through the barrier at the fifth underground level. All we need to do now is to remove the debris blocking the passageways and stairways to the barriers, and we'll need some magicians who are skilled in the art of the land to do this.

　After that, the practical talk continued .
　Soon, the wise men's meeting was over and the wise men of the 'Magic Guild' left the conference room.





''Mr. Demeter. May we speak with you?

　In the conference room after the Council of Wise Men was over.
　The lone remaining Demeter was putting away his papers when the sorceress Izetta came up to him.

"I have something to tell you, Your Highness Cain's chief advisor.
How may I help you? Mr. Izetta.
I couldn't tell you in the presence of His Highness ......

　Ezetta put a finger to her lips and made a little thoughtful gesture before telling .

'The days of old Zamel are over, don't you think?'
What are you talking about, Mr. Izetta?
'What?　Because even though the Imperial Knights had invaded the country, the 'Zamelites' couldn't do anything about it, right?　The ones who defeated the enemy were Odette Suley and the mysterious black "King's Horse". Old Zamel and the rest of the Zamelites were just there.
'If you say so, didn't your own 'Cainites' even have to fight?
Hello?　Will you accuse His Highness Prince Cain of this, Demeter?
That's not what I meant!

　Demeter shouted aloud .
　. but Ezetta gave a mischievous smile.

'I was joking, and you are not angry with me, sir.
Is that all you have to say?
No, I just wanted to ask for your help.
Cooperation?
''Now that a clear enemy has appeared, the Magical Guild must become a monolith. We must unify everything with the 'Cain Faction' and stand against the Empire under the will of His Highness Cain.

　Suddenly, with a serious look on her face, Izetta declares.

''For that, we need the power. I believe that Elysium's Fifth Level Underground Search should be used as an opportunity to incorporate Odette-Surey and Yuki-Glossaria - two talented individuals - as His Highness Prince Cain's loyal subjects. We would like to ask for your cooperation in this endeavor.
Those two?
''Demeter-sama should have known about this since the two of you attended the Magical Guild's orientation. I would like to hear your information, Your Highness. For the sake of His Highness Cain.
...... for His Highness Cain?

　Demeter was lost for a moment.
　Her loyalty to Cain was absolute. Demeter is an admirer of Cain's talent and intelligence.
　So I've always been there for him.
　I've never wavered from that. But...

Those two are my students, too. I don't give out their information without permission.
My goodness, what a shame.

　Despite her words, Easetta simply withdrew.

''Very well. I won't ask for Demeter, the great lover of children. I will let Izetta handle the expansion of His Highness Cain's power. But, Demeter. You won't always be His Highness's man.
Is that all you have to say?
Yes, that's all there is to it.

　With that, Izetta walked out of the conference room.
　Demeter continued to clean up as if nothing had happened.
　It's just...

Speaking of which, I understand that soon His Highness and Yuki-Grossaria will be returning: ......

Maybe I should meet with him before the search for the fifth underground level begins.
　Demeter suddenly thought about this.