From Yuki's point of view...




　The next day, we left for King's Landing.

　The trip back was pretty exhausting for both of us.
　I knew that seeing those guys from the Sanctuary Church was going to be too much for her.
　So we decided to let her sleep in the carriage.

　I put Iris on a seat and put May under it.
　I had May cover Iris's waist and back, and she had to adjust her posture so that she felt awake. So that Iris could sit up straight when she was unconscious.

　So from the carriage window, it looked like Iris was lost in thought with her eyes closed.
　She's got the dignity of a princess.

　As for me, I almost fell asleep a few times as we rode.
　I didn't, thanks to the bats hiding in my clothes.
　They woke us up when we were about to fall asleep, so we managed to make it through the daylight hours.

　Flora-Zamel, on the other hand, was in good spirits.
　She seemed to have gained some confidence from this trip and was walking with the procession.

　Flora-Zamel also served as Iris's bodyguard and accompanied us as we experimented with compound ancient magic using May the slime.
　Perhaps that's why she had come to be loyal to Iris.

　It seems that Iris has started to open her heart to Flora-Zamel as well.
　That's good.
　It's good to have a friend your own age.
　In a previous life, Alice was always fixated on me. Guess she grew up in the world after her reincarnation.

　So that's how we were slowly making our way to the capital.
　We were one day away from the capital when things changed.


"It must be His Highness Iris-Liestier's party, I see. Master Kirtas-Zamel of the Magic Guild has sent an urgent letter to her granddaughter, Flora!


　In the evening when we entered the town's inn, we were visited by Hayama.
　Flora received a letter from the messenger and pondered for a while.
　After a while, she called me up and asked me to visit Iris' room with her.

''I have a favor to ask Your Highness Iris and Master Yuki-Grossaria ......

　Flora-Zamel said so.
　I took her to a big empty room.
　Then I went to Iris' room and took her back to Flora.





"On the letter I just got, my grandfather gave me instructions. Grandfather instructed me to participate in the search for 'Elysian Layer 5' ......

　When she entered the room, Flora began to say such things with a serious look on her face .

''For that meeting, I have to stay in this town ...... . I'm sorry . Your Highness.

　Okay.
　So the letter was from old Zamel, a grade A wizard.
　So he gave his granddaughter, Flora, an order. To split off from Iris's unit and stay here in town.

The fifth level beneath Elysian, to explore it.

That's fine. Master Flora.

　To a horrified Flora, Iris smiled kindly and replied, "But are you sure you want to tell us about the search?

But are you sure you want to tell us about the search?
'No problem. My grandfather wrote, 'Tell Prince Iris and Master Yuki-Grossaria about the search. The two of you will also be asked to participate via Prince Cain at .......
And me and His Highness Iris?
'Yes . . and to Miss Odette-Slay: .......

　That's the Magic Guild. She's moving fast.
　You decided to use the information from your captors?


　The Imperial Princess Naylara told me.

To enter the fifth level beneath Elysian, you need to break through the defensive barrier.
　To do so, you'll need a lord and a replica lord.

　And...

　Odette is a valuable member of the Phantom of the King. I know why I'm here.
　Flora Zamel might be asked to join for the same reason. She can handle the replica lords too.

　So Iris and I will support Odette.
Dealing with the Phantom of the Lord makes me mentally exhausted.
　That's why it's probably best to have us on hand, knowing each other at all times.

My grandfather is sending a car for me now. And then we'll have a road trip to discuss ...... and that's the way it's supposed to go.
She's expecting you. Master Flora.
No, that's not true. I'm not ......
Master Flora will be fine.

　Iris nodded to reassure Flora-Zamel.

''Flora-sama did some magical experiments with me, didn't you? Didn't you and I unleash powerful 'ancient magic' together using May the Slime?　No ordinary magician could have done that. Have confidence.
"...... His Royal Highness Iris.


We'll be working together on Elysian. Let's keep it together.
Thank you ...... Your Highness.

　Flora said and wiped the tears from her eyes.
　Then she left the inn.
　She said she would stay in the inn that the Zamelites had secured until they came for her.





Tomorrow will be the end of the ...... trip. My Lord.

　In the room after Flora left, Iris said.

"I'm going back to the palace. I'm going back to the palace.
'Yeah . I had a great time during my ...... trip too.
Are you sure?
''I was able to experiment with May the Slime, and I also got the parts for the 'King's Rider (Lord)'.
'There was a lot of other stuff, wasn't there?　We talked a lot, and you even sang me a lullaby, didn't you?

　Mmmm, Iris puffing up her cheeks.

But that's fine. I'm going to be summoned by my lord, even if I return to the palace. Then we can see each other whenever we want, right?
Which reminds me. I wanted to talk to you about that.

　Once we're in King's Landing, we'll be going our separate ways for a while.
　We should arrange our future plans while we still can.

For the time being, it'll be difficult for me to get in and out of the palace.
Yeah, why is that?

　Iris nodded her head ...... and immediately clapped her hands with a plop.

''I understand . It's because the Imperial soldiers have invaded, isn't it?　So the security at the detached palace would be tightened.
''Ah. Princess Naylara's troops are very close to the capital. If that's the case, I'm sure the entire royal city, not just the detached palace, will be on high alert.
"...... It's still annoying after 200 years. 'Sanctuary Church'.

　I agree.
　But it bothers me that the princess we fought this time looked down on the Holy Spiritual Church.
　It's possible that the Holy Sanctuary Church's power is already weak in the Empire.
　There's supposed to be a First Priest over there - a priest with immortal power.

That's why we can't go to the palace for a while. Please bear with me and Odette and Iris until Odette and I head to the fifth level of Elysian to explore.
I don't blame you. ......
The king's security will loosen up when we're done exploring the fifth level. Until then, we just need to be patient.

The fifth level of Elysian's underground system will change the kingdom and the Magical Guild. It will probably be even more powerful than the Empire and the Sanctuary Church.

　In the fifth level, there's a system that allows demons to grow larger.
　If we could control this monster, the kingdom would gain great power.
　This giant monster could be used to defend our borders or even be used as a work force.

...... workforce.
What's the matter, my lord?
''No, I had an idea about the 'Ancient Magical Civilization'. That civilization was able to build huge dungeons like 'Elysian' because they were using giant demons as their labor force.
It's possible.
Maybe there was a system that made the demon giant in the first place. Maybe that's why they created Elysian and then moved the system underground. That way, if there was a major war above ground, for example, they could protect the system.
Yes. My question. My Lord.
Go ahead. Iris.
If so, why did the ancient civilization create the 'King's Horseman' (Lord)?　If they were using giant demons for defense and labor, there's no need to create an 'ancient vessel' as powerful as the 'King's Horseman', right?
That's a good question. Iris. You'll have to figure out why.
'Well, how about ...... for managing giant demons?
That's a pretty good idea. Keep going.
When a giant demon goes out of control, you need the power to defeat it. Isn't that what the 'King's Horse' was created for?
Not a bad idea. But I'm curious about one thing.
Where is it?
''Isn't there too much uniformity in the abilities of the 'King Horseman' for managing demons?'''
...... Oh, sure, yes.
''If you're going to manage a large number of demons, it's easier to have the same abilities. I only need fast-moving monsters like the 'Lord of Beasts' and 'Lord of Horses'. But the Lord's Mate's abilities and form are all different. What's the reason for that?


I don't know: "I don't know: ...... What do you think of My Lord?
''I suspect the 'Ancient Magical Civilization' wasn't a monolith.
'It wasn't a monolithic ......, so you're saying it was split into multiple forces?
''That's right. Each of the forces had a giant demon in its power. So there was no resolution even if they fought. That's why they created the "Lord" as a weapon to surpass it. ...... What do you think about that theory?
I suppose it's possible.
"I just don't have anything to prove. I suppose if you go to the fifth level of Elysium's basement, you can find out a bit more about it: ......
"Hmm. I knew My Lord's class was fun!
Wait. Since when did you start classes?

　Iris snapped me out of it.
　I don't know.
　Before I knew it, I felt like I was in a classroom in an old castle in the village of Fira.

　Surely, me and the village kids were talking about this back then: .......
　How to increase the crop yield and so on.
　What time and where to walk to avoid being attacked by demons, and so on.
　...... It's been a long time ago.

It was worth it to me to set out on this trip just to be able to remember the past.
Maybe it's .......
It'll keep us quiet when we get back to the palace. I look forward to exploring Elysian. My Lord.
Yeah. Well, since we're here, let's go see the top secrets of the ancient world.

　That should help us in our future plans for the Sanctuary Church and the Empire.
　Also, there's something I want to look for in Elysian.

　I want to see if there are any parts of the Lord's Horse in the fifth underground level.

　Inside my sorcery is the key component of The Lord of Paladins.
　I took it to blackmail princess Naylara.

　All I need is a part that can be used for the Lord's Horseman.
　For example, if I can combine it with the central part of the King's Rider, I might be able to make a safe and comfortable 'moving armor'.
　That's why I'd like to use this opportunity to explore the deepest area of Elysium.


　We concluded our discussion.


"Tomorrow we'll be at King's Landing. Report back to the royal family. Your Highness Iris.
Yes. Sir Yuki the knight escort.

　Iris and I gave a quick high five.
　Then we went back to our respective quarters to get ready for tomorrow's departure.



　The next evening. We arrived at King's Landing.

　The border patrol, led by Iris, disbanded at the entrance to King's Landing.
　I joined the other soldiers and watched Iris's carriage ride off to the palace.

　I had Iris wore Neil the bat for fear of what would happen.
　And later on, I'll divide the bat army into small groups to form a bodyguard for Iris.

　Summon magic to summon them only in case of emergency.
The only time the Kuro King will be at the palace is when we leave the mortal world.
　Let's just hope that that day never comes.



　Then I got rid of the soldiers and went to my quarters.

　Martha and Remy, I hope you're worried about them.
　I sent some bats on a few errands, but they can't know much more.
　Let's get back sooner rather than later so they can be reassured.

　I headed back to my quarters with that in mind.



Welcome back!　Yuki-sama!
Welcome back. Uncle Tom.
It's so late. Yuki.

　Martha and Remy and Odette welcomed me with open arms.

".........

　I look around at the three of you.

Why is Odette there like it's a given: ......?
I'm not allowed to stay?
No, it's not that bad. I'm rather glad to see you.
Yeah, it's good to see you at .......

　Odette slumped in embarrassment .

'Could it be that Odette has come to tell Martha and the others what I've been up to and what's going on with this case?
That's a good answer. You're a real sharp shooter. Yuki.
Odette has been the one to talk to Martha and the others.
Yes, sir.

　Martha nodded with a gentle smile and Remy clinging to my leg.
　Watching them, Odette



I've heard so many stories. Yuki and Roumia-san, the story of your brother and sister, and how Yuki has a sweet tooth, right?
The first half, but the second half is misleading: ......

　I have a sweet tooth because I used to make snacks for the children in the village of Fira.
　When they get tired of studying, they want something sweet.
　They developed a sweet tooth as I tasted the food.

Anyway, thank you for being with Martha and Remy. Odette.
...... It's embarrassing to be thanked like that.
Both Martha and Remy were very helpful in keeping me from being away.
No. This is Yuki's and Martha's home.
You see...
But you know what? You two were there for me, so I knew I could go on this trip without worrying. Thank you.

　I reached out and patted Remy on the head.
　And then I stroked Martha's head next to her.
　And then I stroked Odette's head next to her, which was also next to her.

Yuki-sama.
......

　I'm stroking my hair, and I stop.
　I don't. I'm trying to stroke Odette's head.

...... Okay, okay?
Are you sure?
Well, I've been guarding my home for as long as I can remember.
Okay. Well, be my guest.

　I nudge Odette's head lightly.
　Odette's eyes are closed, and she's just going to do what I want her to do.

Okay, well, I'm going to close up.
Hey, wait. There's someone I want to introduce to you guys.

　I went to the living room and took out a leather bag from among my things.
　I opened it.


"Hello.


　May's in the green slime.

"Let me introduce you. May from Green Slime. She'll be cleaning the ceilings, the corners of the rooms. Remember what Martha said when she left?　He wants some items that he can use to clean the ceiling.
Yes, sir.
'But it's faster to ask the slime to clean up than the items. That's why I asked May to be my errand boy. I'll give you a dustpan, Mei.
"Whew! (I did!)'

　May the Slime let the rag stick to her body and climbed up the wall.
　She moved to a hard-to-reach corner of the wall and began to wipe it down.

Phew. Now we're settled.

　I sat down in a chair in the living room.
　There was my cup on the table, and I was just pouring tea.
　Martha had it brewed just in time for me to come home.

　I sipped my tea and... yes. As I thought, Martha's tea was delicious.
　I guess it's the feeling of coming home that calms me down.
　Really, Martha's been a big help.
　Remy is getting better at making tea, so maybe I'll teach him how to make his own baked goods.

"The... ...... Yuki?
"Miss Odette's tea has gone cold. I'll make you a fresh pot.
Remy will help you.
I'll go to the kitchen. I've got one piece of hard bread left for lunch, let's cut it up and eat it together.
"Funniest.
May wants you to clean the corner until I finish my tea. If I sweep the ceiling now, the dust will come off.
"Whew! (Yes, sir!)'

　Me, Martha and Remy walked into the kitchen three by three.
　Martha gets the water ready and Remy gets the tea leaves.
　I take a knife and cut up the hard bread you gave me for lunch.

　I'll put the corner near the window.
　Later on, bat Dick and his friends will take it.
　They like the end of the bread. Bats must have a preference.

　And just like that, my life came back to normal.


This is how things will be for a while, until the end of the search for Elysium, when things settle down like this...

'I'm not comfortable!　I'm not comfortable at all!
What the hell, Odette?
'Why is there slime on the ceiling?　Why are you making me clean up after you've done such an amazing job of turning slime into an errand boy?　Why are both Master Martha and Mr. Remy so calm!
It's what Yuki would do.
Remy is a fox!
I know, sir. I know that, sir.

　Odette sat back in her chair and sighed .

''Really ......, Yuki starts doing crazy things as soon as you take your eyes off her,''
Is that right?
Yes.

　Odette with her cheeks puffed up and staring at me .
　...... On second thought, that might be a normal reaction .

　Martha is used to me doing what I do, and Remy is an errand boy.
　And Iris saw me exterminating slime in a previous life.

　Maybe Odette's reaction is just a normal one.
　I guess it's no wonder she's so frightened when the slime just started wiping.

"I'm sorry. Sorry, Odette.
...... Okay, that's fine. It's just that I was surprised.
''As an apology, I'll teach you how to use the 'Compound Ancient Magic' later.

　I said, and Odette looked at me with a jolt.
　Her eyes are sparkling. She's interested.

"'Compound ancient magic'?　What's that all about?
It's a magic that uses slime as a magic conductor for two people to use at the same time. With this, Iris and Flora-Zamel were able to unleash an 'Efreet Blows' of extreme power. I think I could do the same for Odette. Should we experiment with it when we go to Elysian?
...... Oh, come on, Yuki.

　Odette said and pursed her lips.

"You're a real sly one, aren't you? You are.
What?
That's just the sort of thing I have in mind for you. I was so angry at you for startling me a little while ago. ...... I've forgotten how angry I am.

　Then Odette laughed .
　Then she waved her hand towards the slime May and said, "It's nice to meet you.
　May is also shaking her body as she says, 'Pleased to meet you!

　Afterwards, I have a talk with Martha and Remy about the incident.

　I can't tell you the details, but I can tell you that the vigilance of the royal capital might get tighter from now on.
　The empire has been through a lot.
　Now Odette and I will begin our search for Elysian again.
　When we were talking about this over tea...


　Suddenly, a visitor arrived.



"Dear Yuki. I got the letter.

　Martha comes back from the reception area with a rolled up piece of parchment in her hand.

A letter?　Who would it be from?
The Marquis de Memento.
"...... The Marquis de Memento. You've heard of it.

　Odette nodded.

"I believe there's a Level B magician in the Magic Guild who shares your family name. I heard he's a powerful sorcerer who worships His Highness Cain.
What does a man of the house want with me?

　I opened the parchment and saw that it was...
　And it said...


I would like to discuss with you some matters related to the search for Elysian's fifth underground level.
　Tomorrow evening, would you be willing to come to the third laboratory of the Magical Guild?

　I have informed only Yuki-Grossaria and Odette Srei of this matter.
　Please keep this to yourself.


　"B-Grade Sorcerer Izetta Memento


　There was something in there.