In the evening of that day, I was face to face with Izetta-Memento.

　The place was a room in the Magic Guild's research building.

　It was a large room with chairs and desks around it.
　It seems to be a place used by wizards to do research as a group.
　Right now, the desks are pulled in close together against the wall, and Izetta-Memento and I are standing in the empty space.
　Odette called in sick, by the way.

　I don't know what kind of person Izetta-Memento is.
　First, let's be polite.

It's nice to meet you. You are a Grade B magician, Miss Izetta Memento.

　I did the official bow of a nobleman.

"Class C wizard, Yuki Glossalia. You wanted to see me, master of ceremonies.
I'm sorry to call you out suddenly. Mr. Yuki.

　Ezetta-Memento smiled languidly, her pale pink hair swinging back and forth .
　She's still young . I remember Odette saying that she was in her early twenties.
　He's short, with a baby face, and looks about the same age as me and Iris.

From the way you carry your bag, were you experimenting with magic?
I've just returned from a trip outside King's Landing to pick up some materials.

　I put the leather bag on the floor.
　The bag morphs and falls flat on the floor.

　Inside the bag is May the slime.
　Together with herbs and fruit.
　From the outside, the bag is supposed to look like it's filled with the raw materials they've collected.

　May is snugly attached to the floor, listening for vibrations and footsteps.
　That's how the slime originally detects the location of people and animals.
　If there's another person hiding in the room, we'll know immediately.

Would you want me to leave my stuff in the quarters?
That's okay. We asked you here on your own time.

　Ezetta-Memento shook her head, then

First, let me remind you. I will be accompanying you in the upcoming exploration of the fifth underground level of Elysian.
'I'm glad you did: ....... It's reassuring to know that you have a semi-B grade with you.
No, no, Yuki-san and Odette-san are the ones who are doing a great job of finding new 'ancient magic' and rescuing Old Zamel's grandson.
You just got lucky.
I wonder where that luck comes from?

　Those blue eyes, they were staring right at me.
　It was like it was searching me.
　I knew this wasn't just paperwork.

　Izetta-Mement was watching Odette with a demon.
　I don't know what it was for. So we'll work carefully.
　We'll try to give them as little information as possible, get as much information as they can out of us.
　That's why I'm here.

Did you say ...... luck, sir?

　I shook my head lightly and blurted out .
　Ezetta-Mement smiled again, a placid smile on her face.

Yuki is fortunate enough to have found Ancient Magic. Odette, who can control the Phantom of the Lord of the Rings. I see those two are in the same party.
"I am His Highness Iris's 'knight escort' and Odette is a friend of His Highness. And I am very grateful for that friendship.
Is that also due to Yuki-san's good luck?
I believe this is due to the character of His Highness Iris and the integrity of Master Odette.

　Iris can't stop making assumptions. That's why I can't leave her alone.
　So that's why I work for the magic guild, to protect the man.
　Odette is loyal and wicked. Even after she found out about me and Iris, she's still a friend.
　Odette's the only reason I can feel comfortable exploring and investigating.
　I never said anything about lying. No, I haven't.

Those two are always helping me. So I can explore Elysian more efficiently. I've discovered ancient magic because of it.

　I meet Izetta-Memento's gaze as I visit.

'You called me here to talk about my luck?'
No.

　Ezeta-Memento shook her head.

I wanted to ask Yuki-san and Odette-san about a certain Lord.
"A lord?
It's about that Kuro King's Horse you met.

　...... So that's the story.

The Kuro King first appeared when Odette and I were in Torrius.
　Next, I'll be in the border region.
　Odette is being helped by the Kuro King's Rider in the woods near King's Landing.
　It's about time you got suspicious of me.



Yes. I've seen that royal horseman a few times.
Do you have any idea who he is?
No, sir.

　I answer slowly.
　'Don't look away and keep a calm tone so they don't suspect me.

"What do you think it would take for Yuki-san to win that thing over?
...... I'm the wrong person to ask. I'm just a witness.
I don't mind if it's just my opinion.
I have no idea. I'd rather ask an ancient civilization why they left that thing behind.
I know. I've been thinking about the same thing.

　Ezetta-Memento laughed .
　Then, after a moment's pause to think, she

'His Highness Cain hypothesizes that it was called in by another royal rider (Lord).
Is that so?
"Yes. His Highness seems to think that this is a guardian who has appeared to stop the other royal horsemen from running amok.
...... Is that how it works?

　So I guess no one knows I'm the owner of the Kuro King's Horse.
　Well, normally you wouldn't expect a country nobleman's bastard to carry around an ancient artifact.

''For example, if the ...... 'magic guild' were to unite to fight the empire, would the Kuro King's Horseman be on our side?　For example, would you side with the Liestier Kingdom, which is handling the 'Spirit King Rider' correctly?
Is that a question for Odette?
Yes. I was actually going to ask her. As someone who deals with the King's Horseman, I wanted to ask him if the Kuro King's Horseman would be an ally of the Magic Guild as a whole.

　The Conjuring Guild.
　That's a peculiarly ugly word.

　According to Roderea's research, the Marquis de Memento is in debt to other noble families to further their relations.
　That fellow nobleman said, ''The king will be the head of the magic guild and will have all the sorcerers under his control. By doing so, we will fight against the empire' - he said.

　The king who was to be the head of the magic guild was Prince Cain.
　That's because neither the current king nor the First Prince is a magician.

　These are just rumors. We can't be sure.
　But ...... if Izetta-Memento's family is considering placing Prince Cain at the head of the witchcraft guild, then I can see why they are gathering information about the Kuro King's Horse.
　If it turns out to be an enemy, then the advantage of the 'Cain faction' will be overturned.

I'm sorry, but I don't understand. I'll stop by Odette's on my way home and ask her.

　For now, I decided to cheat .

By the way, what kind of 'unified magic guild' is the one you're talking about, Izetta-sama?　I've never heard of this story before: ......
A 'unified magic guild' is a guild that is united into one faction and operates under the will of the High One.

　Ezeta-Mement said.

"With the remnants of the Sanctuary Church and the threat of the Empire, it is the idea that the Magical Guild should be unified under one will. Lately, some people who are worried about the future of the guild seem to be talking about this?
'You have a great idea: ......'

　I shrugged.

''I just joined the 'Magic Guild' and I can't even imagine it. I knew you were an advanced magician, right?
...... Right.

　Again, a probing look.

　Now, I don't know. I'm supposed to look like a bright-eyed child, listening to something I've never heard before.
　I'm not interested in factionalism.
　I'd appreciate it if you didn't make any more trouble for me.

On a related note, I'd like to ask you a favor.

　There was a slight pause, and then Izetta-Memento continued to speak .
　. looking straight at me, with a serious expression on her face .

"We are now going to explore the fifth level of Elysian's underground. Would you be willing to offer His Highness Cain everything you discover during that search?

　Izzetta Memento said that.
　For a second, I didn't understand what he was saying.

"...... Why did you do that to me?
Because I value you, of course.

　It doesn't look like he's joking .

　I know that sorcerers often talk about their accomplishments and traditions.
　I share the credit for discovering the ancient magic with Iris and Odette.

　But I don't know you and Izetta Memento.
　And as a sorcerer, I'm not as good as her.
　So why do you offer me this deal?

Of course we're grateful. It could be in money or in support of the Countess of Glossaria. Would you like to?
''This search is to be conducted by the 'Magical Guild' as a whole, right?
Yes, sir. The goal is to break through the barrier and find out how safe the fifth level is.
Wouldn't what you found there benefit the entire guild?


So I'm bending it and asking for a favor.
May I ask His Highness Cain what's going on?

　I said.

"I just want to make sure I understand what the purpose is.
"His Royal Highness Cain knows nothing about .......
Didn't you know?
This is what the 'Cainites' are asking for on their own.
'Does this have something to do with that 'unified magic guild' you mentioned earlier?

　This is just barely a line.
　If we go too far into the heart of the matter, he might say, "You asked and you got in.

　Of course, Odette and I decide what to say.

But I'll tell you when you're one of us.
...... Okay. I won't ask any more questions.
So, what is your answer?
I'm afraid not.

　No shit.
I don't know if we're supposed to be part of the Magic Guild or what, but I have no interest in that sort of thing.
　In fact, now is not the time.
　When the empire and the remnants of the Sanctuary Church are working behind the scenes, any confusion within the Magic Guild will only give the enemy an opening to get in our way.

　And I don't like the current magical guild.
The Grail Guild keeps ancient artifacts and magic safe and sound.
　Some, like Alec Kirous, will try to pick a fight with you, but that's about it.
　All the other sorcerers and staff treat me like I'm normal.
　Both Dr. Demeter and Flora Zamel.
　So I'm going to keep things the way they are.

I hope Yuki-san understands that ...... this is a rare opportunity for me.

　Izzetta-Memento said.

'With the 'Zamelites' and the 'Cainites' - the two factions that are divided into two factions - you think they can compete with the Empire and the 'Sanctuary Church'?　If we can reform the 'Magic Guild' now, we can go down in history as the founder of the Middle Kingdom, right?
...... history?
My father told me. "My father once told me that by reforming the Magical Guild, we could become heroes who protect our country. We need to reorganize the organization so that people like His Highness Cain and you can be more powerful.
"I'm sorry. I'm not interested in that at all. I've got more important things to do.
Does it matter?
It's about making the world a better place for our families and relatives to live.

　The world we live in now is what the people of Feela Village, Lyle and Remilia, made it for us.
　They worked hard to make sure that my reincarnated Alice and I would live a happy life.
　Then I will be the guardian of my family and relatives in the world they left behind.
　Because that's what I want to do and that's why I'm here.

''I'm sorry. I'm not interested in reforming the guild. Rather, it's a story that's too ...... heavy for a new mage who just joined the guild. If you'd like to make a suggestion.
I understand. I'm sorry to have to ask you to do this.

　It was unexpected .
　Ezeta-Memento drew back honestly and bowed to me.

"Of course, you may speak to His Highness Cain about this, if you wish. I will leave it to you.

　Izetta-Mement's gaze turned toward the door.
　I touched the leather bag on the ground.
　The slime inside, May, is moving. The bag is shaping from the inside, pointing toward the door.
　May must have heard footsteps. Someone's coming into the room.

What we have to say here is for His Highness Iris. Perhaps he can tell His Highness Cain. Is that all right?
Yuki-san seems to be a really sincere person.

　It was strange .
　Even though the proposal had been turned down, Izetta-Memento looked rather relieved .

It's good to know ...... that there are people who aren't motivated by profit or fame. My father really should have brought those people together too ......
Isetta?
I would like to ask one more favor of you. This is a request as a quasi-B grade sorcerer and as a member of a noble family.

　She turned toward the door.

'You're here, aren't you?　Come in. Colette.
Excuse me from .......

　The door opened, revealing a girl in a robe .
　She had the same light pink hair as Ezetta-Mement. She's quite short.
　The girl is looking at me and Easetta with a nervous expression on her face.

"This is my sister, Colette Memento. She's a D-level wizard, same age as you, 13. During your search of Elysian's subterranean fifth level, you are to take her as your squire.


You're my squire?
"This is an order from a quasi-B grade sorcerer. I have already received permission from Master Cain and Master Zamel.

　Strange.

　When I said, 'What you find on the fifth underground level should be given to His Highness Cain,' Izetta-Memento didn't mention that she was a quasi-B-class sorceress and the daughter of a marquis.
　She could have used her position to give orders, but she didn't.

　And when you demanded your sister as your squire, you threw your power into the mix.
　It's as if you care more about giving my sister to me than helping ...... Prince Cain. 　

'I'm Colette, a D-level sorcerer . I specialize in the ancient magic of darkness and ...... illusions.

　Colette-Memento came in front of me and dropped to her knees on the floor.

"I will serve as the bodyguard for Class C sorcerer Yuki-sama.

　Keeping her gaze on the floor, Colette-Memento continued .

''I have been instructed to take Yuki-sama as my absolute sovereign and to obey all orders until my search of the fifth underground layer is complete. That is why I have left the Memento family compound and resided in their quarters. so that I may act at all times under Yuki's direction.
...... You mean, you're an observer?
You're welcome to think that way.

　Answered by Izetta-Memento .
　No, I'm pretty sure he's a watchdog: .......

　But why does Ezetta-Memento have such a kind face?

　She wants Prince Cain to do exploits to strengthen the faction. So she asks me to give her what I found in Elysian.
　He refused, so the next best thing to do is send his sister to watch over him.

　...... That's what I thought, wasn't it?

Nice to meet you. Mr. Yuki Glossalia.

　The girl, Colette, murmured nonchalantly.
　Quietly, she stared at me as if she had no feelings.

"Master Izetta Memento.
Yes. Mr. Yuki.
If I refuse to accompany Ms. Colette, will I be disqualified from participating in the fifth level of investigation?
Yes, sir. As a member of the group, I'm responsible for your safety.

　Izzetta-Mement said.

'Miss Odette will wear the Spirit King's Rider and will be guarded by other sorcerers. But you are not. I'm not sure I would allow you to participate in such a dangerous investigation without the protection I have chosen for you.
...... Yes, sir. I accept Ms. Colette-Memento as my bodyguard.

　I nodded.
　He gave me a squire when the formalities were done.
"Give your achievement to Prince Cain" is just a suggestion. There won't be much of a problem if you go public with that. There might be talk, but that's it.

　But now I can't use the Kuro King's Horse to investigate the fifth level underground.
　Not with Colette-Memento watching over me.
　She'll have to keep an eye on me while we explore.

　...... It's a real pain in the ass.
　I don't want to get involved in the wars between the high lords and the Sorcerer's Guild as much as possible.

Is this story over?
Yes. I'm done.
Now, if you'll excuse me.

　I bowed and left the room.
　During that brief moment, I decided what I was going to do.

''I'd better raise my rank as a sorcerer before I raise my ...... family's baronial rank.

　I didn't care about the ranks of C or B grade.
　But that can't be said.
　It seems I need my rank as a sorcerer to avoid getting involved in other people's power struggles.

Let's look for something valuable in the fifth level beneath Elysian.
　Preferably one from the witchcraft guild that can make me a Level B mage.

The only way to avoid high-level mages' interference is to raise my rank.

I don't care about the unity of the Magical Guild or the aims of the Cain faction.
　But I won't let that morass of confusion between guild and state affect my people.
　To prevent that, I'll even become the senior wizard of the Magic Guild.
　I'll just throw that away someday. That goes for C-grade or B-grade.

　I'm just like Iris and Odette's guardian angel.

　Thinking about that, I went to where I was supposed to meet up with Odette.