Maer peeked out of the carriage window and shouted.

'There it is! There!

　Maea shouted and two elves peeked out of the opposite window and looked ahead. In front of them were part of a robotic arm carrying a carriage, the earth flowing behind them, and several simple tents lined up in a light brown field.

''Oh my God...!

　The male elf said in a bouncy voice.

　There were figures everywhere near the tents and the carriages lined up around them, all of which seemed to be elves.

　Seeing the two delighted elves, Trayne, who had been sitting quietly in the carriage, also relaxed his cheeks.

　Not long after, the carriage carrying Maea and the others landed near the other carriage, where the elves gathered.

''Rit! Char!

Are you guys okay?

　Such a voice echoes, and two elves leap out of the carriage.

'Tulk! I haven't seen this in years...!

'Ha! Hahaha! It's a dream!

　The tall male elf laughed at that, and the elf called Rit nodded, tears welling up in his eyes.

　Then, seeing the female elf emerge from the back of the tent at a scuttling pace, Charu let out a loud yell and started to run.

'Mother!'

　With that yell, Charu hugged the elf. The hugged elf also shed tears and put his hand on Char's shoulder.

''Char.......I'm glad you look fine. I can't believe I'm going to see you again...''

　The emotional reunion scene caused Maia and Traine to cry as they got out of the carriage.

　And the robot that brought the carriage in was quietly watching the scene.




[Taiki]

That's very impressive, Master Taiki...

　He nodded back to Eira, who muttered that while sniffing, and opened his mouth.

''Yes. But still, are those two sisters? There doesn't seem to be much of an age difference...

　Eira laughed in annoyance as she said this.

''I can't judge the age of the elves. He could be the same age as your grandfather, even though he's so young.''

　Hearing such words, I once again recognize that elves have a long life expectancy.

''I see. But still, no matter how you look at it, you look like you're in your twenties, but if you're in your sixties or something, you'll stutter. Hm? So that girl who looks like she's in her late teens could be older than me?

　The elves were terrifying. As I looked at the scenery on the screen, marveling inwardly, the elves on the screen all turned their heads in the same direction.

　The robot also turned its body in that direction, and the image on the screen changed its scenery as if it were flowing.

　What was projected there was a new flying carriage and a floating robot that lifted it up. From the window of the carriage, in addition to the elves, there were Runt and Schnee.

''Runt-san and the others have come too, haven't they? It took us a little while to get here since we're from a city far away from the imperial capital, but everyone seems to be in good spirits.''

　When I was relieved to hear that, Violette, who had been silent until then, let out a low voice with a sharp look in her eyes.

''........Half a day from the city of Abrau to the imperial capital......I'm already tired of being surprised, aren't I......''

　For some reason, Eira nodded at those words and replied.

''Over the past few days, you have come to understand that even with the power of the Empire, you are no match for Taiki-sama. Now, for the sake of the Empire, please tell me where the last of the elves are.

　When Eira told her that, Violette cowered her shoulders and shook her head from side to side.

''........Well, how am I supposed to talk about something I don't know? Besides, if the emperor won't give up, conflict is inevitable after all. Whether I help you or not, it won't change anything, will it?

That's not true. For example, if you, a general, were to propose peace, the emperor might soften his opinion a bit...

It's not going to happen, is it?

Uh....

　The slightly irritated manner in which she spoke made Eira, who should have been the one to talk, deflate.

　Unable to see the situation, I opened my mouth.

''For example, what if I brought peace directly to the Emperor? I can't cede this castle to the emperor, but it could benefit the empire through trade and other means. I think it would be far more beneficial to both of us than a fight.

　When I ask that, Violette is silent for a while.

　Although I have casually observed it, it seems that Violette is still keeping her distance from us somehow.

　I don't know if it's because of her position as an imperial general, but she still doesn't seem to have any intention of cooperating with us.

　Thinking about that, Violette quietly opened her mouth.

''........I understand. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. I'll take it directly to His Majesty. I can't guarantee the outcome, but........

　Violette replied and stared at us.

　I nod back, feeling slightly uncomfortable under her gaze.

''Then let's get it ready right away. However, it will be after we release all the elves.

　Hearing my answer, Violette raised the edge of her mouth slightly and replied, "I understand.