With Aifa's preliminary investigation and Yuri's success, the elves were found smoothly. However, I still couldn't find the last elf I was concerned about.

　No, I know where he is, but should I say that I can't get to him easily?

　He's probably somewhere in the castle. Even if I knew that much, I couldn't deal with it easily.

''If I could, I would rescue him while the emperor vacated the castle, but...''

　He muttered something like a burglar and let out a sigh.

　At any rate, if we force our way into the castle, the emperor might take the elves hostage if we're not good enough. First of all, I want to make sure that the emperor cannot give instructions.

　However, we want to make rushing the robots into the castle a last resort.

　While I was thinking about that, the figure of an elf appears on the screen.

''It's Yuri-sama again. Now the rest........''

Last one in the castle.

　He muttered that as he took over Eira's line and exhaled deeply.

　There would be no more time left. There is a good chance that by now the emperor will hear a report that the elves have disappeared.

　If that's the case, the only way to end it is to push hard.

　Thinking that, just as I was about to give an instruction, I saw Aifa talking about something to Yuri and Ditsen on the screen.





[Teito]

The only thing left to think about is the inside of the castle. I will go in. We have only a short time before the emperor learns we've returned to the castle. In the meantime, I'll have the two of you work with me to get out of the Imperial City as soon as I find it.

　When Aifa told him that, Yuri tilted his head with a troubled face, and Ditsen's eyes widened.

''Well, that's quirky.......I'm almost certain that we won't be able to leave the castle, but.......''

So we'll be as quick as we can. There are two places to examine. The dungeon and the south tower of the castle, called the Lady's House, where the Queen and Princess live. These two places are among the few places I am not allowed to enter, and they are also the most likely ones.

Ladies' pavilion...

　For some reason, Ditsen muttered this to Aifa's explanation, as she was squirming.

　There was a moment of silence, but eventually Yuri opened his mouth and they turned to face each other.

''However, so far we have come without leaving any evidence of who took the Elf-sama away, but when they broke into the castle and took the Elf-sama away himself, Aifa-sama.......''

I don't intend to cause trouble for Lord Tiki or Prince Frieder.

　Yuri's fears were also clearly rejected by Aifa. Yuri felt something in the strength of his words, but he kept his mouth shut.

　But instead of Yuri, who was stifled, Ditsen opened his mouth.

''No, it's all about what the emperor thinks or doesn't think...''

"I'll tell you that I planned everything and gathered all the help I could to get there.

What...? It seems counterintuitive...

　Ditsen pulled a face at Aifa's reply. Yuri's troubled smile deepened even more at that, but Aifa's determination was firm.

''I don't have time. Today, after we take out all the families in the center of the imperial city en masse, we will make up our minds.''

''Wait, that would mean that Taiki-sama's golem isn't there...''

　Ditsen looks anxiously behind himself. Three of Taiki's robots were standing there, lined up in a row.

''No problem. It's not like we're going to fight properly when we enter the castle. Besides, after I leave my family to the two of you, I'll stay behind to disrupt the castle.

　At those words, Yuri and Ditsen looked at each other.

　And Yuri returned the nod of approval with his eyebrows in the shape of a letter C.

''.........So you are prepared to die, right? It can't be helped. Let's send Ditsen-sama for the last job. While the two lords are rampaging, I will take responsibility for the Elf-sama outside.

　When Yuri said that, Ditsen peeled his eyes away.

''Yoo, Yuri-sama! Somehow, as a matter of course, the end of me...

　Despite the screaming Ditsen, Aifa nodded deeply to Yuri.

''........I can't hold back.

'What? Decided! Is it a decision?

　Ditsen shouted in frustration at their exchange. Then Yuri looked at Ditsen with a bitter smile.

I'm sure that since Aifa-sama is risking her life for her family, Ditsen-sama will also risk her life to be a collaborator. As I said, the friendship between the gentlemen is wonderful.

When was a friendship formed that was worth risking one's life...

　Ditsen was gobsmacked and drooped in a paragraph, but the other two didn't care and started filling in the details of the conversation.





[Inside the castle]

　In the evening, when the outer gates of the double-layered gates across the courtyard were about to close, one of the soldiers who guarded the gates hurriedly called out.

''Close the gates!''

　At the sound of his voice, the gate, which was about to close, stopped, leaving a gap for one person, and a blonde figure appeared through the gap.

''Ah, Aifa-sama! Master Aifa is back! Open the gate!

　The first soldier who spotted Aifa shouted that, but Aifa narrowed her eyes lightly and shook her head from side to side.

'Never mind. There is no carriage. More importantly, we are in need of fire and emergency. Let us pass quickly.'

'Yes, sir! Please, come on through!

　With that, the soldier stepped back and gave way, and Aifa passed through the gate.

　However, seeing the two people in robes following him, the other soldier waited.

''....Please wait. Where are the people over there?''

　That being said, Aifa wrinkles her brow and glares at the soldiers.

''These men are sorcerers who wish to serve as officers in our country. Since there is no more time for an audience with His Majesty, I will report back to you tomorrow morning.''

　A color of disbelief appeared in the eyes of the soldiers as Aifa told them so and ordered them to retreat with their eyes.

''........Aifa-sama. I'm sorry, but please wait here for a while........''

We have not yet received accurate reports, but we have heard that two elves who live within the Imperial City have disappeared.

　Aifa opened her mouth, wrinkling her eyebrows at the soldiers who started to say such things with their mouths, and opened her mouth.

''Well it can't be helped if it comes to this. We'll push through.''

　With that word, Aifa unleashed her wind magic on a wide area. The majority of the soldiers were blown away by Aifa's sudden offensive and most of them were blown away by her.

You can't blame them. You're too bad at excuses!

　With the hood on, Ditsen screams and releases more wind magic as a cover-up. With that, the soldier who tried to move the golem is also blown away and rolled on the ground.

　The commotion spread in the blink of an eye, and the soldiers, who didn't know the intruder was Aifa, began to assemble toward the gate with weapons in hand.

　Sensing this sensitively, Yuri put one hand on her cheek and let out a laugh.

''Well that's something to be nervous about.

I don't!

　That was what Ditsen yelled at Yuri's other lines.