[Ditsen]

　We all escaped together using Taiki-sama's golem. In no time at all, they escaped above the sky and completed their evacuation. Then, after securing the safety, we took Schwartz to the Emperor's side.

　I had imagined such a thing, but I didn't expect it to happen.

''The Art of the Wind!

Yes!

I'll leave the art on this side too.

Thank God!

　We entered the castle and tried to run away while covering Aifa, but for some reason we couldn't find her.

　As a result, we are fighting head-on against the soldiers and sorcerers who are overflowing inside the castle.

　No, if it were true, the Empress, Schwartz's mother, said, "Refrain. I'm not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.

　At any rate, a strange man who calls himself a court magician is giving orders to engage in battle from deep in the corridor.

''The Empress is in turmoil! All of you, capture them quickly!

'You betrayed your son's cuteness and drew a bow to the Empire! We'll take full responsibility! Don't ever let them through here!

　While shouting such words, they use one powerful jutsu after another. How annoying they are.

''Ditsen-sama, you will be cut down?

Huh?

　At Yuri's words, I involuntarily jumped backwards. Then, a silver blade swung straight down in front of me.

''Ka, ka, wind!''

　He hurriedly unleashed a wind technique and blasted a soldier who was close by with other soldiers to the back of the corridor in a hurry, gathering them together with other soldiers.

''We'll do it!''

　Schwartz lets out a joyful cry and slays the soldier at hand with his sword. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that you're not the only one who's been in prison for a while now.

　I'm impressed that he was able to fight in heavy armor when he was in prison just a few minutes ago, but I don't have time to talk about that right now.

''Please retreat!''

　I heard a dignified voice and took shelter by the wall.

　This time, multiple large stones flew in front of me. The sound of a delayed collision and the screams of soldiers could be heard.

　When I turned around, I saw Fiatola, who had released the stone jutsu, preparing to release yet another jutsu. He is a stronger jutsu master than I imagined, which is very reassuring in the current situation.

　However, there are only four of us here: myself, Yuri, Fiatola and Schwartz, and a female soldier who is also a side servant of the empress.

　In contrast, at a quick glance inside the castle, there are dozens of soldiers at the front, and three people who look like court magicians at the back. Furthermore, there are dozens of soldiers coming from the rear as well.

''No, it's no good. We've got to smash this window somehow and get out...!

'I can't afford it! That grate outside the window is not meant to be easily broken! If you show an opening to destroy it, you'll be caught in the blink of an eye!

　As I was about to break the window, Schwartz said something like that from behind me.

'No, you won't win either way even if you keep this up!

　I shouted back, and a face that looked like it had bitten down on a bitter bug turned to me.

''Well forward and backward are the same thing. Then you should run forward and die.

I knew he was going to die!

　I return a cry of sorrow at the words said to me as I slice through the enemy.

　What a mess. I took it too easy thinking that Taiki-sama's golem was there.

　We should have waited for the golem's return before heading to the castle, even if we were wilful. I hated myself for losing to Aifa's eyesight.

''Da, someone help me!

　I screamed and activated my wind technique towards the large number of soldiers that were approaching me.





[Maia]

　As they descended towards the imperial capital from the sky, they saw soldiers running through the city.

''........It's a bit hectic. Don't tell me that Aifa and the others have been found.......

　The moment Schnee uttered that, a sound came from the castle. Even though it was quite a distance away, the sound of something being destroyed certainly reached my ears.

　When I looked in that direction at about the same time as Schnee, I saw that a portion of the wall on the top floor of the castle had just collapsed and fallen to the ground.

　I don't know what happened, but perhaps Aifa and the others must be over there.

''Let's just ride into the castle like this.

　As he said that, Taiki-sama's golem immediately changed direction towards the castle.

''Wait, hey! That's obviously reckless!

　Schnee said that while his eyes widened in surprise. I look down at his words and grit my back teeth.

　It's true that it's dangerous and a reckless choice.

　But there's clearly something unusual about the state of that castle. And it must probably have something to do with Aifa, Yuri-sama, Ditsen and the others.

　In other words, there must be the last elf in that castle.

　My mission is to rescue the elves, so retreating here is not an option.

''If you work with Taiki-sama's golem, you'll be fine. If we go in, rescue them all at once and then escape, we should be able to do so.

'I don't think it's going to be tough by any stretch of the imagination...'

If we don't go now, the elves and Master Yuri and his men will all be executed.

Uh.....

　At my words, Schnee snorted with a difficult face. Then he shook his head from side to side with a sigh.

''Huh ... okay, I get it. It can't be helped. I was prepared to die at least once anyway. Let's call it the last big stand.

You'll be fine.

Okay.

　Schnee replied with a wry smile at my words.

　I stayed on Taiki-sama's golem's shoulder, lightly stroking the golem's head and breathing deeply.

　It's okay. You have Taiki-sama's golem and there is no way you can lose.

　I said to myself in my head and searched the castle with my eyes and ears.