Yui was back in the rented house and seemed to be having a conversation with Phil.

'...... I mean?　Are you saying that the elves as a whole don't want to get involved with the outside world?

Denial.

'............ Um?'　Then?

It was an order.

.................. I see. So the elves are trying to kill those from the outside world?

Denial.

......

　A ...... look at the conversation. It's just a look.

　We're not communicating at all.

　When Phil sees me coming back, he clings to me, teary-eyed and pleading.

'Jeez, Jide!　I'm not good at that guy: ......!

Don't say that. I'm used to it.

　At any rate, I sit down on the couch and hear from Yui.

'So, how did it go?　What do you find out?

Assassination is an order.

From where?

"The Wise Council.

I see. Is Princess Elf involved?

Denial. Looks like a hostage situation.

Of course. I knew there was something fishy about you.

　We got to that point in the conversation and I knew Phil was looking at me with his eyes wide open.

'How can you have a conversation ......?'

'Yui's just talking about what she's seen and heard. I just don't have any other unintentional things to say. Once you understand that, you can have a conversation.

Ho: ......

　Phil crosses his arms and wrinkles his brow. He's probably simulating a conversation with Yui.

　Once again, he goes back to his conversation with Yui.

''So, that means there's a big chance that it's the Wise Council that's trying to get rid of the outside organization?

High probability.

'It's a pain in the ass. Is there no other higher elven agency?

'To the best of my knowledge, the Wise Council is the decision-making body of the elves, no exaggeration. With the exception of the Elven Princess, there is no higher or more equal organization.

　That would be a tricky one.

　If you think about it, the entire elves could be the enemy.

I wonder what the purpose of the Wise Council is. It would be easier to move if we knew that.

　Suddenly, I muttered.

　Then Phil opened his mouth.

'Using the Elf Princess as a puppet is probably a monopoly on profit. You don't want to change at the top because you don't want honor or position, you want to stay in a position where you can shift the blame and sip your sweet juice.

You know what I mean.

'This is still the reason I've crossed the world with Lady Thoria. I've had many opportunities to see the heart of the country, its roots.

　Phil huffed and puffed and sniffed with his face.

　'Quite useful.

'That's good experience.'

......

　Phil gives me a perturbed look.

"What?

'No, I wasn't expecting such honest praise.

I don't have one. I'm jealous of that, and I admire it. ...... praise until you get used to it?

No, no, no.

　His mouth twitched at the somewhat familiar conversation.

　Phil also caught on and lifted the edge of his mouth.

　A thought comes out of his face and voice.

It's good to see you. I was afraid you wouldn't like me.

Hate it?　Why?

'Because the encounter sucked. No, it's because I rushed through it. ......

You're still worried about that? I told you I'm fine.

　But Phil doesn't seem convinced. Is he somehow righteous, or does he take his guilt seriously?

　Well, it would only get longer if I continued on.

''More importantly, regarding the Elf Princess's hostage situation, there is a somewhat suspicious place.

Do you understand?

''Yeah. I've used detection magic many times since I came to the Elf Village, but there's one magic power that never seems to move.

...... has one hell of a memory.

'Elves, unlike people, are few in number. And the signs of them are in the ground. So I remembered.

　Underground. It's a pretty deep-rooted place.

　I thought it was something other than an elf, but no. It is definitely Elvish.

　It does not move like it's trapped in a cavity.

"So, we're going to rescue the hostage?　If you give it to Princess Elf, she'll be able to help you, and I'm all for it.

Yeah. I intend to.

So, where are you going?　It's not that I don't believe in them. But if they were ordinary civilians and not hostages, it would give the Wise Council an opening to take advantage of them.

I'll go.

　Yui says.

　He seems to be very confident.

　In fact, Yui would be able to leave it to you. But.

'It's a narrow single path there. Magic items and magicians for traps are being deployed. I'll be the one to go down there for sure.

......

　Yui nods at my words.

　Her expression is expressionless, but I can feel her regretful thoughts.

　Let me add to that.

'You've done enough work on the hostage situation and the wise old man's meeting. Well done.

......

　This time he nodded lightly.

　I think his expression softened as well.

I don't know why Jade added that. What in the world are you guys communicating with ......!

　I uttered the word 'transition' as Phil's voice was full of surprise in the background.

　It's not a good idea.