Published: August 10, 2026
Hazuki Tsukimi had brought the last request from the Three Great Families: "Exterminate the demonic beast that has taken up residence in the mountains on the Kingdom of Wendes border side." With that in mind, Amelia and I left the mansion that served as our base.
According to the Kohana family, the demonic beast had settled in despite being powerful, but the surrounding monsters were not causing nearly as much trouble as expected. So it would apparently be fine even if we waited until the heroes came back in two weeks. Still, whether we were going to defeat it or not, a reconnaissance mission was necessary first.
Besides, it would also be a problem if people thought we couldn't even take down a single demonic beast without the hero. However, defeating it alone would also be bad given the current situation of Yamato Country being at war, so Amelia herself suggested that it would be better to make it look like we had defeated it together.
And so I ended up spending the night with Amelia as well...
"All aboard! Then, shall we be off!"
"Hold on, hold on. Before that, why are you here?"
I pressed a hand to my temple as I looked at Morganaite, who had a large bow and some kind of tube strapped to his back.
After we finished our usual travel preparations and boarded the carriage sent to take us to the area near the Border Mountain Range on the Kingdom of Wendes side under the Kohana family's orders, Morganaite was already there.
Amelia must not have been told either, because she tilted her head in confusion.
"Morganaite, why are you here?"
"Why, of course, to accompany lady amelia on the subjugation of the demonic beast!"
Morganaite puffed out his chest proudly, and I let out a long sigh.
But there was no way to just kick him out here, and the carriage began moving.
Morganaite, who would probably fulfill any request Amelia made, would likely obey happily if Amelia ordered him to remain at the base and handle cleaning and the like. But Lattice Nail was at the base, so either way, he had to come with us for now.
Morganaite smiled cheerfully, and Amelia frowned slightly.
"My father's will, then?"
"Yes. The king is deeply concerned about lady Amelia, the first princess, becoming involved in a war between the Human race. However, since this request comes from the Three Great Families of Yamato Country, and because as an allied nation he is also worried about the movements of the Kingdom of Wendes, he decided to use me as a precaution."
In the narrow carriage, Morganaite placed a hand on his chest and bowed respectfully to Amelia.
"Please, feel free to use me as a disposable pawn or a shield, whichever you prefer. Of course, I have also prepared all the snacks for the journey to perfection."
"...I see. I'm sorry, Akira. Morganaite is coming with us too."
After letting out a sigh, Amelia lowered her head to me and Night, who was perched on my shoulder.
The apology was probably mostly for Night, who would have to keep pretending to be a cat again.
Night shook its head from side to side with a grooming-like motion. I nodded too.
"I don't mind. But you can fight, right?"
"Oh my, who do you think you're talking to?"
"I'm talking to the big guy right in front of me."
"What! Lady Amelia, did you hear that? He's calling me a big guy! Oh, how tragic, how tragic, I feel like crying!"
"Akira, Morganaite is a master archer so skilled that he once drew with Kirika in the Holy Tree imperial tournament held once every few years."
As Morganaite theatrically covered his eyes and hung his head, Amelia explained while patting his head.
Apparently, unlike the religious ceremonies held every year to offer dances and sword dances to the god Aitel, a personal combat tournament between elf race competitors was held once every few years.
Most of the matches were bow versus bow, and the winner was decided by who could hit the target placed on the opponent's vital point first. Advancing in the tournament apparently came with perks, such as receiving lavish prizes or getting assigned to work closer to the Sacred Tree.