As they walked toward the gym, Elis asked Kaito several questions about their destination. Since this was a facility she had never visited before, she wanted to gather as much information as possible beforehand.
"By the way, Kaito-sama, who was the individual who requested this trial run?"
"Flare-san... um, Flarebel Needsveld-san of the Four Great Magic Dragons."
"I see. I have heard that Needsveld-sama often invests in innovative shops and businesses without regard for immediate profit. It makes sense that she would spearhead such a novel endeavor."
The mention of Needsveld’s name didn’t surprise her. After all, her companion was Kaito, the World’s Singularity. Even if the names of the Six Kings' Executives were tossed around, it was simply par for the course where he was involved.
Furthermore, Needsveld was known to favor those with a spirit of challenge and a desire for self-improvement. She was the type to support even the most far-fetched dreams as long as she sensed genuine passion behind them.
Of course, not every venture succeeded, but Elis had heard stories of many who had achieved greatness thanks to Needsveld’s backing. Given her own vast knowledge of the Empire, it wasn’t at all strange to Elis that Needsveld would be the one leading a facility as unique as a "gym."
"Ah, but it seems Flare-san is attending an event in a Demon Realm city today as a proxy for Magnawell-san, so apparently, one of her subordinates will be showing us around."
While Elis nodded at Kaito's explanation, a faint suspicion born of past experience began to prickle at her mind. Her companion was Kaito, and this was a facility newly opened by a Six Kings' Executive. She had been mentally prepared to run into Needsveld herself. However, based on Kaito's tone, it seemed they wouldn't be meeting her today.
While that was certainly a relief for Elis’s stomach, she reminded herself not to let her guard down. She steeled her resolve, telling herself that just because Needsveld was absent didn't mean they wouldn't run into another Executive or someone equally overwhelming.
If Lilia Albert, who understood the "Kaito phenomenon" even better than Elis did, had been present, she would have surely screamed a warning: "That person never appears while you’re on high alert! They wait until you’ve finally relaxed... until the very moment you think you're safe! That's when they strike!!"
But Elis had no way of knowing that, so she simply continued her light conversation with Kaito as they approached their destination.
The gym was a massive facility built on a sprawling plot of land.
(The scale is impressive. But considering people are meant to exercise inside, I suppose a size like this is necessary. Perhaps it's similar to a training ground for an Order of Knights, or perhaps a stadium for something like WANAGE...)
As she was imagining the interior, the entrance door swung open. A leopard-type beastman demon emerged and bowed deeply to Kaito.
"Good work, Big Bro! We're honored you made the trip today! Hey, you lot! Big Bro is here! Stop what you're doing and line up!!"
"Hello, Namyl-san... No, really, you don't need to line up..."
As Namyl—a leopard-type beastman demon Kaito had met several times—shouted her orders, a group of subordinates from the Crimson Fang came running out. They lined up perfectly in front of Kaito and Elis and bowed in unison.
Elis was inwardly stunned by the display, but Kaito seemed somewhat used to this kind of reception and offered a bitter smile.
"Um, I know I said I was coming alone, but I happened to run into an acquaintance on the way. Since she's a human woman, I thought her perspective would be helpful for the trial. Is that okay?"
"Of course! In fact, we're grateful for the extra data. We have exercise clothes ready for both men and women! The plan is for both of you to change into the gear we've provided so your current clothes don't get dirty. Then, I'll give you a brief tour and explanation of the gym before you actually try the equipment. Does that sound acceptable?"
"Yes, that's fine."
"I have no problem with that either," Elis added.
Once Kaito and Elis had agreed to the plan, Namyl nodded and turned back to her subordinates.
"Alright! I'll guide Big Bro personally. The rest of you, look after the Boss's Wife!"
"Ah, n-no, it's not like that! I'm not Kaito-sama's wife..."
"Oops, my mistake! You lot, listen up! Make sure you don't show any disrespect to Big Bro's lover! Now, Big Bro, this way!"
"No, that's also wrong—"
Elis momentarily froze as she realized her attempt to clear the air had only made things worse. Before she could find the words to correct the second misunderstanding, she was already out of time.
Kaito, having learned from his experiences with high-energy types like Blossom and Lanza, figured it was better to wait until things calmed down to explain properly. He turned to Elis with a look that said he’d handle it later and followed Namyl inside.
(...No, um... we were standing outside the facility... in full view of the public. Well, at least this isn't the high-class district, so it's unlikely any noble acquaintances overheard. Still, at this rate, I truly fear that the entire social circle is going to recognize me as Kaito-sama's mistress or lover...)
~Beastman-type Demon Namyl~
A leopard-type beastman demon and a squad leader of the Crimson Fang who often appears when Needsveld and Kaito meet. She is a Viscount-class high-ranking demon. According to Kaito, she feels "more like an underling than a subordinate," possessing an energetic aura similar to Blossom or Lanza. Because her voice is exceptionally loud, her proclamation regarding Elis being Kaito's lover was audible from a significant distance.