"Lady Elena, is something the matter?"
Ara, who had followed Elena out of the carriage, spoke up when she noticed her mistress had stopped moving and was staring fixedly at a single point.
However, Elena did not answer, her eyes remaining locked with Rei’s.
"Lady Elena? What is it, Lady Elena?!"
Normally, Elena would respond the moment she was addressed. To Ara, who had served as Elena’s guard and personal caretaker for years, the fact that she offered no reaction at all was a sign of extreme abnormality.
Reflexively, Ara followed the direction of Elena’s gaze.
There stood a young man wrapped in a robe—or perhaps "youth" was more accurate, as he appeared to be several years younger than herself.
To the devoted Ara, it mattered not if the opponent was a boy, a young man, or some high-ranking noble. Judging that he had somehow harmed her beloved Elena, she reflexively drew her sword, kicked off the ground, and closed the distance to Rei.
"You! What have you done to Lady Elena?!"
That enraged roar, echoing through the air, fortunately served to restart the internal clocks of the onlookers who had been entranced by Elena’s beauty.
The same was true for Rei, who had been caught in that lingering gaze with Elena.
"—?!"
By the time he realized what was happening, he was already within the reach of the woman's blade. She had swung her sword high, preparing to strike.
With a sharp intake of breath, Rei performed a near-reflexive dodge, pulling half his body back to evade the diagonal slash aimed at his shoulder. The blade cut through the empty air and bit deep into the ground.
The tip of the sword had sunk nearly twenty centimeters into the earth. It was clear at a glance that she had swung with full intent to kill him.
The moment the woman applied strength to wrench her sword from the ground, Rei pinned the blade with his right foot. Simultaneously, he used his left foot to kick up at her right wrist.
"Kyaah!"
Letting out a surprisingly feminine scream for someone who had just unleashed such a heavy blow, her grip failed from the impact, and she let go of the hilt. Without waiting for her next move, Rei pulled the Death Scythe from his Misty Ring. Utilizing the centrifugal force of his spinning body, his blade—channeled with Magic Power—closed in on her slender neck to reap her life.
Clink!
With a sharp metallic ring, the blade of the Death Scythe was deflected by something that flew in from the side.
(What was that?!)
Rei was certain no one else had been near him besides the woman. He quickly scanned his surroundings and saw Elena gripping what appeared to be a sword hilt.
However, the weapon was bizarre. Elena held only the hilt and guard. Instead of a traditional blade, a metallic, whip-like appendage extended from the guard, equipped with segmented blades that looked like they could be reassembled at will.
(A whip-sword?)
While surprised to find a weapon that had only been a fantasy on Earth actually existing here in Elgin, his face was masked by a look of sheer astonishment.
What had just been deflected was no ordinary weapon. It was a Magic Item produced through Beast Magic—a physical manifestation of his own Magic Power. This item had been forged with a massive amount of Magic Power that had stunned even Zephyle, and the strike had been delivered with further magic channeled through the blade. Normally, parrying or redirecting such a blow was impossible. Even if blocked with a shield, the scythe would typically slice through the shield itself. Total evasion was usually the only way to escape death. Yet, this strike had been deflected.
Elena was gripped by equal, if not greater, shock. She had just witnessed a lethal strike aimed at her subordinate—a blow sharper, more powerful, and more overwhelming than any she had ever seen. The hand she had used to deflect it was still numb from the impact. She wondered how many more times she could block such an attack. A cold shiver ran down her spine.
(…What is this?)
It wasn't anger, fear, impatience, or sadness. It was something she hadn't felt in a long time—pure joy.
Possessing natural talent and never neglecting her training, Elena rarely struggled even against the generals of neighboring countries. And yet, here was someone who could unleash a strike that pressured even her. Encountering an opponent who could fight on equal or greater terms for the first time, Elena’s heart was filled with delight.
However, she immediately suppressed the joy welling up within her and spoke.
"Wait!"
Her dignified voice rang out across the plaza.
At her command, the people around them, who had been panicked by the sudden violence, regained their composure.
Rei also seemed to sense something in her voice. While he kept the Death Scythe in hand, he relaxed his combat stance and watched.
Elena allowed a faint, relieved smile to cross her face at Rei’s reaction before speaking again in her commanding tone.
"This incident was our failing. I will have her offer a formal apology later. …Is that acceptable?"
She shifted her gaze from Rei to the man responsible for the city, Margrave Larkus.
"I suppose so, if you are satisfied with that. …Rei, do you have any objections?"
"…No."
Rei nodded slightly at Daskar’s words and glanced toward a different direction.
"Seto, that’s enough."
"Guruu."
At the call, Seto gave a short cry and walked toward Rei.
Seto had been standing directly in front of Kyuste, who had been reaching for his Magic Spear to assist his colleague. The moment Kyuste’s hand had touched the spear, Seto had soundlessly appeared before him, pinning him in place with a sharp, predatory gaze.
"Urgh!"
Kyuste’s face contorted with humiliation. Even if it was a Gryphon, it was a monster tamed by the commoner he looked down upon. Yet it was a fact that he had been paralyzed by the gaze of the creature now leisurely walking back to its master.
Despite his arrogance, Kyuste was not so foolish as to ignore reality.
"…A Gryphon?"
Elena couldn't help but let out a gasp as the creature passed before her.
An A-Rank monster, the "Grim Reaper of the Skies." She could hardly believe such a creature was here, let alone following a human.
"Margrave Larkus, that Gryphon is…"
Elena looked at the Lord of Gilm as he approached. Daskar nodded.
"It is the monster tamed by the Adventurer who just exchanged blows with you, Lady Elena."
"Forgive me, but I have never heard of anyone capable of taming a creature as formidable as a Gryphon. Surely someone of that caliber would be famous?"
"Perhaps. However, it hasn't even been a few months since he first arrived in the City of Gilm. I imagine the rumors simply haven't reached the Royal Capital yet."
"…I see. If he was waiting for us here, does that mean he will be joining us in the Dungeon?"
"That is the plan. I should note, he fulfills the Rank D requirement mentioned in the letter. He only reached Rank D about a week ago, in fact."
"Someone with that level of talent is only Rank D? Ah, I see. If he only arrived in the city a few months ago, it makes sense. Or rather, rising to Rank D in just a few months is quite an achievement."
"It was due to his merit during the Orc Subjugation."
"My people heard rumors of an Orc Settlement being established… I see. For a man of his skill, mere Orcs would be no trouble at all."
Elena nodded, noticing that the feeling was finally returning to her right hand. She understood now that with his level of power, handling Orcs would be child's play.
"Indeed. Moreover, he supposedly defeated the Orc King leading them single-handedly. His skill is guaranteed. And as you can see, he even commands a Gryphon."
"An Orc King? …I see, he is that capable. To be honest, I was not looking forward to this Dungeon Exploration, but this changes things. I find myself quite excited."
Elena smiled. Seeing the radiant expression of the Princess General, Daskar found his own cheeks flushing despite his age. He looked away and cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Now then, Lady Elena. I would like to enter the city properly. Is that alright?"
"Yes, of course. I assume I will have a chance for a formal introduction at your mansion?"
"Naturally. The arrangements have been made."
"That is good. I must have Ara apologize as well. …Ara is capable, but she tends to react oversensitively to anything regarding me. I did not expect her to suddenly attack like that. …Might I ask his name?"
Elena asked, masking her genuine curiosity with the pretense of taking responsibility for her subordinate’s blunder.
"Yes. A detailed introduction will happen at the mansion… but his name is Rei."
"Rei, is it?"
Elena whispered the name to herself. Just then, Ara finally approached her and bowed low.
"My apologies, Lady Elena. I acted without orders…"
A short distance away, Vel and Kyuste were whispering to each other.
"Hey, is that guy really just Rank D?"
"Apparently. Honestly, skill aside, I don’t like his attitude. I don’t want him anywhere near Lady Elena."
"Agreed. Skill is one thing, but having a problematic personality is a major drawback. Looking at how he dealt with Ara, I doubt he’ll get along with us. Is there no one else?"
"…You’re unusually insistent today, Vel."
"Well, we’re heading into an Unexplored Dungeon. I’d rather not have to watch my back while dealing with monsters."
"I understand, but he was recommended by Margrave Larkus personally. We can’t exactly refuse."
"But still!"
"What’s wrong with you? You’re not acting like yourself."
"…No, you’re right. I’m overreacting. If Lady Elena is satisfied, and if you’re okay with it as the Escort Unit Captain, I’ll shut up."
While they whispered, Ara was being lectured by Elena.
"Ara, I cannot approve of your conduct today."
"I am deeply sorry. I have caused you great trouble, Lady Elena…"
"The trouble to me is secondary. You will be formally introduced at the mansion later. Make sure you apologize properly then."
Elena spoke while looking at Rei, who was currently occupied with his Gryphon.
"If that is your wish, Lady Elena."
Ara followed Elena’s gaze and bit her lip as she spotted the man who had been a second away from killing her. Still, she nodded to the command.
"According to Margrave Larkus, we will be exploring the Dungeon together. You wouldn't want a hostile atmosphere while we’re down there, would you?"
"—?! That man… is coming with us?"
"Indeed. I believe you experienced firsthand exactly how skilled he is."
At those words, Ara remembered Rei’s movements and the strike that had seemed to cleave the very air. Cold sweat broke out on her back and forehead. She understood that if Elena hadn't intervened, her life would have ended there. She realized that while he might not be on the level of her beloved mistress, he was far beyond her own skill.
"I admit he is skilled. However, he is too skilled. I’m not obsessed with nobility like Kyuste, but perhaps someone else would be more appropriate?"
Elena gave a bitter smile and shook her head.
"He was the one my father requested from the Margrave. To reject him for being too skilled would be an insult to our host."
"But!"
Just as Ara raised her voice, three figures appeared, parting the crowd.
"Oh? What’s the Princess General doing here?"
One of them spoke with an innocent, boyish smile. It was a man carrying a massive War Axe that was clearly a Magic Item. Beside him stood an intelligent-looking woman in a robe with a staff, and a young man with a longsword.
They were the members of the Axe of the Thunder God, an A-Rank party.
"Master Elk? It has been a long time. Not since the Earth Spirit Incident, I believe. I had forgotten you were based in Gilm."
Elena smiled at her old comrade-in-arms. Elk gave a bashful grin, and his wife, Min, offered a faint smile. Their son, Rhodos, turned bright red and looked away the moment the beautiful Elena smiled in their direction.
Elk chuckled at his son’s reaction and spoke.
"Yeah, Gilm is my home. …So, what brings the Princess General all the way out to the frontier?"
"Please, 'Elena' is fine. My father ordered me to explore a Dungeon, so I came for that purpose."
"…A Dungeon? I know you’re strong, Elena, but Dungeon exploration is a different beast. …Ah, I see. That’s why you stopped by Gilm. To hire some help?"
Elena shook her head and turned her gaze toward Rei, who was watching them with a surprised expression while stroking Seto.
"Margrave Larkus recommended him."
"Him? Wait, that’s Rei."
"Oh, you know him?"
"Yeah. We were in the Orc Subjugation together. …I see. If it’s him, he’s definitely got the chops for a Dungeon. He’s got Seto, too."
"May I take that as a guarantee from the Axe of the Thunder God?"
Elena was momentarily surprised by Elk’s endorsement, but she quickly remembered Rei’s strength and found herself nodding.
"Yeah. He’s a bit rough around the edges, but he’s a solid choice."
"See? I have a good eye for talent."
Daskar, who had been watching the exchange, chimed in.
"Oh? What’s Daskar himself doing out here in the street?"
"Welcoming Lady Elena. Are you lot heading out?"
"Yeah. Heard some Trolls showed up. Need to clear them out before they hit a caravan."
"…Ah, right. That was an urgent report. Sorry for the delay, but please deal with them quickly. If merchants stop coming to the frontier, it hurts us all."
"Leave it to us. Well, see you later, Elena."
"Indeed. I will be in Gilm for a while. Let us meet again."
"Sure. My son is one of your admirers, so I’m sure he won't mind."
"Father!"
Rhodos shouted in protest, but Elk simply laughed boisterously and brushed it off.
"Your son’s name was Rhodos, was it? Just so you know, the minimum requirement to court me is to be stronger than I am."
"Heh heh heh. A man stronger than the Princess General herself…"
Elk stopped and glanced toward Rei.
"Actually, now that I think about it, Rei is here. Maybe there's a chance after all?"
He muttered to himself, but before he could say more, Min’s staff came down on his head.
"Elk, I’m sorry to interrupt, but we aren't exactly swimming in free time."
"Ow! My bad. Well, we’re off. Good luck with the Dungeon. …With Rei there, I don’t think you’ll have any problems unless something truly insane happens."
With that, Elk and Min continued down the highway, and Rhodos hurriedly chased after them.
Elena turned back to Ara.
"It seems he has the endorsement of an A-Rank adventurer like Elk. Surely there is no problem now?"
"…Yes. If you say so, Lady Elena, I shall obey."
Seeing that Ara had reluctantly accepted the situation, Elena looked toward Daskar.
"Then, Margrave Larkus. Shall we proceed?"
"Yes, that would be best. Standing here at the Main Gate any longer will only block traffic."
Daskar nodded and gave orders to his men to return to the mansion.