◇ ◇ ◇
While Shion and Due were locked in their life-or-death struggle, the man who had confronted Shion on the 3rd Floor of the Farm—Stieg Strom—was far from the facility. The man, whose long ash-colored hair was tied back at the nape of his neck, was walking near the summit of the Cryo Mountains, a range that loomed over the border between the Nohitant Kingdom and the Saubel Empire.
Ahead of him stood Philly Carpenter. She was manipulating emerald-green mana so dense it was visible to the naked eye.
"Visualizing mana, I see. As expected of the Guide."
Stieg approached her and offered a greeting.
"…Why are you here?" Philly asked without looking back. "Weren't you tasked by the Doctor with managing the Farm?"
"Well, about that. I’m not sure where the leak came from, but the White Demon broke in just a short while ago."
"The White Demon? You mean Amunzaas learned the location of the Farm?"
"That’s the natural conclusion. Otherwise, she’d have no reason to venture into a vassal state of the Empire. As a result, I had to release Due before her adjustments were complete. I imagine that will be a significant setback for the Doctor."
"And was that woman finished off?"
"I didn't stay to confirm the outcome. I’d say her chances of survival are fifty-fifty. However, since she can’t neutralize Due on her own, Amunzaas is bound to take a hit regardless of the result."
"I see."
"Shall we use this as a pretext to seize leadership of the Cult?" Stieg suggested. "To be honest, having that petty man in charge isn't very entertaining."
"No, I’ll leave things to the Doctor for now. The Cult as it is now holds no appeal for me."
"How lamentable."
"Well, eventually it will be to my liking—ah, fufu. I just thought of something interesting."
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that look. You’re always at your most charming when you’re plotting something, Guide."
"Flattery is unnecessary."
"A shame. I meant it quite sincerely. So, what did you think of?"
"You likely don’t know this, but the Doctor is trying to promote that fool from Golden Echo to the rank of Executive. He’s trying to solidify his own foundation within the Cult."
"The fool from Golden Echo? …Ah, that man. I’ve seen him following the Doctor around the Farm a few times. We’ve met. …An Executive? That post belongs to someone with more than just a high opinion of himself. Guide, did you tamper with the Doctor?"
"The man’s paranoia is abnormal. Using my ability on him now would only create complications, so I haven't touched him. Besides, you know as well as I do that he isn’t the sort of person worth forcing into a leadership role, right?"
"True enough. Then why is the Doctor doing it?"
"Who knows? I’ve never been able to understand how an inferior species thinks. I moved the pieces according to his instructions for now, though he hasn't shared his ultimate goal. —But back to the point. I’m going to give you the Executive seat that man was supposed to occupy."
"You’re recommending me? I thought that was part of a plan further down the line."
"Yes, I had intended for you to move in earnest after we eliminated the Doctor. But if the White Demon has made a mess of the Farm, then we can move the schedule forward. Besides, wouldn’t it be interesting to see what happens if we stir the pot even more?"
"A reason very characteristic of you. Very well. Give me your orders—O Guide who leads us to the King."
◇ ◇ ◇
A week had passed since the news of the King of Nohitant's death.
Many of the citizens mourned the King’s passing, and their resentment toward the Empire grew more fervent by the day. The newspapers published inflammatory articles daily, and the public momentum had reached a point where war was viewed as inevitable.
The Kingdom seemed to be counting not only on its standing military but also on high-level explorers for the coming conflict. A formal request for military service had been sent to various clans recently, but the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky had declined.
Our role as explorers was to provide a stable supply of magic stones and labyrinth materials. That was my stance. In truth, I also had no desire to send our members onto an unfamiliar battlefield.
That said, a significant number of clans and parties had reportedly accepted the Kingdom’s request and were preparing for war.
I arrived at my destination while reflecting on these events. I pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"I’m here, Grandpa."
"Oh, Orun. Sorry to bother you when you’re so busy."
It was Grandpa’s general store. Yesterday, I’d received a rare message from him asking me to stop by because he had a favor to ask. I’d finished up my urgent paperwork before heading over.
"It’s fine, I’ve got most of my work out of the way. It’s rare for you to ask me for a favor, though. Did something happen?"
"Aye. Forgive the suddenness, but do you have any plans to visit the Royal Capital soon, Orun?"
"The Capital? No, not specifically. But I heard some of our members are heading there soon to meet with our sponsors. If it’s a quick errand, I could ask them to handle it."
"I appreciate the offer, but this is something I’d rather entrust to someone I truly trust."
"I see. What exactly is the favor?"
"The task isn't difficult and shouldn't take much time. I need you to go to a certain pharmacist with a shop in the Royal Capital and retrieve a magic stone I left with him."
In normal times, shared carriages traveled regularly between Tsutrail and the Royal Capital, making it a simple trip. However, following the recent incident with the Empire, the military couldn't spare guards for the regular routes, and the service had been suspended indefinitely.
While large trading companies or organizations could send their own private carriages, it was a difficult journey for an individual to make right now.
Furthermore, if it was a magic stone Grandpa was going out of his way to recover in this climate, it likely had a complicated history. It made sense that he wanted someone he could trust implicitly.
"Understood. You’ve always looked out for me, Grandpa. I’ll coordinate with the Clan and take on some business in the Capital so I can head there myself."
I owed Grandpa a debt I could never truly repay. If there was even a small chance to return the favor, I wasn't going to pass it up. …Besides, I personally wanted to go to the Royal Capital if possible, so the timing was actually perfect.
"Are you sure? I feel bad for making you go just for my sake."
"Don't worry about it. I was actually thinking about heading to the Capital for my own reasons anyway."
"Thank you, Orun. This is the letter for the pharmacist, and a map showing the location of his shop."
Grandpa handed me an envelope and a piece of folded paper.
"Got it. I’ll be back as soon as I can."
"Right. I’m counting on you."
After some light small talk, I returned to the Clan Headquarters. I immediately visited the Exploration Management and Materials Procurement departments to adjust my schedule and take over any tasks requiring a trip to the Capital. Once that was settled, I informed the First Unit that I would be heading out.
Currently, the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky was focused on pushing through the Labyrinth. I could only afford to be away from Tsutrail for three days at most. Between the business meetings, Grandpa’s errand, and my own personal objective, I’d have to move fast.
◇ ◇ ◇
A short while after Orun left the general store of the man he called "Grandpa"—Cavadele Evans—the shop door opened once more.
In stepped a man encased in full plate armor, known to the public as the Armored Explorer.
"So, you’ve come. I’ve secured the item you ordered."
Cavadele acknowledged his arrival and placed an object on the counter. It was a transparent crystal that radiated a beautiful, amber light, reminiscent of a fine topaz.
The Armored Explorer stepped forward, peering at the crystal through the narrow slit of his helmet. Once he was satisfied it was the correct item, he reached out.
"…My thanks," he murmured.
However, a magic barrier flared over the crystal, stopping his hand inches away. The Armored Explorer looked up at Cavadele. The old man maintained his soft expression, though his eyes remained sharp.
"One final confirmation. In exchange for this, you will act exactly as I dictate. Is that understood?"
The Armored Explorer gave a single, slow nod.
"…That was the contract. Rest assured, my other employer has also consented."
"Good. Then I have an immediate task for you. You may use that crystal only after you’ve finished. I only showed it to you now to prove I have the genuine article."
"Understood. What is the task?"
"Go to the Royal Capital. Support Orun."
"…………What did you offer as the price?"
The Armored Explorer’s voice, which had been flat until now, was suddenly laced with displeasure.
"Ho ho ho. There is only one thing left I can offer at my age, isn't there?"
"I told you to stop doing that."
"Isn't this convenient for you? You must still resent me, after all. This inhuman old man."
"I don’t particularly resent you. That, too, is part of who I am now."
Cavadele narrowed his eyes as if looking at something blindingly bright.
"That small child I once knew… It likely only brings you discomfort to hear it from me, but you’ve grown strong. In both heart and body. Many hardships still lie ahead of you, but I believe the man you are now can overcome them."
"Yeah. I know. I was prepared for this path to be difficult from the start. That’s why there’s no need for you to be the only one paying a price—"
"Even so, I cannot heed your advice. The scenario I have envisioned is reaching its climax. But things rarely go exactly as planned. That is why I secured a piece like you. I must see this objective through to the end. It is the only reason I continue to live so disgracefully."
"Was this truly the only way?"
"Who can say? There might have been better methods. But this was the only one I could find."
"…I see. Fine. I won’t argue any further. So, I just need to head to the Royal Capital?"
"Yes. It may end up being a groundless worry, but I want to be certain. It would be a heavy blow to lose her now. Can I trust you with this?"
"Yeah, leave it to me. If your bad premonition actually comes true… then that might be the one thing that actually makes me happy."
"Ho ho ho! Aye, it might indeed be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for."