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Around the time Shion and Due were locked in combat, the man with long ash-colored hair tied at the shoulder—Stieg Strem—who had confronted Shion on Farm's third floor, was walking near the summit of the Cryo Mountains towering on the border between the Nohitant Kingdom and the Saubel Empire, far from Farm.
Ahead of him stood Philly Carpenter, manipulating highly dense, visible emerald-green mana.
"Visualizing mana, huh? As expected of Lady "Guide"."
Advancing close to Philly, Stieg called out to her.
"...Why are you here? Weren't you entrusted with managing Farm by the Doctor?"
"Well, you see—somehow the information leaked, and just a little while ago, Lady "White Mage" stormed in."
""White Mage"? Meaning Farm's existence was already known to "Amuntsāsu"?"
"That's the natural conclusion. Otherwise, there's no reason for her toわざわざ come to an imperial vassal state. As a result, we had to deploy Due Number Two in an unadjusted state. For the Doctor, it's probably a bit of a setback."
"So, was that woman finished off?"
"I haven't confirmed the outcome yet. I'd say it's fifty-fifty on life or death. But since she couldn't neutralize Due Number Two alone, "Amuntsāsu" should have taken at least some damage regardless."
"I see."
"Should we use this as leverage to seize control of the Order? Honestly, with that diminutive man in charge right now, things aren't very interesting."
"No, for now, leave it to the Doctor. The Order as it is now... holds no appeal for me."
"How regrettable."
"Well, eventually it'll become more to my taste—ah, fufu. I've thought of something interesting."
"That's an expression I haven't seen from you in a while. As expected, Lady "Guide" is most captivating when plotting something."
"Save the flattery."
"Unfortunately, it was from the heart. So, what did you think of?"
"You probably don't know, but the Doctor is trying to pull up that fool—the former explorer from "Golden Echoes"—to a high-ranking position to solidify his own foothold within the Order."
"The fool from "Golden Echoes"...? Ah, that man. He's come to Farm a few times clinging to the Doctor, so we have met. ...Promoting someone with nothing but inflated self-evaluation to executive? Lady "Guide", did you toy with the Doctor...?"
"That man's wariness is abnormal. Exercising an ability on him right now would only cause complications, so I haven't tampered with him. Besides, you know as well as I do—he's not worth manipulating just to elevate to executive."
"True enough. Then why is the Doctor doing it?"
"Who knows? I can't comprehend the thoughts of inferior beings. For now, I've moved people according to his instructions, but I haven't even asked his purpose. —Anyway, back to the point: I'll give you the executive seat that man was supposed to occupy."
"You'll recommend me for executive? But I recall that was supposed to happen later..."
"Yes, I planned for you to move in earnest after eliminating the Doctor... but with "White Mage" turning Farm upside down, we can move the schedule forward. And if we stir things up even more, we might see something interesting, don't you think?"
"Very much in Lady "Guide"'s style. Understood. Then give the order. —We who guide to the King."
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One week had passed since the news of the Nohitant Kingdom king's death.
Most citizens mourned their king and grew increasingly furious toward the empire day by day.
Newspapers published inflammatory articles daily, and the momentum toward war with the empire had already become unavoidable.
The kingdom seemed to be counting on not just soldiers but also combat-skilled explorers for this war. A request for enlistment had come to explorers the other day, but "Silver Moon Rabbit of the Night Sky" refused it.
We believe explorers' role is to stably supply magic stones and labyrinth materials.
It's also true we don't want to send our members into an unfamiliar battlefield.
That said, a certain number of clans and parties have apparently responded to the kingdom's request and joined the war effort.
Lost in thoughts about recent events, I arrived at my destination.
I opened the door and stepped inside the building.
"I'm here, jii-chan."
"Oh, Orun. Sorry to call you when you're busy."
It was jii-chan's general store.
Yesterday, unusually, he'd contacted me saying he had a request and wanted me to come by the shop. I'd finished urgent work and come straight here.
"I've wrapped up my jobs for now, so no problem. But it's rare for jii-chan to ask me for something—what's up?"
"Mm. Sorry to rush, but do you have any plans to head to the royal capital soon?"
"To the capital? No, not really. But I heard one of our clan members is going there soon for sponsor talks, so if it's something quick, I could pass it along to them?"
"Thanks for the offer, but this is something I want entrusted to someone I can truly trust."
"I see. What's the request, by the way?"
"It's not complicated and won't take much time. I want you to go to a certain apothecary in the capital and pick up some magic stones I've left with them."
In normal times, regular stagecoaches run between Tsutorail and the capital, making travel easy.
But due to the recent empire incident, they apparently lack manpower to assign military escorts, so service is suspended for a while.
Merchants, chambers of commerce, or large organizations can travel by private carriage, but for individuals otherwise, heading to the capital is indeed difficult right now.
Plus, magic stones that jii-chan would go out of his way to retrieve in times like these.
They're bound to be problematic.
Wanting someone trustworthy makes sense.
"Got it. You've always taken care of me, jii-chan. I'll adjust things so I can head to the capital along with any clan business."
I owe jii-chan more than I can ever repay.
If there's a chance to return even a little, I don't want to miss it.
...Plus, personally, I'd been thinking it might be good to visit the capital if possible—so perfect timing.
"Really? Sorry to trouble you for my sake."
"Don't worry. I was already thinking about going to the capital personally."
"Thank you, Orun. Here's a letter for the apothecary and a note with the location of their shop."
Saying that, jii-chan handed me an envelope and a folded sheet of paper.
"Received. I'll get back as soon as possible."
"Mm, please do."
After some light chit-chat with jii-chan, I returned to clan headquarters.
From there, I went to the exploration management and procurement departments to adjust and assign any capital-bound work to me, then informed the First Squad I'd be heading there.
Right now, "Silver Moon Rabbit of the Night Sky" is focused on labyrinth exploration.
I can be away from Tsutorail for three days at most.
With sponsor negotiations, jii-chan's errand, and personal business, there's plenty to do—I need to handle it efficiently.
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Some time after Orun—the boy who called him 'jii-chan'—left Kavadale Evans's general store, the door opened again.
The one who entered was a man fully clad in armor—the one known as the 'Armored Explorer.'
"You're here. I have your ordered item ready."
Confirming the armored explorer's arrival, Kavadale addressed him while placing something on the counter.
It was a transparent crystal emitting a beautiful glow reminiscent of topaz.
The armored explorer approached the counter and scrutinized the crystal from behind his helmet visor.
Confirming it was what he sought, the man said, "...My thanks," and reached for it.
But a mana barrier enveloped the crystal, preventing his hand from reaching it.
The armored explorer looked up, bringing Kavadale into view.
Kavadale, maintaining his gentle expression, spoke.
"One last confirmation. In exchange for this, you'll act according to my instructions, correct?"
Kavadale directed a gaze so sharp it pierced through his soft demeanor at the armored explorer.
Receiving the question, the armored explorer nodded.
"...That's the contract. Rest easy—the other employer has agreed as well."
"I see. Then there's something I want done right away. You can use that afterward. Showing it now was just to prove I possess the real thing."
"Understood. What do you need?"
"Head to the royal capital and support Orun."
"...What did you offer as compensation?"
The armored explorer, usually calm and measured, let displeasure seep into his voice.
"Hohoho. At this point, there's only one thing I can offer, isn't there?"
"I told you to stop that."
"For you, isn't it convenient? You must resent me, right? This despicable old man..."
"I don't resent you. That—including everything—is why I'm who I am now."
At the armored explorer's reply, Kavadale narrowed his eyes as if looking at something dazzling.
"That little child has grown so much. You'll probably find it unpleasant to hear, but you've become strong—both in body and heart. More hardships await you ahead, but I believe the current you can overcome them."
"Yeah. I know. I've accepted that the path I chose would be difficult. So you don't need to pay the price alone—"
"Even so, I can't heed your advice. The scenario I've envisioned is already entering its climax. But things always come with the unexpected. That's why I've secured you as a piece. I must absolutely see this purpose through. That's why this wretched old man still clings to life."
"Was there really no other way?"
"Who knows. There might have been better paths. But this was the only one I could find."
"I see. Understood. I won't say more. —So, head to the capital?"
"Mm. Hopefully it's needless worry, but better safe than sorry. Losing her here would be a heavy blow. Can I count on you?"
"Yeah, leave it to me. If your bad premonition proves right, that might actually be something to look forward to for me."
"Hohoho! True—for you, it might be the long-awaited opportunity."