Side: Elju Lau Roshure

I am currently in the royal capital.

It has been five days since we left Yuki-san's dungeon. Thanks to Mobu-san and his companions, we reached this far without any issues during our journey.

From here on, it is my duty. I must end this tragedy.

"Mobu-san, Raiya-san, Kurse-san—thank you for everything on the road. From this point forward, I will stop this war, even if it costs me my life."

When I declared this firmly, Mobu-san and the others looked troubled.

"Princess, we appreciate the sentiment, but don't push yourself too hard. It's rich coming from me, but your life was a gift. Don't let Yuki's kindness in saving you go to waste."

He was right. This life, and the reconciliation with Mobu-san's group, were only possible because of that strange Dungeon Master.

But right now, he is not here.

『I don't wanna leave the dungeon. Never know when someone might come after my life.』 he said, staying behind as he saw us off.

"In the end... I wasn't able to repay Yuki-san at all."

To him, the information we provided seemed to be enough, but I feel it is nowhere near sufficient to balance the scales for the kindness we received.

"I get how you feel, but you can't exactly go around shouting about him. Just use your position as a Princess to smooth things over for him later."

"You're... right. Once the war is over and things have settled, I hope I can speak of Yuki-san and offer him various forms of support."

For now, while the kingdom is in this turmoil, I can't speak of the Dungeon Master. It would put Yuki-san in danger and create vulnerabilities for other countries to exploit.

As we talked, we arrived at the fountain plaza in the royal capital.

"Well, this is where we part ways. I've got errands to run for Yuki."

"Yes. Thank you for everything."

I had thought of inviting Mobu and the others to the royal castle as guests, but—

"Don't bother. I haven't done anything worthy of praise from a princess. Let's see... the best I did was preserve your chastity?"

"M-Mou!! How rude!!"

Well, whether through luck or fate, my virtue remained intact.

In the end, he brushed it off with a joke and avoided the matter entirely.

"Will you be staying in the capital for a while?"

"Yeah. While I'm doing these errands, there are a few things I want to try myself. I want to have more happy stories to tell my wife and daughter."

"...I see."

"..."

"Then, I look forward to the day we can meet again."

"Yeah, if you come to the dungeon, there's a good chance you'll run into us."

With that, the three of them left.

"Oriel, from here on, this is our battlefield. Will you come with me?"

"Yes. Wherever you go."

* * *

Side: Mobu

"Alright then, let's get Yuki's errand done."

"Wait a moment, Mobu-san! Were you listening to Yuki? There's a high chance trouble will occur. We should keep an eye on the royal castle for a while."

"That kind of thing ain't my style. And it's not happening right this second, right? So I'll use the free time to go look for some slave helpers."

Waving my hand dismissively, I left Kurse and Raiya behind.

"Mobu-san is as carefree as ever..."

"That's just like him. Let's observe the castle ourselves. Leave the other errand to him."

"Shut it... Besides, stakeouts aren't my specialty... I'm more of a combat guy."

I grumbled to myself, ignoring the criticism as I looked for my destination.

"But 'just like me,' huh... I wonder if I can really go back to the way I was."

Thanks to Yuki, I've been pulled out of that blood-soaked spiral.

There are things I'll never get back, but I could at least think this was better than continuing as I was.

"But slaves to help with the dungeon, huh... I guess that's the only way to get workers... Ah, crap—I forgot to ask what kind he actually wants."

Muttering that, I slipped into a deserted alley.

"Uh, 'Call Yuki', was it? Hey, answer me."

I'm technically Yuki's subordinate now. The skill I got lets me communicate freely with other subordinates of him. Pretty handy, huh.

『Huh? Mobu? What's up? I'm busy right now. Has something happened already?』

"No, different matter. About the slaves... you said helpers, but what kind should I get?"

『Oh, right, I didn't specify. Well, they're basically maids, so young women should be fine, right?』

"Yeah. Old lady maids wouldn't work. Not much time left in them—and they might drop dead from shock in the dungeon."

『Exactly. I don't care about looks or race. Oh, wait—actually, try to get a variety of races. Don't double up.』

"Why? It's usually better to stick to one race so you don't have personality clashes or different manners to worry about."

『That's exactly why. I want information on different races. I've heard things from you guys, but there's a lot you don't know without encountering the actual race, right?』

"Makes sense... Got it. I'll look based on that."

『Yeah, I'll look forward to it. Looking forward to your preferences too.』

"I see… Wait, what did you just say?"

『Click.』

"Hey, did you just hang up on me!? Oi!!"

This is bad.

If I buy slaves alone now, everyone will think it's just "Mobu's personal fetish".

Depending on the situation, I might end up buying someone the age of my daughter... actually, that's likely.

I have to get Raiya and Kurse in on this, or I'd be the only one looking like a pervert.

Thinking that, I contacted Raiya.

* * *

Side: Oriel

"Elju!! Thank goodness, you're safe!! When your carriage was found in ruins, I thought you were dead—especially since you can be so clumsy sometimes!!"

"Chii-anesama... I'm not sure whether to be happy about that..."

Currently, Elju-sama's sister, Seraria-sama, is crying while hugging her.

She may have a sharp tongue, but it's obvious from her actions that she doesn't mean it.

We are currently in Seraria-sama's private room inside the royal castle. Though the gate guards were surprised, we were allowed entry without issue. We even met His Majesty, who said: "Elju... I'm truly glad you're safe!! Oriel, I thank you for your devoted service."

In truth, far from protecting her, I had allowed her to fall into slavery.

"Someone—come here!"

"Yes, Princess."

"Prepare Elju's favorite tea and sweets. Quickly!!"

"At once."

"Chii-anesama, you don't have to go to such trouble..."

"What are you saying? This isn't for you—it's for me!!"

It was a heartwarming scene to witness. I wished things could remain peaceful like this.

Perhaps because things seem peaceful, Yuki's words keep lingering in my mind.

"What I'm about to say is purely speculation. I wasn't there, so I can't say for sure. But if you want to protect Elju, listen carefully. If nothing happens, I'm just being paranoid. But if I'm right..."

Yuki told this only to me. I assumed it was to avoid causing Elju-sama unnecessary worry.

It concerned how Elju-sama had been used as a banner in this war.

"You probably realize this, but since Elju was used as a banner, it means there's someone who wants to exploit her."

"Yes, I suspect as much."

"I'll give you a few scenarios, from the 'safe to relax' ones to the 'worst-case scenario'."

Pattern 1: The princess has already served her purpose and can now live peacefully.

If this were true, it would be ideal.

Pattern 2: Internal pro-war factions used her as a pretext to consolidate power.

If so, we'd have to be careful with her actions, or the tragedy would repeat. This was plausible, given that invasions were already being carried out in Elju-sama's name.

Pattern 3: The worst possibility. A plan to eliminate Elju-sama entirely.

Yuki leaned toward this one. He found it suspicious that the carriage was attacked near a battlefield. If Elju-sama's path coincidentally became a battlefield, that was one thing, but Yuki suggested she might have been directed to pass there... If this is true... I swear I will kill the traitor responsible.

"Here, it's delicious. Drink up, Elju."

"Chii-anesama, no need to rush..."

"Hurry and drink... ca... ga... cough!"

"Chii-anesama!?"

The sound of the shattered cup snapped me back to reality.

"...!"

Seraria-sama was clutching her throat, struggling to breathe.

As I rushed to her side, the door burst open.

"Seraria-sama!? No... we're too late!! Guards! Guards!! Seraria-sama is being attacked by an impostor posing as Elju-sama!! Fetch a healer!!"

Standing there was the minister of this country—Loire.

* * *

Side: Seraria Nou Roshure

That damn minister... How dare he call Elju an impostor!

Her scent, her gestures, even her underwear would be 100 points! This is Elju, no doubt about it!!

"Ga... hugh...!"

But my voice won't come out... Damn it—that minister set this up!!

I understood instantly.

Elju had been shining brighter than ever after becoming a saintess... but lately, she seemed down. Probably because of that village incident.

That damned father praised her endlessly, but there's no way my Elju would want to make people suffer! Elju herself said she'd been used as a banner without even knowing it!

I see... My investigation got in your way, huh? And on top of that, you're trying to pin the blame on my precious Elju!!

"Chii-anesama!! Chii-anesama!!"

"Elju-sama, please calm down!! If you use your power, you can clear up this misunderstanding and save Seraria-sama!!"

Nice, Oriel!! Elju, come, use your power to purge the poison from me, and then we'll finish this damn Minister!!

"I-I understand!!"

Her beloved hand reached toward me, but—

"Don't move!! You intend to finish Seraria off right here!? Guards, a healer is on the way, so do not worry—seize that impostor!!"

Tch. He intends to let me die and ensure Elju takes the blame no matter what!

At this rate, neither of us survives... Then... there's only one option.

"El... ju... urry... ru... n...!"

See? I can still do it.

Even poisoned, my feelings for Elju cannot be stopped.

"Don't move!!"

"No, Oriel!! Let go, Chii-anesama is—Seraria-anesama is...!!"

"Elju-sama! Seraria-sama! Excuse me!"

Oriel slammed something onto the floor. Light erupted, dyeing the world pure white.

* * *

Side: Raiya

"Oya... Yuki's prediction came true after all."

"Looks like it. Though I wished it hadn't."

Kurse and I were scouting the royal castle when suddenly light burst from a window—and someone leapt out.

"It's the princess and her attendant."

"Looks like they're carrying someone? Think they can make it all the way back like that?"

"Who knows. But Yuki asked us to help them if they managed to break out."

"But if Yuki predicted this much, why not save them completely from the start?"

"Don't be ridiculous. If it's discovered a dungeon master is involved, the royal guard will swarm that dungeon."

"I get that, but still... If he was going to help anyway, why make them go through all this? Seriously... what the hell is Yuki even thinking? If we shelter them, we might end up saying goodbye to the whole dungeon."

As we spoke, Oriel came running toward us, carrying the princess and one another person.

She had no intention of stopping. She intended to escape all the way back to the dungeon.

"Go."

"...Sorry."

After she ran past, soldiers came rushing up.

"Did a person carrying two women pass through here!?"

"Ah, they went that way."

I pointed toward a different alley.

"Did something happen?"

Kurse asked the soldiers naturally.

"Sorry!! No time to explain!!"

The soldier cut the conversation short and ran off.

Pattern 4 (The Ultimate Worst): A coup d'état.

Elju was set up as a banner specifically to ruin the country's reputation. For now it's fine, but as the war drags on, the saintess who "caused" it will become a target.

Then, at the right moment, she "dies," and people inside and outside the country cry out about the atrocity of using a Saintess for war.

Then neighboring countries might form an alliance against Roshure.

The king would lose influence.

And the mastermind behind this plan would appear: "The current king cannot be trusted! Follow me instead!"

...What a nasty scenario.

"It's mostly speculation at this point, but keep it in mind. I don't have enough info to know who the mastermind is, but if they strike, it'll be right after Elju returns. They'll find a 'legal' way to get rid of her. After all, a saintess thought dead just suddenly reappeared. If it were me, I'd take the chance to get rid of one or two more royals while I'm at it. Who? The ones in the way of the throne."

I recall Yuki saying that.

"So that unfamiliar face we just saw... another royal?"

"Who knows?"

The one who could answer that question had already run far away.