“Ah! Ugh!”

Pointing at the cityscape before him, the coachman, Lui, bounced excitedly on his seat.

Although I wanted to advise him to be cautious with the windstorm horse, the one holding the reins, Medium, pulled Lui’s shoulder and cheerily exclaimed, “I get it, I get it!” so it would be inappropriate to say anything.

Additionally, Subaru, who was looking at the same sight, was also reasonably overwhelmed.

“That over there is the Magic City Chaos Frame…”

Swallowing hard, Subaru couldn’t help but express his astonishment with his own body.

Even in Lugnica, he had been astonished by the scenic beauty of Watergate City Pristella, and in Volakia, he had been impressed by the architectural style differences. However, the sight of the magic city looming before him delivered a shock unlike either of those.

In Subaru’s perception, a city was an entity for many people to reside in, and therefore, a uniform style and set rules should be laid out in its architecture.

Yet, in the streets of Chaos Frame, there was no sense of such uniformity.

Truly, it was a melting pot of diverse and arbitrary principles fitting for a city named “Chaos.”

At the center of the city, the most eye-catching structure was a castle painted with red shiny paint, and the streets spread out in a circular shape around it. At first glance, its architecture resembled that of the royal capital of Lugnica, but that place had clear distinctions between noble districts, commoner districts, and slums.

However, Chaos Frame had none of that.

Next to the magnificent buildings were old ruins, while suddenly oversized spires appeared amidst streets of low buildings, with overgrown parks adjoining desolate sandy areas.

There were countless patched beams and scaffolds carelessly strewn over the cityscape, making it look as if the entire city were covered in a spider’s web from a distance.

A city untethered from order and tidiness—truly, a “magic city” as they say.

Without a doubt, it was a place where chaos reigned.

“It sure looks like a city that could crumble at a ‘Giant’s Thrust.'”

As Subaru squinted at the city’s mismanaged nature, Al, who was beside him, spoke up. He made a makeshift visor with his hand against his helmet, commenting on the magical city’s scene.

By the way, I wondered if there was any point to making a visor from atop the helmet?

“I’ve been living in Volakia a long time, but it’s my first time coming to the east, and it’s refreshing.”

“Is it your first time in Chaos Frame too, Al? So you’ve been on the western side of Volakia this whole time?”

“Oh, the west—more like, one place really. Gladiator Island, it’s a coliseum floating in the middle of a lake. I was a gladiator there for a long time.”

“Coliseum gladiator…”

Subaru was left speechless by the intensity of Al’s backstory he had heard a glimpse of before. Losing a limb was bad enough, but Al’s casually shared circumstances seemed rife with heavy weight. Given the gravity of it all, he was likely trying not to concern anyone and spoke lightly—but—

“Still, that doesn’t lessen the mental burden I’m carrying here…”

“Huh? Did you say something, brother?”

“No, nothing. …By the way, what does ‘Giant’s Thrust’ even mean?”

“That? Didn’t they say that in your hometown? It’s about earthquakes and stuff like that.”

When he inquired about the unfamiliar phrase, Al tilted his head in response.

Though they hailed from the same place, this case referred broadly to the “original world,” so their true hometowns would differ.

However, while there were many proverbs related to demons, he hardly remembered any pertaining to giants.

“Could it be related to a baseball team or something? I’m not really up on that.”

“Ah, I wonder? I don’t really recall where I picked up that phrase. I don’t specifically remember liking baseball either.”

“I see. You seem like the type who would watch baseball games with a beer in hand.”

“First off, I didn’t even drink that stuff,” Al chuckled.

Subaru realized this sounded plausible given the year Al was summoned to this world and internally agreed.

In any case, while they were engaging in such light conversation, the carriage carrying their group approached the front of the chaotic city, the entrance to the tumultuous urban sprawl.

Thinking back, what came to mind regarding urban entry and exit were the checkpoints in Gwararu.

The gates allowing entry into the city, ones established at the north and south ends for inspections, would interrogate people regarding their identities and purposes for being in the city.

Ultimately, since they had already allowed Subaru and others to infiltrate, whether the inspection functioned correctly is debatable. Pulling a quote from Zikuru’s comment, “The soldiers were likely dazzled by the beauty of Lady Natsumi and her company,” we can conclude that we processed that quite well.

After all, checkpoints of that nature exist in both kingdoms and empires alike. Similar confirmation processes were also present in the cities of Lugnica. Thus, thinking of it as a critical moment, Subaru restructured himself as “Natsumi Schwarz” once again—

“—Enter.”

“Roger! Thanks a bunch!”

“Ugh!”

Surveying the inside of the carriage, the sentry who granted passage was a Monocle Tribe member—a man of the species with a large single eye in the center of his face.

Just upon a glance, permission for entry was granted, and Subaru felt somewhat taken aback. Could it be that those distinctive single eyes possessed some special ability to see through things?

“That may be why they are appointed as gate guards.”

“You seem to be overanalyzing, but monocle people have no such power. I’ve heard they can see further than two-eyed folk, but their vision largely works the same way.”

“Of course! After all, they’re letting this suspicious carriage pass right through!”

Putting his hand to his chin, Subaru barked in reply as though aiming for his own sense of understanding.

Hearing Subaru’s heightened voice, the guard let out a small snort and adjusted the angle of the red demon mask covering his face before sitting deeper into his seat.

Upon arriving at the magic city, Abel immediately put on the mask he had been carrying. Upon seeing that, Subaru expressed concern about it attracting suspicion from the guards.

But Abel’s mask went unnoticed, and the guard’s reaction was precisely as he had anticipated, which made Subaru feel bitter for two reasons.

Of course, the fact that Abel went unnoticed was good news; however…

“This is indeed a serious situation. The condition of the gate guards, as the first line of defense in the city, raises questions about what kind of laws are permitted here.”

“I concur with Natsumi. Wearing clothing with sleeves attracts no remarks whatsoever.”

“Mm… that surprise seems a bit different in quality from my own surprise…”

Talitta, with her stiffened cheeks, agreed, but unfortunately, her culture shock stemmed from a different origin than Subaru’s.

While Subaru’s concern was with the city’s attitude, hers may relate to her identity as one of the People of Shudrak.

“——-”

Before arriving at the magic city, Subaru recalled talking to Talitta around a campfire.

Since then, while Talitta hadn’t voiced any of the same worries or anxieties, it didn’t mean she had solved her problems, either. Perhaps, even if she managed to accomplish her decisive act of taking over as chief, that anxiety may not vanish.

Subaru earnestly wished for a resolution that would calm her heart, but—

“That aside, it’s about issues in the magic city.”

Having passed the rough checkpoints, their carriage was engulfed by the chaotic and disorderly streets.

From the driver’s seat, Medium and Lui were letting out high-pitched exclamations of awe and admiration, while Subaru’s attention was captured by the interior scenes of the magic city, which could not be discerned from appearances alone.

First, after entering the city, the number of races was astonishingly diverse, more so than anything he had ever seen.

The impact of the monocle guard was considerable, but once inside, he soon realized that it was not enough to stand out.

Majority-wise, a myriad of beastmen traversed the streets—not just cat people and dog people, but even rabbit and lion people with distinctly different sizes.

A group of lizardmen with reptilian appearances set up shop, and many Multi-armed Tribes could be seen, while groups with abnormally long hair, whether as a fashion or a racial trait, were unclear.

There were also beings that looked like walking stone blocks, and chimera-like figures whose bodies appeared to intermingle with other species.

“——-”

Subaru was left speechless by the indiscriminate mix of races.

Of course, there had been impressive sights back in the royal capital of Lugnica that made him realize he’d been summoned to a different world right away. However, as he began to acquire knowledge to survive in this world, he learned about the complex situations surrounding demi-humans too.

Starting with Emilia, who had faced rejection for being a half-elf, the environment for demi-humans in this world does not seem particularly blessed.

Good or bad, the customs of distancing oneself from the unusual persist even across worlds.

Thus, many demi-humans, whose traits are distinctly evident in their appearances, tend to stay away from human habitation, living withdrawn lives to avoid trouble, as he had heard.

Garfiel’s homeland, the “Sanctuary,” was likely one such example.

However, how does that apply to Chaos Frame before Subaru?

Though a diversity of races was side by side, living without fear, what surprised Subaru most was the straight, confident posture of those living there.

With their backs straight, everyone assertively claimed their race.

Beastmen did not retract their claws and fangs; lizardmen did not conceal their scales; those deemed strange or bizarre did not cover their faces or bodies. —It all appeared reflexively fresh to Subaru.

“What kind of law operates here?” he thought in surprise.

Suddenly, a voice broke into his thoughts—it was Abel wearing a demon mask, seated.

Not only Medium and the others up front, but Subaru, Al, and even Talitta were all surveying the surroundings with keen interest, and the masked emperor drew Subaru’s awareness with his words and continued.

“As you can see, what exists here is lawlessness. If you ask what sort of law might prevail, it would be the formless law. One could call it a city of vice that ridicules the essence of order.”

“Vice… You’re raining on my parade when people are feeling inspired, you know?”

“Inspired? You were impressed, I see. That’s natural for someone like you from the outside.”

Abel shrugged his slender shoulders in response to Subaru’s comment, which sounded oddly distancing—”the outside” suggesting he was seen as an outsider. This reminded Subaru of their quarrel on the carriage a few days prior. However, since it was only Subaru who became emotional, it would likely be met with laughter from the other.

“But isn’t the essence of disorder disguising itself as order a consistent concept of this city? What do you think, Abel?”

“When it comes down to the essence of order, it will be clear whether this city is disordered or not. —Where do you think the essence of order lies?”

“Now I’m being asked something like a zen riddle… Brother, pass!”

Al quickly tossed in the towel, prompting Subaru to squint one eye.

However, unlike Al, who had no pride, Subaru was resistant to surrender so quickly. He crossed his arms, tilted his head, and with long hair flowing over his shoulder, he declared,

“The essence of order is that! Everyone living together! Peace!”

“The essence of order is unity.”

Abel did not react to Subaru’s schoolchild-like opinion but simply stated it.

Miffed by that retort, he continued to add.

“To share the same values amongst many. Whether it be doctrine, belief, purpose, or desires. It is not to be found in the individual but within the collective, where the absence of deviation in identity is what is called order. Upon that foundation of order is built what you speak of as fantasy.”

“Fantasy… Is peace that absurd?”

“Struggle is an inevitable human instinct. Even if the weapon is not a sword but becomes words or nations, the essence does not change. However, order forms an ideal environment free from chaos. —Look here.”

With a gesture of his chin, Abel directed their attention outside the window.

Even without looking outside, Subaru felt assured of what he could see—a symbol of this magic city, the red castle.

“As the jester said, a ‘disorderly order’ prevails in this city. And while it has turned into a melting pot of various races, it is that very foundation which keeps the city from falling apart.”

“That castle… No, what’s inside that castle…”

—”Yorna Mishigure.”

Subaru felt a slight tremble at the name as it reverberated strongly in his ears.

Abel uttered that name while his expression remained obscured by the mask. Still, he himself considered her a problematic entity among the “Nine Divine Generals” and someone crucial for reclaiming his imperial throne.

In a city where all sorts of chaos exist, with disjointed individuals rushing by, the castle at its center shone with glossy outer walls, seeming to look down upon them as they arrived at the emperor’s knees.

△▼△▼△▼△

—Little information had been provided about Yorna Mishigure beforehand.

One of the strongest figures in the Volakia Empire, a woman granted the rank of “Black.”

While holding the title of general, she had committed rebellion numerous times, causing undue chaos within the empire—she was a dangerous individual.

Zikuru had brought Subaru information about the “Nine Divine Generals” in place of the inept Emperor, yet when it came to the matter of Yorna and “One” Cecilis, there was a notable hesitation in how he spoke of both.

In other words—

“Is she to be recognized as the crazier of the two in the empire…?”

Voicing that, a premonition of what lay ahead weighed heavily on Subaru’s heart.

Dealing with the woman was the immediate trial, but eventually, he would also have to face the man. And, since gaining them as allies was all but a given for affirming their victory.

Thinking of them as the same reminded him of Abel’s talk about order—

“The one we must engage with is the one farthest from order…,” he muttered to himself, brushing his hair aside as he felt a headache coming on.

Abel’s reasoning was intriguing as expected from an emperor, but would it truly prove helpful in his upcoming conquest of Yorna?

Yet, it was clear that his words weren’t simply to try and take the high ground in front of him—no, it was about the order of the magic city.

Chaos Frame appeared brimming with chaos, yet within that boiling pot of disorder was a certain order that kept it from crumbling.

Abel had spoken that precisely that order was Yorna Mishigure.

Thus, even though she was a dangerous rebel who had committed mutinies, he had chosen not to expel or execute her from the “Nine Divine Generals.”

“But, there’s no doubt she’s a tricky one; I’m in for some trouble, brother.”

As Subaru indulged in such thoughts, Al, who was lazily sitting cross-legged nearby, let out a laugh.

Casting a glance sideways at Al, who lounged lazily on the wooden floor, Subaru let out a small sigh. Al’s calm demeanor was sometimes a relief, albeit situational.

“Al, please sit up straight. You never know when, where, or who might be watching. And please stop calling me brother.”

“What else am I supposed to call ya? What if I wrote sister and called you brother?”

“That wouldn’t convey anything if the kanji doesn’t get across.”

The richness of Japanese expressions could make one’s heart tremble, but adding exchanges that only Subaru and Al understood was pointless.

What was needed was more external addresses.

“Since you call Medium and Talitta with a -san, wouldn’t it be natural to treat me the same?”

“So, you want me to call you Natsumi-chan? Whoa, got goosebumps!”

“Please hold back! Honestly, you’re so restless…”

As Al displayed goosebumps on his right arm, Subaru scolded him, assuming the role of a disciplinarian. Although it was a strange situation, since age hierarchy didn’t count this time, being a weight on Subaru’s shoulders was probably appropriate.

After all—

“We’ve already entered the ‘Crimson Lapis Castle.'”

Whispering that within himself, Subaru steeled his resolve.

That’s right, they were already invited inside the heart of the magic city, the shining crimson castle, and were about to seek a meeting with its ruler, Yorna Mishigure.

—Having entered into the magic city, their subsequent actions were swift.

They soon found an inn where the storm horse and carriage could be stabled, and began their operations aimed at the conquest of Yorna.

That said, they had already solidified what needed to be done on the way, so there was no hesitation in taking action.

The actions they needed to take were—

“Deliver this to the lord, Yorna Mishigure. I’m sure we’ll get a reaction from her.”

Thus said, Abel passed a letter he had composed to Subaru.

The envelope containing the letter was sealed with wax, making it impossible to open. It’s customary to press the family crest ring into the wax before it has completely set, affirming the source.

However, the seal on the letter didn’t have such proof pressed into it.

“The proof of the emperor I took with me has already shattered. One was you, the other was at the City Hall of Gwararu.”

“Oh… That would be the ‘Ritual of Blood’ and ‘Arakia Panic,’ right? But, without any proof of origin, will she even read it? Even if she does read it, will she believe it?”

“There’s no need for unnecessary concerns. I don’t plan to reveal the contents, but I’ve made sure that upon reading, it will be clear it comes from me.”

“I see… By the way, wouldn’t it be more certain if you went directly?”

Subaru posed that question as he tucked the letter into his chest.

He was tasked with delivering the letter since Abel wouldn’t be accompanying them to the castle. From the perspective of affirming their identities and circumstances, having him there would resolve the issue immediately.

After all, wasn’t Abel accompanying him in order to negotiate directly with Yorna?

If that was not the case, there was no need for Abel to remain in Gwararu.

“Rather, it would prevent me from having to worry about being on edge about checkpoints along the way. Honestly, wouldn’t the journey have been much easier that way?”

“Your disrespect knows no bounds.”

“Is it because you alone throw our harmony off balance…?”

In truth, it wasn’t only Abel, but Lui was also a troubling factor.

However, in this instance, it was a perfect moment for Subaru to jab at Abel—he put the matter of Lui on the back burner.

“Without being told otherwise, I will speak face to face with Yorna Mishigure. However, it’s not convenient for me to show my face too soon; you ought to take note.”

“Note you say… Ah, that’s true.”

Abel’s annoyance, communicated through his masked voice, was met with quiet agreement from Subaru.

Thinking about it, this individual had a history of revolting repeatedly. From Yorna’s perspective, she may have harbored discontent with Abel’s rule, hence the rebellions.

Naturally, the relationship between Abel and Yorna was like oil and water, or perhaps akin to a powder keg about to explode. It was quite something that he had come all the way to the magic city.

“Currently, your duty is to hand the letter over to Yorna Mishigure. However, keep it under wraps that this is coming from me… the emperor.”

“Eh, why? Won’t I get turned away if I don’t say that?”

“Just as a precaution. While reading the letter won’t lead to negative repercussions, I can’t foresee any change in mindset before handing the letter over. So be clever.”

“Clever…”

Surprised by the unexpected difficulty, Subaru looked up at Abel.

He stood with arms crossed, still hiding his expression behind the demon mask, and—

“By looking at this city, you could generally understand its climate and scales of preference. Use your malicious wit, and draw her interest.”

“There’s a malice in your tone!”

“I have second-best plans, but I wish to avoid relying on them. As my ends go, the path ahead is long. Do you understand?”

“Truly, what an arrogant man you are…”

Subaru openly expressed his displeasure at Abel’s authoritative tone.

At this very moment, he imagined staging a mutiny alongside Yorna against Abel if the opportunity arose. Given such a notion, he felt it might be possible to build a rapport with Yorna.

If they could each share their grievances about His Imperial Highness, they might even become friends.

“…Well then, I shall proceed in that direction.”

“You seem to have come to a sudden inspiration, but it likely isn’t for the best.”

Being told that by the mastermind of an unsavory idea wasn’t exactly convincing.

—Thus, through such developments, Subaru and the others made their way into the heart of the magic city, the “Crimson Lapis Castle,” where Yorna Mishigure resided.

Following Abel’s instructions, they were allowed entry without mentioning his name.

While it was a somewhat unconventional approach, Yorna’s soldiers, who bore little caution like the gate guards, let them inside and ordered them to wait for Yorna’s audience.

Thus, the group passed their time in the wide waiting room, furnished with wooden flooring, until Yorna, the ruler, would be ready.

In the waiting room, no guards were posted, and they were free to leave whenever they wished.

The lax security and carelessness made Subaru, the outsider, feel anxious. More than that, things had progressed so smoothly that he was bewildered.

“Of course, it’s convenient, but… at this rate, if they continue to let visitors into the castle, even for a general, it wouldn’t be hard for assassins to slip through, would it?”

“Excuse me, but we weren’t planning to cause a ruckus. We won’t get in any trouble.”

Feeling more concerned with the carelessness of their hosts than their graciousness, Subaru and Al exchanged looks of disbelief. But amidst their conversation, Medium, who had been quietly sitting cross-legged, laughed loudly.

The envoys entering the Crimson Lapis Castle were Subaru, Al, and Medium. Abel, Talitta, and Lui stayed back at the inn.

Since Abel couldn’t join them in the castle, someone inevitably had to stay behind as a guard.

And to avoid wasting time with Lui, who would likely prove to be of no use, this arrangement ended up being the best choice.

“I had considered the possibility that the castle master has an interest in rare things.”

In that sense, one could consider that the “People of Shudrak,” who rarely ventured out of the forest, might catch Yorna’s attention, hence including Talitta in their group.

Yet, relinquishing only Abel and Lui at the inn left no choice but to add a significant burden to Talitta.

“Even if she’s fond of rare things, with so many races in the city, would Talitta really be considered rare among one or two others?”

“Indeed, I thought so too. Hence this strategy.”

“Natsumi-chan is incredibly bold! Both Al and I were surprised.”

“Ah, I startled Al too.”

Casually jumping on the conversation, Al echoed Medium’s enthusiasm. Even while having thoughts of his demeanor, Subaru couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of their bright spirits.

Having been tasked with delivering a letter as an envoy while being told not to mention Abel’s name left Subaru in a conundrum.

In actuality, that was a revelation that had propelled them forward, hence granting them entry.

“The clue for the conquest is, ‘Abel is annoying.'”

“Haha, Natsumi-chan, you take a jab at Abel, huh? That’s impressive.”

“Impressive? Me? Is it the wickedness of Abel’s personality?”

“Both!”

“Medium-chan, you have quite the guts.”

With a lively wave, Medium referred back to the dynamic between Subaru and Abel.

While Subaru and Abel did not share the kind of relationship defined by oil and water, they were two individuals bound by their need to merely walk along the same path, all while bumping shoulders as they went.

If anything, their situation resembled the previous relationship between Subaru and Julius more closely.

However, when accounting for the Pleiades Watchtower as well, Subaru truly trusted Julius. —Though he would never voice that nor let it show.

“Yet, it’s definitely not an easy matter.”

In short, one could say they had grown less awkward and had gotten along somehow.

However, that was after traversing a long, arduous road filled with both hills and valleys.

Improving interpersonal relationships is no simple feat.

At the very least, unless both parties yearn to improve, rough roads will not be smoothed out.

Even if one side seeks to level things out, if the other party continuously tramples it down, it will never come to fruition.

“—Thank you for waiting. Envoys, this way please.”

Such bitter reflections were abruptly interrupted by the announcement of a servant entering the waiting room.

The one who appeared was the same girl who had guided them up to this point—a deer person with large antlers on her head, and besides those horns, she largely retained human characteristics, being a half-beast.

The young girl, appearing to be around mid-teens, was wrapped in a garment resembling a kimono, its long hem trailing on the floor as she led Subaru and the others onward.

The gentle movements and appearance of the guide triggered something in Subaru’s recollection.

However, unable to pinpoint exactly what it was, the guiding girl led them up to the upper part of the Crimson Lapis Castle — straight to its topmost tier.

The construction of the castle bore a closer resemblance to the historic Japanese castles that Subaru knew rather than the western-style castles he was now accustomed to. The materials and architecture were, of course, different, but the widely open layered structure and interior design created that impression.

Spotting several individuals decorated in colorful kimono-like attire amongst the attendees also contributed to that image.

In any case, the group behaved respectfully in following the girl’s guidance, leading them to the hall where they would be meeting Yorna.

“Please wait here. —Lady Yorna will be with you shortly.”

“Ah, thank you… Oh?”

As he expressed his gratitude to the guiding girl and entered the grand hall, Subaru found himself tilting his head.

The reason for his confusion was the presence of some individuals who were already there in the hall. —Aside from Subaru and his party, there were other people present, facing away from the entrance where they had entered.

It was clear that those figures were not the ruler, Yorna, since the chair placed at the end of the room was unoccupied.

“Those over there are…”

“They, like yourselves, seek an audience with Lady Yorna. Lady Yorna is rather capricious, so when engaging with one, she does it all at once.”

“Huh…?”

Subaru managed to respond with a slight grunt at the maid’s calm explanation.

It felt rather outrageous and presumptuous to get others caught up in such a situation. What’s more, even to be put in such a context, it made things quite awkward, especially since they were essentially complete strangers.

There could also be topics that the other party wouldn’t want strangers listening in on.

“If you mention that, we’re basically in the same boat, Natsumi-chan.”

“…Being called that gives me immediate goosebumps as well.”

In response to Al’s empathetic remark, Subaru replied with a sigh.

Indeed, while the exact content of the letter they carried remained uncertain, it was undoubtedly concerning the fact that Abel was deposed and seeking Yorna’s cooperation as a stepping stone for his reclamation.

Without any understanding of Yorna’s character, her reaction to the letter was completely unknown as well. Though at least Abe believed they would be safe as long as she read the letter.

“Please wait inside. Yorna will be arriving shortly.”

Ignoring the hushed conversation between Subaru and Al, the guide bowed and receded.

Naturally, even if she were to stop them, the situation wouldn’t budge. Since it was Yorna herself who ordered as much, it wasn’t rational to blame her.

“What’s the plan now?”

Medium tilted her head, swinging her hair as her fingers brushed the dual swords at her waist.

Displaying a surprisingly compliant attitude in following Subaru and the others’ directives, her straightforwardness was rather unpredictable. Though at first glance, she came off as impulsive and emotional, she ultimately obeyed those giving orders.

Perhaps it was a result of having traveled alone with Flopp, requiring some role division.

With her straightforward and innocent question, Subaru rubbed at his eyes, thinking, “I guess there’s no helping it,” before stepping into the room.

“Let’s request the clearing of the area before presenting the letter. They may tell us no, but given the circumstances, there’s no harm in trying.”

“If you don’t like what the princess says, you might lose your head, you know?”

“Please don’t throw around such extreme examples…!”

Hearing an absurd scenario only amplified Subaru’s wariness toward Yorna—a being of extremes herself.

For a moment, he hesitated to enter the grand hall, when Al patted him on the shoulder and said,

“Don’t worry about it. I told you, right? I’ll help you. Today… Natsumi-chan won’t face any harsh trials.”

“Al… You were the one who made me anxious.”

With that, Subaru shot a glare at Al’s hand resting on his shoulder. Startled, Al quickly withdrew it, and with both good and bad consequence, Subaru’s tension loosened.

While he accepted Al’s sentiment with gratitude, the three of them stepped into the grand hall.

The large hall bore similarities to the settings seen in period dramas, aside from being carpeted—it resembled a space where lords and vassals engaged in meetings.

The envoys were seated in the lower position, waiting for the appearance of the castle master at the upper seat.

“Let’s stay over here.”

As Subaru advanced through the hall, he settled in the position opposite the guests waiting in the room.

Feeling out of place behind or before the other guests, he positioned himself somewhat distanced, aligning with the pattern often seen in period dramas where the lord’s vassals spread out to the left and right.

Wryly amused by the odd coincidence, Subaru glanced over at the waiting guests.

There were four figures among those present, similarly armed as the group was. Among them, one individual was unarmed and appeared to sit slightly ahead of the other three.

This person was likely their representative, with the remaining three acting as bodyguards.

“All of them look more reliable than Al…”

Subaru shot a sidelong glance at the trio of bodyguards, mocking Al’s earlier concern.

With that, he turned his gaze towards the forefront, directing his attention towards the figure they were meant to see.

Who was it that sought an audience with Yorna? What were their intentions?

“—!”

In that instant, Subaru’s voice caught in his throat, and his cheeks and neck went rigid.

A silent gasp escaped, and as he instinctively looked downward, the named individual shifted their gaze to them.

However, seeing Subaru turned away, that figure lost interest and diverted their attention elsewhere.

Subaru quieted his racing heart and exhaled softly, the overwhelming sensation apparent to Al and Medium behind him as they too would soon share his shock.

Because—

“…This can’t be real.”

With bitterness seeping into his words, Subaru realized the man standing about five meters in front of him bore the same face as Abel, the one who shouldn’t be present here.