Chapter 70

"Sorry for the wait."

In one of the reception rooms, while waiting for the report, the knights returned. However, there were additional people with Mercedesia and Chester—a female knight with slanted eyes and a man who looked like a priest with a distinctive beard.

"This is our first time speaking. I am Mildred Calvare, the Knight Commander."

"I am Derek Bolger, the Inquisitor."

"Nice to meet you. I am Theodor Gartner."

So, Mildred is the Knight Commander, and Derek, with his Kaiser beard, is the Inquisitor.

"First—let me provide the answers to the questions."

Derek apparently conducted the magical inquisition of Fernando and Jasper. Summarizing his report—there were two adventurers who accompanied them in the Twilight Forest. They were staying at a cheap inn near the western district's port.

"Jasper has only known them for a short time. They met and hit it off at a tavern. He says he doesn't know them well. They mentioned that the knights might be worth some money, and that's why they became friends with Jasper."

After parting ways with his original group, Jasper probably turned to these like-minded individuals.

"Those who were captured with him... are a different story, it seems."

Mercedesia murmured.

"Those guys are originally from the western district—long-time acquaintances of Jasper, but not adventurers by trade."

Derek answered while adjusting his Kaiser beard with his fingers.

"Fernando is also originally from the western district. He knew Jasper as a man who would do anything for money."

I see. They had a network that made it easy to form connections. That's why Fernando was recruited, and Greg took advantage of the situation.

"Well, that's about all the information we could extract from them. What I'm curious about is—why you're concerned about such minor characters."

Jasper wasn't trusted enough to be involved in the confinement, but from their perspective, it's unclear how much they knew. Depending on that, they might have been deceived or knew a little and cooperated.

"On the surface, they're just low-level operatives. But soldiers will likely be sent to their location tomorrow. However... that won't do."

"To be frank, I suspect those two might be demons."

When I said that, the expressions of those present turned to surprise.

"Is there any basis for that?"

Chester asked.

"Not much, but it's a bit concerning. Considering that demons were investigating matters related to the Moonlight Temple's seal and Fernando's comment about adventurers getting burned when they touched something... it's a possibility."

Even if they're not demons, if the infiltrators failed, they would just send in the next ones.

"Come to think of it... that's right. I touched that door, but I didn't get burned."

Mercedesia nodded in agreement.

"There's a possibility that the door has changed. However, going to the Twilight Forest to confirm isn't a good idea. If Jasper and Fernando have been captured, they might realize it and escape."

"But... if they are demons, sending soldiers to question or arrest them would be dangerous."

Chester grumbled. Yes, that would be a repeat of the Lynette incident. Especially since this time, there might be two of them.

"What do you think?"

Mercedesia asked Chester. If there's any room for negotiation with demons, we might explore that. But knowing their mindset towards humans... the options are limited.

"Seal off the area to minimize casualties and send a small, elite team capable of confronting demons. An investigation of Fernando is necessary since he was involved."

I dislike complicated situations. If the adventurers were just hired and knew nothing, an apology would suffice. Given the nature of the suspicion and the inquisition, false accusations are unlikely. Moreover, vetting clients and choosing companions are part of an adventurer's job.

"Still... that's a rough approach."

The knights chuckled, but no one objected. Mildred even seemed excited.

"Considering we're dealing with demons, the dragon riders should be involved... but there's a problem."

Chester said with a grim expression.

"The dragon riders' morale is at its worst because the Greg faction is under investigation."

"Right."

Dragon riders are expensive to maintain. Greg, who preferred currying favor with nobles over his duties, had risen to power. With Greg now captured, the dragon riders are likely dysfunctional. Tasks like sealing off the area and guiding evacuations aren't their forte.

"Still, a small, elite team, then. It would be difficult to act as a unit."

Mildred crossed his arms.

"Either way, I'm going. This isn't about cooperation but personal reasons."

If I hesitate knowing there might be demons, it would be no different from what happened with my mother. I'll get involved, and if there's a plan, I'll crush it.

"Summarizing, we'll select a few elite dragon riders to join Theodor in confronting the demons."

"I'm fine with that."

"Hmm. Then all we need is the king's approval. We'll be ready by dawn."

Dawn, huh. There's still time.

"About the evacuation, will the orphanage be included?"

The orphanage is far from the port, but just to be safe.

"The orphanage in the western district. Understood. I'll ensure it's properly arranged."

"Thank you."

"Theodor, what will you do? Wait here until it's time?"

Mercedesia asked, and I pondered.

"I'm worried about home. I'll go back and let them know."

Regardless, I should inform Grace and the others. The last time I fought demons, I worried them. This time, it won't be a sudden battle.

"Back now."

When I returned home, everyone greeted me with smiles. Shira and Ilmehilt were also waiting.

"How did it go?"

"Greg's faction and Fernando were captured. But—"

"But?"

"We might have to fight demons. There are two adventurers with suspicious ties, and we're heading to the western district tomorrow morning—"

I explained the situation to everyone. Shira and Ilmehilt frowned when they heard about the western district.

"The port is nearby, but the orphanage is far from there. The knights said they'll handle the evacuation."

"Thank you."

Their expressions relaxed a bit.

"Still, near the port—my and Ilmehilt's homes are close."

"Maybe it's best not to go back there tonight."

"Understood."

They seemed to agree, but their expressions didn't brighten. Grace and Ashley felt the same way. Their faces clearly showed their worry.

"Since we're dealing with demons, I can't bring everyone like in the dungeon. This is a personal battle."

"I—"

After a moment, Ashley spoke first.

"To be honest, I want to go with you."

Ashley narrowed her eyes. Yes, for her, demons are enemies.

"But... I'd probably just be a burden. I think my role isn't to fight demons directly, but to be ready to cast healing magic if someone gets hurt."

Her voice trailed off. She was questioning whether this was the right decision. From my perspective, it's not wrong.

If she insisted on going, it would be a problem. I think Ashley often feels this way during dungeon explorations—staying back to be ready to heal. Her long mace is just a means to deal with close-range threats.

So, I gently stroked her hair and replied.

"Probably, that's right. You can fight with peace of mind."

Ashley tilted her head and smiled.

"Theo—"

I turned to Grace. She looked at me directly and asked.

"Would I be a burden?"

"No."

I shook my head. Among my companions, Grace is the only one with the strength to face demons. And she has a reason to fight them.

"I think Grace can fight. I'll prepare a way for you to fight on equal terms."

"Thank you, Theo."

I can fight demons. I have no qualms about crushing them. But honestly, I don't want to put my loved ones in danger. I understand that they feel the same way. Imposing my views unilaterally would be selfish.

But I understand the pain of just watching. If Grace wants to fight and has the means, I'll fight with her. That's what trust means. Grace has her reasons, too, with her mother.

"Thank you, Theo. For—lifting the seal on the ring."

Ah, Grace has always been in a released state. After I sealed the ring, she smiled and hugged me.

"Ashley, too."

"Sure."

Grace included Ashley, and I found myself in a hug with both of them. Soft, warm bodies, a faint scent tickling my nose.

Gently, Grace kissed my cheek. Surprised, I looked at her, and she smiled warmly. Ashley, seeing this, timidly kissed my cheek as well. Once they touched, their embrace tightened. Eventually, they let go, both blushing.

"Hmm, hmm..."

Shira cleared her throat. I realized everyone was blushing, and the atmosphere was oddly relaxed.

"Well, if Ashley can hold back, we should too."

"Right."

Ilmehilt changed the topic, and Shira nodded.

"Right. It would be nice if everyone waits for me."

"Understood. We'll wait for your return."

Shira smiled at me.

"Let's eat. We've been waiting for Theodor to come back."

Ashley ran to the kitchen.

...Still, even on the cheek, that was quite a kiss. I'm glad I came back home. The people I want to protect, the reason to seek strength, the reason to fight demons, the people I want to protect. I feel like I've reaffirmed everything.

I won't let demons take anything else from me.