Chapter 44

Holding hands with Elies and Mars on either side, I descended one floor of the grand staircase.

It was as if I was a captured alien being brought to the second floor.

The red carpet was fluffy, like something out of a fairy tale, and the chandeliers sparkled. There stood knights, different from the ones guarding the castle gates, with their shiny, expressionless armor.

The scene before me was just like a castle from a story, a very castle-like image. Even the North Demon King’s Castle had a place like this.

...Oh no, my mouth was hanging open.

"This second floor has guest rooms, the Demon King’s office, and his private chambers."

"…If it’s this easy to get in, the Demon King is in danger!"

No, seriously.

And you can say that?

"Oh, Yurii, you say the funniest things."

"Huh?"

"The second floor is guarded by the Royal Guard. When all the guest rooms are in use, elite members from the Outer Guard are called in for support, but the Royal Guard is always here.

The Royal Guard is a special unit selected from the elite of the Outer Guard, who meet several criteria. It’s impossible to get past their security, even for a group of battalion commanders.

Moreover, if the Royal Guard isn’t enough, the Palace Guard will make you see a terrifying sight."

In other words, the second floor is guarded by a bunch of monsters.

...I thought the Royal Guard just stuck to the Demon King.

...What does the Palace Guard do? For Elies to say this much, what do they do??

"And the Demon King himself is the strongest in the North Demon King’s Castle. Who’s really in danger, I wonder?"

Furthermore, seeing Elies’ supreme smile, I couldn’t help but bow to her. She’s definitely suited to be an evil advisor.

Her terrifying presence must make even the expressionless knights inwardly tremble!

"---...Besides, it’s not as if you can just enter from such an obvious place."

Elies muttered, and I couldn’t help but clap my hands.

Indeed, there must be various structural elements.

In essence, even though it’s the same floor, it’s actually a completely different structure and location.

Got it, I understand.

"It’s like a magic mirror."

"‘Magic mirror’?"

"From the inside, it looks like a regular mirror, but there’s actually a room outside, and the inside can be seen from the back of the mirror like a window. The second floor is for guests, but the Demon King’s room is on a different second floor."

From the way Elies put it, it seems we can’t go to the Demon King’s room from here. That’s probably the case. And with my limited knowledge, I probably wouldn’t be able to find the official name.

Moreover, it’s clear there are other mechanisms.

I wonder if anyone can write a wonderful mystery novel using the structure of this place.

‘The North Demon King’s Castle Serial Murder Case’... But if an attack happens before the serial murders, it would be over immediately.

"…There’s something called a ‘magic mirror.’ I’ve never heard of it. Yurii, can you tell me more about it later?"

"I don’t know the structure, though?"

"That’s fine. Jott likes that kind of thing, so I’ll ask him."

"...What about Captain Yaeto?"

"Yes, we should call Captain Yaeto too."

Great. If Yaeto comes, I can enjoy his muscles again!

...But right now, I have another ambition. Embarrassingly, I’m going to ask.

"Commander Elies, um, can I..."

"Oh, what’s the matter? Do you need to use the restroom?"

"No, can I walk a little more on the fluffy carpet?"

It’s not the restroom! ...Did it look like that to you... (Gulp)

Still, the fluffy and soft texture is really appealing.

...Why are Elies and Mars looking at me with such warm eyes?

The gaze of the Royal Guard, who don’t even flinch, is painful.

I’m sorry. Even though I said it, I feel like I’m about to give up just from everyone’s gazes. I’m really sorry for being so cheeky.

"---...Please, come in."

Just as I was about to refuse, a gentle voice came from the end of the corridor.

Looking at the source of the voice, it wasn’t a sheep... but a butler! Dressed in a tuxedo with white gloves, his ash-silver hair neatly combed, and his posture impeccable and smart.

The only thing missing is the glasses. Personally, I find glasses very appealing.

But still, a real butler!

"Roiss"

"Since there are no guests today, it’s fine to walk a little on the carpet."

The butler’s name is Roiss.

His voice is gentle, and he speaks clearly. As expected of a butler.

"Go ahead, Yurii."

"Is it okay?"

"Yes. Since the Palace Guard Captain gave his permission, feel free to go ahead."

"...Captain Roiss?"

"Nice to meet you, young clerk. I am Roiss, the Captain of the Palace Guard."

Wow! The Captain of the Palace Guard!?

He’s the head butler. Why is such a person here!?

And to have me greet the captain first, what am I? I’m too relaxed.

"Thank you very much.

Um, I’m Yurii from the Document Team today."

"Oh, how polite of you."

...Yeah, I get it. From a distance, the butler looks very appealing. But in reality, he’s not so easy to handle. He might be an even more outrageous captain than Elies. He gives off a terrifying and devious vibe (cold sweat).

Yes, this... It’s like Elies and Vincent. If it’s not just my imagination, does he have the presence of two people in one?

---No, from Elies’ words earlier, it’s not just my imagination.

"...I’m coming in."

I decided that it’s better to act quickly and leave the scene rather than overthink and self-destruct.

Come on, courage part 2!

The butler said it’s okay, so I’m going in!!

Plop.

Plop plop plop.

"Whoa!"

What is this feeling? The carpet is so fluffy that I couldn’t help but let out a strange sound.

Amazing, the high-quality red carpet. It’s so cushioned that it doesn’t even make a sound!

I tried skipping, and it was so soft that my feet almost got stuck. Even when I fell, it didn’t hurt at all.

After rolling around and thoroughly enjoying the carpet’s fluffiness, I stood up, brushed off the dust, and ran back to Elies. ...My feet were so slow and clumsy.

"Are you done?"

"Yep."

"Hehe. You must have had a lot of fun. Your hair is a mess."

When I arrived, clinging to Elies’ legs, she combed my hair for me. I love her gentle hands. And her legs, casually well-muscled, are great. I rubbed against them in the chaos.

"…Shall we move on?"

"Yes, let’s."

After Elies fixed my hair, Mars, who had been watching silently, spoke. Elies nodded in agreement.

This time, I need to take the initiative.

"Captain Roiss, thank you very much, Mr. Butler!"

Before Elies and Mars took my hands, I thanked Roiss, and he seemed to soften his gaze.

Elies and Mars also bowed. I’m sorry, you two, for the trouble.

Waving goodbye like a child, I held hands with Elies and Mars again and headed back to the grand staircase.

Next, the first floor!