Manowa

The Tatsuyoshi who was in the Queen's Throne Room was a Navigator with a personality copied from Tatsuyoshi.

Kazane had expected that fact, so she didn't have any doubts in particular.

And if she were asked if the existence in front of her was Tatsuyoshi himself, she would have to say no. To the end, a Navigator was a Navigator. They didn't act according to their own discretion, but were only Quest guides who could answer questions; they weren't the people themselves.

But nevertheless, he was responsive. It was possible to have a conversation with this remnant of Tatsuyoshi. Therefore, Mefirus and Kazane were unbearably eager to talk with Tatsuyoshi Copy.

「Ok, you two. Wait a minute.」

However, Yuuko-nee put a stop to that. That wasn't the purpose for which Kazane and the others came to the Queen's Throne Room this time. Yuuko-nee intended for it to be a surprise, but she had to properly draw the line.

「The reason I introduced Tatsuyoshi-chan here to Princess Tiara and former King Mefirus is to prevent ill feelings between our two countries.」

Yuuko-nee plainly told them.

「What do you mean?」

After Kazane tilted her head, Mefirus answered.

『I see. Although it was 600 years ago, he was the King of Tsuvara. Moreover, far from simply knowing Tsuvara's deepest secrets, His Majesty the King Tatsuyoshi was the one who brought the Ruby Griffon, our greatest defensive measure, to the country. Naturally, he would also know its secrets. It would be difficult for the Tsuvara Kingdom to ignore that.』

Although he wasn't the genuine article, the situation was that the former Hero King of Tsuvara Kingdom was being used by the Queen of a neighboring country. It was only natural that if that became known in the future, a dispute would occur.

And right now, the only people in the Queen's Throne Room were Yuuko-nee, Royal Knight Leader Roger, Tatsuyoshi Copy, and the members of the White Party, so they could exercise discretion thanks to the private situation... or rather, it was a highly confidential discussion, so the people were cleared out beforehand.

「Nonetheless, since Princess Tiara is temporarily disconnected from the royal family and former King Mefirus has retired, we can't properly negotiate with either of you.」

『I see. You want to use my connection with Audin?』

After Mefirus replied, Yuuko-nee nodded.

「As compensation, I can hand over knowledge from King Tatsuyoshi. There are likely many things that have been lost over the years.」

「That's probably true, but...」

Tiara frowned. Tiara understood the importance, but couldn't think of any words to say due to the size of the matter. So Mefirus opened his mouth and answered in her place.

『That's fine. I'll tell Audin through his dream tonight.』

Mefirus was able to communicate with Audin through the Ruby Griffon contract. It was a more secure communication network than exchanging information by letter or the like.

「Please. Well, I have no desire to use Tatsuyoshi-kun to attack his own country, and I don't want to make his existence public. However, I have absolutely no intention of letting Tatsuyoshi-chan go. 」

At the same time as those words, a feeling as if the temperature had dropped sharply struck everyone in the Queen's Throne Room.

「Therefore, I'll say at the outset that if he tries to take him away, I'm prepared to go to war. Please convey that for me.」

She had a steel smile. A genuine intimidation similar to Devil King's Intimidation ran through the place, and everyone, including Kazane, froze for an instant.

『Acknowledged. I'll tell him he shouldn't look down on a woman's passion.』

After Mefirus' reply, Yuuko-nee sweetly smiled. And the intimidation started disappearing.

(Was that like Devil King's Intimidation?)

(That wasn't a specialized emission like your Skill. That was the real deal.)

After Kazane's mutter, Jinrai next to her replied in a quiet voice. The fact that even Jinrai stiffened showed how dreadful it was. It was released by the will of the person who was probably the strongest human magician. It had a different weight from Kazane's『Devil King's Intimidation』, which to the end, was just her using a Skill.

「Now then, that's enough of Tatsuyoshi-chan's introduction. Let's move on to the main subject.」

So saying, Yuuko-nee clapped her hands, and Tatsuyoshi Copy stepped back behind Yuuko-nee. He was an understanding Navigator.

And then, they got down to the real issue for which Kazane and the others came to this place.

「So then, everyone of the White Party. Thank you for your hard work in the『Investigation of Anglais Messi's Background』. This time wasn't only a background investigation; I hear you saved Uumin from a monster swarm, devils, and a dragon. That degree of splendid work you did for them makes me think about how many things must have gone wrong to get to that point.」

Yuuko-nee's face was a little cramped. It was a level that made her wonder how a Quest for a background investigation could lead to such a big development, but it was reality, so it couldn't be helped. As a result, they saved one city, which was a big deal.

「Due to that achievement, both the neighboring country Uumin is in and the Minshiana Kingdom have promised to invest a large amount of money in Feudal Lord Kazane Yuihama's Kazane Magic Hot Spring Town. That was decided with my seal of approval today, and the documents will be handed over to acting feudal lord Makka. Are there any issues with this?」

「None.」

Every person knows their own business best. With that in mind, Kazane left everything to others as usual. Makka was going to be in a pinch if she didn't get supplemental personnel soon.

「And since various things happened this time around, a separate monetary reward has been prepared for the White Party. That will be via the Adventurers Guild, so please receive it at the Adventurers Guild Office.」

Kazane nodded in response. Countries, the Adventurers Guild, and adventurers were in an intermediary relationship like that. The Adventurers Guild was also managed with that in mind, so profits were generally distributed to the adventurers.

And Kazane's eyes were still full of expectation. Her heart's desire hadn't come out yet. Yuuko-nee smiled in response to that gaze and nodded.

「In addition, the item I promised as a reward. Roger, please bring it.」

「Yes!」

Which meant that she would obtain the item she so strongly desired. In other words...

「So Kazane will finally get her hands on a Baby Core after she failed to obtain one due to destroying it with a kick.」

「Oof, I'm in a good mood, so don't tease me!」

After Yumika's words, Kazane made a sullen expression.

Yes, after she failed to obtain a Baby Core at Hyvern's Blue Rifon Fort due to destroying it with a full power『Kazane Neo Bazooka』, she would finally obtain one here.

Then Roger brought it. It was a red jewel closely resembling a Childstone that was about the size of a watermelon.

「A Baby Core obtained in Antheim in the north. Here, please take it.」

So saying, Roger handed it to Kazane.

「Fufuーーー」

Holding it in her hands, Kazane had a big smile on her face.

「You look extremely happy.」

「Yeah. If I transplant this into Hippomaru-kun, it might be able to exceed 200 km/h. I'm looking forward to it.」

She had already decided to transplant it into Hippomaru-kun. A Baby Core's output exceeded that of a Power Orb (Small). Hippomaru-kun's power and speed should both increase dramatically. Furthermore, the biggest concern with her Tatsuyoshi-kun series strengthening plan was power output, which would be cleared with this.

The Lightning Dragon Heart currently transplanted into Hippomaru-kun would be handed down to Tatsuyoshi-kun Dragoon, and Tatsuyoshi-kun Dragoon's Earth Core Dragon Childstone would be handed down to mass production model Tatsuyoshi-kun B; Tatsuyoshi-kun B's 20th layer class Dragon Heart would be left over, but Kazane was thinking about using it for a Golem guard at their base in Gordios City.

「Is that so? I want to ride it afterwards as well.」

As Yuuko-nee said that, Kazane was humming a tune, which she interrupted to say「Roger!」while stowing the Baby Core in her Item Box. It was authorized by the Queen. It seemed her reckless behavior was going to move right ahead.

「So then, Kazane and the rest are going to head to A rank dungeon『Gordo Golden Ruins』after this, correct?」

「Yeah. We're planning to stop by Reisan City on the way, though. However, that guardian. As you'd expect, that's impossible, isn't it? It seems like the only way to win would be to bulldoze through with a Heroic Spirit.」

Kazane looked at Tatsuyoshi Copy while saying that. The guardian was Koromi Alternative・White School Swimsuit Edition. At least, based on the brutal ability they were told about in the email, Kazane might have a chance of victory with her max level Heroic Spirit, but there didn't seem to be any way Yumika and Naoki could win. As if to say it was unthinkable, Tatsuyoshi shook his head at Kazane.

「Kazane. I wouldn't prepare something you guys wouldn't be able to solve.」

Tatsuyoshi Copy correctly guessed Kazane's intention and replied like that. As a Navigator, he had the intent to convey it clearly. It wasn't something unsolvable. After those words, Kazane's eyebrows twitched.

「Also, it would be best not to use your Heroic Spirit.」

「Why?」

「The full power release of Koromi's ability will be activated. Nonlethal mode doesn't apply to Heroic Spirits, which I think will conversely be dangerous. The ability of a Heroic Spirit like Kazane's Sieg should be fundamentally the same as it was in Zexia Hearts. Sorry, but my Koromi will be able to predict his moves and bring him down.」

「That's too serious!」

Kazane reflexively retorted. Tatsuyoshi understood the equipment and tendencies of his companions. No matter how impressive Heroic Spirit Sieg was, if all his abilities were fully exposed, a battle would be difficult. Furthermore, once Tatsuyoshi declared that, Kazane had no choice but to raise a white flag.

However, Tatsuyoshi Copy continued in a strong tone.

「That is my final challenge to my companions from Zexiaharts. I had absolutely no intention of cutting corners, so I hope you will enjoy it with all your might.」

After Tatsuyoshi Copy said that, Kazane groaned「Mmm.」Even though he was an imitation, Kazane couldn't say anything after Tatsuyoshi replied to her like that.

(I don't think Tatsuyoshi-kun would lie, so it must be possible for us to defeat her even without using a Heroic Spirit...? With that Koromi's ability?)

Kazane pondered. Since Tatsuyoshi said it, there should be no mistake, but still, was it really possible to defeat her?

「You can challenge as many times as you like, so do your best.」

After those words from Tatsuyoshi Copy to make doubly sure, Kazane had no choice but to nod. The leader of the party『TATSU☆YOSHI and his Merry Friends』was normally timid, but in situations like this, he was a man who wouldn't change his mind once he said something and would absolutely accomplish what he said he would.

And the answer would surely become clear at the Event Point in Reisan City's Sesu Inn. Kazane was different from Yuuko-nee. She was brimming with intention to obtain Tatsuyoshi's gift.

Name: Yuihama Kazane

Occupation: Dragon and Beast Ruling Tenma Monarch (Apprentice)

Title: Ogre Killer, Dragon Slayer, High Beast Summoner, Rea King, Liberator, Guardian

Equipment: Staff 『White Blaze』, Draghorn Tonfa x2, Dragon Eating Ogre Army Armor (True), Indestructible Cloak, Mysterious Pouch, Crimson Saint Coffin, Heroic Spirit Summoning Ring, Circlet of Wisdom, Aim Bracelet, White Magic Accumulator (Revised) ×2, Rainbow Necklace, Rainbow Dragon Ring, Angel Bracelet

Level : 40

Health: 156+20

Magic Power: 378+520

Strength: 81+45

Agility: 83+39

Endurance: 45+20

Wisdom : 75

Dexterity : 53

Spell : 『Fly』『Torch』『Fire』『Heal』『Firestorm』『Healer Ray』『High Heal』『Golden Dusk「Dragon Exclusive」』『Mirror Shield』『Rabbit Speed』『Flare Mirage』

Skill : 『Apprenticeship Cancellation』『Nil Principle』『Skill Hand (１)』『Halo』『Evolution Hand (１)』『Kick Devil』『Kick Decapitation Wave』『Warrior's Memory: Lv2』『Night Vision』『Crushing Blow』『Dog's Sense of Smell: Lv2』『Golem Maker: Lv4』『Aegis Shield』『Fire Principle: Third Chapter』『Healing Principle: Fourth Chapter』『Air Jump: Lv2』『Killing Leg: Lv3』『Fear Voice』『Invisible』『Tiger Eye』『Wall Walking』『Intuition: Lv2』『Cheat Death』『Nimble』『Charge』『Material Shield: Lv2』『Information Link: Lv2』『Optical Camouflage』『High Dash』『Bloodsucking Blade』『Dragonization: Lv3「Dragon」』『Regenerate』『Soul Breaking Blade』『Stealthy Hand Placement』『Thunder Chariot: Lv2』『Sturdier Teeth: Lv2「Dragon」』『Crystallization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Devil King's Intimidation』『Stone Minotaur: Lv2』『Mega Beam: Lv2』『Space Expansion』『Pseudo-Silver Creation』『Poison Claw』『Fireball「Dragon」』『Cuticle「Dragon」』『Arms Creation: Black Flame』『Ingredient Connoisseur: Lv3』『Dragon Pheromone「Dragon」』『Boost』『Monkey's Strong Arm』『Two-sword Style』『Boobies Plus』『Living Armor』『Alarm』『Six-sword Style』『Mental Attack Complete Protection』『Spider Web』『Wire Cutter』『Flexible』『Magic Power Absorption』『Red Body Transformation』『Friendship Tag-team』『Battleship Tonfa Summoning』

Kazane: 「A gift from Tatsuyoshi-kun? In the end, he wouldn't tell me, but I wonder what it is.」

Yumika: 「Won't it be a navy blue school swimsuit that strengthens all stats and has defense against all Attributes or something like that?」

Yuuko-nee: 「It's likely. Tatsuyoshi-chan's a scamp.」

Kazane: 「Tatsuyoshi-kun sometimes acts strangely boldly.」

Yumika: 「Ah, it's likely. That's right.」