“Suu… suu…”

After eating to her heart’s content, Em collapsed and fell fast asleep.

Even then, she mumbled something like,

“Such a fluffy bed… so comfy…”

Apparently, she used to sleep on nothing but straw, so her deep slumber made perfect sense. Tonight, I’d let her sleep as much as she wanted.

The problem—was what came after.

I sat across from Ray at the living room table, discussing what to do going forward.

By the way, Mary was in the kitchen washing dishes.

“Hmm… I still think it’s going to be tough. This area is under the jurisdiction of Brother Rayfar, but since he supports the slave system…”

Raymira muttered with a troubled expression, and I responded with a sigh.

“So it’s impossible after all… I really want to help her, though.”

“I’ll try talking to my brother. If I explain Em-chan’s circumstances, he might be willing to bend a little.”

“Thanks. I’m counting on you.”

Providing temporary protection was one thing, but actually hiding her long-term could be seen as a criminal act.

To avoid that, I needed Ray to act quickly. As much as I wanted to help Em, I couldn’t afford to take unnecessary risks.

“Uuu… ahhh…”

Suddenly, Em’s loud sleep-talking echoed through the room.

“L-Lord Eujess… please forgive me… just spare everyone’s lives… uuuuuu…!”

“……”

What kind of dream was she having?

I didn’t even want to imagine, but it clearly showed how much she had suffered.

There was no way I could leave her the way she was…

And then—

“……!”

I suddenly sharpened my gaze and looked behind me.

This presence.

This malice.

No way…

“A-Arios? What’s wrong?”

Ray asked with a puzzled expression, but I raised a finger to my lips.

“…Something’s there. Ray, stay put.”

“Something…? Don’t tell me it’s a spy from the Aldo family…”

“I don’t know. Just be careful. If anything happens, get to the guild.”

“O-okay. I will. You be careful too, Arios.”

Ray nervously gripped my hand, and I gave her a reassuring smile.

Then I rushed out of the house to track the source of the presence.

“…Tch.”

It seemed the other party had pretty good sensing abilities too.

Sensing my approach, they were quickly retreating.

I thought they were hiding at a considerable distance based on the presence, but the fact they noticed me means they’re no ordinary opponent.

—These movements… they’re more than just a simple spy.

I needed to brace myself more than ever.

Still, no matter how mysterious they were, they weren’t on the level of the legendary Engen Style.

As I erased my presence and gave chase, they didn’t seem to notice me at all.

I crept closer, hiding in the shadows, and they remained unaware.

Just a little closer.

Soon, I’d be able to see them—!

And a few seconds later, when I finally laid eyes on them, I nearly let out a surprised sound.

—Those gray robes pulled up over their heads.

I could never forget that look.

The Arceus Salvation Party—those were their members.

Why now?

Were they here to take revenge on me?

The timing seemed strange, though…

“What do you think… is Arios following us?”

“No. I don’t sense his presence. No way he could keep up with our speed.”

“…True. Let’s go back and report the situation.”

The members whispered to each other as they ran.

I could hear them clearly, but I decided to let them go for now.

They mentioned “going back,” so if I followed them like last time, there was a good chance I could find their hideout again. Letting them go for now was the best option.

With that decision, I continued tailing them for several dozen minutes.

And when I saw where they arrived, I was once again left speechless.

Because it was the Aldo family’s mansion.