The days of Seriana’s dungeon exploration had finally ended, and the previously closed dungeons had been reopened.

That being said, I didn’t have any plans, so I was ready to head out solo for some dungeon exploration… or so I thought.

It’s not that I was being stopped from doing so.

It’s just that I had something else I wanted to try.

Recently, Alex and the others returned from the city of Arios, bringing with them the monsters they had captured.

As discussed earlier, the adventurers who captured the monsters are supposed to present them to Liesel and receive a reward in return.

As for what adventurers in Rianna want the most right now, personally, I think it’s dungeon exploration permission… but unfortunately, they apparently didn’t meet the necessary criteria.

That’s why, as an exception… but that’s a strict issue. If they’re judged to lack the necessary strength, even if they’ve made achievements, permission won’t be granted.

Well… it would be quite the problem if they died in the dungeon.

That aside, while they had been rewarding adventurers, the monsters they’d captured hadn’t been revealed in front of Liesel yet.

For several days since they were brought to the capital, they’ve been kept in the outdoor training grounds.

After all, they’re monsters…

Once their masters are decided and they’ve been properly trained, only then will they meet their new owners.

And so, today, the trial to select their owners, or should I say, the interviews, was taking place.

I, as the spectator… no, the inspector, had to oversee today’s events!

◇

“Alex. I’m here!”

As I floated through the air, heading toward the training grounds just beside the capital, I spotted Alex where the trial was taking place.

Despite gathering a bit of attention, I descended right next to him.

“Hey. What’s up? You’re unusually bundled up today.”

When Alex looked up at my call, he gave me a surprised expression.

“Well, yeah. Considering there are monsters around, I thought using the 【Wind Garb】 might cause a strange reaction.”

As Alex mentioned, today I was dressed a bit more warmly than usual.

I was wearing the Demon King jacket over my usual outfit, along with thick leggings and socks.

Still, I wasn’t wearing shoes, but overall, I’d say it’s a fairly normal outfit for today.

But more than that…

“Forget about my outfit… How’s it going? I only see wolves. Have the horses been decided yet?”

In front of me, two members of the second squad were talking to the wolves, whispering to them or extending their hands, encouraging them to perform a handshake.

I don’t know exactly what they were testing, but they were likely checking compatibility.

And there should be horses as well, but they weren’t in sight.

Given their size, I would have noticed them, but…

“Ah, the wolves are mine, but the horses are going to be with the first squad. They’re probably doing their thing elsewhere right now.”

“…I see. You’re fine with the horses being taken?”

Even though Alex captured them on the battlefield, he’s giving them away? I wouldn’t mind the wolves, but considering the position of the Knight Order, it seems the horses are more important.

“Well, they’re tribute to the lord. I can’t just take both, can I?”

“I see…”

Indeed, while the adventurers captured them, they were handed over to Liesel. If that’s the case, things should be done fairly.

“That’s why I’m taking the wolves. Horses aren’t bad, but we operate in the forests, mountains… and dungeons. The wolves are better suited for our activities.”

It would be difficult for adventurers in Riana to train wolves from scratch, but the Knight Order has both personnel and backup.

In that case, the wolves are probably the better choice… Plus, there are two of them!

“Hoh… Did you already finish over there?”

Could it be that they were turned down?

I thought for a moment, but it wasn’t quite that.

“I haven’t done it yet. Neither have they.”

The ones surrounding him were the squad leaders of the second squad—basically the senior officers.

Alex and they themselves hadn’t done it yet?

“Vice-Captain, it’d be bad if we end up monopolizing everything. The compatibility issue can be overlooked once the contract is signed… Having a familiar expands our capabilities, but it could cause problems within the squad. It’s better to exclude ourselves from the start, don’t you think? Even Rick’s doing that, I bet?”

“Yeah. Well… unlike us, Rick’s a true knight, so giving up the horse familiar must be hard.”

Saying that, they all laughed.

Somehow… I’m impressed by their level of awareness.

But… so this is how Rick is treated?

As they said, Rick is a genuine noble, but…

I glanced at Alex, only to see him looking away, pretending not to hear.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lungs】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】・19 cards

Seriana・【Range Identification】・【】・34 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・9 cards