At Arios’ deputy governor’s mansion, I received the investigation reports from both squads and immediately took off, heading toward the capital.

The sun had already set, and it was growing dark, making it an ideal time to move at high speed without worrying about being seen.

Yeah… well, not top speed, but still.

Anyway, I was moving along the edge of the highway at a pace fast enough to reach the capital in a matter of minutes.

“…Oh?”

During that high-speed flight, I saw something in the forest along the road and stopped the 【Floating Orb】.

Whenever I travel outdoors, I activate 【Fairy Eyes】 and the vision of the snakes. On top of that, at night, the three snakes themselves stay on alert, so I rarely miss anything involving living creatures.

What I spotted… were five small Lesser Dragon-type monsters.

Considering they noticed me flying overhead and that there are more of them than you’d expect from goblins, they’re probably kobolds.

“Aren’t they coming this way?”

I kept watching them from above for a while. They didn’t leave the forest or approach me, though they also didn’t back off. Monsters tend to be more active at night, so this is probably within normal behavior.

If they were out on the highway itself, that would be different, but this much shouldn’t be a problem.

“…Looks like it’s fine.”

I slowly started to move away and saw no sign of them giving chase.

If that’s the case, there’s no need to go out of my way to take them down.

Alright then… I lost a bit of time, but let’s get moving again!

About ten minutes after setting out again.

When I left the city of Arios, it was only somewhat dark—but now it’s completely pitch black.

Still, even in that darkness, I could see lights ahead.

That’s the capital.

At this hour, the gates are probably already closed… but I should at least greet the guards.

They know I’m returning, and I’m cloaked in the light of 【Prayer】, so they should recognize me—but still, if some strange light were to suddenly pass over the city walls, I might cause unnecessary alarm among the soldiers.

“Alright!”

With that decision made, I corrected the 【Floating Orb】’s trajectory, which had been straying from the road, and headed for the gate while lowering my altitude.

◇

As I neared the western gate, the gatekeepers noticed me and began waving their lights.

Looks like they recognized me.

“Good work out here!”

“Yo! Vice-Captain. You really stand out in the dark, huh?”

“Right?”

I responded proudly… Though there were stars in the sky, I was flying at low altitude, almost at ground level. I’m probably the only one who’d be glowing at that height.

“We’ve already closed up here, so sorry, but you’ll need to go over the wall.”

“Gotcha. Later!”

I waved to them again and quickly gained altitude, passing over the outer wall.

The lord’s mansion is built on a hill right next to the west gate.

Normally, the road there runs south through the noble district from the central avenue—but that doesn’t matter to me.

So, I crossed the outer wall and then hopped right over the mansion wall too, landing in the courtyard.

“!? Ah… Vice-Captain Sera.”

A soldier on patrol with a dog nearby jumped in surprise when I appeared over the wall.

The dog, sitting calmly by his side, had definitely noticed me beforehand.

“Did I startle you? Sorry about that.”

“No… the dog did glance outside a few times but didn’t bark, so I figured it wasn’t an enemy… Still, you came in that way?”

He pointed toward my room, but I shook my head.

“I’ll go around to the front. See ya!”

Saying that, I flew low, circling toward the front of the mansion without rising in altitude.

◇

As usual, they must’ve noticed I had returned to the city.

The window to Seriana’s room was open.

“I’m hooooome!”

Calling out my return, I flew in through the window.

Inside the room, Teresa was right by the window, Seriana was at her desk, and Elena stood beside her.

Fiora… wasn’t there.

“Welcome back. Judging by your demeanor, there haven’t been any incidents, I assume?”

Seriana approached me and seemed to make that judgment based on my appearance.

Well, if something had gone wrong, I wouldn’t have come back this relaxed.

“Yep, yep. Well, up to the city of Arios, at least. Oh, and I’ve got the report to deliver to the lord, so I’ll drop it off real quick.”

Maybe I should’ve bathed and changed first… but I’m just handing it over anyway.

Might as well get it over with.

“I see… Then I’ll prepare everything for you. Go ahead and take care of it quickly.”

Seriana glanced briefly toward the bath as she spoke.

Yep.

She really gets me.

“Roger that!”

“Princess, I’ll accompany you as well.”

Just as I was about to head out, Teresa offered to join me.

It’s just a delivery… but she is my deputy, and while Alec and Zighart are away from the capital, she’s effectively in command of the 2nd squad.

I’m not sure what the report says, but it might be better if she comes with me.

“Oh, really? Then let’s go.”

“Yes. Excuse us, Lady Seriana.”

After Teresa gave her bow to Seriana, we left the room.

At this hour, Liesel is probably in her own quarters instead of the office.

It’s been a while since I’ve gone there… Let’s get this over with and take a nice hot bath.

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

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】 【Mira’s Blessing】 【Wind’s Garment】 ・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 【Fairy’s Eye】 【Dragon’s Lung】 【Amber Sword】 【Danrem’s Thread】 【Serpent’s Tail】 【Ankle Bracelet】 【Amber Shield】 【Purple Wings】 【Red Sword】 【Monkey’s Arm】 ・4 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・39 cards

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

Alec ・【Heavy Strike】・【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards