“Dowawa!!”

The next morning.

When I woke up, I couldn’t help but let out a surprised shout.

Aldo family’s slave—Em.

Her upper body was draped over my face.

“Suu… suu…”

She was still fast asleep. Seeing her drooling looked cute, but—this was definitely not the time for that.

“Arios-sama… Arios-sama…”

What kind of dream is she having?

Is it her sleeping posture?

Is she tossing and turning badly?

Last night, Rei and I slept in the same room as Em to keep watch.

Of course, to avoid any misunderstandings, we laid the women down on the bed and I slept on the floor.

And this sleeping posture… this is just too much.

If I’m not mistaken, it’s on the same level as Rei’s…

“Munya munya…”

“!?”

Now Rei rolled over from the opposite direction. Her bad sleeping posture hasn’t changed one bit.

“You… what are you whispering to Arios about…”

Is that a sleep talk?

Is this really sleep talk?

I couldn’t understand anything anymore.

“No good… no good, okay…”

Thud.

Rei, still asleep, landed a right elbow on Em during her roll.

“Ouch…”

Thud thud.

Em, also still asleep, countered with a back fist to Rei.

Thud.

Thud thud thud thud.

Hey, stop fighting while asleep!!

“Everyone, breakfast is ready—eh!?”

Getting caught by Mary had already become the default morning routine.

–

“Hey Arios, why do you look so tired?”

While eating breakfast together, Rei spoke first.

“Tch, who do you think is to blame…”

“Huh, why?”

“Enough already…”

“Muu—”

Rei puffed her cheeks in displeasure.

“Arios-sama, poor you…”

Mary, the only one who knew the situation, was the only source of comfort.

“Hehe…”

Em, who had been listening to the conversation, suddenly smiled softly.

Unlike when she was sleeping, she was quiet when conscious.

Unlike when sleeping.

“Em-chan, don’t hesitate to eat, okay? We have seconds ready too.”

Mary kindly said, and Em happily nodded, “Yes!”

She happily munched on the food, looking cute even from the side.

—Comrade A really said it was true. That Arios Macba had indeed secured a homunculus artificial human—

The words of the members from yesterday came back to me unwillingly.

Homunculus.

That’s what they said.

Em, who looked just like an ordinary girl, was actually a homunculus—an artificial human.

They were conducting some kind of experiment.

Visually, she looked about sixteen. Just an ordinary girl you could find anywhere.

“……”

Perhaps Rei understood the feelings behind my expression because she also looked at Em with a slightly pained gaze.

For now, we need to investigate around the Aldo family.

At the same time, I want to improve the combat strength of Rei, Kaya, and the others.

Honestly, I don’t know what the Arceus Salvation Party might try to do.

By the way, the Arceus Salvation Party members were immediately escorted to the royal capital.

Of course, they’re not just being escorted casually.

Using magic shackles—magic tools worn on the hands that suppress the use of magical power—to prevent them from repeating the same mistake.

Well, Shadow Stones also activate by flowing magic power into them.

If their magic power is controlled, they certainly won’t be able to escape.

“I… am really surprised right now.”

Em stopped eating and muttered softly.

“To think there is such a happy feeling… I’m glad to be alive…”

“Em…”

“Everyone, thank you. I don’t really have anything to give back in return.”

“Haha… it’s okay.”

I gently stroked Em’s head as she looked apologetic.

“I’m sure you’ve been through a lot of pain until now. Good job. You’ve endured well.”

“Ah…”

“Leave the rest to us. We’ll make sure things work out.”

Em’s face blushed cherry pink.

“What is this feeling… I don’t know, but I feel so happy.”

“Haha… I see.”

To protect that smile of hers forever,

I must do what needs to be done.

By the way, having defeated new members, I have also gained the next ability.

I’ll use that skill well and keep moving forward.

With renewed determination, I finished breakfast.