As expected, there was a separate group from the people of the Amuria Kingdom present. It was a red army, unified by crimson-colored Magicrafts, and they seemed to be a military organization, though even Jean, with his extensive knowledge, didn’t recognize them.

“They’ve already entered the ruins.”

“Alright, I’ll head out and stop them!”

“Idiot, don’t go out yet. Like I said earlier, they’re allies lending a hand to the Amuria Kingdom. Taking any hostile action recklessly isn’t wise.”

“Then what should we do?”

“First, we make contact. We’ll talk and try to figure out what they’re planning.”

Before we approached the crimson army, it was only natural that we first spoke with the people of the Amuria Kingdom. Yukiha came forward as their representative to meet us.

“Members of the Musou Iron Cavalry, thank you for coming all the way to this remote place to help us. On behalf of the Amuria Kingdom, I offer you our gratitude.”

“What’s with the formal greeting, Yukiha?”

“Of course I’m being formal. I’m greeting you as a representative of the Amuria Kingdom. I wasn’t speaking to you, Nagisa.”

“It’s not like we’re strangers to the Musou Iron Cavalry.”

“Formality is important in situations like this. After all, I’m royalty.”

As Yukiha and Nagisa exchanged their casual conversation, Jean interjected with the main question.

“Princess Yukiha, who are the people accompanying the Amuria Kingdom? I don’t recognize them.”

“Oh, those people are mercenaries called the Crimson Machine Soldiers. They helped us here and are providing protection under our request.”

“I see, but it looks like they’re doing more than just protection. What are they up to?”

“I’m not really sure, but it seems like they’re searching for something.”

“I see. Well, I’d like to speak with them. Could you arrange that?”

“That’s fine, but what do you plan to discuss?”

“Just small talk, a little interaction between fellow mercenary groups.”

Though it was possible the conversation could escalate into a confrontation, we didn’t mention that to Yukiha. I felt a bit guilty, as if I were lying.

Not long after, we arranged to meet with the Crimson Machine Soldiers. At first, they refused, saying they were too busy, but when they learned we were the Musou Iron Cavalry, they quickly agreed for some reason.

“I’m Fistoa, the leader of the Crimson Machine Soldiers.”

“I’m Yuta of the Musou Iron Cavalry, and this is Jean.”

“Yuta, Jean, I’ve heard of you both. It’s an honor to meet such talented individuals.”

Oh, it seems like we’ve become quite well-known. That’s what I thought, but Jean’s expression turned serious, and he asked Fistoa a pointed question.

“You’ve heard of us? I didn’t know we were so famous. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you hear these rumors?”

“In the mercenary world, you two are already celebrities. I heard about you from other mercenary groups who took on the same jobs.”

“Interesting. We’ve been quite deliberate about keeping information on the Musou Iron Cavalry sealed. I wonder how such rumors have spread.”

“No matter how hard you try to suppress information, the truth always comes out.”

“Is that so? In that case, I’d like you to stop with the flattering remarks and tell us the truth. What’s your real goal, Crimson Machine Soldiers?”

“We’re just investigating the ruins at the request of an archaeologist.”

“I asked for the truth.”

“That is the truth. We have no other objectives.”

“I see. Then, would you kindly stop your investigation of the ruins immediately?”

“And why would we do that?”

Jean delivered his words directly. “Because we believe it’s too soon for what lies within to awaken.”

Upon hearing that, Fistoa’s expression twisted into a sinister smile.