It’s a scene hard to believe even though I’m witnessing it with my own eyes. I already knew that Glen had infection abilities, but this is the first time he’s completely stepped out of his territory to actively invade. He always took his time expanding his domain, nibbling away at human lands. It’s no wonder I was startled when the traces of him disappeared in the forest.

But the purple slime before my eyes is undoubtedly his. It turns out the knights I once thought were rebels were also victims. They’ve already lost their sense of self and are nothing but puppets following Glen’s orders.

I have no way to heal them. I thought about using divine power to burn away Glen’s remnants, but with my clumsy skills, that’s out of the question.

If only Mariel were here, I might be able to find a solution, but there’s no way to bring her from so far away right now.

“Well… I suppose I’ll have to tie them up here.”

Ultimately, I chose to bind the four unconscious men. Of course, to prevent them from escaping, I deliberately disturbed their auras, completely flipping them upside down. If they were conscious, they would be writhing in pain from the nerve-wracking torment, but thankfully, they are currently in a lost state due to Glen’s infection.

“Now, shall we go?”

For now, I’ve evaded the urgent situation, but I have no idea what’s happening outside. I needed to hurry.

“Master! We just need to go to the master’s room! There’s a secret passage there!”

As soon as I stood up, the butler approached while grimacing, possibly due to lingering pain. Given that he just shouted about a secret passage, it seems to be a reliable escape route.

“What do you think, Rizeria?”

“…Let’s go with the butler’s suggestion. I once followed my mother to check it out, so it should be safe there.”

“Then could you guide us? Although parts of this grand mansion might resemble one another, I’m not as familiar with it as the owner.”

“Then follow me…”

Before Rizeria could say any more, I pulled her back. While I appreciated her eagerness to lead, if some unexpected situation arose while she was in front, it would be hard to protect her.

However, my simple action to stop her caused the slender Rizeria to lose her balance and fall right back into my arms once more.

“Be careful—enemies could spring up at any moment. You don’t need to walk ahead; just stick close to me and point the way.”

After all, the enemies’ target isn’t the maid or the butler, but Rizeria. As such, I needed her close so I could react and protect her anytime.

“Yes, yes…”

It seems the usually proud Rizeria feels somehow humiliated by having to be passively protected; her face flushed. Still, she doesn’t seem to resist, as she remains aware of the situation.

Perhaps not wanting to let me see her blushing face, she crouches in close, so much so that I can’t even see her face.

*

“Are you really okay with me not following you?”

Upon arriving in the master’s room and fiddling with various shelves, soon enough, the butler’s much-touted secret passage revealed itself.

Rumor has it the passage is quite deep and contains various traps arranged like a maze, so should pursuers discover it, they wouldn’t easily be able to track us.

“Well, maybe I should come along after all…”

Still, I couldn’t help but worry. If Mila, Rizeria’s mother, were here, I wouldn’t need to fret, but right now, Mila isn’t in the capital. In these times of war, a Sword Master and Grand General like her can’t afford to sit still in one place.

“Hmph! What do you think of me, Elysia? I’m Rizeria Endive. I’m not that shameless.”

However, while I hesitated, Rizeria snapped back at me with a sharp voice. As if to reassure me, she then gave a small smile and quietly said,

“I understand what Elysia is here to do without you saying it. If I had my way, I’d want to escape to a safer place with you, but I know that’s not how it should be.”

“Rizeria…”

“Hurry and go. There are surely others who need Elysia’s help.”

As she said, the situation hasn’t been resolved at all. While I’m relieved to have saved Rizeria’s life, out there, those infected by Glen will still be rampaging. Meanwhile, Glen could be doing who knows what elsewhere.

“Heh… I appreciate the concern, but that expression really suits you, Elysia. No matter what anyone says, you are my… everyone’s Hero.”

It must have shown all over my face, for Rizeria chuckled softly. Then, she quickly came over, stood on tiptoe to reach me, and pressed her face close.

In a sudden fluster, I was a moment too slow to respond, and Rizeria’s lips brushed against my cheek. It felt like I heard a faint “smooch” ring in my ears.

But it was just for a moment; Rizeria quickly stepped back to her original spot.

“A kiss from the princess to the hero who rescued her is only natural, right?”

Even in this situation, I can’t help but appreciate Rizeria’s efforts to lighten my tension with humor.

“Well, now that I’ve received your support, I’ll have to work even harder. Then, I’ll be off. Please stay safe, Rizeria.”

I patted my cheek as I sent her a farewell. Honestly, if nothing else happens, Rizeria should be safe now. The real risk lies with me stepping into a place where the situation could be unpredictable.

Rizeria lifted her skirt slightly with her fingers and bowed her head.

Though her skirt was torn in places from all the running about, and her neat hair was a mess, there was an elegance within her that couldn’t be hidden by her appearance. Even if she rolled in mud, her beauty would shine.

“May your day be peaceful.”

*

Boom!

Just after retreating Rizeria to safety and stepping outside the mansion, an enormous sound reverberated.

I turned my head toward the source and saw lightning striking in the distance. Whoever it is, it’s clear that a fierce battle is underway, visible even from afar. Conveniently enough, the direction leads toward the royal palace, so my feet headed straight toward the noise.

“Captain!”

“I’m fine, so focus on the enemy right in front of you!”

When I arrived in haste, several knights were surrounding a central point, aiming for Rizeria just as before. The difference now was that those at the center had the power to resist, unlike Rizeria.

However, the skill gap wasn’t overwhelming, and the number difference was clear. The surrounded knights had only scratches and dents on their armor, but the woman in the center, especially Stella, had deep wounds visible even from afar that peeked through her tattered clothing.

“And new guy! I’m sorry I couldn’t give you an adjustment period, but the situation is urgent, so adapt to real combat immediately! With your great instincts, just fill in the gaps between Stella and me!”

Unlike Stella, who is being protected, Erin looked as pristine as ever, with not a scratch on her. But seeing her clenched eyes and the beads of sweat running down her face, it seemed she, too, had overexerted herself with magic.

“Yes, yes!”

And between them stood a new face. By calling her a new recruit, it seemed she must have joined the team after several years. Even though she’s a new face, something about her looks seemed familiar.

But I wasn’t in a position to think too hard about that. I could easily tell who was infected by Glen and who our allies were without having to ask.

I gracefully descended behind the knights. Even though they were standing right beside me, they remained oblivious to my presence. Even Stella, facing my way, didn’t notice me at all.

I swung my sword. Normally, I would just cut them down with the blade, but since they are victims too, I decided to give them some leeway. Instead of cutting with the edge, I’d strike with the flat of the blade. Honestly, it was less about slicing and more about bludgeoning. The power contained within it would surely be merciless, and a hit would send them to their end, but at least they wouldn’t lose their lives. They’d probably just end up with a couple of broken bones.

Wham!

With an incredibly violent sound, three knights flew. With one swing, I swiftly cleared three knights from my sight. The knight hit first had his armor absolutely shattered, while the one standing at the back seemed unharmed, perhaps having taken less impact.

“What the hell…!”

With my abrupt appearance causing some commotion, the three now turned their attention to me, and so did the knights. I strolled calmly through the gap in their surrounding ranks.

Reaching Erin, Stella, and the woman called the new recruit, I greeted them with a casual face.

“You both have been through a lot.”

Only then did the expressions of the two, who had finally recognized who I was, flash a mix of surprise and relief.

Next, I turned to the new teammate…

“Elysia?”

Huh?