“Elias, do you think it’s possible to take down the demonic beast Older alone?”
“It’s not impossible… but first, I need to learn more about its abilities. Besides, there’s no need to insist on soloing it. If I team up with Mishena and defeat it, that should still earn me some level of recognition and increase my influence.”
“…So even though you have no interest in fame, you’ve decided that this is something you need to do?”
“More or less… I can’t just ignore corruption when I see it. But honestly, there’s another reason that matters more to me.”
“Another reason?”
Frenn looked at him curiously, and Elias nodded.
“If the situation in the East isn’t reaching the capital, that means my former subordinates aren’t receiving the recognition or rewards they deserve.”
“…That’s true.”
“That’s what really bothers me. Even now, they’re risking their lives fighting high-threat monsters. I want them to get the credit they deserve.”
Frenn gave a small nod of agreement. Even though Elias had left the Eastern front, he couldn’t just abandon the comrades who had fought alongside him.
“So, while I don’t care about wealth or fame, it seems I need achievements if I want to get anything done. Might as well get to work.”
“Understood. But as for Older’s subjugation, do you have any plans for getting involved?”
“None at the moment. Any ideas?”
“Hmm… We don’t even know for sure if a subjugation force will be assembled. I’ll look into whether preparations are actually being made.”
“Good. I’ll leave that to you.”
With that, Frenn nodded and set off to gather information.
Several days later, the hero Mishena arrived at the fortress where Elias was stationed.
This time, there was one major difference—she was alone. Unlike her previous visit, her companions were nowhere to be seen.
“…Where are your party members?”
Elias asked as he greeted her at the gate. Mishena responded casually,
“We disbanded after the last job.”
“…I didn’t get the impression that you were on bad terms.”
“When I mentioned that I might be joining the hunt for Older, they decided to sit this one out.”
(…I see.)
Elias nodded, processing her words.
(Even experienced warriors with over five years of frontier experience decided that Older was too much for them…)
“So, you’re going in alone?”
Mishena gave a wry smile.
“I did get an invitation. Even after my party left, they told me I could form a new team if I wanted to.”
“So now you’re searching for new teammates—”
Before he could finish, he noticed her grinning at him.
“…Let me guess. You’re looking at me.”
“I already checked. Apparently, knights are allowed to participate.”
(That was fast…)
Elias had been considering joining the hunt for Older anyway, so he didn’t particularly mind. Under normal circumstances, he would have agreed immediately.
However, considering his usual behavior, responding too quickly might seem suspicious.
(If I answer too eagerly, she’ll get suspicious… I need to play it cool.)
“Even if knights are allowed, I doubt they expected a Holy Knight to join.”
“Well, well. I’ll keep looking for other candidates, but honestly, I’ve already made up my mind. Will you lend me a hand?”
Elias sighed.
“…If I refuse and you end up dead, I’ll regret it. I understand how dangerous demonic beasts are. But promise me you won’t do anything reckless.”
“I promise.”
“That was way too quick…”
Elias narrowed his eyes, but Mishena simply laughed.
“Ahaha! Well then, nice to be working with you!”
“…Just so you know, my situation is still uncertain. If the kingdom decides to formally assign me to the subjugation force, I won’t be able to move freely.”
Mishena gave him a skeptical look.
“Do you really think they’ll assign you?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Well, based on how you’re treated at this fortress, I can already tell your position is complicated. Would they even let you participate in such a high-profile hunt?”
Elias fell silent. Instead of answering, he simply shrugged. Mishena took that as confirmation.
“So in that case, you probably won’t be officially deployed—which means you’d be free to join my team instead.”
“That’s your reasoning?”
“Exactly!”
“…If a Holy Knight joins a hero’s party for a subjugation mission, what will that do to my public reputation?”
“We’ll just let the results speak for themselves.”
“That’s… a reckless approach.”
Elias sighed as Mishena beamed at him. It was clear from her expression that she had expected this reaction and was completely satisfied with how things had turned out.
(…Well, I guess this means I’m joining after all.)
Elias thought to himself.
“Alright. But first, go greet Lord Nork.”
“Got it. Oh, and while I’m here, would you mind sparring with me during training?”
“…Just how long are you planning to stay?”
“Until the hunt begins.”
“We don’t even know if they’ve officially decided to go through with it yet…”
As they exchanged words, the two of them stepped into the fortress together.