Brest and Pier apologized again, though I could tell their pride in elves being the superior race hadn’t wavered. Maybe if I showed them magic that even the royal candidates acknowledged, their minds would shift… For now, I decided to back down.

“I'm relieved that they seem able to finish their business safely,” Seabas says.

I frowned and signaled my dissatisfaction. “Why should you worry about their safety over a mere discussion? Isn’t that strange?”

But Seabas ignored me, turning to Glenn instead.

“Glenn-dono, if you'd like, I will guide you to the inn I mentioned earlier. Spire-dono said he would guide you to the Royal Castle at noon tomorrow, so he will come to fetch you before then.”

Glenn’s eyes narrowed happily. “Oh, that helps. My, I didn’t think they would be so kind,” he laughed.

Seabas glanced at him briefly, then replied in a hesitant tone. “…No, he does this to fulfill his own duties. Now then, this way.”

As we walked, I admired the city. The white stone buildings, cobblestone roads, and nature-rich scenery were beautiful. Everything was spotless, not a single piece of trash in sight. Yet… despite the beauty, the city felt lonely.

Passing elves glanced at us curiously as we crossed a stone bridge. “I thought this the first time too… the city is spacious and relaxed, but there seem to be few residents.”

Seabas stopped, turning toward me. “…This might be *lese majeste to say, but I recognize that our kingdom of Aqua Vitae is gradually heading toward collapse. No new children have been born for nearly ten years, and the population is declining slowly. It may still be a distant future, but if this continues, pure elves might disappear altogether.”

[*an offence or defamation against the dignity of a ruling head of state (traditionally a monarch but now more often a president) or of the state itself.]

He gazed sadly over the city.

“So, Seabas-san also holds strong pride in the elven race,” I said.

Seabas laughs self-mockingly. “I wonder… I apologize. I’ve said too much. Let’s hurry on.”

We exchanged glances, unsure of his meaning, then followed behind. Even the guards wore complex expressions, burdened with their own feelings.

Finally, we arrived at a large two-story building.

“This is the assembly hall used as a substitute inn. Since it is normally only an assembly hall, it isn’t staffed like an inn. I apologize, but you must prepare and clean your own bedding, and do your own cooking.”

I glanced at Eliza. “…Can you cook?”

“…Somewhat,” she replied.

Strass exhaled through his nose, raising one hand. “Cooking is my specialty. I’ll make it.”

“Huh?”

“Specialty?”

The women’s eyes— including Shenley’s— snapped to Strass. He crossed his arms, looking away. “…Forget it. I won’t make it anymore.”

Eliza panicked. “Ah, no, no, no! Please! We definitely want you to cook! Right, Aoi-sensei!?”

She dragged me into it. “Strass-san, you can cook?”

“…I can cook to some extent,” he muttered.

“I’m curious about Strass-san’s cooking,” I admitted.

“Yes! I want to try it too!” Shenley chimed in.

Eliza waved both hands in front of Strass. “Please! Bestow your blessing upon us!”

“…You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?”

“She’s not!” Eliza insisted, clinging to him. Shenley laughed, nodding in agreement.

The tension eased, everyone’s atmosphere shifting to something closer to everyday life. Seabas watched with exasperation.

“…What a lack of tension. Is it because you’re confident in your magic? Even in the elven kingdom, normal people couldn’t laugh like this after arguing with high-ranking nobles.”

Glenn smiled wryly, shaking his head. “No, no, even I don’t have that kind of confidence here. But staying tense all the time is tiring. Well, that Aoi-kun over there might be different, though?”

I shook my head quickly to deny it. Yet, I felt suspicious gazes gathering on me.