At Spire’s words, the hall burst into loud murmurs.

“This is not a joke?”

“Surely you do not mean to say that, in addition to wielding lightning magic, she also possesses healing magic on par with a saintess?”

Voices of astonishment and doubt rose from all sides. In response, Spire shrugged his shoulders and gestured in denial.

“Of course, I do not intend to say such a thing. However, is this not terrifying? Without our knowledge, someone who wields lightning magic—lost outside the elven country— has appeared, and furthermore, this is not a state-concealed technique but something students learn at a magic academy.”

When Spire declared this, several growl-like voices overlapped and resounded through the hall. They likely understood what Spire meant.

“…Are you trying to say that other nations have advanced further in magical research than we have?”

“Can such nonsense be true? A mere hundred-odd years ago, those who traveled to other nations assessed them as being significantly behind.”

“Indeed, I remember that well.”

As murmurs of denial arose, the elf seated in the deepest part of the hall waved his hand before speaking.

“…Calm yourselves, everyone. New magic is always being developed. Perhaps it simply so happens that the magic newly developed this time was one lost in the elven country.”

At these words, the hall’s clamor somewhat subsided. After confirming this, the elf spoke again.

“…That said, this is not something we can ignore. I believe we should once investigate the state of magical research in each country. What do you think?”

Uttered as if posing a question, these words prompted the elves around the round table to exchange glances before speaking.

“The last time was when we went to investigate the healing magic of the Maple Leaf Holy Empire, was it not?”

“Yes. When we heard rumors of Marquis Ramsay from a traveling merchant, the matter came up for discussion, but we concluded it was not worth investigating. Physical enhancement magic yields high effectiveness precisely because beastmen are already physically superior. I believe we decided it was unnecessary for us.”

While exchanging such conversations, the elves began to take an interest in the outside world. After observing them closely, Spire raised his head and spoke.

“…Conveniently enough, I have called the girls I mentioned earlier. If you like, would you care to hear their story?”

When Spire said this, several elves furrowed their brows in suspicion.

“…Girls?”

“Did you bring them here? This is the Senate.”

“And this is a place where we decide the next king, yet…”

Voices of criticism arose. In response, Spire turned a serious gaze upon the elves present, looking at each in turn.

“…That is precisely why I think this is appropriate. If you deem this place unfit for deciding the next king, then how about first evaluating other nations’ magic with only those of us here? Not as a crucial meeting, but simply as a chance to hear what kind of magic is being researched in other countries. I believe that would be fine.”

“…I see.”

This time, no opposing opinions arose against Spire’s words. Feeling the atmosphere ease slightly, Spire smiled.

“You will all likely be astonished. As I said earlier, even I—who believed elves to be the most superior—have begun saying such things.”

After saying this, Spire turned his gaze to the side.

“Please come in.”

When Spire addressed the closed door, it opened from the outside. A beautiful silver door, blending almost seamlessly with the pure white wall, slowly swung open, revealing a black-haired woman from beyond.

She was small in stature but beautiful. The ears visible between her hair were short, revealing that she was not an elf. This place was akin to an assembly where high-ranking nobles from other nations gathered. Normally, most would shrink back. But this woman entered the hall with eyes gleaming like a fierce beast that had found its prey.

Behind her came an elderly man, too aged for an elf, and a young man who appeared human. Then, two dwarves and two beastman girls appeared. However, the only one who entered confidently was the first young woman; the remaining four approached quietly with uncertain attitudes.

They seemed a deliberately assembled group. This combination made even the long-lived elf senators furrow their brows in astonishment.

“…That beastman girl wields lightning magic?”

“Is that not wrong? The woman in front has a face full of confidence. Though her features are few, she too must surely be a beastman.”

“Now that you mention it, her eyes do seem too sharp.”

Thus, upon Aoi and the others’ arrival, everyone voiced such impressions.