With King Zect and the others lead, we walked forward.

[Well then, follow our lead.]

The harpy that seemed to be the Kings attendant said.

Meanwhile, the other armed harpies formed a tight circle around us.

I guess we havent completely gained their trust huh.

Our group stood at the rear of the procession.

Then, we went straight, following the Kings group ahead of us.

As for the harpies, theyre not going to fly and were walking alongside us huh.

Walking for a while, we began walking down a wide, gently-sloping staircase.

After a couple of steps, we came upon another wide corridor.

The corridor seemed to be a straight path.

Walking forward, we eventually passed through the corridor-

-and the scenery opened up at once.

[This is]

Looking at the spread-out scenery, Seras exclaimed in surprise.

It seemed like Nyaki was also overwhelmed

[Whanyaa]

-Letting out such a dumbfounded voice.

If I had to describe this place in a few words, I would say that it is an underground kingdom.

It is believed that there was once an underground city-like civilization.

Looking at its appearance, it must have been repeatedly extended and reconstructed to become what it is today.

The buildings are also covered in vines.

A huge rock wall encircles around the city.

The areas around the wall were terraced.

The steps got higher the closer it was towards the walls.

At the top of these wide steps were rows of buildings.

Further down the steps, we arrived at a large street.

The street continued straight ahead.

While I was looking around the place, I noticed that the distance between us and the Kings group ahead of us was quite large.

With the urging of one of the harpies, we started walking again.

Residents came and went along the paved street.

The faces Ive seen were quite diverse.

A humanoid race with the head of a dragon.

A humanoid race with the head of a beast.

A race with the upper body of a human with the lower body of a horse.

A race that looks like Orcs.

There are also goblin-like creatures.

Just now, a unicorn-like being crossed the alley.

Looking closely, I can even see some of them that look like those minotaurs.

There are quite a lot of them.

However Not a single one of them have golden eyes.

As I had expected, I cant feel the unique frenzy that those minotaurs have.

[]

I see.

This is certainly a paradise for the non-humans huh.

As I was looking at the various races in this place

[Dont just stand there, get moving.]

The harpy that seemed to be the Kings attendant urged Nyaki, who was standing still/

If I remember correctly, this harpy

Shes called Gratora or something like that.

Surprised by her urging

[M- My apologies nya.]

Nyaki flusteredly caught up with us.

Well

Its no wonder why she stopped and was glued to this scene.

A scene like this where Demi-Humans and Monsters were living along.

This is the first time Ive seen something like this.

As we walked through the street, a lot of curious gazes fell upon us.

The unfamiliar faces must have caught their attention.

Well Its also possible that theyre curious because of the large number of soldiers around us.

However, it doesnt seem like they were vigilant of us.

Perhaps, its because there are no humans among the new faces walking on this street.

They could clearly tell that Seras is an elf from her ears.

Nyaki doesnt look any different from the Beast-type Demi-Humans.

Slei looks more like a monster.

Pigimaru, whose face is peeking out from my robe, is also a monster.

And then Theres me whos wearing the mask of the Fly King.

The King may have guessed that I was a human

But that fact was still unknown to the general populace.

Thats why, they still dont know that Im a human.

[..?]

From the way theyre looking at me

Its just slightly different from the way they look at Seras.

Surprisingly, I also found some appreciating gazes from other monsters.

Even when they arent the same races beautiful things are beautiful after all.

Ignoring their gazes, I looked around again.

Even after looking around though

I have yet to find any elf or dark elf.

[]

Even so This place is quite big.

Moreover, there are also people like Gratora and the Harpy soldiers who are armed.

That means they have another fighting force huh.

At that moment

[Belzegia-sama.]

Drawing herself closer to me, Seras whispered.

[About that matter Are we not going to tell them about it yet?]

That matter

She must be talking about the Alions army that would be invading soon.

[I thought about telling them earlier. but Id rather tell them when Im alone with the King. I think it might be dangerous if the others heard about it.]

Humans are going to attack this place

If such information spread around unchecked, it may cause confusion.

Fortunately, the King seemed to be a reasonable person.

[Thats why Im only going to tell the King first. Then, as to what well do after that- I guess its up to King Zect.]

[I see So, thats what youre thinking.]

[We certainly should tell them as soon as possible, but its not like they would be able to attack right away]

From Alion to this place, they would have a considerable distance from Eastern Demon Zone to the Western Demon Zone.

In normal times, there wouldnt be any Alion troops in Urza, which is the country close to here.

The same goes for Mira.

The only troops that Alion had in other countries would be Vysiss apostles.

The Heroic Sword told me this information.

So, the 13 Cavalries would usually be on standby in Alion.

The other Divine Beast should also be there

The 6th Cavalry and the other Divine Beast.

After they have determined the location of the Faraway Country, they will start moving.

After that letter reaches Alion, they should be departing from Alion.

That means

We can assume that they would still take some time to reach this place.

At that moment, Gratora turns towards us.

[You there, what are you whispering about?]

What are you talking about over there?, Gratora questioned further.

I answered in a calm tone.

[Im just telling her that King Zect seemed like a trustworthy guy.]

Gratora looked at us with doubting eyes.

Looking tenser, she spoke.

[Of course. Zect-sama is a man of great talent as a king. I will not forgive you if you show any rudeness or disrespect to our king. Do you understand?]

[Yes, Ill keep that in mind.]

It seemed like he was quite trusted by his subordinates.

After a short walk, the castle that I had seen in the distance is finally near.

It seemed like that was our destination.

Behind the case was also that rock wall.

Rather, it seems like the back of this castle and the rock wall behind it seemed to be one and the same.

I guess thats how the castle was originally built.

The further we go into a place that seems to be the inner citadel, the higher it gets.

From that inner citadel-like place, I can see the whole region.

Thereupon, we walked even further and arrived at the castle gate.

Passing through the gate, we stood, looking up at the main gate.

Looking at it herself, Seras let out a sigh.

It seems like she was slightly impressed by the towering majesty of the building.

[It certainly is just like a great ancient fortress, isnt it?]

Nyaki was also surprised.

[Yes Looking at it up close, it looks amazing nya Haanyaa~~]

Looking around at this distance, I could see vines and moss all over the place.

Even though this place is supposed to be underground, it looks more than just a bunch of rugged rocks.

The grounds of the castle, in particular, were littered with groomed flowers and plants.

I could also see what looked like a field.

Hunched up, several Kobolds were tending this field.

Looking back to the castle, I could see Orc soldiers standing on either side of the castle gate.

They were holding a spear in hand and wearing a horned helmet.

Compared to the Ogre soldiers in the Great Demon Emperors army, they are slightly smaller in size.

However, the color of their skin seemed to have more depth in them.

On the other hand, the Ogre soldiers looked like a mass of muscle.

The orc soldier glances at us.

But other than that, they didnt move a muscle.

They may be a surprisingly quiet race.

[This way.]

With Gratoras lead, we entered the castle.

There was an atmosphere in the castle that made me think that this place has been standing for a long amount of time.

However, it seems like this place is well cleaned.

Its like an old, but a well-maintained house.

There were also Demi-Humans in the castle.

Some of them are dressed like maids.

Everyone wasnt even surprised when the horse-shaped Slei entered the castle.

I suppose this is the difference between this place and the humans countries.

Normally, they would have been surprised to see a horse intruding this place.

However, putting aside their indifference to Sleis entrance

Their gazes of curiosity shoot through us.

Is it unusual for someone new to come into the castle?

Gratora, who had been restlessly watching me for a while

[It doesnt seem like youre that curious, arent you?]

told me so.

Even though Im wearing this mask to cover my face, I guess I still look like that huh.

[Do you want me to be curious about this place, Gratora-dono?]

When I replied so

[No- Thats not the case.]

Gratora huffed, turning her head away.

With her curt attitude, Gratora walks up the stairs.

Not saying anything else, we followed her up the stairs.

She stayed quiet until she led us to a room.

[All of you wait in this room. When everythings ready, a messenger will come and call for you again.]

After saying that

[I will remain here and watch over all of you.]

Gratora didnt leave the room.

The rest of the Harpy soldiers seemed to be staying here as well.

[]

Well, I guess thats to be expected.

No matter how effective showing Erikas letter to them is, that still doesnt mean that I earned their trust yet.

Especially the people aside from the King.

At any rate, theyve accepted us because their King told them to.

Perhaps, the reason they stayed here is that they still dont trust us.

[May we sit on the chairs over there?]

When I asked, Gratora silently nodded.

With her nod, Seras and Nyaki sat down next to each other first.

Then, Slei lay down on the floor diagonally in front of them.

And finally, I sat down.

The place I sat down on is right in front of Gratora.

I guess some idle chat should do.

[Was it unusual for newcomers to set foot in this castle?]

[..]

There was no reply.

She was still glaring at me with the same sharp eyes.

Looking at her eyes, it really reminded me of the eyes of birds of prey.

No, well, I guess she has those eyes because shes a harpy.

At that moment, I noticed that Nyaki was looking at me with a worried look on her face.

I think she was worried about Gratoras not-so-friendly attitude.

However, it doesnt seem to be much of a problem.

Gratora may be cautious of me but she doesnt hold any ill intent towards us.

She isnt thinking of harming us.

I think she simply wants to protect this country to protect the king.

In short, shes just an overly serious woman.

That said, she doesnt seem to be very flexible.

Eventually

[Gratora-sama.]

A female soldier whose lower body was a snake opened the door.

At first glance, her upper body was comparable to a human.

I guess shes that so-called lamia huh.

She was somewhat dressed like a knight.

Its a bit revealing but I guess you could say thats the attire of a knight.

Anyway, with the lamias call, Gratora stood up.

She urged us to follow her.

Thereupon, she brought us to a room in the castle.

Inside the room, there was King Zect.

Incidentally, the room we were led to wasnt the audience room.

It was more like a conference room.

This certainly seems like a good place to have a discussion.

A large rectangular table was set in the center.

Surrounding the table were chairs of varying sizes.

The difference in sizes is probably due to the different sizes for each species.

There was one chair closest to the entrance.

Its a relatively normal-sized chair, something that a human could easily sit on.

And then, on the seat in the back, farthest from the entrance

King Zect was sitting there.

[Have a seat.]

Saying this, King Zect held out his hand and urged us.

[By all means, Fly King-dono, take the seat in front of me.]

Doing as I was told, I took the seat near the entrance.

Seras and Nyaki sat on my left and right, at the seats closest to me.

As for Slei, she didnt lay down on the floor, but stood on my right.

No one was seated near King Zect.

The only one near the King is Gratora, still standing in position.

Thereupon, the door was closed.

Its just that

[.]

I could still feel the presence of other people nearby

[Now then]

King Zect breaks the ice.

[The reason for your visit to this country]

As if he was confirming something, King Zect continued.

[-is to meet the Forbidden Race, is it not?]

[Yes. The reason we came here was definitely to meet the Forbidden Race.]

[For what reason did you come to meet the Forbidden Race?]

[It may be rude of me, but Id like to request King Zect one thing.]

[Let me hear it.]

Pausing for a moment, I spoke.

[May I ask for permission to speak with you alone?]

[Wha-]

Baffled, Gratora reacted.

[Id like to ask you to have everyone clear this room- including those in the hidden room.]

The room next door No, perhaps, its supposed to be a hidden room.

Hes probably keeping his troops there in case of emergency.

It seems like this castle also had such a place.

It seems like they arent some carefree bunch.

They properly see threats coming from the outside as threats.

Things dont look as bad as it seems huh

With eyebrows raised, Gratora frowned.

[Y- You b*stard, what kind of stupidity are you]

Just as Gratora was about to move towards us, King Zect held up his hand and stopped her.

[Its fine.]

[H- However If this person was sent from somewhere to kill Zect-sama!]

[Gratora.]

Maintaining his calm demeanor, the King spoke.

[If it werent for Erika-dono, I would have perished. They are the ones that Erika-dono trusted to send here and I trust in Erika-dono. Thus- I want to trust them too.]

[H- However]

King Zect then lowers his hand.

Pausing like that for a moment, he then gazes at me.

[Im not sure if this matter has anything to do with the Forbidden Race but it seems like you have something you need to urgently say.]

[.]

This skeleton king hes quite observant.

Thereupon, King Zect spoke with a slightly forceful tone

[Gratora.]

[Ah Hahh!]

[Clear out the room. Take Armia and the others and wait outside this room.]

(T/N: / Aamia)

[Understood.]

This Armia must be the name of the person in the hidden room huh.

After a short pause, King Zect said.

[Dont be so hard on yourself, Gratora.]

[No If that person does anything strange, please call me immediately.]

[Umu, Ill be counting on you then.]

It seems like hes also very considerate with his subordinates.

He isnt the type that would intimidate others with his orders huh.

[.]

The presence that had been lurking in the room faded into the distance.

It seemed like this hidden room could be accessed even without having to pass through this room.

Feeling that they have left, I spoke.

[Seras and the others too, you all should wait outside.]

When I told them so, Seras brought her face close to my ear and whispered.

[We wouldnt be able to determine if what he said was the truth in that case though.]

Shes confirming my decision huh.

[It doesnt matter.]

I cant just let the other side take a step back while our side doesnt do anything.

When I whispered this, Seras quietly nodded.

[Well then, lets go, Nyaki-dono.]

[Y- Yes nya.]

Thus, it was just me and King Zect left in this room.

The King then asked.

[Is this distance enough?]

[I guess so Even though the room has been cleared off, I dont know if theyre at a distance where we could talk about something confidential. Do you mind if I sit somewhere closer?]

[I dont mind. Go on, come closer.]

Asking for his permission, I moved to a seat diagonally in front of King Zect.

As I sat down, the king spoke.

[It seems like you have a very important matter to discuss. I have a lot of questions for you as well, Belzegia-dono but lets hear about what you need to say first.]

[Understood.]

The Goddess forces are about to invade this country.

I told King Zect about it.

Ive also told him about Nyaki and the Heroic Sword.

A crisis might be drawing near this country.

I tried to summarize the main points as much as possible to convey this.

However, I also made sure that the information I gave him isnt too little.

I gave him the details that should be given.

As I was speaking, I could see that King Zect was getting agitated.

However, he suppressed his emotions and listened in silence until the end.

[Well, thats the situation for now.]

Feeling despondent, King Zect hung his head.

[I see For the outside world, were still considered as dangerous beings huh.]

[No, Im not so sure about that.]

I told him that so far, it seemed that only the Goddess and the people around him were actively hostile towards them.

[In other words This invasion is being led by the Goddess and isnt the consensus of the outside world?]

[I havent seen everything in the world with my own eyes. However Ive heard that each country has varying perceptions regarding Demi-Humans.]

[I see.]

King Zects voice was laced with some relief.

[I believe that we still have some time before the army sent by the Goddess arrives here. However, if we are to fight the army sent by the Goddess, we will need to be prepared So, I thought I should tell you about this as soon as possible. Its just that If this information suddenly spreads, it could cause unnecessary confusion. For that reason, I thought that I should only tell this to King Zect when we were alone.]

[Im greatly obliged with your consideration, Belzegia-dono I will immediately discuss the future plans with my subjects. Incidentally, your groups original purpose it was the Forbidden Race, right?]

[.]

Now then

This is the turning point that would decide my path.

As expected, Im a little nervous but still, I asked.

[Are they still alive and in this country?]

King Zect looks at me again.

Thereupon, he spoke.

[You dont have to worry They are still alive and well in this country.]