A huge discovery?

Seems like Zanoba and I pay attention differently.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't figure out what you discovered. Can you properly explain it to
me when we have the time?"

Zanoba looks visibly disappointed, hearing that from me.

"What? Shisho didn't notice?"

Zanoba retreats back a few steps.

I'm sorry! I'm not as good as you when it come to appraising this stuff.

"Mm?"

As we pass the door, I noticed some white particles coming from Sylphy before me.

"Eh?"

Sylvaril stops, turning around to look at Sylphy and me.

Although hidden behind her mask, I can feel the mood shift beneath it suddenly.
Rather, maybe it's us.

"I-is there a problem?"

I hesitantly ask Sylvaril.

Last time Arumanfi abruptly attacked.
I don't want that to happen again.

If that's possible, then I really hope we can talk it out and avoid a misunderstanding.
Even if it isn't, and something bad really does happen, at least we should retreat as
soon as possible.
Although I have some questions for Perugius, but I'd rather go home rather than look
for a fight.

"No. It's nothing particular. There are quite a few people like you on earth."
"Is that so?"

What does she mean by people like us?

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Makes me nervous.
Don't tell me we would be trapped as soon we enter the castle?
I should keep my demon eye open.

"However, may I ask you two something?"

"Go ahead."
"Hitogami, have you heard that name before?"

I tried hard to not show a reaction.

Hitogami.
Hearing that suddenly reminds me of Orsted.
Last time, Orsted asked the same question. When I answered, he nearly killed me.
I don't want that to happen again.

I hesitated.
If I answer truthfully, it'd spell trouble if she turn hostile.
Indeed, Hitogami has been playing me in the palm of his hands, and he has helped me.
I never planned to be his underling, but I also realize that I'm becoming that sort of
thing.

"No, not at all."

Sylphy shakes her head while I hesitate.

"Then, when you hear that name, do you feel an unspeakable anger or murderous
intent?"

Sylphy shakes her head in silence.

I as well.
But I can sense what that question is about.
Orsted gives out that kind of feeling.

To know such things, maybe Orsted and Perugius are rivals?

I'm not sure.

"In that case, then everything is fine."

With that said, Sylvaril starts to walk again.

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The Sky Castle [Chaos Breaker].
Despite its name, the only word that can properly describe it is stunning.

I can't imagine how such a huge structure was constructed.

However, despite its size, every corner has been decorated with exquisite statues, and
every statue made meticulously by master craftsmen.

Not just on the outside.

The inside is covered by golden embroidered carpeting, paintings line the walls, and
each side is decorated with expensive artwork and sculptures.

Zanoba will speak nonstop, looking at this and that, [This sculpture is obviously out
of the Ganon school. Could it be by the master himself?] [The original rider statue? To
see this in person, what an honor!] He looks truly happy.
Originally Sylvaril and Ariel would respond, but they soon got worn down by him and
simply smile wearily.

Usually there would be a second bothersome person.

Yet when I look at Cliff, he looks painfully tense.
His eyes are wide, but he's keeping his mouth shut unless being asked otherwise.
Elinalise besides him, holding his hand like a mom and keeping him moving along.
Well, this is fine. If those two start chattering it'd be rather noisy.

"The audience room is just before us."

At the end of the hallway, Sylvaril stops before a pair of doors.

A heavy door, dotted with silver, with a dragon painted on each side.
All in all, it took almost an hour for us to reach here from the magic circle.
Such a large place is kind of a pain too.
A segway would be nice.

"Although Perugius is generous, please observe proper etiquette."

Having said that, Sylvaril places a hand on the door.

No knocking?

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"Excuse us, but we're still in our travel wear! Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

Ariel hurriedly asks.

Now that she mentions it, don't they usually bring the guests to the reception room
first in these situations?
Change into proper formal wear, get everything set before initial greetings.
I recall doing that when meeting with King Shirone.
But I didn't have any formal wear of sorts, so I ended up wearing my old shabby robes
like usual.
Oh no, I never thought about this before, so that was an audience.
I should have brought a formal wear.

"Perugius-sama doesn't care about the dress code. Rather, he really dislikes the old-
fashion formalities at Asura Kingdom. In my opinion, rather than changing
intentionally, keep what you have on, and you'll leave a better impression with
master."

Hearing that, Ariel shut her mouth.

Maybe something happened back then.
Like, the reason Perugius left for the Sky Castle was that he got bullied by King Asura
or something.

"Well, may we at least put aside our coats and luggage?"

"I understand, please come this way."

Hearing what amounted to begging from Ariel, Sylvaril consents and nods.
Walking away from the big door, she opens a room on the side.

Roughly the size of my bedroom.

Compared to the rest of the castle it's relatively small and plain, but even the table,
cabinet, and clothing racks are items of high quality.

"Thank you very much."

"Perugius-sama is waiting. Please hurry."

With that said, Sylvaril closed the door.

Confirming that, Ariel removes her overcoat.
Luke immediately went over to take it from her, and Sylphy takes out a haircomb and
begins to comb Ariel's hair.
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At the same time, Zanoba put away his overcoat in the clothing rack and put on a new
one to wear.
Elinalise busies herself inspecting Cliff's hair and outfit.

I dust off my outfit and straighten my shirt.

Nothing formal... What you wear isn't important, sincerity is.
Casual wear doesn't mean we can just wear whatever.

By the way, Nanahoshi isn't doing anything.

At most she just straightened her bangs.
Say, today she's in uniform too.
Does she really hate clothing from this world that much?

"All set."

Finally Sylphy removes her sunglasses. Everyone's ready to go.

All in all, no more than 10 minutes have passed.
Despite that, Ariel looks almost like a different person.
She has bearings to begin with, but now she just exudes elegance.
Perhaps as royalty, she has spent a long time honing the skills to become beautiful.

"Sorry for the wait."

"Oh. This way."

Sylvaril receives the signal from outside.

Like nothing happened, she heads back before the previous door.

Giant doors painted with dragons.

Behind it waits Perugius.
Realizing that, I start to feel nervous.

"Phew..."

Before the doors open, I heard Ariel taking a deep breath.

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