Why is she giving me that same smile I last saw her wear just before she made me practise dancing with her for hours on end? I push back the unease that smile causes me; the phantom pain in my feet from those hours-long dance lessons was harder to ignore, but I managed to keep a straight face as I asked.
"When did you arrive, Lady Seiryuu?"
"I happened to have arrived last night."
Zena and her friends had joined a group called the "Labyrinth City Celivera's Elite Training Corps." Satou was pinched by Arisa when his smile upon noticing her arrival made her think he was cheating. I suppose Lady Seiryuu tagged along with them. I wish Satou had given me a heads-up about her.
"Excuse me; pardon meee. Back away, please and thank youuu."
Ignoring Arisa as she tried to push Satou and Zena apart, I somehow managed to smile despite the mixture of fear and nervousness that had churned in my stomach. Henry isn't a bad person. She is kind, friendly and treated both Pearl and me well when we were staying in her family's castle back in Seiryuu City. But it is hard to forget being forced to dance until my feet felt like they would fall off, and those nobility lessons where she turned into a strict teacher… and the lessons on how to eat properly. Those lessons did help, but still… just seeing her makes me nervous about what she will make me do next.
The guildmaster walked past me, smirking. How did she know what I was going through? She's probably enjoying it after all the extra paperwork I caused her. It's no secret to anyone who drinks with us that she blames me for the mountain of work on her desk. But that was only partly my fault. I didn't plan for plunders to turn into demons, for a demon lord to appear, or for me to find the source of the demonic poisons while rescuing the captives of those plunders. It is, at best, half my fault.
"Hmm? Is this your sweetheart, Satou?"
At least the guldmaster found someone else to tease. I doubt even she was foolish enough to cause trouble for a count's daughter… at least while she's sober. I don't think I can guarantee that when she starts drinking, but her secretary, Sebelkeya, should be able to handle her.
"So, she might be the key,"
I thought I heard Henry say something, but she was still smiling when I looked at her. I probably just imagined it.
"Aaaah! Arisa, there you are!"
"Arisa, Lady Mia, come over to the stage right away, please. Pochi and Tama, too."
"We asked the opening act to stall for time, but that won't work for much longer!"
Iruna and Jena of the Lovely Wings, who were responsible for stage entertainment, came to collect Arisa and the others. The maid outfits that the duo wore attracted a lot of attention.
"Whoa, it's time already? I completely spaced."
"Mm. Forgot."
"Hurryyy?"
"Oh no, sir!"
And just like that, they were gone. The young group quickly followed the Lovely Wings pair out the door, only stopping to make us promise to come and watch. They kept it a secret what they would be doing, but I am looking forward to seeing it later on.
"So, did you arrive with the training mission your father mentioned?" I asked.
Count Seiryuu had only been thinking about forming a group to head here when I left Seiryuu City, but his wife mentioned it was already being planned when we met in the old capital. It wasn't until someone delivered a letter from the count a few days ago that I realised how soon the expedition would arrive.
It was a bit annoying organising arrangements for the expedition — like gathering supplies and finding a guide for when they enter the labyrinth — but it was also a pleasant distraction from the last demon lord fight.
"Yes, my friend Shina Ashinen mentioned she had fallen ill in her last letter, so I decided to take advantage of the expedition to visit her," Henry replied with a gentle smile. "But when I saw her, I realised you had already taken care of whatever troubled her. You have my thanks, Hero Kura, for saving my friend."
"I'm just glad she is okay."
I barely did anything. I suggested a change to her diet and handed her a juicer Satou made. It wasn't something I needed to be thanked for. The hardest part was dealing with Sokell and his endless attempts to frame me for crimes like assault and assassination. At least it was amusing to watch all his schemes unravel in the end.
"This guy's the worst."
"That pretty girl is trying to set the mood, and he's just blowing her off…"
Meanwhile, it seems Satou has made a mistake somehow. I'm not sure what he did, but Zena looked disappointed for a moment before embarrassment took over as she realised the crowd was watching them. Her face turned bright red, and she waved her arms as Satou apologised for whatever he had done.
"Yes, she's the key."
I know it wasn't just my imagination this time. I saw a spark in Henry's eyes as she muttered something about a key, as if she were plotting something. I doubt it's something I need to worry about, but I should warn Satou later, just in case. Henry most likely wants to recruit him. Count Seiryuu asked me to do the same in his letter, but I was planning to make excuses later for my failure.
"By the way, my hero," Henry said after a moment of silence. "Do you happen to know why there are so many stands giving away free food? I was unaware that there were any festivals held at this time of year."
"No, it isn't an annual event," I shake my head. "Two floor masters were defeated recently, so it's a celebration for that."
"I see," Henry nodded, a contemplative expression replacing her earlier soft smile. "Defeating even one Floor Master is a monumental task, but two… that is an extraordinary achievement. I presume, Hero Kura, that you were deeply involved in these triumphs?"
"Well, I wasn't in the city at the time," I told her.
The fact that I was fighting a demon lord at the time is being kept secret to prevent panic. I'll probably get a lecture from Henry when she finds out, but I can't tell her here with so many people around.
"Satou and his friends defeated the Upper Floor, Floor Master, while Baronet Jelil's group defeated the other," I continued.
Henry's thoughtful expression remained steady. Instead, a glint appeared in her eye, the same one I'd seen when she was about to announce a particularly gruelling etiquette lesson.
"Not directly involved, you say? And yet, two Floor Masters fell in your absence. That speaks volumes about the capabilities of those you associate with, Hero Kura. Especially this… Satou." Her gaze drifted towards where Satou was still nervously trying to soothe a blushing Zena, who kept avoiding his eyes.
I felt a new wave of unease. It wasn't merely my imagination; she was certainly analysing Satou.
"They are quite capable individuals," I managed, trying to keep my voice even. "Satou is a gifted individual, and Baronet Jelil's group is one of the city's most respected."
Henry pondered softly, her voice gentle yet with an unsettling edge that made my skin crawl. "To overcome a Floor Master without relying on a Hero's direct help... that indicates strength, cleverness, and maybe, a hint of flexibility." She paused, her gaze locking onto mine once more, and her overly sweet smile reappeared. "Tell me, Hero Kura, what sort of man is Satou? Is he as powerful as his reputation implies?"
I gulped, my mind racing. She was prying, attempting to gauge him, and I understood exactly why. Count Seiryuu wanted Satou, or someone similar, someone capable of fully exploring a labyrinth and likely also generating a good profit. A successful expedition, especially one led or heavily influenced by a Seiryuu noble, would greatly boost their house's reputation. And what better way to guarantee success than to have someone like Satou, a proven Floor Master vanquisher, on board?
"Satou is... resourceful," I began, choosing my words with extreme care. "He's very observant and quick-thinking. And he has a knack for getting along with people." I deliberately omitted any mention of his overwhelming strength, his incredible magic, or his mysterious abilities to craft anything from thin air. Henry didn't need to know he was practically a walking cheat code. "He's also quite humble, despite his achievements."
Henry's smile remained, a perfect, unmoving mask, but her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
"Resourceful. Observant. Quick-thinking. Humble. Indeed," she purred, the word stretching out. "All very admirable qualities, Hero Kura. And yet, one does not simply defeat a Floor Master with mere resourcefulness and humility. There must be... something more. A certain aptitude for combat, perhaps? Or a strategic mind that surpasses the norm?"
She tapped a manicured finger against her chin, her gaze drifting back to Satou, who was now awkwardly trying to help Zena forget about the growing crowd of onlookers whispering questions about what kind of relationship they had.
"He certainly looks... unassuming. Nearly ordinary, one might say, for someone capable of such feats. It piques one's curiosity, doesn't it?"
"He... has a strong party," I offered weakly, trying to deflect. "His companions, Arisa, Mia, Pochi, Tama, Liza, Lulu… they are all very capable in their own right. They work exceptionally well together."
I felt as if I was about to say something I shouldn't under Henry's gaze. How could she be a better integrator than the guildmaster? Luckily, I was saved by what I heard next.
"Shall we, Miss Zena?"
"Yes!"
Zena and Satou left the west guild building. Unknowingly, Satou gave me the breathing space I needed.
"Hero Kura, would you be so kind as to guide me around the festival?" Henry's question hung in the air.
"Of course, Lady Henry," I replied, forcing a smile that felt a little too tight around the edges. "I'd be glad to. The festival is quite lively, and there are several stalls offering some truly unique items."
Henry quickly clung to my side, pulling one of my arms into her chest. One that unfortunately puts mine to shame. It didn't take long for people to start talking. Between constantly getting tangled up with a drunken Sara while trying to get her to stop drinking, and that time I brought the Lovely Wing pair back to my home after they passed out from drinking too much, people have begun calling me a womaniser. A completely false accusation. But when I pointed this out, it only made things worse.
The crowd's response was swift and loud.
"Look at that! Hero Kura hasn't even completed one conquest, and she's already moving on to a noblewoman! That poor girl, Sara, must be heartbroken."
She's got no shame! How does he manage it? Does she just radiate charisma?
Henry's grip tightened, her fingers pressing subtly into my arm—a pressure that felt both comfortingly feminine and perilously sharp. When she finally looked up at me, her gaze was perfectly composed, yet beneath it lurked an icy current.
"Oh, Hero Kura," she purred, her voice carrying just enough volume to rise above the nearest whispers, "what absolutely fascinating things the common folk choose to whisper about. Such colourful imaginations they possess, don't you agree?"
I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my spine. My smile completely vanished, replaced by a strained grimace. I knew that tone. It was the same one Henry used when she was about to announce that I was required to attend a three-hour intensive on the correct order of utensils for a Royal Banquet. It was deadly efficient and offered no chance of escape.
"Indeed, Lady Henry," I managed, trying to summon some semblance of control into my voice, though it sounded feeble even to my own ears. "They do seem to possess a remarkable talent for… embellishment."
Henry's fingers tapped a nearly imperceptible rhythm against my arm, a subtle pressure that contradicted the innocent expression on her face. Her gaze remained fixed on me, unwavering, like a predator assessing its prey.
"Embellishment, you say?" she mused, her voice a soft, melodious hum that sent another shiver down my spine. "And yet, my dear Hero Kura, where there is smoke, there is often fire, is there not? Such persistent whispers about your… romantic entanglements. First, the 'Lovely Wing pair,' as they are so quaintly called. And now, myself, if their pronouncements are to be believed." A faint, almost imperceptible arching of her eyebrow was the only sign of her true feelings. "Tell me, Kura, what exactly transpired with these 'Lovely Wings'? I confess, the thought of my Hero Kura bringing two… ladies… home after a night of revelry does pique my curiosity."
"It's simply a misunderstanding, Lady Henry," I stammered, feeling a flush creep up my neck. "They had too much to drink. I felt it was my responsibility to ensure their safety. It would have been terribly irresponsible, even dangerous, to leave them to wander the streets in that state!" Not to mention the looks the men were given them in that bar. I hate to think what would have happened to them if I had left them there. "I merely offered them a spare room in my residence to sleep off their… exuberance."
I finished, breathless, hoping my earnestness would convey the truth. Henry's smile softened, losing a fraction of its sharp edge, and she even chuckled, a delicate sound like wind chimes.
"A purely humanitarian act," she said, her eyes twinkling with a peculiar amusement that did little to ease my anxiety. "Of course, my dear Kura. Your noble heart is well-known. It seems even your acts of compassion are unfortunately prone to misinterpretation by these… colourful imaginations."
I exhaled, unaware I had been holding my breath, as a wave of relief flooded over me. Maybe I had managed to navigate this tricky conversation after all. Henry's grip on my arm softened, and her smile, though still mysterious, felt less like a prelude to an execution.
"Thank you for understanding, Lady Henry," I said, sincerely grateful. "It truly was nothing more than that."
But just as I thought the storm had passed, a gruff, heavily slurred voice cut through the festival din, seemingly from a burly man leaning against a fruit stall nearby.
"Hmph! 'Humanitarian act,' eh? Just like how she's always tanglin' with that busty priestess, Sara! Swear on my mother's grave, they're always together, that one. And the way she looks at our Hero…"
I felt my stomach tighten, not just from the drunkard's comment, but from the terrifying stillness that fell upon Lady Henry. The gentle, yet threatening tapping on my arm stopped completely. Her grip, which had briefly softened, returned with ferocious strength, emanating a heat that was less attraction and more raw, cold fury.
Her flawless smile hadn't disappeared, but it had become frozen. It was the smile of an ice-carved statue, stunning and completely merciless.
"Sara," Henry repeated, her voice dropping to a hypnotic, chilling whisper that demanded I lean closer to hear it. "The priestess who joined your group in the old capital?"
I nodded, feeling the blood drain from my face. "Yes, Lady Henry. She is sometimes a bit clumsy. But she is an excellent healer and is reliable when it matters."
Henry didn't take her eyes off me. Her gaze was sharp, calculating, analysing every muscle twitch on my face. "Clumsy, you say. And yet, the common folk seem to see your relationship as quite... intimate. Tell me, Kura, what exactly does this 'clumsiness' mean when the priestess is, as you say, drinking?"
My mouth opened and closed, no sound emerging. How was I meant to explain? How could I possibly articulate the sheer, unadulterated chaos that was Sara after a few too many glasses of wine, without making it sound exactly like what the drunkard insinuated?
"It's nothing to worry about." In the end, I decided to change the subject. "So, do you have any plans for your stay in the city?"
"Aside from spending time with Shina, my father asked me to help the Training Corps with administrative matters."
With that, I managed to steer Henry away from the drunks before anyone could say anything else. The street outside the guild is busier than the inside, but most people are too interested in the stalls to notice us.
The scent of food fills the air as we begin walking down the street. Fried, grilled, boiled, and cooked. There is no shortage of food options. I can see countless ways in which various monster meats have been prepared that I had never even considered before. I notice Lulu carving a large fish with an oversized knife for a crowd.
"I guess that's the Maid King for you."
I heard some people comment on Lulu's skills with a weird nickname, but I ignore them. Her knife work is impressive, as she uses a broadsword-sized knife to delicately carve up the fish. The kitchen maids Rosie and Annie, along with the head maid, Miss Miteruna, were in the booth helping Lulu cook.
"This is absolutely exquisite!" Henry smiled as she took a small bite of the fish. "My word… While its appearance may leave something to be desired, the flavour is positively exquisite! It simply melts upon the tongue. And truly, this white sauce complements it perfectly!"
I had one of the young maids bring us a couple of plates so Henry wouldn't notice that Satou and Zena were in the crowd as well. But despite initially appearing displeased, Henry quickly began eating the fish with increasingly larger bites and even looked disappointed when it was all gone. Lulu's cooking is truly something.
"That was simply divine. Such skill at so tender an age is quite remarkable. Do you suppose Miss Lulu might consider accepting the position of chief within my household?"
"I doubt she would be willing to leave her current master," I replied, catching the look in her eye the moment she spotted Satou.
"I understand. In that case, should I also manage to secure Satou's services…"
The conversation was beginning to head down a dangerous route, so I averted the topic by pointing out a stall selling shiny objects. They were only cheap gems, but they managed to catch Henry's attention for a few seconds. Long enough for Satou to vanish with Zena into the crowd.
<0>
I would have preferred to avoid going to places where Satou was, but I had no choice since I had made a promise. At least Satou wasn't sitting in the reserved seat for his group. It looks like Nana and Sara have monopolised them, along with the orphans they were with.
"Herooo!"
"Miss Herooo!"
The kids hurried over to me as they saw us approaching. The younger ones clung to my legs, while one lively boy leapt onto my back. It's quite normal for them to greet me this way, but I'm unsure if Henry would be pleased with the children surrounding her, too.
"Goodness me, what lively children,"
Or perhaps it wouldn't be a problem, as Henry gently smiles at the children.
"Please remember you are inside and there are other people around," Sara says as she comes walking over.
"Larval, please stay with me, I insist," Nana said, spreading her arms wide to welcome some of the children who came running back to her.
The concert was just about to start. There was a noble sitting area I had planned to go to since there weren't enough seats here, but Sara arranged the kids to make space for us, with each of us having one on our laps. Even Henry insisted that one of the kids sit on her lap as well.
"Listen to my sooooong!" Arisa started the concert by shouting like a particular galactic songstress.
"Such enchanting music! Is that splendid sphere behind them responsible for these delightful sounds?"
"Yes, it's fairy magic called an 'Instrumentalist.' But it can only perform as well as the one who summoned it," I offered a quick explanation of the pseudo-spirit Mia was controlling.
"Ah, I understand now. It is truly marvellous to listen to."
Mia performing an entire orchestra on her own was certainly impressive; her brow furrowed in concentration as she summoned each note with unwavering focus. Arisa used that vibrant accompaniment for an anime theme song, her eyes alight with excitement as she sang. The music soothed me, but just as delightful was the sight of Pochi and Tama twirling in time on stage. Dressed like winged fairies, the pair leapt and spun with infectious joy, their faces glowing with pride at the cheers erupting from the crowd.
Listening carefully, I realised that Pochi and Tama were singing while they danced and waved to the crowd. There were singing voices from the orphanage children as Nana sang along with them to the music. Some of the children were talented enough to join them on stage.
After about an hour, the kids' performance had just finished. It was lively from start to finish, leaving the crowd cheering and asking for more.
"…My, that was simply lovely."
"They really practised hard,"
We had just left the performance area after congratulating the girls on a good job when we were suddenly halted. A man in shiny white armour raced straight across our path. I barely managed to stop in time, and by an even narrower margin, pulled Henry out of the way. A few people on the street weren't as fortunate, but it doesn't seem like anyone was seriously injured.
"Good heavens. Can you please leave me alone?"
Hearing a familiar voice, I turn to see someone I don't think Satou realised was here. I can make a good guess as to why that man was sent flying now.
"Karina,"
I called out to the young lady as several men backed away, looking shocked, which was not surprising considering Karina's strength when Raka boosts her power. But even with Raka supporting her, Karina shouldn't be wandering the streets alone. I can already see that some of the guys have either forgotten or are ignoring what happened to the shiny armour guy.
"Oh, Hero Kura," Karina hops over some smashed crates between us. How hard did she hit that guy? I should probably check if he's still breathing. "Is S-Sir Pendragon about?"
"He's around here somewhere, but he's walking among the stalls, so I can't say exactly where he is."
"Very well," Karina nodded. "Then I will have to keep searching for him."
And with that, Karina hopped over the crowd, seemingly forgetting she was wearing a dress and giving some guys a show. She really needs to be more careful.
"Hero Kura!"
Oh, Karina isn't alone. One of her maids, Erina, was with her. Behind her stood a female soldier I'd never seen before. I was waiting for Pina to arrive, too, but surprisingly, she was nowhere to be seen. When I asked, I learned she was in the city, just searching for Karina somewhere else.
"Lady Karina ran off as soon as we entered the city, looking for her man," Erina said as she paused to catch her breath.
"We were lucky she didn't jump over the wall when we got delayed at the city gate," The Newbie added.
The new maid did introduce herself, but Erina called her Newbie, and she didn't complain, so I went with that name for her.
"Do you happen to know where Sir Pendragon is so we can cut her off?" Erina asked, but I shook my head and told her the same thing I told Karina. "Then I guess we have to run her down. Keep up, Newbie."
"Yes,"
I watch the two of them head off in the direction I told them Karina had run off in before I turn to leave, only to find Henry frozen in place.
"Karina…" she muttered. "Can you tell me why you can treat someone else so informally but not me?"
Why is she asking something like that? I haven't really thought about it, so I have no idea what to say.
"Well, it's more than she said I could, and well… we never discussed something like that," I finally responded.
"I see," Henry was silent for a moment before continuing. "Then just simply call me Henry from now on and drop the lady part."
"Yes, Lady... Henry," I managed to correct myself at the last moment.
"I suppose you shall grow accustomed to it in due course," she said with a gentle nod.
<0>
"Hey, good to see you, hero lady! Come have some grub!"
Neru, a redheaded girl, waved at us from one of the stalls and called out casually. Since she worked in front of a hot iron plate, she was wearing a tank top that could land her in trouble with how much it revealed.
"Looks like you have another busy day, Neru," I smiled, wandering over.
"Thanks to you, most of my days are busy," Neru smiled. "But I like it and get to make a lot of coins. And it's extra busy today 'cause everyone's food is free today, courtesy of the higher-ups. It's been like this all morning. So I'm not making much coin today."
It was quite busy. We probably had to wait at least an hour before receiving anything. But fortunately, no one complained when Neru handed us each a plate. Everyone's appetite had likely been stirred by Tama's masterpieces, Twirling Takoyaki, Dancing Croquettes, Winning Skewers, and Flying Fried Potatoes.
Thankfully, Neru handed me bundles of takoyaki, and others also offered us a variety of different dishes. Among them was Polina, the manager of the Echigoya Company. Part of me felt like I should decline the special treatment, but my appetite was overwhelmed by the tempting aroma of all the food I had received. If anything, people were happy to allow me, grinning and chiming in with agreements. "Yeah, of course!" "It's thanks to you and that Satou guy that we get to eat so much good stuff today!" So I thanked everyone and took Henry to a spot where we could eat without getting in anyone's way.
"The flavours are simply exquisite."
Henry couldn't decide which of the dishes she preferred. She said she would only sample each one, but ended up eating everything she was given.
"I'm sure they will be happy to hear that," I smiled, finishing off my own food.
The ladies of the Echigoya Company have truly advanced thanks to Lulu's guidance. Even stern critics in the capital are finding little to criticise. When I read the report about the samples some of the girls Satou sent to the capital showcased, I was surprised by how much the people in the capital appreciated them. I knew they were good, but since nobles typically prefer not to eat monster meat, I was astonished by how highly they praised it.
Just as we were about to leave, a very young-looking girl stepped out from the crowd. It was Princess Meetia of the Nolork Kingdom. I hadn't seen much of her outside of tea parties hosted by the viceroy's wife ever since I rescued her from Plunderer King Ludaman. Behind her was her stoic and reliable lady knight, Ravna.
"Hero Kura," Princess Meetia greeted me with a smile. "It has been a while, no? And who might this young lady be?"
"Hello, Princess Meetia," I replied. "This is Henrietta Seiryuu, the daughter of Count Seiryuu. Henry, this is Princess Meetia of the Nolork Kingdom."
"It's an honour to meet you, your highness," Henry quickly said, going stiff.
"No need to be so formal. Any friend of Hero Kura is a friend of mine indeed. Thou may simply call me Meetia."
Henry glanced at me, and I nodded, which seemed to have made her relax.
"Very well, then you can call me Henry," Henry replied.
"By the way, Hero Kura," Princess Meetia said, looking around. "Is Sir Satou around?"
"He's visiting stalls, so I can't say where he is exactly."
"Well, I suppose I shall cross paths with him at some point, no,"
After some small talk, we parted ways, only for something else to stop us before we could take more than five steps.
"I-it's a race, Bowman!" I heard Gerits shout. "We'll see who gets a garnet badge first!"
It looks like an argument, and I recognised a few of the people involved, specifically Gerits, the third son of the viceroy of Celivera, and his usual followers. We had spoken briefly at the viceroy's wife's tea parties, and then I had rescued them from the plunderers' plot to set off a chain of chaos in the labyrinth. Looks like he has a rival.
It was a group of about seven armed boys and girls from noble families who were clashing with Gerits and friends. Apparently, this new group was about to enter the labyrinth, since they were accompanied by two formidable guardian knights with levels in the high twenties, as well as six soldiers and four bag carriers. The weapons the kids carried were clearly brand-new and unused, but they were quite well equipped. In particular, their leader was barely of adult age, but he wore a dwarf-made mithril-alloy sword at his waist.
"Aren't you listening to me, pal? I don't care about being an explorer. It's just a stepping stone on the way to government service, that's all."
"D-don't insult explorers! It's not the kinda job any coward can do!" Gerits yelled back.
"All right, all right. Fine, it's a race. But we're not interested in garnet badges. Let's see who can get to level fifteen first instead."
"Level fifteen? But that's on par with a knight!"
"I'm level four, and you said in your last letter that you're level seven, right? We've already got our preparations in order, so I think it's a perfect handicap, yeah?"
Gerits was, in fact, just level five. He must have overstated his abilities in the letter to his rival.
"We're gonna spend some time in the beetle area now. If it goes well, we might hit level fifteen before the New Year. So if you wanna win, you'd better show me what you've got, and fast."
With that confident declaration, Gerits rival and his friends walked away toward the west gate into the labyrinth.
"S-Sir Geriiits, should you really have made a promise like that?"
This nervous question came from Luram, a chubby young boy who was friends with Gerits. I often bumped into him buying food at Neru's and the other girls' food stalls on our way out of the labyrinth, so he might be the child I knew best in the group.
"Sh-shut up! Nobles don't go back on their word!"
Gerits spotted someone in the crowd and ran towards them. It wasn't until a few people moved from one of the stalls that I spotted Satou with Zena just as Gerits reached them. I'll just let Satou handle him.
As we ate the next round of dishes, Henry caught me up on her journey. It seems she met Nana's Sisters. But not under the best circumstances. It turns out, while I was… while the Dragon God was using my body to fight the demon lord Henry, Zena and the rest of the troops who were with them fought against a horde of monsters led by a demon.
The battle was brutal, with Henry saying the losses were higher than those she had seen her family's soldiers suffer in battles against wyvens. In the end, it was thanks to a power girl's magic that the battle was turned. Thanks to that girl, Henry, Nana's sisters and some random guy who was with them received a power boost, which they used to defeat the monster horde, while the girl defeated the demon.
She said they had last seen Nana's sisters in Fau, a town in Zetts County. The homunculi had been working as waitresses at a restaurant there to save money. That guy ran off not long after the battle, and the girl she last saw was carrying a dragon towards the mountains.
"Lady Seiryuu," Henry's knight spoke up as the story came to an end. "It's almost time for your meeting."
"Oh yes, I almost forgot," Henry said, looking disappointed. "I'm sorry, Kura, but I have to attend a meeting with the viceroy to discuss city administration."
"It's fine," I tell her.
"I will try to visit you when I am free," Henry told me with a smile. "You live by the new orphanage, yes?"
"Yeah, that's right,"
I have no idea how she knew that, but there were a lot of people who could have told her, I guess.
"Then I shall visit when I am free,"