Reiza's uncle.

That's what this wolfman is claiming to be.

Not that I don't believe him, but he sure was found quick...

"A black dragon...and a giant turtle...?"

"Indeed, I was there and fought by her side.

Well...

More appropriately, I helped with the dragon and then Reiza killed the turtle on her own."

He doesn't even seem to be aware that his niece has become a monster.

From what he said, he was separated from her when their village has been attacked.

But still...

I would like to learn more about Reiza from him.

From what she said herself, she was stuck in a dungeon for a really long time.

If that was me, I would go insane.

I would never be able to get out.

"...I still don't believe you.

You humans always play these filthy tricks..."

Even when freely walking through the castle of Granores, he still doesn't trust anyone.

Not that I blame him...

It was humans who raided his village after all.

"I know it's hard to believe...

But Reiza is someone we definitely don't want to make an enemy of.

And that, by extension includes you."

In response to that, he folded his arms and spat out more words of distrust.

"Phe... meaningless words.

You will just kill me and hide the evidence."

"Didn't I protect you from these assassins back there?

You could be a little more trusting."

"Last time I trusted someone, my village was pillaged."

That unchanging attitude finally made me let out a sigh as I rubbed my beard.

"Oh hey!

You are back."

Looking up again, I spot Blizzard with Bob next to her.

"Is that Renar?

Reiza's uncle?"

"Yes, that's him."

Responding to that, Blizzard stepped forward and introduced herself.

"Pleased to meet you, my name is Trestadonia Lerentnin.

Call me Blizzard."

After a light bow, she then gestured at the man behind her with her hands.

"This is my right hand man, Bob."

"Hello."

After Bob waved at him, Renar narrowed his eyes.

"So, you three were the ones who fought alongside Reiza?"

"That's right.

Even though it's more like we just helped your cute niece in that fight..."

Blizzard's remark made Renar frown even more.

"Cute you say...?

Just how much has she changed...?"

"...huh?"

...what was that...?

Did he just call his own niece not cute?

"...nothing, weren't you leading me to meet your king?"

"Oh yes... this way."

...

I really can't imagine what's happening in his head.

Kind of reminds me of Reiza in a way...

|= One royal audience later =|

That was really dangerous...

One of the guards almost attacked Renar out of rage.

I mean... I also don't think it's fine for him to disrespect the king.

But he is Reiza's uncle, we really can't do anything foolish.

At least we got to learn about Reiza when she was young...

And I kind of get it now.

You wouldn't normally call someone tearing a live boar apart with their bare hands cute...

Not to mention... she could beat all of the boys her age?

And most of them would be left on the verge of death?

Yeah, that can't be called cute.

...

But the Reiza I know is quite different.

She even let prince Robert live after he tried to enslave her.

She really changed substantially in that dungeon...

At the end of the audience, Renar was assigned a room in the castle and a personal servant.

Although he was clearly not happy about the servant part, he eventually accepted.

After he left, everyone else stayed to discuss other things.

"Now then...

Maestus, your report on the hero."

"Yes, your majesty.

Dan's abilities have already exceeded most of my men.

It will probably only take a few days before he will be able to beat even me."

The king nodded and turned his head to Edona.

"Edona, your report on Reiza's location."

"Yes...

Umm...

She seems to have teleported out of the monster nation.

Back onto the little island from where she left."

"Oh?

So she will return soon, I take it?"

"No...

Unfortunately, it seems that she is headed in the opposite direction."

"...I see."

The king's brows furrowed in response as he looked at the ground.

He is probably disappointed...

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At this rate, Reiza won't make it back here before the war erupts.

We will have to fully rely on the hero and our armies.

"That is fine.

It's still within the expectations."

The king quickly recovered and continued.

"Nerumi, your report on the demon country."

"Yes sir!

It seems that the demons still haven't made any big moves.

And our spies even reported that their army still hasn't been fully prepared yet."

That report made the king narrow his eyes.

"Is that so?

Hmm..."

It's strange...

By this time, it was expected that at least their army would be ready.

I wonder what this demon lord is planning...?

I should be happy, but it seems fishy...

Hmm...

Maybe Reiza will make it back here in time after all.

"And umm..."

Nerumi suddenly raised her voice again.

"What is it?"

"A strange person has appeared... sir."

She seems like she doesn't really want to say it.

"A strange person you say?"

"A little girl is going around asking people whether they know where the god is..."

"A little girl...?

Well, that sounds strange for sure, but why is it concerning?"

"W-well...

She was seen exterminating a group of about twenty trino bears using wind magic."

The king raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"A very talented individual, huh?

Are you saying we should scout her out?"

"N-no...that's not the whole story.

It's that...

The mages who happened to be watching her noticed no change in the concentration of mana in her body."

"...what did you say?"

"I'm saying... she didn't use up any mana to cast spells."

"W-wha-"

Unconsciously, I let out a voice.

"Um...

Excuse me..."

The king didn't mind my interruption and continued listening to Nerumi.

But... casting spells without using up mana?

How...?

"...is all of what you said true?"

"It's all information from a credible source, sir..."

The king then closed his eyes and rubbed his beard.

"Where is that girl right now?"

It seems that mysterious girl caught the king's interest as well.

"Well, she should be around..."

|= ??? =|

...

How did this happen?

I'm floating in the air with all of my muscles paralyzed by my own mana.

But I'm not alone.

Everyone else in this room is in the same situation.

Blizzard, Maestus, Sophia, the king...

Every single one.

The only one who is steadily standing on the ground and staring at the king, is a small girl in the middle of the room.

"Seems like you just don't get it.

So listen.

I don't care about my position in this world at all.

I don't feel the need to participate in petty wars.

And I don't even care what you think about me.

Do you understand?"

As if expecting a response, she looked around the room.

But it's not like anyone could respond.

"So for the last time.

Do you know where this world's god is?"

When that question echoed in the room, everyone got released and dropped back down.

However, for a few seconds, nobody even dared to get up and look at her.

We have been treating her as a genius young girl.

But that was a huge mistake.

This girl can not only control mana outside of her body...

She can control mana in other people's bodies!

This is insane...

Just how many monsters will I have to meet in my life?!

After a couple seconds have passed in silence, she sighed.

"I take it as a 'no' then.

Bye."

As if leaving behind piles of trash, she turned around and headed for the exit.

None of the guards had the courage to even think about stopping her.

In fact, nobody even said a word.

"Wait..."

But then, my stupid mouth had to reflexively open.

"Hmm?"

What am I doing?

I should be grateful she is letting us live.

Why should I even try to help her find god?

I don't know where he is...

...

But I do know something else...

"I... don't know... where he is..."

She narrowed her eyes when she heard that.

"But...

I know someone who will know."

With that, her eyes widened back before she crossed her arms waiting for my answer.

That's right...

Everyone here knows that person.

And she said she met god on many occasions.

She has to know... right?