— Suburbs of the Courtenay fief, midnight.

A hooded figure would peer down an alley. Behind him, there would be about 8 people who seemed to be his henchmen.

Well... Today will be our first attack to free the enslaved beasts before the empire takes them for their experiments. We've been sneaking through the woods into the territories near the border with the realms beyond, as it's the place where there are the most sightings of beasts.

Once the path looks clear, he proceeds to signal to those waiting behind to start moving.

I did everything I could to prevent this from happening, but I was unsuccessful. This is the only way to prevent this from escalating temporarily. My sister will make sure no information reaches the hidden guild.

The hidden guild, rumored to be led by the second princess Evelin Elandoria, is an organization that keeps the aristocrats informed, somewhat like a high-class newspaper.

After running through alleyways heading west, they reach a space connecting the alleys to multiple streets. In the middle, two wagons can be seen, seemingly guarded by multiple mercenaries, while a couple of rows of slaves begin to board them. There would also be a group of three merchants engaged in conversation.

Well... According to Eleanor's information, a shipment of slaves will be prepared here to be sold to the empire, and their carriages leave in an hour. I can see them.

He approaches to listen.

"Walk faster! Damn it." A whip would leave one of the slaves' skin red.

"Kyaa! It hurts..."

"But who would think the empire would pay 2,000 imperials for you..." He laughs heartily, and the other two merchants join in the fun.

"Why do you think they want these animals?"

"I'd rather not get involved, hehe... But as long as they pay for them, I don't care. I have over 40 beast slaves! With that kind of money, I can stop working for the next twenty, no... Maybe for my whole life!

The figure leading the hooded individuals lowers his mask and whispers to his henchmen.

"As we planned. I'll interrupt the merchant, drawing the attention of the mercenaries escorting the wagons. After I give the signal, ambush the escorts, and I'll take care of knocking out the merchants. No one can know we're from the empire under any circumstances. Otherwise, our heads will roll."

The henchmen nod.

"All right, let's get mov—" Before he can give the signal, he's interrupted by a question from the merchants. Upon hearing it, he tells his henchmen to halt.

"Hmm? Who are you?"

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An unknown person appears in front, catching everyone's attention. This person would have the appearance and height of Ai.

"He... I see you're busy."

A child or a dwarf? Perhaps a race from beyond trying to save their friends?

"Aren't you going to answer? Hey." He signals to the mercenaries, who begin to approach the hooded figure.

"Deal with the dwarf."

"Hey, kid. Stop bothering us." One of the mercenaries steps forward and throws a punch at the hooded figure. Soon, his hand slips from the wrist, falling to the ground. A rainbow of blood fills the figure's hood and the ground beneath.

"AAAGH...! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, YOU DAMN BASTARD?" He tries to stop the bleeding by pressing with his other hand.

"What does this mean!? Useless fool! Attack him, all of you!"

The mercenaries start running with knives and swords in hand. When they're a few meters from the unknown figure, their torsos suddenly drop to the ground, lifeless.

What!? What just happened!? I saw it... Something cut through the air, but it was so fast that my eyes only caught the airwave. Thought the person who was waiting to attack.

"Eek!" "Wait, why are you attacking us? What do you want?"

Two of the merchants would stumble and fall to the ground. One of them grabbed a beast as a hostage, and the other got up and ran while still stumbling.

"You useless wretch, go fight for me, protect me!"

He pushes the slave forward, who is trembling with fear.

"[Tenth stance: Koi no Hanabira]"

After saying this, it happened again. A cut faster than the speed of the present eyes opened the throats of the running merchant and the one who incited the beast to fight. After that, rose-like flowers began to bloom from their necks as they convulsed.

Eww... That's so gross! Why does Miyamoto make attacks that are so gruesome?

Soon, a person appears running behind the hooded figure.

"Who are you!? Identify yourself!"

"Hm? Are you another mercenary?" He doesn't seem to be dressed like his companions...

"You're mistaken... Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Wilfred Elandoria, the second prince of the Elandoria Empire."

"Ah, I see... Nice to meet you." He turns to look at the slaves, who respond with fear. Soon, the figure takes out his katana again.

"[Fourth stance: Inochi no Kaze]"

The cut made all the beasts scream in fear, expecting their death. However, a metallic screech would interrupt their lament. Soon, the chains of the beasts fell to the ground, and none of them had any injuries from the cut.

What!? A cut that doesn't harm humans... But I could barely see it. The cut followed the line of the chains perfectly, like a work of theater...

Ohh! So Miyamoto is connecting his attacks with magic to create flashy new techniques. These thoughts would be interrupted by Miyamoto's embarrassment, who takes control of a hand and pokes a finger into the figure's ribs while Ai is in possession of the body.

IT HURTS!

After writhing in a strange way, the figure stands firm again.

"Ahem... They are free. The empire is capturing as many beasts as they can for experiments or to kill them. Go to the border. There is a kingdom where you can live even if you're exiled."

The beasts nod in agreement as they hear Ai's words and run toward the border.

Impossible. That information is confidential, only the eastern aristocrats, the royal family, and a few researchers know about the operation. Besides, all the nobles who have been told either hold a strong grudge or remain neutral about decisions regarding the beasts... Who leaked these words? The baron perhaps?

The figure prepares to leave.

"Could you tell me your name?" The prince interrupts Ai's speech to the beasts.

Ai, who was about to leave, stops and, after a few seconds, turns around with her head down.

. . .

What do I do? I'm not trying to sound cool, but I forgot my alias... Um... Think, think. If there are two of us, maybe... Elfen Lied?

I guess that will do.

"My name is... Lucy!"

. . .

"Ha... Lucy, I understand... Thank you for saving the beasts!" That name... Isn't it a woman's name?

Lucy leaves the area by climbing the buildings and disappearing into the sky.

So, there are people like that... I wonder what your goal is, Lucy...