1. Ravi

There are bad people everywhere, I guess that’s the case.

“And what if the one orchestrating these bad things was a key figure in the country?”

Ravi-san’s next words made me gasp. Licht’s expression didn’t change, so he might already know.

“I’ve heard recently that the people from the Demon Continent haven’t been very impressive. They can get people by kidnapping them on the human side. But they can’t do that on the Demon Continent side. After all, the Demon King controls everything.”

My heart skipped a beat when she mentioned the Demon King. Right, he’d talked about that before. Dad and him had been wracking their brains over it. Hmm, humans are scary…

“So, the fact that you all were forcibly teleported to the castle this time, I think that’s what this is about.”

“…They’re trying to secure talented individuals, those with high magic power, by their own means?”

“Oh, you’re smart, Licht. Good boy.”

“H-Hey, don’t treat me like a kid forever!”

Th-They’d go that far? How greedy… Those with high magic power are already rare, and they want to sell them off for their own gain.

“They say the real truth lies behind the scenes. Ironically, it’s literally the people in the spotlight who are pulling the strings behind the scenes. It’s not funny.”

Ravi-san sighed as she said this. It’s not that they’re ugly because they’re human. There are plenty of good humans. It’s just a few bad ones that are the problem! And it’s a real issue when those kinds of people are in positions of power! Hmm, maybe it’s because they’re in power that their greed keeps growing and they keep aiming higher. If only they’d direct that passion elsewhere…

“But to think they even pulled people from across the continent, from the Demon Continent. It must have been a magic circle that used a considerable amount of magic power, but it’s still surprising that they went that far… Meg, could it be that you have higher potential than normal? Like more magic power than a normal Elf. Maybe that’s why you were pulled in.”

That startled me. I think I do have a lot of magic power. I’ve been told that I’m definitely an outlier compared to kids my age. But is that the only reason? The fact that I’m a High Elf and the next Demon King might have something to do with it too… Hmm, I don’t know. For now, I’ll tilt my head and play the child card. Secret technique, “I don’t know because I’m a kid,” activated!

“Ahaha, you don’t know? Well, of course!”

It worked! I managed to brush it off somehow. It wouldn’t be good to reveal too much and cause more confusion.

“Ravi-san.”

“Hmm? Just Ravi is fine. What is it, Ronny?”

Ronny, who had been silent until now, spoke up. He seemed hesitant, but that’s just how he is. Is it his personality? Carter-san is also bad at talking to people… Compared to him, Ronny’s practically a chatterbox.

“Then, Ravi. Why do you know so much?”

“Ah, about that.”

Now that he mentioned it, Ravi-san knows an awful lot about what’s going on behind the scenes. If a key figure in the country is involved, then that should be classified information, right? Or is it such a well-known rumor? But if that’s the case, then it’s strange that the country isn’t doing anything about it… It would mean the whole country is corrupt.

“I’ve been an adventurer for a long time, you know. I’ve done a lot of jobs for nobles. They trust me quite a bit, surprisingly.”

Ravi-san puffed out her chest, looking proud as she said this. I honestly think it’s amazing that she’s so confident in her work!

“So, through those connections, I have some ties to the underworld too. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of information from there. Ah, I don’t pay for it or threaten anyone, okay? It’s more of an information exchange.”

So that means the information from before isn’t publicly known, right?

“Even in the adventurers’ guild, only a select few are probably in the know. But I heard they’re about to start taking countermeasures. It’ll be difficult since the country’s involved though.”

Ravi-san said this with a troubled expression, her arms crossed. It seemed like she had a lot of thoughts about this issue. She has a strong sense of justice, doesn’t she?

“Well, things are still pretty bad right now, so I can’t just keep Meg-chan and Ronny here until help comes. You never know when they’ll find this place.”

Saying this, Ravi-san’s expression changed from serious to a grin as she looked at us. I wonder if she’s already decided what to do next?

“Once you’re done eating, let’s talk about what to do next. I have a proposal I want you to hear.”

It seems like she has a good plan. We nodded and started digging into the meat again. Mmm, delicious!

“Now then, about what to do next.”

Everyone waited for me with warm smiles, not rushing me even though I’m a slow eater. Under those gentle gazes, I hurried and stuffed the food in my mouth, but… Even if you tell me not to rush, you know?

Well, when I’d finally finished eating, I said in a small voice, “Sorry for the wait…” And everyone took turns patting my head. Why!?

“For now, I think we should all head to the mine, like Licht suggested. It’s Ronny’s hometown, and there’s a teleportation magic circle there that connects to the Demon Continent, right?”

“Yeah, I agree with that.”

“But we don’t know if we can use the magic circle…”

That’s true… But it’s more than enough that they’re taking us that far. From there, I’ll try to figure out a way on my own. I’ll still have to rely on them, but… It’s not like there’s no chance. But…

“Ravi-san, you’re coming with us too? Is that… okay?”

That’s the thing. I’m thinking it might be dangerous for them to travel with us to the mine. There’s a high chance of pursuers coming after us, and they’d have to bring along a child like me. I feel bad about it! As I was thinking this dejectedly, I suddenly felt my body float. Huh?

“Meg, you’re a good kid… Worrying about others even though you’re in this situation.”

Ravi-san’s face was right in front of me. Her sun-tanned skin looked healthy, and the few freckles she had were charming.

“I’m a wanderer by nature. I’m an adventurer who travels all over the world. I’ve been using this place as a base since I picked up Licht, to raise him… But I think it’s about time. It’ll be a good opportunity for Licht to see the world too.”

“…Yeah. I’m not a kid anymore!”

“Hmph, getting cocky now, are we?”

Licht, complaining, still seemed a bit childish. I see, so Licht was picked up, I learned a bit about their complicated circumstances here. But seeing how they are, I don’t think I need to worry too much. Because no matter how you look at it, these two get along great!

“I’ll go with you to the mine. But from there… you’ll have to go your own way. Licht, you can continue your adventures. And Ronny, you’ll go home after that, right! Meg, you’re young, so I’ll take care of you until your safety is assured.”

“…What about you, Ravi?”

Licht mumbled this, seeming to have a hard time saying it. It seems like Ravi-san wants Licht to become independent, but…

“Hmm, are you lonely? Little Licht?”

“Wh-…No way! Don’t get full of yourself!”

Licht’s face turned bright red and he immediately turned away, but I caught a glimpse of his face, looking a bit lonely. He’s not being honest.

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