The sky was overcast again today, just like the previous day.

"...I'm sleepy."

Rena, sitting down for breakfast, was dozing off. She had stayed up late last night planning where to go today, and now she was nodding off at the table.

"That's why I told you to go to bed early."

Despite her scolding, Marifa gently combed Rena's bed hair with her fingers, though no matter how much she tried, the cowlick on top of Rena’s head refused to settle.

"You two don’t have to come with me," Yu said as he placed a napkin on Namari’s lap.

"I know~," Rena replied lazily.

"...I wasn’t talking to you. But I have a packed schedule too," Marifa added.

"Be careful not to get lost," Marifa teased.

"...I’m not a little kid," Rena protested while stuffing a warm piece of bread into her mouth, but Marifa only chuckled softly, brushing her off.

"You don’t need to come either, Marifa."

Marifa's confident expression froze at Yu’s words.

"Does that... apply to not only Tin and the others, but me as well...?"

"Yeah. It’s just a business discussion; having too many people around would be a nuisance."

Marifa, who seemed like she wanted to say something in response, eventually accepted Yu’s decision without further argument.

"Marifa is one of us, too~," Rena said cheerfully.

"...Hehe. Don’t get lost now," Rena quipped, returning Marifa’s earlier jab.

Marifa glared at Rena for her cheeky comment, while Tin remained unaware of the brewing tension.

"Then, Namari-chan and Momo-chan, let's go sightseeing together!" Nina suggested, full of confidence that they would agree.

"I’m not going," Namari replied bluntly, shocking Nina.

"W-What? Really?"

"Really! I’m Lord Yu’s bodyguard, after all!"

When Nina glanced at Yu, he merely said, "It won’t be a problem if it’s just Namari and Momo." That left Marifa feeling dejected, and she tried to negotiate a trade-off with Namari, but Namari refused, cheerfully continuing her meal.

"That’s strange..."

"What is?"

"U-uh, nothing at all," Nina stammered, shaking her head. Yet her face clearly showed that she hadn’t fully come to terms with Namari’s rejection.

"I’ll be back by night, so don’t go overboard with your fun," Yu said as he handed some pocket money to Tin and the others in front of the hotel. Vanamo accepted it with a bow, but Tin looked dissatisfied.

"It feels like Master doesn’t trust me, giving me this money like that."

"Namari, make sure you protect Master," Marifa reminded.

"Yeah! Leave it to me!"

Marifa gave Namari and Momo a firm look as they energetically saluted back. Nearby, Mago, accompanied by his guards, also prepared to head out for the business meeting with Yu.

"Such youthful energy from the morning, it’s enviable," Mago remarked.

"It’s just noisy," Yu retorted dryly.

"Lord Mago, please make sure not to interfere with Master Yu," Marifa warned, giving off an intimidating aura that silenced Mago’s guards.

"And what about Victor? Hasn’t he arrived yet?"

"You’re asking me about something I don’t know either. If he’s not here, he’s likely waiting at the business venue," Mago replied.

"Calling Master out like this and then not showing up..."

"I agree, it’s quite rude to treat Lord Yu this way," Mago said, his tone growing serious.

"It’s fine, let's go."

As Yu led Mago and his group away, Marifa and the others bowed deeply to see them off. Once they were out of sight, Tin sidled up to Marifa with a giddy expression.

"Sister, where should we go? Master gave us pocket money, so we can have fun anywhere!" Tin exclaimed excitedly.

"Tin, Master didn’t give you that money for you to waste it frivolously," Marifa chided.

"That’s right. Tin, you’re getting a bit too excited," Vanamo added, agreeing.

"Vanamo, weren’t you the one who said you wanted to visit a clothing store today?" Melanie teased.

"N-No, that’s not true! S-Sister, really!" Vanamo panicked, trying to deny it.

"Melanie, what’s with your tone?" Marifa sternly asked.

"Eek! I’m so sorry!" Melanie squeaked, bowing her head in apology.

"Hehe," Tin giggled mischievously.

"And what’s so funny, Tin?" Marifa’s voice grew sharper.

"Eek! Sister is angry, it’s scary~!" Tin cried out dramatically, hiding behind Graffyra.

"Things sure are lively," Nina remarked, joining them.

"Nina," Marifa greeted her.

"...Everyone is so full of energy."

"Rena, you need to get your act together," Marifa scolded, her voice stern.

"...A sister being harsh on her little sister," Rena mumbled.

"Ahaha! Well then, Marifa, I’ll see you later~," Nina waved before she and her group split up to go their separate ways. A hotel staff member, who had been observing them, quickly headed to the entrance hall.

"They’re splitting up," he whispered to a man waiting in the resting area of the entrance hall.

"That’s perfect. And Satou has gone with Mago, correct?"

"Y-Yes, that’s correct. His guards are with him as well," the employee confirmed.

The man handed over some money as compensation and quickly began issuing orders to his subordinates.

"Their group consists of high-ranking adventurers. Be cautious and follow them from a distance," he instructed.

"Are we to make no moves against them?" one subordinate asked.

"No need. Our role is simply to provide the trigger for the real plan," the man replied coolly.

"Understood."

After watching his subordinates leave, the man picked up his cup of tea, murmuring to himself, "There’s no room for failure..."

Warren, the man’s master, was cold and ruthless. But what chilled the man even more than the threat of punishment was the potential of Yu Satou and the Merritt faction becoming dangerous enemies.

※

"Lord Satou, I’ve been expecting you."

Victor greeted Yu and his group at the hotel entrance, and Mago couldn’t help but gasp quietly. He hadn’t recognized Victor at first glance—Victor's eyes were sunken, and his cheeks appeared gaunt. Although he seemed to be wearing makeup to cover the dark circles and hollowed cheeks, it was still noticeable up close.

"I will show you the way," Victor said, his usual carefree attitude completely absent as he led the group. Their destination was the top floor of a hotel that rivaled Yu’s own in grandeur.

"Is Victor the only one here to greet us?" Mago asked impatiently when Yu remained silent. After all, it was unusual for no one from Warren’s faction to meet them, especially after summoning Yu to Ryu Betfo.

"My apologies," Victor said, bowing without offering any excuses, which left Mago unable to press further.

"Just hurry and show us in."

"Right away."

Namari's expression grew more tense as she sensed the ominous atmosphere, and Mago’s guards also braced themselves, realizing this was more than just a simple negotiation.

(I’m glad I didn’t bring Marifa and the others along,) Yu thought to himself, feeling a small sense of relief.

"Mago, this way please."

"What do you mean by that?" Mago asked, confused by the separation.

"It seems Lord Warren is personally interested in you and wishes to speak with you alone," Victor explained.

(Warren? It’s probably just a representative, but what are they plotting this time?) Mago wondered, casting a glance at Yu. However, Yu showed no interest and gave no reaction whatsoever.

"Very well."

Mago sighed softly, accepting the situation with resignation.

"Lord Yu, please inform me later about the nature of this meeting. At my age, hearing about large-scale negotiations is quite stimulating," Mago chuckled.

"Sure," Yu replied.

"Hoho, thank you. I shall see you later then," Mago said, disappearing into a separate room with his guards.

"Now, Victor, take me to those bastards," Yu said, feeling more entertained than angry by the audacity of the situation.

※

"Hey, did you find them?"

"Nope, no sign of them."

"What about the others?"

"No word from them either."

Members of the Immortal Mercenary Corps hoping to join were searching through the streets of Ryu Betfo for Tin and her group.

"If you’d like, I can lend you a hand."

Suddenly, a man with a friendly demeanor approached them.

"Who the hell are you?"

"It doesn’t matter who I am, does it? What matters is that I know the location of the girls you’re searching for."

"What!? Where are they? Tell us now—"

The beastman among them raised his hand, silencing the eager member.

"Hold on, he’s suspicious. Why help us? If you dare say it's out of the kindness of your heart, I'll beat you down right here."

His words were followed by a menacing growl, baring sharp fangs that could intimidate any ordinary person.

"Of course, it’s not out of kindness," the man replied calmly, unfazed by the threat.

"Someone important was humiliated. Just like you, in fact. That’s why I’m offering my assistance."

"Fine, tell us where they are and then get lost."

"That was my plan from the start."

With a smile, the man nodded several times, gave them the location, and left.

"Heh, good. Now, go gather the others!"

"They’re already on it."

※

In the central plaza of Ryu Betfo, Marifa and her group were enjoying their surroundings.

"We couldn’t take a good look yesterday, but it really is a beautiful place," Vanamo remarked, nodding repeatedly in agreement with herself.

"Sister, the sherbet over there is delicious, I recommend it."

"It was my first time trying the pineapple flavor, and it was amazing," Grafira added, both encouraging Marifa to try it. But Marifa seemed lost in thought, barely hearing their suggestions.

Noticing Marifa’s distracted state, Tin, who had been lounging by the fountain, came over.

"Sister, it’s great that you care so much about Master, but I think when it’s time to have fun, you should have fun," Tin said, surprisingly serious.

Marifa blinked in surprise at Tin’s uncharacteristically mature words.

"Tin has a point," Vanamo said with a smile, clearly pleased that Marifa was now paying attention.

"Wow, Tin said something wise for once," Vanamo added teasingly.

"‘For once’? That’s rude, and I don’t like it!" Tin puffed up her cheeks in mock indignation.

"Let me get us some sherbet. Sister, what flavor would you like?"

"Let’s see… I think I’ll—"

Before Marifa could finish, she noticed they were being surrounded by the same men from the previous day. A quick glance from Tin revealed that there were now dozens of them, spread out around the plaza.

"So, what do you want with us?" Marifa asked calmly.

"Nothin’ much, just a little chat. So if you’ll quietly follow what we—"

"No, I refuse."

The men, who had been smug and confident moments earlier, suddenly scowled.

"Do you understand the situation, girl?" one of the beastmen growled, veins bulging in his temple as he tried to intimidate her.

"Oh, I understand perfectly. You’ve—"

The men surrounding her suddenly felt a chill run down their spines.

"—insulted my Master. And I won’t forgive that."

Hearing those words, Tin and the others paled. They remembered clearly: one of these men had referred to Yu with the insult "that freakish-haired brat." Marifa hadn’t forgotten it either.

※

Elsewhere, Rena was in a good mood after buying souvenirs for the orphanage in Cama. She was now on her way to shop for herself when she overheard a conversation.

"Hey, aren’t you guys part of the Immortal Mercenary Corps?" a man asked a group sitting outside a restaurant.

"Huh? Yeah, so what?"

"I’ve never left Ryu Betfo, so this is my first time meeting famous mercenaries like you!"

"Tch, annoying. And lower your damn voice."

But the man continued to loudly mention the Immortal Mercenary Corps over and over again.

"Alright, alright, fine. How about I shake your hand, and you get lost already? We’re on break."

"Thank you! Thank you!" The man thanked them repeatedly as he walked away, passing by Rena as he left.

"Wow, meeting members of the Immortal Mercenary Corps like this… I’m so lucky," he muttered to himself loudly as he walked off.

The mercenaries laughed among themselves, their attention now turning to Rena, who had been quietly observing.

"Hey, girl, are you a fan of the Immortal Mercenary Corps too?"

"Immortal Mercenary Corps?" Rena muttered, her tone skeptical. The seasoned mercenaries immediately picked up on her odd behavior, their hands instinctively moving toward their weapons.

"Hey, are you Immortal Mercenary Corps members?"

"Immortal Mercenary Corps? Never heard of it. What about you?" one of them asked, playing dumb.

"Me? I think I’ve heard of them, maybe…" another replied mockingly.

As they jested, Rena quietly gathered her magic.

"Vermin... all of you... perish."

"Huh? What’d you say? Speak up!"

"Hey, don’t scare the girl! She might start crying."

"Yeah, yeah, making a little girl cry will get us in trouble with the higher-ups. So, what was it again? Oh yeah, you were asking if we’re the Immortal Mercenary Corps? Well, if you’ve got a complaint—"

At that moment, Rena’s explosion spell activated, unleashing chaos in the middle of the town.