The United Kingdom is comprised of 8 nations, 3 duchies, and 4 cities. However, only five nations serve as the core participants in the coalition and are allowed to attend this council.

The Kingdom of Asteria

The Kingdom of Ashtalon

The Kingdom of Caliban

The Kingdom of Colony

The Kingdom of Raksas

While the Holy Kingdom of Rosario could technically participate in the council, it has refrained from doing so for a long time. Even when they attended in the past, it was only under pressing circumstances, and even then, it was representatives below the pope who appeared. As such, the five core nations were effectively the heart of the United Kingdom.

“Hmm. That issue isn’t something we can handle on our side.”

“You’re saying that, even though 30% of the monsters crossing the borders come from your region? Are you seriously suggesting we just let that slide?”

“Shouldn’t we strive for coexistence? After all, some of those trade goods—”

The kings seated at the table exchanged greetings briefly before diving into discussions about national policies so intricate that even Alon couldn’t fully grasp them. What he did understand was that everyone was striving to secure political gains from this council.

‘Allies and enemies shift with every topic change,’ Alon mused.

When discussing the first agenda, the Kingdom of Asteria and the Kingdom of Caliban were allies, but with the second topic, they became adversaries as if by magic. On the third agenda, they were back to being allies. Observing this political theater, Alon couldn’t help but think:

‘If that’s the case, can there truly be such a thing as an incompetent king?’

He glanced at Carmaxes III, who had appeared at a previous gathering. Gone was the jovial, slightly absent-minded demeanor he had shown back then. Instead, he was now deeply engrossed in the political exchange, unwavering and precise.

‘There may be emotional kings, but there are no foolish ones.’

Alon marveled at how quickly topics reached resolutions and transitioned into new ones, though he could barely keep up.

“Alright, let’s call it a day. After all, we’ll be seeing each other for the next three days anyway.”

Thus, the first day of the council concluded.

***

Afterward…

“Good work,” said Siyan.

“Not at all,” Alon replied, shaking his head.

Truthfully, he hadn’t exerted himself much. His role as an attendant was simply to sit in on the discussions and listen to the kings. He hadn’t actively contributed to anything.

“What did you think?” she asked.

“About what, specifically?”

“The council.”

At her question, Alon paused briefly, pretending to contemplate. In truth, he hadn’t understood much of anything. It wasn’t that the language was incomprehensible, but rather he couldn’t unravel the layered political undertones embedded in their words.

Instead, Alon found himself observing Siyan. Her demeanor at this council was markedly different from how she had been portrayed in the Psychedelia game.

‘In Psychedelia, she was described as a ruler too lazy to govern, leaving everything to the nobles. And that description seemed accurate…’

Yet here she was, participating in the political tug-of-war, if not as adeptly as the other kings.

“I’m sorry, but it’s not my place to judge,” Alon finally answered, glossing over his ignorance.

At his vague response, Siyan chuckled softly.

“You’re being modest.”

Her amused tone implied she saw right through him. Hiding his discomfort behind a neutral expression, Alon remained silent.

“Well, no matter. It’s fine since I have an additional favor to ask of you.”

“A favor?” Alon echoed.

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

At his question, Siyan revealed her request.

“If you don’t mind, could you visit Rono Valley?”

“Rono Valley…?”

“Yes. Are you familiar with it?”

“I am.”

Rono Valley. While Alon had never visited the place in this world, he knew it well. It was a location he frequented often in Psychedelia and one he had planned to visit as soon as the council concluded.

“There, you’ll find the Ruins of Malacca.”

“The Ruins of Malacca…?”

“Yes. You just need to visit there.”

At her words, Alon paused in silence before asking,

“…Is there someone there I need to deliver a message to? Or perhaps an item I’m supposed to retrieve?”

“No. You just need to go and come back.”

“Just go… and come back?”

“That’s right.”

Alon was puzzled by the cryptic instruction from the queen.

“Well, once you’re there, you’ll understand why I’ve asked this. Starting from the third day of the council, you don’t need to follow me around. Move as you see fit.”

Leaving Alon with a simple “Take some rest,” Siyan departed with her attendants, returning to her quarters.

“…”

For a while, Alon stood in place, his expression subtly perplexed.

***

Back in his room, Alon sat by the window, staring blankly into the distance. He was suddenly reminded of a comment he had once heard from an observer:

‘Do you find it beautiful?’

Unintentionally, Alon glanced up at the sky. The dark night was painted with countless stars, forming a shimmering Milky Way. Some stars blazed brightly beside the moon, while others, small yet distinct, twinkled steadily.

‘Thinking back, the observer had such a strangely bittersweet expression. What could have caused it?’

Lost in thought, Alon was abruptly startled.

“Master!”

A familiar face suddenly appeared outside the window, startling him. He struggled to calm his racing heart.

“…Seolrang?”

“Yes Master!”

“You scared me.”

“No way! Master, you didn’t look scared at all!”

But Alon was genuinely startled. Still, he chose to move the conversation along.

“So, what brings you here?”

“Hm? No real reason. I just came to see you.”

“Just… because?”

“Yup! I missed you!”

Seolrang grinned brightly, wagging her tail like an eager puppy greeting its master, sitting casually on the window ledge.

“Is that… a problem?”

“Not exactly.”

Alon shifted his gaze toward the crescent moon peeking between the stars, briefly pondering. After a moment, he spoke:

“I’m heading somewhere now. Want to come along?”

“Sure!”

Without asking where they were headed, Seolrang leapt down from the ledge, performing an elegant spin before landing lightly on the ground. Watching her, Alon rose from his seat.

He hesitated briefly, as the place he was heading contained an item unique to Tern, but…

‘Well, it shouldn’t matter. She’ll keep the secret if I explain it.’

Traveling with Seolrang wouldn’t cause any problems, Alon decided.

“However, where we’re going is a secret.”

“A secret?”

“Yes.”

“Just the two of us?”

“That’s right.”

“Wow.”

“Why the reaction?”

“It’s great!”

Seolrang repeated the word “two” several times, beaming as she spun her tail like a windmill and perked up her ears.

Watching her cheerful reaction, Alon inwardly smiled fondly before stepping out.

***

Alon’s destination was Tern’s underground prison.

The place was pitch-black, without even magical lamps to illuminate the path. As he prepared to cast a spell to light the way, Seolrang chimed in.

“Want me to light it up, Master?”

“…You can do that?”

“Of course!”

With a crackling sound, Seolrang summoned lightning, and a brilliant light illuminated their surroundings.

“How’s that?”

“…I didn’t know you could do that.”

Together, they ventured deeper into the underground prison, eventually reaching its end.

‘It should be around here somewhere.’

Examining the wall, Alon began touching the bricks. Soon, he noticed one that moved unusually loosely. Pressing it precisely, he activated the hidden mechanism.

And then—

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

With a mechanical sound, the bricks that had formed a solid wall just moments ago began to shift, one by one, clearing a path.

“Whoa…!!”

Seolrang gasped in amazement as the bricks snapped into place like a machine, forming a doorway. Even Alon, who had seen this scene countless times in the game, couldn’t help but feel an adventurer’s thrill as he witnessed it unfold in real life.

Boom!

With a final loud noise, the door was complete. Stepping inside, they found themselves in a cavern illuminated by a radiant green glow, its beauty breathtaking.

“We have to go a bit further,” Alon said.

“Okay,” Seolrang replied eagerly.

They began walking deeper into the cave. After what felt like about ten minutes to Alon, they reached the end of the cavern—a spacious chamber bathed in the green light.

[Huh? A human?]

“Ah.”

In the chamber stood a tiny fairy, about the size of a child, clad in shimmering blue garments. She looked at Alon with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. Alon let out a soft sigh.

‘…It’s Tovette. Just my luck.’

The artifact hidden within Tern’s underground prison—The Wandering One’s Hand—was guarded by five fairies who took turns standing watch every two days. To acquire the artifact, Alon would have to pass a test administered by whichever fairy was on duty when he arrived.

And today…

‘Tsk…’

It was Tovette, whose test was infamous for its difficulty. Strictly speaking, the test itself wasn’t particularly complex—it was a game of tag.

The problem was that Tovette’s speed was beyond absurd. She could outrun not only swordmasters but even mages who could chain blink spells.

In game terms, while a player could typically move about 8 spaces per turn unless they used special skills, Tovette could move a staggering 106 spaces per turn.

‘It’s not just about catching her; you also have to evade her for over a minute. Realistically, it’s almost impossible.’

Even in the game, her trial wasn’t meant to be overcome straightforwardly. Instead, players were encouraged to use fairy honey from Rono Valley as bait to distract her.

‘Why couldn’t it have been Geppetto or Kamita…? No, anyone but Tovette would have been fine.’

Alon quickly decided to abandon any hopes of obtaining the artifact today. With three days left until the council ended, he could return tomorrow or the day after, when a different fairy would be on duty.

Turning to Seolrang, he said, “Let’s go.”

“Okay!”

Without questioning his decision, Seolrang nodded readily.

[Huh? You came all the way here for treasure, didn’t you? And now you’re just leaving? What a coward.]

The blue fairy sneered, her tone laced with mockery, as if taken aback by their sudden departure.

Alon chose not to respond. He knew engaging with Tovette would only amuse her and waste time.

[Tsk, tsk. Humans… always gobbling up whatever they want without an ounce of determination. You’re no better than goblins.]

Frustrated by Alon’s calm retreat, Tovette continued her provocations, clearly disappointed that her game of tag wouldn’t take place.

Though Alon ignored her, Seolrang couldn’t.

“Hey.”

[Hmm?]

“What did you just say?”

[Why? Was I wrong?]

“What did you say about my master?”

[Master? Oh, you mean the coward who’s running away without even trying the trial?]

Tovette smirked.

[I called him a coward.]

As if delighted by her own taunt, Tovette’s mocking grin widened, fully expecting her words to rile Seolrang. And indeed, Seolrang’s expression made it clear she was ready to take the bait.

[If you want to prove me wrong, why don’t you face me in a game of tag?]

Tovette vanished in a blur, her movements so fast they seemed to defy sight, her voice echoing with smug amusement.

[But I wonder… can you even touch the tip of my wing?]

Before Alon could attempt to stop her from escalating, he suddenly saw something that made him freeze.

Crackle!

A golden flash streaked across the chamber, bright and violent.

“Ack—!?”

In an instant, Tovette found herself caught. Seolrang’s hand gripped the fairy’s neck tightly, holding her in place.

Tovette’s wide eyes reflected her shock.

“Talk.”

Seolrang’s golden eyes burned with fury as she glared inches from Tovette’s face.

“What did you just say?”