Chapter 266

The incident at the party venue—the appearance of the Songstress Shedelielya and the black lion's assault.

In the game, this was a downloadable content event, and it was resolved without Reina participating in the battle, thanks to the efforts of Eric and the other main characters.

Clael and Reina returned to the hotel with their companions and decided to rest for the day.

"Honestly... You disappeared before I knew it, so I was worried. Reina."

The next morning.

Despite not being invited, Crown Prince Eric Seincle came to the hotel where Clael and the others were staying.

"Yesterday was supposed to be a special party, but it got ruined halfway through. I didn't expect a Monster to barge in."

"Huh? I suppose so?"

"But... I'm glad you were there, Reina. Thanks to you, the injured were able to evacuate smoothly. I truly appreciate it."

In the hotel lounge, Eric expressed his thanks with a somewhat tired expression.

Sitting across the table, Reina responded with a disinterested 'hmph' expression.

"So then... Prince Eric. Do you know anything about that Monster?"

Sitting next to Reina, Clael decided to ask in her place.

"Ah... To be honest, we searched for the Monster afterward. If a Monster that big roamed the city, there'd be casualties. But... for some reason, we couldn't find it. The Monster vanished without a trace."

Eric furrowed his brows and replied to Clael's question as if deep in thought.

"There have been no sightings since it left the hotel. No reports of anyone being attacked either. It's so unnatural... it's like it disappeared into smoke."

"Could it have been a Monster summoned by magic? I feel like its presence was strange."

Reina suddenly voiced that thought.

If it was a summoned being like the Holy Spirits or angels Reina commands, it would vanish when the spell is lifted. That would explain the lack of sightings outside the hotel.

"That's certainly possible... If that's the case, then it wasn't a natural disaster-like Monster attack, but a man-made one. That means someone intentionally sent that Monster into the party venue."

Eric's expression grew even more grim.

At that venue were high-ranking individuals, including Crown Prince Eric and Saint Reina. Sending a Monster into such a place would be a serious act of conspiracy.

He was likely troubled by the possibility that it could be an assassin from another country.

"That Monster seemed clearly to be targeting the Songstress Shedelielya."

Clael quietly offered a hint to Eric.

He was helping out while Reina was absent. It wouldn't hurt to lend a small hand.

"Maybe... it'll appear around her again. How about asking Shedelielya directly?"

"Ah, that's right... I completely forgot."

Eric ran his hand through his hair.

He shoved his hand into his now-familiar afro, a hairstyle most of the academy students were used to seeing.

"The Songstress Shedelielya isn't nobility or royalty, but because of her miraculous singing voice, she's revered like a Saint in some countries. We need to investigate cautiously to avoid causing an international incident."

Eric stood up and gave Reina a meaningful look.

"Um... Reina, if you don't mind, would you help me—"

"Good luck, Crown Prince Eric. As one of your subjects, I pray for your success."

"............Thank you."

Having been indirectly turned down, Eric slumped his shoulders.

Solving the problem without the heroine's help would make things more difficult... but Reina didn't want to be involved, so it couldn't be helped.

(Reina's wishes take precedence over resolving the scenario event, yeah.)

"Well then, Clael-sama. Shall we enjoy some skiing today too?"

"Yes, let's. Mr. Yurii and the others are probably waiting... Shall we go?"

Once Eric disappeared, Reina's expression softened into a completely different smile.

Clael's mission was to protect that smile. Completing the game's events was secondary.

With a smile drawn out by hers, Clael left the hotel lounge with Reina by his side.