When everyone returned to the Flower Room, the atmosphere was not at all lighthearted and friendly because of the "good wine" or "fresh air". Stimulated by something, Uso became even less patient and ungraceful, like a dog that bites a human at the sight of a person, and at one moment praises Mondstadt for his "deep understanding" of necromancy, and at the same time asks Sean to explain what kind of news they have received from Hell with such a dangerous method.

"You shouldn't have made such a dangerous attempt just to find the origin of the demon who had transformed into the High Priest of Anduhe?"

He sneered and repeated Mondstadt's question word for word, only in a tone that was far worse than Mondstadt's.

Mondstadt wasn't angry at all, instead lazily propped his chin on, looking just amused. His companion, another mage from the Shi Tower, simply folded his hands and closed his eyes, probably thinking that this wasted time might as well be used to sleep. Sean calmly answered all of Uso's questions with "that has nothing to do with you" or "I don't know". But the young and vigorous York finally couldn't hold back and argued with Uso. Ed listened to their sneering, not sitting on pins and needles as before, but understanding Mock's sigh more deeply.

They weren't really unaware of how bad the situation was, at least York, who had already experienced the death of a high priest who had so far been in doubt, and who had almost died himself. But perhaps, because the prophesied "eternal night" has not yet come, people always have a hint of luck in their hearts.

Ed reflected silently. Even he himself was not like that—he only really got nervous when he faced a more practical enemy who was already standing in front of him.

In this meeting, which seemed to be solemn, a little consensus was reached in the end. They should know a little more about the world beyond the rift, but they should at least be a little more careful. The cracks that have been discovered so far will be sealed tighter, several of which will be used to experiment with the means of completely shutting it down, and a few of which will be located in the middle of nowhere, where they can be explored and controlled under the supervision of a common force. Mork promised to provide some material - Shadow Silver, which was already quite rare in the human world, and the dwarves still had some in store. The elves had relinquished the part of Grivar's border near the rift into a blockade, and of course, the elven chanter had to be involved.

Balk seemed to be perfectly pleased with the outcome, even if he and the army at his disposal were in some sense completely ignored - not intentionally, but ordinary people really didn't seem to be of much use in this situation.

He warmly invited everyone to stay overnight at Lockburg, for it was late and he had even prepared a sumptuous supper. Unfortunately, no one liked this castle that was still eerie without magic, even though it was once the residence of kings.

Sean didn't give Ed a second look as he left, but Mondstadt walked over and gave him a letter.

"Nick told me to be in your hands personally. He said.

That sounds like he should have a good relationship with Nick Stobel...... But Ed had never heard his name from Stobel's mouth.

He was a little confused, more of a little flustered by Mondstadt's overly enthusiastic eyes. But the mage at least wasn't going to do anything about it now, and he smiled and looked at Ed a few more times before leaving.

Ed stayed until last. He asks Balk about Moira, which is indeed his concern.

"She has given more of the responsibility to the little king. Balk replied frankly, not pretending to show respect for the royal family, "It's just that maybe half of it is because she's not in good health." ”

"Isn't there a pastor there?"

"There are some problems...... It's not something that a pastor can solve. ”

Ed was silent for a moment. He could probably understand why Moira was depressed, but it was really up to her to get out on her own.

"In any case, the little king seems to have finally become a bit of a king. "Maybe one day, when he comes back here, he will be able to shake off the shadows that are pressing on him." ”

“...... Do you think he'll come back?" Ed asked. As far as he knew, Moira ...... Or at least her family, who would prefer to build another royal city, a new one that is not burdened with death and curse.

"At least I hope so. Balk replied, "Half of the reason is that it is difficult for him to be a true king if he does not face the shadow of the past, and the other half is ...... Probably because I'm a Stonebug native. The city may be hiding many dark secrets, and it may not be as eternal as Casagrande I had hoped, but it is undeniably a great and beautiful city. ”

“...... Will its greatness and beauty be eclipsed by the fact that it is no longer the center of domination?"

Mock, who had been standing quietly on the side, suddenly asked.

Balk paused and laughed.

"Not really. "After all, it wasn't the king who really created it, it was the people who lived here." It's just that human beings always want to keep the best for their beloved, whether she really needs it or not...... Isn't that the case with dwarves?"

Mock actually thought about it very seriously and nodded approvingly.

There was no one else in the flower hall at this time, even Isis had already left. Sean had been in a bad mood from the moment he drew the strange symbol—and while it was hard for others to tell from his always cold, impatient face, Ed could detect it almost instinctively.

He could even guess the reason for his bad mood, but now was not the time to say that.

"You didn't stay just to ask me this, did you?" asked Balk, his ordinary face still smiling with an easy-going to rustic smile, and the little light that flashed in his black eyes made his whole person look different.

Since the other party has been so considerate to save him from the trouble of "how to start...... Ed took a breath and said everything he had told Mork with great fluency, all over again.

Balk also looked a little surprised, but not surprised by the incredible news that "there is a dragon who wants to rule the world as a god", but by Ed's unreservedness.

"Sounds like a serious problem. He narrowed his eyes, "But what can an ordinary person like me who can't even tell what 'magic' is?"