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““Li-, Liselotte!?””

Both Inglis and Rafinha couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

“Y-, yes, that’s me… why are you so shocked?”
“Well, because…!”
“Look at the person fighting Glis…!”

It was then that Leone and Liselotte seemed to recognize the assailant.

“Eeeh!? Two Liselottes!?”
“She… she looks just like me…! What’s going on!? Who are you!? Why do you look so similar to me…!?”

As they scrutinized each other closely, it became apparent that the Hyrule Menace appeared slightly more mature. While Liselotte might look a bit older than her peers, she still retained a youthful cuteness. In contrast, the Hyrule Menace exuded a refined, flower-like beauty.

But now, their eyes widened in astonishment.

“That’s my line…! Why do you… look like me…!?”
“Either way, you’re not Liselotte…!”

With determination, Inglis gathered her strength and clashed weapons with the imposter.

“Kuh…! To wield such power with such a small body…”
“For a Hyrule Menace to attack a Highlander stronghold… how very not peaceful…! Is the war between the Duke’s Party and the Church’s Union finally starting…? It sounds exciting; I’d like to join in too…!”

If this isn’t Liselotte, then it means an enemy Hyrule Menace from a hostile faction has attacked. Seeing that she’s attacking Illuminas, the stronghold island of the Duke of Art, she’s likely aligned with the Church Founder’s Union.

It’s possible she’s affiliated with the Ironblood Chain Brigade, but if there were a Hyrule Menace identical to Liselotte among them, either Black Mask or Cystia should have reacted upon seeing Liselotte. As far as Inglis could recall, nothing of the sort happened.

Considering her infiltration route, the most likely scenario is that she sneaked aboard in Über’s ship. This place is now an isolated island in the middle of the sea, with access controlled by Vilma and others.

Among those coming from outside are only Inglis’ group and people from Über’s ship. Perhaps they deliberately let themselves be attacked by Magic Stone Beasts as a disguise to avoid suspicion.

However, they brought human slaves from the surface, intending to sell them to Illuminas. In fact, Inglis had actually seen Princess Meltina of Venefique and heard her words.

While it’s a means to infiltrate Illuminas, the Ironblood Chain Brigade, who strive to protect Midlanders, would find such a method troubling.

Most likely, the Ironblood Chain Brigade and this Hyrule Menace are unrelated.

Therefore, it’s inevitable to conclude that the Church Founder’s Union is strongly considering direct attacks. They might try to cover themselves with a disguise like the Æthelstan Firm, but will that be enough?

If things go wrong, it could escalate into a direct war between the Three Archdukes’ Party and the Church Founder’s Union. No, rather, perhaps this action is precisely because such a situation is becoming unavoidable.

So far, the conflict between the Three Archdukes’ Party and the Church Founder’s Union has taken the form of proxy wars using Midland nations. Witnessing this step forward may have led to their current actions.

On the surface, Special Envoy Theodore and Prince Wayne are leading efforts to foster harmony among nations through the transnational organization, the Order of Arcane Wardens.

Retaliation or containment against these movements is also a possible line of thought. Illuminas is Special Envoy Theodore’s hometown, after all.

However, from the Midland’s perspective, both are Highlanders, and in a sense, it might be clearer to decide whom to follow if they could resolve their differences. There’s an implicit understanding that the conflict’s focus shouldn’t turn towards them.

For Inglis, as long as there are formidable opponents to fight in front of her, nothing else really matters.

“His Eminence the Founder does not desire such barbaric actions… and there’s no purpose in carrying them out either.”
“No purpose?”

Then what do you call this current assault? Isn’t it an attack by the Church Founder’s Union against the Three Archdukes’ Party?

“What do you mean by that…!?”
“Are you more interested in chatting than fighting…!?”

Well, if Inglis was asked that, there’s only one answer.

“No! Let’s have a match! Please!”
“Then… Haaaaaaaah!”

With a fierce shout, a series of attacks with the halberd are unleashed.

“Thank you very much! Haaaaaaah!”

Inglis eagerly responds, thrusting forward with the blade of her Dragon Ice Sword.

The high-speed clash of their weapons sends out intense shockwaves and reverberations through the air.

In terms of sword swing speed, Inglis might have a slight advantage, but when it comes to weapon strength, her opponent seems superior. With each clash, it becomes evident that the Dragon Ice Sword is gradually chipping away.

However, that balance is soon disrupted.

“…Shackles!”

The moment the opponent thrusts the handle of the halberd into the ground, Inglis’ body suddenly becomes significantly heavier.

“…! Gravity Field!?”

It’s the same type of gravity technique Inglis often employs in her training, now spreading through the surrounding space.