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“The way you acted is the problem…! Defeating that giant won’t stop Illuminas—don’t you understand that!? Did you even listen to what I was saying…? Taking it down means we lose our leverage to stop their atrocities! What you’re doing isn’t helping—it’s hindering our efforts!”

“That’s not necessarily true, is it?”
“Oh? And why would you say that?”
“For starters, we can earn Illuminas’ gratitude by defeating the giant and use that as leverage to negotiate an end to their use of mana essence. Quite a novel idea, no? Since they’re under attack by a gigantic magic stone beast, they’d be very grateful for our help.”

“…! You’re suggesting we turn the situation to your advantage…?”
“Exactly. As you said, we don’t have the luxury of choosing our means. Fighting poison with poison, right? And it counts as taking action, wouldn’t you say? What do you think, Rani?”
“Y-Yeah…! Let’s do that, Glis! As expected, you’re so clever, Glis…! Right, Leone, Liselotte?”

“Yes… let’s go for it!”
“I agree. It suits my temperament too!”
“…Then let me handle the giant.”

And so, Inglis prepared for the chance to battle a seemingly formidable opponent.

Charlotte, Tiffany, Maxwell, and now the faceless giant. A variety of challenges. Coming all the way to the Highland had definitely been worth it.

“Hahaha… You’re a terrifying person. As expected from the hero who defeated the Prisma—your sharpness is extraordinary. But it’s rather insulting to compare us to mindless destroyers like magic stone beasts that have no cause or ambition.”

“Causes and ambitions… Those can be fabricated whenever necessary. They might guide self-discipline, but expecting others to judge you based on them is a bit naive, don’t you think?”

“Shut up! You brat!!”

Well, Inglis got scolded. Considering how much Maxwell had berated Rafinha and the others, it was probably fair game. Internally, Inglis stuck out her tongue before responding.

“I did mention recently that I’m actually sixteen years old, didn’t I?”
“That’s irrelevant! Are you saying you have no cause or ambition at all!?”
“Yes, I don’t!”

Inglis declared boldly, puffing out her chest with confidence. All she cared about was protecting Rafinha and perfecting her martial skills. That was her sole focus.

“…! Hahaha, so you have no intention of having a serious conversation. You’re a cunning person who won’t reveal your true intentions.”
“I’m being honest…”

But really, she didn’t mind how others perceived her.

“It’s because you keep saying weird things, Glis. Normal people just can’t grasp it when you’re being yourself. Ugh… it’s kind of embarrassing.”

Rafinha sighed.

“How rude. But it seems you’re feeling better, Rani?”
“Yeah…! I’ll take action! Since I’m not good at thinking!”
“That could be a bit of a problem itself… Anyway, that’s the situation, Miss Vilma. Could you put in a good word for us later?”

Inglis turned and called out to someone behind her. She had sensed Vilma’s presence approaching.

“Ah…! Miss Vilma!” Rafinha exclaimed as she saw her.

“I’m sorry… I suspected what was happening but couldn’t act. I didn’t do anything…”

Vilma’s eyes were downcast, unable to meet their gaze. At first, she had seemed unfriendly and distant, but now… it might not have been disdain for Midlanders, but rather guilt.

“We’ll talk about that later, okay? For now, it’d be great if you could help with negotiations.”
“Of course…! I’ll speak with the Duke of Art and Professor Vilkin… and my father too! Given the situation, they’ll understand.”

Vilma nodded in agreement.

“Great…! Even Illuminas isn’t all bad. There are people who can see reason. If we explain things, even Mais will surely agree!”

Rafinha nodded enthusiastically.

“Miss Vilma, I don’t have the luxury to handle rescue and firefighting in the city. Can I leave that to you?”
“Of course, leave it to me. I’ll have the mechanical dragons take care of it…! All mechanical dragons, switch to firefighting in the city!”

Vilma’s armor shimmered with intricate patterns, and in response, mechanical dragons rose from the sea near the sunken shipyard, soaring into the sky.

They began spraying vast amounts of water from their mouths onto the burning city of Illuminas. It appeared to be seawater, likely stored within the dragons while they were submerged.

In any case, they seemed well-suited to the task, allowing Inglis to focus on the battle ahead.

“Negotiations, huh… by ‘higher-ups,’ you mean Professor Vilkin? You’ll find that pointless. Fufufu—” Tiffany smiled slyly, seemingly ready to dampen their hopes.

“You won’t know until you try! Trying to discourage us won’t work…!”
“I’m just giving you a friendly heads-up… Well, you’ll understand soon enough.”

Tiffany’s confident, knowing smile left an unsettling air.

“What is that supposed to mean…?”

At that moment, a voice, almost out of place with its leisurely tone, echoed through the area.

“Oh my, oh my~? It seems quite lively here, doesn’t it~?”

A man with two-toned hair, a handsome young face, and a calm expression approached. It was First Professor Vilkin.

“Professor Vilkin…!?”
“Father…! It’s dangerous here, you need to evacuate quickly!” Vilma exclaimed.
“No, no~. There’s no need for that, Vilma.”

Dr. Vilkin shook his head with a smile.

“Huh? What do you mean…?” As Vilma tilted her head in confusion—

Charlotte, Tiffany, and Maxwell all dropped to their knees in unison.
“““We’ve come for you, First Professor.”””
The three spoke in perfect harmony.