Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

“Well, even though I am acquainted with the Zoan Rex and the Holy Priestess of the Beastkin, they currently reside far away in the distant south, so I doubt I could easily arrange an introduction. It should be fine… probably.”

Since nothing in this world is ever truly certain, there’s always the chance I might end up having to make that introduction someday—but for now, I reassured Branch Master Eraldo over and over that everything was fine.

“Please, Lady Julia, no more surprises! I mean, if you were to introduce them gradually, that’d actually be wonderful. After all, if I can build achievements and connections here, maybe—just maybe—I could one day rise to the top of the Imperial Adventurers’ Guild… well, perhaps not *the* top, but at least become the head of headquarters… or even just the Branch Master in the Imperial Capital!”

How modest—or rather, how incredibly *realistic*—his ambition sounded.

“Now then, back to the matter at hand—what kind of man is this Egmond fellow?”

When I asked that, Eraldo replied:

“Egmond Buyer was originally just an ordinary adventurer, but due to his skill and administrative ability, about fifteen years ago, he was appointed as a staff member of the Adventurers’ Guild in the Monroe Viscounty, located at the western edge of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom—or so it’s said. Since it’s a foreign country, this is based solely on reports and public records.”
“That phrasing sounds rather suspicious.”
“My apologies, Princess Lieselotte. It’s simply that any deeper investigation turns up absolutely nothing. You see, fifteen years ago, the Monroe Viscounty was devastated by a monster Stampede, leaving the entire territory in ruins. Almost all Adventurers’ Guild staff perished or went missing—which in this case likely means dead—and most records were lost. So tracing things further back is effectively impossible.”
“Hmph. So this Egmond fellow alone survived such destruction?”

At Ashimi’s suspicious remark, we all found ourselves nodding slightly.

“Indeed, the records alone may look questionable, but it’s said that at the time, Egmond happened to be away on official guild business, thus escaping the disaster *purely by chance*. Multiple documents corroborate this, so even if some suspected otherwise, such doubts were dismissed as baseless conjecture.”

I see. He’d done his homework thoroughly—Branch Master Eraldo truly is a sharp man.

“Afterward, Egmond returned to Monroe, devoted himself to rebuilding the town and the Adventurers’ Guild, and his abilities were recognized. He was then scouted to the Adventurers’ Guild in the central capital, Cilento, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Four years ago, after the *Missing Ragweed Princess Incident* in Aulanthia—which resulted in the dismissal of the previous Guildmaster of Cultura—Egmond succeeded him and has held that position ever since.”
“Hmm. Certainly, some might view him as a suspicious individual, but that’s mere speculation. In truth, there’s hardly a powerful person alive without some shadowy dealings. Given his achievements, we’re in no position to criticize.”

Said Lady Lieselotte matter-of-factly. As if anticipating her reasonable comment, Branch Master Eraldo nodded and signaled to Caldina behind him.
Caldina—who now stood with perfect composure, as though her earlier antics had never happened—retrieved several documents from her briefcase and handed them to Eraldo.

“So, I decided to try a slightly different approach. I traced back all available records from the past hundred and twenty years of towns and villages destroyed by minor causes or unexplained Monster Stampedes, and I compiled data on notable individuals who lived around those areas at the time. There were a few rather interesting cases. Please, have a look.”

She spread the reports across the table, and everyone present leaned in to examine them.

“Beastkin, knight apprentices, teachers… the time periods, ages, even races are all over the place.”

Pryui remarked flatly. Branch Master Eraldo nodded.

“Indeed. Other than all being described as ‘highly talented’ and all being male, they share no other similarities. However, there was one more common detail I discovered.”
“Quit stalling, Bean. What is it?”

“Before that, I’d like to ask you two—since you’re elves—something. Is it true that *half-elves* cannot touch base metals?”
“I don’t know why you’d ask that, but… if the half-elf’s human parent was of your kind, then yes, as far as I know, they shouldn’t be able to touch iron. I can’t speak for their children or grandchildren, though.”
“Generally, the physical traits of elves persist for generations. It might weaken a little, but metal allergies are hereditary. That’s been proven experimentally.”

Added Coppelia.

“And that applies to *dark elves* as well?”
“Yes, yes, basically the same.”

Coppelia confirmed. At that, Eraldo’s expression turned sharply intent.

“In that case, it truly is inexplicable. The common factor I mentioned earlier—at each of those locations, there were reports of sightings of a *half–dark elf* who could touch iron.”

“Ah—!”

At that instant, the doubt that had been lodged deep in my mind fell into place.
In the testimony of the dead, the culprit—who called himself Jin and was said to be a half–dark elf—shot the leader with an *iron handgun* and opened a *steel door* to escape underground. Under normal circumstances, such a thing would be impossible.

“It seems, from your reaction, that the same half–dark elf has appeared on your side as well.”

Said Branch Master Eraldo gravely. His expression darkened as he realized his worst fear had just been confirmed.