“What brings you here?”

“There’s something to discuss.”

Rudolf, who had set down his teacup, gestured towards the empty sofa.

“Come, take a seat. Would you like some tea?”

“I’m good.”

Gabriel’s stiff expression was scrutinized by Rudolf, who had been observing him.

Has there ever been a case where Gabriel came unexpectedly without any warning? Unable to recall, Rudolf furrowed his brows and asked with a concerned look.

“What’s the matter? Judging by your expression, it doesn’t seem to be good news…”

“A knight from the expedition to Countess Chloe sent a messenger.”

“Countess Chloe… Isn’t that the place with the abandoned mountain?”

Gabriel nodded, stroking his beard. When he sensed a restless atmosphere in Rudolf’s face, he spoke with a hurried expression.

“Yes, it seems that shortly after our extermination squad left, monsters appeared under the mountain.”

“But if there were monsters on that mountain, it’s inevitable that we couldn’t kill them all during the extermination. In such cases, it’s unavoidable.”

He had considered defeating as many monsters as possible when returning from exterminating the ‘abandoned mountain’ since it was a way to save time.

While it was unavoidable as Rudolf said, this time, the situation seemed a bit strange.

“Not just one, but several monsters formed a pack. That’s a bit odd.”

“How many formed a pack? That’s quite unusual.”

“If they were in a group, why didn’t we encounter them when we were exterminating the mountain?”

“Even if it were just one or a few, it would have been noticeable. It’s hard to believe they were hiding and waiting for the extermination squad to leave the mountain.”

Gabriel paused for a moment, as if pondering, then continued.

“I’m still cautious, but I’m considering the possibility over there.”

“Did the monsters hide intelligently?”

“While it’s not rapid growth, the pattern of the monsters seems to be changing little by little.”

Rudolf gently patted Gabriel’s cheek with a rough hand. If intelligent monsters had cunningly avoided the extermination squad and emerged as soon as the squad left the mountain?

Moreover, they formed a group?

If Gabriel’s conjecture was correct, it was a rather serious matter.

“…So, what do you want to tell me?”

“I’m thinking of bringing as many people as possible for the next extermination. Although the Security Knights are supposed to follow for the next extermination since the Knights of the Guard participated in this extermination…”

“I understand what you mean. Our Security Knights will also participate, so don’t worry about that.”

As Gabriel rose from the sofa, he added briefly.

“We might set off for the extermination sooner than expected.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“They really make a perfect pair.”

“It’s Eliza’s opinion. Don’t they look exceptionally beautiful today?”

“Oh my, I thought the same. It seems like their beauty has risen to a new level lately.”

There were quite a few people dancing besides Edwin and Daisy, but the attention of everyone was undoubtedly drawn to those two.
I, who was smiling contentedly at the conversation of the noble ladies, soon turned away.

Since the first floor is crowded, should I go upstairs to see?

As I was about to raise my gaze, I unconsciously looked around.

“Are you looking for someone, by any chance?”

“Yes?”

When I turned my head to the direction where the voice came from, I saw Lienart slowly walking towards me.

Ah, come to think of it, Lienart was the next head of the Elias family.

“I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

“Indeed.”

While concealing the awkward feelings, I forced a smile.

Why didn’t I think that I might run into Lienart when coming here?

“Were you looking for someone?”

“No.”

I was about to extend my hand absentmindedly but stopped.

Come to think of it, while watching Daisy and Edwin dancing, I also glanced around from time to time…

“This is not an official place, so how should I address you?”

“Just call me casually.”

Lady or Young Lady Winters.

“Then, may I call you Lady Roselia?”

“Yes?”

Originally, I called her ‘Lady Roselia,’ so there was only a slight difference between that and ‘Lady Roselia.’ However, the latter felt a bit more friendly.

“Then, I’ll call you Lady Roselia here.”

“Yes, well…”

Since there was no reason to refuse, I nodded slightly, and Lienart smiled.

“I heard that Daisy has become much brighter. It’s all thanks to Lady Roselia.”

“No, I haven’t done anything. I just mentioned that it’s essential to build up physical strength before learning swordsmanship, and Daisy has been diligently working on it.”

“It seems that expectations are growing for Daisy’s swordsmanship. Having the best master makes me a bit envious as a brother.”

Expecting Daisy’s swordsmanship? Is he genuinely speaking?

I couldn’t truthfully say that the swordsmanship training was just an excuse, and the real purpose was Daisy’s health improvement.

While I hesitated to answer, Lienart’s voice, like a breeze, came into my ears.

“It was a joke.”

“You make jokes even in private occasions.”