S-A 1: A sprout of love for horror.

S-A 1: A sprout of love for horror.

Passing the entrance and back to the academy, everybody collapses onto the ground, panting. They all look horrified, especially the knight carrying the unconscious captain.

''Hah... Hah... What the hell...''

Soon, people rush in.

''Another one?!''

''The captain is wounded!''

''Medic, call medic!''

What chaos.

Looking around, it seems the other teams also came back here. The condition of some is normal, but there are ones similar to ours. I suppose there are other 'things' besides the tall man we just encountered.

''Hahah.''

Ah... How delightful.

Since when?

Since when did this forest become such an exciting place? Why did nobody tell me about this? Such an eerie yet fine-looking creature, without a fault in its entrapment, without regard for its opponents... Such power—what a wonder.

''Your Highness, are you alright?!''

Tch, the annoying bunch is here. Even the commander...

''I'm fine. Get away.'' I reply with a frown.

''...We cannot, Your Highness. We are the Imperial Guards, and it is our duty to ensure your safety. Please let us guide you to our medical team.''

The same ones who were cornering this soul to death just a year ago are now acting as though my life is worth more than theirs.

Disgusting. Simply disgusting.

I should have stopped being lazy and replaced these pigs with my followers since the admission—big mistake.

''I said get away.''

'''' !!! ''''

I don't want to use [Domination] in such a place, but it is what it is.

''P-Pardon us!''

Scram, trash. And be grateful to that old geezer. If it weren't for him begging me, I would have killed you all a long time ago.

''Wahh~!!''

Hearing a distressed scream, I turn around to see another team also having its members wheezing like their souls have escaped their bodies. That one... The light element holder, right. I especially want her to be a part of my army, but that Luminous girl already took her. What a disappointment, unless... I can get the whole Luminous Duchy under me. Worth considering.

While thinking that, people rush toward her team, and someone begins to question the light element holder.

''What happened?!''

''N-No more... Dog...!''

The conversation dies immediately. At least she doesn't seem as uncomfortable as the previous instance of me touching her, I suppose.

We keep eating in silence. As I feel up her wing, I gradually fall into deep thoughts.

The Zircon Forest.

It has been a long time since I found something so interesting. At that moment, the tall man didn't have the intention of actually disposing of us. It seems there was some kind of mental attack applied to his tactics, but I have a resistance skill to those, so I could see it.

Considering he didn't chase us and there was no casualty I noticed, it should be safe to assume his motive was merely to chase us out.

If so, why? What kind of reason prompted him to do that?

In the first place, what is he? There is no reason the ancient basilisk would have left him alone if he had that kind of strength. What happened to the ancient basilisk, then?

Ah... This... This is thrilling.

I have to visit that place again, even if it means I have to fight for my life. Battling ordinary monsters and the former crown prince's assassins is too boring now.

No good, my excitement is getting out of control...

''Your Highness, did something happy happen?''

When I turn to the side, I see the owl maid tilting her head.

''Yes, Aurora, very much so.''

Finishing my lunch soon after, I break up with Aurora and return to my room. Flopping down my bed, I stare blankly at the ceiling.

I think... I just found a new fascination.

''...Magnolia.''

Following my call, a person emerges from my shadow on the ground.

''Your Highness.''

A woman in black, inconspicuous attire bows toward me.

''Prepare for an outing tonight.'' I order.

''May I ask the destination?''

''West Zircon.''

''It might be dangerous, Your Highness.''

''I know.''

''...Roger. I will notify Marigold and Myosotis regarding your order.''

''Mhm. Good work.''

With that, she sinks into my shadow. Left alone in my room, I hold my hand up.

''...''

Ah, Zircon Forest... Here I come.