"Th-that’s out of the question! I won’t allow it!"

It was the first time I had ever seen Marquis Endlord raise his voice in anger. Even he could get flustered, it seemed. He was usually so composed that it came as quite a surprise.

"I intend to head to the Celie Theocracy as a representative of your domain, accompanied by Father’s troops. You were planning to send reinforcements to Celie, weren’t you?"

"Well, yes, but..."

Endlord’s territory didn’t include any areas bordering the eastern Great Star Sea. However, it appeared he had intended to dispatch his forces to assist.

"As their representative, I would like to accompany them."

Katya’s eyes shone with determination. Perhaps that resolute will was something she inherited from her father.

"We’ve worked so hard to establish a connection with Celie, and it would be such a waste to let it crumble into chaos and start over from scratch. Wouldn’t it make the most sense for me, someone with standing and familiarity, to go?"

"Hmm... you have a point."

It seemed the marquis had already changed his mind, as he readily gave Katya his approval. Since I was heading to the front lines, Shannon volunteered to act as Katya’s bodyguard.

"I leave it to you, then."

"You can count on your big sister!"

"May we also join the expedition?"

As Katya and Shannon were discussing their plans, Maria and Hamil appeared, having apparently overheard the conversation.

Both were already prepared for battle, wearing outfits clearly designed for combat.

Maria’s attire was an elegant robe in blue and white that looked expensive. Compared to the typical garb of clerics or priests, it was noticeably more refined.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed a faint glow emanating from it. It was likely imbued with an immense amount of magic, which was leaking from within.

Hamil, on the other hand, was no longer dressed in her black cloak but now donned black armor. Though her sword remained sheathed, the hilt bore a skull-like motif. The scabbard was veined with red lines resembling blood vessels, giving it a lifelike appearance. Her gear exuded an ominous aura overall. Perhaps this was her full combat gear.

Even from my brief clash with Hamil before, I could tell she was an incredibly capable bodyguard. As for Maria, the former saint who once guided the people, she would undoubtedly excel in healing and creating barriers.

Having them fight alongside us would be an incredible boon. Though the reappearance of the former saint might raise concerns... I glanced at the marquis. He sighed deeply, visibly exhausted, and said:

"Well, as long as they operate on our side, it shouldn’t be a problem. Issues are bound to arise, but we have ways to address them."

"Is that so? In that case, it would be greatly appreciated..."

"It’s simple—just make them part of Bruno’s party. With Ivy, Sanshita, and Icicle already in the mix, adding a few more unusual members won’t make much of a difference. A rare tree won’t stand out in a forest of rarer ones."

"While we’re at it, could I register as an adventurer too? I’d like to join Bruno’s party if possible."

"Oh, in that case, let me join too. Even just as a temporary member."

And so, what had been a solo journey for me turned into a party with Rey, Hamil, and Maria as members.

"In that case, may I join as well?"

No, Katya, that’s just not possible...