After hearing Li’s words, the male instructor lowered his shoulders and thought it over.

At the very least, an audience with His Majesty the King would not be a problem.

What seemed far more troublesome was the headmaster.

He had already been insisting that Li be allowed to conquer an advanced-level dungeon.

Once he learned of today’s outcome, there was no telling what he might say next.

Thinking about what lay ahead made a heavy sigh escape his lips.

‘What are we supposed to do now…’

While the instructor wrestled with his thoughts, Li sent out her little bird shikigami.

Its destination was, of course, the Royal Palace.

For now, she had decided to inform her father.

About the existence of the Founding King’s remnant.

"Lady Li! What do you think?"

Alberta was looking at her.

Patricia and the Saint were also watching expectantly.

"I’m sorry. I wasn’t listening."

"Erika just called me fat!"

"I didn’t! I just said you eat a lot!"

"You said it again!"

Alberta, teary-eyed, let out an indignant squeal.

"And just now, Patty’s—"

"Hey!"

The Saint and Alberta began bickering noisily.

From Li’s perspective, it was hardly anything.

They were fourteen—right in the middle of their growth spurts.

Of course they would be hungry no matter how much they ate.

Still, perhaps pointing it out to noble daughters of that age was tactless.

Or perhaps they simply wanted an excuse to banter.

Watching their endearing quarrel made Li feel oddly warm inside.

Someone tugged at her sleeve.

It was Patricia.

"Onee-sama, shall we head back?"

Li nodded at Patricia’s suggestion.

"Yes, let’s do that."

"Hey! You two! No sneaking off!"

Now Alberta and the Saint had formed an alliance.

* * *

The group set off toward the royal capital in their golem carriage.

The journey took less than an hour.

Halfway there, the bird shikigami returned.

It carried a message: Come to the Royal Palace immediately.

As expected of the great Founding King.

The response had been astonishingly swift.

"Lady Li?"

Li offered Alberta a gentle smile.

"It’s from my father. It seems an urgent matter has arisen."

"Then we’re going to the Royal Castle?"

"Yes. We’ll head to the academy first and then you three—"

The communication jewel at Li’s waist began flashing brightly.

She had been issued one due to her instructor-level status.

"The headmaster is going to the Royal Palace as well."

The headmaster must have heard everything from the instructor and set off at once.

It was considerate of them to inform her, but this was starting to feel very troublesome.

Li suppressed a sigh.

She did not want to worry the three girls with her.

"The Royal Castle, huh…"

The Saint spoke thoughtfully.

"You’ve had an audience with His Majesty before, right?"

"Twice. What about you, Ally and Patty?"

"I’ve never had an audience."

"Me neither!"

"What about you, Li?"

"This will be my second time."

"Oh?"

The Saint glanced at Li.

"I thought you’d been to the Royal Castle lots of times."

Li understood that she was referring to her supposed connection with the Crown Prince.

"No, not at all. I only met His Highness after enrolling at the academy."

"Is that so?"

Alberta sounded strangely pleased.

"Didn’t he ever reach out before that?"

Li tilted her head slightly.

"Perhaps my father did something, but I was never told."

"His Highness must have been busy," Patricia offered.

"Even so…"

Still chatting among themselves, the group finally arrived at the academy.