They brought the golem carriage to a stop at the academy’s carriage station.

"Well then, Li, we’ll take our leave. Th-thank you for today!"

The Saint said her goodbye and just as Alberta and Patricia were about to do the same—

"I’ve been waiting for you, Li!"

It was the headmaster.

Standing there in a bold stance, he held a goosefoot staff like one carried by a wandering sage.

"Headmaster, are you also heading to the Royal Castle?"

Li asked, feigning innocence.

"Mm. I thought it would be quicker if I went myself."

"Then shall we go together?"

"Much obliged."

The headmaster climbed into the carriage.

"Headmaster, Lady Li, we will excuse ourselves here."

Alberta and the others must have sensed trouble in the air.

They quickly took their leave.

Not sticking their noses into unnecessary matters—truly befitting noble daughters.

Li and the headmaster headed to the Royal Castle together.

Inside the carriage, the headmaster eagerly tried to recruit her once more.

He wanted to conquer an advanced-level dungeon with her.

At his words of "You may do as you please," Li nearly nodded in agreement.

But she managed to smooth things over with a strained smile.

Having likely received word in advance, they were allowed into the castle without delay.

They were not led to the Audience Chamber but to the King’s office.

Inside were the King, her father and the Chancellor.

"Today, I am grateful for the honor of this audience—"

Li began her formal greeting, but it was His Majesty himself who interrupted her.

"My apologies, Li. More importantly, I heard you met with His Majesty the Founding King."

The eyes of the older men sparkled.

Everyone loved the Founding King.

Even so, being met with such expectant gazes was troubling.

And now that she thought about it, perhaps she had been rather blunt with the Founding King’s remnant.

There had been time constraints, so it could not be helped.

Still, judging from their expressions, they seemed ready to cause a commotion.

"Where shall I begin?"

"From the beginning!"

The voices of the men rang out in unison.

As requested, Li recounted everything.

Entering the dungeon and proceeding smoothly.

Reaching the room with the teleportation device.

The Saint falling into the trap.

Going to rescue her and meeting the remnant of the Founding King.

"And the Founding King?"

"It was not His Majesty himself, but his remnant."

Li made sure to clarify that point.

It seemed to have little effect.

She let out a small breath.

"These are the items bestowed upon me by the Founding King’s remnant."

She placed the ring and the key upon the King’s desk.

"Oh! This is—!"

"You recognize it, Brother?"

The King nodded grandly before speaking.

"This key is mentioned in the oral tradition."

"Oral tradition?"

"When one inherits the throne, certain important matters are passed down. Among them are instructions regarding the Founding King…"

Li had a feeling this would turn into a long story—

"Your Majesty, perhaps that can wait. Let us proceed with the matter at hand."

The Chancellor intervened smoothly, preventing the discussion from going off track.

"Very well. Li, later I shall personally guide you to the room where this key is used. As the Founding King decreed, whatever lies within shall be yours to do with as you please."

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness."

"No, it is we who owe thanks. To be granted the opportunity to converse with the Founding King is fortune beyond words. A separate reward shall be prepared for you as well."

"As Your Majesty wills."

Li lowered her head.

And then, the true discussion began.