Several days after Li had thoroughly enjoyed the open-air bath, just as she was about to head to the academy as usual, her father called out to her.

"Li, sorry about this, but after the academy finishes today I want you to come to the Royal Castle immediately."

Hearing those words, Li understood and nodded.

* * *

After arriving at the academy, Li caught Alberta and Patricia.

There had been a gathering of Rosenkreuz of the Rose Maiden Cross, but she needed to decline.

"My father told me to go to the Royal Castle."

Just hearing that was enough for the perceptive pair to immediately understand that Li had been summoned regarding the dungeon matter.

"Understood. Please travel safely."

Alberta accepted it without hesitation.

Beside her, Patricia was nodding repeatedly.

* * *

And so, once the academy finished, Li immediately went to the Royal Castle.

At the Royal Castle, she was practically given a free pass and escorted to the usual room.

Among the Royal Guards, it seemed Li's face had already been completely memorized.

Of course, the fact that word had already been passed along was also a major factor.

Li was not the type to misunderstand something like that.

"I have arrived."

Li greeted them after being shown into the King's office.

"Ah, Li. We have been waiting."

When Li raised her head, only His Majesty the King and the Chancellor were present.

When she tilted her head wondering why her father was not there, light laughter rose from both the King and the Chancellor.

"My apologies, Li. Slan has gone to see His Majesty the Founding King."

I see, Li thought, understanding.

During Li's childhood, it had overwhelmingly been her father who told her stories about the Founding King.

He must have admired the Founding King greatly.

"The reason we asked you to come today is about the key from the other day."

The Chancellor spoke gently to Li.

"Your Excellency the Chancellor also knows about it?"

"The other day, when I visited His Majesty the Founding King, the topic came up briefly."

"Then do you also know what is inside?"

"No, I did not hear that much."

As Li and the Chancellor exchanged words, the King interjected.

"That key opens a small chamber inside the Royal Palace's treasure vault. It has been passed down among the kings that someday a person worthy of opening it would appear holding the key."

"So that is how it was. I have received quite an extraordinary gift."

"Well then, shall we go open it now?"

"Is it really alright not to wait for Father? He seemed very excited about it."

That was true.

Li's father had made various guesses.

He had been extremely curious about what kind of item might be inside.

"Yes, that is not a problem. Slan has already agreed. After all, you will be bringing it home, Li, so he said he would take his time looking at it at the house."

"Ah..."

That was the only kind of reply Li could manage.

And so, the unusual group of the King, the Chancellor and Li headed toward the treasure vault.

This was Li's first time entering the treasure vault.

What kind of place could it be?

Feeling a little nervous, she stepped inside the treasure vault.