The second Imperial Oath expedition.

The series of incidents, which began with the Parasite’s surprise attack on Nur, ended when the expedition of 21 members infiltrated the Empire at the risk of their lives and achieved their initial goal.

The expedition seemed to have ended in success as the team retrieved the stele and its twenty members returned safely, but that was far from the truth because, as it turned out, the Parasite’s actual goal was not the stele. The Federation and humanity had been running circles on the Parasite Queen’s palm the whole time.

The expedition was over, but the team didn’t break up. Once out of the Parasites territory, they moved to Haramark’s base of operation, the Arden Valley fortress, all to wait for the last expedition member who had yet to return.

Chohong sat cross-legged at the highest guard post in the valley. She had been observing the road near the valley’s entrance since early in the morning without moving a muscle.

Kazuki, who was carrying a tray of breakfast, sighed when he saw Chohong. Today wasn’t the first time she’d done this. Chohong had been looking down the road ever since she arrived at the valley fortress. She ate at the guard post and slept at the guard post, even though she knew exactly what had happened.

And it wasn’t just Chohong. Everyone knew what happened to Seol Jihu. Teresa’s Observatio Vitae became a pile of ashes, and Eun Yuri confirmed his death with Roselle.

“Food’s here.”

Kazuki put the tray down next to Chohong, but she didn’t even look. Kazuki said nothing. He’d grown tired of persuading her. And it wasn’t like Chohong was the only one in this state. She’ll eat when she’s hungry. Kazuki muttered to himself and turned around.

“Ah.”

But he stopped just before he set foot on the slope because he remembered something.

“It looks like he’ll arrive tomorrow morning.”

Chohong flinched slightly.

...