The true reason she had summoned Momon to this place—
Renner did not evade the direct question. She quietly set the teacup in her hand back onto its saucer.
"Just as you've guessed… I called Lady Momon here because there is something I earnestly wish to ask of her."
Her eyes were deadly serious.
Momon felt, on an instinctive level, the moment Renner's gaze shifted from that of a sweet, charming princess to the eyes of a princess of a nation. She straightened her own posture in response to that gaze.
"…And that request is?"
"Are you familiar with the organization known as the Eight Fingers?"
—Eight Fingers.
The name was still fresh in Momon's memory.
It was the criminal syndicate that ruled the underside of the Re-Estize Kingdom—the vile group that had treated Tsuare like a toy to be tormented.
Ah. So this is that kind of conversation, Momon thought, her brow tightening.
"…I do not know much detail, but I understand they are… a massive criminal organization, at the very least."
"Putting it simply, yes. They engage in theft, drug trafficking, illegal slave brokerage—truly every kind of wicked act imaginable. They are parasites eating away at our kingdom."
Illegal slavery.
As the one currently protecting Tsuare, this matter was hardly unrelated to Momon. She saw Renner bite down lightly on her lip. In that moment, the young woman looked exactly like a princess mourning for her kingdom.
"In truth, with Blue Rose and the private troops of certain nobles who've agreed to cooperate with me, we have planned a massive operation—one that will assault and annihilate all Eight Fingers strongholds scattered throughout the capital in a single coordinated strike."
"…In other words, you wish for me to join that operation?"
"It helps tremendously that you understand so quickly."
Momon touched a finger lightly to her chin, digesting the outline in her own way. While she did so, Lakyus spoke up.
"The Eight Fingers have a security division, and among them are the Six Arms—six adamantite-class powerhouses. We can handle them ourselves, but unexpected events can occur. One can never have too much strength. If you would lend us your power, Momon, there is nothing more reassuring."
Lakyus continued:
"At present, the peace of the kingdom is undeniably being eroded by the Eight Fingers. Because of them, countless innocent citizens—children included—are being victimized. Being drugged, kidnapped, and sold into slavery is hardly rare."
The fists resting on Lakyus' knees trembled with righteous fury.
Anger and sorrow spilled visibly from her eyes, and even sitting beside her, Momon could feel the heat of that emotion brushing against her skin.
Her posture, her gaze—it brought to mind Gazef Stronoff.
—No… perhaps only those who truly mourn for the weak, those who genuinely care for the powerless, could show such an expression. Lakyus lifted her downcast eyes and met Momon's straight on. Her clear, transparent blue eyes were… beautiful, Momon thought.
"…Lady Momon, would you please lend us your strength? I know we ask much. But the Eight Fingers are unquestionably preying upon the innocent people of this kingdom. 'If someone is in trouble, helping them should be natural'… With such a belief, I feel certain your heart aligns with ours."
It was a plea from her very soul.
Lakyus bowed her head with sincerity—not as a noble, but as someone born and raised in this kingdom.
Momon received her plea and—
"…I must… decline."
"…Eh?"
—she refused. Politely, yet firmly.
Momon lowered her head with a quiet "I am very sorry."
Across from her, Lakyus fell silent, robbed of words. Not because she was shocked—
but because she had never imagined that Momon, a saintly hero who embodied "help those in trouble," would refuse.
The success of this operation could—easily—save the lives of tens of thousands in the future. Lakyus assumed that a hero who crushed the strong to save the weak would answer "yes" without hesitation.
That was what she believed.
But Momon's own reasoning was far simpler:
"…Why should I be the one to help with something like that?"
It may sound cold or even heartless.
But she did not wish to abandon people.
She truly did agree that innocent lives deserved saving. Even if they were strangers, their lives had value.
However—
Why, exactly, should she, who was unrelated, risk her life and involve herself?
The operation involved serious risk. The backlash after dismantling the Eight Fingers would be immense.
There were advantages—she could gain favor with Renner and Blue Rose—but the disadvantages were equally large.
Momon took a sip of tea, paused, and then spoke calmly:
"…This operation—conducted by the soldiers you gathered, Lady Renner, along with Blue Rose—why is it not being led publicly by His Majesty the King? The Eight Fingers should be this nation's cancer, should they not?"
A natural question.
Renner formed a troubled expression before answering apologetically.
"…Shameful as it is to admit, the Re-Estize Kingdom is not united. Many nobles support the Eight Fingers. If this were a national operation, there would be leaks. Thus we must compose the force only of those we trust, and move unseen until the day itself."
"I see. So that is why you cannot act publicly."
That much Momon had anticipated.
…But then—
"Even so, is it truly appropriate for an adventurer like myself to become involved?"
Her voice was not cold, not cruel—simply stating the obvious in a flat, steady tone.
"If someone before my eyes is in trouble, I will extend my hand. I accept that I may face certain risks. 'If someone is in trouble, helping them should be natural'—this is one of my guiding principles."
Momon spoke slowly, each word deliberate, and the women around her listened with utmost seriousness.
"But… helping an entire nation is a different matter altogether, do you not agree?"
If individuals needed help, Momon would follow Touch Me's words and help without hesitation.
But involving herself in the political, factional, conspiratorial struggles of a country—
throwing a stone into those waters—was something she absolutely wished to avoid.
Even if doing so would save countless lives, the reverse was also true:
countless lives would be lost, and she would directly influence the future of a nation.
"I do not intend to thrust myself into matters a kingdom itself cannot handle. I do sympathize—it pains me to think of the people being used and abused. But given that many nobles involved in domestic affairs are cooperating with the Eight Fingers, this is undeniably this nation's problem. If I involve myself, then I, as an adventurer, will be lending my strength to one political faction for personal reasons."
Momon's reasoning was flawless.
But Lakyus could not accept it—even if she understood it.
Because Lakyus was willing to kick aside logic to help Renner and save lives. She acted from love for her kingdom, not reason—and that too was a kind of righteousness.
"B-but, Momon—"
"Momon, what you're saying is correct."
Gagaran cut off Lakyus's attempt at protest. Adding sugar to her cup, she shot Lakyus a warning look.
"Us helping the princess like this? As adventurers, it's not 'gray'—it's completely out."
"Gagaran…"
"Lakyus. I get what you're saying. But stop trying to drag Momon in any further. She's making the right call for an adventurer. We're the ones in the wrong."
As people, Lakyus might be right.
As adventurers, Momon was unquestionably right.
Everyone present knew that. Even Lakyus herself.
Momon bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Lady Gagaran."
"No, if anything I should apologize for taking up your time."
"Not at all. Speaking with you and Lady Renner was valuable time. It's unfortunate… but if it concerns monsters, I will gladly lend my aid anytime. Please call on me then."
Momon rose smoothly to her feet.
Her teacup was already empty. If she remained any longer, she would only obstruct the discussion of their operation.
"Lady Renner, the tea was delicious. If I stay here, you will be unable to speak freely. Allow me to take my leave."
"…I understand. Lady Momon, thank you for coming today. I hope we meet again. Climb, please escort Lady Momon."
"As you command."
Momon offered one last bow to Renner and Blue Rose and then left the room with Climb.
After the door closed, silence filled the air.
"…We got rejected."
Gagaran's voice shattered the quiet.
"I wasn't rejected."
"Not talking about you, you damn lesbian ninja."
Tia shot to her feet with a clatter, earning a tired sigh from Gagaran. The pouting ninja was ignored as Evileye, who had been silently observing, spoke.
"…Hmph. I thought any fool who goes around saying 'If someone is in trouble, helping them is natural' must have flowers blooming in their head. But she's far more sensible than I expected. As a fellow adventurer, I actually like her more now."
"No way—Evileye, don't tell me you're aiming for Momon too—"
"Doki☆ A three-way love triangle between women—!"
"I'll knock your teeth out, idiot sisters."
The harsh threat in Evileye's voice did nothing to deter the ninja twins. Such exchanges were probably a daily occurrence.
Lakyus watched the steam rise from her cup and murmured softly:
"…I truly didn't expect to be refused."
Renner let out a small sigh of agreement.
"To be honest, I was surprised as well. But Lady Momon made the correct decision as an adventurer. We cannot force her."
"…True. Say, Renner. What impression did Momon give you?"
Renner touched her chin, pondering the question for a moment. After a brief pause, she answered as though choosing each word with care:
"…Let me see. My honest impression would be… a person whose heart and body are separate."
It was abstract to the point of obscurity.
Unable to grasp the meaning, Lakyus asked, "What do you mean?"
Renner nodded and slowly searched for words.
"Lady Momon possesses overwhelming strength—enough that even all of Blue Rose together could not defeat her. She also carries herself with such cultured grace. But at her core… if I speak plainly… she felt to me like someone… impoverished."
"…Impoverished?"
Evileye raised a puzzled voice.
Nothing about Momon suggested poverty. Her equipment surpassed first-class quality, her behavior and speech were those of someone highly educated, like a noblewoman. Even the way she held her cup or sat in her chair was the picture of a refined lady. And above all—her beauty. In a dress—or even without one—anyone would think she belonged to the highest of noble ranks.
Yet Renner had called her, however indirectly, a pauper. None of them could grasp the meaning.
"W-what do you mean, Renner?"
"I don't mean she is truly financially poor. Rather… I believe Lady Momon deeply understands the value of personal safety and small, individual peace—things known only to those who once had nothing."
Renner spoke while replaying all of Momon's words and actions.
Tracing her memories, ensuring no contradiction arose, she continued weaving her thoughts.
"For us—Blue Rose and myself—we come from positions where it is difficult to fully grasp the feelings of those who lack things. We have power, status, and talent. We cannot deny that we are privileged. Because of that, we often forget the value of something as simple as eating in a safe place."
"…That might be true. We never worry about starving, and we have wealth and standing."
"Yes. But I do not believe Lady Momon is like that. She seemed to possess… a cool-headedness that would allow her to cut others away, if only to prevent even a small chance of her own starvation in the future."
Rather than "cool-headed"… perhaps "cold-blooded"—
Renner swallowed those last words. There was no need to voice them.
Lakyus watched Renner closely before replying:
"Well… in adventuring, such decisiveness is necessary. We've made such choices ourselves. But you think hers is… of a different nature, don't you?"
Renner nodded gently.
Not merely as an adventurer, but in her very foundation as a person—
Renner sensed that Momon's background was fundamentally different from everyone here.
"Personally… and this is only speculation… I believe Lady Momon may have once lived in an unjustly harsh environment—one where she was oppressed."
"Th-that means…"
Lakyus's eyes widened. The same realization crossed everyone's mind.
"…You're saying… Momon was originally a slave…?"
Gagaran voiced it openly. Renner quietly gave a small nod.
"…It is only the impression I received. Pure speculation."
"But… y'know, that makes sense. If she had a past like that, it explains why she values 'small, personal happiness' more than we do… why she wants nothing to do with nobles or political messes. And wanting to help people in trouble—if she lived through that herself…"
And with that beauty—
Imagining what kind of horrors she may have faced made their stomachs turn cold.
No matter how strong or wealthy she became, if her origins were that of a slave, the values forged in those years would never completely leave her.
A heavy silence settled over the room.
The image of Momon as an invincible superhero who overcame all hardship and saved all who needed saving—
that perception had been shattered, in a good way.
Having glimpsed a more human, vulnerable Momon, Blue Rose found themselves revising their view of the hero entirely.