An Emergency in the Village

The next day.

Roswaal stood at the manor entrance, dressed in formal attire.

"Lady Emilia, an urgent matter has called me to the Royal Capital. While I'm away, you must all take extra care at the manor!"

"Earl Roswaal, what could be so urgent? The curse afflicting the village still hasn't been dealt with. Can't you wait until we've resolved it before leaving?"

Emilia asked, puzzled.

Roswaal's expression was grave.

"It likely has to do with the Royal Selection. Lady Emilia, you should prepare yourself. The Royal Selection may be about to begin in earnest!"

Emilia nodded solemnly.

"I understand. I'll do my best."

Roswaal then looked toward Hane and Subaru Natsuki, who had come out looking perfectly calm.

"While I'm gone, I'm sorry to trouble you with the manor. Please look after it for me!"

Hane gave a slight nod.

"I'll keep an eye on things."

Seeing that, Roswaal said no more and nodded to Hane.

Magic surged around him. A current of air lifted him, and he flew straight toward the Royal Capital.

Once Roswaal was gone, everyone turned to Hane.

Without anyone noticing when it happened, Hane had become the person everyone at the manor relied on most after Roswaal.

He had not shown much of his strength, but the air of unquestionable authority about him had gradually influenced everyone there.

Hane could only feel helpless. This was the result even after he had greatly diminished his presence.

Fortunately, after quietly replacing the Witch's authority within Emilia, he could use the Witch of Envy's aura to obscure himself from the other Witches to some extent.

Otherwise, someone as outstanding as him would be impossible to overlook, no matter what world he went to.

Hane turned to Subaru Natsuki.

"Ang, take Rem and Ram to investigate the village,