Prologue: Unending Calamity

In the early hours of the morning, several carriages had gathered outside the gates to the imperial capital. Their wheels and bodies, even their canopies, were constructed entirely from flora. The occasional bloom was placed as ornamentation, carefully avoiding ostentation. Every carriage was connected to a platinum mustang, a powerful monster with the might of a couple dozen normal horses.

Platinum mustangs were rare creatures; even large trading companies struggled to get their hands on more than a few. Such valuable creatures pulling frivolous-looking carriages was an odd sight to behold, but anyone passing by had their attention focused on the people standing nearby.

Noble Spirits were a higher race known for high magical prowess, strong bodies, and otherworldly beauty. With their tendency to view humans as lesser beings, they rarely visited man-made settlements. Even the immense imperial capital of Zebrudia hosted only a limited number of Noble Spirits. Those who lived in this city were known by many.

Being a treasure-hunting party consisting solely of Noble Spirits made Starlight a unique group. They all possessed the special beauty and arcane talents characteristic of their kind as well as a reputation for giving their clients the cold shoulder. Now, they were standing around with their arms crossed as they chatted among each other, unperturbed by the many gazes cast their way.

“Lapis, I’d say that man’s not half bad if he can get his hands on the proper carriages in such a short time frame.”

“Hmph. A Noble Shaman is lending their aid. We’d be in a fix if that man prepared anything less. Still, he did get the bare minimum of what we requested. Pulling out now would be a stain on our name.”

The leader of Starlight, Lapis Fulgor, looked up and let out a small sigh. With her slender frame and straight hair, she had the good looks of a mythological figure.

“H-H