That night, I descended into the subterranean levels of the research facility.
I had realized there was another person who might possess some knowledge regarding the Savior.
There was a chance it would yield nothing, but the cost of verifying was negligible.
I entered the room laden with a large stack of books.
The individual confined within that space—Gwen—was sprawled out on a rug.
Upon recognizing me, she greeted me with a relaxed smile.
"Good morniiiing."
"It is the middle of the night."
"I felt like saying good morning. Besides, I told you, I have no sense of time."
Gwen chuckled ruefully.
For over a year now, she had been kept in this place.
Moreover, the director had kept her under constant surveillance.
An ordinary person would have long since lost their mind, yet Gwen remained remarkably composed.
She showed only mild exasperation, with almost no visible erosion of her mental fortitude.
Were the creatures of the outer world simply strong-willed in general?
Or perhaps this was a trait unique to her alone.
She was an unfathomable existence.
I placed the books on the table and spoke.
"I've brought new books."
"Wow, thank you so much. I was just wanting something new to read."
Gwen rose, cheerfully picking up a tome. As she checked each spine in turn, she murmured reflectively.
"My, how important entertainment is. Boredom is the greatest enemy for humans. Well, I'm not human, of course."
Was that a joke? Her mercurial expression gave nothing away.
It might have been an indirect complaint directed at me.
Even so, I had no intention of changing how I dealt with Gwen. She was untrustworthy in many ways. Though she posed harmlessness, vigilance was warranted.
It was precisely the time when new problems were brewing. I didn't want to add unnecessary worries.
Having moved to the sofa, Gwen looked up at me and changed the subject.
"So, what's the errand today? You didn't just come to deliver treats, did you?"
"The world's will has begun to act. A new threat is emerging."
"Oh dear, that sounds tiring. Being Demon Lord must be such a hassle, always embroiled in trouble."
"..."
I remained silent, watching Gwen's brazen demeanor. It was a highly suspicious reaction, but she always spoke and acted this way.
It wasn't worth bringing up again.
However, I didn't have enough material to conclusively say she was entirely uninvolved.
As I was lost in thought, Gwen tilted her head with a curious expression.
She pointed at her own face.
"Hmm? What's with that look? Don't tell me you suspect my involvement?"
"...Just a little."
When I answered, Gwen threw her hands wide in protest.
She shook her head with a sigh.
"Oh dear, how harsh. Locked up like this, I couldn't possibly be plotting anything. I'm completely innocent, you know."
"Really?"
"Mr. Harvelt, aren't you overestimating me a bit? I'm not the mastermind you seem to think. Right now, I'm just a cute prisoner-type heroine."
Gwen closed one eye and smiled at me.
Without prior knowledge, that smile might seem charming.
But knowing her personality, the act felt painfully contrived.
Gwen was clearly enjoying jerking me around like this.
Taking her seriously would only exhaust me.
It was wisest to get to the point.