Suzuch brought Erza some tea, and they decided they would let Erza rest while the two of them talked. 

"I have several questions," Irene began. "But first, is there anything you would like to tell me that you haven't told me already?"

"...just ask your questions." Suzuch said after a moment. 

Irene stayed silent, waiting for Suzuch to answer her question. She was very suspicious of this girl. 

Suzuch sighed. "Perhaps I haven't told you everything. The guards... they are not human. Though I suppose you must already expect that. They used to be human - long ago, when everyone in my clan was murdered. After that, they disappeared into their headquarters for a few days, and when they came back out, they were... different. They didn't have a personality anymore. Almost like... robots. Or zombies."

"Interesting... and you don't know what caused this?" Irene asked. 

"I have my suspicions, but no clear answers. Did you have any other questions?" Suzuch asked. 

"Yes, actually. We noticed there aren't any room. I suppose that makes sense if all the guards are robots, but if they used to be human, it doesn't really add up."

"Ah. I can explain that. Their headquarters were still being built when they attacked. Once they realised they didn't have any need for lots of room, they probably didn't build any, but they already had the hallways built."

"Interesting... does the Ha clan have a leader?"

"I believe so. I've never seen their leader, but most clans do. My grandmother... she was the leader of the Zuch clan. I suppose since I'm the only one left, I'm technically the leader now."

Suzuch looked so sad. Even if Irene knew that she probably wasn't telling the whole truth, she couldn't help but feel bad. 

"We're going to help you. We'll find the leader, and we'll stop them."

Suzuch smiled at her. "Thank you, Irene. You're one of the first people to actually take my request seriously."

"I'm happy to help. I think I'm going to get some rest, and save my magic for tomorrow. You should rest, too."

Suzuch nodded. "Good night, Irene."

The next morning, Irene and Erza went to the right side of the building, expecting all the guards to move to the left side, where they had been attacked. Surprisingly, it seemed there were more guards over here on the right side. Irene checked the map.

"Their in the exact places that they're marked on this map... don't you find that a little weird, Erza?" She asked. 

"That is odd... These guards definitely aren't human. Irene... I think I have a new plan." Erza said. 

"What is it?"

"Well, it's kind of pointless just killing brainless guards... we need to get to their leader and stop them. Then their guards will be easy to take care of."

"I assume you overheard me and Suzuch's conversation last night... so, what's the plan?"

"We'll capture one of their guards and question them. Then, they'll lead us straight to their leader." Erza explained. 

"Hmm... okay. That could work. It's worth a try, at least."

Erza smiled. "Okay. Let's go back over to the left side, where there's less guards. It seems like most of the guards are still over here. Although..." Erza trailed off, thinking. 

"Although, what?"

"If most of the guards are over here, do you think there's something important over here?" Erza asked. 

"Probably. That would make sense. They might know more, too. Let's capture one of them." Irene said. 

They both charged forwards, drawing lots of attention to themselves. 

Erza thought fast. Irene told me once that she learned a little bit of mind control magic... if we use too much force, we'll knock the guards out, and we need at least one to stay conscious but also to come with us. 

"Irene! Mind control magic!" Erza shouted, hoping Irene would understand what she meant. 

Irene ran up to one of the guards, both her hands grabbing his head. To use mind control magic, she had to link her mind to the person's that she wanted to control. She closed her eyes, concentrating. Then, she felt herself tumble backwards, and fell onto the ground. She must've hit her head on a rock, because when she woke up, she was back in Suzuch's bakery. 

She was laying down on the couch, and Erza and Suzuch were drinking tea in the chairs. 

"Irene! You're awake! What happened? Why didn't your magic work?" Erza asked, rushing to Irene's side and kneeling next to the couch.

Irene sat up, slowly. "I'm... I'm not completely sure. It felt like there was... some sort of wall." Irene's eyes widened with realisation. 

"Hm? What? Irene, what is it?"

"The guards... they are human. They're just being mind controlled. That's why I couldn't control the guard... he was already being controlled. It all makes sense now!" Irene exclaimed. 

Suzuch gasped. "That does make sense. So, if you just find the person who's controlling them, and kill that person, then all the guards will go back to normal. You won't have to kill them then. Maybe I can even recruit a few into the Zuch clan! I'm sure they won't want to be in the Ha clan anymore."

"That's a great idea! You're going to be a great leader." Irene said, smiling at Suzuch.

She smiled back, then set down her teacup and stood up. "I've decided. I'm coming with you two. I can help."

"Really? That would be great! We're going to need all the help we can get. You said your parents taught you a little magic, right?" Irene asked. 

"Yes. My magic is energy support magic. Once you guys get tired, just let me know, and I can give you an energy refill." Suzuch said, still smiling. 

"That's great, that'll help a lot. Thank you."

"No need to thank me. I'm the whole reason you're even on this quest, after all. We should go tomorrow, right in the morning. That way we'll have plenty of time, and you two can rest a little longer." Suzuch said.

"Good idea. I still am feeling a bit drowsy, especially after that. I think the attempt at mine control drained most of my energy."

They all agreed to rest and continued their quest tomorrow.