Currier Versteen, who had hurriedly prepared for the journey to the castle, was swinging in his carriage to St. Renousseled Castle.

　The radiant sunshine was pouring down on the royal capital.
　A city full of activity.
　It's not that there's a problem with the fort's occupation, but it's still a peaceful city.

　--I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more than you need to know.

　I'm not going to be able to get it right.
　And.

What do I have on my face?

　Currier asked Isla, who had been giving him a feverish look from earlier.

'What?　Oh ... I'm sorry, did you mind?

　Ira chuckles, lowering his eyebrows.

'What's wrong?'
Hmmm....................Currier is still beautiful.
Nn--

　The wheels of the carriage swung up on a stone.
　The carriage shook with a thud.

What the hell is going on here?

　Hmmm, Ira smiles.

That dress also looks great on you after all.
...yeah?
Yeah, you're like a mythical goddess.
That's a bit too much of an exaggeration...

　While brushing away her dripping hair, Currier inspected her own attire.
　A white dress with a calm yet luxurious feel to it.
　Gold embroidery ran through it in places and it was decorated with fine lace.
　However, the hem of the dress is long and very difficult to move around in, just like the dress I wore at the Cirrus Baths.
　Thankfully, it was less revealing than the red dress she wore before, but still, this unfamiliar outfit was enough to push Currier into depression and anxiety.

　The first time she saw herself in the figure, she honestly bristled.
　A funny smile came out.
　Who is this woman?
　Who the hell is this woman?
　...Let's go home.
　It's the day of rest.
　It's a day for people to take a day off.
　So let's head back to the girls' quarters for a bit of rest.
　Let's just go back to the girls' quarters and have a good night's sleep....
　As I made up my mind to do so and was about to leave the room, Ira and Mia, smiling uneasily, stood in front of me.
　The sarcastic compliments and moderate scolding that are delivered without interruption.
　A persuasion involving Kurohiko that is occasionally inserted.
　The wave attack was not to be endured.

　I picked up the edge of the glove-like thing that was up to my elbows and pulled on it with a bit of a tug.

　--What kind of nobleman are you, at all?

　Currier sighed, huffing and puffing.

'Oh, you know what, Currier?'
Hmm?

　Ira, who was sitting in the front seat, turned over and called out to me.

''I'm glad to be friends with Currier, Atashi,''
With me?
"At first I was ... a little scared. Do you remember that mock fight we had?
Oh, that.

　I think I once said something like I could kill everyone in the place with a mock match sword.
　Of course it wasn't a bluff, it was true, and I had the intention of turning Fiburg's attention to me, but in hindsight, it certainly seems like an excessive amount of words and actions.

''But?　After what happened with the operation to defeat the giants and the Cirrus Baths, I found out that she's actually a very kind person. And Currier........he's actually not very good at the kind of atmosphere that everyone gets excited about, right?

　Currier couldn't immediately argue with this.
　Because, as Ira said, he was never good at it.

'But Currier never once looked uncomfortable, even if he looked like he was bad at it.
You are watching people pretty well, aren't you?
Haha, I don't know.　I'm not even aware of it myself.

　However, is it a subtlety?
　If you are sensitive to people's feelings, it seems that you should be aware of Fiburg's feelings.
　But immediately, Currier had second thoughts.
　It was so.
　There are people in this world who are extremely insensitive only to the goodwill of the opposite s*x.
　............
　Like someone somewhere.

　Ira placed his hands on both knees and dropped his gaze on them.

''But it's true that being sensitive to others might be a bit of a thing.
Is that how it works?

　While returning the response, I remembered what Ira had said before about having to have lunch with the upperclassmen due to house-related associations, or something like that.

'Yeah but you know what?　When I'm with Currier and the others, I feel safe and able to be my normal self.
Hmm, you have one of those, huh?

　The relationship between the aristocrats is a different kind of relationship than the one between myself and the guys in the sixth house.
　I suppose each of them has their own difficulties in dealing with each other.
　The trouble is, well, I suppose it's the same for both of them.

　Ira put a hand to the back of her head and smiled as if to mend things.

'Ah, haha, no, it's not that serious, is it?　I'm sorry, I don't mean to be weird. But........Currier and Kurohiko are especially easy to talk to.
That guy, but me?
Yeah. Yes, Currier is not pretending to be something he's not, but he's very straightforward. It's hard to put it into words, but that's why I feel so comfortable.
I'm a straight shooter.

　What do you think, Currier thinks, "I don't know.
　In my case, it was false from the beginning.
　At first, he hid the fact that he was from the Sixth Estate.
　The path to admission is also a substitute that is not a superior means of admission.
　I've done a lot of things that Ira and........Kurohiko didn't know and didn't want them to know.
　But it couldn't be helped.
　Everything was for the sake of survival.

　And Ayla leaned forward and held out her right hand.
　Currier looks at Ira's offered hand.

'Shake, hand?'

　Ira chuckles a bit and smiles.

''So ... keep up the good work, well, you know?''
Yeah.

　Currier squeezed Ira's hand back in a wet one.
　It was a warm hand.

'And thank you again. For taking part in the mission to defeat the giants and for going to Cirrus Baths.
Save your thanks for Kurohiko. He's the one who linked me to you, in a way.
Yeah, sure. And of course, I'm grateful to Kurohiko, right?
But, well...

　Currier put a little pressure on his hands.

''I must thank you as well. I'm very grateful for today and, well, how should I say it... for accepting me like this.
Yeah.

　Isla smiled like a flower in bloom.

'You're welcome.'

　When their hands left each other's, Ira returned to his seat and patted his chest as his nerves were suddenly released.

I'm glad, though, because I've never had the opportunity to be alone with Currier before. I've never had the opportunity to be alone with Currier before. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you properly.

　Then Ira began to look out the window, looking in a good mood.
　Her expression was laced with ticklishness.
　She must have been a little embarrassed and let her gaze wander out the window.

　Today, Ira was also wearing a dress.
　It was a fluffy dress with a light blue tinge to it.
　Her hair was pulled back in a single bun and she wore her usual earrings in her ears.
　It's not flashy, but it's tailored with a sense of elegance.
　She looked slightly more mature than the usual Ira.
　Still, it's exactly 'girl', Currier feels when he looks at Ira.

　Just because Cecili Arkwright is different, Isla is also a girl who deserves to be called beautiful enough.
　The charm she possesses, her innocent nature is probably one of her charms.

　It was a little frustrating, but there were times when seeing Kurohiko and Ira together made Currier honestly feel like they were a good match.
　Smiling, I mean.
　There was an air in the air that made me want to look out for them.

　Most importantly, Ira himself has a sarcastic personality.
　When she first entered the school, she seemed to be nervous because of the pressure of the family, but when she opened her eyes, she was actually a very simple and friendly girl.
　She was a bit on the straightforward and sweet side, but I never felt uncomfortable watching her.
　She has a certain charm that makes you want to support her.

　To put it simply, Currier admitted to himself that he had a fondness for Ira.
　Currier looks at his palm, which still has a faintly lingering heat from Ira.

　--I've made such a companion, too.

　She looks at Ira's profile.

　--I'm glad I came to Renowthread.

　Currier thought like that while returning a soft smile to Ira, who smiled at her.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

　A chalk castle rises above the hillside.
　The walls of the castle surround it.
　A cylindrical watchtower.
　Some more spires can be seen.
　And on the back of the castle, which exudes purity, is the holy tree, which is also a symbol of this country.
　Although it was the first time for Currier to see it up close like this, it was not hard to understand why he wanted to prostrate himself at its majestic appearance.

　It is not only a matter of time before you get to the top of the hill, but also of time before you get to the gates of the castle, which are decorated with massive yet opulent carvings.
　Water moats surround the castle.
　The water was probably from the sacred tree.
　The water was extremely clear.
　The surface of the water reflected the sunlight that poured down on it, glistening gently.
　A carriage crossed the drawbridge that had been passed over it.
　The castle's gatekeeper stopped the carriage.
　Mainly, the soldiers of the castle wore white and silver breastplates and helmets.
　Beyond the open gates of the castle was a bit of a square, and it seemed that if you went through the huge doors beyond, you would be able to enter the castle.
　In the plaza, there are well-kept flowers and plants, and stone statues that look like works of art.

''It looks strange,''

　Currier and the others had been stopped by the gatekeepers earlier and were stranded.
　When Ira asked His Highness.

I think there's something going on at the north gate but I'm not sure what.

　The answer was "yes".
　Even Gosha seemed to be scratching his head with a weak face, as if he hadn't expected it.
　Looking out the window, I saw that there were indeed soldiers hurrying to and fro.
　Come to think of it, just before entering the castle, I think I saw someone who looked like a holy warrior galloping through the alleyway on a horse.......
　As I recall, I also remember seeing a soldier flying his horse towards the castle.

　Should I wait for this to happen?
　Currier opened the door and stepped outside.

I'd rather not know what's going on than have you tell me what's going on.

　He grabs one of the gatekeepers, who is conversing with him in a puzzled manner, and asks

'Um, can I ask you a few questions?'
Hmm?　Oh, oh--

　As soon as he acknowledged Currier's appearance, the gatekeeper was speechless.

''What is it, sir?''
..........

　When I looked, the other gatekeepers were also turning towards Currier with their mouths half open like idiots.

''Um........I'm asking if something is wrong.
'What?　 Uh, the Holy King's, guest of.....

　A crisp reply.
　The soldiers who were talking all looked strangely red in the face, as if they were excited to be informed of an urgent situation.
　Currier was a bit dumbfounded.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more information on this topic.

The only thing that matters is the fact that you have to be in a position to be able to see it.

　One of the soldiers behind him finally felt like he was coming to himself and poked the soldier who had been questioned by Currier on his back.

''Oh, I see.''

　At this point, the soldier's expression tightened.

He said he had appeared at the north gate.
Did he show up?　What the hell is going on here that you showed up?

　A soldier who had returned to his tense countenance gulped down his spit and looked towards the north gate.

"To be honest, I don't really feel it yet, but I hear it's the Four Deadly Disasters.

　All at once, a sense of urgency returned to the soldiers.

"Four evil spirits have appeared at the north gate.

　　　　　　　　　　*

　After a while, the soldiers finally began to shout in anger.

''Hey, I heard that the Four Deadly Disasters have really arrived!
'Are you okay?　You're going to be okay!　There's the Holy Tree Order in King's Landing, right!
'But Commander Sogut and Deputy Commander Deales are away right now, taking back the fort!
'You're in the presence of Lord Vanstoss!　More importantly, where's the king!
I'll be fine!　The king has a Kingsguard and Master Wagnus with him!
What are you doing?　Are we going to fight too?
I don't know!　In the first place, how could the Four Deadly Plagues be in the King's City... how could it be!

　It was clear that the atmosphere had changed compared to earlier.
　At a certain moment, the tension suddenly increased.
　The situation was so serious that it spread and exploded all at once.
　A sense of crisis in the face of a catastrophic threat is not something that can be felt until the last minute.

I guess we can't just sit here and wait for it to happen, can we?

　Currier folded his arms beside the carriage and looked at the school in the distance.

''I'm more concerned about the academy,''

　There should be a Kurohiko there today.
　Currier asked Gosha if he could take the carriage to the academy.
　But Gosha refused, saying that he couldn't abandon his duties here, and above all, if the Four Deadly Wonders really appeared, it would be safer to stay in this castle.

　Ira, who had been leaning against the carriage in silent contemplation, asked.

'What do we do, Currier?'
"Walking back, I see. But given the possibility of encounters along the way, I'd like to have a weapon.

　As expected, it was tough to bring weapons into the carriage to meet with people from the Holy Royal Family.
　Besides, he hadn't expected to be in a situation where he would need a weapon.
　Of course, even if you don't have your beloved sword, you can still fight with an empty handed fist, and there are even techniques.
　Local procurement is also possible.
　That's what we thought.
　But.

The Four Deadly Sins you really think they're here?

　If we were to deal with the Four Deadly Disasters we'd still want the Revelgate on hand.
　But the Revelgate is in my room in the girls' quarters.

　And.

Is that you, Lord Currier Versteyn?

　I saw one of the horses running towards us.
　It's coming up the hill.
　The one in the saddle is a holy warrior.......a member of the Holy Tree Order?
　Why is he calling his own name, Currier wondered.
　The Holy Juggernaut entered the castle gates a bit further - stopping beside the carriage.

''I'm late, I'm a member of the Holy Tree Order.
Currier is me, but what is it?
"I have a message from Lord Venstos Troia of my Order.

　Vanstos Troia.
　Older brother of Vashkata.
　I remember meeting him at the interview.
　Unlike his younger brother, who was an arrogant man, he seemed to be a gracious warrior with a sense of decorum.
　I remember that he had a personality commensurate with his abilities.

　A knight on horseback cast a glance in the direction of the north gate with an anxious expression and said.

''Currently, the Holy Tree Knights led by Lord Venstos are engaged with the Four Deadly Disasters. Therefore, I would like to ask for your assistance. I believe the same request should also be sent to Sagara Kurohiko.

　Currier's eyebrows move.

'Even for Kurohiko?'
After the murderer, the one who turned away the murderer with a curse you need help with the war effort.
Yeah, right.

　It wasn't hard to understand.
　Even if it was just that, the current Holy Tree Knights lacked a main force in the matter of the fort.
　If that was the case, it was no wonder that they wanted to borrow power from Kurohiko, the forbidden spell user, and himself, who claimed to be from the Sixth House.
　As for the selection of people, it's not wrong.
　And if it's Kurohiko - she'll lend you her power.
　Of course, there's a possibility that the headmaster will stop him, but....

　Besides, Currier thought.
　Is Cecily going to be okay?
　She should be in the city today.
　As I recall, I heard that she is planning to have dinner with her grandfather.
　I wonder if Sieg and Hyrgis will be with him.
　I'm also worried about them.
　I hope they are able to evacuate safely.

　Currier let his thoughts wander.
　And.

Okay.

　Relief lights up on the faces of the group members.

''Currier-dono I'm grateful for your help.

　As long as I beat the Four Deadly Disasters, I won't have to worry about Cecily and Kurohiko.
　If I headed to the North Gate, I might be able to meet up with Kurohiko there.
　Of course, it's unknown whether or not my power will work against the Four Deadly Disasters.......but above all, it's also somewhat awkward to leave Vanstoss Troia alone in this situation.
　.................
　I wonder if I've become naive after all, Currier thought.
　But he quickly shook off the miscellaneous thoughts.
　Currier looked up at the group members on the horse.

''I just have one favor to ask.
What is this?
''It could be you, but I'd like to have someone from the Holy Tree Order or someone from the Holy Tree Order to fetch my Holy Magic Sword from my room in the girls' quarters at the school. The wardrobe box is double-bottomed, and the lid can be removed quickly.
Does that mean Lord Currier will be at the north gate first?
'Yes. We won't have time to go back to the academy. But if your opponent is the Four Deadly Plagues, you'll need the Holy Demon Sword as a weapon.
'I understand. Then I will give you my sword here, and I will give you your sword... no, but.
What is it?
And as for the wardrobe I think a female member of the troop might be a better choice.

　What are you saying at a time like this?

'The situation is the situation, and if you can go, it would be quicker for you to go.

　Currier flew his gaze towards the castle, which was becoming more and more hectic.

''And if it's a request from a person from the Holy Tree Order, this one will be quicker, too, if the soldiers here can get a horse from you to loan me--''

　Then a shadow danced wildly on the ground.
　Next, a bang, a heavy wind noise.
　And then.

　Gush.

　The holy warrior on the horse was crushed by something huge, crushing his entire horse.

''........Huh?''

　Ira, Gosha, and the soldiers all looked at each other, not knowing what had happened.
　Only Currier was the only one who immediately understood the identity of that huge something.
　His brow naturally wrinkled.
　The thing burrowing into the cobblestones and sticking into the cobblestones was.......a huge, large sword.
　It looked familiar.
　This sword was that man's--.

　Van Stos, Trojan........

　In other words.
　Currier turned in the direction where the sword flew up the mountainside.
　From the other side of the gentle slope, he saw a figure walking towards him.
　A head is visible, then the upper half of his body appears.
　Then the large shadow came to us until the whole body was at a visible distance.

　The tall man was holding another huge sword in his right hand and dragging it around.

''Oh, it looks like you hit it. Hmmm, even from a distance, you can see that we have all good faces. It's a superb view. Well, I guess it's a preparation for despair...or, uh, am I a little early?　Should I have pulled more?

　Indigo hair that catches the sun.
　An ultramarine cloak.
　He wears glasses.
　It may be an illusion, but that body looked big and monstrous.

''Oh, that sword........no way.''

　One of the soldiers seemed to notice.

''Va, Vanstos-dono, the...?''
What?

　The other soldier rolls his eyes.

''Then maybe........the Holy Tree Knights have already--''

　The faces of the soldiers' faces became tinged with fear and despair as they looked at each other.
　Currier pulled out his sword from his waist while mourning the death of the holy warrior who would have died without knowing what he was doing.
　Blood is smeared on the hilt.
　A laying sword.
　I can't afford to be extravagant.
　We'll have to make do with what we have.

"Ira.
Uh-huh, what?
If you can, get to the castle or someplace safe. I'll take care of him.
Currier.
No.

　Once and for all, Currier cut him off.
　I'm glad you feel that way, but not with Ira.
　That man is - strong.
　Overwhelmingly.

'Please, Ira.
Currier...
You know, I got a new friend for you.

　I could see Ira gasp.

'So let me protect you.

　Currier gently closed his eyes and sharpened his nerves.
　For some reason, the words of Hibigami unexpectedly come back to her mind.

　-- That's it, Currier!
　--That's what makes me feel good about myself!
　--You can always go back to being a 'bastard'!

　Bringing the breath closer to stillness.
　Pushing unwanted emotions deep down.
　Slowly, I open my eyes.

'Yeah, always--'

　Currier didn't put too much effort into it and leisurely held his sword at the ready.

'Come back, I'll do it.'