Shirone the Maiden of Swords

Welcome to Algore. It's been a long time, Lady Syrone. How can I help you today?

　Omiros bows to me.
　Now I am coming to the Kingdom of Argoa.
　With my wings, I can reach the Kingdom of Argoa from the camp in about an hour.
　The reason for this is to check on Omiros-kun.

"Long time no see, Omiros. "Long time no see, Mr. Omiros. I was in the neighborhood today and I just wanted to check up on the country. How's everything?

　I tell him my business here in the country and ask him what's going on.

'Yes, the crops are not as good as last year, but ....... That's not what I mean. There's no change. Daigans are here, too, and it seems peaceful.

　Omiros laughs and replies.
　Then, out of the corner of his eye, a middle-aged man stands there.
　He looks human, but his true identity is a werewolf.
　Apparently, he has taken up residence in this country.

I'm not sure. You're a werewolf, so what's so unusual about being a werewolf?　You haven't done anything wrong, have you?

　I ask Daegan, narrowing my eyes.
　This werewolf has done terrible things to humans before. I don't think he's going to suddenly change his mind.

'Heh. I don't like it. I'm not going to do anything bad. If you do that, that man will kill you. In fact, I've been asked to protect the country.

　Daigan says with a thin smile.
　Chiyuki-san says that werewolves are surprisingly loyal. He says they will listen to what the person they acknowledge as their master says.

'Yeah. Well, if that's what Kuroki ordered, is it okay?''

　Kroki is kind, so he won't do anything terrible unless the White Silver Witch is involved.
　I'm going to trust him.

'Yes, yes. It'll be fine. And I'm supposed to let you know when there's something wrong in this country ...... oops!

　Daigan gives me a look that says he's put away.
　It looks like he said something he shouldn't have.

'What's wrong?　There's no problem with that, at least calling for Kuroki to help, right?

　Kroki is going to protect this country at the behest of Regina.
　That's why he's putting Daegan on the ground. And if it happens, he's going to act on his own.
　It shouldn't be a problem.

'What?　Um. That one, if that's okay with you, is .......

　Daegan gives me a strange look.

'What?　I said something weird.
No, no!　I don't think so!　Heh.

　Daegan laughs. There was something about that smile that felt like it contained something.
　What the hell was that?
　But there was no point in worrying about it.

''Um, by the way, Shirone-sama?　It was so urgent that I haven't been able to prepare anything in particular. Normally we should have a banquet, sir?

　Mr. Omiros says apologetically.

It's fine. It's my fault for being here so suddenly. And it's been a long time since you've been here, Riette. Didn't you marry Mr. Omiros? Congratulations.

　I look at Riette, who is now the crown prince next to Omiros.

'Yes. Thank you. Lady Syrone.

　Then Riette bows gracefully.
　She's become more mature after not seeing him for a while. When I met you before, you looked your age.
　After all, does it still change when you get married?
　In Japan, one could not get married at Riette's age.
　However, in this world, there are many countries where there is no legal age limit for marriage, so it is not unusual for people to get married at Liette's age.
　But I feel a little bit sad about it.
　Well, it's good that he seems to be happy about it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to see me. That ......

　Omiros wants to ask me something as he looks at Riette.
　I know what I want to ask. It's about Ligeena.

'If it's you, Regena, you're doing well in the Republic of Ariadia.

　Omiros looks relieved when I say this.

'Well, I'm glad to hear you're doing well: ......
Mr. Omiros: "Mr. Omiros: ......

　It's kind of sad.
　Maybe I've been worrying about it all along.

''Hey hey!　Lady Syrone!　The Republic of Ariadia!　As I recall, you're talking about the great country far west of here!

　Suddenly, Riette is crowding me.
　She seems to be a child again, unlike before.

'Uh-huh. Surely that was the biggest country I've ever seen?'
"Wow. It's nice~. I want to go and see it too~

　Riette looks at the ceiling with sparkling eyes.
　Her eyes are like a girl who yearns for the city.
　It seems that even in the Kingdom of Argoa, despite being quite far away, the name of the Republic of Ariadia is well known.
　Maybe she would like to go and see it if she was born in the Kingdom of Argoa, where there is little entertainment.
　Riette doesn't seem to think anything in particular about Regina anymore.
　I feel a little relieved to know that.

''Hey, hey, Riette. You're the next queen, so what are you saying? d*mn, I thought I'd grown up. I'm still a kid.
'Come on, brother Macusis!　You want to go and see it, so I don't blame you!

　Riette starts to get angry at her brother, Macusis.
　I'm surprised at first, but apparently Liette hasn't changed much.
　I can't help but smile.
　Omiros laughs as well, following suit.

'Already!　What!　Everyone!

　Riette's cheeks puffed up.
　The sight was so cute that everyone in the place laughed.





◆Chiyuki, the black-haired wise man.

　The sun is setting and the warriors are spending their nights.
　Well, most of the warriors drink and frolic, which is always the case.
　We can hear them even where we are.
　I don't think it's a good idea to drink on the march.
　The general, Porthos and his men feel the same way, but they don't seem to have any particular intention of saying anything.
　Of course, there are serious warriors who do not drink.
　Serious warriors take care of their weapons and practice fighting.
　The methods of martial arts practice are diverse. Some of them even use captured goblins to practice their swords.
　Of course, the goblins are bare-handed, but it is probably more disciplined to fight a living, resisting opponent.
　This is a practice not only for freedom fighters, but knights and soldiers as well.
　Sometimes they make a spectacle out of it, like a bullfight.

'Hey, Chiyuki. Look, he's watching you.

　Reno, beside me, says to me with a laugh.
　We are at dinner with Porthos and his friends.
　The food is laid out in front of us.
　It's not portable food for warriors and soldiers, but special food for royalty and aristocrats, the bread is not hard and the soup is not salty.
　In addition, tomorrow is the day of the march, and the march is the most luxurious meal of the day.
　And it's even accompanied by a bard's song.
　Reno says he is the minstrel.
　The bard hadn't been around until yesterday.
　The bard has been chasing after you to meet with Rage.
　The bard likes to write songs about heroes and heroic people. I think he is one of them.
　But that's not particularly unusual. Many bards like to compose songs of rage.
　However, this bard is different from the norm.
　More than anything else, he is an unbelievably beautiful man.
　He has smooth hair and a nose. His face is perfectly formed. His voice is beautiful, and when he sings heroic tales, not only us, but everyone in the room is in love with him.
　Sometimes he turns his gaze meaningfully to us. His eyes are lustrous.
　This is why Reno is making a loud noise beside us.
　Reno isn't the only one making a lot of noise. The women who have come to take care of us are also making a lot of noise.
　Rage may not be amused. From the look on his face, he's trying to look calm, but I don't know what's going on inside.
　When he finishes his song, applause erupts.
　He finishes singing and comes over to me.

'It's nice to meet you, Mister Brave Rage. I've missed you.

　The bard's eyes turn straight at Rage.
　Reno and the women around her begin to groan at the situation of the beautiful women looking at each other.

'This is quite a picture, Chiyuki-san.

　Even Nao, who doesn't make a fuss about these things, can't seem to take her eyes off him.
　It's just a shame that the real person, Reiji, doesn't feel like it. It would have been a great eye opener if he had.
　There is no change in Rage's face as he is greeted by the bard. No change from the usual.

'That's good. Who are you, by the way? It's not human, is it?

　That was the moment Rage said that. The bard made a small sound on her lyre.

'Huh?'

　Reno's panicked voice.
　Because no one but Reno and Nao have moved except me and Rage.
　Porthos' eyes are empty. It's the same with the others.
　It's definitely magic. It must be the bard in front of me who invoked that magic.
　Who are you?

'As expected of a brave man of light. It's only natural that Raina called you. It's amazing that you found out who I am.
No, I don't know who he is. But I do know that this is not just any man. Who are you, handsome?

　Rage stands up and smiles fearlessly.
　This is the look he gives us when he fights. We stand up against him and brace ourselves.

I have no intention of fighting you now. Rage of the Light. The beautiful ladies don't brace themselves. My name is Alfos. I'm Raina's brother.

　He smiles at that.
　It's a very nice smile. Reno, of course, lets out a sigh, even me and Nao.
　And the name Alfos sounds familiar.
　Alfos, the god of song and art.
　Rumor has it that he is the most beautiful man in Elyos.
　And he is the brother of Raina, the goddess of wisdom and victory. I never thought the god would appear before us.
　I look at Alfos.
　Alfos holds the lyre in his left hand and opens his right hand to show that he has no intention of fighting.

'I see, it's Raina's brother. You're right, you do look like him. So? You wanted to see me because I'm your sister's lover?
'That's right. I came here just to meet and see my rumored lover. But I guess it didn't make sense.
What? What does that mean?
I meant every word. I don't believe you're Raina's lover. That's why I came to find out if it's true. I thought that if you met with me and talked to me, I would be able to convince you. ......

　Alfos shakes his head.
　The motion is also graceful.

'It's the truth, even if I don't agree with it. I can understand why you wouldn't want your lovely sister to be taken by another man, though.

　Rage says confidently with a huff.

'I see. ....... Well, let's put it that way. But there are many others who are not convinced, besides me. What would you do if they challenged you to a game?

　Alfos says and looks at Rage.
　Rage meets his gaze squarely.

'Of course!　We'll beat them all up!
'Wow, that's a lot of confidence. There's a lot of them.
"I wouldn't back down from a fight for Raina. It's the fate of every beloved man to take a gamble.

　Rage replies confidently.

'That's great confidence. 'You don't doubt Raina's love for you?'
'Of course! I think it's fate that me and Raina are meant to meet!

　I think it's amazing in a way to hear that. How can I say that with so much confidence?
　Well, that's typical of Rage, if you ask me.

'I see. ....... Then I won't say anything more. It would be good to accept their challenge. I'll be watching from the sidelines. 'Oh yes, I'll give you one piece of advice. If you're challenged, don't kill the man with the black lion. If you want to win Raina's love.

　Alfos smiles meaningfully.

'What's that? The way you put it, it sounds like Raina doesn't love me.

　But Alfos did not answer.

'I've given you some advice. A brave man of light.

　Alfos plays the lyre again.
　Then the figure disappears like a haze.

'Huh? What the hell is this?　It was like there was a bard just now. Chiyuki-dono, what the hell is going on?

　As Alfos disappears, Porthos and the others begin to move.

'It's nothing. General Porthos. It's just that the fickle gods have left.

　When I say this, Porthos nods his head.
　But it's a pain in the ass to explain.

"Wow, you're a pretty girl. You're a real beauty, Chiyuki.

　Reno says to me happily.
　He's probably glad to see a beauty as beautiful as Rage for the first time in a long time.

'Yeah. She was definitely a beauty. ......

　But still, what was he doing here? That bothered me a bit.