After the meeting was broken up, only the Emperor and Claude remained.

''Your Majesty, the manner in which Vilhemina is behaving is not very pleasing to my eyes.

　The emperor was bitter at the frank opinions of his subjects.

'Don't say that. You know that elves are very noble and difficult to please.

Yes, sir.

　The Emperor lets Claude, who replies as if he had no choice, say to him.

'But once you get to know them, they are also a very kind and dependable race, even more than their parents and siblings. You can imagine that when you see Vilhemina against Bartolomeus?

...... will.

　Claude admitted reluctantly.
　It was obvious that Meena was loyal and obedient to Val.
　Considering that they were a man and a woman, it was tempting to make a strange mistake.

'I made that guy an Eight God Teru (Levatein) because I expected him to have that kind of relationship with the others as well. Of course, it's only with the strength of being touted as the goddess of absolution.

'Bartolomeus is a trustworthy man, unselfish and without ambition. As long as he's around, I think I can understand that Vilhemina can be calculated as an ally of the Empire.

　When told of the emperor's intentions, Claude clenched his fists and squeezed out his voice.

''But that attitude towards His Majesty is ......

Your family has been a vassal since the founding of this country.

Yes, sir.

　He replied seriously to the emperor's words.
　Claude's family is a venerable and prestigious family that was made noble by the first emperor when the empire was born.
　It's no exaggeration to say that he was brought up with a sense of courtesy, respect and indebtedness to the royal family that was drilled into his soul.
　For such a man alone, it is hard to forgive Vilhemina for her careless attitude towards the Emperor.
　He has the self-control to back down from the folly of lashing out at her directly and creating disquiet in Akira Yagami (Levatain).

'I can't say anything. But why don't you talk to Bartolomeus about it?

...... Is that all there is to it?

　Claude said, "Why can't His Majesty tell Bartolomeus? I wondered.
　But his stiffened loyalty wouldn't let him say it.

'Then I'll go quickly.

　The Emperor stops him.

'Do you understand?　Bartolomeus lives in the second class area as a commoner. The people around him don't know who he is. So go with that in mind.

'Yes, yes ......'

　Claude's expression tightened.
　Although he had heard of Uwaza, he hadn't thought it was a true story.
　Fortunately, he can also use transference magic, so there is no harm in going to see him.
　When Claude used his transference magic to move to Val's house, the person himself was drinking tea with Meena.

''An unusual guest.''

　Val said lazily, but Meena comes with a stinging look.
　She seemed to be furious at being interrupted for their alone time together.
　The horrible thing about Meena is that she is trying to create an oppressive feeling in Claude's psyche, while the neighbors are trying to make sure they don't notice anything.
　Claude is aware of this, of course, and decides that she still retains her sense of reason.

'What's wrong?'

I'm not very good at conjuring up falsehoods, so I'll be brief. I cannot stand Vilhemina's attitude towards His Majesty. I'm trying to understand the elves, but can't you do something about it?

　In response to Val's question, he says clearly, looking at Meena.

'I don't take orders from you.

　Her reply was cold and her stinging gaze grew in intensity.
　If Claude was willing to comply, the fight could begin.

'Meena, concede,'

Master Val?

　She opens her emerald eyes wide as Val says a few words.

'Wow, okay. I'll be careful to at least use it.

　Surprisingly easily, she was willing to concede.
　It was only because of Val's words, but Claude was not amused.

'Do you want to call me Bal ......? Why didn't you tell me before?

Because he didn't like the fact that no one was protesting to Meena.

　Val explains with a disappointed look on his face.

'I just thought it was pathetic for being on a par with each other. But I'm glad, Claude. To know that there is a man like you out there.

Oh, yeah?

　Claude finally understood.
　Val was waiting for someone to protest for the emperor, he said.

'So Bal was testing us: ......

I'm open to that interpretation.

　Val was not offended.

'No, you certainly can't deny that we were pathetic.

　Claude admits.
　This is what I like about him, Val.