With Alisha on our backs, Shin and I returned to the detached palace.
　On the way, we met up with Lily, Fitis and the others, and went back to the room where Shin and Alisha were, and laid Alisha, who was still unconscious, on the bed.
　You can also find Shin by his side, holding Alisha's hand.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry ...... thank you, sister.

　The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can't get rid of the problem.

"So, Kyou, what happened to you?

　They were relieved to find Shin in one piece, but after seeing Alisha's injuries, they became anxious about what had happened and asked me to explain, to which I told them honestly what I saw.

...... Yes, that manticore is ......

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier," he said, looking at Zachary standing next to me with a somewhat sad expression on his face.
　I've told her that Zachary erased Shin from the manticore's memory, of course, but I also told her that it was the manticore's own wish, so she did not blame Zachary.

...... but then we need to create a place for Shin here for the sake of that manticore and for Alisha. To that end.

Yeah, we've got to do something about the king's war with that Massouda guy.

　Yes, after all, if Alisha and Shin are to live in peace in this kingdom, the interference of that masauda must be stopped and the war for the king from that man must be won. But...

"Brother, Kyou. There you are. I've been looking for you.

"...... Rostam
"Mr. Rostam!

　When I looked towards the voice, I saw Rostam, the imperial hero, who opened the door and appeared.

I'm not sure if I'll ever see you again.

"Well, there's a lot going on here: ......

　Didn't you notice the commotion so far?
　I'm not sure if he's bold or lacking in sense.

"Anyway, brother Kyou, I've been looking into this Masuda thing. I've been doing some research on this Masuda fellow and I've come across some interesting information.

"!　Really, Mr. Rostam!

"Of course. The intelligence network of our Empire is excellent at this. It was not the most penetrating, but it did give us some information.

　Honestly, it's reassuring to know that we have information about Masuda in this situation.
　Whatever it is, you want to have some information about your opponent. If it can be used in the actual game, that's fine, and it can be a trump card in other ways as well.
　With that in mind, you wait for Rostam's next line--

First of all, he's a womanizer.

"Yes?

　But I couldn't help but ask Rostam about the information he gave me at the beginning.

　Well, what does that mean?

In short, he has a bad reputation even in the palace for his misogyny. He discards women once he's obtained them, whether they're other people's women or married to someone else, he'll take them and devour them without regard to them. Well, that kind of heteros*xual impurity is not unusual when you're born a man of royalty, but let's face it, he's a prick.

　It's true that you are right.
　I mean, that guy is even more of a jerk than I thought.

I'm sure that's not enough to trump the guy. The fact that he is a womanizer doesn't make it a crime to have bad habits ......

　And Mr. Sacherk, who was listening to the conversation next to me, opens his mouth.
　Certainly. This is nothing more than gossip.
　However, I don't blame Rostam for gathering the information within half a day of arriving here.
　I'm just grateful that you gathered the information.

"No, there's more to this. Apparently, his misogyny got him in trouble with someone in the past.

"Trouble?

　The scandal in the palace developed at once, and I couldn't help but ask what happened.

I heard that he made a pass at someone in a high position. I couldn't find out more, but I heard he spent a lot of effort to cover up the matter. In fact, he was even assassinated when he heard the rumor. So I've never been able to find out who he had a problem with.

"I see. ......

　After listening to the information from Rostam, I touch my hand under my chin as I think.
　Maybe the matter is quite important.
　The fact that Massauda was in such a hurry to erase the evidence and even the gossip, that's a fatal fact for him.
　Then if you find out, you can get hold of his weakness and stop him from threatening Alisha and Shin.

Alicia. Excuse me.

　But at that moment, the door of this room was opened and a person who appeared to be a Kingsguard walked in.
　The moment they enter, the soldier is clearly dismayed to see his target, Alisha, lying on the bed, but then Mr. Sacherk responds with a calm look.

I'm sorry. ...... I'm sorry. As you can see, Alisha's condition is not excellent. If that's your requirement, I'll visit on your behalf and tell Master Alisha about it later. ......

"Haha ...... is that so?

　Trusting Mr. Sachaque's response and his position as the imperial brother of the Albrus Empire, the soldier tells him the requirements and then leaves.
　Later, when asked what that soldier had come to tell him, Sachaque's response was somewhat unsatisfactory.

...... might have gotten a little tricky. It was a message from Lord Massouda about the Battle of the Kings that you just mentioned: ......

What's the message?

　Seeing the expression on Sachaque's face, I expected it to be a bad message, but the fact is that it was more than that.

The ...... king's matchup is tomorrow. It's a serious game ...... and it's a battle that will last until one of you admits defeat or loses your life. ......

"Tomorrow at ......



...... If they don't show up, it's considered an abstention and Singh and Alisha will be asked to leave the country. ......

　That was the worst message of all in this situation.
　Alisha, who should be receiving the king's battle, has now fallen ill from the manticore's poison.
　Of course, Drage's tentacles have neutralized the poison, but it's hard to recover fully by tomorrow.
　Even if he recovered, it's difficult to know if he's ready to fight.

　This is the right time to apply for the king's battle.
　Perhaps Massoudas got word that Shin was missing and took advantage of the confusion and applied for the battle of the king.
　If your opponent is in a state of mental confusion, it is an ideal time to make a move.
　But in reality, the situation is even more troubling than that.

What do I do at ......

　A voice rang out to us in our distress.

I'll get .......

　At those words, everyone here, including me, looked back.
　The one who was there was Shin holding Alisha's hand.
　The expression on her face is different from the frightened one she has had so far, and there is a strong will in her eyes that hides her determination.

I'll take your sister's place at ...... in the battle for the king.