The woman's presence was truly a breath of fresh air. I thought, "This is what it means to be dashing.

　Valerie Brightnes. Watchman, spokesperson for the storm. In the past, in the beginning of the great disaster, she chased away the demon beasts twelve times and became the guardian of the Garleist Kingdom. It is said that his last act was a noble and glorious battle with a demon.

　Wonderful. This is the hero I know. captivating, imposing, and yet full of natural irreverence.

　Valerie says in a resonant voice, like a bell ringing. I felt my ears go numb.

"Yes. We've won. You're in command. I pity your men, they will die because of your incompetence.

　Valerie said, her armor shrouded in magic and her fierce eyes shining. She seemed to have nothing more to say.

　The crowd of soldiers behind her wavered slightly.

　You mean you won't give them time. I don't know how much he knows about our situation, but he doesn't seem to have a very long temperament.

　Well, there you go. It's my least favorite trait. It's much easier to do things with someone who's worried about you. I've only got half a day if she puts her full strength into it. That's enough to kill us all.

　Me, Vestalinu, the men.

　I thought she'd show at least a hint of annoyance if I spoke out loud, but it seems that's not the case. I don't know what to do.

　From inside my body, I could hear my heart beating wildly. I see a scene in front of me. A group of silver-rimmed, blue-skinned men have entered the prison and are reaping life at will. A prison overflowing with the blood of heraldry.

　Death from which there is no escape. A clear sight of death. No matter how many times I bite down on it, it keeps coming back to me.

　But I didn't show it on my face. I felt a twinge, but a smile appeared on my cheeks. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

　Yes, I'm nothing but a commander to Vestalinu and the mercenaries, whether I want to be or not. So why should they see me panicking now?

　And unfortunately, I can't give up this prison so easily now. Once Valerie is free, the Kingdom of Garristo will regain its vitality and will have enough power to drive back the hexenbiests again a few times.

　That's no good. It's no different than before. The heraldry will die and so will the Garlist Kingdom. The world will turn into a world of monsters and monsters. And then neither our trusty friends nor Alueno will be safe.

　We have to take away the power of the Garlist Kingdom at least to the extent that it needs to cooperate with other countries and forces.

　That's why I'm going to sew Valerie up right here. That's what I have to do. After her words, the words bounce around without pause. She was good at that, at letting her thoughts and tongue run wild.

You don't know who the incompetent one is. We've had enough of your incompetence for now.

　Even though she could only see it from a distance, Valerie's eyes were unwavering. This is the will of the iron-blooded, if you will.

　Normally, I'd like to set up a full defensive posture now, but... But I can't. As soon as I move my gaze from Valerie, it will step in without any hesitation.

　Just a quiver of the lips.

"We drove the soldiers and the heroes from the plains of Cirnio. The cathedral's vaunted cathedral knights collapsed in Flimsulat, and now General Valerii, the Watchman, is stomping his feet in a place like this.

　I tried to keep my voice as intoned as possible to hide my frustration. I can't let them know what's in my heart. It will bring death without any excuse.

　So I have to keep talking.

"Who's going to protect the Garristian capital of Arche like that, huh?

　Of course, as long as the Protectorate is in place, there will be no easy way to enter the capital. Valerie is aware of this fact.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. If I can give the mercenaries and Vestalines around me some time to calm down, so be it.

　But against my better judgment, Valerie moved her eyes and opened her mouth.

"Let me ask you something. What is your name, my lord?

　Her voice was hard. Valerie's twin eyes pierced straight through me. I can sense some kind of intent there. But I don't know what it is.

　Her lips rippled for a moment, and she spoke back.

"-Rugis. Vriligant or whatever they call it, that's not my name.



　The second I said it. I felt a bullet through my throat. It wasn't from a bow and arrow or some kind of projectile.

　But Valerie's gaze was burning my throat with such heat that I felt a physical shock.

　Now, clearly, my words had touched her in the opposite direction. I can feel it. She was showing a kind of emotion that she hadn't shown before, but now she was showing no signs of hiding anything.

　I don't know what's going on, but the name Rougis has a grudge against her, or some other appropriate emotion.

"Rougis. So, you're... you're Rougis. You're the one who hurt my ally!

　Every time you say one more word, you can feel the pressure in your voice. The air suddenly tightened, as if he was twisting under the strain and pressure.

　My ally. Who? Who's he talking about? I wish I knew so I could stir him up a little more. It's unpredictable. I honestly have too many ideas about the Great Satan. There were plenty of factors that could cause resentment.

　I lean forward slightly. I'm going to say a few things I don't like.

"Sorry, I don't know who you're talking about. I don't even remember. Is he dead?　Well, that's too bad, because you're out of luck. Giving up is the key, huh?

　That's how it is in war. That's how you've been reaping your life," I said.

　Instantly, the air creaked. I know it's impossible, but I definitely heard that sound. The source of the sound was, without a doubt, Valerie herself.

　I could see Vestalynne's cheeks twitching beside me. What, you have something to say? It's the only way to buy time. And what's more, if they get a little angry and start attacking the castle in a monotonous way.

　Valerie said in a voice that sounded like it was spewing from the depths of the earth.

"Come on down, big bad Rougis. Just the fact that you're there alive is reason enough for me to kill you. I will kill you in the name of Valerie-Brightness. Die in despair, die in blood, just die.

　Unexpected, were the words. It's true that single combat is something she's done a few times before, and she's someone who likes to do it.

　But still, for her to fight in single combat against a heraldic figure in a place like this?

　I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

　If you do, it should be a battle of great honor or a battle to settle a grudge. For example, revenge. You're saying I put a hand on someone who's worth a lot to Valerie.

　But fine. I don't care. I don't think I'm a match for that Valerie, but if it buys me some time, it's a blessing.

　I'm sure Vestalinu will have all the defenses in place in the meantime. Besides, I had one more guess. I don't know how reliable I can be.

　If he could catch up with the other letter he'd sent to Mattia, he still had a chance.

　He let out a breath and said, shaking the jeweled sword at his waist.

"That's a lousy invitation. I'd like you to be a little more seductive in your advances.