Aena was taking Mercier on a carriage ride back to the Empire.
A few days have passed since the battle with the Shadow Apostle, and as she gazes at the scenery outside, Aena asks Mercier.

Are you happy?　You didn't have to stay in the kingdom. You've just been reunited with your sister.
I don't mind. I don't mind. I promised Aria that I would always see her. Perhaps you should have talked with Alta for a while longer.

　After the battle, Aena discussed with Remyll, the leader of the Kuro Wolf Knights, the handing over of the captured assassins, and returned to the Empire without any further conversation with Arta.
　Aena smiled softly.

I'm sure we'll have another chance to meet. This visit ended halfway through. We'll have another chance soon.
"If that's fine with you, Master Aena, but ...... there are already two women by Alta's side.
"And by two, you mean your sister?
I'm sure you're right, because she trusts you.
"Haha, love rivalry.
......
You think I'm stupid about this, don't you?
No, that's not what I meant. ....... But yes, you are. I'd like to come here next time without any hesitation.

　Mercier said, and looked towards the kingdom, which was moving away.
　The empire and the kingdom - the interaction between the two countries is not yet deep, but we still have to try to build friendly relations in the future.
　This time, Aena has taken a form of taking advantage of the kingdom side. She will eventually have to apologize for that. Aena understands that much--she intends to stand on the back of the empire in earnest.

(In that sense, Iris ......, you're in the same position as me.

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　I've already thought of some good events to deepen the exchange between the kingdom and the empire, although the inspection ended in the middle.

I'm looking forward to ...... the day I come back. The next time we meet, I'll at least ask Alta out on a date. Mercier, make the arrangements.
Wouldn't it be better if you asked her out yourself?
I don't know how to ask .......
Then why don't we put it on the first platoon agenda when we get back?
I don't know how to ask you out, but I don't know how to ask you out. That might be a possibility.
...... I'm kidding, right?

　Seeing Aena's reaction, Mercier sighs.
　The carriage carrying the two of them raced straight towards the empire.

　　　I'm sorry.

　A few days had passed since Iris had been released from the hospital.
　I had finally returned to my position as a teacher at the school, and was in charge of one of the make-up classes for Iris and Aria, who had been late to class.
　In the end, I was off for not just a few days, but nearly a dozen. If anything, I think it's more important to catch up on schoolwork, but that's the rule at the school.
　I face the two girls in the training hall, holding my mock sword.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
It's been a while since I've done any physical activity. So it's okay to be a little ...... serious, right?
Yes, I'd prefer to be serious with my teacher.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
　I wonder why the girls who are my students and disciples are so bloodthirsty.
　While thinking about this, I say to them.

"All right. Now, here are the special rules. If you can land even a single blow on me, you will have all the time to practice your sword fighting. If you can't, you'll have to take a full class.
"Yes, sir!　Yes, sensei!
You'll get it. I can use magic, can't I?
Aria, this is a sword class, remember?
All right, well, first strike.
No, wait!

　Aria ran ahead, and Iris followed her.
　It's been a long time since I've seen the two of them move in sync--and I move in response. Aria's dagger and my sword clashed with each other.

"As expected of the Saint of Swords.
"!　Aria-san, there are no mental attacks in sword fighting class.

　Aria said with a wry smile, and looked behind her. Iris, who had already come up behind me, swung her sword at me.
　I flicked Aria's dagger and evaded to the left. With a slight distance, I faced the two again.

That was close. But it's good to get used to it. Aria, you'll get it next time.
"Yeah, okay.

　The two smiling girls and I crossed swords again.
The day when the two girls, the "Assassin Girl" and the "Sword Saint Princess", can stand shoulder to shoulder again, as best friends and family, has returned.