Sir.
What's up?
You're bored.
Haha, I'm never bored.

　I found myself talking to a bored-looking Aria.
　It's true that I'm not here to do anything in particular.
　Of course, if nothing happened, I would just wait for the time to pass like this.
　I can't just lie down and wait, so I keep my eyes firmly on the house.
　However, there was no sign of anything happening. ...... However, there are a few knights a short distance away from the building we're in.
It's not the Kuro Wolf Knights, but the Knights of the Holy Armor.
　It's not surprising that there are knights from the other side, since this is right on the border of the Order's jurisdiction.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not a fan of this kind of thing. ...... It's a power struggle that's already started, even though we're knights of the same country.
　I'm not interested in any of that,......, although that may be an exaggeration.
　I would be happy to be paid, but I don't want power now.
　In that respect, it is probably a good thing that I belong to the Order of the Kuro Wolf.
　At least Remyll is not a person who wants to gain power for personal greed.
　As a knight, she is only trying to work for the good of this country. It might be better if the other knight captains felt the same way.

(If that were the case, it would be ironic to have a power struggle anyway...)
"Sir, what's wrong?
Oh, no, ...... I was just thinking about something.
No, no, no. You're Iris's bodyguard, you have to concentrate.
That's true. But Iris has been getting stronger lately.
You're not just going to leave it to Iris, are you?
No way.

　...... Aria can be quite perceptive.
　I laughed and covered it up, but Aria's words weren't wrong.
　I'm not going to push her too hard, of course, but I'm going to let Iris do what she can do, and that's what I've been thinking about lately.
　I'm sure that if I told Remyll or Aria about this idea, they would tell me to fulfill my role as a guard. ...... Iris, on the other hand, might be pleased.
　I'm not talking about leaving her in charge just to please Iris or just to make things easier for me, of course.
　If Iris has an opportunity to grow, I'm thinking of ways to take advantage of it.
　That said, the events she's involved in tend to be very important.
　In that sense, Aria, who is standing next to me, is also the type of person who is easy to get involved with in many ways.
　Especially now that Aena and Mercier are also coming to the kingdom.

I'm sure you've heard of it.
Yes, my sister just happened to be in the neighborhood.
By chance? Did she tell you why she came to the kingdom?
No, not really. She asked me about my life here, about school, and about my teachers.
About me?
His hobbies, what he likes. I don't know much about him.
Well, I don't have many hobbies.
Fighting?
I'm a pacifist.
You're not very convincing. You're so strong.
I don't think strength is the same as principle. And as for strength, you know that.
You mean he's the former Sage of the Sword?　I'm sure you're as strong as anyone. I'm confident too - well, I was, but there's no way I can beat him.
No, you're not. You and Iris are both highly skilled for your age. To be honest, you're much stronger than I am.
I don't think I'll ever be as strong as Iris for someone else.

　Aria denied my words.
　Indeed, I had never heard from Aria about dreams like Iris'.

"Do you want to become a knight?
"I don't know. To be honest, I'm not really interested.
That's surprising. I thought that since Iris wanted to become a knight, you would join her.
Of course I'm going to be with Iris forever. But I don't think I'm cut out to be a knight or anything like that. My skills are in killing and espionage.
I see. But there are such units for knights, too.
Yes, I know.
But you're not interested?
I'd like to do something to support Iris.
I see. I hope you find something you want to do.

　When I say this, Aria's brow wrinkles slightly.

...... Is this my career advice or something?　This is not a school.


But I'm still your teacher.
"So you'll do whatever I ask?
"That's not what a teacher is supposed to do, though, is it?　But if I can make it happen, I'll do it.
I think it's something only a teacher could do.
What is it?
I want you to make me stronger than Iris.

　Aria made her wish clear. Her expression was serious and unconcerned.
　I can tell that's what she's wishing for.
　--I don't know why she's making such a wish, but I can understand it.

"From Iris?
Yes. I just realized that when I was talking to you. I'm not interested in dreams or anything, but I know what I want to do. I'm going to protect Iris. In order to do that, I have to be stronger than Iris. And better than you.
You're right, you're right.

　This is the first time Aria has said so clearly that she wants to become stronger. You can find a lot more information on the web at ....... I'm not sure if this is a sign of growth or not.

Of course, not only stronger than Iris, but also stronger than the teacher.
You gave up on me earlier, saying I couldn't beat you.
"You just gave up on me.　"He said, 'You're stronger than me. I believe in you, so I'm going to be strong. And if you protect everyone, I'll protect Iris. What do you think?
If that's what you want to do, I'll support you.
Let's practice.

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before. It's not a ...... mock sword, but simply her favorite weapon.

It's a good idea to keep your eyes on the prize. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
"...... Sure. I'll see you when this is over.

　When Aria was about to put her weapon back in her pocket, she suddenly swung back and took a stance.
　I also noticed that someone was approaching here.

"...... who?
"Students these days have gotten so rowdy. Or is that the result of your teaching, First Officer Alta Schweizer?
"...... Captain Haylon Stiletto.

　The man who came before me was in charge of the neighboring district.