As the sun was setting, the conversation with Aena and the others was over, and they broke up.
　The information I got from Aena was about the "witches".
　I don't know if it has anything to do with this "knight killing" or not, but the witches have a swordsman who is as good as a "sword saint".
　It's too early to assume that they are not related.
　Aena said that she would continue her school life and work with the troops she brought with her at night.
　This was originally decided when she came here.
　As for me, I'll be doing night patrols with Helen starting this evening.

I'll be on alert around the school.

　Aena and Helen left the room, but Aria stayed behind and muttered something like that.

If I leave the school, I'll need someone to keep an eye out for me. I'm counting on you.
"...... Yeah. It's not that I'm unhappy. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.

　Aria gave me a sharp look. Then she continued.

"Why didn't you say anything to Iris again?　When we went to the harbor town, I hid Iris because I thought she might be a target. That made sense to me, too. But last time, you relied on me and Iris, didn't you?　To be honest, I was happy, and I think Iris was happy too. So why are you hiding it again this time?

　What Aria was unhappy about was the fact that she was keeping Iris out of this case.
　It's true that I relied on them when the incident happened before.
　I could say that I was forced to rely on them, and I felt that I could. I judged that Iris and Aria had the ability to do so.
　In fact, they did exactly what I expected them to do. I don't think I can praise them enough.

As I said before, the situation is a little different this time. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who can't help you.
...... I think Iris would be hurt by not being informed.
That's why we try not to let them know. Essentially, you're still a student.
That's all you ever say.
I don't think I've said anything wrong. If you were knights, I'd be counting on you. But you're not in that position yet.
If Iris and I were to quit the school right now, would ...... you rely on us?

　Aria stood in front of me and said with a serious expression on her face.
　I can't help but roll my eyes at those words. But she quickly let out a sigh and shook her head.

That's not the point, sir.
There's something different about you, doctor. There's something wrong this time, isn't there?
What do you mean, "something"?　I'm just a normal guy.
I'm talking about a kensei as an enemy. I mean, Sensei is a kensei, right?
"......

　At Aria's words, I fell silent. --The only thing I'm saying to her is that I'm the reincarnation of the Sage of Swords.
　And Aria has never told anyone about it. That's probably why she wondered when she heard Aena's story.
　There can't be a kensei ...... because I am a reborn being.

I'm sure you're not the only one.
You can't tell if they're on the same level until you've actually crossed swords with them. But since Aena says so, she might be close to that level.
That's what you mean when you don't deny it.

　I was also convinced by what Aria said. --It's true that the girls were kept out of it for a reason.
　This guy is probably the strongest I've ever met.
　If he's really on the same level as me, even in a previous life.

"Sir, Iris and I are no match for you. But you're not the only enemy, are you?　Then I think you should tell Iris, too.
"Aria, ......, aren't you the one who's most worried about Iris?
Yes, that's true. I'm always worried about Iris. If I could, I wouldn't want her to be in danger. But still - Iris is that kind of girl.

　Aria said in a small voice, as if she were telling herself that. I think she also doesn't want Iris to be involved.
　Still, she may feel that I don't trust her or Aria enough to ask why I don't tell Iris.
　Of course, that's not true. I trust them, but I also worry about them.

I trust them and I worry about them at the same time. ...... Oh, I see.
"Sir, ......?
No, there's something that makes sense to me. Anyway, I understand where you're coming from. But please don't tell Iris about this one.

　I reminded Aria of this. --I'm worried about Iris and Aria, not only as a teacher, but also as a student.


　That's why I fear that if they were to encounter a man who claimed to be a sword saint in a place where I wasn't present, they might be killed.
　They are certainly strong,......, but to be honest, the chances of them beating me in a fair fight are pretty slim.
　Aria didn't seem convinced, but had nothing more to say and left the room in silence.

I guess I've really found someone I want to protect in the 'real' sense. That's a surprisingly difficult thing to do.

　I let out a small sigh. --I let out a small sigh, because this is the first time for me.