Xelloss stiffened when he saw Lusay's true face.
　This is because the face you've always wanted to see suddenly appeared in front of you, but you never imagined that the female general of the Atollum Empire, known as the Kuro Heavenly General, would look exactly like Luceris.
　Except for the black hair and steeple eyes, they are exactly alike. How could I not be surprised?

"Luceris?　Who are you?　Do I look that much like Lusay?
You look exactly like ...... me. The only difference is that her hair and eyes are a different color. ....... Also, she's an apprentice priestess of the four divine religions.
And she's an apprentice priestess of the Tetrarchy.
You've got a lot of hate for her. Well, of course. ....... Fortunately, it seems that she does not blindly believe in the four gods. I'm not sure what to make of that.
I'm sure you'll be able to understand me. I have a feeling I'm going to like you.
I've heard that she just wants to save orphans just like her and doesn't care if it's the country or the Four Divine religions as long as she has the power to do so. In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to find out more about the best way to do it.

　The four divine religions reject the existence of mages. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　However, Luceris accepts the existence of Xellos with ease, and there is no sense of discrimination.

The woman is similar to Lusay?　I see. ......
There seems to be some implication there. Do you have any idea what it might be?
No, I'm just curious about something. ....... Does this person have any relatives?
......?　No, I heard from her that she was abandoned in front of an orphanage, but I don't think she knows her parents' faces. The children will tell you her privacy in secret, even things you don't need to know. ......
So ....... You don't pay those kids, do you?
No, I don't. ......

　Rashala's attitude set Xellos' gray brain cells into full gear. Apparently, Princess Lashara was concerned about Luceris. That was the first question he asked himself.
　He didn't know why she was so concerned about Luceris, but he began to calculate backwards, hoping that a change in perspective would help him see. Luceris has no parents. However, she does have a priest who is her foster parent.
　What would happen if the priest knew something about the situation? For example, if Luceris was not picked up in front of the orphanage, but was given to her parents somewhere else, the story would be very different.
　Above all, I'm curious about Rashala's attitude. This is where my knowledge of the setting of Sword and Sorcery came in handy. Eventually, a speculation was constructed.

"Excuse me, but are you and Princess Rashala related?　From the looks of it, the two of you seem to look alike. ......
"Huh?　Yes, ...... her mother and my mother are sisters, and they are cousins. ......
I see, maybe ...... one of the mothers is missing?　In addition, they have not been heard from for nineteen years with a newborn baby. ......
I'm not saying anything.　I'm not saying anything.
My guess is that she had a baby with no wings, suspected you of cheating on her, accused you of being unfaithful, kicked you out, and then disappeared with the baby out of heartbreak.
You really know something, don't you?　How do you know so much?
What? ...... Really?　I just made up a random story with speculation from the situation. ...... Did I get it right?

　--doodle-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo!
"................
　--Gogogogogogogogogogogogogogog!

　A grim silence passed between them.
　No matter how many gray brain cells there are, there is no evidence that can give us any proof or certainty, and there is no way we can make a clear deduction in such a situation. It's just a guess that comes out of his mouth.
In Sword and Sorcery, the Roofail are basically a family-oriented race.
　However, there is an emotional side to them that will not tolerate infidelity or unfaithfulness, so I just made up a story based on Luceris' situation.
　This tendency is also evident in the fact that Rashala was chasing Takumi. This race is so passionate that they chase each other with battle axes.
　I didn't think that what I said on the spot, calculated backwards from such characteristics, was the right answer.
　As a result, the conversation stopped as the expression between both of them stiffened, because they had guessed the royal scandal and they had unintentionally become emotional and affirmed it.
　And then the time starts to move.

And time moves on.　It's unheard of for a child to be born without wings, and I've never heard of changelings in my species!　You can only think that she had an affair with a human!
I'm not sure what to do. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help.　Even if you are not having an affair, a human child can be born. For example, a brown-skinned child can be born to white-skinned parents. ....... It's not impossible, though. It's a mystery of life.
"Wait a minute. If that's true, then we've sent Aunt Maia away for a crime she didn't deserve. ......


If he wasn't really having an affair, I guess that's what it means. Well, it seems that Rousselis doesn't know her parents' faces, and her mother is most likely already dead. Well, there's no way to find out.
No, that's not true. ......

　Changeling. This is a phenomenon commonly known as changeling, in which fairies have been known to switch their own children with human children as a prank.
　When a human couple has a child of a different race, such as elves, it is called a changeling and is frowned upon within each race.
　However, in this medically undeveloped world, there is no one who can clearly explain this phenomenon. They do not even know the letters of DNA. In other words, a child born as a result of segregation is subject to discrimination in countries where people of the same race are united.
　However, it is a different story when a different race is born as a result of their own bloodline.
　After the War of the Evil Gods, those who were united with others of the same race tended to be especially proud of their ancestors. Now that the wisdom of the old days has been lost, there are rare children who are abhorred for unknown reasons.
　If the blood of their ancestors appears, it means that they have abandoned the pride of their own bloodline. Therefore, some people deny it.
　Well, it would be easier to think that he was having an affair. It would be easier to believe that she was unfaithful, because it is an unbelievable phenomenon for the person concerned.

"No, I don't accept it!　We can't admit that we have human blood in our veins. ......
"Admit it or not, you actually had a child without wings, didn't you?　If you haven't been unfaithful, then the only thing you can think of is that you've inherited it from another generation. Just because you haven't had it before doesn't mean you can't have it in the future.
Oh, my God. ....... Isn't that a big deal ......?
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.　I don't think you need to hate them that much. ......
"That's not the point!　My aunt Maia is my mother's sister ...... and she is a member of the royal branch of the family. If you throw her out for a crime she didn't commit,.......

　An innocent man is thrown out as a criminal. This is a huge problem. And he is a branch of the royal family.
　The Roofail have no knowledge of heredity. A race that once had a high level of civilization is now just a mountain tribe.
　And as the level of civilization declined, the tribe was involved in a huge scandal in which they accused a member of the royal family of being innocent.
　Moreover, the babies of the expelled people became apprentices of the four divine religions. It was a tragedy caused by ignorance. It's just a guess, but if the world finds out, it's not good.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I don't see ...... any .......
"Sister?　Oh. ...... I see. I'm not sure if we're related or not, but I'm doing fine, okay?　But to be honest, I'd rather not see her.
Why?　If you are a sister, you should meet her and talk to her.　If they are sisters, don't you think they have the right to meet and talk?
First of all, they are not known to be related. Secondly, even if it turns out that they are related, what kind of face are you going to show now that you've let them go with impunity?　Thirdly, you don't even remember your mother, so there's a good chance she'll resent you for bringing it up. Fourthly, I don't want to imagine what the consequences would be if I found out that I was the cause of my mother's abandonment.
"Ugh, ......, you're right. Even if the blame lies with us, I don't feel comfortable talking about it to someone who doesn't know anything about it.
"Aaaaahhhh ...... sister ...... is alive. But ...... ohhhhhhh!

　It's not surprising that Lusay and Luceris are related when they look so much alike. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　The unmasked girl has been in a state of 'aww, aww' since a while ago. Her eyes were all glued together and her face was bright red, and I felt pity for her when I saw her so puzzled.
　It's not blushing or anything like that, it's probably more like anthropophobia. This is a different person, isn't it? Underneath the mask, he was such a slacker that I thought, "Isn't this a different person?

I don't care what you say, but there are a lot of people who can't recover. ......
That's right. ......

　In the eyes of Rashala and Xellos, a goofy scene was unfolding.
　This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.
　If you listen closely, you can hear the exchange of words between the heroes.

I'm not sure.　I'm not sure what to make of this.
I'm not sure what to make of this.
"Well, ...... until I cum?
I'm not sure how much longer you can go.

　I'm not sure what to do. The old man learns the dangers of the [pain tolerance] skill.
　In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to get a lot more.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to do. Ah, why the tears ......?
Himejima-san, ...... no more ......
Don't spread your wounds anymore, Kano-chan. Time will ...... take care of it.

　To be honest, I don't even want to get involved.


　The old man decided to ignore it anyway. It was very uncontrollable.

"Huh~......, how long do we have to stay here anyway?

　It seems that they are ready to entertain guests, but the guide, Lusay, is a piece of work. The old man has no way of knowing where the room is.
　The old man had no way of knowing where the room was. He couldn't just wander around the castle, he had to wait here until things were settled.
　A long and painful leisure time is passing.

　The situation continued to be a bit of a mess.

　After a long and tedious time, Xelloss was taken to a guest room.
　The room was furnished with a bed, a table, and a four-and-a-half-mat hearth. The ceiling was vaulted and there was a staircase leading up to the second floor.
　It was reminiscent of a Japanese house in Kyoto, but the ornaments on the shelves were Western style, with magnificent gold work. It was like Nijo Castle.
　Xellos, who was mentally exhausted, immediately lay down on his bunk, gazed blankly at the ceiling, and let out a sigh.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ......

　In the event that you've got a lot of money to spend, you'll be able to take advantage of it. Mercenary work is a risky business that requires a lot of money.
　To be honest, I would like him to marry me, but he is hesitant about polygamy and the age difference between us, so I can only say 'Let's get married' as a joke. The old man was also surprisingly lousy.
　After all, Luceris and Janae were born when Xelloss was playing at university. Considering this difference, it is indeed difficult to seriously propose marriage.
　In short, like Takumi, I don't want people to think that I prefer younger men. It would be better than being a severe pedophile, though.
　Xelloss prefers glamorous women, and is not interested in slippery ponies like Takumi. It's a normal male value, but he just can't bring himself to take a step further.
　The fact that I've seen a brave man who openly expresses his taste for little girls makes me want to restrain myself from doing so.
　In addition, Rousselis is talking about how he wants to get himself together with Janae, and the common sense of Japan inevitably becomes a wall between them. It's hard to separate the two because it's a different world.

I'm not sure I can say anything bad about Kazama-kun either. I'm not sure what to make of that. But it looks like .......

　In aristocratic society, it is common for a man of Zeroth's age to take a 14-year-old girl who has just come of age as his wife. However, even though it is allowed by the laws of this world, I can't help but put the brakes on it somewhere in my heart.
　I didn't think that I would come to miss these two women so much just by not seeing them for almost a month.

Is this what love is? ....... I don't know if this is love or not,.......

　My heart is not my own. This is the first time in his life that he has been confronted with such a frustrating emotion.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.
　It was a scene that was not at all picturesque.

"Mister Xelloss, are you in your room?
"Huh?　Yes, I'm here. What can I do for you?

　A lady of the castle called out from outside the room of the old man who was alone in agony.
　He could not help but raise his voice in an instant.

"Excuse me, sir. Xellos, there is someone who would very much like to meet you, can you spare the time?
"Someone you wish to see?　You want me to go to ......?　I wonder.
Well, we've only been instructed to bring Lord Xellos to you.
I see. So where do you want me to go?
"We'll show you the way. Just follow us.
All right. Okay, let's go. What is it, really?

　Xelloss put on a gray robe and followed the maid.
　The old man walks after the woman in traditional costume, as often seen in Korean historical dramas, with the impression that he has traveled back in time.
　If this were a drama, it would clearly be a pattern of getting into trouble.

"Where are you going?
"It's Masatake, sir. There is a man waiting to speak with you. ......
Have I ever had to talk to a high-ranking person?　I don't know. ......

　After passing through a series of intricate passageways and gates dividing the main halls, we arrived at a facility built like the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple. In front of the building is a square with stone pavement, where many soldiers would probably train.
　There were also straw dolls to be used as spear targets and bleachers for the king to view.

This is the Political and Military Hall. This is where many generals train.
"The center of security and public affairs? It's so colorful, it looks like a temple.


"Wooden buildings may seem unusual, but building materials are limited. This is the work of the Dwarves.
"Dwarves: ...... They're everywhere. They work too hard. ......

　This building must have been built with a lot of dancing.
　I can see it in my mind's eye, and it makes my head hurt.
　I was led through the door into a room of the Political and Military Hall, where I found a warrior and Lusei seated at a table, staring at Xelloss with grim eyes.

"Chief Warlord. This is Lord Xellos.
"Thank you, you may step back. Is it Lord Xelloss?　This is a family matter. We'll speak without officialdom now. No need to speak so politely.
"Father, ....... Lord Xelloss, this is my father, Grand Chancellor Laufey von Imara. This is the woman you know as .......
"Ah, ......, I understand. You mean you want me to tell that story again?
No, I asked you to come here to do something for me. ......

　It was not what I expected.
　For some reason, I had a bad feeling about this. I was sure it would be trouble.

"Mister Xellos, you're a mercenary, aren't you?　I have a request for you.
I'll take it if it's not a crime.　I refuse to accept kidnappings or the transport of dangerous goods.
I'd like you to deliver my daughter to this place. ....... Luceris, I believe you said.
I refuse.

　Old man, quick decision.

"Why not? I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that I'm an apprentice priest for the pagans, and there's no way I'd leave my daughter in a place like that!
I'm not going to leave my daughter in a place like that!" "...... How dare you meet me after all this time?　She grew up as an orphan and chose to become a priest because of that orphan. She's independent, so to speak. I've never even met her. In fact, would you want to meet the single parent who kicked you and your mother out when they found out about your upbringing? And before that, you haven't confirmed your kinship.

　In order to bring Luceris to the Atrum Empire, he would have to tell her about the situation.
　If she refused to go to Atrum, that would be the end of it.

If she's like Lusay, she must be related to him. I'm sure you'll understand if I tell you. ...... We're blood related, father and son.
"Children grow up influenced by their environment. She's been thinking about independence since she can remember. She has been thinking about independence since she can remember, and she has set herself the goal of reducing the number of orphans in the same situation as herself. He does not care about his blood relatives. In this case, I don't know if there is a blood relationship, and even if there is, I'm practically a stranger.

　On the one hand, there's the father who believes in blood ties and wants to get his daughter back. On the other hand, Xellos calmly considers the situation and denies it with logic.
　Emotion and reality are at odds with each other. Knowing that he is a half-breed, Rahfon must have been eager to meet Luceris.
　But there is still a big problem with this.

You can't rely on blood ties. After all, I'm on the verge of killing my own sister. Just because you're related doesn't mean you'll develop affection for each other. That's just an illusion.
"That's because your bloodline is tainted. You're not like us!
I had decent parents.　My parents were decent, it's just that their daughter was born rotten. People's thoughts differ from person to person, and one-sided imposition is repugnant. In the case of Mr. Rahmon, it is a very delicate matter, so I recommend that you proceed with caution.
But I can't allow my daughter to become an infidel!　I can't leave her in a place like that.
You're a pagan, ...... and you're trying to save your own skin?　I'm sure you're not the only one. It could be someone else. Well, I can see where Mr. Rahmon is coming from, but there is no need to jump to conclusions. I think it's important to investigate the facts first.
"Ugu......, however.

　In the first place, the blood relationship is not clear at this point. Even if you take her out of the house by force, it will not lead to good results.
　Furthermore, it is up to Luceris to decide whether or not to meet the single parent. Even if the father wants to meet, if Luceris refuses, it is the end of the story.

Let's say you are related to her. And when she finds out the truth, will she decide to meet you?　First of all, it's your decision, not hers.
"Nonsense, I'm a parent!　I have the right to see my daughter.
I have a right to see my daughter. - Who let her go?　You couldn't trust your own wife. The situation suggests it. I don't want to sound cruel, but you have no rights at this point.


"Unuuh. ....... But put yourself in my shoes. It is not normal for a child of the human race to be born into my family.
"In the old days, the human race coexisted with your ancestors, you know.　In the old days, the human race coexisted with your ancestors. You were so caught up in the reality in front of your eyes that you only accused one side and did not even try to know the truth. There is always a reason for what happens.
"But, ......
"Mister Rahmon, aren't you curious as to why your wife went to the magical kingdom of Solistair?　This is a conjecture, but I believe it is to investigate the cause of the birth of a human child. In Solistea, there is the Istor Academy of Magic. There are a lot of books from the old days there, so I think he was trying to find out the truth.
"・・・・・・・・・・

　Yes, if there is a blood relationship between Luceris and Rahfon, it does not explain why Luceris is in the Solstice Magic Kingdom.
　If she was being chased from the Atrum Empire, she could have gone to the Kingdom of Issaras, a country close by in terms of distance. There was no need to go all the way across the steep foothills.
　If you think about it for a moment, you will be able to answer why you still went to the magical kingdom of Solistair.

"Your wife hadn't given up. "Your wife hadn't given up on you. If you didn't think that way, it wouldn't explain why Luceris is in that country. Well, it's circumstantial.
But that goal was never achieved. So Maia may have died before she could achieve her goal. ......
That's what we need to find out. The one person who might know is the priest who raised Luceris, but if you want to look into the past, you have to get permission from the people involved. Why don't you ask Luceris when you get back?
Please. ....... If what Mister Xelloss said is true, then I have made an irreparable mistake. No amount of atonement will ever be enough. ......
It's a heavy thing to do. ......

　I knew I was in trouble.
　Rahfon, as a parent, wanted his daughter back. But nineteen years have passed since then.
　If Luceris turned out to be his daughter, he wanted to do everything he could to apologize. But the girl is already walking through life on her own feet.

I don't know how to explain it to her, though. ....... I think it's quite difficult to explain. ......
"Lord Xellos, ...... shall I explain it to you?　If you are really my sister, I think it would make sense for me to talk to you directly, don't you?
I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that. It would be rude not to meet him face to face.
I've been thinking about my mother too. I can't let this opportunity pass me by.
Are you good at your job?　You're a general leading an army, aren't you?
I've got a lot of paid vacations. I've got a lot of paid vacation time I could use around here.
Oh, I think we might be related. We're similar in that we put our work first, not ourselves. ......

　Rousselis also did not take a vacation, but spent every day in therapeutic activities.
　The only time she took a vacation was when the children at the orphanage were getting practical training. When she went shopping in town, she bought only what she needed and did not try to be extravagant unless she had to.
　Mandragora's income was also used to feed the children and run the orphanage. He must be earning quite a lot of money, but he is using the profits to buy medicinal plants and engage in medical activities.

Anyway, I'm going to the Solstice Magic Kingdom. I want to know the truth and, if possible, fulfill my mother's wishes.
"Are you sure about ......?　You have a very important position in this country, don't you, Mr. Lusay?
I don't care. I'll allow it. ....... General Lusay, you are ordered by me to follow in the footsteps of Maia Imara. Go and find out the truth. This is partly to prevent confusion should the same thing happen again.
Yes, sir. We'll begin preparations to leave immediately.
Are you sure?　Isn't this an abuse of power?
Maia is a member of the royal family, albeit a minor one. He's allowed to do this.
Well, I was planning on leaving tomorrow, too. Just as well.

　Rahfon pressed his forehead against his arms crossed on the table and let out a sigh of regret.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.

"I loved ...... Maia. I loved Maia, but when I saw her child, I was shocked. I had no idea it was a human child. ......
Why did you suspect him of cheating first?　You can't just walk out of the house without permission if you're a wife in good standing. At the very least, she'd have a lot of eyes on her, and I don't think she could have an affair.
"We've never had a changeling in our history. That's why I couldn't believe it. ....... I didn't want to doubt my wife. But the reality is that a human child was born. ....... Everyone assumed that my wife was having an affair with someone else.


"Well, there are a few human beings living in the area. I can understand your suspicion, but you should have handled it calmly.
I've suspected it, but I've never said anything about it. I had my suspicions, but never expressed them. But then people started to talk. ......
"Oh, ......, so the king got the message. So he was publicly questioned, accused, and then banished .......

　As a member of the royal family, Maia is expected to be pure and innocent at all times.
　However, when she had a son from a human family, she was accused of wrongdoing and banished from the country. The imperial family has a strict code of conduct, to the extent that it can be called clean.
　It may sound like overkill, but since they are originally a minority race, betrayal is a serious offense. Acts such as cheating and deceit are more serious than the laws of the human race. Such is the nature of the people.

Perhaps the blood has grown too thick. Perhaps the possibility of inheritance from another generation has increased. ....... If you're not careful, you could end up with a deformed child.
Are you saying that the old blood is becoming more awake?
I'm not an expert in medicine, so I don't know much about it, but I'd say it's a start. If we don't change the law while we can, the number of orphans will continue to increase. We can't just kill the children that are born to us, can we?
"Even though he hates the human race, he's not that outrageous. How did it come to this? ......
"It's the mystery of life. We can't do anything about it because it's a natural phenomenon. Shall I ask you what's on your mind over a drink?　I think you'll feel a little better if you talk to someone.
...... Yes, that's right. ....... Would you like to join me for a little ......?

　A tragedy caused by ignorance.
　Aside from Xellos, who has the knowledge he gained on Earth, Rafaan is tormented by guilt when he finds out the cause. We can only sympathize with him because this is a phenomenon caused by nature.
　At any rate, Xelloss had no choice but to listen to Rahfon's remorse as they drank together.
　The next day, Xellos and Lusei left the country and headed back to the magical kingdom of Solistair.
[Waste #13] at .......

　The following is a summary of the story.　

　At the same time, in the city of Santor, an elderly female priestess was drinking and looking over documents at the orphanage that was established for the increasing number of orphans.
　She is a senior priestess dispatched from the Holy Law Goddess Kingdom of Metis to the magical kingdom of Solistair, and has a history of being left behind in remote areas because of her debauchery that one would not expect from a priestess. She is the head priestess of Merlasa.
　There are several priests who were also dispatched, but many of them are basically dissatisfied with the current Four Divine Religions and were sent to other countries as missionaries.
　Most of these priests have no intention of returning to their home country of Metis, the Kingdom of the Holy Law. This is because they felt more at home in the magical kingdom of Solistair.
　In particular, the city of Santor was so comfortable that some of them had even gotten married.
　The representative of those priests was this priestess Merlasa.

"Why?　The following documents are available: ...... Hmm, the name "orphanage" is discriminatory, so I order you to change it to "orphanage" ....... You're the Duke of Delsacis. Discriminatory or not, it's not a new thing.
That's right. Even if you change the name of the orphanage, there are still children who are being persecuted. ......
That's true. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site. It's not a bad world, you know.
I heard that there is a person who taught the church in the west district how to grow medicinal herbs, so I guess there are people with good intentions.
I'm a mage. ....... I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

　There are four churches in the city of Santor. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　These churches were not institutions dedicated to the four gods, but to indigenous beliefs that originated in the land, but they were rented out due to political pressure from the Holy Priesthood of Metis.
　Originally, it had provided some charity to many orphans and vagrants, but due to a shortage of manpower, it was unable to do so. Priests of the Four Divine Religions are allowed to proselytize, but they have a contract with this institution to take care of the orphans.
　In short, they were forced by the dukes to do good deeds if they wanted to spread their faith.
　The support activities for orphans and vagrants must be carried out with the funds sent by the dukes, but the donations sent to the Holy Priesthood of Metis must be earned by themselves. The priests' only source of income was medical treatment for the injured and sick. However, the purchase of medicinal herbs was also costly, and the situation was in a state of crisis.
　Recently, the cultivation of medicinal herbs has been started in each orphanage or orphanage, and life is getting easier.

Well, that's enough for tonight. If we stay up too late, it will affect us tomorrow.
I understand.
I'll be up early tomorrow. It's hard to work in the fields at my age. ......
I won't say anything rude. There are people who could be saved by that herb.　

　The priests are still struggling with the unaccustomed work in the fields, but at least their days are more fulfilling than when they were in Metis. They felt a definite response to doing a good deed for someone else.
　They are devout humanitarians.



"Huh~....... Well, let's drink some more. Tsumami, Tsumami. ...... Hmm?

　When he opened the drawer of his desk to take out the knobs, a silver necklace came out from the back.
　When he saw it, the priestess Merlasa gave him a sad look.

"It's time to tell her about ....... You should tell him about his mother. ......

　The old priest looks at the necklace, pours the wine, and drinks it quietly.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.