After spending the night in the camp, Xellos and Ad took a light wagon for another two hours and arrived at their destination.
　[Fort Bomba]. It is one of the defense bases located in front of the border fort, and in case of emergency, it is responsible for transporting food and providing logistical support.
　At the moment, however, its main duty is to patrol the streets of the surrounding villages and towns, keeping an eye out for the appearance of bandits and demons.
　It was about five days ago that a body of unknown cause of death was brought in. The body was found by chance when the hunter was chasing a rabbit.
　From his belongings, we know that he was a bandit, but the cause of his death is still unknown.
　No, the cause of death is known. He was deprived of all water in his body. The question is how.
　There were a number of small scars, but no other significant external injuries.
　The body was so mummified that it was impossible to identify it with the technology of this world. Soon after, the corpse of a demon that had been killed in a similar manner was also discovered.
　As a result, Fort Bomba was put on alert for a while.

...... and that's the gist of the report. I can't say for sure until I see the body, but it's probably .......
I'm not sure what to make of that.　If that's the case, I think it's a foggy monster ......, a legion of deadly spirits .......
I'm not sure if there is such a thing as a monster or not. Oh dear.
You two!　What's going on in this fort?

　Before the Zeros could reach the front of the fort, they were stopped by the gatekeeper.
　He seemed quite tense.

We are mages sent here by the Duke of Delsacis to investigate the body of a bandit who died in an unknown way. Here is a letter from the Duke of Delsacis, could you please hand it to the person in charge?
What?　...... I understand. I'll take the Duke of Delsacis' letter for now. Wait here for a moment.
Hi, I'm waiting.
Why do you look so unwilling to ......

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do.
　Ad knows that he is surprisingly serious.
　I just wish he would choose the right time and place.

I don't like to be kept waiting.
"I don't like being kept waiting either. ......

　An old man and an ad are puffing fluently on a cigarette.
　Two small birds with a sound similar to a lark flew across the blue sky.
　Then you have to wait for about seven minutes .......

Sorry for the wait. I'll open the door now. Hey, unbolt the gate!

　A slightly noisy voice was heard inside, and then the double doors opened with a heavy sound.

I'm sorry to disturb you.
I've got a vague idea of what's going on, but how long has it been going on?
Three days ago, a new corpse was found, and every day since then, more victims have been discovered, including night thieves and animals. We've just gone from function to high alert.
"Well, there's something unidentifiable wandering around... We have to protect the neighboring villages and towns, so we need more manpower. ....... You can't leave out the possibility that it might attack this place.
I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea. I'll show you around.
Please.

　Inside the fort, many knights were training and watching the surroundings from the top of the walls.
　There were also troops moving along the streets in carriages, checking the neighboring villages and towns, indicating that they were a large group.

In the event of an emergency, they would not only provide logistical support but also intercept and raid the enemy.　They seem to be quite skilled.
I'm not sure what to make of that. It's a great way to get the most out of your time in the field. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.
"...... students?　I'm not sure what to make of this.　A promising generation is growing up. How did they get hired before that?
I'm sure you're not the only one. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.
.........

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　In the past, he had spent a week training Zveit and his team against the harsh nature of the Far Flan Green Zone. And it was the academy students who came up with the organizational reform plan.
　In the case of Zveit and the others, it was the result of a series of accidents, but if it was thought to be effective training and survival training, what would happen to the skill level of the knights?　
　The knight who had been escorting him, Aref, had almost doubled his level. The idea of being naive would disappear, and a ridiculously strong order of knights could be born.
　This knight, who for a moment looked like a dead fish, seemed to be the result of what Xellos had done.

I'm sure you'll agree.　I'm not sure if this is ...... indirectly my fault or not.　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　In the event that it is you who has created the opportunity for this to happen, many knights will still be screaming for survival in that hellish forest of life and death.

"Mr. ...... Xellos, anta ...... what did you do?


"Mr. Ad ......, for once it's not my fault. I may not have been directly involved, but I may have been indirectly responsible. ......
At least you know who you are.
Well, yeah. Don't ask me too many questions, I don't know for sure, but it's the government's business, after all.
I've heard that some people have had some bad luck.
I don't know. ......

　It's already out of Zeroth's hands. At this point in time, there is certainly no connection.
　But the guilt was overwhelming.
　The two of them entered the building of the fort as they were led, and immediately descended the stairs to a room in the basement.
　They were expecting to be taken to the room where the head of the fort was, but this was unexpected.

What is this place?
This is the room where the body of the victim is enshrined. The Commander will be here soon, so please wait a moment.
What's with the mortuary? Well, I'll save you the trouble. ......
There's something evil about that. ......

　The only light is from the mages, and any place without light is dark.
　If this were a game, you would feel right at home even if a monster came out of the corner.
　As I was thinking a little trivially, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs and the sound of metal scraping. It was probably the man in charge of the fort.
　The knight illuminated by the light of the mage's tools was a large, heavy knight who wore a full plate mail without even a hint of weight. He was a strong man of the same age as Xelloss.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting, I had a few things to take care of. I know it's not polite to be a guest, but it saves me the trouble. I'm very sorry for my lack of courtesy. I am Luger Gunsling, the man in charge of this fort.
"This is very kind of you. I'm a mage who came to investigate by order of the Duke of Delsacis, my name is Xellos. This is the ad that you are working with. Well, first of all, I'd appreciate it if you didn't pry too much into my relationship with him.
"...... Okay. It's no surprise that he has his own private intelligence organization or task force. Let's get right to the point.
Yes, sir. We don't even know how much time we have left, so the sooner we start investigating, the better.
Mm, this way, please. ......

　When I entered the room, I found five tables in a dimly lit hall, on one of which lay a mummy, probably the victim.
　The mummy was unclothed, as if it had been carefully examined, and worst of all, it was currently being dissected by a doctor. Frankly, it made me feel sick.

What did you find out?
"It turns out, Commander Luger, that the stomach showed signs of having been deprived of blood. It's only by letting it dry out and then putting it back together that we can finally confirm why there's no blood. It is safe to assume that the victim was deprived of his blood.
I don't understand. ....... This means that the demon entered the body through the mouth, but the trauma is too small. I'm not sure what to make of that.　Besides, the blood of a human is a considerable amount. I'm sure you've heard of it.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
"...... Luger Knight Commander. Who are these people?
They are investigators sent by the Duke of Delsacis. I'm wondering how they found out about this when they've only told their lord about it.
I'm not sure what to make of this.　I'm not sure what he's doing behind the scenes.

　Once again, the Duke of Delsacis has a wide information network.
　Since Fort Bomba is outside of the Duke of Solistea's domain, it is naturally controlled by a different lord. The knights guarding the border may be under the direct control of the state, but the lord is the first to receive information if something happens.
　According to Luger, the matter is still in the confidential investigation stage, and it will be some time before a report is sent to the country. Furthermore, the Duke of Delsacis, who ruled the neighboring territory, had nothing to do with the matter.
　In addition, the duke of Delsacis, who rules a neighboring territory, has nothing to do with the matter, and the fact that he has already obtained information suggests that there are likely to be people working for Delsacis in this fort, and if you want to go further, you could say that he does not trust the lord of this land. Even if he is a duke, this would be an overreaching act.

"Well, that lord can't go against the Duke of Delsacis. It's said that he exposed her wrongdoings before, and then beat her to death. I don't feel sorry for him, even if he was collared and used for his own purposes.
"...... Duke of Delsacis.
"Well, that sounds like something he would do. I'm not sure what to make of that. If they get in your way, just get rid of them.

　If Xellos and Ad are scary in terms of physical and magical attack power, then Delsasis is the symbol of scary in terms of organizational operation. And they even use bad guys.
　I'm not sure if I understand this, but it's reassuring for the people to know that these powerful people are working for the peace of the nation. However, it is also true that their methods are not commendable.

"Oh my God, why isn't he the king?
"Mr. Ad, ......, think about it. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.　His genius shines brighter in times of war. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that this is not the right time for you.
That's a good point. ...... But, you know, the religious nation next door is reaching out to us.　We need them now, don't we?


That's why. I'm aware of my talents and that's why I'm working behind the scenes. If I'm not careful, they'll think I'm dangerous and send assassins to kill me.　It's depressing. Well, I'm sure he'll enjoy it. ......

　A country cannot be ruled by niceties.
　The Duke of Delsacis was a man for whom the age of peace did not suit.

"Commander, are you here?
What is it?
The bodies of the bandits have been found again. There are thirteen of them.
...... again. Fortunately, they're criminals, so I don't mind, but there's a lot of them this time. It's as if they're moving northward.

　Luger muttered bitterly at the report from his subordinate knight. But Xellos was more concerned about what he said.
Luger said, "It seems to be moving northward. That means he knows the direction of travel of the mysterious entity that is producing more of these mummy-like bodies.

"Mister Luger, you just said 'it seems to be moving northward', right?　What makes you think so?
"Hmm?　That's because we found dead bodies of goblins and orcs as well as bandits. It's just that their movement seemed as if they were continuing to move northward.
"I see. ....... So, are there any settlements in that direction?
"There's only a village a long way away, a village of refugees from the Holy Law of Metis. It's a refugee village right next to the border, but I'm not sure about that. ...... No way!

　Luger realizes what Xellos is trying to say.
　Right now, it's just bandits and low-grade demons, but if we're not careful, the village could be attacked as well.
　He had been focusing on protecting his own people, but it was not just his own people who were being attacked, refugees could also be attacked. This is a serious matter.

I don't know where the bodies were found, but if we keep going like this, is there any chance we'll be attacked?　We're not familiar with the geography of this area, after all. We'd like to get some information.
"Hey, where was the body found?
Makhel Forest, north. I stumbled across it tracing a demon mummy. ......
That's not good. ...... We're here to protect the people, not the refugees. If you're going to send an army, you'll need permission from your lord or country. They're illegal aliens, after all. ......
"Then we'll go. In the worst case scenario, we'll have to cross the border, but I guess we can push it to the Metis Holy God Kingdom. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
"What?　I'm not sure what to make of that.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　A defensive battle managed to stop them, but a shell of the Great Givlion was discovered in the plains ahead, and a huge crater once blocked trade.
　The Great Givlion's shell was found in the plains ahead, and a huge crater blocked trade. The Great Givlion still hasn't recovered, but Metis is a virtual enemy, so it had no intention of fixing the road. This is the result of the accumulation of daily resentment.
　Inquisitors were beaten up by the people and were handed over to the government with serious injuries. Since they were former criminals, their employers did not protect them.
　This is a story that can be used for negotiations between countries, so the truth is not widely publicized.

I've seen the crater, but how can you make a crater like that?
"Well?　Well, it's none of our business. ....... So, where did you find the refugee village?　A map would be nice.
Are you on your way now?
That's our job. I hope we're not too late. ......
I'll get you a map right away. I'd appreciate it if you'd report your findings to us as well.
I'll do my best.

　And so it was that they began to move again to investigate.
　After exiting the fort, Xellos and the others walked until they could no longer see the fort's walls, and then they got back into the light wagon and started driving.

Hi, we're going straight down this road. The map shows a left turn on the mountain road ahead, but don't miss it.
You're a driving school instructor. ....... I'm driving again, aren't I?
I'll drive you home. I'll drive you home. Or do you want a motorcycle tandem?
...... I don't like that. What's so sad that you have to hug an old man?
I don't care. How did you get your license, Ad?　I have no sense of direction. ......
Don't ask.

　There should be a disturbing situation going on, but there's no sense of tension between these two.
　A light wagon carrying these two bastards was speeding down the road with a cloud of dust.

I'm not sure what to say.



"Nyaa~...... can't eat anymore~......

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

The dog looks like a ...... cat.
I'm not a dog. I'm not a dog, I'm a wolf, Carosti.
I'm a wolf, not a dog, Carrosti. - Either way, it's not a good look for a maiden. It's a trifle.

　After a late breakfast, Celestina and her friends were relaxing in their room. Carostee is sipping a cup of tea.

I wonder where she's gone. Do you know where Miska is?
"Miss Anzu had breakfast while the ladies slept in bed with their tummies out and is already on guard duty. Well, since I'm here, I've given you permission to move around a little more freely, but you said your break would be before noon.
She's a workaholic, isn't she? Eromura wasn't so sure about that. ......
She's already a professional at her age. More than that, miss ......".

　Miska's glasses glinted faintly.

She was never good at remembering people's names and faces, but she remembered Elomra's name right away. Is it possible that you prefer that kind of person?
"That's what I thought too. I thought so too. I can't remember Dio's or Makarov's names, but you seem to have remembered his name rather easily. I was really curious about that.
"Hmmm~ ......, I've had a lot of opportunities to meet Elomra-san. I'm sure you're aware of that.　I find her to be surprisingly kind, but not to the two of you?

　Miska and Carosti looked at each other.

Miska and Carosti looked at each other. "What do you think, Miss Miska?
I don't know, but it seems to me that he's just a random guy who's been earning points in between escorts. ....... If this is a calculated thing, then we've got one hell of a dark horse on our hands. ......
I'm not sure what to say.　I'm sure you're not aware of other people's favors. I'm sure you're not aware of other people's favors. ......
"Dio-sama is just a lousy person. He's a shyster who hesitates to even speak to her, so there's no way in a million years that he'll be able to convey his feelings to you.
"So, is Elomura-san leading the charge at the moment?
I'm not sure about that. ....... Would you like me to ask your daughter what she likes in a man?
That's a good idea.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　Mischa has a role to play as the Duchess of Solistair, but more than that, Celestina is the precious keepsake of a friend. It is an absolute requirement to make her happy, but she cannot be trusted unless she has the ability and will to protect Celestina with her life.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will make you happy. She has high hopes for Deeo, whose aura says, "I love you!
　Her hobbies are sweet romance novels and some thin books.

I have a simple question for you, Miss: ....... I'm not sure what kind of men you prefer, Miss.
I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm sure you're not the only one.
"What?

　At this point, the line between Elomra and Dio disappeared .
　Celestina was looking for a man who was older than her, or someone who was mature in thought and who understood her.
　And she could only think of one such man.
　Yes, Delsacis, who had an unknown number of mistresses in various places. But the problem with him is that he is very understanding of many women. .......

I'm not sure I've ever heard of a man who's been a phallus. ....... This is not good.
"What?　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're getting yourself into.

　Celestina is in a completely isolated position within the duchy.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you can get it. Of course, there is a reason for this.
　Delsacis does not intend for Celestina to become a noblewoman, and hopes that she will eventually be strong enough to live on her own. Above all, she does not intend to tie her down to the bonds of nobility. Misaka also agrees with this.
　However, Delsacis, who also has to show her position as a noblewoman, has distanced herself from Celestina and taken away the time she could spend with her parents. Creston may be a substitute parent, but he is not a father.
　This is because Creston is only a grandfather.
　Our educational policy of separating the children from the bonds of aristocracy has somehow led to the image of the ideal man as the ideal father, and as a result, they have become uninterested in the opposite s*x of their age.

Is it possible that our educational policy has backfired?　No, it's too early to say. ...... You should really check this out.

　She took a deep breath and calmed herself down while breaking out in a cold sweat inside.
　And then, somehow, he managed to say the following words without shaking his voice.

So, you prefer a mature man?　For example, a man like Lord Xellos. ......
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. But I'm still treated like a child, aren't I? I think that the relationship between you and Luceris is a little different, and I think that the relationship between you and Luceris comes first.　Even if it is a political marriage, I'm sure the teacher will think about me properly, but even so, it will take time.

　Marriage is possible, but Xellos does not recognize Celestina as a woman. Even if they were to get engaged, it would still be a long time before he would see her as a woman.


　Celestina was somewhat aware of this.
　And if you think about it, her opinion of Xellos is much higher than Dio's, which means she's okay with considering marriage.

What about you, Deeo-sama, at ......?
"......?　Who is that?
"That's Mr. Zwait's friend, Mr. Dio. You can find him in the library and sometimes on the training grounds at .......
Oh?　Isn't he the Destroyer?　I don't know why he's so thin on the ground.
Miss ......, shouldn't that be "thin"?

　It's terrible. And miserable.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　If he had any characteristics at all, she might have at least remembered his name, but unfortunately, Dio was not as unique as Elomra.
　No matter how much I liked him, it would be meaningless if he didn't even leave an impression. After all, he is perceived as air. .......
　By mistake, he is neither a destroyer nor has his presence been diminished by the effects of underwater oxygen destructive weapons. He's just a friend of Zveit's.
　Miska and Carosti turned their backs to Celestina and wept quietly at Dio's pity. There was a sadness that could not be rewarded even if they tried.

It's not fair to ask only me.　It's not fair to only ask me.
I'm a ...... maid.
I'm a ...... maid. I have a ...... fiancée.
"Oh, really, ......?

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, you can call us at our own web site.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm not sure what to say. I've been trying to fire him up and get him to see the opposite s*x, but I didn't realize he had a taste for men. ....... I wonder what Milena would say if she knew I was teaching him this: ....... I'm sorry, I don't know what I'll look like to you in the afterlife.

　In the event that Dio tried to do something insolent to Celestina, Mischa was naturally going to kill him in secret.
　That's why she was always watching from the shadows, but Dio was too much of a fool to have a proper conversation with her. On the contrary, it is so irritating to watch him.

I'm not sure if it's because we underestimated the importance of education or because he's just too much of a jerk. ....... It seems that he is not interested in love, and it will be a long time before the young lady will be interested in the opposite s*x. ......

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　The situation is now reversed from when she couldn't use magic.
　Also, as far as I could find out, there are many boys who are after Celestina. Most of the noblemen are ambitious people who want to be connected to the dukes, and they are pests to the Delsacis who want to be happy.
　However, Celestina, who is now in the fullness of her life, doesn't even see such malice and is greedily studying the knowledge of magic.
　Any old man would be in a frenzy if he knew about this situation. I can see him dancing around without caring about what others think.

So, let's go to the hot spring after we take a break. I heard there are public baths.
"In other words, it's a hot spring where nobles and commoners alike can go. I don't feel comfortable exposing my skin to so many people. ......
It's separate for men and women.　It's not embarrassing because it's all women. It's the same as the bath I took yesterday.
Celestina is very eager to take a bath. Won't the water make you blister?
It will make your skin beautiful and make you more feminine!　I've been doing a lot of research lately and have been neglecting my skin. I've been doing a lot of research lately and have been neglecting my skin.
"Good, ......, at least you're interested in beauty. It is a woman's nature to want to be beautiful, even if she is not in love. Should I drop my guard a notch?　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it. In the event that you're in a position to cooperate, this problem is likely to cause headaches for those who have different command authority.
　I'm sure Delthasys will understand, "I don't mind lowering my guard for the sake of education," but Creston will say, "Keep the men away from me!　Celestina is with me! It was obvious that Creston was going to complain.
　The trouble is, the people who are guarding her are professionals.
　Even if you say, "Is this really a job?　......', they will do their job perfectly without complaining. There was a high possibility of conflict in the chain of command.

I'll leave the ...... breasts to the future. I'll surprise Grandfather by becoming smooth and sleek.
"My Master, you should have mentioned Lord Xelloss or some other gentleman's name. ....... What do you want me to show the Grand Master? ......
It's been a while since I've seen you, so I wanted to show you that you're as healthy and well as possible.
...... No.

　Celestina is jealous of other people's good looks and is passionate about beauty.
　But on the inside, she is a pure and filial person who does not want to worry about her grandfather.
　No one knows if she will ever have a proper relationship.