The landing was just before dawn.
　The Safagin's resistance was stronger than we had expected, and it took us longer to land from the Occupythe. Although the Occupythe was designed to be an experimental vessel with a variety of functions, it was essentially a transport vessel.
　It is not a military-grade assault landing craft.

　It is true that it was difficult to carry out bold operations against monsters that could freely engage in underwater activities because of the lack of control.
　However, at midnight, a small number of griffons summoned by Naotsugu and Nyanta to move in the air began to replenish their forces on the town side of Choshi. If the Summoner is lined up on both banks, it's only a matter of time before the Safagin is destroyed from a certain area.

Hi, Shiro-boy, I didn't expect you to come.
　Smiling widely is Marielle.

　I don't know when he appeared, but Shiroe, who had walked in from the city just as the sun was setting, redeployed his limited manpower and began to build a defensive line in the fields to the north of the town.

　Shiroe was the host of the Horizons of Record.
　In other words, he is one of the eleven guild leaders named in the Roundtable. However, compared to his title, his fame is quite low.
　Of course, Akiba is a free city. Information about the formation of the Roundtable and its inner workings has been circulated among the ordinary adventurers to the extent that it is problematic in terms of crisis management.
　In this sense, Shiroe's name is not unknown, but in terms of "face recognition," he is not as well known as the leaders of major guilds like Krusty and Isaac, or Marielle, who has a wide range of friends.

　It's true that he's a compassionate and good-natured young man when you talk to him, but Marielle and others think that he's a bit difficult to get to know at first.

(He's a good boy, though!)

　Marielle shakes her head in conclusion, but Henrietta will tell you that most 'adventurers' are good when it comes to Marielle.

　So while Siloe's appearance is not widely known, his arrival was no small shock. I'm sure you've heard the name of the founder of the Round Table, even if you don't know his face, and Marielle and Naotsugu and other key members of the Summer Camp and Choshi Defense Team trust him deeply and mention his name from time to time.

　And what's more, Shiroe came to Choshi town as a member of the general staff of the expeditionary force that left the city of Akiba.

　The sudden appearance of Shiroe on the streets of the city gave the exhausted defense forces the impression that he was leading the Occupythe troops, which appeared at about the same time.

　Marielle also made the most of this effect.
　The defense forces, exhausted by the Safagin's heavy-handedness, quickly regained their will to fight with the news that reinforcements had arrived. Spirits and summoned animals summoned from the Occupythe provide ultra-range support, while everyone from the new players to the newcomers make a three-sided effort to destroy the Safagin.

　The Safagin corpses lying on the water's edge are swept away by the low tide, or dissipated after a certain amount of time, while the fierce battle continues until midnight.

　The battle ended with the adventurer's victory.
　The exhausted adventurers from the summer camp are in an open meeting place halfway between the Great Zantorieff River and the beach, and they are all crushed.

　The defense and guard of the city is being replaced by troops that have arrived in Occupethe, who still have plenty of energy to spare. The only people gathered in this square are the members of the summer camp who fought through the defense from the goblins and the defense from the Safagin full time.

　Thinking that maybe I should be a little more demonstrative in my original attitude, even that Marielle was wrapped up in a sticky cloak and plopped down.

(Huh......... I managed it........)

　The Crescent Moon Alliance had no experience in large-scale battles or offensive and defensive warfare. Marielle had never commanded a front this complicated before.
　She could be described as a complete novice. It's a good thing that the motivation of the new adventurers and the support of veteran players such as Naotsugu were the reason for the success of this defensive strategy.

You are going to be able to get the best out of it.
　A voice falls from unexpectedly close proximity.
　It was Naotsugu, the actual person who was now remembering.

''Heeeeeee!
　Naotsugu sat down next to Marielle as she jumped up and down. It's a good thing that you've changed your clothes, or else you'd be wearing a cool summer tunic shirt and loose-fitting trousers.

"What's your voice, Marie-san?
Ugh, isn't that unfair?　It's Naotsugu, isn't it? Why are you changing your clothes!
No, because... The armor is heavy. It's a good thing I'm on a new shift tonight, huh?
　Naotsugu swept his gaze over Marielle's pursuit.

　Looking around, it seems that all of his exhausted comrades, though sluggishly moving like zombies, have managed to raise themselves up and at least try to get dressed.

Ugh, us too.
Are you okay?
No, it's not really all right.
　Marielle cupped her temples. The repeated use of magic has made the back of her head heavy as if it were numb.

　The Healing Priest (Cleric) is an expert in recovery spells. In addition to his unique recovery spells, he also possesses a wide variety of other forms of magic, and when it comes to defense and recovery capabilities alone, he boasts a greater variety than any other recovery expert.
　For this group battle, Marielle didn't dare to form a party and ran around the battle area as a single leader. She had adopted the strategy of casting a recovery spell from the outside, the so-called 'Tsuji Heel'.
　I don't think that strategy was necessarily wrong, but it has resulted in this headache. This was Marielle's first experience of emptying her MP more than 10 times in one day.

''Why don't you just take a break for a bit longer?''
Uhhhh~
　To be honest, even Marielle is not in the mood to move.

The bath is probably full.
You got a bath?
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on some of the most advanced facilities that have appeared recently, even in Akiba. The fact that this state-of-the-art facility was in the town of Chousi was a surprise to Marielle.

The fact that there is a state-of-the-art facility in the town of Choshi was a surprise to Marielle. The reason why there were no baths in Akiva is that the furniture that the Adventurers could make did not have baths," she said. To be more precise, they had a bath, but that was just because they were modeled in a way that they didn't have the ability to make or store hot water.　The Elder Tail didn't need to take a bath in the first place. But the Earthman wants to bathe from the start, and we have the facilities to do so.
Oh, really?
　Marielle prostrated herself with her head in her hands.

　If that's the case, don't you think the few houses in Akiba have bathrooms?

　Marielle remembers how she was in the guild's kitchen, secretly boiling water in the middle of the night, sweating on a small tarai, when Henrietta found her and nearly caused a horrendous mess. At that time, Henrietta was terrified. Just remembering it would make her expression turn pale.

'But they're full. The inn and the mayor's house are full because we're crowding the baths at the inn and the mayor's house. By the way, the innkeeper's bath is for boys only, and the mayor's house is for girls.
Wow. All right. We'll just cool off a little bit.
Hey, yeah.
　Naotsugu sat cross-legged.
　Marielle slumped down, spreading her cloak on the grass.

　The moonlight falls white from above them.
　A cool breeze caresses your cheek and Marielle turns her gaze only to Naotsugu.

　Naotsugu, while looking up at that white moon, is using a large tropical leaf in his hand, like a fan, to fan Marielle.

(Ah.........)
　Marielle's blood, which had been burning and boisterous from the heat of battle, finally felt a little calmer. You'll be able to find a lot of people who will be able to help you.

You know. You know.
What?
　Naotsugu's laid-back voice brought Marielle the realization that the battle was over. We fought. We survived. And we were able to defend this town. Only a handful of adventurers had been transported to the Great Temple of Akiba by enemy fire during the battle.

We did good, didn't we?
Of course we did, my friend. We held on to this town.

　Marielle is aware that she's probably smiling even more than usual right now. It's probably a smile that's too sweet to look at. But that doesn't bother me either.
　Under this moonlight, I just wanted to immerse myself in Naotsugu's thoughtfulness as he caressed my cheek.



　◆



　Somewhere in the distance I heard the sound of a distant bell.
　The area was filled with a fresh scent and a sparkling, particulate glow.

　Rundelhaus raised his upper body from his elaborately carved marble bunk.

(This place....)
　The scene outside the window is the night sky. The time is night.
　But from the houseplants placed here and there in this stone-built room, a strange, glowing, scale-powder-like substance rose from the houseplants, illuminating the room.

(Right, this is... the Great Temple?)
　Rundell House makes sense. I'm sure you've heard of it, but of course this is the first time I've been inside. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one. They may pray in the temple, but that is not the case with the adventurers.

　The Great Temple is one of the adventurer's special facilities, more like a magical relic than a religious site. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.

It's a good idea. Good, it looks like it's working.)
　I sat down on the bunk as it was and moved my body carefully.
　My right hand, my left hand, both legs, and my shoulders - all of which seemed to be fine. There didn't seem to be a problem anywhere. It felt like fatigue remained in the core of my bones, but that was probably the aftereffects of the transferable resurrection.

　I've heard that the resurrection by the Great Divine Hall decreases the experience. Rundelhaus opens the status screen and is surprised by the amount of information.
　The level of detail on the status screen for adventurers was beyond my imagination, it showed all the modifiers for various ability values and even minor bonuses from equipment, and the MP and HP bars were detailed in 0.1% increments.

　While I was almost blinded by such information, I looked at the experience column and found that it was still quite low. It can't be helped. It's not just the transposition resurrection, it's also the revival of a number of times while in front of it. This is a good thing.

　You can't die.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say.

　It's not that I admired the status and position of an adventurer, but I admired the way they lived. The adventurer's freedom and his sense of justice to save everyone else from the corrupt aristocracy were so dazzling to Rundelhaus that he could not help but be struck by them.

　The adventurer's freedom and sense of righteousness in saving others also dazzled him. There, he found the word "Adventurer".

　Name: Rundelhaus = Code.
　Main occupation: sorcerer
　Sub occupation: Adventurer

　Rundelhaus often stares at the letters in dismay.
(I see. I didn't have a sub profession. I'm sure you're not the only one. If that's what it is, then I'm an adventurer.
　Rundell House rushes to check the abilities of the sub professions. There are certainly some unfamiliar, but I've heard rumors about the Adventurer's abilities.

　It's a good idea to make sure that you have the right information for the job.
(This is a lot of stuff. ....with this much power)
　Time lost does not return. The past of Rundell House will never be the same. But from now on, we won't tremble helplessly, and we may even be able to help as many people as we wish.

　And most importantly, I can live in the city of Akiba without hiding who I am. He feels closer to his friends than anyone else, the friends he has formed deep friendships with during this camp. Rundel House could create a home again. A place where you can be yourself.

　Rundelhaus remembers.
　Rundelhaus remembers an adventurer, one who conquered the corrupt nobility.
　I wish I could, but I cursed myself not to. If I could be allowed to do it again, I would be an adventurer. And Rundelhaus swore that he would measure the value of the miracle he wished for.

　This little Gensokyo is the point of that fresh start. The earnest-looking, bespectacled young man is also an adventurer. He is the master of their guild, respected by Rundelhaus' friends, Minori and Touya.

(I wonder if that young man Shiroe knows about the scenery that I don't...)
　As Rundelhaus basked in his own thoughts and resuscitation pleasure, high footsteps approached from a distance.


'Rudy!'
　The stone door between the altar rooms is popped open shatteringly and Isuzu enters. Isuzu glares at Rundell House through the doorway with a complex expression, angry and annoyed.

''Hi, Miss Isuzu. .........Err, what's up?
I don't know what's going on here, but...
　As Isuzu approached graciously, she turned her chest as hard as she could.

　Its head was higher than Rundelhaus, who was sitting on a low bunk, so its expression was difficult to discern, even when looking up at it in that position. There was a watery sopping sound, but Isuzu's voice sounded definitely angry.

''What were you going to do if you died after pushing yourself to death like that? Rudy's an idiot.''
"Foolishness is impolite. "I'm not a fool," he said, "but sometimes you have to risk your life to get through, Miss Isuzu. No one can stop me from fighting, lest I fail to connect the free spirit of the Adventurer to the yoke.
When I tell you to wait, you wait!
That's inexcusable.
Wait!
　Isuzu's voice was so high-handed that even the quintessential Rundelhaus was ticked off.

　But when he wondered why Isuzu was here, he realized that Isuzu was the only one who had figured out that Rundelhaus was the Daichijin.

　Isuzu was the only companion who had figured out that Rundelhaus was an 'earthling'. In hindsight, Minori had also guessed, but Isuzu was the only one who had asked Rundelhaus himself, pursued him, and helped him with Rundelhaus' desire to become an adventurer.
　The fact that she is here now means that she used a return spell to chase after the shape-shifting resurrected man, even using a return spell to chase him back to the city of Akiba.

I'm sure you're not the only one. I have a feeling you were worried about me.
　The moment Rundelhaus said that line, a blow that hurt so much that it brought tears to his eyes exploded into his head as he sat there.

　I don't know why he was hit, but Rundelhaus was also of noble blood and had lived up to his age. I know very well that the only way to apologize to a woman in a situation like this is to lash out and apologize.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what to expect. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're talking about.
　For every word spoken, two to three blows would be delivered. Rudy's head had been hit so hard that he was feverish and no longer dazed.

'All right. I'll listen to what Miss Isuzu says.
Really?
I swear to God. I swear to God.
You're going to tell me about Rudy's childhood, too.
Why would you..... Huh?　Wow, okay. I'll talk.
How many lives would you need to live if you were reckless like that?
I'm sorry.
Now, get your hands in the air.
　Huh...?

　Rundelhaus looked up at Isuzu at those words.
　In Isuzu's cute, freckled, angry, and freckled expression, only her eyes were fluttering and softly pointing out her hand.

(That's no match for you, you know.)
　Rundelhaus gently lays his hand over his own.

　Naturally, it's a gesture from the other world that doesn't exist in this world. To Rundelhaus, it seemed like a gender-reversed gesture of a knight escorting a lady, and that was terribly embarrassing.

　He was furious when Isuzu told him later that the gesture was the manner in which a dog shows its loyalty to its master, but at the time, it wasn't a situation in which he would show his anger by being covered by the neck.

　Apparently, Rundelhaus was doomed to disobey this freckled girl.



　◆



　The first expeditionary force with the city of Akiba was later called the Eastern Counterattack Force and returned successfully. This was also in conjunction with the "Festival of Suzaku Mon" that took place around the same time.

　To be precise, the expeditionary force did not defeat the Goblin King. They simply contained the raiding army in the Zantoriih Peninsula and destroyed it. This operation was completed about a week after Krusty and the rest of the Penetrating Strike Battalion defeated the Goblin General (General).

　In the meantime, Shiroe, Krusty and the others kept a vigilant eye out for any reinforcements from the goblins' stronghold, the Seventh Falls Fortress, but they finally failed to show up.
　The Seven Falls Fortress, which we continue to monitor as a precaution, is thought to have thousands of troops holed up there. This was only about one-fifth the number of the goblin raiding army, so if one only paid attention to their numbers, they were not a great threat.
　However, talking about troops in terms of numbers alone is a force-contrast approach in the original world. In this different world, where individual combat ability is widely distributed up and down from one infantry class to the equivalent of a tank, the number of people and the number of troops cannot be an absolute assessment of one's war potential. It could be said that the Akiba Expeditionary Force had succeeded in proving this point.

　The Goblin King is still alive and well in the Seven Falls Fortress, and a large number of large magical beasts are expected to be present there. The goblin shamans, who were not part of the raiding army, would also be waiting for them.

　The threat to the Seventh Waterfall Fortress is greater than its strength.

　However, the reason for putting off the Seven Fall Fortress was not because it would be difficult to capture. The Round Table believed that it was only a matter of time before the adventurer's ability to defeat them, even if there were still a few powerful enemies left.

　One of the reasons why the defeat of the Goblin King was put off was because they decided it was better to conclude a treaty with the Alliance of Free Cities Eastar first.

　Another reason was the D.D.D.'s refusal to participate in the battle for the Seven Fall Fortress. D.D.D.'s representative, Krusty, is also the head of the Round Table, and is currently the leading figure in Akiba's city.
　There was a concern that if D.D.D. were to dominate the event, it would cause D.D.D. to run amok. In the first place, one of the purposes of establishing the Roundtable was to prevent a major guild from running amok. This proposal from Krusty's side was immediately accepted.

　The D.D.D. is indeed a major fighting guild, with a high level of skill, but it is not without its rivals. Especially when it comes to fighting inside the fortress, it would be difficult for a team of 96 men (Legion Raid) to break in with a team of 96 (Legion Raid), and a team of 24 (Full Raid) would be needed to capture the battle. If this were to happen, the advantage of D.D.D.'s "large number of guild members" would be lost in relative terms.
　Even if D.D.D. withdrew, they would still be able to hold the line and defeat the Goblin King, which is why D.D.D.'s reputation for holding back was quickly confirmed, even in Akiba's own city.

　The Round Table also had other plans for the project.
　The Round Table had set up a bounty for patrolling the villages of the northeastern Yamato region and issuing a large number of quests to defeat stray goblins.

　Goblins are not a formidable foe on the scale of an army like this one, but on the scale of a platoon. Even though they were planning a strategy, the fact that Minori and her team of thirty-odd levels were able to defeat them is a good example.

　For this reason, these defeat quests are more for novice or mid-level adventurers than for high-level adventurers, and they are very much appreciated by them, with many of them leaving the city of Akiba. They would roam the forests and fields of northeastern Yamato, impressing the Daichijito with the revival of the Adventurers.

　By cutting down on the small number of troops outside the citadel, the Seven Falls Fortress was able to strengthen its defenses and concentrate its forces. If the Goblin King were to be defeated first, the Goblin tribe would lose control.
　Without a ruler, the goblins would spread and could cause unrest, which was the gist of Shiroe's persuasion to the Round Table. In other words, this containment was a stepping stone for the upcoming battle for the Seven Falls Fortress.

　He's resentful, but people around him say he's black. It's not a black-and-white issue in military strategy, but he's not sure what he's getting at.

　What Shiroe didn't know was that the black reputation came mainly from a woman who belonged to a production guild in Akiba. It's not just that he's a black man, it's that he's a demon. However, it was more of a situation of being "dismissed" than of malice or hostility.
　It was more like a bad guy who imposes unreasonable demands on an unknowing princess.

　Without knowing that, Shiroe was depressed and depressed, and Henrietta said to her, "Shiroe-sama's blackness still doesn't stop here! He would give them a pep talk. Shiroe himself was in a sensitive mood at the time.

　In this way, the Roundtable succeeded in reaching the stage of signing a treaty with the League of Free Cities of Eastar during the earned grace period. Three treaties were signed: the Basic Treaty, the Treaty of Mutual Traffic and Commerce, and the Peace Treaty.

　A month after the siege of Zantorieff, a treaty was signed in Maihama.
　Now, a festival was being held in Maihama to celebrate the signing of the treaty.

　Many nobles from the northeastern part of Yamato had gathered in the capital of Maihama, its glittering and beautiful streets. The Council of Lords was adjourned, and the nobles who had returned to their respective fiefdoms gathered in the capital of Maihama as if they were returning in a daze. Of course, unlike the Council of Lords, participation is not compulsory, so there were a couple of lacking faces, but this was one of the few opportunities to gain the acquaintance of the Adventurers.
　Now that the treaty of commerce had been signed, it was a great opportunity for the lords to sell their own specialties and sign preferential contracts. Their motivation to not lose to other lords, coupled with the fervor of the festival, has led to a fierce negotiation battle.

　However, it is the same for the various guilds that exist in the city of Akiba.
　As is evident from the RAP. jr. guild's hot sandwiches, Akiba and the rest of the world have the potential to benefit from a new twist.
　It was the same for the commercial guilds, and it was the same for the combat guilds as well, whether it was escorting or gathering rare items.

　In any case, the current state of Yamato is dizzy with the lack of all kinds of supplies.

　In the castle town of Maihama, all the innkeepers are fully booked, and there are many temporary guest houses in operation. Negotiations there are mainly with small and medium-sized commercial guilds and small guilds that take on guards. The population of Maihama seems to have doubled at one point, with peddlers from the city of Akiba rushing in with all the foodstuffs, swords, armor, and anything else they could sell.

　In the Royal Palace, not only the guest rooms and guestrooms, but also the Knight's Palace has been opened up to receive guests. The lords are struggling to negotiate an exclusive contract with a major guild.
　Of course, most of the Elder Tail players are far from cunning and crafty, as they would say on Earth, and the aristocrats have an advantage in negotiations. However, they are often confused by the fact that they are not aware of the subtleties of the adventurers' needs and desires because they are the Earthlings.
　As a result, all negotiations would proceed on an arm's length basis, and as long as the parties were able to come to an understanding that both sides were sincere and persistent, as is always the case with arm's length negotiations, the result would not be too dissatisfying.

　It was truly a festival beyond the annual scale.

　The landlords of all the restaurants, peddlers, and eateries that dealt with the swollen population worked with red faces, and the adventurers worked tirelessly to create and sell items, sparing no time to sleep. Everyone made some money from the celebrations, and the demand for a little treat or better clothes to toast to the day's earnings was soaring.

　At the court, the servants, including the temporary ones, were busily flying around, following the instructions of the orderly, who was trying to make sure that all the preparations were done to perfection, but naturally in this kind of commotion, there was no such thing as a perfect reception, and those in charge were on the verge of collapse.
　But it is true that the Adventurers are an easy race to handle. Most of the Adventurers were self-reliant, and most of them were reserved and uncomfortable with the simple task of being served their meals.

　If the Adventurers were required to have at least three servants or maidservants to eat, dress, and bathe, the court of Maihama, the largest city in the League of Free Cities, would be completely paralyzed.

　But the Adventurers were, to the aristocrats, self-reliant and unattached to their flamboyant lifestyle. That being the case, intelligent aristocrats would adapt their own lifestyles to simplify, at least during these negotiations.
　Even the extravagant and selfish aristocrats are now relatively more accommodating during the festivities and as a result, the environment of Maihama's palace has been maintained.

　And now the treaty-making festivities, involving everyone from royalty to city folk, migrants and artisans to farmers, are about to culminate.

　In the heart of Maihama, in the great hall of Castle Cinderella, a grand ball is about to be held to the solemn melodies of a band.

　This hall was larger than that of the "Old Court of Eternal Ice," and was lit by the glimmering of countless candles and the lights of summoning arts. More than 200 people have been invited to the ball, which is held for the nobility, the city's leading merchants and the Adventurers.

　When the host, Duke Sergiad of Corwin, announces the start of the event, the music rises higher and clearer, welcoming the dancers to the ball.
　The young knights and princesses were reluctant to be in the presence of adventurers, but it was Krusty and Reinesia who stepped forward in the midst of the situation.

　The combination of Krusty, the young hero of Akiva, who saved the Alliance of Free Cities from the threat of goblins, and the granddaughter of the Duke of Cowen's family of Maihama, the representative city of the Alliance of Free Cities, caught my attention.

　What's more, Princess Reinesia rode alone into the city of Akiba to make a plea, and the Adventurers, struck by her sincerity, lent their support out of chivalry, an anecdote worthy of a heroic tale.
　The combination of these two is not only episodically impressive, but also visually stunning.

　Krusty was a knight who was rumored to have defeated the goblin general in a one-on-one duel, but contrary to his reputation, he was a quiet, intelligent-looking young man.
　He wore his glasses and had a calm and distraught profile. Only his height was quite tall for his profession, but there was no sign of the obtuse image of a giant knight. The number of people who have been plugged in to the plumbing and plating of the skin is increasing.

　Reinesia is one of the most beautiful ladies in the League of Free Cities Eastal. The dress she wore today was relatively modest. The satin cloth was a pale blue to violet with fine embroidery in silver thread.
　The full, puffy silhouette that completely covered her shoulders was conservative, but the bosom and back were cut just enough to hold the lord's gaze and accentuate the gracefulness of her slender, swanlike neck.

　As they advanced to the center of the floor, murmurs that could be described as sighs or admiration escaped from those around them. It was indeed a very presentable and picturesque scene.

'Is my lord not going?'
　Shiroe, who was alone on the dark second floor overlooking the hall, moistening her throat with black rose tea, looked next to her.

　There was Akatsuki, probably decorated by Henrietta, dressed in that dainty outfit she had seen in the Old Court of Eternal Ice.
　Her pearl-colored dress was the same as the last time, but today she was wearing a blue-purple shawl over it. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

''I'll pass this time. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. It's not easy to keep up with the place even if I go, and it's exhausting. I'm tired.
　As Shiroe said this, Akatsuki silently approached and sat down next to Shiroe.

　The balcony, with a small table and a few chairs, is not very populated. Originally, it would be used by high-ranking aristocrats for resting and the like, but since today is a festive ball where adventurers also participate, the court servants probably don't have a hand in turning it around as well.

　Looking down from a high vantage point, you can clearly see the state of the hall.
　The orchestra wore matching costumes and were concentrating on their performance. A wealthy merchant and old aristocrats are stationed in a corner, ready to take their time and enjoy the performance. The adventurers look somewhat timid. The gutsy "landlords" have the guts to converse with knights and merchants in a leisurely manner.

　While all sorts of human drama was unfolding, Krusty and Rainecia arrived at the center of the hall and began to step forward with the radiance of a blooming flower.

".........
　Akatsuki, who is staring intently, looks back at Shiroe and their gazes intertwine. Akatsuki opens her mouth to say something, but her lips are drawn together again, as if she's given up.

　Her girlish expression seems confused, and Shiroe feels very tender.
'Why are you laughing? 'My lord,'
I'm not laughing.
No, you're laughing.

　It's not true, Shiroe continues, but Akatsuki is persistent. But he suddenly softened his words and apologized.

It's not a good idea. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
No, I don't think so, Akatsuki.

　Shiroe is taken aback by Akatsuki's words. During this incident, which had lasted a month since he had been called to the Lords Council, Akatsuki had been following Shiroe throughout the entire time, acting as a shadow and a sunshine, taking on the duties of gathering information and guarding him. Just the two of them, they could have gone to that Li-Gun's study and touched a part of the mystery of this world.
　I told him so, but Akatsuki still doesn't have an expression on his face.

　
　It was a poorly done dance, reserved to each other.



　◆



　Floating in that same circular dance, in a dazzling glow, are Reinesia and Krusty.

　From Reinesia's point of view, Krusty is a giant tiger.
　Towering like a huge wall in front of us, Krusty escorts us with a neat, gorgeous step that belies his apparent image.
　The court has settled on a gentle and beautiful young man, a reputation that Reinesia got from her maidservants, but Reinesia would never be fooled by such a reputation, knowing what she saw on the battlefield.
It's a tiger. He's a tiger.

　I am a smart person for a knight.
　 It's a good thing that you're not the same person as you are.

'What's wrong?　The "Princess
It's nothing. Lady Krusty.
　Reinesia whispers back in a sullen voice, even as she mends her expression to look like a smile to the surrounding nobles and adventurers.

　Krusty's voice is also subdued, and in this great hall filled with orchestral music and buzzing, their whispers will not be leaked to the surroundings.
　You may notice that they are whispering and dancing to each other by the movement of their lips, but from their expressions and the situation, you will be able to judge the content of their conversation as friendly.

　Reinesia knows that, according to her court maidservant, these conversations between the two of them can quickly turn into fictitious banter, and information about their secret meetings and encounters can be exchanged in the blink of an eye. In fact, such stories have been popping up in her ears as well.

''-- it's infuriating,''
What's going on?
　The most annoying thing about Krusty's refusal to deny such rumors was his refusal to deny them at all. I'm sure it's frustrating when he denies it, but I can't stand it when he shows his composure.

'It's nothing,'
I'm sorry I didn't make you feel better.
　You are the one who made that happen. But in the next moment, Reinesia says, "Well, it's certainly me who made you do it," and she is speechless.

(Totally. You don't think it's a bad thing to say........

　Raynesia sighs at the thought of the future.
　Her grandfather had been cool to the idea of a treaty. The treaty between the League of Free Cities of Eastar and the Round Table was signed on an equal footing. In this regard, the two sides do not owe each other anything.
　On the other hand, it was Reinesia who called upon the Adventurers for assistance in the plight of East Yamato, which was about to be overrun by goblins. For this action, the Alliance of Free Cities of Eastar felt the utmost gratitude and respect, but they did not see it as a debt to the Adventurers.
　Grandfather had made it clear to Reinesia that he did not think that they owed the Adventurers a debt of gratitude.

In short, I'll be the one to repay the debt to the Adventurers," he said.

　The idea is that at this and subsequent festivals, the Adventurers will be treated as guests of honor, but they will not be paid for the war effort. That's what makes Reinesia look so pale.

　She had said so in her speech in Akiva, but she had expected the League of Free Cities to provide some funding and payment for her services. We can't afford to pay a single visit to the adventurers who were injured on this expedition.

　I'm sure it's the result of long training, but Leinecia's body continues to move with a graceful, almost automatic step.

　One step to the right. One more step to the right.
　A quarter turn. A step to the left. Hands raised to touch each other.

　A flute that doesn't stagnate. Krusty and Reinesia dance with melted euphoria on the sweet, sad violin.

'Do you hate it so much?'
'Not exactly, but...'
　Such was the line of compromise between my grandfather and the Corwin family: the appointment of an ambassador to Reynesia. Originally, in the aristocratic culture of the lords, a lady is a symbolic figure. Her appearance could be used for political purposes, but she would never be expected to have political talent or business ability.

　However, my grandfather told me that since "you voluntarily overcame the protection you received," such considerations were no longer necessary. The position of head of the embassy, which was to be created in Akiba, was then handed down. It's a good thing that you're not a fan of the newer version of the mansion.

--It's a good idea to stay close to your side and keep your head down from time to time, since you are the one who owes the debt.
　My grandfather, Lord Sergiad, said this with a stern face, but his eyes were smiling. I'm sure he thought it was because he was having a good time with Raynesia.
　I was more than a little depressed when I thought about it.

'Three meals and a nap are included.
"Huh?
That includes three meals and a nap.
　Krusty mutters in a disgusted, resigned tone.

'So you're an ambassador for Akiva's city, right?　Of course, the city of Akiba is going to grow from now on, and the lords will probably want to have a traveling organization, or rather a negotiating base. I can understand why Maihama is setting up a separate residence in Akiba ahead of this. The effect of that will be in its own way.
　But, well, we're adventurers. We're not as interested in the aristocratic lifestyle as the nobility are. The tea parties and evening parties are also quite rare. That's the kind of town that the princess comes to, so I think she'll enjoy a shut-in life with three meals and a nap.

　Krusty's sullen tone filled Reinesia's chest with hope. Perhaps this is a welcome development?
　If you think about it, being away from your parents is also a way to escape the scrutiny of your parents. I'm sure you've been dreaming of not taking a bath and spending three days in idleness.

Well, three days is an acceptable amount of time.
Wow!
　At Krusty's statement that read his mind again, Reinesia's cheeks instantly turned bright red. This naughty youkai human is really out of control. The hand that clenched tightly in anger didn't seem to feel as much to Krusty as a little bird had stopped.

　If observed from the outside, it might have looked like a young knight of legendary military fame escorting a beautiful princess, the faint love between them making the princess' cheeks flush with melancholy.

　However, the rumors around you and the reality are not always the same. Even if they did, it was only a matter of consequence, and the people around them would never be able to understand the small details.

'Now we can finally go back to our self-defeating lives. Right?　Lady Krusty.
'Well, I'm not so sure about that. The princess seems to be quite the self-destructor, you know.
　The two rumoured men would continue to dance to the tune of the ball that now only celebrated the peace, whispering and antagonizing each other, as if they had no interest in what their relationship would be like afterwards.