3.05


"My lord, my nerves are kind of tingling.
What do you mean?
　Shiroe answered Akatsuki's muttering in a ritualistic manner.
　Akatsuki was a little happy about that, but he looked around in all directions. In fact, it would be cool if they could be more shinobi-like, but of course, they are not professionally trained on earth, so they can't be brilliant when it comes to looking around. As an adventurer, he's a great deal better at physical skills and lightness, but his skills are different.
'There doesn't seem to be any commotion going on, but it seems to be a harbinger of it.
　Still, utilizing the goodness of his keen ears, Akatsuki reported to his next lord - Shiroe.

　I'm sure the two of them are walking in a corner of the grounds of a huge structure called the "White Sand Palace", or roughly speaking, the garden on the west side.
　The White Sand Palace has a dozen or so huge buildings, a vermillion-painted corridor connecting them, and gardens of varying themes and tastes, all in a vast area. It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.
　The adventurer's increased physical abilities also extend to the five senses.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Although there are not many female officers passing by, it seems that the number of people packing the place is not small. It's just that the density is low because of the vastness of the site. The proof of this is that the buzz leaks out of the auditorium, which also has bright black tiles.
　Shiroe seems to have noticed it too.
Are you busy getting ready? He tilted his head in the air.
　Akatsuki stopped for a moment and looked up at Shiroe, but then regained his composure and continued his vigilance.

　Akatsuki doesn't think of himself as intelligent in the subtleties of human nature. It's not easy to make friends, and it takes determination to talk to someone you don't know well. That's why he was a solo player in Elder Tail.
　Shiroe has said in her own words that she is not good at making friends, which is understandable from Akatsuki's point of view, but at a time like this, I can't help but think that the lord is really insensitive.
　Akatsuki doesn't know how to deal with people, but in spite of the fact that he doesn't understand, I think he has a keen sense of self-preservation. That is to say, it's a way of staying away from any hint of trouble. I know it's not cool, but I'm still afraid of getting involved with people, so I need to be sensible in order to stay away from scary groups and scary people. The ability to read the air is necessary to avoid others, and although we don't know what they want us to do, we are only sensitive to the fact that they don't want us to be here, or to the anticipation that we will get involved if we are.
　Once there, Lord Shiroe is less vigilant about it.
　He smiled with a troubled look on his face, saying that he had suffered a lot of unpleasant surprises, but he still doesn't mind getting involved with others.
　Of course, I don't blame Shiroe for that kind of thing at all; if it weren't for her heart, she wouldn't have been able to help Minori and Touya and the others. So while I like the kindness of his attitude, I am troubled by his lack of sense of crisis. Shiroe does not take note of the disturbances that are now filling the White Sand Gosho.

　Still, Akatsuki's mission this time is to protect you.
　As an escort, he must guard Shiroe's personal safety and protect her freedom of action.

　To tell the truth, I had a secret agreement with Naotsugu when I set out on this trip. Since Naotsugu went out with Shiroe on his last trip to Ezzo in Hokkaido, he said he would give her to Akatsuki this time. I don't know why, but even Master and Tetra were on hand to help me, and they seemed to be taking good care of me.
　The people around me encouraged me to stay close to Shiroe, so I couldn't neglect this mission.
　However, half of the reason why he gave it to me was also for the convenience of Naotsugu's side. He clenched his fists, "If we don't make good progress, Marier-san's natural blabbermouths are going to complicate the conversation at the festival. We've been going out together for so long, yet we haven't even been able to talk to each other properly, Naotsugu's interpersonal skills are not nearly as impressive as they could be. Akatsuki chuckled at that thought.

　The white sand passage was bent at right angles many times.
　There was only the roof supported by vermillion-painted pillars, but there was gravel underfoot and a thick green garden on either side. I wondered if it was some kind of a crossing passage?　It would be quicker if you could cut through the trees in the garden in front of you on your way to your noisy destination, but you would feel uncomfortable doing so in a place where you had been invited in spite of the fact that you had been invited.
　However, following the pathway, I had to go around the garden in circles, and it was difficult to get to the people who might know what was going on.
　Finally, Akatsuki and Shiroe froze in front of the first person they encountered.

'Kazuhiko-san!'
　The reason Shiroe froze is that he met an old friend, but Akatsuki was different. Of course, Shiroe, Naotsugu and Nyanta had told him of the name as a member of the Prodigal Tea Party, but there was a big difference between hearing it and seeing it.
'Shiroe.
　The man who smiled bitterly, as if he were tired, was a swordsman with a physique trained like steel. More than the ronin's style of Japanese clothing and full-length hair, more than the sword slung at his waist, his hawk-like appearance and casually shoulder-width, slightly half-open foot position radiated a whirling pressure.
　Akatsuki didn't draw his small sword, but he felt his entire body instantly switch to a fighting stance.
　He wasn't an adventurer.
　They are different from any other adventurer Akatsuki knows, at least in terms of pressure and fighting ability, and in terms of existence they are closer to the Tenkau that they faced in Sibuya. I don't know how the adventurer can be so overwhelmingly powerful, but Akatsuki almost shrank back because of its substandard fighting ability.

''Don't do it,''
　Akatsuki swallowed raw when he felt the gaze Kazuhiko ran at him, leaving about five meters or so, a somewhat far distance for conversation.
　It was a poor expectation.
　It was scarier than the 〈Tenkau〉.
　He hadn't felt this intimidated by the battle of Sibuya or the battle at the Akiba Guild Hall. It's not that I was in the mood for a game somehow, but because I had an unfounded confidence that I wouldn't falter against an enemy like this, even if I lost.
'You've heard it from the squad leader, right?　Shiroe. Go back to Akiva.
Why?
　Shiroe replied to Kazuhiko's words with her usual fluffy tone of voice. Akatsuki thought he was being too blunt, but he immediately regretted it.
　Shiroe does something that can only be described as reckless in a strange way, but it's not because he's insensitive, as he was thinking earlier, but rather because he chooses to be. It's not that he's insensitive to getting himself hurt, but that he's too sincere about the shortest distance when he decides to do something somewhere.
　Kazuhiko says he is an old friend of Shiroe's.
　Even Akatsuki knows them, fighting side by side in the great organization called the Tea Party of the Prodigal. Remembering Shiroe's soft voice as he reminisced, it was easy to see how much he cherished it. It was impossible for Shiroe not to be troubled when he heard Master Nyanta say that he had crossed swords with one of such friends.
　It was no surprise to Akatsuki that Shiroe was the one who was most prepared to travel to the Holy Imperial Westland.
　When I realized this, my feet naturally took half a step forward.
　It was strange but not scary to be next to Shiroe rather than hiding behind him.

'Because Shiroe doesn't need to be involved.
　Kazuhiko told me in a tone as heavy as a rock that had been buried in the ground for hundreds of years. There was no longer a smile on his face, nor did he try to hide his swordsmanship.
　Shiroe chooses to be silent at those words. Not caring about Kazuhiko's rejection, he looked at his old friend with a questioning gaze for a long time before saying, "Speaking of impossible, I suppose.
But I'm sure you have business beyond that.
You don't know what you're talking about.
　Akatsuki gently shifted his attention to the small sword at his waist. Shiroe's spirit is a determination not to quit a fight, but that "not quitting a fight" is surely a determination to be cut, not a determination to cut. So when the time comes, Akatsuki must make a move.
　You will be able to find a lot of people who will be able to help you in your quest to become a better person.
''If Kazuhiko-san is going to stop it, I have to go, right?
It's not as cute as it used to be.
　Kazuhiko smiles bitterly, but despite his joking words, there is not the slightest opportunity. Rather, he released his demonic energy as if to curse Akatsuki and try to entangle him.

''Because I'm now Gilmouth.
But don't do it (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,), what if I say so?
"| Still, let me see it《,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. I will answer that.
　Akatsuki was under the illusion that Shiroe had taken a big step forward.
　Its body hadn't actually moved, but the words it uttered were tantamount to a declaration of war. In front of Shiroe and Akatsuki, who had probably realized this, a sound like a scream tore through solid air without any warning.
''Hmph.''
　It was probably not serious with a blow mixed with a checkmate.
　But for that reason, Akatsuki felt the tremendous speed of the sword.
　Kazuhiko's occupation (class) is an "assassin" (assassin). It's the same as Akatsuki's. They also have in common that they use oriental-style swords in their equipment. Akatsuki is a shadowblade, which excels at attacking from behind the scenes with surprise, while Kazuhiko is a slayer, which means he uses both long swords. And because they share the same profession, Kazuhiko's unfathomable strength is understood. It's not something that can be explained by being a mere five or so levels apart, it's an overwhelming ability to kill.
　It's extermination.
　It is the most powerful offensive skill of the assassin's offensive technique, though it requires the use of two-handed weapons, and it has a low probability of instantaneous death, which Akatsuki is well aware of. It is the technique of his profession. However, it has a completely different trajectory than the one he remembers, and Akatsuki danced to the sword flash that attacked him like a comet.
　It was as if he was literally throwing himself at it, intercepting it with Assassinate. Akatsuki had never imagined that this technique, which is synonymous with assassins and produces massive damage, would be used solely to deflect an opponent's attack. But it was necessary.

'If Intix-san is trying to cause a scene, we need to talk and stop her.
I'm telling you to stop because it won't stop.
　Shiroe releases the Astral Bind with a flowing motion. It's a movement blocking spell that restricts the target's movement with chains concocted with magical power. Kazuhiko sweeps the sharp chains from the ground with the white sheath of a Japanese sword. It's a spell that can be resisted (resisted) if there is a level difference, but Akatsuki has never seen Shiroe's that can be played so easily.
''But you'll still have to meet him. 'Akatsuki!　I'll get through.
You don't...
　Shiroe's backup supports both sides of Akatsuki as he dives in. Mezumalize, Astral Hupno, and Brain Vice. All of these are non-lethal restraint spells, but the Grantor's control over them is powerful.
　However, they still can't keep up. In the meantime, I'm going to be able to get the most out of the new system. In fact, there is even a hint of tameness there. The number of moves itself is not extremely large, but the power of each attack is so great that Akatsuki's side has to counterattack with large techniques, so he can't increase his moves.

　The competition was broken because of the violent whirlwind that ran through the air.
　For some reason, the swordsman Soujiro, clad in a sky-blue cloak, jumped in on the navy blue uniform of the Roundtable like a lightning snake crawling across the ground and interrupted. The sword in his left hand stabbed deep into the earth, creating a split in the ground. It took that much braking to stop the momentum of Soujiro's rush.
　Pointing the battling sword in his backhand at Kazuhiko, Souji declared clearly in a voice that seemed to bite everything off.
''Shiro-senpai. Please go.''
Soji. Soji, get out of here.
'I won't pull away. No matter how much Kazuhiko-senpai's words, I can't stop now. It's not enough to be protected. You're not going to be able to get away with it. --Shiro-senpai.
　Standing in front of the demonic Kazuhiko, Soujiro looked back over his shoulder. It was probably a signal to Shiroe to get going, but he also felt like he laughed at Akatsuki in the process.
　Akatsuki knew how Souji had stood up to that Ruglius. Akatsuki was the only one in Akiba who saw how he fought in the face of a threat he could never match. Soujiro showed Akatsuki the "oral tradition" in that battle. Not only did Soujiro find his own "Oral Tradition of Tenkando", but he also showed us "the oral tradition". He showed us the brilliance and limitations of the oral tradition. In other words, the meaning of the Oral Tradition.
　Akatsuki is too clumsy to understand it, but it is the sword he was entrusted with to protect Shiroe. Even now, Akatsuki has many more things entrusted to him than just the Haganemushi Tatara, which is still supported by Akatsuki's right hand.

　As if to slip through the purple blasts and dark clouds of the wide range of distraction spells Mind Shock slammed into the ground, Akatsuki activated Kuchiden, Shadow Lark. Normally this technique is used as a feint to evade attacks or to aim at the rear, but it also shows its power when used to escape. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what it means when Akatsuki squeezed her wrist. The two of them jumped into the garden of the White Sand Gosho as if they were being guided.

''No matter how strong Kazuhiko-senpai is, I can at least hold him back.
Nonsense. I'll take you down and stop you in your tracks.
　I hear the sound of a struggle behind me.
'Maybe. But even Kazuhiko-senpai, I want to show him my sword now. --I'm coming!
　It was a roar that sounded more like the breaking of a temple or shrine's temple bell than the hammering of a blade metal. Even though they received a shock close to the blast from behind, Akatsuki and Shiroe ran without looking back, holding hands.
　There had to be something hidden by Kazuhiko in the direction they were going.
　It could possibly be ugly and hurt Akatsuki's lord. But that's why Akatsuki wants to confront it together. Perhaps that is the role entrusted to Naotsugu and his friends, I am convinced.



◆3.06



　The temple known as the Great Hall of the Morning was the site of the banquet to welcome the delegation of envoys of the Alliance of Free Cities Eastal. It is a building that looks more like a huge hall or even a gymnasium than a hall for the adventurers, with its polished wood paneling gleaming with candy color.
　Preparations for a ceremony of this magnitude are enormous. In fact, the White Sand Palace had been in a beehive of activity for several days. In addition to cleaning and setting up, there was also the bringing in of various furnishings, the preparation of food, and the bringing of food into the building.
　In the first place, this banquet had been initiated by the Senate.
　If you are an adventurer, you don't have to go through that much trouble, but these are noblemen who live by the veneer of vainglory in the first place. They are also aware of the importance of a grand feast to show their authority, and they were excited that the budget for the feast would come from Plant hwyaden. On the other hand, the adventurers of the Ten-Seat Conference didn't mind paying a small fortune for the troublesome preparations, as long as they were left to their own devices.
　The festive preparations had been going on for quite some time, involving civil servants, attendants, attendants, ladies, vendors, craftsmen, and artisans. At one point, there was even consideration of rebuilding this great morning hall, which was the hope of the aristocrats, who were frenzied at the mention of unlimited budgets. By doing so, they could also accept bribes in return from the contractors they had appointed to enter the building.
　The plan was delayed not because the Council of Ten Seats had squeezed the budget, but only because they would not be able to meet the deadline for the arrival of the Free Cities Alliance of Eastar envoys.

　It was only in the past few days that the nobles' good moods had taken a nosedive.
　The relationship between the Intix and Wet Feather had finally deteriorated.
　The fact that the two had been at odds with each other since the Moon Moth incident was known to anyone who had heard of the Plant hwyaden's upper echelons, even the slightly wealthy, well-to-do earthlings in the city.
　The Wet Feather faction, which was actively trying to help the Free Cities Alliance Eastal to swallow it, and the Intix faction, which was trying to increase the power of Plant hwyaden to determine who was bossy and who wasn't. The difference between the two factions was gradual. The differences between the two factions are gradually growing apart, and their relationship is growing apart.
　However, the nobles were not worried about the disagreement. Rather, they welcomed it. Since time immemorial, the aristocrats have lived in the palace of the Fushimado by bargaining and gambling. It is better for the Adventurers to be at odds with each other than to be a monolith. That way, they can get by among them better and reap the benefits of fishing. If there are ten of them, they will think that way up to nine. That was the nobility.
　But that was only if they could behave freely from a distance.
　This welcoming ceremony and banquet was to be orchestrated by the Senate.
　Therefore, if any trouble were to occur there, it would be the fault of the nobility. If even a single argument occurs between the Intics and the Wet Feathers, their pride in respecting their reputation for respecting their reputation will be torn to pieces like rags.
　Some of the nobles would ask for intercession to Kazuhiko, who could be relied upon at times like this with a catnip, but for this time, "It's the banquet you guys wanted, right? I was refused with a curt reply. The always unreliable KR said, "Don't bet on getting off at the wrong place, you'll get your chips on the table. The nobles who were in charge of setting up the room shouted at the squire and the civil servant and ordered them not to cause any trouble between them.
　The noblemen in charge of setting up the room shouted at their attendants and the civil servants, ordering them not to cause any trouble, but the civil servants had no power to restrain them.

　In their unusual wisdom, they tried to put the two at a distance from the table they were being led to. But then, since the north represents the upper seat, which one should be guided?　Or, whichever way you place them, you couldn't decide which one should introduce the nobles and the all-important Prince Iserus first.
　Normally, this kind of detailed differentiation is what leads to a person's status in the aristocracy, and it's the job they love the most.
　For example, if Prince Yserus was introduced to the Intix before Wet Feather, it would give the Free City Alliance Eastal the impression that Intix was better than him at the Ten Seats Conference. He would use a name other than his own, Prince Yserus, to buy the pleasure of the Intix, and would receive commissions and favors from them. It is a business that accounts for a large percentage of the nobles' income.
　But that is only because of the guarantee that they will not suffer retribution from Wet Feather for their favoritism. Their desire is to make a little money from small favors on a small stage that will not be subject to revenge, and when the stage is as big as this one, it's a different story. Of course, if they succeeded, their achievements and credibility would be a lifelong asset, but at a banquet like this one, where two giant snakes were fighting each other, no matter which side you were on, or even if you just didn't take the side, you might receive a reprisal that could end your life and your family's existence in an instant.
　Rather than setting up a pecking order with seats from north to south, why not put them in the east and west?　But the young civil servant shouted, "If we put the table in the East, it will look like we're swaying toward the Free Cities of Eastar! Udel's threat to stop the meeting.
　If that is the case, it would be better to place Prince Yserus and his goodwill delegation from the Round Table on the east side of the hall, and the Council of Ten Seats and the Senate on the west side, but that was the original plan, and the idea was that if that was the case, Natsuwa and Intix would be at or very close to the same table. It's a problem that will never be solved.
　The embassy's hospitality was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, but many noblemen had somehow managed to reason with the interest that had arisen and screwed their own men and well-connected merchants. It was an exhausting experience for the bureaucrats and ladies, who had to make the same arguments to the unknown intruders until their throats ran dry.
　Even the smallest of formalities and decorations are significant at such a reception. Personal preferences are also important. It is important to know what is in your heart, but if you put red flowers in a flower arrangement based on the information that Natsuwa does not like red flowers, it is a clear message of hostility. By the same logic, even the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for the hospitality of diplomatic missions, does not have an immediate solution to this problem, as each guest has his or her own preferred flowers, color and cuisine, and the ministry has to make sure that the hospitality does not stray too far from the ancient precedent.

　In the end, the solution they came up with was to place the Free Cities Alliance of Eastar's ambassadors to the east of the banquet, and the Holy Imperial Westlands to the west, with the Holy Imperial Westlands' leading figures in the Senate and their faction sitting between Wetu and Intix. Of course, this arrangement might have displeased the Duke.
　Of course, this arrangement could have caused the low ranking officials to displease the Duke, but the reason why this banquet was set up in the first place was because of the Senate's nobleman's interest in it. So it would not be wrong to blame the Duke of Udell, the leader of the Senate, for setting up this banquet.
　The fact is, if Wet Feather and Intix clashed horns and the welcome party turned sour, the only people left to talk to were the noblemen, except for the adventurers, such as Kazuhiko, KR, and Nacalnado, the only people left to talk to were the Duke of Udell.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good deal more out of them than the cold-blooded and cruel Intix, even if you're accused of doing so.

　In any case, the preparations for the banquet proceeded with these forebodings of turmoil.
　Even if the decision was made to delay the start of the ceremony because of the last minute delay, everyone who was busy preparing for it thought that they would be able to make it in time for the original time of moonrise, and that somehow, a welcome ceremony to show the minimum level of commitment would be feasible.

　But it was not to be.
　Their preparations were as easy as an egg dropped on the floor, and they were as haphazard as an egg dropped on the floor.


◆3.07


　Wet Feather stepped into the brightly lit Asado.
　At this early afternoon hour, the light shone through the gaping Westlande-style architecture at an angle, like the cut of a cake knife. This great temple, which was still being prepared, was enveloped in a lively noise, but it certainly included the sound of the musician's clawing zither, which reached Wetuwa like spider silk in the wind.
　Wet Feather smiled slightly.
　The surrounding chambermaids and the accessories that came and went buzzed euphorically at the sight of it.

　A male official moving with tables and chairs was followed by a female official holding a tablecloth to set it up. Some carry impasses and huge vases to block their gaze. Whenever they pass such people, they stop moving as if they were statues. They were pierced by Wet Feather's fragrant, lustrous figure.
　The Wet Feathers of half a year ago would not have done so even if they had passed each other in the palace. Even with the same good looks, the dead eyes had lost all interest in the world and refused to be gazed at or even admired. But in the past few months, Wet Feathers was like a sparkling butterfly that had hatched. Wet Feathers were simply the ruler of the people.
　They were stunned by the sight of him, or came to their senses and bowed their heads like a springboard. It's not too late to start the feast, but the reason for it is to thank the preparers for making the rounds of the venue while the party is still going on.
　The truth is, I'm just curious. And confirmation.
　To tell the truth, I can't say I'm relaxed. I'm still not very good at appearing in front of large crowds of people. There's a twitching pain somewhere in her mind, and she moans that she's unworthy of such a place, and that she wants to get away as soon as possible.
　But on the other hand, Wet Feather was winning.
　The Intix was stirring in some way, and although she couldn't keep track of all of its activities due to the severe expansion, she was almost able to keep track of its terminal movements. The movements of the nobles who support her and the activities of the group are also under Wet Feather's watchful eye. If something were to happen, it would be a sure sign of things to come.
　While the Intics may be in charge of the Plant hwyaden's finances, they are only in charge of that department, and while the amount of money they can move around over time is large, traces of it will remain somewhere, not an asset that can be repaid in time.
　Also, the Intix - and Wet Feathers are no different, in that regard - have no private army. The 10,000-plus Adventurers of Plant hwyaden are a large force, but their personal allegiance is not to the Intix, but rather to Wet Feathers at the moment.
　In terms of his personal strength, Kazuhiko and KR should be there, but they cannot overtake the Wet Feather's guardian, Lorail-Dawn. In the past, Lorail's strength was limited to the interior of the city's wards, but thanks to improvements in its "powered armor," it can now operate even in the Icoma Palace. There's no need to fear.
　The third force, the Senate, is probably the only one to be wary of, and that's Lord Udell. But the old man's schemes are now known to Wet Feather. Even the Intelligence Unit of the Senate's protégé could be read as a pawn in the hands of Wet Feather, with a cold-blooded maid in its chain of command.
　In other words, Wet Feather is on the verge of winning the power struggle for Plant hwyaden. He wanted to make sure of this through the worship of the people, so he went to the banquet hall.

'Step aside, Intix.
　So even though he knew she was approaching, he didn't stop her, he didn't run away.
　The second seat at the Ten-Seat Conference. The vizier and warlord of Plant hwyaden, with a pair of scathing eyes behind his sharp-edged glasses, was wearing a long fishtail dress with a slender silhouette. Today he was dressed in a long fishtail dress with a slender silhouette. She was of average height for a woman, but with her high heels and slender figure, she looked very tall. It is a good idea to have a good time with your friends.
"That's not very nice of you to say, Nenuha. Did you crawl out of the roost on a cheerful note?
'Stray words. Have you approached the Guildmaster to say such things?
　His chest beats fast.
　No matter how safe or how lucrative it is, Wet Feathers can't control his frightened spirit. Even now, a metallic and unpleasant taste spread in his mouth, making his throat feel unnatural. Wet Feather strengthened, desperately trying to hold back the gaze that wanted to avert his gaze. There was nothing Intix could do. She didn't have any significant funds or troops. There was nothing she could do in this crowded area. At best, she could only be sarcastic. Even that is just a sore loser because she can't beat Wet Feather.

''Hmmm. Is that so?　That's right. Wet feathers. That's how it is when you, you who are nothing but a decoration, you who are a flimsy dwarf rat, cut the strings that hold you up and start dancing with your own heart, isn't it?
"--
　So Wet Feather just glared at him as a reply.
　Biting down on his back teeth, which were about to ring.
　All of Intix's words were scales. He must be trying to draw out Wet Feather's gibberish. He's just trying to make you uncomfortable by smearing dripping malice and harm on your opponent with a sticky substance. There's no need to be scared of such a guy. Repeatedly. Clenching his fists over and over again, Wet Feather resisted Intix's pressure.
''Yes. I'm glad. I'm glad you're disobeying me.'
　The sticky tone of his voice was poisonous.
Plant hwyaden won't work the way you want it to, and neither will Minami. And neither does Minami.

Yes, I know. But it's the same for you (...)
　The hall that was supposed to let light shine in had somehow become silent as if it had been chilled and frozen. A large number of maidservants and attendants stared at Wet Feather and Intix as if their lives had been drained from them, but with a will in their eyes. No one could interfere in a direct confrontation between the two powerful men who controlled this city. If you touch them, you will be blotted out. But we can't leave and we can't look away. There is so much fear there that we might be beheaded for being unpleasant for doing so.
　Like an abyss hollowed out into a doll, there was an intix of emptiness that sucked in heat, gaze, will, good and evil. There was a mass of malice there that smiled like a torn crescent moon and made no attempt to hide its price-taking, scornful gaze.
'In--' 'Hey,'
　When Netsuwa was about to release a decisive word to push him away, Intix put a sticky voice over him.
''Hey, Nenuha. You don't know yourself. No, I've forgotten. I don't know what I am. If you remembered, you'd be hiding in the dark ditch, wouldn't you?　Hey, Wet Feather. You've forgotten.
Yeah.
　Swallowed by his eyes, Wetha was speechless.
　He had been tortured by that advice-like tone of threat for a long time. A sense of urgency and raw drowning urgency that she should have shaken off her fears, bound her tongue in a raw, drowning-like grip.

'The penetrating eyes of the Ten-Seat Conference, the two seats of the Ten-Seat Conference, I hereby announce to you.
!　O Tenjinjigi, the land of the green Yamato, behold!　This woman, Wetu, with her desire to rule Yamato, founded the guild Plant hwyaden, and with deception and deceit, she has siphoned off so many lives and wealth!
　Suddenly the heavenly Intix raised his voice loudly.
''What are you........starting to say.......''
　Intix, who turned away as if Wet Feathers, who had been swallowed up, was not there, caught the audience's attention with a wave of his long, slurred arm.
''The city of Nakas, the player town of Nine Tail, is currently under the control of the Holy Imperial Westland. Why!　Why were the Knights of the Senate and the early Plant hwyaden adventurers forced to relocate in the aftermath of the catastrophe?　It was because Wet Feather sold the Adventurer to the Senate for the purpose of controlling the Yamato West.
　My blood ran cold.
　I can't understand what Intix is saying.
　It's hard to hear because of the roaring sound like a rattling bell.
　But I feel something spilling out of Wet Feather's hands.
　Even though the noisy noise interrupted him, Natsuwa reached out his hand to keep the Intics still. It was to keep Intix still.
'Huh?' Is that so? There's no way.
　Even though I didn't know what they were saying, I could only hear such whispers in my ear. My fingertips, held up sluggishly in the distorted-looking hall, felt like they were hundreds of meters away from the Intix that should be so close by.

I have proof!　I'm the one who did it!　By order of Duke Woodell!　With the help of the Wet Feathered Adventurer!　I am the one who set fire to the home of the Adventurer who insists on living in Nakas!　And he was named "General of the East Indies" for his actions. Right, Lord!
　A heavy metallic sound and the sound of being struck down could be heard where Wet Feather could not see. The red-haired female soldier was holding her saber with a slashing smile as she looked in that direction.
　I remember this smell.
　A tepid, rusty scent.
''You!　Forget what you owe me!　I don't give a d*mn about the glorious Westlande dynasty.　Whoever it is, whoever it is!　You rebel, you brat, against the Senate!　Catch them--!
　It was cut off.
　The sound of something wet falling.
　A lot of screaming.
　And silence.
"....there is no country by that name. A dead man's dream.
　Wet Feathers stepped forward to mutter trash about the authority of the highest Yamato peak. As if he was being fished in and invited. I don't know what's going on. I don't know what's being said.
　But something decisive was being lost, and Wetuwa was desperate to say something, because he felt like he had to say something.
　If it wasn't for the roar in his ears, he would be able to formulate a more calm countermeasure.
　Was it a curse?　He frowned at the noise, like the sound of an irregularly raging dam release, like a great river accepting a dark night's downpour, and said, "Listen up, folks!　'I--' said Wet Feather, trying to raise his voice.

''What's that smell?''
My nose is going to be bent.
What's going on?　What happened!
　But it was blocked three times, and a group of scruffy, dirty people were spat out of the panicked, shaking, cracking wall of people.
'Let me introduce you to them. They are the ones who have been locked up in the Temple of the Great God by Wet Feathers, either because they know a secret, or because they have gotten their hands dirty, or because it's not convenient for them. All are witnesses to Wet Feather's misdeeds!　You filthy gutter rat!　A man of lowly birth, who would normally not even be allowed to set foot in this brightly lit temple!　A lowly bastard by birth and upbringing--an accuser of an unforgivable, mortal sin committed!
　I understand.
　This roaring sound at Wet Feather's ear is the sound of his heartbeat and blood flow.
　The sound of Wet Feather's own fear that has gone bad.
"No, it's not-- Wrong.
　Without realizing it, Wet Feather herself was called out to the judgment seat. Without realizing it, Nenuha was left alone, unable to defend herself, being tormented and humiliated.
　The voice you raise to object is snatched and therefore easily cut off by the Intics.

''No different!　This woman, who happened to be suffering from a catastrophe, took advantage of your fears and robbed you of your wealth and your freedom with her sweet words!　Don't you remember?　Do you have valuable magical items and materials from the Elder Tail, or have you been giving them away for your guild?　Didn't Plant hwyaden take it away from you?　Are you being forced into a servitude you don't want?
　Walking lightly like a stage actress, the maidservant over there, the squire over here and the intix look into her eyes. The way she nods her head, nodding her head and nodding her head, unable to bear the intimidation, she looks for her next endorser with a full - witch-like smile.
''No,''
　Instead of responding to the denial of Wet Feather, which was as thin and torn as a discarded flyer in a tavern at the end of the day, Intix was now speaking only to an audience that listened to his accusations.
　With an infinitely cruel and pompous gaze, like a love of that well-tuned instrument, the Intix buy consent from each of them. They are themselves an unwanted jury.
　And that vote hurt Wet Feather much more deeply than the knife of reality does.
'This woman has taunted the Kunie clan with her lustful scent and even threatened them with the Otherworld of Suzakumon around the neck of Kyou's capital. She even threatened them with the Suzakumon's Otherworld at the head of Kyou's capital.
It was the Duke of Udell's--
I'm sorry, my dear. The Duke doesn't talk anymore.
　The screaming defense that Wet Feather raised was interrupted by a ball-shaped piece that was kicked away and rolled towards Wet Feather in a rumble. It was there that Wet Feather finally realized that he was on the ground.
　Amidst the roar of a thundering heartbeat and distorted vision, Wetuwa was looking up at the raw head of Duke Udell, bloody and drunk with resentment.

''I would open my legs to anyone for myself--''

　Is it nausea or screams or sobs?
'Really?　Hey. Wet Feathers.
Oh. Oh... oh.
　Just holding back the pain that rose in his throat, Wet Feather looked up at the black shadow. With a frosty and crazy smile on his face, Intix's voice was so sweet and rotten that it could be said to be even gentler, and he plunged the blade of words deep into Wet Feather.
''Hey, your sand castle. Was it cozy?　You didn't think it would break?　Your castle may be strong, but what about yourself, huh?
Oh no. Hi.....
　Grabbing Wet Feather's bangs, which made him bite down on the childlike whining that didn't seem to belong to him, Intix said the last word that Wet Feather hadn't imagined, but had to be.
''Look. Behind.
　The straight line to the doorway, with its slanted and distorted floor, was cut by the movement of people who feared the displeasure of the Intix. In a crazy perspective that was supposed to be far away and yet close, and close and yet far away, the person Wet Feather had found was frozen in place.
　A person he had originally longed for with very gentle eyes.
　A person of promise that Wet Feather had promised to confront in the future.
　The black-haired young man standing in the doorway, as if it were a square frame, was Shiroe. His gaze met with Wet Feather's, and he had a puzzled, pained expression on his face.
　Then Wet Feather burst out.
　Driven by emotions he didn't understand, he flailed his arms and legs and pushed off and ran.
　Wet Feather ran away.
　She fled from the memorable welcoming ceremony and banquet to welcome the delegation of the Alliance of Free Cities Eastal, with a disheveled scream, abandoning everything to flee from the accusations made by her friends.
　And with her escape - her guilt was a fact confirmed by all the people of the Holy Empire of Westland.