After a modest toast in the dining room.
　Suu and Charlotte sipped their glasses of soma liquor a little later than the adults who had tasted it first.


"Oh, this is delicious!

"Really .......


　The two girls look at each other in surprise and then exhale with a mixture of euphoria.
　I guess the taste of Soma sake was something unexpected for them as well.
　The two girls seemed to understand the taste of the liquor, and looked enchanted as they tipped their glasses back and forth.


　On the other hand, Deet and Lisha, after sipping from their glasses, furrowed their brows and cocked their heads from side to side.


It's a strange taste.

Yes, it does. But it's not sour like grape wine.

I guess it's too early for you two.


　It's not too early for you two, but you're underage, so you shouldn't drink it according to men's world standards.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


It's okay, brother!　I'll have another one, please!

"No, don't do that. No, don't do that.


　No, don't do that. Don't push it." Even though she hasn't even dried the contents, she reserves the next cup. She may be trying to do her best because it was made by her brother, but she can't force him to drink it.
　I wondered why Suu and Charlotte were okay with it.


"Here, let's have some snacks, okay?　You know?　You can't force alcohol.


　As soon as I directed Lisha's attention to the sweets, she immediately turned her head in that direction.
　She must have had a craving for sweets to begin with.
　As Lisha was wondering what to eat, Deet pointed to a sponge cake that he had been eyeing.


I want this fluffy one!　I want this fluffy one!

"Okay. Okay, Kazui.


　When I asked Kazui to cut it, he nodded and inserted a knife into the round sponge cake.
　The top side is beautifully caramelized.
　The cross section was moist and fine sponge.
　The sweet aroma of the milk and egg mixture wafted through the air.
　When the plate was put in front of him, Deet immediately took it into his mouth and chewed a bite or two.


"Whoa, whoa, whoa!


　He stood up and shouted with such surprise.


"Good!　It's so good!　I've never eaten anything like it!

I've never eaten anything like it!" "Well, ......, that's good.


　"Well, that's good to know." He nodded his head with a smile, overwhelmed by Diet's enthusiasm.
　If he is so impressed, then it is worth making it.


　On the other hand, Lisha also put her hand over her mouth and showed a surprised face.


"Lisha, is it good?


　I asked, and she nodded her head vigorously.
　When she finished the sponge cake in her mouth, she also showed a surprised expression.


It's so good!

I'm glad you like it, Lisha.

"Yes!


　Lisha smiled. Risha smiled at me. It was a different kind of joy to see her happy.


"Hey Annikky. Can I have some more of this?

　Deet asks for more cake.


　Apparently, he was attracted by the light and fluffy texture.


Oh, there's still some left, don't be shy.


　I signaled to the waiter I had hired, and he brought me another bowl.
　It's a little more irregularly cooked and shaped than the previous one, but the contents are the same.
　Deet and Lisha smiled when they saw it. When the plate arrived, they smiled at each other and said, "It's delicious, isn't it?


I didn't know that ARK's sweets were so delicious. Maybe I'll ask them to make me some next time.

"Hmm, maybe I'll ask Arx-kun to come to the next tea party.

"Huh?


　Hearing their words, I turned around.
　I really hope you won't do that, since you don't have much of a repertoire.


　The adults, on the other hand, were tucking into their snacks.


"Many of them are new to me, but they all taste good.

"I didn't know you could do this. I don't know where the hell I learned that. ......

"Haha, Galanga and the others will hate me for this. And speaking of snacks, there's that.

That?

Yeah, that. That's the one you got this time.


　Louise was probably referring to the Silver Cross, awarded to her personally by King Shinru.


It's a great honor for a young man like me to receive such an award.

You're being modest.

I've heard the details too. I've heard all about it. If you can do that much on your first mission, you can't be too big for your size.



I'd say it's rather small, considering what you've done. I'm sure His Majesty is troubled by your arguments.　Didn't you hear anything about it, Mr. Feltetsu?

I've only been called in for a few questions.

"There was a lot of talk about you at the dinner with the guests from the other countries. I had the impression that the northern envoys were particularly interested in you. They wondered what you had done to be mentioned so much in the debates.


　When Louise said that, Lisa interrupted her.


"Sir. The activities of Arx Raytheft are an open secret.

"Really?　If the head of the inspectorate says so... If the head of the Inspectorate says so, it must have something to do with that.

...... Sir, you'll be officially notified. Please understand that His Majesty is being cautious at the moment.

I wonder if that's true. The only way to find out would be to be incorporated into the kingdom, but ...... that's not what you want.

"......

Just look at the way the Northmen are acting. The Iron Rose might have already figured it out, you know?

The Office of the Inspector General is working on that as well.


　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. The reason for this is that they will not be easily detected, as they will be misidentified as work stations associated with other research.


　In the middle of the exchange between Louise and Lisa, Crabbe suddenly turned to me.


I should probably tell you something while I'm at it. Well, I'm sure you understand.

"What is it, Uncle?

I'll tell you that you have to pay attention to a lot of things from now on. If you're not careful, they won't be able to tell that you're rebellious.


　When Lisha heard this, she tilted her head curiously.


What's the meaning of this, Uncle ......?

Risha. The world is a place where everything doesn't work out. You can make it seem like it's not, whether you want it to or not. You know that, don't you?


　Crabbe throws out testing words like that.
　I took the question as a vote of confidence and answered with a deep nod.


Yes. You give large sums of money without the royal family's approval, and then you send orders and letters of commendation without the royal family's approval, and you give people official positions. He could make himself vulnerable by simply going ahead with such a story without the royal family's knowledge. And if such stories spread, ......


　Naturally, this leads to suspicion. One or two trivial things may not raise suspicion, but as the number of trivial things increases, so does the sense of distrust. The leader of a country is usually a cautious and suspicious person.
　I am not saying that this is the case with Shinru, but it is possible that, depending on the plot, he may have to be executed even if he does not want to.
　It is better to be cautious.


I'll be on the lookout, and I'll talk to the other national mages. Noah, Kazui, you take care of that.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

I'll do what I can. Blech.


　I'll do what I can to help." As Crabbe and I were talking about this, Diet, who was munching on a sponge cake, gave me a difficult look.


It's such a pain in the ass.

That's what it's all about. The moment they think they can use you, they're like locusts.　The moment they think they can take advantage of you, they'll come in droves, devour you to the bone, and leave. You're no stranger to this.

What?

If something happens to me or Licht all of a sudden, those people are going to flock to you to take advantage of you.


　If something happens to me or Licht all of a sudden, those people are going to flock to take advantage of you.


"Well, it's not like anything is going to happen to my mom, let alone my dad.

"What?　What?　Say that again?

What?


　Louise pokes Deet in the head for making fun of a serious conversation.
　This father and son are still the same.


　Suddenly, Suu sat down next to her with a jug of soma wine.
　He must have spotted that the glass was empty.


"Arx. Yes?


　Suu then took the jug and poured the next one.
　It was a fearful thing to have a person of high rank pour you a glass, but since they knew each other well, they were fine with it as usual.


　But


"No, I'm sorry, but I think I'm done.

What?

"It's not good if I drink too much.


　I'm still the host. I don't want to get too drunk.


　When I refrained from having a second cup of coffee, Suu looked at me with a pout.


"Hmm... I see. So you're telling me that you can't drink my alcohol?　Hmm.

"You're talking like some middle-management guy. That's my brew to begin with. That's not yours.


　My friend, who was getting into the swing of things, started talking nonsense as usual. After a brief exchange of words, Suu looks around the table and asks, "Well, you know what?


"Oh, by the way, have you prepared the main course?

"Hmm?　Yes, we have.


　What is on the table now are snacks and sweets.
　Of course, I have prepared the staple food and the main dish, anticipating that I might want to eat something hearty.
　When you give the signal to the hired waiter, he will eventually bring you a plate with a food cover and a basket of parcels.


　The order in which the food is served is a bit of a mess, since ...... sweets have already been served. Since children have immature taste buds, you don't have to worry about that.
　When you are a child, you don't care about the order in which you eat, and as long as you can eat good food, that's all that matters.
　Risha seemed to have guessed what she was going to be served by the presence of paozu.


Is it a duck sandwich?　I think it's a downtown staple. ......

Have you ever had one before?

Yes. I've had them in restaurants, but never directly ...... from a street vendor in downtown.

It's a specialty of King's Landing, isn't it? I've only had it once recently myself.

You don't get many chances to eat downtown food.

"Yeah.


　Deet and Lisha both let out a sigh of disappointment.
　Risha is unlikely to go downtown, and Deet, living in Rustinelle, has no connection with downtown's specialties. I guess it's because they can't eat when they want to.


　Then, Suu says with a smile on her face.


"But you can eat here today.

"That's right!

"You can count on what you make!


　The three of them were in a good mood, but there was something they had to say.


No, I'm sorry, but this one's a little different.

"What?　No?

"...... Honestly, I can't admit to a duck sandwich. No, the duck with brown sauce is good, but ......".


　If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.


I'm not sure if that's a fight for me or not.　That's my favorite food, you know?

"Yes, I know. Well, you'll see.


　He took off the food cover of the plate with the ingredients on it.
　A rich aroma came from the plate.
　When Suu saw the contents, her eyes turned black and white.


"What the hell?

"Oh!　Meat! Meat!

"It's not duck ....... Is it pork?


　Deet squealed with excitement at the sight of the thickly sliced meat, while Lisha stared in amazement at what came out.
　On the other hand, when she looked at Suu, her eyes widened as if she had seen an imaginary creature.


"Arx, this is ...... this is .......

"Oh, you know this too? I'm impressed.


　The fact that she knew about it meant that there must be a similar dish in Baihe, just like the apricot bean curd. We really have a lot in common.
　Well, that's to say that our culture is similar to the western culture of the men's world.
　Suu came at me excitedly.


"How does Arx know about this?　That's crazy!

Call me crazy, but ......

You've never been to the Bai Bai Federation, right?　Then he can't possibly know about this!

Maybe he has been there, right?

Do you have ......?

There's no .......

Then!

Hey, question your common sense!

It doesn't make any sense!


　Perhaps because it was so insane, the tsukkomi role was reversed from the usual one.
　Well, even if you don't think about it, she's right, it's quite strange.
　Anyway, what came out from under the hood cover was, as Lisha had said, pork. Pork belly stewed in meat sauce imported from the East and sandwiched between two buns, the so-called kakuni manju.
　In short, it is the famous Dongpo pork buns of Chinatown.


Kourou Guwabao (......)




　Suu stares at the stewed buns and mutters.
　I've only had this once when I went to Bai Liang Bang.


I've only had this once when I went to Bai Liang Bang. ......

I've only eaten it once when I was in the Baiyangban. ......" "Oh, really? ...... I'm sure the princess of the duke's family can eat it.

First of all, I don't know how to make it, and I don't know what I'm using. ......


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　I'm sure you're not the only one.


　...... In the man's world, you can easily get a chunk of pork belly at the supermarket, but here, the livestock industry is not as developed as in the man's world. Therefore, even if you can get pork, it is not easy to get it, especially if you want to buy a specific part at any time.
　In the first place, even the knowledge of the parts of pork such as loin and belly is not widely known except among chefs.
　That's why it seems so unusual to them.


　Kazi, who was working with Lisa, let out a strange laugh.


"Khihihi, this took the longest time to make.

"Yeah. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this.

These days, I spend more time in the kitchen with the cook than I do studying magic. Nowadays I spend more time in the kitchen with the cooks than studying magic.

The duck sandwich is well made, but it's an exact copy of this one, isn't it?

Yes, it is. His Majesty, the King of three generations ago, couldn't forget the taste of the duck sandwich he had in Bai Liang Bang, so he tried his best to recreate it.

I knew it.


　Ever since I saw a duck sandwich for the first time, I had a hunch that it was a duck sandwich.
　Despite the fact that "Baozi" is of Eastern origin, the filling is Western.
　The brown sauce on it must have been the result of trial and error.
　The waiter placed the meat between the cracked wrappers, covered it with red bean paste, put some mustard on the edge of the plate, and put it in front of her.


　Suu continued to stare at the stewed buns on the plate.
　He looked like a treasure hunter with a treasure in front of him.
　The thickly sliced chunks of pork belly covered with dark candy-colored sauce looked terribly appetizing.
　I gulped down my spit, brought it to my mouth with my hand, and took a bite while maintaining my elegance.


　He chewed it in his mouth and sagged down on the table.


It's delicious. ...... There are some differences from what I had in the Federation, but it's definitely the same food. ...... Ugh.


　Mr. Suu, perhaps because the food was so delicious, began to use serious words and even let out a low growl. Then he started muttering politically charged things like, "This is in the realm of being served at a feast," and "Should we have the next guest serve it? ......".


　On the other hand, when I handed it to Mr. Diet, who was in a doggy state, his eyes shining with eagerness to eat it.


"Jyutto ......, Jyutto ......, Uma .......


　As soon as he took a bite, he started repeating those words over and over again.
　The thick seasoning, the delicious taste of the pork belly, and the gooey texture of the bean paste filled his brain with happy substances, and his vocabulary died.
　On the other hand, Crabbe, who had taken a bite of the Kakuni bun, said nostalgically.


"That's right. It tastes like this.

"You've had it too, Uncle?

"I used to stay in Bai Liang Bang for a year. I've eaten there quite often. It's just that this one is better cooked than the other one. The meat is not dry.

Yes, we went to a lot of trouble here.


　The meat here is tender because it is steamed once according to the recipe, and the seasoning is quite Japanese. The meat is tender and the seasoning is quite Japanese.
　Once again, I was able to see the greatness of that world cuisine recipe book.


　I handed Louise and Perth some Kakuni buns, and they took a bite of it and started talking to Crabbe.


Didn't you stay in the Federation?

I was invited, but...

I was invited, but..." "Hmm. I was invited, but... - Hmm. I'm sure he would have been very popular.

I'm sure the terms were more than fair.

What is it?　What do you mean, there was a problem?


　When Louise asked, Crabbe let out a fed up sigh and replied.


The royal court over there is much more chaotic than here. Any clan would be in danger ...... if they sat back and did nothing. I wanted to go back to King's Landing.

So you just hauled ass and ran.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.


I'm not sure what to do.

I don't think I could beat you head on. But that's not the only thing that's going to come at you.

I'm sure Mr. Crabbe can sense the presence of assassins with his magic.

"How would you feel if you had to deal with those assassins every day, every night?　You'd die from lack of sleep.


　Noah listened and looked as if he understood.
　Noah looked as if he knew what he was talking about. In light of the fact that the royal court was full of intrigues, and that there was always the danger of assassination, Bai Liang Bang was full of the feeling of ancient China.


　As I was about to hand over the stewed buns to Charlotte, she suddenly called out to me.


"...... Arx-kun.

Yes. Charlotte, how can I help you?


　If you look closely, you'll see that Charlotte's eyes are fixed.
　I thought we had been chatting a while ago, but I wondered when the alcohol had kicked in.
　You can see that her face is slightly red, and that she is not normal.
　I had a bad feeling about this, but it was too late.


I have something to ask you!



...... What is it?

Why are you being so reverent when it comes to me?

It's because ...... the Cremeria family is of high rank, and their daughter, Master Charlotte, is of much higher rank than I am.

But you're having a friendly conversation with Master Sucia!　Isn't that strange?

Well, I've been talking like this with Suu since the beginning, so I don't think it's appropriate to change now.

Then you can talk to me like that, can't you?

No, I'm afraid not. ......

What's that?　Are you saying that you can't get along with me, Mr. Arx?

That's not what I'm saying.

No excuses!

............


　What the hell am I supposed to do? I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea. I'm not sure what to do.


Can I?　No more "sir" from now on. And don't use polite language.

Even if you say so, disrespecting your superiors is a bad thing to do, with or without their permission.

"Then, when there is no one to blame, speak normally!　Very good!


　Master Charlotte, it seems that she gets a little out of control when she drinks.
　It is difficult to immediately use broken language with someone you have been using polite language with, but even if you stubbornly preach that here, this conversation will not end.


"Okay, okay. Is this ...... okay with you?

"...... still has an attitude. You're not even close to passing.


　I tried to be as cheerful and friendly as I could, but you still didn't like it.
　I'm not sure if it's the language or the attitude that's causing the problem, young lady.


Annikky, hang in there.

"Brother, I think we're almost there.


　On the other hand, Deet and Lisha are sitting side by side, munching on a bowl of stewed pork belly, and giving me a very appropriate shout.


"d*mn, you think you're someone else's problem. ......


　As I was giving them a resentful look and bitterly criticizing them, Suu suddenly joined the conversation.


"Arx, I don't think you need to push yourself so hard.

Huh?

Don't you?　It's hard to change your language right away.


　She took me by the shoulders like that, but then Charlotte's target turned towards Suu.
　Her gaze darted towards Suu.


"Mr. Soo Shea. He and I are talking. Please don't interfere.

"Well, but... I don't think it's a good idea to force things like that, okay?　He's in a position where he has to listen to orders, and I think he'll be in trouble.

"U. ......

No, you're not forcing me to do anything. ......?


　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.
　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a number of things you can do.


I'm so jealous that you have such beautiful ladies fighting over you.

"You don't think that for a second, do you?


　How can you say that? I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it.
　He's probably using the excuse of going around pouring comforting water as an excuse to abandon his master.


"Hey Arx. You shouldn't push yourself too hard, right?


　Suu is leaning on me while saying that.


"Oh, hey!　Hey!


　Put your chin on my shoulder, put your hands around my neck and be unnecessarily sticky.
　It's not that Suu is drunk.
　She's playing with a drunk Charlotte.
　Rather, she is playing with herself, mostly because she is touching her cheeks.


"Hey!　What are you doing?

"Nothing. Me and Arx are always like this.

What do you mean, "always"? Noblemen's children have a sense of propriety!　Mr. Arx!

No, sir!　He's just saying that to himself!

I told you to speak normally!　Why do you have to switch back to honorifics?

What?　That way!


　While I was baffled by the distraction, Deet and Lisha came in.


"Oh?　"Oh, erotic?

"Brother, you can't have porn!




　That's what he'll tell you.
　Deet claps his hands encouragingly.
　Risha's cheeks are puffed up.
　If you look closely, you can see that both of their glasses are filled with soma wine and their faces are slightly red.


"Who the hell made them drink that much?


　I shouted, and a voice came back from an unexpected direction.


"It's me! What is it, Arx Raytheft?　Do you have a problem with me?

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　She's supposed to be here as Suu's guardian, but I don't think she can fulfill that role anymore.
　Anyway, he turned to the person who had been taking care of her.


"Cuzi.

"Oh, he likes to drink, but he's weak. And when he gets drunk, he gets into trouble.

He says.

............


　Lisa clings to Kazi and appeals to him as if she is making a childish excuse.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.
　Mr. Secretary, it seems that you are a person who becomes troublesome when you add alcohol.
　As I was thinking this, Lisa's target shifted to me.
　A piercing gaze flew towards you.


"Arx Raytheft!　I have something to say to you!

"Yes?　What is it?

I envy you!

What?　What?


　I was puzzled by the sudden words, but Lisa didn't care and kept talking.


"In that battle, you became His Highness' shield!　That is the true meaning of a kingdom nobleman!　It's something that all nobles should be envious of!


　This is too abrupt and without context ......, but I guess this is about the conversation we had at the entrance.
　It seems that the activity at that time really tugged at her heartstrings.


"The role you took on then!　No, no, no!　How many of us want that?　I'd replace you too if I could. ......


　If I could be replaced, I'd want to die there instead.
　That's quite a thing to say when you're still young.
　This seems to be due to the strict aristocratic education of Lisa's family, the Rouseys.
　Anyway.


"It was just a coincidence. That's because I happened to be there. ......

Don't be silly!　Just by chance?　You can't do that unless you're prepared!　What did Count Bow, who was also on the battlefield, do at the end of the battle?　What did Count Bowe, who was on the same battlefield, do at the end of the battle? He was so frightened by the shadow of Balgu Gulba that he fled in fear of the rumors before he was even seen!　But I heard that you fought to the end to protect your highness, and even stood up to Balgu Gulba!

But you fought to the end to protect your highness, and even stood up to Balgu Gurba!

It was because he was afraid of the bull. - Why did he stand up to it if he was afraid of it? Isn't that a contradiction?

No, it was because I was going to die if I didn't defeat it right there. ...... What can I say?


　I can't really explain how I felt at that moment.
　I felt a strong fear of Bargh Gurva, and then I realized that I had jumped forward.
　When I explained it to her in a faltering way, Lisa seemed to be unconvinced and started drinking Soma again, mumbling something about being "strange" and "envious.
　I guess it's a characteristic of talking to drunk people that they don't talk to each other at all.


　As I instructed Kazi to give her a glass of water to soothe her, Lisha spoke up.


I have something to say to you too!

"What's wrong?


　"What's wrong?" asked Lisha, rising from her seat and approaching him.
　I said I had something to say, but it's strange that she approaches me without saying a word.


　When Lisha gets in front of me.


"Cuddle.


　And then she hugged me.


"Oh, hey, .......


　Surprised by her cheek-to-cheek hug, I supported her body.
　Then she let out a somewhat relieved voice and said, "It's been a long time, brother.


"It's been a long time since I've seen you, brother. ......

"Yeah, I'm glad to see you too, Lisha.

"Yes, .......


　I'm glad to see you too, Lisha. I'm not sure what to say.


　I mean, is my sister too cute?


　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.


...... I really wanted to talk to you more. I've been seeing you less and less, and when I finally do see you, it's only for your company. ......

That's right. It's been a while since we've seen each other. ...... It might be difficult today, so let's make some time to talk sometime.



Yes!　I promise!


　After the exchange between the siblings, Charlotte raised her voice again.


"There's something I wanted to tell you too, Arx-kun.


　Same here. Or is there something more?


Well, there is something ......


　Guilo.


"Uh, yeah. Is there something wrong?

Mr. Arx. You must come to our dojo once.

Dojo?　You mean the fine sword fighting dojo?

Yes. I've been wanting to have a hand-to-hand fight with Arx-kun for a long time. Let's have a match.

What do you mean, a match? ...... That's...

Are you ready?

Well...

Mr. Arx.

Okay, okay. I'll call you when I get a chance.

I'll ask your father's permission later.


　The conversation ended in a one-sided manner.
　Meanwhile, the father was having a drinking contest with Crabbe and Louise, and didn't seem to have heard any of the commotion. Hey, parents.
　At the rate they're going, they'll be down a barrel by the end of the night.
　And yet, there was hardly any sign of drunkenness.


　The adults seemed to be okay, so I took advantage of the opportunity to go over to them.


You ran away, didn't you? Bastards.

You're right, I can't deal with a drunk. I can't do it.


　If I keep talking like this, things are going to get decided on their own.
　While I was talking with Crabbe, Parth turned to me.


"Arx. I have a question for you.


　Same here.


What is it, ...... sir?

I know it's not appropriate to ask this at a celebration, but it's something I asked you once.

You once asked me ...... what I was going to do about it?


　Perth nodded and said, "Yes.


If that had been the only activity, there would have been plenty of time. But this time, he was even awarded the Cross of Honor at the ceremony.

What?

It's too early for a nobleman's son to be doing so well. I can no longer afford it. He must set his sights on his life's goals and, if necessary, conspire toward them. I understand that it's difficult, but I can't wait for it to happen, and neither can others.


　That's true. This time, he received a medal of honor directly from the king, and his name became known in various fields.
　It was as if he had thrown himself into the rapids.
　There is a possibility that the people around you will conspire against you, not to mention Crabbe.
　Crush him. Bring them to your side. I don't know which it is, but if you just let it happen, you will inevitably be destroyed.


　That is why Perth's words are so important.
　In order not to be swept away by the waves that are about to surge.


"Thank you very much for your concern.

"Good. May I ask?


　The answer I gave to Perth's examining gaze was.


"I would like to work for His Highness, .......

"Huh?

"Before this war, His Highness called me and invited me to work for him. But then His Highness added that it was for the purpose of furthering my merits, so I was unsure of what to do. I wondered if it was the right thing to do.


　Perce could tell that the conversation was still going on.


Go on.

"Even at the time of the battle, I was still undecided. Even at the time of the battle, I had not made up my mind. Even at the time of Barg Gulbah, when you mentioned earlier, protecting His Highness was only a result of my fear.


　Yes, but--


"But during the battle with the Kuro Panther Horsemen. When His Highness was protecting me and the rest of the Kingsguard, he did indeed say that he was doing it to protect the people. Then I thought about that time again. I thought that it was because he had said that he was thinking of the people and would protect them that I felt so strongly about protecting them at that time.


　Yes, the reason why I put myself on the line was not because Ceylan was trying to do the right thing. At that time, in that place, in that predicament, he still said that he would protect her. It was because that will seemed more precious to me than anything else that I felt the need to protect Ceylan at that moment.


"So you want to work for your highness?



Yes, sir. Originally, I had not thought about what would happen after I achieved my goal, as you said. But if I was going to work for someone, it would have to be you, Your Highness.

"It is the duty of a nobleman to obey the royal family. It is the duty of a nobleman to obey the royal family, and it is unacceptable to have any doubts about that. ............


　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.


I'm not sure what to say. It's a good thing the hard man over there is soaked to the skin, isn't it?


　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. And he's shouting something like that.
　Anyway.


In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to ask for help.

"If you have answered ......, then I have nothing more to say. If you are going to work for His Highness, then you must work even harder so as not to dishonor His Highness' name.

"Yes, sir.


　When the conversation with Perth was over, Crabbe looked up at the ceiling and tipped his glass.


"You're his son too, aren't you?

"Uncle?

No, I just thought he was a good heir to his will. He's a man who pretends to be unconcerned, but inside he's a hothead. He will never let the people of Rynor fall prey to the Empire. ...... That's the way it's always been.


　That's the kind of thing that comes from being a friend.
　When Crabbe says this with a sincere attitude, Perth complains with a serious face.


"Mister Yutetsu, even though you are a friend of His Majesty's, don't you think it's problematic to call His Majesty that guy?

"Father of Pers. We're at the bar, give us a break.

That's the thing about you, molten iron. ......

Uh, uh... I can't hear you! I can't hear you!

Hahahahaha!　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.


　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.


"Suu?

What?　Ah, ha ha ha?　It's so hot... Hmmm... Did I drink too much?


　He didn't seem to have much of a weakness for alcohol, but maybe it suddenly kicked in later. But still, it was sudden.
　After that, I tried to talk to her, but she turned her head away and gulped down soma wine and mellow water alternately. She doesn't listen to me at all.
　As I was wondering about Suu's attitude, a voice came up.


"Senior!　On our graduation day, you said that we would work hard together for the kingdom!　Aaaaahhhh!

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. ......

"............

"............


　Apparently, the drinking is still going on over here. Mr. Secretary, you must be under a lot of stress.


Mr. Suu. I'm sure you're asking a lot of him.

I'm sure that's not true.　...... maybe.


　I'm sure you're not." "I don't think so, ...... maybe," he says, mumbling something like, "I threw a little too much work ...... at him.
　I knew it.


...... Noah, please save some of that alcohol for the Count as a souvenir.

Yes, sir.

Cazi, why don't you join him for a drink now and then?

No, no, no, no. He's a high-ranking nobleman after all.　A commoner like me is not allowed to drink with him. ......

"Are you abandoning me?　Aaaaaaahhhh!

It's a pain in the ass, really!


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　The time passed quickly as I dealt with the drunks.


　The party was over.


　The party was over and the guests were leaving.
　Since they were all men of position, there was no mess on the table.
　It would not take long for them to clean up the mess if they helped each other.
　As I was looking at the table tops in the deserted dining room, Noah called out to me.


"Good work. How was it?

"Yeah. It was fun. I've never been to a party like this before.


　I've never been to a party before.
　I only have vague, fragmentary memories from before I was six, before I started reliving the life of a man.
　It was still fun to sit around the table, eating and making noise.

　Kazui, who had been absent, came back to the dining room.


"Was the feast satisfactory to the master?



Yeah. I think I handled that pretty well.

That's good to know.


　Kazui said, and took out something.
　It's a small box with a Silver Cross in it.
　Kazi opens it and bends down to present the contents.


　Noah nodded and said.


Noah nodded and said, "It should be on Master Arx's chest.

"Yeah, right.　It was given to me for a reason. It would be a shame to let it rot in a box, right?


　Noah took the medal out of the box and put it on my chest.
　Hanging from the ribbon is a crossed badge with a silvery glow.
　The two squires smile at me.


...... I'm not a failure.


　In order to show that, I will have to keep going.