--The old street under the castle.

　Under a clear sky. The cool breeze of the red season, which has become a little chilly, lightly caresses the outerwear I pulled out after a long time and runs away.

　I was so careless that I thought it would still be fine, and the wind that blew past my bare neck made me feel a bit regretful.

　In the capital at the beginning of the Red Season, I saw two people with their feet down on the cobblestones.
　One was stepping down the ramp of a carriage with a joyful gait, the other with a graceful gesture.

"Wow, King's Landing has a much better selection of stores than I thought!
It's one thing to be able to collect a decent amount of taxes, but there are a lot of merchants based in King's Landing. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

　The shadow that landed on the sidewalk earlier spun around and stared at the show window with a glint in his eye.

"So, what now?

　He turns around and looks up innocently. Her beautifully wavy flaxen hair swayed softly.
　The tall shadow who came down from behind you, exchanging words with you while dropping a commentary, did not treat you particularly badly and continued the conversation.

He said, "The Spectacular and other state-run projects have created a number of financial resources. A good amount of money started to fall on the poor, and the welfare side gave them houses first. The economy started to turn in its own way.
That's right!　But if that's the case, isn't it dangerous when you see the ceiling?
That's right. There is a limit to the number of state-run projects, let alone spectacle projects. It is possible to continue meaningless road construction, but such work does not directly pay for itself. Eventually, you have to raise taxes after that.
But that would create another disparity. I guess we have to change the way we collect taxes.
"......?

　The taller shadow raised one eyebrow.
　The smaller shadow looked up at the sky with his hands folded like a boy behind his cute half-up hair.

In the country I was passing through, they kept a book of all the businesses and changed the amount of tax for each sale.
Not all of them, but they do that in this country, too.
Oh, I see. ...... I thought it would be nice if my personal income could be divided like that.
That's going to be a ...... costly business.
What?　Isn't it Richter who said that there is a limit to the number of state-run projects?
Huh. ...... That's right.

　You may need to think about it a little.
　The registration of people's family registers began around the time the war ended, and recently it has become possible to cover a certain extent.

　It may be that we just didn't try, but we can do it if we try.
　Thinking like this, the tall one - Richter - gently stroked his chin.
　He nodded and smiled in satisfaction.

I thought sword fighters were only interested in sword fighting.
I like to study ...... money and stuff. I like learning about money. Some things you have to learn to win.
Okay. Good point.

　After patting the boy on the head, which was also quite handy, Richter opened the door to the store in front of him, which was his goal.
　The boy, smiling happily, followed him.

　For Richter, it had been a long time since he had had such a constructive and non-toxic conversation partner.
　Also, the boy, Flux, was a studious young man who respected Richter's tremendous skill with a sword despite his position as Lord Treasurer.

　Although they had a difficult encounter, Richter did not feel bad about meeting him.


　In addition.

"By the way, can't you do something about your clothes?
You're shopping, right?　You can get a better discount if you dress like this.
He's a tough guy. ......

　The motive is solid, and Richter knows that his appearance will be effective, so he can't be strong.

　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the following tips.

　--It will be a while before Richter realizes the tragedy of the fact that he has become a kindred spirit and a lovely junior.

　I'll leave you to it.

Excuse me.
I'm sorry.

　The store he entered was a tailor's.
　The shopkeeper bowed deeply when he saw him, as if he were one of Richter's customers.

I've been waiting for you. You didn't have to come all this way, we would have come to you ourselves.
I had something else to do. On a side note.
Yes, sir. This way, please. --Who's the young lady?
Uh, .......

　I've heard that she's dressed for business negotiations, and I can't bear to expose her as a man. But I don't want you to get the wrong idea.

　After a moment of thought, Richter's answer was simple.

"She's the sister of an acquaintance. She's in my care.

　This choice was made because there were many "sisters" around him.

"Goodbye, .......
What do you have to say for yourself?


No, sir. Mr. Richter himself once said that he was considering marriage but had no partner. ......
Did I say that in front of you?
Yes, I did. Yes, I did, over drinks. ......
Well, what do you think?

　It is true that more than once he has invited commoners he cared for or had business relations with to his home for a consolation party.
　The idea came from the fact that Huta had once told Corona that he would cook for her, and he had indeed invited the tailor to the party.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

　Richter glanced at Flux as he began to take measurements on his clothes.

　Richter glanced at Flux, who was happily looking over the fabrics in the store, apparently not bored.

Do you want to buy something too?
"Oh, me?　Hmm, what should I do? I don't think I'm good enough at sewing to just buy fabric. ......
I'm sure the owner will be able to make you something reasonable. What, you have nothing to complain about when it comes to outerwear?
That's true, but...

　It's true that with coats, you have fewer measurements to take. At the same time, you won't have to worry about being exposed as a man.

　Richter's suggestion was purely a favor.
　He had confidence in this store, and more importantly, his traveling clothes were old and worn.
　He hadn't told me what he was going to do after the tournament, but his clothes were definitely a little uncomfortable to wear through the cold season in the air.

"Or if you're worried about money--

　I can lend it to you. Before he could say anything else, Flux shook his head.

"No. I can't be that picky.
Really?
You can use the banks in this city. I've got a good amount of money saved up myself.
"Hmm. ......

　I think that's fine, but I feel a little torn. I can't think of any reason why, and I shake my head loosely.

I'm not going to owe you anything for that!

　An indulgent smile.
　Richter didn't press the matter any further, as he knew that he had studied money well.

　It was only when they teamed up that he had to rely on Richter.
　Flax does not stay with Richter, but makes a good living in the city.
　He was careful to discuss the game, and he and Richter struggled to get along, and he was a perfect partner.

　So, as a nobleman, it is his right to offer some favors to the traveler.
　Even though I thought so, he refused my proposal on the grounds that I owed him money.

　In fact, it was only because he was an outsider to the capital that we were able to talk about economics on a casual basis. It is not strange to have a little flexibility with a friend who is not old enough to have a conversation with you.

　This is especially true for Richter, who does not judge by appearances.

"Oh, well, good.

　With a bunch of barbarians gnawing on his shins and a bunch of subordinates who cause him a lot of stomachaches, it is inevitable that Richter would have a soft spot for people who are harmless and understandable.

　But, yes.
　There's just one problem.

"...... Huh.

　The tailor smiled loosely, a long-time friend.
　You can find a lot of people who have been in the business for a long time.


I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will look like!
It's important to look good.
It's important to look good.
Is that what you do in the arena, too, ......?

　He asks implicitly, unbeknownst to the tailor.

　Flux said that he was originally a fencer in the Colosseum - and that he knew Futa.
　In other words, did he also dress as a woman in the Colosseum?

　Flux scratched his head and shook his head, looking embarrassed.

"Oh, no. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ...... Oh, but it's okay this time?
I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
But Prim and Minase were very popular. ......
I'm not sure what to say. I don't know about Minase, but those barbarians are very exposed.
If you keep your mouth shut, they won't know. The only one who knows the real me is you, Richter.

　The only person who knows the real me is Richter.
　This is a great way to make sure that you don't get caught in the middle.

I said, "......". I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. ............ I guess.

　After a bit of consideration, Flux looks at Richter and asks, "Which one of you is Richter?

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out which one is better for you, Richter.
Do you want me to swing? ......　

　Richter put his hand on his forehead and moaned.
　If I'm being honest, I'd rather you didn't wear women's clothes at all. Because it would cause unnecessary misunderstandings.


　Richter L. Klingbloom is not only a famous person, but also a famous sword fighter who reached the semifinals of the last fighting tournament. Looking back at his confessional behavior in the entrance hall, he really wanted to somehow wipe away the impression.

　Nevertheless, it is also true that the economic effects of men and women are far different.
　In sword fighting, an arena where people compete for strength, men have an advantage and can appeal their strength.
　But the masses always like giant killings, rare species, and good looking things.

　Let's leave aside a certain champion who defied everything.
　In this regard, the value of female fighters who are both skilled and good-looking is significant. This is also highlighted by the results of the interview with Futa about the popularity of each of them in the Colosseum.

　There is a high risk and high return if you remain silent.
　Low risk and low return if you enter as a man.
　There is also the fact that this is right after a lively discussion about the economy.

　Richter is a man who cannot make decisions based on his personal feelings in such situations.

　But on top of that.

...... I think we'd better go straight to it.
Really?
Yeah. The risk is too great. I don't know what you're going to do, but if you're going to stay in ...... King's Landing, it's probably for the best. It's exhausting to keep pretending to be something you're not.
"............

　His eyes blinked.
　Flux smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I understand!　Richter!
"Well, yeah, that's probably a good idea. It's better that way.
I'm sure you can understand my concern.

　As Flux touches his flaxen hair in embarrassment, Richter inwardly shrugs his shoulders, thinking that he is a man.

　In fact, it was an annoying choice, because if he kept silent, he would be really popular.

　It is a complete aside that this choice did not turn out well for Richter either.

By the way, you never told me.
Yes?
Why did you come to Spectacula?
Oh, ......, I didn't tell you, did I?

　The smile on his face faded.

I'm here to ...... fight swords. Of course. But that's not all.

　His eyes were straight and true.
　He looked at Richter and whispered each word carefully, as if he were chewing on it.

There's something I want to say. And it has to be in the field.
"...... I see.


　Then I'll make your wish come true.
　Next to Richter, who aspires to do so, and Flux, who smiles in annoyance.

　I thought it was going to be smooth sailing.


　--I thought it was going to be smooth sailing, but is it going to be rough?

　I thought it was going to be smooth sailing, but is it going to be rough?