It's a nice hot bath.
Oh, I love a big bath.
　Me and Fujiyan have come to the large bathhouse at the inn.
　Of course, since it's separate for men and women, Lucy and Saasan are not there.

"I didn't know there were public bathrooms in the country of the sun.
No, bathing together is not part of the culture of the Land of the Sun. This is the only inn that I know of that has a large bathhouse.
　That's what I'm talking about.
　You know the place.

'It's nice!　In another world, we'd all be in the bathhouse together!
　And Prince Leonard, who should have gone to the First District, is here for some reason.
　After all, Princess Sophia seems to have headed to Highland Castle to greet him as soon as she arrived.
　She's a hard-working princess.
　She came to visit us in the meantime because she was free.
　By the way, I invited the guards to take a bath as well, but they said, "No way, we're not going to join the prince! He refused.

'Makoto-san, Fujiwara-san. Tomorrow, let's go to the Highland Castle together. The two of you are new to this, aren't you?
　Prince Leonard is sipping in the hot water and comes closer.
　I can't see him from the shoulders down because of the steam and the swaying surface of the water.
　Thanks to his well-formed face and beautiful voice that hasn't changed, he looks like a beautiful girl.

''Makoto-san?''
　
　Ha!　Wait! Prince Leonard is a man!
　While averting my gaze, I looked at Fujiyan next to me.

''........''
　I've been staring at it so hard.
　Oh, come on, man, you're gonna get two wives soon, right?
Hey, Fujiyama, Fujiyama.
'Ha!　What am I doing?
　I'm kind of wondering if you're having a similar reaction to me.　

(Seriously ... aren't you more tempted by a boy than me?)
　Mr. Noah. A terrible misunderstanding.

"Prince Leonard, tomorrow you'll show us the way. By the way, unlike the Horns, the royal city of the Sunland has separate castles and churches.
'Yes, because unlike Roses, the Highlands are a nation of separation of church and state.
'You've got a good point there!　It has to do with the way this country was founded.
　Fujiyan began to speak.

'Lord Tuckey. Do you know who founded the Land of the Sun?
Whoa, don't be stupid, Fujian.
　I've heard enough of that story to make me tickle my ears in the water temple.

'It's Abel the Saviour, isn't it?'
　You know what I mean!
'Exactly!　But the Highland Kings are the sons(s) and grandsons(s) of the (s) Lord(s) of the (s) Lord(s) of the (s) Lord(s) of the (s) Be(s) and the (s) Grandchildren(s) of the (s) Lord(s) of the (s) Lord(s) of the (s) Lord(s). Did you know this?
What?
　What's that?　Mystery?

'Our Saviour, Lady Abel, left to wherever she was after establishing the Land of the Sun. That's why the first Highland king was the Virgin Anna.
　Prince Leonard answered.

'Our Lady Anna the Sun Priestess Anna who says she was a companion of the Saviour Abel?
'It is so. And Our Lady Anna was the first pope of the Sun Goddess cult.
Well.....
　This is getting a bit complicated.

'The Highland royal family is descended from Our Lady Anna. The Sun Goddess cult has inherited the office of Our Lady Anna for generations.
That's why you said there are two heads of state in this country?
'The King of the Highlands is the head of the country, but the King cannot command the Goddess Pope. He is a completely independent entity.
'The grounds of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Anna are said to be extraterritorial. Lord Tuckey, if you're interested in approaching it, be careful.

　Oh no, I won't go near it.
　I'm too scared to go to the holy land of the continent's biggest religion, even though I believe in an old goddess (evil god).

''Well, that's why the Highland royal family's long-cherished desire is to adopt the bloodline of the savior Abel.
No you can't.
　You're a thousand years old.

That's right. But not long ago, a man who is said to be the reincarnation of the savior, Abel, appeared.
　Huh?
It's not like that...
Brave man of light, Lord Sakurai.
Yeah.
　Don't you think it's weird that you're from another world and you're the reincarnation of a hero in this world?

''It was amazing when rumors spread that the brave men of light had appeared for the first time in a thousand years. The whole country went into a frenzy.
　Prince Leonard looks far away as if he remembered that time.
　
　I feel a little sorry for you.
　You've always had a strong sense of responsibility.
　I'm sure he's trying to live up to my expectations.

"The moment the brave Lord of Light appeared, the first place in the line of succession to the Highland throne was changed from the first prince to his second daughter, Princess Noel.
...the second daughter?
''The Highland King's eldest daughter was already married. And Sakurai-sama, who is said to be the reincarnation of the brave man of light, and Noel-sama, the Sun Priestess, who is said to be the reincarnation of the Holy Mother, Anna-sama. The people of the Land of the Sun are hoping that these two will be united.
　He's referring to a legend from a thousand years ago, isn't he?
　That's a big responsibility, Sakurai-kun.

He's in a tough spot too.
Yeah.
　He's gone much higher than he once was in the same class, where they had lined up their desks.

I think I'm starting to get stuffy. Let's get up there.
Would you like to have a drink with me later today?
I like it.
May I join you?
Sure. But no alcohol.
Well, maybe a little.
　You can't.
　Princess Sophia will kill me.

　After that, we had a banquet with Sa-san, Lucy, Nina, Chris and others, and late at night, a tired-looking Princess Sophia arrived.
　I invited her to have tea with me, but she left saying, "I have to work early in the morning again tomorrow.
　It's really hard work, Princess.


　◇

　The next day.
　We were led by Prince Leonard to Highland Castle.
　Fujiyan is working as a merchant, so it's just me, Lucy and Saasan.
　Princess Sophia also seems to be coming to the castle, but she's working in a different office.

　The Highland Castle was solemn even from a distance, but when you get up close to it, it's even more impressive.
　It's a rugged stone building, but it probably couldn't sustain this height on its own, so it must have been built with magical powers.

　Inside the castle, there are numerous knights walking around.
　The coats of arms carved on each of their armor vary.
''There are a lot of knights.''
''It's almost time for the Knight Commander of the Sun's inauguration ceremony of the Brave Lord of Light's Knight Commander of the Sun. The knights of the Five Holy Noble Lords are also gathering here.

　The Five Holy Nobles.
　Is it the great noble family that runs the Sun Country of the Highland Royal Family, the Lowland Family, the Whitehorse Family, the Belizean Family and the Ballantine Family?

''Wasn't Sakurai-kun a Knight Commander before?''
　When I left the Water Temple, though, I already had a mouthful of promise to become a Knight Commander.

''I'm a 'Hero of Light' skill holder just like the legendary Savior-sama. Many people said that the treatment of the Knight Commander class was natural, but I heard that there was a persistent opposition.
Prince Leonard tells us.
'Specifically, it seems that the Rowlands were pushing for the first prince, and the Whitehorse were pushing for the second prince.
　Lucy told me.
　So it's a known fact.

''It's the brave Sakurai-sama, who was the acting knight commander, but he accomplished the great feat of defeating the three 'Abominable Dragons' the other day, and he has officially become the commander of the 7th Division, the Knights of the Sun.
Wow.
　Great work.

''The defeat of the 'Abominable Dragon', Takatsuki-kun must be involved in this! And Sa-san.
　When I said this as if it was someone else's business, he interrupted me.
Hmm, after that, a lot of things happened, so it's just like a long time ago.
　Asking the evil gods to do you a favor, or being nominated by a brave man.
　It seems like a long time ago.

''About an abominable demon, so easily...''
Makoto-san, it's a demon that is said to be the natural enemy of humanity...
　Prince Leonard and Lucy said, dismissively.

'Oh, that's it. I have one request for Prince Leonard.'
Yes, what is it?
'Why don't we have all the Knights of the Water Country learn the 'calm' skill?　I think it's tricky because the abominable demons always use 'fear' and 'fascination' state magic, so I think it's tricky. If it weren't for that, I think they'd actually be small fry.
　I've only experienced the past two or so fights, but it's not a bad strike.

'Regardless of your opinion of the second half, it's important to deal with state magic!　We'll consider it right away.
　Prince Leonard is a good, honest boy.

　And then it was some time.
　We explored the Highland Castle in various ways.

"Takatsuki-kun, don't open the chest of drawers without permission, even if you become a hero.
What?
　I know that, sir.
　We won't look for hidden passageways, you know.
　.... oh no.


　Yeah.


　After exploring the castle, it was a while later.

"Mr. Sasaki?　Could it be you, Mr. Sasaki?　I'm Takeda. Long time no see!
　A young man who looked like a knight suddenly spoke to me in the corridor of the castle.
　It's not me, it's Sa-san, but...

"Um, Takeda-kun?　Long time no see.
　The guy was my former classmate, Takeda.
　We've barely ever talked to each other.
　I see, you were in the Land of the Sun.
　Were you friends with Sa-san?

'I wasn't in the Water Temple, was I?　You mean it's spread to another part of the country?　Well, that's a coincidence. I'm a senior knight in the Highland castle. I have my own room. Do you want to have dinner somewhere in the future?
Well I'm visiting the castle with Takatsuki.
　Sa-san declines softly.

'High moon?　Ah, there you are. It's been a while.
Oh, yeah. Long time.
　He looks at me and blatantly looks down on me.
　Ah, this reminds me of the days of the Water Temple.

"Sasaki-san, have you been to Sinfonia recently?　I know a great place. What time do you want to go?
No I have plans for today.
　Takeda-kun persists in asking me out, and Sa-san looks at me.
　Should I say something about this...?
　I'm not sure if he noticed that Saasan and I were talking with our eyes or not, but Takeda-kun looked uncomfortable.
''Huh, you're on good terms with Takatsuki, aren't you?
"Well, I met Takatsuki-kun again in the Great Maze and he saved me.
　Sa-san responds with a troubled smile.
　The next moment, Takeda-kun gets a nasty look on his face.

'Hey, Sasaki-san. Takatsuki, you know, his status was so low that he was left over until the last minute because he wasn't scouted by anyone at the temple. Did you know that?
　He grins and explains.
　.........yuck.
　I don't feel like being friendly anymore.
　I mean, how do you know that?　Are you famous?

'What? It's true, isn't it?　Don't look at me like that. Don't make that face. I'm sorry for saying that in front of Mr. Sasaki.
　He tapped me on the shoulder as if he didn't feel bad about it in the slightest.
　Sa-san's expression hardened a bit.
　Then his voice changed color as if he had an idea.

''Hey, Takeda-kun, you're a knight, right?　Does that mean you're the same as Sakurai-kun?
　Sa-san speaks to me suddenly and amiably.
　Hmm?

'No, no, no. Sakurai is a real cheat. I said he was special.
　Takeda replies with a bitter smile.
'Wow, by the way, Takatsuki-kun is a brave man of the Water Country (Roses) right now, right?　Did you know that?
...What?
　Takeda popped his mouth open and then started laughing out loud.

''Hahahaha!　Mr. Sasaki, you're cheating!　There's no way Takatsuki is a brave man!
You are the hero of my country!　In the name of Leonard Ayre Roses, I guarantee it!
"...what?　Prince Leonard...?
　Apparently he knew what Prince Leonard looked like.
　Takeda's face paled.
　Well, if you work for a royal castle, you know the faces of the royal families of all countries.

''Please retract your rude remarks earlier!
Uh, Prince Leonard?　I don't mind....
'I'm sorry!　I take back my earlier statement!
　It's been withdrawn.
　What should I do with a retraction like this?

Oh, hey. Oh, I'm sorry, Takatsuki. I'll see you next time!　Yeah, see you then!
　Takeda left somewhere, acting suspiciously.
　He spoke to me without permission and left on his own.
　He's a flurried guy.

'Dassa,'
　I heard Sa-san's cold muttering.

''That guy just now, he's from the same other world as Makoto, isn't he?　There's something disgusting about it...
　Lucy blurted out.

'Well, that's fine.　If you leave it alone.
　It's the same path I took a year ago.
　I'm over it.
　I don't care about that guy.
　I don't care about that.

"By the way, Sa-san, were you close with that guy?
　He talked to me in a pretty friendly manner.
　I wonder if we were actually close before.

''Well he asked me to karaoke and hang out a few times in the past. I wasn't good at him, so I didn't go, okay?
Hmm.
'What?　Yaqui?
　Sa-san's expression turns into a smirk.
　Oops, that's a teasing stance.

''No, it's not.''
"Hmmm.
No?
Heh. And really?
　I'm a little jealous.

Close enough.
　Don't you need to get all cozy up to me, Mr. S.
　You have great eyesight, don't you? He's a monster.

See!　Let's go next time!　I'm not going to make out with you in the royal castle!
　Lucy tugged on my arm.
'Yeah, just a little more...'
　Sa-san pulls me on the other side.
　So this is the otherworldly harem!
　Isn't it? No.

　I never thought I'd see my classmates here, though.
　But the Land of the Sun is the largest nation on the continent, and it's the best place to be when it comes to safety.
　If you don't mind that it's the most expensive of the six countries.
　Your other classmates might be there, too...
　It's just too much trouble if they get into trouble.
　I'm not sure if it's better to meet a classmate I'm not close to than a demon, but.......I don't know about myself.
　Huh.


　◇


　The Highland Castle was vast, and it was too big to go around in a day.

'Let's get some rest,'
　Prince Leonard led me to the back of the royal castle.

　It was a large, spacious site, about the size of four football courts.
　Many knights, wizards, monks, and archers were training for battle there.
　At the side of the plaza, there are several shops that look like food shops.

'This is the training ground of the Knights of the Sun, but it is open to people from other countries as long as they are military personnel. Let's have a little something to eat at that shop over there.
'What?　I was a military man?
　Shocking truth!

''The National Certified Brave is equivalent to the generalship of the Water State. However, they are not tied to any particular military service. It's only an organizational affiliation.
'It was explained at the hero's recognition ceremony...?　Didn't you hear?
　Lucy poked me in the face with dismay.
'Takatsuki-kun, you've been floating around...'
　Mr. Saa, don't say that!
　Honestly, I was so excited to be brave that I didn't listen.

　We walked through the side streets of the wiry training grounds and headed for an area lined with food shops.
　Looking around, I saw lots of people were having mock matches with wooden swords and practicing attack magic.
　And I was curious.

(There's a water spirit in there.)

　Roses Castle was hopelessly low on spirits, though.
　Is it the fact that Highland Castle does not have a church function that affects it?
　Or does it have something to do with the fact that there is an ocean nearby?
　Whatever it is, there are more spirits in my lifeline than there are in mine.

　That's what I'm thinking about.

''Hey, hey, hey!　Look who's here, the scum of the water country brave, what are you doing in Highland Castle!
　A grating voice sounded.