Thirty-five days after leaving the royal capital of Muria, the airship carrying us finally arrived in the skies above the divine imperial capital of Astirio, the capital of the Arun Divine Empire.

(Wow, that's big.)

　Spread out below us is a huge city.

　The gleaming Emperor's Castle is at the center of the vast city, wrapped in triple pentagonal walls that go on forever. In between the walls, of course, there are cities, too.
　If I had to walk from one end of the city to the other, I don't think a day would be enough.

　It was probably three times larger than Mulia, the royal capital of the Kingdom of Shumuria.

(Is that a turret?)

　At the apex of the pentagonal city walls, a tall tower rose up, and a huge turret could be seen there.

　The divine imperial capital Astilio is protected by such a wall and turret - its center, the Emperor's Castle, is located on a hill that overlooks the entire city.

　And our airship descends into the grounds of that emperor castle.

　Gogon.

　There is a heavy thud, and a long chain falls off the airship.

　People on the ground grab it and secure it to the fittings on the ground. The chains were reeled in and the airship slowly descended, eventually the wheels landed and the hull was securely moored to the ground.

'Well, here we go,'
Yes.
Yes, sir.
I'm so nervous.

　At the sound of Kilt-san's voice, we leave the cabin.

　We greeted Harold-san, the captain of the ship, saying "Thank you for your help," and then disembarked on foot with the cavalry, with Frederica-san and the rest of the Seventh Knight Squadron sandwiched in front and behind us.

　At the end of our descent, many Arun knights and civil servants were standing to greet us.

(Ugh~)

　I'm not good at this kind of thing.
　It hurts to look at them.

　The other three are walking unapologetically.
　The same goes for Shumuria Knight and the other three.

　Being a wimp, I tried to hide behind everyone as much as possible as I entered the castle.

''.........''

　The interior of the castle is gleaming.
　The ceilings are high, the decorations are beautiful, and the solemnity is intimidating and somewhat overwhelming.

　Eventually, we were shown into the waiting room.

　From now on, we're going to have an audience with the ruler of this vast Arun divine empire - His Majesty the Emperor of Arun.

　Naturally, we are disarmed, and after taking a bath to wash off any stains, we change into the fine clothing provided by the Kingdom of Shumuria.

　Soon, about two hours after our arrival, it seems that we are finally ready for our audience, and we are called out.

(Well, now it's time.)

　I take a deep breath and prepare myself.

　At last, I'm meeting His Majesty Emperor Azanad Rafen Arunstadt, the Emperor of the Arun Divine Kingdom.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


The straw that feeds into this will be the straw that takes all the answers.

　Mr. Kilt warned us as we walked down the hallway.
　We nodded.

　I was told in the anteroom that, in fact, the plot of the audience we are going to have has already been decided between the two countries.
The story related to the "Son of Darkness" seems to be top-secret information known only to a limited number of people in the Arun Divine Kingdom, and that's why it's being handled.

(I see.)

　I've heard that this audience will attract a not-so-limited number of people.

　I don't know what the plot of the event is, but I'm sure she'll be able to handle it. As I'm not very good at that kind of place, it was a crossover.

　At any rate, the setting is that Kirto Amandes, a golden-stamped demon hunter, has visited the Arun Divine Kingdom as an emissary of the Shumurian Kingdom.
　The three of us are in the position of being mere companions.

　The three Shumurian knights who are the emissary's guards are unable to attend the audience, and there are only four of us who will be present.

(Even though they say we don't have to do anything, I'm still nervous.)

　I think as I walk down the long hallway.

　Eventually, at the end of the corridor, a ridiculously large and ornate door appears.

''--Kilt Amandes, emissary of the Kingdom of Shumuria, your party has arrived.

　The soldiers on either side of the door shouted out.
　Then, with a heavy sound, the huge door slowly opened in a Kannon opening.

(Oh.)

　The audience room was like a majestic temple.

　The air was serene and solemn.

　On either side of the hall, beautiful black knights lined up in an orderly fashion, and behind them, the nobles were gathered together, and the front wall was decorated with a huge flag with the national emblem of the Arun Divine Kingdom on it.

　And the space in front of the flag was as high as a staircase, with one man sitting on a throne at the top of it.

(That man is the Emperor........)

　bulge

　I cringed.

　He was a very beautiful man, I thought.

　The blonde hair flowing down his back and his beautiful, clear blue eyes.
　There was something about his delicate yet strong-willed face that seemed to attract not only the gaze of the viewer, but also his heart.
　He is said to be in his thirties, but he only looks like a man in his twenties.

　The largest country in the world, the Arun Divine Empire.

　It is exactly the right look for the person who rules it all.

　Tsk.

　Overwhelmed, I stopped unconsciously, and Illtimina-san's white hand casually pushed my back.

(Ah.)

　I hurriedly followed Mr. Kilt's back as he walked ahead, careful not to run.

　Kilto-san stops and kneels on the carpet.

　The three of us, lined up about two maids behind Mr. Kilt, quickly kneeled down and bowed reverently.

　At the bottom of the stairs, there was a knight in sumptuous black armor and an old man wearing a robe that looked like a vizier.
　The old man speaks out loudly.

You are the emissary of the Kingdom of Shumuria. The messenger of the Shumurian Kingdom, you have made a long journey. Now you are granted an audience with His Majesty the Emperor. Humbly grant him the glory.
"Haha.

　His voice is taut, not quite old enough to be old.
　Mr. Kilt responds with a bow of his head.

　And His Majesty Emperor Azanad Rafen Arnstadt, Emperor Arun, looked down at us from his throne, rocking his loose-fitting white and gold threaded costume, like a priest, and looked down at us.

　His red lips fell open.

It's good to see you, Kirto Amandes, Protector of Shumuria.

　A soothing, beautiful voice.

　The kind of voice that makes you want to give your life for him and follow him for the rest of your life.

''It's been a long time, Emperor.''

　I think Kirt's voice trembled a bit as he replied.

'As much as I'd like to indulge in nostalgic tales, that current one was a messenger from Shumuria. --You'll be able to hear the story first. Lift up your face.
"Haha.

　Shaking his silver hair, Mr. Kilt looks up.

　-- and in the audience room, the plot that had already been decided between the two countries unfolded.

　It's a difficult narrative to follow, but the brief is this.

　About a month and a half ago, El Dorado Rogue, the Lion of Blazing Fire, the proud demon hunter of the Kingdom of Shumuria and the Golden Mark, had died.
　The officially announced cause of his death was because he defeated a great monster that had appeared in Shumuria and the two sides fought each other.
　And.

It is possible that a similar demon exists here in Arun.

　Kilt-san's low voice.

　Surprised cries of surprise came from the gathered Arun nobles, and a murmur spread throughout the hall like a ripple.

''Silence!''

　An old man blackmails the Prime Minister.
　The hall regains its silence.

　Mr. Kirto's false story continues.

　In the Kingdom of Shumuria, the corpse of the monster beast was dissected and examined.
　As a result, many plants, animals and demons that only live in Arun were found in its stomach, and countless eggs were also found in its body.

　At present, it is a matter of speculation, but it is said that the Shumurian royal family sent Kirto Amandes, a golden-stamped demon hunter who is the most knowledgeable in the kingdom about hunting demons, as an emissary to the friendly Kingdom of the Arun Divine Emperor.

''We must be grateful for the great friendship of Shumuria,''

　The Emperor nodded.

(Shh, that's very believable.)

　I know it's a lie, but I can't help but believe it, too.

　Since even I, who knew, was like this, the people of Arun who were gathered here could no longer have any room for doubt.

　Besides, even though it was a neighboring country, the death of the Golden Seal Demon Hunter, Eldorado Rogue, the fiery lion, seemed to have had no small impact on the people of Arun.
　I'm sure it had a great impact on them as well.

(Eldorado-san is really helping us...)

　I thanked him, whom I had never met before, deeply in my heart.

　Kirt-san also mentioned the possibility of damage caused by those magical beasts in the Arun territory in the future.

　''I see.
　With this, if the damage of the Child of Darkness occurs in the Arun Divine Kingdom as well, we can blame that demonic beast and hide the truth from the people, right?

(Really, that's very well thought out.)

　I am honestly impressed.

　Eventually, when he finished speaking, His Majesty the Emperor declared that he would grant the freedom to search for demonic beasts within Arun's territory to the neighboring country's demon hunter, Kirt Amandes.

　There was a murmur from the people gathered there.

　But it was the Emperor's decision.
　There was no one to argue with.

''It's a pleasure to meet you, Kirto Amandes.
"Haha.

　Upon receiving the order, Mr. Kirt bows his head deeply.

　With this, the role of the ostensible emissary is over.

　His Majesty smiles softly.

It has been a long time since I have seen you. It's a long time since I have visited you, and I would like to visit your palace and hear your stories of foreign lands. --do you agree?
Ha, respectfully yours.

　She immediately complies.

(-- Ah.)

　At that moment, the Emperor's blue eyes looked at me.
　Our eyes met.

　Dokun.

　My heartbeat jumped.
　He panicked and fell on his face.

'--I will allow you to invite the little ones you have with you to join us.
"Haha.

　Those words of His Majesty the Beautiful Emperor were meant to invite 'I, the God Dog'.

''Your generous words of compassion, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

　Mr. Kilt is flatly prostrate.

　Then the conversation broke off, and an old man who seemed to be the vizier sounded a taut voice.

"--This is the end of the audience ceremony.

　The assembled people hung their heads in unison.

　Leaving behind the sound of rubbing clothes, His Majesty Emperor Arun rose from his throne and left through the doorway in the space next to the giant flag.

　I stared at the carpet at my feet for a long time.

(............)

　And so the audience is over.

　The four of us leave the audience room as it is.
　But.

Well, this is just the beginning, isn't it?
Yes.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.

　We nodded to each other at Kirto's words, and then we visited His Majesty's palace to begin our real audience.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　The Palace where His Majesty lived - the Detached Palace was located at the end of a long corridor that led from the Emperor's Castle.

　I called out to the two black knights who were guarding the gate in front of the palace, and as if they had already been told the story, a young lady came over and led me into the palace of the Emperor's detached palace.

(Heh~?)

　It's a beautiful palace with green gardens.

　Unlike the intimidating impressions of the Emperor's Castle, this one has a calm and very serene atmosphere. No, this is a living space, so is it natural?

　The four of us, with the lady in the lead, walk down the corridor facing the garden.

This way.

　Eventually, in front of one of the doors, the maidservant stopped.
　As it was, she bowed and left.

''..........''

　We looked at each other.

　We took a deep breath, made up our minds, and walked into the door.

　It was a gorgeous room of about 20 tatami mats.

　A large vase was decorated with flowers in full bloom, and the floor was covered with a beautifully patterned carpet. In the center of the room, a sofa was draped in white fur, and a beautiful blond-haired, blue-eyed man - the Emperor - was sitting in a relaxed posture.

　We immediately kneeled down.
　And.

Hey, guys. Thanks for coming. Well, make yourself at home.

　A soft, beautiful voice.

　I was a little surprised.
　When I had seen him in the audience room, he had seemed like a noble man who was terrifying to even approach, but now he had a very friendly smile on his face.

　I felt the tension that was in my heart melt away in a huff.

'It's been a long time, Kilt,'
Yes. It's been a long time, Your Majesty.

　The two of us knew each other and laughed at each other.

　At His Majesty's suggestion, we took off our shoes and sat down on the carpet.
　Out of nowhere, the ladies came in, set down our drinks and fruit, and quickly left again.

　His Majesty rubbed his shoulders.

'Oh dear, I'm tired today. I still don't like to be in a public place. I'd rather stay cooped up here forever.
Here, Your Majesty.
Ha, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. That's a mistake for an emperor.

　The Emperor is scolded by Mr. Kilt.

(Hey, what a change of impression...)

　I wasn't the only one who was stunned, but so were Iltimina-san and the Wong sisters of Solstice.
　Kilt-san, who noticed, laughs.

''His Majesty is always like this when he's not a public figure.
Oh, really?

　His Majesty laughs serenely, too.

''That's right. That's right, I'm just an actor playing the role of the Emperor. On the inside, I'm just an ordinary person like you.
..........
Here, why don't you have a bite to eat and drink?　It's very good.

　As he says this, he takes a bite of one of the fruits himself.

　Oh, you look so delicious.

(I think I like him.)　

　It may be simple, but I've grown very fond of this mysterious emperor, just from this little conversation alone.

　Boldly, I nibble on a piece of fruit too.

(Yes, it's sweet.)

　Seeing this, Iltimina-san and Solstice also sipped at their glasses of drink, fearfully. Kilt-san also laughed and nibbled on the fruit in his hand.

　His Majesty seemed happy to see us like that.

　After a while, when the place had become more relaxed.

But then again, my little niece is always talking nonsense.

　I muttered.

(Hmm?　(His Majesty's niece?)

　When I was scowling.

'It's Princess Reclear. Empress Arun is the current King Shumuria's own sister.

　Illtimina-san, who was beside me, tells me in my ear.
　That was it.

　Mr. Kilt apologized to the Emperor, who was frowning beautifully.

'I'm sorry for Shumuria's reasons, your majesty.
Ha, you don't have to apologize to me, do you?

　He laughed, but quickly turned a straight face.
　The air changed a bit.

'An oracle has been transmitted to the saints who serve in the temple of my Arun, from the great god of justice, Arzeus, the goddess of love, Moa. I know that things are urgent. That's why I also immediately sought out and protected the two 'Divine Attendants' who appeared in the territory.

　And then he looks at me.

"The God Dog of Yacour.
..........
But he looks like a mere child. The letter you gave me says it's incomplete.......is that what it is?

　Beautiful blue eyes.
　I felt like I was being sucked in.　

　I couldn't answer.

　His Majesty stared at me for a moment, and then smiled as if to melt away the tension.

''Well, good.''

　He picked up the letter that lay next to the sofa and looked at it.

'I have two requests from my lovely niece of mine.
..........
The first is an encounter between the two 'Divine Attendants' in Arun and the 'God Dogs of Yacour'. The other is the loan, and if possible, gift of the 'divine armor' kept by Arun.

　I put the letter back on the couch.

　"Is it possible," asks Mr. Quilt.

"Could it be possible?
Of course.

　The Emperor replied immediately.

''The matter is beyond the interests of nations and concerns the survival of humanity.'' --The Divine Attendants in Arun cannot make their existence known to the public, so they are now under the protection of General Dardios' residence. The arrangements have already been made. You can go straight to meet him as soon as you leave here.

　Oh.

　That's my girl.
　He had a lot of work to do before we arrived.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!

　He ducked his head.

　He looked surprised.
　He laughed immediately.

'The Divine Consort' from Shumuria seems to have some very human emotions, doesn't it?
What?

　Human emotions?

　I wonder, and he shakes his head mildly.

'No, no, I just thought it was a desirable quality to cooperate with,'
..........
But even so, as for the 'divine Armor', unfortunately, no matter how much I want to, it's difficult to cooperate with it.

(What ... no?)

　We are amazed.

　His Majesty the Emperor of the Arun Divine Kingdom looks a little apologetic as he tells us.

''Currently, the Divine Armor in the divine Treasury in temples across Arun has lost its power. I tried to give the two 'Divine Relatives' in Arun the 'Divine Armor' as well, but I was taught that, and it was no good.
No.....

　I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

　I had no small amount of expectations for the existence of the "divine armor" that would become a powerful weapon to fight demons. It's because I thought that even though I was still weak at present, if I got my hands on the "divine armor", I would be able to fight against that terrifying "Son of Darkness" force.

　The other three people's expressions also showed the same color.

　Still, His Majesty the Emperor of Arun said.

''But there is hope.''
What?
''The Divine Armor that has been discovered so far has all been excavated from the ruins that are four hundred years old. There is still one relic in Arun that hasn't been excavated yet, and that is the new 'divine Armor' that has not yet lost its power. There is a possibility that there is a new 'divine Armament' that has not yet lost its power,

(Unexcavated ruins!)

　We couldn't help but stare at his beautiful, precious face.

　But his expression sank to a faint halt.

'But it's dangerous there. The site is so deep and vast underground that the troops we sent to explore it in the last twenty years have been destroyed twice. That's why it is still unexcavated to this day, and because of the horror of its depths, the possibility of the existence of the Divine Armament seems very likely.
..........
"The Arun God's Empire, the greatest mystery of all, is the Great Labyrinth (Labundus).

　And His Majesty told me that they are currently in the midst of planning to dive there with Arun's 'Divine Attendants'.

(The Great Labyrinth........)

　Maybe I should accompany them, too.

　Looking at them, Kilt-san, Illtimina-san and Solstice had the same faces thinking the same thing.
　However, they are still not looking good.

　His Majesty the Emperor said as if he was concerned about us.

''There's no need to rush to a conclusion.''
..........
"I recommend that you first meet the two Divine Generals in Arun in the Hall of the God Dogs of Yacour.

　............

(Yes, I know.)

　I nodded.

'Okay, I will.'
Yes.

　His Majesty smiled.
　It was truly a gentle smile that put people's minds at ease.

'Your existence is the hope of mankind. Your existence is the hope of humanity," he said, "and that is a far greater responsibility than mine. But the limits of an individual's abilities are very limited. --So, please, don't be overwhelmed.
..........

　I had a feeling this man saw right through me.

(This is Emperor Arun........)

　The four of us bowed deeply to the advice of the man who ruled the world's largest country.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　Eventually, the conversation ended.

Okay, I'll see you all out.
Yeah. --I'll see what I can do about the Odotus Mountains.

　When we were about to quit the room, His Majesty heard about Mr. Naruda's village, and he promised us so.

(Good.)

　We are relieved and ready to leave.
　That's when.

'Father~'

　Huh?
　Suddenly, the door to the room opened and a little girl jumped in through it.

　Doofus.

　I don't know if he hadn't noticed, but he turns around and shoves me headfirst into my stomach.

(Guffaw?)

　Quite a shock.
　Even the other three have a surprised look on their faces.

　She was only about five or six years old.
　She was a girl with pale light blue hair tied up and wearing fine clothing. A small hand held their foreheads where they had collided, and they were looking up at me with round, blue eyes.

　We stared at each other for a moment, at close range.

'Hello.'

　I laughed.
　The girl's plump cheeks turned as red as an apple.

　She popped away from me and hid behind Her Majesty's back.

'Is this Padia?　You're being rude to our guest, aren't you?
..........

　His Majesty smiles gently.
　The girl hiding behind it - Padia-chan, with her lips tied in a knot, stares at us as if she's staring at us, as if to disguise her embarrassment.

(Could it be Her Majesty's child?)

　I'm kind of smiling.

　And then, from the door behind us, another new person appears.

Oh, I'm sorry. You are a guest, aren't you?

　A soft voice.

　It was a petite woman there.

　She had soft light blue hair and kind eyes of the same color.
　The white dress dress was very loose, and her stomach was bulging greatly - she was a pregnant woman.

　Behind her, she is followed by a number of female officers.

　I noticed immediately.

(Could it be the Empress of Arun?)

　Mr. Kilt kneeled down, and his anticipation was confirmed.
　I, along with my sisters, fell to my knees in a hurry.

'Well, Kilt Amandes?　Long time no see.
It's been a long time, Empress.

　Apparently, the two of them knew each other.

　And the Empress apologized apologetically.

''I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation.
No, I was just about to leave. Please don't worry about it.
Oh, really?　...and that's kind of a shame, too.

　The Empress responded to the question with a soft smile.

(She's so young.)

　Or so I thought.

　Not long ago, King Shumuria turned 50 years old.
　Since she's his own sister, I thought she was a certain age, but the Empress looks young enough to be in her twenties, or even her teens, no matter how you look at it.
　I wonder if the fact that she has an adorable baby face also has an effect on her.

　She seemed to be closer in age to her niece, Princess Reclear, rather than her own brother, King Shumuria.

(And the color of her hair and the Empress's face seemed somewhat similar to Princess Reclear's.)

　And His Majesty, the Emperor of Arun, anxiously called out to such an empress.

'Anatoleia, you shouldn't be standing there with such a heavy body. Now, sit down on the couch.
"Yes, Master Azanad.

　The Empress smiled happily as she was shown next to herself.

　She then walked over, holding her belly carefully, and slowly sat down on the sofa with the help of the ladies. Padia was sandwiched between her parents, gently stroking her mother's large belly.

　A cordial father and son.

　A family standing at the pinnacle of the world's largest country, but yet, they were full of love and affection, no different from us.

(...........)

　A political marriage between Arun and Shumuria.

　There may have been many difficulties.
　But they seemed to be happy now, and what they had there was a family that was a symbol of happiness.

　I was somewhat happy about that.

　Geez.

(Hmm?)

　Suddenly, Ms. Illtimina grabbed my hand.

　I looked up, but she wasn't looking at me.
　Her gaze was all the way to the Empress and the pretty girl next to her. She kept staring at the happy smile there.

　Illtimina-san is unable to have any more children due to the tragedy of the past.

''.........''

　Gentle, slightly sad crimson eyes.

　I put my strength into our joined hands.

　It's okay, I'm here.

　I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

''Well then, I'll take my leave of the strawberries.　

　Mr. Kilt said, and we bowed our heads.

　The Emperor and his wife smiled serenely and nodded. Padia-chan glared at us again.
　We laughed and left the place.

''.........''
..........

　Me and Illtimina-san held each other's hands for a long time, even after we left the detached palace.