The four of us returned to the Emperor's Castle from the palace, and at the end of a long corridor, we were greeted by that beautiful woman in male clothing.

''--I've been waiting for you, Lord Marl.

　It's that 7th Knight Captain, Frederica.

What's going on?
I've been ordered to escort you to the residence of General Dardios. I will now take you there.

　Oh, I see.
　She was the general's daughter.

　We follow her back as she starts to walk briskly.

　As we walk, Frederica asks, "Did you have a safe audience?

"Did you have a successful audience?
Yes.

　I nodded.

'He was a lovely man, Emperor.
Oh, right!

　Instantly, her usually sincere face lit up with joy. Huh?

'I know, I know. 'You are a wonderful man, Your Majesty!　From time to time, he appears at the parade ground and gives words of thanks to a soldier like us. All the knights of Arun are willing to spare even their lives for that man!
..........

　Frederica's cheeks flushed with excitement and she nodded repeatedly.

　The four of us were taken aback.

(Ko, is this what the emperor's charisma is all about?)

　I chuckle in my mind.
　Solstice blurts out.

''Well I was kind of bad at it, though.
What did you say?

　buzzing

　An instant head-shaking girl.

(.........maybe Solstice is surprisingly shy.)

　He never spoke a word in an audience, and he never spoke to his superiors when he first met them, not even to himself. If they were to be kind to me, I would be wary of the opposite. Once he's in the pocket, he's a terribly gentle boy, but I thought it would be hard to get to that point.
　Well, that's the cute thing about Solstice.

　As I was thinking about that, Frederica-san's blue eyes were looking at me.

(?)

　No, to be precise, it's me and Illtimina-san's connected hands that are looking at it.

''........Are you guys always like that, even in public?''
What?
So what?

　Answered with clarity, Illtimina-san.
　For some reason, Frederica-san, who asked the question, was more flustered.

''I, no, I thought you weren't embarrassed...''
What in the world is there to be ashamed of, holding hands with someone you care about?
..........

　A silent Frederica.

'I care for Merle. I know that Marle cares for me, and I know she cares for me, too. As a result, we are holding hands. --What's the problem with that?
No, no, it's not a problem.
So why not?

　Speak up, sister.
　And.

Well, well, there's nothing wrong with being close, is there?

　Frederica-san muttered, averting her gaze.
　Hearing that, Illtimina-san said, "Right? And for some reason, it's the look of a winner.

(????)

　I don't know what that means.

　I looked at my free left hand.

(Could it be...)

Did you want to hold hands with me, Frederica?

　While saying that, I squeezed Frederica's white glove-wrapped right hand with my left hand.

''!

　Suddenly, she stiffened.
　Huh?

(Am I wrong?)

No, no, Merle!

　Illtimina-san, who seemed to be in a hurry, forcibly stripped me of the hand that connected me to Frederica-san. As it is, the positions of my body are swapped, my hands are reversed, and I am driven to a position far away from Frederica.

　I'm confused.

　Kilt-san behind me is laughing at the sound of her voice, and Solstice has a dumbfounded look on her face.

　Illtimina-san glares at me with a very complicated expression.

(Eh~?)

...Sorry?

　In a manner of speaking, I apologize.
　She stares at my face for a moment, and then eventually lets out a sigh, ".......already.

　Frederica-san is staring at my clenched right hand.

　'Full on.'

　He shook his head hard, as if to shake something off.

'Mm, this is no time to waste. Come on, come on, let's go!

　I declare that and start walking.
　My cheeks are red and my walk is more awkward than before, but why is that?

(Well, okay.)

　Instead of thinking about the details, the priority now is to meet the two 'Divine Generals' at General Dardios' house.

　The four of us, together with the female black knight who walks like a doll, leave the valiant emperor's castle of Arun - the four of us.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　The three Shumurian knights also met up with us, and we set off in a cavalry carriage.

　Frederica-san was riding ahead to lead this cavalry carriage, astride a two-legged dragon clad in black armor.

(This is inside the divine imperial capital Astirio?)

　From the window, you can see the castle town.

　The divine imperial city of Astilio has three city walls.
　It is said that the area inside the first wall, closest to the castle, is a high-class residential area where the nobility and other upper-class people live.

　Of course, General Dardios's residence is also located here.

''It's.......magnificent.

　I muttered to myself.

　It was a world apart from the frontier I'd seen so far.

　The mansions that stand in a row are all magnificent mansions.

　The scenery of the city is beautiful, the streets are wide and clean.
　The people walking around the city are somewhat gracious, and the carriages and dragon carriages look luxurious.

　The military's rugged cavalry carriages look somewhat out of place.

''Mm, I can see it.''

　Mr. Quilt, who had once visited the General's house, looked out the window and muttered to himself.
　We, too, look at the window.

(Wow, it's big!)

　It was one of the largest and most magnificent buildings in the area.

　The garden was large, and there was about 50 meters of space between the gate where the gatekeeper stood and the front door of the house. There was a fountain on the way.

It makes my house look so shabby...

　Iltimina, she muttered a little sadly.
　'Yeah?

I love that house.
Thank you, Merle.

　He patted me on the head.
　Ehehe.

　And so we got off the cavalry car in front of the front door of the mansion.

　There is a big, bear-like man standing there.

"Oh, Fiddy!　Welcome home!
Oh, God, no, Father?　

　Frederica, who had arrived first, is being furiously bear-hugged.

(Whoa!

　Me, Illtimina, and Solstice's eyes are dotted,
　Kilt said with a wry smile.

He is the greatest general in the land of the god Arun, Adbaldo Dardios. ...Well, he seems to be quite an idiot, doesn't he?
..........
..........
..........

　That's right.

　In front of us, who are stunned, General Dardios eats Frederica-san's elbow strike to the temple and finally releases his daughter. But even while holding the area where the blow was struck, he said, "You're getting stronger, Fiddy! And he looks happy.

　General Dardios looks to be in his fifties or so.

　He has a generous beard and is over two maids tall.
　He is muscular.

　His short, white hair is kept in an all-back, and his keen-eyed eyes are the same blue color as Miss Frederica's.

　The high bridge of her nose has a horizontal scar running across it.
　No, upon closer inspection, there were countless scars on her bare arms, thick neck, and other bare parts of her body.

　A true warrior.

　Frederica-san, who escaped from those muscular arms, while adjusting her disheveled military uniform.

Father, I'm on a mission today. I didn't come to see you, Father!
Gulp.

　Uh ... the most powerful general in the world staggered.

(Oh, you're an interesting guy.)

　It's kind of like watching a contrast.

　Mr. Kilt chuckles and steps forward.

'Long time no see, General?'
'Hmm?　Oh, you're here, Oni Musume!

　The General laughed and approached Mr. Kilt, laughing.

　batiin

　She was about to slam her huge fist into my face with hazy speed, and just before, her hand was catching it.

　The shockwave wind slapped our cheeks.

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

　Everyone was stunned.
　Mr. Kilt smiled for the umpteenth time since he'd been here.

'Rough welcome, isn't it?'
Ha-ha, you haven't lost your touch, demon girl.

　A happy General.

　Apparently, it's his way of saying hello.

(But if I did, my face would be smashed to death?)

　A bit of a cold sweat broke out.

　General Dardios took a step back and looked around at us all.

"Your Majesty speaks to us!　Hey, guys, thanks for coming!　The road from Shumuria must have been difficult so far, right?　But during your stay in Arun, you are free to use my house as you wish. Let him rest his body and soul at leisure. Don't be shy, okay?　Hahaha!

　A thick, wild, streetwise voice.
　He's like a bear, but with a childlike smile, he told me so.

　Mr. Kilt laughed and Frederica sighed.

　The rest of us couldn't help but look at each other.

　And then the General's gaze turned to me.

'Hmm?　So you're the one they call 'Shingu'?
I'm not sure...

　A moment later, with a buzz, all the hairs on my body stood up against me.

　Huh.

　Reflexively dropping back, he drew his fairy sword.
　Ah.........

　They all looked at me in surprise.

　I hurriedly put the sword into its scabbard.

''I'm sorry!''

　He bowed deeply to General Dardios.
　He laughed.

'No, that's fine. That was a very good response.
..........

　Even I was surprised.

　The moment our eyes met with the sharp eyes, I felt a tremendous 'pressure' like a shockwave.

　An ogre or a red-fanged dragon?

　No, maybe it was as much pressure as the real Kirt-san.

　I was about to be misled by the exchange with Frederica-san and Kirt-san's strength in easily blocking his fist, but this person is definitely the strongest general reigning in the world's largest country, the Arun Divine Empire.

　There was no intent to kill him.

(We just made eye contact...)

　I grip my trembling right hand tightly and hold it down.

'Soo-hah,'

　Deep breaths.
　All right, we've calmed down. Let's pretend I am calm.

You gonna be okay, Mael?

　Miss Frederica approached me with concern and then glared accusingly at my father.
　The general cowered his shoulders.

"I didn't do anything!
Are you sure?
''Yeah. It's the good eye of the 'God Dog' that saw through the depths of my strength just by looking at me. You have really good eyes.

　He laughed.

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

　I'm not sure what that means.
　But I do know that the general did nothing, and that he had no malice in his heart.

　And General Dardios looked at me once more.
　I was prepared, and this time, I'll be fine, too.

　He nodded broadly.

'Well, Mister 'Godgu'?　As a matter of fact, besides you, there are two other visitors from the divine world who call themselves Shin Gara in our home. --I would like you to meet them first.

　I know.
　That's what I've been doing all the way from Shumuria.

　I nodded.

"Yes, that's what I'm hoping for.
No, thank you.

　The general's gaze turned to the rest of the group.

The two 'Divine Fangra' lords in the mansion wish to meet with our 'Divine Dog' lords. Until then, you are welcome to rest at ease in your homes.

　In a wild voice, he declared so high and mighty.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


Are you sure you're going to be okay on your own, Merle?

　We entered General Dardios's mansion, where I was the only one who was separated and led to the room where the two 'Divine Attendants' were located.
　But in the corridor of the mansion, Iltimina-san is kneeling in front of me with a worried look on her face.

　I smiled, trying to reassure her, and replied.

'Yeah, I'm fine.'
But I think I should at least come with you.

　Is this the mindset of a parent trying to keep up with a middle school admissions interview?

It doesn't make me laugh at the General, does it?

　In my happy but troubled ears, I heard a dumbfounded Solstice's voice.

''Sis Irna, that's enough!''
"Sol....
"I thought you said this guy was one of Merle's "Divine Relatives".　It's not like they're going to take it and eat it.

　My sister tells me, and she still mutters, "but".
　Mr. Kilt says, too.

'Trust Merle,'
..........
"You're not going straight into the Kingdom of God. I'll come back to you as soon as I'm done talking.

　............

　Could it be that Illtimina-san was worried that I, who had met the other "Divine Attendants", would leave her side? Did she think that I would leave her as a member of the Divine Family?

　Illtimina-san looks at me.

　I said clearly.

I will definitely come back to you, Illtimina-san.
Yes.

　She nodded.

　General Dardios, who was standing a short distance away, called out to her.

'Are you done talking?'
Yes.

　I nodded and moved closer to him.

"Then let's go. This way.

　He turns his back to us and starts zunting to the end of the hallway.

　She's a big girl, so she's a big walker.
　I hurriedly chase after her as she walks quickly.

"Male!

　An anxious voice hits my back.

　I turn around.

　My three most important friends are there.

　Mr. Kilt is looking at me with a trusting face.

　Solstice is a bit pompous.

　Illtimina is still worried, and she's looking at me with her hands clasped tightly together on her stomach.

　I laughed.

"I'm going to go.

　Then he turned forward and followed the big back of General Dardios.

　--a long corridor.

　I think there are a lot of servants in here, but no one is passing us by.
　Only our footsteps could be heard.

　I suddenly asked the general's back.

"What are these two people in here like?
.... hmmm. .... an elusive lot, to be honest.

　I replied.

"They can talk and communicate with each other. But I don't feel like they're looking at me. I feel as if I'm talking to a doll.
..........
I can't help but notice how different things are from yours.

　That's right.

(Come to think of it, I remember Frederica saying something similar, too.)

　Like a doll, huh?
　Maybe I'm imperfect, so I'm in a different mood than those two.

　If I was perfect, would I be...?

　As I was thinking about this, the General's back stopped. Oops?　He almost bumped into it, panicked, and stopped dead in his tracks.

　At the end of the hallway, there was a single door in front of him.

'Here.'
..........

　He looked back at me.

''Then let's leave the rest to the 'Godgu' lord.
Yes, sir.

　I nodded.

　A large hand crumpled and stroked its head. Ugh?
　And then the General smiled wickedly.

I can't tell you this, but I prefer you to one of them.
..........
So.... ha-ha-ha.

　pom pom

　He was smacked on the head, and then General Dardios left the corridor with a great stride.

　I was stunned for a while.

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

　I chuckle.

　But it did ease my nerves.

(Thank you, General.)

　Thanking him in my mind, I turn to the door in front of me.

　Once, I take a deep breath.

　knock-knock

　I knocked on the door.

　Five seconds of silence drifted down the deserted hallway.

Come in.

　I heard a boy's voice, still young, or could be said to be young.

(Beautiful voice.)

　Or so I thought.

　I turn the doorknob and walk into the room.

"---

　My eyes were dazzled.

　There were two figures standing in the backlight - at first, I thought.
　But I was wrong.

　The light was coming from the figures themselves.

'I'm here, Godgu of Yacour.

　The little light boy smiled at him.

'I've been waiting for you, ever, ever.'

　The beautiful woman smiled so gently.

　The two 'Divine Fanglars'.

　The boy's name is Rapt.
　The beautiful woman's name is Recto Alice.

　What Frederica-san taught me, but it seems that I - my inhabited 'Marl's Body' already knew that - knew that.

　As soon as I saw the two of them.

(Uh oh....)

　The nostalgia, the joy, is bubbling up from the back of my mind and I can't stop.

　Pota, Pota, Pota.

　Tears spilled from my cheeks.

　My old comrades in arms from 400 years ago who were still alive.

　My mouth moved on its own accord.

I'm glad to see you too, Raptor, Lectoris.

　They are looking at me with very tender eyes as I am sobbing.

　A reunion at the far end of time.

　A rising heart.

(Oh, really?)

　Finally, I became aware of the fact that I am a member of the Divine Family.

　It was at this time that I became strongly aware for the first time that I really am a member of the "God's Family".