I woke up and decided to go outside the tent to get some air for the first time in a long time, since I had been in the dark ruins for so long.

'I'm sorry, Illtimina,'
No.

　But I still can't move my body well, so Illtimina-san had to carry me on her back.

　I was sorry, but she seems somewhat happy about it.

"..........

　On the other hand, Frederica-san looked at me enviously for some reason, but I'm not sure why.
　Huh, why is that?

It's so bright.

　As I stepped outside the tent, the shimmering sunlight momentarily turned the world white.

　Immediately my vision was restored, and there I saw an encampment base lined with many tents and the Arun soldiers working there. All around them, the trees were lushly green and tree-lined, with the blue sky above them stretching on forever.

　In the center of that blue sky, there is a strong glow that produces sunlight.

(Ah ... the sun.)

　I narrow my blue eyes.

"...the world is so bright.
Yes, sir.

　It's been a dark labyrinth all along, so the brightly colored terrestrial landscape seemed so beautiful.

　Illtimina laughed gently at my impressions, too.

　Everyone was smiling too.

　Then I looked towards the cliff where the entrance to the ruins was located, and I was surprised.

(What?　(Is it collapsing?)

　The huge entrance, dug into the 50 meter high cliff, was now completely buried by the collapsed earth and debris. The huge sculpture of a goddess that had been built beside the entrance had been caught in the surrounding collapse and its upper half had collapsed, leaving only the lower half of its body intact.

　Solstice said to me, who was puzzled.

'It was Merle who did this.
What?

　Did I...?

'It's rattling in the aftermath of getting out of the 30 levels all the way to the ground. There's a big hole in the cliffs from when we escaped, too.
..........

　Oh, really?

　When we checked, we found that fortunately, the people on the ground were not harmed.

　But the cracked eyes on the raw head of the broken goddess statue lying on the ground seemed to be looking at us with some kind of resentment.
　A bit scary.

''Lord Callwood, it looks like you're mad at the God Realm.
Well....

　Rapt and Recto Alice also say something like that.

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

　But I thought.

I don't mind.

　Everyone looks surprised at that statement.

　Honestly, I don't forgive Lady Callwood for what she did.

　Four hundred years ago, what she did to the humans in that underground city was very irresponsible.

　It may not be a great analogy, but in her previous life, she protected those poor dogs and cats, put them in small cages, provided plenty of food for them, and then left the rest to die of starvation in poor conditions.

　Of course, Mr. Callwood may have had some deep thoughts and reasons, but when I thought of the fear and despair that had been created in the people at that moment, I couldn't understand it.

　So.

"I don't like Lady Callwood, the Grey Goddess.

　I assured them so.

The two people in God Fang Rao had mixed expressions, but they didn't blame me for it; on the contrary, the five humans seemed to agree with me.

　Then, Illtimina-san said a little unexpectedly.

''It's unusual for Marle to express her rejection so clearly, isn't it?

(...yeah?)

　As for me, I was just being honest about my feelings.

'But I feel the same way, Merle.
"Mm.
I don't like it either.

　The three of us laughed at that.

　I laugh too.

　I looked up and saw that the sky was beautiful, with the sun shimmering in the sky.

　I don't mind if Lord Callwood hates me for this. But I didn't want to be bothered if I even bothered the Goddess of Hunting, Yacour-sama, the main god of the Divine Dog Ark Inn.

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

　No. Is it okay?

　The emotion of the arcane inside me tells me so.

　I felt like the Goddess Yacour-sama was the one who poured out her deep affection for us 'divine dogs', her attendants. I'm sure she understands this feeling and will be on our side.

'It's all right, Marle.'

　Suddenly, Illtimina said.

''Even if the 'Grey Goddess' gets angry, I'll protect Marle.
..........

　It's a bit of a surprise.

Yeah.

　I laughed and put my young arms around her neck as she carried this little body on her back.

　Her dark green, glossy hair tickles my cheeks.

　The Goddess Yacowl-sama is in Jingu Arkyn.

　As well as that.

(Marle has Mr. Illtimina...)

　As I chewed on that happiness, I exhaled heavily and rubbed my cheek sweetly against her hair.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　There are a lot of Arun soldiers working at the camp.
　However, I suddenly noticed that they were dismantling the tents they had set up and packing their belongings.

(Hmm~?)

　As I gazed at the scene.

They're clearing out.

　Noticing my gaze, Illtimina-san tells me.

(..............Removal work?

　I was surprised, and now Kirto said to me.

I've reached the goal of obtaining the 'divine armor'. It has been decided that tomorrow morning we will all set out for the Divine Imperial City of Astirio.

　Really?

But it's too soon--

　So that's not really the case.
　I just woke up, and in fact, it's been four days since I got it.

　And Mr. Quilt.

"After we have had an audience with His Majesty the Emperor in the City of the God Emperor and have completed our report, the strawmen will return to the Kingdom of Shumuria.
...in Shumuria?

　She nodded at me in surprise.

I'm surprised," she nodded. I have safely fulfilled the request of the royal family.

　The royal family's request - it was to awaken my own power as a 'divine dog' and to receive a loan or gift of 'divine armor'.

(I see, both of those are already done.)

　I'm puzzled, but I understand.

I'm sure Princess LeClear will be waiting patiently. We also have to find out what is going on with the Children of Darkness in Shumuria and the fourth member of the Divine Family, who has yet to be found.
Yeah, I guess so.

　There's a lot of work to be done in the Kingdom of Shumuria.

(Still got a lot of work to do.)

　But, despite that, I felt a little sad.

　I look at Frederica-san, General Dardios, Rapt, and Recto Alice.

　Returning to the Kingdom of Shumuria also means saying goodbye to the people of the Arun Divine Kingdom who have been with me all this time.

　Meeting my gaze, the four of us also notice.

''Maar-dono........''

　Frederica-san called my name wistfully.

　The always dynamic general is now looking at me with a gaze that feels peaceful.

I'm going to miss you.
Yeah.

　Rapt and Recto Alice also have a sullen voice.

　It was the parting of the ways from the beginning, but when the time came, the emotions overflowing from them were still uncontrollable.

What are you going to do after we leave?

　I asked.

　It was General Dardios who answered.

''We're looking for yet another 'divine armor' for these two 'divine strongholds'.
..........
However, the divine armor does not exist in the ruins that have been discovered within Arun. I suppose we should start with the remains that have yet to be discovered.

　He continued to do so, stroking his muscular beard.

　Really?
　But even from the difficult expression on the General's face, you can tell how difficult it is.

(Could it be that this case is a form of us from outside the country intercepting the 'divine armor'?)

　I'm kind of sorry.
　But.

That 'divine armor' was only available to us humans because of Lord Marl and the others. Please hold it with pride.

　General Dardios smiled at that.
　Frederica-san and the two people from 'Divine Fangra' both nodded with a smile.

''......... Mm.

　I nodded broadly.

　If possible, I wanted to help the two of them find the 'divine armor', but we also had a responsibility to fulfill for the Kingdom of Shumuria.

(But at least...)

　I pour 'divine energy' into the metal ball in my right hand.

　Vo-on.

　Glowing with rainbow colors, the sphere responded to my will, softly changing shape and eventually splitting into three pieces.

　A third of its size and mass.

　In front of everyone's astonishment, I present it to the two precious 'Brethren of the Divine World'.

''Rapt, Lectoris, take it.

　I said.

　I am the owner of this "divine armament". But with my permission, I can handle the 'divine armor' for both of them, and I, being connected to the 'divine armor', can somehow understand it.

''Mar.......you.''
Are you sure?

　The two of them looked at me in surprise, as if to confirm.

　I nodded widely.

'Yeah. Use this instead of us helping you.

　It will probably be less than a third of its original performance.

　However, even a third of its original performance will contain great power. I'm sure it will be able to help both of us, even if we have to face difficulties like the Great Maze in the future.

　I laughed.

''When you two get the 'Divine Armor', make sure you give it back to me, okay?''

　They both laughed at that statement.

'Okay,'
Until then, I'm borrowing it.

　One by one, Rapt and Recto Alice receive a 'rainbow-colored metal ball' the size of a golf ball from my hand.

　The three of us looked at each other.

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

　They may not have words, but their hearts can be understood.

　The humans who were there watched our "Divine Attendants" interaction with a gentle smile, without saying a word.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　After checking out the outside for a while, I, still not fully healed, was sent back to the tent bed again to rest.

　This tent is for the four of us from Shumuria.

'I'll take care of the rest, Irna.
Yes, sir.

　Kilt-san and Solstice left the tent, leaving Iltimina-san as my escort.

　Kilt-san has to organize his luggage and discuss the return trip before leaving tomorrow.

　Solstice said that she has been immersed in Recto Alice's tent for the past few days in order to learn as much 'divine art' as possible in the remaining time.

(Solstice and Recto Alice, you've started talking to her directly, right?

　I was kind of happy.

　So I spent my time with Illtimina, eating lunch and talking about other trivial things. It's a good idea to have porridge for lunch, but it was delicious because it was the first time in a long time that I had a meal other than portable food.

''Oh, it's on your cheeks, isn't it?''

　crunching

　The rice on my cheeks was even eaten by Illtimina-san.
　Ehehe........

　My body was sluggish, but it wasn't boring.

　I fell asleep for a bit and time passed again.

　When I woke up in the evening, the three Shumurian knights who were with me from the Kingdom of Shumuria came to visit me.

''I'm glad you're safe, Marl-dono.
Well done, sir!
I'm so glad to see you're doing well.

　It's been a long time since I've seen their faces.
　I smiled and bowed my head too.

''I look forward to seeing you all again on the dragonwheel journey starting tomorrow.

I'm on it!

　They, who were also governors, were vocal and reliable in their undertaking.

　In the evening, Mr. Kilt and Solstice returned to the tent, and for the first time in a long time, the four of us had dinner alone.

　By the way, Solstice, when she came back, had a stack of paper as thick as a dictionary.

Hmmm... as far as I can remember, I had Lectoris write down everything I know.
..........

　Those smiling eyes were a bit scary.
　I couldn't help but pull the three of us together.

(.........Recto Alice, it must have been hard.

　It is pity.　

　Soon, as the four of us were eating a meal of porridge, I was the only one eating porridge, when the commander of the ground troops, a one-eyed old knight - Mr. Berland - appeared in the tent.

　He greets me politely and I reply with a little nervousness.

(Did he come to visit me?)

　That's what I thought.

Mister Kilt, may I have a word with you?
Hmm?

　Apparently, I had to talk to Ms. Kilt.

　She stops eating and sits down, and the two of them engage in a whispered conversation a short distance away from us.

　Ms. Kilt looks a little surprised.

　Eventually, when the conversation was over, Ms. Berland

I hope you have a good night's rest.

　He left the tent, leaving a dandy smile on this one, and left the tent.
　Yeah, cool.........

　Mr. Kilt returns to his seat.

'What was that, Kilt?'

　The curious girl - Solstice asks immediately.

　Mr. Kilt holds up a boil of liquor in his hand.

Yeah. I think we're having a little trouble getting home. This is what he told me.
Problem?

　I asked her back.

　She took a sip of her drink and poured it down her throat before answering, "I heard that the long rains lasted for a while, and the ravine you went through collapsed and became impassable.

I heard that the long rains lasted for a while, and the ravine they used to go through collapsed and became impassable.

　Huh?　Collapse?

　Solstice looks at me for some reason.

(Yes, no, it's not my fault, okay?　(Didn't you say it was the long rain that caused it, Kilt?

　I can't help but panic.

　Regardless of the children's situation, the mature Illtimina-san calmly asks.

''So you mean that we can't return to the Divine Imperial City for a while?
No,

　Shaking his silver hair, Mr. Kilt shook his head.

'I hear they're going to reroute the route and take a detour. That's why the trip there took two days, but the return trip is said to take ten days.

　Ten days is quite a long way to go.

Well, if there's no other way, I don't blame you.
Yeah, I guess so.

　I nodded to the girl who cowered her shoulders.

(It's going to take some time, but it's not much of a problem, is it?)

　Or so I thought.

　But Kilt-san's golden eyes were staring straight into Illtimina-san's face.

''?

　Ms. Illtimina nodded her head.
　Her beautiful dark green hair spilled over her shoulders.

　Mr. Kilt said.

'The detour was along an old road in the Restin region.　
Les...ting?

　At that moment, Illtimina-san's beauty seemed to be frozen.

(.......................Illtimina-san?

　Solstice also noticed something strange about her sister.

'Irna sister?　What's wrong?
.......... No, it's nothing.

　For saying it's nothing, I'm looking a lot paler.

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

　Mr. Kilt silently cooed and drank the remainder of the alcohol in his boiler.

　After that, Mr. Illtimina didn't pay any attention to our conversation and hardly touched his dinner.

　She barely touched her dinner.

　That night.

Good night, Merle.
Uh-huh.

　Iltimina-san, unusually, didn't use me as a hug pillow, but laid down on her own bed by herself.

(Out of concern for my body...?)

　I thought so.
　But something was different.............

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

　Mr. Kilt looked at her with a difficult expression, and Solstice looked at her, surprisingly, as she lay back down.

　The lantern light goes out.

　In the darkness, I stared at Ms. Illtimina's back for a while, and eventually closed my eyes, hiding them up to my nose in my own blanket.

　Even though she was beside me, I felt somewhat lonely, and I passed the night.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　The next morning, there was no longer an encampment base there, only a lot of dragon cars lined up.

(Wow, it's been a while since I've seen a 'cavalry car'

　The two dragons pulling the vehicle, a modified version of the huge military dragon car made in the Kingdom of Shumuria, are also nostalgic and as reliable as ever.
　Those three Shumurian knights are also in the governor's seat.

''Another trip to the dragon carriage, Iltimina-san.
..........

　I smiled and called out to her.
　But she was staring down at her feet and didn't notice us.

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

　Since last night, he's been acting strangely.

　Solstice seemed worried too, but she didn't seem to know how to speak to me.

　Illtimina-san's crimson eyes finally look at me.

''Ah.......what is it, Marle?''
I'm not sure.

　I smiled vaguely and shook my head.

　Kirt-san was watching us with a difficult expression.

　Doh!

　I heard the sound of drums.

　It was a signal that it was time to leave.

　The soldiers of Arun's army all climbed into the black dragon carts made by Arun that were lined up around them.

　In the largest dragon car, General Dardios, Frederica-san, Rapt and Recto Alice were about to get into the largest dragon car.

(Ah.)

　The four of them noticed us and waved at us.

　BOOM!

　I wave back, too.

　I'm a little happy.

　But Iltimina-san doesn't notice and goes straight into our 'cavalry car'. Solstice chased after her sister with a puzzled look on her face.

(.........Iltimina-san)

　What's really going on...?

　I was anxious to get on the dragon carriage.

"Merle.

　quickly

　That arm was grabbed by Kilt-san and stopped.

　She glanced at the 'cavalry car' and then looked at my face with a serious look.

''I'll tell you,''
What?
Do you remember that seven years ago, I told you that Wawa found the wounded sisters Irna and Sol here in Arun?

　Oh, yeah.

(I think I heard it on the airship on the way to the Divine Imperial City, I think.)

　Mr. Kilt continues.

'That was the road in the Restin area.
..........

(Huh?)

　For a moment, I was dumbfounded.

　Gillian.

　The meaning of it permeates and makes my heart tremble.

'Do you understand, Marl?'

　Her golden eyes wouldn't allow me to look away, and her quiet voice was heavy and loud, piercing my insides.

　The words she said meant.

　I mean - it's

The home where Irna's family was murdered and her village burned to the ground was in the region of Lestin where we are heading.