'Look up, both of you. Klimt's words were not wrong, and I don't care.


　Cryer raised his head in relief at Goz's words.


'Thank you, Shima. Oh, and this would be nice if I could, but if you can find out about Sora-dono, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me as well.

Huh?


　Goz let out a surprised voice.

　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.

　This was not only Goz, but Klimt also seemed to agree, and his eyes widened in surprise.


''Why would your sister care about the empty one?　In the first place, there's no need to call him a lord when he's disowned.

It's true that Lord Sora was disowned. But then, isn't it true that we learned together with Lord Kukden?　Besides, Sora-dono never once teased us about our hair or eyes. Or that we were adopted by Berch.


　The two white-haired, red-eyed - so-called albinos have been exposed to the curiosity of those around them since childhood. It can be said that being an upstart member of the Berch family, coupled with being an adopted child, being teased and bullied was an everyday occurrence.

　However, Miken's legitimate son, Sora, did not hesitate to treat such a sister and brother with the utmost respect.

　My memory is a bit hazy now, but I think he once chased away a group of bad boys who were persistently bullying me. It was when he was only five or six years old, he remembers fondly.

　At the time, there was no socializing, due to the fear and reticence of the swordsmen, and the fact that he had spent all his time studying and training in order to be recognized by the Berch family. That hadn't changed since they'd long since become peers, but even so, Cryer hadn't forgotten his gratitude to Sora.

　That gratitude was not for his status as a legitimate son, but for Sora as an individual. Therefore, even after Sora was disowned, there was no change in his feelings.


''It's not like you don't remember it either, is it?''

Hmm, I don't know what you're talking about.


　Looking at his brother, who turned away purposefully, Cryer smiled at him before continuing his words.


'The only reason I wanted to know about Sora-dono was because I thought Ayaka might be concerned about it.

Azurite?


　Klimt was confused by the name that came out of his sister's mouth.

　Ayaka Azurite. To Klimt, he is a person in the same class as his sister and Sora. On top of that, he's also an opponent who has never won a single match before.

　It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with your friends.

　Of course, I know that Ayaka and Sora were married for good. But after Sora's exile, Ayaka got engaged to Miken Laguna, the new heir of the Miken family, and the relationship with Sora must have been severed.

　Klimt didn't know the details since they had different squads, but at least he hadn't heard that Laguna and Ayaka were not on the same page.


''Isn't it none of your business?　You could end up being spotted by that Laguna guy.

''Lord Laguna is probably not that small a person. But, yes, it's true, I may have to do something unnecessary for you...


　In response to his brother's words, Cryer wandered off as if he was lost.

　In fact, Cryer was lost.

　Among the so-called golden generation, there were three women. These three were on good terms with each other, and they had continued to associate with each other even after they broke up with the rest of the squad at Seirin Eight Banner.

　For that reason, Kuria was more familiar with Ayaka and Laguna's relationship than his brother.

　As far as he knew, they were on good terms with each other. Not once has Ayaka spilled his frustrations to Laguna. Nor has she ever spoken of her longing for the sky. More to the point, not once in the past five years had Cryer heard Sora's name come out of Ayaka's mouth.



　--That's why I'm curious.



　In Krya's eyes, her friend Ayaka Azurite is a dynamic, good-natured, unpretentious person, well-liked by her superiors, underlings, and peers alike.

　How is it possible that such an Ayaka could not care for an exiled, forgiven marriage at all?

　In Cryer's memory, Ayaka had been more actively attached to Sora when he was on the island. This was because she was annoyed by voices that suggested their relationship was "unbalanced". In other words, Ayaka liked Sora enough to resent the backbiting directed at her, and she definitely seemed to enjoy her time with Sora.

　For Cryer, who secretly envied their relationship, Ayaka's attitude after Sora's expulsion was terribly unnatural.



　Until now, it was no use worrying about it. The character of the current head of the family makes it impossible for Sora to be disowned. There is no way to contact Sora after he leaves the island, and there is no guarantee that he is safe in the first place.

　That's why Kuria didn't bring up Sora when she met with Ayaka.

　But now, it looks like he's going to find out about Sora's disappearance in an unexpected way. It was natural for Kuria to think that it would be better to tell Ayaka about this. Even more so if there was a possibility of being disowned.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing, but it's also a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

　It was difficult for Cryer to gauge what was best for him.

　While unconsciously combing her long white hair with her fingers, Cryer slowly spun her words as if to confirm each word.　


''........Whether or not I tell Ayaka or not, there will be no problem for me to know about Sora-dono, Klimt. And Shima. Sora-dono, who has a means of transportation called the Winged Beast (Wyvern), may leave for another country tomorrow to avoid the difficulties of the Stampede. With that in mind, I think the sooner Shima goes to see him, the better.



◆ ◆ ◆



　The next day, after such a discussion, the three of them were found in the carriage on their way to Ishka.

　This was the result of Liddell's suggestion to take the three of them together, after hearing that only Goz was going to Ishqa.

　It's not just the three of us.


　--It's a good thing that you're not the only one.

　--The only way to get rid of fatigue is to live in a tent, and under a situation where you don't know when the demons are going to rush in, even if you lay your body down. And if fatigue piles up, even the most seasoned warrior would be caught unawares. This is a measure to avoid that situation.

　--It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

　--The fact is that the top brass has a desire to protect the main city of Ishqa until today, and as a result, the troops who have never experienced any kind of combat, want to experience actual combat while they can still afford it.


　Hearing this, Cryer agreed.

　Goz jokingly blurted out, "You should have told me that yesterday.

　Even for Klimt, he was constantly complaining about fighting against weak demons. There was no reason for him to refuse when he was told he could take a break.

　As a result, the three of them decided to visit Ishqa together.

　As they walked through the gates of the castle, Goz pointed to a corner outside the castle and asked, "What is that building?


Is that building the stables?　From the looks of it, though, some of them are quite large.

''Oh, those are the stables for the squire. Right now, the squires are being moved to other places in preparation for the Stampede. Sola's Indigo (Indigo) Winged Beast (Wyvern) was also there until the other day.


　Parfait responded in a light voice.

　Parfait continued onward as a hint of interest flashed in Goz's eyes.


''Right now, with the permission of the political office, they are using the yard of their home as a stable. I heard that the dragons are very popular with the residents and that they are always crowded with spectators.

During the Stampede?　The townspeople of Ishqa must be hardy.

That's how much faith I have in my adventurers and my guild.


　Parfait, who was thumping his chest, clapped his hands together as if he had noticed something.


''That's right. Shall we stop by Sora's house before we head to the guild?　Right now, Sola-san is on a reconnaissance mission in the south, but she comes back every few days to report to the political office. Perhaps we can meet her soon?

As much as I'd love to ask you to do that, it's a scouting mission to the south now, isn't it?　Are demons occurring in the south as well as the north?　

'I'm sure the Master would like to talk to you about that. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that for a moment.


　Sola is struggling to deal with a new poisoning outbreak in the Kale River basin (it's supposed to).

　The Ischka government had not yet informed the population of this new outbreak of incurable (hydra) poison.

　The truth about the "incurability" was not clear, and in the extraordinary circumstances of the stampede, the consequences of sowing more confusion would be irreversible. The upper echelons of the Ishqa community were concerned about this.


　When Goz heard Parfait's words, he looked dubious, but if the Guildmaster had something to say, there was no need to force the receptionist to speak here. He nodded, lightly restraining Klimt, who was expressing his irritation.


It's a good idea to have the guild master, Lord Elgato I believe, speak to him. I'm sorry to say, but before I head to the guild, I'd like you to stop by the Sora-dono's residence. Whether or not I'll see him soon, I'd like to make sure he's home or not. Otherwise, I won't be able to get into a conversation with Lord Elgato.

Yes, sir, that's right - so nice to meet you, senior!


　Liddell, who was holding the reins, shrugged his shoulders at Parfait's words and responded, "Yes, sir.

　It wasn't without objection that he would lead the three of them to Sora before Elgato. However, looking at the attitude of Goz and the others, it is clear that they value Sora more than the guild.

　Even if Liddell insisted here, "No, this is the guild first," it would only harm the three of them. It was more profitable to follow the junior's intentions here.





　--Lidel thought later.

　If they had prioritized going to the guild here, the outcome might have been much different, he thought.

　That's not all.

　If only Goz hadn't suggested "the three of you together" or something like that when he heard that he was going to Ishka.

　If Goz and the others wanted information about Sora, they could have given them all the information they knew - especially about the members of the Sword of Blood and Smoke - without regard to ethics.

　You should go a little further to find out more about the three of them and their backgrounds.



　The list of regrets is endless, but they are all unknowable until later. This time Liddell let the carriage head for Sora's mansion without noticing the warning voice his future self gave him.

　When Sora's house eventually comes into view, Parfait makes a disappointed noise. There were no spectators for the wyvern.


'Oh my goodness, Sora, it looks like you haven't come back.

I guess so. But that doesn't mean he's not home.


　Liddell complied as he noticed Seal sweeping the front of the mansion.

　Slightly later, a distant, bright blonde elf came out of the gate.

　When Goz saw the two of them, he opened his mouth with interest.


''Hmm, bobcat beastman and that elf is wearing the robes of a wise man (sage). Are those guys the followers of Sora-dono?

''Well yes. I suppose you could call it a squire.

They're quite individuals, aren't they? Don't you think so, Klimt?

'Hmm, it's not just a squire, is it? They're all very old women. You can see they're just gathering them up for their color.


　Five years ago, he was a miserable outcast from his homeland, and now he has a woman on his hands.

　Ha," Klimt sneered, "you've come a long way, Sora.


'You've come a long way, Sora,' he said. You've come a long way, Sis, tell Azurite. I'm sure that if you had a crush on that guy, this will wipe the slate clean.

Klimt, you shouldn't be so judgmental.

Well, you can check with the guys directly. Come on, come on.


　Klimt, who was about to order Liddell to do something with the reins, unexpectedly interrupted him.

　When Liddell looked at him curiously, he saw that Klimt's red eyes were wide open to the limit.

　Klimt is not the only one. It's not only Klimt, but also Goz and Cryer.

　You will be able to get a good deal more information about the company. A bad premonition drove Liddell to follow the gaze of the three, and what he saw in his field of vision was the beastly Seal and the elven Lunamaria.

　And one more.

　It was the figure of the sparrow who had just come out of the gate - the demon girl.