"With all due respect, sir, I must inform your mansion!


　As Klimt advanced his knees and raised his voice, sharp gazes stabbed at him from the surroundings.

　Klimt's seating order in the Qinglin Eight Banner was the seventh rank of the seventh banner. Although he was too good for a weakly-ranked flagman who hadn't yet reached the age of 20, but in the eyes of the four lords and eight generals present here, he was no more than a greenhorn.

　It was an act of presumption for Klimt to speak directly to his master, Mr. Shikibu.

　Naturally, Klimt is aware of that. But he couldn't remain silent under the circumstances.


You'll have to risk your life to get what you want if you want to save Cryer. If you want to save her, you'll have to risk your life to get what I want, or your sister will be screaming that she'd rather be dead. I don't have to explain to you why I'm leaving a woman, Cryia, as a hostage and not a man, do I?


　Sora's words when they crossed swords in the forest of Titis flashed through his mind. Unknowingly, Klimt bit his back teeth tightly.

　Of course, Klimt has no intention of stupidly following what Sora says.

　In fact, no matter what Goz and Klimt insist, there is no way they will accept Sora's request. I'm sure that Shikibu will order Sora's follow-up.

　Regardless of how strong Sora is and how powerful Sora's homegrown beings (anima) are, it is impossible for him to repel all the elites of the Eight Banners. Therefore, no matter what the course of events, it is certain that Sora will be defeated in the end.

　As for Klimt, it was necessary to rescue his sister Kuria before the chase squad made contact with Sora. This is because if the Onigashima rebuffed their demands and found out that they had sent an ostracizing force, Sora would surely attack Kuria without hesitation.

　--The problem was whether or not this idea was shared by the other bannermen besides Klimt.

　If the battalion of battalions sent to chase down the sky will help you in advance of the attack, then there is no problem. However, risking the enemy to realize the attack to save a hostage - such a lukewarm way of fighting does not exist in the military law of the Eight Blue Lined Banner.

　Even if innocent women and children were taken hostage, Kliah was a full-fledged Qinglin bannerman and was taken as a prisoner of war as a result of his defeat. So whatever happens to her, the defeated party is responsible for her death.

　For example, if Klimt was a third party with no connection to the House of Belch and was ordered by his master to hunt down the sky, would he show any consideration for the hostage, Cryer?

　The answer is obvious. He will do his best to take out the target, without any consideration for the safety of the hostage. If the hostage can be saved, that's fine. If the hostage does not survive, it is because of the hostage taker's inexperience and Klimt does not need to worry about it.

　Knowing this, Klimt tried to appeal to Shikibu, knowing that he was being presumptuous. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has to chase after the skies, but I'm also going to ask you to add the protection of Cryer to your requirements for this mission. If that is not possible, he asked that he be added to the personnel involved in the pursuit.

　Under normal circumstances, this kind of action should have been done by Gilmour, Klimt, Cryer's foster father.

　But Gilmour is a man who is only interested in expanding the power of the Berch family, and no matter what he says, he sees Klimt and the others as a tool for prosperity. Klimt knows this. Many of the children adopted by the Berch family were discarded like vermin along the way.

　Even one of the golden generation was nothing more than a disposable tool for his adoptive father. And those who had been defeated and taken prisoner, Gilmour did not give them a second thought. The only person who can help Cryer is his brother Klimt. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.


　--You will be able to find a lot more than just a single word to appeal directly to your lord.


　Just as Klimt, who had advanced to his knees, was about to turn to Shikibu and plead for his sister's protection, a strong impact hit Klimt's head.

　He didn't have time to react. He didn't even know what had happened. The next thing he knew, Klimt's head was slammed into the tatami mat. He was screaming and writhing in agony from the pain so severe that he thought his skull had shattered, when a voice as clear as ice slipped into his ears.


The voice slipped into my ears as clear as ice. A mere standard-bearer has no reason to be disrespectful to your mansion.


　Stomping on Klimt's head with his left foot was the white-skinned, dark-haired swordsman who had sat to Shikibu's right a moment ago.

　First place in the first flag. In an emergency, this person, who would replace the head of the family and assume the role of commanding the Eight Banners of the Seirin, was named Diarte Berch.

　He is the son of Gilmour and Klimt's older brother. However, neither Klimt nor Cryer ever called Diarte an older brother.

　In the Berch family, everything from education to food and everything else is different between a birth child and an adopted child. And moreover, Diarte is the next head of the family and the first flag general. The difference in treatment between him and Klimt and the others could literally be called a cloud.


''........I'm sorry--Gubuuuuuuuut?


　Klimt opens his mouth to apologize, but his words are again stopped by Diarte. In the form of being forced to kiss the tatami mat by force.


'Shut up. You don't even have the right to speak here.


　Be understanding. With that, Dialt increases the force he applies to his feet. Perhaps he couldn't bear the pressure, or maybe the floor was creaking over tatami. Or maybe it was the sound of Klimt's skull creaking.

　Goz, who had been listening to the brothers' exchange up close, was about to make a move to stop it.

　Suddenly, Klimt's figure disappeared from Goz's vision. It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of this article.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. Naturally, there is no sign of sinking at all.

　Where had Klimt disappeared to just before?


"Isn't this a bit excessive for a punishment, Kishou?


　Such was the owner of brown skin and dull (nivi-iro) hair, who sat to the left of the head of the family, Shikibu.

　The second rank of the first flag. The name of this person, who was the vice-admiral of the first flag directly under the head of the family, was called Kumon Shukuya.

　A groaning Klimt lies in front of Sookuya. By whatever means, Shuya had carried Klimt, who was being trampled by Diarte, to her in an instant.

　Diarto responded to Sookuya without moving an eyebrow.


'That rude man is of my family. We don't hesitate to judge the shame of our people.'

'I do not wish to interfere with the House laws of Berch, but this is a time of public consultation. We must not interfere with the House's intentions.


　In contrast to Diarte, whose expression did not move like a noh mask, Shukuya admonished her superior with a friendly smile.

　Not only that, Shukuya continued


'Besides, my own sister is in the hands of the enemy. A little disrespect should be tolerated. Even if I were in his place, I don't think I could remain calm. And when the enemy is a sergeant...


　When she got to that point, Shukuya stopped talking as if she had noticed something. Then, she looked at Miken Laguna, who was sitting in one corner of the place in a bad way.


''Excuse me. It was the earlier sergeant, not the sergeant. If the last sergeant was just like Goz said, and had acquired enough power to defeat the dragon species, then this is quite a difficult situation to deal with. For the sake of the Berch family, who have been taken hostage, we must be careful not to be too quick.

No conscientiousness. It is because of your inexperience that Crya has fallen into the hands of the enemy. I'm not sure I'd be willing to risk my life for an inexperienced one to uphold the law of the goddess of destruction.


　When Diarte responded, Shukuya chuckled and reiterated.


''I see. Then let's change the words. We should not be too hasty, not for the sake of the Belch family, but for the sake of your family. I think it would be a shame to lose a member of the golden generation with a great talent here.


　When she said that, Shukiya turned her body to Shikibu at her side and bowed deeply.


The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can leave this assignment to me, if you don't mind. I would like to talk to the first sergeant, free the hostages and then bring the first sergeant before you,


　If Sora refused, then she could do things by force - Shukuya didn't say that much, but what she had to say was understood by everyone present. And they all decided that Shukuya would definitely be able to do it.　

　Originally, Shikibu didn't show much interest in events outside the island. It's as good as settled since one of the twin peers has willingly come forward - and for those of us who thought that way, Shikibu's next line was unexpected.


The next words from Shikibu were unexpected. There is a lot of commotion at the gate these days. It's a sign that a disturbance is brewing. At a time like this, Sookuya, we can't let you leave the island.


　This answer seemed to be surprising to Sookuya as well, and she responded with her eyes wide open.


''The demon.......I'm sorry, I didn't notice. I apologize for my needless dedication.''

Good. The signs are still faint. The signs are still faint; it's not likely to happen today or tomorrow. But it's not in the next six months or even a year. To be ready for any eventuality, the eight banners of the Qinglin family must be ready for it.

"Ha ha!


　Not only Shukuya, but also Diarto, the other flag generals, and the vice-generals all spoke up.

　At this point, Gilmore opened his mouth.


''Gokan-sama, then how do you want to handle this matter?


　If there was a move at the demon gate, not to mention the twin peaks, the other flag generals and vice generals could not be moved. However, even if they sent in the Kishis of the Taira, they would be following in the footsteps of Goz and the others.

　One way is to leave the other party's demands unanswered and let them get impatient. If you let them know that you don't intend to take them hostage, you will have room to play games.

　However, considering the importance of Goz's report, I have to say that this is a poor strategy. Above all, it would be humiliating for a house of warriors to leave a defeat intact.

　While everyone was scratching their heads, Shikibu responded calmly to his men's questions.　


''Tell Sora to come to the island. If your ability to defeat the dragon species is true, there is no problem leaving one or two of the demons to you.''


　Hearing that, it was Goz who looked up at Eto's face.

　I'm glad that Shikibu didn't choose to fight Sora, no matter what the reason.


''Gokan-sama, then I will go to the Canary Kingdom and persuade Sora-dono--''

No.

...What?


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

　It's not a problem.


There's no need for you, the librarian, to go to the office. You can just write a letter.

That's........my lord Gokan, perhaps that's why Sora-dono won't come to the island.


　I recall the hostile look in Sora's eyes when I confronted him in the Canary Kingdom. If you go to Onigashima and show your competence, you can leave the demon man (sparrow) in charge - if you send out such a letter, Sora would never try to come to Onigashima.

　On the contrary, as soon as he read the letter, he might decide that his request had been dismissed and hurt his hostage, Crya.

　To Goz's fears, Shikibu had an unexpected answer ready.


'I don't care. Give me a letter. You may specify the date of your arrival on the island.

Date, sir?

Yes.


　The moment he heard the date mentioned by Shikibu, Goz realized his lord's intentions and stared at his eyes.

　Gozu was not the only one who reacted, and several other people also expressed surprise when they realized what Shikibu was trying to do.

　That date is a month from today and counting. Summer is over and the season of autumn is upon us.

　It was the anniversary of the death of Sora's mother, Shizuya Miken.