My first concern was still about Cecily.
　She was still hanging in a paragraph.
　I doubt if she could even hear the hustle and bustle around her.
　I walked over to her and got down on my knees.

''Cecily-san are you okay?
"Oh--

　Cecily-san looks up as if she's been played.

''Ah ... what?　Blackbirds?　Oh, uh, that's okay. I'm fine, I'm fine........
..........

　He's not making good facial expressions.
　It's as if he's lost sight of where he should have landed.
　The edges of his mouth, which should have been smiling, were twitching and his expression was terribly awkward.
　His eyes were wavering, too.

''Oh, that man is gone, so I--''

　His voice is trembling.
　Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.

''Oh, I'm sorry to show you the embarrassing part, well, that's why--Ugh.

　Instantly.
　Ms. Cecily gagged her mouth as if she wanted to throw up.
　She looked away and opened her eyes, and tears began to pool at the corners of her eyes.

''Ugh..........''
Cecily, Miss...?

　Then she squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head from side to side.
　It was as if she didn't want to see or hear anything else.

''Ah, uh.........''
..........

　This is--
　I pulled back the hand I held out and stood up.　

''I understand. For now, just don't say anything and get some rest. It's all right now. That man has left. Mr. Hyrgis.

　I look at Ms. Hyrgis, who gently hugs Cecily.
　She nods at me.
　I nod back too.

　It's better to leave Cecily-san to Hyrgis-san now.
　At this point, any words I say to her will only confuse Cecily-san.

　There are times when everyone wants to be left alone.
　Sometimes we don't want to be spoken to.
　It's a different position and everything, but I've been there myself.

　While I appreciate being worried about me, I sometimes find it hard to do the opposite.
　It's like I'm being confronted with my own weaknesses, even more so.
　.....................
　It may be presumptuous of me to think this, but........　

　Anyway.
　I'm on Cecily's side, no matter what happens, Hibigami.

The only way to get rid of them is to have a good time with them. That's why we're not having lunch at the mansion today. I'm sorry.
All right. I'll take care of Miss Cecily.
Yeah. Blackberry.

　Hyrgis-san said in a whisper while lending Cecily a shoulder.

''Thank you for helping Miss Cecily today.

　Hyrgis-san flicks a glance behind me.

'Currier too,'
Hmm?　Yeah I appreciate the sentiment, but there's no need to thank me. That tailor's idiot had mentioned that he attacked me without knowing it, but indirectly it's like it's my fault. I'd rather apologize to you. And--

　Currier-san holds out Cecily-san's holy sword that she picked up.

''Here.''

　Mr. Banton, who had moved the unconscious Mr. Zeke to the seat of the carriage, received the sword instead.
　Mr. Currier looks into the carriage with the door off.

'Is Siegbert safe?'
Yes, I'm fine. Um are you a friend of Lady Cecily's?

　So asked by Mr. Banton, Mr. Currier snorted in hesitation, and then

No, not really. It's a bit complicated to call them friends once and for all.
Is that so?
Look after Cecily for me, will you? I mean I don't really dislike Cecily, you know?

　Currier-san says in an embarrassed manner, and Banton-san's eyes relax.

'Silently, sir.'

　Mr. Hirgis somehow managed to get Cecily, who was faltering on her feet, into the carriage.
　Cecily was still staring into the void with lifeless eyes.
　While she was being carried in the carriage, she looked like a threadbare doll.
　Mr. Hyrgis-san emerged from the part of the door that was there.

''Well then, Kurohiko, Currier, when you get settled again.

　Me and Mr. Currier nodded.
　Mr. Banton cracked his whip and the carriage began to move.
　And when the carriage was out of sight.

May I?

　One of the Sacred Tree Eight Swords who seemed to have seen the opportunity - an elderly man called out to him.

''Huh?　Yes.
I'm David Hamonis. I'm embarrassed to say my name after that man said that to me, but I'm from the Eight Sacred Trees. Can I ask your names?
Sagara Kurohiko.
How's that pretty girl over there?
It's Currier.
Sagara Kurohiko and Currier, eh? Both of you may I ask you to accompany me to the Holy Tree Order's headquarters?　I've got a lot of questions for you.

　Me and Mr. Currier look at each other.

　Well.
　I wonder what's going on.
　In other words, he's going to ask me about Hibigami and also about Currier-san, who claims to be from the Sixth House and seems to be an old acquaintance of Hibigami.
　In addition, they might ask me a lot of questions about my forbidden curse.
　Well, we're all parties to this series of events no matter how we look at it.......
　Once again, I turn my attention to my surroundings.
　The guards and the spectators are all pondering how they should digest the scene that unfolded in front of them just a moment ago.

　Hmmm.
　As for me, considering the general reputation of the Sixth House, I'd like to somehow keep Currier-san alone out of trouble....

　Then.
　A carriage approached.
　It's coming towards us through the road that the crowd naturally made to avoid.
　It was a carriage coming from the opposite direction that Cecily and the others had left.
　Of course, the door was not broken.

　The door of the stopped carriage opens.
　And a girl jumps down, holding her softly puffy skirt in her hands.
　With a thump, she landed.

　Davido-san's expression, which confirmed the girl, changed to a surprised face.

''Makina........sir?''
Oh, it's been a while, David. I hope that the back you said you hurt has healed?
My back is fully healed, but why are you here?
Why?　Isn't that obvious?　I'm here to 'protect' a student at my school who was 'accidentally' attacked by a vicious murderer. Oh?　I suppose it's only natural for someone who takes care of the school, but what's so funny?
But, sir...

　Makina-san with her hands on her hips raises her chin and her mouth breaks out as she exudes dignity.

''Don't worry. It's not that I'm refusing to be interviewed by the knights. But think about it. They are just a mere student, and they must be mentally overloaded. So, shouldn't you at least give them time to calm down today?　And from the looks of it, there's apparently no sign of the killer either.

　Mr. David took one look at us and then exhaled deeply.

''Ummm........I don't care if it's someone else, but to be called that by you. Especially from the Holy Tree Order, it's hard to go against them.
So you don't mind if I take him with me?
Yeah.
"Ugh, thank you, David. I'm glad it was you who was there.
But I'm sure you'll be hearing from these two men in due course.
Yes, of course. There's no reason to refuse.
All right. Let's wrap it up for today, boys.

　After being told that, the other two members of the Eight Sacred Trees and Eight Swords went back to their horses with a complicated look on their faces.
　Then they left with David-san.

''Well, let's go then, shall we?　Get in.

　After seeing off the Sacred Tree Eight Swords, Makina-san turned towards us and indicated the carriage with her hand.

''Thank you for your help, Makina-san.''
'I'm sorry I'm late arriving too. Many people stopped me because they said it was too dangerous to go.
Did the commotion spread to the school?
Well, we'll find out on the move. What's going on, Currier?
Hmmm.

　Even though Makina-san urged her, Currier-san didn't move from the spot with an undivided look on her face.

''Well, you see, I was wondering if it's okay for me to return to the academy. After the fight earlier, many people would have known that I was from the Sixth House. It may have been nothing more than a tall tale until now, but to have seen that battle. That would have been the best proof of all.
''I know there have been rumors of this before, but are you really from the Sixth House?

　There was a short pause.
　Miss Currier dropped her breath as if she had given up.

'Oh.'
Hmm. Yeah. Just get in the car.

　I was just about to open my mouth when Makina-san beckoned Currier-san to join me.
　Currier-san reacts in confusion.

''So, for me to return to the school--''

　Makina smiles evilly.

'Okay?　Creating settings is my specialty, you know?
But...
"And after seeing 'that battle' or whatever it is they don't seem to care much about the Sixth House?

　Makina-san looks at the crowd, which is still quite large.
　They finally started to speak, and these words could be heard from them.

'But that boy, he's pretty good, isn't he? Seiki Hakken said that the man with the beard was the culprit in the murder case, right?
'You mean to say that the boy saved Lady Cecily?　Something about a curse or something.
Speaking of which, she's the old lady. What was that all about?　A goddess?
But you seemed to know the killer who called himself the Sixth Estate.　So that means.
Idiot. You knew that already. He's a good kid who fought that scumbag killer.
You're too simple. You just look up to me because I'm pretty, don't you?
Oh, shut up!
''However, it wasn't like I was going against the Eight Sacred Trees and Eight Swords... so why don't we just leave the rest to the Sacred Trees Knights?''
Yeah. We have the pride of the Sacred Tree Order, the Black Sacred Jury, Mr. Sogut and Mr. Diares. I don't have eyes in the Sixth House.

　.............
　Surprisingly, not enough to worry about?

'Oh, Lady Dearest!　Would you please smile at me for once!
It's you!　Lady Dearest doesn't belong to anyone!　You need to explain yourself!
'Ky, what the hell is that?　Why do you give off that 'I'm the only one who understands you, Mr. Dearest' look?
Oh, I'm a Soggyte.
Jeez, actually, I don't know...
'Huh!　You guys are middle-aged hobbyists!
Oh, are you going to say that?　A line that shouldn't be crossed, are you going to cross it?
Conflict.
Conflict.

　Part of it felt like things were getting kind of crazy along the way, but it's a bit of a relief that there doesn't seem to be any current trend of persecution for Currier-san at the moment.

"Of course, the direction of the wind, for better or for worse, can change quickly, though - good.

　Ms. Machina got into the carriage with her legs over her big legs.
　Her skirt was in pretty bad shape, angle-wise.
　But ''Shall I hold you up?'' I feel like I'd be offended if I offered him something........

'What's the hard look on your face?　Come on, come on.

　Makina holds out her hand to me.
　I took her hand (I don't think I needed to take it) and got into the carriage.
　And when Currier-san got in, the carriage started to move.

　　　　　　　　　　* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Um, Headmaster.

　It was Currier who first opened his mouth.

'What is it?'
'About the horse I borrowed... uh, well, it ran off and went away. Sorry.
Oh, the... okay, I'll have them look for it.

　Speaking of which.

What happened to that horse?

　I ask.

'You see the stables a little east of the main gate?　I need a carriage.
Oh, I think I've got it.
I borrowed it from the... well, it's like I stole it.

　Makina looked at Currier, who was sitting next to her with a sideways glance.

'I hear you borrowed it in my name?'
'I'm sorry. When I heard that Cecily Arkwright seems to be the one being attacked, it was a reflex.
So that's good. Don't worry about it. It was rather a good decision since I couldn't rush in.
That makes me feel a little better about myself.

　Hmm.
　I feel that the distance between these two people is getting closer.

''Oh, the guards came to inform you about the culprit in question. It's too dangerous to go into town.
I see.
So, can you tell us the story of what you guys are up against?
Okay. Well, I'll start anyway.

　I explained the series of events that had happened today, discarding the information in my own way.
　By the time I finished my explanation, the school was already approaching.
　When Makina-san finished listening, she put her hand to her forehead.
　There was a smile on her mouth, but she was clearly not in a pleasant mood.

'Hmm, I see, hey. Well, I've gotten the gist of the situation under control.
Did I do something wrong?
Well. In the meantime, I think it's settled that I'll have to get back to work on all fronts.
What?
'The forbidding spellcaster - I mean, you're all the way down to the Holy Royal family, right?

　The Holy Family, does that mean you're ... the royal family of this country?

'You were the one who unveiled the forbidden curse in my Jutsu class, weren't you?　After that, there was no shortage of gifts for you and offers to meet with you.
'What?　Is that so?
'I suppose they'd like to make a connection with your potential, too. It's just that, you know, I'm the one who pushes all that stuff away.

　Apparently, she was still doing a lot of things that I didn't know she was doing.
　I think it's amazing that she says it so matter-of-factly, without showing her face or attitude at all.

'After all, you were thinking for the sake of Kurohiko?

　That's where Currier interrupted him.

''Well, I didn't think it would be good for him to make too much noise around him. Fortunately, I have access to the Holy King's family, and I can facilitate many other things as well.

　It's true that the other party backed down easily in the exchange with Seiki Hakken just now........
　Dean, it seems he's still an amazing person.
　And Makina-san gloomily held her head up.

''Only, well........when it's this public, hey. It might be a bit troublesome. Oh, it's so annoying.''

　Makina-san spread her legs disheveled and let out a big breath.

'Hey, Makina-san!　It's not very polite!

　The headmaster looked at me with narrowed eyes.

Whose fault is it that I'm doing this?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

　Huh, Makina let out a breath.

Okay, give me a compliment.
"Huh?
Here.

　He leans in close.

'Pat your head.'
What?
And praise me for my hard work.
No, I mean...
Quickly.

　I thought women didn't like having their hair touched?
　However, I don't think I'm going to be the one to fit the hot guy's crap... is that okay?

Hello, hello, hello!

　Scary!
　I'm afraid of my eyes!

　Then, with a thud.
　The carriage, which was going up the slope of the school, may have hit a stone or something on the road surface - it bounced.

''Kyah!''

　The headmaster, who was leaning forward, lost his balance and jumped toward me.
　But somehow I managed to catch him.

Are you okay?
Thank you for your help.

　The headmaster of the school harps on in an apologetic manner.
　Then he closes his eyes and lowers his face slightly.

''But we haven't finished anything, okay?　Come on, praise me.
Huh?

　He patted it down.

But I'm grateful to the headmaster.
Good.

　The headmaster shrugs with satisfaction and returns to his seat.

　Surprisingly, it's not just the height and physical appearance, but this kind of thing that's causing people to perceive me as childish...?
　But I'm afraid to say it.
　Because I'm afraid of stepping on the tiger's tail.
　Well, if the headmaster is satisfied, that's fine........

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

　Ha!
　Mr. Currier!
　What's with that face?
　That face that seems to have lost all emotion!
　Noh mask!

Come on, Currier.
Hmm?

　And the headmaster leaned closer to Currier-san.

'Give me a compliment.'
Wow, do I have to pet them?

　Instantly, Currier looks confused.

'Quickly,'
Mmm.

　Currier-san rustles around the back of the head of the head of the school in a clumsy manner.
　It's a bit frightening.

You're not very good at it.
Ugh.
Well, okay. I was really into it. Good.

　Makina-san straightens her residence while adjusting her skirt.
　What was that current trend........
　The headmaster looks like he's under a lot of stress, but is actually under a lot of stress?

　Just then, a carriage arrived in front of the main gate of the school.

''Well, I'll tell you what we're going to do. First, Kurohiko will return home and wait.
'Can I go to school normally tomorrow?'
'Go to school normally. It's already known that you're a forbidden user anyway. You might rather be treated as a hero for defeating a murderer, you know?

　Makina-san turns a mischievous smile on me.
　............
　Well, I haven't defeated it, though.

''Let's call Currier Versteen a strategy meeting with me in the headmaster's room. There are some things I want to ask you about, including the matter of Miss Cecily. What, I won't make you feel bad. Don't worry about that. I'll do my best to make sure you remain a natural part of the academy.
Okay.

　After confirming once again that there were no significant injuries, I left the two of them.
　I was told by Makina-san to take a good rest today, so I'll just go home and rest for the day.
　Miraculously, I didn't have any wounds that looked like wounds, but I wasn't half as tired as I should have been.
　So, to be honest, I can't wait to lie in bed.

..........

　I'm still concerned about Cecily-san.
　Will she come to the school tomorrow?
　If she doesn't come then I'll go and check on her.
　I don't know if I'll be able to see her or not.
　After a day, she'll have calmed down a bit....

　Thinking about that, I headed home with the 'Demon Eater' in hand.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

Are you all right, Mr. Kurohiko?

　Mia, who had been scurrying around anxiously in front of the house, recognized me and rushed over to me.

"Mia-san,
'Mia doesn't know all the details, but whatever it was, there was a disturbance in the city that wasn't calm... and since Kurohiko-sama wasn't in Sickbay or at home, I was worried that if he had gotten involved...' ...ugh.
Well, I was at the scene but as you can see, I'm fine.
Oh, are you hurt?
No, sir. It's just that I'm feeling a bit tired, but I'm a bit tired and in the mood for a quick sleep, right?
All right!

　A dashing Mia runs into the house.

'?

　I enter the house.
　But there is no one on the first floor.
　I go upstairs.
　I find Mia in her room, waiting for me next to her bed.
　She bows her head with a smile.

I'm going to take my leave now. I'll prepare a meal for you, so please eat it when you wake up. So long!

　Before I could say thank you, Mia-san ran down the stairs in a stuttering manner.
　Ha, fast.........

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

　You said you wanted to go to sleep right away, so you were very considerate.
　Just make my bed quicker.
　I don't know.
　It's a relief to be with Mia.....

　So, without even changing my clothes, I crawled into bed.
　A feeling of exhaustion began to mix with the comfort of falling asleep.

　Sleep soon followed.

　　　　　　　　　　*

...hmm?

　I wake up.
　There was a bright red sky in my vision.
　Red sky?
　Sunset?
　I sit up.

　And then - I'm speechless.

　Where are we?
　I should have gone to sleep at my house.
　But this place...?

　The ground is craggy and black.
　There are countless black scraped boulders slithering about.
　In the sky are ... birds?
　A giant bird-like creature is dancing in the red sky.
　That feeling.........
　Like a vulture waiting to die........
　And in front of me--.

　A huge black castle stood tall.

　In front of the castle is a space that looks like a square.
　Apparently I'm near the center of that square.
　Furthermore--.

　Standing in front of me was a jet black coffin with black chains wrapped around it.

　Around the coffin were also black shields and armor lying around it.
　Other black coffins were folded into layers around it.
　Furthermore, stuck in the perimeter of the coffin towering in front of me are a number of black spears.

　A dream?
　Is this a dream?
　But the chains and the spear, I've seen them before.

Hey, stranger.
What?

　The coffin did it speak?
　No, no.
　If you look closely, you can see a rectangular hole in the coffin just around the face.
　The thing peeking out from behind that is a pair of bright red eyes.

"In case you don't know me, I don't know you?
Who the hell are you?
Good morning, Sagara Kurohiko. Well, I will tell you my name so that you can understand me.

　A voice that sounded like an elusive, broken opportunity voice announced.

''--The forbidden king, should I call myself Na?