The three of us who came for the hearing were led by Makina-san to a room on campus.
　Curie-san and I followed them.

　We were brought into a room that was about the same size as the headmaster's office.
　There was a long desk in the center of the room, with me in the middle and seats on both sides.
　With me in the middle, Makina-san and Currier-san were seated on both sides of the table.
　On the opposite side of the table were Commander Sogut and Mr. Diares.
　Van Stos-san is leaning against the wall with his back to the wall.

''I'm Dearth Arkwright, the deputy leader of the Holy Tree Knights. It's nice to meet you today.

　Mr. Diares bails.

'Sogut Sigismos. I'm the head of the Order of the Holy Tree, nice to meet you.
'Vanstos, Troia the Holy Tree, the Order the Holy Tree, the Eight Swords.

　The other two follow.
　This one also finishes introducing himself again.
　And that's where Mia comes in and places a cup of tea in front of each of us (handing it to Ms. Van Stoss).
　Then she bowed and left.
　After Ms. Mia left the room, Makina touched the cup and said.

''I wasn't expecting the three of you to come. Are you taking a break from attacking the Holy Ruins now?''
''I just defeated the 49th level guardian species and reached the 50th level the other day... but I guess we're taking a break here.

　The Commander replied.

　You've reached the 50th level?
　That's something amazing.

　And then there was an unexpected silence.
　In the midst of it, Makina-san carried the cup to her mouth in a matter-of-fact manner.
　After a little while, the one who opened his mouth unsteadily was Ms. Diares.

Well, then, first of all, may I ask you again about the day?

　I asked Makina-san and Currier-san once with a glance.
　I get a small nod from the girls.
　I nod back.

''I understand.''

　I'll straighten up the residence.

So let me explain.

　There was some tension, but I gave a fluent account of what had happened.
　I only described what happened objectively and spoke only what I judged to be necessary.
　The three members of the Order of the Sacred Tree listened to the story in silence, occasionally throwing nods.
　They were in the position of pursuing the culprits of a series of murders that were happening in the royal capital at the time.
　It's necessary to know the movements of that criminal - Hibigami after the incident, I suppose.

　I'm going to finish the conversation.
　And then the Commander.

"Hmm.

　I groaned.

'For the most part, not much different from what we've gathered so far?

　Mr. Deares, who was writing the entry, stops his quill pen.

'Yes,'
But it's nice to know that the motive is clearer. I see. So this Hibigami guy is just some kind of battle-hardened freak.
'And it's the Sixth House. This makes the idea of placing a bounty on them more difficult. Well, perhaps it's more of a question of how many people have more power to begin with.

　It's hard to put a bounty on.
　I suppose the statement you just made is drawn from past cases where the person who put the bounty on the bounty and those around them were targeted.

''Oh, was there a good chance they weren't already in the country in the first place?

　Mr. Dearles' question flew to me.

'Yes, he said he was heading to the Empire.

　'Hmmm,' said Mr. Dearles, cheek by cheek.

'Empire, is it?'

　................
　In this way, I'm reminded that he is Cecily's sibling once again.
　If Cecily had a short cut, he might look like this.

　However, due to the fact that they are different genders, his voice is much different from Cecily's.
　And although graceful, his behavior and gestures are clearly more masculine than Cecily's.

I'm going to have to let it go for now.

　The Commander said.
　However, even though he spoke of his reluctance, he couldn't see an ounce of regret or regret.

　That's right.
　
　Although it's not a miscellaneous, I got the impression that they were trying to get the hearing done quickly and clerically.
　However, looking at Makina-san's reaction so far, I don't think she's the three people who have the time to go out of their way to run light errands.
　In other words.........is it correct to understand that they have some other purpose?

''Formal interviews, well, that's about it.

　The leader of the group rested his weight on the back of the chair as if to say that the preliminaries were over.
　Makina-san, who was drinking tea with her nibbles, opens her mouth.

''Do you mean to say that this is where the real work begins?

　The Commander's hawk-sharp eyes caught Currier-san and me in turn.

''Forbidding spell users and those from the Sixth House, I'd love to meet you.

　The Commander's gaze returns to Currier-san.

'Currier Versteen, did you say?　From what I've heard, you're from the Sixth House.
Yes,

　Mr. Currier immediately affirms.

'What do you think, Dearest?'

　When asked by the leader of the group, Ms. Dearles smiled briskly.

''She's a beauty. A different kind of girl than my sister.''

　There was a pause for a few seconds.
　The gaze of the Commander and Diales-san remained fixed on Currier-san.
　Then the mortified-faced Commander snorted one and said to Mr. Dearles.

'You're strong.'
Yeah.
"Currier Versteyn.

　The Commander called out.

'This man Hibigami, is he stronger than you?
Strong.
'Hmmm ... well ... That's very clear. And that d*mned wizard over there is called Sagara Kurohiko, if I recall.
Yes, sir.
'You and Currier Versteen drove Hibigami back with you and Currier Versteen... so I'm told, but still with the power of the forbidden curse?

　Once, me and Currier-san crossed our gazes.

''I think it's because of the power of the ... forbidden curse.

　It's not a lie.
　It will be a forbidden power.

"The sister of the Renoir Sphere-- the headmaster.

　After rephrasing, the Commander looks at Makina-san.

'What is it?'
You got some good kids in there this year.

　Makina-san's mouth formed a straight line and she looked a bit surprised.

''If you're going to join us as holy warriors, the Holy Tree Order will welcome you both.
...to look you two in the eye today?
At least I do.

　At this, even Currier-san showed a slight hint of confusion.

''I........am from the Sixth House....
What does it matter?

　The Commander replied immediately, without a care in the world, "I have no intention of making a blanket statement just because I am the Sixth House.

I have no intention of lumping them all together just because they are in the Sixth House. It's the same for subhumans. What matters is neither race nor bloodline nor family history. What is important is the person's ability to be recognized. As for the rest--

　The Commander took one look at the Deputy Commander next to him.

'Thank goodness you're blessed with a personality.
That's obviously an insult to me, isn't it?

　Smiling, Mr. Dearles smiled at the Commander.

'I'm so relieved you're aware of that.
'Haha, the Commander has a great sense of humor. By the way, what do you think of Van Stos?　Am I really that bad at character?

　Suddenly turned the conversation around, Mr. Van Stoss raised his eyebrows in a troubled manner.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it's a good idea to have a good personality. The entire Order has said that the atmosphere has improved since your arrival. You're a good man.
Yes, sir?　Sogut, what do you think?
'They're either being tricked, or they're vulnerable. You don't have to take it easy on them, either, Van Stos?
No, no I'm not going to...
'You see, Van Sustos hmmm, he understands me. It's just Sogut, you know?　You can't say that badly about me in the Order.
If you were a person, every single person in this country would be a person.
When will I ever earn your trust?
Not forever.

　Hahahaha, Deares-san laughs.
　What can I say...............The Holy Tree Knights Top Three seemed to get along normally.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. Think of that earlier as a kind of belief on my part.

　I wonder if she thought that was exactly what she was expecting to be able to throw out an innuendo, but Curie-san's confusion remained on her face without disappearing.
　Perhaps seeing Currier-san's state of mind, the leader of the group added a few more words.

'I'm not forcing you to join the order. It's just that as the head of the Holy Tree Order, I'm willing to welcome you. It's only your first year, right?　You don't have to think so deeply. Just take your time and decide.
I'll at least acknowledge the sentiment.

　Currier-san said with a complicated look on her face.

''Oh, Commander, did you get dumped?

　Mr. Diaz said happily.
　With a pop, how mortified the leader of the group hit him on the head with his head on the iron head.

'Ah,'
Shut up for a minute.

　..........
　We're so close.
　And the Commander turned to me.

"Sagara Kurohiko.
Yes, sir.
I'd like to know if you're in the mood for this. But, hey, you've got a long way to go. I suggest you take your time and think this through.
Oh, thank you.

　The Commander was staring at me intently.
　Huh?

Well what does it look like over here, Dearest?

　Without taking his gaze off me, the Commander called out to Mr. Dearles again.

''It's an unknown quantity. It's a big swing, I guess. It's hard to put it well, but it's certainly very interesting indeed.
Agreed. I don't know what's going to happen to this guy.
'I'd just like to see him become a holy warrior and join the Order.

　Hmm.
　An unknown number.........
　Does that mean it's more subtle than Currier-san?
　Well, I know I'm lower in ability than Currier-san.
　.........
　Well, let's do our best for three years.

Well, that's all for me. So what do you want to do with him?
'Uh ... yeah, it's not that big of a deal.

　Once Diares-san lowered her gaze as she looked down.
　Then she slowly turned her gaze to Currier-san.

''I have one question for you, a native of the Sixth House. Do you know a man named Rokia?

　I naturally put on a poker face while carrying the cup to my mouth.
　It's said to show easily on your face, so it's a plan to at least cover your mouth with the cup.
　Noyes and Rokia have been kept under wraps from them for now.
　By the looks of it, Machina-san also doesn't seem to have any intention of talking to the Holy Tree Order about it, and her expression remains rather calm.
　It's not a good idea for me to pretend to know about it for now.
　It seems that she has sensed my thoughts.
　Currier-san immediately spoke up with an answer.

Yes, I know. We've seen each other within the last year.'

　'Within a year' is a good way to describe it.
　So even if you met the other day, it would be 'within a year'.

' "I've seen you a few times.

　For the first time today, something that didn't float on Diares-san's face ran through her expression.
　An emotion that resembled a slight irritation took over his voice as well.
　After a faint hesitation, he softly opened his lips.

''That man........Didn't Rokia say anything about me?''
'No ... although your name was never mentioned.

　The edge of Ms. Dearles' mouth twisted.
　Was that........discomfort?

...I see.
Do you know him?

　When Currier-san asked, a dark smile crept over Mr. Dearles' mouth.

''I have a bit of a history with that man. If I were to put it in one word.......................the person who humiliated me, I should say.

　Cold eyes, with the emotion gone.
　But soon that look vanished.

''........Forget about that one. I overheard that someone from the Sixth House would be present at today's hearing, so I just wanted to ask him just in case.

　The expression that Diares-san had peeked at for a moment earlier.
　It was the same as Cecily-san's 'that expression'.
　...........
　They're siblings.
　Those two, they're siblings to the point of being too much of a sibling for sure.

　Or rather.
　The Arkwright siblings have all been beaten up by a man from the Sixth House?

　What should we do?
　Should I tell him that there is a Rokia in this school?
　...................
　No, I'd better not do that now.
　The people in the Sixth House are from the Sixth House and they're having a lot of trouble with the noise right now.
　It could create an unnecessary spark.

"Phew.

　This was also the first time I saw this look today.
　The leader smiled.
　Although the edge of his mouth only raised in a pucker.

"You should be chasing women rather than men, dearest. It's not like you to be trapped in a boring past.
M.... this is a very serious matter for me.

　A muffled Dearles-san.
　But the leader of the group turned around and nodded in satisfaction.

It's rare for you to get attached to someone else, so that's quite a disaster. You and Rokia, you've done a good job.'
"Vanstoss.

　With a sullen look on his face, Mr. Diares turned to Mr. Van Stoss.

'Sogut is tormenting me, sir.
Commander... not too much to say, sir...?
It's not every day we get a chance like this. Oh, I see, so Deares Arkwright had a weakness.
It was a mistake to talk in here...

　Mr. Dearles was depressed for a long time.

'Oh, there was something wrong with Van Stos too, wasn't there?

　The Commander turned on the water.

'Mm ... ah ... I just wanted to apologize.

　Yeah?
　Apologize?

Sagara Krohiko, Currier Versteen.

　Mr. Van Stoss spoke from the wall with his back to us and straightened his posture and bowed deeply to us.

'I hear you my brother and I'm sorry for being rude and as your brother, I'm sorry...' I'm... I'm sorry.

　Brother......
　I mean, Bashkatha Troia?
　Huh?
　Could it be that VanShtos-san is apologizing for Bashkata's behavior in the operation to defeat the Titans as an example!

No, no, no!　It's not like that........it's not like Mr. Van Stoss is going to apologize!　Hey, hey, Mr. Currier!
''Oh, ah ... as a result of what happened to Bashkatha, and though he resents you ... there's no need for you to apologize for anything ...''
No I knew there was something wrong with my brother's behavior. But I've turned a blind eye to it.

　There was little change in his expression, but I could tell that Mr. Van Shtos was feeling sorry for himself.

My mother had her own problems with me being this unfriendly and inarticulate, while my brother was affectionate and cheerful," he said. She was my mother's favorite and she spoiled my little brother growing up.

　Come to think of it, I've heard about Bashkata's mother from Makina-san.
　We had recovered the holy swords and demon swords that seemed to belong to the Fiburg Squad that we picked up during the operation to defeat the giants, in a manner of speaking.
　However, we didn't know what to do with them, so we left them in the Holy Ruins Hall for a while.
　So, his mother, who came to retrieve Bashkatha, who had fallen into a long sleep after dying inside the ruins, said to Makina-san and the school officials, ''You're not managing it properly!　What in the world is going on in this school? It seems that after a lot of abuse and resentment such as these, the holy sword and the demon sword were firmly retrieved.
　On the other hand, he was clinging to the sleeping Bashkatha and crying hey, hey, hey.
　I wasn't there at the scene, but I had heard about it from Makina-san in her complaints a lot, so I remembered the story vividly.

　Well, if she was raised by a mother like that.......................I think it would make sense for her to have that personality.
　I mean, 'Mother-dono will gather holy swords and demonic swords to back me up! But maybe Bashkatha was more of a motherf*cking man than I thought........

But I'm also responsible for my brother's rudeness, and I'm sorry....
Mr. Van Stos....

　What a nice person you are.

"We don't mind. You don't need to apologize. It's more like I was prepared to be resented.
I'm with Kurohiko on this one.
I care, I care...

　Mr. Diares chuckles.

'You're serious, Van Shtos... and it's okay, right?　You call yourself unfriendly and glib, but I like you, don't I?
M.... umm... thank you.
'Huh?　Van Shtos, are you embarrassed, by any chance?
Uh ... no ...
'Don't play with the seriousness of Van Shtos, you idiot.
Yeah!

　With a thud, the leader of the group swung a second time at Mr. Diares' head.

''You're the only person in this country to hit me on the head, Sogut!
They just don't like it. Well, it's the Commander's prerogative.
'Please don't abuse it...'
Try not to let that happen. Well, gentlemen, I guess this is what you're here for.

　The headmaster lifted his right arm from his chair with his right arm at the long desk.

''By the way, Headmaster,''

　The air has changed slightly.
　The leader of the group looked down at Makina-san with still, deep dark black eyes.

''I have one question for you as well.

　Makina-san looks defeated - looks like - staring back at me.

'What do you want to ask?　What's going on?
'You seem to be very protective of the forbidding spell-caster but what are you going to do with that man on hand?
I see.

　Soooo.
　A thin, cold smile appeared on Makina-san's face.

''So that's what you were going to ask, is that what you were going to ask?

　The Commander touched the base of his left arm with his right hand.

''-- Revenge?''

　Makina kept her mouth shut.
　Then, a little later, she exhaled with a huff.

'Okay. Now that we have this opportunity, maybe we should talk about it to clear up any misunderstandings.

　Miss Makina combined her little hands on the long table.

'My sister,'

　Makina's sister?
　The next to open his mouth was the Commander, who resumed his seat.

''Chris Renoussphere. She is the eldest and most talented daughter of the prestigious Renousfia family, who at the time was the youngest person to rise to the position of vice-chairman of the Holy Tree Order. The record for being the youngest was broken by Diales, but there is still no one in the Holy Tree Knights who has more talent than her as a magician.

　It seemed that Makina-san had given the narrative role to the Commander.
　She decided he was more suitable for the role.
　Then the Commander began to speak.

　About the death of Chris Lenowskaia.