「なんて、こった」

　ダビド・ハモニスは眼前に広がる光景の痛ましさに表情を歪めた。
　隣に立つ聖樹八剣の一人、ラムサス・ファロンテッサが唾をのみ込む。
　到着した聖樹騎士団の面々が目撃したもの。
　それは――

　北門付近に散乱する四つの凶なる災害によって喰い散らかされた、衛兵たちの無残な死骸の山であった。

　横たわる死体の中には市民の姿も確認できる。
　生存者がいる想像を奪うほどの凄惨さ。
　すでにこの近辺の王都民は逃げ出したのだろう。
　周囲には不気味な静寂と臭気が漂っている。

　四凶災と思しき四人組の出現および襲撃の報を受け、聖樹騎士団は北門へ急行した。
　同時に、城、学園、貴族地区などにも避難誘導のため騎士団員が向かった。

　そして現在、聖樹騎士団の精鋭は先日占拠された砦の奪還のため王都を発っている。
　砦奪還へ向かったのは、

　騎士団長、ソギュート・シグムソス、
　副団長、ディアレス・アークライト、
　聖樹八剣、聖位四位、リリ・シグムソス、
　聖樹八剣、聖位八位、ノード・ホルン、

　及び、聖樹騎士団の生え抜きが七十名ほど。
　途中、近隣の都市で戦力を補強する予定となっているため、砦に到着する頃にはもう少し人数は増えるであろう。
　ただ、とダビドは思う。
　団長と副団長の実力を考慮すれば、案外、敵の実力によってはあの二人だけでも砦の奪還は可能かもしれない。
　そう思わせるほど、聖位の頂点と次点である彼ら二人の実力は騎士団の中でも飛びぬけていた。
　が、現在その二人は王都にいない。

　とどめと言わんばかりに、まだ息があった生存者へ巨大な拳を打ちおろした金の短髪の男を、ダビドは微細な震えを覚えつつ見た。
　拳を打ちおろした男の周りには三人、これまた巨体の男が悠然と佇んでいる。
　最前列の筒帽を被った男が死体を蹴りあげた。
　蹴りあげつつも、彼の顔はしっかりと先ほどからこちらを捉えている。
　表情は――無感動に見えた。
　敵意どころか、興味や関心を寄せている様子すらない。
　殺戮に対し思うところが、何もないのだろうか。

　左から、

　深紅の髪と同じくその手足も異様に長く、焦げ茶色の革服に身を包んだ長身の男。
　金髪の髪を逆立て、返り血を浴び赤黒く染まった、元々は白地であったであろう服を着、上半身だけが不均衡に発達した男。
　藍色の髪を後ろへ撫でつけ、服の上にくすんだ群青色の外套ようなものを羽織っている眼鏡の男。
　そして先ほど死体を蹴りあげた、無表情の全身黒ずくめの男。

　全員が、その二ラータル前後は確実にあろうかという巨体のせいもあってか禍々しい威圧感を放っていた。
　ふっ、とダビドは引き攣った笑みを口の端に浮かべた。

　――その姿、忘れちゃいねぇよ。

　紛れもなく、四凶災。

　ダビドの脳裏に鮮明な記憶が蘇ってくる。
　あの時……クリス・ルノウスフィアに救ってもらった命。
　情けない話ではあるが、あの時は生き残りたくてとにかく必死だった。
　がむしゃらに逃げた。
　本音を言えば生まれてはじめて聖神に心から祈った。
　どうかおれを助けてくださいと。
　そして王都に逃げ帰り生き延びたソギュートからクリスの話を聞いた時――

　もし再び四凶災に相対したならば、絶対に逃げないと誓った。

　だが、

　――よりにもよって、どうしてこんな時に来やがる。

　せめてあの二人さえいれば、と口惜しさに唇を噛む。

　それでも、とダビドは腕組みをしながら隣で佇む巨漢の男を仰ぎ見た。
　ヴァンシュトス・トロイア。
　ソギュート団長とディアレスに続く聖位第三位。
　聖樹八剣の中では最も聖位が高く、騎士団の切り込み隊長。

　ヴァンシュトスが残った理由の一つには、替え馬の問題があった。
　砦を占拠した終末郷の住人たちが近くの城塞都市や町を襲撃する可能性がないとはいえない。
　そのため一刻も早く事態を収拾する必要があった。
　そこで急ぎ砦へ向かうため、途中の宿駅などで馬を替えながら向かうこととなった。
　が、ヴァンシュトスの巨体を乗せて走れる馬が手配できるかどうかがわからない。
　彼の愛馬であるマルスほどの馬を用意できないとなれば、移動速度にも支障が出る。

　が、そもそも団長は元からヴァンシュトスを王都へ残すつもりだったのだろう。
　団長は常に想定外の事態が起こることを考えている男だ。
　だからいざという時の王都の守りも考えている。
　実際、聖樹八剣も半分以上を王都に残した。
　また団長とディアレスは、ヴァンシュトスに全幅の信頼を寄せている。
　彼を王都に残したからこそ、あの二人は安心して王都を発てたはずなのである。

　だが今回ばかりは――

「ご安心、ください、ダビド殿」

　厳めしい顔で四凶災を見ていたヴァンシュトスが、口を開いた。
　聖位はヴァンシュトスの方がダビドよりも高い。
　にも関わらず目上のダビドを平素から立てる彼の謙虚さには、日頃から頭が下がる思いだった。
　すべての点において実力は上なのに、彼はいつだって自分を敬ってくれる。
　今の聖樹騎士団は、実力主義だというのに。
　この男をこんなところで死なせたくない、と素直に思った。

　ヴァンシュトスの横には彼の愛馬であるマルス。
　その鞍には幅広の刃をもった巨大な剣の納まった鞘がぶら下がっている。
　騎士団でもあの剣を扱えるのはヴァンシュトスしかいない。

「我は死力を、尽くします……仮に、勝てなくとも、聖王様、及び、聖王家の者、王都の民……そして、聖樹士の候補生たちが、逃げのびることができるよう、少しでも時間を、稼ぐつもりです」

　ヴァンシュトスは殺意をその瞳に込め、四凶災を睨みつけた。

「この命に、代えて、でも」
"Vanstoss--

　David was ashamed of himself.
　Maybe he thought he had made up his mind in his head, but he hadn't yet made up his mind somewhere in his heart.
　But now Van Stos's words had made his resolve stronger.
　That's right.
　Even if it takes a second for the people of the royal capital to escape.
　Time for them to escape to the refuge area at the foot of the Sacred Tree or out of the royal capital.
　For that - let's use this life.

Very well. I'll bet my life on it. Just don't be so quick to die for each other.
Of course.

　Van Shtos pulls out two pairs of great swords, evenly.

''That's what I intend to do.''

　The Four Deadly Disasters were exchanging words with each other in some way.
　It's strange.
　Although they are aware of us it's as if they haven't even taken a look at us.
　It's as if they're saying that the conversation they have between themselves takes precedence.

It's not moving, you know. It doesn't sound like an invitation, but...
We're not interested in that. But what do we do?　I'm not sure we can win, but at least if we can buy ourselves some time...

　It has been five days since the Holy Tree Knights left the royal capital.
　The distance to the fort is three days if you are normally resting and resting.
　The news of the retaking of the fort has not yet been brought, but it is not impossible that they have already settled the situation and are returning to the capital.
　Of course, a message has already been sent to the leaders.
　I have also sent a messenger to Ruvelargan to ask for support.
　I've asked the neighboring lords to protect the people of King's Landing and, if possible, to send reinforcements.
　Yes.
　When the leaders return, or--

I sent people to Sagara Kurochko and Currier Versteyn.
Yeah, the...

　A boy who is a forbidding spellcaster and a girl from the Sixth House?
　The king's kinsmen cannot leave the king and the princes.
　This would be the same for the court wizard, Wagnus Lenosphere.
　The instructors of the academy also have a role to play in protecting the students and letting them escape.
　The head of the school, Makina Lenowskaia, is no different in this regard.
　The only person who can be expected to fight against the Four Deadly Disasters in this royal capital at present is Gaiden Arkwright, the king's swordsmanship instructor, outside of the Holy Tree Knights.

You know, that little girl's chaperone.......did you refuse her chaperone?
Well, in that case it would have been better if you hadn't said no, you know.

　Van Shtos smiles a joking smile.

　A girl from the Sixth House.
　Currier Versteen, I remember her name was Currier Versteen.
　I don't know the details of the process, but it seems that she was scheduled to meet with someone from the Holy Royal Family today.
　And the other day, Makina Renoussphere had approached Vanstos to ask if she could ask Currier Versteen to chaperone her.
　Originally, Sogut and Diares were supposed to accompany her, but because of the attack on the fort, they were gone from the royal capital.
　It seems that this is where Vanhustos was given the go-ahead.
　Vanhos is well qualified because he knows Currier Versteyn and is the son of one of the five great dukes.
　However, Vanchthos politely refused, saying that he is not a good talker and is clumsy, so he might be a drag.

　VanShtos waved his sword on the spot with a bang.
　The heavy sword cuts through the wind and roars.
　It was probably a test to see if the Four Deadly Disasters would react if this one made a move.
　Only the red-haired man and the blond man give me a glance while continuing the conversation.
　On the other hand, the man in glasses with a lionfish stick in his mouth and the man in the tube hat were unresponsive.

　--Badly spoken and clumsy, huh?

　They look up again at Van Stos, who is staring thoughtfully at the Four Deadly Disasters.
　He always says that he's not very good at socializing with people.
　But most of the members of the group adore him.
　It's true that he may be clumsy in some respects, but everyone was pleasantly surprised by his honest and compassionate nature.
　He was never conceited, and he would always strive to find the best in any member of the group.
　If a member of the group is down, he listens quietly and encourages them in his own way with his words of encouragement.
　His presence and words have always cheered the group members.

　Whenever unknown or dangerous demons appeared in the capture of the Holy Ruins, Van Stos was also the first one to lead the way.
　Without hesitation, he jumped into the crowd of demons and showed the work of a god of war with two pairs of great swords.
　Many of the countless scars running across his body were inflicted by the demons in the process.
　Van Stos once said to David, "I am not going to be able to do anything about it.

They gave me a place in the world and I like this group. That's why I don't want anyone to die and of course you don't want anyone to die.

　--I don't want you to die, either.

　I've never wanted power so badly as I did today.
　I would have sold my soul to a demon, but for now, I need the power.

"Lord Vanstoss.

　A few of the riding group members stepped forward.

'What's up?'

　To Van Shtos' question, whose expression was clouded, the members of the group answered while looking at the four deadly disasters.

''We'll charge in first, and then we'll have a fight.
Idiot.

　A group member chuckles at him.

"I'll be the first ones to leave.

　The group members nodded to each other.
　And.

I'm going to bring out the other guy's fight I'm going to bring out the best in him.
Hey, boys.

　Discern, they say.
　By showing them fighting the Four Deadly Plagues, they hope to find out what their fighting abilities, and by extension, how they fight, will be, and that they will be able to use it as a reference for Van Stos and others to fight.
　A group member looks at the four wrongs with a gazing face.

''Oh no, even with this?　I've been thinking hard about it.　You see, we weren't the worst of the Order, were we?　What can I do to increase my chances of winning? Right?

　The member of the group who was asked the question turns a bitter smile to the four evildoers.

The fact that we can't win even if we stand on our heads.......I can at least understand the difference in ability. But if it's Van Stoss-dono and the other Sacred Tree Eight Swords, or...
Well, I don't intend to die for nothing. Hey, guys?

　The members of the group behind me nodded silently.
　The members of the group pulled out their swords.
　Either the conversation is over, or they are finally interested.
　Finally, the four evildoers all turned to look at me.

''Vanstoss-dono, it's now or never, so I'll tell you.

　Van Shtos turned his head down with a stern face and tightened his mouth.
　The leading member of the group said with a very calm expression.

''It's really good that you're in this Order. All of us are grateful to you. You have encouraged me through all the bad times.

　I could see that Van Shtos had bitten his teeth tightly.
　The back of his sword-gripping hand had thick veins floating on the back of his hand.
　The leading member of the group pointed his sword at the Four Deadly Disasters.

''Well it's time to go.

　The members of the riding group returned the word, oh.
　It was then.

"Harold!

　Van Shtos raised his voice.
　It was unusual for him to shout at such a high volume.
　His expression was frowning hard.
　You could see in his hand that he was desperately trying to push something down.
　Then, as if squeezing out a single word, Van Shtos said

I'm sorry.

　I just said that.
　Van Stos understands that too.
　It is the most effective way to measure the competence of the opponent, it is the most effective for someone to take the lead in a battle.
　And.........the person who should take the role of leading the charge now is not me.
　The other eight swords and the group members standing behind them all have a regretful expression on their faces.
　They are all probably frustrated.
　And no one can interject because Van Shtos has accepted their abandonment of their actions.
　Because they all know that the one who loves the members of the group more than anyone else is Vanstos himself.
　The member of the group - Harold responded again with a smile.

''Then I've asked you to take care of the rest, Lord Vanstoss.
I am too.
What?
I'm glad that you are with the Order. You're the ones who saved me.
Lord Vanstoss.

　Harold looks impressed.
　One of the group members pulls his horse up by the neck and gives Harold an earful, saying that the placement is complete.
　Immediately tightening his expression, Harold pulls his horse forward.　

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you've left some goodbyes, so I guess it's time to go.

　Van Shtos looked straight at the Four Deadly Disasters.

Yeah I'll give you a free round of drinks.

　I only replied.

　The horse picked up speed.
　The sound of hooves echoes loudly, scarcely audible.
　A battle cry.
　The rear of the group members heading towards the Four Deadly Disasters.

　The four evil spirits seemed to be waiting for our move.
　What we can see from their appearance is a sense of composure.
　The fact that they have room to spare means that they are letting their guard down.
　There's an opening, that's what it means.
　I don't know what they were talking about, but if they didn't waste time with their conversation and came right at me, I might not have had the opportunity to speculate on their abilities.

　--I sincerely hope that this margin of error is fatal.

　Guards with bows at the ready and guards deploying techniques emerge from the windows and roofs of the buildings around the north gate.
　Arrows are fired all at once.
　A magic formula.

　--Beginning.

　David's eyes first caught sight of

　It was Harold, dodging the first and second blows and getting his neck broken by the man in the tube cap.