The Four Deadly Sins?

　The news that came out of nowhere.
　The first thing that came out of Makina-san's mouth was a voice of skepticism.

"It doesn't sound like a bad joke, does it?

　Shanatrice, with her grim face, wrinkles her brow.
　He doesn't seem to be joking as far as the instructor who jumped in with a hint of blood on his face is concerned.
　The expression on his face speaks to the urgency of the situation.

　Four deadly disasters.
　This is exactly the group of four people that have just been talked about.
　It's not like they came by because of the rumor, but what timing, I thought.
　Makina-san's hand reaches out to her mouth.

''It's not that I didn't think about the possibility at all, but... of all things, why at this time?''

　Makina is tinged with confusion.

'What's the situation?'

　Shanatrice checks with her instructor.

'Yes, sir.'

　The instructor replied as if he had been played.

''I understand that the Eight Swords of the Holy Tree Knights led by Lord Vanstos Troia and about three hundred holy warriors have made their way to the north gate. I believe they are currently engaged...''
I thought you said that Sogut Sigismos and his deputy are vacating the capital now?

　Shanatrice checks with Makina.
　But there is no answer.

"Makina?

　Shanatrice called back to her, but still no response.

'Makina!'

　Shanatrice called out her name to blackmail her.
　Then, as if she finally came to herself, Makina-san, who had been stiffening up, gasped.

Yeah, yeah I'm sorry.
'Sogut Sigismos and his deputy are gone. In addition, the Order's best men have gone to take the fort. Aren't you?
I mean, yeah.
Without them, what forces in King's Landing are currently capable of resisting the Four Deadly Plagues?

　Makina took a glance at me.
　After a slight pause.

'If I dare to mention it, it would be the Knights of the Holy Tree. Other than that, the only forces that I can think of that would be able to compete with them are the King's Kingsguard, my father, Wagnus Lenosphere, and the King's swordsmanship instructor, Gaiden Arkwright.
Other than the Order of the Holy Tree, you'll be more concerned with protecting the Holy King, won't you?
'It can't be helped. It's what they're supposed to do.

　Abominably, Shanatrice clicks her tongue.　

"You should have brought Rose with you when you were going through all this. Well, he's the one you're dealing with, so even he may only be a comfort to you.
Um, Headmaster what should we do now?

　The instructor asks a question as she squirms.
　Once Makina-san opened her eyes strongly and then opened them, her expression tightened again.

''You instructors will lead the students in the school to the west gate. Go straight into the Duke of Sigmsos' territory and have them protected.

　Shanatrice interrupted.

'Hmm?　Wasn't there some kind of evacuation zone at the foot of the Sacred Tree?
''The Holy Tree and the Academy are in opposite positions in the East and West in the Royal Capital. If you are going to run through the middle of the capital, the danger increases. If they have no chance of winning in the first place, it's safer to run away from the Royal Capital.

　If Ruvel Argan is in the north, then in the royal capital, the Sacred Tree is in the east and the school is in the west.
　Considering the risk of running into the Four Deadly Disasters on the way, it would certainly be more profitable to leave the royal capital through the west gate as is.

　At this time, I was thinking about it.
　I wondered if Currier and Cecily would be able to escape in one piece.

　Today, Currier and Ayla had left for the castle in a carriage.
　I look at the clock.
　In terms of time, they could already be near the castle.
　Or, they are already inside the castle.
　The possibility of the Four Deadly Disasters going to the castle........would be impossible to say.
　But from what Makina-san just said, it seems that the castle is full of capable people, including her father.
　More than anything else, Currier-san herself is a talented person who is as strong as a hundred battle-hardened warriors.
　Also, she would be able to make an accurate decision even in the midst of this kind of situation.
　In that respect, it was rather fortunate that Ira was with her.
　With this, Ira-san's level of safety also increased dramatically.
　The level of danger is........low, I guess.

　
　Gaiden Arkwright, who says that if it's only pure sword skills, even that Sogute Commander is no match for him.
　Earlier, Makina-san had mentioned him as a candidate for opposing forces.
　Cecily-san doesn't have the impression of panicking in this kind of situation either, and if she's with such an amazing person, she should be able to evacuate well.
　Considering the usual, I'm sure Zeke and Hyrgis-san are probably with them as well....

　Senior students Rei-san and Beosa-san are not in the royal capital right now because of the training camp.
　Mia-san, and Liza-san and Clarice-san should be leaving the royal capital with the students.
　.................
　It's going to be okay.
　It will be fine.

　In the first place, it's not like the Four Deadly Disasters came for Currier-san and Cecily-san with pinpoint accuracy.
　Rather, if there was a reason for them to be targeted--
　I'm going to look at Makina.
　Trying to erase the Four Deadly Plagues from this continent, she's probably the one.

　It's just ... maybe there's nothing to worry about.
　She said that the Holy Tree Knights led by Vanstos-san were headed to the Four Deadly Disasters.
　VanShtos Troia.
　Although he was a quiet person, an unspeakable awesomeness emanated from that person.
　Besides, Diares-san had also mentioned something like the current Holy Tree Knights were far stronger than in the past.
　So even if Commander Sogut and the others weren't there, or if it was the current Holy Tree Knights.......
　..............
　I just--

　It was also true that I had a strange feeling in my chest from earlier.

　Yes.
　It's never zero.

　The probability of Currier and Cecily encountering the Four Deadly Disasters.
　Or the probability that the Holy Tree Knights would be defeated in the Four Deadly Disasters.

　It's impossible to declare it to be zero.
　So, in truth, I would like to go looking for these girls right now.
　But," I look at Makina-san, who flies off to instruct the instructor.

　Is it okay to leave the school and leave Makina-san here?

I'm sure you'll be able to find it. I'm going to hurry up and start evacuation guidance as instructed.
Please.
Where's... the headmaster?

　Makina-san lowers her gaze.

''I--I will remain at the school until the evacuation of all students and school personnel is complete, and in the meantime, I will assist in the evacuation.
School, chief...
Come on, go. It's not unlikely that the Four Deadly Plagues will defeat the Holy Tree Order and come here. It's not until it's too late.

　The instructor runs out of the room at Makina-san's urging.
　The sound of the instructor's running footsteps fading away, I asked Machina-san, "Are you going to stay until the end?

"Do you intend to stay until the end?

　Makina-san responded to my question with a smile.

''I'm the head of the school, okay?　The headmaster of the school, who is in charge of the lives of his students, can't just leave them and run off first, can he?

　Makina-san's expression changes to a wry smile.

''Well, it's a messy job after all,''
Nope, maquina.
What?
Do you think there's a reason why the Four Evils have chosen to stay in King's Landing this time?

　Shanatrice asks.
　It was something of an implied way of saying.

'As you say, they're a dubious bunch who may or may not even have a reason themselves. It's just--'

　Makina stared into the void.

'Maybe she could have gotten through to me from somewhere.
So you're saying that you have information that you're trying to deal with the Four Deadly Sins?

　Makina silently nodded her head with a solemn face.

'So you feel responsible?　Do you think you've drawn the Four Wrongs?

　Makina did not answer Shanatrice's question, but moved silently to the door.

'You guys take shelter,'

　She touched the handle and continued.

'Kurohiko you have to take care of Mia, please.

　Oh, man.
　It's like you're about to die.

"Are you going to fight the Four Deadly Sins by yourself?

　When I asked the question, Makina-san looked at me in profile.
　Her mouth slightly frayed.

''Oh?　There's nothing to wonder about, is there?　I'm just trying to do the same thing my sister did... and she protected the Holy Tree Order by wounding the Four Deadly Plagues in Mistortin.

　Makina gripped the handle tightly.

'Then maybe if I do the same thing, my students - you're the only ones who might be able to get away with it.

　A determined voice.
　In other words, she is saying this.
　She said that she, like her sister, was going to burn her life to the ground and continue to unleash 'Mist Lutin'.
　..................
　A nagging feeling of regret spreads through my chest.
　Why is Makina-san--.

You're a dead man, Machina.

　Shanatrice throws a question at him.

'I think I'm at least able to analyse the minimum competence of the Four Deadly Disasters... Shana, not to the same degree as you.

　It was the first time today that Makina-san had called Shanatrice-san, Shana.

''To tell you the truth, I think it's a delicate matter whether those people I just mentioned as a force can defeat the Four Deadly Disasters. If we were to defeat those four, I'd really like to have at least four people of the same rank as the current Sogut Sigismus,''

　Ms. Shanatrice does not argue.
　Does that mean that her analysis is almost the same as Makina-san's?

''Although it's a guess drawn from the Holy Tree Knights and her sister's strength at the time, as well as the extent of the wounds her sister's 'Mistortin' inflicted on the Four Deadly Disasters, and other information from the past... I can only know that the Four Deadly Disasters' power is extraordinary.
So, with the forces we have in King's Landing...
It's frustrating, but the chances of winning are pretty slim.

　Makina-san smiled sarcastically.

''However, I don't know if my analysis of their strength is necessarily on target, and even the Four Deadly Disasters should have some decline due to age. You will be able to get a good idea of what the current Order of the Sacred Tree is all about, and I'm hoping that Vanhstos Trojan and the current Order of the Sacred Tree will be able to help. It's a clinging hope, though.

　There is no power in Makina's voice as she speaks.
　It's easy to tell that she's thinking tough on the inside.

"Um, Makina-san.
I don't know.
Why, sir?
Why?　What?

　I questioned what I had been wondering about earlier.

'You didn't count me as an asset earlier, did you?

　Ms. Machina lifts her chin and looks at me.

'Because I don't think it's too early to tell.'
Are you early?
'You've only learned two forbidden spells. I've shown you the power of the forbidden spells you remember now. Especially when it comes to one person vs. multiple people, it will be tough with the forbidden spells we have now. After all, you have to have someone with the strength to assist you, after all, before you can get them in line.
..........
That's the way it is.

　Makina turned her body around and was relative to Shanatrice.

'If something were to happen to me, would you mind if I left the rest to you?
You're referring to the Four Deadly Sins, you mean?

　Makina-san's crimson eyes catch mine.

'Including Kurohiko,'
...you're not a nice woman, are you?
What's the matter with you?
'If you put your life on the line and talk to me like that you can't do a bad job of keeping Sagara Kurohiko in your care, can you?

　Makina smiles with a huff and a smile.

''Don't betray my trust, Shana?
Uh-huh, but what do you think?

　Mr. Shanatrice gives me the thumbs up.

"I don't think he's convinced, but I'm afraid he's not convinced.

　Makina-san turns to me.

'Kurohiko would you please shut up and do me a favor here?
..........
'If you are indebted to me I want you to do what I say here.

　Makina bowed deeply.

'Please, this is just the way it is.'

　I'm...

I'm sorry, Mr. Machina but I can't do that for you.

　I refused to do what she asked.
　But then, unexpectedly.

Well, yeah.

　What Makina-san brought up was a convincing smile.
　A reaction as if she had predicted my answer.
　Her reaction puzzled me.

''You're not the one who can get away with letting go of Currier, who went to the castle, or Cecily, who isn't in the school. 'I know, I know. It would be too much indeed to stop you from going to find those girls.

　Oh I see.
　So that's what the reaction was.

"Machina...
No.

　Makina-san shakes her head.

''As expected, I don't have the authority to stop it either. I don't intend to push my own selfishness that far. It's just that ... if you can successfully join them, escape from this royal capital. I'll survive with them. And hopefully--

　The smile was the only thing forming around Makina-san's mouth, but her expression seemed to be desperately trying to hold something back.

'Someday, you'll defeat the Four Deadly Disasters.

　I silently poke my knee in the air.
　I locked my gaze with hers.

'It's not, Makina,'
No?　No, what's not...

　I looked straight into Makina's eyes.
　She rolled her eyes in wonder.

'It doesn't make sense,'
What's the point?
'Yes. It doesn't mean anything to me. Even if you - even if I survive in a world where Makina-san is gone.
Blackbeard?
Many things have changed since I came here. Maybe it's not the same at the core, but compared to when I was there, I think I've changed a lot.

　Makina-san was silent, waiting for my next words.
　When I looked closer, I saw that her cheeks had a faint cherry-red tint.

'So, I was thinking. What's the difference between that one and that one? The answer was simple.

　I say without looking away.

'I have someone I really care about,'

　I'm sure I would have been deflected before, I thought in the corner of my mind.

I've got people I don't want to lose.

　My heart was racing with embarrassment, if I'm being honest.
　But I knew I had to say it here.
　I had to say my honest feelings.

I'm able to keep working hard because there are people I think are important to me. Because of Makina-san and the others, a useless person can try his best to do his best.
..........
'Of course I was going to go find Currier-san and Cecily-san. But.........I can't leave you here. Even more so if it turns out that you're going to die.

　Makina-san averted her gaze and put a lot of strength into her arms that held her slender little body.

'Kurohiko, although I'm glad you feel--'
'If you won't run away with me, this is what we're going to have to do.

　Makina-san raises her face.

'If you stay, I'll have no choice but to stay with you and fight the Four Deadly Plagues. I'm sorry, but I don't have any other choice.
But that's not...
'I'm not an omniscient, omnipotent god. So I can't protect all people. But I do want to protect the people who are within my reach. The only people I care about are the people I care about.
The people I care about, the people I care about...
And, Makina, you said it yourself. I love my country.
Yeah.
Even if I were to escape, what if the Four Deadly Disasters had wreaked havoc on King's Landing... wouldn't it be too late for that?

　I could see from the look on her face that Makina-san was beginning to get lost.

''What Makina-san wants to protect, at the same time, will also be what I want to protect.

　Yeah.
　I'm just a convenient tool for her.
　If that's what Makina-san wants to do, I'll just do everything in my power to make it happen.
　I will only fulfill her wish, even if it means risking my life.
　But........if Makina-san dies, I will surely lose the meaning of risking my life.
　I chuckle.

''In other words, I'm a man who can't do without Makina-san.
Blackberry....

　Shanatrice cowered her shoulders.

'This is not your downfall, Makina.

　I breathed.

'Shana...?'
I mean, this guy's got a crush on you, right?

　Makina-san looks at me with a sidelong glance while her cheeks are stained.

''Behold, you're in love with me...''
"I'm not going to let the girl I'm in love with die. It's a story that can make you cry. I guess the least he can do is to die together.
Shana, you shouldn't be doing that.
This man's eyes have already spoken. I don't think you have the leverage to move anymore.

　I raised my arms and smiled at him.

'Well, I knew that the Four Wrongs Disaster was someone I would have to beat one day to do with Hibigami anyway. It's just as well. If we can fight them here, we can save ourselves the trouble of looking for them.

　Makina-san puts a hand to her forehead with a distracted look on her face.

''You're quite easy to say.

　Then she looked at me sideways for a while.

''But yeah ... by the looks of things, it's the time we spend trying to convince her that's going to be wasted.

　Sighing, Makina sighed.

'All right. I get it now.
Machina.

　As if to regroup, Makina-san put her hands on her twisted waist.

''If the evacuation of the school's students is successfully completed without the Four Deadly Disasters coming, then the two of us and I will attempt to join Currier and Cecily while aiming for the evacuation area.

　Perhaps because she had made up her mind, Makina-san spun her mind fluently and eloquently.

'If you encounter the Four Deadly Disasters in that case, if there are two or more opponents, you should avoid fighting as much as possible. If you are going to fight, you should aim at the place where you are alone. It is not always the case that the four evildoers are always together.

　Thank goodness.
　Now at least it looks like Makina-san is not in a hurry to die.

Well, then, it's time for us to--
Are you ready, mistress Machina?

　There was a knock at the door, followed by Mia's voice.

'Mia?　You haven't evacuated yet?
"The Knights of the Holy Tree are here to see you. They need to see you, sir.

　Ms. Machina opened the door herself.

'Quickly, please.'

　Beyond the open door.
　A man wearing the Holy Tree Knights' uniform was standing there with a strong expression on his face.
　Diagonally behind him, Mia-san was waiting for him without the slightest movement.
　However, looking at her expression, it looked as if she was desperately pushing down her fear.

''As I'm sure you already know, the holy warriors of the Knights led by Vanstoss Troia are currently engaged with the Four Deadly Plagues near the north gate. Therefore I am here to borrow the power of the forbidding spell wielder, Lord Sagara Kurohiko.

　The knight-errant flies his gaze to me.
　Makina-san thoughtfully put a hand to her chin.

''Is that ... Van Stos's idea?''

　The knight-errant affirms.
　Makina-san turned to me once.

''Those sayings, did you give Currier Versteen the same one?
Yes, sir.
You heard the man, Blackie.

　I nodded.

'If we head to the north gate, there's a good chance we'll be able to meet up with Currier.
Mr. Machina, I am...
Do what you want, Blackie.

　In a strong tone, Makina said.

''I'm not going to move until the students have been evacuated, but I won't stop you if you want to head out right away. In fact, I don't know what the right thing to do is either... but I don't want you to have any regrets.

　I looked down a bit, then looked up.
　The answer seemed to come through in his expression.

'You're going, aren't you?'
'If Currier-san is coming to the North Gate, she and I will fight the Four Deadly Plagues there... and defeat them.
Okay.
Mr. Machina.
'Oh, it's okay. I won't even think about trading my life for it anymore.

　Makina-san spills a joking smile.

''Because if I die........your meaning of life will be gone, right?

　Then Makina-san shook her head loosely.

''If my death is the cause of his suicide, that would be the last thing we'd ever see.

　Shanatrice takes the bag.

'Looks like we have a guiding principle in mind.
Shana, you need to get out of here...
No, I'll go along for the ride.
But you're the Ruvell Argan's--

　Shanatrice put her hand on the eye patch in her left eye.

'You want a little strength now, don't you?　Hmm, I hate this peaceful country to my core, but Makina, you're the only one I like. That's exactly what the curse-master is like. I have no intention of defending the people of this country, but you are a woman too good to die here.

　With a bang, Shanatrice slapped my buttocks.

''Wha ... what are you doing!
So leave the machina to me, jinxer. I will see to it that she is safe till the day I die.

　Shanatrice put her arm around Makina's shoulder from behind.

And also. If the reason for the attack is the same as you have just described, then I will be responsible for the attack. Therefore, I can't just run away without you. I'm jointly and severally liable.
"Shana, you...
You were the only ones who understood the danger of the Four Plagues. When I told you that the Four Plagues must be eliminated, you were the only ones who truly understood the danger they posed. Above all....if I let you die here, I can't face that fool.
That means...
Your sisters are all true fools. They cut themselves too much for the sake of others, but they also try to take on all the additional burdens by themselves. Truly, they're the kind of fools who can't leave well enough alone.

　Onushi and the others - that must mean Makina-san and her sister Chris-san.
　I see........your sister also considered the Four Deadly Disasters to be dangerous.
　From the way she talked, Shanatrice-san seems to be an old friend of Chris-san's.
　However, from the reaction, it seems that this is the first time Makina-san has learned of Shanatrice's relationship with her sister.

''By the way, Makina, since it's come to this--''

　And that's when it happened.
　I heard a scream that sounded like a scream from outside.
　And then the screams continued in a chain.
　We reflexively rushed to the window in the direction of the continuous screaming.
　Is that.........the direction of the west gate?

Don't tell me it's the Four Deadly Sins?
Wait. Aren't the Four Deadly Disasters currently engaged with the Holy Tree Order?

　Makina-san confirms to the pale knight-errant.

''It should be, but...''
I'm sorry, but I think he's already lost. Hm, they probably sensed the presence of people and went around. The fact that they had to evacuate the city as a group, I suppose, has backfired.


　Makina bit her nails.

'Stronger, are we getting stronger?　You don't think ... they're growing, do you?　Or ... wasn't the information I used in my analysis indicative of their true power?

　Judging from Makina-san's appearance, she didn't expect the Four Deadly Disasters to reach her so quickly.
　I - opened the window.
　The curtains fluttered in the wind.
　And then.

Eighth curse, release.
What?

　An oval hole appears.
　A black slime jumps out of it and clings to my arm.
　I used that slime as a shield and then split it up, and I placed them down like stepping stones.

''Then I'm going to go.''

　Shanatrice looked impressed.

"I see that's a forbidden curse.......you've mastered it very well.

　The forbidden spell is surprisingly applicable depending on the user.
　Originally, this forbidden curse was used as a shield, but after learning that it can be freely flown and fixed in a giant battle, I thought it could be used like a staircase.
　I used the diamond-shaped shield I had placed as a foothold and went down to the bottom.

''This is no time to be swallowing and admiring!　Hey, curser, before we fight--

　And.

'Kyahhhhhh!
'Ugh, wow!

　A group of fleeing students emerged from across the woods in unison.

''No!''
Oh, help me, yeah!

　A group of students rushed toward me in a frantic fashion.
　Beyond them, I saw people flying through the air.

　--coming.

　A few instructors with swords in their hands and -- emerging from the other side of the woods -- a huge, black man wearing a cylindrical hat.
　I narrowed my eyes.

''That's the Fourth Evil--''

　I'm about to say it, and I'm speechless.
　The thing that the right hand of the man in the tube cap is holding.
　The left ankle is grabbed and hanging upside down, bloody and upside down--

Josef, instructor.

　He was a changed man, the instructor in charge of our lion team.