He said he didn't want to compete in the freshman division, but dared to try out the ungraded division, which also includes upperclassmen.
'I knew that if I was going to catch up with Kurohiko and Currier, I had to get past those two first.
The best and the undefeated.
''Yes. I don't know how much I can do with those two people who are blossoming their unique techniques but I just don't want to choose to run away to the first-year division here.

　The student body president is almost entirely uninformed, but President Koudelka has the Polar Sky. If Cecily were to face President Koudelka, he would not let her win easily.
　Although I noticed the weaknesses in the Polar Sky during our battle yesterday, those weaknesses are not the fundamental solution to defeating the Polar Sky.
　To exploit that weakness, you need to be able to compete with the Polaris first.
　Just like yesterday's match, there is a way to forcibly push through with an attack that doesn't have any problems even if the next move is readily available....

''I know that both chairmen's abilities are outstanding in this school. And it's said that the only person who can cross over to them is Beosa Fallonteza.
'That Mr. Beoza is going to be in the third grade division, not the ungraded class, right?
''At the Holy Martial Arts Festival, you'll be wearing a magic tool that suppresses the power of the jutsu, so that may have an effect on you.

　There are also techniques that are more deadly than the weapons used in matches.
　However, if they are banned, those who excel in the art form will be at an overwhelming disadvantage.
　Therefore, the Seibutsu Festival made it compulsory to wear a magical tool that suppresses the offensive power of the magic formula.
　This adjustment would guarantee the same level of power as a mock match weapon.
　However, even though it was a match, a battle was a battle.
　This is the same as capturing the Holy Ruins.
　Naturally, you need to be prepared for a certain amount of injuries.
　It would be no laughing matter if a future aspiring holy warrior couldn't fight because he was afraid of being injured.
　If he wasn't prepared to do so, he would have to withdraw from the tournament.

''Well, he himself doesn't seem to have the wind of being so concerned about the outcome of the Holy Warrior Festival.
'If you ask me, he sounds like that,'
''It's not like Beosa wanted to be particularly high up, it's just that if he had lived in the school normally, he would have been naturally ranked first.
I think that's great, though...
''As far as the talent of the magic formula is concerned, it is said that the one who will surpass that court magician Waggnus Lenow Sophia is his daughter Makina Lenow Sophia or Beosa Fallonteza. It's no wonder they're called the strongest in the school.

　I mean, what?

But the one who is called the "strongest" in the school is the student council president, right?
''Ah........it may sound strange, but there are two of the 'strongest' in this school.
Two of the strongest?
''There are three evaluation items in this academy, excluding the Holy Ruins attack, right?　Beosa always gets the highest rating in the two categories of culture and artistry. On the other hand, the student council president gets the highest rating in the category of combat. Because of that, depending on how one looks at it, either Beosa or the student council president is the most powerful.

　The minor sage rank is determined by the four points of evaluation of cultivation, technical skills, combat, and the attack on the Holy Ghost Ruins.
　In terms of overall strength, Beosa is the best.
　If it's only combat power, it's the student council president.
　That's why she is the strongest of the two.

''By the way, that's where the genius who had rapidly risen to the third place despite being one grade below us appeared.
Is that President Koudelka?
''Yes. If she was in the same grade as Beoza and the student council president, we wouldn't know the current ranking of the Little Saint rankings. Koudelka ranked second in the three basic categories, and she also has a relatively high evaluation score in the attack on the Holy Ruins.
'That genius and one of the strongest, Miss Cecily is about to fight one of the most powerful...'
It's partly a matter of our current ability, but it's also largely because we can't use Frias.

　In the Holy Martial Arts Festival, he cannot rely on the abilities of holy swords, demonic swords, or holy demon swords of any kind to fight.
　They can only rely on their own ground power.

''That's why I've decided to have you practice intensively until the Holy Martial Arts Festival.

Very good.

　Currier-san won't be participating in the tournament, but she hasn't been told not to train.

However, I've gotten Currier's approval, but Currier seems to be thinking in the direction of taking a break from the after-school training with Kurohiko.

　He looks apologetic there.

'Oh, it's not a problem on my end, is it?

　I'm just me, and there are some things I'd like to look into personally.

'But more importantly, I'm rooting for you, so good luck with your win.

　Cecily smiled as she bit down on her words.


I'm sure Currier and Cecily's rehearsals would be worth watching.

　I've seen the two of them several times, but I feel that their training is at a high level. I wonder if it would be like that if we sharpened our reasonable movements. It's not my forte to move like that, so I have a feeling of admiration for it.

It's a good idea to wear a pretty dress to practice, so that it's worth seeing.
No, first of all, Mr. Currier wouldn't shake his head.
Really?　If you tell him it's Kurohiko's request, I'm sure he'll wear it...

　'All right,' I said with determination.

'I'm going to hold off on peeking in on the training for a while because it's going to get messy and interfere with my training.
Grave...

　Cecily fell back into my bosom as if she was unfaithful, ahhhh, and fell into my bosom.

"You really don't do what you want, do you?

　He looks up at me with a sulky face.

'What do you mean, Miss Cecily? 'You have such a submissive man in your grasp.'
Can't you just give me a little... compliment?

　He begged and poked the back of my head out.

'Don't tell me you want me to stroke you?'

　'Mm,' replies Cecily.

'If you call yourself an obedient man, I hope you can prove that you are obedient.

　He smiled at me with a smile that blocked my escape and laughed at me.

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

　Mi, the rust from the body........
　I gave up and slowly stroked Cecily-san's head with my left hand, which had soft, fluffy hair.
　Oh, her hair is so fluffy........
　Each time I stroked it, Cecily-san moved her body slightly ticklishly, saying, ''Fufu.

''But to increase your daily lessons and train your sword harder than ever before.......that's amazing, Cecily-san.
Right?　And so I--

　Cecily rubbed her body against him as if she were playing with him, in a move reminiscent of a cat's pampering gesture to a human.

''Oh, um,''
Sometimes you just want a pat on the back.
I'm sure Cecily Arkwright could find plenty of people to compliment her on it, if she wanted to.
''No........I still need the love number one to praise me for that, right?
Please don't set up a strange pecking order.
Well, only the first place exists.
Doesn't that make sense in the pecking order?

　If there's only one participant, then that would be first place....

Well, I don't really want to be praised for it, but sometimes when I'm tired, I think in the corner of my mind that I wish Kurohiko would praise me. If she praised me kindly, the hardships and fatigue would blow away and I would be able to work harder and harder...?
I'd be happy to give you a compliment if it would make you feel better.
Oh, I'm finally begging myself.......it's more beautiful when people can see my efforts and praise me for it.
Which one do you want?
Well, that's what you have to do for such a slow-moving person.

　Mmm.
　I've been called dull again.

''I'm sorry for being dull.
'What?　Hmmm, I'm sulking a bit, aren't I?
I'm not sulking.
''Ufufu, that's cute. But sometimes.... do this...

　Hmm?

Cecily, Miss?
Soo...

　You've fallen asleep.
　I don't want to show it, but I guess I'm actually tired.
　I decided to lay my head in my lap and let Cecily-san sleep until the lunch break was over.

'Mmmmmmmm.......Kuro, Hiko.......'

　He talks in his sleep.

"I'm trying to do my best, you know...

　His mouth falls open.

'I know, Miss Cecily,'

　I replied in response to my sleep.




　After school, Cecily-san returned to the mansion early for her lessons.
　So, the after-school time that I hadn't had any lessons until now will now be mostly training with Currier-san.

　I decided to go to the girls' quarters as is.
　The reason is because I wanted to see how Currier-san was doing.
　If you need anything, I'll get it for you.

''Oh, Kurohiko.''
Mr. Machina?


　As I walked up to the front of the girls' quarters, I met up with Makina-san as she came out of the gate.
　She was dressed in her usual gothic clothes and had a small red pouch on her shoulder.

'What's up?'
I've come to check on Currier. I think my fever has come down with it. I just gave her some medicine.

　Diseases such as wind fever cannot be cured by a healing technique. If it is done poorly, it can make the disease worse. Incidentally, it is said that the healing technique is highly effective for lacerations and burns, but it is not very effective for bone fractures. I heard that it only relieves the pain at best.
　For example, it has been confirmed that there are cases where bones become strangely deformed when used too much for fractures.
　The fact that there is no panacea for all healing techniques is probably the reason why there are doctors in this world.

'It seems like the medication is keeping you asleep right now, so we might as well not wake you up.
I understand. If he's asleep, it's not a good idea to wake him up.
Are you going home?
Yeah.

　Makina-san looks at my house, which stands near the woods away from the girls' quarters.

''Then ... there's something I want to talk to you about, is it okay if I continue to bother you?''

　Thus, Makina-san and I returned home.
　I prepare tea for both of us and place it on the table.
　Across the table, we sit down in chairs facing each other.

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

　Maybe it's time to buy a chair that fits Makina-san.
　Makina-san, who has a petite build, always has a slightly snug posture.
　That chair was originally intended for someone a little taller....

''What is it?''
I thought you might want to get a chair for Mrs. Machina sometime.
Yeah, okay?　This chair will do just fine.
But, sir.

　Makina-san folded her arms and turned her head away forcefully with a huff.

'No problem. They'll grow up quickly anyway.
Ha, ha.
Or, more importantly, is it still just right?　Oh, I feel so at home-- yikes!
..........

　I tried to lean back on my back, almost slipping off.
　Well, let's put aside the suspicion that he's already past his growth spurt for now.

So what did you want to talk to me about?
I don't know if this is directly related to you, but I'm going to invite guests from all over the world for the upcoming Holy War Festival.

　According to Makina, at the time of the Four Deadly Disasters, the three countries - in particular, the Guntarios Empire - were forced to discourage a war of conquest to the east.
　As a result of such a truce that lasted for a long time, diplomatic relations between the three countries naturally began to form, starting with their trade ties.
　To the extent that the three countries could come to an unspoken common view that they should join forces to avenge the four scourges of the Four Deadly Sins - although there may be differences in the consciousness of each country - they are said to have shortened the distance between them.

　But last time we had four deadly plagues.
　Although none of the bodies had been found, to be exact, the situation had certainly prevented the Four Deadly Disasters from functioning as an uncertain threat that could not be left unattended in times of war.
　As a result, some people within Renousled and Ruvelargan began to worry that the Empire would attack again.

''As for Renowthred, he's wondering if the three nations can somehow maintain diplomatic relations and peace as it is, right?
'So you want to invite them as guests under the guise of the Holy War Festival there, to provide an opportunity for dignitaries to interact with each other and to re-enforce the common view that we should continue to get along?
''That's what I mean. But still... it's ironic that the existence of the Four Deadly Disasters was undeniably a factor in creating peaceful diplomatic relations between the Empire and the two Eastern nations.

　Nevertheless, the Four Deadly Disasters were not a "disaster" that could be left unattended.

''Makina-san also feared the possibility that the Empire might attack again now that the Four Deadly Plagues were gone, right?
''It's a big part of the reason why the story of the Holy War Festival has moved forward in a positive way is because of these intentions that were included... so here's the story...''

　He readjusted his posture and waited for his next words.

''First of all, I'm expecting to invite the First Prince, Ghias Rouverargan, Captain of the Divine Punishment Corps, Rose Craywall, and the Divine Punishment Corps Vice Captain, Shanatrice Twoelf, as well as several others from the Divine Punishment Corps, to join us.

　Shana will be there for the Holy War Festival?
　It's nice to see her again after so long.
　And..........Captain of the Divine Punishment Squad, Rose Claywall.
　That Hibigami was someone who had made a name for himself as a capable person. I had been wondering what kind of person he was. Shanna-san had said something like she had prepared Rose Claywol as a counterpart to the Four Deadly Disasters, so there was no doubt that he was a very capable person.

''Next, from the Empire, I don't have any problems until First Princess Helle Guntarios and her men.......''

　The seriousness on Makina-san's face grew.


'One of the Imperial guests was the head of the Second Warehouse Management Department--Valaga Wormood.


　Varaga Wormood.
　That name sounded familiar.
　Somewhere....oh, I remember.
　Varaga Wormood was a person whose name had been mentioned several times during the series of battles against Noyes.
　It must have been mentioned that he was currently in the Empire during that battle.
　Hibigami called that person "Snake" and Noyes called him "The Undefeated Man".
　Furthermore, Hibigami had also said this when describing Currier-san.

''I've always thought that if there was anyone in the Sixth House who could reach me in a proper battle, apart from Varaga, it would be that woman.

'I remember that name, too. The day I found that name in the visitor's calendar, I decided to ask Currier about the person...only I made the mistake of calling her out when she had a mild wind fever. It was a bad idea for her.

　A few days ago, Currier-san went to Makina-san's place for some business, was that the reason for the conversation?

And moreover, when it is someone from the Sixth House.
What did the currier say?
She said he was a mysterious man. That he's a strange man who's obsessed with protecting his world and all that.

　The Director of the Sixth House also said that he was as difficult to deal with as Hibigami - I believe Noyes had said something like that.

''I'm sure he'll see Currier before and after the Holy War Festival, and considering what has happened to the people of the Sixth House since they met each other, there might be something to it.
And that it could be dangerous for Miss Currier.
'Yes. So I thought I should let you know, in case you're wondering.
'Well even if it's not as bad as the noise, I think we should take into account the possibility that something could be in danger for Currier-san.

　If I'm going to plant something on Currier-san, I'm not going to sit back and let it happen.
　Even if Hibigami is someone I recognize as a competent person, I'm not going to back down.

''I understand. Thank you for telling me, Makina-san.
What about you, by the way?
Me?
How are you getting ready to engage in a clash with your friend Hibigami?
For now I'll just have to look into the Holy Ruins again.
'About the Holy Ruins?　Oh ... the first injunction of the example?
Yes. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the deepest part.
''The deepest part of the Holy Ruins has yet to be reached by the Holy Tree Knights as well. The Holy Ruins of this academy also has no one to reach the deepest part of the Holy Ruins. Perhaps if we go much deeper, the Holy Ruins could be connected to one of the deepest parts of the Holy Ruins, but... no one has confirmed that yet.
Yeah?

　Hmmm.
　I feel like I've arrived at the information I was about to find out all at once.

''Once the Holy Ruins are opened up, I think we should first try to get to the deepest part of the Holy Ruins underneath this academy, don't you think?　And I'm sure you'll get pretty far now.
I will.
'And I'll be assisting you in your training for the battle against Hibigami in my own way. I'm still trying to figure out what I can do, but I'll assist you to the best of my ability.
Thank you.
''But... when it comes to your training partner who defeated the Four Deadly Plagues, it's harder to find them. Perhaps it would be better to look for them in the depths of the Holy Ruins.
'I know...'
Well, I'll do my best. Speaking of which, have you heard already?　Cecily has completed the registration process for the ungraded class.
I heard from her today. Kurier will be training you until the Feast of the Holy War.
I see, I'm really sorry that Currier got the wind fever...

　Makina-san wrinkled her brow in remorse and held her head in her hands.
　When she returned to her appearance and expression, Makina-san put her elbows on the table and said

''I thought the ungraded class would be decided by the final between Dristos and Koudelka... but when Cecily Arkwright comes out, it's going to be rough.
Either way, I hope it's a good tournament.
Well. Well ... well ... let's get to the point, shall we?
'What?　The main point?

　You hadn't gotten to the point yet.

'Huh?　You listen to me complain regularly, don't you?
Well, that's the main thing...

　With a muffled look on her face, Makina-san intimidates me in a cute way.

''What?''　You don't like it?
No, I'd be glad to hear it.

　Makina-san loosens her cheeks and smiles with satisfaction.


'Good.'


　After listening to Makina's complaints, Mia came over and the three of us had dinner together.




　The Holy War Festival.

　A guest of Ruvel Argan and a guest of the Empire.

　There are going to be many more events and encounters in the future.

　And I must be strong enough to prepare for the day of reckoning with that man.


　In order to protect the people I care about...


　As Sagara Kurohiko.





　Hibigami.


　Come to think of it, I wonder where that man is now--