That morning, the road leading to the main school building was many times busier than usual.

　Several carriages came in through the main gate and stopped.
　A dozen men and women got out of the carriages.
　The first thing that went up was a yellow voice.
　From there, the students on their way to school begin to gather.
　As they followed, students came out of the school building as well.
　Thus, the road that stretched from the main gate to the main building was filled with students later enough.

''Kyaaaaaah, Dearest-sama!

　The members of the Order of the Holy Tree descended from the carriage.
　Leading the way is the deputy leader of the group, Diares Arkwright.
　He is followed by the other members of the corps.

　Only Diares-san and the female corps member walking diagonally behind him had different uniforms.
　The other corps members were that light green uniform I saw when I met them in the interview, but only the two walking in front of them are relatively flamboyantly dressed.
　Diares-san is dressed like a white suit with a flutter on it.
　The female dancer is dressed with white and black lines and her skirt is shorter.
　Both of them look good, but they seem to be too focused on looking good for a uniform.

''It's gorgeous,''
Yeah.

　Currier-san agrees briefly.

　I was on my way to school when the carriage ridden by the Holy Tree Knights slid into the main gate, and Currier-san and I were about to head for the elevation.
　I'm ashamed to admit that at first I mistook the yellow voice for a scream.
　Wondering what was going on, I rushed toward the main gate.
　But the voice was actually the joyful voice of a female student who had seen the Reishii vice-chairman.

''But that female dancer, I've seen her before--''
That dark-haired beauty is Commander Sogut's sister, Lili Sigismos.

　With a pop, I was tapped on both shoulders from behind. This voice.

Senior Ray.
Hi, Blackbird.

　Ray-senpai, who smirks and puts his hand over his mouth.

You and Curie Versteen are really good friends of yours today, aren't you?
That's a lot better than being on bad terms with each other.
Mmm, generous return.
'I can see you're trying to make a joke out of it. I'm starting to get the hang of Ray-senpai's methods, too.
Hey, Kurohiko's getting tougher...

　Senior Ray held his hand over his forehead and looked over the wall of people.

''Shucks, it's quite a commotion, isn't it?

　One of the schoolgirls wanted to shake her hand, and then the other students crowded in on Ms. Dearles.
　She's like a very popular idol.
　Well, he looks like that, and he has both status and ability.
　Moreover, he's the older brother of that "Jewel of Renowthred".
　It's no wonder that he's excessively popular.
　So.

That person over there is Commander Sogut's sister, isn't she? Come to think of it, I think I look familiar.

　Lili had a sharp look in her eyes, like a bird of prey.
　Her eyelashes were so long that it looked like a hawk spreading its wings.
　But those elements added to her beauty.
　The impression I get from her face is that she is a stern-looking woman.
　However, the school uniform she's wearing now is dainty and ornate, which adds a touch of cuteness to it.
　Perhaps because of this, her rigid impression was much softened.

'If it wasn't for Deputy Commander Diares, perhaps Lili-sama would have been the Deputy Commander. Regardless of the Commander's brother's fame or anything else, he's just a normal, competent person.''

　There was an act when Noyes was about to rush the golems into the evacuation area, and the Holy Tree Knights who had left the royal capital returned earlier than planned.
　The noise was relaying the footage from that time to where we were, using our abilities, and I think I was among them.
　I felt like I recognized Lili somehow, which was probably part of the reason why I felt like I recognized her.

'Dearest,'

　After the other members of the group had paid attention to the students who were swarming around and paid their respects to the people, it was Lili who called out the name of the deputy commander in such a frustrated manner.

''Hmm?''
Despite what you suggest, I still don't like this look personally.
'Really?　It looks good on you, doesn't it?
'It's not about that, it's about my impression of the Order. This is like a spectacle.
Haha, that's just like you, seriously.
I'm glad I stayed on at headquarters to work with Van Shtos, Nodes and the others.
''Aside from Van Stos, they were complaining bitterly about being forced to do our share of paperwork around the node. It's a scary thing to come home to.
'I'm more afraid of what's going on now that I'm being forced to dress like this in public, though.

　Lili sighed.

'But since it's you, I'm sure this is something to think about.

　''Yeah,'' nodded Diares-san.

''Right now, we need to make a good impression of the Knights from these quarters. I've heard more and more students say that they were afraid to join the knightly order after learning about the battle against the four deadly plagues. But as we are suffering from a shortage of personnel, we have to keep as many people as we can for a while, so this kind of glamorous publicity is necessary. If the organization can be sustained on the basis of cleanliness and noble will, then we're better off with that.

　Mr. Diares smiles a fragile bitter smile and looks at the face of a hard worker.
　When that person has that kind of expression that hides sorrow, it really is a picture.......

Haha, Cecily's brother is a schemer too, isn't he? Don't you think so too, Kurohiko?
Well.....

　The schoolgirls who had been looking at Diares-san from afar were trembling with emotion and their eyes were moistening.

''Ah, Dearless-sama.......That person dared to dress so flamboyantly for the sake of the Knights......'' ''Although she always has a cool face, in her heart, she was dressed in such a flamboyant manner for the Knights' You're thinking so much...wonderful.

　It seems that even the male students were impressed by Diares-san's words just now.

I'm sure you've changed your view of Dearles-sama a bit.

　.........hmmm.
　The conversation between Diares-san and Lili-san just now was exchanged with a volume of voices that could reach the ears of the students gathered here.
　If it's not good to be heard, there's no need to talk about it here and now, and the voices should be hidden--

People, once they reach a certain point, they're more likeable when they're shown behind-the-scenes, when they're exposed to all the undiscovered hardships of life, than when they're exposed to all the glitz and glamour.
'The conversation you just had, you were deliberately speaking so that everyone around you could hear you...'

　Mr. Dearles casually winked at me.
　.........I see.
　So that's how I can give a good impression to those who have seen through the current gimmick, that the deputy commander is quite a sharp person?
　The three levels of good impression strategy.

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

　I'm sorry to see you, Mr. Dearest.




''Therefore, for a while from today, a special instructor sent by the Order of the Holy Tree will be joining our combat class.

　Instructor Isabella announced that in the time of attendance report.
　The faces of the Knights of the Sacred Tree who came in the morning did not simply come for an image enhancement activity, but their original purpose was to fulfill the role of special instructors for the combat class that begins today.
　Cecily and the others' group would be in charge of Lili.
　Did they avoid the combination of siblings?
　Although Diares-san hasn't been told where she'll be in charge, if she's in charge, it'll be the group with senior students Beoza-san, President Dristos and President Koudelka.
　The special exception group of me and Currier-san.......well, the under-staffed Knights of the Holy Tree can't allocate personnel for a group with only two people?




　The general education class is over, and the battle class.
　I was crossing swords with Currier-san as usual.
　The instructor in charge also remains Isabella instructor.
　During the first combat class after school classes resumed, Instructor Isabella was a little more cocky than before. It seems she was too conscious of being the person who defeated the Four Deadly Disasters.
　But now he's completely back to his normal demeanor, and I'm grateful for that.
　To be honest, I don't like that kind of lifted-up atmosphere.

　Curie-san wipes sweat from her arms.

"Let's take a break, shall we?

　The temperature has been rising recently, perhaps because the hot season is approaching.
　In Japan, it's probably around the beginning of July now.
　Taking a water bottle in her hand, Curie-san replenishes the water.

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

　........Oh, I forgot my water bottle.
　I'm sorry, and Currier-san held out a water bottle to me.

Do you want a drink?
'What?　But....
I don't care.

　Gulp, I'm pressed up against it.

'Lack of water is not good for training in the heat. You need to drink, or we'll be done with our training today.
I'm sorry.

　After a beat of hesitation, I rehydrated.
　Moisture spreads in my dry throat.
　The cold water feels good as it runs down my throat, thanks to the ice created by the surgical machine.
　I wipe my mouth and return the water bottle.

'Thank you.'
Yes.

　We were sitting side by side, leaning against the wall of the training ground.
　The sky was pleasantly clear from the roofless training ground.
　Birds were circling lazily in the air.

''I heard in the morning as well, but the wind fever seems to have completely gone away.
Yes. Now I can give Cecily a lesson.
'Miss Cecily, you're going to be in the ungraded class, aren't you?
I heard about the strong opponents competing in the ungraded class from Ira and Ray, who came to check on me when I had wind fever.
Koudelka Ferraris and Dristos Kielcinha.
'Yes. Both Cecily and I see those two as the biggest barriers.

　Currier-san traces the ground with the tip of his training sword, crisply.

The problem is the unique magic they use. I'm sure you'll be able to see into the future of Koudelka's specific magic and Dristos' specific magic of the "disappearance" that he uses.

　Chairman Koudelka's 《Polar Sky》 is not exactly a future vision, but an ability to anticipate the opponent's movements by means of a state of concentration raised to the limit. Although details have not been conveyed, it seems that the students of the school are spreading with the understanding that they can see into the future.
　On the other hand.

Vanishing?
''It seems so. I don't know because I didn't see it either, but apparently Dristos Kielusina will [disappear] or something.
Disappear....

　The ability to become invisible for a certain amount of time, I guess.

I suppose we'll have to devise a plan to break those two inherent arts first.

　Specific Technique.

　Makina's "Mist Lutin
　Shana's "Linpuerg
　Noise's Nornzort Gadget

　Other than that, although it seems to be an outside method, does the "Svegruin" with the surgical imprint used by Beschgham and Masso also belong to the unique techniques?
　All of them were powerful techniques.

The unique techniques are similar to talents. Even if a person is blessed with a talent for magic, those who do not manifest it will never manifest. It is said that many of the famous aristocrats that remain today are said to have risen to that level because their families, who were originally prone to expressing their inherent techniques, rose to prominence in battle at the time.

　It's such a powerful force that it's a major factor in becoming an accomplished one, that's why.

''Is Currier-san's magical armor different?''
'That's a Revelgate ability. That's why I myself did not express the inherent technique. I don't think there was anyone in the six houses at the time who had expressed an intrinsic magic formula. The last battle was the first time I saw even Noise's inherent magic formula. That one must have manifested after those in the Sixth House had dispersed.

　Some of them might have dared to hide it, though, Currier added.
　From a different perspective, it could be said that those in the sixth house were strong enough to have no problem relying on the power of their unique techniques.

''However, it seems that an organ capable of handling the holy element is needed for it to manifest, so I don't think Hibigami, for example, will be able to manifest the intrinsic technique in the future.
So do I, then.
Well, you've got a hell of a lot of power to make up for it.
Including Hibigami, though.

　In other words, isn't that black fissure-like body change in Hibigami's body an intrinsic jutsu formula?

''Isn't Cecily-san going to manifest an inherent jutsu or something before the competition?
''It would be a powerful weapon if there was one, but it's bad to put your trust in uncertainty. I've heard that there are more people whose unique techniques never manifest in their lifetime. So perhaps those who do manifest are the chosen ones.

　The Chosen One.
　There were two of those chosen ones in the ungraded class.

What's more, strength isn't all about proper technique. And Cecily has an abundance of holy elements and swordsmanship.
And we have great mentors.

　Smiling, Currier-san tapped me on the shoulder with a puff.

''I don't have any purpose in mind right now, other than to meet Tasogale, who seems to be in Rouvel Argan. I'm not in a hurry to deal with Tasogale either. So ... if I can help someone else fulfill their purpose, I'm happy to talk about it. But--

　Mr. Currier stretches out a stain-free arm and looks at his shoulders.

''I still don't like to see any skin exposed. I don't like this school's athletic clothing because it's kind of........s*xual,

　Before this, Currier, who hadn't yet worn his hot season uniform, is now wearing his uniform for the hot season.
　And the exercise clothes are now wearing the hot season uniform as well.
　The short, fluttery skirts of the hot season sportswear are the same, but the upper half of the body is sleeveless and the collar is more open than the winter clothes.

'It's not surprising that the material is sweat-proof and can't be seen through, but I think it should be a little more subdued. The other girls don't seem to mind, so maybe it's just my sensibilities that are weird...

　It may be a countermeasure for the heat, but the design is also designed to make it easier to take in the elements if the skin is exposed.
　However, although it is not eccentric, I feel that the design is a bit too elaborate for exercise clothing.
　Well, it seems to be popular with the boys.

I still wonder if guys like this kind of clothes, even if it's a dress or something like that.
I don't hate it, I guess.

　Currier, who is in a posture with his arms outstretched, turns his zit eyes on me, peeking at my armpits where the little beads of sweat are floating.

'That's a simmering answer,'
I'm sorry.
'You're the guy who compliments me on everything I wear. So you won't be able to tell me which clothes you like to wear or anything like that in reverse.
Well, it's the truth, isn't it?

　Huh, and Currier-san drops her shoulders.



　Currier-san rolled up her skirt with a flutter.

''Hey--''
'No no no you know you're wearing a crotch strap underneath. Why do you look so surprised and embarrassed?
Yeah, but...

　I didn't think there was something in the motion of the girl rolling up her skirt herself.......

It's not like her to make fun of me like that........
What, are you sulking?
I'm not sulking.
Mmm, you're in trouble. So, would you forgive me if I gave you a hug?
You are Cecily's mother, aren't you, the inventor of the method?
Hm?　You know exactly what I'm talking about. I was advised that if I hugged a man hard when he was sulking, I would be able to get him to forgive me for most things. Well, I wouldn't mind a hug if it was you.
..........

　I still need to protest to the Arkwright family's wife once and for all, face to face.
　And at the end, I think she casually uttered a happy word.

''But even so, the commotion this morning was amazing.
'Is this about the time the Holy Tree Order came?　Well, it was definitely awesome.
''I think Cecily would have grown more if she'd been trained by that deputy commander's brother.

　Cecily told me once that my brother doesn't keep up with his training much.
　When I think back, I don't think I've ever seen Cecily and Mr. Diaz talking in person.
　It's not that they don't get along, judging by the way Cecily-san talks, though.

"Dearless-san is a senior student combat class, after all?
Isn't it?　And out of all the faces this morning, it looked like the one with the most skill was the deputy commander.

　It's just like Currier-san to see through it right away.

''Hmm?''

　Instructor Isabella, who was resting peacefully in the shade near the entrance of the training ground - apparently she might have mistaken the special exception group's combat class for a break or something - stood up hurriedly.

　It looks like someone's coming.
　Instructor Isabella straightens her posture and bows her head with a bow.
　Who could it be?

What?

　The person who came into the training grounds opened his mouth in a calm manner.

''From today onwards, I'll be in charge of this special exception group's special instructor for a while--''

　The one who showed up at the training grounds.

This is Sogut Sigismos. It's a pleasure to meet you.

　It was the Commander of the Holy Tree Order, commonly known as the Black Holy Juggernaut, Sogut Sigismos.