That day's combat class was brought to us by Commander Sogut.

　Me and Currier-san finished three five-minute fights each, and then we took a break.
　As I was wiping sweat off my face, Commander Sogut spoke to me.

''I heard that you had a mock match with the Kirsinha family's daughter the other day.
Did Commander Sogut hear it too?
''Of the two or three grades, Dristos Quirsinha, Koudelka Ferraris, and Beosa Fallontessa are three of the most promising talents in the Order of the Holy Tree. And by the way, the story of the man who defeated two of those three men came in with me, too.

　

''But I see.......Even with that [Polar Sky] and [Peelkantal], Sagara Kurohiko couldn't be defeated?

　It sounded like he knew I was going to win from the beginning.
　Zeke and Hyrgis-san had a way of saying that it was amazing that they had defeated the user of that unique technique, but the way he said it was the opposite.

''By the way........Commander Sogut, do you have any details about the relationship between the Kielcinha family and the Ferraris family?''
Hmm?　Well, I think I know a fair amount about it. I'm still a member of one of the five great dukes. Do you have something you want to ask me?
'I get the impression that President Dristos is hypersensitive to being called The Serpent... is there a reason for that?

　I was a little curious.
　While carefully folding the absorbent cloth, Commander Sogut replied.

''Each of the five great dukes has a different rising role. But that role is also a thing of the past.
I understand.

　Keep in mind that this is different from the current five great dukes.
　Then, Commander Sogut began to speak.

''For example........many of those from the Sigmsos family were excellent commanders and leaders in warfare. If you unravel the history of the Holy Tree Knights, they also produced many people who were named more than vice commanders.

　Clan of generals, or something like that?

Many members of the House of Noosphere were gifted in the art of negotiation and magic. Many of the past court wizards were from the Renoir family. It is also said that because they had blood closest to the royal family, they often acted as informal advisors to the Holy King. It is said that because many of them were wise, they often traveled to the battlefield as military strategists in the past.

　Makina-san's father was also a court wizard.

The Trojan family has produced many warriors who have distinguished themselves in battle. His physique must have been an advantage on the battlefield.

　Mr. VanShtos and Bashkata were blessed with a good physique.
　When I came to interview them a long time ago, I was surprised to see two huge swords hanging from their horses, but that's why Mr. Vanstos-san with his superior physique could handle that with one hand.
　I see.
　So the Troia family is a family that made a name for itself in warfare.
　Then the other two that are crucial--

The House of Ferraris is a family that has produced many talented businesspeople. The Ferraris family seems to have been one of the first to promote trade with the East, where many were still unafraid to do so.

　I see.
　That's probably why their taste in the east is so strong.

I've heard that the Ferraris did not hire many mercenaries when trading, and that the members of the family themselves were warriors, guarding their own cargo. They were more like warriors in their own right. It is also said that the Ferraris family frequently presented rare trade goods to the Holy King...so, with the exception of the Renoir family, it is said that they were more likely to be favored by the Holy King's family than other families. I don't know if it's because of that or not, but it seems that even now those of the Ferraris family are treated better by the royalty.
What does the Quirsinha family...?

　Commander Sogut paused for a moment.

''You've seen the Peelkantar?
Yes, sir.
What did you think of that particular technique?

　This is probably something that is being asked of you.
　
　Ah.
　Could it be that...

Assassination or intelligence gathering?
''That's right. The Kircinha family has risen quickly to the status of the five dukes by using that unique technique. Mainly at the behest of the king's chief advisors, they performed many tasks such as assassinating people who were avenging their country, infiltrating enemy countries and stealing important information. The peculiarity of the Peerkantar's ability is essentially suited for such purposes.

　Commander Sogut narrowed his eyes and a look of melancholy appeared on his face.

''It's just ... those who perform such work were not looked upon very well by the Holy King or the overlords and nobles who had fastidious ideas. Since most of them were secret orders behind the scenes, their achievements were never made public. The Quirsinha family of the past was, so to speak, a shadowy part of the country.

　The shadow side, huh?

"I heard that the Quirsinha family was feared even among the nobility, and some of the king's chief advisors were severely repulsed by calling them poisonous and cunning "serpents"... Well, that impression has changed now, and I know that the Quirsinha family members were called "serpents" in the past itself. There are not many people. If you know the name "snake", you don't know why they are called that until, well, the generation of Gaiden Arkwright. Even for me, this story was told to me by Lord Gaiden.

　In other words, 《Snake》 was like a stigma of the past for Kielcinha.

Later on, the family of Chielsinha took great pains to rid themselves of the impression of their house. But at the same time, there were times when the shadows of the past were used to give the impression of a house that was not so straightforward. In other words, it's a house that has had to struggle in the public eye for some reason or another.

　''I see.

''From the point of view of such a Quirsinha family, it doesn't like the Ferraris family who gained favor that continues to the present day with just a gift to the king...?
'Perhaps. From the Kircinha family, the impression must be that the Ferraris family was the only one who had risen to the top through cunning methods other than the achievements of warfare. I've heard that some members of the House of Ferraris were present on the battlefield as well, but at one point in time, it is said that the Holy King, because of his favoritism, left the Ferraris army in the rear of the city, out of harm's way.

　The Ferraris and Quircinha families share a commonality in that they are not families that have made a name for themselves primarily through their exploits on the battlefield.
　Is that why the feelings of rivalry are so close to rivalry?
　But I think we now have a better grasp of the relationship between the two families.
　And what Chairman Dristos looked like yesterday and the meaning of his words.
　However, there is one more thing that bothers me.
　It's about the Holy King's favor.

　I think it's actually a position commensurate with your ability, but formally, you're in the position of a swordsmanship instructor ahead of the duke family...

　With a huff, Commander Sogut smiled at the corners of his mouth.

''I suppose the reason why the Arkwright family is not thought of badly by the Kirsinya family is precisely because of that king's swordplay instructor, Gaiden Arkwright.

　I've met Cecily's grandfather once, but he was unconscious when I met him.
　I've never heard Cecily-san's words about the past.

'Gaiden Arkwright used to belong to the Sacred Tree Knights when he was a young man, he was called a 'rogue'.
A "rogue"?
He was a man who would use any means necessary to win - even the most cowardly of hands to protect his country. He even took the initiative to do dirty work without being asked to do it. That's why he was called a "rogue" and despised by those around him at the time. Even so, Gaiden Arkwright did not change his ways to protect this country. That way of life is something that the Kielcinha family, who have been responsible for the dark side of Renowthread, can sympathize with.

　The man who has taken the lead in taking on the same dirty work, Gaiden Arkwright.
　That 《Rascal》 is thought of favorably by the Kirsinha clan.
　So that's why Chairman Dristos isn't rivaling Cecily-san, either.

''A "snake"?''

　It was Currier who came into the conversation.

'What's wrong?'
No I have an old acquaintance who used to be called that, too.

　Mr. Currier looked for a moment as if he were chewing on something, but he quickly returned to his expression.

'From what I've just heard, the Quirsinha family dared to take on the role of dirt for the king they serve. Even if you complain about the difference in treatment, I think there's something to be pitied there. At least they didn't use the power of their inherent magic formula to plot the assassination of the king for being treated unfairly, right?
Yeah.
Then there is no need to be ashamed of the name "The Snake" in my opinion. There are many things in this world that can't be done with just a pretty face. There are many things in this world that are not enough to make a difference, but if you want stability, someone will have to do the dirty work for you one day.
I guess so. It's hard to say thank you in the usual way with him...

　Commander Sogut ducks his head in a daze.

　........It's not going to end up being pretty, is it?




　After a break, we trained again.
　And the day's battle lesson was over.

"Phew........

　

"Uh, Commander Sogut...

　I talked to Commander Sogut about the matter of being asked to train a certain student who would be participating in the Seibu Festival.
　I wanted some advice.
　After a snort, Commander Sogut opens his mouth.

"I think I should take it, though.
'I'm not sure if I can teach someone a thing or not... aren't Commander Sogut and Currier-san very good at teaching?　Do you have any tips or tricks?
''Well first, we'll measure the opponent's strength. Then, act as a training partner based on a level of competence slightly above the opponent's... this alone should be effective.
I used to do the same when I crossed swords with Kurohiko.
'So, little by little, you feel like you're getting stronger and stronger...'
The important thing is to bring out the strengths of your opponent. "The important thing is to bring out your opponent's strengths. Sagara Kurohiko, for example, is particularly good at quick reflexes and reading in battle. To make use of these qualities, attacks with few initial moves and habitual methods of attack are effective.
Yeah, I see.

　Thinking back, Commander Sogut was prone to such attacks.

'Besides. When you teach someone something, sometimes you can train yourself too. You can learn to understand in theory what you used to do with your senses. That's why it's important for the teacher to always think about what he or she can teach you. Inspiration can come from unexpected places.

　Hmm.
　As expected of the leader of the Holy Tree Order, the "Black Holy Jury", Sogut Sigismos.
　I've never received advice like this from my father or brother, but if I could get advice from my father or older brother, it might be something like this.
　When I think about it, I feel jealous of people who are close to their fathers and brothers.

'Thank you, Commander Sogut.




　After school, I was in the training grounds with Ira.
　We are now holding each other's training swords.
　First, we'll see how good Ira-san is.
　Then, for a while, let's try the method that Commander Sogut taught me.

''Then, let's begin.''
Yes!
Please go ahead and hit it lightly at first, Ira.


　Ira-san swings his sword.
　I catch the sword.
　The sound of the blade clashing with the blade of a sword rang loud and clear in the training grounds.

　Koudelka Ferraris.
　Dristos Kircinha.
　Cecily Arkwright.

　These powerful enemies with various feelings hidden in their hearts will clash at the Seibutsu Festival - the ungraded class.

　Perhaps no one can yet predict what the outcome will be.

　But we're going to win.

　I'm going to do my best to help Ira-san win against those powerful opponents.


　And so... the days of training for the Seibu Festival began for Ira and I.