'I thought that story just blew up and drifted away,'

　When Makina-san told her about her audience with the Holy King, Currier-san said that at the opening.

　And now, Currier-san in her dress is leaning against the window while being rocked by the carriage and looking out with a bewildered face.

'Currier, you still seem to be in a bad mood, don't you?　I wonder if you're not up for an audience with the Holy King?

　Makina-san, sitting next to me, smiled a troubled smile and whispered that to me.
　I also whispered to the gothic girl next to me with my face close to hers.

''It's not that I don't like meeting people from the Holy Royal Family, but I think the reason I'm in a bad mood is because I'm wearing a dress.
You look so good in it.
I don't know what people think of me, but I don't like it.

　Currier-san interrupts the conversation with a babbling glance.
　It seems that the whispering conversation had reached her ears.

''Dressing up, or rather........clothes made for the purpose of having people look at them is not in line with my nature.......''

　Currier-san looked like she was exhausted.
　She seemed to have awakened some bitter memories.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for. At all, there's no way I would wear a dress with such a flashy open chest.

　It seems that the selection of the dress was also difficult.
　And this time, Currier-san slumped her shoulders with a lifeless face.

''But compared to Mia and Ira, I guess it's a good thing that Arkwright mother and daughter still had room for rebellion.......''

　On the day of the past ascent to the castle, which was ruined by the attack of the Four Deadly Disasters, Ms. Currier was not overwhelmingly enthusiastic about wearing a dress, I'm told.
　I've heard that the person who successfully dressed Currier-san in her dress was the duo of Mia and Ira.

　Yeah.........
　I guess I can kind of understand why it's harder to refuse a request from those two than Arkwright mother and daughter.......
　I'm not confident that I can say no to them if they come on strong.

''Well, that's why--''

　Miss Currier lifted the hem of her skirt in a pile.

'I had the length here shortened, too.

　It wasn't long enough to cover her ankles, and today Currier's skirt length was just above her knees.
　Between the lacy knee socks and the skirt, there was only a little skin exposed.
　Is this the kind of absolute territory that once dominated the world?
　The skirt also has a slight slit in it.

　Makina-san interjected with a question.

''Why did you ask for the skirt to be shortened?''

　Indeed.
　For a currier who hates exposure, it seems to be the exact opposite order of magnitude.

'Humph, that's a silly question.

　Mr. Currier seems to be good at this.

It's because when an unexpected enemy appears, it's hard to move if you're long. It's a big problem to limit your mobility in battle. But with this, you can save yourself the trouble of tearing it up and making it shorter, right?　I'm all about ease of movement.
''I see........measures taken with the battle in mind, I see.......''

　Makina looked half convinced.
　The other half or so.

Why don't we focus on that and dare to increase our exposure?

　Or so it seemed to say.

　Well, I can understand that kind of reaction.

　What can I say?
　Because I put a little bit of thought into the skirt, Currier-san's cuteness and s*x appeal had increased as a result.
　Even if you covered the entire chest area with fabric, wouldn't that still be plastic?

'Mother Cecily told me that I don't need to ask for battle preparations, even for my dress, because I've actually encountered the Four Deadly Plagues in front of the castle. The existence of an actual example is too strong a persuasive factor.

　Mmmm, Currier-san nodded with satisfaction.

　And Makina-san put her right hand on my lap a little bit.
　She leans forward.

　I'm close.

''Hey?　Do blackbirds like it short?
What?

　Mmmm, Makina-san pulls her mouth into a tight knot.
　For some reason, she puts her left hand on her own chest.

'I feel like what's in the currier is too much for me... but see, anyone can shorten their skirt length, can't they?
You can do it, can't you? Or so I'm told.
Which one is it?

　Furthermore, Machina-san is much closer.
　Geez.
　How should I answer her?

Suffice it to say, I like skirts.

　Mu-nih.

　My cheeks were pressed with my fingertips.
　Makina-san's lips pouted, and her face becomes a bit sulky.

''You've been getting too good at running away lately.''


　　　　　*


　The carriage was finally approaching St. Renowthred's Castle, which had been visible in the distance for a while.

　Since I started living in King's Landing, I've seen its majesty many times.
　But this is the first time I've come this close to it.
　The chalk castle that rises in the background of the blue sky.
　It looks like a castle in a fairy tale.
　Well, if you think of it as a castle in another world, the expression "fairy tale" may not be too far off the mark.

　Once in the middle of the stone pavement leading to the castle, the carriage stops.
　Gosha-san is having a conversation with a guard.
　The carriage starts moving again as Gyoja-san shows him his pass.
　By the way, as it passed by.

"Oh, that's the Lady of the War...
'I've heard of you being strong, but how beautiful you are...'

　I heard the guard's voice say, "I'm sorry.

　Currier-san left the window in embarrassment.
　Her cheeks were blushing and her lips were puckered.

'I'm used to hostility and sarcasm but I'm not used to unprovoked favors.

　The carriage crosses the drawbridge over the moat and goes through the gate.
　I look up from the window.
　The shadow of the stone gate passes over my head as I look up.
　I felt like I was touring an old European castle or something.

　The carriage stops at the square where it passes through the gate.
　I'm the first to get off the carriage.
　Currier-san follows.
　As soon as I got off, I felt the heat of the hot season on my skin.

　Come to think of it, I remembered that the carriage of the Duke of Renowthia's family was equipped with an expensive surgical machine that cooled the carriage....
　When I go outside, the temperature of the experience changes at once.

　I look around the plaza.
　There were traces of construction work left in places.

''Currier-san had a run-in with one of the Four Deadly Plagues called Zemeckis Angren here, didn't he?
'Yeah. You did it with such a flourish, it looks like there are still traces of the battles of the time.

　Currier looked at the square with nostalgia.

'In hindsight, I feel like we were lucky to win.

　Finally, Makina dismounts with a fluffy skirt.
　The guard standing in front of the ostentatious door bows reverently.

'Welcome, Makina-sama.

　Makina-san lightly raised her hand and responded gracefully.
　She only uttered a single word in reply, "Yes.
　It was imposing, I mean.
　The atmosphere was different from when she usually talks to me.
　Is that the behavior of a duchess?

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

　I'm starting to get nervous now.
　Currier-san next to me is imposing.
　I feel like I'm the only one out of place....
　Ugh, I even feel a sudden tightening in my stomach--

Oh, um!
'Ha, yes!　Me, is it...?

　The guard spoke to me in a forceful tone.
　Did I do something rough on him........

''You are Sagara Kurohiko-dono of the Forbidden Spell User, aren't you?
'What?　Yeah, I know, but...

　The guard straightened his posture.

"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you!
"Huh?
''Even someone like me has heard of the Lord Forbidding Spellwriter's many exploits!　Not only did he screw those four evil plagues over two of them, but he also kicked the assassins from Doomsday Township who attacked the Great Sacred Ground like a baby twisting his hand!
Well, uh, I won't lie to you, but I didn't win by that much...
'And more!　Not only did he get rid of a mysterious giant beast that even the Sacred Tree Order couldn't stand against, but from what I've heard, he even defeated the Sixth House witch's plan to destroy the state that was the source of all this!

　I feel like the timeline is slightly different and the story has been slightly altered to convey the story...
　And the noise wasn't about the destruction of the country.

　The guard hit the bottom of the spear on the ground with a snap.

''I believe that I can call you the hero of the country's salvation, Lord Forbidden Spell Maker!
Oh, thank you very much!

　I'm usually embarrassed.
　I'm even embarrassed when I'm praised in such a big way.

　But I also think it's good that I fought to the death.

　To me, the people who live in this royal capital might be able to be said to be important people too.
　Makina-san smiled elegantly.

''Your respect for the forbidding curse user is palpable. Now, may I ask you to come inside soon?

　I'm a little nervous.
　When she smiles like that, Makina-san looks more mature than usual.
　No, well, well........it's not so much that she looks.......like, I guess she's a normal adult.

''I'm sorry, too!　Now, please come in.

　We were politely ushered into the castle.