After the audience and the post-audience tussle, we returned to the room where we were waiting before the audience.

　When we returned to the room, Makina-san began to talk about Prince Yggud.

''It seems that Prince Yugud's doting brother, Prince Zerome, has begun to retreat to his room after learning of your recent relationship with Cecily. I heard that Prince Hugud was heartbroken to see his brother in such a state.
That's not Kurohiko's fault. It's not your fault, and it's not your place to blame Kurohiko.

　Currier-san spoke in disapproval.

'Yes, of course I don't blame Kurohiko at all. I'm sure Cecily likes it too, and she's probably in this relationship with Kurohiko. It's just--'

　Makina-san gets a difficult look on her face.
　She looks like she has a difficult task ahead of her.

''Despite his personality like that, Prince Yggud is also a capable person. To the extent that he is expected to be the next Holy King. There are many nobles who support him.

　After saying that, Makina-san left the room because she had a few other things to do at the castle.
　It's going to feel like I'm leaving after she's done with her business.

　So I left the room with her.

　The reason for this was to go to the bathroom.
　I didn't know where it was, so I asked Machina-san, who left the room with me, where it was.

　And after separating from Makina-san, I came out of the restroom of the castle, which is different from the one in the school.

Well, I'm lost...

　St. Reno's Red Castle is huge.
　Moreover, the corridors look similar everywhere.
　No, unlike the academy, this is the first time I've been here, so I suppose the corridors look the same everywhere...
　To make matters worse, the more I walked, the less humanity there was.
　I should have honestly asked them where the room was when I could still see the female officers and soldiers...!

　I mean, where am I?

　I was just about to turn the corner of the hallway when my shoulders slumped in my own pettiness.

'What?'

　Huh?
　This voice.........

'I've told you that it would be wise to apologize to Sagara Krohiko.

　Prince Yggd and Mr. Diaz?

I see. By this time you and your brother and sister are all getting to know that forbidden user, right?
Well, there's no denying it.

　Perhaps it was because of Diales-san's attitude of arm-pushing to the goodwill, but Prince Hugud's heat also felt like it was losing momentum.

''Tch.''

　Prince Hugde clicks his tongue.

You may be the only one, but since it's your word I'll give you a hearing. You are a man of reason and beyond compassion. I trust you there.
Thank you, my prince.
So?
'I still think it's best to avoid antagonizing the forbidden spell user. For the sake of the prince's future.
Why?　There's the whole Zerome thing, but I hear the guy is a drifter. You never know when he's going to start wagging his tail at other countries.

　The prince sticks a finger at Mr. Dearles, who is backed up against the hallway wall.

'Okay?　I heard that during the Feast of the Holy War, the Conjurer had a secret meeting with the Ruvel Argan Witch.
You seem to be on good terms with him. But as far as I'm concerned, there is no chance in hell that the forbidding wizard will ever abandon Renowthred.
What makes you so sure?
'There are many factors, but I don't think he would betray my sister now and run to another country. And Cecily herself would not be able to abandon the Arkwright family.
Your sister's presence here is what keeps the curser in the land?
As I said, it's not the only thing - but I thought my sister's presence alone would be enough of a chain to hold me together.
I know what's going on in your gut, Diales.

　The prince smiles lasciviously.

"That's why you're telling me to hold off on this Zerome thing, not to spearhead it, and give your sister to the Forbidden Spell Maker, right?

　Mr. Diaz smiles.

'You could look at it that way, but I'm just stating the facts.
Hmm.

　The prince sniffed and stroked his hair with a budding smile.

'Zerome doesn't have buds... well, I know that. Even if she were to get together with your sister, it wouldn't work out well for the best. It's bound to go bust sooner or later.
'Oh?　This is a surprising word, isn't it?　Well, you could say it's a perception typical of an astute prince.
"You say that now, and you're going to be disrespectful if you're not careful.
Oh, I'm sorry.
'Nevertheless. I couldn't help but feel my hatred for the forbidding user growing after watching Zerome's depressing behavior.
You're not asking me about my sister?
I don't like your sister. Every time she speaks, it's like she's always talking to someone in a mask...
'That's a more complicated girl than people think. I don't think the average man could handle it.

　A breathing prince.

"And you want me to apologize to that extraordinarily manly cursed user?
Please consider this. That man killed four evil men.
..........
''I'm sure the prince is aware of the fact that the existence of the Four Deadly Plagues forced the Empire to abandon its invasion of the East. That means he has that much power.
A force to be reckoned with, a force to be reckoned with.
'Yes. And to put it in a different light, if he should ever use his power to make you or Prince Zerome a dead man--

　Mr. Dearles' voice sounded like a sharp blade.

'Perhaps it can be done.'

　The prince gives off a hint of deep thought.

'Is this what you're trying to say, in short?　The chains of intimate humanity--for example, your sister, etc., make it right to keep a forbidden user as a pawn in this country?
The curse-maker's reputation for bravery has already spread to other countries. I think it's more than enough to deter them.
...who is he to be trusted?
It's possible, if you play your cards right.

　As if to say no, Mr. Dearles folded up.

'And ... as your father said, I believe you are fully qualified to be king.
'Ha, you know what I'm talking about!

　Mr. Diares smiles with a smile.

'But only if I can control my desires and self-esteem.

　The prince, who had been satisfied with the situation, turns around and gives off an air of exasperation.
　The prince clicks his tongue.

'You're a natural born maniac, Diales.
Thank you for the compliment.
All right, all right.

　The prince breathes as if he's been pushed aside.

This time, with the future of the country in mind, I'll apologize for what happened earlier using a forbidden curse. However--
Is there a condition?
Arrange for word of this apology to reach your liege and the others in the castle. In particular, make sure your father hears about it.
Instead of hiding it?
Yeah. It makes me feel better about myself.
'I see. I admire your willingness to think one step ahead. Well, I will arrange it that way.
Well, I'm gonna do what you want me to do this time.
Hmm, by all means, please do.
And yet...

　The prince says wistfully.

'Why weren't you born a woman?　If only you'd been born a woman, I would have no choice but to install you as my future queen.

　The air of keen genius disappears, and Mr. Dearles gives a normal air of annoyance.

''And I don't know what to say?
Well, don't worry. When I ascend to the throne, I'll take you on as the king's point man with the sword.
It would be my pleasure, sir.
Listen to me. You will support me when you become King. Then House Arkwright will be safe.
I'm looking forward to that day, sir.

　..........
　Let's see.
　We're all good, right?
　At the very least, I could tell that Dearless-san was thinking about me when she said it.
　The way he dared to use words like "deterrence" and "usefulness" to create a sense of distance between me was also very impressive.
　The prince's reputation of being a "people person" may be spot on after all.

　But.........
　This time I happened to be passing by, but I didn't expect to find this conversation taking place in an empty corridor.
　Hmm.
　I've got a feeling that the problems in the direction of Prince Yggud will be all right as long as Diares-san is by the prince's side, right?

Then let's go to the Cursed Man, Dearest.
Yes, sir.

　Huh?

　Huh?
　Could it be that he's going to be in that waiting room soon?
　If that's the case, then-- hey, we have to get back in there.

　I sneaked away from the scene, taking care to keep the signs thin.

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

　And I was in the middle of getting lost!
　What do I do?
　And why don't you meet people at times like this!

　I ran and scurried around.

'Oh my God, Kurohiko?　What are we doing here?

　Whoa!
　Yes!

Machina!
What?　Suddenly, you hugged me--what's wrong with you!
Ha!

　Sheesh.
　I couldn't help but hug him, happy to have met someone I could rely on.

'S-Sorry,'
I can't...
What's Mr. Machina doing here?

　Makina-san, who was blushing, fixed her slightly disheveled clothes with the momentum of her hug.

''I've finished my other business, you know. What's wrong with you too, what's going on here?
Actually, I went to run an errand, but I'm... well, I'm lost.
Oh, okay. Well, just take your time and get back...

　I dropped to my knees and placed my hands on both of Makina's shoulders.

'Yes, I need to hurry back!
What?
'I don't have time to explain, but there's a situation!　You need to get me to that room ASAP!　This is right!
Okay, all right.

　Machina-san changed direction and squeezed my hand.
　The same soft, fluffy hand as always - or this is no time to feel it.

''Here, come here!''