Makina took me back to the waiting room.

　As I began to explain why I had rushed back, the door to the room opened.

'Excuse me,'

　Prince Hugde enters, accompanied by Mr. Diares and a few vassals.

　Currier-san braced herself.
　Makina-san is somewhat confused.
　To the two of them.

I think it would be better if I were in this room right now.

　I have yet to explain only what it means.
　So they didn't know about the prince's visit.

　The prince flicks a glance at Currier-san and Makina-san.

''I had a little business with the forbidden user.

　The prince walked toward me.
　For now, I kneeled down.

'What can I do for you, prince?
Keep your head up.
Ha!

　He looks up.

"Later, when I realized that my earlier behavior was too much. It was not a good place to be a bug. I'm sorry for taking out that frustration on you.
An apology from a prince to a drifter like me is more than I deserve.

　Is this the right response?
　I return the words while feeling inwardly nervous.

It's not only because of the fact that I felt jealous as a son against the Forbidden Spirit user who was treated so generously by his father as the hero of the country's salvation, but also because of the jealousy I felt towards him. But since then, I've reminded myself that I should build a good relationship with the heroes of my country's salvation... well, I also had the advice of Dearest Arkwright there.

　He does a good job of weaving in and out of falsehoods.
　The fact that he doesn't lie from one to ten makes his words seem true.

Anyway, I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a candidate for the next Holy King. Will you forgive me for my behavior?

　This prince's apology is also the plan of Mr. Dearles.
　And I know that.
　That's why we should be on board as well.

It's not fair for someone like me to forgive the prince. However, as much as I would like to build a good relationship with you, I am happy to oblige.
Well, thank God you're a sensible man.

　Well, I know the ins and outs of what led us here.
　So it's not surprising that I'm getting better at understanding things.

"I'll remember your tolerant attitude, curser.
That's very kind of you, sir.

　At that moment, there was a change in the sound of the prince's voice.

''Hm?　He seems to be a more polite man than I expected.
''From my personal experience, I can tell you that he's a very good-natured Sacred Candidate. When it comes to battle, he has the appearance of a warrior demon.
''I see, a temperament that fluctuates greatly between calm and fierce. That's interesting........In any case, I hope you will continue to use your power for the benefit of the people of Renowthred in the future.

　The prince holds out his hand to me.
　I take my hand with both hands while keeping my head low.
　You could say that the emphasis on the "people of Renowthred" in the words just now is a misnomer.
　I'm trying to convey my intention to "not betray this country" in a roundabout way.

We will do our best.
Hmm.

　It was a strange figure, I thought.
　The prince must think that he is hiding his true intentions well in order to treat me.
　But on my part, I know the prince's true intentions and we are shaking hands like this.

It's a good idea to apologize for this, but I'm going to support you when you attack the Special Class Holy Ruins. The weapons left behind by the Ten-Digit Army that attacked the Holy Military Festival are now in the royal treasury. I will give it to you. You can use them in your attack or sell them to buy the supplies you need.
Thank you.

　The mysterious reconciliation began with a sudden apology from the prince.
　Currier-san and Makina-san looked like a pigeon had been hit by a peashooter.
　Well, I don't think it's strange that they would do so if they didn't know about the conversation between the prince and Diales-san that was taking place behind the scenes.

　Then again, I exchanged a firm handshake with the prince.

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

　I see.
　Maybe this is also what Mr. Dearles was talking about, an aristocratic social bargain.

　Sometimes emotion outweighs rationality, and sometimes rationality outweighs emotion.

　When you take rationality, you suppress your self-esteem and other personal emotions.
　In this way, Prince Yggud may indeed be capable of handling it with equanimity.

　Well.
　Since we've signed the Peace Agreement, I shouldn't be looking at the prince as an "enemy" at this point in time either.

　Of course, I don't want to make "enemies" by choice.

　It's just that an enemy is an enemy, and that's why it's necessary to destroy it.

　In other words, if there is no one to harm the people you care about, then there is no "enemy" for Sagara Kurohiko.

　But, I thought.
　I make a smile that I don't know if I'm doing well while shaking hands with him.

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

　I don't think I'm cut out for this kind of bargaining world where bargaining and dark moves are the most important thing...I don't think I'm cut out for it...


　　　　　*


　I was spending the remaining hot season vacation as usual.

　As for the crucial Special Class Holy Ruins, I heard that the Sogut leader and the others had met several times to discuss at what stage they would give Sagara Kurohiko permission to attack the ruins as a knightly order.

　As a result, they decided that if they could break the highest record set by the capture team led by Diaress Arkwright in the school's holy ruins capture, they would be allowed to capture the special class holy ruins - it was apparently decided as such.

　The school's holy ruins capture will be lifted at the start of the second semester of classes.

　The hot break that had been burned by the Sacred Martial Arts Festival had come to an end, and finally, the second semester classes were about to begin.