''The problem with us is that we're both drifters, so we're not that familiar with the Holy Ruins situation. It's not a problem if it's just about combat, but we'll need to know about the food and living conditions during the attack.

　At the dining room table, with a cup of column water in hand, Currier-san raises the issue.

　Both Currier-san and I have done a good deal of preliminary research on the Holy Ruins.
　However, when we went to check it out, we found that the amount of information on the Holy Ruins compiled from the past was much more extensive than we had expected.

　As far as the information is concerned, it would be difficult to break through tens of layers in a day.
　Especially from around the 20th level, there is a tendency for the holy relics to "block" the progress to the lower levels.
　It's just that they are called living ruins.
　Then it is necessary to think about life in the ruins, for example, eating, sleeping and many other things.

I have lived in wandering for a long time, and I have experienced life in a bad environment like the apocalypse. So there's nothing wrong with a slightly harsher environment. However, it seems that the Holy Ruins require a special knowledge of that particular place.

　I frown and groan.

'Hmmm ... if we're going to cram in all the knowledge we need now, we're going to be a little late to the party.

　We both felt a little awkward.

　Yes.
　Both me and Currier-san felt like we had devoted too much of our resources during the hot season vacation to combat training.

''The fact that we struggled in the fight against Skolbanger was ki.......''
Oh, me too...

　She had been training for combat during the hot season vacation because she had struggled so much in the fight against that monster.

　I was helping the knights with their work outside of training and gathering information on the forbidden spellbook.
　I was also asking around for information on special class holy relics.
　However, I must say that I had almost no idea about the so-called 'practical information on capturing the Holy Ruins'.
　I only reviewed the basic part of it during my stay at the Arkwright house...

''Thinking back, I can't say that I've dived into most of the past Holy Ruins attacks either...''

　It wasn't that deep in the hierarchy during the Blue Goblin and Operation Defeat the Giants.
　In both cases, they returned that day.

''Nah, where should we start...?''

　I might have never seen such a pained smile on Currier-san's face before.
　Huh?
　What is it?
　Suddenly, the two of us have this sense of clunkiness.

'Once again........we're more of a battle-specialized personnel than I thought.
'The only other thing I can say I'm good at is cooking that I learned to cook while wandering...'

..........

　As if to come up with a solution, Currier-san vigorously proposes a breakthrough.

'And for now, let's go to the Holy Ruins Hall!　You could ask one of the museum staff to teach you a thing or two!
''You could ask the instructor about his past experience in capturing the Holy Ruins!　Also, I'll ask the people from the Order for information on the sacred ruins of the school next time!
'Mmm!　You're beginning to see the light!
Yes!

　Silence.

'....It's going to take some time, though.
...Mm-hmm.

　That's when our empty energy gauge started to dwindle to a trickle.

'There you are, Kurohiko.
'Huh?　Zeke?　And Mr. Hargis.

　It was Zeke and Mr. Hyrgis who came over.

'The way you just said it, Zeke was looking for me?
I need to talk to you guys about something important.
For us?
Yeah.

　What is it?
　Zeke said, after making eye contact with Hyrgis once.

'Me and Hyrgis are leaving Renowthread.

　Huh?

What does it mean to leave Renowthread?　What happened!
Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm not sure that's the right word.

　We sat back in our seats for the time being.

"Actually, it has been decided that I will be under the care of the Imperial Officer Training Institute for a while as a Special Exchange Student.
And the special exchange student?
It's a simple way of saying that you're a friend.

　According to Zeke, the trilateral pilot program to place students and candidates from their home institution in a similar institution in another country will begin on a trial basis.
　And Zeke and Mr. Hyrgis were chosen as the first team.

''The four evil plagues are gone from the continent, right?　That in itself is gratifying, but there seems to be a view in some quarters that we have lost the deterrent to the three nations--especially the Empire's invasion of the East.

　Therefore, it seems that from now on, the three countries plan to take diplomatic measures together to deepen the friendship between the three countries.

　Currier said, "I agree with you.

So one of them is that special student exchange program that Siegfried was talking about.
Yes. Just the other day I was officially informed by the headmaster that I and Hyrgis have been selected as the exchange students to be sent to the Empire.

　When I visited the headmaster's office before, I met Zeke and Mr. Hyrgis on the same floor.
　Could it be that the notice was given at that time?

The school's evaluation scores are of a high standard, and their attitude towards life is also fine. It seems that he has done well at the Holy War Festival - that's how he was judged. I've heard that the Guilless family's family background and reputation also worked to their advantage.
I suppose there are other considerations on my part that play into the Empire's decision-making process.
A matter for the Empire, sir?

　Zeke, who met Hyrgis-san's gaze, uttered an answer.

'Apparently, the Empire now has a policy of easing discrimination against sub-races.

　I remember hearing once that many of the sub-race were treated as slaves.
　I guess I heard that from the big, rattling man who got involved with Mia-san in the tavern - who was also a victim of Hibigami - or so I thought.
　I'm not up on the Empire's affairs, but something must have come up that would change.

'They want to give the color of tolerance towards sub-race by accepting them as exchange students.

　It's part of an image strategy, I guess.
　But.

'Is that all right with you, Mr. Hirgis?'

　The strong discrimination against the sub-race means that there is a risk of a strong windfall against Mr. Hirgis.
　Thinking back to the abuse of Mia-san uttered by the big man that night, I feel that it's not a very good decision.

''Compared to facing the Four Deadly Disasters, we can afford it.
But...
I want to go.

　Mr. Hyrgis said quietly, but emphatically.

'I'll be back in a year anyway, and besides, I'm worried about Zeke being alone. And now Zeke has some recklessness in him.

　Zeke, who was poked like that, sniffed and passed it off with a generous smile.
　Oh, you're an adult........

''But, well........Zeke is okay with it?

　I asked timidly.

"Hmm?
'You see I was wondering if some people will miss Zeke when he's gone, even if it's only temporarily...'

　Yeah, I know.
　The widow, the one you mentioned.

　She will be missed, won't she?
　But the answer that came back was not what I feared.

When I talked to him about it, he didn't hold me back, he pushed me back. I'm sure it will be a good experience for me to see the wide world.

　Zeke closes his eyes and smiles as he thinks about it.

He told me he was looking forward to coming back home, having grown up a notch or two.
Oh, I see. You're worried about your health.

　What is it?
　The pure and romantic relationship between Zeke and his widow.
　Without a doubt, Zeke is a vessel to be the hero of the story.
　I guarantee it.
　Leaving aside, for the moment, what Sagara Kurohiko's guarantee is worth.

I'm looking forward to contributing to the diplomatic side of things in the future.
On the diplomatic front?
'Yeah. So visiting other countries is always good for sustenance, and I'm also hoping to take this opportunity to make some light connections with people in the Empire.
"Mmm-hmm.
It's the kind of thing that helps in times of crisis. In other words, this exchange program was a godsend for me.

　It's kind of dazzling.
　Is this the aura of a handsome man who can do it?
　It's terrifyingly bright.
　And it's not disgusting at all.

'But I'm going to miss you...'

　The words suddenly came out of my mouth.
　Zeke is the closest friend I've ever had of the same s*x.
　Having a male friend I could talk to easily was invaluable.
　At least I consider him my best friend.

I'll miss you, too, but that doesn't mean I'm going to miss you forever. Besides, I'll come back once in a while.

　Zeke gave him a look.
　Hyrgis nodded.

'So I need to ask one favor of Kurohiko and Currier.

　What is it?
　Taking over Hyrgis' words, Sieg took up residence.

"While I am away from the academy, would you be willing to put Lady Cecily in charge of your attack team?