When Loki woke up, there was a dark-haired boy with his arms crossed at the side of the bed, breathing faintly in his sleep.

　The orange sun was shining through the curtains. I wondered if it was around dusk.
　I reconstructed the current situation from the information that fit into my field of vision in my mind, which is unable to grasp the situation.
　Still, the only thing I remember vividly is that I had violated the taboo.

　Maybe it's because I was asleep, but my body feels warm.
　I raised myself up just slightly and heard the sound of the quilt rubbing against my clothes.
　It was doubtful if it even sounded, because it still resulted in waking the dark-haired man who had been sleeping.

'You're finally awake,'

　

'I.........'

　Feeling guilty for what he had done, Loki looked down at the blank futon and turned over.

'I guess you win the bet.'

　A sudden declaration of defeat.
　Loki reflexively looked at Ars, but he couldn't spin it into a voice.

''.........!''

　Ars raised his right sleeve to reveal a tattered sleeve.

'You've received a single sword,'
But....

　That's the argument that clothing is part of the body. Whether or not that is permissible is for Ars to decide, and from Loki's point of view, it's the most gratifying decision of all.
　It's not about the merits of achieving the condition, but about the prohibition.
　If the military would hear about it, of course they would punish him. That could happen soon enough.
　And if a soldier breaks the law, it is no wonder that he or she will be punished in any way.

''But I can't overlook the fact that you're risking your life.

　That's probably true too. Now Loki is a criminal. If he hides it, he won't get away with it, even if he's the number one ranked Ars.

　Loki just waited patiently for the words that would follow. Or rather, he couldn't find the words to say anything.
　He would have to hand them over to the military, an outcome that was never what Loki wanted, but he would have to accept it if it was the result of having given everything he had. Even if that method is forbidden, there is not the slightest bit of regret.
　Lost in thought, Loki was forced to frown at the pain that echoed in his brain.

''----!　Ouch.

　Suddenly a hand sword struck his head.
　It was a soft, laboring object, but it had a definite weight to it.
　Loki had no idea what it meant. The best he could do was to stare weakly at Ars with a questioning gaze while holding his head in his hands.

''I'll give you a break from this. The rest will depend on how you work from now on to make up for it. I'll work you like a carriage horse.

　He lifted the corner of his mouth and crooked his fingers a few times backward to a sickly Loki, "Let's go.

　There was a certain joy, a rewarding one, but Loki shouldn't be the one to jeopardize Ars's position.
　So--

'I committed a crime...'

　Ars's hand covered Loki's mouth, which was about to open when he hurriedly got up from the bed and rushed to the back of Ars.

　He tilted his head and wondered what was going on, but then he slid the door open vigorously and--

'What are you doing?'
No, I mean...
'Hahaha....'

　The uncomfortable look on his face was proof of an injustice that could not be justified. Tesfia and Alice, who had been listening, looked up at Ars from a low position.
　 It may be that he's planning to ignore the injustice itself.
　I don't know if it was intentional or not that Tesfia's next words were vague.

'I don't see a face, but what about that boy over there?'

　The topic of conversation shifted from the gap as he stood tall to the girl who was waiting behind Ars.

'You're a first year, right?　I don't think I've ever seen one.

　Alice would still be curious, too. She raised a toe to peer through the gap on the opposite side of the room from Tesfia.
　Although the fact that he was listening was vague, Ars himself doesn't care that much about it. It was a good opportunity to introduce Loki, although there was no end to blaming him for every one of those things, but it was also a good opportunity to introduce him to Loki.

''Let me introduce you guys to Loki, the man who has become my partner in the future.
"...and so on...

　Loki himself couldn't hide his surprise at this introduction. It was something he wished for, but he still couldn't be elated.

''But.........''　

　A whisper that Tesfia and Alice couldn't hear.
　Ars leaned back and opened his mouth beside Loki's ear as he turned away.

I'm sure you'll find it easy to cover up. It's easy to cover up. Or what, you want the army to turn it in?

　Loki shook his head from side to side as Ars smiled a bad smile. Sure, he might have been desperate if he couldn't be a partner, but there was a wish in front of him that was within reach if he reached for it.

'Then there's no problem, is there?'

　The forcefulness with which he said that remained the Ars that Loki knew. He took a step off to the side and Loki settled into their view.
　This elation, while suppressing the inexplicable high of joy.

'I'm Loki Rabehel,'

　His face was full of smiles and a faint drip was placed on his eyes.




　As soon as they finished introducing themselves to each other, Tesfia bit into it.

''Yeah, more importantly, what's your partner?''
I wonder what kind of partner we are.

　She's upset and Alice is pinching herself. The smile on her cheeks, a little redder than usual, is twitching. I have some business to attend to first, and it would be wise not to look at it rather than kick it off.
　It's probably a terribly unimportant thing to think about.

'I've got somewhere to go, so go to the lab first.
I'm sorry, Master Ars.
Mr.....

　Tesfia and Alice looked at Loki, who was bowing reverently, with an irritated look in their eyes.

'Shall we head on then? I don't know where we are, so please show me the way.''
Uh-huh.

　Loki, who tossed and turned, is expressionless in comparison.



　On the road without Ars, the sun hasn't gone down yet so the street lights aren't lit. We had to walk from the main building to the research building where Ars's laboratory is located without using the Transference Gate, or Circle Port.
　It's not just because Loki doesn't have the school insignia to use the transitional gate, but also because Tesfia and Alice had a lot of questions they wanted to ask him.

'Partners are those who are responsible for detecting or assisting the location of demons when a mage of double digits or more goes out into the outside world.
''Heh, I didn't know there was such a thing. But since Al (...) goes to the academy, isn't there a need for it?

　With a jerk, Loki's willow eyebrows rose, but the two people walking next to him didn't notice it.

''Arus-sama is attending the academy, but his registration is in the army, so he will have to turn himself in if he is called up.
Hmm, he's having a hard time.

　Twice this time, Loki's eyebrows rose and his eyes narrowed sharply.

'Maybe Al (...) can't help it.
But I wonder if that unwilling Al is just going to follow orders.

　Tesfia gives a jokingly mocking smile, which Alice puts her hand on it and overflows with a giggle.

　Loki interrupts this exchange unbearably.
　An expressionless, contempt-laden gaze.

''The two of you don't seem to know how much Ars-sama, who is crowned with the first place, has contributed to humanity.
What...!
Hmm?

　They stopped in their tracks.
　Loki followed suit and stopped, taking a few steps forward and looking back.
　A look of annoyance at the unknown girls peeked into their eyes.

I said that you guys don't know that the only reason why the great power Alpha is able to stay in peace like this is because of Ars-sama. Otherwise, Al?　There's no way you can call him that, you know.

　A word of contempt was chosen from the blank expression on his face.
　Silence for a breath, I suppose, meaning that I didn't have to think about it for the time between being stunned and coming to myself.

'I don't know any of that stuff. But I admit that I'm number one, and I'm sure there's been a lot more effort and hardship for that to happen than I could have ever imagined. I don't know how much Al has saved this country, but I can't imagine it now, so why even think about it?
I guess so. You're so far ahead of your time that you're too far away to respect or aim for... it's like you're going in circles.

　Loki's resentment is also due to the fact that he knows the results and the cost of Ars's sacrifice for his country.
　This was a divergent perception gap and at the same time meant that the girls were immature.

'And I don't think Al would mind,'
Yeah. Well, he's that guy, and that's not your business.

　The reason why Tesfia doesn't come at her in these arguments is probably because of Loki's appearance.
　He has an expressionless yet juvenile side to him, so perhaps he stands like an older sister to Tesfia.

　Loki decided to swallow his argument. Of course, he couldn't accept the girls' arguments, but he also thought that they had a point.
　What's more, this is a misunderstanding of their perceptions as mages.
　I'm sure that if I told them about the greatness of Ars, they wouldn't understand a shred of it.
　He accepted the strict difference like resignation that there was a clear separation.

'I understand. If that's what Mr. Ars-sama said, then it's wrong for me to interrupt him.

　But Loki doesn't see his fault as a fault. That's why she doesn't utter an apology.

　It was undoubtedly Loki who made the few minutes to the research building feel like a long distance, but she's the only one who feels that way.
　After that, Tesfia and Alice continued to unreservedly drop questions at Loki.

''Are the two of you under the guidance of Ars-sama?

　This question had already been stated by Alice's words, but Loki couldn't help but ruminate blindly.

'Yeah. I only started recently.''
''I see, I thought you moved to the academy for research...''
'Well I guess it's for research purposes since Al said so himself, but there's a lot going on and he's agreed to look at it.

　Scratching her cheeks with a knowing look on her face, Alice has a half-apologetic expression on her face.

''You said you'd look after me,''

　The red-haired girl, the cause of this, doesn't feel bad, or rather, she says it as if she was opening up.
　Loki couldn't put on a good face for Tesfia to say that she was throwing Ars's guidance away. Loki, who was originally not good at expressing his emotions, was inwardly.

(Such an arrogant woman is not worthy of being taught by Ars-sama.)

　They were poisoned.

　The three of us spent a lot of time talking, sometimes stopping and sometimes standing, despite the short distance between us.
　I'm sure you'll agree that the story from the time I met Ars to now is not within the scope of a month or so.
　Loki was not only indignant at the two men talking in harmony.
　He listened with a bit of envy, thinking that these two had come to see an Ars that he didn't know.



　♢ ♢ ♢


I'm glad you're willing to keep me around.
..........

　Thank goodness for the tea in his hand before it was in his mouth, Ars thought.
　It feels as if he's been confronted with a bare sword.

　He decided to gingerly endure the chancellor's wishes if he spoke back here, and tipped his teacup again.
　I went there to keep my mouth shut, but it seems that my fears are unfounded.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get it right, but I'm going to be able to get it right.

What's this?
"Loki's application for the transfer process. Of course it's all signed by him, and of course he passed.
That's very convenient.

　That would mean they were prepared in advance. It all seemed to be dancing on the chancellor's palm, and while Als was unreasonable, there was an overlap of thoughts that the story was quick and helpful.
　It was a matter that could not be avoided in any case, that was a fact.
　Ars sat down and thanked him for the trouble with an eye bow.

'So, Chancellor, you want me to take Loki under my wing?
'It's not just that, though. Call it appearances, but it's simple and straightforward. Me and the Governor are merely intermediaries.

　The chancellor, who smiled bitterly, seemed to be giving priority to his personal feelings.
　As expected, Ars also can't turn back after admitting Loki as a partner, though.

''Indeed, as the Chancellor says, Loki can do more than expected.......''

　Ars was left with the question of his battle with Loki.

'What's the joke with those four figures?　Simple combat power would be close to double digits.
Loki's highest ranking is 100th.

　The sound of his voice is a mixture of sighs and dismay.
　He smiled bitterly and uncrossed his legs.

'Loki has moved on to his supporter without a second thought. The aptitude was right to begin with. I've been with no one else for a long time, and that's why I've dropped down the pecking order.

　Ars didn't understand. It's true that if you can get a probe, you're promised quite high treatment, including salary. But even so, it is still no better than double or triple digits. So the meaning of daring to become a supporter is not to bemoan the financial disadvantage.

The rest you'll have to hear from Loki himself.

　I suppose that means that the words thrown down as a shove can't come from the chancellor's mouth.　

'That's a bit late for that, isn't it?'

　The implication was that there was no more backing down. If Ars said one word to go to the front line, what he had done in the mock battle with her would be meaningless.
　Ars drank the rest of his tea in one gulp and stood up.

'My only errand was to keep the Chancellor quiet about the magic Loki used, so I'm glad that was also a waste of time.

　Just being able to confirm that was a great benefit.
　Only the chancellor is the only one who can throw a bomb at Ars's back as he turns his back and tries to leave as if it were a matter of course.

''Oh my, I didn't get paid to keep quiet.
...!

　Ars's hand snapped to a stop just before he touched the knob.

'You want me to pay?'

　This is a result of the Chancellor's reliance on Loki, and although the Chancellor is partly to blame for this, even Ars cannot overlook the fact that he has come here to do nothing about it.
　However...

'I'm responsible for my own actions, but if you use a contraindication, there's a fair amount of risk involved, even if you're going to remain silent.

　He put his finger to his chin in a white-knuckled manner.
　Ars was convinced of this when he saw the chancellor.
　This is the reason why he is called a witch, he thinks, while twitching his cheeks.
　While admitting a fault, the brazenness...or should I say brazenness, in making a claim for that risk.

I understand. And the money?

　As long as the hierarchy was already in place during Ars's time at the academy, he had no choice but to obey unless it was a ridiculous argument.

''Unfortunately, there's plenty of money to go around.

　I wondered what the sarcasm was about, but without even a pause to swear, I made the suggestion as if the chancellor had prepared it.

I suppose. I'm sure you'll be able to ask for the upcoming field training. I'll need your help no matter what.

　I suppose, Ars thought.
　After the two of them had been struggling a lot, the biggest concern was that they were unable to present a satisfactory plan.

　The actual battle training coming up in a month's time is an extracurricular lesson aimed at defeating demons.
　A group of five people plus a supervisor would be added to the group, but they had no choice but to assign it to the senior students. It's also someone who has no real battle experience.
　It was an element of anxiety that could easily be assumed to create a situation where an eventuality was not an eventuality.

''Even I can't cover the entire school, no matter how many students I have.

　This is a fact. Even if Ars is the best mage, he can't support all the mages scattered over a wide area.
　It's not a cheap request.

''That's fine with me. "That's fine, as long as you're willing to make a move, we can mitigate some of the potential damage.

　I'm not saying it's overrated.
　If you don't want your students to have the experience, there's a manageable estimate.

'On that note, you don't tell me that you're reckless about only helping students when they're in danger, do you?
Well, maybe a little.

　His gaze turned in the direction of the day after tomorrow.

'If you're going to do that, I don't think I'm going to be of much use to you.
'Oh yeah!　I'll think of some detailed instructions.

　Sisti buzzed her hand and ruffled Ars's dark hair as if she intended to apologize.
　I finally thought that every word and gesture that I didn't understand my age was mocking, but I didn't say it. Instead, I expressed my annoyance with my gaze, but I doubt he listened to me.

'I understand,'
I'll see you tonight.

　I should have said what I wanted to say to the fullest extent, but the glossy smile full of gaijin flavor could be misunderstood if a stranger heard it.
　Still, Ars, who had no choice but to nod, let out a grand sigh and left the chancellor's office.



　After confirming that the door was closed, Sisti returned her expression and let out a sigh.
　It's about Loki.........

''I wonder if that girl doesn't remember Loki.

　Sisti has already gotten the gist of the situation from Loki. Why did he move to the supporters?
　It's a good thing that Loki has volunteered to put his life on the line for Arus. It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

　As it turned out, it was for the best, but we still don't know if Ars remembers Loki.
　It's called unnecessary nosiness for Sisti to say that from an old woman's point of view.
　It's a matter between the two of them, and everything else can't even be out in the open.

　So, God knows if it's a good thing to remain ignorant about it.