'Is that really the man who stands at the pinnacle of wizardry?
"You will be caught flat-footed if you are simple-minded, Lithia-sama. It is because of him that our army's defeat was limited to that level of damage.
That's right.

　Lithia and Jean look at the place where someone who wasn't already here entered.

(It's unclear why Ars acted like that, but I doubt he meant any harm here. (Probably.)

　Jean gives up the idea that he can't read up to that idea himself. But if he was here, and he was dealing with Lithia, the representative of Lusarka, he could only ponder it.
　It would be too shallow to simply assume that Ars is thinking of switching to Rusalka.
　If so, that would be considered a courtesy to Lithia. Jean, who knows Ars, would want to snicker at that.
　Then it was to his own country, to Cicernia. If so, it would make sense, but he had no idea why.

　Jean knows that he is not a man of his age.
　Something else was already swirling around in Jean's brain. It was something to look forward to now.
　After all, this is the first time that a single from another country other than Jean has seen the first place.
　Lithia, seeing that profile, also has a general idea of what to expect and smiles with amusement.

''I guess that means it's the first time it's been unveiled.
...Yes, but we have to watch them to make sure they don't poke too many bushes.

　And so on, but there is clearly curiosity sitting in Jean's eyes.


　♢ ♢


　It is exactly one room where the head of the company can rest. The room is more elaborately furnished than the one where Ars took a nap. It's about the same size as the room where he took a nap, but the bed with a canopy is just as impressive.
　It's a room that seems to be lavishly decorated.
　There, Cisernia, Lynne, and Ars were ushered in, and the air was a bit heavy.
　The reason for this, of course, is because of Ars.
　Cicernia sat cross-legged on a plastered desk and plush chair in front of her, while Lynne sat quietly by her side.
　Lynne quietly reclined beside her.

'You'll do it, won't you?'
What?

　Ars also sat down on the three-seater sofa and tilted his head in a wise way.

'How could I not notice? 'I know, I know. I know, I know.

　With a huff, he plucked off the veil.
　Her pitch-black bangs were neatly trimmed so as not to hide her willow eyebrows. Abyssal black eyes that seemed to be sucked into her long, curled eyelashes. No artist would be able to emulate her. It was such a perfected beauty that it made me think so. Ars had no intention of doing so, but of all the women he knew, who was the most beautiful?　If someone asks me, I'm sure I'll mention Cicerunia.
　She seems to be as upset as her words, but it's still a picture-perfect face. Her pouty lips are pulled back in a tight line.

''This is my first meeting with a single from another country, so this kind of distance is just fine.
Come on, they're a little bit bigger than that.

　Ars released checks and balances to prevent Cicernians from taking advantage of him, including the threat that he could move to another country. The latter, of course, was due to Lithia's work.
　Having a power comparable to that of the Alpha, Lusarka, would have made it more realistic, and the disagreement between Cisernia and Lithia would have worked well.
　She thinks that Ars is a mage who belongs to the Alpha, so of course she will obey him.

　Ars has a suspicion that this woman is aiming for supremacy or something. Naturally, this is a groundless fear.
　This idea is not entirely off the mark, but there is no way he will notice it now.
　Cisernia had an ambition to be the most powerful voice among the seven nations, if not the ally of the seven nations.
　In order to do that, there was a need to use the magician of 1st place effectively, and such an idea eventually came to a head.
　So this must be a kind of bellyache.

'Ars, you are an alpha mage, so work for the benefit of the alpha.
..........
I know, but just so you know, we're not allowed to move to another country.
..........
You're mine.
..........
'Just do as I say. Arus's power is enough to sell his favor to other countries. We can recapture one of the regions instead....................

　Instantly, the air in the room changed to a tense one. It was called killing qi, the intimidation directed by the strong against the weak.
　However, it was not the kind of thing that can be emitted in front of the head. Its source was a thing from the boy sitting diagonally across from him.
　Lynne experienced certain death within a few tenths of a second. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a good thing that you've got a lot of sweat on your forehead, but it's worthy of praise that you stepped forward to protect Cicerunia.

　And Cicerunia, who cannot be called a magician, painfully put her hand on her chest and breathed wildly. Her beautiful lips moved, but it wasn't for spinning words, but breathing like she wanted oxygen in the water.
　She wouldn't have much tolerance for the blood-only seat of royalty that she was currently sitting in. Of course, Ars knows that it's not just blood alone, though.

'Don't get me wrong,'

　The sound of a cold voice whispered in their ears as it ripped through the tense air.

'I don't care about the Alpha. I'm here because I owe Beric a debt of gratitude. On that note, though, I'd say your decision to put Beric in charge of the Governorship is brilliant. Do you think you have the right to give me orders?

　Cicernia can't answer that. Her pale face, which had become pale and bloodless in combination with her inherently clear skin, turned over and fixed her gaze on the wood grain of the desk.

''That doesn't make it any more interesting for Bellic to be taken lightly by the Alpha...''
Master Ars!

　Finally, Linne raised her voice, as if it were finally.
　Als raised his cheeks and looked at Cicernias and suppressed the killing spirit. Even if it is called the killing spirit, this is something that is acquired due to the work behind the scenes. It's a little different from the deadly air that ordinary mages give off. A magician's is the kind that is put into magic power. It's the former that makes you feel more deadly. The latter is close to intimidation and demonstration.

So that's it. Apologies for the interruption. Well, I suppose I don't need to worry about this in front of a single.

　Lynne takes a big deep breath and asks. It's no wonder there's a few seconds between them.

'What do you mean? 'Lady Cicernia meets with the singles every year.'
I'm here for you this time. I can't have you coming in on the rough stuff.

　As you might have guessed, Lynne doesn't raise any objections. It was the most obvious reason, but she could see that it was an afterthought.

'Duh, who's going to rough it?'
You don't think he's just going through a rut?

　Cisernia does the best she can and gives Ars a powerful look that radiates from her scrutinizing eyes. A rough breathing that was repeated, ignoring the taut bangs. However, her mouth was indeed filled with a scowl.

''What do you want to do, punish me for my disrespect?　I don't mind.
That's what you're really trying to do, isn't it?

　Ars raises Cisernia's rating a notch. After all, he said, he had a nasty personality.
　Although he was restrained to the extent that he didn't faint, he still intended to kill the single to the extent that he would be uncompromising against him.
　I knew I couldn't punish him, so I spat out those words, but I regret that I went a little too far.

''Ars-sama, as expected, I won't miss the next one either.

　And Lynne nails it.
　Linne himself doesn't think he can really do anything. The words would come from a position.

　He threw out a clear check, but it was nothing but that, and the presence of Ars should cause some curious hostility to strike him. It would be easier if all of the single mages were people like Jean, but it also passed through his mind that it would be exhausting to try and do that.

　Somewhat....................but not somewhat. I was simply waiting for the two of them to settle down as well. As expected, Lynne regained her usual composure within a few minutes, but Cicernia was not so sure.
　Nearly enough, she also gulped down water and other things to regulate her breathing. She glanced at Ars in the middle of the process and saw him overflowing with sighs.

'Cicerunia-sama?　As you can imagine, I feel guilty when it takes that long to get there.
Whose fault is that? You really ought to feel some guilt. If you really feel guilty.

　He flattens his cheek on the desk and mumbles, "I'm going to change," and then looks up with a bang.

'I'm going to change because someone else made me sweat. Lynne, get ready!
Yes!

　Naturally, in the meantime, Ars is out of the room.

　Cicernia, who was made to change into Linne like a dress-up doll inside the room where they were alone, was now overflowing with a deep sigh once again.

''You've done it. Because that's the kind of person Arus-sama is.
I know!　The only reason you're here this time is because Mr. Letty was on a mission.
''It seems so. Maybe it's because Master Ars is also participating in the magic competition, but perhaps you wouldn't have been able to come if you hadn't participated.

　If you think about it, you may have to bring a double-digit wizard with you to this place, which makes you doubt the power of Alpha. In the same way that Cicernias are the representatives of Alpha, the mages they bring with them should represent Alpha's national power.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

　Sleekly, the shoulder straps are unfastened and the dress falls soundlessly to your feet.
　As if that was the norm, Cisernia was a step off.
　And without saying a word, Lynne works on Cicernia's underwear as well and replaces it.

'Lynne, are you?'
'No, I'm not...'

　He shakes his head and denies it, but his master's face doesn't take it well.

'So does Lynne, right?　.........right?

　Cisernia, who grabbed Lynne's raised and shapely chest, asked with a big smile.

''Hiya...''
Okay, let's take a shower.


　♢♢　


　The meeting will take place in a room on the top floor. In other words, it's the fifth floor.
　The three of us will go up to the fourth floor and Lynne will not be allowed to enter from there. The servants at the front of the stairs will search you for a body and then you will go under the inspection machine.
　This is to detect any kind of blade, or any sensitive substance that is invariably found in materials used in the AWR.

　When Ars and Cisernia are cleared with no problems, Lynne sees them off.

'We'll be waiting for you here, sir.
I'm off.

　From here on out, not even the servants are allowed to enter. Only Cicernia, the head of state, and one person allowed to accompany him as an honor guard are allowed to enter.
　I open a step behind Cicernia and walk behind her. She is dressed in a burgundy dress, unlike the one she came in, and her face is hidden by a face veil. This seems to be a necessity when meeting at the Head of State. I also hear that it is to eliminate the difference in age and gender.
　Even though she seemed to be walking stoutly, Cicernia's back and gait seemed a bit uncomfortable.

(Too threatening.)

　It's not a good idea, but it's a good idea to look at the door ahead of you to see if you can help a little bit.
　It's a torrent of magic power that leaks out oddly even when it's closed. Even if it's not so much a conspiracy as a plot, Ars and the others are definitely the last to arrive.
　I feel sorry for Cicerunia, who has to get ahead of them.

　As they approached, her stride became progressively narrower and slower, so much so that Ars was about to overtake her.

'Lady Cicernia?　Shall I go first?
Don't worry. I wouldn't want you to be so embarrassed.

　He took a deep breath.
　Ars shifted to the side and grabbed the handle.
　After the word "then", a small gap opens and a door is opened.
　It's a good idea to have a good time. It's not only that much hostility, but also the magic power to demonstrate that it's priceless is flowing out.

　Inside, six heads of state sit around a round table, with six mages waiting behind them. The heads of the six heads of state have their faces covered with face veils, just like Cicerunia.
　And a dome of magic power covers the six heads of heads of state.

(A magic power canceller?)

　As a barrier magic, it has the effect of blocking magic that belongs to a high rank. It is used without any AWR. It's just that he doesn't call himself a single person.

(Is it because this barrier doesn't allow the head honcho to perceive the dripping magic power?)

　All at once, a glance towards the door.
　However, it was not directed at Cicernia, but at the boy behind it.

　One strong-looking man walks up to him as he enters the room.
　Cisernia, as expected, was unable to move at the mass of hostility that seemed to be directed at her.
　Giving her a passing grade in front of her, Ars put his hand on Cicernias back. And the magic power slowly and surely spread throughout her entire body with warmth.

''........!

　Cicernia feels it, and she feels herself regaining her composure. A warm and gentle power. It was the first time she experienced the sensation of magic flowing through her rather than being exercised by magic.
　She had never thought that an energy body used to slaughter demons would have this kind of effect.

　If she thought about it calmly, though, she would be a bit of a joke to Ars.
　It could be said that I have regained a sense of normalcy that I am not ashamed of as a head of state.
　I thought I caught a glimpse of Ars, but more than that........
　Ars took a step forward and stepped in front of Cicernia.

'I'm surprised you really were a kid!

　The hulking man standing in front of him is the eighth, Garginis Theotolt, who looks a little older, but he must be about thirty years old. Ars pulls it out, checking it against the data from each country in his brain.
　Numerous old scars are carved into his face, arms, hands, and countless other visible places on his raised muscles that are not typical of a magician.
　His roughly all-backed hair and angular face are craggy yet reminiscent of a ravenous beast.

(Hou.)

　Priced inwardly, Ars let out an exclamation. For a physique that wouldn't be drowned in magic.
　But that was all. As for Ars's impressions of him, he felt nothing more than that.
　This hostility bare magic power in this single mage here is definitely Garginis'. The other mages also emit magical power, but no hostility can be felt, and that means a ready-made stance that can be taken at any time.

It's the end of the world for this kind of thing to come first. You played with the results of the war anyway, right?　Alpha is getting grilled.

　His tone was already occupied with mockery instead of price tagging. To top it all off, he said, "Hey, if I beat this guy, will my rankings increase? He begins to open his big mouth in a pompous manner.
　Ars shifts his gaze to Jean as a nuisance, but he seems to be fumbling with what to do with a bitter face. The others just sit on the sidelines.
　In any case, if they don't want to interfere, I'll have to do something about it myself.
　But I ponder what I should do. It would be better to at least make him change his mind.
　I don't mind as long as I'm licked, but it's not good for the future if Alpha is taken lightly.

(Looks like this young lady is going to be right.)

　And I think of the former neck hiding behind Ars's back. He seems to be resolute, but he's picking at Ars's sleeve.
　In front of a man big enough to look up, Ars taps the ground with his right foot with a cumbersome knuckle, and his toes are aligned with his shoes.
　And the moment Garginis's magic power turned to Cicerunia as well--.
　After the sound of tapping the ground twice, a dry sound like a spanked whip sounded.

''Huh!

　Galginis' massive body collapsed and he dropped to one knee in front of Ars. Now they would barely be at eye level.
　Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Not a single one of them can move in this flowing series of motions, even though they see it.
　Even if you go all the way up to your ears, Ars's voice reaches everyone in this place.
　The narrowed eyes turned right to the side and were spun coldly.

''Put away that stinking magic power quickly, you can kill it right here.

　The sudden change in temperature of the air is just for the horrified, it's an experience.
　Only Garginis breaks through the boiling point in an instant, and even more magic power floods out.

''Ah?　You can't even do that. I can't help it.

　Ars released another magic power for a moment in the same position. Although it was only for a blink of an eye, the magic power that had filled the room was cleaned up and disappeared without a trace.
　Of course, there wasn't even a magic power canceller.

''-------!
Nah!

　They all look at one of the boys with wide eyes and astonished faces.
　It's no wonder that Jean is among them. He has never been shown this power before. A different ability to eat magic power - a voracious predator (Gla Eater) -.
　It would be enough to show his power. Phenomena that are incomprehensible are awe-inspiring. If that happens, no thought of even trying to pry into it will occur.
　Ars untied his arms and patted Garginis' raised shoulder.

'There will be no next time, you know.

　Ars takes Cisernia's hand and leads her to the empty seat in front.
　It's a good thing that you're not in the same boat as the rest of us, but when you step in front of Ars, your mouth rises slightly and your eyes light up with ambition again. It's just a matter of time before he or she has something to offer.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

''Ha!　Gaaaaaaaah!

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.
　There is no pretense of evasion or defense in Ars.

''----!
Garginis, that's not very nice.
Don't you think it's disrespectful in front of the head of state?
It's disgusting, old man.

　In turn, Jean grabbed the back of Garginis' head and held him to the floor, second Vaget Oragoram stomped on his left arm, fourth Fanon Trooper magically restrained his magic-impregnated arm, and the slender foot - the heel part, but not the -- was lifted up from behind to stomp on his testicles at any time.
　Instantly the three of them assembled, Garginis was knocked to the floor.
　By all accounts, the attack now was an instinctive reflex. It did not come from anger. So it's a sloppy attack, only covering it with magic power.
　As a result, there is naturally no more resistance than this.

''Garginis, don't!''

　It was a mature man who raised his voice as he stood up across from the round table. His face is hidden, so it's hard to tell, but from his voice, he might be about the same age as Bellick.
　He's the head of [Harkapudia], which is located in the northwest of the country, next to Rusalka.

''S........sorry, I was distraught.''

　The three of them break free of their restraints as expected when the assembled Garginis emits without force.
　Ars catches a glimpse of the four of them in his field of vision. Among them, they are the first to meet each other, except for Jean and Galginis.
　Vaget Oragoram, the second-ranked Vaget Oragoram of the East Country [Iberis], can be called tall and skinny, slender and beautiful for a man.
　His long, dull dark blue hair is tied back, and the eyes peeking out from the bangs parted in the center of his hair are slit and reminiscent of a bird of prey.
　His age must have been 26.
　He doesn't currently have any AWR in his possession, but he's said to use his long sword and tachi sword as his AWR.

　The other one is Fanon Trooper, the fourth of the [Clevidito], who is located next to Alpha - a neighboring country opposite Lusarka - and is the fourth of the [Clevidito].
　She is the other woman within the single. Her age is 19 years old, the second youngest after Ars. Her wisteria-colored hair was tied in two on either side, she was petite, standing at a height of 150cm, and looked young for her age, but she was one of the people Ars was concerned that she would pounce on too.
　She was relieved to be a reasonable person, but it was also true that she hadn't heard much good things about him.
　She was famous for her germaphobia, but after one of her troopers had defeated a demon during an outside mission, she'd heard that he'd had his testicles crushed just by touching her with his dirty hands.
　And it is said that he changed his clothes at ease, using the troop members as a shield in front of the demon. Of course, he put up a barrier only around himself.

　In other words, the magic power canceller is due to the Fanon Trooper. She is known as an expert in defensive magic, and it might be because of her fastidiousness that she is called ironclad.
　She's also the reason why the strongest countries are the most powerful, pointing to the great powers, Alpha and Rusalka, and Krebdito is the most powerful.
　In Fanon's case, she is said to be active in the outside world, regardless of her magical characteristics. She is an unthinkable madman for a mage who specializes in defensive magic. That's probably what makes her a single.
　Ars didn't have to imagine what Fanon was trying to crush to get to his feet. The tantalizing ecstasy of her face had a lecherous light in her binoculars.
　So, Ars decided to try to stay out of that one.

　Garginis stands up, exposed to the gazes of his surroundings, and kneels in front of Cisernia.

''Please forgive my rudeness. Head of the Alpha State, Cicernia Il Arzeit-sama.''

　In this case, it's not an apology to Ars, the honor guard.

'I'm glad we're not both hurt.

　When he said that, he also bowed deeply to the other heads of state with his head hanging down, and also looked down at Ars as he stood up and returned to his original position.

　Garginis seems to have a pretty belligerent personality from what I've seen in the documents.
　As for Ars, that was to be expected. Of course, as he said, it was a one-time thing.

　Then he watched Cicernias seated and turned his attention to the other single.
　This was someone who paid no attention to this one fuss.
　In the sense that he showed a reaction, but didn't move. He might as well have been either.
　Even if Garginis was killed like that........ Is that kind of carelessness and indifference similar to Ars?

　The country that exists in the north [Hydrangee], 5th Croquel Ifertas.
　Leaning against the wall alone and reading a book, he is about the same age as Jean, 24 years old, with a slender build and black-rimmed glasses, he exudes a calm demeanor.
　He had short gray hair, the bangs flowing over his eyes, and a haircut that generally followed the shape of his head, suggesting a slight messiness.
　He seemed to be the least conflict-averse of the lot. As expected, since he was located directly opposite of Alpha, not much information was coming in, but like Barmes, his territory was small and his battle results were scarce.
　Perhaps this is because Crockel does not go on missions in the outside world. It's not a person who is well suited for battle, and my impression of Ars was that he was a knowledgeable man.
　I turn to his book, hoping that the same researcher might be able to exchange useful information.

(Oh, no. That's a novel.)

　Perhaps it's a heroic tale?
　As expected, he saw that all the heads of state were seated and closed the book and stood behind Head of Hydrangee.

'I'm sorry, Lord Cicerunia.
No, I'm fine with him.

　And the head of the former head in front of him held out his hand to indicate Ars.

'My apologies, Lord Ars. What can I do to apologize for...?

　And all the noblemen try to solve the problem with money, and the ideologically minded Ars cowered his shoulders, but it would be better to change his mind somewhat if he was shown to be tolerant.
　However, it's also a good idea to be offered an apology and immediately reject it.
　So Arus restrained his hand to get another right.

'Apologies are fine. In return, may I make one statement?'

　The heads of heads turned their veiled faces to each other, but there was no voice of dissent.
　The former head of Halkapudia, on behalf of the group, directed a gesture of affirmation.

''Then there seems to be a mage I don't know about, could you please introduce him to me?

　The tip of his gaze was focused on Balmes' former head.
　All of them were probably wondering the same question here, not just Ars, but all of them.
　A mature man who was warily freaked out from the beginning until now.
　Too disproportionate. Too pitiful, you could say.
　To be honest, I feel sorry for him. He looks like he's about to faint and reacts to Ars's words in a way that makes me feel like I'm jumping up and down.

　Well, if you care about him the most, you should probably leave him alone like this, but it's because you think that if you're a magician who crowns a single, it would be better for Ars to know about it.