One day he wanted to ride in a covered wagon and surrender to the endlessly slow flow of time with the scent of blue grass swaying in his arms. The boy had once thought that he would like to do that.
　Even the innate black bangs that flickered and obstructed his vision should strike a pleasant rhythm. He even thought it would be a good time to close the library in his brain, which he had accumulated on a daily basis.

　This kind of dream may or may not come true, but it's just the difference between dreaming and not dreaming. Instead of doing it in reality, it is just a dreamlike vision of what it would be like if it were so.

　The boy hurries to life and his time is passing at double speed. It must really be a dream, because it is too much like his nature. This is because it is so far removed from his nature.



'A, Master Ars, I think it's time for you to take a break.

　The silver-haired girl who was following at breakneck speed, sweat on her forehead, was racing through the wind.

"You're already exhausted, Loki. If we're going to take a break around here, we can take our time when we get there.

　Loki blurted out in a volume of voice that was drowned out by the noise of the wind, "Even though it's not," in response to the Lord not slowing down at all.
　The repercussions of his inner euphoria at the prospect of a trip for the two of them were greater than he had expected. We should head more slowly. It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to run or hide from the Rusalka that you're heading to.
　You need time to relax at times like this.

(Ah!　(Maybe it's not a good use of time...)

　You're going to have to prioritize efficiency because you're trying to get back all the time you've lost so far. There would be no rest for anything like this.
　Loki looked at his back, still cool even after several hours of high-paced running, and decided that he had to manage it well.


　He asked for help from the Fevers to win the nobleman's ruling (temblum) with Ail von Ummulina. After completing their role, Ars and Loki are on the road for a visit to Rusalka, which they had planned in advance.
　It's a good thing that Arus politely refused to give his good intentions to the education of Tesfia, the keystone of Tembram, by giving her a ride to Selva's transition gate.

　Nevertheless, only the baggage will be sent to the place of lodging as a favor to Froese. Of course, even at this speed, it will be the luggage that will arrive first. The cargo transfer gate can extend the distance significantly if you are not a human or other life form.

　In addition, Tesfia was forced to give up her day off and also miss the academy. This was due to her ignorance, but she couldn't be blamed for this.
　The construction of strategy required of Tenbram is a combination of old-age military science and magic, so it's knowledge that's obsolete today.
　It will be impossible to win the race for survival unless all of humanity shares that the threat to humans is demons. Demons are stronger and more powerful than humans.
　Nowadays, it must be difficult to even grasp the total number of them.

　Humans are inferior in every way. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of it. It is true that demons are the most efficient in handling magic. However, humans have a human strength. They are insatiable in all areas of knowledge and devise techniques to sublimate it.

　Demons are not the only ones who evolve, humans are also able to adapt and evolve. The fruits of that evolution are the current magical technology and magical engineering.

　In a sense, the Rusalka we're heading towards is a convergence of all of these technologies.

　If I were to use the analogy of AWR, Alpha is about improving the quality of the quality to suit the individual. Regardless of which system you use, there is a match between magic and AWR. No other country can compare to the technology to match it as well as possible. It's like the skill of a master.

　On the other hand, Rusalka's AWR manufacturing technology is based on line production. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to say that.
　This may be called a national trait. The Alpha Army is a very precise and well-tuned manufacturing process, both in terms of the shape of the AWR and the magic formula that is engraved on it, depending on the individual. That's why recycling is not an option.

　In the Rusalka Army, the same AWR is supplied, and there is a tendency for them to be unified. In such cases, it is possible to use someone else's AWR on a temporary basis, even if the AWR is damaged locally. There will be some difficulty in using it, though, as there is no individual coordination.
　It's not too much of an inconvenience if the systematic formula alone matches.


　Ars and Loki were able to enter Rusalka by the regular route. There was no procedure at the border checkpoint either, as their pre-issued entry permits had been renewed to their licenses.
　The place where he had met up with Jean beforehand was, unsurprisingly, Foneswa.
　Foneswa is the main city of Rusalka. It is even said that all the economy is concentrated here. The First Academy of Magic is also located here.

　Rusalka is the most populous of the seven countries, and the center of the middle tier of the city is Fonesova, with residential areas scattered around it. The city has now expanded so much that the lower levels of the city have been raised one by one.
　The city has spread to a relatively close distance from the military.
　In that aspect, when the military's defensive line is breached, the damage is unpredictable and enormous.

　Relying on the map that was purchased when they entered the country, Ars and Loki flew to the largest city, Fonesova, via the transition gate. As expected, it wouldn't be nice to have a state guest galloping around.
　It's hard to imagine that they can do whatever they want until they come to another country. And since you've been invited by Head of State Lithia this time, you'll have to refrain from doing anything that might cause trouble.


　And when they arrived at Fonesova, Ars and Loki pitched their feet to the ground.
　It was inevitable that their first impressions of the place as they stepped in felt like a seven-nation friendly magic competition. It was past noon and the time had passed, and even though it must have been past its busiest peak, the traffic was uninterrupted and crowded as if it had lasted forever.

　I wonder if this place is a marketplace or not, the fragrant smell that stimulates my nostrils, I can't tell what it is, but in this lively air, my body seems to move as my fingers go.

　It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends. I'm not really interested in food, but I'm interested in the way it's displayed and the way it's done business.

　It's not uncommon to see them haggling over discounts at the store.

This is great.
So, you see...

　Loki, who is attached to Ars with a joyful smile, and who is snugly attached to her so as not to stray from her, is likewise countered by Loki. However, since there is a difference between her and his point of view, Loki continues to question her.

'It's as if they are disparate. It's supposed to be the same product, but the impression is different.
So it's great. You're probably categorizing and setting up a sales floor, so there will be competition. Perhaps the AWR and other magic-related stuff is on a different street.
Competition?
'Oh, if you can get this many customers, you won't get eaten up, but a race of people who make their living in business value sales. This is natural, but they are expanding their market size by daring to create competition. Of course, there will be price wars, which will be settled at a fixed price, but above all, it's not just a simple discount, it's an ingenious way to display products. I think they are selling their unique services.

　This is one of Rusalka's strengths. And perhaps only a head of state could have created this picture. It appears that Lithia has an outstanding talent for internal politics.

　In contrast to Ars, which is proudly sharing, Loki's gaze wanders around the unfamiliar landscape with a joyous expression on his face.
　Seeing such a gesture reminiscent of a small animal.

''Are you hungry?　You can't even walk and eat with this number of people. I'm sorry, but you'll have to be more patient.

　This sounded sarcastic, and Loki protested in an acted-out voice, his cheeks dyed and his navel bent.

'Do you think I'm such a predatory woman, Lord Ars,'
Hmm, I don't think so, but...
'Look, I hope you can be more far-reaching to women I don't mind if it's just me.

　So that's how it is, I'm convinced, scratching my cheek. It certainly could cause an unwanted commotion in terms of delicacy. I made a note to keep it in my head as advice.
　Of course, that wasn't Loki's intended interpretation, but there was no way for her to know that.

　Cut off in the middle of the conversation, Ars found a landmark with a frown on his face. No, even if you don't want to, you'll be spotted.
　The largest city of Rusalka, Fonesuwa, has a fountain in the center that resembles a castle. There are countless avenues stretching from the central square, each with its own categorized shops.
　I was supposed to meet Jean in the central square, but the area around the fountain, which was probably busy on a daily basis, was surrounded by guards as if it was isolated and closed.
　A few luxurious carriages are ahead.

''Ars-sama........''
What a pain in the ass.

　After shelving his rankings for a moment, Ars expressed his opinion from the perspective of a citizen.

　The central square, which will obviously be waiting for him, appears to be occupied by the military. The central square, which will obviously be waiting for you, appears to be occupied by the military, and the thought of heading there now makes my legs heavy.
　That could be said of Loki. As a partner, she walks resolutely next to Ars, but there is something extraneous about her.

　Naturally, the over-decorated carriage at the center must have someone in it to match. Naturally, there are curious citizens lined up in a crowd.

　The flow of people comes to a standstill, even though the central square is supposed to be the starting point for the smooth flow of all streets. Curious people do not seem to be willing to move their feet.
　On the contrary, many of them stand tall because they can't see the head of the person in front of them. It's like a spectacle.

　The two men entered the human fence as if they were such spectators. I'm sorry to say that I don't care about the abuse that is directed at me, but I have no choice but to proceed, which is painful.
　However, just when it seemed like we couldn't go any further, a colorful cheer erupted.

　The door to the carriage opened and a blonde-haired young man emerged from inside. A woman of his age rushed up to him and took an upright and immovable position right beside him.

''Finally, you're here.''

　Even such a soliloquy was accompanied by a chorus of soprano-toned voices from around them.
　One of the guards quickly asked for directions.

Mr. Hispida, where are you?

　The woman who followed behind her is a woman of pale blood and gray hair that looks unkempt, but even that is driven home here.
　She is a visionary and admired by those who ply their trade. So much so that they compete with each other to see who can manufacture and sell the goods she devises.
　Wobbling down, Hispida, supported by the guards, coldly puts on a cape of the same color as her hair that covers her knees. A white arm, reminiscent of a dead tree, pointed to a point from the cape that was lifted loosely.

　Without saying a word, the chief of the guards turns around and waves his arm to instruct all the guards.

''Sort it out now!
What do you think is going on?
'Everywhere!　Let them clear the way until we find the important people.
Ha!

　The guards quickly stopped as they pulled out their self-defense batons and slowly made their way out of the way.

'Sorry, clear the way, sorry I'm sorry but you guys need to clear the way too.

　The chief of the guards, who was watching his subordinates organize from behind, shouted angrily at one of the guards for not progressing fast enough.

What are you doing? Hurry up, hurry up!
'No, but...'

　Across from the guard was a young man who had no intention of following him and a girl with a fantastically beautiful face. However, it doesn't matter now, the chief guard is rushing it.
　Naturally, the guard, who had no choice but to obey, warned with a hint of annoyance.

''For obstruction of justice...''
No, I'm meeting you there.
'We've rented out the central square now. Don't feel bad, just meet me elsewhere.
No, so...
It's my job, too. No hard feelings.

　He slowly inserts the stick he was holding into it. I guess he's trying to push it away with a forceful push.
　Compared to the other guards, he is still a rookie in comparison to the other guards, but his handiwork is still poor, and more importantly, he doesn't seem to be able to divide it up, even though he calls it a job. That's a failure as a soldier, no matter what the situation is, it's not possible to complete the orders of a superior officer.

　However, there are circumstances that prevent us from retreating too.
　A moment after I thought about what to do, a buoyant scream came closer and closer.

　The guard who was tapped on the shoulder with a pomp, turned around with a giggle.

''Ja, Jean-sama!
Sorry, I'm glad you don't have a temper, but it could get you into an international incident if you go too far, so can you just cut me some slack... Hey, Ars, good to see you again.
It's been a while, but Jean's still the same.
This is the price of being the face of the state.

　Jean waved good-naturedly at the women around him, but Ars sensed that it was also what he wanted, although he said it sarcastically. Is it more of an idol than a charisma?
　In a way, it's a natural talent. On the outside, there is a difference between heaven and earth when compared to Ars. He may give a dark, gloomy impression with his shoulders and roots, which may give the viewers a creepy feeling, but there is a beautiful man in front of him who can captivate the women of the world with his every move.

　He has the power of centripetal force with his mellow tones and his gestures to attract women's attention. He has a gentlemanly aspect and an innocent smile like a child.
　The women around Ars are also deviantly beautiful, but they are not perfect, and they have a human touch. The point is that their flaws deny that they are not true goddesses or mythical illusions.

　But it could be said that Jean is the very embodiment of the ideal person who has everything every woman dreams of at one time or another.
　The impression is that he is probably the most God-loving person Ars has ever known in terms of being too perfect. However, Ars knew why he didn't look like that during past joint operations.

　The Jean in Ars is the very picture of the hero in his mind. He can't give up anything. He doesn't give up on abandonment to the limit. So the things he gets are always invisible.
　Even this cheer is the best proof that not everything is female, and it's what he's desperately trying to scrape together in Rusalka.

　Once, he had warned her that such naive thinking would kill her one day, but now it seemed to him that it must be the right thing to do.
　You can't always know what the future holds for Ars himself. And although he had warned her, it wasn't as if he didn't have an idea of what he was doing.

　They were a bit like each other. Maybe that's why, only Jean and I can still have this kind of relationship.
　Of course, Letty had some similarities too, but the feud from their school days hadn't gone away yet, so she hated it. This is probably due to Jean's affable nature that backfires at the edges.
　I see that he doesn't hate her wholeheartedly.

'Don't feel bad, Ars didn't have to take the brunt of the arrows, so I couldn't tell you what he looks like over here either. That's why I pulled Mr. Hispida, though.
'That's fine, though. It doesn't sound like a guard, does it?
Of course they do. Their day-to-day job is to keep the city safe. The outside world of the military. That's why they recruit from the civilian population. After all, soldiers are hired hands of the citizens. But that's about as good as it gets.

　Ars, who somehow understood what Jean was saying, agreed inwardly.
　It's not a good idea to have a stubborn soldier patrolling among the citizens. If that's the case, it's more efficient to let them blend in, instead of focusing on building a close relationship and seeking understanding.

　It's also divided between the security forces and the security forces in Alpha, and that's the reason why there are so few magicians.
　Suddenly, he noticed that Jean was looking at him as if he were grading him from below, but he groaned faster than he could wonder.

'But then again, Ars, how about that outfit as a guest of state?
I told you, I'm just taking a little trip.
Appearances are a given. If something happens to you, you'll owe us a huge debt of gratitude.

　It seems that the clothes I thought I was wearing were a little more thoughtful than usual, but they didn't seem to reach the passing line. He was simply dressed in a stuffed shirt and black top and bottom. It was unexpected that he would be stingy with an outfit that was not supposed to be his normal wear, even if he was wrong.
　It's not a bad thing when it comes to casualness, but as expected of a military-bred man, questioning his sense of style is out of the field.

　He looked down at his own outfit once again, and a question mark came to mind.

'First of all, the colors aren't good........well, that's okay. As expected, you'll have to change for the meeting with Lithia-sama, though.

　Ars thought it would be a hassle, but since the invitee was her, it was more than dignity and common sense to not see her even once.
　Of course, since Ars was dressed like this, Loki was similarly uncomfortable, but Jean praised him with a refreshing compliment.

'I know you're going to have a lot of trouble too, but take care of him, Loki.
Yes, I'm well aware of that, Master Jean. But I'm sure Master Arthurs doesn't look any different wherever he goes.
Huh, how did you make it this far?

　The dismay that seems to be spat out into the air fizzles out without expecting a response. Considering Ars's accomplishments, I suppose I can ignore the dress code, but that's because I might be making more unwanted enemies with it.

　The guards from earlier led the way with stiff, tense feet as they headed for the carriage, which was naturally over-decorated due to the lack of any further pursuit in this place.

　There was something inexplicable about it, and Ars glanced at the beautiful girl walking half a step behind him. You'll be able to look at her outfit from below and finally come to a neat face.
　''What is it?'' Ars looked forward, ignoring the gaze that threw him an honest question.
　He concluded that in the end, if the material was good enough, whatever he wore would look good enough.