The act of terrorism in Rusalka quickly spread to the entire world.
　Detailed reports will still be forthcoming. However, only the fact that it was considered a certainty shook the militaries of all countries.

　On Alpha, they were busy dealing with the situation. In particular, the denunciations of Beric, the Governor, were tremendous. Nevertheless, the priority is nothing less than the capture of Ars.
　Of course, this is a bodily and national measure. The number of mages who have mobilized are countless, and within Alpha, all the mages other than those who have been assigned to the defense were driven out.
　It's impossible to judge that much about how each country will respond, but the chances of a battle are high, and that's synonymous with life or death.

It's the worst thing that could happen.

　Beric let out such a complaint while hesitating to think about where to start. According to the report, the prosperous Rusalka, its capital city was half destroyed.
　Among the magic used is the name of the [Empty-type induced detonation detonation] magic. Even though this is the world wide, there are only two magicians who can use it, Ars and Letty.
　At that time, Leti was out in the outside world. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on at the time of the crime in Rusalka.
　Large-scale magic use in Rusarka, and then Ars escaped.
　He is detected as the person in question when he sneaks through the protective barrier from the outside world. In order to explain the situation, he fends off the Rusalka army's pursuit of him and engages in subversive activities. This was reported by many witnesses within Rusalka.
　From the reports alone, the felons were obvious. However, from those who knew Ars - no, it would look like an ugly scenario if they knew that there was no way he would do this.

　That's why it infuriated Beric that he had fallen for such a move.

'So what do we do now, Beric?　That's you, you've already got your hands on it, right?

　Vizayst, who had also read through the report, threw the bundle of papers cluttered up on the table in disgust.

'I'd be lying if I said I didn't think this was going to happen, but... well, I said it was the worst because I already felt like it was too late.
Oh, come on, you're not going to hold your head up like this, are you?
'That's a foolish question, Visayst. I didn't think you'd make me cringe at your age, though. There's not much I can do, but still, I don't think Ars will let this go.
So we're supposed to be a good cause?

　Viziest concluded that, anticipating Beric's thoughts. I don't know the means to do that, though.
　It's essential to uncover the truth. Considering how things had gotten to this point, I could say that it was definite that Krama was involved.

'It will be. I was told that he wouldn't bother me at all, but I'll have to consider taking a pay cut for this.''

　Visaisto's cheeks lifted slightly as he guessed just from Beric's words. He heaved a heavy heart that he, too, was likely to be far from retired.

'It's always the adult's job to clean up a stupid child's ass.
Yeah, but, well, I guess I wouldn't be a good father if I tried to take advantage of it either.
'Bellick~, adults are dirty. Clean things can be dirty. You and I are both more than a little dirty. Still, you'll have to wait a little while longer before you can clean it up. You're going to do it, aren't you?
Thoroughly.

　There are only a few men who can move. Still, we'll do everything we can. The only concern is how far we can get the approval of Cicerunia, our head of state.
　If this fails, Cicerunia, who has been relieved of her duties as Governor, will not be allowed to go unpunished. Still, her cooperation would be essential.
　Beric glanced once more at the documents at hand.
　The heads of state will decide whether or not the seven nations will work together to defeat this single wizard, who is now wanted by the entire world.
　Whatever the policy, it was necessary to take some time.

"Bellick, you can't use Letty, can you?
'We can't do that first, we can't face Alpha if we don't send the remaining singles out to search for them, the country itself will be in danger.
Yeah. Shit, I'll do my part.

　With one arm around him, Viziest turned on his heel with enthusiasm and waved a large hand over his back.

''I've got it. I'll hold the top over here.''

　With that, Beric took out his communication terminal and opened a direct line.
　The call sound was choked up a few times, immediately after it went into call status.

'Cicerunia-sama, a little.........'
What does that mean?

　A cold sweat broke out at the sound of the dossy voice.

'It's about this time, but...'
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!　It's all gone. We've been building up steadily and steadily, but... I can't take it anymore. What did I do to you?

　Just as his throat began to tremble and tear up, his opponent suddenly changed.

''I'm sorry Governor Beric. Well, I'm a little distraught.''
Yeah, I'm afraid so.
So, what can I do for you?
First of all, just to clear up any misunderstandings, this one is not the work of Ars personally. We believe it was definitely a frame-up.
"--!　

　There was a flurry of activity on the other end of the receiver. Just as I wondered if there was a struggle going on, a noise-like voice tapped on Beric's eardrums.

''Yes, it's true!　There's no doubt about it. It wasn't Ars, was it?'
'Yes. From what I've heard beforehand...
Tell me more!
'That is of course, but it is Alpha that is currently being discredited the most. Because of the recent incident with Barmes, who will be heard on the call?
"Point taken. Very well. I'll send my men out for you right away. Please come with me. I'll acknowledge the subpoena immediately.
Thank you.


　♢♢


　In one of the rooms of the Favell family, a wild noise emanated from the desk. The heavy desk caught the Lord's anger all at once, it was like a leaked scream.
　Froese, who also had a face for the military, had just heard reports of terrorist activity by Ars. She had only known him for a few days, two days to be exact.
　That's why Froese felt betrayed at first.

　The lights in the room, quietly lit with dusk, switched to thoughts about countermeasures. There would be no quick substitute to replace him.
　Worst case scenario, he could send Selva out, but even then, he'd have to send in his order list the day before.

　Flosses can't realize that it's also because of parental love that he's in this frame of mind. Then Selva, who just now asked Tesfia to send a message, came back.
　You're going to be able to get the most out of this, but you'll be able to get the most out of it. It's not a waste of time, considering all the hard work that went into gathering the participants until today.

　A nobleman would not be unaware that he was prepared to give up his family name. Just when you've finally gathered a few people, this is it.
　Impatience was gradually turning to irritation.

''Frose-sama, I've informed the young lady.

　Froze asks fearfully of the butler who hasn't changed as usual.

''And how is Fia........''
Hohoho, the young lady is the same. In fact, she's more motivated than ever. She said she'll hate you for the rest of her life if you don't show up.
What?　That's it?
Yeah, that's it.

　Froese, who was hit with a strange feeling of weakness, sat down as it was, collapsing into a chair.
　Seeing the Lord like that, Selva happily moved to prepare the tea.

''Frose-sama, it was probably the right decision to put him in the academy after all. Children grow up even when their parents' eyes are not on them. That's how trustworthy you are, Lord Ars. The person you believe in, we also believed in you at one time.
If it works out for you.
You must have some background in this matter.
'I suppose so. That letter is the reason why we can't just have a little fire in any case. The only saving grace is that this arrangement was given to a limited number of countries' militaries.

　Most of the people don't know any detailed information about the Rusalka case - especially about Ars - and most of the people don't know about it. It's a crime of national proportions. As long as it's not at a level where the public can't do anything about it, they will refrain from releasing it. Information controls are in place, but it's only a matter of time.
　Considering what Froese, a nobleman, knows, it's nearly impossible to be thorough.

　It will certainly be leaked from somewhere, including military personnel and nobles.

''I don't think Tembram will be revoked now. I just hope it doesn't get out for another two days. If Fear has made up her mind, I'll have to go through with it. Selva, just think about the fact that this time participants will withdraw at the last minute...
It's all there. That said, there are many houses that have been made available to the Favell family, so there's nothing to worry about.
I'm just saying.

　In the past, the Favell family has made several accommodations to bring in other families. When a nobleman's son gets into a scandal, he goes out to cover it up, or includes arbitration of disputes between noblemen, and in this way has taken a method of appealing to humanity. Of course, even to the very edge of breaking the law.
　But, after all, such things are only a small part of it, and most of it is largely due to the connections he has cultivated during his time as an instructor at Froese.

　Knowing this, Selva thinks it's an unnecessary worry.
　But you need insurance for everything. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world. Every nobleman must have a weakness. Selva, who had researched this beforehand, handed over a card with data.

''That you work fast.''
I'm sorry, sir.
I don't know what's going on at all, for better or worse. I guess being out of the military has paid off this time.

　If you're a member of the military, you can't let the wanted Ars go unnoticed. However, this time the information is limited to those who belong to the military, or to heavyweights such as heads of state. That's why it's essentially impossible for Froese to know.
　That's enough to cut off the white.

''Selva, I'm sorry for Fia, but when it comes to this, be prepared. Also, we need to find out what the military is thinking.

　As far as Tembram was concerned, there was a need to find out what the military was doing, but not to the point of speculation.
　However, Froese understood the need to do so.

　Through his magic, he takes out a piece of parchment from within which he empties a drawer key.
　It's an engagement certificate. It was too good to let go of at this stage, but if it was known that he was engaged to a criminal, it might hurt the family name. But still, if Tesfia believed him, he could not renege on this pledge.

　That was why he felt the need to know what kind of response the military would have to him.

　Here, Froese switched the topic to a third party. There was another person here. He has been quietly listening to the circumstances until now, and to this day, he has participated in Tesfia's training.
　As expected of his age, he couldn't move with agility, but as a former mage, he has the spirit to not fall behind the younger ones.
　The muscles that screamed due to the sudden amount of exercise had my daughter putting a poultice on them with no gaps.

'So what do we do now?　Lord Blanche.
'You're not very nice, Mr. Froese. 'You know I won't say no to you, and you ask. Naturally, I'll participate in it, no matter what. Of course, I'm very aware that I'm an impediment, but you've also proven that I can still work, haven't you?　I'm going to give the late Ummulina's son a whirl.

　Brown hair with a hint of redness, neatly trimmed, as if after a haircut. Despite his good age, Lord Blanche - Cicero Blanche - assured him with a genuine and unstagnant face.

　It is hard to believe that this is the speech of a man who had been out of breath only an hour ago, but he is the only one who is not willing to take the risk of being substituted.
　That alone shows his sincerity. In fact, the substitutes gathered from other noblemen include their sons, and it can be seen how thick Froese's connections are.
　Cicero has a long experience as a magician among such people, and he is also skilled in handling weapons. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for when it comes to physical strength, but it's a person that you can wish for as an addition to your strength.

　Even so, a little bit of Froese was also distressed.

(I didn't have the noble rank left behind with that intention, but.......)

　Cicero may have picked up on such concerns and opened his own mouth.

'Mr. Froese, my wife and daughter have been supporting me in this matter. As a father, you want to show them how cool you look here, don't you? That's not a good reason, but my daughter is heartbroken by the situation of Miss Tesfia. If that's the intention of the Favell family, there's nothing wrong with that, but if you're prepared to fight a thorough battle, I'd love to cooperate with you. No matter what happens now, it is not good in the House of Blanche to bend what was once spoken.

　It's not so much a thorough fight, but it's also true that in the big picture, things are too big for the lower nobles to sit on the sidelines.
　The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can't get a good idea of what you're looking for. The good thing about this man is that he is too serious in nature to make it as a nobleman, and that is the bad thing about him.
　If you say that much, Froze has no reason to refuse. Finally gathered participants, just by saying that, Froze is grateful.

　Maybe it's because he's such a man that he reached out to them.
　It's also true that Cicero's daughter is like a sister to Tesfia, which helps him as well as Froese. She kept her eyes lightly downcast in an atmosphere that was apparently going to be an exchange of thanks.

　After that, it will be necessary to explain to the other nobles about the situation in Ars, the key to the operation, as well. Even if the number of people are reduced, he can't neglect that.
　Even in the unlikely event that he is absent, the tenblum itself must continue. You can't lie down and wait for a defeat for the three great noble families of Fevers.
　The odds are slim from the start, the slightest glimmer of light is contingent on his presence. Then, in the end, no matter what you do, it's too late now. Even Froese, who usually tries to act calculatingly, decided to trust Tesfia as if to tell himself - maybe because he envied a nobleman like Cicero. So maybe she was knowingly inspired.

　Cicero's daughter has come to serve in the Fèvel family, but the father and daughter are so close that Cicero occasionally comes to check on her, or goes home for the holidays.

　Just then, Selva announced the arrival of one of them, though I don't know how he heard the wind or sensed the atmosphere, or how he noticed it.

'Master Froese, it seems that old Miltria has come to see you.

　But Selva didn't open the door. Instead, the old butler's gaze slowly turned to the balcony.

'Who's cunning?'
I didn't say that much, sir. It sounds like your hearing loss is getting pretty bad.

　When Froese and Cicero followed the butler's gaze, an old man with a bent back was already there, standing with a cane.

　The words flew off, which was unusual for Selva to ask, but the expression on his face seemed to be his usual smiling smile.

　Froese opened the balcony door with both hands. The first thing you need to do is to get a good idea of what to expect. Her abilities were well-documented, but her appearance was a bit worrying.

　But rather than that, the fact that he is acquainted with Selva is more surprising. It's a good thing that he knew about Miltria's participation and kept it under wraps.

Glynnis, I'm surprised you're still alive.
'That's the dialogue over here. When did you crawl out of your coffin?

　Both of them only smiled at the expression on their faces. That created a sinister atmosphere that was out of place in this place. The air is clashing with the center of a grudge, as if it is sticky and persistent.
　If anything, it disappeared like a lie with a whimper.

"Hmph, you can live a long life with one foot in a coffin!
Yes....

　Miltria reaches out an open hand with the tip of her wand towards Cicero.
　She immediately understands what she intends to do and approaches at a small run and takes his hand in a medium position.

It's a perk. I'm sorry, young man.
No, no. That's the least we can do.

　Cicero is already close to 50 years old. The word young is somewhat flattering to such a father, but Miltria is satisfied, as if it were a real perk.
　In fact, Cicero looks young for his age, so it's hard to argue with him.

　Froese, who was watching the situation, once tried to ask Selva why he didn't tell her with his gaze, but even with the current exchange, you can somehow guess........
　I even get the vibe that that was a greeting.

　Cicero slowly leads you to a chair, though.

''Cicero-sama, that old woman isn't as old as she looks.
"I haven't seen you in decades and you're not very nice to me, fefe.
Your smile hasn't changed either, have you?

　Froese was left behind as the head of the family, but even if he were to interrupt, he felt an extraordinary depth of rapport between the two of them.
　However, it can't start like this.

''Miltria-dono, thank you for lending your hand to this urgent request.

　This is a sincere thanks from the heart, but in reality, this old woman Miltria has only a little information about this old woman that Froese has heard from Sisti.
　It was also asking for a single helper, such as a guarantee of content and competence. It included clearing the conditions of participation.
　But we know very little about Miltria personally.

'You are the current head of the Favell family? This place has grown up a lot.
Have you been here before?
It was a long time ago but I'm gonna cut to the chase.