Instead, Jean opened his mouth again, but it was also heavy.

'Old Gram. Perhaps those gathered here this time are mainly looking for this man. He's a former nobleman and now has no family name. Stripped to be exact.
That doesn't sound good.
That's not so peaceful. Seriously, you know [Troia], right?
Yeah, I've never seen it in person.

　Officially, it is called the [Trojan Prison].
　It was built deep underground in the outer world of Iberis, in the exclusive territory of Krevidito, where those who have committed the most serious crimes of magical crimes are imprisoned. It was created twenty years ago, mainly by Iberis and with the cooperation of various countries. It is not a base of operations, but rather a place that is so defenseless that if it is discovered by a demon, it will fall helplessly into oblivion.

　The plate that covers the outer wall of the prison is made of a material that is difficult for magic power to penetrate. Even so, it's impossible to hide perfectly from demons, and it has been invaded by demons several times in the past. However, the jail has never been taken down, including the vulnerability of the outer walls, because there are people stationed in the jail who can provide minimal defense as guards.

　It was not uncommon for food rations not to reach the jail on the tenth floor underground. A crime tantamount to the death penalty, a dark bottom that will never see the light of day for the rest of your life.
　Magical felons from all countries are imprisoned here after their sentences are confirmed. This is a prison where those who are not even allowed to live as prisoners within their own sphere of existence are thrown into a state where their magical powers are blocked. The fetters on their hands and feet restrict the composition of their magic and the release of their magical power, so that even if they escape from the prison, they will only be hunted unilaterally in battle with demons.

　These fetters are the same as the controls on Noir's neck.
　However, the only people who know about it are military personnel, and it is not widely known in the city.

We don't know this, but Gram, who was imprisoned in a military-controlled prison in his forties, decided to build a prison in the outside world because of the danger of keeping serious criminals locked up within his survival zone. He spent nearly twenty years in a prison within his survival zone, and was transferred to [Troia], which he finished building twenty years ago, to this day. So, just as I came out of prison after completing my sentence, I was given a single seat.
That's a pretty aggressive move.
My investigations suggest that you've been out of Harkapudia since you got out.
--!

　Immediately, from the name Harkapudia, Ars came to one conclusion.

''Wait a minute, then Barmes........''
Ah, the absence of a single.

　This issue also comes into focus, as does Gram, who has a criminal record. However, from the beginning, there has been no move to make a single available to Balmes. Naturally, there has been a close exchange of information at the top level between countries regarding preparations for the use of singles.

　There was a reason for Rusalka's transfer of some of its holdings.
　When each country embarks on a vigorous effort to expand its territory, it takes the form of a cooperative relationship. But this is not a way for each country to achieve its own goals. As a starting point, Alpha, the southernmost nation, would first take the lead, and then gradually move northward.

　In effect, it would progress in a clockwise direction. This was probably why Harkapudia was holding two slots.


　Behind-the-scenes negotiations are taking into account Gram's years in singles, and as an old man, it is difficult for Gram to stay in singles for long periods of time. In fact, he himself had accepted a single on those terms. Even Jean couldn't talk about the backstory, as expected.

　Anyway, what I know is, at most, the story of how he was put in charge of the single's seat. Speaking of more than that........

'[Gram, the Brotherhood Killer], as they called it at the time. The charges are as you might have guessed.
How many?
He wiped out his entire company. He survived the battle that defeated Kronos, the disaster they called disaster an old soldier.
..........

　It is true that the lightness of the sentence was also a concern, but in any case, the current wizard situation is not good enough for an old soldier who has served his sentence to return to the front line.

''That's the way it is. I'm going to see what kind of person he is. And also what will Harkapudia have to say about it?
..........

　As a matter of fact, it's a very good thing that he has a criminal record or not, as long as his power is directed outward. This time, his concern for Gram would be mainly due to his vigilance on the inside and his fellow man.

　With an uninterested glance at Ars, Gram also turned his gaze slightly. It couldn't be my imagination that he looked mild and not likely to kill his compatriots.
　The gaze that was exchanged was a momentary occurrence.

''Al ... the fact that Balmes is single absent means ...''

　With a divine expression, Loki whispered and asked.

'Oh, it's completely dependent on the association. It is certain that there is a part of the situation in Balmes that can't be helped. It's right that they didn't use the singles in a bad way because they have a history of losing many mages during the [Demi-Azur], so it was right that they didn't use the singles. Well, that's how much Balmes is experiencing a shortage of mages,

　Despite the viciousness of the situation, the defense has been maintained due to cooperation with other countries.
　Perhaps, but they may have chosen Balmes as the first operational site for student mages belonging to the association.

　Even though it is an association mage, if it is possible, they must be currently thinking about pulling out from each country.
　In any case, it is a step forward when we are able to build a cooperative relationship in each country.

　As soon as you see that everyone is present in the large hall, one of the servants, who seems to be an old man, shouts out in a clerical voice. The man who would be in charge of all aspects of the old castle of Balor stood upright in the middle of the round table.

The meeting of the seven heads of state will now take place. By way of exception, we have decided to make the contents of this meeting public. My servant will take the minutes and other matters.

　The solemn air spreads all at once, opening a certain distance from the Round Table. A simple security fence encircled the further perimeter of the table, and only the head of state and the single wizard were allowed to step inside.

　Jean and Letty, of course, had to go under their own heads of state and wore their meeting masks on their faces. All the heads of state and single mages are present.
　Of course, only the heads of state sit on chairs, and the single wizard stands upright behind them as before. It seemed that the great objective position of honor guard here had not changed.

　Of course, since this was a meeting of heads of state, the important thing was for the heads of the seven countries.

　All the heads of state were seated and the meeting was about to begin.
　All the heads of state looked at each other as if they were looking for someone. They seemed to be searching for someone, but the answer was soon to be found.

　The old man, who would be in charge of this meeting and all of its affairs, spreads his arms out in a fluid motion, "Ars-sama, come this way too," indicating the only empty seat.

'Ars Regin. You, too, over here. The fact that we now have singles in the Society is no different than that of a nation in terms of strength.

　The one who strained his voice vigorously was the former head of Iberis, Haorg. He smiled as if to say that he wouldn't let them escape. There were no voices of dissent there, and they all seemed to correctly understand the usefulness of the association.

　--Tch, I'm sure Ilyce didn't impose on me because he didn't like this.

　In that sense of being a representative of the association, Ars didn't understand everything either, I suppose.
　But the seat that was prepared is waiting for someone to sit down, and the meeting will not begin without Arus sitting down.

　You can't escape from the pressure of the heads of state, and as expected, Ars has no choice but to give in to it.

　While all eyes were on Ars, he walked in front of the highest authorities of humanity, accompanied by Loki.
　As he glanced around, he saw a line of familiar faces, but of course, there was someone among them that Ars didn't even know. Aside from the new single who was briefed by Jean and Letty earlier, this is the first time I've seen the new head of the Hydrangee.

　He is probably about the same age as Jean and Letty, with a medium build and a body that would not be good at exercise. He looks very mature. But despite the fact that this was the first time he would be attending a meeting, I couldn't detect any kind of disenchantment in his eyes.

　--an easily understandable justification.

　Ars spits out such a one-shot disrespectful impression in his chest.

　In fact, the entire family of former Hydrangee head Rafcenal Corjodore has been disqualified from being the next head of state after his relationship with Krama came to light. However, Rafcenal has a half-brother, whose name is Laurent Cojodore. There was also a faction between these brothers.

　Laurent was the opposite of Rafcenal, who had no interest in internal or external politics, and who had a vested interest in vested interests. It was also the force that divided them in the Hydrangee. It was the support of the people that boosted his brother Laurent with the death of Rafcenar.

　In response, the heads of state also could not be ignored and, unusually, tacitly approved of his appointment as head of state.

　Ars and Loki walked halfway around the round table and headed for the seats that had been prepared for them.
　However, it was Ars who pulled out a chair.

You must be tired. Loki, sit down.
"--!　Al, I thought that would be a bad idea.
I don't mind. It's customary for singles to be honor guarded. You're in. They won't complain.

　The unfamiliar heels certainly made Loki feel tired, but it was bad for his heart to take a seat that could be considered the equivalent of a former neck. On the contrary, he shook his head as best he could, as he felt tired.

　Since I'm just listening to the story, I feel like it doesn't make any difference who sits there. Ars turns his gaze to Haorg, who urged him to join.

''It doesn't matter which one. It's only Ars Regin who represents us, though.''
That's fine.

　Loki's shoulders were grabbed and he was led straight to a chair. It can't be helped because of the gorgeousness of the faces lined up in the line up that naturally stretched his back.

'Nice to meet you, Loki.'

　It was Cisernia who greeted him in such a lighthearted manner from next to her. She seemed to feel somewhat light-hearted as well.

　It would not be possible to overturn something just because you are a representative of the association. The fact that they are participating in the association seems to be meaningful. The fact that they are representing the association is meaningful.

　In any case, considering the number of singles in attendance today, it would be impossible for Ars, who was in first place, to not be in the mix.

''With that, we will now begin the meeting of heads of state. Before we get to the agenda, this vacant single-digit (singles) seat has been decided, and with that, there has been a change in the standings, so I'll present it here.

　This is primarily an introduction in the external sense. More than anything else, it was a sign that the nations had officially recognized it.
　After a long pause, the old man read out the names one by one in the center of the round table.

'Ninth place, belonging to Halkapudia, Gram.
"No. 8, Lehail Kirktooth, of Hydrangee.
"Seventh place, Teresa Nefizari, Alpha.
Number 6, Garginis Theotolt, Harkapudia.
Fifth place, Letty Kultunka, Alpha.
Fourth place, Fanon Trooper from Clevdito.
"Third place, Jean Rumbles, Rusalka.
"Second place, Vaget Oragoram, affiliated with Iberis.
No. 1, Society, Ars Reagin.

　A huge round of applause accompanied the introductions. Despite some of the problems, everyone in the room praised the singles in the sense that the crisis of their absence had been avoided for the moment.