It was at a certain tavern within the Detritus Republic that Raid heard about it.
　There were a few faces that seemed to be regulars and a few drifters here and there.
　A small, fat man who looked like he had only half an ass on the counter seat was lightly excited about the man next to him and the paper of demonic communication.

''Hey ... what did you say?'' said Raid, who abruptly stood up from his seat. The ice in the glass made a noise.
''Huh?'' And from the paper, the man looks only into his eyes.
'What did I say?!

　Lade grabbed the man's chest. The paper fell to the floor. The paper was open, with the headline on its back.

'What the hell are you doing? He shook off Raid's arm with a power curtain.

　Several people in the restaurant stood up from their seats and stared at the raid.
　The master at the counter has his hand on the sword at his hip.
　But Lade didn't even look at him, picking up the paper on the floor and looking inside.

''Lies, right........''

　It was written there that the deaths of King Radshausen, the King of King's Capital Radshausen--Arnold Radshausen, and Reinhard Rickman, the head of the White King's Knights--Rinhard Rickman.
　The man at the counter shook his head with his hand to the man next to him and those around him, "It's okay.
　He didn't want to cause a scene or was he an accidentally mild-mannered one?

'Totally, you've lost your mind. I took the paper from him.
Wait no, I'm sorry.

　Lade froze, not even lowering his hand that was holding the paper. The man at the counter was simply creeped out.

'You don't belong here, man. You don't look like you're from here. I don't think I know you.
Heh....
Is this what you want to see? I ask with the paper in hand. To the man, this was just a way to pass the time.
'No ... well ...'
The man next to me kept his eyes open for the Raid. Radshausen is a small country. It's near Greberg, isn't it?
Yeah. There's nothing but peace in this country.
'I wonder who did it, though. The Empire, which is all the rage these days, or the blood of the Charity. Or maybe Cresta sent an assassin.
'Cresta?　What's that?
Don't know them, Cresta family. They're the Cresta family, a branch of the Radshausen family. The fact that they were kicked out of their home when the King's Landing was established is a source of grief to them. They have a good motive.
Well that's for sure.
"Hey," he stopped Lade's back as he left the store.
But the raider doesn't turn around and leaves the store.
'They're a funny bunch. It's not just a matter of time before you're ready to go," said the man at the counter.
'Pasquantin or Utopia, or Artemias or Cattleya?
There's a guy named Pastelar, and then there's Modherne.
"There's only refugees," said the guy next to me.
Hey, man, the country's gone. Maybe this place will come to an end.
No, you don't, after all, it's the eighteenth grade.
'So did Pascantin and Utopiya. But they are gone.
Tough luck. I'll have to kill myself tomorrow.
Well, wherever there's liquor, you know. Master, another round.

　Light laughter could be heard in the quiet tavern.



*



　A single carriage leaves the detour light.
　Looking out of the carriage window, we see a horrendous line of refugees passing us.
　The land around the Detrue Light is a grassland area with poor footing, but after a short ride, the carriage enters the forest.
　But the line of refugees still continues.

　I heard a scream and leaned out of the carriage, and the back of the line was in something of a hurry.
　The raider pulls out his sickle and says to the driver, "Wait for me.
　The refugees behind them had been attacked by a Siren.
　The refugees were stripped of their backpacks and other possessions and thrown into the sky.
　The Sirens are speaking and scattering with a mocking gesture to the humans.

''Flame marrow decoration (cask de if)!

　The flames flickered in the palm of Lade's hand, flowing and heading to the Sirens, who were enthralled with the bewildered refugees.

'Whoa!' The Siren noticed right before and hurriedly avoided it. 'Chi, human.'
You two, get the hell out of here! He asked the refugees for refuge, as if to say they were in the way.

　The Sirens stalled in the sky above, staring at the raids and looking down at them.

'You ... are you a Siren?' I looked up at the sky with the fleeing refugees at my back.
'Why help?'
'You ... speak the language?' faint confusion.
'Of course.'
You're a demon.

　Siren remained silent and looked down at the raid for a moment. There was no sign of an attack.

'The time of blessing is near. He will return eventually, eventually.'
What? I frowned. He glared at her, but the Siren was silent.
'Why are you helping me?' says the Siren.
'What the hell are you talking about?'
Why do you want to help me? What's a trace amount of presence in your system got to do with you?

　Siren asked nonchalantly, as if he were reading a sentence out loud.
　Lade didn't understand and just gave him a difficult look.

''For now,'' sighed the Raid with a deep sigh. 'Whether it's a monster or a demon, it's the adventurer who hunts when he comes across a monster. Demons are rare. I'll sell them to the mage society and make a living out of them.

　The Raid took the scythe out of the burning fire.
　The demon fire-like flames that continued to float around his body protected the raid, and the wary Sirens didn't try to get close.

'I've never seen a demon before, but it's not like the rumors. I've heard that the magic power is powerful. I think I can just about defeat them at your level.
'Wasn't it an opportune time ... or is it still too early? But we must see you return.
What?
"We'll eat you and we'll eat them. We will not let any of them get away with it.

　His wings spread and his lower body undulated like a sea snake. As if to keep them in check.
　The raider smiled thinly, unabashedly.
　He swung his scythe wide and threw it into the sky.
　The Siren couldn't have expected it, but she panicked and screamed as one of her wings was torn off when she failed to escape.
　He fell with a flutter.
　Meanwhile, absorbed by the skillful flames, the scythe went into the raid's hands.

I'm not sure what to make of those refugees for the reward. I saved them, just in case.
"...a blessed day.

　From his grinning face, the scythe swung down to the Siren.



*



"Mister, can't you give me a break? It smells so bad, I can't eat it.
Shut up, man. It's Dames Aldan already.
Yes but we'll be stopped at the gate anyway.
I'm not protecting anybody.
What?
Don't you know. The son-slayer king has no intention of ruling this land anymore. The kingdom has all but collapsed. At the hands of the benevolent bloodline.

　A short time later, the carriage passed through the main gate of Dames Aldan and entered the castle town.

''Sir...'' the man in the coach was puzzled by the checkpoint.
'I told you. I told you, this country doesn't even function as a realm anymore. But it's none of our business. I'm sure the Yagis will take care of it sooner or later. I don't want to be a part of this anymore. I'm going to sell him out.
''Huh...'' a sighing nod.

　The back of the carriage was loaded with the body of a Siren.
　The town was deserted, even though the smell of death could be heard in the streets.
　There were few people on the streets.

''I don't want to be a Siren, do I?''

　The Raid makes the carriage wait outside the Mage Association and carries the Siren on his shoulder to the reception desk.
　There's no sign of the one who was once a White King Knight there.

"Hey, old lady, show me the people from the church. This is not the way to go.
I'm that guy. I'm what you call a churchman.
Give me some senseiable people. This is a demon. I don't want a no-show. I'm pretty sure the Church has a non-human section. You're the one who called for the demon.
Oh, yeah, I've seen that. I'm familiar with it.

　The old woman was just a blur, or maybe she was just a blur, and disappeared behind the door as she remembered.
　A short time later, she came back with about three robed men and women in tow.

''This, this is........'' one of them. The white-bearded old man with a white beard chilled his liver.
Hey, I'd appreciate it if you could buy me outright. I don't care if you're an old woman or an old man.
Okay, I'll buy it. Of course I will, I'll buy it.

　The old man, sweat on his forehead, tells his companions to carry him.
　Lade's tongue clucked in frustration at the situation.
　Finally, the old woman at the reception desk paid him his fee.
　The old woman glares at him all the time, but he doesn't take offense, and the old man urges him to go behind the door.

'You said you were Lord Raid?'
Yeah, make it quick.
You see. The Sirens you brought with you this time, I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about them too much elsewhere.

　The lone remaining old man looked urgent.

''.......What do you mean?''
Here's an envelope I'm presented with.
...and it's a hush money? There was a wad of cash in it.
'I don't want them to talk. And then, where did you get that one?
The forest near the Detritus. They attacked the refugees.
I see........." the old man is silent as if thinking about something.
What's the matter with you? It's only a Siren. But the amount of money that's here indicates that it's not. I'll be quiet, as long as I get the money, I'm fine with it. I don't want to get involved in this child-killing country.

　Lade said, turning away and walking out.

'That Siren, did you talk to her about ... well ... words?'
What? ........oh. Well, you said something about a blessing and a return.
Oh, well then. We look forward to seeing you again.

　A shabby old man, Raid wrinkled his brow and left the scene.

　After letting the driver hold the fare and charge for the use of the cart and seeing him off, he looked around the town on a whim, hoping to find another carriage.
　I'm not sure I'm the only one who can see the tourists, but I muttered, "This place has changed, too.

"Therefore, I would like to request an audience with Master Schneizel--

　It was about the time they passed the street in front of which the main gate of the royal castle was set up.
　The carriage parked in front of the gate was in sight, but the raid was going to pass by, not really paying attention to it.
　But he heard a familiar female voice.
　When he turned around, a woman wearing pure white light clothing was closing in on the guards and appealing to them in some way.

'Hey, you--'

　The Raid called out, and shortly afterwards the one turned.

'....Raid.

　The woman was slightly perturbed as soon as she saw Lade's face.
　Lade grins.

'Sierra....'

　Lade lightly waved his hand in embarrassment and replied.



*



　The carriage comes to a stop. Lade sighs deeply.
　Across from him is Sierra.
　It's been a long time since they've seen each other, and part of them didn't know how to get out of it.

I knew what was going to happen. But, you know, I think you should have stayed on the road with Nito. I think it's time to go back, that's what I think. It's for Hilda's sake, no, it's for your sake.
"...there is an opportunity for everything. I have cut myself off. Now is not the time.
It's not an excuse, but it's something I've accomplished by standing beside him, the white king, as well.
"Assignment?
It's been a while since I've seen him, but his eyes were even darker. "I noticed one day that he was one of the Greberg's brave men, didn't I?
'.....' Sierra looked away.
''I knew it. Not long ago, I saw the same name in the demonic newsletter. Masamune, right? She's supposed to be dead, apparently. That convinced me of the extraordinary power of those people.
Masamune is....
The hero who saved King's Landing. Hey, Sierra, did you ever wish for a moment that he would do something?
....
You should have stood up for him, if you wanted to. No, I'm not saying that you should have, I'm just saying that it would have been better. You could have made up any number of excuses for the White King's mission. Hey, Sierra, what happened...
".....what?" but Sierra knows.
'Who killed the king ... and Reinhardt,' the Raid's eyes drop.
'I don't know. The witness is Daniel. In the hall is His Majesty's body and Reinhardt's....
The Empire.
No, I don't know. I don't know anything.
Who's in charge now? Daniel?
Yes. No, it's Mr. Patrick.
He did?　That little shit is the king?
He's your son.
'There's no amount of pressure. Didn't anyone object?
'Of course there are forces that oppose it. The Cresta family.
'What?' the raider scowled. 'That must have been a Detrillite nobleman.
Yes, sir. But I don't think that Patrick is the right man for the job.
You don't think Cresta did it, do you? I think I heard a rumor about it.
I do not know. The bloodline, whether it be Lady Patrick or Cresta, is unique to Razhuisen.
Once you leave, it's over. Now that you're dead, there's no one but Patrick. Only Greiberg and Radshausen are the only ones who have really kept their bloodline alive. The eighteenth and surrounding small countries are now mongrels. Don't give them to Cresta alone. They must be planning something.
'Yes. That's why all the White King is against it. Raid, would you please come back to King's Landing?
"...what are you doing here?" the Raid diverted the conversation.
'An audience with ... Master Schneizel, sir.
You're getting rid of me.
Yes, sir.
''Well then. 'I'll help you with that first,' said Lade, and opened the carriage door.
'Helping, you mean........'
We're here for an audience, right?　I'll take you to the son-slaying king.
...but how?

　The Raid smiled wickedly.



*



　Aiming for an opening where the guards were looking away, the two climbed up the sleeve wall and entered the interior of the royal castle.

''Raid, isn't this a bad idea,''
The adventurer's request was to sneak into the house and kill the master. This is more profitable than defeating monsters. It means that people are in trouble, not monsters. I've been doing a lot of requests like that lately.
''....'' he looked sideways at Lade's expression with a pensive look.
You should not feel sorry for me. I've been on this side from the beginning. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on.
Someone is coming.

　They hid in the bushes.
　They timed it so that after the guards left, they entered the castle from the garden.

I have no intention of becoming a knight again," he said, hiding behind a pillar.
I see.........
We'll talk about the details later. That's the one.

　There was a large door in front of Raid's eyes.
　They walked straight ahead after eye contact.

''What is it with you guys!

　As soon as he crept into the throne room, the servants were puzzled by his appearance. He could see more than one, but not many.
　In front of him was Schneizel, illuminated by the sun coming in through the glass windows.
　She sits languidly on her throne with her cheekbones on the throne, sitting deeply and turning a carefree and powerless expression to them.

"White armor.......................White King Knight? I remember seeing this at some point in time. ........yes. That was, I believe, when I visited Rashausen...

　The expression on the faces of Sierra and Lade changed to pity at the sound of the king's voice, which was devoid of supremacy.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for forcing my way in," he said.
You will need more than just an apology," the servant said. "What kind of hand do you belong to, this is the King's Chamber.
Good, you will stay back. These are probably the men of Rathhausen, as it were.
Yes, sir. I'm from Razhuisen, the capital. My name is Sierra Ekalert.
Yes, I watched the servant withdraw. "And now, how can I be of service to you?
Well, I thought you had sent me a letter, but then, well, that was the day we lost it.

　The document is about the counter-imperialism that Radshausen is requesting of the nations.
　It describes a temporary alliance of sorts.
　Schneizel was positive, but since he started being called a child murderer, he has been holed up in the castle.
　He hadn't even looked over the documents.

'You were talking about killing Uranos, weren't you?
Yes, sir.
I remember, I received it. But the Empire may be gone. It is said that the beloved bloodline has buried it. Well, I'm one of them, I suppose.

　After a high laugh, Schneizel sighs deeply, as if tired.

''I'm told that there were bodies scattered around the castle that appeared to belong to them, but according to a reporter who walked around the castle, there were no bodies of the Emperor.
He may want to say he's still alive, but that doesn't matter. The Empire is gone. The alliance you seek is about the Empire. You don't need it anymore. Go home, to King's Landing.
But ... raiding? The Raid stood in front of Sierra in an imposing manner.
'What,' said Schneizel, raising an eyebrow, albeit expressionlessly.
'Raid Black. I'm just an adventurer.'
What an adventurer.

　The mangled physiognomy and the rotten, recluse look in his eyes made Raid feel disgusted.
　But he pushed it deep into his expression.

''What's the point of all this talk about the bloodline of the Charity? This was established before the Empire, with the goal of stopping Uranos Durmskale's plans. You know that much too, don't you?
...You are a brute, aren't you? You are not in your senses.

　Schneizel looks away from the raid, a sip of wine on the table beside him.

'No great nation lends a hand to the demands of a small nation. It's the only country that responded in any small way. That's why I went all the way to the beach," said the Raider, who represents Sierra's thoughts.
I'm sorry to give you a false sense of hope. Is this good?
Aren't you ashamed to be a king? You.
It's enough. It is time to get rid of these people. "It is better than any king who was assassinated by me. I have given up lending a helping hand to this idle hope. All men like me, pure and simple, look for fools. I've seen some of the darkness. Even the realities of this country are dark in the back alleys. Peace is only out in the open. But still, if you can....

　Schneizel unexpectedly fell silent.

''........You can lend him a hand. You can use the rest of the gold knights as you wish. But just as much, I'm not going to lend you a hand. Responding to them is just a whim.
'You can decide if it's a waste of time after you've done it,' the Raid tightens its tone.
I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say. After all, he is a great mage. No, this is a good idea. I'm sure it was Nito who saved the capital from the last attack. I'm sure it was Nito-dono who saved the city from being ambushed. This is my response.
'Let's go, Sierra,' spits out a tongue lashing and turns away from the raid.
'Really, Master Schneizel, do you think that's a good idea?' And Sierra.
'....Unity sounds beautiful indeed. But there is no power in it. If emotionalism were not an option, I would have killed Uranos twenty years ago. Your name is Sierra, I presume.
Yes, sir.
'The Abyss will not save the world later or later. They will betray it sooner or later. But if you want to get rid of Uranos, you can no longer look to Lord Nito. Otherwise, gather some high-ranking adventurers. Otherwise, gather a few high-ranking adventurers or a great mage. I'm sure that Razhuisen will be next on his list of targets. I have an alliance with Lord Nito. I have an alliance with Lord Nito, and he is a Grand Mage, and he can be my witness for the extraction of the mages. The nations will be satisfied. The rest is up to you.
Does this mean that Dames Aldan is not going to help you?
"I've lost all my powers of lending. Look at the castle, look at the city. I have no power in this country and there is nothing more I can do except offer it to you.

　Out of pity, Sierra couldn't answer any of the questions, because of her pity.
　Unable to answer, she had no choice but to leave the hall, prompted by Lade.