The story goes back to right after the Kowloon Cup, the first time I participated in the tournament.

　I saw my father off on his way back to his domain, and my days were quiet for a while.
　I was studying for my final exams with my party members when I was suddenly summoned to the royal palace.

　King Amst is waiting for me and says to me

　He told me that the existence of a demon has been confirmed again.

　It didn't happen in the Kingdom of Villa Amst, but in the territory of the Eisteddfod Empire, where our school is located.
　It was said that the guards defending the territory and the forces of the 'Revolutionary Volunteers' clashed, and the guards on the territory side were wiped out.

''According to the surviving lord, it seems that the [villagers] who possessed a terrifying power were tearing down the guards like paper.''

Is it the Volfot?

　I ask the king.
　But King Amst shook his head.

"I do not know. I don't know," he said, "but the witnesses' accounts did not match up with the witch Wolfot.

It's possible that there's more than one demon.

That's right.

　I hadn't ruled out that possibility.
　It was probably safe to assume that it was one of the factions that had let Volfot escape.

　However, they were moving faster than I thought.

　That demon's presence was exposed by the Nine Dragon Cup this time.
　Did they think that there was no need to hide it anymore?
　Or.....

''I see. Is this a declaration of war on me?

　The demon Volfot was defeated by me, a [villager].
　Originally, he was going to make his debut in a spectacular way, inciting more fear in people.
　But that was ruined by Volfot's outburst and my success.

　In other words, demons are everywhere.
　And maybe he wanted to show off to people that he was the strongest and most fearsome.

　If the territory of the Eisteddfod Empire, which was said to be the strongest of Galveer, was attacked and the guards were wiped out, the impact would be enough.

''What happened to that demon?''

The 'revolutionary aspirant' who annihilated the territory is said to have retreated with the demons. It has not been confirmed since.

It's the perfect demonstration.

I guess I'm declaring war on you.

　Apparently, the king came to the same conclusion.
　Well, that's probably 90% true.

　So.....

I suppose this country--the Kingdom of Vera Amst--is next.

I have no doubt. I have summoned you to deal with this matter as soon as possible with your husband. We must defend this country.

Unfortunately, it's hard to defend the entire country.

　Three hundred years ago, it would be difficult to do so with today's power.
　The map of the kingdom of Villa Amst is vast.

　If we rode from west to east for a day and night without resting our horses, it would take us eight days to get there.
　It's not that I don't know of any other way to get there, but even that would be difficult at this stage.

　Then the king laughed.

'Hahaha.... I don't expect that much. But, my lord," he said, "I don't expect that much. But, my lord, you want to defend the whole country? I'm thinking on a very large scale.

　Hmm?
　Now you're talking about this country.

"You're more of a king than a king. Would you like to be king instead of me?

Playfulness...

　I'm not a king.
　It's a hundred times faster to move and do it yourself than to stand on top of someone else and give them orders.
　You'll just get tired of it.

''In any case, I want to review the defense system of the capital to be able to deal with the demons.

'That's easy. We just need to train people who can deal with demons.

"Fighting demons.... No, but.......... Isn't that difficult, Lacelle? In other words, it would mean that I would have to train you.

It will take some time, but it's not a problem, just give me a year.

Yes, one year!

　The King of Amst raised his bare voice.
　I couldn't help but move my shoulders involuntarily at the volume of his voice.
　Oh......... I was surprised.



You don't have to be my equal.

　Well, that would be preferable for me.
　You can train with him, and you might become even stronger.

　I raised the corners of my mouth and turned to face the king.

"What you want is someone who can defeat a demon, right?

Well, yeah, I guess so.

Then a year is enough.

Mmmm. It's really hard to believe that we have to train someone to beat that monster in just one year. It's hard to believe that in just one year we've trained someone to beat that monster.

Then let's start with a model case. Let's narrow down the talent pool.

Okay. Let's see if I can give you proof.

Would you mind if I asked you to pick one of your own?

Very well. Racel Gilell Stark. From this day forward, you will report to the king as the leader of the witchcraft division. You'll be treated with the same level of authority as the Colonel, and of course there will be a budget for you to spend. You may spend as much as you wish.

Thank you.

　I bowed my head reverently.

　I felt like I was being set up by the king, but when a demon is involved, it's hard to say no.
　Besides, the budget is plentiful.
　If that's the case, this would be an opportune time to charge the royal court for the cost of that one(s).

　I smiled at him.


　◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆


Therefore, it was decided to train people who can resist a demon.

　I finished my explanation.

　In front of me were Sheila, Sarasa, Cecil, and Rowan.
　They sat in a triangle and listened in silence the whole time.

　For a while, the four of them were pouting.
　Eventually, the three of them, except for Sheila, rattled and trembled.

''I'll be stronger than a demon in a year... ugh!''

Really? You can do that?　Really?
Oh no, that's hard to do, actually...
But if you think you can do it, Racel.

　I was puzzled.
　Well, it's not unreasonable.
　Because at the moment, you can't imagine the image of beating that Volfot, you know.

　But Sheila's will is strong.

''I will trust your brother.

　He supported me.

　Then Cecil raises his hand.

"Hey, if you told us about this, then...

Yeah. We want you to be a model case for that. I want you to be the people who can defeat the demons and protect the future of the country.

We're going to...

"We will slay the demons.

The future of the country.

　Rowan, Sarasa and Cecil are stunned.
　Were the words a little too vague?
　No, the three of them didn't come to the Adventurer's School for the reason of wanting to protect the country or anything like that in the first place.

　Sarasa and Cecil are to take over the store.
　Rowan is to become an adventurer.

　There, even if you get the power to defeat a demon, it's natural to have a question mark if you say you will need it.

''I won't force you, but...''

Yeah?　You mean, Lacelle? What makes you think we'd say no?

'No, but you guys have your own path to follow...'

You're a fool. Don't turn away from me after you got here.

But, Cecil. You have a family business--

　Then Cecil laughed, as if he were being played.

'Did you even think about that?　Okay. So that's why you're one step back from us.

Isn't it?

I'm taking over the shop. But not now.

　Cecil makes his will clear.
　His wine-red eyes blazed like fire.

My dream has never been the same since I met Lacelle.


　Be strong....


"For my best friend. And for your friends.

Cecil....

What? Don't take the best part, Cecil.

　Rowan skinned and scratched his own hair.
　Eventually, he put his hand on my head and ruffled my hair.

All I have to say is that I'm very sorry, but everything I have to say was said by Cecil. I'm sorry, but everything I have to say has been said by Cecil. You can't be shy, now, you're being weird. You'll save that for when you get rid of us.

Rowan, you...

We all want to protect the people we care about. ...and I believe in that.


　I believe in you, Lacelle," she said.


　Sarasa smiled.
　Seeing that broad smile, the lump that remained in my chest was blown away.

　I laughed too, caught up with it.

　I'm glad..... I'm glad to have met these guys.....

''Of course Sheila-chan is coming too, right?

　Cecil asked.
　Sheila nodded dully.

''Yes. The place where your brother is is my place. Whether it's on the battlefield or in hell, I will accompany you.

'Haha..... As expected of Sheila. You're not prepared for this.

　Cecil chuckles.
　Instead, Rowan opened his mouth.

So?　If you make us stronger than demons in a year, you're going to make us do some crazy stuff again, aren't you, Ore?

　Rowan gives me a puzzled look.
　Although he has announced his intention to participate, he seems to be unwilling to be squeezed by me.

''Hmmm......... Rowan, you're the one who told me not to hold back.

Yeah, that's what I said. I said, "Hey, hey, back off when you hit us.

Don't worry. It's fun and joyful for you guys...


　I'll take you to hell....