The blue sky with not a single cloud in sight. Soft sunshine surrounds the land, and the gentle breeze that blows through occasionally makes us feel refreshed. It's a wonderful morning, one that doesn't happen very often in a year.
　Normally, it should be a day when everyone is grateful for life and celebrates life.
　But, very unfortunately, the world is not equal. The blessings of heaven envelop people equally and yet...
　And such unfortunate humans were flocking to the citadel city of Ipyros.
　A group on horseback, wearing carefully polished pure white armor, slowly made their way down the cobbled main street.
　What is directed at them is an indescribably murky gaze that is a mixture of resignation, frustration, and a negative emotion called fury.
　It's the same as a slave looking at a cruel master, eyes pouring in from all over the place.



Frowning at the indescribable smell of a mixture of filth and sweat, Roberto turned his attention to one of the knights at his side. His voice was so powerless that it was unthinkable from his normal personality.

''No I'm sorry, but this street is still a better one. Because the main street and its surroundings are relatively more patrolled in order to maintain security. The back streets near the city walls won't be better than this. And moreover, outside the gate...

　Yes, while answering Roberto's question with a sigh, the knight is guardedly wary of his surroundings.
　It's an attitude as if this is enemy territory. In fact, he probably hasn't gotten a good amount of sleep in the past few days.
　There were faint shades around his eyes.
It's only natural that this would affect the war...)
　If the Countess of Salzberg defends Iphiroth and the Mikoshiba Army pulls back, they will win this battle.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.
　That's right, two weeks ago, a group of people appeared on the outskirts of Iphiroth and changed everything.
　Suddenly, a violent shout echoed through the streets.
　Apparently, there was another dispute between the residents and the refugees.
　Roberto silently gives orders to the knights behind him.
(This guy better have a full-blown conversation with Signis about how we should conduct ourselves...)
　Roberto, who hadn't originally been so enthusiastic about this battle, looked up at the Count's castle towering behind him with a deep sigh.

''Therefore, Count. As for me, I would like you to head into Ipylos as soon as possible, even if it's just my lords. It's just too miserable to leave them outside the south gate at this point. Don't you think so?

　When he said that, Viscount Baenna slapped the desk vigorously with both hands.
　As a title, he is one step lower than the count, so he would normally be quite rude.
　But he's probably desperate, too.
　His face is red with anger and impatience as he disregards decorum.
　Count Salzberg shook his head with a sigh for the umpteenth time today at the viscount's attitude.

''I certainly feel miserable, and I can painfully understand Viscount Baenna's feelings. But, Viscount. As a matter of fact, even though Iphiroth is the largest city in northern Roselia, it is true that there is a limit to how far it can go. Moreover, we are in the middle of a battle with Baron Mikoshiba's army. You can't let your guard down just because they haven't made any moves in the past ten days. We want to preserve our food supply as much as possible for now.

''The Count is right, of course. But I can't let the people of my land starve like this. But we can't let them starve like this, and I don't want to be remembered as a lord. I urge you to consider the loyalty of my family for so many years.

　The Viscount glared at the Count with the madness characteristic of a trapped human being in his eyes.
　The two sides continued to stare at each other silently across the desk.

''I understand. That's it for today I would like to ask for your consideration.

　In the end, it was Viscount Baenna who was able to avert his gaze first.
　He must have decided that it was dangerous to push any harder than this.
　After bowing deeply as if to apologize for his own rudeness, Viscount Baenna slowly left the room.

Did you think it was me who didn't understand what you were thinking?''

　The righteousness of the argument and Viscount Baenna's true intentions hidden behind it.
　Count Salzberg saw both of them through, and after a deep sigh, he rested his body deep into the back of his chair.
　Then he slowly rang the doorbell on the desk.

'Call Signis and Robert. As soon as possible.

　Count Salzberg quietly closes his eyes as he sharply commands the maid, who appears from the door that has been opened soundlessly.
　Seeking a means to cut through the chaotic warfare situation.