The port where Einhorn is located.

　I was out on deck, and I was talking to Luxion - and I was talking to him.

'Hey, did you build two Einhorns?

"Creare's men built it without permission. I don't think he would allow me to alter the Einhorn I designed and use maintenance parts without permission.

'Well, Angel won't like the color of Ricorne, but white looks good on Libya, so it doesn't matter.

"Master?　You need to be a little tougher on them.'

Yeah. --Well, let's see what you think.

　Luxion had been moving around a lot during the night on board.

''I'm assuming that Serge acted on his own--I believe he was moved by Ideal.

Keep going.

'Initially, Serge approached the Master to befriend him. That, in itself, seems to have been induced by Ideal.

　Military.

　A spaceship that had experienced war with the newcomers.

　It was Luxion's opinion that such an Ideal could not be considered more mature than him.

''It's not your assumption, is it?

'Ideal is guiding Serge. In fact, he personally selects the information he delivers to Serge. You don't know it, but the people who sold the Master's information are the people related to the kingdom's nobles who escaped to the Republic. "The Forest of Ladies--remember?"

That's a name I'll never forget even if I wanted to.

'We believe that he knowingly passed on the biased information he received from these women.

No wonder they hate you so much. Well, if I were Serge, I wouldn't trust him in the same way.

'I wouldn't do anything like Ideal.

Oh, really?

''--I'm wondering what my reputation is among the Masters.

　No matter how many excuses you make, you're a killer.

　I know that I want to keep my distance.

　Even though I know that's not what this world values, I just can't get used to it.

"What are they going to do now?

''We can expect several responses regarding the Holy Tree, but there will be one in the future. Regardless of the Sacred Tree, the Ideals will move towards the annihilation of the newcomers.''

You guys are too extreme.

　Artificial Intelligence is always extreme.

'We believe that the reason they brought Lelia into the fold is to breed her with their own master.

　Luxion tells me in a matter-of-fact manner as I almost gush.

''It's important. Originally, I would have wanted to recommend Marie as my master's marriage partner. Because she also has a lot of old human genes left in her.''

'None. It's only in my creation, like messing with my sister.

'There are a number of examples in reality. It's not just in the creation. To begin with, they are physical strangers, so it's not inbreeding.'

　Since the time of mythology, I've heard that there are actual examples of siblings - with older siblings.

　Yeah, I've heard that one myself.

Yeah. But I don't. I can't see Marie as a woman.

　She's not a woman - she's my sister.

'I'm sorry. Well, I meant to say that Ideal was thinking the same thing.

　I want the genes of the old humans.

　If we use the reincarnation to do that - what?

Hey, does that guy want our genetic information?

'You're very perceptive today. You are correct. Whenever possible, it is believed that they will work to find a reincarnation. What would be convenient for that is for Serge to become the king of this world. Then, I think the reason you didn't stop the master is because you need a live sample.''

"Live samples?

''It's a sample for human experimentation. At worst, we don't need them, but they are valuable reincarnations. I don't think they can't be cloned, and you wanted to secure them alive.

　--That sucks.

　More importantly, there are two people in the Republic - currently, there are only two people in the kingdom, me and Marie, too.

　I didn't think Ideal would be satisfied with just four people.

◇

　Rion's room.

　Waking up, Angier found himself in Leon's bed.

'Leon!'

　I hurriedly checked my surroundings and found no sign of Leon.

　However, there was Livia nearby.

　She was sitting on a chair and had a divine look on her face.

''Livia, has something happened to Rion?''

　Livia huffed at the sound of Angel's voice and shook her head after a short pause.

'No, he's out on deck now.

Oh, yeah. Well, you're in the clear. Good, good. I'm so happy for you.

　But Livia's expression was not excellent.

'What's wrong?　Don't tell me you have an after-effect on you!

　When Livia shook her head, Angier was relieved.

　It's just--.

''Ange, is there a connection between Rion-san and Marie-san?　Is there talk of a brother and sister?

　Angier nods his head.

'What do you mean?　"That's not possible."

But maybe he's got a brother or sister who isn't alive.

　I didn't know what Livia was trying to say.

　Angier could assure her that it wasn't the only one.

'None. During the first semester of the first year, the Viscount Raffan family had thoroughly investigated the matter. At the time, they thought she was a woman who might be His Highness Julius' mistress. Even the dukes investigated her thoroughly.

　It's the same with the Royal Palace.

　As a result, as far as blood relations were concerned, surprisingly nothing had come up.

　It was only the family's poor behavior that was more of a problem, and there was nothing about Marie herself.

　At best, she was only the daughter of a baronial family that could use healing magic.

　There are no reports of any connection with Leon.

''But I hear there's something going on with the Baldfalt family.

No. My family has looked into it. The daughter of the duke's family is marrying into the family, so of course they're going to look into things. There's nothing between Leon and Marie.

But--

What's up?　You're crazy today. If you're tired, get some rest.

　Livia raised her downcast face.

It's a good idea to have a good time. That's when I called you "big brother".

　Angier was puzzled by the words.

'--What?'

　If we're close to each other here, or actually in a relationship, we can handle it.

　I'd be angry, and I wouldn't know what to do myself.

　But as for my brother, I didn't expect it.

'Oh, brother?'

'Yes. I was definitely calling him. They weren't even in the mood to be lovers - they were like a real brother and sister. I can't put it into words, but I thought in my sleep that we must be brother and sister. But that can't be true, and that's just not possible.

　Both Angier and Livia nodded their heads.

''There shouldn't be any blood relationship. In the first place, the Baldfart family and the Viscount Raffan family don't even have a connection. --there must not have been.

　Angier also starts to question his answers.

　It shouldn't have been related - Marier had called Rion his 'brother'.

'Where's Marier?'　I'll talk to you directly.

Well, I've gone to the house to get my things.

'Then I'll ask him when I get back. I'd like to ask Rion about it, but for now I'd like to give him a break.

　They had lost so badly.

　They must have been depressed.

◇

I'm starving. Give me something to eat.

'Master is in good spirits, isn't he? Aren't you nervous about the appearance of a powerful enemy?

If you're alive, you're hungry.

　I was talking to Luxion on the deck, and I was hungry.

'You are carefree even though Noel was taken away. To Ideal, Noel is a tool to gain trust from Lelia. It's of little importance, though?''

'As far as the Republic is concerned, she's a sapling priestess. They won't do anything to you.

　As long as Noel is okay, he's fine.

　If he does anything, I--.

　As I was thinking about it, the noise below me started to build up.

　I looked down and saw that the soldiers of the Republic were making noises about inspecting Einhorn.

　The same commander who had previously examined us had come riding in with his bandages on.

"He's in good health too, isn't he?

''You look quite happy. When you heard that your master was defeated, did you come here as a way to get back at him?''

　I had to go downstairs to deal with it.

　Near the doorway, the maid captain was arguing with that captain-dono.

''Arrogant for coming so suddenly without permission!

He says it's a field test. To begin with, this is the Republic of Arzer. Aren't the weakest members of the kingdom supposed to behave accordingly?　Or don't you understand that you've been defeated by us?

You're trying to trick me, you know.

　The end of the Republic was in good spirits today.

　When I showed up, the captain-dono was smiling at me.

We've been waiting for you, Count. I've been waiting for you, Count, so let's get on with the inspection of this airship. I will investigate this airship thoroughly...

　A man wearing a hat was standing behind the captain-dono, who was thinking about the unthinkable.

　He was tall and well-built, a nice middle, the opposite of the captain-dono.

''Shall I ask you to step aside?''

　That nice middle said as he took off his hat, and the Lord Captain turned around and said--'

'Who the hell is this!　You'll have to instruct me on how to-- uh, well, you know, how to--

　The nice middle says to the captain-dono, whose voice suddenly becomes low and begins to tremble.

''Stay out of it. That's what I'm supposed to be ordering you to do, isn't it?

　Alberg, the representative of the six great nobles, came to me with a few of his men.

　The captain-dono blew a bubble and sat down on the spot, while his men dragged him away.

　When Mr. Alberg found me.

'I'm sorry. I want to apologize for my son's situation as well. Can we talk for a moment?

You've got some nerve coming up on my airship.

　The quintessential Russboss, you say?

　I'll show him to the parlor.

◇

　Einhorn's parlor had been defiled by Pierre and the others, but now it was back to normal.

　The robots have cleaned it up well.

　It was in such a parlor that I was facing the second russian boss of the second film--.

'Do you really just want an apology?'

　--I couldn't believe my ears.

'Yes. I'm really sorry about my son.

By the way, I'd like you to apologize for what happened earlier as well. My boss should take responsibility for his subordinate's actions. He's the one who should be held accountable, right?

'I'll hit you where it hurts. I apologize for that too--I'm very sorry about this. I'm sorry.

　You can say whatever you want to say.

　But I don't know why he came to see me.

　What's this guy got to do with me?

'Before I'm the Acting Speaker, I'm a parent too. I feel responsible for my son.

You can't make a formal apology?

　The reason I came to see you in secret - the same as Eryk's parents.

　I have the advantage of not being able to make a formal apology as a republic.

I guess you, a foreigner, will never understand.

I can't help but think you're underestimating international issues.

　For a moment, I remembered that I had beaten Pierre up, but that matter was fine because it was Pierre who got to him first.

　--Tabun.

''That's what the Republic is. I feel bad for the Kingdom of Horfert, too.

　He doesn't make a formal apology. He doesn't, but he has come to apologize as a parent.

'I'd like to have Noel and his saplings back.

'--I can't do that. It has already been made known that she is a survivor of the Respinus family. The six great nobles, including me, will protect her by any means necessary.

Because she's a sapling priestess?

Yes. I know you were chosen as a guardian. I would have liked to have developed a friendly relationship with you, if I could. I should have gotten to know you earlier.

　I suppose you're just using me as an outsider, right?

　Did this guy have something to do with the ideals?

It's still a good little thing, you know. I won't be able to live up to your expectations.

'So what will our country be called, having been defeated by the good little guy?

　They were silent for a while, and then Mr. Alberg stood up.

'The Fevers are trying to capture you,' he said, 'and there are houses that are sympathetic to that move. Some of the houses are sympathetic to that move. I'm sorry, but if you're going to run away, the sooner the better.

You're letting us go?

"I will have no personal quarrel with the Kingdom. If you want to go to war, I will only intercept you.

　Personal opinion, you know.

　Do you think that the Rathbones are pretending to be moderate?

Then I want to hear it. I want to know what you think. I'd love to hear what you would like to do with the future of the Republic - I'd love to hear it.

　Mr. Alberg opened his mouth with his back to me.

　But he didn't answer my question.

''--I'm jealous of you. No, the kingdom where you are, I guess.

◇

　Alberg was on his way back to the territory from the port.

　He remembered the time he had spoken with Rion.

　At the airship's resting place, Alberg and a few of his men are the only people in the airship.

　The subordinates are questioning Alberg.

'Alberg-sama, you didn't need to apologize for anything.

　--Alberg gives me a headache.

(You do realize we're in big trouble, right?　(No, you don't understand.)

　Because of the Holy Tree, the Republic had always been able to stay strong.

　Therefore, I thought it was good medicine to experience defeat once.

　I thought--.

　Serge had regained the Republic's self-respect.

　Therefore, there is an atmosphere among the aristocrats in the Republic that seems to be buoyed by the heat.

　After all, they had no enemies of their own, and they were strong enough to counteract their fears.

　However, the way they regained their pride can only be called very poorly done.

(O Serge, don't disappoint me.)

　Alberg's head ached even more at the thought of the future.

◇

　As Mr. Arberg left Einhorn, I was talking with Angier about the future.

'Rion, are you going to stay put?　The Republic guys are going to move to get us for sure. There's going to be that Serge or some other lost item armor bearer out there.

Yes.

'Arrogant is being repaired, right?　I'm sorry, but I'll bring you back, even if it takes all my strength. The country--no, I need you.

　I didn't know what to say to Angel, who was looking down, and I didn't know what to say.

　-- it's always like this.

　I can't help but get lost.

　You've got Luxion, and I'm constantly worrying about it.

　I'm jealous of Serge.

　I can abandon the Republic as it is.

　If Serge is here, he can handle the Holy Tree's outbursts.

　But the problem is--Ideal.

　He's too dangerous.

'The problem is Serge. Will he be satisfied with just the Republic?

　I didn't mention Ideal's name and I mentioned Serge's name because - I thought that would help Angier understand me better.

　Telling him about Luxion and the others would take a lot of time, and I don't know if he would believe me.

　Angel puts a hand to his chin.

'I don't know the man, so I can't tell you anything. He's got the same lost items as Luxion, you know. I can't judge him. I can't, but--'

Can't?

The man personally is a kid with a penchant for storybook heroes.

I suppose a man would love to be a hero?

'That's not what I meant. I should say it's not down to earth. I also have a problem with you just calling Leon an outcast.

　I think I'm a coward.

　--I've killed a lot of people.

I'm a terrible outsider.

You're too nice. The same is true of Libya. Kindness is a virtue, but it's no good talking about it if those who stand above others can't be outcasts.

　I guess this is another difference in values.

　In a previous life--I grew up in Japan and Angier's values are different.

　War is wrong. Killing people is wrong.

　I was taught that, and in fact I think it's wrong, but I can't accept the values of this world.

　Wars, including skirmishes, happen all too often.

　If you are sent to war, you will kill each other even if you don't want to.

　I know that Japan had such a time, but I really learned about it when I participated in the war here.

　Fools don't understand until they've experienced it, right?

　I've realized since my reincarnation how happy I was in my previous life.

"I didn't want to be an outsider, if you know what I mean. I didn't want to end up in hell.

'Don't worry, I'll be with you. Back to the point, I don't think a man who only calls Rion an outsider has the capacity to rule the country.

　Huh?　Could this be a great compliment?

　I don't know how to respond.

'Oh, you're being complimented?'

'Oh, dumbass!　I'm just making a good argument. Duh, but you have the capacity that Serge doesn't. Never mind that you lost.

　--What would the kingdom think if they knew I'd lost?

　The bastards in Roland will laugh and be happy.

　That's my problem.

"Master has the chops,

'Wow!　Oh, dude, be a little more considerate. Don't come out of the blue!

　Angier was surprised too. His face is bright red.

'Oh, you scared me!'

　Luxion appeared and abruptly interrupted our conversation.

''I beg your pardon. More importantly, I have a message for you. Creare wants you to come to Marie's mansion in a hurry.''

　I narrow my eyes.

'Have you moved on yet, Republic guys?　Luxion, I'll be right there to help--

'-No, it's not that kind of urgent matter.

　It was an inexplicably crisp Luxion.