The Seven Nations are remarkably unstable as a nation, and their power structure is in constant flux.
　They justify their wars of aggression between nations, which the Elective Church forbids, by calling it a war of aggression between them.
　That is, they call it unity within their own countries - internal conflict.

　However, it is impossible to say that the Election is contributing to peace.
　Originally, the conflict within the Seven Nations was a conflict between the human supremacist western camp, which adhered to the Election Religion, and the eastern camp, which had a large population of beastmen and other multispecies, because the root of the conflict was the teachings of the Election Religion.

　The only justification for the history of the Seven Nations is that they were originally one, and looking at the group of nations that have never ceased to fight, Duran used to have only the perception that it was a convenient place for him.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that no matter which side wins, there will be no peace. If the human side wins, there will be persecution of the minorities, and if the multi-species state wins, the Holy Land, the home of the Electoralists, will take up arms and intervene.
　That's probably why.
　It was just right for a rampage, that's all I could think of.

''Hmmmmmmm, hmmmmmmm...''

　But when I see the girl walking around, humming happily, I'm tempted to change my perception a little bit.
　I've been looking at the girl who was chased out of her place and conveniently felt sorry for her - I felt nauseated and frowned at that.
　It's a habit of the perpetrator to be selfish.

　Scorned, disrespected, shunned and discarded.
　Duran doesn't know what more painful than losing his place in the world, but even so, he doesn't deserve to even feel sorry for himself.

'Uncle, it's too late!　Quick, quick~!

　Duran chases after Nero, who is excitedly ahead of him.
　It's not an easy journey, and I was almost impressed that he was able to get so excited about it.

　I'm not sure how far this guy wants to follow me.
　I've been going through three villages since I met Nero, and while we're getting close to the capital of Solus, she doesn't seem to be willing to stay in the village, or even offer to negotiate with them.
　If Duran tries to talk to the village chief or the orphanage or whatever, she looks blatantly uncomfortable, runs away, looks like an abandoned cat, and recently even tries to fool them with a poor whistle.

　It's true that there are benefits that come with having Nero on watch at night and foraging for foodstuffs, but I can't let him accompany me on a trip I can't count on for any length of time for that reason.
　I'm sure you'll find that there's still less danger in concentrating on the family business of banditry than in following Duran on his journey.

　As they descended from the rolling hills and down the dingy cobblestone road, the air, which had changed ever so slightly, changed distinctly.
　At the same time, as if to compensate for the light source that was lacking due to the gray, cloudy sky, the glow of the light demon stone that was erected on the city's outer wall could certainly be seen despite the daylight.

　As I approached such a city, the smell of blood drifted out of the drain that led to the outside of the city.
　Perhaps it's because of the sky pattern that could change to rain at any moment, but the entire city remains somewhat dim even though it's daytime.
　A group of black-robed people come and go without a care in the world towards such a city.
　It was such a place.

''This is my first time coming to Solace!　Uncle, you wanted to come to such a dank place!

Don't mess around, you don't look it.
　Besides, Duran hadn't wanted to stop by Solace.
　It was Nero's refusal to leave Duran's side for any length of time that changed that.

'Totally ... be quiet, you're not a child--'

Nero's a ten-year-old, you know?　Is ten years old an adult?

I can't see it.
　I had heard that beastmen were more late-maturing than humans, but Nero's development was not bad by any means. His diet has improved since he met Duran, and it seems even more so due to the fact that his flesh is getting better.
　At least he looks like he's over fifteen, except for his flat chest.

'I was just thinking about something rude!
　Duran flatly boasted to Nero, who was displaying his sixth sense in vain.

'I don't know,'

You're lying!

"Well you're the one lying about your age, aren't you?
　He's an adult and a child alongside Duran, who is well beyond adult male, but Nero doesn't look like he's at least ten years old.

'Nero doesn't lie. Lying is the beginning of thievery, you know?

You're a thief.

Yes, you're a thief!
　The conversations that aren't conversations go on.
　Traveling with a child can be exhausting. Duran was in the midst of feeling this keenly again.
　The journey was supposed to be easy, but the fatigue level only increased.

'Halt!　What are you--!
　A black-clad figure standing at the gate stilled Duran and Nero.
　The Thorus guards are traditionally dressed in less conspicuous attire.

''Mercenaries ... no, travelers.
　I corrected the words I was about to say as quickly as I could and told him.

'No, but you ... you ... your kid ...'
　Looking at the shirtless Nero, the guards spilled out the words with a drawl, wondering what they misunderstood.

''Oh well I guess that's the way it is ... meddling in people's hobbies ... It's too late...
　However, as expected of Solace, which is renowned as an assassination state.
　Duran, who was easily let through, neither affirmed nor denied, exits the gate to lead Nero through.

''Hey, hey, what do you mean by that?''

I don't know.
　Duran dismisses him, and Nero's interest shifts quickly.

''Whoa!　It's kind of an interesting city...like this...going in circles!
　As soon as we entered the city, Nero, whose eyes sparkled with curiosity, said.
　As the word suggests, the city is made up of highs and lows and streets with multiple roads intertwined over and over again.　

''Solaras' knee is a maze city. The roads themselves are deliberately intricate, and to those who are not used to walking, they are roads that are lost on their own. Don't get distracted.

I'm fine!　I've learned how to smell your uncle!
　Confidently, Nero said.

'--Do you want to hold my hand?'
　On the contrary, Nero raises his hand and offers it to Duran as if he were worried about him.

"I won't connect. You're the one who can get it off.

Cheapskate.

　Duran searches through thin memories as he walks through the intricate streets of the labyrinth city.
　As the name suggests, Solus is a different place among the Seven Nations. Although it has earned its name as a nation, its reality is complicated in many ways.
　The one who effectively has control of the city is not the royal family, but a shadowy organization called the Assassination Family (Family).
　They are also an organization that grasps information that the nations don't want known about by taking on the behind-the-scenes work of not only Solus but also the seven nations that are consumed by strife.
　This is a shadow nation that does not belong to either of the Eastern or Western camps.
　It is the only one of the seven countries that is devoted to political disputes and wars, and it is a common understanding within the seven countries that they should not make enemies.

　It is because of such a place that the town is so intricate.
　It's questionable whether it's right to call Solaras a nation, but I think it's wrong to disparagingly refer to it as an assassin's state, as Duran has certainly made his presence felt in the shadows while assuming the dirty role.

　Besides, it's not so easy to indulge in such a derogatory term.
　They hold the weakness and pull the reins - the shadow ruler of the seven nations.
　If I had to name Thorus, Duran would call it.
　The Information State.

Hey--does he see you?
　Nero whispered to Duran.
　Her unparalleled perception seemed to easily sense the multiple gazes that were looking at us.

　There were two gazes that Duran felt.
　The amateur gazes that I felt a few of them and the professional gazes that blended in with the signs.

''They're guides to the city. They're looking for travelers who might be lost. Be careful, there are cases of vagrants attacking travelers under the guise of being city guides. The official family guide has a black winged mark on his chest. Remember that.
　Duran says as he looks at the one who is glancing at him.

''Hmmm.......that's it.......?

And the other one's an informant. Or an assassin. Either way, it's a professional job. You are well aware.
　Duran says as he walks in his natural attire.
　But given the open distance, it's unlikely that he'll be able to overhear the conversation.

'This is the kind of place we live in. But it's not hard for you to live here either. It's a good place for outcasts and thieves to live.
　Duran had been here when he was a mercenary.
　Because of that, there was no way they could hide Duran's fame, and the informants must have easily sniffed it out.
　They have a good ear.

But the rules set by the family are strong. Otherwise, we wouldn't be a nation. If you're going to stay in town, you have to follow the rules.

Hmm.
　Duran weakens at Nero, who says, disinterestedly.

'I'm talking about you.........'

Nero follows his uncle.
　With that, Nero clung to his clothes.
　He hugged me tightly around the waist, and that's exactly what a spoiled child would do.
　If left alone, he would attract attention. In the end, it would be Duran's role to compromise as usual.

''........Okay, okay, so--''
　Duran's words stretched vaguely and then stopped.

''--!　Get off!
　Suddenly, Duran popped Nero.

'Kya.'
　I let out a short scream, and that's when Nero fell to the ground. The sound of wind noise rushed through, and the sound of creaking and metal heaving could be heard.
　A needle like a thorn flew in to tear Duran and the girl apart.
　You're going to be able to find out if you're going to be able to get a good deal more information on the subject.

'Who is it?'

　I stare sharply at the spot where the projectile was thrown.
　But there is no one there.
　All there is is a horribly rare sign. No, it's too vague to call it a hint of presence.
　To be precise, it's probably an uncomfortable feeling.
　The place where such an uncomfortable feeling remained seemed to be distorted for a moment.

It's the same thing three years ago. As I recall, did I say the same thing three years ago?
　There was a shadow approaching, along with a lovely girlish voice.
　There were no footsteps.
　Nero looked around eerily, sharpening his perceptions and alerting himself, and yet he didn't seem to find anything.


　Duran replies gravely to the owner of the voice.
　Despite the fact that they are conversing in this way, he doesn't even smell a shred of a sign.
　In no other situation could the word 'eerie' be so applicable.

'Kakkake.'
　The girl's figure was so rare that she appeared with a laugh and almost lost it even as she stood tall and proud.

''Phew!''
　It must have been sudden for Nero.
　That's exactly why Nero revealed his alarm when he saw the girl who suddenly appeared in front of him.
　But it's pointless.
　No, it should be called counterproductive.

　The girl who had easily slipped through Nero's perception, who was alerted with all her strength, and who suddenly came within zero distance of him, extended her hand towards him.
　It was a surprisingly leisurely movement, and even seemed to be filled with compassion.
　But the bewildered Nero was not allowed to resist - phew.
　In an instant, he was forced to his knees.

''Eh.''

　The figure was like a puppet that had been threadbare.
　The only thing on the seated Nero would be confusion.
　The refined girl's skills accurately hold the fulcrum of Nero's power that is about to rampage, and she won't even allow him to transmit his power.

''Huhu--''

　A soft smile escaped the girl's mouth.
　What in the world will they do to me now?
　The girl's hand is gently placed on the head of Nero, whose eyes are closed in fear.　

''What is this girl!　That's so cute!　Super cute!　Can I take it home?

　Nero is patted on the head with all his strength and is perplexed.
　But no matter how hard she tries to run away, the girl's hand doesn't come off.

Hah-nah-nah-nah!　Phew!　Phew!

Why are you wearing a shirt?　Kid, at least put some clothes on. He looks like a kidnapper, all right?

'I told you three years ago, no. Well, if you're going to take it home with you, that's great, but--

Uncle?
　Nero's expression twisted sadly as he had just been betrayed.
　But it can't be helped since Duran's purpose and the girl's intentions are in line with each other.

'Every time we meet, it's with a delicious-looking woman. I'm sure you have a connection to the girl, boy.
　Bikun and Nero show their fears as the girl smiles bewitchingly at them and restrains their bodies.

'It must be a curse of a bad nature.
　When Duran said sarcastically, the girl released the teary-eyed Nero from his hands, satisfied with the whole process of petting him.
　And when she stepped away, she stomped her feet and stood gracefully.

It's not a good idea to be a pet, but it's not a good idea to be fussy. It's bad for your heart.

I'm just saying hi.
　The girl says aloofly, though it's questionable whether it's called a greeting if you're trying to wipe out all signs of life and take them by surprise.

'Your greeting is a dead giveaway.　　　

Don't you dare say that!　You've lost a lot of fangs, boy--

　--This is gonna be fun, isn't it?
　Then Duran let out a sigh, which was more common these days, as the girl made a silly face.

'Ugh, who is this guy!　Nero hates this man!　Kill him, uncle!
　Nero, who had finally recovered, said this with a slight burn.
　But that's impossible in many ways.
　Duran scratches his head and says it in a way that is easy for Nero to understand.

'This is the greatest woman in the country.

What?

　The girl giggles childishly and turns her gaze to Nero.
　Duran could see such an innocent smile on the girl's face in a terribly lecherous way.

'You've at least heard of the name Minalia, haven't you?

What--?

　Nero, who opened his mouth to reveal a dumb face, looked at Duran with eyes that seemed to say, "What a joke.
　But very unfortunately, it's all true, so it can't be helped.
　She would be the ruler of this country.
　The pinnacle of the organization known as the Assassination Family (Family). The queen who unites hundreds of assassins.

　Minalia Raisis Bluddia.

　Few people know exactly what she is and what she looks like. In the midst of the many rumors that have been spreading, they would never imagine that such a small, beautiful girl is the head of a family of weeping assassins.
　Her deep, shining golden hair is tied up on either side and gently swept away. Her face, which seemed too small, was surprisingly elaborate and well-defined.
　It was like a brilliant art.
　The moment I saw the figure in her eyes, I stopped breathing with admiration.
　There is no way to know her age from her appearance, which shows no signs of aging, but her appearance was that of a terrifyingly beautiful girl.

''I am the Minalia Raisis Bluddia--the patriarch of the assassination family!　Worship it!
　The smile that floated thinly along with the words was a s*xy smile that didn't match the girl's appearance.