After falling in love with Pricia, we came back to Viscount Kennus. The reason is because Alexia and the others came back.

　There was no way I was going to take May and Ekla with me this time, so I left Ekla with May and left the room. It was a little hard for me to hear Ekla cooing as she stretched her paws out to me in a lonely way. Well, I gave Pricia some snacks, so she'll feed them to Ekra.

　Gathered in Viscount Kennus's room were Viscount Kennus, me, Alexia, Helen, Aeris, Ferris, Ferris, and House Order Benton-san.

''Thank you for your hard work, Your Highness Alexia.

'Huh, I just had to go home and report back, so it was okay. Plus, I got some interesting stories to tell.

　Alexia smiles at me as she says this. Helen and Aeris are also somewhat proud of themselves. What is it?

'Well, I can't tell you that because your father said he'd talk to you directly. It's not a bad thing, so look forward to it, Ray.

Oh, yeah, all right. So what else did Her Majesty say to you?

　And what Alexia told me was as expected.

　First of all, the treatment of the baronial family, it seems that Baron Mangus will be captured as soon as he is found, and then he will be put to death. I heard that his entourage who fled with him, leaving their lordship behind, will be treated the same way. Well, it's a foregone conclusion.

　However, it seems that the Baron is still missing. The king has been sending his troops to look for him, but they haven't been able to find him. If they don't find him, they'll ask the Adventurer's Guild to come up with a bounty on him.

　The punishment of the baroness and her family has been decided, and they will be stripped of their titles and their son will be expelled from the school. It's said that the baroness and her family will be expelled from the academy. I can't blame them if I don't have a choice, but....... There's nothing I can do about it.

　The rest, I heard there was talk of a reward. It seems that Viscount Kenus, who led the charge in the baron's absence, and us who helped defeat the goblins will each receive a reward. Of course, the soldiers of the Baron's territory and the soldiers of Viscount Kenus who came out in reinforcements will also receive this award.

　Now, Dagris, who needed the money, will be happy. That guy is caught between Renee and the woman who has feelings for Dagris, Alma. Besides, Renee has been in a bad mood lately. You should give her something good to eat.

　I'll get something for everyone, too. I should also make Pricia's ring. I glanced at it earlier, and I saw that you had a shiny TruCrystal. I wonder what they would be happy to receive?　Hardly.

　If I was alone with my thoughts like that.

So you'll be out of here in three days?

Yes, the deputies will come to replace us. Then we'll go to King's Landing. With Viscount Kenus, of course.

　He was already talking about leaving. Viscount Kenus must also have to go to the royal capital because of the matter of the prize. From here, it wouldn't take more than a week to get there.

I understand. I shall send a letter to the late son and prepare for his departure. Shall I leave the handing over to the Lord Commander?

Yes. I'll take care of that.

　Then the meeting came to an end. A chilly wind blew as I left the mansion. It will be November by the time I return to King's Landing. At the end of the year, we'll have to deal with Aeris, and at the beginning of the year, we'll have a war with the Empire. It's going to be busy again.

　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.

　
　Royal Palace of the Regalia Empire

"Honorable soldiers!　It's time to become the sword of our nation and fulfill our nation's longest wish!

　From the terrace in the Royal Palace of the Regalian Empire, the Emperor spreads his hands out, not large, but still releasing a voice that echoes in every corner of the silence. The view from the terrace covers the city, the whole area is lined with soldiers, and the people are watching as they surround the city.

　The soldiers here are about 100,000 in total. About a third of the country's imperial army, which has a total population of about five million, goes to war.

　I learned that since the Regalia Empire is located in the middle of the continent, it borders most of the countries, so we can't afford to send out our entire army. Apparently the only one it doesn't contact is the Kingdom of Ciria, which is the southernmost one.

There are 100,000 soldiers here. And we have a general to lead them and some brave men to help us. And I believe that the greatest of these swords will lead the way for us!　Now is the time to destroy our sworn enemy, Nanor, and fulfill our nation's long-cherished desire!

　When the Emperor shouted that, the soldiers were like oh!　and the whole town rang out with a shuddering cheer. Then His Majesty returns to the royal palace, raising his hand.

　Inside, a soldier lies flat before the throne where His Majesty the Emperor sits. Behind him is the S-ranked adventurer Gargante Kelsios, followed by Ijuin, Shido, and our heroic group, who bow their heads.

''Face up,''

　We raise our heads as the Emperor says. He looks down at us from his throne and addresses the man in front.

"General Gregorius," he says. With my 100,000 swords and my heroic lords, we will defeat the Lanwalker Domain of Nanor!

'Ha!　Even if it costs me my life!

"My son, Delis. I hope you will join me in this war and study with General Gregorius.

Yes, I'm going to use my talents to the fullest!

　The idiot prince says something stupid. I manage to hold back the fact that I almost laugh.

''S-ranked adventurer Gargante Kelsios. You'll be backing up the heroes. Basically, it's just a matter of keeping a cool head, but if something happens, you will protect the heroes.

Yes, sir, of course.

　And the Emperor looks at us.

'My brave lords. Let your lordships see what you have achieved this past year. I know it will be a tough battle, but when we achieve it, we will give you gold, silver, treasure, women, lands, and everything else.

　When the Emperor said that, the delinquent group gave a sickening smile. That guy definitely laughed at the female part.

''Yes, we will use our abilities to the fullest!

　Ijuin speaks on behalf of our hero group. This guy is used to it, but he's imposing. Kana-chan and Mari-chan are trembling under the pressure of the ministers around them, but this is not the case. I say that, I'm pretty nervous too.

''Then go!　Bring it all into my hands!

　With the Emperor's statement, not only the generals, but also the ministers standing around him raise their voices. And as it propagates from the surroundings, Ijuin also raises his voice.

　After that, His Majesty the Emperor leaves, and the ministers also leave the room. We leave the room too, and there we are.

"Takumi.

　And Lucie comes in. Lucie and her brother, Prince Clift, were not able to participate in this ceremony. Is it because they are concubine's children, after all?

....

Lucie?

　Lucie just comes to my side and doesn't say anything. She just turns her face down. What's going on?

"...Takumi. Please make sure you make it out alive.

　Then Lucy hugs me. Hey, you're embarrassing me here.

"I don't want to be a widow before I get married.

　Saying that, Luciy looked up and smiled. I was laughing too.

Yeah, I'll make it out alive.

　I hug her back too. After a few seconds or so, Lucie pulls away from me. It's a shame, but it can't be helped. The generals are going to have a pep rally now, and of course the heroes will be attending it.

　But of course, Lucy and her friends can't attend. So we will say goodbye here. Tomorrow we have a full day to prepare and the day after tomorrow we'll leave. We won't see each other again until we come back. So.

Lucy!

Taku... hmmm!

　I kiss Lucy regardless of the surroundings. At first, Lucie seems shy and squirms, but she gives up halfway through and hugs me again. Then we kiss for a minute or so and leave.

'I'll be back, I promise.'

Yes, sir.

　I reiterate what I said earlier while looking into Lucy's eyes. Lucie nods with a smile, even though she's embarrassed. I'm embarrassed by the stares around me, but it's better than not doing it and regretting it.

　As it is, it's time for the pep talk, so I say goodbye to Luciy. I'm going to make it back alive, no matter what!