Today is the day of the closing ceremony ......, but I'm free in the morning as the ceremony takes place in the afternoon.

　So, I'm going to go to the usual curry restaurant for breakfast.


Oops.

　When I went down to the living room, Cubero was already waiting for me.

'Good morning, Second-sama.
Oh, good morning. The curry shop.
I'm already booked.
Thank you. Okay, I'll go now.
Yes, sir.

　The morning greetings are in moderation as the two of us walk out.

　The sun has not yet risen, and a crisp breeze is a nice morning.

We had no idea how many people would be in the room, so we have a private party, if you don't mind.
Good call. At least this way there's no panic in the store.
The inside of the store (...) is, well, ...... I still have a vivid memory of that mess.
I'm sorry.
No, it was a very good experience. And, uh-huh, I've been practicing my signature ever since.
Haha, you're a candidate in the Tōshin'i fight, after all.

　I said with a chuckle, and Cubero smiled at the corner of his mouth and quickly swept his long, dangling bangs of blond hair, parted into seventy-three sections, to the side in embarrassment.

　Both of these guys have been around for a long time now. We've been laughing at each other for as long as we can remember, and now we're laughing at each other like friends.

I'm glad to have this opportunity to show you something, although it's a little bit embarrassing.
'Yeah. Most of them want to sign it but don't have anyone to sign it to. You should be proud of them.

　I shove my hands in my pockets and move slowly on foot to the curry shop, chatting with Cubero about other things.

　A carriage would get us there in no time. Anko's transfer summoning would be even faster. But for today, walking is the only thing that makes sense. Everyone should feel that way, somehow. After the big semi-annual event, today, somehow, they should feel the urge to wander around and go for a breakfast meal.


'-- well, well, eight crowns. Odd thing about being a jogger.

　There she is.

Good morning, Jerez. Let's go get curry.
I'll be there.

　Jerez Lumberjack has joined us.

　He was jogging, apparently, and is in a jersey. But he looks intensely tacky. The eldest son of the Lumberjacks, the Countess of Lumberjack, has been wandering around all morning in a hideous jersey, but is it okay with the Countess?

'Oh no, but Rave, you were strong. Unfortunately, you're a step behind. You showed your embarrassment to the Eight Crowns.
"Ah, Mr. Rave. He's good. ......
'Oh?　Does the Eight Crown have a thing for him?
I'm not sure if I'm curious. I heard you're coming to the party, so I'll talk to you there. Anyway, Jerez, it's you.
Me?
'Yeah. You, at the end of the match with Rave, you threw away your Zweigender and brought out your dagger.
Yes. It was my back hand.
That's good.
I don't know if it's ......, it's a very simple compliment, but haha, it's funny, I'm strangely happy about it.
'In that situation, they often kick at you. Therefore, if you go for the kicked out leg, you can regain the initiative. Or, you can respond to the kick by daring to catch the kick and returning from the short sword to the long sword. If you can offset it here, even better.
'I see, it certainly seems that such a move would be viable if you could predict the kick. Does the offsetting look like it's going to take a long time for ...... me to get it right?
Practice makes perfect.

　Afterwards, he didn't mention anything about his jersey appearance, and he and Cubero and Jerez went to the curry shop while talking about effective practices of offsetting.

　Offsetting is an essential skill for both [Sword Art] and [Body Art]. The two of them will have to learn it eventually.


''--Ah, I knew it!

　Three minutes later.
　Capito the Canine Beastman joined us.

"Good morning, Capito. You're looking pretty mental.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!　Well, curry shop, I was right to wander around thinking it was today. Yes, I'm already full of energy, thanks to Mr. Second!
I feel like I'm rather close to catching up.
'For love's sake, isn't it, for love's sake!　I know that!
...... um, yeah, well,

　That's fine then.

"Mr. Jerez, that transfer was a real humbug!　Mr. Cubero was also a quintessential match, showing off his dignity as a butler!
Huh, I know, right? More praise.
There's no such thing as a dignity.

　Mr. Capito, the tail buzzing Mr. Capito, immediately got to know the two of them and started talking happily. And he pretended not to notice Jerez's lame jersey. This kind of communicative ability is also a charm of his.


''--Oh, everyone's together,''

　Five minutes later.
　When we arrived at the splendid curry restaurant Karai, we were greeted by the former Kongou Rock'n'Chair.

Good morning, Rock'n'Chair. I knew it was today.
Good morning, sir. Yeah, I was in the mood this morning.

　That's right.
　Most of the title fighters would want to have a leisurely breakfast meal this morning. That's what it's like to be in the title fight.

I'm impressed. "It's amazing how you've managed to prepare three pieces of equipment for the 'horizontal walker'.
'Yes, thanks to you. It was quite a pain in the ass. It's not even comparable to Eco-san's five "Anaguma" parts. It's a good idea to have the same series of equipment for the same series: ...... How much time and money did they spend on it? For your information, may I ask?
Yeah. You've been cobbling together materials while going around the dungeon. The creation, granting, and dismantling loop took more than half a year. I honestly don't know about the money, but I only occasionally buy more materials to fill the shortage, so I don't think it took much.
Thank you, sir. I see. ......

　Rock'n'Chair had some thoughts, he put his hand on his chin and started thinking. Just like Mr. Capito, Rocknchair is also going through with Jerez's jersey.

　But Jerez, Capito and Rock 'n' Chair are all talking about the title fight.

　Well, I get it. I guess you could say it's always a time of year for net-players. Perhaps this is the time when they're having the most fun playing Mevion. That's why, even on their off-days, they're thinking about self-improvement, trying to get better.

　Oh, it makes me happy.


I'm not sure if it's you guys. It's me, isn't it?　I just happened to be passing by, by accident.

　Oh yeah, come to think of it, this guy was there last time.
　Right now, it's a light blue-haired elf who just appeared in front of us, disguised as a coincidence.

'Good morning Nil. Don't put on a bad act, just get your ass over here.
And it's not an act!　Hmph, rude as ever: ......
You're the one who's always been so naive.
"Don't call a hundred and twenty-eight year old you, eighteen!

　Oh dear, you look good.

So, have you decided on a course of action after you've retired from the battle of the Eishou?
If you're a complete idiot, you can go to ...... and say, "Well, we've decided.
Wow!　What are you going to do?
"...... will take care of you at the Royal College of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
'What?　No!　Are you serious, Nil?　Mr. Nil is a teacher?　That Mr. Nil!
Shut up, Capito!
Hey!　Mr. Second, help me!

　You guys are good friends, actually.

Well, that's good. It's your decision, so go ahead. Something happened to you, didn't it?
'...... Hun, it's a trivial matter. It's not something I'd bother to mention.
Yeah, that's right.

　There is a woman who quit her job as an Iemoto because of the cream bun she ate when she was a child, and now she's running a bakery that's been going on for hundreds of years.


By the way, Second. What's going on with that case?
Yeah, .......

　Alpha Promenade. The person Nil had fought for her engagement in the War of the Eishin, six months ago, and lost.
　She had been a pear-shaped conglomerate for six months, and now where is she and what is she doing now?

　In fact, just yesterday, a report had come up from the maid who was investigating the matter.

　The story can be summarized as follows.

'What a Amaniwato!
What did you say?
I hear he's a shut-in.
'A recluse?　That Alpha for six months?
Technically, I guess.
"...... Promenade House.

　Nil quirked an eyebrow and spoke up.

'What do you think, as a former lad of the Viceroy family?'
'Shut up, watch your mouth. Just ...... that house is tricky. The Viceroy family, due to their venerable lineage, values bloodlines. They have a policy of eliminating untalented blood and only allowing the best ones into the house, thickening the blood. However, the Promenade family is an emerging aristocracy, so they don't care about bloodlines. They have the strength to do anything to make the family grow. In fact, they would have wanted to marry her off to the Viceroy family against her will.
You know a lot, man. But wasn't this marriage thing a unilateral request on your part?
'Don't be silly. I didn't mind, but the Weissroy family had a difficult time with it. It was the Promenades who were pushing it the hardest.
'You didn't mind?　Wasn't that a big welcome mistake?
Shut up, shut up!

　Nil blushes and gets angry. He's over a hundred years old, but inside he looks like a junior high school boy.

　But is that so? Is that what the Promenade family is? This is good to know.

"Thank you, Nil. Good to know.
...... hmm. Use it to your advantage.

　Nil said brusquely and looked away from me.

　Beyond that, it was Jerez in his jersey.

'............,'

　Dare to go through: ...... You're a grown-up now, Nil.


　Oops, looks like they're about to open. I guess we've talked a lot.

　Well, this time I'll have chicken or pork, rice or naan .......


'Well, well, well, Second Lord, gentlemen. Breakfast over here, I suppose?

　As I was thinking about Curry, an unexpected person appeared.

'Steam, good morning. Just as well, you can eat with us.
I'm honored. Well, that's what I was going to do in the first place.

　Steam Bitter Valley frontier count.
　Can a frontier count hang out in a place like this all by himself?　No, I guess it's okay, because it's steamy.

"The curry is great here.
I'm as gourmet as I look, you know.
Kasakari told me.
'Oops, that's close to my ears, I wouldn't have expected that.

　Steam glanced at Jerez, and without showing any reaction, he rubbed his hand on his neck and muttered under his breath, "Well, what shall I ask for? There are faint circles under his eyes.

'Are you tired?'
'Yes. It's not easy being a frontier count.
I know.
'If Mr. Empire would just stay quiet, I could take my men on vacation with me.

　The battle against the Senju-shou and the frontier count, it was hard to have two pairs of sandals.

　But even in such a situation, the steam is still a pleasant thing to do, because they're willing to give priority to curry with me.



"--Aah!

Ah!


　Just before the store opened.
　I couldn't help but let out a voice when I saw the man's face as he turned down the alleyway towards me.

'Secured!

　I shouted, and Cubero instantly ran off. It was more than twice as fast as it was six months ago.

''Tch!　What a pain in the ass!

　The man who turned on his heel with a look of exasperation was Prince-mae Tenmoza, a scantily clad handsome man with black hair and purple mesh and dark leather pants and leather jackets.

　Oh, quick escape foot. your AGI seems to be reasonably high, Prince-kun. But he's beaten by Cuvelo.

'd*mn it!　What the f*ck are you doing?　What do you want from me?　Ah!

　Seconds later, Prince is seized by Cubero and makes a lot of noise like a thug caught by the police. I don't hate this little guy.

'Let's get some curry.'
Huh!
They have a great curry.
...... Oh?
I'm not looking for a fight.
So what the hell, then? You'll get me.
I just wanted to share a curry with you.
............

　Prince's mouth was open, as if he was dumbfounded.

　Then Mr. Capito came up to him and broke the silence.

''Mr. Prince, I saw the game!　Great job with the thread!　The dragon beard was awesome, and the way they moved the torches was awesome too!
'Oh?　Yeah, hi, hi ...... who are you?
"Here's the Spirit King contestant, Capito!
'Contestants!　is ......!

　That's when Prince finally seems to realize what's going on.

　He looked around at all the other eminent men, except me, and for a moment there was silence.
　Then, with a half-smile, he said, "I'm going to eat curry.

...... curry, I'm going to eat.

　I still like that little touch.





'Oh, I remember!　How dare you scribble on my body?

　Ten minutes after entering the store.
'Welcome aboard! I greeted the waitress girl, who reacted even more than last time, and we each sat down as we wanted, ordered as we wanted, and when the curry arrived at the table, Prince said abruptly, "Oh, I just remembered.

　Oh, I remember now, too.
　'Cheating is cheating,' he said, 'and while I was passed out, I stripped down and doodled all over my pants.

'No, well, you deserved it,'
Huh!
You're lucky you got away with it.
...... tch.
Come on, eat your curry.
I've already eaten!
It's good, isn't it?
...... It's a great deal of work, but it's also delicious.
Yeah.

　Prince didn't roll it up any more, probably because he was actually making it up as he went along. Then he didn't want to rehash it, but maybe he didn't want to get licked by the other title contenders.

　Hmmm, this vainglory is really good for the netherworld. This guy is a gem, after all.


''Prince Moto Ten Amiza looked like he was competing with the Second Eight Crown. Although I'm not very good with strings, due to my swordsmanship, I can still see that he's pretty good at it.
That's true. I was overwhelmed by Vogue's overwhelming victory over Second, so I'm really hampered by the fact that I have a good match with Second, .......
Oh, really?　But I'm a former Ten Amiza, so it's not surprising... Well, I felt like I was too close this time.
''Hmm, it looked like you were fighting a good fight at one point. Against the Eight Crown. This will be tremendous.
As expected of the former Amiza. Maybe he'll come back to the top.
Yeah. That was a close game. Let's get it back soon.
Maybe he's in the running for the prize.
Yeah. There's a chance.
I don't know, heh.

　Jerez and Mr. Capito, you seem to have already learned how to handle Prince. Prince is visibly in a good mood.

''By the way, you're a lame jersey.
...... Really?　...... Kapito you are.
I don't think we'll get that color, honestly.
S-.......

　Oh, you're going to tell me!　And Jerez is shocked a little bit, it's funny.

　This feeling of not being able to read the air, and the way he speaks straight out of the blue, it's a good thing that it's like Prince. That sense, intuition and spur-of-the-moment [string manipulation] is really in line with his character.

　On the other hand, Cubero and Rock'n'Chair were quietly eating their curry. They seem to be more of a quiet eating principle. They're just as calm as they look.

　And as for Steam, while he was grinning at us, he was busy turning his attention to the communication column, which is probably a team-only newsletter. He seemed to be working while we were eating. Poor guy.

'Can't you guys just eat quietly?　Why don't you take a lesson from me,
'Oh?　What's your problem, man?

　A few minutes passed, and Nil, who was the first to finish eating this time as well, said something like that.

'Hmph, I haven't finished eating yet because I'm babbling on and on.

　This guy is trying to mount a quick meal because he doesn't get much attention, and it's funny.

"Yes, sir.
Well, not yet!

　And it's Kapito-kun's way of reading the air.
　Prince, who was about to lose his temper, looked at Nil, who was dismayed when Kapito-kun called him "Teacher" and lowered his pent-up feelings.

　Teacher. You're a teacher. ......


'Hey, Prince.
'Oh?　What the hell?

　I finished my curry and it was time for my post-dinner coffee.
　I opened my mouth, remembering what I had been thinking of telling Prince.


'You and I have a lot to talk about. So keep in touch with me in the future.
...... Yeah, I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask you, too. I'm not going to get used to it, though.


　I see. He's just as interested in this as I am.


"Dr. Linlin" - Prince said indeed.

　If that's the person I'm thinking of, it's ...... definitely a hometown.


'I'll see you at the party tonight and we'll talk.
Tsk, okay.

　It looks like Prince will be there for the 8th crown anniversary party. Good, good.



Well, boys, I'll see you later.

　It's about time that Yukari starts to worry, or rather get jealous.

　I summoned Anko and asked for a transfer summon. The reason being ...... how long ago the information was spread around, because the outside of the store is already in a terrible mess.


''Hey, you!　You're going to run away again!

　He smiles at Nil, who shouts his disapproval, and tells him one last thing.



''Oh yeah, yeah, there's a bingo tournament this time too, so you can look forward to it.


　Jerez, Capito and Rock 'n' Chair with their twitching smiles at me, Cubero with a cool face, absent-minded Steam, an angry Nil in a huff, and a stunned Prince.

　It would be nice if we could all have curry again in six months' time.