Nato!

Ha!


　The first to move was Melson.

　He instructed Nato and gathered a squad of kinsmen with the Imperial Guard around himself to fortify the defense.

　Do you think they're finally going to get caught and killed?　Well, it's only natural.


Seven!


　Out of the corner of my eye, I see the lights.

　Light still seemed to be confused about my identity, but he seemed to be willing to listen.


''Don't come!''

!


　In the meantime, I don't want you to wander around now.

　I'm currently surrounded by knights. There's a mix of friend and foe in the field. I'm not sure what's going to happen. It's just a matter of chance.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for in a good time.


!

　d*mn it, the shadows are getting closer to Wright.

　Melson, you're going to capture Wright and hold him hostage, aren't you?

　Let's not let him. I summoned Anko, and first of all, Light was at hand--.



"--Sen!

!


　Just as I was about to invoke the 《Magic Summoning》 - Olympia, who appeared dashing while dominating her long hair, interrupted between Light and Shadow.


''Knight Captain, leave this one to me!　Now please focus on that!


　And then you say something like that.

　Hey, hey, hey, hey. What's that, hey, hey. Isn't that a declaration of "siding with the Second Firth Test": ......?


"Protect your highness and bring him to the Knight Commander!

Ha!


　If you look closely, you can see that the Kingsguard with the Prince has mobilized all of its forces according to Olympia's instructions.


　It's ...... decisive. It's not just Olympia, all the Knights of the Kingsguard with the Prince have followed me (・・・・・). It's not Seven, it's the Second First Test, on me.

　Why ...... and apparently I don't have time to think about why.


'You're closing the distance,'

I know.


　Cigarone said a word, lazily. I returned it briefly and looked around in a circle.

　The knights of Melson who were surrounding me would gradually narrow the circular formation, intending to finish me off and Cigarone as well.

　If they're going to slash at me at the same time, should I use the invincibility time of 《Transformation》 to blow them away at the right time? Or should I use the red bean paste to transition to Light's place?

　Hmm, the latter has a minute of cool time, let's save it for now.


"Looks like these guys are stalling for time for His Highness' escape.

Oh, I see.

You're pretty relaxed about that, Second Firth Test. You give up?

You're the one who walks tall, aren't you?

'Hahaha!'


　I put my hands in my pockets and challenged him, and Cigarone laughed and turned to me, unconcerned at the fact that he was surrounded.


'Our enemies (...) and allies (...) are becoming clearer.

!


　So that was Cigarone's aim, after all.


I'll do one last thing.

What more do you have to offer?

"You're a wrecking ball: ...... a little too much of a wuss.

So that's it.

　Cigarone is full of irony until the very end. It's like the chocolate candy I ate as a kid.


'Thank you, Cigarone, for a grand finale.


　I don't need many words. I just want to thank you for all the fun we've had.


"It's been an honor to have you on board. I'll take care of the Empire.

You're in charge.


　Nodding to each other, Cigarone raises his right hand wide to the heavens and gives the signal.


'Come, Jill--!


　Then, out of nowhere, Jill, the spirit of the wind, appeared in the air, flying like a bird, grabbed Cigarone's right hand and flew away.

　Oh!　That's how you can use spirits like that. I learned a lot.

　Can you do it because you're a wind spirit?　But Angolmore flies sometimes, too. ''What? You're the Great Spirit King and you can't do it?'' They'll do it if you incite them to do something like.


...... Well,


　The twenty or so knights surrounding me are upset that Cigarone has escaped into the sky, but they seem to have decided that the biggest threat is me, and they still continue the siege.

　'Right, well, then, let's make a hole in that crowded area.


''Nah!''

　The knights suddenly become impatient as I activate the 《Long Horse Body Technique》.

　Don't worry, it's okay, I'll just punch the ground and jump up while accelerating with a dash punch. It might hurt a little bit after that, but you'll have to endure this much.


''Transformation.''

"Whoa!

　When he landed, he transformed.

　The knights around them were blown away by the invincibility of the Transformation, leaving a gaping hole in the knights' encirclement.

　Now, the siege is over! As soon as six seconds passed, we started moving ...... to join the lights.


''It won't go so well with ......?''


　I'm not going to be the only one who can do this.

　I'm sure Melson is very wary of me. On the other hand, he probably thinks he can escape if he can manage me.

　But this is bad luck. You're going to incapacitate them. What am I going to do? I don't want to kill them all in a hurry, so...



"Seweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

!


　As I was trying to figure out a way to break through, a large number of armed soldiers came avalanching in from the east side of the Imperial Knight's Guard with the Princess.

　At the head of them is an old man shouting my name. He's supposed to be looking for me, but he doesn't notice me and tries to walk straight past without noticing me.


''Captain!　Over here!

Oh, hey, Seven!　Long time no see!　We thought that Seven must be in trouble, so we searched ...... for it.　Have you had a makeover with your little guy?

It's the only way to go!

"You can't eat a whole lot of horses!　Well, I don't know what it is, but I don't care.　We'll take care of the rest!

What?　I mean, what are you doing here!

I don't know, but I'll take care of it!　My body's been slowing down so much!


　It's outrageous.

　But something about it made me a bit jealous.

　I guess it doesn't matter to the captains whether I'm Seven or Second, General or Emperor, it doesn't matter to them.


'Just as well, keep those knights at bay!　Fifth Platoon, First Combat Corps Infantry!

That's why we're in the first battle ......, Seven, you ......!


　You remember me!　And the captain looks impressed.

　Fool. I've seen your squad's name over and over again on paperwork, I'll remember it even if I don't want to. We break glass and fight every day, every day, and I've even wondered if I should go and tell them in person not to cause any more problems.


Anyway, I'm begging you!

'Oh!　No problem!


　The captain led the fifth platoon into a formation and set up between me and the Imperial Knight Squad with the Imperial Guard.

　He then equipped his shields to defend against them, and if pushed, he would push back with numbers each time. They are inferior in terms of their individual abilities, but their formation is unshakable because they have adopted a skillful battle strategy that takes advantage of their superior numbers.

　I see, the 5th Platoon and the others are aware of the battle with the demons, right? It's not a way of fighting for the purpose of breaking through without fear of sacrifice, but a way of fighting for the purpose of retreat without sacrifice.


''--Knightsman, over here!

Oh!


　As I was moving my feet while contemplating all sorts of things, before I knew it, I was joined by a squad of prince-attached knights led by Olympia.

　No, it's like the other side was pushing forward all the way to us at once. Maybe it was too one-sided, but there were downed knights lying all over the place.

　No, strong. The knights of the Imperial Guard, they're strong. An ordinary knight is no match for them.


Olympia. And you guys...

It's a little late. I'm a little late, Sir Knight, it's good to see you alive and well.

　As soon as Olympia comes to his side, he greets her with a curtsy. He's still a noble guy.


''Hey ......, are you sure it's me?''

　When I met him head on and asked him the first question I couldn't help but wonder about, Olympia answered immediately.


''Of course. Our job is to protect His Highness the Light under the Knight Captain. Even though his name and appearance may change, the Knight Captain is the Knight Captain.''

We all feel the same way!

'Didn't you know, Knight-in-Chief?　We're very persistent with people we once admitted to.


　And the other knights followed Olympia, followed by a string of voices from the other knights.

　I see. They all risked their lives to choose me, right?

　Then you should be ...... responsible for it.


I understand. I promise I will never do anything bad.

!


　They're pleasant guys. I'm sure they will be the ones to carry the empire for years to come.

　Third time's a charm. You will rebuild the empire that was cruelly destroyed once two years ago, and again now.

　I see, so Cigarone has been sifted out.

　The Empire's typical meritocracy, the Empire's meritocracy, only selects those who have it in their hearts and wants to rebuild the Empire?

　Yeah, that's good.


"Sir, His Highness the Light is waiting for you.

Yeah, I know.


　Now, let's go face to face with the person I was most anxious to meet.

　And before I could prepare myself, a light came out from among the knights.


'Ah ...... sorry about that, I'm sorry for tricking you.'


　That was the first thing I said when I opened the door.

　Anyway, I wanted to apologize for one word. I hadn't lied about anything except that I had been lying about my appearance. I was sincere and head-on with him enough to be able to say that. But the fact is that I was deceiving him.

　Nevertheless, I wondered if there was anything else I could have said that was more witty. I'm sorry for my lack of vocabulary.

　When Wright heard my apology, he rolled his eyes at .......


'Seven apologized ...... ......!


　Then he was overly surprised.


'Hey!'

'Haha, just kidding. Seven, you beat me up all the time, let me give you this back.


　Something about ...... Wright was in a surprisingly good mood.


''And yet, crap!　It's a masterpiece!　The look on your face when you were apologizing!　Ah-ha!

Oh, f*ck.


　You'll find out why soon enough. It's rare to see me apologize that much.


Don't get mad at me. It's your fault, isn't it?

"...... sort of.

"The Empire is in chaos because of Seven. Your father has gone away and your sister is putting up a hell of a fight. What do you think you're going to do about it?

I'm thinking about it now.

I thought it was ......


　I'm dumbfounded, as usual, by the zit eyes.

　No, really, it's business as usual. Wright's guy, don't you think I'm a second-farth test, ......?


Hey, Light. Don't you ever get suspicious when you see who I am?


　When I couldn't bear to ask, Wright looked puzzled, and then opened his mouth with a dumbfounded face again.


''No, you see, ...... it's just the way it is already. Obviously. There's not the slightest room for doubt. You're Seven for all intents and purposes, you're Seven. You're the same Seven who spent four weeks with me. I'm sure of it.

...... Right.

Think about it. "Think about it, if you have the right nerve, you wouldn't be upset at that moment. It was already more Seven than this at that point, and the match with Cigarone afterwards was just too Seven to be funny.

Okay.

...... You were right. I can say with all my heart that I'm glad I fought back instead of running away. Those four weeks I spent with Seven weren't a lie. You were the one I trusted, and you were the one I leaned on. Seven, or rather, the second first test. You have helped me grow up. I'm glad you're my knight. ......!

Oh, right!


　More and more, the corners of my mouth go up.

　Oh, no. I don't know what I look like now. I'm sure I'm smiling, but maybe my eyes are moist.

　Wright couldn't seem to bear it. d*mn it, he's crying in rags. Hahahaha!


I got some crap in my eye. I had to go to .......

Hmm. Don't think about it for a while.


　At the same time as a painful excuse, the lights are going to my bosom....... No, they're not. You're probably "wiping your eyes" with my clothes. You're a really, really caring kid.

　That's it. This is what we're doing.




"Oh, Joe. Oh, come on. Come on over here.

Ha!


　A minute or so passed, when the lights had stopped crying. What suddenly caught my eye was Joe, the guard who was assisting Olympia. He's the shaved-headed man I had cast a "brainwashing spell" on in order to get past the needle inspection.

　Yes, I was looking for him. Because I wanted to break his brainwashing spell.

　I'm in a state of transformation right now. It adds effects to my attacks, so it's tailor-made for me.


"What?

　From no motion, he unleashes the "Infantry Body Technique" with full force and stops Joe in his tracks. At the same time, a lightning effect of the lightning attribute transformation gushes out with a bang. Okay, it's a complete surprise, there's no way I'm not going to be spooked by this.

　I sneakily put about ten gold coins in Joe's pocket here. It's just a thought.

　A beat later, Joe seems to remember to breathe, "Phew!

　Did you solve it?　That's it.


'Joe, I'm sorry. I used you against your will and put you on a dangerous bridge. I'd like to apologize for that.

............


　I bowed my head and Joe stared at me in silence for a while before breaking the silence.


...... You are an honest person to the core. That's how I felt when I was in contact with you. The fact that you went out of your way to unbrainwash me in this way is also a testament to that. It's okay, I'm not angry with you, to my own surprise.

I'm sorry. That's good to hear.


　Thank goodness he wasn't angry.

　Then Joe opened his mouth, looking rather embarrassed.


I'm sure you'll be happy to know that ...... is buying you a meal every three days. It's a good thing, I mean, it made me very happy. The day you had plans, Mr. Olympia would invite you to join him. If you're really a bad person, ...... I don't think you could have that kind of consideration.

Well, I'm glad you like it.


　Joe said in embarrassment and scratched his nose. Then he continued on with his words.


And ...... that's very much like you. You wouldn't mind if I handed it to you?

You noticed.


　I said, scratching my temples as I chuckled, and Joe laughed and replied, "Haha," he said.


'If you suddenly put that many gold coins in your pocket, anyone would notice by the weight.


　Oh, you're right~. Carelessly.


I'll return it.

Hmm, no. ......


　What should I do? I hope you get it, though.

　I let my gaze wander to the lights.


'Seven, let's get moving. I'm worried about your sisters.

Yes!


　As if it was a boat to cross over, I ignore Joe's attempts to get on board with Wright's story and return the gold coins.

　Joe says, "That's about it! But he smiled and waved me off at the end.

　Oh ...... what a pleasant bunch of guys. I'm blessed.



'Sir Knight, His Highness Melson is over there.

　Olympia led the way and we walked on.

　Suddenly, I realized ...... we were in control of the place.

　I'm sure you'll find that most of the knights and soldiers have become allies.

　I'm not sure where they came from, but their friends, who at first were just the Prince's Kingsguard and the Fifth Platoon, have exceeded the majority.


　...... Right. So Cigarone had read that this would happen too.

　And now, it's just like the end of the line.



'--Cigarone!　You, what a betrayal!


　Melson exclaims this while being protected by several Kingsguard knights.

　Out of the corner of her eye, Cigarone Erebni.


'Betrayal?　I have no idea what you're talking about. I just do what I want to do. Two years ago, ten years ago, twenty years ago, that hasn't changed one bit.

"Don't talk in your sleep, Cigarone!　You promised to help me when you had the chance!　He even took the fight with Seven down!　If you hadn't used that ridiculous mask, we would have won as planned!

I don't think I know of any such plan, do you? You must have had a silly dream.　You can get your maid to clean your ears later. You'll be able to hear and sleep better.

'Cigalawneye!


　Wow, he's as cynical as ever. Melson is pissed off to watch.


　Betrayal. ...... Well, yeah. Maybe I can't help but think that if I surround myself with Cigarone and his knights, they can do something about me .......



''If you wish to be in the custody of Your Highness, Prime Minister ......, this Nato Shaman will be the first to take care of you.


　Nato interrupted the two men who were staring at each other. With his spear at the ready, he looked like he could start fighting at any time.

　Then, Cigarone didn't show any signs of concern, and began to speak.


'Since many of us seem to have misunderstood this man called Second First Test, ...... Nato Shaman, before I go toe-to-toe with you, let me say one thing.

What is ......?


　Cigarone took his spear out of his inventory and held it at the ready, as did Nato, and spoke up.



'A truly full man is one who plays with subtraction, not addition.