* * *



　The two men stare at each other in the audience chamber at Castal's castle.

　One of them is Mine Castal. One is Mine Castal, the young king of the Castal Kingdom.

　On the other side is Light Marvel, the new emperor of the Marvel Empire. The other is Light Marvel, the new emperor of the Marvel Empire.


　...... too, a sudden visit.

　Wright came to the kingdom in secret over three days with no appointments or anything else. The day after he ascended the throne, he had already left.

　The only companions were the SS. The notification to the Kingdom of Castal was on the morning of the same day. It was a completely unofficial, or as I would say, a blitzkrieg visit to the Kingdom of Castal that was almost unofficial.


"First of all, I would like to express my sincere congratulations on the accession to the throne of the new emperor.

　However, as expected of a king, Mine simply says


It is a pleasure to meet you," he said. It is a bit of a shock to hear your sudden visit, but please be patient for a while as we quickly prepare to receive you.

　Mine that stings a bit while vaguely laying out words like that. I didn't mean to do so, but I couldn't help but let my true feelings come out in my words.

　Yes, he seemed to be quite calm, but inwardly, he was in fact in a state of panic.

　The emperor, that is to say, the head of state, would be visiting us in person. This is diplomacy at its strongest (・・・・・).

　It was only this morning that Mein received the startling report of the emperor's unofficial visit. The leaders of the kingdom were in a panic, and when it turned out that he had already arrived in front of the royal castle in the middle of their chaotic preparations, even Mein could not help but hold his head in his hands with a deep sigh.

　And then, he struck the last resort.

　With a serious expression on his face, Mine said then, "I'm going to go get Mr. Second.

　-- "Go get Mr. Second," he said.

　The final resort was to summon the final weapon.

　A month ago, Mein had received reports that the Firth Test carriage carrying Second had left the Castal Kingdom. For the next twenty-six days, Second had probably been away from the Zipangu embassy. And if the emperor of the Marvel Empire changed hands about the same time as the report of Second's appearance in the country five days ago, we have to suspect ...... some kind of involvement.

　No, the evidence was thin on its own, and that's what he thought. It's not enough to call them up and listen to them, that's what they thought until just a few minutes ago. However, with the emperor's blitzkrieg visit this time, things have changed dramatically.

　On this occasion, Mein was convinced. The reason why Emperor Marvel decided to make an unofficial visit was because the Second had done something in the Empire (・・・・・) - he said.


'First, I thank you for the congratulations. And I apologize for my unexpected visit. But I have an urgent matter to attend to, and I am here to pay you an unofficial visit. It is truly a painful welcome from King Castal himself.


　Facing Mine, Light, careful with his words, speaks like an emperor. There was nothing stagnant in his words.

　Because, it could be said that the development up to this point was generally in line with Light's aim.

　Light knew that Mine would call out in a hurry, suspecting Second's involvement. Hence, he didn't give notice until the last minute. The purpose was to make Mine impatient.

　Thus, it was the aim of the Marvel Empire to drag the Second into the diplomatic arena instead of meeting him in private.

　I don't need to tell you which cynicism is responsible for this bold, cunning and disgusting method of diplomacy.


''--''

!


　A moment later, a dark shadow descended behind the throne.

　It was Anko.

　Klaus, who instantly stood to block Mine and the throne, gently lowered the hand that was attached to the sword at his waist when he saw Anko's figure. He guessed who was coming (・・・・・).

　On the other hand, Olympia, the Obersturmführer accompanying Wright as an escort, was struck by a despair that she couldn't escape as soon as she saw Anko's figure.

　It was a primal, biological, instinctive, pure "fear" that most people who saw Anko face-to-face for the first time would fall into.

　It is a state of pure "fear", a primal, biological, instinctive fear that many of us who have faced it for the first time have fallen into. We are convinced that we are no match for them, and we surrender to them, both physically and mentally, regardless of our own will.


"--Second!

Mr. Second.


　And shortly after that, the second first test appeared.

　He was summoned in an instant to be embraced by Anko.


...... hmm?

...... Huh?


　Wright and Mine looked at each other after a beat when he called Second's name.

　Why are they calling each other so intimately (・・・・)? That was what they were both curious about.


'Oh, Olympia, did you get stuck?　Don't worry about it, it's what you do. But once you've seen it, you're used to it, right?　It's okay, I can move next time.


　Second called out that to Olympia, who froze with her eyes wide open, while he 《Repatriation》 Anko with an aloof attitude.

　It could be said to be Olympia's first job as an SS chief, and it was his greatest shame that he couldn't move even a single step at the moment that seemed to be the biggest crisis in this unofficial visit. Such was the gentle concern of Second, who knew the noble nature of Olympia.


'............!'

　Olympia silently bowed her head.

　You can't call a second "Knight Captain" or something like that in front of King Castal. Even more so, expressing gratitude without permission while leaving Wright behind is out of the question. Therefore, he showed his gratitude not with words, but with his attitude.


''Phew.''

　Seeing Olympia's situation, Klaus quietly raised one corner of his mouth.

　He has found a way to live. In this visit, Mine is being pushed by Light, but when compared to ...... escorts (...), he realized that the minutes seemed to be on our side.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to get the best out of it.

　This is not the Kingdom of Castal, which can remain silent after being behaved so rudely by the Marvel Empire.

　If not, he is not the kind of brother who can stay silent because his ...... brother is being pushed around.


'At ......, what is this situation?　Why is Wright here?　Why did you call me here?


　On the other hand, Second, who didn't know what was going on but just kept Olympia on his mind for now, tilted his head and uttered that as he looked at Mine and Light in turn.

　The reason why Second was called to this spot. Mine thought he called him as a pinch hitter, but that was only because he was made to do so by Light.

　So why did Wright want to call a second to this place?

　The reason was closely related to the future of the Marvel Empire and the Castal Kingdom.


''Ohon ...... well come, Second. I visited you today to talk to you and King Castal.


　Wright spoke in a manner that was so ostentatious that he gave one coughing fit and said he was trying to get his mind back on track.

　This was the limit of his fourth day as emperor.

　It's a good thing that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away with it.


''Hmph.''

Oh, stop laughing!　Hey!


　The Second laughed deep in his throat at the awkwardness of it all.

　Light couldn't help but sound unworthy of the occasion.


''You feel like an emperor, Light.''

"You're kidding me!

No, I didn't.

''f*ck it!　I don't know whose fault it is that this happened!

"Cigarone?

'It's you!


　Wright yells at the second, red-faced and pluriously angry.

　He no longer has any dignity or dignity.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.


''Heh, Your Majesty ...... Your Majesty!''

"Listen, Second!　Mostly because you always-- what?　Oh, ......


　When Olympia, who couldn't see it, called out to Light, Light came to himself with a huff.


'...... ohoho, ohon!　Nnnnngh!　Now, back to the story. We're talking about the future of the Empire and the Kingdom.


　Coughing three times, Wright decided to ignore the second and turned to Mine with a crisp look on his face.

　For his part, he thought that this was the only thing he needed to talk about seriously. Hence, the conversation with the second was put on the back burner for now.


'I understand. I'll see you in the back parlor.

　Mine nodded and led everyone into the parlor.


'............'

　Klaus put his fingertips to his brow and chuckled for a second or so, then gallantly followed Mine.

　He couldn't help but laugh.

　The atmosphere of the place had clearly changed too much before and after the Second appeared.

　So much so that it seemed silly to have been planning for a reversal of fortunes.


'Hah! ......'

　With a loud sigh, Wright headed into the parlor, glaring at Second with zit eyes.

　A little behind him, a straight-backed Olympia accompanied him.

　Olympia gave Second a neat bow once, and then concentrated on guarding Light from then on.

　The SS chief was, so to speak, the successor of the Knight Commander of the Seven Konoe Guard. He wants to show that he is performing his duties well in front of the Second.


''We're going to have a meeting now, aren't we? I'm going to be a part of it? You're going to participate in this? I'm not going to be able to get a bite to eat and then go to ......, but it's okay if you can't, if you can't, that's fine. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Don't give me that look. I'm sorry. I haven't had breakfast yet.


　The second who accompanies the four of us is glared at by Mine and Light for saying something so out of the ordinary.

　How far out of the ordinary is it? Normally this would be an outrageous rudeness that would not be tolerated, but there are only people here who would rather like that relaxed attitude.

　The Second is doing it on purpose, or not. However, it was true that with that statement, which could be considered a joke, Mine, Light, Klaus, and Olympia all forgot the tense and unpleasant atmosphere they had been in and regained their normalcy.




''--So, in a straightforward manner, I'll reveal the purpose of the Marvel Empire in this unofficial visit.


　When they arrived in the reception room and were each seated, the first thing Wright did was break the silence.

　As he said, it was the very subject they had brought with them.


''The Marvel Empire hereby expressly acknowledges and apologizes for its inhumanity and pays reparations for its acts of aggression and espionage against the Kingdom of Castal in the past two years.

!


　Aggression and espionage. I don't need to think about what this refers to.

　It's about the Imperial Dog, Prime Minister Val Moreau.


"Klaus. From now on, you are forbidden to speak without my permission.

　Mine immediately silenced Klaus' mouth.

　Klaus's grudge against Val Moreau was too great. Mine dared Klaus not to get too emotional and lash out, and to listen to him calmly.

　Klaus is well aware of this concern. Therefore, Klaus had no objection to obeying his orders as a slave.


'I see, so that's what you wanted me to hear.

　Second, on the other hand, after hearing the Empire's apology and reparations, shows a look of satisfaction.

　That's right, this man is the one who settled the case of Bal Morrow in the Castal Kingdom. Hence, it can be said that whether you accept or reject the apology is up to the second.

　That's why it was always necessary to have him politically present. It was not enough to just meet him privately and apologize.


'What exactly do you consider to be reparations?'

　Mine asked that, and without pause, Wright replied.


'Eighty billion CL in reparations and the signing of a non-aggression pact. I'm thinking of this.'

　It's not much. Mine thinks that, but without moving his expression, he asks his next question.


'Why do you limit yourself to two years?'

'Your father was brainwashed for two years. I would like to apologize to your father for the great trouble he caused to the Kingdom of Castal by his brainwashing and for his errors in judgment.

'Didn't the acts of aggression and espionage by the Marvel Empire predate the two years?'

I would like to apologize to the extent that I am responsible for my current position as Emperor. I would like to discuss what happened before with the two countries at this time.

I understand.


　When the questioning was over, Mine went into a long thought.

　The Second was unconsciously impressed by such a situation.

　The extent of the misdeeds committed by Val Moreau was still fresh in his mind. Mine's father, former King Bawel Castal, was killed, Klaus was carried and used, and the kingdom was torn apart.

　Wright doesn't understand. Even though he knows for a fact the atrocities of Val Moreau, he doesn't see them with his own eyes. Hence, he didn't understand. The lightness of the word "apology" for two years.

　Mine had been told so much that it was no wonder he was so emotional. In the meantime, he's been told to let bygones be bygones with 80 billion CL and a non-aggression pact. How could that not make him angry?

　But Mein would never be angry. He doesn't even show it in his face, let alone in his words.

　Because he is the king.

　Mein knew exactly what it meant to carry the country on his shoulders.



''Right here, right now, let's get some answers. The Kingdom of Castal will not accept an apology from the Marvel Empire, will not accept reparations, and will not sign a non-aggression pact.''

!


　Decisively refused.

　Hearing the reply, Wright's eyebrows bounced with a twitch and a shaped brow.

　Before he knew it, the normalcy of the four of them had fragilely crumbled.


''I hope that when the new Marvel Emperor Wright understands, he will visit us again. At that time, we will be happy to pay you an official visit. You will be welcomed as a guest of state.


　Mine's words seemed to be truly unattainable, and Light was at a loss for words on how to respond.

　He hadn't expected it. Even though Cigarone had instructed him as a way to pull the Second out, it was Light himself who thought of this apology.

　From now on, the Marvel Empire and the Kingdom of Castal must reconcile and make it possible for them to get along with each other. It was that simple of an apology that I had thought of.

　I didn't expect to be rejected.


''Yeah, yeah, what about a second?''


　Wright was distraught and waved the conversation to Second in a bare tone.

　Second opened his mouth after a few seconds of silence.


''Light. You didn't learn enough, did you?

Is ......?

　Lack of study. Naturally. He hadn't been emperor for less than five days.


'Wasn't he grinning, Cigarone?

Oh, I've been to .......


　The second reading was correct.

　Suddenly, Second remembered. The time he had met Nova as Seven in the desert ruins area.

　The trust that he hadn't gotten as a Seven in the Marvel Empire the moment he turned out to be a Second Firth Test. In other words, it was the Second's idea that if there was one person in the country who could put that kind of trust in a heavy position, they would be able to conduct good diplomacy.

　That's exactly what's happening now. Mine and Wright's relationship with each other does not trust each other. But between Mine and Second, Wright and Second, there is trust.

　In other words, through ...... Second, the Kingdom of Castal and the Marvel Empire will have a good relationship with each other.

　As with Nova, it is enough to serve as a bridge (...).

　Maybe that was the reason why Cigarone arranged for the Second to be present in the room.



'It's not a question of money or anything. 'It doesn't matter how much, just keep up the attitude for a while. Then I'm sure Mine will come around.

...... Well, if you say it, I believe it.


　Second speaks with Light in a toothless manner.

　Next, he also faces Mine.


Mine. Light is not looking for a fight, he just wants to get along. It's just that things aren't going well on the fifth day of the emperor's life. You have to understand that.

...... Yeah. If Mr. Second says so, I believe him.


　Mine believed the second's words with dismay and ease.

　The trust between the two men is not an impeccable one.

　A man who is strong enough to be used by nothing, always has himself and is a natural at all times. To both Mine and Light, he was the kind of man that you could immediately say you would trust him even if everything in the world turned against him.


''Well, quintessential knight-in-chief, sir. ......!　This Olympia, I admire it from the bottom of my heart!

　Before long, normalcy came to the four of them again.

　No one could blame Olympia for voicing her admiration.


'Klaus, that's enough.'

　With that, Mine lifted Klaus' ban.

　Klaus meditated, took a slow, deep breath to calm himself down, and then opened his mouth.


'It's a little early, but let's call it lunch.


　He swallowed every word and that was what he got out.

　The Second looked at Klaus and smiled at him.

　Klaus laughed as if it was simply laughing at the joy of being able to get a meal, which made him kind of crazy, and he laughed as if he was being tripped up.



　　* * * *



I've promised to teach you the sword in person.

"I've had a knight in chief teach me my archery skills.

I've even promised to make you a formal apprentice.

Wow, I got invited to fight for the title, too.

"Law. I'm in the next title fight.

'Wow, I'm ......'


　An early lunch has started and it's almost an hour.

　It was a luxurious feeling to have a drink at noon. We ate tempura soba noodles with the murmur of the river at the banquet room of a high-class restaurant in the capital. This was the best.

　However, perhaps because of too much alcohol, Klaus and Olympia have begun a mysterious battle for the mount.

　I don't know why they're basing their mounts on their intimacy with me, but I don't know what drunks are thinking.


'Huh, I can see that. The guards are busy. I've been there before. But not this time.

......

If you want to be jealous, go for the title. But don't be half-hearted. The skills of the Second Eight Crown aren't meant to be an escort.


　Klaus smiled provokingly at Olympia as he said that, then glanced at me and gave me a small look that no one would notice.

　Hmm, that's helpful. Even though I'm busy escorting Light, for me, I want Olympia to compete as well. Even though Klaus is drunk, he's taking my intentions into consideration.

　But I hope he's not too proud of himself. Klaus wins in the mountings, but Olympia is the better fighter in terms of simple strength.


...... no ......


　And that's when Light let out a small voice.

　For more than 30 minutes now, Light has been sleeping on my lap with my knee as a pillow, snorting "Supi, Supi".

　He seems to have a tremendous weakness for alcohol, and when he took a sip of his drink, he started laughing at the top of his lungs, and after a while his eyes settled and his body-touching became intense. As I kept up with such a pampered child, I thought her eyes suddenly started to glaze over, but she began to paddle around in a boat and finally fell asleep on someone's lap without permission.


'They trust you a lot, don't they?

Well, it's been a long month for a lot of things, hasn't it?


　As a result, I was talking to Mein the whole time.

　I hadn't seen the two of us talk for such a long time since we were in witchcraft school.


'I'm shorter than you,'

"Huh?

It's shorter than mine.

What?　Hair?

No, I've gotten to know Mr. Second in less time than he has.

Oh, I see what you mean.


　That's for sure. It's been two weeks with Mine.

　What's that about at ......?


I'm much more concentrated.

'What?　Yeah, maybe.

But it's not fair. I'd be with you for a month or so, more .......

'Intimate?　I don't know.

Wait, why?

'I'm in the game with you. You won't get any more intense contact than that.

"...... Ah, haha.


　I thought I had told you something uneventful, but Mine's cheeks were slightly red and she scratched behind her ear with a plop.

　I feel a little embarrassed by such a reaction.


I think I'm getting drunk. I've got work to do afterwards, but I'm in trouble. ......


　Mine wandered up to me and took up a position on the other side of the light, and then he shifted Light's head slightly to make room on my lap, and gently placed his own head on it.

　What a bare face, and I think Mine was drunk, too.

　I thought he'd become a great king, comparing himself to Light and being jealous, but he's still a child in some ways.

　Klaus glanced at me as if he wanted to say something, and then silently pointed at the colander (...) of soba noodles.

　One more?　I don't want it, I don't want it. I shook my head and Klaus went back to his conversation with Olympia.


'Do it. ......'


　I emptied my glass of liquor and fell onto my back to the sitting room and closed my eyes.

　As a crisp summer breeze caressed my cheeks, I gradually began to feel sleepy.

　I wonder if they are talking in their sleep. ''Second-san~'' and ''Brother~'', I heard a small voice say.

　The next thing you know, your feet are getting zingy and numb. It was somewhat amusing to think that this was the weight of the Castal Kingdom and the Marvel Empire.