The black clouds that had filled the surrounding sky were blown away by the tornado that your sister-in-law had caused, and the sun's rays were pouring down on the meadow.

　My sister-in-law comes slowly over to us, walking her beautiful deer-haired horse. I descend the gentle slope of the meadow - Leslie is following behind me. Lune and Ray, who have fulfilled their roles, have released their summons once and have been sent back to the 'Garden of Pandera'.

　I can remember when I left the academy as if it was just yesterday. I didn't expect to meet my sister-in-law here - but even though I hadn't spoken to her in a long time, I couldn't think of anything to say.

''...... You have a nervous look on your face. You've just finished a battle and you're loosening up fast.

　Looking down at me from the top of the horse, my sister-in-law says with a stern expression. My sister-in-law is right - the mere sight of her brings me back to my time at the Academy.

　But while I'm unable to answer, Tempest, who is snuggled up to her sister-in-law's back, whispers something to me. Then the sister-in-law's lips, which had been tied in a straight line, faintly quivered.

''But it seems you are definitely growing up. You haven't quite surpassed me yet, but you were unfazed against a group of ...... goblins and saved the people of the ranch. You've done well, Lendl.
'...... Yes. As a squire, I have had the pleasure of watching Mr. Glass's activities most closely. I am glad to hear that Dean Millennia is doing well.

　Your sister-in-law agreed to let Leslie play 'Mr. Rendle' and let her accompany me as my secretary. I have to thank her for that as well, but when I think about what happened in the fortress' changing room, it's complicated to just say 'thank you'.

　His Highness Astina, Dite and Presha-san are urging the surviving goblins to return to the mountain. The goblins who had been shown their power already had no desire to fight and seemed to obey honestly.

'It's been a long time since I've seen Your Highness wielding a sword, and he's as skilled as ever. The generals you are following also have enough prowess to earn a medal on any front line. It's hard to find another fortress with the same strength as the Isle Rose.
Oh, thank you ...... I'm sure you will be pleased to know that Dean Millennia has received such a tribute.
'I will address His Highness directly. Glass, it may be a disaster for you, but I have received a request from the Knights' central headquarters to 'enter the Isle Rose Fortress'.

　I found out why General Rothgard's group had left ahead of me - your sister-in-law has already finished her role of accompanying the knights.

''Don't worry, there's no problem if you're away from the academy. My secretary, Clarine, is acting on my behalf, and I don't have many opportunities to give lectures to begin with. Although I won't be staying for that many days, I'm hoping to return home to see the realities of the western territory ...... and my beloved brother-in-law (Otto).
'I'm doing ...... somehow. Each day is fast-paced, but it's fulfilling and I'm glad I'm here. I've got a lot of support from Mr. Lendl ......, Leslie, and everyone else.
...... I see. I thought it was possible that since it's Glass, it could be that he's so phenomenally obtuse that he hasn't noticed yet.

　I didn't even seem to notice the identity of Mr. Rendle, so much so that I couldn't argue with my sister-in-law at all. If it hadn't been for the events of that night, I wouldn't have noticed it even now.

'That ...... I got flustered and bothered my brother Glass to ......
That's interesting. I'll let you hear about it later when we get to the fortress: ...... but Glass. I suppose you have a lot to answer for as well.
No, no, I'm really not as weird as your sister-in-law thinks I am. ......

　What kind of days do they spend in a women-only fortress? While I am upset because I feel like I'm being imagined like that, my sister-in-law dismounts her horse and comes over here.

''I'm away from the institute now. I should let them know that I'm Glass's sister-in-law. ......
"Hmmm. ......, my sister-in-law. ......

　My sister-in-law holds my head - her face is received by a pile of soft twins. I feel nostalgic for this kind of thing, but that doesn't mean I'm not a boy anymore, so my sister shouldn't be doing this to me.

'...... The head of the academy is still my brother's idiot,'
'It's my sister's prerogative to love her brother. And I'm here to make sure of that.
Puh-uh ...... sister-in-law, you know, it's the eyes of His Highness and everyone else here ......
'I'm sure I've always told you not to use respectful language ...... and don't push it too hard or you won't like it. Let's also take into account some of the publicity you want to maintain.

　I'm tempted to say, "Is it more or less?" but this is my sister-in-law. She's undoubtedly the strongest mage I've seen with my own eyes, and she's used her power to protect this country - I'm truly proud that she's my sister.

''Then ...... Glass, it seems that when I left the academy, there was one student who entered the Western Domain later on. If you know him, he's probably still around. You should go meet him.
'Ha, yes. Sister-in-law, I'll see you later at .......

　Her sister-in-law, who was probably right in that greeting, smiled and rode again to join His Highness. Mr. Presha was quickly asking his sister-in-law about her relationship with me, but she salaciously dodged the question by saying that she was just happy to see her brother-in-law again.

'...... Glass brother, that stone wall over there ......?　I'm on the other side of.

　The stone wall that blocked the path of Vysek and the others who were trying to escape. The wall was created in an instant by gathering the stones lying in the grassland - no doubt due to spirit magic.

　White smoke is rising from the other side of that wall. It's the smoke from the herbal tobacco smoke I made.

"...... Hey. It's been a while, Glass.

　When I walked around to the other side of the stone wall, I saw a young man with long hair, sitting against the wall. He's a little mangled from losing his magic, but it's safe to say that he looks as healthy as ever.

'Sven...... I guess I should start by saying thank you for helping me out.
''Hahaha ...... Well, I thought it would be a good time to show off the power of the Stone Spirit. Stone Spirit 'Clementia', I hope I've been able to help you somewhat.
Yeah. That guy Vysek got me pretty good at that ...... but I didn't lose anything important.
'I see. You've already done a lot of defending something on the battlefield: ...... What about you guys over there?

　When Sven asks me a question, Leslie looks at me and then nods. He says that he's willing to reveal his identity.

'...... I'm Leslie. If Sven doesn't realize it, this disguise was meant to be.
"My God, ...... what you did with me. Glass, I've never heard of you having a hobby of dressing up your sisterhood as men. Why didn't you ever open up to me about it?
"No, no, it's not ...... brother Glass, it's me myself ......

　Leslie hurriedly tries to correct him, but Sven is laughing and he looks at her with a look of realization.

'It's ......, so I'm tempted to neglect Sven. It's a wonder he's so close to brother Glass.
'It's one man's dream to get a girl to dress up as a man, you know. Isn't it, Glass?
I don't want you to get caught up in your hobby ...... or rather, I think Sven has too broad a dream.
'It must be. My heart was in the midst of a frenzy as I watched the knights, not to mention the Dean's magic. But most of all, I was moved by ...... glass, by you.

　Sven was watching us - helping the people on the ranch and even fighting the goblins.

　When we were in the academy, that was just an imaginary story. The idea of using magic to help someone or fight a demon. I used to talk for hours with Sven about how well our magic would be understood if we became adventurers and such.

'I wanted to be like you. So I used my magic to stall someone who was opposed to you. I don't think I could have done anything with that, but it was heartbreaking. It also made me think that the goal I was looking for might be just down the road.
...... Sven.

　Sven smoked a herbal cigarette - it had the effect of restoring his magical power, though it was weak, and it brought back some of his magical power that had been depleted by using the magic of the great 'stone wall'.

I've been looking for a job in the King's City, but I couldn't find a job like I wanted. That's why ...... I was really looking for a reason. I realized that I wouldn't be able to become anything if I stayed at the academy until the last minute of my enrollment deadline. But I couldn't even take the step to go to a strange land. As you know, I'm a coward, you know.

　There aren't many people who are not only cowardly, but also have a heart like his. By signing a contract with the spirit of the Stone, he has developed a spirit that is unfazed by anything.

　It's the same with me, who made a contract with a plant spirit. That's why I was able to share a room with Sven and we got on the same page right away, and I still relate to what he says.

'...... So, Sven. I see you're not going back to the academy.
'Oh. My magic was not needed in King's Landing in the direction I wanted it to go. Then I'm going to make a track record of finding a place that needs it.
Accomplishments: "...... Do you do anything with the magic of stone?

　Leslie asks, and Sven holds out his right hand to me. When he caused his hand to come up, Sven looked at the hut on top of the grassy hill.

''With the power of 'Clementia', we can build it much faster than hand-building. Glass, I will travel to all the cities in the Western Territories to see what I can contribute with this technology. If this is possible, I would like to strengthen the fortress you work in. If it means building a new fort, I'll do my best to make it happen.
'I'm sure your lordships will be pleased with that ....... I'll ask them if there are any parts of the house that need repairing in a hurry.
'I'd appreciate it if you would. I am going to ask for repairs to the hut first and see if I can get some work done. Next, there's a town called Portoro, as I recall. I'll stay there and look for work at .......
''Sven, I can call out to you wherever you are in the Western Territory. Even from there, if you remind me strongly enough, 'she' will be able to hear me.

　Now that he had signed a contract with Euceresis, he could communicate through the plant anywhere in the western territory. As a mage, Sven would be able to get a clearer picture of how Euceris was working.

　He had made a contract with a divine tree spirit that once had deep ties to the Raseneian Kingdom - even without telling him all about it, Sven seemed to understand.

I'm not sure if this is the hidden potential of the 'plant spirit'. I'm sure you're not the outlier, after all, Glass, you're not the outlier. ...... Oh, my God. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd feel so refreshed.

　Sven removes the hood of his cloak and raises his fist in the air, as if he can't hold back his elation.

''I'd like to say that I can't afford to lose either ......, but apparently your newly contracted spirit is an entity that I can't measure up to with my common sense.
...... divine tree, Euselisis. My brother Glass worked so hard to get me signed up.
'His Highness Astina's decision was more important than mine, more than anything else. Sven...... many things have happened, but let me speak to you again at leisure.
'Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. When we meet again, I'll try to make some headway.

　I shook hands with Sven and headed to where His Highness' group was. His Highness was in the middle of a conversation with Mr. Hartner of the Reinfeldt family.

'...... Lord Hartner, this is him, Glass Weed.
"Oh ...... that he cured me of my illness. ......

　Mr. Hartner bids His Highness a meeting and walks his horse over to us. He is a very strong man with a full head of gray hair - his beard covers his mouth, but his face is very similar to that of his son, Mr. Snyder.

'I apologize for the delay in greeting you, my name is Hartner. I'm a wingman at Reinfeldt.
'This is the first time we've met in person: ...... I'm Glass Weed. I'm delighted to hear of your recovery from your illness.
That is all right, Master Glass. You have saved my life, ...... and I would not feel comfortable letting you worry about such a person.

　Mr. Hartner had been at odds with His Highness Astina, but fortunately they were able to reconcile. The Reinfeldt family's cavalry was their support to help His Highness.

I'm sure you're aware of the fact that there are a lot of people who have been going around spouting bad news about His Highness Astina recently, and it seems that they are from the center of the country ...... We are well aware that there is nothing lacking in His Highness' administration and defense against Zirconia Therefore, he moved his troops, saying that he could not help them even if they had to face the army His Majesty had sent. Therefore, I moved my troops to be of assistance to His Majesty's troops, even if I had to confront them with the army His Majesty had sent. Fortunately, it wasn't a clash.
'Yes, I'm glad it didn't turn into a fight. I'm sure there will be more interference in the future, but I'm sure it will take some time.
...... Lord Glass is aware of the situation in the fortress and the Order as well. I would have hoped that you would have been able to use your abilities as a physician for the benefit of the people, but I'm sure you would have been an excellent advisor to His Highness as well. I truly envy your highness' popularity.
''I'm the military doctor of the Isle Rose Fortress, but I have a desire to treat the wounds and illnesses of the entire territory. If there is a shortage of doctors in some areas, I think we can take the approach of training them, albeit in spite of the fact that it's inaccessible. ......

　There are still doctors in various cities today, but there are not enough of them in absolute numbers. Everyone in the medics could learn some medical skills by teaching them, so training doctors is a realistic enough idea. Of course, though, we need to recruit people who are enthusiastic about medicine.

''Earlier, the Reinfeldt family will officially serve His Highness Astina. We hope that we can do this according to His Highness' policy, such as recruiting aspiring doctors in the territory. From now on, the orders of His Highness will also take precedence over the orders of the people who are under the control of our family. Therefore, the opinions of Lord Glass will be reflected in the internal affairs of the realm through His Highness.
'Huh ...... no. I'm just a military doctor, so I have no opinion on politics.
'How dare you? You have already rescued the peasants from the loss of their land. I have been informed that Lord Glass was accompanied by knights from the Isle Rose Fortress. You have the confidence of many more of your fellow countrymen than you can possibly imagine.

　Suddenly, I don't feel or understand such a thing, and I can't follow it - Mr. Hartner looks at me and smiles with his white teeth.

'Above all, I am a believer in you. That's what it means to save people's lives.
Oh, no. I just thought you didn't have a life-threatening illness.
'That's what my son and daughter diagnosed me with, just from talking to them. Do you know how I felt when they told me that?　There was God, and the Son of God. I just thanked you for being in this western territory.
Father, it's time to go.
"Yes, I know. Lord Glass, upon hearing of your victory against Zirconia, the people of the realm have asked me to express their gratitude to you. I beg you to respond to them with pride.

　Mr. Hartner, accompanied by his son Snyder and his daughter Koofiqa, moved down the road in a column of cavalry. I was given a ride on Mr. Presha's horse and Leslie joined the line with His Highness on Mr. Deete's horse - his sister-in-law was a little behind us.

　Presha-san and Deete-san follow on either side of His Highness. After a while, His Highness looked at me and said.

''It would have been nice if Raquel and the others could have returned together. Let's tell the girls again what happened this time.''
Raquel and everyone else will be happy. We'll win.
''Yes, ...... and the hindsight is gone for the time being. I'd like to rejoice with the people of the territory now.

　The always stout Mr. Deite smiles softly - ahead of His Highness and his friends, there are people lined up on both sides of the street.

''--This is the triumphant return of the great knights who prevented the invasion of the Zirconia Empire and defended the western territory!

　With a single word, Hartner von Reinfeldt declared his loyalty to His Highness Astina to the Western Territories.

　While receiving cracking cheers, His Highness and Ms. Deite responded by raising their hands, while Ms. Presha shyly and modestly waved her hand.

''...... You're back, we're back, aren't we?''

　Even amidst the cheers, Presha-san's mutterings reached our ears.

　The Knights of the Isle Rose had overcome one great hardship. The fortress visible at the end of the road was flying the banner of His Highness Astina under a cloudless sky.