After returning from the battlefield, Aldis took Kirill and the others back to their home in the forest to tell them they were safe.
　Lupus lives in the forest, hidden from view. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

　It seems that the war did not reach Rona and her friends, but I was able to obtain some interesting information.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I've overheard the conversation.



　Seven days later. Aldis and Rona were in Gran, the royal capital of the Kingdom of Naglas.
　They stepped into one of the taverns that lined the entertainment district of the royal capital, where Aldis finally caught the people he was looking for.

''Let me say that despite the disastrous results of 60% of the entire army not returning, it's as good as it gets to come back unscathed as a matter of course,''

　A man with lustrous light brown hair, with his hand on the counter, sent what could be described as a compliment or a sarcastic remark to Aldis.

'So, what do you want from me?　Even so, I'm quite busy right now. I have an appointment to meet with someone after this, so I'd like to ask you to make it quick.

　Yuuo's occupation is that of an informer.
　Naturally, at this time of year, when the country is about to be destroyed or not, there is no way he can be taking it easy.

　The reason for the empire's retreat is still unknown, and the people who are afraid of the invasion continue to be evacuated, and the atmosphere in the capital continues to be a thin film of confusion and misery.

　I am sure that the intelligence officers of the kingdom are working tirelessly to gather information.
　However, it was not easy to determine if the fact that it was still unknown now was due to the kingdom's terrible intelligence gathering abilities or the empire's superior counter-intelligence capabilities.

'Well, don't say that, Cesare. I've brought you some information that you might want to jump on.

　The informant called Cesare's eyes narrowed faintly.

''Let me tell you something, I'm already in time for the story of the monster-like black-haired mercenary who defeated the enemy's right-wing troops, or the eyebrow-raising (eyebrow-spitting) story of the 'Magician of a Thousand Swords' who single-handedly defeated the troops who rode to the strange beast in the example.

　It is only natural that they make a living buying and selling information. As expected, he had a quick ear.

It's not like that.

Then what is it?　We're in a hurry too. Please don't be coy.

　I want to leave this place quickly. Cesare urges with such an atmosphere wafting from his body.

''The reason why the imperial army has retreated.''

　Cesare's facial muscles twitched as soon as Aldis uttered the short words, and his eyes changed color.

'How much for it?'

　Cesare turned his gaze to Ardis, who continued to ask him questions, and sat down at the counter without saying a word. Let me talk to you, I guess.
　When Aldis sits down next to him, Cesare orders fruit water for both of them from the tavern owner.　

'You have an appointment with someone, don't you?

　Are you sure?　The informant Yuuo replied under his breath lightly to Ardis, who was trying to say, "I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do.

''If it's going to take some time, I'll send out an errand man. As I said, the account for the fruit water depends on the content of the information.''

　The tavern keeper put two portions of fruit water on the counter and walked away.
　Aldis, who was watching from the side, opened his mouth.

There were Imperial soldiers hiding in the forest to hunt for the Kingdom's defeated soldiers. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this as well.

You didn't hear this from him, did you?

Yeah, but it's a solid source of information.

　After assuring him, Aldis looked at his feet.
　There was a golden-colored beast huddled there with an expression that seemed to say 'naturally'.

''So for the past few days, I've been going to the imperial capital to gather information.

If the Kingdom's scouts heard this, they'd laugh it off, or maybe even step on it.

　Cesare gives him an indescribably complicated look.
　Aldis says simply, but if he could do that, the upper echelons of the kingdom wouldn't be rushing around to gather information so desperately.

''In conclusion, the empire won't be attacking us for the time being. The troops on those strange beasts--

And the unit?

I'm afraid there will be a fee from now on. So how much are you gonna pay?

　Frowning, Cesare looked at Aldis with resentful eyes.

'Three gold coins, I see.'

"Oh, come on, you've got to be kidding me. I risked my life to get to the imperial capital.　I should get at least ten copies.

You're not in need of money, are you?

'That's not the same thing as this. I'm sure you're not in need of money, but that's no reason to unfairly cheapen it, is it?

　Without hiding a disgusted face, Cesare once again offers an amount of money.

''If you're willing to sell it to me alone, I'll give you a fair amount of color. How about five gold coins?''

For that amount of money, I'll have to see another informant. Eight gold pieces.

'Do you think other informants will believe that information?　To someone who doesn't know what you're capable of, it sounds like nothing more than a lie. Six gold coins.

''If it's just a mercenary's joke, then maybe so, but what if it's from the 'Magician of a Thousand Swords'?　Doesn't that sound reasonably plausible to you?　Seven gold coins.

''The intelligence officers of the kingdom are not incompetent. The confusion at the border has calmed down, and it's not surprising that the information is about to come in. There's a possibility that the value of the information will plummet as soon as you buy it. Six gold and five silver coins, I can't give you any more.

Yeah. Well, you can buy this information from another informant. In a few days it may be worth a single gold coin.

　Cesare's face twisted as hard as he can and Cesare is at a loss for words.

　Then, to Aldis, who said, "Well then," and was about to get up from his seat, the informant's superior man hurriedly said a word of detention.

''Wait a minute!

'What?　I'm going to go out now to earn some pocket money, about seven gold coins.

'...... Okay, I get it. I'll buy it, I'll buy it for seven gold coins!

　With a tone of desperation, Cesare took seven gold coins from his pocket and placed them roughly on the counter.

'A deal.

　With a satisfied smile, Aldis sits down again in his seat and collects the gold coins on the counter.

''You really are a difficult person to deal with, aren't you?''

That's a compliment to me.

'Oh, I see. Then could you quickly give me that information?　I'd like to recoup my costs by the end of the night. ...... Oh, wait a minute.

　Cesare interrupted the conversation and went up to the owner of the tavern, whispered to him and made him hold some coppers.
　It's probably because I asked him to give a message to the person I was going to meet later.

Now then, let's hear the information.

Yeah. Yeah, I'll tell you about seven gold pieces.

　As he declared that to Cesare, who had returned, Aldis carefully recounted the information he had gathered in the imperial capital, one by one, along with what he himself had seen and heard.

　The devastating damage to the troops that had a high concentration of noble officers in the Imperial Army.
　One of them was the legitimate son of the Duke of Tangram, the head of the largest faction of the imperial aristocracy.
　The deaths of many people, including a son of Duke Tangram's trueborn son, had brought the Emperor into disrepute with the aristocracy and left him on shaky ground.
　In addition, the monarchy's reinforcements had lost about thirty percent of their strength and their commander had died in the war, so they were becoming reluctant to support the Empire.

'I see. This is certainly not the time to invade another country. If things are not done right, civil war could break out. I do feel some sympathy for the imperial army, which was forced to turn back after such an overwhelming victory, but the fruits of the war were ripe for the taking.

It's the only thing keeping the kingdom alive.

　I'm sure you've heard Cesare's impressions of the current situation.

I think that means it's going to be a while before the empire attacks. Even if the emperor successfully suppresses the nobles, it will be six months at the earliest. If it is poorly executed and a civil war breaks out, it will be several years away. But ......

What?

''When it comes down to it, the cause was Duke Tangram's heir, and a squad of beasts called Hibas, or something like that?　That reinforcing commander from the southern continent was killed in action, right?

What about it?

No, no, no, no. The point is, after all...

　With a stunned face, Cesare says to Ardis.

''--Doesn't that mean the culprit is all you?

'It's awful to be the source. At least call it an achievement.

An achievement?　As the word gets out, it will certainly be recognized as an achievement of yours. I have no doubt that your information, which has increased in value over the past few days, will become increasingly valuable.

What's that?

You know, ....... Do you have any idea how much you've gotten yourself into?

　Cesare sighs without even showing any signs of trying to hide it.

''A sword magic user who defeated the three strongest demons that have plagued the kingdom for years. This alone is drawing interest from all over the place, and on top of that, it's almost like he practically turned away the imperial army by himself, right?

That's an exaggeration. Even I couldn't stand alone against that entire battlefield.

''I'm well aware of that. I think that the two names "Magician of a Thousand Swords" have already taken on a life of their own. I'm sure the information I heard was so far removed from reality that I thought it was a rumor with a tail between it and the rumor, but it turned out to be a true story, like a lie.

　Aldis leaves the tavern, leaving Cesare with a strangely tired look on his face.



　After buying some souvenirs for the twins in town, he and Rona walk down the sun-drenched road towards the forest.

'A sorcerer of a thousand swords is kind of cool, Al,'

Really?　Sure, it could be a nice bluff.

But you're still a 'sorcerer' no matter how far you go, Al.

...... It can't be helped. Slaying them one by one with a sword is a plain looking thing. Whether you're a swordsman or a sorcerer, as long as you make a name for yourself and the number of idiots messing with you decreases, that's enough.

　Aldis has no complaints about the sale of his name.
　The more powerful Ardis is known, the less likely she is to be a careless opponent.

　With Aldis' fame so high, it is unlikely that the Marquis of Tria will be able to do anything about it.
　It's a good thing that he's not the only one who has the power to do this. We cannot be too careful.

　There was also a problem.

　It's true that the number of little things that will mess with you will decrease.
　But on the other hand, I also felt that I might have caused too much resentment this time.

　It can be said that instead of the small enemies decreasing, a new big enemy, the Imperial Army, was created.
　The relatives of the aristocrats he had defeated in the battle would undoubtedly have a grudge against Ardis as well.

　I could see Ted blurting out with a dumbfounded look on his face, 'You've made more enemies,' Norris smiling with amusement, and Orphelia with a resigned face.

''Well, it's no use saying that now, isn't it?''

Hmm?　What?

No, it's nothing.




Welcome home, Aldis!　Rona!

　When they reached the forest house, Aldis and Rona were waiting for the twin girls with big smiles on their faces.
　They called Aldis and the others' names in overlapping voices, even though they hadn't timed it right, and then they jumped straight into a hug.

'We're home. Filia, Liana.''

　Aldis stroked the short, platinum blonde hair in turn.
　The twins' hair was quickly disheveled when she stroked it a little roughly, but they didn't seem to mind and smiled ticklishly.

It's a pleasure to see you back safe and sound. My Lord.

Yeah, I'm home. Thanks for staying at home. Did you find anything unusual?

　The one who arrived late to the twins was Nere, who doubled as their guardian.
　I'm not going to be able to tell the difference between the two.

Mm. It's no problem. It's not a problem, it's just that it's so uneventful that the two of them are unavailable.

Aldis, Phyllia and the rest of the team have made pillows!

We made them, too.

A pillow?

　Aldis's head tilts at the unexpected words suddenly thrown at her.

'Yeah, nap sleepers!

I made one for Ardis, too.

I'll get it!

And for Aldis!

　Without waiting for an answer from Aldis, they ran inside the house.

I taught them how to do a little imitation sewing, just in case they were short-handed. I began to make a pillow, which I said I was going to use to sleep with my master. A rather pleasant choice for a first time maker, don't you think?

　He must be amused. A modest smile appeared on Nere's face, which usually doesn't show much expression.
　Then the twins came back with three pillows in their arms.

'Aldis!　I've got it!

Let's take a nap!

　In Filia's hand, there are two smaller pillows.
　Liana has one larger pillow in her hand.
　Probably the smaller pillow is for the twins and the larger one is for Ardis.

''This is Aldis'!

　Liana holds a large pillow in her hands and offers it to Aldis.

　It was made of pale grass-colored fabric sewn together, and its poor workmanship could be seen everywhere.

　The seams are spaced apart and the overall shape is a little distorted.
　Some of the stitches had been missed, the stuffing inside was sticking out, and some of the tips of untreated threads were sticking out.
　A pillow in a cheap inn that costs three coppers a night might have been better made.

　But what was the point?
　If someone looked at this pillow and laughed at the quality of the workmanship, Ardis would kick it with all his might, even if he was the king of a country.

Thank you, Liana. ''Thank you, Filia, too.''

Heh.

　Handing Aldis the pillow, Liana twisted around shyly as she handed him the pillow.

''Well then, the weather is nice, so since we're here, let's take a break.

　The sun has just passed the zenith. There was still time before nightfall.
　Aldis moved with the twins to the shade of a tree in the garden and laid down on the pillow without undressing her travel clothes.

"Filia and the others on the right side!

So, you and Riana are on the left side.

　Quickly, the twins snuggled up on either side of Ardis and began to sleep.

　Rona is huddled at their feet, yawning heavily.

　A gentle breeze blew softly, caressing their cheeks.
　The strong sunshine fell on Aldis and the others as a slight leaky day, blocked by the branches and leaves, and the sound of swaying leaves lulled them to sleep like a lullaby.

'My Lord. I don't mind a nap, but could you at least remove the sword from your waist?　You'll hit the twins when you turn over.

'Hmmm, yeah, ...... right.'

　Aldis, who was just about to fall asleep, slowly raised himself up.

　She unsheathed her sword, which was secured to her belt at her waist and propped up against a tree by her bedside, she felt a tug on her clothes sleeve.

'Muniya ......, Ardis ......'

　If you look, one of Filia's hands is gripping Aldis's sleeve tightly.
　On the other side, Liana was grabbing Aldis's clothes in the same way.

''Hmm?　Are you talking in your sleep?

　Both of them are sleeping peacefully.
　They seem to be traveling to the world of dreams a step ahead of you.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

''Mmmmmm ......''

　Then a happy smile appears on her calm sleeping face.
　Seeing that, Aldis naturally smiles too.

　The battle between the kingdom and the empire got a quick conclusion in a situation where it was not even clear who had won.
　It is a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect from this kind of work.
　But both sides have lost far more than they have gained.

　The men who joined the fight have lost as much.
　Some have lost limbs. Some have lost their fame. Some have lost their pride. Some have lost friends. And some have lost their lives.
　In exchange, they have received a reward and a reputation that far outweighs their losses.

　I'm not sure what the value of the title of "Magician of a Thousand Swords" is, since Ardis herself took many lives, even though she was an enemy, to obtain it.

　More than such things, Aldis thinks.

　As a result, Aldis's work has been to protect this country.
　Ted, Norris and Orphelia, his friends, are also safe.
　The original goal of protecting Kirill has also been achieved.

　But what Aldis wanted to protect more than that was this sleeping face. I am reminded of that once again.

　When was the last time I wanted to protect something so badly?
　What I wanted to protect. The things I had to protect, and the things I couldn't. And what I couldn't protect.
　Pushing back the tears that were building up in her eyes, Ardis gently caresses the thing she must protect now.


　This time it won't fail.


　If it's to protect these children--


'I'll take on a country or two.

　Aldis declared to no one.