After receiving a request from the Elf Chapter, I was packing my bags and heading to the Guildmaster's office, but in the middle of it all, Kåñëa and Sheila were waiting for me in front of the guild headquarters.

''Hey guys, what's going on?''

You said this is a long-term commitment, so I figured I'd fill up on zealotry.

　Sheila hugs me tightly.

　The taut twin hills stick together and all at once my brain goes blank. d*mn ...... why is it so deadly ......!

Hey, I'm talking about a week to a month when I say long term. I'll see you soon.

That's a long time for me. ......

　Whew," Sheila says with a face that looks like she's about to cry.

　The strength of Sheila's hug becomes even stronger and I start to feel uneasy about my legs and feet.

"Hey Jude, do you know when the S-rank exam is?

　Kuena asked.

　Somewhat meaningfully.

'The next test?'　When?

Two months later.

　It was getting that close.

'I see. You're going to take it, aren't you, Kåñëa?

Yes. I'm sure Sheila will get one too.

Ahem. Not 'must', definitely not 'must'!

　A smug-faced Sheila asserts.

　But then you can see the uncertainty between the two of them.

'Phil's going to take it too, no doubt about it,'

　I say this as a nail-biter.

　Once the two of them and Phil crossed swords.

　And they were defeated.

　There is no doubt that this is a cause for concern in terms of competence.

　But their faces did not cloud over.

''We won't lose.

'Yes, I'll never lose!　I'm enough of a Knight of Zied!

　They seem to have a lot of confidence in themselves.

　Did the special training at the bottom of the Forbidden Forest and the battle at Stillbeats make the girls develop a good awareness?

　Or is it the strength of will of the two of them?

I see. I'm looking forward to seeing the results. I don't know what kind of test it will be, but I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out the way it does.''

　The total amount of magic power, magic manipulation techniques, physical abilities, and various other factors together do not give a complete measure of a person's overall strength.

　That's why battles are not at all careless and cannot be predicted a hundred percent.

　They nodded at my reply.

''By the way, does Jade have any plans to go to the Weira Empire or something?''

　Quena's expression changes to one of concern.

'What is it all of a sudden?'

It's about this thing with Ruina. I can see that with a little thought. The 'position' you've been offered by Ruina to pull off.

　Kåñëa is smart.

　So even if he didn't hear the conversation on that occasion, he could somehow imagine it.

　And the meaning of that kiss.

'Ruina means it.

I mean, was it a rip-off?

That's part of it. But most of all, to Jide. That kiss means a lot more to you than Zied thinks it does.

　You sound like you're threatening me.

　It must be that serious.

'Ruina is an empress but has never had a relationship with the opposite s*x. Someone like that offered her a kiss. She's going to come for Jide for real.

I'll be careful. But I've fought the armies of the Weyla Empire. They won't do anything rash.

'The use of force is unlikely, I suppose. But there are many other possible moves that could be made. ...... Just not what I'm trying to say.

　Kåñëa's cheeks flush with vermilion.

　Shame. But there was determination and firmness of intent in his eyes.

'I know Riff will feel bad, but I don't mind if Zied is pulled out.

What does that mean?

'If you're going to the Wayra Empire, I'll follow you. I have one goal now.

Isn't that something Ruina would approve of?

　Kåñëa shakes her head from side to side at my question.

　She looks at me with her core eyes.

'I've already had Luina's approval. So now I'm Jide, you.

Me?　......, but I thought I recognized you and Sheila as members of the party.

'Nope. I want to be able to fight shoulder to shoulder with you .......

　I felt some relief in my heart when he told me.

　Fighting shoulder to shoulder. I've never had that kind of existence, I've never had it.

　I'm sure you've found an unattainable place to live ...... such a feeling dwells in your heart.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at ....... I'm looking forward to it.

Yeah, just wait. I'll catch up. If we're not careful, we'll pass you.

　Kuena smiled so cheerfully.

　'I feel a presence behind me.

''Wh-where did you appear from, Yuy!　You'd be surprised if it came out of nowhere!

　Sheila exclaims in surprise.

'No, this guy defaults to this. If it were true, he'd be able to hide his presence better than that.'

"Hm.

　Yui holds up her index and middle finger and proudly makes a peace sign and puts it forward.

　And Sheila said something like, "You were able to do a piece or something .......

Jade, request.

Yeah. Let's go to Riff's.

　It's almost time to meet up.

　Once again, I look at Kåñëa and Sheila and smile in return.

'Then be careful,'

So do you. I don't think ...... is a word you need.

'Ugh ....... Be careful, Zied, too!　Call me if you need anything.

　After saying goodbye, you enter the guild headquarters.

　From there, you'll go up the stairs.

"Jeed.

　Yui called out to me as she followed behind me.

'What?'

Master Ruina says she doesn't mind being a concubine.

............ What's up with you all of a sudden?

"Quena and Sheila.

　He must have said that after seeing the scene I just described.

　No, it's probably been a long time ago. Especially in the depths of the forbidden forest, Yui had also seen where Sheila had tried to attack me in my sleep.

　But yeah.

　I kind of understand about the favoritism between Kuena and Sheila.

　Even though I didn't have much to do with people, I would notice if they were as straightforward as they are.

'I'll definitely reciprocate those two. But at least that's after the request in the elven branch. ...... And also, that doesn't mean we're going to the Weiler Empire, you know.

Lady Ruina is after you. That's why Jide is coming.

Simple.

　Quena said something similar to that.

　As I thought, Ruina must have the kind of charisma that makes you think so.