Blood red sky.
A sky where the sun was setting in was stained with red as if stained by blood.
Looking at this sky, a lazy voice spoke,
“Ah~… Don’t you feel that? The sky has turned red, it seems a little like night has arrived, don’t you feel like sleeping?”
“Mm-hmm. From your words, it seems that even if the sky is still high in the sky, you won’t feel like sleeping?”
“Ai? Yeah, that, if it’s day time, it will give a person the feeling to have an afternoon nap, so I will feel bored.”
“Then when will you not feel like sleeping?”
“Eh~… This~”
Ryner hearing this, couldn’t help but hug his elbows.
“Wu~ the time when I don’t feel like sleeping, is there really such a thing?”
He started to seriously think about this boring question.
Their present location, was that they had entered Runa Empire from the Imperial Nelpha with much difficulty, walking down the path for a certain period of time…
Ryner and Ferris walked.
It was clearly already evening, but he still had bed hair, it could be said that the atmosphere was as if saying “don’t you feel tired?”, and those black eyes that were filled with the urge to sleep. This body that was as lean as a cat’s seemed to ruin the word motivation.
And a different atmosphere that was separate from that lazy atmosphere, the white armor and cape that made up the special armor that only the Mage Knights of Roland Empire were allowed to wear…
This appearance of Ryner’s, towards the earlier question, carried a tired expression that said “wu wu wu” entered deep thought.
“Ah—thinking about it like that, it is really like that. When I wake up early I have not woken up completely, so I will feel tired; in the day time because I want to have an afternoon nap, so I will feel tired; in the afternoon because I have had my lunch, so I will feel tired; in the evening, because it is going to be night time so I will naturally feel tired right? Then at night, since the ancient times have commanded it I will want to sleep…”
Towards this kind of irrational quibble,
“Do you think that that kind of twisted argument will be accepted?”
Ryner’s companion rebutted…
Ryner looked to his side.
Beside him, was a unbelievably beautiful woman…
Under the rays of the red setting sun, beautiful golden long hair. Clear blue eyes. A face that was so beautiful that it exceeded the human expectations, and on the slim body, there was tailor-made armor. A narrow waist, coupled together with a long sword that was not suitable for her slender wrists.
Ferris Eris.
Anyway, she was the beauty that could collapse countries and cities.
It could be even be said, even if the moon pushed over the sun and climbed out, just by being before her beauty, a beauty that would make one feel that the moon might feel embarrassed that it would not reveal itself.
Only that, her voice was calm and monotonous, her expression completely did not change either.
And, she used her cute tongue to lick the last dango left on her hand, although she wanted to eat it, but because it was the last one, if she ate it, there would be none left, what should she do…
Since earlier on she had been this troubled, it made one have some slight suspicion, was she really a beauty…
At this moment, Ferris said.
“Anyway, you sleep too long. According to my observations recently, I have judged that you have already slept all of the time that a normal human needs to sleep. So, according to my judgement, from today onwards even if you don’t sleep there’s a possibility that you will continue living. That’s great. You can stay awake, work for me for the rest of your life. Be happy about this.”
Ryner hearing this, widened his eyes,
“…Wa…you have started to say that completely impossible matter… not sleeping, will make me die.”
Towards Ryner’s retort, Ferris simply nodded,
“Mm-hmm. In the normal situation you would die. But, as long as humans are forced into a corner, they will be able to do anything. So, after today if you dare to sleep, I will punish you. I will call it the “Wa! If I sleep then I will be punished, I’m so scared that I don’t dare sleep!!” plan.
“This is about humans receiving so much punishment, so the habit of not sleeping will form, they can do anything. Before the next academic meeting, I must prepare the essay first… about this essay…”
As she walked, she pulled out something that was drawn since who knows when, it was a depiction of standing before the bed, Ferris was raising a sword, and Ryner with a fearful, scared contorted expression…
Ryner seeing this, couldn’t help but groan,
“Wow, this thing really has a slight realistic feel, you’re really good… I say, that’s not the problem now! Ah—really, I say you are so thorough in your research. Anyway, what does this count for. Firstly, what is that academic meeting. I say have you even participated in that kind of things?”
“Yes. It was established by my younger sister Iris and I, for the sake of exploring the secrets of the world…”
Speaking until there, Ryner interrupted her with a frown on his face.
“Ah~… It’s a game with that girl who squirms and jumps around… Talking about which, this topic is getting off track… anyway, just by giving humans a few punishments doesn’t mean that they will continue to live without sleeping, what kind of punishment are you thinking of using?”
Ferris carefully kept that really realistic drawing back, nodded,
“Mm-hmm. Firstly I’ll gently, use my sword to decapitate…”
“If you even do that once then you’ll never be able to wake up again!!”
Ryner couldn’t help but yell.
Ferris hearing that,
“Yes, then the joke shall end here… about the job.”
“You say it so lightly, I say you, you aren’t thinking of taking the chance when I’m sleeping, to take down my head are you?”
“Ho ho”
“Ah! You laughed just now! You laughed with that 'ho ho' sound!?”
“Mm-hmm. But the essay has already started, so there’s no choice? You’d better submit to your fate.”
“Who would want to submit to that faaaaaate!!”
Ryner cried in agony. Ferris was like usual, completely ignoring Ryner’s words.
“Mm-hmm. Then the legend of the heroes that was passed on in Runa Empire, do you have any leads?”
“Hey, your switching of the topic is really… ah, never mind…”
Ryner momentarily felt weak,
“…But look at the sky, it’s almost dark. We have managed to tide over the sudden matter of having the Imperial Nelpha Mage Knights chase after us, reached the Runa Empire, then now we’re starting to talk about work? Compared to that, shouldn’t we worry about our lodgings for today?”
Ferris nodded too.
“Yes. Right. Then let me change my saying. When you were in Roland, didn’t you write a report about the Heroes’ Relics, and then gave it to Sion? So now you are given the mission to search for the Heroes’ Relics.”
Ryner suddenly revealed a tired expression.
“No, it’s that fellow who took away my report by his own initiative, and he still said something like ‘go and gather these Heroes’ Relics for me’, this kind of request that does not take anyone into consideration, I completely have no motivation…”
“Mm-hmm. Me too. If I weren’t dragged into this, if I don’t help you, then he is going to destroy my favourite dango store, that person, is really the most despicable… one day I will make him taste pain.”
Ryner nodded his head in agreement,
“I agree! I agree to this! About that part, if we join our efforts…”
“Mm-hmm.”
Just as the unmotivated spirit of the two was confirmed again, Ferris said,
“Talking about which, did you write about roughly where the Heroes’ Relic would be in the report?”
Ryner nodded,
“That, yes. To be more accurate, I only organized the heroes’ legends and myths passed down in Roland and the surrounding countries. Of course, the surrounding maps of the approximate locations of the Heroes’ Relics have also been looked at.”
“Yes. Then, do you remember most of Runa Empire’s maps?”
“I already said it, I only remembered the maps of the areas near the locations mentioned in the legends of the heroes. What are you trying to say?”
Towards this question, Ferris pointed straight at the road in front,
“There is probably a place where we can take lodgings for the night straight ahead, tell me. If we continue walking, will we reach there before night falls?”
“Wu”
Hearing this, Ryner stared at the straight path reaching into the distance…
“About that, I’m not sure. I didn’t read anything about legends around this area. Come to think of it, this is the Runa Empire right? It’s different from Roland, it’s a country where religion has a pretty powerful influence right?”
Towards Ryner’s words, Ferris asked,
“What are you trying to say? Unless you are going to explain that you have no knowledge of the geography of this area, a piece of rubbish that cannot be used, this topic?”
Ryner nodded,
“That, so I say on that view point, eh, anyway this is a special place. There is a complete spiritual authority figure that they believe in, that means that that there is the presence of god, and even their magical powers are used by borrowing the power of god, according to that… that means, according to the information that Roland has researched on, those who do not believe, aren’t able to use the magic of this country.”
Ferris hearing this,
“Oh, this seems to be a little troublesome.”
“Yes. If no faith means an inability to use them, then to me who has no faith… these eyes”
Saying that, Ryner pointed to his own eyes.
The place where he was pointing at.
It was his black eyes that never changed, always carrying sleepiness…
And these, were special eyes.
In the middle of these black eyes, although it was usually so faint that it could not be seen, but that red five-pointed star, at this moment it was glowing red, appeared…
Ryner said.
“That means that even if this Alpha Stigma can analyse the magical structure of the other party, I will not be able to use it.”
That was right.
His special eyes had the ability to analyse all magical structures, rapidly turning it into his own, then proceeded with using his own strength.
No matter from what country, whatever special magic, with only his eyes, he should be able to learn it easily…
“I am definitely not going to believe in any divinity. So, I will definitely not be able to use Runa’s magic. Anyway, if god really existed, why would there be wars? Why would there be people who will definitely suffer? If god really existed, then let the world become something where everyone will be equal, where they can have an afternoon nap every day, where they can live peacefully wouldn’t that do?”
But Ferris simply replied,
“Yes. That’s simple. If there really was a god living, God as god, will be very busy. He will have no time to take care of a pervert like you, or the foolish humans who instigate boring wars.”
Towards this, Ryner slightly revealed an approving expression,
“Why do your words feel so convincing… Anyway, although it’s like this all the time, but where did the saying that I am a pervert emerge from! Even though I want to retort you a lot… yes, if I were as powerful as god, if I could live comfortably without working, I would definitely be busy sleeping afternoon naps, so I would have no time to look after those humans who keep doing foolish things.”
“Mm-hmm. If I were god, I would be busy every day because of dangos. Turning all the shops in the world into dango stores. Let the whole country work hard for dangos. Then, I will let the dango tasting competition replace wars, to decide on the territories of each country. The country with the best dango master will win. Then the most impressive thing is, every year I will let the dango masters who performed excellently in these competitions give me dangos… I can finally eat all the first-class dangos in this world. Ah, next year’s dangos, should it be the three coloured ones, or the ones with fillings…”
Towards Ferris who was mumbling to herself and had already sunk into a self-indulgent mood, Ryner couldn’t help but say,
“…Your imagination is getting out of hand…”
“Yes. I am starting to feel slightly jealous of god…”
“In addition I slowly feel like working properly too…”
Saying that, Ryner breathed out,
“Alright, let that daydream stop here… All in all, this is Runa, it’s different from our country, religion holds a large power here. And that means, naturally, the stories of the legends are related to the religion.”
“Oh, for example?”
Ryner nodded,
“Yes, for example, “God’s messengers will give God’s blessing to specially recognized humans, to let this person become king”… something like that, “the Demon appears, only by praying to the God then will the Demon be chased away”… something like that. Basically it’s like that, most were because of the rulers of that time to protect the country, they created such stories that were beneficial to themselves, but most were lies, and basically all the stories were about the royalty and God.”
“Yes, then after that, what did you want to say?”
“Yes, so I’m saying, most of the legends existed around the capital of the Runa Empire where the royals are living in, that is to say, the areas that I know, are the maps surrounding the capital… then , so, I am completely not aware of the situation surrounding here… it’s like that. How can I know what will happen if we continue to walk down this path, what will there be…”
As he spoke until there, Ferris interrupted him,
“That is to say, anyway your life has no worth, so it is rubbish that cannot be used?”
“…I say, according to what you say, aren’t you rubbish too. You don’t know about the situation of our surroundings right?”
But Ferris shook her head,
“No, I…”
But Ryner stared at Ferris. He had already guessed what she wanted to say.
He stared at her hard—without looking away.
Then for some reason, Ferris who was emotionless ever since just now, suddenly blushed, avoiding Ryner’s eyes,
“…That, that problem, let’s leave it aside…”
Ryner hearing this,
“Yo, if it were normal, you would say “No, I am a beauty”… right?”
“I, I had no plans to say anything like that.”
“Then why is your face so red.”
“Wu… it’s because of the setting sun, so it looks like that.”
But from some time before, the porcelain white skin of yours, had already been flushed until her ears…
Ryner smiled wryly,
“…Alright, I’ll leave it at that… Ah, there seems to be a cross section, and there is a sign post.”
A cross section had appeared in front of them.
The sign post pointed to left and right paths, pointing in different directions, and with the names of the destinations…
Ferris looked at the sign posts,
“Yes. According to this, On the right side seems to be a village. It’s called Rajit Village.”
Ryner continued,
“To the left is the church. It seems to be called Aschubeg Church. Then, which way shall we go? But, if we have to choose, I feel that we should go to the church, they will let us stay for free… And we’re lucky, Roland and Runa are allied countries. As long as we show them the insignia on our clothes, they will definitely let us stay for the night.”
Ferris also expressed her agreement,
“Yes. Even if it is Runa Empire, in front of strong Roland which has united with Estabul, at the moment they wouldn’t want to instigate a war. They will not treat us harshly. But…” Ferris’ words stopped, Ryner couldn’t help but ask,
“Ah? But? Is there a problem?”
Ferris pointed on the ground,
“It’s dropped there, look.”
Ryner heard that, turning in the direction in which she was pointing at, dropped there, it was probably another sign post that had been added, but because the nails were not orderly, so it dropped…
The fallen sign was written like this.
The village of Rajit has been cursed by the Demon.
So, before God has cleansed it, entry is prohibited.
Before the evil is cleansed, do not approach.
Travelers crossing over from the border of Imperial Nelpha,
Please do not head to Rajit village, please move toward Aschubeg Church.
The army of Runa Empire
Words like this were written…
Ryner and Ferris exchanged looks…
“The Demon’s…”
“…curse?”
Ryner frowned,
“The situation seems to be like that. Then we won’t go to Rajit Village. It’s scary, anyway, didn’t I say there is the Demon’s curse. And it says that it’s dangerous so don’t approach it. So like that, we have decided to go to Aschubeg Church. Alright, proceed, let’s go!”
Ryner said, just as he decided to walk left, at this moment, Ferris’s hand stopped him quickly.
“Are you serious? The person who is not afraid of God, is afraid of the Demon?”
Ryner’s brows drew together,
“Ah! Really! Think about our situation. We were only able to frantically cross the boundary today, I’m tired. If we go to those kind of places where it isn’t known whether there is Demon or something else of the sort… That kind of place that seems to have some link to the Heroes’ Relics, then doesn’t it mean we have to go and investigate. That way, wouldn’t it be more tiring? So, all in all, today let’s go to the church and sleep for more or less thirty days, then after I feel in the mood I’ll think about it…”
But at this moment, there was a ‘clang!’ sound, a familiar sharp sound was heard, in a blink of an eye, the sword at Ferris’ waist was unsheathed, landing lightly on Ryner’s neck…
Ryner could only use a sad voice to say at that moment…
“No, that, I know. Although I knew this would happen… But, it’s that, something like this sign that prohibits entry to the village, definitely wouldn’t let suspicious characters like us stay there. That is to say, today we will have to naturally stay outside… Tomorrow, tomorrow is fine too? Anyway let’s go to the church today…”
But,
“…”
Ferris remained silent, not replying.
She clearly did not say anything…
But Ryner,
“Ah, joking joking! Ah ya, that’s right, what does a Demon refer to? It makes one mind it? It makes me mind that today we will be working the whole night investigating without sleeping… So I beg you don’t put more pressure on the sword on my shoulder…”
Ferris used a speed that could not be seen by the visible eye to sheath her sword,
“Eh? Since you want to work, then we’ve no choice. Let’s go to Rajit Village.”
Hearing this, Ryner’s eyes were half-lidded,
“…I say, according to this situation, if I said that let’s go to Rajit Village four, five seconds later, my arm would be cut off? You should be slightly more merciful…”
But Ferris turned to walk down the right path, replying,
“How could I do something like that?”
Ryner chased after her,
“Liar! You were definitely thinking of chopping it off.”
Ferris shook her head,
“No, really, I didn’t plan to chop off your arm. Even if your arm drops off you won’t die, that’s not fun at all isn’t it? So, I decided to cut off your head…”
Ryner didn’t finish listening to her when he hugged his head…
“Ah, really, even if we don’t go to Rajit Village to search, there is a Demon here…”
“Eh? What did you say?”
“Ah? Ah, nothing nothing, I didn’t say anything… But, what exactly is the Demon?”
The two of them continued with this conversation, walking to Rajit Village which had been cursed by the Demon.
Changing the location.
This was the interior of a dignified building.
Here, within the territory of Roland Empire, there shouldn’t be anything that could surpass this building’s presence.
No matter whether it was the elegant decorations, the large size of the building, or the strict security that ensured that even a mouse would not be able to slip past it, all of this, gave off a feeling as if it could not be compared to others.
No, it was actually built for this purpose, this was to be expected…
This was…
The palace where the king of Roland lived in.
In this castle that was decorated lavishly, in one of the studies that was so simple that it felt like it was illegal, the most powerful person in this country, was as usual, very busy.
In front of the table that had piles of documents, he had already worked hard for more than twenty hours.
Finished signing this, then reaching for the next file…
“…Eh, this is…”
Golden eyes that were beautiful, and at the same time giving off an impression of strong will, narrowed.
Silver hair, pleasing features.
Only at the young age of nineteen, Sion Astal had already sat on the throne of the Roland Empire, he already had the airs of a king.
It had nothing to do with being the prince of the previous king’s concubine, his activeness in the war with Estabul Kingdom was surprising, using this he climbed to the high echelons of the Roland Empire Army…
After that, he used that outstanding ability to raise a revolution, removing the previous king who was a tyrant, becoming the Hero King who saved this country.
He miraculously made use of the supreme charisma, confidence and appearances he had been born with, gaining the large support from the people of the country…
In addition the successful suppression of the rebellion in Estabul Kingdom that occurred recently…
He was using more perfect methods, it even made one doubt that he was a human, as the king who ruled this country, he continued to accumulate his achievements…
No, of course, this was only what was said on the outside…
“Huh…”
At this moment, Sion stopped, releasing a breath.
That was right.
The problem, would not be known so easily by the public, actually there were so many problems that it was unbelievable.
“Really… If it’s always so busy, I am thinking that I don’t want to be king…”
Sion smiled bitterly, muttering to himself.
In actuality, the problem was like the amount of files in front of him, piling up into small mountains…
The rebellion in Estabul that had been taken over by Roland, in the end it was only successful repressed by having the daughter of the king of Estabul, Noa Ehn who was well known by the nobles and people even in his country to join his party…
At this moment, Sion looked at the files in front of him, groaning.
These files, were from the investigation that Sion had requested, reports about the corruption or the outrageous acts that a few nobles were committing in their territories.
And the result…
Was devastating…
It was worse than what he had expected.
The nobles had completely ignored Sion’s announcement as the king, completely doing whatever they wished.
But this was normal…
Because from the reign of the previous king, the nobles who had used their powers to do whatever they liked, although they had not rebelled openly against Sion now, but there were some people who indeed had more authority than Sion…
The anti-royality coalition…
Anyway, if he didn’t properly govern these people, it would be impossible to properly rule this country.
Other than that, the problems weren’t only these.
The sudden increase in activity of the other countries had also caught his attention and worry.
Although, at the present the internal affairs of his country had not be resolved, even if he wanted to increase the dealings with other countries, the nobles in the country would take this opportunity to…
“Ai…”
Sion gently pressed a hand against his head, sighing again…
Right at this moment!
“Bang— – –!”
With this loud sound, Sion’s chair was flipped over,
“Wah!?”
Sion fell with the chair. Although he tried his best not to fall onto the ground, but it was too late.
The momentum of the chair was quite strong.
Sion and the chair, fell onto the ground with an ungraceful posture…
He carried a slightly weary expression, looking up, who was it who could slip into the king’s study, pass the tight security that not even a mouse could slip through, in addition not being noticed by anyone, suddenly topple Sion’s chair.
And raising his head to look, it was a familiar girl.
It was a unbelievably beautiful girl…
Beautiful golden hair, pretty features, wearing a lacy skirt, carrying a bag, it was a beautiful girl with slightly unsuitable clothes…
At this moment Sion,
“Ah, Iris, welcome back. Did you meet with any dangers when coming back from Imperial Nelpha?”
Iris shook her head vigorously,
“No! Don’t worry!”
She replied energetically.
Sion nodded in relief, standing up slowly,
“Eh, then, I want to ask… why did you topple my chair?”
Iris hearing that, didn’t hesitate much, nodding vigorously again,
“Eh, that, because, Ferris Onee-san, said to do it, so Iris did it! Iris is impressive right? I’m impressive right?”
Looking at Iris who had an expression as if she wanted to be praised, Sion smiled wryly,
“Yeah, it’s impressive. Eh, but, why did Ferris want you to topple my chair? Do you know the reason?”
Iris hearing that nodded,
“Yes, it’s like, you know, sighing?”
Sion hearing that problem,
“Ah? Sighing? Eh, that, is that a normal sigh? If you breath out…”
This moment, Iris frantically covered Sion’s mouth,
“Yeah! You can’t breathe it out! You can’t!! Ir, Iris knows! Sighing, it’s when you are tired you will spit it out, if you breathe out like that three times, you will die because of overworking, that’s what Onee-san said.”
Sion hearing that, smiling wryly as he muttered,
“…Here it comes again, Ferris that fellow, always teaching Iris lies…”
At this moment, Iris seemed as if she were very smug, saying,
“So, Iris was very hard working! Sion Onii-san was about to sigh, she quickly flipped over the chair! Isn’t it impressive!”
Sion smiled at innocent Iris,
“Is it… Yes, thanks to Iris, I was rescued by you when I nearly died. Thanks.”
“Aheheh. That’s superb! I was praised! Onee-san will definitely praise me too! Because, Onee-san, said Sion Onii-san recently became king, that, eh, wu, er, …rude and unreasonable, tyrant something like that, I forgot, anyway it became this kind of situation, he will be very busy, so he will sigh a lot, even if it is using violence you have to stop him, Onee-san said that…”
Sion smiled wryly again when he heard this,
“…That person, plans to help me change my mood…? No, or is it she wants to simply tease me…”
He hugged his elbows as he sank into deep thought, but in the end he still couldn’t understand,
“Eh eh. This is very difficult to judge… Or maybe it’s a little, I feel it may be the latter…”
After that, he turned to Iris,
“Forget it, then Iris. Did you bring Ferris and Ryner's report this time?”
Iris nodded her head hard, pulling out a book from the bag on her back, passing it over to Sion.
Sion received the book, opening it…
Inside, it was still the same, filled with incomprehensible drawings that were drawn in Iris’ language…
But lately, Sion was slowly starting to understand Iris’ language.
It was a drawing of an angel with wings beating up a dog that was drooling, and another one where she put a collar on him and walked him around…
Sion seeing this, asked Iris,
“Isn’t this that? Ryner who was called a wild beast by Iris, is being punished the beautiful angel Ferris Onee-san! …the drawing where he is being dragged around?”
Iris nodded,
“You guessed right! Sion Onii-san, amazing!”
Being praised by Iris, Sion continued to flip through the book.
Next was a drawing of a beautiful angel and a beast seeming to carrying something like a crab’s forceps…
“Eh? What does this mean?”
He asked.
Iris hearing that,
“Eh, that. This is, what is it. Eh, in his hands, like Crab-san, armor carrying a sword, Wild-beast and Onee-san wore that, then, if it were these Crab-san, they could easily cross the country boundaries!”
Sion hearing this, his expression darkened momentarily,
“Wearing armor, easily crossing the country boundaries…? Talking about armor with a sword in hand… Unless it’s the armor of the Mage Knights of Imperial Nelpha? Those people stole the armor of the Mage Knights, using it to cross the boundary…”
Saying until there, his face seemed to relax,
“Really, they really know how to do things. I only managed to pay a visit to Nelpha based on international relations with much difficulty, the peace that was only kept with much hard work, if it becomes the fires of war because of this matter…”
Ah…
Just as he was about to sigh, he realized that Iris was using those large, clear blue eyes to stare at him,
“Ah, no I didn’t sigh?”
“Really? You definitely cannot sigh! If Sion Onii-san dies, Iris will be lonely!”
Sion smiled, patting Iris’ head.
“Yes. So that Iris will not be lonely, I can’t die. But, Iris is the same too? If you die, because of dangerous matters, I will be sad too?”
Iris carried an uncomprehending expression,
“Ah—? Iris won’t die?”
Sion continued to smile,
“Of course you wouldn’t die, but if you’re doing something dangerous, you may die? If it’s like that, I, Ferris will be sad. So Iris must take care of her body. So, today you should go back home, and rest well. The long journey was tiring for you right? If you don’t rest well, Ferris will definitely be disappointed.”
Iris hearing that, suddenly became frantic,
“Ah! Onee-san will be disappointed! I don’t want that! I, I! I am going to sleep! Immediately going to sleep! So Sion Onii-san must tell Onee-san don’t be disappointed! Must! So it’s like that, good night!”
As she said, not even giving the time for Sion to reply, Iris quickly jumped out of the window…
Sion stared at this in a daze,
“…Wu. Anyway, it’s better for me not to sigh. That would make Iris worried…”
Saying that, he placed that collapsed chair back to its original place, sitting on it, continuing to bury his head in the documents.
At this moment…
This time it wasn’t the window, there was someone knocking on the door,
“Sion, I’m coming in.”
It was the slightly reckless voice of a man.
Without waiting for a reply and walking in, was a red headed man who was tall and had deep lines carved in his face.
A body that was as strong as steel.
A similar colour to his hair, his eyes were red.
Major-General Claugh Klom.
This man who was around twenty five years old, besides Ryner and Ferris, he was now the only person in Roland who called him Sion without any suffixes.
When Sion was still in the army… as the subordinate of the General, now he also took up the duty of being Sion’s body guard. Although he was still a Major-General, but from his popularity and ability, it was all the highest quality that could be found in the army of Roland Empire…
Sion looked at Claugh, narrowing his eyes.
That was right. As the right hand of the King of Roland Sion Astal, in actuality he who was the most top quality person in the Roland Empire, but he still kept Major-General Claugh in this position…
It was evidence that Sion did not have complete control of this country.
Originally, it would not be strange even if Claugh took the General’s position…
The higher echelons of the army had been given to the nobles.
But even so, Claugh who was merely a Major-General could easily take on and fill the top spot of the army, and because Sion was previously a General, control the entire army.
It was exactly because they weren’t noble born, but the people in the army were commoners that they would chase after Sion and Claugh, Sion was then able to borrow the army’s prestige, becoming the king of this country…
Using that to suppress the nobles, so that they would not rebel; now it seemed as if the peace could be kept.
Still, these common-born soldiers, living through each day with their noble-born superiors who found fault with everything, and believed and waited for the day that Sion would completely rule over this country.
According to investigations, the nobles who felt unhappy that Sion had become king, had committed an increasing number of cases where the people under Sion were violently treated and abused…
From this angle, they couldn’t not deal quickly with the problem of the anti-royal coalition…
Just as he begun to think about this problem, Claugh stared at Sion’s face,
“Ah, this fellow, has that expression that says that he is anyhow thinking to give me trouble…”
Sion was slightly surprised,
“Ah? Was my expression that stern?”
Claugh heard that,
“No, it isn’t. It’s still the same, a smiling face that is full of confidence which makes people feel annoyed. But, you almost don’t let us see you troubled. So if we don’t notice, you will bear it until you die, troubled? You’re a person who makes everyone worry.”
Sion smiled bitterly,
“I’m not so weak that I need to be worried by you.”
“That is the problem. If I really throw you down and not care, you will not admit defeat until you collapse. And then, I want to ask you. You, since you started to sit there and work, how long has it been?”
Sion shrugged,
“Eh? I only started working just now…”
Before he finished speaking, another man entered from the door behind Claugh’s back,
“Liar! Claugh-senpai, Sion-san said a lie again. This present Sion-san so as not to make us worry, will definitely tell lies. According to Eslina who I sent to check on Sion-san’s situation, Sion-san after entering this study, at least fifteen hours have passed.”
A man who had slightly curled blond hair and cute blue eyes, giving an impression that he was slender walked in.
Calne Kaiwal.
He was also in the revolution period, along with Claugh, he was one of the important officers that had fought by Sion.
And behind him…
A girl who was dressed in a white dress.
No, this phrase girl, perhaps was not matching with the calm atmosphere she emanated…
Steady blue eyes. Features that were pleasing to the eye. Beautiful brown hair that tumbled to her shoulders.
Eslina Folkal.
In the past, he had single-handedly took up the position of Sion’s secretary Fiole Folkal’s younger sister.
But.
Fiole because of the anti-royals wanting to show a bit of temper to Sion, had been murdered…
Even so, she had inherited her brother’s will, coming to Sion’s side… Now, she was Calne’s helper, working according to his orders… Sion was slightly unhappy,
“Calne, you let someone spy on me… you actually let Eslina do these kind of things?”
Calne puffed out his chest,
“This is for your health management as you work too hard… Now, in this city, this is the most important work. That’s why Fiole’s younger sister Eslina can take up this important responsibility. Really, if we turn our eyes away for a short while, Sion-san will mess up everything! If you don’t rest well, over work yourself, Fiole in Heaven will be angry and come back again? Right, Eslina.”
Eslina smiled happily,
“Yes! You can’t do this, Your Majesty! Don’t always do things that make my brother sad.”
Using those features that were like Fiole’s to say this…
Sion scrunched up his eye brows,
“Wuwu, what does this count for. Coming to tease me in a group…?”
This was interrupted by a voice outside the door,
“Subordinates who really care for Your Majesty’s health, the king of Roland is a blessed person.”
A clear voice.
Then, walking in was…
A woman who had long dark green hair that was not often seen in Roland Empire.
Clear blue eyes, soft beautiful features. That dignified aura, straight gaze did not fit with her age of seventeen years, showing her straight-forwardness and intelligence.
Noa Ehn.
The only daughter of the king, of the Estabul Kingdom that had been taken over by Roland.
She had expressed her grief towards the last rebellion of Estabul, using the people as hostages, losing control of the future of the Estabul nobles…
She went against the rebelling nobles and defeated them, and surrendered to Roland, successfully becoming a hero to Roland and Estabul that had been pushed to a lower position, a capable woman who became a noble in Roland…
On the surface, it was like this…
But, in truth it wasn’t.
When Roland had taken up certain measures against Estabul, she had protected the hostages, and knowing that she would be in a difficult state, still became Roland’s noble, for the sake of protecting the people of Estabul.
This kind of decision, was not easy.
Noa aimed her straight-forward gaze at Sion.
“But, this country needs its king now. If Your Majesty overworks and worsens his health, wouldn’t it seem as if he were too obstinate?”
Saying it like this…
Sion said to Noa,
“This is really troublesome, I’ve let you see the embarrassing side of me. Ehn-san. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other. Talking about which, what is the reason for you specially visiting my study today?”
“No, I didn’t find Your Majesty for anything, it’s just that I made an appointment with Major-General Klom to eat dinner together today, but I waited for him and he did not show up, when I wanted to find him, I heard he was here…”
In a moment.
Claugh,
“Ah!”
As if giving out a devastated sound,
“Ah, eh eh, Calne, what time is it now?”
“Ah? Eh, seven o’clock… I say, Claugh senpai, what time did you and Noa-san agree to meet up?”
Hearing this, Claugh’s expression became more and more troubled,
“……………….Five o’clock……”
“Wah!? Two, two hours? You let this beauty… I mean, ah, I beg your pardon. But, you let someone wait for two hours…”
“Wu… shut up, Calne! That, this, Noa, that, there’s many reasons…”
But Noa still remained calm, “I understand. Major-General Klom. As a Major-General, you must have many things to busy yourself with, I can understand that too.”
“Ah, that… Eh. It’s like that. I had many things to settle.”
At this moment, Calne said softly,
“Even if it’s like that, it’s proper manners to notify the woman that you will be late…”
“Enough! Anyway I was so busy that I didn’t have the time, it couldn’t be helped!”
Towards this outburst, Noa nodded,
“That’s right, Calne-san. I heard the rumors that, Major-General Klom seems to have lovers all over the place, just by having these he will be busy enough, to add on if he is busy with work, of course he won’t have any time to contact someone like me.”
Saying it like this…
Claugh couldn’t help but drop his head into his hands.
Followed by,
“Yeah, really, oh yes, Sion, you’d better rest well! Then it’s like this, I have something to do, I’ll leave first?”
Saying that, he pulled Noa’s hand and was about to leave the room…
“Ai, ah, that… Then, it’s like that, Your Majesty. I’ll leave for today…”
Saying that, Noa was dragged off.
The two walked out of the room. At this moment, from outside the door,
“I’m truly sorry. So don’t be angry…”
Noa replied,
“Heh heh. I was joking. But, I’m indeed looking forward to today’s dinner? So I wanted to tease you slightly…”
“Don’t bully me…”
The two of them continued with this conversation, their voices fading into the distance.
These two people, ever since Noa was saved by Claugh, their relationship had been surprisingly good. It seemed like Noa only opened her heart to Claugh…
When they could no longer hear their voices, Sion, Eslina and Calne looked at each other, then laughed.
“Did you see Claugh’s expression just now? That kind of frantic expression was silly. He was seriously frantic, This is the first time I have seen him like that since I meet him."
Calne nodded too,
“Me too. Claugh senpai is usually shrewish towards his women relationships, he always has an expression as if it is nothing to worry about…”
Then Eslina too, carrying a joyous expression that obscured the girl in her for some reason,
“Are those two dating? If it is like that then they seem like a suitable couple.”
Sion hugged his elbows,
“Calne, what do you think?”
Calne also seriously revealed a troubled expression,
“Wu~, how should I say this. But, if the two of them are seriously dating, then there might be some problems.”
Hearing this, Sion asked,
“Eh? For example?”
“That, Claugh senpai’s relationships with women are fairly complicated, but in truth, he was never serious. Or I should say, if he really found a woman he liked, then he would leave that person.”
Eslina tilted her head,
“Why is that?’
“That, even if you ask me why… I never heard the real reason from him… But I’m also a military officer, it’s probably because, the reason if that we don’t know when we will die, so we can’t find lovers.”
“How can it be…”
Eslina revealed a sad expression,
“If it’s like that, the people who like Claugh-sama… And, Calne-sama are pitiful…”
Calne nodded too,
“But, anyway the present Roland is peaceful, from my angle, we should find a place to settle down… Ah, this should be said to Sion-san right?”
Sion hearing that, frowned,
“Hey, hey, why did the topic suddenly turn to me?”
“That, this is serious, everyone thinks so. We can have a brilliant monarch, then next is not to let this royal blood line be severed and leave heirs behind… This really isn’t a joke? Although this definitely cannot happen, but if you pass away now, then Roland is finished. For the sake of protecting the current peaceful Roland, even if I think that it’s going to be hard work, but if there isn’t you, and your children, then we don’t have the justice in fighting with the nobles. If it’s like this, then Roland will return to the time where the previous king, and the nobles dominated… those dark times… so…”
Then, Calne suddenly smiled meaningfully,
“Quickly find someone to marry, and have children! Do you want to have a match-make session? It’s match-making! The other party will be…”
Saying that, he looked at Eslina, she nodded quickly too,
“For Your Majesty, I will quickly arrange for the other party of the blind date…”
“You don’t have to prepare!”
Sion frantically stopped them.
At this moment, Calne and Eslina revealed smug smiles at the same time,
“Then, let’s talk about the marriage problem the next opportunity we have, anyway Sion-san for the sake of not letting himself die, has to stop work immediately, go to sleep quickly!”
Sion frowned,
“Ah, then, at least let me finish this file…”
Calne shook his head,
“No. Alright, in the adjacent room, Eslina has already prepared a bed. Go to sleep immediately.”
“Wu… you’re really capable… Yes, I know. It’s just sleeping right? Really, at this rate, by tomorrow the work will increase…”
Calne seeing this, finally revealed a relieved expression.
“Ah, finally he will rest. Then I can at least eat my dinner without any worries. Ah yes, lately there is a little of that, strangely I’ve been having dreams of Fiole lately, and I’m always lectured that I have to let Your Majesty rest—something of the sort. But, today I can finally sleep well today. Just like that, you have to sleep alright? Understand? Then Eslina, let’s go eat, I’ll treat you.”
“Ah? Really? That’s great!”
The two of them spoke, walking out of the room…
Sion helplessly watched them leave the room…
“Talking about which, when Fiole appeared in your dreams, didn’t he lecture you on not hitting on Eslina?”
He muttered to himself…
After that, he planned to work, but the hand that held the pen suddenly stopped, turning his face to the ceiling,
“Fine, I’ll rest a while today. If I don’t do that, I feel that you’ll appear again in Calne’s dreams…”
Saying that, he laughed.
After organizing the stack of files that had been completed, he wanted to stand up…
Someone knocked on the door again…
“Eh? Who is it?”
Turning his eyes there, in the doorway where Calne did not shut the door, was a man…
“The door was open, although this is very impolite, but please bear with my interruption, Your Majesty.”
A calm and cold voice.
A polite, and completely emotionless, cold voice.
Towards this…
Sion momentarily, narrowed his eyes,
“It’s Froaude…”
He sat on his chair again, watching Froaude.
A man with pretty long black hair.
He was around the same height as Claugh, but he was different from Froaude, he had a slim figure. And he had a rare black ring on his finger.
Although that beautiful feature could make a person stop breathing…
What was most attractive was not these only.
But it was those beautiful eyes that were a little obscured, cold and dark.
Dark blue eyes as if they could freeze…
Major Miran Froaude.
Even if he were under Sion, he was also part of those who shone differently…
He was a welcomed capable person because he wished that Sion would take the throne not limited only to Roland, but the Roland Empire that encompassed the whole Menoris Continent.
He said that the darkness that this tyrant’s path needed that was dirty, he would take it all upon himself, and started working under Sion… and he definitely completed all the work perfectly that it made anyone feel annoyed.
Now, under Sion, he had secured his position… not only that, Fiole’s work, and the dirty work that had been unable to be given to Fiole was handled by him.
No matter how large the sacrifice, he chose the most effective method.
He, was this kind of man.
Just because of that, Froaude’s relationship with Claugh was not good…
Froaude only smiled coldly.
“But Your Majesty’s popularity is really admirable. Did you enjoy the resting time that was leftover from working?”
Saying that…
Sion frowned,
“Are you purposefully saying the opposite? You hate Claugh, Calne and the rest right?”
But Froaude shook his head slightly,
“You misunderstand me if you think that I am purposefully saying the opposite. Although it is disappointing, but I seem to be hated by Major-General Klom and Colonel Kaiwal… But I have high evaluations of the both of them. If we’re talking about Crimson Finger Claugh Klom, he is a famous military officer known by the surrounding lands. If we’re talking about Colonel Kaiwal, as a pawn who would do anything for Your Majesty, he is a very important person as well.”
He, said it like that.
Froaude in front of Sion, calmly talked about Claugh and Calne as pawns.
This man, was this kind of person.
Looking at Sion’s increasingly stern expression, Froaude amended,
“And, being able to let Your Majesty have some rest is a difficult job for me, but they are able to accomplish it… they are necessary people.”
Adding this kind of words. Sion smiled bitterly when he heard them.
“You don’t have to waste your energy on that kind of meaningless wording. How you think of my subordinates, this point I am very clear. Towards you, everything is a pawn to progressing on the tyrant’s path right? And, if it isn’t necessary, no matter who the opposite party is, you would throw them aside without thinking. You are this kind of person. And you definitely have what I don’t have, the ability to take this kind of burden. I have nothing to complain about.”
Froaude hearing this, a slight smile that conveyed his happiness appeared on his icy features, bowing his head slightly.
“Towards your generous praise, I will accept it very happily.”
Sion shrugged,
“And then? What is there for me today? The files that you wish for me to read, I have read them. And placed them there.”
Froaude hearing that, bowed his head again,
“I am very sorry for taking up your time and energy. Then…”
Saying that, as if wanting to ask, those chilly eyes, looked in his direction.
Sion carried a tired expression, falling into deep thought.
The files that Froaude had provided.
It was something about what he had handed in earlier, a more realistic problem.
Firstly, it was the movements of every country in this Menoris Continent…
About the northern military country Stohl, that was slowly invaded by a new small country Gastark.
No, not only this.
Gastark had now conquered several small countries, expanding its power rapidly…
And, towards Gastark’s movements, every country was starting to strengthen its military…
All these were signals to a large scale war that would occur quickly.
Until today, due to the balance in powers, in this part of the Menoris Continent that was comparatively more peaceful, there might be a war erupting…
If that happened, Roland would enter this conflict sooner or later…
And, the present Roland…
At this moment, Froaude as if knowing what Sion was thinking, said.
“The present Roland, is unable to go against the other countries that have strengthened their military. Taking a step back, even if we have swallowed Estabul Kingdom, through Noa Ehn-san, but that northern country Stohl has five times the military power of Roland. To talk about it more in depth, even if it is the territory of strong Stohl, that country Gastark can still invade it, to fight with them, is definitely impossible. Although it’s like that…”
As if continuing his words, Sion said as if he were groaning,
“Although it’s like that… Now, Roland is unable to strengthen its military, unable to expand its territory. Because the internal affairs are too messy. If we attack other countries, I’m afraid, the internal nobles will take the chance. If this happens, we’ll lose everything…”
Saying that, Sion smacked his mouth in his mind.
For the sake of creating a country that would be peaceful and free from war, he had become the king.
Removing his father who continued meaningless wars, thinking that from then on a warless, uncorrupted country where everyone could live on smiling could be created…
But.
Reality, was always unable to satisfy human desires.
Reality…
Froaude used a calm voice,
“Our present duty, is to quickly unify Roland Empire. Not a superficial peace, but to chase away the nobles of the older times, creating a place where Your Majesty can build the true Roland Empire… For that, the fastest method is…”
But what Froaude wanted to say, Sion, already knew.
Reforms.
Kill all the nobles that went against Sion.
And…
Froaude continued.
“About that, I did write about it in the report I handed in… shall we first express our willingness to accept them? In that short period of time, completely accept all the requests that the nobles raise. Just like the reign of the previous king, can we return to that time where there was corruption and bribery?”
Sion frowned,
“Then, let the nobles relax their guard, focus them to one place, and kill them all… is that it?”
Froaude nodded,
“It’s the fastest way for Roland Empire to settle down.”
But at this moment, Sion looked at Froaude’s face,
“…But, to accept the nobles, even if it’s for a very short period of time, do we have to go back to the period of time where a large number of citizens starved and died?”
Towards this question, Froaude simply,
“Is that a problem?”
He asked in reply.
Towards this man, the phrase citizens dying, had no particular meaning.
And,
“…”
Sion sank into deep thought.
No, that wasn’t right…
Citizens dying.
Towards himself, it was meaningless too.
This point, he was clear.
As a king, citizens this word, was only a number.
For the sake of saving a large number of people, even if it were sacrificing a few people it also couldn’t be helped.
If it couldn’t be done, then he had no right to be king.
This point, he was very clear.
Since the moment he had become king, he was aware of that.
As long as it was pretty words that only settled superficial matters, it was unable to change the country.
But.
But, even so…
At this moment, Froaude narrowed his eyes slightly, using that usual emotionless, icy voice to speak to Sion who was in deep thought.
“…Are you troubled? Then let me think of other plans. Yes. You are a famous monarch. You are the rare monarch that will bring us to our peak, ever since Roland was born. A government that will benefit the people, in the past the nobles that bullied you would not be able to go forward with it, and this will make good use of them. If this continues, just by spending a certain amount of time, one day, all the people, all the nobles, will listen to your will.
“But, the sad reality is…"
“At that moment, Roland will be destroyed by other countries…”
This was reality.
Sion also knew this clearly.
In addition according to Ryner’s report, there were people from other countries appearing in Imperial Nelpha, acting secretly.
There was almost no time left.
He had no choice but to make a decision.
“…”
At this moment, a trace of a smile appeared on Froaude’s lips,
“But, today you should rest. Please don’t work too hard, if your body condition deteriorates, this will be troubling. Everything will go according to Your Majesty’s decision… no matter what kind of decision you make… I, will follow your orders. Please think carefully…”
Saying that, he bowed his head, walking out of the room.
But.
Sion still didn’t move.
Only, only, silently, gazing into the empty air for a long time…
“…”
The night, had darkened.
It was late at night…
In the courtyard connected to the palace.
Noa Ehn was slightly happy looking at the dark night sky and the shining stars.
“We came slightly later.”
She said with a slightly moved voice.
Claugh hearing that,
“…You, unless you are purposefully angry at me because I didn’t meet you at the arranged time?”
Asking that, Noa hearing that, turned back in surprise, Claugh was walking behind her leisurely, looking to be troubled…
Seeing that, she smiled,
“No. Ah, unless, I look like those kind of woman who will be angry over such petty matters?”
Claugh’s expression was even more troubled,
“No, although it’s not like that, but women are hard to understand…”
“Oh dear, Major-General Klom understands females very well.”
“I say, don’t always call me Major-General Klom. Claugh is fine.”
Noa hearing that, smiled happily, raising her head to look at the sky again…
“But, I’m really not angry. It’s just that I rarely can come outside at this time of the night. And, under this beautiful sky… I feel slightly mystified that’s all… Anyway, I was originally a princess of a country…”
In that split second, Claugh revealed a slightly awkward expression, even if she didn’t look at his face, Noa was clear about that.
Noa smiled again.
Then, she narrowed her eyes slightly.
Ever since she was born, even when she was a princess, and Estabul was destroyed.
Everything, was because of Froaude’s plan. The nobles who had supported Noa, were all killed.
No, if it wasn’t Claugh who had came to save her in the end, Noa would have died by Froaude’s hand.
And she had nearly been killed under the sin of taking the people of Estabul and Roland as hostages…
That was right.
Now, Noa could live here comfortably, was because of Claugh…
But, Claugh always used a guilty expression to look at her.
Towards this, Noa was happy.
No, it wasn’t because she felt happy that she was being pitied. That was not what she wished. She did not live because she was pitied by others.
It was only, Roland had swallowed the people of Estabul and, it was a person who was called the right hand of the king…
That there was of someone like Claugh.
She was happy because of this.
People who could understand the pain of others.
Straight-forwardly hating the deaths of people, feeling sad because of the deaths, by the side of this country’s king.
Towards this, she was extremely happy.
She was clear about it.
King, that was the job of balancing the people’s lives.
So that the greater part could be saved, the smaller parts had to be sacrificed.
This was clear to her.
The country, universe, just by using something as pretty as the night sky, would be unable to move, this was well known to her.
Even so, she thought, by the king’s side, there should be some people like Claugh.
People who could laugh, peacefully living in this word.
Even if other people looked down on them, these things didn’t exist…
Even if others mocked them, this kind of thing was so pretty that it was just empty words…
Even so, she thought, this kind of idealistic person, had to be by the king’s side.
So, Claugh was a necessary character for this country. For this country’s peace. And for this country’s Estabul citizens, so that they could live on smiling.
If there were only people like Froaude who had dangerous thoughts, then this country would fall into ruin.
So…
Noa looked at Claugh.
In the past in Estabul, Crimson Finger Claugh Klom was almost like a terrifying phrase like the demon.
He held that kind of power.
But even if it was like that…
Claugh used a gentle expression that was completely opposite of what a demon would have, looking at the sky with Noa.
“Is it really that pretty? I don’t think it has changed. Or is it saying that? In Estabul, is looking at the sky different?”
Saying something clumsy as if he completely didn’t understand a woman’s thoughts…
Noa laughed.
“The sky is the same. Perhaps the stars are slightly different… but compared to that… even if it is the same sky, because the people I am looking at it with are different, the environment is different, the feelings of the person watching it will be different?”
Hearing that,
“Eh? Is that so?”
Hearing these kinds of words as if it did not involve him, Noa laughed again.
Just now her words, from the bystander’s perspective, it might be interpreted as,
“Because I am looking at the sky with you, so I think it’s beautiful”
That kind of meaning…
But as she expected, this man, completely didn’t feel it.
This was strange.
In any case, he was older than Noa by seven years…
At this moment, Claugh noticed Noa was smiling at him,
“Ah? What is it. Is there anything funny?”
Noa hearing that,
“Eh. Ah, no, it’s late, let’s go back.”
“What is it? What a strange person…”
Saying that, the two continued to walk again.
Walking through the courtyard, the place where Noa lived, was built in a place very close to where Sion lived.
In the past, there was a noble who lived here, but when Sion and Claugh and the rest started the revolution, the noble had been chased away with the previous king, after that it became a building with no one living in it…
Noa at present was living here with several servants.
Before the door of this building…
Noa turned around, facing Claugh,
“I was very happy today. Thank you.”
Saying that, lowering her head…
Claugh seeing that, his eyebrows drew close,
“Ah—that, I won’t be late next time… I apologise for today.”
He answered,
“Oh dear… does that mean, you won’t call me out again?”
“That, it’s not the problem of whether we’ll have a date together, I will have to take you around the castle from time to time right?”
Hearing this, Noa’s elegant face revealed a slightly mischievous smile,
“Is that so… Claugh-sama didn’t come today, I was very worried, thinking that without my noticing, I did something wrong, making you hate me.”
Claugh hearing this, suddenly became frantic,
“Ah? Hate? Slip? There’s nothing like that. I only forgot today, it’s not because I hate you…”
At this moment, Claugh realized that Noa was smiling as she looked at him, starting to feel slightly unhappy…
“Ah, you… you’re teasing me again aren’t you?”
Noa politely bowed,
“But, today I was really happy. Thank you…”
Thanks to you, I feel like I can be saved…
What she wanted to say at the end…
But she didn’t say it.
Claugh clumsily waved his hand at her,
“Ah, you don’t have to be so polite, go to bed quickly. Seventeen year old children can’t stay up too late.”
Noa entered the door as she replied,
“Then, please don’t tempt this kind of cute seventeen year old.”
“What!? I, when did I tempt…”
Noa smiled at a nervous Claugh,
“I was joking. I only thought that I was being tempted…”
“Huh!? I say you…”
“Then, good night.”
Saying that, Noa walked into the house.
Entering her quarters, like usual, three servants came to greet her.
Noa smiled,
“I’m sorry, I returned this late. Because I was with Major-General Klom, I accidentally…”
But, Noa spoke until here, her words stopped…
In front of her there was an unbelievable scene. The maid who always took care of her, her head suddenly, fell with a plop sound.
Seeing this,
“Ya…”
Noa was about to scream…
But, the necks of the other two servants, had swords positioned against them…
Looking at her surroundings, ever since some time ago, Noa’s surroundings, were enclosed by a group of men dressed completely in black…
Noa momentarily swallowed her scream.
She immediately understood the present situation.
At this moment, a man slightly taller than the other…
A man who could be compared to Claugh said,
“Your adaptation is very quick. Clever missy. You should be very clear of your situation?”
Noa looked at the man,
“If I dare shout, then the servants will be killed. Is that so?”
The man nodded.
“If you dare shout we will kill the servants. If you dare try to escape we will kill the servants. If you don’t follow what we say, we will also kill the servants.”
He calmly said.
He was strong. That could be told just by looking.
Now the men who surrounded Noa, there was a total of eight.
Eight was clearly a lot, they were only surrounding a woman, but she could tell that they weren’t relaxed at all, there was no opportunity to take hold of.
The situation couldn’t be worse than it was now.
Under this situation, what could she do?
Even though she thought hard, but she couldn’t come up with anything.
If it were Claugh, even if he were facing these kind of opponents, he would be able to save the servants, escaping from here…
She looked at her slender hands, smiling bitterly.
Towards herself, this was impossible. She was too weak.
If that was the case, the only thing that she could do, was only…
At this moment, the tall man said,
“Then, will you follow our orders?”
“………What are you planning to make me do?”
“That… Will you first undress yourself?”
In a moment, she stiffened, feeling her body trembling slightly.
From the cold smiles on the men’s faces she could guess it.
“…”
She wanted to cry…
She had to go along with the attitudes of these people.
Even if she tried to pretend that she was strong, in truth, she knew clearly that she was trembling uncontrollably with fear.
She was scared.
By this kind of person…
Going along with his wishes.
Gritting her teeth hard, Noa desperately tolerated her body that would tremble if she relaxed, saying.
“If I follow your orders, will you promise not to harm the servants?”
Towards this,
“That’s right.”
The man dressed in black nodded simply, promising.
But, this was obviously a lie. The servants, were, already beyond help.
And, me too.
These people were probably, assassins that the nobles of Roland had sent.
To rape me, threaten, then kill me…
Then, if I’m killed, the people of Estabul will probably once again, because they are dissatisfied towards Roland… and, it will be towards the king of Roland who protected me to release their ire, again raising the rebellion flag.
That must be their plan.
The people of Roland will die in large numbers again…
“…”
I, can’t be killed by these people.
Then, the only thing I can do…
I smiled, saying to the men.
“Alright. Then I’ll undress.”
Saying that, bowing, making, an action as if to undress…
In her mouth, she wanted to bite her tongue…
But.
“Don’t joke!”
The man’s hand immediately reached over, stopping Noa’s mouth, clutching her mouth, keeping sure that it won’t close…
“Ah…”
She had been seen through…
This time, Noa really despaired.
Even death, was not allowed.
The man grabbed Noa’s face, dragging her as he pulled her up,
“If you kill yourself now, we will be very troubled. The client wished that you be raped first, then be killed, this kind of situation. If you die of your own action, then our client will be very angry. Alright, everyone, it seems like this lady hates to undress herself. Then let’s help her strip.”
The men crowded around her.
She was scared.
Couldn’t help,
“Clau…”
As she opened her mouth , a cloth was shoved into her mouth roughly, she couldn’t even shout.
The man’s hand, reached towards her clothes.
She frantically wanted to wave it away, but unfortunately she was unable to.
She was already helpless.
At this moment…
Noa, gave up, resisting.
She only, looked at the closed door that was connected to the outside…
Outside, just now, she was still with Claugh… thinking about that, the memory of her smiling.
Today, was really a happy day.
Ever since she lost Estabul, the nervous feeling… today, she finally felt a little relaxed.
Eating with Claugh, in the night courtyard, watching the stars…
Like the past…
She didn’t carry any responsibilities, as if she were a normal seventeen year old…
She confirmed it again, the beauty of the stars, something as small as that, could become a happy memory…
Today, she was really, happy.
But…
This door that was connected with the outside, was so far away…
In Noa’s eyes…
The tears that she had been resisting desperately all this time, from the start…
One drop, fell.
Time backpedaled slightly…
Watching Noa’s back slowly disappeared into the house, Claugh hugged his elbows,
“……ah, women are really hard to understand…”
He moaned.
No, the other women said that they didn’t mind…
But he didn’t know why, he felt that he was always confused by Noa’s words.
Anyway, ever since they first met, when he went against Froaude, he was always confused by her.
Suddenly shouting, then making a deal that the detestable Froaude would agree too, this time revealing that innocent expression that was like a child’s, earlier that had confused Claugh.
Even if that was the case, he understood, she wasn’t a normal girl.
She was only a seventeen year old girl, in her eyes, there was already a kind of intelligence whose age couldn’t be estimated… and she had carried some kind of huge determination, coming to Roland.
Because of that, he could not throw her aside and not care.
Her slender, beautiful hands, if they wished to grab onto something, he would want to help her.
Thinking until there, Claugh laughed,
“I finally understand why her popularity was so high among the Estabul people.”
He muttered to himself, planning to leave from the door of Noa’s house, at this moment.
Claugh’s eyes, suddenly, as if changing persons, sharpened and narrowed…
“Eh?”
Suddenly, feeling an uneasy feeling.
Although he did not know why he felt that, but, there was a sense of uneasiness.
He turned around again, looking at the house that Noa had walked into.
It was slightly different from usual.
He felt.
Although he didn’t know what, but, there was something slightly different.
Claugh, thought that way.
There was an atmosphere that made one feel unhappy.
It was the same feeling, he had felt many times on the battle field. There was a prickly feeling on the back of his neck, a strange uneasy feeling. He couldn’t walk forward. Something in his body was warning him.
This feeling, he had guessed previously, and previously it was not unfounded, but… Claugh was clear, because to the people who had spent a lot of time on war, this feeling had to be followed.
But this feeling, towards him, it was not to walk into the house that Noa had walked into.
At this moment, it was as if proving this uneasy feeling…
All the lights in the house disappeared…
After that, the darkness seemed to creep in from the surroundings…
“Don’t go in. Don’t go in. There’s danger. Don’t go in.”
It seemed to warn, that detestable atmosphere increased in strength…
This moment,
“Damn it!”
Claugh rushed in. Thinking to use the momentum to force open the door, rushing into the house.
At an unbelievable speed.
Using all the necessary time, the moment shortened, kicking open the door of the house.
Followed by,
“Noa! Are you alright!!”
In the moment when he rushed in, the house was filled with darkness…
His vision was almost blinded.
Even if it was the darkest night, there would be moonlight. It wouldn’t be like now, he couldn’t see anything.
And the darkness here was so large that it felt unnatural…
“…”
Claugh’s eyes sharpened.
This was a darkness created through magic, it was one of Roland’s magic, and, it wasn’t a simple magic.
The more darkness to cover an area, the more it taxed the caster’s strength.
And at this door, there was certainly a considerable length, this space had been completely stained black proved…
It was clear that the person who was using this magic, was a capable person.
And in the darkness, there wasn’t any sound.
The opponent was waiting quietly. Waiting for Claugh to move to find Noa. Even if they didn’t know whether Claugh would move, the other side would attack.
In the beginning, this was a fight that did not favor him.
The side that moved first, would lose. This point, was easily seen. But, Claugh didn’t have the leisure to wait for the opponent to move. The more time was wasted, the more danger Noa would be in.
Claugh stared at the darkness, walking toward the middle of the room.
No, not only that, he also said to the surroundings,
“Hey, there’s no time. Quickly attack…”
At this moment…
With a “pwesh” sound, like he expected, something cut through the air towards Claugh…
Indeed, like what he had predicted, the opponent’s movements were very agile.
Although he was very near, but he completely couldn’t feel the presence of the opponent. And they had used some method, attacking Claugh.
Claugh completely couldn’t dodge. No, it should be said that it would be better if he didn’t dodge?
Only, he tilted his body slightly, accepting this blow…
Psah…
A sharp sound of something entering flesh.
From the feeling he understood. It was a blade. Claugh felt a blade stab into his left arm.
The person that had stabbed Claugh with the blade,
“Ha. I thought the hero of the army would be impressive, so he’s this standard only. Bearing this wound perhaps you may be unable to fight…”
But, his words stopped here.
In the darkness there was only a strange ‘clack’ sound.
At the same time, the darkness covering the entire room disappeared…
His vision suddenly expanded.
Claugh had just by using the blade stabbed on his shoulder, only looking at the man dressed in black who had been unable to move when he broke his neck.
Then surveying his surroundings, confirmed that there were many men dressed in black preparing themselves.
And Noa’s body…
Seeing her, Claugh’s eyes narrowed even more.
Her clothes had been stripped entirely. Her body was naked without a single garment. Her hands and feet had been tied… Something had been stuffed in her mouth too, and those things on the ground, were also tied up…
Crying.
From those, always filled with confidence eyes, tears were rolling down…
Looking at this scene, Claugh’s eyes narrowed even more, sharpening.
Pulling out the dagger in his arm, throwing it to the ground, he used a slightly trembling, muffled voice,
“…What have you done to her?”
At this moment, standing by Noa’s side, a man who could be compared to Claugh replied,
“We haven’t done anything. The lookout notified us, your movements seemed to indicate that you had noticed our existence. So we were preparing traps to deal with you, our work hasn’t progressed. But thanks to that, we were able to injure you…”
But Claugh stared at the man,
“Nothing at all? Then, why is she crying?”
The man revealed a mocking smile,
“No matter what, you will be able to do nothing. Just that wound…”
“I don’t want to hear your nonsense! I’m asking you, why is Noa crying, didn’t you hear that!!”
Followed with a shout that could almost shake the building, Claugh charged at the tall man…
And the men dressed in black moved at the same time…
Pulling out knives, towards Claugh…
But.
Claugh raised his right arm.
In a moment, the clothes on Claugh’s right arm were shredded, the tattoos of magical formations on his arm started to glow…
Six men dressed in black attacking Claugh, in that moment, were cut into pieces…
Unbelievably strong.
The people who were there, probably none of them were able to understand what had happened.
It was like a fight between grown-ups and children…
Looking at this, the tall man beside Noa,
“Im, impossible. What, what is happening… Wa!?”
At this moment, the man dressed in black quickly pulled out the knife at his waist, charging towards Claugh who was rushing over…
But Claugh didn’t even dodge.
He used the arm with glowing tattoos, stopped the knife directly…
Another ‘psah’ sound again.
The knife sank into Claugh’s palm…
But Claugh didn’t even stop because of this. In the moment he caught the man…
Indeed, without realizing what had happened, the man’s wrist, was crushed,
“Ah, yaaa….!?”
The cry didn’t even reach its peak, this time he caught the man’s head, slamming it against the wall.
The man tried to resist, but, he was slammed again.
Once, twice, thrice.
Using a shocking arm strength.
The man started not to move.
Then Claugh looked at the man, using an expression as if he were looking down on an ant to look at him,
“Don’t think you can die so easily. For the price of making Noa cry, did you think that this would settle it? I will cut your body into many tiny pieces…”
But the man raised his head.
“…Wu…………Didn’t, didn’t think, he would be so… it’s, it’s like, a monster… but, but, I, am a professional. This kind of interrogation, I wouldn’t… tell you, the client’s, name.”
“Ah?”
When he looked at the man’s face, the man smiled coldly, seeming to bite on something in his mouth, gritting his teeth. At the same time, there was a crack sound…
In a moment, the man vomited blood and died…
Claugh seeing that, smacked his mouth,
“Che… this bastard… swallowing poison and committed suicide…”
Saying that, he threw the man’s corpse on the ground.
The looking at Noa…
“Ah… that…”
He tried as much to move his eyes from that naked body, approaching her in the dark, untying the ropes around her hands and mouth and mouth,
“Noa, are you…”
Before he finished speaking,
“Cla,Claugh!? Are you alright!?”
He was rebutted,
“Ah? That, I… I mean, what are you referring to?”
For some reason, Noa’s face had an angry expression that said ‘what do you mean what am I referring to!’,
“Shoulder! And hand! Aren’t you very strong!? What were you doing! For, for protecting me, receiving this kind, those kind of wounds…”
She was really angry.
She looked at the wounds on Claugh hand and shoulder as she fumed, desperately, trying to stop the blood from flowing out of the wound…
Claugh seeing that,
“Ah, this, that kind isn’t even called a wound.”
“Is, is that so? Then, then, it will heal quickly?”
“It will heal quickly. Compared to that, you…”
He wanted to ask…
“Ah? Me…?”
She revealed a surprised expression…
Then in a moment, her expression started to stiffen…
She pressed close to Claugh. The blood on his shoulder dirtied her beautiful dark blue hair, but she didn’t care, only hugging him…
“…”
She was trembling.
Tears seemed to want to flow out from her eyes.
She should be quite scared. In front of Froaude, she was able to put up that strong image, now, she was trembling…
It was like, a young child.
A child who was fearful of the night’s darkness. A child who was unable to live on alone.
Claugh seemed to want to stop her trembling, hugging her head.
The two of them, were silent for a moment…
Very quiet.
The people in this mansion, had all been killed.
Tonight was a quiet night.
The wind was quiet… If nothing like this had happened, she would probably be smiling…
Claugh hugged her, maintaining this, time passed…
She,
“It’s, it’s alright. I’m fine. I… They didn’t do anything to me. I, was saved again by Claugh…”
Her voice had resumed its normalcy by now.
Claugh seeing this,
“I’m sorry, I came late, were you scared?”
Noa shook her head gently, smiling,
“No. This kind of matters, I’m already accustomed to it. Because, I am a princess of a country?”
Saying that kind of joke, forcing herself to be strong.
Saying that, she was already fine… forcing herself.
She was indeed a strong person.
Claugh thought.
Watching her tears continue to slide down, but it did not affect her beautiful and elegant face…
Claugh smiled gently.
At this moment,
“Ah—, you were looking at my face, you’re mocking me? Looking at girls’ faces and making fun of them is very impolite?”
Watching Noa gather her courage to be angry, Claugh smiled bitterly,
“No, I only saw Noa saying that she was not scared, forcing herself, I felt that it was interesting.”
Noa hearing that, her expression resumed being serious…
Then…
Looking at Claugh…
“……Yes… perhaps it is forced. I am truthfully very scared, trembling… but, but, I don’t know why, but a voice deep in my heart was telling me, it’s alright. There definitely, definitely will be a way out. I know you… Crimson Finger Claugh Klom will come… But, you really came. So next time, I wouldn’t be so scared.”
She said that…
“…Ah? That means, every time every time you meet danger, I will come and save you? How troublesome.”
“Saving a damsel in distress is a knight’s duty? Or is it to be said, because the person you have to save is me, so you will feel unsatisfied?”
Claugh scratched his head,
“…No, it’s not like that… Yes. Then…”
Saying that, he stood up, walking over without looking at Noa, finding her clothes, throwing them to her.
“Next time, I will arrive more quickly.”
At this moment, from behind him, Noa’s voice spoke with a slight happiness that he did not know of the reason behind it,
“Alright”
Gently replying.
“Ah, then, quickly dress, I’ll wait for you. Of course, following this…”
Claugh didn’t turn around, nodding,
“Yes. Who is the person attacking you… and, what will happen after today… there is a need to investigate…”
Saying that, Claugh’s eyes, moved to the open door, looking at the stars outside the house.
Yes, A calm night.
But, the things that were about to happen in Roland…
A calm night.
But, from just now, perhaps it was a trick of his mind, Claugh felt, the wind was becoming stronger.
Blood red sky.
A sky where the sun was setting in was stained with red as if stained by blood.
Looking at this sky, a lazy voice spoke,
“Ah~… Don’t you feel that? The sky has turned red, it seems a little like night has arrived, don’t you feel like sleeping?”
“Mm-hmm. From your words, it seems that even if the sky is still high in the sky, you won’t feel like sleeping?”
“Ai? Yeah, that, if it’s day time, it will give a person the feeling to have an afternoon nap, so I will feel bored.”
“Then when will you not feel like sleeping?”
“Eh~… This~”
Ryner hearing this, couldn’t help but hug his elbows.
“Wu~ the time when I don’t feel like sleeping, is there really such a thing?”
He started to seriously think about this boring question.
Their present location, was that they had entered Runa Empire from the Imperial Nelpha with much difficulty, walking down the path for a certain period of time…
Ryner and Ferris walked.
It was clearly already evening, but he still had bed hair, it could be said that the atmosphere was as if saying “don’t you feel tired?”, and those black eyes that were filled with the urge to sleep. This body that was as lean as a cat’s seemed to ruin the word motivation.
And a different atmosphere that was separate from that lazy atmosphere, the white armor and cape that made up the special armor that only the Mage Knights of Roland Empire were allowed to wear…
This appearance of Ryner’s, towards the earlier question, carried a tired expression that said “wu wu wu” entered deep thought.
“Ah—thinking about it like that, it is really like that. When I wake up early I have not woken up completely, so I will feel tired; in the day time because I want to have an afternoon nap, so I will feel tired; in the afternoon because I have had my lunch, so I will feel tired; in the evening, because it is going to be night time so I will naturally feel tired right? Then at night, since the ancient times have commanded it I will want to sleep…”
Towards this kind of irrational quibble,
“Do you think that that kind of twisted argument will be accepted?”
Ryner’s companion rebutted…
Ryner looked to his side.
Beside him, was a unbelievably beautiful woman…
Under the rays of the red setting sun, beautiful golden long hair. Clear blue eyes. A face that was so beautiful that it exceeded the human expectations, and on the slim body, there was tailor-made armor. A narrow waist, coupled together with a long sword that was not suitable for her slender wrists.
Ferris Eris.
Anyway, she was the beauty that could collapse countries and cities.
It could be even be said, even if the moon pushed over the sun and climbed out, just by being before her beauty, a beauty that would make one feel that the moon might feel embarrassed that it would not reveal itself.
Only that, her voice was calm and monotonous, her expression completely did not change either.
And, she used her cute tongue to lick the last dango left on her hand, although she wanted to eat it, but because it was the last one, if she ate it, there would be none left, what should she do…
Since earlier on she had been this troubled, it made one have some slight suspicion, was she really a beauty…
At this moment, Ferris said.
“Anyway, you sleep too long. According to my observations recently, I have judged that you have already slept all of the time that a normal human needs to sleep. So, according to my judgement, from today onwards even if you don’t sleep there’s a possibility that you will continue living. That’s great. You can stay awake, work for me for the rest of your life. Be happy about this.”
Ryner hearing this, widened his eyes,
“…Wa…you have started to say that completely impossible matter… not sleeping, will make me die.”
Towards Ryner’s retort, Ferris simply nodded,
“Mm-hmm. In the normal situation you would die. But, as long as humans are forced into a corner, they will be able to do anything. So, after today if you dare to sleep, I will punish you. I will call it the “Wa! If I sleep then I will be punished, I’m so scared that I don’t dare sleep!!” plan.
“This is about humans receiving so much punishment, so the habit of not sleeping will form, they can do anything. Before the next academic meeting, I must prepare the essay first… about this essay…”
As she walked, she pulled out something that was drawn since who knows when, it was a depiction of standing before the bed, Ferris was raising a sword, and Ryner with a fearful, scared contorted expression…
Ryner seeing this, couldn’t help but groan,
“Wow, this thing really has a slight realistic feel, you’re really good… I say, that’s not the problem now! Ah—really, I say you are so thorough in your research. Anyway, what does this count for. Firstly, what is that academic meeting. I say have you even participated in that kind of things?”
“Yes. It was established by my younger sister Iris and I, for the sake of exploring the secrets of the world…”
Speaking until there, Ryner interrupted her with a frown on his face.
“Ah~… It’s a game with that girl who squirms and jumps around… Talking about which, this topic is getting off track… anyway, just by giving humans a few punishments doesn’t mean that they will continue to live without sleeping, what kind of punishment are you thinking of using?”
Ferris carefully kept that really realistic drawing back, nodded,
“Mm-hmm. Firstly I’ll gently, use my sword to decapitate…”
“If you even do that once then you’ll never be able to wake up again!!”
Ryner couldn’t help but yell.
Ferris hearing that,
“Yes, then the joke shall end here… about the job.”
“You say it so lightly, I say you, you aren’t thinking of taking the chance when I’m sleeping, to take down my head are you?”
“Ho ho”
“Ah! You laughed just now! You laughed with that 'ho ho' sound!?”
“Mm-hmm. But the essay has already started, so there’s no choice? You’d better submit to your fate.”
“Who would want to submit to that faaaaaate!!”
Ryner cried in agony. Ferris was like usual, completely ignoring Ryner’s words.
“Mm-hmm. Then the legend of the heroes that was passed on in Runa Empire, do you have any leads?”
“Hey, your switching of the topic is really… ah, never mind…”
Ryner momentarily felt weak,
“…But look at the sky, it’s almost dark. We have managed to tide over the sudden matter of having the Imperial Nelpha Mage Knights chase after us, reached the Runa Empire, then now we’re starting to talk about work? Compared to that, shouldn’t we worry about our lodgings for today?”
Ferris nodded too.
“Yes. Right. Then let me change my saying. When you were in Roland, didn’t you write a report about the Heroes’ Relics, and then gave it to Sion? So now you are given the mission to search for the Heroes’ Relics.”
Ryner suddenly revealed a tired expression.
“No, it’s that fellow who took away my report by his own initiative, and he still said something like ‘go and gather these Heroes’ Relics for me’, this kind of request that does not take anyone into consideration, I completely have no motivation…”
“Mm-hmm. Me too. If I weren’t dragged into this, if I don’t help you, then he is going to destroy my favourite dango store, that person, is really the most despicable… one day I will make him taste pain.”
Ryner nodded his head in agreement,
“I agree! I agree to this! About that part, if we join our efforts…”
“Mm-hmm.”
Just as the unmotivated spirit of the two was confirmed again, Ferris said,
“Talking about which, did you write about roughly where the Heroes’ Relic would be in the report?”
Ryner nodded,
“That, yes. To be more accurate, I only organized the heroes’ legends and myths passed down in Roland and the surrounding countries. Of course, the surrounding maps of the approximate locations of the Heroes’ Relics have also been looked at.”
“Yes. Then, do you remember most of Runa Empire’s maps?”
“I already said it, I only remembered the maps of the areas near the locations mentioned in the legends of the heroes. What are you trying to say?”
Towards this question, Ferris pointed straight at the road in front,
“There is probably a place where we can take lodgings for the night straight ahead, tell me. If we continue walking, will we reach there before night falls?”
“Wu”
Hearing this, Ryner stared at the straight path reaching into the distance…
“About that, I’m not sure. I didn’t read anything about legends around this area. Come to think of it, this is the Runa Empire right? It’s different from Roland, it’s a country where religion has a pretty powerful influence right?”
Towards Ryner’s words, Ferris asked,
“What are you trying to say? Unless you are going to explain that you have no knowledge of the geography of this area, a piece of rubbish that cannot be used, this topic?”
Ryner nodded,
“That, so I say on that view point, eh, anyway this is a special place. There is a complete spiritual authority figure that they believe in, that means that that there is the presence of god, and even their magical powers are used by borrowing the power of god, according to that… that means, according to the information that Roland has researched on, those who do not believe, aren’t able to use the magic of this country.”
Ferris hearing this,
“Oh, this seems to be a little troublesome.”
“Yes. If no faith means an inability to use them, then to me who has no faith… these eyes”
Saying that, Ryner pointed to his own eyes.
The place where he was pointing at.
It was his black eyes that never changed, always carrying sleepiness…
And these, were special eyes.
In the middle of these black eyes, although it was usually so faint that it could not be seen, but that red five-pointed star, at this moment it was glowing red, appeared…
Ryner said.
“That means that even if this Alpha Stigma can analyse the magical structure of the other party, I will not be able to use it.”
That was right.
His special eyes had the ability to analyse all magical structures, rapidly turning it into his own, then proceeded with using his own strength.
No matter from what country, whatever special magic, with only his eyes, he should be able to learn it easily…
“I am definitely not going to believe in any divinity. So, I will definitely not be able to use Runa’s magic. Anyway, if god really existed, why would there be wars? Why would there be people who will definitely suffer? If god really existed, then let the world become something where everyone will be equal, where they can have an afternoon nap every day, where they can live peacefully wouldn’t that do?”
But Ferris simply replied,
“Yes. That’s simple. If there really was a god living, God as god, will be very busy. He will have no time to take care of a pervert like you, or the foolish humans who instigate boring wars.”
Towards this, Ryner slightly revealed an approving expression,
“Why do your words feel so convincing… Anyway, although it’s like this all the time, but where did the saying that I am a pervert emerge from! Even though I want to retort you a lot… yes, if I were as powerful as god, if I could live comfortably without working, I would definitely be busy sleeping afternoon naps, so I would have no time to look after those humans who keep doing foolish things.”
“Mm-hmm. If I were god, I would be busy every day because of dangos. Turning all the shops in the world into dango stores. Let the whole country work hard for dangos. Then, I will let the dango tasting competition replace wars, to decide on the territories of each country. The country with the best dango master will win. Then the most impressive thing is, every year I will let the dango masters who performed excellently in these competitions give me dangos… I can finally eat all the first-class dangos in this world. Ah, next year’s dangos, should it be the three coloured ones, or the ones with fillings…”
Towards Ferris who was mumbling to herself and had already sunk into a self-indulgent mood, Ryner couldn’t help but say,
“…Your imagination is getting out of hand…”
“Yes. I am starting to feel slightly jealous of god…”
“In addition I slowly feel like working properly too…”
Saying that, Ryner breathed out,
“Alright, let that daydream stop here… All in all, this is Runa, it’s different from our country, religion holds a large power here. And that means, naturally, the stories of the legends are related to the religion.”
“Oh, for example?”
Ryner nodded,
“Yes, for example, “God’s messengers will give God’s blessing to specially recognized humans, to let this person become king”… something like that, “the Demon appears, only by praying to the God then will the Demon be chased away”… something like that. Basically it’s like that, most were because of the rulers of that time to protect the country, they created such stories that were beneficial to themselves, but most were lies, and basically all the stories were about the royalty and God.”
“Yes, then after that, what did you want to say?”
“Yes, so I’m saying, most of the legends existed around the capital of the Runa Empire where the royals are living in, that is to say, the areas that I know, are the maps surrounding the capital… then , so, I am completely not aware of the situation surrounding here… it’s like that. How can I know what will happen if we continue to walk down this path, what will there be…”
As he spoke until there, Ferris interrupted him,
“That is to say, anyway your life has no worth, so it is rubbish that cannot be used?”
“…I say, according to what you say, aren’t you rubbish too. You don’t know about the situation of our surroundings right?”
But Ferris shook her head,
“No, I…”
But Ryner stared at Ferris. He had already guessed what she wanted to say.
He stared at her hard—without looking away.
Then for some reason, Ferris who was emotionless ever since just now, suddenly blushed, avoiding Ryner’s eyes,
“…That, that problem, let’s leave it aside…”
Ryner hearing this,
“Yo, if it were normal, you would say “No, I am a beauty”… right?”
“I, I had no plans to say anything like that.”
“Then why is your face so red.”
“Wu… it’s because of the setting sun, so it looks like that.”
But from some time before, the porcelain white skin of yours, had already been flushed until her ears…
Ryner smiled wryly,
“…Alright, I’ll leave it at that… Ah, there seems to be a cross section, and there is a sign post.”
A cross section had appeared in front of them.
The sign post pointed to left and right paths, pointing in different directions, and with the names of the destinations…
Ferris looked at the sign posts,
“Yes. According to this, On the right side seems to be a village. It’s called Rajit Village.”
Ryner continued,
“To the left is the church. It seems to be called Aschubeg Church. Then, which way shall we go? But, if we have to choose, I feel that we should go to the church, they will let us stay for free… And we’re lucky, Roland and Runa are allied countries. As long as we show them the insignia on our clothes, they will definitely let us stay for the night.”
Ferris also expressed her agreement,
“Yes. Even if it is Runa Empire, in front of strong Roland which has united with Estabul, at the moment they wouldn’t want to instigate a war. They will not treat us harshly. But…” Ferris’ words stopped, Ryner couldn’t help but ask,
“Ah? But? Is there a problem?”
Ferris pointed on the ground,
“It’s dropped there, look.”
Ryner heard that, turning in the direction in which she was pointing at, dropped there, it was probably another sign post that had been added, but because the nails were not orderly, so it dropped…
The fallen sign was written like this.
The village of Rajit has been cursed by the Demon.
So, before God has cleansed it, entry is prohibited.
Before the evil is cleansed, do not approach.
Travelers crossing over from the border of Imperial Nelpha,
Please do not head to Rajit village, please move toward Aschubeg Church.
The army of Runa Empire
Words like this were written…
Ryner and Ferris exchanged looks…
“The Demon’s…”
“…curse?”
Ryner frowned,
“The situation seems to be like that. Then we won’t go to Rajit Village. It’s scary, anyway, didn’t I say there is the Demon’s curse. And it says that it’s dangerous so don’t approach it. So like that, we have decided to go to Aschubeg Church. Alright, proceed, let’s go!”
Ryner said, just as he decided to walk left, at this moment, Ferris’s hand stopped him quickly.
“Are you serious? The person who is not afraid of God, is afraid of the Demon?”
Ryner’s brows drew together,
“Ah! Really! Think about our situation. We were only able to frantically cross the boundary today, I’m tired. If we go to those kind of places where it isn’t known whether there is Demon or something else of the sort… That kind of place that seems to have some link to the Heroes’ Relics, then doesn’t it mean we have to go and investigate. That way, wouldn’t it be more tiring? So, all in all, today let’s go to the church and sleep for more or less thirty days, then after I feel in the mood I’ll think about it…”
But at this moment, there was a ‘clang!’ sound, a familiar sharp sound was heard, in a blink of an eye, the sword at Ferris’ waist was unsheathed, landing lightly on Ryner’s neck…
Ryner could only use a sad voice to say at that moment…
“No, that, I know. Although I knew this would happen… But, it’s that, something like this sign that prohibits entry to the village, definitely wouldn’t let suspicious characters like us stay there. That is to say, today we will have to naturally stay outside… Tomorrow, tomorrow is fine too? Anyway let’s go to the church today…”
But,
“…”
Ferris remained silent, not replying.
She clearly did not say anything…
But Ryner,
“Ah, joking joking! Ah ya, that’s right, what does a Demon refer to? It makes one mind it? It makes me mind that today we will be working the whole night investigating without sleeping… So I beg you don’t put more pressure on the sword on my shoulder…”
Ferris used a speed that could not be seen by the visible eye to sheath her sword,
“Eh? Since you want to work, then we’ve no choice. Let’s go to Rajit Village.”
Hearing this, Ryner’s eyes were half-lidded,
“…I say, according to this situation, if I said that let’s go to Rajit Village four, five seconds later, my arm would be cut off? You should be slightly more merciful…”
But Ferris turned to walk down the right path, replying,
“How could I do something like that?”
Ryner chased after her,
“Liar! You were definitely thinking of chopping it off.”
Ferris shook her head,
“No, really, I didn’t plan to chop off your arm. Even if your arm drops off you won’t die, that’s not fun at all isn’t it? So, I decided to cut off your head…”
Ryner didn’t finish listening to her when he hugged his head…
“Ah, really, even if we don’t go to Rajit Village to search, there is a Demon here…”
“Eh? What did you say?”
“Ah? Ah, nothing nothing, I didn’t say anything… But, what exactly is the Demon?”
The two of them continued with this conversation, walking to Rajit Village which had been cursed by the Demon.
Changing the location.
This was the interior of a dignified building.
Here, within the territory of Roland Empire, there shouldn’t be anything that could surpass this building’s presence.
No matter whether it was the elegant decorations, the large size of the building, or the strict security that ensured that even a mouse would not be able to slip past it, all of this, gave off a feeling as if it could not be compared to others.
No, it was actually built for this purpose, this was to be expected…
This was…
The palace where the king of Roland lived in.
In this castle that was decorated lavishly, in one of the studies that was so simple that it felt like it was illegal, the most powerful person in this country, was as usual, very busy.
In front of the table that had piles of documents, he had already worked hard for more than twenty hours.
Finished signing this, then reaching for the next file…
“…Eh, this is…”
Golden eyes that were beautiful, and at the same time giving off an impression of strong will, narrowed.
Silver hair, pleasing features.
Only at the young age of nineteen, Sion Astal had already sat on the throne of the Roland Empire, he already had the airs of a king.
It had nothing to do with being the prince of the previous king’s concubine, his activeness in the war with Estabul Kingdom was surprising, using this he climbed to the high echelons of the Roland Empire Army…
After that, he used that outstanding ability to raise a revolution, removing the previous king who was a tyrant, becoming the Hero King who saved this country.
He miraculously made use of the supreme charisma, confidence and appearances he had been born with, gaining the large support from the people of the country…
In addition the successful suppression of the rebellion in Estabul Kingdom that occurred recently…
He was using more perfect methods, it even made one doubt that he was a human, as the king who ruled this country, he continued to accumulate his achievements…
No, of course, this was only what was said on the outside…
“Huh…”
At this moment, Sion stopped, releasing a breath.
That was right.
The problem, would not be known so easily by the public, actually there were so many problems that it was unbelievable.
“Really… If it’s always so busy, I am thinking that I don’t want to be king…”
Sion smiled bitterly, muttering to himself.
In actuality, the problem was like the amount of files in front of him, piling up into small mountains…
The rebellion in Estabul that had been taken over by Roland, in the end it was only successful repressed by having the daughter of the king of Estabul, Noa Ehn who was well known by the nobles and people even in his country to join his party…
At this moment, Sion looked at the files in front of him, groaning.
These files, were from the investigation that Sion had requested, reports about the corruption or the outrageous acts that a few nobles were committing in their territories.
And the result…
Was devastating…
It was worse than what he had expected.
The nobles had completely ignored Sion’s announcement as the king, completely doing whatever they wished.
But this was normal…
Because from the reign of the previous king, the nobles who had used their powers to do whatever they liked, although they had not rebelled openly against Sion now, but there were some people who indeed had more authority than Sion…
The anti-royality coalition…
Anyway, if he didn’t properly govern these people, it would be impossible to properly rule this country.
Other than that, the problems weren’t only these.
The sudden increase in activity of the other countries had also caught his attention and worry.
Although, at the present the internal affairs of his country had not be resolved, even if he wanted to increase the dealings with other countries, the nobles in the country would take this opportunity to…
“Ai…”
Sion gently pressed a hand against his head, sighing again…
Right at this moment!
“Bang— – –!”
With this loud sound, Sion’s chair was flipped over,
“Wah!?”
Sion fell with the chair. Although he tried his best not to fall onto the ground, but it was too late.
The momentum of the chair was quite strong.
Sion and the chair, fell onto the ground with an ungraceful posture…
He carried a slightly weary expression, looking up, who was it who could slip into the king’s study, pass the tight security that not even a mouse could slip through, in addition not being noticed by anyone, suddenly topple Sion’s chair.
And raising his head to look, it was a familiar girl.
It was a unbelievably beautiful girl…
Beautiful golden hair, pretty features, wearing a lacy skirt, carrying a bag, it was a beautiful girl with slightly unsuitable clothes…
At this moment Sion,
“Ah, Iris, welcome back. Did you meet with any dangers when coming back from Imperial Nelpha?”
Iris shook her head vigorously,
“No! Don’t worry!”
She replied energetically.
Sion nodded in relief, standing up slowly,
“Eh, then, I want to ask… why did you topple my chair?”
Iris hearing that, didn’t hesitate much, nodding vigorously again,
“Eh, that, because, Ferris Onee-san, said to do it, so Iris did it! Iris is impressive right? I’m impressive right?”
Looking at Iris who had an expression as if she wanted to be praised, Sion smiled wryly,
“Yeah, it’s impressive. Eh, but, why did Ferris want you to topple my chair? Do you know the reason?”
Iris hearing that nodded,
“Yes, it’s like, you know, sighing?”
Sion hearing that problem,
“Ah? Sighing? Eh, that, is that a normal sigh? If you breath out…”
This moment, Iris frantically covered Sion’s mouth,
“Yeah! You can’t breathe it out! You can’t!! Ir, Iris knows! Sighing, it’s when you are tired you will spit it out, if you breathe out like that three times, you will die because of overworking, that’s what Onee-san said.”
Sion hearing that, smiling wryly as he muttered,
“…Here it comes again, Ferris that fellow, always teaching Iris lies…”
At this moment, Iris seemed as if she were very smug, saying,
“So, Iris was very hard working! Sion Onii-san was about to sigh, she quickly flipped over the chair! Isn’t it impressive!”
Sion smiled at innocent Iris,
“Is it… Yes, thanks to Iris, I was rescued by you when I nearly died. Thanks.”
“Aheheh. That’s superb! I was praised! Onee-san will definitely praise me too! Because, Onee-san, said Sion Onii-san recently became king, that, eh, wu, er, …rude and unreasonable, tyrant something like that, I forgot, anyway it became this kind of situation, he will be very busy, so he will sigh a lot, even if it is using violence you have to stop him, Onee-san said that…”
Sion smiled wryly again when he heard this,
“…That person, plans to help me change my mood…? No, or is it she wants to simply tease me…”
He hugged his elbows as he sank into deep thought, but in the end he still couldn’t understand,
“Eh eh. This is very difficult to judge… Or maybe it’s a little, I feel it may be the latter…”
After that, he turned to Iris,
“Forget it, then Iris. Did you bring Ferris and Ryner's report this time?”
Iris nodded her head hard, pulling out a book from the bag on her back, passing it over to Sion.
Sion received the book, opening it…
Inside, it was still the same, filled with incomprehensible drawings that were drawn in Iris’ language…
But lately, Sion was slowly starting to understand Iris’ language.
It was a drawing of an angel with wings beating up a dog that was drooling, and another one where she put a collar on him and walked him around…
Sion seeing this, asked Iris,
“Isn’t this that? Ryner who was called a wild beast by Iris, is being punished the beautiful angel Ferris Onee-san! …the drawing where he is being dragged around?”
Iris nodded,
“You guessed right! Sion Onii-san, amazing!”
Being praised by Iris, Sion continued to flip through the book.
Next was a drawing of a beautiful angel and a beast seeming to carrying something like a crab’s forceps…
“Eh? What does this mean?”
He asked.
Iris hearing that,
“Eh, that. This is, what is it. Eh, in his hands, like Crab-san, armor carrying a sword, Wild-beast and Onee-san wore that, then, if it were these Crab-san, they could easily cross the country boundaries!”
Sion hearing this, his expression darkened momentarily,
“Wearing armor, easily crossing the country boundaries…? Talking about armor with a sword in hand… Unless it’s the armor of the Mage Knights of Imperial Nelpha? Those people stole the armor of the Mage Knights, using it to cross the boundary…”
Saying until there, his face seemed to relax,
“Really, they really know how to do things. I only managed to pay a visit to Nelpha based on international relations with much difficulty, the peace that was only kept with much hard work, if it becomes the fires of war because of this matter…”
Ah…
Just as he was about to sigh, he realized that Iris was using those large, clear blue eyes to stare at him,
“Ah, no I didn’t sigh?”
“Really? You definitely cannot sigh! If Sion Onii-san dies, Iris will be lonely!”
Sion smiled, patting Iris’ head.
“Yes. So that Iris will not be lonely, I can’t die. But, Iris is the same too? If you die, because of dangerous matters, I will be sad too?”
Iris carried an uncomprehending expression,
“Ah—? Iris won’t die?”
Sion continued to smile,
“Of course you wouldn’t die, but if you’re doing something dangerous, you may die? If it’s like that, I, Ferris will be sad. So Iris must take care of her body. So, today you should go back home, and rest well. The long journey was tiring for you right? If you don’t rest well, Ferris will definitely be disappointed.”
Iris hearing that, suddenly became frantic,
“Ah! Onee-san will be disappointed! I don’t want that! I, I! I am going to sleep! Immediately going to sleep! So Sion Onii-san must tell Onee-san don’t be disappointed! Must! So it’s like that, good night!”
As she said, not even giving the time for Sion to reply, Iris quickly jumped out of the window…
Sion stared at this in a daze,
“…Wu. Anyway, it’s better for me not to sigh. That would make Iris worried…”
Saying that, he placed that collapsed chair back to its original place, sitting on it, continuing to bury his head in the documents.
At this moment…
This time it wasn’t the window, there was someone knocking on the door,
“Sion, I’m coming in.”
It was the slightly reckless voice of a man.
Without waiting for a reply and walking in, was a red headed man who was tall and had deep lines carved in his face.
A body that was as strong as steel.
A similar colour to his hair, his eyes were red.
Major-General Claugh Klom.
This man who was around twenty five years old, besides Ryner and Ferris, he was now the only person in Roland who called him Sion without any suffixes.
When Sion was still in the army… as the subordinate of the General, now he also took up the duty of being Sion’s body guard. Although he was still a Major-General, but from his popularity and ability, it was all the highest quality that could be found in the army of Roland Empire…
Sion looked at Claugh, narrowing his eyes.
That was right. As the right hand of the King of Roland Sion Astal, in actuality he who was the most top quality person in the Roland Empire, but he still kept Major-General Claugh in this position…
It was evidence that Sion did not have complete control of this country.
Originally, it would not be strange even if Claugh took the General’s position…
The higher echelons of the army had been given to the nobles.
But even so, Claugh who was merely a Major-General could easily take on and fill the top spot of the army, and because Sion was previously a General, control the entire army.
It was exactly because they weren’t noble born, but the people in the army were commoners that they would chase after Sion and Claugh, Sion was then able to borrow the army’s prestige, becoming the king of this country…
Using that to suppress the nobles, so that they would not rebel; now it seemed as if the peace could be kept.
Still, these common-born soldiers, living through each day with their noble-born superiors who found fault with everything, and believed and waited for the day that Sion would completely rule over this country.
According to investigations, the nobles who felt unhappy that Sion had become king, had committed an increasing number of cases where the people under Sion were violently treated and abused…
From this angle, they couldn’t not deal quickly with the problem of the anti-royal coalition…
Just as he begun to think about this problem, Claugh stared at Sion’s face,
“Ah, this fellow, has that expression that says that he is anyhow thinking to give me trouble…”
Sion was slightly surprised,
“Ah? Was my expression that stern?”
Claugh heard that,
“No, it isn’t. It’s still the same, a smiling face that is full of confidence which makes people feel annoyed. But, you almost don’t let us see you troubled. So if we don’t notice, you will bear it until you die, troubled? You’re a person who makes everyone worry.”
Sion smiled bitterly,
“I’m not so weak that I need to be worried by you.”
“That is the problem. If I really throw you down and not care, you will not admit defeat until you collapse. And then, I want to ask you. You, since you started to sit there and work, how long has it been?”
Sion shrugged,
“Eh? I only started working just now…”
Before he finished speaking, another man entered from the door behind Claugh’s back,
“Liar! Claugh-senpai, Sion-san said a lie again. This present Sion-san so as not to make us worry, will definitely tell lies. According to Eslina who I sent to check on Sion-san’s situation, Sion-san after entering this study, at least fifteen hours have passed.”
A man who had slightly curled blond hair and cute blue eyes, giving an impression that he was slender walked in.
Calne Kaiwal.
He was also in the revolution period, along with Claugh, he was one of the important officers that had fought by Sion.
And behind him…
A girl who was dressed in a white dress.
No, this phrase girl, perhaps was not matching with the calm atmosphere she emanated…
Steady blue eyes. Features that were pleasing to the eye. Beautiful brown hair that tumbled to her shoulders.
Eslina Folkal.
In the past, he had single-handedly took up the position of Sion’s secretary Fiole Folkal’s younger sister.
But.
Fiole because of the anti-royals wanting to show a bit of temper to Sion, had been murdered…
Even so, she had inherited her brother’s will, coming to Sion’s side… Now, she was Calne’s helper, working according to his orders… Sion was slightly unhappy,
“Calne, you let someone spy on me… you actually let Eslina do these kind of things?”
Calne puffed out his chest,
“This is for your health management as you work too hard… Now, in this city, this is the most important work. That’s why Fiole’s younger sister Eslina can take up this important responsibility. Really, if we turn our eyes away for a short while, Sion-san will mess up everything! If you don’t rest well, over work yourself, Fiole in Heaven will be angry and come back again? Right, Eslina.”
Eslina smiled happily,
“Yes! You can’t do this, Your Majesty! Don’t always do things that make my brother sad.”
Using those features that were like Fiole’s to say this…
Sion scrunched up his eye brows,
“Wuwu, what does this count for. Coming to tease me in a group…?”
This was interrupted by a voice outside the door,
“Subordinates who really care for Your Majesty’s health, the king of Roland is a blessed person.”
A clear voice.
Then, walking in was…
A woman who had long dark green hair that was not often seen in Roland Empire.
Clear blue eyes, soft beautiful features. That dignified aura, straight gaze did not fit with her age of seventeen years, showing her straight-forwardness and intelligence.
Noa Ehn.
The only daughter of the king, of the Estabul Kingdom that had been taken over by Roland.
She had expressed her grief towards the last rebellion of Estabul, using the people as hostages, losing control of the future of the Estabul nobles…
She went against the rebelling nobles and defeated them, and surrendered to Roland, successfully becoming a hero to Roland and Estabul that had been pushed to a lower position, a capable woman who became a noble in Roland…
On the surface, it was like this…
But, in truth it wasn’t.
When Roland had taken up certain measures against Estabul, she had protected the hostages, and knowing that she would be in a difficult state, still became Roland’s noble, for the sake of protecting the people of Estabul.
This kind of decision, was not easy.
Noa aimed her straight-forward gaze at Sion.
“But, this country needs its king now. If Your Majesty overworks and worsens his health, wouldn’t it seem as if he were too obstinate?”
Saying it like this…
Sion said to Noa,
“This is really troublesome, I’ve let you see the embarrassing side of me. Ehn-san. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other. Talking about which, what is the reason for you specially visiting my study today?”
“No, I didn’t find Your Majesty for anything, it’s just that I made an appointment with Major-General Klom to eat dinner together today, but I waited for him and he did not show up, when I wanted to find him, I heard he was here…”
In a moment.
Claugh,
“Ah!”
As if giving out a devastated sound,
“Ah, eh eh, Calne, what time is it now?”
“Ah? Eh, seven o’clock… I say, Claugh senpai, what time did you and Noa-san agree to meet up?”
Hearing this, Claugh’s expression became more and more troubled,
“……………….Five o’clock……”
“Wah!? Two, two hours? You let this beauty… I mean, ah, I beg your pardon. But, you let someone wait for two hours…”
“Wu… shut up, Calne! That, this, Noa, that, there’s many reasons…”
But Noa still remained calm, “I understand. Major-General Klom. As a Major-General, you must have many things to busy yourself with, I can understand that too.”
“Ah, that… Eh. It’s like that. I had many things to settle.”
At this moment, Calne said softly,
“Even if it’s like that, it’s proper manners to notify the woman that you will be late…”
“Enough! Anyway I was so busy that I didn’t have the time, it couldn’t be helped!”
Towards this outburst, Noa nodded,
“That’s right, Calne-san. I heard the rumors that, Major-General Klom seems to have lovers all over the place, just by having these he will be busy enough, to add on if he is busy with work, of course he won’t have any time to contact someone like me.”
Saying it like this…
Claugh couldn’t help but drop his head into his hands.
Followed by,
“Yeah, really, oh yes, Sion, you’d better rest well! Then it’s like this, I have something to do, I’ll leave first?”
Saying that, he pulled Noa’s hand and was about to leave the room…
“Ai, ah, that… Then, it’s like that, Your Majesty. I’ll leave for today…”
Saying that, Noa was dragged off.
The two walked out of the room. At this moment, from outside the door,
“I’m truly sorry. So don’t be angry…”
Noa replied,
“Heh heh. I was joking. But, I’m indeed looking forward to today’s dinner? So I wanted to tease you slightly…”
“Don’t bully me…”
The two of them continued with this conversation, their voices fading into the distance.
These two people, ever since Noa was saved by Claugh, their relationship had been surprisingly good. It seemed like Noa only opened her heart to Claugh…
When they could no longer hear their voices, Sion, Eslina and Calne looked at each other, then laughed.
“Did you see Claugh’s expression just now? That kind of frantic expression was silly. He was seriously frantic, This is the first time I have seen him like that since I meet him."
Calne nodded too,
“Me too. Claugh senpai is usually shrewish towards his women relationships, he always has an expression as if it is nothing to worry about…”
Then Eslina too, carrying a joyous expression that obscured the girl in her for some reason,
“Are those two dating? If it is like that then they seem like a suitable couple.”
Sion hugged his elbows,
“Calne, what do you think?”
Calne also seriously revealed a troubled expression,
“Wu~, how should I say this. But, if the two of them are seriously dating, then there might be some problems.”
Hearing this, Sion asked,
“Eh? For example?”
“That, Claugh senpai’s relationships with women are fairly complicated, but in truth, he was never serious. Or I should say, if he really found a woman he liked, then he would leave that person.”
Eslina tilted her head,
“Why is that?’
“That, even if you ask me why… I never heard the real reason from him… But I’m also a military officer, it’s probably because, the reason if that we don’t know when we will die, so we can’t find lovers.”
“How can it be…”
Eslina revealed a sad expression,
“If it’s like that, the people who like Claugh-sama… And, Calne-sama are pitiful…”
Calne nodded too,
“But, anyway the present Roland is peaceful, from my angle, we should find a place to settle down… Ah, this should be said to Sion-san right?”
Sion hearing that, frowned,
“Hey, hey, why did the topic suddenly turn to me?”
“That, this is serious, everyone thinks so. We can have a brilliant monarch, then next is not to let this royal blood line be severed and leave heirs behind… This really isn’t a joke? Although this definitely cannot happen, but if you pass away now, then Roland is finished. For the sake of protecting the current peaceful Roland, even if I think that it’s going to be hard work, but if there isn’t you, and your children, then we don’t have the justice in fighting with the nobles. If it’s like this, then Roland will return to the time where the previous king, and the nobles dominated… those dark times… so…”
Then, Calne suddenly smiled meaningfully,
“Quickly find someone to marry, and have children! Do you want to have a match-make session? It’s match-making! The other party will be…”
Saying that, he looked at Eslina, she nodded quickly too,
“For Your Majesty, I will quickly arrange for the other party of the blind date…”
“You don’t have to prepare!”
Sion frantically stopped them.
At this moment, Calne and Eslina revealed smug smiles at the same time,
“Then, let’s talk about the marriage problem the next opportunity we have, anyway Sion-san for the sake of not letting himself die, has to stop work immediately, go to sleep quickly!”
Sion frowned,
“Ah, then, at least let me finish this file…”
Calne shook his head,
“No. Alright, in the adjacent room, Eslina has already prepared a bed. Go to sleep immediately.”
“Wu… you’re really capable… Yes, I know. It’s just sleeping right? Really, at this rate, by tomorrow the work will increase…”
Calne seeing this, finally revealed a relieved expression.
“Ah, finally he will rest. Then I can at least eat my dinner without any worries. Ah yes, lately there is a little of that, strangely I’ve been having dreams of Fiole lately, and I’m always lectured that I have to let Your Majesty rest—something of the sort. But, today I can finally sleep well today. Just like that, you have to sleep alright? Understand? Then Eslina, let’s go eat, I’ll treat you.”
“Ah? Really? That’s great!”
The two of them spoke, walking out of the room…
Sion helplessly watched them leave the room…
“Talking about which, when Fiole appeared in your dreams, didn’t he lecture you on not hitting on Eslina?”
He muttered to himself…
After that, he planned to work, but the hand that held the pen suddenly stopped, turning his face to the ceiling,
“Fine, I’ll rest a while today. If I don’t do that, I feel that you’ll appear again in Calne’s dreams…”
Saying that, he laughed.
After organizing the stack of files that had been completed, he wanted to stand up…
Someone knocked on the door again…
“Eh? Who is it?”
Turning his eyes there, in the doorway where Calne did not shut the door, was a man…
“The door was open, although this is very impolite, but please bear with my interruption, Your Majesty.”
A calm and cold voice.
A polite, and completely emotionless, cold voice.
Towards this…
Sion momentarily, narrowed his eyes,
“It’s Froaude…”
He sat on his chair again, watching Froaude.
A man with pretty long black hair.
He was around the same height as Claugh, but he was different from Froaude, he had a slim figure. And he had a rare black ring on his finger.
Although that beautiful feature could make a person stop breathing…
What was most attractive was not these only.
But it was those beautiful eyes that were a little obscured, cold and dark.
Dark blue eyes as if they could freeze…
Major Miran Froaude.
Even if he were under Sion, he was also part of those who shone differently…
He was a welcomed capable person because he wished that Sion would take the throne not limited only to Roland, but the Roland Empire that encompassed the whole Menoris Continent.
He said that the darkness that this tyrant’s path needed that was dirty, he would take it all upon himself, and started working under Sion… and he definitely completed all the work perfectly that it made anyone feel annoyed.
Now, under Sion, he had secured his position… not only that, Fiole’s work, and the dirty work that had been unable to be given to Fiole was handled by him.
No matter how large the sacrifice, he chose the most effective method.
He, was this kind of man.
Just because of that, Froaude’s relationship with Claugh was not good…
Froaude only smiled coldly.
“But Your Majesty’s popularity is really admirable. Did you enjoy the resting time that was leftover from working?”
Saying that…
Sion frowned,
“Are you purposefully saying the opposite? You hate Claugh, Calne and the rest right?”
But Froaude shook his head slightly,
“You misunderstand me if you think that I am purposefully saying the opposite. Although it is disappointing, but I seem to be hated by Major-General Klom and Colonel Kaiwal… But I have high evaluations of the both of them. If we’re talking about Crimson Finger Claugh Klom, he is a famous military officer known by the surrounding lands. If we’re talking about Colonel Kaiwal, as a pawn who would do anything for Your Majesty, he is a very important person as well.”
He, said it like that.
Froaude in front of Sion, calmly talked about Claugh and Calne as pawns.
This man, was this kind of person.
Looking at Sion’s increasingly stern expression, Froaude amended,
“And, being able to let Your Majesty have some rest is a difficult job for me, but they are able to accomplish it… they are necessary people.”
Adding this kind of words. Sion smiled bitterly when he heard them.
“You don’t have to waste your energy on that kind of meaningless wording. How you think of my subordinates, this point I am very clear. Towards you, everything is a pawn to progressing on the tyrant’s path right? And, if it isn’t necessary, no matter who the opposite party is, you would throw them aside without thinking. You are this kind of person. And you definitely have what I don’t have, the ability to take this kind of burden. I have nothing to complain about.”
Froaude hearing this, a slight smile that conveyed his happiness appeared on his icy features, bowing his head slightly.
“Towards your generous praise, I will accept it very happily.”
Sion shrugged,
“And then? What is there for me today? The files that you wish for me to read, I have read them. And placed them there.”
Froaude hearing that, bowed his head again,
“I am very sorry for taking up your time and energy. Then…”
Saying that, as if wanting to ask, those chilly eyes, looked in his direction.
Sion carried a tired expression, falling into deep thought.
The files that Froaude had provided.
It was something about what he had handed in earlier, a more realistic problem.
Firstly, it was the movements of every country in this Menoris Continent…
About the northern military country Stohl, that was slowly invaded by a new small country Gastark.
No, not only this.
Gastark had now conquered several small countries, expanding its power rapidly…
And, towards Gastark’s movements, every country was starting to strengthen its military…
All these were signals to a large scale war that would occur quickly.
Until today, due to the balance in powers, in this part of the Menoris Continent that was comparatively more peaceful, there might be a war erupting…
If that happened, Roland would enter this conflict sooner or later…
And, the present Roland…
At this moment, Froaude as if knowing what Sion was thinking, said.
“The present Roland, is unable to go against the other countries that have strengthened their military. Taking a step back, even if we have swallowed Estabul Kingdom, through Noa Ehn-san, but that northern country Stohl has five times the military power of Roland. To talk about it more in depth, even if it is the territory of strong Stohl, that country Gastark can still invade it, to fight with them, is definitely impossible. Although it’s like that…”
As if continuing his words, Sion said as if he were groaning,
“Although it’s like that… Now, Roland is unable to strengthen its military, unable to expand its territory. Because the internal affairs are too messy. If we attack other countries, I’m afraid, the internal nobles will take the chance. If this happens, we’ll lose everything…”
Saying that, Sion smacked his mouth in his mind.
For the sake of creating a country that would be peaceful and free from war, he had become the king.
Removing his father who continued meaningless wars, thinking that from then on a warless, uncorrupted country where everyone could live on smiling could be created…
But.
Reality, was always unable to satisfy human desires.
Reality…
Froaude used a calm voice,
“Our present duty, is to quickly unify Roland Empire. Not a superficial peace, but to chase away the nobles of the older times, creating a place where Your Majesty can build the true Roland Empire… For that, the fastest method is…”
But what Froaude wanted to say, Sion, already knew.
Reforms.
Kill all the nobles that went against Sion.
And…
Froaude continued.
“About that, I did write about it in the report I handed in… shall we first express our willingness to accept them? In that short period of time, completely accept all the requests that the nobles raise. Just like the reign of the previous king, can we return to that time where there was corruption and bribery?”
Sion frowned,
“Then, let the nobles relax their guard, focus them to one place, and kill them all… is that it?”
Froaude nodded,
“It’s the fastest way for Roland Empire to settle down.”
But at this moment, Sion looked at Froaude’s face,
“…But, to accept the nobles, even if it’s for a very short period of time, do we have to go back to the period of time where a large number of citizens starved and died?”
Towards this question, Froaude simply,
“Is that a problem?”
He asked in reply.
Towards this man, the phrase citizens dying, had no particular meaning.
And,
“…”
Sion sank into deep thought.
No, that wasn’t right…
Citizens dying.
Towards himself, it was meaningless too.
This point, he was clear.
As a king, citizens this word, was only a number.
For the sake of saving a large number of people, even if it were sacrificing a few people it also couldn’t be helped.
If it couldn’t be done, then he had no right to be king.
This point, he was very clear.
Since the moment he had become king, he was aware of that.
As long as it was pretty words that only settled superficial matters, it was unable to change the country.
But.
But, even so…
At this moment, Froaude narrowed his eyes slightly, using that usual emotionless, icy voice to speak to Sion who was in deep thought.
“…Are you troubled? Then let me think of other plans. Yes. You are a famous monarch. You are the rare monarch that will bring us to our peak, ever since Roland was born. A government that will benefit the people, in the past the nobles that bullied you would not be able to go forward with it, and this will make good use of them. If this continues, just by spending a certain amount of time, one day, all the people, all the nobles, will listen to your will.
“But, the sad reality is…"
“At that moment, Roland will be destroyed by other countries…”
This was reality.
Sion also knew this clearly.
In addition according to Ryner’s report, there were people from other countries appearing in Imperial Nelpha, acting secretly.
There was almost no time left.
He had no choice but to make a decision.
“…”
At this moment, a trace of a smile appeared on Froaude’s lips,
“But, today you should rest. Please don’t work too hard, if your body condition deteriorates, this will be troubling. Everything will go according to Your Majesty’s decision… no matter what kind of decision you make… I, will follow your orders. Please think carefully…”
Saying that, he bowed his head, walking out of the room.
But.
Sion still didn’t move.
Only, only, silently, gazing into the empty air for a long time…
“…”
The night, had darkened.
It was late at night…
In the courtyard connected to the palace.
Noa Ehn was slightly happy looking at the dark night sky and the shining stars.
“We came slightly later.”
She said with a slightly moved voice.
Claugh hearing that,
“…You, unless you are purposefully angry at me because I didn’t meet you at the arranged time?”
Asking that, Noa hearing that, turned back in surprise, Claugh was walking behind her leisurely, looking to be troubled…
Seeing that, she smiled,
“No. Ah, unless, I look like those kind of woman who will be angry over such petty matters?”
Claugh’s expression was even more troubled,
“No, although it’s not like that, but women are hard to understand…”
“Oh dear, Major-General Klom understands females very well.”
“I say, don’t always call me Major-General Klom. Claugh is fine.”
Noa hearing that, smiled happily, raising her head to look at the sky again…
“But, I’m really not angry. It’s just that I rarely can come outside at this time of the night. And, under this beautiful sky… I feel slightly mystified that’s all… Anyway, I was originally a princess of a country…”
In that split second, Claugh revealed a slightly awkward expression, even if she didn’t look at his face, Noa was clear about that.
Noa smiled again.
Then, she narrowed her eyes slightly.
Ever since she was born, even when she was a princess, and Estabul was destroyed.
Everything, was because of Froaude’s plan. The nobles who had supported Noa, were all killed.
No, if it wasn’t Claugh who had came to save her in the end, Noa would have died by Froaude’s hand.
And she had nearly been killed under the sin of taking the people of Estabul and Roland as hostages…
That was right.
Now, Noa could live here comfortably, was because of Claugh…
But, Claugh always used a guilty expression to look at her.
Towards this, Noa was happy.
No, it wasn’t because she felt happy that she was being pitied. That was not what she wished. She did not live because she was pitied by others.
It was only, Roland had swallowed the people of Estabul and, it was a person who was called the right hand of the king…
That there was of someone like Claugh.
She was happy because of this.
People who could understand the pain of others.
Straight-forwardly hating the deaths of people, feeling sad because of the deaths, by the side of this country’s king.
Towards this, she was extremely happy.
She was clear about it.
King, that was the job of balancing the people’s lives.
So that the greater part could be saved, the smaller parts had to be sacrificed.
This was clear to her.
The country, universe, just by using something as pretty as the night sky, would be unable to move, this was well known to her.
Even so, she thought, by the king’s side, there should be some people like Claugh.
People who could laugh, peacefully living in this word.
Even if other people looked down on them, these things didn’t exist…
Even if others mocked them, this kind of thing was so pretty that it was just empty words…
Even so, she thought, this kind of idealistic person, had to be by the king’s side.
So, Claugh was a necessary character for this country. For this country’s peace. And for this country’s Estabul citizens, so that they could live on smiling.
If there were only people like Froaude who had dangerous thoughts, then this country would fall into ruin.
So…
Noa looked at Claugh.
In the past in Estabul, Crimson Finger Claugh Klom was almost like a terrifying phrase like the demon.
He held that kind of power.
But even if it was like that…
Claugh used a gentle expression that was completely opposite of what a demon would have, looking at the sky with Noa.
“Is it really that pretty? I don’t think it has changed. Or is it saying that? In Estabul, is looking at the sky different?”
Saying something clumsy as if he completely didn’t understand a woman’s thoughts…
Noa laughed.
“The sky is the same. Perhaps the stars are slightly different… but compared to that… even if it is the same sky, because the people I am looking at it with are different, the environment is different, the feelings of the person watching it will be different?”
Hearing that,
“Eh? Is that so?”
Hearing these kinds of words as if it did not involve him, Noa laughed again.
Just now her words, from the bystander’s perspective, it might be interpreted as,
“Because I am looking at the sky with you, so I think it’s beautiful”
That kind of meaning…
But as she expected, this man, completely didn’t feel it.
This was strange.
In any case, he was older than Noa by seven years…
At this moment, Claugh noticed Noa was smiling at him,
“Ah? What is it. Is there anything funny?”
Noa hearing that,
“Eh. Ah, no, it’s late, let’s go back.”
“What is it? What a strange person…”
Saying that, the two continued to walk again.
Walking through the courtyard, the place where Noa lived, was built in a place very close to where Sion lived.
In the past, there was a noble who lived here, but when Sion and Claugh and the rest started the revolution, the noble had been chased away with the previous king, after that it became a building with no one living in it…
Noa at present was living here with several servants.
Before the door of this building…
Noa turned around, facing Claugh,
“I was very happy today. Thank you.”
Saying that, lowering her head…
Claugh seeing that, his eyebrows drew close,
“Ah—that, I won’t be late next time… I apologise for today.”
He answered,
“Oh dear… does that mean, you won’t call me out again?”
“That, it’s not the problem of whether we’ll have a date together, I will have to take you around the castle from time to time right?”
Hearing this, Noa’s elegant face revealed a slightly mischievous smile,
“Is that so… Claugh-sama didn’t come today, I was very worried, thinking that without my noticing, I did something wrong, making you hate me.”
Claugh hearing this, suddenly became frantic,
“Ah? Hate? Slip? There’s nothing like that. I only forgot today, it’s not because I hate you…”
At this moment, Claugh realized that Noa was smiling as she looked at him, starting to feel slightly unhappy…
“Ah, you… you’re teasing me again aren’t you?”
Noa politely bowed,
“But, today I was really happy. Thank you…”
Thanks to you, I feel like I can be saved…
What she wanted to say at the end…
But she didn’t say it.
Claugh clumsily waved his hand at her,
“Ah, you don’t have to be so polite, go to bed quickly. Seventeen year old children can’t stay up too late.”
Noa entered the door as she replied,
“Then, please don’t tempt this kind of cute seventeen year old.”
“What!? I, when did I tempt…”
Noa smiled at a nervous Claugh,
“I was joking. I only thought that I was being tempted…”
“Huh!? I say you…”
“Then, good night.”
Saying that, Noa walked into the house.
Entering her quarters, like usual, three servants came to greet her.
Noa smiled,
“I’m sorry, I returned this late. Because I was with Major-General Klom, I accidentally…”
But, Noa spoke until here, her words stopped…
In front of her there was an unbelievable scene. The maid who always took care of her, her head suddenly, fell with a plop sound.
Seeing this,
“Ya…”
Noa was about to scream…
But, the necks of the other two servants, had swords positioned against them…
Looking at her surroundings, ever since some time ago, Noa’s surroundings, were enclosed by a group of men dressed completely in black…
Noa momentarily swallowed her scream.
She immediately understood the present situation.
At this moment, a man slightly taller than the other…
A man who could be compared to Claugh said,
“Your adaptation is very quick. Clever missy. You should be very clear of your situation?”
Noa looked at the man,
“If I dare shout, then the servants will be killed. Is that so?”
The man nodded.
“If you dare shout we will kill the servants. If you dare try to escape we will kill the servants. If you don’t follow what we say, we will also kill the servants.”
He calmly said.
He was strong. That could be told just by looking.
Now the men who surrounded Noa, there was a total of eight.
Eight was clearly a lot, they were only surrounding a woman, but she could tell that they weren’t relaxed at all, there was no opportunity to take hold of.
The situation couldn’t be worse than it was now.
Under this situation, what could she do?
Even though she thought hard, but she couldn’t come up with anything.
If it were Claugh, even if he were facing these kind of opponents, he would be able to save the servants, escaping from here…
She looked at her slender hands, smiling bitterly.
Towards herself, this was impossible. She was too weak.
If that was the case, the only thing that she could do, was only…
At this moment, the tall man said,
“Then, will you follow our orders?”
“………What are you planning to make me do?”
“That… Will you first undress yourself?”
In a moment, she stiffened, feeling her body trembling slightly.
From the cold smiles on the men’s faces she could guess it.
“…”
She wanted to cry…
She had to go along with the attitudes of these people.
Even if she tried to pretend that she was strong, in truth, she knew clearly that she was trembling uncontrollably with fear.
She was scared.
By this kind of person…
Going along with his wishes.
Gritting her teeth hard, Noa desperately tolerated her body that would tremble if she relaxed, saying.
“If I follow your orders, will you promise not to harm the servants?”
Towards this,
“That’s right.”
The man dressed in black nodded simply, promising.
But, this was obviously a lie. The servants, were, already beyond help.
And, me too.
These people were probably, assassins that the nobles of Roland had sent.
To rape me, threaten, then kill me…
Then, if I’m killed, the people of Estabul will probably once again, because they are dissatisfied towards Roland… and, it will be towards the king of Roland who protected me to release their ire, again raising the rebellion flag.
That must be their plan.
The people of Roland will die in large numbers again…
“…”
I, can’t be killed by these people.
Then, the only thing I can do…
I smiled, saying to the men.
“Alright. Then I’ll undress.”
Saying that, bowing, making, an action as if to undress…
In her mouth, she wanted to bite her tongue…
But.
“Don’t joke!”
The man’s hand immediately reached over, stopping Noa’s mouth, clutching her mouth, keeping sure that it won’t close…
“Ah…”
She had been seen through…
This time, Noa really despaired.
Even death, was not allowed.
The man grabbed Noa’s face, dragging her as he pulled her up,
“If you kill yourself now, we will be very troubled. The client wished that you be raped first, then be killed, this kind of situation. If you die of your own action, then our client will be very angry. Alright, everyone, it seems like this lady hates to undress herself. Then let’s help her strip.”
The men crowded around her.
She was scared.
Couldn’t help,
“Clau…”
As she opened her mouth , a cloth was shoved into her mouth roughly, she couldn’t even shout.
The man’s hand, reached towards her clothes.
She frantically wanted to wave it away, but unfortunately she was unable to.
She was already helpless.
At this moment…
Noa, gave up, resisting.
She only, looked at the closed door that was connected to the outside…
Outside, just now, she was still with Claugh… thinking about that, the memory of her smiling.
Today, was really a happy day.
Ever since she lost Estabul, the nervous feeling… today, she finally felt a little relaxed.
Eating with Claugh, in the night courtyard, watching the stars…
Like the past…
She didn’t carry any responsibilities, as if she were a normal seventeen year old…
She confirmed it again, the beauty of the stars, something as small as that, could become a happy memory…
Today, she was really, happy.
But…
This door that was connected with the outside, was so far away…
In Noa’s eyes…
The tears that she had been resisting desperately all this time, from the start…
One drop, fell.
Time backpedaled slightly…
Watching Noa’s back slowly disappeared into the house, Claugh hugged his elbows,
“……ah, women are really hard to understand…”
He moaned.
No, the other women said that they didn’t mind…
But he didn’t know why, he felt that he was always confused by Noa’s words.
Anyway, ever since they first met, when he went against Froaude, he was always confused by her.
Suddenly shouting, then making a deal that the detestable Froaude would agree too, this time revealing that innocent expression that was like a child’s, earlier that had confused Claugh.
Even if that was the case, he understood, she wasn’t a normal girl.
She was only a seventeen year old girl, in her eyes, there was already a kind of intelligence whose age couldn’t be estimated… and she had carried some kind of huge determination, coming to Roland.
Because of that, he could not throw her aside and not care.
Her slender, beautiful hands, if they wished to grab onto something, he would want to help her.
Thinking until there, Claugh laughed,
“I finally understand why her popularity was so high among the Estabul people.”
He muttered to himself, planning to leave from the door of Noa’s house, at this moment.
Claugh’s eyes, suddenly, as if changing persons, sharpened and narrowed…
“Eh?”
Suddenly, feeling an uneasy feeling.
Although he did not know why he felt that, but, there was a sense of uneasiness.
He turned around again, looking at the house that Noa had walked into.
It was slightly different from usual.
He felt.
Although he didn’t know what, but, there was something slightly different.
Claugh, thought that way.
There was an atmosphere that made one feel unhappy.
It was the same feeling, he had felt many times on the battle field. There was a prickly feeling on the back of his neck, a strange uneasy feeling. He couldn’t walk forward. Something in his body was warning him.
This feeling, he had guessed previously, and previously it was not unfounded, but… Claugh was clear, because to the people who had spent a lot of time on war, this feeling had to be followed.
But this feeling, towards him, it was not to walk into the house that Noa had walked into.
At this moment, it was as if proving this uneasy feeling…
All the lights in the house disappeared…
After that, the darkness seemed to creep in from the surroundings…
“Don’t go in. Don’t go in. There’s danger. Don’t go in.”
It seemed to warn, that detestable atmosphere increased in strength…
This moment,
“Damn it!”
Claugh rushed in. Thinking to use the momentum to force open the door, rushing into the house.
At an unbelievable speed.
Using all the necessary time, the moment shortened, kicking open the door of the house.
Followed by,
“Noa! Are you alright!!”
In the moment when he rushed in, the house was filled with darkness…
His vision was almost blinded.
Even if it was the darkest night, there would be moonlight. It wouldn’t be like now, he couldn’t see anything.
And the darkness here was so large that it felt unnatural…
“…”
Claugh’s eyes sharpened.
This was a darkness created through magic, it was one of Roland’s magic, and, it wasn’t a simple magic.
The more darkness to cover an area, the more it taxed the caster’s strength.
And at this door, there was certainly a considerable length, this space had been completely stained black proved…
It was clear that the person who was using this magic, was a capable person.
And in the darkness, there wasn’t any sound.
The opponent was waiting quietly. Waiting for Claugh to move to find Noa. Even if they didn’t know whether Claugh would move, the other side would attack.
In the beginning, this was a fight that did not favor him.
The side that moved first, would lose. This point, was easily seen. But, Claugh didn’t have the leisure to wait for the opponent to move. The more time was wasted, the more danger Noa would be in.
Claugh stared at the darkness, walking toward the middle of the room.
No, not only that, he also said to the surroundings,
“Hey, there’s no time. Quickly attack…”
At this moment…
With a “pwesh” sound, like he expected, something cut through the air towards Claugh…
Indeed, like what he had predicted, the opponent’s movements were very agile.
Although he was very near, but he completely couldn’t feel the presence of the opponent. And they had used some method, attacking Claugh.
Claugh completely couldn’t dodge. No, it should be said that it would be better if he didn’t dodge?
Only, he tilted his body slightly, accepting this blow…
Psah…
A sharp sound of something entering flesh.
From the feeling he understood. It was a blade. Claugh felt a blade stab into his left arm.
The person that had stabbed Claugh with the blade,
“Ha. I thought the hero of the army would be impressive, so he’s this standard only. Bearing this wound perhaps you may be unable to fight…”
But, his words stopped here.
In the darkness there was only a strange ‘clack’ sound.
At the same time, the darkness covering the entire room disappeared…
His vision suddenly expanded.
Claugh had just by using the blade stabbed on his shoulder, only looking at the man dressed in black who had been unable to move when he broke his neck.
Then surveying his surroundings, confirmed that there were many men dressed in black preparing themselves.
And Noa’s body…
Seeing her, Claugh’s eyes narrowed even more.
Her clothes had been stripped entirely. Her body was naked without a single garment. Her hands and feet had been tied… Something had been stuffed in her mouth too, and those things on the ground, were also tied up…
Crying.
From those, always filled with confidence eyes, tears were rolling down…
Looking at this scene, Claugh’s eyes narrowed even more, sharpening.
Pulling out the dagger in his arm, throwing it to the ground, he used a slightly trembling, muffled voice,
“…What have you done to her?”
At this moment, standing by Noa’s side, a man who could be compared to Claugh replied,
“We haven’t done anything. The lookout notified us, your movements seemed to indicate that you had noticed our existence. So we were preparing traps to deal with you, our work hasn’t progressed. But thanks to that, we were able to injure you…”
But Claugh stared at the man,
“Nothing at all? Then, why is she crying?”
The man revealed a mocking smile,
“No matter what, you will be able to do nothing. Just that wound…”
“I don’t want to hear your nonsense! I’m asking you, why is Noa crying, didn’t you hear that!!”
Followed with a shout that could almost shake the building, Claugh charged at the tall man…
And the men dressed in black moved at the same time…
Pulling out knives, towards Claugh…
But.
Claugh raised his right arm.
In a moment, the clothes on Claugh’s right arm were shredded, the tattoos of magical formations on his arm started to glow…
Six men dressed in black attacking Claugh, in that moment, were cut into pieces…
Unbelievably strong.
The people who were there, probably none of them were able to understand what had happened.
It was like a fight between grown-ups and children…
Looking at this, the tall man beside Noa,
“Im, impossible. What, what is happening… Wa!?”
At this moment, the man dressed in black quickly pulled out the knife at his waist, charging towards Claugh who was rushing over…
But Claugh didn’t even dodge.
He used the arm with glowing tattoos, stopped the knife directly…
Another ‘psah’ sound again.
The knife sank into Claugh’s palm…
But Claugh didn’t even stop because of this. In the moment he caught the man…
Indeed, without realizing what had happened, the man’s wrist, was crushed,
“Ah, yaaa….!?”
The cry didn’t even reach its peak, this time he caught the man’s head, slamming it against the wall.
The man tried to resist, but, he was slammed again.
Once, twice, thrice.
Using a shocking arm strength.
The man started not to move.
Then Claugh looked at the man, using an expression as if he were looking down on an ant to look at him,
“Don’t think you can die so easily. For the price of making Noa cry, did you think that this would settle it? I will cut your body into many tiny pieces…”
But the man raised his head.
“…Wu…………Didn’t, didn’t think, he would be so… it’s, it’s like, a monster… but, but, I, am a professional. This kind of interrogation, I wouldn’t… tell you, the client’s, name.”
“Ah?”
When he looked at the man’s face, the man smiled coldly, seeming to bite on something in his mouth, gritting his teeth. At the same time, there was a crack sound…
In a moment, the man vomited blood and died…
Claugh seeing that, smacked his mouth,
“Che… this bastard… swallowing poison and committed suicide…”
Saying that, he threw the man’s corpse on the ground.
The looking at Noa…
“Ah… that…”
He tried as much to move his eyes from that naked body, approaching her in the dark, untying the ropes around her hands and mouth and mouth,
“Noa, are you…”
Before he finished speaking,
“Cla,Claugh!? Are you alright!?”
He was rebutted,
“Ah? That, I… I mean, what are you referring to?”
For some reason, Noa’s face had an angry expression that said ‘what do you mean what am I referring to!’,
“Shoulder! And hand! Aren’t you very strong!? What were you doing! For, for protecting me, receiving this kind, those kind of wounds…”
She was really angry.
She looked at the wounds on Claugh hand and shoulder as she fumed, desperately, trying to stop the blood from flowing out of the wound…
Claugh seeing that,
“Ah, this, that kind isn’t even called a wound.”
“Is, is that so? Then, then, it will heal quickly?”
“It will heal quickly. Compared to that, you…”
He wanted to ask…
“Ah? Me…?”
She revealed a surprised expression…
Then in a moment, her expression started to stiffen…
She pressed close to Claugh. The blood on his shoulder dirtied her beautiful dark blue hair, but she didn’t care, only hugging him…
“…”
She was trembling.
Tears seemed to want to flow out from her eyes.
She should be quite scared. In front of Froaude, she was able to put up that strong image, now, she was trembling…
It was like, a young child.
A child who was fearful of the night’s darkness. A child who was unable to live on alone.
Claugh seemed to want to stop her trembling, hugging her head.
The two of them, were silent for a moment…
Very quiet.
The people in this mansion, had all been killed.
Tonight was a quiet night.
The wind was quiet… If nothing like this had happened, she would probably be smiling…
Claugh hugged her, maintaining this, time passed…
She,
“It’s, it’s alright. I’m fine. I… They didn’t do anything to me. I, was saved again by Claugh…”
Her voice had resumed its normalcy by now.
Claugh seeing this,
“I’m sorry, I came late, were you scared?”
Noa shook her head gently, smiling,
“No. This kind of matters, I’m already accustomed to it. Because, I am a princess of a country?”
Saying that kind of joke, forcing herself to be strong.
Saying that, she was already fine… forcing herself.
She was indeed a strong person.
Claugh thought.
Watching her tears continue to slide down, but it did not affect her beautiful and elegant face…
Claugh smiled gently.
At this moment,
“Ah—, you were looking at my face, you’re mocking me? Looking at girls’ faces and making fun of them is very impolite?”
Watching Noa gather her courage to be angry, Claugh smiled bitterly,
“No, I only saw Noa saying that she was not scared, forcing herself, I felt that it was interesting.”
Noa hearing that, her expression resumed being serious…
Then…
Looking at Claugh…
“……Yes… perhaps it is forced. I am truthfully very scared, trembling… but, but, I don’t know why, but a voice deep in my heart was telling me, it’s alright. There definitely, definitely will be a way out. I know you… Crimson Finger Claugh Klom will come… But, you really came. So next time, I wouldn’t be so scared.”
She said that…
“…Ah? That means, every time every time you meet danger, I will come and save you? How troublesome.”
“Saving a damsel in distress is a knight’s duty? Or is it to be said, because the person you have to save is me, so you will feel unsatisfied?”
Claugh scratched his head,
“…No, it’s not like that… Yes. Then…”
Saying that, he stood up, walking over without looking at Noa, finding her clothes, throwing them to her.
“Next time, I will arrive more quickly.”
At this moment, from behind him, Noa’s voice spoke with a slight happiness that he did not know of the reason behind it,
“Alright”
Gently replying.
“Ah, then, quickly dress, I’ll wait for you. Of course, following this…”
Claugh didn’t turn around, nodding,
“Yes. Who is the person attacking you… and, what will happen after today… there is a need to investigate…”
Saying that, Claugh’s eyes, moved to the open door, looking at the stars outside the house.
Yes, A calm night.
But, the things that were about to happen in Roland…
A calm night.
But, from just now, perhaps it was a trick of his mind, Claugh felt, the wind was becoming stronger.
