During the banquet, there was an endless debate about who was better among the Demon King Choir.

''........Totally. I'm in trouble with both your father and Commander Nate. I'm not sure what to make of it. Shame on you, shame on you!

　Turning her white gaze on the men who were talking passionately, Sylvia, the Deputy Commander of the Dragon Knights, is drinking Dilheid's drink and rolling up her kudzu.

　She was also quite drunk with her, but she still seemed to have some reason left today.

''After all, men are such nonsense.......!

What kind of man do you like?

　While sipping his drink next to Sylvia, Ray asked plainly.

''Koko........koko koko koko.......''

.........cock-a-doodle-doo.......that's it.......

　Zesia came up to Sylvia happily.

'Who was the rooster?'

　Suddenly, Zesia's shoulders slump.

''Are there any roosters..........''

Oh no, no, that's not... you know, just these roosters. Here, here, here, here...

My rooster knight.... you're here...!

"....rooster knight...

　Zesia clenched both fists and looked at Sylvia with expectant eyes.
　As if it couldn't be helped, she said.

''........That's right. I'm a rooster knight!　I'll show you. Niwatori Kenpo, cock-a-doodle-doo, toss-a-doodle-doo!　I'll cut up all the men who are in love!

　Sylvia attacks Ray with her hand sword.

''Ko-ko-ko-ko!

　Then, Zesia's expression lit up and she brought her hand sword out to Ray's feet in the same manner.

''Ko-ko-ko-ko!

　Ray smiles and takes the attack with a wry smile, but takes it in stride.



　Zecia was happy to leave, having found her next target.

'So?'

"...what?　I'm not going to do this hastily made fencing anymore. I'm so embarrassed. Shame on you, shame on you!

　Sylvia says as she rolls up her crap.

'It's just the way you like it,'

Hey, here, here, here...!

Didn't you know that's a roving sword?

No!　You like it?　How can you say such a shameless thing...!

　With her red face tinted with vermilion, Sylvia gulped down her liquor cup.

''It's nothing out of the ordinary - it's just my preference. It's good. Let's hear it!

　Misa seems to be enjoying herself, and then she closes in on Sylvia.

'No, but ... I'm a knight ... a knight's pride ...'

''It doesn't matter. The mission of the Agaha's dragon knight is no longer to be the pillar of heaven. Sylvia-san said that it was actually her dream, right?

Well, that's... well...

　With a huff and a smile, Misa approaches Sylvia.

'Then tell me and only me. I won't tell anyone.

You sure about that?　I really wouldn't tell anyone.

Yes. I promise.

I'm a fan of....

　Silvia hesitantly averted her gaze and picked up the bottle of liquor as if to encourage herself. Then she gulps it down in one gulp.

　After gulping down a gulp and drinking it all down, she says, "I'm not the kind of man to get riled up about love, after all.

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

　Although he said it was only to Mass, his voice sounded loud, probably due to his drunkenness.

'That's very Sylvia, isn't it? But isn't that one?　It's not going to be easy if you fall in love with someone who isn't interested in love...

'Really?　Well, there's no such thing as one. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. I'm sure they all want to milk each other. I'm sure that my ideal prince is just a pathetic fantasy of a knight who has never been in love.

　She gave an ennui smile.

'Um, Anos-sama!'

　A demoness in a dress spoke to me.
　Tonight's banquet is a combination of underground and terrestrial exchange, so we have invited many people from Dillhade as well.

''Thank you for inviting us today. Do you remember me?　I'm Lisa, sister of Demon Emperor Boros.

　Demon Emperor Boros is the ruler of the frontier of Herzed.
　That does sound familiar.

Hmm. Hmm, a girl with a rare disease.

Okay.

　When she said that, Lisa laughed like a flower had bloomed.

　After the ceremony of the Demon King's second coming, she had an audience with many of the people of Dirheid, one of whom was the Demon Emperor Boros. His sister Lisa was suffering from a strange disease that couldn't be cured by the medical magic of this era. I cured her of it.

You're not going to be able to get away with it. I wanted to thank you for saving my life today...

　Lisa leans closer to me.

'Ever since then, I've been thinking, well ... he's very nice ...'

Hmm. Okay.

Today, I'm staying at an inn called the Stardust Spring.

　It's a luxury inn where Midhayes is used to accommodate guests and other guests.
　The public is not allowed to stay here.

"This is the key to the room.

　Lisa took my hand and handed me the key to it.
　When I looked at her, she had a bright red face.

The actuality of this is that it's not a problem for me to say this.......well, I thought it would be a problem for you, but it's just for tonight....

Don't embarrass the others. I won't be the one to embarrass the guests.

　She laughed when she said it.
　Then she turned over and said shyly.

''Well, I'll wait for you...''

　Lisa ran off.

'Elio,'

　Immediately I call out to Demon Emperor Elio, who rules over Mid-Haze.

''You know Demon Emperor Boros' sister Lisa.

"Ha.

I got my keys back. It seems that he is unhappy with his room. Sure, it looks great, but the inn at the Stardust Fountain is a bit weak in anti-magic. Some of you may not be able to sleep with anxiety. Change them to a room in Delsogade and put a guard on them.

Yes, sir.

　I hand Elio the keys and he leaves.
　Then, the trio turned meaningful glances at us.

　It's Ray, Misa and Sylvia.

''I'm in love........''

What?

　At Sylvia's words, Misa turned around as if startled.

''..........that resolute attitude, with no regard for romance.......that's my ideal......I never thought it would be here.......that it would start so suddenly.......''

'Well, um, I mean are you drunk?'

　Gingerly, Sylvia grabbed both of Misa's shoulders.

'Tell me about it!'

What... what are you doing?

How do I do it? How do I fall in love with this...?

　Mass turns to Ray as if to ask for help.

'You can see that Anos is what you see. I guess we'll just have to make it clear.

All right. I'm out.

'What?　I mean, now?　I think we should take a few more steps...

"There's never a faster time than now!　I don't know anything about love, so why mess with me?　The only thing we can do is to make the first move and give it our all!



　Slipping past a bitterly smiling Misa, Sylvia walks proudly to me.

'King Anos,'

　She looks straight at me and then looks down slightly as if she's frightened.

''Well I mean.........''

　Clenching her trembling fists and gingerly deciding, Sylvia looked up.

'I've fallen in love with you. Be my lover!'

"Haha, funny you should say that.

What's wrong with that?

'Hmm. If you're serious, then you must try to be sober. I'm not sorry for your love if I take you at your liquor-fueled word.

　When I turned on my heel, Sylvia said, "Huh...! '' he shouted, and collapsed to the spot as if his feet had wobbled.

''Is it okay...?''

　Ray and Misa run up to her, looking worried.

'Uh ... uh ...'

　Sylvia's voice spills out as she stares at the floor.

'Um. Oh, I think Anos-sama didn't take it seriously because there was alcohol in the air. So, you don't have to be so depressed...''

...or cool...

What?

'He kicked me to the curb without a tooth in his mouth. How cold she was. He didn't seem to care about me. It's so cold, it hurts my heart, oh, but... how precious it is. This is what love is all about...

　Ray and Misa look at each other.

'....I've fallen in love........'

　Misa looked like she was having a hard time answering.

''........or cool.......''

　I heard a muttering similar to Sylvia's nearby.
　When I turned around, it was my mom there.

　For some reason, she looked at me and seemed to be in awe.

'How cool you are, Anos!　Oh no! What is that rejection? I've become such a man in the short time I've been here, I've become such a man!

　Mom would lean in close to tangle with me and then poke me with her elbows.
　As I recall, Mom said she doesn't drink alcohol. That means she's completely sober.

'Oh my God, Anos, you've grown so big after not seeing you for a while. You're all seven months old now.

　What do you look like?

　It's hard to answer that.
　But, well, I haven't been home for a while now.

　Mom must have been worried about him.

'Oh, yeah. Speaking of which, I was going to ask you two.

　Mom brought Arcana from behind, holding her by both shoulders.
　I wondered where she was going, but she was with Mom.

'How did the divorce court thing go?'

　With a serious look on her face, Mom said.
　'Come to think of it, I haven't corrected you yet.

'Mom. A selection hearing isn't a divorce trial.

''Because ... you picked up Arcana, right?　I just wanted to save you from a bad man.

　Then Arcana said.

'Son of man. That is right, but I have misled you. I have no spouse, and I am not in divorce court. I am not in a divorce court. I want you to rest assured.

Really?

　Hmm. It looks like I can convince her, which is unusual.
　She looks relieved when she makes eye contact with Arcana.

'Everything is resolved. Your brother was only helping me.

........big brother.......?

　Seeing Mom's reaction, Arcana gave her a look that said she had failed.

'That was a mistake. I hope you don't mind.

No problem. I'll tell your mother.

　I said to a bewildered mother.

"Arcana is my sister," I said. But that doesn't mean I want her to be your mother and father's child--

'Yeah, Anos, Anos, you wanted to be a big brother!

　Hmm. I haven't said the last word yet.

"I'm not saying that I have to...

'I know!　I know!　Hey, Anos!　I don't want a sister, right?　Mum, I can totally understand. She was an only child and always wanted a sister. She was so lonely!

　It seems to have tugged on Mom's heartstrings.

'But, I know how Anos-chan feels, and I want to do something about it, but you also have a family, don't you, Arcana?

They're gone. They're dead. I'm alone.

　Then Mom looked at Arcana with a sad expression on her face.

　It was a long time ago. Arcana had the same face as usual.
　Mom smiled gently at her and hugged her tightly.

'Do you like Anos-chan, Arcana-chan?'



So, will it be mine?

　Arcana asks, as if puzzled.

''........Is it okay.......?''

　Mom pats Arcana.

'It may not work out that we'll be a family right away, though. There are a lot of things that go into the procedure and feelings. But let's all live together first.

I guess that's called annoyance.

　Mom slowly shakes her head.

'It's okay, we already live together. Anos says she's my sister, so it's going to work out. Besides, your mother wanted a daughter too.

Yeah?

Yeah. So how about we both try it out and see if it works for us first?

　After a long moment of thought, Arcana said.

'....I want to try...'

Yes.

　Mom gently strokes Arcana.

'Oh, but you can't just decide on your mother alone...'

　And when my mom tried to look around

What are you talking about, Isabella? Of course I'm all for it. I am very, very, very, very, very much with you.

　It was my dad who showed up.

　He seems to have heard the story and is already posing with his hands outstretched in a pretentious pose, as if he wants to jump into my chest.

　Perhaps he wants to show his inclusiveness.

"Anos, dad. Actually, Dad. I've always wanted a daughter. There are so many things I would have liked to do if I had a daughter!　I'm so excited to have such a pretty girl--

Oh, you'd better watch out, Arcana. Anos, your father has the eyes of a criminal.

　Eleonor, who is feeling tipsy, comes and leaves in a huff.

　Koo-koo-koo-koo.

　The Elder Knight Zesia struck my dad's body repeatedly with her hand sword, and then she went after Eleonor.
　All that was left was an indescribable awkwardness.

'No, no. It's not, Arcana-chan.

　Dad started to frantically excuse himself.

'Let's be cool, let's be cool. That's not what I wanted. It's not like I wanted to dress you up in pretty clothes or play house with you or whatever, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

　The more he talked about it, the more he got stuck in the doldrums himself.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!

　Dad said as if he had an idea and let out a cat-call.

Arcana, there is a very good cake over there. Let's eat it together. Hey, you can call me father. Whaaaaat? Yeah, but maybe Dad would be good for that. Dad, I think I've always wanted to be a dad. Haha.

　While saying so, he pushes Arcana away gingerly.
　It's just like a kidnapper luring a child with food.

Then, Anos. I'm going to play with Arcana for a while. I'll be good to you, don't worry.

　Mom smiled and went after Dad and Arcana with a smile.

'Ah, Anos, we finally found you.

　As I walked unsteadily, Sasha somehow smashed her face into my body.

''Uh ... what are you doing ...?''

Hmm. I didn't do anything.

　Misha walked over to us and took Sasha's hand.

'Sasha is drunk.'

I'm not going in while I'm drunk. I learned it at the Agaha banquet.

　Misha blinked twice with a snap and nodded her head slightly.

'I thought you were just drunk in Agaha, as I recall?

　Kokoro and Misha nodded.
　Then Sasha pinched her cheek with both hands.

'You'll make a funny face if you don't listen, will you?

...he's in the face...

　Misha wants to say that he's given her a funny look.

'Well, forgive him, Sasha. Misha's just worried about you too.

'Uh, what, Anos. Is Anos on Misha's side?　Are you being biased?

What do you mean? I will not be favouritism...

Yeah.

　And Sasha pinches my cheek with both hands and laughs evilly.

'Hmph, Anos made a funny face too.

　Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear.

"Sasha.

　Without thinking, I reached out my hands to Sasha and touched my fingers to her cheeks.

''.........eh......?''

This game was popular 2,000 years ago. It was a game to see who could make the other guy look weirder, and I never lost.

　He smiled wryly and pinched Sasha's cheek.

'You're ready for this, aren't you?　I'll make you the clownest clown in all of Dillhade with your face alone.

Yah, yah. No, no, no.......I'm not a clown....

''Kuhaha. Misha was spoiled and you made him look weird. Now it's your turn.

　Sasha shakes her head bobbing, but she can't move her face satisfactorily because my fingers are holding her down.
　She shook and flapped her legs as if she was spoiled.

'Misha, help me........Misha.......Anos is going to see your funny face.......'

What do you mean, of course. Misha, do you have a request?

　Misha blinks with a snap.

'Request?'

'I've got a lot of variation - demons, sheikhs, slimes.

　After some thought, Misha said.

'Make her pretty,'

"...hmmm. Cute. Is that okay?

"Hm.

　It seems like a good idea.

　When I stare at Sasha, she gets half teary-eyed and gives me a threatening look, "Woo.

'....or are you going to tell me I can't be pretty...?

What? It's easy.

　I mouth that and I release my hands from Sasha's cheeks.

'This will do as requested,'

　After a moment's pause, Sasha's face lit up quickly.

'You can see more,'

　Gladly, Sasha smiles at me.
　Then, like a drunk, she says abruptly.

"Hey, Anos. I'm going to show you the secret of Necron.

　Sasha beckons Misha over to her and she walks briskly to her side.

　They clasped their hands together and folded their upper bodies. Misha dragged her along and folded her upper body as well.

''
　Sasha looked at me with a big smile and Misha looked at me with a blank expression.

'Sasha's drunk.'

　I guess so. I don't know what you mean.

"Let's sober you up a little.

I'll still drink. I'll have a drink with you, Anos.

　I'm sorry.

So let's go out and have a drink.

　＜Using the magic of Ibis, he created a bottle of wine and handed it to Sasha.

It's the Maelstrom!

　Sasha happily hugs the demon wine.
　As I start to walk away, Sasha follows me, slightly wobbly.

　Misha was pulling back her hand to keep her from falling over.

''Demon sake is so good even when you're drunk. It's so easy to drink, you can drink as much as you want. Why is that?

　It's water.

Now, I wonder why?

　With that, we left the banquet room.