"... a suspicious move on sister Fritzione? What exactly is that?"

　As he looked through the papers in his office, Schles responded sharply to Amale's words, his trusted subordinate and deputy.

Recently, the first princess group has been showing various movements. Some of them have returned to their territories for some reason, and there are many others who are gathering troops."

　At Amale's words, Schles opens his mouth with a wry smile, returning his gaze to the papers.

"You've heard from me before, haven't you? When I and my brother Kabazid form a joint army, we'll keep the peace in the imperial capital strictly so that it won't disturb the peace?"

　For Schles, it was a pity that his sister, Fritzione, would not send an army as a punitive force, but it was still a very helpful story to have them act in order to keep the peace in the imperial capital intact after their departure.
　When confronted with the rebel Mercurio, behind the scenes... for there is no doubt that a disturbance in their home city of the Empire would cause fatal damage to the supply, and that morale would be reduced no more.
　It doesn't mean that the battle takes place far from the imperial capital, but without a supply force, we have to retreat quickly.
　And there was something more concerning about Schles now. That's...

"More importantly, Is it really not necessary to send a guard to the territory of the nobles in my faction? If crimson, who had the ability to destroy the army by himself, attacked them... he would inflict so much damage that it is impossible to compare with the deaths of those who first sent him to the punitive force."

　Yes, Ray is good at extensively exterminating magic. and the Gryphon, free to fly in the air, slaughtering even the Dragon Knights with ease. If you let one of them go free, there is even a possibility that the lands of the aristocrats belonging to your faction will be burned down.
　Fortunately, the imperial capital has a strong boundary, making it impossible to penetrate from above. However, magic items and wizards that create the boundary are not that easy to prepare.
　A great nobleman like a duke or marquis could not have set it up in every city, town, or village in his territory.
　What do other aristocrats say?
　However, Amale's reply to such words was acceptable.

"In the first place, if you act like that in this civil war, you will incur a strong grudge from the people after the war. If this was not an empire but an enemy country, the story might have been somewhat different, but as long as it was within the empire, it would not be possible to do so. And when there's a Vichela who's originally thoughtful of the people, you don't have to worry about it."
"But what about crimson? He's not a resident of the Vestian Empire. You don't have to hold back from me if that's the case."
"I don't know what purpose the crimson joined the rebels. However, as long as I'm with Mr. Vihela, I don't think I can ignore that intention. and if I could employ crimson with gold, I would have liked to."

　a sighing amare
　It was easy to imagine that the reaction of supporters of Schulz would be halved if he had the strength to fight against the first army by himself.
　If we did something to win over crimson, which had caused them a lot of trouble in the spring war, many, if not all, would oppose it.
　Military support is an absolute foundation for Schles. It was an unlikely option for Amale to take the risk of losing it to his side.
　It's the same for aristocrats. Many sent their families, friends and acquaintances to the Spring War, and many did not return after being defeated.
　Of course, some military and aristocratic people would welcome crimson. In fact, it is also true that such a huge military force will reduce the damage to the Westian Empire in civil war. 　

(Certainly crimson may be comparable to the first team in terms of military strength. However, that is only the case when we think of it as a military force. It is absolutely too little for individuals if you think of it as a military force.)

　It's not happening this time, but Ray can't do anything about it by himself.
　The existence of the army is the only way to do so.

(Even so, it's the same with the rebels that many people have a grudge against crimson.) It's hard to complain about.)

　We admire Mercurio, Theorem and Vihela, who are secretly ruling the rebels.
　Still, not a few of the rebels were dissatisfied with Ray.
　But... he did the act of annihilating the first army by himself, and seeing and experiencing Ray's training, his antipathy to Ray gradually diminished.
　There is also no doubt that Seto's love in his position has diminished his antipathy to Ray.
　This tendency was particularly strong among female soldiers and knights.

"Anyway, as for crimson, you don't have to worry about burning the streets. Basically, you have to be careful only on the battlefield. Oh, and so are the supply units in terms of targeting the army."
"…that's the trouble. Why, now that the competition is over, I should go back quietly to the kingdom of Mileana, but why did I stay here?"

　As he taps his fingertips on his office desk to show Schles' irritation, Amale opens his mouth.

"I am sorry, but I must inform you of an even more unpleasant incident."
"What's going on? You don't say that crimson was found hiding in the imperial capital, do you?"

　What he said jokingly, he probably didn't think it was true.
　It's the same with Amale, who for a moment exclaims bitterly and then opens her mouth.

"The guards complained a little while ago. It seems that Dune and the White Rose Knights were in a bad mood near the castle. That's why I could have pulled out my arms at any time."
"...is that him again?"

　Schulz mutters bitterly, making the sound of his finger tapping on the desk louder.
　Dune. To be exact, Dune Conradi. He is the second son of the Viscount Conradi family, who has caused a number of problems.
　Schles wanted to be among the first to gather the incompetence he had sent.
　But there was a reason why I couldn't do it.
　He was under the protection of a powerful figure in the Schles faction.
　a man whose life was saved by the Viscount Conradi family in a battle against the kingdom of Milliana decades ago
　If he was incompetent, it would have been no use for him, but since he was famous as a powerful figure in the second prince's faction, he could not pass it through.
　Of course, if he used his power as a prince, it would be a different story, but if he wanted to worsen his relationship with a leader of his own faction in order to eliminate a small article, it would be much more damaging.
　Fortunately or unfortunately, Dune has caused a lot of trouble in his life, but it hasn't been very big.
　...yes. There was no such thing like that's it.
　He probably understood that he would not be severely punished if he did whatever he wanted. For some time now it has been causing a lot of trouble.
　For example, they have blocked roads near the imperial capital before the competition begins, and they are making a fuss to extort money by calling it a toll.
　Fortunately, the matter was soon settled by Claudis, vice-president of the Knights of Unicorn, who later complained.
　Did the Dune cause another disturbance with the White Rose Knights?
　That makes me more irritated.
　Why should I clean up after such a person?

"And what did Konoe say?"
"There was only such a disturbance," Fortunately, Prince Kabazeed appeared and brought the matter to a close before it became a full-fledged disturbance."

　Shurus' eyebrows twitch when he hears the name Kabazide.

"What about you, Kabazide?" Was it not in the castle, but near the castle that caused the disturbance? Then did Kabazid go out of the castle?"
"It seems so. I heard that he showed up because he was a little interested in it."

　A slight distortion of expression at Amale's words.I can understand that something probably happened, but what did Kabazid go out of the castle for? I can't make head or tail of it.
　After thinking for a minute, Shurus turns to Amale, unable to understand why Kabazid was there.

"I can't help it. I didn't really want to see you much, but call Dune. In this case, it would be quicker to hear directly from the person himself."
"You don't have to go that far? It's possible that Prince Kabazid was there just by chance."
"No, that's impossible,"

　Schles asserts instantly without a moment's hesitation.

"I don't think that brother Kabazid will go out of the castle without any meaning. Something must have happened."

　Schles and Kabazid are now cooperating, but of course they will return to hostility once the civil war is over.
　That being the case, if Kabazid has conspired to do something... or found it, it's no better than to gather information.
　You must have understood Schles' feelings. Amare heads down small and leaves his office to call Dune.

"My brother Kabazide," What did you grab? I'm as quick as ever, but..."

　While frowning at the subtle discomfort that exists in his chest, Schles calmly looks through the papers until Dune arrives.





"I see. Mr. Fritzione, after all..."
"Yes. Probably... No, I'm sure."

　a corner of a castle's garden There the two men were talking to each other, keeping them out of sight.
　One man is the first princess. The other is the first prince's faction.
　However, the position of the first prince is better than that of the first prince.

"All right. The information will be delivered safely to His Highness Kabazid. I will also tell you that your help has greatly helped you."
"I'm sorry, thank you,"
"You know, your lord, don't take your eyes off Prince Fritzione. And then, when you are about to betray me, take action only then."
"Yes, I know."

　Feeling the cool autumn breeze, their secret conversation will continue for a while.
　...without the eyes of those who see it.





"I beg your pardon," Dune Conrady You have called me."
"Oh, come in... now, do you know why you were called?"

　Even Dune seems to be unable to use his usual rough language when he appears in front of the prince.
　Schles asks, with subtle irritation at Dune's somewhat formidable language as he comes in with Amale, that this attitude would not cause any problems.

"Is that why I was called? No, I'm afraid..."
"About your quarrel with the White Rose Knights near the castle,"
"What!"

　Dune pauses for a moment at what Schles says.
　I don't think they thought they were already known.
　do a quick calculation in one's head and open one's mouth

"In fact, I saw the White Rose Knights trying to bring a suspicious man into the castle, and I was going to see who he was, but I am sorry for that result because Widale defended him."

　a suspicious person's expression twitches at the remark

"Is he a man or a woman?"
"No, I don't think he was a particular person, for he was short in appearance and wore an ordinary robe."
"…a short, ordinary robe?" It's too characteristic."
"I'm sorry,"
"No, there are quite a few people in robes. Other than wizards, there are also people who wear them as protection against the cold at this time of year. But I'm concerned that Kabazid's brother appeared where he was."
"Why? I thought it was a coincidence that His Highness Kabazid had taken a walk."

　Dune's words give a dumbfounded expression for a moment, but I think it's difficult to realize the greatness of it unless you're close to Kabazide in the first place.

"As long as Kabazid was there, there is no doubt that something had happened. If there was nothing strange about the White Rose Knights or about you, is it the man in the robe that is suspicious. -- now, who is it?"

　The answer to Schulz's muttered question will be resolved in a few seconds.
　a quick knock on the door
　When Schles gave his permission, one of the aristocrats of his faction entered the office.
　The aristocrat opens his mouth with a stiff face.

"Your Highness Schles," My wizard felt the magic of crimson."

　with the words