The space was so tense that even those around it could feel the tension.

　No one speaks... no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no

　The things on the table... reach out to something very important to that person.

"...Ray, this is your job, isn't it?

　Ray nods to Fritzione's definite intention.

　It was a calm atmosphere until he came into the hut, but Fritzione stopped the moment he saw what was on the table in the hut.

　In other words, when Ray was a little hungry, he searched the house and found dried meat and dried fruit.

　Ray's admission of his guilt softens Fritzione's expression a little... really a little.

　If Ray had said that he had not eaten it, what would have happened to Fritzione's expression?It's not hard to think about it.

　Fortunately, Ray, Fritzione, Angela, and Widere were the only four in the cabin.

　Other Knights of the Order of the White Rose, who had feelings for Ray, were wary of their surroundings outside the hut.

　There are some who pretend to be gardeners with specialized training, but there are times when Angela decides that she is not compatible with Ray.

"These dried meat and dried fruit are the special things I eat here when I'm at ease.The chef of the castle made these valuables without considering the cost.It's a must when you're here.That... that...

　Fritzione gave a warm impression, but now there is almost no trace of it.

　The way she looked at Ray with fixed eyes was a very princess... and I didn't think she was the first princess who even had the right to succeed to the throne.

　Ray, who was stared at like that, will be left with a lot of bad taste.Judging by this, he decided to turn away from Fritzione's anger.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but it was Widere who told me that I was free to eat the food in this hut. I just followed it."

『なっ！？』

　同時に上がる声だったが、片方は驚き。もう片方は怒りの声という意味では全く違っている。

　フリツィオーネにしてみれば自分の信頼する部下に裏切られたという思いがあったし、ウィデーレにしてみれば何故ここで自分に話を振るのだ、という憤りがあった。

　もっとも、実際に小屋の中にある食べ物を食べてもいいと言ったのは事実である以上、言い逃れが出来る筈もない。

「ウィデーレ？　ちょっとお話を聞かせてくれる？」

「あ、いえ。その、フリツィオーネ殿下、これは私ではなく……」

　よくも自分を売ったな。そんな視線を向けるウィデーレに、レイはそっと視線を逸らす。

　第1皇女派のこれからに関しての重要な話をする筈が、何故か干し肉やドライフルーツについての話になっていた。

　暫くはフリツィオーネやウィデーレのやり取りを見守っていたアンジェラだったが、やがて大きく手を叩く。

　その音は不思議な程に小屋の中へと響き渡り、フリツィオーネやウィデーレだけではなくレイの注意までをも引く。

"His Highness Fritzione.Let's put the matter aside for now.First of all, I'm here to meet Ray, but I'm here to talk about what I'm going to do from now on.

"...you're right, Angela."

　Fritzione once had a conversation with Widere, but before facing Ray, he turned his eyes to Angela for a moment and muttered.

"I think I enjoyed talking to Ray slowly, but you want people to play the role of princess properly."

　It was a small murmur, but Angela's voice was clearly audible.

　Of course Angela tries to say something back reflexively, but at the end of the day, she decides that she will not be able to talk at all, so she becomes silent.

　However, when this matter is over, I will try to settle it firmly.

　That's exactly what Fritzione thought about Widere.

　Fritzione must have read the disturbing atmosphere coming from Angela.Wisely, he sat down on the sofa again without saying anything more unnecessary.

　I always come to this hut when I want to take a good rest alone, but that's far from it now.

　I understand that, but the reason why I feel depressed when I come to this hut is because when I come here, resting is almost like a conditional reflex.

　Angela and Widere stand behind Fritzione sitting on the sofa.

　As long as we were in the position of bodyguard, we didn't think about sitting on the sofa here.

"Well, Ray, let me be honest first.the condition of being under Mercurio in his personal letter.I'm thinking of drinking this."

"Well,"

　Ray spoke with an unexpected expression.

　I didn't expect to accept Mercurio's terms so easily.

　But Fritzione continues to say as if she feels nothing about Ray's attitude.

"I don't like the conditions, but I don't want them to fight as much as possible."

"...what?"

　I don't understand what you're saying.Unlike what he said a few seconds ago, Ray talks like this.

　Currently, both rebel and subjugation forces have started to fight each other, and there have been more than a few deaths in the direction of the subjugation forces.

　Even if you ask me not to fight as much as possible in such...

"That's impossible, isn't it?"

　I can only tell you so without thinking.

　In fact, Ray didn't think he could make up for it in the current situation.

　From the rebel side, the war situation is overwhelmingly advantageous for them.Moreover, as the name suggests, they are treated as rebels who disobeyed the Vestian Empire.

　Now that you've done that, it was only natural for the rebels to...more precisely Mercurio to aim at eliminating - though not killing - the two older brothers who have a higher right to ascend the throne than him.

　It was only natural for the suppressed army to lose, but there was a crushing defeat in the first game.

　Even in Kabazid, he was completely destroyed by night attacks without causing any damage to his opponent, and his appearance as the first prince was completely destroyed.

　Even if you are told not to fight in such a situation, I don't think Ray will answer that question.

　They turn their eyes to Angela and Widere, but if their lord Fritzione wishes to do so, they will do their best.

"I know it's difficult, but if no one takes action just because it's difficult, this civil war won't end forever.Thus, the inhabitants of the Vestian Empire fight a bloody battle, and only resentment, hatred, and sadness pile up.Also, as a family, I want to stop this civil war where brothers and sisters are fighting."

　It's a playful joke.The reason why Ray thought so in his heart of hearts when he heard Fritzione's words was because Fritzione's eyes were so bright that he didn't seem to step back.

"...well, I have no authority in that matter.For better or worse, my position is nothing but a bodyguard, as I was told in front of the hut.Please tell me about those conditions after you meet Mercurio in person, not me."

　In the end, Ray chose to put it on hold.

　Of course, that's not wrong.In fact, it is true that Ray is not given any authority over the confluence of Fritzione.

(However, after leaving the castle and the imperial capital and joining the rebels, I came back because the conditions didn't match... but I don't think Kabazid or Shrus would accept me honestly.If so, will you join the rebels with your spoiled opinion... or will you declare yourself as a third force?There is no doubt that it will be difficult anyway.)

　What kind of choice will Fritzione make in case of emergency?It was something that Ray didn't understand, and that's why he looked forward to it.

"So, let alone what you're going to say, is it okay to join the rebels?"

"Yes. It's true that whatever you do, you need to talk to Mercurio or Vihera once."

　To Fritzione, who nods without hesitation, Rei nods back without further ado.

"I understand the policy.So, when exactly can we leave? I'd appreciate it if we could leave as soon as possible."

　Passing by Ray's mind is the face of a cabazide he encountered near the castle.

　I don't have any proof that I've noticed myself, but I can't forget the gaze that I've looked deep into or seen through.

　There is also Dune who encountered Widere.

　At that time, Dune's attention was directed towards Widere, and he could not be discovered.

　But how about time goes by?

　Don't you think of yourself at any moment?

　Now that I think about it, Ray wanted to leave the castle as soon as possible.

　though it has been seen through that Ray is already in the castle, not to mention Cabazide.Ray can still be safe here because of the idea that he is up to something, and if Shrus finds out about it, he might get caught up in Ray's plot.

　In the case of Schulz, there may be some hope that Fritzione will not be in danger.

　Because of this, Ray wants to leave the imperial capital as soon as possible.

"Yes, you know, I've been making preparations before Widere came back, but you can still think that it will take some time."

"What exactly do you mean?"

"If you're going to be fully prepared, that's on a monthly basis. If you don't want to go that far, just a few days. If you're going to take anything, maybe tomorrow."

"Tomorrow is good for me, but..."

　In return, Ray turns his eyes to Angela and Widere.

　However, the two looked at and shook their heads in silence.

"Right."

　Ray also understood.It is impossible to escape tomorrow.

　It was obvious in his manner that Fritzione was not completely ready, and that the rest of the nobility should say nothing.

　Moreover, if we were to escape from the castle tomorrow, we would not even be able to afford weapons and protective equipment.

　It is difficult for Ray to escort the unarmed and unarmed, and he is reluctant to release the equipment contained in the Mystery -- mostly spears.

　If you think about it, the choices will naturally be decided...

"Please do it as soon as possible."

　That was all I could say to Ray.

　They probably understand the meaning of the word.Angela and Widere, who are behind Fritzione, nod to each other.

　And Fritzione nods as if he knew it.

"That's all I can do.For my part, it would be better if the first monthly unit were safe."

That's impossible.If it takes that long, my presence here will be close to the limit, and there is no doubt that there will be new movements in the case of civil war."

　And... Ray continues to speak inwardly.

(I can't leave Seto alone.I've been told to hunt monsters and animals and eat them, but basically friendly ones are seto.If you don't do it well, you might feel lonely and try to enter the imperial capital.I don't think it's possible from the sky because there are boundaries... will they force through the main gate? Wow, I don't want to imagine that.)

　Passing through my mind is Seto fluttering his wings and rushing into the main gate at full speed.

　Of course, if you look at it, you'll have to deal with it as a security guard... and what I'm waiting for was the furthest uproar.

"...yes, it's better to have it done as soon as possible."

　For Ray, who knows how much Seto is attached to him, it's not an impossible option at all, and that's why he says so while looking far away.