In the days after leaving the Brissa Plains, the party continued down the road without the bandits and monsters that Ray feared, until it was finally within sight of the imperial capital.

"…the imperial capital?" I only came a little while ago, but it seems like a long time ago."

　muttered Ray, looking at the imperial capital from afar.
　It wasn't long before he came to guard Fritzione.
　Nevertheless, it seemed to me that it had been a long time since I had seen the Imperial capital like this.
　That's probably proof that he spent so much time in the Mercurio army.

"Captain Ray, Mr. Theorame is calling for you. I want you to come once about the triumphal parade."

　Ray, who was looking at the imperial capital, suddenly approaches me from behind. 　
　I looked over there and found him there, Pernix.
　He looks as stern as usual, but seeing the corners of his mouth slightly bent, Perenicus must be pleased to return to the imperial capital.
　Ray had been associated with Perenicus to the point where he could see subtle changes in his facial expression.

"All right. I'll be back a little, so please give me command for a while I'm at it.
"Yes!"

　Rey nods to Pernicus, who responds seriously on the horse, and gently slaps Seto on the back of the neck.
　Understanding what Ray wants him to do, Seto whines back.
　At that time, the reason why the horse on board the shortstop nearby didn't get scared was probably because he had been with Seto all these days and got used to it somewhat.
　Head to the center, where the main officers are gathered, against the flow of troops along the highway.
　Rey... No, the Mercurio soldiers who saw Sett wave and try to see him look lovely, but not just the Mercurio army, but the punitive force.
　In fact, the punitive force was larger in number.
　Therefore, many people were still afraid and in awe of Ray and Seto, and overall, Seto's popularity seemed to be declining.

"Guru..."

　Seto cries sadly at the sight of several soldiers, who are stretched out.
　Ray caresses Seto on the back of his neck.

"We were hostile a little while ago, so we can't help it. Come on, eat this and cheer up a little."

　Ray to feed Seto the dried meat from the mistling.
　When you chew the dried meat with a stick and throw it into your mouth, you'll hear a little more exhilarating call from Seto's mouth.

(Cash, or rather... well, I hope Sett will like it, too.) though I don't want to see the sulky Set.)

　Ray didn't want to see Sett sulky because he loved her.
　I can't help but look at Ray because I'm curious about him. Nevertheless, when Ray and I meet, we look away again. I'd like to show Ray that I'm in a bad mood now. It's pretty cute to see him messing around like that, but his grumpy appearance isn't very pleasing to Ray either.
　After eating dried meat and recovering his energy, Seto eventually reaches the center of the country, running counter to the army's current.
　One of the knights surrounding him approaches Ray, who sees Mercurio and Theoreum on horseback.

"Captain Ray, Your Highness Mercurio is waiting for you. Please pass by."

　Tell them so and move the horse sideways to make room for Seto to get in.
　With most of the soldiers walking, horses are not moving very fast.
　Still, the fact that he is able to steer the horse freely while walking is probably the sole responsibility of Mercurio's bodyguard.
　He also showed that the knights in front of him, fearing not to go on a rampage, though the horse did not have much time in contact with Seto... were as sharp as the squadron.

"Oh, I see,"

　Speak briefly, approaching groups of people such as Mercurio, Theoreum, Vichela and Tiyur.
　For some reason, some of them are digmas, but none of them are particularly concerned.
　The popularity of a bear, nicknamed a water dragon, has spoken.
　Since he has already admitted defeat, he won't do anything strange here.
　A considerable number of nobles, like Fritzione, ride in horse-drawn carriage, but many thus travel.
　This area is probably influenced by the movement of Mercurio, Teoreme and Vihela on horseback.
　Mercurio himself, however, does not force others to travel by horse.
　I rode a horse to show everyone that I was the leader of the army, and at the same time I wanted to spend the same time with my sister Vihela, who was more comfortable travelling on horseback than sitting still in a carriage.

"Well, you've come," --and may I get down to business at once again.
"I heard about the triumphal parade?"
"Yes, yes. About the triumphal parade..."

　Mercurio was about to say something, but Teoreum interrupts it and opens his mouth.

"Your Highness Mercurio, I'm here..."
"…yes, I see. I'll leave it to you."
"Thank you,"

　Theorame, bowing to Mercurio, turns his eyes to Ray.
　The expression on his face is a vague hesitation.
　With a slightly unpleasant feeling, Ray glances to the television.

"Regarding the triumphal parade... it was originally planned for the shortstop to take the lead, but it was changed to another unit."
"...why? I think we were supposed to be the first until yesterday."
"It's a request from the castle. More specifically, it's from the Prime Minister, Mr. Pesche."

　Theoreum's words remind me of the man I met in negotiations for a competition.
　a very fat person with a bald head and catfish beard under his nose 　
　He looks like a typical nobleman, but he is definitely a competent man, considering that he is the prime minister of the Empire of Bestia.

"Why?"
"As long as it was in the form of a triumphal parade, there were some problems as a nation's honor that it was from another country that led the way. I've told them many other reasons, but that's the biggest reason."

　Soon after the civil war ended, Mercurio and Teorem had been in contact with the imperial capital.
　Mercurio's army also had people who could use summoning magic and Timers, who were sending letters with the help of flying monsters and birds.
　Given the civil war of this magnitude, it is only natural that the imperial capital wants a lot of information, and that will change the power relationship between the upper echelon of the Bestian Empire.
　The Vestian army was greatly shocked by the defeat of their ally, Shurus.
　Nevertheless, the reason why they did not neglect their task of making the neighboring countries look at them is probably because they were aware that they were protecting this country.

"... I see,"

　Ray nods back without objecting, perhaps because he has guessed that there are many political reasons.
　Just think about something, close your eyes for about 10 seconds, and then open your mouth again.

"Well, I'll ask you just in case, that's not to say that the squad can't take part in the triumphal parade, is it?"

　If so, I would never agree.
　Theoreum nods back to Ray, who looks at him like that.

"Of course. The shortstop is one of the most advanced units in this army. There is absolutely no way that they should not be allowed to participate in the triumphal parade."

　Ray nods to Theoreum, who swears.

"I don't care if that's the case," I have a few thoughts, but this is still about the Bestian Empire. If you don't mean to despise the shortstop, that's all right. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."
"I know. As for the shortstop, we will deal with it accordingly. It is true that there has been some commotion about the Weiburn affair, but since then we have made a commendable achievement.""Well, that'said he. And what will happen in that order?"

　It's not that Ray has little to say, but this case concerns the future of a great country called the Bestian Empire.
　As long as I understood it, I didn't have to push myself so hard.

"I'm sorry, but I wish the squadron would be in a prominent position."

　At Mercurio's words, Ray shrugs his shoulders slightly.
　Even if he wins in this civil war, Mercurio is still treated as the next heir to the throne.
　In comparison to the incumbent…and the emperor's trusted prime minister, his position is probably weak because he has no track record.

(If Prince Kabazeed had won, it would have been a different story.)

　Theoreum thinks so in her heart.
　Unlike Mercurio, Kabazide has a long history of serving as the first prince.
　Even a prime minister cannot be looked down on because of his achievements.
　In comparison, Mercurio, aside from his talent, was naturally weakened by his lack of performance.

(Well... that's the only time.) I don't know what the Prime Minister and other nobles think of Prince Mercurio, but if they think he's nothing more than an unknown symbol, that regret will fall on them one day. What do you think then... I'm looking forward to it now.)

　Contrary to Theoreum's expectation, he slaps Seto on the neck saying that he has nothing more to do than to settle the matter, and Ray leaves.
　But there was a sight of him chasing after Ray.

"Ray, do I have nothing?"

　Ray opens his mouth somewhat troubled by the vexed murmur.

"Nothing... you come to me at the break, don't you? I thought I wouldn't have to go out of my way to talk to Mercurio."
"Well... why don't you learn a little more about women's minds?"

　a viehera that breathes out a sigh
　Ray looks surprised by such a Vihela.
　Vichela breathes again at Ray's appearance.

"Well, that's all right. but Ray is going back to the kingdom of Milliana after the triumphal parade."
"Oh, that's what I'm going on. but it will take some time to actually get there."

　As long as some of the squadrons want to accompany Ray, they and others who come with him.
　Traveling in a carriage with people who are thought to be between twenty and thirty, the journey will take a long time.
　Explaining this, Vihela nods convincingly.

"I've heard from Theoreum," If possible, I'd like to go to Gilm with Ray...

　The equivocal appearance meant that he could not go with Ray to Gilm.

"Are you going to stay in the Empire of Bestia?"

　Even if Mercurio is chosen as the next heir to the throne, there is no doubt that he will be underestimated politically, let alone militarily.
　Others who have not taken part in the civil war may not be able to recognize Mercurio.
　Vichela shakes her head when asked if she would stay in the Empire to deal with them.

"No, I ran away from the country. You shouldn't be in this country at all times, let alone in an emergency like this civil war."
"... wouldn't Mercurio be lonely?"
"Yes, but if she becomes the next heir to the throne, she won't be able to depend on me all the time. And there are Teoremes, so you don't have to think about your own danger."
"Magician?"

　a demon soldier that only Theoreme can follow
　There are no deformed soldiers in the Mercurio army who have been a great force in this civil war.
　No, there are only a few who guard Mercurio, but they don't exist in a group called the Mystery.
　Mercurio was originally intended to incorporate the Mystery into the triumphal parade, but the Mystery themselves told them they didn't want to stand out through Theoreum.
　Considering his appearance, it was understandable, and at the same time he probably didn't want to show much of the power of the demon soldiers.
　The demon soldiers showed off their power in this civil war, but only those who fought directly know their power.
　Of course, we won't be able to completely block the information, but if we didn't show up, people would have turned to more flashy topics.

"And anyway... what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to Egidil," I want to see Bune's face."

　To Ray's question, Vihela responds with a slightly contrite expression.