Princess Hilmera's bodyguard, Mursht. I knew that this person would be a strong individual, since he had been so conscious of me when I had felt his presence through the door, but I did not expect him to have such a strong personality .......

So, Lord Ratzel, how does this all play out?
"Well...

　I briefly explained to the Mikusama and the others who had returned from gathering information what had happened so far.
　He tried to get some information out of Mursht, who suddenly appeared and made a sort of confession to him. He thought for a moment.
　He thought about it for a while and agreed with her. He had been playing a game in his world as an entertainment to pass the time until now.

It's Wolfe's turn! A ...... rogue is attacking a person. ...... Approach the rogue from behind, cover him with a tarai, and hit him with a bag of gold coins! And to finish it off, I'll call the patrolmen with my whistle!
"Well, that's unanimous.
That's a pretty easy combination. I'll go next. Let's see, I'm going to collapse from hunger: ....... I'm going to destroy the carriage, sword the horses, roast them and eat them! As a thank you for all you've done for me, I'll make a grave for you with the Big Stone!

　You are dealt three wooden boards on which everyday items are randomly written, and you turn over one board from a pile on which a problem is written. It seems to be a game in which players try to find a way to solve the problem using the cards they are dealt.
　It sounds fun, but to be honest, how can you solve this problem with such a thing? But to be honest, there are many situations where you have to ask yourself, "How can I solve this problem with that?

"Me". Demon attack, no soldiers. ......? I grabbed my useless shield and scissors and bravely faced them.
I'm not sure that's a good idea. It's a demon, right?
Here's the third card: the neighbor lady was actually a legendary fighter in the past. However, she has been retired since the death of her husband, a fellow adventurer. But this broken, useless shield had once belonged to her husband. Inspired by the sight of me holding the shield and bravely standing up for myself, the old lady clenched her fist again.

　It's a very overgrown setting, but is it possible? I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out if that's the case,......, but I don't think things are going to work out that conveniently.

I'm not sure that things will work out that way. Yes, there is!
"Yes, there is!

　Yes, there is! It seems to be a very difficult game for me. I think the best time to play would be at the bar, where the momentum is strong.

"Well, we're all here. So much for fun.
Are you finally getting serious?
The game is over. Now it's time for the real questions. Why have you come to see me, Mursht?

　He sits in front of Murshto, putting away his plaything. We are already watching him and I have his sword in my possession as soon as he comes into the base. I'm sure he's not going to do anything wrong, but it's still very strong to be able to smile happily in this situation.

I would have liked to play a little more, but ...... it is what it is. I told you at the beginning that Hilmera told me to watch over you. If you try to uncover the secrets of the princes, you will be thwarted. But you have many skilled hands around you. The princes would then be forced to use powerful pawns that they don't normally use.
So the goal is to gain an advantage in the struggle for the throne?
That's right. The more you become a distraction to the princes, the better my work will be.

　He turned his gaze to Lakra, who was standing behind Mursht. Lakra gave a small nod and told him she wasn't lying.

He looked at Lakra, who was stationed behind Mursht. It's just unnecessary for a guy like me. It's pointless to pretend to be something you're not. But I suppose it means something to the princes.
"I see. So, um...
Is it true that your friend has a crush on you?
Hey, Mixu.

　Mixu interrupted him and asked an in-depth question. It's certainly a surprising statement, but is it something that you should be asking so curiously?
　Even in a knightly order with many men, it is not uncommon to have a crush on the same person. And when I say love at first sight, I don't mean romantic feelings...

It's true. It's pure love at first sight. I'd like to hold you, s*xually.
"Well.

　Someone made a strange noise, but I was surprised enough not to be able to identify who it was. No, no, no, he already said that Mursht is a man.
　Isn't it a longing? Isn't love supposed to be between people of the same s*x? I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed with your work.

I'm not sure what to say.
"Oh, Mix, you're banned for that.
Huh?
You can't accept that? I'm open to both.
I'm not denying homos*xuality. I'm not denying homos*xuality itself. I'm not going to deny homos*xuality itself, I can consider facing it, but I'd rather not have someone, homos*xual or heteros*xual, serving it up in public in broad daylight.

　The purple demon lord's eyes seemed to be swimming, but I guess I shouldn't worry about that. The fact that Lakra hadn't given any false signs meant that Mursht was telling the truth.

"Yes, I understand. You prefer a pure relationship, right? Then I'll treat you as such. I will not have any evil thoughts about you.


"...... Um, that last word is a lie. ......
Oh, no. You're very accurate, aren't you, Medicine's secret technique? Well, well, well, I've managed to keep it out of the public eye.

　Thank you for proving that I'm not hiding behind the eyes of Lakra. I'm grateful, but why do I feel so indescribable?

...... is fine as long as you keep it moderate. Let's change the subject. I'm going to ask you straight out, did Princess Hilmera cooperate with Rahite and the demon race Nektohar ten years ago?
"Yes...

　I can see the people around me gasping, because I'm in the same situation. He didn't hesitate to ask the question to Mursht, Hilmera's confidant. Even though he knew that Lakra's skill at detecting lies would work, he still felt that he was not being very careful.

I was picked up by Master Hilmera eight years ago. So I don't know, and I wasn't told. I don't know, and I wasn't told, so I don't know. ...... is a good possibility?
...... You don't deny it, do you?
It's not as weak as people think, or as you think, Master Hilmera's ambitions are. When I was picked up, Hilmera was already intelligent. Two years before that, it's quite possible.

　To be honest, Mursht's comments never cease to amaze me. In response to his statement that he doubted the existence of a being that he would give his life to protect, Mursht assured him without hesitation that it was possible.
　He did not show the slightest anger at the fact that the Lord was being doubted, and in fact, he said something that increased the doubt: ...... Are you less loyal?

You're not defending him, are you?
There's no point in defending yourself on a technicality. If I did, then I'd simply be your enemy. If not, I'm on your side.

　No, no. This man's eyes are serious. Mursht only intends to follow the path of his master, Princess Hilmera. These are the words of one who holds Princess Hilmera not as good or evil, but as the absolute center.

"...... I see. So we're on the same side while we look into other princes besides Princess Hilmera?
No, not necessarily.
Hey.
The reason is simple. Master Hilmera has no intention of succeeding to the throne. You already know the reason for that.
"Prince Washekht?

　Murscht gave a satisfied smile at that statement. There was no condescension in it, just a look that said he was genuinely comfortable talking to him.

"Yes. Lord Hilmera wants Washekht to succeed to the throne. He seems to have given up on the idea, but there's still a good chance if Master Hilmera supports him.
"So if you threaten Prince Washekht's position, I'll become Princess Hilmera's enemy.
"I would certainly be considered an enemy, more so than blaming Master Hilmera herself.

　Prince Washekht seems to be the most innocent of the princes at the moment, so I think the chances of that happening are slim to none. .......

"Yes, I'm aware of your situation. Mursht, you're free to come and go as you please, as long as you don't interfere. Just don't tell anyone anything about us.
That's fine. For me personally, just seeing you is enough. I'll leave you to it then. I would have liked to stay a little longer, but I guess the rest of the world doesn't know how you've analyzed me yet, does it?

　Mursht stood up and walked over to me. I handed him his sword and looked into his eyes.
　I can feel the strength of his will, and this man will be a nuisance to deal with. But there was something different in the air, something different from me trying to protect him.
　If it were a simple matter of strength, I'd win. And yet, I almost doubt that feeling. In that sense, he's a different kind of opponent.

You look dignified. May I ask your name?
"Ilias Ratzel of the Raggedy Dough of the Order of the TARDIS.
"Ilias. I had a feeling that you were the one closest to him. ...... Well, yeah. You seem okay.
What do you mean by that?

　What do you mean by that?" Murscht smiles a carefree smile. I'm not sure what you mean by that.

"Naturally, I'm judging you as a love rival. I've seen that I still have the edge when it comes to loveliness.
...... "Oh, really?

　This is the first time in my life that a man has said such words to me. I don't feel any regret, but I can't hide my confusion. I still don't understand.
　After Mursht had left, he moved on to compiling the information he had heard from Ekduk and the others. Even I could tell that everyone wanted him to find out how he really felt about Mursht.

"So much for the first day. Keep me posted.
Yeah. By the way, what do your people think about Mursht?



　At this point, Ekduik stepped in about Mursht, and those around him stopped for a moment.

I know that he likes me very much. I know that he really likes me. I also know that I have a rough idea of his personality from the games you guys played before we met up. Murscht, like Washekht, is a man of many sides. He's the type of person whose thoughts and actions are completely interlinked. Depending on how things go with Hillemera and Washekht, they'll be real enemies, and I'm sure they'll be real sorry to kill me.

　So that was the intention of the play. Indeed, it may be a useful game to analyze how to behave in a limited situation. That said, I don't think there are many situations in which a neighborhood woman is taken as an element.

Hmm ....... I'm not sure if I've ever seen a game like this before. If Ilias and Wolfe are always on the side of their compatriots, it won't be a problem.
"Right. Well, now that we know what Hilmera's intentions are, we'll let her run free for a while.
"Princess Hilmera's intentions?
About what Mursht told you about Hillemera's desire to have Washekht succeed to the throne. I suppose that was information that she decided it was okay to share. To cut a long story short, Hilmera wants me to uncover the secrets of Chisanthe, Noufsa, and Yumyess first.

　I'm not saying I'll definitely side with you, but I'll antagonize you if you meet my conditions . If Mursht's words were in line with Princess Hilmera's intentions, she would be safe as long as she did not take any action that would be detrimental to Princess Hilmera and Prince Washekht.
　It would not be good to make enemies of Princess Hilmera and Prince Washekht at this point, since the other princes are considered to be an eyesore at this stage. They should be dealt with later.

But if Princess Hilmera and Prince Washekht were black, wouldn't that mean that they were interfering to suit their own agendas?
"This is probably Hilmera's way of negotiating. I heard from Washekht that Hilmera only has one guard, Murscht. Without her, Hilmera won't even be able to go out satisfactorily.
"Is there any advantage for Princess Hilmera to go to such lengths?
There is. That's exactly what she's doing for Washekht. If the secrets of the other princes come to light, it will also reveal a trump card in the fight for the throne.

　I see. If Princess Hilmera wants Prince Washekht to succeed to the throne, she'll have to outsmart the other princes. If she wants to expose their trump cards and secrets, they will naturally be wary of her.
　Princess Hilmera cannot make enemies of all three princes at the same time. If she were to make a mess of things, Prince Washekht, who was trying to protect her, would also be on the receiving end. That's why I'm very grateful that he's there to take on the enmity of all three princes.

"All to gain an advantage in the struggle for the throne? If she can learn all the secrets of the princes and the information about the assassins who are targeting her people, it will be the best reward for Princess Hilmera.
"From now on, Hilmera will send some kind of order to Mursht to keep her in the dark. But I could see that it could be used to expose the princes' secrets. That's why I decided to take Princess Hilmera's suggestion.

　Was he making his decision based on the intentions of Princess Hilmera, who was behind him, rather than Mursht who was in front of him? The way he asked that in-depth question was probably because he sensed Princess Hilmera's willingness to cooperate.

She had a pretty face, by the way.
"Isn't she? Unless you could see his throat, you wouldn't know he was a man until he was naked.
I would have preferred a man with a more defined appearance.

　Myx and the others' reactions were much softer. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
　The reason is simple. Mursht has no venom. Even I, who have been called a love rival, cannot dislike the man. He is not my love interest, but...

　◇

　I'm going to report to Master Hilmera what happened today. While I was gone, Master Washekht must have shown up. Hilmera listened to the report in a good mood throughout.

The angel seemed to have understood my intentions. But, Mursht, you can't just confess out of the blue, can you?
But, Murshto, you can't just confess out of the blue. I've never seen anyone so fragile in my life.
"Ah, ......, yes. You're a man of taste, aren't you?
Yes, and I like you, too. But he can't do it.
Thank you. I'm glad to hear it.

　I was born with a strange gift, the ability to sense the strength of the human heart. By the time I could remember, I was already living in a less-than-decent environment, but I was able to use that power to choose the right people to approach and survive.
　The strength of the human heart is a complex combination of kindness, harshness, intensity, and maturity. It is so unique that each person is like a work of art, and I have loved to observe people since I was a child.
　It was by chance that I was picked up by Master Hilmera, but her heart was beautiful at that time. She lost her mother, the woman she loved the most, but she tried to live for her new found light, Washekht, by crushing her childhood emotions. I felt the beauty of human beings in their fragility and fragility, in their will to be strong even when they are weak.

"Oh, I'm so glad I met you. I know what it means to have lived until today.
He's such a coward.

　He's a coward. He's afraid of everything. The world must seem very violent to him since he has no magic power and a fragile body.
　But there is something I want to protect even in that. I don't hesitate to cut down my own heart to do so. But I don't have the strength to endure that way of life.



Do you remember? Remember the baby bird that fell out of the nest? It was weak and doomed to die soon, but it was still trying so hard to get back to the nest. I feel as if I've tasted that heart-wrenching feeling, only more violent.
"I saved the baby bird, though. Do you remember?
I forgot. But I'm amazed his mind has survived this long. Normally it would have been broken by now. ......

　Yes, what I saw of his mind was the embodiment of a miracle. It's no wonder that he was worn down by his relationships with others, fed up with various events, and normally would have given up on the world and chosen suicide. Yet, she is willing to accept being hurt for the sake of someone she cares about.
　It's impossible to maintain that state of mind just by having a strong heart. I wonder if he had the kind of existence that could take care of a fatal wound. But he himself created it, and the burden is still there. This makes the fragility of his heart even more pronounced.

"Don't talk too much about your tastes. It will only attract them.
"Is that so? Aren't women attracted to men's weaknesses? I'm just attracted to the fragility of the human heart.
You can't deny that. But you put too much emotion into it.

　It's not that I don't like strong-minded people. Ilias, his bodyguard, had a very distinct heart, with weak and strong places. Seeing a strong heart gives me a sense of security. I'm sure that he, too, seeks reassurance in the strong side of the Iliad.
　But the most beautiful thing about a person is the way they try to live. The more the weak and fragile try to live, the more we feel the value of life.

At the moment, I'm feeling protective. But there are a lot of beautiful women around me, so I'm sure I'll get possessive soon.
"Hmm, yeah. If you do anything rude, I'll leave all the decisions to the messenger, so refrain from anything at all.
Can you ...... chastise him?
Don't ask me.
Imagine Lord Hilmera being chastised by Lord Washect.
Your brother would never do such a thing! I think it's possible!

　I'm sure you'll agree that they're more alike than you think. I'm sure you're not the only one.

So, I'm going to keep coming back to him?
Yes. I'm sure the messenger can find evidence of his involvement with the demons.
...... Oh, you have proof? Wouldn't it be quicker to tell me that?

　I'm not sure if that's the information he wants to know the most. If you give him that information, he'll be able to use ...... Oh, no. It's not the accomplishment of his goal that's important to Lord Hilmera. It's that he will reveal the secrets of the other princes.

"I don't mean to tell you. It's already known that you've been in contact with the angel, and if he suddenly targets you, it'll mean that I've told on him. If he sees me as an enemy, it will be a problem for my brother who is protecting me.
"Well, I'm sure those princes will notice.
There is only one thing that concerns me: ....... The one who was in contact with him was a guy named Rahite, but there was another guy on his side at the time.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

　I've read the reports about the events that he solved in Serende this time. It's the end of the world that a world-renowned adventurer was involved in reanimation magic that creates demon lords.

"No, it's not those two. No, it wasn't those two, and they weren't killed in the riots, and I'm trying to track them down at .......
Why again?
I heard from your brother that the angel and Lytal have a truce. They've already been in contact and exchanged information, but judging by the way you've been acting, you probably haven't heard anything about this person. Wouldn't it be strange if he went to the trouble of contacting her and not giving her the information?
Could it be that Ritual simply didn't know?
That's what I think. It was Rahite who made the deal, and that person was just an escort. That could be why he didn't report it.

　If that were true, it would be easy for Ritual to get information out of that person. But then, he would have the answers. Ah, so that's why he's following the footsteps. They're trying to keep him quiet before he gets any more clues.

Maybe you're the only one in charge of keeping him quiet.
You're the only one. You're the only one in charge of silencing him. My men are good at espionage, but you're hopeless at combat.
I'm not that strong either, but ...... when I die, I die, right?
"Of course. But don't worry, you're not going to die yet.

　I'm not sure if I should be concerned about the fact that I have one less thing to worry about. Well, I'm dying.