"Then let it be known to my lord, Master Mattia, that all is well. May the sigil guide us.

　The messenger from the mercenary city of Belle Fain said this just before leaving his seat. Mattia's eyelids fluttered as she thought about how diligent he was to take the trouble to include the heraldic congratulations in his mind.

　She nodded, dismissing the words in her mind as trivial and not letting them sink in.

Yes, let's move forward. Let's keep things positive so that our future is better. I'm sure that's what God would want.

　With these words, the meeting with Belfain was over. After the messenger left, Mattia took a deep breath, leaned his shoulders back on his chair, and pursed his lips.

　This should at least give the impression that she was willing to form an alliance. His eyebrows lowered and his gaze unconsciously intensified. Whether Belfain believes it or not, he can't not consider it at all. This will buy us some time.

　If we break off the alliance now, the relationship between Garou Amalia and Belfain will immediately fall into a state of tension. If that happens, it will only naturally lead to armed conflict.

　In principle, this is not a bad choice.

　Rather, it will help to unify the faithful who are still united. The existence of a clear enemy is enough to take away one's eyesight and stir up one's enthusiasm. There is nothing more gratifying to an organization than that.

　But it's not good now. It's gone bad.

　As Mattia exhaled to calm himself, he ran his fingers through his long, slender hair and carefully gathered it into a short bun.

　In the event that the situation becomes tense, it will naturally lead to an actively hostile relationship, with both sides trying to identify and dispose of any secret agents or scouts they may have sent into the city.

　Right now, both Mattia and Belfain are still accepting and overlooking each other's scouts to some extent.

　In the early stages of the war, when neither side has much information about the other, they will probe each other to determine the future direction of the war. This is no different in a conflict between nations. Therefore, I believe that the secret agent will not be strangled for now unless there is something serious.

　If we hint at an alliance and keep the current situation going for as long as possible, Lugis' life will be prolonged after he infiltrated Belle Fain.

　No, that would be wishful thinking. Mattia ran his fingers through his hair and narrowed his eyes.

　Lugis is not exactly a spy or a scout, and he is one of the key points of the heraldry. If it turns out to be so, even if you know that your relationship with us will deteriorate, you may be immediately punished. We have to hurry.

　Mattia's action was merely to create a buffer period. A period of time where both sides can keep an eye on each other and not attack each other. But even an infant can understand that it is on thin ice and will eventually collapse.

　So, if we are to act, we must do it now, immediately.

　Mattia got up from his seat and finished up his hair, which was always in place and swinging in the air.

　Looking back, her decision to make her hair longer was a deliberate one.

　Long and beautiful hair is a sign of nobility. In areas where such a ridiculous notion existed, Mattia's beautifully coiffed hair was often useful. Sometimes she even pretended to be a noble to negotiate.

　I'm sure this hair will be useful in the future. I can't just cut it off now. So he braided it around the back of his head and arranged it so it wouldn't get damaged.

　Come to think of it, I wonder what kind of hairstyle he likes. Without any intention, such a thought suddenly and naturally popped into my head.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.

　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you have.

　She blinked her eyelashes and her eyes flickered, as if she didn't know who was standing there for a moment.

　Mattia's lips twisted in a funny way at Anne's appearance.

What's the matter, Anne? I'm just fixing my hair. It must be me, yes, who else would it be?

　She rolled her eyes and cowered, "You look as if you've seen a stranger.

　In fact, Mattia has never looked like this before, in public or in private. When she looks at her reflection in the mirror, she certainly feels uncomfortable. For a moment, she almost doubts whether the reflection is really her.

　But it's better that way.

Anne, would you please lock the door and prepare your makeup? The office is at ...... and the mirror doesn't work.

　I instructed Anne, keeping my voice even, and sat down again in the parlor chair. This is the only parlor, aside from the office, that has a large mirror. This was the most convenient place for me to get dressed.

　However, there was no response from Anne after a short wait. What should she do now? Mattia turned his eyes to look at Anne.

　There was Anne, her cheeks flushed. Her face looks pale. Is she in bad shape? That's a big problem. After all, I need Anne to work as my substitute temporarily from now on.

Oh, ...... Saint, Mattia. Of course, I will follow your instructions, but... What are you wearing your hair and makeup for ......?

　Now it was Mattia's turn to roll her eyes. Anne is a very aware and intelligent person. She is more sensitive to the movements of others.

　That's why this question was so strange to Mattia. Besides, she knew that her actions were only inevitable.



　The words escaped her lips easily, without shame or concealment.

What are you talking about--I am preparing to infiltrate Belle Fain myself.

　Anne's pale face turned even paler as she said the words as if they were obvious. The blood seems to have drained out of her, and her originally white skin looks even whiter.

"Saint, Mattia. You can't do that. I can't allow you to put yourself in danger!

　Those were rare words of defiance from Anne. Mattia's lips quivered involuntarily.

　Anne was a self-confessed admirer of Mattia.

　For this reason, Anne has always tried to put Mattia's words into practice whenever possible. Even if it means risking her own life or position.

　Of course, she would sometimes make suggestions, but only to add her opinion. There is no such thing as a direct confrontation. In a sense, Anne is not a follower of heraldry. She is a follower of Saint Mattia.

　And now, Anne is defying Mattia's words. Unintentionally, Mattia felt his heart palpitating. The fact that something that had never happened before was happening right in front of her eyes sent a tremor down her spine.

　And yet... Mattia felt his thoughts rushing through his brain as quickly as he could.

"Anne, I understand what you're saying. And I'm glad you did.

　That was Mattia's true intention. Anne, who had always followed her, was now considering her and confronting her. I wonder how many people can do that.

　Most of us can only lean on the big tree. If the tree loosens itself, it will waver just like the tree, and there is nothing we can do to support it or hold it down.

　But Anne was different. After all, she possesses a rare talent. She has the talent of a king to support her master and to speak out against him at times.

　Therefore, Mattia does not conceal her true intentions and spins her words.

But there is no time to waste. Lugis, letting him infiltrate Belfain alone will only increase the danger. I'll go there myself and bring him back.

　The corners of Anne's eyes were about to burst into tears. Even so, the edges of her eyebrows were raised stoutly and her lips were tightened.

"That's just not possible. I know he's dangerous. But he's only a replaceable general. Saint Mattia, you are the king!　If you die, everything ends there!　Please ...... think about what that means. ......

　As Anne's tearful voice echoed through the parlor, Mattia held it deep in her heart.

　Then, her eyes fluttered. In the event you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.