A moment of silence passed in the creaking air. A void in which no one spoke or moved.

　In the middle of this, Nines let a word slip into his thoughts.

　--What did this guy just say?

　With his gaze fixed on his nurturing son Lugis, Nines tilts his purple eyes and clears his throat.

　The skull that had been warmed by nostalgia quickly cooled, and it felt as if even his spine had turned to ice.

　I cleared my throat and tried to keep my voice even as I tried to formulate some words. In the meantime, Lugis' words were running through Nines' thoughts.

　I haven't forgotten about Alueno. And I haven't put an end to those feelings either. Such words.

"...... Lugis. You're not a boy anymore. You know what I mean.

　I'm sure you're aware of what I mean. Perhaps you have spoken badly. If I ask him what he means, maybe the misunderstanding will be cleared up.

　The Nines' hopes were easily dashed by Lugis' words.

I know, I know, I know. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

　I'm not going to say it out loud, but I'm going to say it out loud, and I'm going to say it out loud, and I'm going to say it out loud, and I'm going to say it out loud.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. Nines was convinced of one thing.

　This guy doesn't understand anything. He doesn't know his position or the meaning of his words.

　The fact that he can say he's no different is proof of that.

　Are you happy or unhappy? The positions of Alueno and Lugis have changed drastically since they were in the orphanage.

　On the one hand, they are candidates for sainthood, on the other hand, heroes of the heraldry. They are clearly on opposite sides of the spectrum. They are not in a position to touch each other. If it were possible, I would even hide the fact that they were childhood friends.

　In addition, the fact that Lugis is still thinking about Alueno and has not given up on taking his hand is not something that can be said even within the heraldry.

　If we make a mistake, the power of the heraldry will be split in two.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. In fact, when he was active in the Garlist Kingdom, he even took charge of the handling of information. That is why he understands it well.

　There are still many people within the heraldry who are dissatisfied with Lugis. And many of them belong to the upper echelons of the Order.

　They do not dare to show their displeasure by talking about it. They know it will be to their detriment. First of all, if you oppose Lugis, you oppose the saint Mattia. There's no way I can say it out loud.

　But that's only because I have no reason to complain. The frustration just hangs on.

　If they had some kind of chance, they would easily vent their frustrations. Dissatisfaction eventually leads to disgust, disgust leads to persecution, persecution leads to hostility.

　And so hostility turns into division. Power is always such a danger. Many organizations, forces and nations have been divided in the past. Heraldry is no exception.

　For the believers, there is only one doctrine, but not one form of faith.

　So now, if the heraldry is divided, there is only a clear destruction ahead.

　Nines is almost dizzy and lets out a breath.

You've ...... changed. Or should I say, I've grown up.

　As if he did not understand the intent of the words, Lugis twisted his head with his elbows. The way he looks is the same as he used to look when the Nines knew him. He has a habit of twisting his wrist lightly.

　However, his gaze has changed greatly.

　The child that Nines knew as Lugis was a bit stubborn, but if anything, he was a child who often kept to himself.

　At best, he was clever and understanding; at worst, he had no expectations.

　You can't do it, so you can't help it. Nines remembers him saying these words even when he was supposed to be dreaming. He was a man capable of compromise and resignation.

　If it had been Lugis back then, he would have made the decision even now. He would have accepted the fact that he could not take Alueno's hand as something that could not be helped.

　But this guy in front of me, he's different. Nines looked at Lugis with a complex feeling in his head.

　In his eyes, you can see a deep ego that was once unseen. That of a person who has a glorious pride.

　I'm sure that's what you call growth. I'm not saying that Lugis as a child was bad. That's one way to live.

　But if he has come to live according to his own ego, that too is a blessing.

　As a parent, I can feel the growth of my child. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　I'm not sure what to make of that. But right now, the direction of that will is too bad. It would be better if it could be used in a better place.

　Lugis is leaning on Alueno like a baby bird following its parent. Perhaps she is still holding tightly to the promise she made in front of herself.



　That's not gonna work. It will only produce the worst results no matter how hard you try. It's like tumbling into a pool of blood with thorns sticking out of you. It's far from happy.

　Then what should we do?

　Nines averts his gaze from Lugis, not unnaturally. Behind him, he saw three shadows.

　Caria-Bardnick, the famed Maiden of War, Fialat-La-Volgograd, the sorceress of the Borvat dynasty. And Philos-Treit, the ruler.

　They all had some connection to Lugis, Nines had been told. The way they were together, he assumed they were on friendly terms, but...

　Look at his eyes. I'm not sure what to make of that.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one with an eye for detail. I'm not sure what to make of it.

　This can mean only one thing. It means that they have an emotion for Lugis that they are afraid to express in words. I wonder if Lugis is aware of this.

　Just enough not to get burned, huh?

　Nines cleared his throat as if to mock the words he had just spoken. From the looks of it, that's not going to be enough. Nines muttered to himself as he sighed in his heart.

　What had my children done to create three people like this? I almost feel regret for my past.

　But it doesn't matter now. It's more convenient for me. They might be able to keep Lugis in line.

　Nines made a sound, choosing his words carefully in the silence of the room. He tried to keep his voice as soft as possible.

"...... Lugis. I have a few things to say to them. There are some things that are hard to put into words in your presence. Would you give us a moment?

　Did Rougis think he was being accused? He opened his eyes as if stunned for a moment and looked at the three people behind him.

　At the same time, Nines also looked at them as if calling out to them. He didn't say anything, but he seemed to convey that he had an intention.

　The three also seemed confused, but nodded. They must have understood that the story was related to Lugis.

　Nines swallowed his spit and narrowed his eyes. His clever eyes shine with a piercing glow, now with only one purpose in mind.

　--For your happiness, Lugis. I'll show you that true joy is more attainable than you think.

　A few moments after Lugis left the room. Nines opened his mouth to let the three of them in. A gentle smile danced on his face.