In the outskirts of the puppet city of Philos, there is a large number of heraldic soldiers and mercenaries stationed there. There are several hundred of them in all.

　These soldiers are not only there to keep Philos from being invaded by other forces, but they are also there to protect the city from the magical beasts that have been activated by the deadly snow.

　The city of Philos itself had its own militia, but considering its size, Mattia thought that it needed reinforcement.

　To be honest, I feel sorry for the soldiers and mercenaries who are exposed to outdoor missions in the cold wind. But they need to be patient. I'll bring you some more wine.

　I look at the eager merchants who are shouting at the soldiers and mercenaries, and open my mouth.

You're not hurt anymore? I was told you were still recuperating.

　I heard you were still recuperating." He picks up a chewed tobacco and sniffs it lightly. His cheeks unconsciously relaxed, and he turned to face a familiar, yet familiar face.

　The man I was looking at, Bruder, snapped his neck as he ran his fingers along the edge of his hat. There was a hint of embarrassment in his expression.

'Come on, employer. I'm not one to be tucked up in bed all the time. I'm more comfortable with some movement.

　Her brown hair bounced through the air, brushing away the white of the dead snow. I'm sure you'll be able to tell that I'm almost at my best, if you don't mind a little awkwardness in my movements.

　It was a serious wound inflicted by a demon named Roseau during the turmoil that once brought down this Philos. I had thought that if I hadn't done well, I would have been out of a job as a mercenary, but it seems that I've gotten over it surprisingly well.

　Maybe she had a good doctor, or maybe it was her own vitality.

　In any case, it was a great thing that she was okay. After all, she is the only friend I have left from the past. I'd even buy her a brand new bottle of wine to celebrate.

　But, but...

"So, how did it go from there that you decided to join me?

　His shoulders cowered deliberately, and his eyes narrowed. Since a while ago, Bruder has been stopping when I stop, and following me when I start. You're not a baby bird.

　Bruder's shoulders cowered in imitation of mine, and his brown eyes widened.

I'm in a complicated position. I'm in a complicated position myself, but I've heard that the saint is very concerned that her employer doesn't go off on his own.

　Bruder's grimace seemed to ask, "What did you do?

　So it was Mattia. She could be so brazen about spying on people. She's a fearless person, that one.

　No, I'm sorry about Jailbella, but... But still, I don't think you need to be a watcher.

　I'm not one to sit on my hands so easily. I think things through before I flap my wings. I wish you'd give me a little more credit.

　Seeing me exhale, Bruder says in a somewhat amused manner.

What, you don't like that I'm here? If you don't like it so much, why don't you just go hide somewhere else?

　"If you're so unhappy with my presence, why don't you go hide somewhere? Bruder, chewing on his cigarette as I do, says teasingly, "How can that be?

　I can't possibly say that I disapprove of my former friend. I can't say I'm happy about being watched.

　I've already told Saint Mattia and Erdis most of what I know. About the environment surrounding the concubine princess. And about the catastrophe and the demons. And about the path I've mapped out.

　I don't know how much of this they'll take in. After all, I can't say that all of this is entirely plausible, and I don't think an organization can move so easily on the basis of such stories.

　Organizations are often like that. The larger the organization, the more obtuse its decision-making becomes. Therefore, it was no surprise how Mattia and Erdis came to their conclusion.

　But whatever the decision of the heraldry and Gazalia, it was not for me.

　I can't just sit by and watch everything happen without doing anything. I'm past that point.

　The smell of chewing tobacco, mixed with the smell of iron, stings my nostrils.

"Hey, I think I've heard something like this before from my employer ....... Can I ask you something?

　Bruder opens his mouth with an odd air of insolence. It's been a long time since I've heard anything like that. If anything, she was more inclined to be frank.

　She turned her head to the side, urging him to speak. Her lips tightened only slightly.

"I'm just asking. You're a demon, you're a demon. Is that a problem my employer has to deal with? Isn't that enough? If there's such a thing as responsibility, I think you've done enough.

　Brown eyes look at you with a mixture of emotions. I looked straight back at it.

　I see, these are her own words of concern. There was a shimmering emotion hidden in every word.

　My cheeks relaxed. Oh really, she's no different than she used to be.

As far as I can tell, it's not about the individual anymore. We're dealing with a disaster. It's a disaster, and you don't need to put a lot of effort into trying to get your employer to do something about it.



　Or do you have a purpose in mind? Bruder speaks up.

　He pauses for a moment, then opens his mouth. His cheeks contort.

"Well... If you want to take care of something, you need the right people - heroes, brave men. It's easy to leave it to them. Just sleep and wait, and they'll bring you peace and quiet.

　Behind my eyelids, I saw a scene I had seen before.

　The gold of them. The back I longed for, the back I reached for from the depths of my heart. I wonder if I can at least put my finger on that back now. I can't figure it out.

　My exhalation was hot. My heart feels strangely light.

"But there are no more. There are no heroes, Bruder. Then you'll have to be a hero.

　If that sunny hero isn't here, if I've tried to catch up with him and cut him down with my own hands... There's no way I can escape my fate now. I'll just have to move on and die where I belong.

　I saw Bruder's face harden and I let out a breath. I didn't mean to make it so complicated, but it seems I've caused him unnecessary worry.

　I let my lips pucker and a light squeak escape my throat.

What do you say we get settled, drink some good wine and eat some venison? Why don't you and Vess join us?

　Unfortunately, Vestalynne was stuck in Jail Bella, but she hoped to have a drink with the sisters at some point. Apparently, that would be fun. It would be a peaceful time.

　I don't know how long it will be after all is said and done. Still, one word like that can be a relief.

　When I finished, I looked at Bruder's face and saw a strange creak in his expression.

　I don't know what's wrong with his face.

...... You've grown quite close to your sister, my employer. Do you call each other by your nicknames now?

　Oh, that's right. He gave a small nod as if he understood.

　It's only recently that I've started calling Vestalines by their nickname, Vess. It's not strange to be wondered at. Especially from Bruder's point of view, it's his precious sister. He must be even more curious.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in this article. His brown eyes narrowed as he looked at me.

　After a few moments of silence, Bruder said.

"Then I'll call you by your real name. Not when we're alone. It's not that I don't like the name Bruder.

　His eyes widen unconsciously. The suddenness of his statement caused a slight pause in his heart.

　I knew that the name Bruder was originally her father's name.

　But to be honest, I was more familiar with this one, and she didn't seem to mind, so I let her use it.

　But when it comes to her real name, it's somehow unfamiliar. There was a kind of embarrassment. But the brown eyes staring straight at me probably had no intention of letting me go.

　With a wry smile and a shrug of her shoulders, I called out her name. Finally, she was satisfied. I was happy that she had forgiven me, though.

　Then, I suddenly narrowed my eyes. There was a whooshing sound and a strong blast of dead snow.

　The snow licks the entire garrison. It looks like we're going to get a lot of dead snow again tonight. What a hassle. There was a hint of white breath in the air.

　The gray sky twisted and spat out a sound that seemed to suck me in.

　Instantly, my heart raced.

　I felt a hot sensation in my chest, and the jeweled sword at my waist made a sound. The blood in my body felt strange.

　I wonder why. I have a strange feeling in my heart. I had a bad, very bad feeling. Oh, that's exactly the kind of chill I've felt before. It was as if ice had been shoved down my spine.

　Demon. And a demon. I thought I could hear their footsteps in my ears.