Sandstone country. The southern nation of Eyriezald.

　The situation between the bordering kingdoms of Garleist and Eyriezald is still at its worst, though it has calmed down.

　With just one trigger, they could bare their fangs and come to blows at any moment. For now, the situation in both countries simply won't allow it. For a long time, the two countries have maintained such a relationship.

　Even in the Age of Dead Snow, it was no different.

　There is no mention in the history books that the two countries cooperated with each other because of the hexenbiest disaster.

　The hatred and resentment that existed between them was unmistakable. Something that is far from thawing. Emotions between nations are so powerful.

　But at the same time, both countries understand that the other country cannot be lost so easily, no matter how much they hate each other.

　Strength of state, strength of army, wealth. Both nations are unsurpassed in the continent.

　If the two nations were to come to blows, even the victor would be severely wounded. It was abhorrent, but they had to recognize each other as a threat.

　Such a relationship has lasted for more than a hundred years.

　That's why the news came to my ears with no small amount of shock.

The royal capital of the Garlist Kingdom has fallen?　How believable is that information?

　His skin was tanned and dark. The woman, clad in the heavy black armor typical of Elyzard, tilted her short, coiffed hair and asked back.

　She wore a black armor with distinctive colors that only the highest-ranking fighters in the Elysealds wore. The gracefulness of his demeanor also attested to his status.

　The reporter kneels down as if to show respect, and says to her.

I've sent out three messengers, and all three have the same information. At the very least, there is no doubt that the capital of Garleist has been severely damaged by the hexenbiest disaster. What should we do, Master Tersarat?

　Biting his tongue once, Tersalat-Lewana, a high-ranking fighter from Elyssarde, nodded with his hand on his chin.

　I have not yet been able to take in all of that information. But he forced it into his mouth and narrowed his eyes.

　The capital of the Garlist Kingdom will fall. It's hard to believe, but I'll take that as a fact. Then what happened? What would cause the iron walls of the Golden City to fall?

　Who brought down that thing we couldn't bring down all these years?

　I have an idea. Tersarat tilted his shoulders and turned his thoughts.

"I'd rather not think about it. I don't like to think about it. I don't like to think about it too much, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that a hexenbiest, or hexenbiest as it's called, has appeared in Garleist.

　I don't want to think about it too much. It's a threat that can do unpredictable things. I don't know if they called themselves that or if someone just started calling them that. But it has been spoken of as such since the gods.

　It has left its mark on the southern nation of Illyezared as well. It has been reported that one of the seven major cities that make up Illyezard has been half destroyed by a single demon form.

　I have heard that all the blows of the fighters were meaningless to that one. What is a demon and how was it born? I don't know. But it is clear that they are a threat to the human species.

　And if they're powerful enough to chew through the Garleist capital... Telsalat cleared his throat unconsciously. His brow creases. Then he said to the one who was still serving him.

Thank you, sir. I will report to the city ruler, Torah, immediately. If necessary, I will personally go to the Garleist as an emissary.

　Tersarat felt a heavy iron entering his gut. It was as if a sense of danger and frustration had melted together.

　Honestly speaking, if only the capital of Garleist had fallen, it would not be surprising if the people of Elyzard felt a sense of sorrow. If a hated enemy was mortally wounded, it should be applauded.

　Tersarat, however, could not bring himself to feel that way right now.

　This was partly because the person who had once done him a favor was a Garleist, and partly because... An inexplicable chill was creeping up my spine.

　I don't have a reason for it. Just a thought.

　--Maybe this isn't a one-time disaster. Could it be a hexenbiest invasion of human territory?

　There was a momentary chill that passed over me.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　I stroked my cheek lightly. It was then that Mattia realized that his fingertips had become surprisingly cold.

　I'm sure you've heard of it. She lightly traced the ink over the top and corrected it.

　As she tried to continue writing, she lost consciousness for a moment again.

　I let out a natural sigh. Cold air rushes down my throat.

　I can't do this. I don't feel as if I can do any serious political work. Mattia narrowed his eyes, wondering what was the point of picking up a pen if he couldn't think straight.



　He chokes on the water on his desk. Even so, my emotions are still fluttering as if I have wings.

　The waves swirling in my skull are about the fall of Arche, the royal capital of the Garlist Kingdom.

　Its impact was too great.

　The threat of the demon and beast disaster that made it happen is enough to make the heraldry community reluctant. In particular, since there has been no major damage to the Order, there is a strong feeling that we should not get involved.

　There is even an opinion that we should abandon the city of Philos, which is the front line. Everyone is shifting their words around, as if they are playing a game.

　As a saint, Mattia has the right and duty to control those words and make a decision. It is possible to stamp out all the negative arguments, so to speak.

　But that would be a decisive separation from the seniors in the heraldry. From now on, there will be two forces within the heraldry, even if they don't show it.

　The calm part of Mattia's skull denies that this should be done. The other part - the calculating part - says it would be foolish to divide the forces while they are still unstable.

　But the other part, the part that can't be called calculating or rational, says. This is an opportunity.

　Now the interior of the Garlist Kingdom is as good as collapsed. The blooming flower of glory has finally withered and the fruit is about to rot.

　Now, even if everything doesn't go as well as Lugis says it will. It is the greatest sorrow of the heraldry. That is the greatest longing of heraldry. We who have no homeland can have a place of peace.

　This opportunity will never come around again. At least not in my lifetime.

　But I understand. It's too dangerous a path. It's like crossing on thin, thin ice. But still.

　Mattia closes his eyelids for a moment to rest his weary eyes. In the darkness, a figure emerges.

　Her hero. My sword. The man Mattia had been so proud to call his own. How could he have become like this, when he had first hated him? With her eyes closed, Mattia smiles.

　I wanted to hear what he had to say. I wondered what he would think and how he would judge. It was pathetic, but I wanted to hear his voice now.

　I'll make the final decision. But I needed a nudge.

　There was a gentle thump at the door of the office. I knew at once that Anne had returned. She must have brought Lugis with her.

　Before I could say, "Come in. I looked into the mirror and saw my reflection. My hair is a little sore from repeated lack of sleep, I think. I combed it lightly and made a face.

　Good. At least I look presentable now. With an exhale and a strong voice, Mattia invited her to enter.

...... excuse me.

　Anne hesitantly opened the door and entered the room. Contrary to her expectations, she was the only one there. She opened her eyes and said, "What is it, Anne?

What's wrong, Anne? Didn't he wake up?

　It was still early in the morning. It hadn't even dawned yet. He'd been drinking last night, so he thought it might be possible.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.

No, well, ...... you've already spoken to Queen Elddis. She told me to tell you that she was going to prepare to march north. The ...... hero told me to tell her that.

　Her words were choppy, which was unusual for her. Or should I say awkward. Or maybe I should say awkward.

　Just by looking at her demeanor, the wise Mattia's brain had an understanding. It was the earnest Anne. Surely he wouldn't come back just because he was talking to Elddis.

　Naturally, she would have said something to him afterwards. But Lugis probably didn't listen to him. She didn't need to see you.

　I can see that. Once he decides to do something, he doesn't want to give it up. It's as if he has a pathological aversion to giving up.

　I guess that's why he told Anne he couldn't bend anymore. That's good. It's just like him to say that.

　Yeah, but... But...

　--What do you mean you don't need to see me? You haven't seen me in a long time. You seem to think less of me, Lugis.



　Okay, I see. No .

　I thought the expedition to Flimsulat would have made him a little more aware of the need to manage himself.

　I guess he can't stay far away forever. A child who plays tricks will do so whenever his parents are not around.

　If you want to correct them all, you have to be near them. And it's strange that the crown and the sword are so far apart.

　Mattia lets a smile creep across his cheeks as he lets a quiet, hot breath escape his lips.

　--Very well, Lugis. Then let's take a closer look at what you need. Who's in charge? Let it sink in. I assure you it is for the good of heraldry as well.

　Saint Mattia made a decision this day. An opportunity for heraldry. A decision that could be called a watershed.

　The skull of Mattia saw this as an opportunity. I'm not sure.

　--The invasion of the Garlist Kingdom by the heraldry was decided on this day.