At last, we have a break.

　Saint Mattia bounces her tiny eyelashes in one of the guest rooms given to her by the Borvat Dynasty. I've been too busy lately.

　The crowning of the young prince by Borvat. Making peace and issuing the Declaration of Cooperation. Other trade agreements and decisions to be made.

　Many sleepless nights passed before the formal arrangements and documents were signed. Mattia's expression was one of exhaustion, with dark circles that were hidden by makeup.

　Nevertheless, for a state-to-state arrangement, it can be said to have gone smoothly.

　The reason for this is that the Bolivarian dynasty had lost its strength to negotiate.

　Even if it was not a total surrender, there were many parts in which they had to accept the arguments of the Garlist Kingdom. It was Mattia's role to work with them so that this point would not become a source of disaster.

　Nevertheless, it could not be denied that the name of Lugis was effective in this respect as well.

　He personally allied himself with the magic general Mastighios, and accomplished the feat of conquering the demonic without regard for personal gain.

　Many high-ranking officials in Borvat refrained from saying anything if the hero was a mediator. His presence made things easier for many of them.

　--That's why, Mattia thinks. The hero Lugis can no longer be left in a precarious position. You have to go one step further and outdo the others.

　Mattia sat down in his chair and looked through his private quarters. There was still no sign of the waiting man.

　For the first time in a long time, she let the sweet liquor sink into her lips. Her cheeks grew slightly hot.

　To maintain his composure, Mattia does not like to drink. No matter what the occasion, a heraldic saint must remain calm and make calculated decisions.

　But for now, she was in the mood for a drink. Everything was going well. Mattia felt his cheeks lift involuntarily.

　At the coronation and at the signing ceremony, Mattia did not allow Lugis to be recognized as belonging to either the Kingdom of Garleist or the Borvat Dynasty.

　He argued that things would go most smoothly if he were to act as a mediator between the two kingdoms.

　The two countries accepted Mattia's words. That was as close as they got to admitting that Lugis still belonged to heraldry.

　And Lugis signed the document as a mediator for heraldry. That's great.

　--Now we need to make this definitive at all costs.

　That's what's needed to make the world go smoothly.

　Of course, Mattia knows that Lugis doesn't like that. He hates the idea of belonging to something, like a curse.

　But what if it's for his own good? If it is truly for the good of Lugis, he might accept it.

　I have high hopes. But if he rejects me, what can I do?

　Mattia had just placed his glass back on the table, letting out a sigh of anguish, when he heard a voice.

"Hey, hey. You're calling people out and you're drinking first? You can talk to them, can't you?

I've hardly had anything to drink. Do you think I'd get so drunk I'd lose consciousness?

"Well, I can't imagine.

　Lugis replied with a shrug of his shoulders and sat down in front of Mattia.

　And then, as if he knew what he was doing, he poured himself a glass of wine. It's a fine liquor unique to the Borvat dynasty. It did not intoxicate him strongly, but the sweet taste made his heart flutter. Mattia knew that this was what he liked.

　Mattia opened his lips in an effort to be casual.

It's been a long time since we've talked together like this. It's been a long time since we've talked together.

　Yes, there are only two of us here.

　Kalia is reorganizing her troops, while Fialat is working on the Bolivartian side. Princess Philos is still attending the repeated wedding banquets.

　And above all, Finn-Erdis's necklace is still off for now. I told him in advance that today would be about politics.

"...... I knew you would say that. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but the results were good.

"If you keep saying it's because the results were good, you're going to make mistakes.

　Mattia's cheeks relaxed in amusement as Lugis readily admitted his mistake. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

　You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. It was proof that Lugis remembered his promise to Mattia, that he would not do anything rash.

　Lugis nodded his head exaggeratedly.

"Today is about politics, isn't it, Mattia?

　Rougis held up his hands, saying no more. So Mattia decided to change the subject, just as he had hoped.

　He slowly spun the words that had been in his head many times.

"Lugis. The world has become what you want it to be. You said it some time ago. You once said that the only way to resist the demonic is for nations to collude with each other. No, not in words, but in letters?

　Leaving the glass on the table, Mattia looked at Lugis. He tipped his drink slightly, and she could see that he was watching her closely.



The Hanging Gardens of Gazalia, the southern nation of Illyssarde, and the eastern dynasty of Borvat-- not quite an alliance, but close enough to be a coalition against evil. It's not a perfect alliance, but we've been able to build something close to a coalition against the demons. I'm sure this is due in no small part to your efforts.

It would be cool if I could do all of this by myself. It's not like that. My men and I did it.

Still, sir.

　Mattia stepped over the words, trying not to be swayed by Lugis' particular phrasing. I'm not going to let you get away with it.

But here's the thing. The nations will try to take you, the hero, for themselves. You know that. And this coalition could be lost at your will alone.

"...... That's a threatening thing to say, Mattia. You're trying to tell me to play nice. I know.

　After a beat, Mattia purses his lips.

　There was a strange palpitation in her heart. The sound reverberated through my brain. He clears his throat, desperately trying not to bite off more words.

"Yes. The best way to do that is for you to stand as a hero of the heraldry.

　Lugis listened to Mattia's words with his cheekbones. If you have something to say, say it," he said, moving his lips.

　Mattia took in the words, swallowed and opened his mouth.

Yes. But first, I must apologize to you.

　Apology. After hearing Lugis repeat this, Mattia lightly stroked the golden sigil ring that was still on his finger. You can find a lot of people who are interested in this.

　Lugis followed Mattia's gaze and looked at his own ring.

I'm sure you're aware of that.

"Yeah, I guess that's what you call never betraying me. You even took the trouble to call the recorder.

　I can't help but smile now. I can't believe I had the audacity to do such a thing.

　Mattia shook his head and cut off Lugis' words.

Yes. But no - the exchange of rings is an exchange of souls for heralds. It is an engagement vow.

　Lugis put his glass on the table, his expression flinching for a moment. Although he didn't speak, you could see the confusion playing in his eyes.

　I knew he was saying, "What are you talking about? But it was only in Mattia's mind to confuse him like this.

　Mattia took both of Lugis's hands in his own, looked at him and moved his lips.

　She then said the words that she had practiced over and over again. Her cheeks were stained with shame, but she still struggled to muster up the courage to say it.

"Lugis. I'll say it again - let's get engaged. You and me. That's the best way to stabilize the world.

　Mattia acted as if he understood everything that had been said so far, as well as Rougis' reaction. However, inside her mind, she was on the verge of bursting from too much frustration and tension.