January 2nd.
　Having survived the tumultuous Keishinkai, I was able to wake up calmly for the first time in a long time.

"Hmm... ......

　I looked at my watch and saw that it was seven in the morning.
　It was the perfect time to wake up.

　I got out of bed and stretched out.

"Good morning, Allen.

　Leah, who had already prepared for the morning, appeared from the kitchen.
　She was dressed in a white apron and always looked really cute.

Wow. ....... Good morning, Leah.

"Mmm, still want to sleep?

Haha, a little.

　I used a lot of darkness yesterday, which means I consumed a lot of spiritual energy, and I'm still a little heavy.

What do you want to do?　Shall I delay breakfast a bit?

　She tilted her head, shaking the frying pan in her hand.
　Apparently, she was just about to make me breakfast.

No, I'm fine. No, I'm fine. I'd appreciate it if you'd keep cooking.

　Not wanting to upset the rhythm of my life too much, I declined Leah's kind offer.

"I see. I'll see you in a bit.

Thank you for everything.

　After that, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and changed into my usual uniform.

　It was winter vacation time at Senbei Academy, so there was no need to wear a uniform.
　However, students of the five academies are encouraged to go out in their uniforms.
　What's more, these clothes are designed for combat, and are stretchy, stab-proof, and durable.

　These days, the world has become so dangerous that you never know when or where you might get caught up in a battle.

　That's why I try to wear this uniform almost every day unless there are special circumstances.

(That's it. ......)

　And so, when I had finished getting ready in the morning.

"Allen, dinner's ready!

　I heard Leah's voice from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I'm coming.

　I replied, and went to her.

　The table was lined with miso soup, grilled fish, boiled vegetables, white rice and other colorful dishes.

The table was filled with miso soup, grilled fish, boiled vegetables and white rice.

"Hmm, let's eat quickly, shall we?

　They sat down on the chairs facing each other and silently put their hands together.

"Bon appétit!

　I first reached for the miso soup that was placed in my hand.

...... Oh, that warms me up.

　It's a healthy, low-sodium broth.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.
　It's a perfect drink for the cold winter months.

　As I was tucking into Leah's dishes of grilled fish and boiled vegetables.

"How is it?　Is it good?

　She looked at me smiling and asked.

She looked at me smiling and asked, "Oh, it's very good.

I'm glad.

　And so we had a happy breakfast as usual.

"Thank you.

"Thank you for the food.

　After saying goodbye, I took the dishes for the two of us to the washroom.

　It was my job to wash the dishes after every meal.

　Leah always says, "I could have done that myself," but .......
　I'd like her to at least let me do the cleanup since she cooks such a delicious meal.

　So when I was washing the dishes.

By the way, ....... Yesterday's incident was in the newspaper.

　Leah, sitting on a chair, said something like that.

"Yeah, how?

"Well, ....... "The demons attacked the palace of Leengard!　The swordsman on the scene fought them off, and Tenshi-sama was not hurt! That's about right.

"What can I say, that's pretty sketchy information. ......

Probably because of the government's restrictions on information. ....... There's no mention of Zale's name, the curse, or even Allen.

　She said, flipping through the paper.

"Information restrictions, or ....... I'm not sure how difficult it is, but I think it's time for us to spend some time together. ......

　The demon tribe from the Keishinkai attacked early in the new year.
　It's a great start to the year, and I couldn't have asked for a better one.

(Sort of. .......) I have a feeling that this year is going to be more tumultuous than last year. ......)

　Then I let out a small sigh.

I'm not sure what to say.　Where do you want to go for your first visit to the shrine this year?

　Leah brought up the topic of Hatsumode.



"New Year's visit. I'm not too familiar with the shrines around here. ....... Leah, is there anywhere you'd like to go?

"......!　I'm not sure.　I'd like to recommend it to you.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

Who is ...... so early in the morning?

"Hmm ....... Could it be Rose, Claude, ...... or Leia?

　Rose is incredibly weak in the morning, so it's highly unlikely.

　Claude is ...... not going to go near me and Leah's dorm in the first place.
　I'm a little confused as to what's going on with him, as he seems to be taking an odd interest in us.

　Then there's Leia-sensei, who is a ...... what?

(Come to think of it, where is that guy ...... now?

　(Come to think of it, where is he now?) Looking back, I didn't see him at the Keishin-kai either.

(The fact that he didn't show up even after all the commotion is ......)

　Maybe he's away from Orest right now for work or something.

...... I don't know who it is, but I'm going to try to get it.

Yeah. Just be careful, okay?

Yeah, I know.

　So I put my sword in my waistband, just in case, and headed for the door.

"Who is this?

　When I slowly opened the door, there were more than a hundred holy knights kneeling in front of me.

"Well, let's see... ......?

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

"Master Allen. Please come with us to the palace of Leengard.　Tenshi-sama is waiting for you.

　It looks like ...... will not be a relaxing day.