The skies above the Duchy of Fan Oth.

　A former black knight [Bandel Him Zenden] boards an airship that arrives from the kingdom.

　He received a certain item from an agent who had infiltrated the kingdom.

''This is from the princess?''

Yes, sir. You're supposed to deliver it.

　Bandel is hairless from forehead to top of head and has scars all over his body.

　He was muscular.

　He was a rugged knight who was unbelievably rugged for a novice.

　What he received was the right arm of black piercing armor.

''Is this........this......no way, it's a lost item!

There's no doubt about it. That Baldfalt had it hidden away.

　Bandel wasn't the only one who boarded the airship.

　There's also the Count [Gerrat] who previously served as an emissary with the kingdom.

　He rubbed his chin with his hand, a habit that seemed to spare his missing beard.

　His eyes were blazing with vengeance.

''That [Outer Knight] had hidden away?　That's it?　I wish the Princess would send you something a little better.

　An outgoing knight - that's Leon's two names in the duchy.

　His conduct is out of character for a knight, which is why he was given his second name.

　Although Leon did not kill his enemies, the knights and soldiers were much abused by the nobles and people of the duchy for it.

　It was just as Rion had said.

　As a knight, Bandel had already been treated as an old man.

　He also lost the title of Black Knight.

　I don't know what kind of tool it is, the right arm.

　But Gerrat's eyes widen as he looks at the delivered letter, and his gaze passes back and forth between the black stinging right arm and the letter.

''Well, no way.''

What's going on?

　Bandel crossed his arms and asked, and Gerrat smiled.

''Black Knight-dono. No, former Black Knight-dono--are you ready to lay down your life?''

　It was Bandel who snickered at Gerat's words.

'I'm an old man who's already dead as a knight. I would do anything to save the princess.'

No!　So let me explain. This is a piece of armor that existed in ancient - or rather, mythological - times. It's a lost item that only a few in the royal family know about.

　When all eyes turned to his right arm, Gerratt held out his hands.

'What a wonderful gift!　Her Royal Highness Princess Hertrude has fulfilled her role well. Now your sister--Princess [Hertrauda Serra Fanouse]'s enemies do not exist!　The outer knights are finished this time, too!

　Hertrude's sister - Hertrude's Second Princess Hertruda.

　She is the trump card of the Duchy, leading the fleets and monsters that fill the skies of the Duchy.

　Bandel squinted and looked at her right arm.

'I will save you, Lady Hertolde. I would give my life for that.

　Beside Gerrat, who was happy to be able to avenge his beard, Bandel clenched his fists tightly.

◇

　The dungeon of the palace.

　The gloomy place is cool and cold.

　The air is stagnant and it's not a place I want to stay forever.

　I had to dress as a prisoner, so my hands were cuffed to my hands. The type of guy who put his wrists through a wooden board.

　As I'm pouting, the guards signal me to come in.

　Apparently, he's a guest.

　I want to complain to him when I see him.

"You're a dead man, Baltophalt.

　The owner of the imposing voice was a man who could have been the master of the royal court.

　It was His Highness Julius.

　He was angry at me before, but I'm also angry that you're here.

''....Who?''

　I tease him, and he blushes and says his name.

'It's Julius!　Julius Rafa Holfert!　How dare you betray me!　I knew he was a coward, but I never thought he'd be the one to do this!

　What I'm saying is a mess.

　I guess he didn't expect me to betray the kingdom, no matter how cunning I am.

　But if you think about it, there's a good foundation for betrayal.

　It's your fault. It's your fault.

　No, wait a minute. It's not so much this guy. It's your marriage life. How many times do you think you're going to leave this country after every bad experience in your marriage?

I didn't betray him. He's a false accusation. Help me, my prince.

"You're still going strong while you can talk lightly. You're going to have to talk to me, Baltophalt.

　Apparently, I'm not here to help.

'What?'

You have an attitude in front of me.

'Do you think I have an unfulfilled wish for a country that treats me like a traitor and executes me?　I'll make you regret it one day, I promise, so just remember that.

Actually I'd like to talk to you.

　He refused to believe me.

The Knights of the Realm have the Paltner and the Allogants in your possession. They can't move them, but that's not the point.

　That's enough of a problem for me.

　Well, I'm sure Luxion will take care of it.

'There's a movement in your defense, but there's something strange going on inside the palace.

　From my point of view, there's always something wrong with the royal palace.

　They're trying to get me up and running or something. Anyway, it didn't seem strange just now. It's always so strange that I'd love to know when it's normal.

So?

''I understand that there is something wrong with the royal palace now. Bartophalt, why did you betray us?　What the hell do you want?

　They're calling me a traitor.

"I'm telling you I'm being falsely accused," he said. I've got a guy who wants to get me.

What?

　Why are you surprised?　You're the prince who lived in the palace, right?　Let's use more imagination!　You're a little too pure.

"Did you think I'd rat you out?　If I'm going to betray you, I'll betray you better than that.

''Well that's for sure. You would do more things they wouldn't like.

　I'm angry at His Highness Julius for convincing me.

　What in the world do you trust me for?

　His Highness Julius talks to me. It's as if he's discussing it with me.

'I haven't been to war, but I thought it was like the atmosphere before the war. A duchy to move in?

　I was going to say where else would we go to war with, but I shut my mouth.

　If I recall, the kingdom has a number of borders - or rather, a number of battlefields. It's fighting a number of countries.

　The Duchy is only one of them.

　But the Duchy is the most likely. Really, why would we want to go along with the scenario?

''Well I guess it's called corrective power.

　His Highness Julius was puzzled by my muttering.

'Correction?　What are you talking about, Baltophalt?

'I'm talking about this one. Isn't the duchy the most likely?　I don't really know, I'm locked up.

　His Royal Highness Julius had his hand on his chin and was thinking about something, so I asked him for a favor.

'Hey, let me out.'

I can't do that. I don't have the authority now. Even if I had it, I couldn't release a traitor.

　He's a useless prince. Well, I don't want them to let me out.

　But still a war is about to break out between the dukedom. The trump card is inside the kingdom, so why did they invade?

　It's as if it's really a narrative modifier.

' ... it's a really nasty world.

　His Highness Julius, who is not listening to my mutterings this time, hurries out of the dungeon.

　If this is going to go on as the story goes, I have no choice but to flee.

　I - no, even Luxion can't win against the trump card of the dukedom.

　The one who comes to the dungeon to replace His Highness Julius - it's Hertrude. He hands something to the guards and then leaves his seat.

　As he did so, he gave me a look.

　More importantly, did this person ride into the royal palace with impunity?

You're in for a rough time.

It was someone else's fault.

It wasn't me. It's true that I asked you to be held, but it was the nobles of the kingdom who treated you so harshly.

　You're the cause of it. When I'm sulking, you come up to the bars and put your face close to the bars. When people are weak, they come up to you and say, "Hey, you want me to get you out?

'Would you like me to let you out?　Instead of serving this country, you'd rather serve your country and obey your principality. I promise you good treatment. I'll let you live the life you've always wanted, a life of peace and quiet.

　My body twitched.

''It's silly. I can't watch the nobles of the royal court insulting the dukedom and using it for faction fighting. They wanted to use me to destroy you. You have no idea what you're doing, do you? I honestly didn't think it would work out this well.

　Even if it's the same His Highness, it's very different from His Highness Julius. I know exactly what I want.

'Kneel down before me. I will make you my knight. I'd rather do you a favor than serve your corrupt kingdom. I promise you a life of peace and tranquility, with no rank or honor.

　I turned my head and smiled at Mr. Hertrude, who was smiling, and I--

''I decline.

　Hertrude, who changes from a smile to a slightly exasperated smile, wants to ask me why I refuse.

''Is the kingdom that important?　You're a lord and a nobleman, aren't you?　You can turn the whole house over.

'It's an attractive proposition, but I'm not going to do business with someone who's dubious about carrying it out.

　In the first place, I'm the one who's hated by the Duchy. And on top of that, you're the one who disgraced me.

　Luxion joins the conversation.

'Didn't you guys capture the Master out of fear?　It's typical, such as reaching out to them in their weakness. Did you think you were losing your judgment?'

　Mr. Hertrude turned his gaze to Luxion.

'You're a nasty messenger.'

"If you were serious about getting the Master on board - if you were going to keep your word, I would have helped you convince him.

''A really nasty errand boy. How can you say that when you have a habit of not really expecting me to take you in?

　In other words, everything you've said so far has been a lie.

　That's sad.

　Mr. Hertrude steps away from the bars and then calls out coldly.

'You can be proud. You have been judged to be an obstacle to us. I hope you'll go down with the foolish kingdom.'

　I lie down on the bed as I watch Mr. Hertrude's back as he leaves the dungeon.

'You hate me a lot,'

　Mr. Hertrude's back looked a little sad as he left, but was it my imagination?

'What do you think?　If she really didn't like it, I don't think she would have asked you out. I'm sure she feels guilty in her own way.'

　As we were talking, the guards came back and spoke to me. Luxion disappears.

''Viscount-sama, coffee or tea, which would you like next?''

Tea. Next time, have a nice cup of tea.

No, we don't have any expensive tea.

But then, you're a prisoner from the SS chief, all of a sudden. What's going on in my life?

That's indeed a surprise to me. Isn't this the first time since the beginning of the kingdom?

　I'm not happy at all.

　I chipped away as the guards went outside again and went to prepare the tea. Once again, Luxion showed up.

　He removed the cuffs and spun them around to play with them.

'The Master is really funny, isn't he?'

'Leave me alone. But still, it's good that you're getting to know Master Milene. It wouldn't have been funny if you'd been captured and tortured like that.

"'Whenever you decide to do so, please give me an order. "I'll show you how to sink this continent right away. Or I'll have everyone who isn't related to the master leave this continent.

Stop. I don't want a genocide.

"...is very kind of you.

　It's easy to forget, but this is the guy who said "I'm going to exterminate the newcomers" when he found them.

　He was dangerous enough.

　But even such a Luxion can't defeat a Las Vegas boss.

　He won't lose - but he won't be able to win.

　Because what we need in the end is the power of a saint, the power of Libya, and Love.

　That said, what the hell am I doing here?

　It all goes back to the day I was captured.

◇

　Now, what the hell is this all about?

　The one in front of me was Gilbert-san and - Milene-sama.

　I thought this combination was unusual, but if I recall, Lady Milene was connected to the duke's family. It's not strange that the two of them are together.

　I was brought to the royal palace, and I was left directly in the care of another group of knights, sitting around a table with them in front of me in a room in the royal palace.

''Mr. Gilbert, I've been captured,''

　Mr. Gilbert looked relieved at my question.

'It would be a long story, but to summarize it simply, it's the result of the Duchy deeming you a threat.

　How is it that the duchy can hold me at the mercy of the state?

　Could it be that the Kingdom is at the mercy of the Duchy?

　Lady Milene takes over the explanation that follows.

'Mr. Leon, I told you, didn't I?　That there are those who disapprove of your career.

　The stakes are high.

　Many of them don't like a young man like me who has had an unorthodox rise to prominence.

　Has the principality used such envy and jealousy against me?

''The royal palace is not a monolithic place. There are many different factions with different agendas. Do you know what that means?

Consistent with the Principality's interests?

　Mr. Gilbert nodded.

''That's right. The downfall of His Highness Julius was a blow to the dukes. The faction was shrinking and other nobles were gaining strength. That faction was connected to the duchy.''

　'It's no wonder,' says Lady Milene to me, wondering what I'm doing.

'Mr. Leon, the threat to them is more you than the Duchy.

What?　Eh, but--

　I was surprised, and Mr. Gilbert was taken aback.

'Think about it. The fact that you can win a complete victory against dozens of airships is equivalent to having that much military power all by yourself. I know you have no intention of rebelling against the kingdom. But do you think we'll all believe that?　Even if we believed them, how could we say they weren't hostile to us?

　　No, wait a minute. Wasn't the Duchy reckoned with not long ago?

'Did you underestimate the duchy that lost to me?

'There are people who laugh about it, sure, but when you've been through the war, you understand how much of a threat it is. They don't say it, but I'm sure they were in a great hurry. To put it bluntly, the Duchy is less of a threat than you and the Saints. It's just that the factions that feared for you guys have grown in strength.

　As I wondered, Luxion gave me some advice so that they wouldn't see me.

''Master, it seems that the only one who truly understands the threat of the Duchy is the Master at the moment. We can't help but be more wary of the master who has won the duchy than the duchy who has lost to the master.''

And that's how you got me falsely accused?

It was a very close call. We were on the move before we heard from Ange, though. After consulting with the queen, we have decided to take you to the dungeon. To be precise, we've protected you while pretending to have captured you.

Your political opponents can't afford to take risks. This isn't what it was a few months ago. You could have been assassinated, Leon, you could have been assassinated.

　I guffawed, and the Luxion guy was so light.

'Yes. In fact, there have been some suspicious movements. We couldn't determine yet whether it was an assassination or intelligence gathering, but it's confirmed now.

　--You're kidding me. You tell me more quickly.

"The Master's assassination is impossible, as I will protect you anyway. I'll let you know as soon as I'm sure.

　Maybe this guy knew what would happen if I got caught?

''Well, that's true. If you're in danger, all you have to do is rescue them. If you want to give up on the kingdom, you can always contact me.''

　But still, are you kidding me, assassinating a good man like me?

'Did he really seem to resent those knights for their exertions and all that?

That thing is serious. We retrieved you on the way out, but I got a chill in my heart.

　Mr. Gilbert's dialogue sends a chill down my spine. It seems the situation was more dangerous than I imagined.

''I will protect Rion-kun in the royal palace. Right now, this is the best I can do. It's not just the hostile faction of the duke family. There are many nobles who consider you a threat. There are many who want to recover your lost items and use them for their own power.

　The queen is desperately trying to appeal to me. I felt as if I was telling a small child.

　Milaine-sama is my mother I'm a little creeped out, but let's leave it at that.

　As if even the queen-sama was difficult to deal with, Gilbert-san explained in detail.

''It's the marquises who are working in earnest. Their faction's goal is to get the prince to marry their daughter and install her on the throne. They have a lot of ties to my family's family. As a faction, we would be enemies.

　To Julius?

　Well, officially, that guy was a free man.

　Is that part of it?

''The reason for connecting with the duchy is probably to exhaust the rival factions. The frontier counts guarding the border are not on good terms with the Marquis family. They want to bump the duchy and exhaust the other factions as well.

　Speaking of frontier counties, that's Brad's parents' house.

　His family's in trouble.

　Well, let me give you a word of warning.

"The Duchy is not so weak. I still feel like they have a trump card hidden away. Isn't it naive to think that we can win if we fight properly?

　Lady Milene was worried about that, too.

''Remember, Rion-kun, you must remember that. It doesn't matter to the marquis if the fiefdoms of the kingdom are cut down a little bit, it doesn't hurt. You, the lord and nobleman, understand that, don't you?

　Apparently, the marquis was a lord nobleman.

　I see, if it doesn't hurt my own pocket, then it's not a problem to cede some territory to the duchy?

　They'd rather have a position where they can do whatever they want with the kingdom.

　As far as the kingdom is concerned, because I defeated the dukedom, I misjudged the competence of the other party.

　At the same time, the one who was warned was Marier who became a saint - me?

''The reason why they don't want to pretend to be is because they don't want the Redgrave family to gain momentum. They're trying everything they can get their hands on. It's easier to catch them. I couldn't even tell you in advance, though.

Does Angier know about this?

"I don't know. No, I can't. You're under the protection of the very few who know about it.

　If I had known, I wouldn't have told Angier about Mr. Hertrude.

　Or perhaps you are in too much of a hurry.

　This is like-- Hmm?

I don't know if...

　As if sensing that I had noticed, Lady Milene gave a small nod.

''The duchy is on the move. There's a power struggle going on in the royal palace to match that. You really did it. You think you are using me, but to be used by the dukedom.

　The situation has been made convenient for the Principality.

　I didn't think that one of the reasons for this was me.

　Mr. Gilbert is going to ask me to do something for him.

'I'm sorry, but we're behind the curve. I'm sorry, but I'm going to need a favor from the dungeon for a while.

You want me to do something for you?

◇

　.........

　Now I'm here as bait to catch the covert operatives.

　My status as Obergruppenführer has been downgraded to prisoner. ...and I'm less of a prisoner because I'm bait?　Anyway, I was here to see how things played out.

'I didn't think the dukes' position was that weak, did you?

'Come to think of it, it's not surprising, is it?　In the first place, it was the same thing for the dukes to try to get the prince to marry their daughter. It must be a faction war.''

I can't believe these people who were laughing at me not long ago are so alarmed.

'If I understood the current situation correctly, the Master seemed more of a threat to you, didn't he?　To begin with, it's because they are too close to Milene and the duke's faction. To the other factions, the master is a mysterious presence.

　A lot of time has passed since the winter break, so many things have changed. For me, who had kept my distance from the royal palace, this is the first time I've heard of it.

''Please be pleased. We were successful in flattering the faction of the duke family, you know. The fact that they're backing me in this way is proof of that.''

'I don't want to believe that anything else is the enemy. That's too extreme.

''Well that's a fitting result for a master of extreme social interaction.''

　It doesn't matter what's going on in the Kingdom to this guy. You feel like you're laughing at him because he's planning to run away with me if the need arises?

　 No, is it because of this timing that it has intensified?

◇

　After being freed, Angier immediately went to the duke's mansion on his feet.

　Waiting for Angier at the duke's mansion in the royal capital was his father, Vince.

　He reported to him about the matter of Hertrude, but

Revenge. That's second-rate. But then again, the kingdom is full of traitors, too.

'Father, please let Leon go. Leon has done nothing wrong!

　Vince narrows his eyes.

''Don't spoil it. ''This degree is an everyday occurrence in the royal palace. When I let you go on my authority, you won't get your vital airship or armor back.

　Angier was shocked by Vince's words.

''........Are you saying that Rion would be worthless without the Lost Items?''

'It's definitely the power of the Lost Item that has helped him rise through the ranks. I'll give him the nerve. But how much is he worth without the Lost Item?

　Angier clasped his hand and looked down in frustration.

'Oh, I owe you a favor. Leon is my benefactor!''

I've given you something to show for it. You go back to the school and wait.

-Oh!

　And Vince saw his back as he walked out of the Oval Office.

Totally.........if you could be a little more honest, we wouldn't have to deal with it so much.

　He looks away from his own clumsy daughter and stands up.

　It was Gilbert, Angier's brother, who came into the room in the wrong place.

'Father, did you see Angel run out of the room with a great look on his face?

'We'll keep an eye on you, don't worry. I'm sorry Angel, but there's no telling what he'll do if he finds out the truth. The boy is too emotional. And yet, it bothers me that he's still not clear on his attitude to the love affair.

''Well, I've been raising him for the house until now. You don't want to be called free love all of a sudden, do you?　Why don't you tell me what happened?

　Vince had a small smile.

'If we push you, you'll get all sorts of complaints from other families. Besides, it depends on how the boy feels. Are we friends or--

　Gilbert nodded his head in agreement.

　He put aside Angel's story for a moment and reported what he had investigated.

''I've examined the people who tried to contact the Viscount in the dungeon. It seems that they are in a hurry to get Paltner to move. Some of them are clamoring that if they kill him, he will recognize his new master. They have appealed directly to His Majesty that he should be executed at once.

　Vince crossed his arms and then pondered the duchy's thoughts.

'You're afraid of the Viscount? Well, it can't be helped. He's a knight who single-handedly withdrew the duchy's army. Would you be impatient if there was a possibility that the brunt of it could turn on you?''

　For a faction that was hostile to the dukes, there was no telling when Rion would take the brunt of it. Vince could understand the impatience.

''Those in the temple are starting to make a lot of noise as well. There is a limit to what can be called a power struggle at a time like this. This is just what the principality wants.''

　Vince uncrossed his arms and muttered.

''........It's just the time to come. It's like they were setting up for an outburst eventually. But still, I have a lot of enemies, too.''

　Since the abolition of Julius, many nobles have exited the factions of the duke's house. The enemies of the duke's house are gaining strength in the factional disputes within the court.

　In this situation, they feared Leon.

　Milene, just as the factions of the duke's house were wary of Marie, the other factions were more wary of Lyon than Marie.

''I'd like to say I did a foolish thing but I can understand the feeling. Gilbert, don't you think Angier's eye for people was solid?

　Gilbert makes an indescribable expression. If it wasn't for Angier, the dukes might have been very wary of Leon.

''In a way, it was probably fortunate. It's a good thing that I didn't carry "His Highness the Second Prince".

　Vince smiles.

Now, you're going to go back to your territory and prepare for battle. I have some things to do while I'm here.

　Gilbert nodded and strode out of the room.

◇

　Floating above the academy was a warship owned by the kingdom's military.

　Knights clad in armor were on alert for their surroundings, and knights and soldiers were being dispatched to the ground as well.

　The students of the school could sense the tense atmosphere in the pompous security.

　The tension was as if it was before the war.

　Returning, Angier saw Libya rushing up to him.

''Angier!　It's Mr. Leon!　Mr. Leon got caught!

　As Libya is confused, Angier holds back tears from spilling out of his eyes.

　There are other students around, and most importantly, it's in front of the school gates. There are a lot of people.

'I know. Let's go inside.'

　To get to the girls' dormitory, Angier moved with Libya.

　Livia seemed uneasy about this situation.

''Rion-san was taken away, and then Clarice Senpai and the others left the school... what in the world is going on?

　It wasn't just the Royal Palace that was in a hurry.

　The effects were also felt in the academy.

''It's.......war.

War?

Quiet. Don't scream too loud.

　It was Libya's room that she hurriedly entered.

　Angel was relieved to be in the room and collapsed from his knees as he entered the room.

　As Libya propped herself up and sat her down on her own bed, Angier began to talk to her.

'There are people connected to the Duchy. They are traitors. They captured Leon and threw him in the dungeons of the palace. They have Paltner and Aroganz under arrest.

Oh, no!　Mr. Leon hasn't done anything wrong!

I don't care. They want Leon to get in the way. If I had more power, I could have protected him.

　Libya says to the dejected Angier as he recalls.

'My queen!　If you ask Lady Milene--

　Shaking her head, Angel knew that if Milene could move, she would be moving. That's what it means that she's not helping Rion.

'Mylène-sama can't move. I'm sure the hands are turning, but if it's not being carried out, then someone else is grabbing the order. Or maybe it's not a situation that only Rion can be involved in.

　The traitors suddenly started to move.

　Angier could see what this meant.

''The ... dukedom will move.

'What?　But the Duchy was defeated by Leon-san, right?

That thing is just an advance team. If the principality is serious about this, they could move two hundred airships.

　Libya was surprised at the figure of two hundred ships.

　When they are not ordinary airships but warships, they cost a fair amount of money. I was surprised to be told that the duchy had that many.

''Ka, can we win?''

The kingdom has the advantage in numbers. We're not ready, but we can muster five or six hundred.

　Livia was relieved, but Angier was anxious.

''........If the royal palace is functioning properly, it's fine. But right now it's not good.''

　In the chaos of the royal palace, there was no reason to delay the response.

　Above all, this world with airships - the war was overwhelmingly more advantageous to launch.

　Because of the airships, it is easier to attack them.

　In contrast, the defenders can't always deploy a large fleet. They can only do their best to strengthen their patrols.

　If they made a mistake in their response, the kingdom was also in great danger.

You'll find out why you captured Leon. That guy who can take on an entire fleet with just one ship is a nightmare for the principality.

　Livia was worried about Rion and held her chest.

'Rion-san, will you be okay?'

　Angier sees no point in telling a lie and tells Libya the truth.

'If I were on the other side, I'd choose a surefire way. ....I'd probably kill Leon.

　Livia's face paled.

　The reason the enemy wouldn't do it sooner was because they couldn't assassinate Leon. So they made up a crime and caught him.

　That's why they can't execute Rion because some people are defending him.

'We've got him now, but it's only a matter of time. Leon's life is in danger. I hate myself for not being able to do anything about it at a time like this.

　Livia stood up.

　Then she dizzy and went for the door.

'Hey, where are you going?'

"...Angel, I'm sorry. I ... I don't want to see you die, Rion-san.

　With that, he held Livia down as she left the room, and Angier listened to her.

"You can't do it alone. If you're not, you too--

'But!　........But I still want to do everything I can. I've had Rion-san help me many times. I don't want to run away here.

　Angier released his hand from his grip on Livia.

'What are you going to do?'

I'm relying on you, Miss Marie.

◇

　Marie regretted it.

　It's a square in the school.

(Lies.) Oh, my God. (How did this happen?!)

　A cold sweat broke out.

　A circle of people had formed around Marie and the others.

　In the center were Marie and her cronies.

''Look, Marie-sama. What a pathetic sight these people are.''
'The duchess is bowing with the commoners, sir. And on the ground.
It's clumsy.

　The students are laughing around them.

　Beside Marie, Kyle is really dumbfounded.

'Can you let them get this far?　Honestly, even I'd be donkeyed,

　The person that Livia wished to help was Marie.

　And Marier was irritated with them for a number of reasons, and said something like "I'll think about it if you get down on your knees in front of everyone".

　In front of Livia and Angier - the protagonist and the villainous daughter - who were on their knees in the square, Marier couldn't stop sweating cold.

　I told her to do it. I told her, but I didn't think she would really do it.

(Wait!　Really wait!　I told you to get down on your knees because you wouldn't be able to do it anyway!　(There's no way I'm going to be able to come up with anything to do about it!

　Marie made them get down on their knees when they asked for help, but she didn't really expect them to do it. That's why it's a problem when they really get down on their knees.

　Around her, she could hear people laughing at the two of them. The people around them were more excited than Marie.

''The duchess is pathetic.
'It makes me want to cry that I've been a crony for such a man. Doesn't he have the will of a nobleman?
It's for a man. What's so special about that bit of baltic tarmac?

　Those who were Angier's cronies were also whispering and talking.

　A person in a position to bow easily would not be able to demonstrate to those below. Marier thought that's why Angier would never get down on his knees.

　Marier's cronies had told Angier and Livia that they were not going to get down on their knees.

Come on, make sure you ask Miss Marie properly!

　Angier kept his head down.

I need you to save Leon's life.

No, right?　You know what to ask for, don't you?

'......　

　Marie couldn't even speak to one of her cronies who made the prideful Angier get down on his knees and call Marier a figurehead.

'You should say that to the commoner over there, too.

Save Miss Lyon, Lady Marie.

It's just too bad you're not here. You were hiding behind that man to protect you, weren't you?

　Marie's cronies laughing, and the students around her.

(Huh?)　What?　Cronies are scary. Aren't these guys just trying to vent their resentment in my name?　(It's kind of hard to believe.)

　It was Marie, who put up with the fact that she had asked him to get down on his knees and don't want to be around her.

　And--.

''Marie-sama, there's an affordable footrest.

　Marie's cronies pointed to the back of Angier's head.

''What?''

　The other cronies followed.

'Oh, then we can put the duchess in a chair and the commoner in a footstool.
'Aren't you glad to be in the saint's chair, Angelica?
Get on with it and answer me!

　Seeing the girls trying to stomp on Angier, Marie felt like screaming.

(What the hell are you guys doing?!　You are going to destroy me!　If I knew that I put these guys through this, that mob would definitely come for revenge!　(Oh, my God, that guy is going to kill me!

　Imagining Rion holding her rifle with an expressionless face, Marie couldn't stop her legs from trembling.

　The one who reached out and stopped such a girl - was Julius.

''You guys have shown your resolve. Marier, we don't need any more of this.

　Julius' words were followed by Brad's.

''Yeah. If you've gone this far, we'll have to show the sincerity we deserve.

　Zirk nodded.

'We'll let bygones be bygones to each other now. Let's forgive the girls, Miss Marie, for what they've done.

　The three of them look at each other from above, but Chris agrees.

'If you humiliate her further, it will hurt Marie's name.

　Greg pounded his palms with his fists and then smiled at Marie.

'They've gotten me this far. Let's help you with the Baldfalt, Marie.

　Since there is no culture of kneeling down on the ground, the five of them think that they will forgive him if he does this much. However, Rion knows the meaning of kneeling on the ground.

　The thought of this story leaking out to Rion makes Marie's mind go blank.

　In the first place, she doesn't know how to help Rion.

　She didn't even know how to go through the procedure, and she didn't think it was a problem that could be managed by approaching the temple.

　He might be able to use his position as a saint to apply pressure, but there was no guarantee that he could help with that.

(Not good.) If I said that I couldn't actually help her.......my life would be over. I mean, he should just get out of there on his own. Why don't you just do it? (Isn't he an idiot?)

　Marie asked the five of them.

''Can I ask you all to do this?''

　The five of them nodded towards Marie and left.

　Anyway, Marier wanted to get out of this situation.

　As she turned away from the two men who were on their knees and walked away, her cronies followed her.

''Marie-sama is very generous.
I would have stepped on it.
Oh, I'd have to--

　The cronies who would say such things were starting to give Marie the creeps.

(It's really not funny. I don't understand cronies and what they mean. (Are these guys trying to ruin me?)

　Amidst the noisy cronies, Kara was the only one who quietly followed Marie.

◇

　After Marie left.

　While everyone around them laughed, Angier and Livia stood up.

　The voices around them were cold to the core.

''Would you go that far?''
'The dukes are failing. You don't know what it means to bow.
She's such a contemptible woman. You're so mean-spirited with a commoner.

　They are mocked and walk away from the scene.

　Livia tells Angel.

'Why Angel, when it was just me?　You know ... my parents' position and all that.

　Angier smiled sadly.

'I just thought it was for the best. I feel bad for my parents' house but I wanted to help Leon more than that. I really am a stupid woman.

　Angier, who bowed to Marie, laughed at that - and cried.

'Now I can really throw it away. It's because I've smeared the family name with dirt. But still ... as long as I can help Rion, that's fine.

　Angel's face was somewhat refreshed as she smiled at that.

　Libya thinks that she knows how hard it was for her to bow to Marie, knowing how hard it was for her to do so.



　Livia compares herself to Angier, which makes her heart ache.

◇

　The skies above the Duchy of Fan Oth.

　A fleet with a flagship of an airborne carrier using a floating island as its airship covered the sky.

　Along with over one hundred and fifty airships, there were monsters all around them.

　It didn't matter if the kingdom had a magic flute.

　After all, the magic flute was another one that existed in the duchy.

　And the one who used the magic flute was the second princess of Hertrauda.

　She was fourteen years old.

　She had silky black hair and face similar to her sister.

　If there was a difference, Hertrauda was younger - with a fuller chest.

　And it wasn't just her breasts, but she was also better with the magic flute than her older sister, Hertrude.

　There were more monsters to lead, and the magic flute itself was more powerful than the one Hertrude had.

　Originally, Hertrude and her advance team were tasked with the task of securing a bridgehead.

　However, the plan was ruined by Leon alone, and the principality was in a panic.

''.........The foreign knight will not move. There's no doubt about it?

　The vassal replies to Hertrauda's question.

'There is no doubt about it. They reported that they have seized the lost item airship and also the armor. 'Carefree.'

　The heavyweights were lined up around Hertrauda.

　A knight reports to them.

'Princess, we are ready to go,'

　A small nodding girl - Heltrauda - takes up the fight for the future of the duchy.

'We will now invade the kingdom. "We will now invade the kingdom. The goal is the royal capital of Holfert. Don't look at the other mooks!　--Sally forth!

　At the sound of Hertrauda's voice, the heavyweights around him responded with authority.