When we visited Marie's mansion, we were talking about the future.

　In the process - the leader of the maids who take care of Angier, let's call her the head maid.

　This person says to me.

'Let me use this mansion?'

'Yes, sir. I will be allowed to use any available room in the mansion while your daughters are in the Republic.

They don't want me to ask for permission.

We need Lord Lyon's permission.

　You would let Angel live in a house with Marie, of all places?

　Isn't that a bad idea?

　I'm puzzled, and the head maid explains the situation to me.

'Ricorne is indeed a fine ship, but she cannot be on board all the time. We want her to rest on the earth. I have checked with the embassy and they said this is the only suitable residence for Angelica-sama, so we have permission.

　Ricornu?

　Is it the name of the ship?

　What kind of ship is that?

But to go to the house where Marie is.

That's why.

　The way the head maid looked at me was cold, or rather sharp.

''Rion-sama, you seem to be quite close to that Marie.

Oh, oh. There it is. We studied abroad together.

I don't talk about it, but I am concerned about your daughter. I know it's not possible, but if by any chance Master Rion is abducted by Marie...

　Does this mean that Angel will be at your side to keep me and Marie from getting any closer than we need to be?

　No, I think it means that these guys' maids will be watching over them.

'You have no credibility,'

I believe in them, yes. But he did in fact intend to frame those five men. Don't you think we should be wary of him?

Those five guys, that's them.

　The head maidservant was also a little troubled as she looked out the window at the five people who were still sitting in the doorway.

''And anyway, please be careful. The young lady was already looking forward to meeting Rion-sama, and that's what she was looking forward to.

　The way the maids are looking at me because of Noel's case - it's tight.

'All right. I mean, there's no Marie. It's never going to happen.

I believe in you, sir.

　She was my sister in a previous life.

　There was no way I was going to mess with her.

　As the chief maid bowed to me and moved away, there was a change in the scene outside.

　Marie had come out.

　The five of us stood up and made excuses, but Marie didn't listen.

'I think I've spoiled them too much so far.

'Marie, you need to listen to us!

'Julius - I'm going to test you guys to see if you're really thinking about me. Go and earn your money by proper means - outside of your adventurer-like activities. Otherwise, you'll never get into the house. Oh, and if you earn at least a few pennies, you will be allowed in the house. But--who will make the most money out of the five of you?

　When the five people heard that, they gasped.

　--What is this?

　Is that a thing?

　Are you trying to get the five of us to compete?

　I don't want to compete with Marie, but it seems to be an important issue for the five of us.

　The gazes that the five of them directed at each other were such that sparks seemed to fly at any moment.

　Julius declares in front of the other four people.

''I'm sorry to you guys, but I will not concede this match.''

　The same is true for Zilk.

'Your Highness, I'm not going to back down either.

　Brad brushed his hand away from his bangs as he brushed it away.

'Whoever earns the most money will be Marie's best. It's simple and straightforward.

　Chris took off his glasses.

'Who can be Marie's number one - so I guess it's a match.

　Greg slammed his fist into his palm.

Yeah, let's do it!

　The five bastards were going to fight over Marie.

　--What is this?　I don't understand it at all.

　But I'm thankful that Julius and the others aren't in the mansion where Angel and the others are staying.

　Marie smiled in front of the five of them.

''Good luck, everyone.''

　I'm sure he feels superior in front of five people who are fighting for him.

　I know.

"He did it.

　It looked like Marie was willing to do whatever she wanted, even if she didn't like it.

◇

　Marier was in a good mood when he got rid of the five men.

'How refreshing.'

　Why didn't they kick him out earlier?

　With that in mind, I was spending an elegant moment with a cheap tea.

　It's a tea that Zilk bought in bulk, and although the taste is not to Marie's liking - it's a waste, so he drinks it on a daily basis.

　But even such tea was delicious.

　It's Kara who calls out to Marie, who is drinking tea by the window.

　She looks anxious.

''Marie-sama, are you sure it was alright?''

　That was a word that worried me about my future relationship with the five of us.

　Marie was unfazed.

'It would be best if the five of you could make some money, but I really want you to learn about the world. I don't really care if they don't like me.'

(I'd rather be lucky to have a few people away from me here and less of a burden. I mean, the thought of five people competing to be the best for me - yikes, I'm a little nervous.)

　Marie loved this kind of development and invited Kara to join her for tea.

You should have a cup of tea too. I'm going to treat myself to some sweets for you today. In the evening--we're going out for dinner.

You're eating out!

　Kara, who had become completely accustomed to this life, was pleased to hear that they were eating out.

Yes, I am. ─ Yes, of course I'm not eating chicken. I'll have beef.

"-- beef.

　Marie looks in her purse as she looks at Carla, who has her hands folded in front of her chest and then looks happy in a prayerful gesture.

(Yes, it can, can't it?)　But is it a bit tight?　(I mean, I'd like to give Kyle and Kara a break today or so, and the only way to do that here is to borrow money from my brother--)

　Marie wants to borrow money from Rion to repay them for their hard work together.

◇

　After I kicked the five of them out, Marie came to borrow money from me.

'I want to go out to dinner with you guys. 'Give me some money, brother!'

Go home!　--or is it not?

　Considering the various circumstances, I can't just throw them out if they don't lend it to me.

　I know that I've gone through a lot of trouble to take care of those five people.

　It's not a bad idea to lend them some money to eat out at least for today.

　-- though I don't think I'll ever get it back.

　Marie's eyes sparkle as she receives the bill.

'Thank you, brother!

'That's all well and good, but are you thinking about what you're going to do now?'

　When I asked her how to convince Angel and the others that she wanted to take us home right away, Marie removed her gaze from me.

'Hey!'

Because in all seriousness, there's no reason for you to stay!　And the Republic seems to want us to leave.

　I think the Republic wants us to go home after we rampaged around so much.

　I got a little out of line with Pierre.

　I'm feeling a little sorry for myself now.

'I don't want to choose between attacking the Holy Tree in Luxion or assassinating the boss.

　There are several ways to prevent a global crisis.

　Eliminate the bosses before they get out of hand.

　Destroy the sacred tree itself - or rather, cut it down.

　All of these are in line with the international problem.

　Even if we did it in secret, there would be chaos in the Arzer Republic.

　--I don't want to play.

I'd be tempted to do it in a game, but not in real life. I don't want to do it. But we can't just leave it at that.

In the first place, it's a crisis in the Arzel Republic, so what do we care?　Is it going to be a crisis to Holfert?

　Marie stammered when I asked.

'Hey, what's up?'

'Wow, I don't know. Because in a game, if you fail, it's game over, and if you succeed, you avoid the crisis.

　It's called a global crisis, but you can't judge the extent of it.

　--I want to go home.

"You didn't actually need us to come here, did you?

'I don't know!　It got complicated in the first place because Lelia did something unnecessary. It's all his fault.

Don't forget all the trouble I've had to go through because of you.

I'm sorry.

　When Marie apologizes, I'm going to make sure those guys are okay.

'Let's say Lelia and the three of us talk about it, but more importantly, those five. What do we do?

What's going on?

Are you sure you should have kicked him out of the house?

Oh, yeah.

　Marie had a faraway look in her eyes.

'We've got Eryk in our care, and those five have a worse attitude than Eryk usually does. It's true that Eryk has a problem, but isn't it strange that it's even worse than that?　Formerly, they were expected princes.

　Princes don't want to be expected to have the life skills of ordinary people, either.

　But it's also true that those guys should know the world around here.

　I'll follow up with them later.

''Then let's have a talk with Lelia as soon as possible. Sis - there's also the matter of Noel, you know.

'Noel?　Oh, what does it have to do with that dog?

　Oh, he didn't know your real name?

　I just found out yesterday.

"As a matter of fact...

　When I told her what happened, Marie laughed at me, so I gave her a tight fist bump.

◇

　Summer vacation.

　Lelia had been invited by Emile to go on a date with him.

　The hectic Republic is starting to settle down a bit.

　Emile waved the topic to Lelia.

''I've received reports of many things from the port. The Kingdom's airship is here, and it is the same type of ship as the Count's airship. The port is already in an uproar.

Oh, really?

　Lelia thinks.

(Emile is kind of too kind and not enough.)

　I know that they take care of a lot of things, but I've never been with a woman and didn't know how to entertain them.

　There was a time when I thought the first time was good, but once I got used to it, it wasn't enough.

(And the topics of conversation are about work and what they're thinking about?)

　While they are dissatisfied, a boy with his black hair tied back appears in front of them.

　That boy, full of wildness, was - Serge.

'Yo, Lelia!　Oh, and Emile is with you?

　He held up one hand and smiled, showing his white teeth.

Serge, when did you get back?

Yesterday. I didn't know that it was all over the place and my dad was pissed off.

　As I ran up to Serge to listen to him, my eyes fell on a sphere floating around Serge's left shoulder.

　The blue sphere had one red eye - its appearance was similar to Luxion's.

　Lelia was taken aback by Serge, who said that he had fled because he was angry with Arberg.

''It's been hard over here. Oh, um--''

　Their eyes turned to Emile.

　Emile looked a little unhappy with Serge in front of him.

'You've gone home, Serge.

　Lelia wanted to talk to Serge about Rion and the others right away.

　For that reason--'

'I'm sorry, Emile. Let me talk to Serge today.

　--Lelia thought it was just for a day, and decided to leave Emile and talk to Serge.

　Emile laughed in annoyance.

'We're both good friends, aren't we? I understand. Let's part ways here for today.''

　Lelia was relieved.

(Thank God you're so understanding. More importantly, we need to talk to you about those two as soon as possible. (Besides, this spherical robot - could this guy have recovered a cheat item too?

　Serge watched Emile's back as he walked away.

'Are you sure?　You're in a relationship, right?

I can't do that. We're in a bit of a bind over here. We have the same reincarnation as you. There are at least two of them in the Kingdom of Horfath. They have the same cheat items you have with you.

　Hearing that, the blue sphere - Ideal showed interest.

'Like me, huh? That's a very interesting story, isn't it? Tell us more about it, young lady, if you would. Master, this is an important matter. I think you should seek your daughter's advice immediately.''

　Serge lets out a sigh.

'There's a good reason to leave your lover alone, right? 'Ok. Then let's go somewhere where you can relax.

　They walked away.

'You're getting taller again, aren't you?'

It's a growing season. How about you?

　Lelia had to hide her breasts from Serge.

'Where are you looking!

What?　This is about height, right?　Why are you hiding your breasts?

　Lelia, who had become overly sensitive when Rion mentioned her breasts, couldn't help but blush.

''That's right. It's all about height, isn't it?''

You okay?　Did you eat?　Come eat with us if you haven't already.

Good. I don't have to be pretentious with you, it's just easier.

　They were walking happily.

　They didn't know that Emile was watching them from the shadows - and he didn't know that he was watching them.