44 Hadrias' Invitation

Time and place shift and move toward Trinity.

City of Klant. It is blessed with groundwater from the mountain range to the north, which, climatically and here, is a place prone to threats within the Kingdom of Astel and close to the border if it raises the difficulty, making it one of the areas of intense war, even in the wars that were there hundreds of years ago, he said. Still, this is developing because it is directly connected to the main streets that penetrate the empire and the Union, and because distribution flourished.

Except that Metail, the capital, weighs in on old-fashioned interests, it is beautifully maintained as if it were more developed than Metail, and enriched the lives of the people.

The protection is also likely to be robust, and these days, they are in the process of renovating the castle walls with anti-magical substances that have just been discovered, and without reinforcing the empire that is augmenting its armaments, it is becoming the second guardian of the Kingdom of Astel after the border fort.

Trinity and the others were in a land with sides of such a commercial and fortified city.

After defeating Rajas, they were invited by Hadrias to attend a triumphal parade that took place as soon as they arrived. Many citizens praised Trinity II's achievements in exterminating the army of the Demonic Nation, bringing false honors.

After a remarkable few days, he was now staying in an inn in the city of Krant.

If you mean a special guest, a princess or a brave man, you often reside in the Duke's mansion, but you still chose the Inn of Shirai because Titania had only hope.

Hadrias seems to be someone you can't relax with because he's on your side. And Titania herself, she says, always feels that sense of crisis in him.

Settled in the inn, Trinity, Mizuki and Teatania were sitting on the couch poking each other in the knees to make a circle.

Pouring the rosewater prepared for the room into the cup, Mizuki sighed with a breath, exhaling the rose as if she had finally taken a breath.

"Parade. That was amazing."

"Right. Maybe I was spending more money on it than I did on Metail."

Trinity agrees with Rui Shu's words. The Triumph Parade, celebrating Trinity II, had lasted three days. It's nothing but massive because it was triple the hardship, even though it was a big thing at the Metail, which took place in a day.

The Mizuki is casual,

"I thought at this parade that the city of Kranto is pretty rich.... the city of Kranto or the one who can fit in here."

"The Duke of Hadrias is a great nobleman with a vast territory that includes this city of Krant. There will be no aristocracy to his right in Astel, both in power, in finance and in force."

It was Titania who answered Mizuki, pointing her complicated eyes out the window.

Hadrias reigns over a city the size of second only to the king's capital. In retrospect of what he had done in the past few days, it was exactly what I could say was triple slapped.

We have the power to cross with the Demon Gentlemen, the financial power to hold a huge parade, the power to push it through, and all three of those powers in our hands. I guess there will be a tough style like that too.

"Still, I don't know if I'd say handy. I didn't do it all..."

Rajas' crusade was with everyone. It can all be said that it is excessive for one person to get this handle.

"About that...... I'm sorry. But what Reggie has to do is to benefit our country."

"Yeah. I know."

What Hadrias has found in this result is, of course, the inspiration of the luxurious and shriveled folk of the Demonic Nation. Titania also accepted this massive parade because she knows its benefits, and that's what Trinity says. But what I actually did is insignificant. Hyena's looting of interest is still not something that will come true.

Then, as Mizuki swept away,

"It's a common story, isn't it? I feel aristocratic about someone using someone else's handles or whatever is convenient for me. Besides, after all, it also means an appeal to an external state, doesn't it?

"Exactly. That is why Sir Hadrias cannot be alarmed. It should be noted that we have the cunning ability to use the Empire in politics without being offended by our friend, Lady Reggie, and to move forward with measures to restrain His Highness Graziella."

As I said and added, Titania's admonition "to be repeated, but never to be alarmed" echoes. Strong vigilance. The impression of dealing with him until now and he said it was a mistake. I thought it was because I hated it, but I guess that's stronger.

With that in mind, Trinity asks Titania.

"Hey, Tia? What do you think Tia thinks of the Mizuminos? Without Mizumi or us being friends. [M] I knew you were from the Kingdom of Astel..."

"Sure, it's complicated as a mood. If you think of the demonic army's damage as folk grass, all you can say is that it was there."

Yes. Teetania, speaking like a foreboding, inadvertently bowed her head deeply.

To the abrupt bow, both Trinity and Mizuki raise their voices. It was an apology that Titania uttered as bumpy words such as "eh" and "ugh" followed and leaked confusing emotions.

"I'm sorry, Master Reggie, Mizuki. And since I heard that, I thought it was one good hand."

"No, that's okay. If you're in Titania's shoes, there's no point in thinking that. Right, Mizuki?"

"... yeah"

I asked for your consent, but wouldn't Mizuki be convinced to lay her eyes down sadly?

Shuiming should be her first friend. Not that I'm a lover, but I guess I have some thoughts. I look out the window again, and I mouth it to zero.

"Shui Ming-kun. I didn't find you."

"It's okay. Mizumi said you'd be safe."

"Because you can't get out of it?

"Yeah. And look, the teacher said it too."

That being said, Trinity recalls the words of Fermenia.

- I'm talking about Lord Swimey. I'm sure you'll be fine.

When we broke up, she was saying that. Those would be the words we hung for our own worries.

"The words of Lord White Flame, they didn't sound restful. Maybe the White Flame Lord is the White Flame Lord and he knows what the situation is. I was wondering if there was any chance he was grasping Mizumi's footsteps."

"I'm grabbing a foothold, how?

"It's still magic... because Lord White Flame is a genius wizard who can create novel and unparalleled magic in our country"

"Ah..."

In the words of Titania, did Mizuki recall the Fermenian acclaim? Then Trinity, too, slaps her hand.

I could hear such a fold, a modest knock. Then it sounded through the door was Roffrey's voice.

"Excuse me. Dear Reggie, may I?

"Roffrey? Oh, fine."

"Excuse me...... this is Your Highness Titania! also, sorry!

What happened to Roffrey, who opened the door and looked inside the room? He gives a bubble-eating look that says he's come where he shouldn't be, and he rushes to bow his head. Perhaps I thought I was alone with Teatania, and even thought about something strange.

Teatania, who sensed such a mistake on his part, says with a small sigh.

"No, it's fine. And there's Mizuki."

"Huh? Oh, really..."

What I said and presented was a pocan look. Hey, are you saying it's missing, or is there a gap? Surprisingly healing. Against him, Mizuki smiled niggardly,

"Hey, what the hell was Mr. Roffrey thinking?

"Yes ⁉ Yes, no! Nothing. I'm not even crazy!

"I didn't say a word that I was crazy."

"Oh, wow..."

Roffrey is going right and left without being able to fill when he realizes he has dug a grave.

With such pity for him, Trinity called her name with the hand of salvation and a word with Mizuki.

Then Mizuki makes a smile by saying it's a joke, just as she confesses to what she did. Needless to say, there was a mix of pranky and pleasant grins there?

Suddenly I went, Roffrey. I suspect he may have business, and Trinity asks.

"Roffrey, what's going on?

"Yes. That is more than His Excellency the Duke of Hadrias, the man of use."

Trinity II, who received a sudden invitation from Hadrias, followed the user who had waited in front of the inn and was put through in the Duke's residence. And now he was in front of Hadrias' private room, with a stiff face.

The tone of the instrument that sounds fuzzy. I guess I'm letting a musician play music in some room. Soft, creeping acoustics that echo through walls and spaces calm the mind. With that in his ear, Trinity makes what she calls a mindset for the Lord of this room once and for all here.

Take care of the inn, Titania advises you. Words of concern were hung from Rui Shu. The other guy is that Hadrias. There were also words that I didn't have to force myself to go see him, but I had an idea about it and Trinity shook her head to the side.

Yes, under some kind of thought in this room, the nobleman who waits for himself is, as Titania put it, an unafraid man. It is an unfounded prediction, a conjecture, but a firm hunch, but it will probably be plausible with Hadrias many times in the future. I can't tell you that I don't want to see you. Instead, we should identify something from an early stage: becoming a man who says Lucas de Hadrias.

So - and Trinity knocks on the door to her chest with determination once and for all now.

Then to whoever the voice of Hadrias was returned, when he was informed of his arrival, he briefly said, "Let him in".

Trinity said, "Excuse me," and opened the door, a space like a luxurious reception room spread out in front of her. Keep going one step further, exchange a word of greeting for the encounter and an administrative exchange. And looking at Hadrias, who sits gracefully in the queue bench in front of the door,

"Lord Brave, aren't you going to hang up?

"In my country, it is customary for guests to take seats for the first time since they are recommended by the owner of the room, so they are only allowed to take seats that are not recommended by themselves."

Returning a slightly insurmountable word, Hadrias raises a small and admirable voice, whether he thought it was not even an intentional thing to do or not.

"Well... the country where Lord Brave was is a very courteous country. So you have to recommend that from me, too?

Following that gaze I glanced at, there was a glass that shook me red-handed on the table.

"Is this alcohol?

"That's right. Sweet wine. Taste is not bad."

Isn't that bad? But...

"I'm sorry to bother you..."

"Can't Lord Brave drink?

"Alcohol for those who are not adults in my country… There are laws that do not allow alcohol to be consumed, so I will refrain from doing so"

When I said no, Hadrias would grab the glass and ask.

"Hmm, so why is there such a law?

"Humans are supposedly less capable of breaking down alcohol in their bodies until roughly after the age of twenty. Some alcohol that cannot be broken down has a negative effect on the human body, so it is prohibited in the country."

Explained, Hadrias turned to the contents of the glass,

"I didn't know a drink even called Goddess Blood contained such a thing. Besides, there are strict arrangements in place to prohibit it in the country… No, do you strive to develop human resources"

And whining without telling anyone is one admirer, and he sees it as if he also forgot that Trinity is there. Are you thinking? Trinity asks Hadrias, who has never moved, frankly.

"Why are you calling me today?

I just wanted to talk to Lord Brave for a little while.

"It doesn't seem like a fun conversation."

"Huh, excuse me"

What is rude is white. From earlier, when I entered the room, the room was filled with tingling air. Coldly pointing that out, Hadrias tries this one out, or with a crossed grin of insults that always tell him to pass, he utters an apology that he doesn't think contains a word, an apology.

I can feel room for every part of my behavior. The room for the strong. It conveys the same insistence as saying what is wrong with you because you are a brave man.

Hiding his gaze from his uncharacterized gaze, he asked as Hadrias narrowed his eyes to pity the contents of the glass.

"Why did Lord Brave take on the Demon King's Crusade?

"To help people in this world."

The answer Trinity gave was what she said to Armadiyaus during the sight. That's why it's still the same. But Hadrias...

"What your lord is trying to help are those who have no edge or itch? Those who will gain nothing where they have helped. Still, is that what your lord says you want to help?

"What the hell does the Duke want you to say?

"No, I wonder where Lord Brave's lofty thoughts come from."

……

From that question, what does this man want to find out for himself? The question is incomprehensible, and its connotation cannot be inferred from a gaze similar to that of the pity that is offered. If it looks like an ambitious falcon, it's obvious that we're still trying to find it. Why does this man ask with a smell, as if there were some other factor?

With his bewildered gaze pointed at him that way, Hadrias leaks a much drier laugh, as he mocks himself that it was a question that wasn't even funny.

"Fair enough. I'll ask you again, what is it about the world where Lord Brave was?

"What, what?

"Right. Compared to this world."

Should I compare the world here and there? I remember telling similar stories at the Royal Castle as Armadieus.

"The other world is technologically significant compared to this one. Sure, there's magic in this world, but you can still say that the convenience of technology in the other world is unparalleled."

"Development, development...? Is that what you said about the booze earlier?

Trinity answers "Yes" honestly. Then, for some reason, Hadrias suddenly stood up and headed towards the window. And look out the window at the view,

"What does Lord Brave think of this world?

"No kiri compared to the other world, but I think it's a good world"

"Good world, or..."

Yes, Hadrias emitted a grunt somewhere. It's unclear from earlier what he's asking for and what he thinks, but he will ask again.

"Hall of the Brave. What's out the window?

Does that prompt you to look at it? The view of the third floor, which you see just a little closer, is the business of the city and the people there. The city of Kranto, which began to swallow at dusk, also saw the blink of the lamp and the brilliance of the houses and people illuminated by it, and in the distance the blue and green lamps characteristic of the pleasure district.

"Is that it?

"This world hasn't changed a thing in centuries. Everyone wakes up at a set time, works, loves people, has no children, dies. Sticking to the undesirable technology of the outlook, neither the flourishing of a country that changes in strife or diplomacy, nor the consciousness that has taken root in people, has made much progress stop"

Yes, he prefaced and said, "This has always been the boxyard of the goddess," he said coldly. Is this man worried or moaning about it? Indeed, the development of cultural civilisation is something closely related to man. Maybe it's what everyone wants, but it's also different to force them to seek development.

"Do you still think Lord Brave from a developed world is a good one?

"If people have peace, isn't that one way to be? Impossible change causes strife, and there was constant strife between people in that world."

…………

Hadrias silenced. that fold that Trinity thought,

"- Abrupt, but I want Lord Brave to go to the Empire from now on."

"Huh...?

"The empire - mainly the movement of the Empress Graziella - is enlivened. I'll have Lord Brave stay in the Empire for a while."

Hadrias, yes, ran out of words. Those words, which I won't tell you whether or not, are a sign of disregard for our plans.

"Is that request something we have to ask you?

"Naturally."

"But I have no obligation to do so. My first priority is the crusade of Nakshatra the Demon."

"Sure. - But Lord Brave. When I asked, did Gregory talk to you?

At the same time that the words were finished being released, the quality of the air filled the room changed, tingly. Whether it's Hadrias, and primarily because of his emotions.

"Is that a threat to me?"

"Phew - if that's what you want, you can take it that way. It's just that Gregory didn't violate the military code. Naturally, there must be no way you can be brought to justice. Therefore, the thought of Lord Brave is only a conjecture."

"- Tsk! You say that after you cheat on my friend!!

"That was until I truncated the little one to save the big one. What, I'm waiting for you to talk about my friend. The search is underway. Whether there's life or not, I'll grab some footprints sooner or later. However, there have been no reports so far."

That said, Hadrias snorts like he says it's a boring thing.

"Probably no life."

"How soggy can you say..."

The anger exceeded the boiling point, and Hadrias was not tempted to say, "What, until I spoke of the possibilities," even in such angry, smudged words.

"To Shuiming, don't you feel as bad as it was?

"If you say you do, will the brave lord's hoarding go down?

"- Tz!"

I couldn't forgive the question. Bite, stare, and bump your anger as your teeth snap. I haven't forgotten to thank you. Anger just won more than that. But still, Hadrias, in the wind that it's not like to go through with it.

"Did I say Suimei Yakagi? That the person was just unlucky. It means you'll have trouble getting mad at me."

"You..."

My gaze and anger didn't stop me. Fist flies away. Taga pushing himself off at last. I was also reminded of what would happen if I hit him and my concern for the future, but there was no room for such a thing.

Trinity's blow, however, was stopped in one hand by Hadrias.

"Become...?

"Hmm......"

He looks bored, and his gaze is pointing this way.

(This man...)

It wasn't full force. However, I still can't believe that Yingjie's summoning protection reduces the speed of fistfights in a state where his powers have exploded without moving his eyebrows.

Shaking off his grabbed hand abusively and jumping away, Hadrias turns to the window again with a translated look.

"You need refinement. This still doesn't extend far to the Demon King. With a lot of experience, you'll need to be strong. By the way, about the Empire..."

Is there no choice? If I don't go, I'm telling Gregory I'll do something in the dark.

"... go to the Empire. But don't touch Mr. Gregory or his family. And about Shuiming."

"Let's promise to do our part in the search. It looks like a friend of Lord Brave's might still be worth using."

"You..."

Do you still say it? But there's nothing you can do about being attached to weaknesses. Regrettably, only by turning your heels back and leaving this room silently was the utmost resistance you could make to Tripoli.

I tried to hang my hand on the door handle, then.

"- Lord Brave. One thing I have to tell you."

"... anything?

"In the future, your lord will be swallowed up by many enemies. It's human, and so are other races."

Why do you say that? No way.

"Are you trying to tell me that what I asked Rajas back then was stupid?

"No, that reassured me, too"

"Huh -?"

The words Hadrias uttered were unexpected for Trinity II. After all, I thought you'd complain about asking the Demons why they fought.

"Hall of the Brave. This is a different place from the world your lord was in. It would be good to think for yourself about what is here and move on to action. But it doesn't make sense to just think about fighting the demon opponents."

"What do you mean?

"That's what they say. For some reason, not those who attack humans or other races, but their very existence is the thought of a giant existence that seeks to annihilate races, including humans."

"The thoughts of a giant being? What the hell is that..."

"That's something your lord doesn't need to know right now. Therefore, that question of your lord makes no sense."

Hadrias, yes, closed the words. After all, I don't know if this was advice or admonition.

"... Are you sure you want to go now?

"Well, then just one more thing"

What is the intent of asking? Looking out the window, an invisible question appeared.

"Hall of the Brave. What does your lord want at the end of this battle, after he finishes everything?

"Nothing. I don't need anything."

"Status, honor, wealth, woman. You can get whatever you want to satisfy all the desires on the ground, right?

"Shit. I don't know what you mean, but I'm not fighting for something like that"

"Right. Then my question is over. Until the Empire, for a while, but rest your body slowly."

Without thanking Hadrias, who turned his back, Trinity left the room and headed to the inn.

"The Summoning Brave..."

... Back to the inn. Hadrias looks into the sky, sending a grieving glance through the upstairs window at Trinity's back. At dusk, looking melancholy at the darkening sky, Hadrias inquired toward Trinity Two, where he was not yet.

"It's the brave Reggie. What do you think of this world? Did you mean it earlier and say this world is a good one? There's this futureless world of rotting that's stopped moving on because of the goddess."