178 omens of the call

After Riji's head regained its coolness.

Everyone had already gathered in the living room of the Eight Keys Mansion.

Everyone is at the table, and they are thinking about drinking tea, sharpening their nails, and peering in the mirror.

Mizuki Yasuno, my friend summoned to this world, just like myself and Akemi.

Since I was summoned to the Imperial Castle together, I've been acting together and using magic to help me.

A gentle expression that gives you calmness. Well-maintained long black hair. Seasonal red scarf. Such as fingerless gloves, which are of unknown origin. A girl with indispensable characteristics, she had been in terrible trouble until a while ago, but now it's back to normal. With a naive personality, looking at her smile naturally bursts into vitality.

The Titania Loot Astell, the princess of the Astell Kingdom who summoned us.

I used to wear dresses when I was in the Kingdom, but I preferred to wear clothes that seemed easy to move when I went on a journey.

Until a short while ago, modesty and gentleness were in full swing, but since confessing to the swordsman, there has always been the quietness of the lake surface at night and the razor-sharpness of living together.

Because of the fatigue earlier, my face still looks red.

It feels very difficult to look at each other.

Graziella Fifis Riseldo, the princess of the Nelferia Empire, where they are now staying. Personality has the nobility and belligerence often found in noble humans, and somehow has a wild flavor, but on the other hand, it has a strong sense of responsibility and kindness.

Golden hair with adult facial features and wavy eyes. The outfit was based on a coat with a magic formation embedded on the shoulders of the Empire's military uniform.

The majesty of martial arts is always outside the body.

This is the usual face, but they were not the only ones gathered in the living room on this day.

Elliot, the brave man called to the Holy Office in El Maide, and Crista, who is accompanying him.

As you walk up to the table, Teatania greets you first.

Good morning, Master Rage.

Oh, good morning, Tia! It's a good morning, too!

"Yes! It's a very refreshing morning!"

That's what we say, and we take care of each other as if nothing had happened.

Naturally, there is no one here who is not aware that it is a tearful effort.

It seemed like a lot of noise for a good morning, didn't it?

"That's right. I was already wondering what the hell was going on

Graziella and Mizuki speak so harshly.

Liji looked impatiently at the accusing gaze that the two of them were pointing towards.

No, that's right. That's right.

What? What? What is it?

"No, uh..."

Thinking of an excuse is as if words don't last. I could just say that it was an unfortunate accident, but such words were not allowed. Every time I tried to open my mouth, Suisuki's eyes intensified the colour of the accusation.

In the meantime, Elliot exhaled a mixed scent of black tea.

You're really out of control, aren't you?

"Ugh... I don't even have a word to give back to you."

"Raige, going to Lady's room is a step up, isn't it?" Don't be irresponsible when you're drunk or just let the momentum go. If you don't try to push me down properly, I'll be rude to you. "

"Hey, what are you talking about!?"

Of course it's about how you feel about Lady.

"I didn't mean it like that!"

"Then you can't do it anymore." As a man, you have to take responsibility. "

"That's..."

After Elliot told me that, Riji turned to Titania.

"Raj-sama..."

"Tia, that..."

Riji stared at Titania and the atmosphere grew.

Mizuki and Graziella thrust their beaks at what they thought.

Well, what's the difference? I don't have to tease you that much.

It was Graziella who said something.

"Yes, an unfortunate accident. It's not intentional, so I have to forgive you."

It was Mizuki who was in a hurry to finish the conversation.

Both of them are the palm of my hand that I didn't think I was blaming you for earlier.

"Ah, both of you!" Even though the atmosphere at the corners has improved! "

"Tia, the atmosphere is still good." Are you mistaken? "

"That's right, Your Highness, Titania." I'll ask you to stop being paranoid. "

Mizuki suddenly returned to her mood and smiled at Graziella, saying why she was doing it. Meanwhile, Titania was regrettable. They make a tooth sound as if they were interrupted by an important scene.

Graziella looks at Riji's face again.

"Nevertheless, you really are a terrible sleeper." What the hell happened to you when you never did that before? "

"You're absolutely right, Mr. Graziella. I don't know what's really going on today."

I can't get rid of my drowsiness and my head stays dazed. Even though I was awake, my head wasn't quite as good as it was.

From this confusion, did Graziella sense anything?

"... um, even though the answer is correct, why can't you get a pale complexion?"

Yeah, a little bit.

Since Riji himself did not know the reason for the lack of sleep, he had no choice but to suspend it appropriately.

While talking like that, I suddenly noticed the beauty of Graziella's body. My hair is well-maintained and I am wearing thin cosmetics. To be able to take the time to take care of it in the morning is probably to be getting up pretty early.

I think my head will fall back as I just wake up and put it together easily.

Mizuki tilts her head adorably.

Riji-kun, are you lacking sleep?

"Yeah, I think so." I should be asleep enough.

Ah! Maybe it's Sleep Apnia Syndrome? Sleep Apnia Syndrome!

Yes?

While we were not coming, Mizuki folded her arms together and bowed lightly, revealing her face.

An exonym popped out of her mouth. Huh, what is that puzzling word? I often think about the wording that seems to apply to it.

The fact that the horizontal text popped up means that there should be a Japanese translation properly.

"... are you talking about sleep apnea?"

"That's right, Riji-kun!" That's right! "

Isn't that right, Mizuki? I just wanted to say it in horizontal script.

”Ehehe... because I don't have the chance to say that much here”

Mizuki laughed misleadingly, as if she had found out... It seems that she is the one who occasionally suffers from the remnants of Nakazo disease.

...... I didn't want to feel the fear of it coming out in all directions until a little while ago.

However, I have no idea that I have suffered from such a typical adult disease.

They are young, and they do not have lifestyle habits that cause them in the first place.

It doesn't matter if you are fat or thin, but I hear that this disease is related to the way you put flesh around your neck and around your face.

Once again, Graziella pulls down the chair next to her and calls out.

"Rage, why don't you sit down? Come here."

"Huh? Yeah..."

Graziella invited me to go to the chair next to her, and for a moment Teatania's eyes felt a sharp glow.

Rage-sama, I'm free, too. Go ahead.

"Huh? Huh? Huh..."

Titania quietly pulls the chair next to her.

Which seat should I take? In a flash of confusion, the two stared at each other and began to scatter sparks.

Seeing that, Mizuki immediately cracked it in between.

You both can't do anything that's bothering Riji-kun.

"Mizuki, is that all you're saying?" You're running behind the competition right now, aren't you? "

"That's right, Mizuki." I think the beauty of the eagle is praiseworthy, but isn't it too long? "

The two of them showed Suisuki a face that seemed to have room for that.

"I don't care about you!" It doesn't matter if you sit next to it or not, you'll be slowed down! "

”... you say that in such a wicked tone?”

"Well, if it's so easy for both of you to get distracted, then there's no room for you to get along right now, right?"

…………

…………

"Right? You both think so, don't you?"

"... that's true." I was concerned about the awkward opponent around here. "

"... I see. We might have been shallower about this."

For some reason, Teatania and Graziella seem to be convinced by the vague explanation without the subject.

Hey, what are you talking about, all three of you?

"It's a lifetime story to always sleep dullly." Don't worry about it. "

Yeah, don't worry about it.

I see. You don't like it, Rage-sama.

"Ehhh..."

For some reason, it was sent back harshly.

Don't feel like we've got more excuses to blame.

Turning to Elliot for help, he elegantly sipped a cup of tea.

After that, he exhaled a mocking breath.

I guess that's it. Actually, you and that guy are brothers connected by blood, right?

"Could that be Shiming?" No, why would that happen? "

”No... yeah, don't worry about what I just said”

Elliot let out a big sigh and said to himself, "This is quite enough." "Everyone is going to struggle."

What the hell are you talking about? I don't know what you've been talking about for a while now because I'm not working my head well.

Sitting on a suitable chair, both Teatania and Graziella look unhappy.

Titania turned to us and cut it out in awe.

"Do you have a suggestion for Master Rage...? Do you have a favor to ask?"

"Please? Ah..."

When I asked for your help, I immediately thought: After all, it was just earlier.

"No, I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" I'll be careful from now on! Make sure you knock before you open it! If I make a mistake, I'll leave immediately! "

"Oh no! I'm not talking about you!" It's a different story! ”

I'm sorry!

"I don't care about that!"

Titania coughs one cough before reopening her mouth to switch stories.

"In that case, as soon as possible, I want you to return to my country... to Meteor"

To King's Landing?

"Yes, I must report the case of the Duke of Hadrias to your father." In connection with that, I hope that Master Rage will also work hard. "

Sure, that's necessary, isn't it?

Yes, this time Elliot was unjustly detained, and we were to board the Duke of Hadrias' residence together with the Minamata, but it turned out that the Duke had connections with a group that became the universal key (Unibercitus).

This must be reported to the king, his superior, and the duke must be heard from him.

We don't have a way to communicate with the distance, so we need to get back to the capital, Meteor.

"I'm sorry to take it back, but how many?"

"Yeah, I don't mind. Rather, we have to go as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Graziella murmured abominably.

Lucas de Hadrias. He's a pain in the ass.

From the technique of hitting the index finger firmly on the table, it can be said that it is quite irritating. I don't think she's anybody else, because she's been treated like a duke.

"When I was an Empire and an adjacent lord, with great military power, and besides, I was also strong. Honestly, you're a nuisance. It's not unusual to pile up over there."

Um... was I one of the same seven swords as Tier 1?

"Yes. The best swordsmen of the seven swords that control the dancing sword." This is a man with the nickname "Lord of the Blades of the Seven Leaves". "

"... but I could have pressed it because Shizumi was there at that time"

"If you turn against the enemy, it will be a very troublesome opponent." The fact that the Empire can't get out is because that man is so powerful. "

The city of Krant is the defense between Astel and Nelferia. I could easily imagine the Marquis's prowess, given that he was entrusted with it.

Graziella is also quite appreciative of the Duke.

"Tier. Back then, I told you there was absolutely no betrayal, but are you sure you're okay?"

“Yeah, I guarantee that. Only that man would have no betrayal."

In addition to tying up the movement of a brave man, you also have a lot of trust in someone who has turned their blade on another brave man.

“No, it's not so much trust, it's confidence as a swordsman.”

Huh?

Tia, what's that?

"If there is any confusion or cloudiness in your heart, it will be reflected in your sword. If that wears two of you, that's all. [M] But that man has never clouded his sword before.”

That's what Titania says and continues to say.

"If that man is connected to the universal key (Univercitus), then it's not the last couple of years." I should have been in contact with her a long time ago. In the meantime, I've been swords with that man several times. "

When you put the sword together, didn't the Duke have such a gesture?

"Yes, that man's sword flash was clear... although it was annoying to me."

That feeling was something only the swords could understand. I don't understand what you just saw in the fight.

Titania seems to be burning up against Hadrias, clenching her dominant hand.

With that, Elliot opened his mouth.

"So, Raige, when are you headed for Metail?"

“I see. I need to talk to you, so I'll be on my way.”

Well, then let's chase after the debriefing.

"What? Elliot and the others in Astell?"

We were supposed to go and say hello to the Astelle King, too.

Speaking of which, yes. Elliot was caught by the Duke of Hadrias on his way to Metail.

Therefore, after the rescue, I stopped traveling to Astell and turned back to the west, staying in the Empire.

"... whatever happens to the Duke of Hadrias, I have to talk to the King of Astelle about this." I need to know who that man is and what he thinks. "

"... that's right."

What I think is true of him. If we don't gather information, we won't be able to see the person's humanity, and if we don't see it, we won't be able to get to their destination.

I just got back to settling down.

"It's the same for you." I will return from the kingdom and return to the kingdom. "

While talking like that, Mizuki suddenly clapped her hands like she noticed something.

"Ah! But then there will be no one left to take care of the cats!" what should I do..... "

I see. Liliana asked me to talk about the cat, didn't she?

Liliana Zandike asked me to take care of the cats that inhabit the house.

The cats were originally wild, and it was not necessary to force them to take care of them, but since they were collaborators, they said that they wanted to see them as much as possible.

Graziella opens her mouth as she struggles to figure out what to do with Mizuki.

Well, I'll arrange that for you.

Is that okay?

"There are only a few of us here, right?" I don't know what you're talking about. "

Graziella-san! I can count on you!

Of course.

Elliot turned his gaze to me after the story was settled like that.

It was more serious than usual.

"Rage, this is like my meddling."

What is it?

"Recently, there has been no movement towards the demon tribe." You should be careful, just in case. "

Is that when you're lurking behind the bell, you're moving behind the scenes?

It's really creepy to be able to move and not move all the time.

I knew it. That's what it is, after all.

"If the opponent is a trinket, I'm wasting my time... sometimes, but I can't be alarmed because the evil gods are kept in the back of the demon tribe." Only if you have a proper mold, but the people who said it are not busy thinking about it. "

It's not busy, is it?

”You're trying to squeeze your neck with pure cotton, or you're trying to crush it all at once.”

So, it's definitely moving behind the scenes, right?

"That's right. Then I wonder what the shadow leap is..."

So, I remember the last time I saw you.

(Nh? Huh...?)

Yes, I should have thought of something about what Elliot said.

I should have been able to talk to someone like that before and get answers about what I was doing.

Thinking like that, I tried to dredge the depths of my memory, but my consciousness skipped to the bottom.

Riji-kun!?

Lady Rage!?

Hey, Rage!

... and plunged into the darkness.

The lid of your eyes closes like a book, and your consciousness sinks into the deep water.

In it, you can hear screaming from nowhere.

The voice calling your name repeats itself over and over again, from a distance.

Eventually, I realized that I was being held by Graziella.

The screams they heard were theirs.

Apparently, I lost my balance and fell out of my chair.

"Watch out, what's going on?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry."

"No, I don't mind." Are you sure you're okay? "

“It's okay, I'm just a little dizzy.”

Standing up with Graziella's support, Titania turns to her worried gaze.

Rage-sama, you might want to take a little rest.

"No, it's okay." It's really nothing right now. "

"Riji, are you sure?" It didn't look like an anemia. In other words, the battery ran out, or it was switched off suddenly when the switch was on..... "

"It's okay. Look, there's nothing to do now."

Don't let the girls worry, and smile with your arms wide open.

In the meantime, I realized that I was holding something.

(Er...?)

It feels firm on the palm of your hand. Unspeakable anxiety struck me, and I slowly moved my gaze to my hand. Wasn't the action as awkward as that of a tin doll who forgot to grease it?

As you focus your eyes and slowly open your hands, you will see white metal parts and gemstones with a pale glow from the gap between your fingers.

Riji-kun, is that Ishar Cluster?

"... yes..."

When did you have it?

"That's..."

As Mizuki's question was, I didn't have it in my hand until now.

It should have been in my jacket pocket all along.

Even though it should be, I have it now.

I lowered my gaze to the pale glow.

--That story should have been Shimaishi.

You can hear the whisper of someone like that from nowhere in your voice.

At that time, I told you to remember what you said to him.

As if that's the most important thing to me now.

"... Elliot"

What is it?

"There is no major movement in the demons because they are creating a new demon race." In order to create a strong demon race, we need to reduce the number of weak demons and free up enough space for the evil gods to infuse their power. "

Is that true?

"Yes, we are still in the preparation period, and it will be put in soon." That's what the demon tribe doing it told Shiming. "

I heard that story before when the Demons invaded the Empire.

It was the same with Shiming's guess, and the story of the demons like Rishabaam also matched the story.

Crista, Elliot's companion, shakes her eyes anxiously.

"Mr. Elliot, what are you talking about...?"

"The demon race is created by the power of the evil god, and its number and quality are determined by the capacity of the evil god's power." Since the power of evil gods is limited, it's probably a matter of redesigning and putting them in from the existing [something] that is not worthy. I think we're in the process of creating a smaller, but better-quality demon tribe than we already have a large number of crude soldiers. ”

So you're saying that more powerful demons will emerge in the future!?

"Yes, it is."

About this, the demon tribe said it was a war game.

Certainly, units that incur development costs must be allocated appropriate funds (resources), and if there is a limit on the number of units on the map, that limit must be cleared. In a way, isn't it strange to get good news?

Suddenly, Mizuki raised her hands as if to say long live, and asked questions.

"But why are you so obsessed with quality?" I think a big battle on this scale would be a lot stronger. ”

"Considering that the country has already dropped about three times, I guess you decided that you don't have to ask for the quantity." Miscellaneous fish are out of hand, but good soldiers are ingenious depending on how they do it. "

Elliot makes that guess and reveals the sense of crisis once again.

"... it's a bad story." And that means we're cooperating with their thoughts. "

"That's why we can't afford not to defeat them." It's just that if you're overdoing it, you'll only get more damage. "

“That's right, we're going to have to get around better in the future.”

"But it's not all bad." Shifting from quantity to quality means that fewer places are out of reach. If you can destroy each one of them, I think you can do it. "

But it will require a commensurate amount of force. Can your power overwhelm a demon race that has improved in quality?

But if there were more demons of that quality, you wouldn't be able to say that.

I haven't been able to complete the demon race yet, so it's a battle now, isn't it?

We need to prepare ourselves for this.

I want to do it more quickly, but in fact, we don't even know where the demons are.

That will also need to be looked into in the future. It is best to cut off the roots.

If you ask me how I'm going to do that, I won't be able to come up with a plan yet.

"... the battle will be tougher in the future."

"Oh, each other."

Riji shook hands with Elliot and started preparing for each of them.