Maou No Utsuwa

A luxury restaurant in the Imperial City. The Kamuis were brought here by Deefleet. There's no reason to say no to the Kamuis if it's a luxury. Happily rode the invitation. I should have gladly come, but with the sumptuous dishes in front of me, Kamui has a face that won't float.

"Suspicious..."

"What, what is it? No, you're not. I happen to be sitting next to Sele."

To Kamui's whining, Deefleet, is clearly upset to show.

"I'm suspicious of talking about it from myself."

…………

Deefleet's awkward act, not a deluded Kamui.

"What are you up to? I'm not saying Dee's an asshole, but I don't think he's bringing him here for any reason."

"Uh..."

"If you need a favor, tell me first. Eat, then use that as a reason..., you guys, don't eat!

"Hmm?"

In the mouth of Lutz, who raised his face, he was already full of food. This is not just about Lutz.

"Slow it down already. Kamui, say that quickly."

"Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah."

Swallow the dish you were packing in your mouth and Otto agrees with Alto's words as well.

"... at all"

"Hey, you ate. That's expensive, isn't it? Even I rarely speak of fine cuisine."

In the face of doing it, Deefleet turns to Kamui and becomes even more grateful. It was Kamui's feared development.

"Did you put it in? What's the demand?

"Will you listen to me?

"I listen to you. I don't know if I'm gonna take it until I hear what it's all about."

Nestled in Deefleet's measures. Because Kamui doesn't have a complete intention of coming.

"That's cheating. Everybody's eaten already."

"Cheating is that way. Is it easy to promise? It's not a busy story for Dee to use such a sobering hand."

"I don't know, it's hard to ask."

Just say it.

"Swordsmanship competition, we're almost there."

Still started talking away, Deefleet. But to Kamui, this is all I know what I'm talking about.

"No way?"

"That's no way. I was wondering if you could join my team.

"Say no."

Kamui says no to Deefleet's request, without putting her hair in.

"... I'd like you to think about it a little bit"

"That must have been a no when we first met."

"But things were different then and now, weren't they?

"I could say worse"

"Yeah. You don't like pissing off Hildegand?

"Ha!?

Even though he knew this was Deefleet's provocation, Kamui couldn't hide the upset.

"... how cowardly. Besides, you know I can't answer that, and you're asking.

"Sort of. That's all I'm having trouble with. I was wondering if you could reconsider?

"I can't."

"At least, just Lutz"

"Hmm?

The named Lutz looked surprised and raised his face. It's the same in my mouth, full of food. What Deefleet is looking for is Kamui, and if so, we know the outcome. Before the negotiation broke down, they were gradually stuffing their mouths with allowances to eat as much as they could.

"Yes. With as much power as Lutz, you can fight quite a few fights just by going in alone."

"Hmm, hmm?

"What, do you think? 'And Lutz is going to be talking. With the grin on my face, I know I'm happy.

"Fool, don't let me ride you"

"Huh... Dangerous"

It was Lutz who finally had room in his mouth.

"No..."

"I guess I can't win with Lutz in."

A swordsmanship battle is a team battle and a star battle format. Even if one Lutz wins, if the others lose, he can't win.

"I'm not aiming until I win. Well, unless Kamui can help."

"It's definitely not in"

"... you don't have to emphasize that much"

"If you don't have to win, don't you have to reinforce it?

"That's not true. Don't make fun of the third grade. I've only been learning a lot for a year, and there's a difference in power, right?

"Well, at this age. I know there's a big difference in one year's experience."

"The classes are completely different."

"That's it?

"In three years, the actual format will prevail. If it's a tournament, it's better if you're used to fighting."

After graduating from secondary school, many continue straight to the Knights School. Otherwise, some of those who return to their territories are rarely present in this day and age, but there is also the possibility that they will lead their own forces in action.

Classes with these things in mind are still of different quality. But let Kamui tell you that too.

"That would be if strength was close, wouldn't it? Even if it's a form of action, it's just a form."

"That's what I can say, Kamui. It's unusual."

"Really? Well, is that good? So if winning isn't what you're after, then what?

"The swordsmanship match is divided into qualifying and main battles. Qualification is the total win divided into groups. In which the top two teams will advance to the main battle."

"... depending on the combination. Is that a lottery?

"It's happening, but I'm not going to be in the same group as Hildegand or Oscar's team in the qualifying round. That's how it should be combined."

Speaking of the lottery, Deefleet affirms that it will be separate from Hildegand and Oscar. What this means is obvious.

"It's a chicken."

"Well, yeah, but the college needs to be careful,"

Deefleet, who always looked disgusted, was only happy about it this time. That's all I'm desperate for.

"So you want to break through the qualifying round?

"That's the best, too. If you do, you won't hit the Hildegand or Oscar teams in the first game that will be the best of another group"

"Uh, you think you're gonna win that?

"Put it in the top four. Well, that's the minimum goal. Later, it's a combination, and if you hit the Oscar team, there's a chance you'll make it to the finals."

"... can Dee beat Mr. Oscar?

It takes the form of a question, but Kamui believes that Oscar is much stronger.

"You're definitely going to lose. You can't use offensive magic at competitions."

"Is it possible that we can win with that? Lutz wins, then what?

"Let Sele win. One more."

"Is that what you mean? You already talked to Sere."

"Sort of. He took it on if I asked him to."

"That's right. But Sele did. Can you win?

Kamui, too, has not clearly grasped what level Serene strength is at. Even if we work out together, it's not far from the Kamuis.

"Can't you?

"Honestly, I don't know what Mr. Oscar is capable of surrounding me, so I can't compare"

"You're not interested?

"You're weaker than Hilda, aren't you?

Kamui's level of interest is about that of Hildegand or Oscar.

"Is that the standard? Instead of the school year, you mean the worst line in college?

"That's not true."

Now, even in love, Deefleet knows what Kamui is capable of. It's a totally pointless reaction, but this is already like a habit.

"I envy you. This is a big success if we can get to the finals anyway."

"I hope the other one wins. But why are you so superior?

"As I said before, I get more say in my parents' house. This is not the same situation as before either. It's quite necessary."

"You mean with Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia?

When it comes to the best change of circumstances, that's all I can think of, Kamui.

"Yes, I don't want to be my parents' puppet."

"That'll get me in trouble, too."

"Right?

"Hmm?... Mr. Serene?

Words that ran my mouth off. Besides, Kamui questioned Deefleet, who was just in tune. I don't remember telling Deefleet to support Empress Sophilia.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Not with you! You light-hearted bitch! You know that Sophilia is a secret now, right? I didn't know you'd talk about that in pillow talk!

"You can't talk about pillows!

"Oh, yeah. Too bad. I wish I could have admitted it with momentum."

At all times, I remember to fit them in.

Really, I can't stay alert.

"Well, that's another time,"

'Cause I don't even get that chance.'

"Because I'm not giving up!

"... go ahead and talk about it because it's good enough"

"Nori, I'm sorry. When you can have a man you like, you change what a woman is."

"Move on!

"Yes...... Uh, oh, my parents' house. He wants to show his parents his powers. Let me see. What happens? Aren't western uncles just happy?

"It's just good to make you think it won't be as easy as it sounds. Here comes the influence of the subordinate nobles"

"... does subordinate aristocracy have power?

This story was surprising to Kamui. Kamui is not very familiar with the relationship between the Fang Uncle family and the subordinate nobility. Anyway, I thought I'd take it to the top nobleman to the right, and I underestimated it.

"Actually. Even Uncle Fang's powerful subordinate nobility cannot be ignored so that His Majesty the Emperor cannot ignore the leading nobles, beginning with Uncle Quadrilateral. Even subordinate nobles follow only because it is in their own interest, and loyalty is not higher than Kamui thinks. More importantly, there are aristocrats who want to take off their subordinate nobility and become independent."

"Is that the kind of house you're gonna have on your side?

"Yes. It's a good story for subordinate nobles, too. I didn't break away. It doesn't change that I'm from the Western House. Now, I can also do the pre construction of loyalty to the royal family. You can claim your own interests with dignity."

"Do you allow that? You mean to benefit subordinate nobles, right?

Kamui does not intend to support those who become the spokespersons of greedy aristocracy. Even if that's Deefleet.

"It's smaller than what my western uncle wants."

"Is that right? Could there be a subordinate aristocracy? Like the empire and kingdom are joining the border."

"Not so much. Uncle Fang's area of control is rarely bordered directly."

But it doesn't have to be.

A grin leaked on Kamui's face as soon as he explained to Deefleet. That's an invincible laugh, too.

"Would you mind not plotting something a little weird? If you use subordinate aristocracy to create a seed of contention, you're in big trouble, aren't you?

"When the balance of power breaks down, the feuds between Uncle Fang will increase in intensity. Whoever wins may have the power to counter the Empire."

"Did I tell you something bad?

"You're not gonna do that, are you? It's too chaotic and the controls don't work. The Empire is three minutes away."

"That way, the border territory moves independently at the same time, right?

I can even read this to Deefleet. Otherwise, there's no way Kamui would approve of Deefleet.

"Come on?"

"... really failed"

"That's why I won't do it. I can't do it in the first place. To do that, you have to go with the Uncle somewhere. Then…"

"So don't you think specifically?

"... ok"

"I'll get back to it. Will you admit to me about Lutz?

"Please!"

Following Deefleet's words, Serene put her head on the table and asked for it. Kamui's gaze at it shows what a complex colour it is, like it is frightened, troubled.

"Will Sele bow her head here? Oh, I don't like it. I don't like it. A maiden in love is desperate."

"It's not good. Do me a favor once in a while."

"... I can't promise now"

This is conditional acceptance. Kamui is sweet on Serene.

"So when?

"Talk to Hilda, if you'll accept."

"You can't do that, can you? You don't have to admit it."

"Still, we have to talk. I said I would never give Rutz to anyone else. It's against that."

One of the things you shouldn't do to Kamui is to overturn promises you've made once.

"At least you think positively, don't you?

"Well."

"Okay. So, please."

Conditionally, Kamui accepted. Deciding that any further negotiations would also result in a loss of acceptance, Deefreet uttered a satisfactory word.

"Can I have dinner?

"Of course."

"If Hilda says no, I won't lend it to you."

"Because it's good. I can't pull you in now."

"Okay. So... no?

The plates of many dishes, lined up in front of me, were all, totally beautiful.

"Because you don't eat, do you?

"Yes, yes. It doesn't taste good when it's cold."

"Right."

There is no evil at all in the three of them, Lutz, Alto and Otto, who are the tenants who emptied the plate.

"My..., my, my rice..."

Gaggling and iterative kamui. Diefleet, who pitied it, opened his mouth.

"... is there a replacement?

"" "" There he is!!

◇ ◇ ◇

This is the second time for Kamui to come to this room.

My legs are heavy this time too. It's different than the last time I weighed my legs. Still nothing unusual about melancholy. In front of the room, for once, where he took a deep breath to calm his feelings, Kamui knocked on the door.

"Ah, yes! Wait a minute, please!

This is not the same as last time either. Those in the room look a little confused by a sudden visitor. The door to the room was vacated and the face was of a student Kamui didn't know his name.

"Ah! Huh?

The other person seems to know about Kamui and is surprised to see his face.

"Is Master Hildegand here?

"Yes. One moment, please. Dear Hildegand! I see Lord Kamui Kreutz!

"What!? Kamui's here? Have him come in right away!

Kamui's treatment has improved considerably compared to the previous one. There is no son of a borderline lord and no one who shows an underestimated attitude. Kamui, who entered the room, was carefully guided to the front of Hildegand.

"What is it? How dare you come here?

"Yes. I have a few words with Master Hildegand. Would you like some time?

"Kamui?"

Hildegand's eyebrows flatter Kamui's attitude, unlike when he first met him.

"Now, because it's a public position. Let me do it in this tone."

"Public position? Are you sure this is the Viscount Kreutz Kamui?

"Yes, it is."

"Okay. Well, take a seat. I'll listen to you."

"Yes."

Encouraged by Hildegand, he was Kamui, who sat in his seat, but did not open his mouth immediately. What I'm about to talk about is that I'm rather hesitant to think of Hildegand's reaction, even as Kamui.

"... what's the story?

"Oh, right? You can't help but keep quiet, can you?

"Right."

"Actually, I'm here today to apologize to Master Hildegand"

"Apologize? I don't remember doing anything to get an apology, do I?

"That's coming up."

"... what is it?

It was Hildegand who was delighted with Kamui's visit, but now its expression is cloudy. From Kamui's attitude, I assumed it wasn't a very good story.

"Rutz, my subordinate, will fight as part of Lord Deefleet's team at the next swordsmanship competition."

"What do you mean?

As Kamui thought, Hildegand listened and is greatly upset.

"I apologize for what happened when I told you that I couldn't give Rutz to anyone because he was under my command."

Kamui took a seat, headed for Hildegand, and broke his hips deeply.

"No... how did that happen?

"Lord Deefleet asked me to. There are circumstances that we really need to move on to this battle."

"If it's Deefleet's position, it would be, but that's the same for us, isn't it?

"Master Hildegand's team will undoubtedly move on to the main battle. On the contrary, you will win."

"I intend to. But..."

I have a lot of confidence in Hildegand. Still, I'm not convinced that Kamui is the only one who can help Deefleet.

"So, Kamui-kun, how about joining this team?

From the side here, Matthias has offered the terms.

"Oh, then."

For Hildegand, it's an impeccable condition, but for Kamui, it's not a drinkable condition.

"Sorry, I can't do that. I said no to Lord Deefreet."

"But you agreed to lend Rutz-kun?

"Sorry"

"So, how about on these terms?

Matthias also tries to come up with terms. It's a constant means of making one refuse, making one feel drawn, and swallowing the next slightly lighter condition. In other words, this condition is fate.

"... what is that?

Matthias' thoughts are known to Kamui. I'm wary of what you're presenting.

"How about Kamui-kun coaching us until the swordsmanship competition?

"Huh? Are you kidding me?

This condition was a surprise to Kamui. Unexpectedly, the tone returns to the usual.

"That's good. If that's the case, I won't say anything about Lutz."

"No, no, you don't have that, do you?

"Oh? Aren't you in a public position?

Matthias' terms are also convenient for Hildegand. I'm back in a good mood at once.

"… that condition does not seem very good"

"That's not true, is it? If this is the case, we can't say this one will be unilaterally disadvantaged."

"It doesn't help my guidance or anything"

"You know that such excuses don't work."

Hildegand, under the guidance of Kamui, thinks he could climb a step higher. Actually, it is.

"... you can win, right? I guarantee that."

"Do you think I'm satisfied with the extent to which I won the swordsmanship competition in school?

Hildegand quite likes the terms Matthias put out. I do not intend to deduct anything to make Kamui accept this condition.

"... I don't think"

"On this condition, then"

"What about the others? Don't you hate being coached by me?

Still, the place where the resistance continues seems to be kamui, but about this, it is only a bad scratch.

"Bad times, isn't it? There's no fool in this room who still can't see Kamui's strength."

"Really..."

"It's settled, isn't it?

"For one thing, may I offer you a condition?

This is already a conditional presentation based on the assumption that you will take on the guidance of the sword.

"What is it?

"Let me choose a location even if I give guidance. You can't do it in school."

"I think they already know quite a bit, don't they?

The strength of Kamui's sword is exposed to the eyes of the public in joint classes. Now Hildegand had no idea why he was trying to hide it.

"In the same school year. If it were a swordsmanship competition, third-year students, and the teachers who coach them, would practice every day. I don't want to be in those people's eyes."

"Do you hate it that much?

"Yes, I don't want to be seen in the group of Hildegand, the Oriental House, where I'm mentoring the son of the border lord. I think it's an interesting sight for the surroundings."

Seeking the powerful is something that every powerful aristocrat does. In a one-sided lord, it's hard to push the pressure of solicitation from the top nobles. Pushing it through doesn't mean I know where it would be detrimental if it damaged the mood of the upper aristocracy.

As far as the Viscount Kreutz family is concerned, if the current emperor is alive, there is no problem, but Kamui knows that he is not.

"... you don't know that. Instead of inside the college, it's a rumor inside the Empire."

After hearing Kamui's explanation, Hildegand also understood the general situation.

"That's just troublesome"

"Okay. I'll have a place to practice here. Find a place where you can work out as much as you want, not in people's eyes."

"Please"

"So that concludes the negotiations, right?

"Yes."

"So the public position is over, right?

"As, well."

Hildegand's grin has turned into an innocent grin he doesn't usually see. Kamui saw a grin several times. When we're alone,

"Well, shall we talk about it?

"Master Hildegand?

"Hilda"

"... Hilda. What's that story?

"Nothing. Anything at all, right? It's a public story."

"Put that here?

"Yeah, it wouldn't be in people's eyes here."

"I have people's eyes, though?

"You don't have to worry about it. Because it's inside me."

"That's true, though."

The room has more than ten descendants of the subordinate nobility of the Oriental House. And only as familiar as Matthias is to Kamui. Even if they tell me not to worry, I can't do that.

But Hildegand, regardless of such a camouflage, moves on.

"Oh, well, let's make some tea first"

"No, I think that's annoying,"

"Annoying? That's not true. I don't think so."

"... uh, that, I mean, when Hilda lets in?

"Yeah. Sure."

"... have you ever made tea?

"Don't be ridiculous anymore. As much as I teach you how to make tea, I teach you."

"Really?"

"Well, please wait a minute"

Hildegand stood up and turned to the water heating room, which was in the room, looking like a wolf.

Those around them stare at the figure with an indescribable expression. And when Hildegand became invisible, his gaze gathered in Kamui.

"... Mr. Mathias"

Apart from the surrounding gaze, Kamui is concerned about something. Hildegand said he was taught. I've never been in it before.

"Hey, what is it?

"Why is your voice trembling?

"Nothing."

"Has Mr. Mathias ever had Hilda's tea?

"Yes, just once"

Looks like he's been in there before. But......

"Why is your voice trembling?

"... you'll see soon enough"

"I knew it."

Kamui will know in a few minutes that Hildegand's lack of talent for cooking is, on the contrary, genius awesomeness.

"Hilda. How do I get the tea to be sweet and salty?

"... sorry"