The Spearmaster and the Black Cat
Six hundred and nine, Chardonnay von Anaheim.
"What are those caution sticks, the talent we got at the underground auction?
"... No, Mikami Genzabrow and I are not here because of a different (...) secret (...)"
Does Chardonnay include the meaning of reunion?
You used to tell me words that made sense.
"Is it a war (...) job?
When I hear that, Chardonnay smiles.
When you point your thin eyes at the shark and the key, you nod.
The two of them, who were waiting near the entrance to the room, responded "Ha" to that chardonnay for the meeting.
The two sharks and keys walked around behind Chardonnay with Stasta.
Sharks ear to Chardonnay.
Chardonnay nods with no gaze at the shark as he looks to us.
Chardonnay closed the fan that was spreading as it was.
Leave a fan in one hand with a shark and slap both hands that have become free hands like nobles.
The dry noise echoed into the room.
"- Richter? It's that spear guy. Break your guard."
"Ha."
The Lord's position in that voice, reacting to the sound of Chardonnay's voice and the slapping of his hands, is between the bookshelves.
From between those bookshelves, a big man appears.
While Chardonnay received the fan from the shark,
"Stay here"
And I call a big man.
"Yes."
The big man replies in a quiet voice, somewhat approaching with a noise.
The big guy has a straight face on his blonde hair and a curly jawbeard.
Little tweezers around your neck? It's shoulder-width, and it's a halfway between a human race and a fisherman?
Unusual military uniform-style protective clothing.
Subsequently, those wearing the same military uniform also show themselves from the corner of the room.
Benny changed his complexion when he saw a big man named Richter.
Is Richter the captain of a well-known mercenary unit in the backworld or something?
While expecting that, carry out the mastery check.
Peek into the reactions of the magic vegetables in the room...
... No response from Callie with a bad smile (Curse Smile).
I thought the deal with Chardonnay was still going on, but it's out?
A separate case of the same war as the Black War God, or, under your people?
Kali also said that a fellow named Alford had infiltrated the Kingdom of Thermalia.
No Renshaw either, who looked great with gas mask-based protective gear.
Is it also possible that that group of Renshaw, Kallie and Alford have undertaken a war mission for the Duke of Lorge in the Kingdom of Thermalia? There are others......
Sena Apua councillors.
Large chambers of commerce in each city of Thermalia.
Keira Hosselai's group after Nana.
A group of eight giant stars of darkness with hands in cities other than Pernette.
Bijold the Great Pirate.
and other forces, undertook a well-paid assassination mission?
In [The Dark Whorehouse Town] in [The Unnamed Town], where Kuna's Safe House was also located, Kali killed the gatekeeper of the evil road stream, who was also an executive of the Great Pirate.
From Zeden, the curse island, where the main mountain of its evil stream is, against Kali, some chaser was pointing out. There's a side to fighting, Kali, so there's also the possibility that you headed for that cursed island of Zeden? Don't you have this...
If you need money, you'll make more money in the assassination business about this war.
No matter how many strong Kali prefers, he is unlikely to head to the island himself unless he has a substitute that could be a lot of money for that cursed island of Zeden.
And, for some reason, from the Richter and Mercenary Troops......
I was curious about that perverted bossy head thing.
I met Kali on this Heka Trail...
While I was aware of my eyesight, I told Chardonnay,
"… are those new faces the caution stick"
And I asked.
"That's right. This room has a Sacred Statue (Ikon) that houses special magic, and is somewhat ok on that side, but the White Soldier battle by assassins from the Kingdom of Thermalia is difficult to counteract inside…"
Chardonnay showing her left hand.
I was wounded.
There are no luxury gloves. He had a bandage wrapped around his hand that housed the magic that was seeping blood.
From the assassin, did you get such a cursed wound that your recovery was delayed?
"So! Mr. Shuya? Today, right now, marriage, shall we?"
"Why, it does!
Yui screams. I want to scream too.
Chardonnay laughed furiously,
Oh, I'm just kidding.
Speaking of which, a key that kept quiet beside me,
"Naturally!
And, remarks.
Something, I miss.
He's a cute beast who used to yell at me, "Hi Dallar" and yell at me.
Similar to Lily, Eva's family.
And sharks.
"Ma'am? Are you willing to stop our heart?
"Heh, I know. You'll have trouble stopping the shark and the keeki heart."
"... but it seems that there were other lords with excellent handlers besides Huatos who would be wounded by Master Chardonnay."
And, looking at the wound, point it out.
"Yes, that's why it's a caution stick and a mercenary unit. We didn't have to go as far as [White Nine] or [Miyagi Escort Chief] to hire good people like [Dark March Guard]."
Chardonnay extends his arm to the Richters.
Sure, this group looks good.
I snorted,
"I hear the war against Thermalia is in Oseberia's favor."
And I asked about the war.
"No, antagonistic state. I've lost seven minutes and three minutes these days."
"... I didn't know that. To succeed in building bridgeheads all over the region of Western Thermalia, occupy half the ancient city of Musaka. In addition, it advanced to Lefhagen in the east. And I'm asking."
"Initially. Right now, it's just a tiger head snaketail situation."
Successful at the beginning, but a disadvantage after that?
But to Mel and Vine, to Yui and Eva, 'You heard the war was in your favor, didn't you? pointing eye contact in the sense of'. They shake their heads, too, like, 'Yeah, I don't know'.
Then a shark with noticeable gray hair near Chardonnay's side,
"Dear Shuya, the thoughtful and reluctant word of Chardonnay is only that of those who aspire to victory perfectly, and war carries in their favor"
And I was following.
"The shark says so… it is true that my lack of wisdom, my shallow plot and hence my stupidity, caused me to lag behind my enemy. In the Kingdom of Thermalia there is the Duke of Lorge who rules [the Rosen precept], not just a bandit guild. Furthermore...... unlike Huatos, the able eagle does not hide his nails, but some King Mukatsuk Prince seemed to be good at hiding his powers. By and large, I can't believe Leften tied hands with Thermalia either!
Chardonnay gave him a look like he had chewed up a bitter bug from the middle of nowhere.
I closed and opened the fan frustratingly, and slapped my own palm, with that fan.
My nose is rough, and this looks like I regretted it a lot.
"Ma'am, I was wondering if I had a choice. I didn't know Chancellor Zamde would delay Princess Nereiskari and call him Thermalia... because if we tried, it would be an unexpected event."
That's what the shark said.
The King Prince of Thermalia behind Marquis Chardonnay, the warrior, looks outstanding.
From where I am on the battlefield myself, I also have force in my courage and judgment.
I heard from Mel that there are excellent military teachers who also run cavalry and wizards in the distribution... but not only that military teacher, but also Lee Jing from Lord Lee Wei, a cat lover, and super brilliant warlords such as Shimazu Yoshihiro Shimazu, Lubu, Warenstein, Kanye, Seiichi Mizuno of Haunted Hitachi, Oliver Cromwell of Lord Patron, Han Shin, Karl the Great, Zhang Fei, Mori Kao of Haunted Musashi, Zhao Yun, Black Prince Edward, Yue Fei, Shinbei Maida, Kiyoshi Kato, who values faith, etc.
Either way, I turned Chardonnay into a thing of salvation from where it was a loss to his opponent. Zhuge Liang or the official guard are unknown, but a Wang Prince Saugbright who can handle a good military teacher may be like Cao Cao or Nobunaga Oda.
After thinking about it that way,
"... well. It leads to the words, and that's why you're so good."
And, whining, staring at Richter, not Chardonnay, the big man.
His eyes are a hue mixed with yellow and pale.
Only one has magic.
The colors of the eyes are the same, but only the iris of one of them is a heterogeneous demonic eye: the shape of the ship.
The devil's eye in the shape of the ship is like a creature, slightly cursed, and stripped of its white eyes.
Maybe a prosthetic eye? Dragon embellishments on earlobes.
And on the neck and back of the head, there is a small, tiny, tiny, tiny thing that also appears to be an ear ornament connected to its earlobes.
The octopus is not very noticeable, but the surface area of the back of the head is a bit large.
"You're right, that's Mr. Shuya. You seem interested in Richter. His nickname is Richter the Goddess. A strong man who survived World War 65 in the south. It's a group of mercenaries named [Goliath's Flag of War] led by its Richter Heydrich -"
Chardonnay waves her arms.
It's a gesture of willingness to greet Richter.
"- The first time I see you, Lord of the [Moon of Heaven]. I'm Richter, who leads the [Goliath's Flag of War]."
Carefully bowed his head, Mr. Richter.
His men also bow their heads courteously, out of the courteous movements of the military.
I'm tight, too, conscious of politeness...
"- Yes, nice to meet you. His name is Shuya."
I greeted Mr. Soothing Richter without disrespect.
The Cards thanked me as much as I did.
As I raise my head, I will look at the members of that mercenary unit called [Goliath's Flag of War].
Everybody's magic hasn't leaked out of their bodies.
Has skillful martial arts skills.
'My lord, I know Richter is strong, but the woman next door seems excellent'
"A woman like a deputy secretary? I can see that magic manipulation is more skillful than Richter's. You'd be a wizard. '
'Yes, a book with magic hanging on its hips is suspicious. Things like pale baby hands from the surface......'
"Sounds like a magic book to me. A presence like the Dark Ethereal Spirit Hand Venue inhabits that?
'... maybe so. Because I feel the movement of water spirits and multiple spirits. I care about a few other people carrying things like boxes. "
Indeed......
The box containing the magic carried by some of the members of [Goliath's Flag of War] is a little disturbing.
"Is it a box like a backpack with magic in it? I think the people on their backs are ethnic... but this Goliath flag is a mixed unit. Excellent equipment and everyone looks strong '
The weapons of other members are many swords and magic books.
Is the magic book hanging on your hips a magic book?
Some bunches are like scrolls with strings tied to the carabiner of a belt.
All in all, [Goliath's flag of war] with a first-rate mercenary troop-like atmosphere?
The captain, Mr. Richter, looked at me.
"[The Moon of Heaven] and his name as a spear man have been heard by Master Chardonnay"
"Really? I have some confidence in spear-handling martial arts."
"... Yes"
Mr. Richter is scratching a cold sweat on his forehead.
Why? I turned my gaze to the Chardonnays for an explanation.
Chardonnay and Keeki smile a little.
Mr. Shark is on the top of the Buddha.
That grandfather's gear is the same as before.
Then, when Chardonnay,
"Richter, Master Shuya is a casual samurai. You don't have to be nervous."
"Yes."
"This Richter and [Goliath's Flag of War] were hired by the [Seven Commandments] in an introduction from [Holy Demon Central Bank] executive Bamiglas, who said they were no less inferior to [the Seven Commandments], whether on land or at sea. In fact, Richter cut off the assassins and led us [the battle flag of Goliath] to defeat the Thermalian Army, which landed on Count Hast territory opposite Musaka across the River Heim"
Mr. Shark, too,
"We fought together in Count Hast's territory, but it was exactly what a wolf would do."
Heh, like a wolf, like a tiger.
Indeed, it should have been the word that appeared in one of the Seven Books of the Wu Scriptures, "Lieutenant Jianzi".
"That's right. I'm excited to have talented people."
But the Holy Demon Central Bank?
Officer Bamigrass, I don't know.
Then, when Vine,
"Master, it's the name of a giant bank in association with the St. Guild Federation"
And he told me.
Speaking of which, the word bank was a little overheard......
The financial institutions on this planet in the South Mahaim region, which I know of, are quite developed.
"St. Guild Federation? I wonder if it's in the south, what's its Holy Demon Central Bank"
"Yes, south of the shipping city of Lidovacqua. There's a headquarters in Hyrosun, a free city on a coral island."
"... that's close to Master Shuya, you're familiar with the geography of the south a long time ago. Knowing the seven free cities, what is a dark elf, like a dragon man to mermaids and fishermen, with a residence in the South Sea?
"No, I've never actually been there. I looked at the materials and remembered."
In an understated tone, Vine speaks.
"I remember accurately as I read valuable material to grasp geography. You're a wise Mr. Vine...... K, no, Mel and I have a lot of good good staff. I envy Master Shuya..."
"I'm afraid. Vine is proud, so it's impossible to pull through."
Vine gladly loosened her cheeks,
"Thank you"
And he thanked me.
"Hehe, the more the joke. I won't pull through, and I won't be able to. And as for the south, I hear a lot from Lord Fluid Adventure."
You're Leanne's grandfather, the executive of the St. Alliance.
I'm glad Leanne didn't die.
I won't tell you about it,
"Sir Adventure sees it at dinner party."
"That's when. I remember."
"Arsene, tell me about the morning stuff."
"Yes, I hear that even before that Arsenic continent, there are continents on islands with seven free cities. There are many horseback riding peoples on the continent."
Heh. You have a lot of continents in the south, too.
The region where the desolate god Carsdrow Doctrine was traveling on the Lombarua of the high and ancient dragon "High Enchanted Dragonia" should also have been to the south.
"... the southern region looks huge, too. Turning now to the Holy Demon Central Bank, the branch of that bank is also on the Heka Trail?
"I do. They also pay plenty of taxes."
Heh, I find the legal and illegal border between taxes difficult, but what's going on?
In this world... something magical, something to control?
"The powerful big chamber of commerce seems to be leaping in the back."
"Hehe..."
Chardonnay doesn't talk much.
I guess there's something about the Heka Trail Sponsorship Association.
Most of the stories should be kept secret.
Is there also a tax haven in this world that was heavily used in the financial wars that took place in the world of previous life?
The "Panama Document" of the previous life was famous.
If the country has taxation, the great chambers of commerce in this world are also going to be doing something planned bankruptcy, making capital evasion a priority over tax avoidance.
"Let me also say hello to Lord Shuya's men."
And, Chardonnay, when he nodded against Vine, laughed and confessed with his family.
To Eva, Vine and Yui, Mel knows.
Next, chill out and see Zolfalt, one arm, who became a Dark Alliance member of Card, greet him.
I also see Benny and Majiman.
but turned into staring eyes.
"Executives of the Great Pirate and the Seven Commandments are under Master Shuya's command..."
And, grumble.
Majiman was also a major pirate in the Navy's Special Forces in Thermalia.
Benny, who had a dispute with that Majiman, was also an executive of the [Seven Commandments].
Benny was an executive of [Seven Commandments].
He led an assassination team and also undertook a task force request from Chardonnay against the Thermal Front.
He collects a treasure called the Sacred Cabinet (Arc.) to avenge the Sevenfold royal family.
It was just before Magiman stormed us in search of a nautical chart and the Sacred Cabinet of Mihoza.
Benny told Mel the information he knew about [the Seven Commandments].
I know its contents in blood letters.
Bufas, I hear a [Seven Commandments] executive named Demigolo is coming to the region.
I know Chardonnay, the Marquis of Oseberia, who would have traded with such [Seven Commandments], will be on guard.
With a sharp gaze, Chardonnay returned her gaze to deputy Mel.
Turning his gaze to Benny and Majiman again, he gazes and stares at them.
Chardonnay then shifted his gaze to the nearby sharks and keys,
"Once again, it's good to know you both, Master Shuya."
"Yes."
"Indeed."
"Hehe, Keeki, you, to this Shuya..."
"Ahhh... sorry"
"Hehe."
Keeki gives me the look of sorry.
"Mr. Keeki, I don't care."
"If you're shuya, be nice."
and chardonnay smiling.
From there, Chardonnay turned her gaze to Rumaldi.
"I wonder who... but..."
I also see the Book of God of Arulcan floating on Rumaldi's side.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Rumaldi. I just got to know Mr. Shuya."
"Really? I know you're a brilliant wizard."
And when I look at the shark, the shark shakes its head.
Chardonnay looks at the Book of God of Arulcan again, whining briefly, "Yes..."
The Book of God of Arukan says, "Hey, fox-like woman of the people, Shuya is my friend, don't give a hand". Everyone in the room who hears these words opens their eyes in surprise.
Chardonnay... spread a fan around his mouth,
"Well, it's funny. It's a rare magic book."
And, after a short whine......
I closed the fan and turned my gaze to Kuna.
The moment Chardonnay gave me her gaze without anything...
'- Huh?', surprised Chardonnay.
Again, watch Kuna.
Also, turn your gaze on me, and immediately put your gaze back on Kuna,
"Again, true!
And, surprised, drop the fan, pick up that fan, and look up at Kuna.
Huh? Huh? Chardonnay repeated such expressions.
I'm sorry to say it, but I laughed.
Seeing my laughing look, Chardonnay sharpened her gaze and hid her mouth with a white fan,
"... Looks like Master Shuya got some new talent too. Besides... Kuna was reported alive and I couldn't believe it by Russia though! Is a woman like Kuna really a dark Kuna? Dead (...) and I was hearing..."
"Yes ~ ♪ Master Chardonnay, long time no see. Maybe since the transfer team's deal?
"I remember the old days. You're really alive."
"Dear Chardonnay, I am deliberately surprised, but as I know, the dead Kuna is a fake. Because the real me, this is right, I'm fine!
"... that word and atmosphere is definitely the real Mr. Kuna... but sharks? I haven't heard that."
Chardonnay stares blaming the nearby shark.
"Seems so… the information is complex, can only be seen in a limited amount, without regard…"
Then, when the key was in Chardonnay's ear,
"... Lady, the door that was inside Kuna's shop won't open with the help of a specialist Demon Keyman..."
And keep talking to you in a low voice.
Chardonnay also nods against Keeki.
"Right...... because weeds (...) are prone to bush"
"Yes."
Keeky snorts.
Mr. Shark remains drooling over his head.
Chardonnay is
"Sharks, I'm dissatisfied, but this time I'm not going to ask. And this is how we met Mr. Shuya and the real Kuna."
"Yes."
Against sharks, chardonnay smiling.
Its chardonnay is an aristocratic, slow facial movement, staring at Kuna as she obliques her thin jaw.
"So, the real Mr. Kuna? I've raised the rare species to Cecily, but it's okay, isn't it?
Kuna let a blue muscle float her forehead,
"You're not okay. Gold Griffon was a gift to be given to Master Shuya."
"... I hope you're not angry."
And a frightening chardonnay, but purposeful.
I turned to Kuna,
"Kuna, that story is over."
"But..."
Just shut up.
Hearing my strong words Kuna lights her body with joy.
Furthermore, when I shook my body and was about to faint, Eva supported me.
Yui, Vine and Xala gaze at the members of [Goliath's Flag of War] without worrying about Kuna.
Rumaldi watches silently.
Arukan's Book of God was playing with his partner, who was under Rumaldi's feet.
... Well, I'm not here to talk to the public.
"It's time to get down to business"
"Yeah, sure."
I'm staring up.
This is about a new city in the Tree Sea.
I will not tell you about Count Zentrady.
"The case involves uncertain information… where the hell..."
"Naturally. We're the ones who cut off the unexplored land of the Tree Sea."
"... Huh? Shuya and the others cut it..."
Chardonnay is astonished, but shows a face like she held Yu.
"The name of the new city is Sideil. The queen of Saideil is my family's quiche. The official name is Kish Bachnoda. That's why I'll be Queen Kish Bachnoda. And on this occasion, I think we can speculate because Mel and the others are here, but this story is clear to His Royal Highness Prince Phallus and the Lordship's deputy in the city of Arse."
"Guess what, family member's, Queen Kish?
Speaking in questionable nuances, Chardonnay, once again, turns his gaze to the shark.
"I don't know. It was reported that Hino Village was moistened..."
Chardonnay heard the shark.
Look at me and Mel alternately, with a hazy look on your face.
"... what intelligence. I see, everything…… the twitch fits…"
Looks like I read the background to [Heavenly Moon].
"If you understand, we'll talk fast."
"But it's inexplicable that Mr. Shuya's family is the queen. A family member is like a subordinate, isn't it? Isn't Mr. Shuya, the great book, the lord of that Saideil?
"I'm not a stand-up vessel."
"Is it..."
"In the depths of the tree sea, Sideil is the place where the elves originally lived, where the village of Sideil, home of Kish, was located. Its village of Sideil was doomed by the Demon Dragon King... but Kish, a native of that village, lived and continued his adventurous activities on the Heka Trail. The quiche also took part in the Demon Dragon King crusade rally to join me in the Demon Dragon King battle. It was also Kish who was blown away and wounded by that demon dragon king... Even after crusading the demon dragon king, he kept working hard in the village of Sideil, accepting unaccompanied children and lacking his power... kidnapped children by the forces of vampires and fighting against the army of oaks and tree monsters. And the gentle quiche of accepting the people who were abused in the tree sea into the village of Saidail in harsh circumstances... I just helped with that. So she's the one who deserves the lord of Sideil. He's a great hero, a great knight."
Chardonnay is silent.
Nod slowly, then
"... well, what the hell... I'm talking about punching you in the chest. There's another hidden hero..."
"I see, there's an elf hero. There was a land of elves in a part of the sea."
That's what the shark near Chardonnay talks about.
I nodded to agree,
"Kish's ancestors also seemed to be a clan of elves connected to the Befaritz Empire"
"... So what is the blood muscle of the queen, Master Kish, a clan of old elves? Like the kingdom of Terramay in the north?
"Probably."
That's what I said. Mel and I gaze and nod.
"So, Master Chardonnay. I wonder if you understand why I cut off the land of the tree sea."
"Yes."
"But... I hear that there was a meeting with some of the nobles of the Kingdom of Oseberia on the matter..."
Seeing my expression, Chardonnay made a strong, gobbling, spit-swallowing sound.
Keeks and sharks also make frightened surfaces.
I put my hand on my hip weapon.
"... right. Naturally, you know..."
The Richters sink their hips like nervous too.
It gave me a swordswallowing vibe, but when I was aware of Al Qaeda and smiled...
Chardonnay said, 'Phew...' exhale,
"... there was a meeting of nobles. It's a claim to ownership over that new land in the tree sea. So now, at this moment, I draw my hand from the Saidail of that new land! However, since the village of Hino is Heka Trail territory, naturally our Chamber of Commerce will also be involved, okay?"
Fast driving.
"Of course, if it's to each other's interests, I'd like to ask for your cooperation. And Kish's wish is peace."
"Yes! Good... because I am the head of the Army and I am already going to be the head of the Second Prince! Oh, now give Mel the keys, the papers on the shelf."
"Yes."
"What's that?
"It's a document from the other meeting. I also decided to march, but I won't march at all, so ignore me."
While Chardonnay was talking like that, Mel, who received the paperwork from Keeki, glances over the paperwork.
Mel quickly drops in an eye contact.
Nothing surprising about the paperwork. So I nodded.
As deputy chief, the same aristocratic information Mel had grasped.
I would say so.
"... so you pay for the firepowder on your own here, but you don't mind?
"Be my guest. My authority is beyond my reach. I'm sure King Luke and the royal palace will move independently... but even that, to Mr. Shuya, is it an event that will bring you luck?
It's a chilling look at Mel and Kuna's family.
Vine nods satisfactorily.
Kuna put her index finger on a mole near her lips and stared at me.
I immediately narrow my lips and make a chubby move.
I turned my gaze to Eva next door.
Eva also imitated Kuna and said, "Eh," she chuckled, so she laughed.
How about, uh, turning into serious mode, watching Chardonnay, and then...
"... general expectations, but I thought it was too much to buy"
"Even during negotiations that should come out somewhat arrogant, pierce humility. It really sounds like Shuya."
"... intelligent samurai. You're just a hero spear..."
Until Mr. Shark.
"You can be praised with a true face"
"Hehe... it's a compliment killing. We are at war with the Kingdom of Thermalia..."
During the war......
Chardonnay is also honest around being a compliment killer.
No, is that all you mean?
Chardonnay looks at Majiman and Benny chills, and sighs again.
... Well, the story about the tree sea went through.
"Then fill in the details through the Chamber of Commerce with Mel, the deputy director. I'm leaving."
The detail is a round throw at Mel and Ray.
The entry of the Heim River east of the Black Ship Pirates, and the matter of the harbor, will also be discussed.
Celis Haines Rhodelia, who was Ray Jack's luggage.
Mel has anticipated that the second princess of the Rhodelian kingdom will not be here forever.
It's not my own navy, but we need to set up an environment that's easy to get out of the Rhodelian Sea.
"Please wait."
"Yes? What is it?"
Retained by Chardonnay.
"You shouldn't anymore. It must be about war."
"Is this your job against [Heavenly Moon]? As a second prince?
"It's both. And I'd like to be strong, but it's because I admire you, Master Shuya... and it's because you're the mighty Shuya that I can ask for. And it's also an official request from Chardonnay von Anaheim"
"What can I ask..."
"Yes. Now, Richters, back off."
"Ha."
The members of [Goliath's Flag of War] walk out of the room with each other.
The Chardonnay side is just the keys and sharks.
You said you trusted us.
Chardonnay offered me a gift,
"What can I ask for, do you say... There are two things I would like to ask you. There's a platoon and a bridgehead that I want you to save."
"Platoon and Bridge Head Fort..."
"Yes, the platoon..."