To my unexpected struggle, a fierce battle’s aftermath spread across the sixth layer of the Pleiades Watchtower.

Dust hung thick in the air as men and women wrestled together, drenched in sweat and mud.

And then, there were others watching them with cold eyes――.

“What’s with that look? You say it’s my fault?! I’m not at fault, I’m not at fault――!!”

“Subaru, don’t give us too much disillusionment.”

“I thought you had some good points, but in the end, Balus is still Balus.”

Those were the impressions of Julius and Ram, who had descended to see Subaru pinned down by Shaula.

Nevertheless,

“It’s a stroke of luck that we could reunite safely. It’s good news you woke up… but the situation is clearly difficult to understand without an explanation.”

“If I could explain it… damn it! Let go of me!”

“Eeeeeeee~!”

Seeing Shaula cling to Subaru’s arm, Julius, who had his hand on the hilt of his sword, shrugged. He probably saw she had no intent to attack. Subaru agreed on that point, but it was still a struggle to pry her off.

“Don’t just stand there, help me peel her off…! This girl has such insane strength…”

“Your nose is getting longer, Balusuke.”

“It’s not! And don’t lump me in! Don’t be suggestive! Emilia-tan, that hurts! Pulling my hair won’t help much, will it!?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to help at all.”

“You’re apologizing there!?”

Stubborn Shaula wouldn’t let go of Subaru’s arm, and Emilia had an unusually serious expression while tugging at Subaru’s hair. By the way, Beatrice, who got caught up in the tussle between Subaru and Shaula, was dizzy and looking red, like a crushed-up “kyu”.

“What’s this…? Even after such a tough time, the atmosphere changed so drastically.”

“Isn’t it because big brother is awake? I’m not a fan of noise, but it’s good for big brother to be awake.”

Slowly coming down the stairs behind Julius and Ram were Anastasia and Meily, completing the group with the exception of Rem and Patrasche, who were still getting treated.

It was good that everyone was together, but at this rate, we couldn’t settle down to talk properly.

“So, everyone, calm down! —Let’s talk.”

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

With a voice that strained his waking throat, Subaru attempted to get everyone to settle down.

Even so, amidst the group sitting cross-legged, Shaula wouldn’t budge from Subaru’s right arm, and sitting just beside him, barely touching elbows was Emilia sitting in seiza. Beatrice took up position on his lap, creating a rather luxurious sight to the outside observer.

“How lewd.”

“Did you see the disaster just a while ago? Does it look like I’m doing this voluntarily on my right side? My bones are cracking a lot. If this continues, they’ll rot away.”

Tossing back Ram’s words, Subaru looked at his constrained right arm.

Being held by a half-naked beauty could be seen as a dream scenario on paper, but in reality, the pain in the joints that felt completely mastered and the constricted flesh on his arm struck fear in him, concerning his bones and nerves. Simply put, it was going to snap off.

“Anyway, I want to move on before my arm comes off from the root… but first, I’m just glad everyone is okay. It’s scary not having confirmed Rem and Patrasche…”

“Are you still doubting? It’s okay. Everyone should be fine.”

“Beatrice is right. That said, your anxiety and worries are valid. Make sure to visit them later. —This time, everyone certainly got cold feet.”

Subaru rejoiced at the reunion, and Beatrice and Julius nodded in agreement.

Julius, perhaps recalling what happened right after they separated in the sandy sea, made a grim expression and said,

“Right after the space cracked open, you, Lady Anastasia and Lady Ram, excluding us, fell beyond that magical beast’s flower field. After going through twists and turns, we ended up getting sheltered in the watchtower.”

“But, but, big brothers weren’t there, and since we knew they couldn’t fight, we were worried.”

Following Beatrice’s explanation, Meily agreed with a puffed-up face.

Certainly, their anxiety was understandable. The moment Subaru and the others fell to the underground of the sandy sea, they too were considerably worried about those who disappeared.

“Sister was super flustered! She bit that sage, it was really tough. Even now, just thinking about it is scary!”

“Hey, Meily. You don’t have to say that.”

Emilia blushed, retorting at the age-inappropriate glance from Meily. It was clear from Emilia’s red face that no exaggeration was involved in what the girl said.

Although it was inappropriate, being worried about me was honestly heartwarming.

“Oh, is that so? Emilia-tan was worried about me. It seems Beako was so worried she cried a lot, so I’m a lucky guy.”

“No, Subaru is just joking again… And Beatrice wasn’t crying that much. Maybe about half? Right?”

“If you’re concerned, you should have cared until the very end, you natural airhead…!”

“—?”

Beatrice pouted at the revelation of her teary state, yet Emilia was oblivious. Watching such heartwarming exchanges made Subaru smile as he looked up at Julius.

“In that case, you must have been quite shaken yourself. It’s a pity I couldn’t see that face of yours.”

“Of course, I was greatly disturbed. You’re one thing, but it was also Lady Anastasia and Lady Ram. Two frail women, to be separated from them was a grievous loss. Not being able to see you, stumbling about with pale faces, left me feeling better that now my thin guts can relax.”

“What do you mean you were so scared you couldn’t do anything? Why does that sound so elegantly put?”

Subaru made a wry smile as Julius touched his bangs habitually.

Neither putting on a brave front nor showing weakness resulted in anything interesting. Just then, Meily, struck by the exchange, let out a small laugh.

What was it, when I looked, she covered her mouth with her braid and said,

“Naaaah, it’s nothing.”

“Well, I understood that everyone was worried about us who strayed. Since there’s no one missing, we can just look back and laugh about it.”

“Only someone as bold and thick-headed as Balus can do that. I remember Ram’s thin body and small heart felt like they were going to burst with anxiety and fear, even now.”

“Is the big sister who has the thickest skin among the people I know saying something?”

Indeed, among Subaru’s acquaintances, Ram was known for her unyielding mentality. Naturally, her statement was dismissed as nonsense, yet he couldn’t help but gaze at Ram’s face sitting across from him.

With white skin and pale pink eyes. Without a doubt, a beautiful face with refined features and a cool elegance; an exotic fruit that existed between purity and grace. There was no denying it, it was the usual Ram.

“—Stop giving me that unpleasant stare. Why are you staring at me?”

“Well, I was just thinking that you’re still Ram.”

“That’s enough.”

“Don’t make judgments without any subject! No, not that—”

Subaru floundered for words while Ram sliced through his speech lightly.

The images that flooded his mind were of the event just before losing consciousness down in the underground――standing before the centaur, injured, shielding Subaru.

A delicate back facing a mighty foe, covered in wounds, confronting a strong enemy without any chance of winning. Experiencing the fear of loss while witnessing such a fearless view, and now, both of them had come back alive.

Realizing that fact while conversing as usual with her challenging demeanor was quite a feeling.

“That’s right. It’s this kind of distance. I awkwardly felt a dislike and seriousness, but looking back, that was also… nah, I guess that’s just not a good memory.”

“You keep mumbling what you want to say. Just say it clearly, like a man.”

“I’m just glad we both made it back safely. Also, I’m thankful you protected me in the end.”

“……That was a waste of time.”

“Why are you saying that!?”

Despite Subaru trying to express his gratitude sincerely, Ram’s response was completely unrewarding.

Subaru sulked in such a manner and Emilia giggled softly.

“It’s okay, Subaru. Ram is just a bit shy.”

“Sister being shy…? That’s more convincing than a natural disaster.”

“N-no, that’s not true. Probably, it’s because Subaru kept holding on to Ram until she woke up, so now it feels awkward. It was rough when you let go too.”

“Emilia-sama!”

Though Emilia whispered that discreetly, Ram reacted violently to her words. Her eyes, typically gentle, raised an eyebrow, and she said,

“I think it would be better if you didn’t consider things based merely on your standards. I wouldn’t want to serve someone who doesn’t understand the heart of a person.”

“… That ‘someone’ isn’t referring to me, is it?”

“No. If Lady Emilia can indeed consider the feelings of others, and is nothing like a clumsy fool, then it doesn’t concern her at all.”

“Right. Uh, let me think about it for a moment.”

As Emilia began to seriously contemplate Ram’s intense and sarcastic accusations, Ram glared at Subaru with a deadly glare and mouthed, “Forget it”.

At that fierce atmosphere, Subaru could only nod and recall that when he woke up, there had been some signs of someone sleeping beside him in his bed. He thought it was Beatrice, but when he pieced everything together from now, it was clearer.

“Oops, I forgot. Forget that.”

“That’s alright. Not a fool… rather, Lady Emilia. That’s enough now.”

“Ugh, has Ram been losing her consideration for me…?”

Emilia shot Ram an accusing glance, but Ram brushed it off with a blank face.

In any case, Ram clearly didn’t want to touch on that subject, so Subaru shifted his gaze to the last member of their group, Anastasia.

She was sitting next to Julius, casually toying with the bobble of her hat, but upon noticing Subaru’s gaze, she smiled softly.

“Ah, did you finish your conversation? I thought you had forgotten about us, Natsuki-kun.”

“A little family-first ego is something I hope you’ll allow. I’m just glad you’re safe yourself. Since the last battle in the underground, I didn’t even know what was happening.”

“I was thrown into complete darkness and was horrified, you know? Natsuki-kun and Ram-san and… also, Patrasche-chan were diligently fighting off those magical beasts, so they ignored me. I couldn’t do anything there, but I felt I contributed in negotiations.”

“Negotiations?”

“With that ‘sage’ who helped us out over there.”

Anastasia pointed at Subaru’s right arm, where Shaula was still snuggling up.

Hearing that, Subaru made a grim face, but Anastasia chuckled softly.

“No, no, we’re confused too. After all, just a moment ago, the person who wouldn’t respond to any pushes or pulls seems to be fawning over Natsuki-kun now.”

“MUTE? This?!”

“Not this, I mean Shaula.”

“Annoying…”

Shrugging, Anastasia and pouting Shaula made Subaru feel disheartened.

If one looked only at the situation, Anastasia’s side would deserve a word or two. Yet Subaru had his rebuttals as well. It was honestly unexpected from the start.

“Being suddenly smothered with a hundred points of affection, no matter how beautiful the person is, doesn’t mean it’s a matter of my own affections being zero, does it…”

“——! Did you just call me beautiful?!”

“What convenient ears you have!”

Subaru, once again, tried to pry off Shaula from his left arm. The harder he tried, the stronger her grip became, and he had no choice but to give up.

Ultimately, while she hung on his right arm, panting heavily, Subaru shook his head and said, “It can’t be helped,”

“Let’s set aside trivial matters now, and talk about what we should be discussing. I’d like to avoid fumbling around due to insufficient explanations. I want you to talk about many things.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll agree to anything my teacher says.”

“I see, your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Then, I’d like to ask: you are recognized as the ‘sage’ who secluded themselves in this Pleiades Watchtower… right?”

“Pwayyy.”

“Answer me! Didn’t you just say we’re going to have a discussion!?”

Shaula, who had been smiling amicably until a moment ago, now averted her eyes blatantly at Julius’s question. Subaru hollered, annoyed at her poor attitude, and Shaula pouted back.

“Geez, what a teacher! Whoever asked you anything wasn’t breaking any rules, so I just did as you instructed. I’m merely adhering to that instruction faithfully. It’s frankly outrageous to be scolded for it! I’ll sue!”

“That teacher sounds horrible!”

“Exactly. That teacher is a real jerk! I sincerely expect deep reflection and an apology for this.”

“You, calling people by your teacher’s name arbitrarily is—what is it, Emilia-tan? That look.”

As Subaru and Shaula engaged in their unusual dialogue, Emilia narrowed her round eyes. Subaru braced himself, fearing it was more of her mysterious episodes, but Emilia continued,

“I’m not sure it’s a big deal, but… well, the way Subaru and that Shaula girl talk feels similar, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t talk in such a lowly manner!?”

“Not like that, more like the way you express things. When you’re having serious discussions, you still joke around, right? That kind of vibe.”

“You thought of me that way!?”

Subaru was shocked by her unexpected evaluation, while Emilia seemed uninterested. On the contrary,

“Hmm… if you think about it that way,”

“Is it like Balus-level communication skills? I’m oddly worried about what’s to come.”

“I actually like the way you talk, big brother.”

“But if everyone spoke like that, it’d be hard to digest, don’t you think?”

In response to the surrounding agreement and lackluster evaluations, Subaru found his mouth agape. However, instead, one little girl──Beatrice, erupted with fury.

“Seriously, stop saying arbitrary things! You too, what do you think of Subaru being so familiar with other people? Do you know just how hard I worked to take his hand?! It’s so unfair!”

Although the main subject had veered off course, Beatrice’s spirit was heartwarming. But Shaula, inappropriately extolling “beautiful girl” behavior, brushed off Beatrice’s protests with utter disinterest.

Shaula expressed her disdain in an exaggerated manner, causing Beatrice’s already small patience to reach its limit.

Before that could escalate further, Subaru’s chop landed right on Shaula’s forehead.

“Enough already, you.”

“Ouch… it doesn’t hurt, but is this abuse!? Abuse…! The teacher has been violent towards me! Let’s meet in court!”

“Shut it! And you! Talk properly to others! We can’t move forward here!”

“… Is that alright?”

“Sure! In fact, strongly encouraged! It’s about time, I’m counting on you!”

Subaru’s complaint, frowning, left Shaula agape. Gradually, she shifted her expression to one of shock, understanding, realization, affirmation, and appreciation in turns.

Then she exclaimed, “Yay! I’ve been authorized to talk! There’s no need to act all mysterious and like a beautiful girl anymore! Hooray!”

“You don’t have a single part of that left!!”

Its tail likely would have been waving fiercely, a beaming smile enveloped her.

In reality, Shaula’s ponytail was happily twirling, and she repeatedly smacked Subaru’s cheek and forehead as she hung on.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“So, you’re the rumored ‘sage,’ right?”

After the noise had subsided, they finally reached the question needing confirmation.

With Subaru’s right arm released, Shaula now sat cross-legged in the middle of the gathering. By the way, his right arm remained numb and immobile.

“———-”

“Answer me. You are the ‘sage,’ right?”

“Hmm, answering that question is tough.”

Stunned by her silence, Subaru repeated the same question. Consequently, Shaula made a sour face as if she had bit into a sour plum, then ambiguously responded.

Confused, Subaru furrowed his brows, thus Emilia raised her hand in place of him. She prefaced with, “Well then,”

“It’s not about whether you are ‘sage’ or not, but was it you who was watching over the sand dunes inside this tower?”

“Ah, that would be me without a doubt. Four hundred years, day in and out, I stared at the sand, spending my tearful days speaking while crying my own rivers…!”

“How sad…”

“Emilia-tan, don’t get influenced. Don’t apply unnecessary emotions.”

As Shaula responded, shaking her fists, Emilia couldn’t help but let her eyes glisten. While calming Emilia down, Subaru glanced at Julius, taking into account Shaula’s current response.

Julius nodded and led the conversation,

“So, it is correct to say that the generally known deeds of the ‘sage’ were taken on by you for four hundred years, is that correct, Lady Shaula?”

“Being called ‘Lady’ kinda makes me shy. I’m not used to it, so feel free to call me by my name. It’s that kind of Shaula… dehehe.”

“Then let’s correct that. —It is correct that the ‘sage’ commonly known is indeed you, Shaula?”

“Well, how would I know? Just because you say so doesn’t mean I’ve been outside of the tower, so I wouldn’t know the rumors out there. For all I know it could be all twisted up weirdly. Just like how I’m called the ‘sage.’”

Shaula’s previously unfocused expression transformed into one of deep thought, changing the atmosphere. Julius, having met her probing gaze, narrowed his own eyes.

Even Julius couldn’t dismiss what she had just said. If Shaula’s words were to be taken as fact――

“If you’re not the ‘sage,’ then the legends about ‘sage’ Shaula would all be wrong hearsay. Or do you mean there’s someone else considered ‘sage’ named Shaula?”

“I don’t know who that ‘sage’ Shaula out there is, but as far as I know, I’m the only Shaula. This name was given to me by my teacher, so if my teacher hasn’t given it to anyone else… but,”

A glance from Shaula turned toward Subaru, yet he had never given anyone the name Shaula.

After all, the name “Shaula” does have a certain resonance. Shaula is also a star name, one of the names that form the constellation of Scorpio――meaning “needle.”

Naturally, thoughts about the white light released from the watchtower heaved in, yet it would do no harm to put off asking about it for later. Right now, a different issue should take precedence.

“My teacher apparently doesn’t have a clue, so Shaula is indeed my name only. A name given solely to me by my teacher… I don’t need any other Shaulas.”

“I see. It seems you hold quite an affection for that teacher of yours. —What a sinful person they are.”

“Don’t stop looking at me while saying that. It’s a false charge. Presumed innocence.”

“Those who have doubt shall be punished… Ram thinks so.”

“Let’s have pride in being a law-abiding state, shall we?”

Nevertheless, any banter aside, Shaula’s actions bore no signs of a lie. That being the case, the tales did indeed seem to differ.

Then, while Subaru and the others debated, Anastasia began rummaging through her pockets. And just what would she find there; she pulled out a handful of coins from her purse.

“You’re not suddenly counting money now, are you?”

“It’s just a habit of mine, playing with coins helps me when I’m thinking… but that’s not the intention. Just look closely at the kingdom’s currency.”

Saying that, Anastasia tossed a coin into Subaru’s palm, who was still confused. He quickly caught it, and upon being tossed were four coins: a copper coin, silver coin, gold coin, and of course, a Holy Gold Coin.

Surely, this wouldn’t be a payment or a bribe for Shaula. Looking closely at the coin, Subaru noticed the designs engraved on them.

He hadn’t ever paid close attention to money before――.

“It’s common to engrave pictures or patterns on money, isn’t it? How odd.”

“It’s not strange? They have to show where that currency comes from so… and also, currency always accompanies a country’s history. That’s why elements deeply connected to the nation’s history are engraved.”

“Hmm…?”

Listening to Anastasia’s explanation, Subaru examined the engravings on the coins. When he looked closely, he noticed the designs on the coins were quite distinct――

“On the Holy Gold Coin is a ‘Divine Dragon,’ on the gold coin is the ‘First Sword Saint,’ the silver coin has ‘The Sage,’ and the copper coin is of ‘Royal Castle Lugnica.’ Didn’t you know?”

“Wait, Emilia-tan just stated something that sounded like she was a knowledgeable character…!”

“Well, it’s only natural that you should know. Have you really never taken a good look at your money before shopping?”

As Emilia prodded him with an uncomfortable question, he whistled awkwardly to evade her gaze. Checking while evading, indeed, the engravings of the coins turned out as she described.

The Holy Gold Coin bore a dragon, the gold coin a glaring man, the copper coin depicted a castle, and engraved on the silver coin was――

“A young good-looking older brother. He doesn’t resemble Shaula at all.”

“But, the person society recognizes as Shaula is that illustration.”

The illustration depicted a long-haired, handsome man with a brave appearance. Of course, even when viewed from different angles, he could barely resemble a half-naked beauty.

The person in question, Shaula, requested, “Show it to me!” and after Subaru passed it to her, she examined the silver coin closely.

“Wow, this is good craftsmanship. It looks a lot like my teacher.”

“Where!?! No, if the ‘sage’ engraved there is indeed your teacher, then you mean to say they look similar to how your memories of your teacher recall them?”

“Geez, what are you saying? My teacher is my teacher, only!”

“Then let me rephrase. Where do they look alike?!”

Subaru coughed, raising his voice while looking between the illustrated coin and himself.

Their hairstyles differed, their eyes had contrasting expressions, and their races appeared distinctly different. The only similarity was their gender. If judged purely on appearance, he thought Julius would be far closer than he would.

However, Shaula didn’t seem pleased with Subaru’s point and replied with a “Gee…”

“From my perspective, they’ve got my appearance pretty accurately. There are hairs, two eyes and ears, and there’s a nose and mouth too.”

“At that level!? You’re not praising the drawing skills of kindergartners!”

“I also don’t think this sage resembles Subaru that much…”

Pouting, Shaula noted Subaru’s displeasure while Emilia assessed her answer and remarked disapprovingly. Naturally, it was something obvious. Yet Shaula remained unconvinced, wearing a stubborn expression.

“That’s because I’m not good at comparing faces. The only differences are whether they are male or female; pretty much everything else looks about the same… but also size-wise.”

“Did you just throw in a comment about Beatrice?”

“Beako being small and cute is unique, so that’s all good. More importantly, how could you put that big-headed theory on me? There’s a big misunderstanding here!”

Riding on Shaula’s excuse, Subaru aimed to rescind the severe and unjust disgrace so far endured. From the beginning, it hadn’t been a reasonable statement anyway. Without reason to scrutinize that, there had been none of his connections to Shaula to begin with, nor had he ever felt any relief.

Before he could finish his thoughts, Shaula shook her head.

“Oh. The way I identified my teacher is not based on their appearance, so it’s not an issue.”

“If it’s not by appearance, then how did you identify them? By aura?”

“By scent.”

“――――”

“Well, a person who has a smell so dark and vile it makes you feel like your nose is going to bend isn’t thinkable for anyone other than my teacher.”

“That’s the first time I’ve experienced such an intense insult! Wait, am I really that horrible?!”

The moment the keyword of “scent” was pronounced, Subaru momentarily braced himself. But directly afterwards, Shaula’s undiplomatic words obliterated any earlier resolve.

Blushing from her unfair judgment, Shaula looked puzzled and said,

“Why are you angry? Ah, was it because I said ‘vile’? Nothing to worry about! The smell of my teacher is just horrible, but it’s the type of scent you’d actually want to sniff repeatedly! It’s not puke-y, but more like the aroma of a strange dish, so it’s okay!”

“Don’t say things like that so casually! Also, that doesn’t help at all!”

Covering his face with his hands, Subaru slumped down in humiliation.

“What is this? I thought I was getting used to it, but to be humiliated like this is truly too much. What did I do…?”

“It’s okay, Subaru. I understand you well. So let’s be sure to take a bath later, okay?”

“That’s not the kind of understanding I need!”

As Subaru fell into depression, becoming useless, Beatrice sighed at his side. The girl crossed her arms, leaning against him.

“Did you understand why you confused Subaru with someone unknown to you?”

“I’m not confused. You’re cheeky for your size.”

“By unfortunate coincidence, that cheeky small girl is your important teacher’s partner. Oops, because it was a case of mistaken identity, it wasn’t teacher or anything. Excuse me.”

“――――”

A silent exchange of glares sparked between Beatrice and Shaula.

The main discussion had completely derailed, but there were too few credible individuals to correct it. Thus, being reasonable suffered the consequences.

“Lady Beatrice, let’s put aside the rivalry until after we finish our discussion. After our important talks, feel free to discuss who owns Balus.”

“Subaru is not owned by anyone, you know. That’s what makes it nice.”

“… Okay, okay.”

Ram rolled her eyes with clear exasperation, prompting Beatrice to withdraw her ire. Then Ram narrowed her eyes at Shaula, still holding a fierce gaze, and spoke up.

“In any case, it’s a stroke of luck you can now speak. Until just earlier, I couldn’t even engage in administrative conversations with you, but that should be fine now, right?”

“Yeah, since my teacher gave the go-ahead, it’s fine. But I’m not so kind that I’m going to answer everything. Besides, I don’t have much knowledge.”

“Just that response alone makes it clear you’re not the sage.”

Proudly, Shaula puffed out her ample chest, almost arrogantly displaying her ignorance. In a competing show, Ram sucked in her not-so-prominent chest, puffing up like she was the most commanding presence in this gathering.

“You are Shaula, but you’re not the ‘sage.’ If so, do you know of the ‘Sword Saint’ and ‘Divine Dragon’?”

“Kensee and Shinryuu?”

“Their names are Raid and Volcanica.”

“Ugh…!”

Upon Ram’s question, Shaula made a face as if biting something bitter.

Her negative reaction clearly indicated knowledge of both names. As the unnerving silence encouraged Ram to prompt further, Shaula swayed her body left and right while sitting cross-legged.

“Of course, I know those two. The stick-swinging Raid and the sarcastic Volcanica are old acquaintances. I haven’t seen them once since we parted ways, but they should be fine.”

“One of them… Raid is already dead. He died long ago.”

“Seriously?! Wasn’t he that kind of guy who wouldn’t die even if you killed him?! How did he die!? Did he eat something weird?!”

“By old age. No one can resist their fate.”

“Old age… Ah, I see. That makes sense since Raid was a human.”

Seeing one of her acquaintances’ “death” informed her, Shaula cast her eyes down sadly. Her ponytail drooped a bit, shoulders slumping in a sad manner.

No matter how her previous attitude and actions had been, her sadness over her friend’s death was equally melancholic.

Subaru, who was just starting to recover, felt a lump in his throat seeing the side profile of Shaula.

“Then, how about Volcanica? Is he doing okay?”

“That one is a dragon.”

“Oh, so he is, huh. I hope if anyone ends up dead, it’d be Volcanica instead of Raid.”

“You’re saying he gets treated awfully, hey.”

However, after showing just a trace of sadness, Shaula quickly changed the subject. As she switched back to her braver face with caustic remarks toward the other acquaintance, she wore a refreshing look.

Observing Shaula’s refreshing demeanor, Ram narrowed one eye as if contemplating and said,

“I have recollections of both Raid and Volcanica… So, you should also know the name of your teacher, right?”

“――――”

Immediately, everyone including Subaru held their breath at Ram’s question.

Only Shaula, who had been questioned, gave a puzzled look and replied, “Of course!”

Ram’s inquiry was indeed very effective in unraveling the “sage.”

With “sage” = Shaula no longer holding, if there existed any other person besides her recognized as “sage,” then obviously there was a necessity to meet that individual.

Although for some reason, Shaula mistakenly thought that individual was Subaru, it would surely not be something ambiguous when it came to names. There couldn’t be a miracle where the “sage” named Natsuki Subaru would come into play here. Subaru fervently hoped so.

And that prayer was answered.──In a manner beyond his wildest imagination.

“It’s absurd to be curious about my teacher’s name. Since he’s right there, you must know that our teacher is with you guys!”

“Unfortunately, your teacher bumped their head on the toilet and lost a lot of things.”

“Is there any particular significance in targeting a toilet?”

“Did your teacher do that again…?”

“Again!?”

Receiving a sympathetic glance from Shaula, Subaru tasted an insult that he didn’t want to experience. However, whether she comprehended that or not, she turned, leaping to her feet.

“Then allow me to announce from my mouth. The name of my teacher… that is the lofty sage! If someone called ‘sage’ is anyone, it has to be my teacher!”

“Enough of the preamble!”

“You’re impatient! But that too is true of my teacher.”

Adding a flourish to her movements as she toyed with him, Shaula stuck a finger against her cheek, and adopted a childish pose as she declared,

“Freugel.”

“… Huh?”

“The name of my teacher is Freugel. The Grand Sage Freugel, Shaula’s beloved teacher!”

The moment those words left her mouth, Shaula beamed with a radiant smile, chest puffed up proudly.

There existed without a doubt, pure respect, gratitude, and affection within that, and Shaula’s admiration toward Freugel made it unmistakable.

However, the reactions of Subaru and the others to that name varied.

After all, that name rang familiar.

“… That’s the name of the person who planted the trees.”

Subaru tilted his head at the name of an extraordinary individual he crossed paths with long ago.

 

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