***Arc 7 One Who Bare Their Fang on Reason, Chapter 157 Kingdom’s Brave Woman***

The next day, Krische also had work to do.

She had to check on Jarea Gashea, whom she had neglected, as well as attend a meeting that she had not been able to attend for some time.

Of course, she did not always attend every meeting, but this time the topic being what it was.

Krische obediently responded to the words of Kreschenta, Selene, and Eluga, who said that it was better to show her face on official setting.

Of course, she wanted to spend time with Bery, but still even though it was for the sake of saving Bery, what Krische did was way too selfish.

As expected, Krische felt sorry for Selene and Eluga, who was swung around because of that, and she was thrown into the bath on the day of her return, where she was lectured by Selene for a long time.

Kreschenta, even if she didn't show it on her face was pleased to see Krische showing a serious intention to participate in political affairs, something very unusual in the world.

Kreschenta was overjoyed when she and Krische showed up together for the Council meeting that day.

The nobles lined up looked at the usual Krische wearing a shirt, skirt, and overcoat, and fell to their knees while looking at each other.

There are many who have seen the light that pierces the sky above the royal capital, and many who have seen the dragon itself albeit from a distance.

She slaughtered seventeen nobles without leaving any evidence, challenged the dragon and returned alive, and was allowed to use True Name.

Once they realized that she was the Queen's sword――a monster without question - they had no choice but to stiffen up and beg for forgiveness.

The Queen was happy seeing them like that.

If she just assassinated nobles, that would still be fine, but now Krische was someone who had made a pact with a Dragon.

The "flying lizard" was a very unpleasant creature for Kreschenta, but its prestige itself could be well utilized.

“Good morning, everyone. Please make yourselves comfortable.”

Kreschenta called out to them, and they stood up from their kneeling positions and put their heels together.

It was a more polite gesture than usual, as was customary in such ceremonies.

Kreschenta had simplified the etiquette around it because it was troublesome, but she nodded that this was not a bad thing if it was done voluntarily.

“I think some of you had heard about it, but for some reason my older sister (Aneue) was away from the royal capital. I am sorry for not informing everyone of the situation and caused unnecessary confusion in Royal Capital.”

Of course it wasn’t like she really felt sorry, but if It’s just saying it, then it's free.

Public attitude (official stance) has always been important.

"However, as you know, my older sister (Aneue) has been allowed the Name (Mina; name of God) by the Holy Spirit Yagernaus-sama, and several hundred years after the past war――she has also returned after forming a friendship with Kreisharana, who had broken off relations with Alberan. The relationship between the two countries will also become more brighter in the future.”

A commotion spreads.

They were all astonished.

None of the nobles present here were unaware of the relationship with Kreisharana.

For Alberan, who could be called a victorious nation, this happened in the distant past――however, the hatred held by Kreisharana, who was driven into the mountains, still did not disappear, and for that reason, the severing of ties continued after the conclusion of non-aggression.

If it suddenly became like this, it's not surprising that they would show an astonished look on their faces.

"As an Alberinea. Originally, my sister (Aneue), who was worried about the turbulent situation around the kingdom headed to Arbyagel alone to investigate the movements of Kreisharana but...if you just look at what my sister (Aneue) had achieved, it is exactly what you would call a heroic act. For the Kingdom, I think it's something to be proud of."

An inspection that doubles as a messenger to Kreisharana.

Kreschenta decided to handle the matter in that way, ostensibly.

In the process, she had an audience with the Dragon and built a friendship.

Of course, the Dragon's appearance and remark made it impossible to hide the fact that Krische had turned his blade against the dragon, but this was only a rumor.

Truth is a mere trick of words.

People don't care what the truth is, and they just believe in what they want to believe, being swept along by words that seemed certain or true.

They have no way to confirm the truth, so they who think without any brain would take the most plausible information as the truth.

Compared to the Holy Spirit coming to the Royal Capital with one who pointed their blade to it on it’s back, it was much easier for them to understand that they have established a friendship through an audience.

"My sister (Aneue) is the kingdom’s symbol of martial arts, Alberinea, and Kreisharana is a culture that respects martial arts above all else――although there is a gap of several hundred years, there must have been something in common. Coincidentally, it overlapped with their festival, where she showed off her sword and competed with them."

It just so happened that Kreisharana was in the middle of a festival.

Krische suddenly showed up there, but even though she was a member of Alberan, with whom they had a bad relationship, she was invited to the banquet by them as an individual, and there she showed off her swordsmanship.

‘Well, what a strong person, to think there is such a person in Alberan’ and getting along like that, then performing a sword dance in front of the Dragon――and so a fictitious story such like that was, Kreschenta glanced at Krische.

"Umm... yes, that's right. A sword... or rather, a spear and a leg..."

"Fufu, my, Onee-sama. It's the same thing."

Kreschenta nodded with satisfaction.

“After that, my sister (Aneue) performed a sword dance in front of the Holy Spirit Yagernaus-sama——after that, it’s as you all know.”

She looked around.

Everyone was confused, but at least there was no sign of defiance.

It was only natural, because Krische killed all the people who rebelled.

“However, whatever the reason may be, considering the Holy Spirit Covenant, I can’t say that what my sister (Aneue) did can be fully praised. My sister also said that she wanted to take responsibility for this turmoil, and although this achievement was a great contribution to the Kingdom, the reward and punishment would be deducted. There’s no reward, that is to be the punishment for this disturbance.”

If the situation was right, it would have been enough to hold a parade, but so far the Kingdom was in turmoil.

Kreschenta wielded great force of the state, after the purge.

It was appropriate to refrain and punish, even if only formally.

Kreschenta wanted to seize absolute power, but she believed that it must not be a mere grip of fear.

Ideally, she wanted a system in which all would be willing to even give their necks on their own.

A world where people bow down in allegiance, obeying her word with all their heart.

That was the kind of world she seek, and it was only through reward and punishment and discipline that she could create it.

In order to create such a world, she need to at least make them think that she judged things properly and fairly.

The injustice of dictatorships and terrorism becomes a breeding ground for hostility and rebellion.

It is important that Kreschenta herself punish Krische, who that they as a puppet of the Queen, otherwise the same thing will happen again and again.

Inequality in the power structure is not the same as mere injustice.

Kreschenta wouldn’t mistake the two.

The older sister standing next to her was the same as usual.

She stood there with a face that understood that if she did something wrong, she would be punished for it, but Kreschenta smiled at her in satisfaction when she saw that foolishness.

For the time being, she is free from all kinds of worries, and Krische was by her side.

That was enough for her.

“That's all from me. If there is nothing else, Duke Lakos, I would like you to give me your report.”

"Ha. Your Majesty the Queen. Then from me—"

Kreschenta was in a very good mood that day.

On the estate――the carpenters were busily working next to the stables.

They were driving stakes very quickly, and they were building a shed a little too big for it to be a stables, and what they occasionally glance at was a wild beast yawning in front of the mansion.

It was a Suiko that was half let loose.

The house, which was used as Christand’s estate, was originally fenced off to some extent, but what they were working on was the inside of the fence.

And the beasts inside the fence were not just mere tigers or lions.

Its gigantic body at shoulder-high was eight shaku. Its jaws were that of a demonic beast that could rip off a person's upper body.

Working alongside such a ferocious beast, they were uneasy, and the work, including the expansion of the fence, was being carried out at a very rapid pace.

Standing in front of them were two beautiful girls of gold and silver.

And there was a man with a good physique and a face like a rock, and an old man with an evil face like that of a skeleton.

"Ehehe, it's Gururun, Meow-Meow’s companion. Over here is a two-legged Meow-Meow."

The green tiger growled, ‘gururu’ while its head was stroked, looking sleepily at Krische, and at the two-legged Meow-Meow and Kolkis.

Selene and Eluga exchanged glances at the existence of a new victim they knew for the first time, and Kolkis scratched his cheek with an indescribable expression.

“S-so, that nickname is already decided..."

"...?"

"No, it's fine. Let's just give up."

Kolkis literally dropped his shoulders.

Selene looked at this rock-like man with pity, while Eluga's cheeks lift up in amusement, wickedly.

"Kuku, that should be fine. Any fierce being is useless in front of Krische-sama."

“I feel ...... I'm the one who's getting the short end of the stick though.”

If Bald Eagle (vulture) and Skeleton were interpreted very favorably, they could somehow be caught as an alias.

Granmeld is Woof-Woof――although it's close to Kolkis, it's clearly more pathetic when comparing Woof-Woof and Meow-Meow.

‘Why me’, he thought to himself, but it was Krische who he’s dealing, she transcend beyond normal common sense.

He had no choice but to think that it couldn’t be helped.

The meeting with Kreschenta was over, and now it was time for the military meeting.

Before that, Colchis asked to see the Suiko that Krische had brought home, so the four of them had gathered.

Kolkis sighed and crouched down in front of the Suiko, careful so as not to irritate it, and looked at it.

The Suiko being stroked by Krische was as quiet as a cat.

If not for its bizarre physique, it would have been cute.

"Just when I thought Krische-sama was riding on the back of a dragon and returned home, Krische-sama even tamed a Suiko like this... I don't know what to say. I've hunted about three of them so far, but they didn't seem like beasts that could be tamed."

"Nn...Krische couldn't eat all the Ranka, so Krische tried feeding them, but it was pretty easy... This kid is pretty quiet, you know?"

“Quiet……Is it okay if I get a little closer?”

"yes. Elvena had just give it its meal before.”

"Haa... how pitiful"

Selene thinks and sighed.

When she came back earlier, she had just watched Elvena feed is, and she was frightened and almost cried.

In her hunched position, she timidly took the lump of meat,

‘Gu-Gururun-sama, it’s youe meal here~? I... it's not me okay...?’

And like that, she put it in front of this Suiko.

The smile on her cheeks twitched, and when the Suiko pounced on the meat, she was so surprised that she fell on her buttocks.

Seeing that, Selene was so worried about her that she suggested that Krische take care of it but,

‘No, no. It's a child who will be raised here from now on, and as Krische-sama’s servant, when I think of Bery-sama, who is currently recuperating, I can't complain about something like this...'

Elvena was truly admirable.

She was trembling, but she held her hand tightly, her eyes full of determination.

She was so admirable that it was pitiful. She too was a victim of clichés.

"Oh...it’s certainly quiet. But when you look at it like this, it sure looks cute. The impression you get is quite different from when seeing it in the forest."

Kolkis nodded with a childish smile.

“Do you like animals, Meow-Meow?”

"Hmm, ah... I’m sure it doesn’t suit my appearance, but I do like animals. I have several dogs at home. It's also my wife's hobby."

"Dog. Ehehe, Krische also a dog, or rather, playing pretend doggy is――Mugu”

"... please stop spouting stupid things."

Immediately, Selene covered Krische’s mouth and sighed.

Kolkis and Eluga tilted their heads, and Selene shook her head, telling them not to worry.

"Ah, Bery"

That's when Berry appeared from the second floor balcony.

Unusually she was wearing an one-piece dress, not an apron dress.

She was supported by Elvena, who was holding a blanket over her shoulders.

"Please excuse me being like this, Argand-sama, Faren-sama. Good morning."

"Oh, Berry. I'm glad you're doing well. How is your body?"

"Yes, it’s fine."

Kolkis smiled, and Bery also smiled and bowed her head politely.

Krische jumped up, went to the balcony, took Bery's arm and rubbed it against her cheek.

Selene put her hands on her hips and glared at Berry exasperated.

"Bery, you..."

“Fufu, don’t worry. It’s just for a little bit”

She smiled and strokes Krische’s head, but Selene sighed holding her temple.

"In your case, I'm afraid you'll be working normally tomorrow after saying that. I tell you, don't work until the thread comes off. I don't know how effective the dragon blood is, but the wound in your stomach isn't closed properly."

"Yes, I will take it to heart."

‘Do you understand or not?’

Like a little girl, she smiled happily and looked at the green tiger.

"I heard a happy voice, so I'm a little curios. Look, it's not good for my health to be cooped up all the time, right? Even though it's such a nice weather."

"Ehehe, Bery, do you want to see it up close?"

"yes. …Is it fine, Ojou-sama?”

"...it can't be helped, geez"

With the support of Krische and Elvena, but Bery seemed a little troubled by the treatment of the sick.

‘I’m fine’ she said with a wry smile as they went out into the garden and stood in front of the Suiko.

“My… Bururun was also quite a big child, but this one is even bigger.”

"yes. Ehehe, it's a really big meow meow. It is said to be a Suiko. It can use magic, so it can runs faster than Krische."

“Faster than Krische-sama...”

Even as she was surprised, she folds her skirt behind the knees and squated down.

"Look, Gururun, this way."

Then she beckoned as it was a cat.

Gururun glanced at the next cliché, stood up while yawning, and slowly approached Bery.

If the small Bery squated like that, the Suiko’s big mouth will be exactly where her head was.

If it opens and closes his mouth without thinking about it, Bery's upper body will immediately fit in the Suiko’s stomach.

Elvena turned her face pale and took a step back.

However, the Suiko brought his face to Berry's head and smelled it.

Exploring Bery's body in that way, it stared at her for a moment, and then it lowered itself down.

Slowly, Bery reached for its head, and it closed it eyes, absentmindedly, and obediently letting its head stroked.

"Fufu, it's big, but it really does look like a cat. It's cute."

“Yes, it’s a good and obedient child.”

What happened to Elvena was astonishing.

Selene looks at Bery in amazement while looking pitifully at Elvena, who seems to be in shock.

No vigilance against the fierce beasts feared by the savages――Bery was as usual.

"Ah, but it's no good if you stroke it against its coat. It's pretty sting."

"That's true. I wonder should I use a stiff comb when grooming it?"

Krische also squatted next to her and started stroking Gururun.

Lined up like that, they looked a pair sister, and the red-haired girl was a girl no matter how you look at her.

Her apron dress makes her look a little more grown-up, but when she change into a dress, she looks just like a girl.

It's been more than ten years since they first met, and the three of them, except for Elvena, were half exasperated at the unchanging appearance of the beautiful girl――beautiful woman, and Kolkis scratches his cheek approached Gururun.

"However, Bery, you sure are fearless. Even if you look around the world, the only women who could say that the Suiko is cute when they see it for the first time are probably just you and Krische-sama. As expected, even I wouldn't be so bold about it."

While saying that, Colchis timidly reached out and stroked Gururun's back.

It was the first time for Colchis to caress the back of a living Suiko, and he let out a voice as if he was moved.

Bery pressed her fingertips to her lips and tilted her head.

"...Is that so? 　But even dogs and horses can kill people if they feel like it. The only difference is whether they have a rough temperament, docile, or affectionate right.”

Elvena, who was listening, widened her eyes in surprise behind her.

“Of course, if I had crossed the green tiger with the spear like Argand-sama, my impression might have been different, but…just because I was bitten by a dog, that doesn’t mean all dogs are like that,, it's just one among many is like that. I think the point is how you perceive it.”

Bery smiled while holding her finger up.

Kolkis was becoming more and more astonished and raised both of his hand.

“I can't compete with her. It's really a waste to keep her as just a servant. If you had used her talents to her full advantage, you would have become a famous lady of the court.”

"Fufu, I'm glad to hear that, but that’s too much of an overestimation. I'm in my current position is appropriate, and working as a servant is all I can do."

"That's right, Meow-Meow. A servant's job is very difficult. It's not as easy as a sword or a spear."

"... you're the only one who thinks swords and spears are easy."

“unya”

Selene pinched Krische's cheek, and Eluga laughed happily.

“Kuku, no, but isn’t Bery-kun now a servant who supports Christand and Her Majesty the Queen, the greatest noble in the kingdom. Even if there is no brilliance display there, from the point of view of the Kingdom, it can be said that she is the number one shadow contributor――it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that she is the backbone of the kingdom.”

"... Please let me off Faren-sama. If you say that, I will be so embarrassed that I won't be able to raise my head."

Bery's face turned bright red and her eyes moistened.

The way she held her cheeks with both hands was endlessly cute.

Eruga is even more amused, and Selene looks at her with indescribable eyes.

Even though she should have been twice as old as herself, she looked incomparably more lovely than Selene.

There should be a limit to the falsification age――while giving up on the fact that she would never be able to compete with her in that area, she flicks Bery’s forehead with her finger.

"Ouch, what are you doing, Ojou-sama?"

"...Just somehow. Don't say stupid things anymore, it's time to go. Come on, Krische too."

"Ah..., muuu..."

Selene grabbed Krische by the waist and lifted her up, tearing her away from Bery's side.

Krische pouted her lips but didn't resist and smiled at Berr.

"Then Bery, Krische is going now."

"Yes, please take care."

"Elvena, the food is ready, so when it's noon, go to Bery."

"Yes, understood"

"Ehehe, Krische tried to dissolve a lot of ingredients so that Bery would heal quickly. Let's get well soon and cook together."

"Eh, uhhh……"

Bery’s eye swam around for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

"……Yes, of course"

"...?"

Krische tilted her head and Bery shook her head, stood up, and dropped a kiss on Krische’s forehead.

"Take care, Krische-sama."

"Yes."

Krische wrapped her arms around Selene and waves her hand as they walk away.

Bery waved her hand and looked away, silently lowering her eyes.

“B-Bery-sama!”

It was Elvena who grabbed Berry's hand with both of her hands.

Bery startled leaned back and tilted her head, puzzled by Ervena's face.

"What's wrong, Elvena-sama...?"

"No, uh..., I was impressed by what Elvena-sama just said! I was just afraid of this Gururun-sama... I was afraid in my heart, and was reluctant to take care of it... but I was wrong. This will disqualify me as Christand’s servant, I apologize."

Elvena bows her head in the most apologetic tone, and Bery stared blankly at it.

"Ha, ha...umm, there’s no need to worry about it that much. Everyone has things they're not good at, so it can't be helped――"

"No. I have to do my best in exchange for Bery-sama's too. Up until now, I've spent my time surrendering myself to the circumstances I was given, but... but I'm sure this is a fortuitous meeting. From now on, I will do my best to assist Bery-sama.”

Beneath her dark hair were twinkling eyes full of respect.

She's smart, serious, a hard worker, has a good personality and gentle—Bery didn't have any complaints about Elvena, but rather thought she was trying too hard, but it's hard to answer when someone looks at her like that.

"Ah, thank you very much... but Elvena-sama is working hard enough. You don’t need to..."

"Yes. Please, your continued guidance and encouragement."

Bery scratched her cheek with an itch and Elvena found something to aim for.

"――Anne-sama, I understand your concern, but no matter how one think about it you put in too much honey."

"Y-yes, I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I’ll immediately——"

"It's enough, geez... I wonder why Anne-sama is always so extreme."

Later, Anne was shocked by the awakening of her rival.