“Because of that, it seems the next competition will be postponed. It seems they want to win over public opinion first.”

“Win over public opinion? How?”

“They’re still contemplating that even within the royal palace…”

What are they trying to do?

If that’s the case, they should have initially set rules for participation based on social status.

But what do I know?

Anyway, if I get rid of my debt and get the prize money, that’s enough.

Prodia changed the topic.

“How is it to be with Sharak? Does he seem okay with revealing our secret?”

“I think we need to observe a bit more to find out.”

“Alright. Let me know if you hear any more news. Thank you for your hard work.”

Saying so, Prodia once again displayed a business-like smile.
Now that everything’s taken care of, I suggest you go out.

Ed felt a bit disappointed, but there was nothing he could do for now.

He hadn’t started this journey without knowing what kind of woman she was.

“…Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Ed gave a slight bow to Prodia and left the office.

He continued to glance at her until the very end.

However, Prodia remained unaware of his gaze throughout.

Her mind was already filled with thoughts of the competition.

Considering the delay in the competition, what kind of training should she provide during that time?

But then, she changed her mind.

“Everyone has worked hard so far; maybe I should let them rest a bit.”

After all, once the next competition is decided, they’ll be busy again.

It would be a loss if the unnecessary training exhausts them and affects their morale.

Alright, let’s give them a break!

From that day on, apart from basic training, everyone could spend most of their time freely.

But it wasn’t the case for the three men.

Sharak wanted to hang out with everyone.

“Since we’ve received a vacation for the first time, how about going to the square together?”

“Go by yourself.”

“Ah, sorry, but I’m busy.”

“Me too.”

Everyone rejected outright.

But…

“I heard that a limited-time menu has been released at the bakery where I bought cookies last time. Ah, is there anyone who wants to go with me?”

“…”

Somehow, I feel like following them.

And when I came to my senses, they were already standing in front of the bakery with Sharak.

Moreover, while waiting in line, they couldn’t help but be amazed by Sharak’s crazy friendliness.

In just five minutes, he became friends with the person in front of him.

“I was just invited to that person’s house. Anyone want to visit together later?”

“Go by yourself.”

“Ah, sorry, but I’m busy.”

“Me too.”

“Ehehe! Everyone seems tired. Well, let’s just buy limited edition cookies as planned for today.”

And a while later.

Seeing Sharak safely return from the outing with the troublemakers, Prodia was surprised.

“As expected, leadership (S)…!”

Even the expressions of the three men looked quite satisfied.

Just by holding a bag full of cookies in both hands, it was evident.

Of course, although she vehemently refused to accompany them to a dessert shop.

That wasn’t the end.

“There’s a new pub that just opened. Let’s go together. I’ll treat!”

At those words, Ed was so surprised that he almost dropped his glasses.

“You said you took a leave of absence, didn’t you? What if you go bankrupt!”

“Ed, money can be earned again, but friendship cannot be bought with gold.”

After coming to his senses, he found himself once again inside the pub with Sharak.

“Order as much as you want.”

“…Are you really okay?”

“If you’re so worried, next time, Irtis, you can pay.”

Is he suggesting we go out again when the three of us just came back?

During this exchange, the ordered food arrived.

Sharak raised his glass toward everyone and began a toast.
“Suddenly, a stranger came, and I was quite surprised, right? Still, I was really grateful for the kindness you showed. Let’s continue to get along well in the future!”

With that, clinking glasses several times, the three men had the same thought.

They couldn’t bring themselves to hate this guy.

Then, suddenly, Sharak looked at Luca with concern.

“Oh… by the way, is it okay for a priest to drink? I forgot about that. What should I do?”

A flustered Luca hurriedly intervened.

“I, I took a leave of absence, so it’s fine for me too!”

“Ah, I see. That’s a relief.”

In the end, on that day, the three men ran happily, releasing all their caution about Sharak.

So, the thought occurred to them that it might be okay to reveal their secrets.

Irtis, too, had the same thought.

He fell asleep with a comfortable mind for the first time in a while.

Night streets of the imperial capital.

Walking along the back alley of a recently popular bakery, an unknown alley appeared.

On a pitch-dark night, when not even the moon had risen.

In the silent street, a man in a cloak suddenly appeared.

Swiftly walking, he disappeared in an instant.

Before anyone knew it, the man was flying over the nearby wall and onto the roof.

It was a speed that an ordinary person could never trace.

The destination of the man was the dark alley.

After running for a while, he entered a shady space that looked like a warehouse.

The man, having reached his destination, took off the cloak.

Then, fiery red hair appeared.

… It was Sharak.

In the dark space, a suspicious-looking man was already waiting, and as soon as Sharak arrived, he spoke.

“You came.”

“Sorry for making you wait. Here, take this.”

Sharak took out something from his arms and handed it to him.

It was several portraits.

But since there was no light in the warehouse, the faces in the pictures couldn’t be seen properly.

Sharak said to the man.

“Investigate these. I don’t care about the cost.”

“Understood. I’ll contact you soon.”

Taking the portraits, the man bowed slightly and quickly left the place.

And shortly after, Sharak also covered his face and swiftly disappeared into the night alley.