After getting into bed to prepare for tomorrow, some time had passed, but maybe because it was earlier than usual, I couldn’t fall asleep right away and was still awake.

I didn’t feel like doing anything in the 【Hideout】 either, so I just lay there with my eyes closed, thinking about random, trivial things—and maybe because of that, one thing started to bother me.

“Hey, Seriana-sama.”

“…What?”

Seriana was still awake too.

I rolled over toward her, and I saw her back.

“Hey, aren’t you supposed to be with your husband?”

“Liesel’s…?”

“Yeah. You know… for like, kids and stuff.”

Liesel was heading to the battlefield starting tomorrow.

Even if, in terms of both his power and position, he wasn’t in any real danger, you still never know what might happen.

Alec and the others are probably spending time at home right about now, too.

And yet, why is this woman sleeping next to me…?

That was the thought behind my question, but Seriana just let out a sigh, as if exasperated, and turned to face me.

The room was almost pitch black, so I couldn’t see anything, but I could more or less guess what expression she was making.

“There are already two children, aren’t there…? It’s fine for us to stick to our usual routine. Stop worrying about silly things and go to sleep. Tomorrow’s an early day.”

“Fnu?”

Maybe she had a point… I thought, and then Seriana pulled the blanket up over my face.

That seemed to be the end of the conversation.

…Each couple has their own way of doing things, and I guess there’s a lot to it.

Well, I’ve never been married—neither in my past life nor in this one!

◇

The next morning.

The weather was great—perfect for a deployment… if that’s even a thing people say. Not a cloud in the sky, ideal for setting off.

“Alright then, I’m heading out, Seria. I’m counting on you while I’m away.”

“Yes. You fulfill your duty properly too.”

“Heh… of course. Sera-kun, I’m leaving Seria and the kids in your hands.”

“Yes. You take care too, sir.”

In front of the Knight Order headquarters, the departing soldiers were assembled, along with their families, soldiers staying behind, and us—those seeing them off, including Seriana and me.

Maybe because we already did all the celebrating yesterday, things were rather subdued considering how many people were gathered.

After a round of brief farewells, Liesel—now in full combat gear rather than ceremonial attire—took the lead, and the troops began their departure.

Unlike the quiet atmosphere here, townspeople had gathered along the roadside to see them off, and it was a full-on celebration over there.

Even though the soldiers weren’t visible yet, we could already hear the cheers from here.

All the departing troops were mounted this time, and with multiple officers like Liesel present, it made for quite an impressive display.

Of course, part of it was wanting to support those from their territory, but I bet people also just wanted to see a knightly march.

We stayed at the headquarters to see them off, and once they were out of sight, Seriana stepped forward to announce the dispersal.

Following her instructions, the families of the 1st Squad headed into town.

“Well then… shall we go back too?”

“Yeah.”

Facing west toward the town, I gave a half-hearted reply to Seriana’s words.

From here on out, we’d be without dependable folks like Alec, Zighart, Liesel, August… and even Luban, for a while.

There had been times when one or two of them left the town or the territory, but this would be the first time they were all gone at once… We were prepared, but still, I’d have to do my best!

Or so I thought, psyching myself up…

“Sera!”

“Whoaa!? Coming!”

Seriana called out to me as she started heading back toward the mansion, and I hurried after her.

◇

After seeing Liesel and the others off, those of us who stayed behind carried on with our work as usual.

We’d already transitioned to this system in advance, so the first day passed smoothly without any confusion, and things would surely continue just fine.

Now then.

Now, now, now… Once our work was done, we headed to the underground training grounds.

“Hup!”

Swinging my right hand, a black blade extended from my index finger and sliced through the earthen target.

Nice.

Everything’s going great.

“Oh my, you’re quite good.”

Fiora said admiringly as she watched.

She’s the one who created the target, so she probably had a good idea of its durability.

I don’t have any swordsmanship or brute strength, but when it comes to cutting—that one point—I’ve gotten pretty good. Lately, I’ve even been able to use the 【Shadow Sword】 to cut through non-living targets with ease.

It’s probably what they mean by “guiding the blade properly.”

I’ve cut a lot of things, after all… so even if it’s a bit tough, I can slice through something like this in one go!

“You’re still using it the usual way, right?”

“Yeah. I’m about to try the new part.”

The 【Shadow Sword】 forms a black blade on the fingernail of the finger where the ring is worn.

The blade is about 30 centimeters long.

The reason we all gathered here today was to test the enhancement I pulled in last night’s gacha for the 【Shadow Sword】.

From what I heard, for weapons like this, unlike the 【Floating Orb】, the effects are pretty straightforward.

Either a boost in power, or an increase in range.

So, I kept that in mind and…

“…Oh!?”

“Oh my.”

The enhancement effect was immediately obvious—not just to me, but to everyone watching.

Normally, the blade would only cover the nail, but now a black membrane extended over my entire index finger, spreading across the back of my hand.

On top of that, the blade that had been around 30 centimeters nearly doubled in length.

From a dagger to a longsword.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera・Blessing・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】

Blessed Item・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】+1【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Area Recognition】・【】・0 cards
Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards
Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards