Though the sky of the Capital Silesia was wrapped in the night darkness, numerous multicolored lights glittered on the ground. Many people lighted the candles that were distributed, drank, sang and danced. The government officials and palace guards were also used to it as it was done every year. If there was no fight, they left it as is.

At the time when the Sun Festival's first day would end in about one koku, seven people, one man and six women gathered in a room of the royal palace.

They were Tigre and the six Vanadises. Tigre had not taken off his formal clothes, and Elen and company still wore their dresses. A big round table was placed at the vast room's center and the seven people were sitting around it. Tigre's black bow and the girls' Dragonic Tools were respectfully put near their master.

According to Elen, it seemed that this place was one of the rooms which the nobles used when they gathered and pleasantly chatted while relaxing. Tigre first thought about the fact that it was about the same size as his mansion in Alsace.

A blue carpet was spread on the floor and a brickwork fireplace was established on the wall. A fire was lighted in the fireplace and it warmed the indoor air. A circular-shaped chandelier was hung from the ceiling with fire lit on dozens of its candles brightly illuminating the room.

Other than the chairs where Tigre and company were sitting, a sofa and a short-legged bed were put and cushions where flowers and animals were embroidered were piled up on them.

Elen folded her arms, leaned her back on the chair and was staring at the fireplace's fire burning bright red. She did not mind that her dress was wrinkled. Tigre who sat next to her noticed that slight loneliness blurred on Elen's profile.

—It's about Sasha, huh.

Alexandra Alshavin. She was the black-haired Vanadis who was Elen's close friend and used the Dragonic Tool Bargren which held the power of flames.

Elen doesn't usually show such an expression. But, when the Vanadises were assembled in the same room like this, she couldn't help but remember her after all.

"──Elen."

Although he hesitated, Tigre called out to her with a calm tone. If they were the only two people in this place, he would have left it as is, but that was not the case. As her name was called, Elen slightly opened wide her eyes and shook her silver hair, but she immediately revealed a smile and turned around to Tigre.

"It looks like I'm a little tired. Maybe it's because I'm wearing clothes I'm not used to."

"I too want to be quickly freed from these clothes."

Tigre pulled the hem of his formal clothes while also returning a smile. It was half his true feelings.

"If you're fine with loose clothes, I may give you advice."

Along with a lively voice, a white porcelain cup was placed before Tigre. Tea was filled in the cup and a refreshing fragrance mixed with the rising steam tickled the nose.

When looking next to him, Mila holding a tea jar was standing with a smile. It seemed like she was the one who made it. White porcelain cups filled with tea were also put respectively before the other Vanadises.

"It won't be a disadvantageous thing if you choose to stand together with me. What do you say?"

"If there's such a thing, then by all means. And while we're at it, if you could also do something about my hair──"

"Wait, Tigre. I can choose them for you too. You don't expressly need to ask this of Ludmila."

Interrupting Tigre's words Elen said in a clearly displeased tone. Mila, still holding the tea jar as is, scornfully laughed as she glared at the silver-haired Vanadis.

"I don't think you know that much about clothes like me though."

Although Elen flinched for an instant, she did not just withdraw as is.

"Certainly I don't know that much, but what is important is whether or not you understand what suits Tigre well, right? I think that blue clothes will look great on him. They'll also match well with his hair."

"That isn't even worth considering, Eleonora. It's obvious that white would suit Tigre better."

As she shrugged her shoulders, Mila turned to Elen with a smile full of contempt.

Tigre who was sitting between them looked around at the other Vanadises with a troubled face. Sophie put her hand on her mouth and laughed. Olga looked their way as she seemed to be interested, and Liza and Valentina turned eyes of surprise and amazement towards them.

"I think that green would look good on Tigre. More precisely, the color of a grassy plain spreading through thick and thin."

Olga spoke. Elen and Mila turned their heads which showed that they had found a new rival, at the pink-haired Vanadis. Sophie agreed with Olga as she slightly bent her body to the side, and put a hand on her cheek.

"You're right. I think that green will be fine."

"I won't say that it isn't fine, but it'll be the same as the clothes which you always wear, right?"

"I also think that green would look good on him. But, there is a color which will suit Tigre better."

"──Until when do you intend to continue with that?"

Liza butted in with an amazed face. Then, Elen and Mila finally pulled themselves together.

The blue-haired Vanadis sat down on her chair and picked up her white porcelain cup. She drank a mouthful of tea. This was to prove that there was nothing put in the tea [4].

Though Tigre had no intention at all of doubting her, gathered here were the Vanadises supporting Zchted. Regardless of how much concern there was, it wasn't to the extent of being too excessive.

"The reason why I had all of you gathered here is but for one thing."

Having started the discussion was Sophie. She looked around at everyone with a serious expression.

"I would like for us to exchange opinions regarding the existence called demons."

"Demons…?"

While lifting her white porcelain cup, Valentina cocked her head in puzzlement.

"Sophiea. I was told that there will be a very important talk today, but that's…"

"It may sound like a joke, but this is a serious talk, Valentina."

Sophie answered without smiling. Valentina seemed to be perplexed, but as she saw not only Sophie, but everyone else having a tense look, she kept her mouth shut. She seemed to have decided to hear the story for the time being.

The golden-haired Vanadis talked first about her own experience. About the fact that last year, when she returned from the Asvarre Kingdom, the ship which she boarded was attacked by a demon called Torbalan. Tigre and Olga were also on that ship, so they supplemented Sophie's explanation.

While Sophie was talking, the Light Flower which was put next to her was continually blinking, as if to guarantee the correctness of its master's words.

Then, Olga explained.

"The first time that Torbalan and I met was in a fort of Asvarre. He had disguised himself as the human called Lester. According to the story I heard in Asvarre, Lester seemed to have existed for many years. I don't know whether Torbalan had disguised himself as a human from the beginning, or he had replaced the human called Lester midway."

At the same time that Olga finished speaking, the Roaring Demon which was put at Olga's feet slightly shook. As if saying that it would protect its still too young master.

Having taken the role of explaining after her was Liza.

"The demons I encountered were called Torbalan and Baba Yaga."

At that time, Tigre turned an anxious gaze at the Vanadis of Rainbow Eyes. Liza who noticed his gaze smiled so as to reassure the youth. Some joy was contained in her smile, and some Vanadises slightly knitted their brows.

Liza first talked about the fact that she fought against Torbalan on the sea together with the late Sasha. As to supplement that, Elen also talked about what she heard from Sasha.

Then, the red-haired Vanadis did not fail to speak about the fact that a curse had been placed on her by Baba Yaga. Thereby, she also told about the fact that her right arm was still inconvenient/disable.

Blue sparks scattered from the Thunder Swirl which was at her waist. As if to praise its master's brave fight.

"I didn't see Baba Yaga's corpse, but I can tell that that demon died. Also that the curse has been lifted. In addition, I can wield the Thunder Swirl with my left arm without problem."

Without breaking her dignified attitude until the end, Liza ended her talk. Without delay, Elen opened her mouth. It was also in order to blow off the atmosphere which became awkward due to the word "curse".

"The demons I happened to meet were that Baba Yaga and a guy called Vodyanoy who was with her. About Baba Yaga, I too know nothing aside from what Elizavetta has told."

There, Elen cut her words once. Her pupils which emitted the brightness of rubies were sharply narrowed.

"As for Vodyanoy, he had the appearance of a human. He was a man in his mid-twenties. His physique was average; he was neither tall nor thin nor fat. But, that guy blocked my Arifal barehanded."

A shiver ran among the Vanadises. Elen's Dragonic Tool, which held the nickname of Brilliant Be-header of the Fallen Spirit, was able to easily cut through even a dragon's scales, let alone iron and armor. Mila, Sophie and Liza knew well the sharpness of Arifal's blade.

Vodyanoy's body was able to withstand a blow from it.

"Sorry to interrupt you, but I have also met Vodyanoy."

Mila said with a depressed face. Elen surprised looked at her. Mila continued.

"When I heard about the name and appearance, I thought maybe it was the same person. I encountered him two years ago, when I was cooperating in Brune's civil war. My Lavias did not work on him, too."

The Frozen Wave which was in Mila's hand wore a white chill, as if remembering her anger at that time.

"How did you drive him away?"

Mila did not immediately answered Elen's question and turned her gaze to Tigre. Then, she returned her eyes to Elen. She revealed a nasty smile.

"Do you want to know?"

"I'll say this just in case, but if it's about the fact that you borrowed the power of Tigre's bow, then I did it too."

As Elen deliberately said with an indifferent expression, the Silver Flash which was in her hand proudly raised a gentle breeze. It let her silver hair and the hem of her dress flutter.

Furthermore, Sophie, Olga and Liza nodded too. With a dumbfounded face, Mila looked around at the Vanadises' faces in turn.

"If not for that power, we would have been defeated by Torbalan."

When Olga indifferently said that without changing her expression one bit, Liza shook her head as if reminiscing about an unpleasant memory.

"We would have also been eaten by a Double Headed Dragon."

After Mila lightly glared at Tigre as she pouted, she shrugged her shoulders. Sophie turned her gaze to Valentina who has kept silent since a little while ago.

"Up to here, do you understand the story?"

"Thank you for your concern, Sophiea. Please you can go on without minding me. If there's something I don't understand, I'll ask."

The face of Valentina who answered so was serious; so it seemed that she was seriously listening to the story of Tigre and company. Tigre, impressed, fixedly stared at Valentina.

If there weren't that many "testimonies" in addition to his own experience, even Tigre would absolutely not have believed these fantastic existences beyond human knowledge.

However, unlike Tigre, Sophie seemed to have strengthened her wariness towards Valentina. The golden-haired Vanadis asked the black-haired Vanadis.

"By the way, Valentina. What about you? After hearing our story, haven't you recalled anything? Like a story where you might have seen a demon somewhere."

Valentina wandered her gaze in the space as if exploring her memory, but she slowly shook her head before long and slightly bowed her head to Sophie.

"I am sorry for not being able to help you."

"──I see. It's a shame, but it can't be helped. Well then, Tigre, could you tell us your story?"

To Sophie's words, the Vanadises' gazes focused on Tigre. After the youth rummaged his darkish red hair, he picked up his black bow which was put at his feet.

"As far as I can remember, this black bow was in my mansion. I was told by my father that it is an heirloom bow transmitted for generations in the Vorn House. He also told me to use it when it was absolutely necessary."

"Isn't there anything else your father said about the bow?"

Tigre shook his head to Elen's question.

"At least not that I know of. Besides, my father wasn't using the bow that much. He taught me the basics though."

"Thinking about it again, a bow being an heirloom in a noble family of Brune is a strange story."

Mila said. There was a trend of despising the bow in the Brune Kingdom. It was said that a sword and spear were a warrior's weapon and that the bow was a weapon used by those without redeeming features in martial arts and poor people. It wasn't that they didn't use the bow, but its achievements weren't worth praising.

"It's hard to think that a person like you grew up in Brune."

Elen also agreed with Mila. Tigre revealed a wry smile.

"I was brought up in the countryside after all. The first time I went to the capital was when I was 10 and I was already used to the bow at that time."

"Tigre. The first time you knew about the power of that bow was when you shot down Zaian Thenardier and a Wyvern, right?"

Sophie asked so as to confirm. Tigre nodded with a tense face.

"Yes. Until then, aside from when I maintained it, I had not touched it."

Zaian was Duke Thenardier's son. When dozens of days had passed since the battle of Dinant, he was ordered by his father to attack Alsace leading a Wyvern and an Earth Dragon in addition to 3000 soldiers.

But, he was defeated by Tigre and Elen leading Leitmeritz army.

Zaian tried to escape while riding the Wyvern, but at that time, the black bow called out to Tigre's consciousness; saying to shoot the dragon. Power flowed from Elen's Arifal and wore wind to the arrow that Tigre held.

That arrow which was fired by the black bow flew at a surprising speed. It shot down and blew away Zaian along with the Wyvern flying high in the sky. He had not forgotten the shock of that time even now.

"A voice from that bow? Do you have any idea about it?"

Mila asked. After a short pause, Tigre replied in a careful tone.

"I think it's probably Tir Na Fa."

When they heard that name, everyone could not help but frown. Brune and Zchted believed in the same gods. Tir Na Fa was the goddess who ruled night, darkness and death; and it was said that she was the chief god Perkūnas' wife, big sister, little sister and lifelong enemy.

It was often discussed among priests about whether she should have had her name entered to the ten gods.

The claim about whether they should remove a goddess, who ruled darkness and death, and was Perkūnas' lifelong enemy, from the line of the gods worshipped had been advocated many times. But, the fact that this goddess was Perkūnas' wife, big sister, and little sister repressed that claim.

By the platitude that both darkness and death would eventually come and the opinion which praised Perkūnas who took his lifelong enemy as his wife, the discussion was settled.

In that way, Tir Na Fa's name has continued existing without being erased.

"It isn't like I doubt your words, but why would Tir Na Fa help you? Tigre, was there a priest in your family lineage?"

Mila asked as she furrowed her eyebrows. It was a natural question.

"As far as I know, there were neither priests nor shrine maidens. It seemed that the Vorn House's founder was a hunter. The fact that one day, he saved the King and was given a title and territory remains in the records."

"And your mother?"

"I heard that my mother was the daughter of a gardener who worked at the royal palace. And that she met with my father when she was alone after losing her relatives."

"If it's a gardener who worked in the royal palace, I don't think that she came from that distinguished a House, but…"

"I don't know about my mother's House. It was when I was 9 that my mother passed away, but I haven't heard about such a story from her."

To Tigre's reply, Mila said "sorry" as she bowed down with an apologetic face. The youth shook his head so as to say that he did not mind it.

—About my mother, huh…

When asked about his mother, Tigre would immediately reply that she was a gentle, talkative mother. Also that her body was weak and she did not go out of the mansion that much.

However, Tigre could almost say nothing about his mother's lineage.

Despite the fact that she was born and raised in the capital Nice, his mother hardly talked about the capital. Neither about what kind of life she spent nor about her family.

Instead of that, his mother liked to talk about fairy tales and folklores.

When he was a child, Tigre was told various stories until he fell asleep while having his mother sleep together with him in the same bed every night. More than 90% of the fairy tales and folklores that Tigre knew were those he heard from his mother and Mashas.

From the stories he heard from his mother, there was a story about a bow user and also stories about heroes fighting against demons. But, he has never heard a story concerning his heirloom, the black bow.

If there was something which he did not look over and which was written about his mother, it would probably be his father's diary. Besides, he might hear some stories from Mashas and Augres who were his father's friends.

"About my mother, I will investigate when I return to Brune."

"Please, do so. But, don't overdo it."

As she worriedly said that, Sophie returned the main topic.

"The demons were calling us "Staff" and "Axe". For them, we are probably just accessories of the Dragonic Tools."

"And they also called Tigre, "Bow". But, the attitude that the demons have towards us is clearly different to the one they have towards Tigre. For them, we Vanadises are just a hindrance. But, it's not the case for Tigre."

Waiting until Mila finished speaking, Liza opened her mouth.

"Baba Yaga clearly tried to take Tigre away."

"Vodyanoy also tried to do so at the time I'd fought him."

When Mila also responded so, Olga looked puzzled.

"But, it did not look like it for Torbalan."

"I assume that even the demons ── though I don't know how many there are, aren't monolithic."

When Sophie said that, Valentina interjected.

"I understand the story, but what do you people intend to do from now on?"

The black-haired Vanadis' gaze was turned to Tigre.

"Earl Vorn will return to Brune after this, right? When that happens, he will not be able to frequently visit Zchted, right? Rather, taking the matter of this time [5] into consideration, he might not be able to come to Zchted for several years."

What she said was rational. The reason why Tigre was to return to Brune earlier than expected was because the youth had almost died after Zchted used him as a messenger to another country. Even if Tigre entreated, Regin would probably not let him get close to Zchted.

Conversely, it would also be difficult for the Vanadises to go to Brune. They were princesses governing dukedoms. Unless there were either war or important negotiations, they could not be absent from their dukedoms.

"How do you think about it, Earl Vorn? Will you track down the demons and exterminate them?"

"I haven't decided yet. After all, I know neither their purpose nor their number."

Tigre's words, rather than being a reply to Valentina, were turned to the Vanadises present in this place.

"The reason why everyone was gathered here was, as Sophie said, because we want to share the fact that demons existed. We wanted everyone to know what each of us knew. We thought that if there was something new that someone discovered, it would be better to tell us now."

Saying up to there, Tigre looked at Valentina.

"If possible, I also want you to cooperate. May I ask you of that?"

"Yes. I will do what I can."

Valentina nodded without erasing her smile. Elen looked at her with a dubious face.

"I'm thankful that you say that, but you consented quite easily, eh."

"One or two aside, it's something that everyone except me said. As expected, I can't help but believe in it, right? It's not like you people have hobby of conspiring beforehand to tease me."

As she said so, Valentina quietly stood up. She carried her large scythe on her shoulder.

"If it's over with this, I shall excuse myself. I have gotten a little tired."

"Sorry. Thank you for having spared us your time today."

When Tigre said so, Valentina nodded as she shook her black hair. Elen and company respectively threw greetings of separation, too.

The black-haired Vanadis left, Sophie silently stared at the door which she closed.

"Judging from our conversation, she looked like a good person."

When Tigre leaked his impression, Elen sitting next to him extended her arm and lightly pinched the youth's ear with a painless attitude.

"Your impression for women is unreliable. Your cheeks were loose the whole time, you know?"

"Is that so? I don't think that at all though."

"To think that you aren't even aware of it; it's quite a serious illness. I must firmly educate you so that you aren't deceived by this kind of woman."

"You've become quite jealous, too, Elen."

Seeming to have pulled herself together, Sophie teased her with a smile. Elen blushed and hurriedly released her hand from Tigre. Seeing that, Mila let out a small breath. If Sophie have not said anything, they were about to throw sarcastic comments at Elen.

Olga who was silent until then opened her mouth with a difficult face.

"For me, too, as Tigre said, Valentina did not look like a bad person. Just…"

Although she hesitated for an instant, the pink-haired Vanadis continued her words as everyone's gazes focused on her.

"I'm a little anxious about the fact that she didn't ask us anything. She might not have believed it after all."

If she had really believed in Tigre and company's story, wouldn't she have asked about the fine details? That was the doubt Olga held.

"Maybe she didn't know what to ask. She seems to have never encountered a demon."

When Tigre said so, Olga nodded, seemingly not intending to be fixated on her doubt.

"For the time being, we can't help but be satisfied about the issue from the fact that we have said what must be said, right? It would be impossible to believe with just this much."

As Elen said that while turning both her hands to the back of her head, Liza also agreed as she shrugged her shoulders.

"In fact, among the soldiers who saw the demon, those who want to think that that was a dream aren't small in number. Nothing can be done about it even for a Vanadis."

"Besides, the problem we should settle as of now is how to get in touch with Tigre who will return to Brune." Mila said, as they continued to talk about their plans for dealing with the demonic forces.

"I think I'm going to head to bed." Tigre said covering his mouth as he let loose a yawn.

"Why don't you head out, Tigre." Elen said. "I just need to speak to my fellow Vanadises before we retire for the night."

The other Vanadises froze as they turned to look at Danseuse of the Sword, questioningly. "I think I'm going to do just that. Goodnight everyone."

A round of goodnights later Tigre left the room leaving the 5 Vanadis as well as a single servant. "Can you please serve us some wine." Elen commanded, before motioning her comrades to take their seats once more. Once the wine was served the servant was dismissed, and Elen turned to look at those gathered seriously. "Do any of you know why I asked you to stay behind?"

The other Vanadis were silent, prompting the Silverfrau to continue. "It's about Tigre."

"What about him?" Elizavetta and Sophie, shooting glares at one another.

"I want to know what you all think of him." With those words said, all the Vanadis gathered began leaking killing intent, as they glared fiercely with one another.

All except Olga who didn't understand what was going on, and foolishly said. "We're going to make babies together."

Several hands twitched towards the Viralts kept within arm's reach, as the gathered women turned towards the youngest member and fixed her with a cold smile.

"I'm sorry I must've misheard you." Sophie said.

"We're going to make children together. Then we're going to get married." Olga repeated.

"I thought that was what you said." Elizavetta said darkly, Valitsaif the Viralt of Envy began emitting dangerous sparks as it transformed itself into an iron rod.

"I don't think Tigre has any interest in children." Sophie said condescendingly. Before glancing an Olga's underdeveloped body.

"BREASTS AREN'T EVERYTHING!" Ludmira screamed, slamming her hands down on the table. 3 pairs of eyes turned to her and fixed her with a pitying smile.

"It's okay, I'm sure you have other redeeming features." Elen said.

"I've heard that some people prefer the small figured look." Eliza pointed out.

"All men love breasts." Sophie in a rare contrast to her usual way of acting said haughtily.

"Enough!" Ludmira said. "Say your piece, there's work for me to be doing in Olmutz."

"Like I said i want to know what everyone thinks of Tigre."

"Subtly doesn't suit you, Elen." Elizavetta mocked. "Just say what you want to say so that we can leave."

"Fine." Elen said. "I love Tigre, and I'm not going to give him to any of you!"

The temperature of the room dropped literally as Lavias began forming its icy blade and every Viralt began awakening at its Master's urging.

"Ara, ara." I could say the same thing." Sofy said fingering the golden shaft of her Viralt, Zaht.

"As can I." Ludmira said, gripping Lavias and preparing herself for combat.

"I feel the same." Eliza said, glaring at them with her multicolored eyes.

"I want babies with him." Olga said causing a tick mark to form on the other Vandis' forehead.

"He's mine." Elen sneered laying a hand on Arifar. "I love him and have known him the longest out of all of us."

"You may have known him the longest but I'm sure I've gone the farthest with him." Sophie smirked.

"What!"

"What!"

"What!"

"What!"

"Oh yes. He was so rough on me that night. I was barely able to walk let alone properly ride a horse." Sophie said dreamily, licking her lips.

"Those are some fighting words." Elen said slowly unsheathing Arifar.

"What are you going to do about it? I'm not handing Tigre over to you or Tsundere-san."

"Who are you calling a Tsundere? You old maid!" Mira screamed jumping out of her chair and brandishing Lavias.

"Wait a minute." Eliza said, snapping out of the mood that was threatening to overwhelm her. "Everyone put away your Viralt, I want to hear what Sophie has to say for herself."

Grudgingly the assembled women let go of their weapons, as they glared at the eldest of the Vanadis. "I can't believe it's Elizavetta that calmed us down."

"Now Sophie what's this about you going farther than the rest of us?" Eliza asked ignoring the comment that was directed at her.

"Well it was right after Tigre rescued me in Asvarre…."