Chapter 32
"" - Speaking
'' - Thought
…
The 62nd Seven Star Sword Art Festival that showed a climax rarely seen in recent years with fierce fights after fierce fights came to an end with the victory of the《Cryo Wind Sword Emperor》Ayato Kurogane who defeated《Crimson Princess》Stella Vermillion.
The spectators who were attentively watching their fight head to their respective homes while talking about the magnificence of the two knights with each other with a look that didn't cool down its excitement even after the awarding ceremony that happened one night after the finals.
At the same time, the protagonists of this festival that gathered from all over Japan, the representatives of each academy returned home.
The stallholders who put out their shops to take advantage of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival also retired, and the day after the awarding ceremony, the reclaimed land of the gulf coast was taking its original ghost-town shape.
The festival was… over.
However, the representatives of Hagun Academy including Ayato Kurogane were still in Osaka.
That was because the《Star of Naniwa》Moroboshi Yuudai, who was a worthy opponent and crossed swords with him in the first round of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, led a group and held a victory celebration with the friends of Ayato at the okonomiyaki shop『Ichibanboshi』which was also the home of his parents.
- Err, well then! Kusakabe Kagami, this incompetent me who was sentenced to three days of disciplinary lessons from tomorrow for making a mess at the awarding ceremony, will lead the toast to celebrate the victory of Ayato at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival!
Kagami put up the beer mug that she held in her hand after she had refused with a few words while she inserted a self-deprecating joke,
- Congratulations, senpai――――! With a loud voice, she blessed Ayato who sat on the seat of honor of the long table that was made by connecting several tables.
What followed that was,
「「「Congratulations—!」」」
The friends,acquaintances and Family of Ayato who gathered for the victory celebration also gave their blessings while toasting.
The gathered people were Stella and Shizuku who were representative members of the same Hagun Academy.
His friends Arisuin Nagi and Ayatsuji Ayase.
And also the members of the Student Council including Toudou Touka.
In addition to Moroboshi who offered this place and his other friends Jougasaki Byakuya and Asagi Momiji.
His Family His Sister Haruka and His Mother Akari.
The figures of Yakushi Kiriko who was another protagonist at the finals, of Sara Bloodlily who unfolded a fierce combat with Ayato at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, of Kazamatsuri Rinna who came along with Sara somehow and even her maid Charlotte Corday were there.
Although Ayato was shy and slightly embarrassed due to the words of congratulations from everyone, - Thank you, everyone.
He also raised the beer mug and participated in the toast.
Thus, the party began. - Hurry up, they're cooking! They're super-cooking! *Clank**Clank* Make your orders rapidly! Moroboshi, who stood in the kitchen, called out to them while clanging the metal spatula.
As if she was waiting for this, Stella raised her hand while raising from her chair. - Tama porks for me! And ten of them! - Coming right away! - Stella-chan… isn't your gluttony getting refined somehow? - I-it can't be helped, Alice.
The fuel consumption of the Dragon Spirit is way too much. If I don't eat properly I get dizzy, you know? - Well, it would be great if you could consume properly as well. - Shiro. What are you going to order? - I will order tendon with green onion. What will Momiji get?
- Hmm〜. Since we're eating a lot now〜. I wonder which one it will be… oh, that's right! Can it be the napolitan that you were preparing the other day? - Let me see. A napolitan yakisoba, right? Yeah, sure. And the corpulent Nii-chan over here?
- Hmm… well, can I get these tama mix?
- I'm sorry. We'll have those starting next week〜.
- Ah, is that so? - Onii-chan, why are you spouting such a stupid lie...!?
It was a little girl with bobbed hair who raised a voice of protest.
She was the younger sister of Moroboshi Yuudai.
She was Moroboshi Koume.
Although she was unable to speak before, during the battle of her older brother and Ayato she miraculously recovered her voice, and while her tone of voice was still unstable, she was taking orders from everyone while chatting without relying on writing.
And then, and until the ordered dishes were prepared.
Everyone gathered around Stella and Ayato who were on the seats of honor and gave them their compliments as they raised each of their beer mugs. -
Congratulations for your victory, Kurogane-kun! It was incredibly cool! To think that I've been receiving sword lessons from such an amazing person, I'm immensely happy!
- Yeeah, it was really a great thing. But I'll overturn the outcome from that situation! My alias《Fifty Fifty》was eclipsed after all. - I always believed, you know!?
That Kurogane-kun would win! Since he's a knight that defeated my《Blackbird》in the end!
Ayato responded to them with gratitude from the bottom of his heart.
- Thank you. If I hadn't met everyone… I wouldn't have been able to get this much control of my power by myself. I'm grateful. - Though it was unfortunate for Princess-dono. The difference was millimeters.
Stella showed how she shrugged her shoulders a little with the comfort of Saijou Ikazuchi. - To suffer a loss with almost no difference.
It's the result that comes out when you do what only you have to do.
And I accept it.
But— And then, she paused her words for a moment, drained in one gulp the beer mug that she had in her hand with excitement,
- The next time I'll absoluuuuuutely not lose…!
She boasted while vigorously hitting the wooden table with the bottom of the beer mug.
While she scattered flame's phosphorescence from her scarlet hair.
Everyone who was gathered around that valiant looking applauded with
「You can do it!」「As expected of Stella-chan!」
Toudou Touka, who was sitting in a seat somewhat away from the seat of honor and from that situation, stared at those cheerful smiles.
- Fufu. It seems that next year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival will be exciting. It's regrettable that I can't participate in it.
- Kukuku…. That rematch was also the fate written down in the Black Chronicle…. The moment when thou will know will come…
- Ojou-sama says『I am looking forward to next year!』
- ――even so, it went too far this time!
However, only a girl gave her honest opinion with such excitement. It was the little sister of Kurogane Ayato, the victor. 《Lorelei》Kurogane Shizuku.
Shizuku glanced at the two people sitting on the seats of honor while raising her eyebrows, -
Since both Onii-sama and Stella-san are a couple, why you two weren't more worried about the health of each other?
It wouldn't be funny for either of you to die in such an absurd match, you know?
Don't you think that this lacks common sense or something?
- Ah, I-I'm sorry… They made their bodies smaller as if they were kids that were scolded by the words of Shizuku. In fact, that final
. It was no fun at all with one of their lives being destroyed.
Because their whole souls were completely put into the slashing attacks they unleashed, they didn't go easy at all with each other.
However, and also in line with this, she also excused them.
- B-but, it can't be helped….
Because we are knights..., I wouldn't let my skill or something come loose against an opponent I deem acceptable…
If one were to expose a gap, one would be immediately slashed, losing the match. The fight of the two had that sort of perspective.
They couldn't let their guard down, not even for an instant, because they understood that their opponent didn't wish for that above all.
And… that was also the same for Shizuku.
- You truly are helpless people, aren't you?
Even Shizuku knew that.
The bonds of the two were stronger than anything else, that's why their relationship could do so.
She was jealous and envious of the bonds of the two… but at the same time she was delighted,
- … you truly are suited for each other… Shizuku muttered with a small voice that nobody could hear and let out a sigh as if she was amazed. -
Eh? Shizuku, did you just nowーー
- Why are you placing a boneless ham on your knee?
- This is my leg!
And then, when the cooked okonomiyaki and the teppanyaki reached everyone from the kitchen, and once their bellies were filled.
Estimating that timing, and after Kagami tidied a part of the table, she spread the pictures she took at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
From the first match to the finals, all the great efforts of everyone in this place were selected from within the time that passed by, they had fun talking about the memories.
- Oh oh, please look, senpai.
This is a picture when the senpai used《Ittou Rasetsu》and 《Kori Kusanagi》 for a second time!
I was able to photograph it neatly, didn't I?
This will be used on the whole surface of the next wall newspaper!
- Uwaa…, though in this one I look mostly worn-out… - But you were very manly and fantastic.
The gentlemen who have that much of a naughty side are fascinating.
- Ah! There's also a picture when Shiro received a record instakill〜
. - That's a coincidence, Momiji. I also came across this picture when you fell and fainted. -
I see. Is this the father of the Bloody Da Vinci? I was able to remember his face. -
… yeah. That's him. - If you have any pictures you want, I will make extra copies, so don't hesitate to tell me, okay? By the way, my best shot is—this one! The uncensored panties of Her Highness Stella, the Second Princess of Vermillion Ki—!? But the moment Kagami took out the photo from her flat bosom and tried to show it to everyone.
The left jab that held the light and heat of Stella and that was released with a sharp, wind-cutting noise, penetrated the picture that Kagami held in her fingers and turned it into ashes.
And then, she grabbed the nape of the neck of Kagami with her right hand, - Give me the data. Pulling her towards herself with all her strength, she brought her close with bloodshot eyes and ordered her.
The jaw of a dragon that got near until the very eyes of Kagami, which she was able to see clearly— -
Y-yesh! As you wish! The pen yielded before the sword. - T-this is no good… because Stella-san didn't get the joke… ahaha.
Seeing the state of all the presents who were chatting like that, Moroboshi called out to Koume from the kitchen. - Koume. The orders have settled down already, so I'll join them. Will you be fine on your own? -
Don't worry. Leave it to me. … Onii-chan also worked hard. - Thank you.
To appreciate her words of gratitude, Moroboshi patted and ruffled the head that Koume had placed down and she made her cheeks smile broadly with「Ehehe」.
Then, Moroboshi took off his apron and with a double tama pork dish that he had prepared for himself—sat down next to Touka who wasn't involved in the photo viewing.
- Haaaa. Can I sit next to you? Touka unintentionally spilled a smile, looking amused with that question.
- Aren't you sitting there already?
… but yes, you can. Help yourself. - Thanks. … hmm. Like I thought, our okonomiyaki is the best. The number one in Osaka. - I agree. They were very delicious.
I would love to make my family eat them as well.
- *Ding* *Ding* That's our business after all.
They're here in the Ichibanboshi of okonomiyaki.
Moroboshi had dinner somewhat later than everyone else while he returned.
He ate the double tama pork completely while sticking out his tongue.
And then, when the sauce taste in his mouth was unified with the beer then poured into the stomach, -
Hey, Toudou….
The irregular swordsmanship that used electromagnetic force that you showed in the fixed match with Kurogane is what you call 《Inazuma》, right? If so, then you had a plan against my 《Houkiboshi》.
He touched on the matter just before the final match. Touka, who got that, returned a nod. -
It's not that my Noble Arts assumed an anti-《Houkiboshi》only, but naturally I have been forging it so that I can meet that purpose.
Last year, I didn't dodge《Houkiboshi 》, and you took the pace from there.
… Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with the opportunity to use it.
- I imagined so.
That's not it, right? It's what I thought when I gave a glance at it.
Certainly, if you had such skill, then it wouldn't have gone like last year.
《Inazuma》was a Noble Art that created a special magnetic field in the cross range and because of its attraction and repulsion, it made sharp turns to accelerate abruptly.
The sudden changing gaps of angle and velocity boasted unequalled strength in midrange pace fights.
That power was also guessable from the fact that Ayato, who was able to master the sword of《Wings Abreast》, pushed back the distance between the swords and magic,the thing he was excellent at.
That was why Moroboshi said it with regret. - I wanted to give it a try too, what a shame.
The Seven Stars Sword Art Festival was for form's sake a tournament, it was difficult for the rank to become a ranking of strength.
From the point of view of Moroboshi's sense, Touka was the most difficult enemy that stood in his way last year.
The skill that such a formidable enemy had refined to defeat him.
It was something he wanted to try on the stage of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. But still
ーー - Well, I would be the one who would win, wouldn't it?
*Grin*
Moroboshi turned a sidelong glance to Touka with a smile that looked provocative.
Towards that, Touka also—returned a full smile to Moroboshi.
- I don't think so. By suppressing《Houkiboshi》, I would have won this year.
- Nah, impossible. - I think otherwise.
- Noope, you're lying to yourself.
- Not at all. This is an absolute fact〜.
「「〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜！」」
In the end, the two of them were rubbing their foreheads with each other while smiling.
That was the very picture of an explosive situation.
It was natural because their personalities couldn't yield on topics like this with each other.
But that didn't last long. -
Puh - Ahaa.
After they exchanged killing intent for a moment, they laughed tiny and separated their foreheads that got a little red. -
Let's stop. This is nothing but a talk of a fight that never happened. - You're right.
Let's drop both of our ego, we're just wasting time.
Besides… the dejected losers won't get anything by biting each other.
We have to knock down Kurogane. Our mutual target is way too high. - … judging from that way of speaking, Moroboshi-san is going to continue being a knight after graduation.
- Is that surprising? Touka nodded. - Yes, it is. I thought that you would only become a reservist and would surely take over your family business. - Well, I thought about that too, but… Although the reservists have a《Mage-Knight》license, they work in their respective workplaces in the same way as ordinary people, but for emergencies only, and when requested by the《League Branch》,they would be people in charge of criminal investigations and national defense as《Mage-Knights》.
The people that were running a family business like Moroboshi, the majority of them became reservists. And then Moroboshi also planned to do the same
. Howeverーー - I know, but I finally was able to hear the cheering that I wanted to hear, you see. And I can still get stronger.
Now I can stop shooting this air of superiority.
Touka nodded slowly and deeply with the words of Moroboshi. -
… I agree. Having people who are pushing our backs. That's a very happy thing. - We are in our third year.
It'll be impossible to participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, but… Toudou.
What are you going to do from here on?
- For the present, I think that I will thoroughly train this summer vacation with my master.
When I saw the battle of Kurogane-kun and the others, it made me realize that the lack of self-reliance was there, that there are still some ways to go for me.
… And then simultaneously with my graduation, I will register in the National League and someday aim for the A-Rank League.
The A-Rank League was the popular name of the Top League of the King of Knights "KOK", which was a close combat performance done by Blazers and hosted by the《 International Mage-Knights League》
The participants of A-Rank League were players representing the country that had won one of the few limited recommendations that were assigned to each nation affiliated to the league.
The fights of the most prominent individuals in the world were done by knights that were singled out, the fights were loved by people all over the world as supreme pleasure.
Touka had set her next goal there. Moroboshi nodded with "I see".
- That's the easy course, no? Feeling a distance somehow with what returned, Touka cocked her head in puzzlement. - Moroboshi-san disagrees? -
—well. I'm not going to register in the National League.
The National League of Japan… no, the National Leagues of the participating members of 《Mage-Knight Leagues》have many knights who emphasize on black magic because it's the policy of the leagues.
Though, my 《Tiger Bite》isn't an ability of the type that has destructive power like black magic itself. That's because the way of the taijutsu and how it is applied are essential.
That's a lifeline for me.
… However, I didn't reach Kurogane with my taijutsu. His current taijutsu and spearmanship didn't fit into the first-class world. Moroboshi fully realized that when he fought against Ayato .
Therefore, - That's why… I'm thinking of participating in taijutsu-focused matches. -
Eh, does that mean…
Battles that emphasized taijutsu while being a Blazer. There was only one tournament in the world that was held with such a policy. A continent spread beyond the Sea of Japan.
The world's toughest League Matches were taking place there. Its name was—,
- I'll challenge the God of War League…!
- … Touka caught her breath because of Moroboshi's tone of voice that made her feel some kind of resolution coming from him. Which wasn't surprising.
The God of War League was held in China which wasn't a member nation of the League. It was a fighting tournament where Blazers participated in it, its name was famous in the world, being on par with the A-Rank League.
There were a lot of voices saying that the level was higher than A-Rank League. The reason was the severity of the battles.
The A-Rank League had promised state-of-the-art medical facilities, strict rules, sufficient intervals and rewards. But the God of War League was different.
The God of War League was a tournament held by Bujutsu Temple also called《 Shinryuu Temple》 for ascetic monks, but in the first place, it wasn't show business.
Anyone could participate regardless of nationality, but there were no rewards, no medical facilities, the nonexistent rules was a terrifying thing, and so on. -『Always Prepared』
… you must be prepared to be on the battlefield whenever you're a fighter.
In that God of War League that embodies the philosophy of《 Shinryuu Temple》, one is allowed to join forces with others and to attack even when one is asleep, in any case, I've heard from Sensei that the battles are tougher than the illegal underground fighting entertainment industry. …
The consideration in terms of safety is the same, and therefore there are more deaths that can't be compared to others like A-Rank League.
The only Japanese who has won that tournament was a man.
Touka, who had heard of the severity of the God of War League from 《God of War 》 Nangou Torajirou, told Moroboshi with a tone that sounded like warning.
However, Moroboshi returned an 「I know」, - But, there are things that can only be obtained when on the verge of death.
… Like when Kurogane fought against《Wings Abreast》and was able to steal that technique. -
… is that so?
When she was told so, Touka couldn't help but be convinced.
Ayato achieved two explosive growths in the fight against Edelweiss, the strongest《Wings Abreast》swordsman in the world.
Also, in the final match against Stella, both of them were raising their limits with each other. The moment was like a spark where life and death intersected.
That moment was—in some cases comparable to several decades or regular daily training. Moroboshi intended to obtain that moment. By putting himself in a hard environment to drive himself to the limit.
Understanding that, Touka stopped to check it then yelled to her friend that was going to walk the path of carnage.
- God of War League has battles for the honor only, as there is no prize at all, but if you get good results there, then you will get global attention.
And you will get a recommendation for the A-Rank League, no?
- Yeah. I'm not interested in the National League, but A-Rank is another deal.
Most of the human beings there are monsters that would carry pretty much to the extremes their hearts, techniques and physiques.
But I plan to challenge them, sooner or later.
- If so… then our rematch will be there. - Yeah. Absolutely. Having made a promise, the two made their beer jugs meet gently.
Around two hours after the start of the victory party.
Every person who surrounded the pictures and had reminiscent talks of the festival were more than satisfied, then divided into small groups of fellows with whom they usually hang out and started having a nice talk.
When they were getting to that step, Ayato, the guest of honor, was finally released from that crowd
. - *Phew* Ayato sat deeply in the chair, deposited his back on the back of the chair and looked up at the ceiling.
He had received blessings from many people.
His endurance was somewhat drained due to such unfamiliar situations.
But that wasn't all, he also responded to the interview of Kagami, so his throat was dry. Should he get Koume to bring something?
Yeah, he thought so and—
- Thank you very much for this winner's interview. 《Seven Stars Sword Art King》- san.
*Cubes of ice hitting each other*, a cold and hard feeling touched his eyebrows.
Stella took care of it and went to get a cold barley tea.
- … thank you. You saved me.
And by thanking her, Ayato gulped down the contents of the mug and drank around half of it.
Stella looked at the statue of Ayato that was next to her with tender eyes, And then, she opened her eyes as if she had noticed something.
- Ah, Wait a bit, Ayato. Your hair is ruffled. Let me fix it. The hair of Ayato got ruffled due to the rough blessings from Moroboshi and Renren that in the end produced so.
Ikki didn't pay attention to it because he wasn't really a man concerned about his personal appearance, but it wasn't alright to be that unshapely before her.
So he nodded with an obedient「Okay」and straightened up his back so that Stella could touch his hair easily. Stella turned to the back of the hair and while she combed it with her gentle way of using her hands, - And so it finished, wasn't it?
The tournament. She muttered, feeling a little lonely. To this, Ikki returned the same opinion. -
Yeah…. In the blink of an eye. - It feels a little lonely. … Because I was aiming for a long time.
That feeling was well understood by Ayato. He was also aiming for this place.
For the graduation. And for the promise he made with Stella.
That's why… Ayato became a little uneasy.
- Have you perhaps burned out?
However, Stella laughed Ayato's uneasiness down with「You serious?」.
- I'll be training for my revenge next year! And also for that thing last night. Last night.
With those words, he nodded with「—yeah. That's right」
That's right.
… Originally, this celebration was supposed to be held yesterday right after the award ceremony.
The reason why it was delayed by one day was nothing but an urgent business that came to the guest of honor.
Both Ayato and Stella had received a call from Prime Minister Tsukikage Bakuga to the gulf coast dome at night.
I would like you to meet at the ring of the gulf coast dome at 9 PM.
That call was after the award ceremony.
They were brought through Shinguuji Kurono, the board chairman of Hagun Academy.
According to what they heard, they were going to have a secret conversation with Tsukikage and four people where《 Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene was mixed in it.
She was one of Japan's most powerful persons who acted as the master of Kurono and Stella.
- What on earth do they want to talk about? And calling at such hours nonetheless! -
Come now…. I don't get it either.
The two entered the dome at the appointed time, walked through the empty passage and cocked their heads in puzzlement while heading towards the ring.
- If this was an invitation of terrorists, then I'll wipe the floor with them.
- I think that's not the case because the board chairman and Saikyou-sensei appeared to be also in this…
Eventually they came out of the gate that was left open and arrived at the ring of the meeting.
However, and strangely, no one was there.
There was just silence similar to feeling pain in one's ear in the spacious room that stretched out.
- Are you kidding me? Not even the one that called us is here. Ayato. The time is correct, right? -
Yeah. It's strange… The result was the same even when checking the surroundings.
No human shapes were found on the ring nor in the mortar-shaped spectator seats. It was deserted.
The trash was also swept completely, it was a mere shadow of the wild enthusiasm until this morning.
Ayato felt a touch of loneliness when looking at that desolated state.
They spent so much time in this place.
The few days were less than a week, but such enrichment was unmatched. For that reason, Ayato felt a strong attachment to this place. But――
(Huh…?) Why did the stage make him feel such attachment?
(What's this? This strange feeling)
A slightly penetrating sea breeze shook the silence inside the dome. Every time the atmosphere shook slightly, it caressed his skin. Ayato felt a strange uncomfortable feeling with that sensation.
Was the atmosphere in this place that was flowing like this? Why was it caressing his skin like that now?
—That's not it. (The flow of the air is strange)
The visual information he got when surveying the environs not long ago and the atmospheric fluctuation that he felt on his skin.
These two pieces of information didn't match. They were disordered. The atmospheric fluctuation assumed from his visual information and the one that was real diverged.
Yeah, as if, It was as if there was an obstacle other than Stella and himself on the ring―― -
—!
Immediately after he recognized it, Ayato caught it with his eyes. Behind Stella.
The existence of dark armor raised a giant halberd overhead…!
- Stella Aaaaaaaaaaaa! Avoid iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! - !
The reaction of Stella at that moment was the fruit of her trust in Ayato.
Stella hadn't noticed the presence behind her yet.
Nevertheless, she threw her body down to the front reflectively.
She wasn't bewildered by the sudden scream, she didn't try to look back.
The complete trust towards the man called Ikki moved her body without thinking about it.
Immediately after, the blade of the halberd fell on the place where Stella was standing just now, and with a roaring sound, it crushed the ring and the silence of this place.
- Who are you!? -
―――― She threw up the body that was thrown down before with her right hand and rotated in the air. Stella faced the enemy and let loose an angry voice.
There was an unusual alertness in her wide-opened eyes.
That wasn't surprising. It was easy for him to get even behind them, but his repulsive force easily crushed the ring of reinforced slate.
His physical strength wasn't to the degree of Stella's, but to Kurogane Ouma's class.
He wasn't an ordinary person.
Contrasting with that, the enemy covered with a black armor replied with nothing and attacked Stella again.
There was a clear fighting spirit in his actions, - !
It's someone we don't know, but now that he did that, he has become my enemy! Stella responded.
She immediately made her Device《Laevateinn》manifest in her hands, - Pierce the azure sky! Flames of purgatory…! Flames appeared from the blade.
They swirled, the multitude of overlapping flames increased their temperature and intensity of light in the blink of an eye.
And turned into an incandescent light sword.
Its brightness illuminated with a brilliance the whole interior of the dome as if it was midday, —It exposed the detailed figure of the black armor that was fusing with darkness.
That figure, (That armor, no way…!) Ayato remembered it when he saw it.
But, -《Katharterio Salamandra》!
At the same time he noticed it, Stella's slashing attack of emitting light swallowed the armor. It was a direct hit, there was no denying that. With that accurate reaction, Stella taunted him,
- Humph! How was it――!?
However, the facial expression of Stella was instantly dyed with surprise. That was expected. Her deadly blow.《Katharterio Salamandra》.
He pierced through the torrent of light like it was a gentle breeze without losing a bit of momentum.
The black armored knight appeared before the eyes of Stella from inside the light.
And then, the black armor brandished the halberd again and knocked it down with all his might, aiming at the top of the head of Stella.
The evasion of Stella, who was convinced about the direct hit of 《Katharterio Salamandra》wasn't good enough.
But, - Stellaaaa! Ayato, who came running, compensated for it.
He strongly thrust Stella away from her side, passed under the falling halberd and dodged the blade,
Ayato summoned a Cryo Wind Tornado with his Ryuuzetsu and 《Kori Kusanagi》was drilling through the Black Knight.
The armored knight who brought down his halberd couldn't respond to this.
- That's enough.
「「Eh!?」」 A familiar voice cut in between the three on the ring.
When they looked in the direction of the one who spoke, the one who was there was, - Aunt Kurono…
and—
- Nene-sensei and Prime Minister Tsukikage…!?
The three people that they were supposed to meet at this place today came up to the ring. Kurono, who was in that group, told the armored knight.
- Any more than this and you will kill each other. Can you drop your weapon?
The armored knight… undid his stance without showing an attitude that opposed him and dropped the tip of the halberd to the ground. The fighting spirit of not long ago disappeared from that figure.
So, Ayato and Stella also dropped the point of their swords for a moment――and asked. -Aunt Kurono. What is the meaning of this?
Towards that question, it was Nene, who was next to Kurono, who returned some words. - Well, this was some sort of petty entertainment. However, I'm aware both Kurogane and Stella-chan know who this guy is, right? - Yes… They knew him. They thought "no way" with that peculiar appearance, but they got convinced while fighting him. - The notion of《Fortitude》that keeps restoring the body of the user infinitely. By wearing the Device《Orichalcos》on his body to use it, this guy, the《A-Rank Knight 》of France, was registered in the KOK A-Rank League for the first time last year and climbed to the top of the rankings in the twinkling of an eye with a tempestuous and steady advance—He's the current top 4 in the world.《Black Knight》Ascaride-san, isn't that right? - ―――― 《Black Knight》didn't respond to Ayato's question.
He kept being silent like he did until now. However, that strength.
There was no need to take a commitment to that anymore.
What they didn't know was why a first-class knight of a country member of the League attacked them――
Kurono gave an answer to that question.
- Ascaride really wanted to see your strength at any cost.
Since that was a sign that he would launch a surprise attack if we had left him alone, we let him do so under our watch. - …
"we let him do so"
…. I'm pretty much a state guest. I'm the Second Princess of Vermillion Empire! This perfectly could have been an international issue! Stella glanced at Tsukikage who was behind those two due to the blunt words of Kurono. Tsukikage showed a wry smile. - I stopped her, but…
- We approved it! - Aren't you our teacher!?
- You won't have many opportunities to meet knights of this level.
Experiencing the strength of League's top-class knights on your skin is affection that you may call it like becoming experience which is good for you.
Trust me.
- E-even so, wasn't there another way of doing this…? Stella dropped her shoulders, exasperated.
Certainly, Sparta had a limit.
And while Stella was complaining to Nene and the others, the assailant, Ascaride, still didn't say anything then tried to leave the ring to which she had returned to.
He accomplished his goal, so it seemed that it was meaningless for him to be here anymore. He was really a man that did things as he wanted.
Well, if the other party didn't show intention of fighting Ayato then there was no reason in particular to chase him.
That's why he took his eyes from the back of Ascaride who went away, - I understand the reason why Ascaride-san attacked us.
There's no need to discuss this any further. More importantly, Prime Minister Tsukikage. What is the matter you have to talk with us…?
He presented interest to the man who summoned them to this place. Tsukikage, who had given a single step till now, showed an expression similar to gratitude on his face for having changed the flow of the conversation, - There are two matters about why I called you both today.
Because there was something I wanted you to hear and something we ought to talk. … Let's start from the latter first. He began to talk with a serious tone. - There's only one thing we ought to talk about. Ayato-kun. It's about the incident that happened to your body.
- Something… happened to Ayato's body…? Stella turned an uneasy face with such disturbing sounds. But Tsukikage didn't answer the question of Stella, - Ayato-kun already knows what I'm talking about, isn't that right? He asked Ayato. Ayato nodded to that question. It was because he remembered so.
- Is it perhaps no other thing but when I used《Ittou Rasetsu》with 《Kori Kusanagi》 for a second time in the match against Stella?
Towards that, Tsukikage affirmed with「Exactly」.
- Magic power is the influence that is related to this world and the thing Blazers have by birth. For this reason, the aggregate amount is determined as fate.
But… There are exceptions in this world that disprove that premise. Like those who have severed the chains of fate by their own strong will. There are exceptions that broke the limits of their souls as persons and got out of their destiny.
We call those existences《 Desperados》. Tsukikage said.
The moment he received Stella's 《Katharterio Salamandra》, Ayato was defeated in his original fate as a Generation.
But he burned with his feelings for Stella and shook free from that fate.
The fate surrounding this world transcended the limits that was allowed for the being called 『Kurogane Ayato』and caused an unbelievable miracle of raising the upper limit of his magic power more, and overturned his fate.
- At that time, you leveled up the rank of your soul and became an existence different from the regular Blazers.
You, who have reached this awakening, have been removed from the circle of fate surrounding this planet, and now you have become able to raise the upper limit of your magic power depending on the training.
My first task is to tell you a fact, that you have become an existence that set foot into the current《Domain of the Desperados》.
- W-wait a minute! Then, Stella interrupted the words of Tsukikage.
She was showing a strong irritation on her face, -
Certainly I saw the moment when the magic power of Ayato increasing.
It was impossible, but I thought that if it was Ayato, then he would do around that much. However, Prime Minister Tsukikage.
By your way of speaking, it means that you knew about the existence of this phenomenon since long ago, isn't that right?
- Yes. Absolutely. And certainly not only me, as it is also known by the League Headquarters.
I am conveying this stage's conversation to the《Desperado》that experienced an awakening as the head of the member nations of the 《International Mage-Knights League》. -
―― Stella's irritation changed to anger with those words.
- The Vermillion Empire has never heard a story like that. I've never heard such a story from Otou-sama!
… Why were you silent in the first place? Turning upside down the common sense of this world from the roots with something like『The upper limit of magic power doesn't change from the time one was born』, isn't that a serious conversation…!?
You should have detailed it to all the member nations of the League, don't you think!? Stella approached Tsukikage with an unusually threatening attitude. It was natural. She was first a student knight and at the same time, the Second Princess of Vermillion Empire.
He was a political person involved in the center of the administrative organs of a whole country. The League was hiding things towards her country, and those weren't contents that could be transmitted with "yes, is that so?" The magic power upper limit could be removed.
If only some nations shared that know-how, then that was a malpractice act against the allies of those nations. In that case, she must consider their withdrawal from the League.
However, in response to the indignation of the Second Princess of Vermillion Kingdom, Tsukikage explained as a representative of the League. - It's reasonable for Stella-hime to be angry.
However… It's a misunderstanding that the League has deceived the Vermillion Kingdom and that has monopolized the know-how that leads to《Desperado》among some nations.
The League is hiding the existence of 《Desperado》… because they are completely dangerous. - Dangerous?
- Yes. In order to reach《Desperado》, one must carry the potential of oneself to the extremes, additionally, it's necessary for the strong person's will to rise even higher than that. That is an absolute condition of awakening.
… But, have you thought that there are people who can hurt you and how much of them are in this world?
- That's… - Stella-hime. You should understand it if you are a knight of that degree.
It's not something that can be imitated or attempted to copy it.
However, you should be able to imagine it as you are also a lady that is part of the imperial family that is involved in the administration of a country.
… The type of tragedies that will happen if a greedy『 Leader』knows the existence of this domain.
- … Stella opened her eyes wide and caught her breath for a moment. It was easy for her to imagine the tragedy at the end as her royal family had a strong political power over their people and knew well the mechanisms of the nation. - A powerful Blazer is a very important being for a nation. The more their numbers, the better. Consequently, if the upper limit of magic power were to have a method to be increased and propagated, then and without fail, someone who will force the Blazers of their own country will appear.
To carry to exhaustion the potential of human beings against their will, that is indeed such horrible training.
… But the awakening it's not something that can be enforced by a third party. What is necessary to overcome fate is one's own will.
When they force a severe training, like making one stand in the depths of death, then only tragedy is born while one is pressured.
That's why, and to not create a tragedy like that, the League concealed the existence of《Desperados》 and revealed their existence only to some people of the nations that discharged《 Desperados》among the nations affiliated with the League.
It doesn't mean that we were hiding ill will towards Vermillion Kingdom, so I would like you to understand that.
Towards the explanation of Tsukikage, - … hmm.
That being the case, oh well… I understand. Stella showed understanding and withdrew her threatening attitude.
She imagined so, she was convinced that that tragedy was inevitable. Dictatorship countries as well as democratic countries were dangerous. If they were to do the unreasonable like putting lives in danger, then the Blazers would become stronger by surpassing the upper limit of magic power.
If such public opinion were to be born, the human rights of the small number of Blazers would reach a critical situation. It was justified that the League, which supervised the Blazers, kept it a secret.
――Like that, Stella recovered her composure and Ayato took a breath of small relief. - But since only the nations are discharging《Desperados》, does that mean… that there are already other individuals like them in Japan?
He raised a question that was generated in the middle of the conversation. Tsukikage nodded towards this, he showed affirmation with his neck going up and down
. - There are only two《Mage-Knights》that have Japanese nationality. One is the legendary knight《God of War》Mr. Nangou Torajirou who lived in the same era as 《The Great Hero》Kurogane Ryouma. And the other person is the favorite pupil of 《God of War》who is here, 《Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene-kun.
When it comes to outside matters, Mr. Ascaride is also a《Desperados》that belongs to the League.
- Nene-sensei is…! - Well, it's not like I'm ranked third in the world just for show you know. … I'm different to you who ended up retiring immediately because you lost your nerve when awakening. -
… Kurono, looking embarrassed, averted her eyes because Nene turned aggressive eyes towards her.
There was truly a volatile mood that was different from the two people who messed around while using their common abusive language.
Tsukikage, who guessed that, clapped once and returned to the story.
- The conversation went a little back and forth, but to sum up about why the head of the member nations of Knights League made an appointment with a new《Desperado 》: like I explained to Stella-hime now, I just wanted you to be self-aware of the existences called 《Desperados》and how this may compromise the human rights of all Blazers and for you to not make it public.
Did you understand that?
- Yes. I should express that I drew out magic power from the bottom and not that it increased when I'm asked anything that is related to my second《Ittou Rasetsu》, is that correct?
- Your quick understanding saved us time. Tsukikage showed a satisfied smile towards the comprehensive faculty of Ayato who guessed without being told the fixed text recommended by the League after one has experienced awakening in an official place.
And then, - Although their existences should be concealed for the benefit of all Blazers, the 《 Desperados》who have gone beyond their fate through awakening aren't bound by the fate surrounding this world.
And depending on the training, their superior fighting power can extend their magic powers.
I, as Prime Minister of Japan, will collaborate without sparing anything for you to become stronger.
If necessary, I can also introduce you to an excellent teacher with my connections.
He made a firm promise to support Ayato, who had climbed to a new domain, as a nation. Ayato, towards this,
- Thank you very much—it's what I would like to say, but. He told Tsukikage while having careful sparkles inside his eyes like a ice blade.
- I still can't trust a person like you. You attacked our Academy. You even asked for cooperation to《Rebellion》and tried to launch《National Akatsuki Academy》.
Unless a number of reasonable explanations are given for that reason, I don't feel like relying on you by any means. -
You said it well, Little Nephew. I agree.
- That also goes for the Vermillion Empire, we cannot help but feel distrust towards people like you who were conspiring with terrorists.
- Sensei. Why don't we talk about this slowly?
What do you think and why did you do this?
The other three also adhered to the distrust of Ayato.
The eyes of everyone were gathered in Tsukikage.
As if Tsukikage was waiting for that,
- Of course…
. As that's the second matter that assembled everyone here today. He pushed out both arms to the front,
- Make all the universe shine. 《Moon Orb》.
Together with a faint light like the glow of the moon, he made his Device manifest.
…
Several days later Arisuin and Shizuku traveled to their destinations.
Ayato and Stella departed towards the Empire of Vermillion.
They headed to connect trains from the school to the airport, and after various procedures, they were guided to the VIP chartered airplane.
They received the welcome of the crew, went up the stairs covered with a dark red carpet then got inside the plane.
Ikki was astonished by the interior.
Anyhow, the plane was fully equipped with a bar, a salon, a theater room, a bedroom that had a king size double bed and all sorts of things were in the bathroom.
Like a luxury hotel.
He didn't think this was the interior of an airplane at all. It seemed that Stella had never been on an airplane of this class as one would expect, and like Ayato, she wasn't able to believe it, she looked everywhere with great interest.
Because this was all prepared by Tsukikage as an apology for the impoliteness regarding the matter of 《Black Knight》 the other day. Well, it was that sly old fox Tsukikage.
Maybe he had ulterior motives to deepen the friendship between Japan and Vermillion by providing a pleasant and romantic air trip to Stella and Ayato and have them deepen their relationship.
However, the ulterior motives of such Tsukikage were an unrelated story to them.
Stella wasn't just enjoying what was expressly prepared for them, she was fully enjoying the air trip by watching a movie accompanied by an aroma massage in the Jacuzzi.
However, on the other hand, Ayato wasn't enjoying this trip at all.
The movie watched didn't get in his head, the splendorous Kyoto-style traditional Japanese meal brought in courses as dinner seemed to be certainly good, but he didn't experience the taste. His thoughts were filled with just one problem.
――Greetings with Stella's parents, it is finally going to happen tomorrow. It was just the trouble of what to do in that scenario.
According to Stella, her mother respected Stella's decision, so in reality the story was about how to persuade her father, the King of Vermillion,
(… How should I break the ice?) Ayato racked his brain as he sat down deeply on the sofa of the salon.
At any rate, his amount of experience was completely zero.
He didn't know but,
(For the time being, the plan I came up with when I was arrested by the former League branch is discarded)
It was a plan to express aloud as he showed sincerity by prostrating himself, saying「 Please allow me to marry your daughter」without using even the small ounce of masculinity.
At that time, he was rejected by his stepfather/uncle who appeared inopportunely saying「I'm not going to leave Shizuku to you」with a serious face.
That was an ill augur.
In addition, to convey his good faith without adorning it,
(In the end, if I immediately prostrate myself, then that would be a bad move, huh)
Everything had something called procedures.
Rather, his true feelings were far away from it when only his feelings were suddenly thrown at the other and that other was not in the mood to listen to his true feelings.
One may say that was just self-satisfaction. And that was no good.
(In any case, I don't think it should be enough to get Stella's parents to listen to my true feelings first)
The first was from there on. And from there on was the start. So, the question was what to do to get to the start line,
Then, at that moment.
- Fuuuh.
「ッッ〜〜〜〜!?」
Ayato shuddered when he felt a breath that went into the hole of his ear without any previous notice. Naturally, it was Stella who breathed into his ear.
- S-stella!? Eh, what are you doing so suddenly!?
Stella inflated her cheeks as if pouting discontentedly and returned a protest. - Don't come with "what are you doing"! You were absent-minded all this time since I started talking to you a while ago, or perhaps I should say, you just gave absentminded responses. Why are you acting so weird, Ayato!?
Ikki turned an awkward expression before this.
Because he had no memories of being addressed by her.
Maybe he was unconsciously ignoring her.
- I-I'm sorry… I was just thinking a little about something.
- Are you perhaps nervous because you'll meet my parents tomorrow?
Ayato returned a nod to Stella who asked while sitting next to him.
- … y-yeah. I was thinking more and more about the moment when I'll have to come down this plane….
- Well, you're getting nervous.
… When I met Ayato's Stepfather,Older Sister & Mother I also got frozen. Just remembering it makes me feel embarrassed….
- Haha. That thing also happened to you.
With those words, Ikki showed a smile as he reminisced that such behavior was exactly the same as to what happened to them before, and that was Stella's behavior when she met stepFather Itsuki and Big Sister Haruka and Mother Akari, the Family of Ayato, in the medical office by coincidence during the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
- Since Stella did her best at that time, now it's my turn, but I'm worried about in what way I should bring up the topic.
- It would be better to pass on doing a dogeza.
- I know that much.
The problem was that no alternative plan came to mind.
At any rate, Ikki had no experience doing greetings like this and had no information about the other party.
However, Ikki realized something there. Information could be gathered regardless of having experience or not.
If he asked Stella about what her father liked, then he would be able to get a starting point in one way or another.
- Hey, Stella. I was wondering, what are the things that your father likes?
- My father?
- Yeah. Going straight to the issue at hand all of a sudden is… a little frightening as you can see, so if there's something to warm up the situation or information to initiate a chat like a jab to grab the pace, that would really save me. Stella responded to the question of Ayato after she thought for a short while. -
… hmm. Me?
- How do you say that with a straight face… Ayato hung her head, his hopes were gone. Stella spoke words of encouragement to Ayato
- It's alright, you don't have to think too hard.
In the first place, Okaa-sama and Onee-sama aren't against you, and Otou-sama who is against you is a bit unwilling to let her children go, an obstinate person if you will, who's not so skilled and irritating.
WARNING: VERY SHORT AYATO X STELLA LEMON
On side of the wall from her position, a blushing Ai watched enviously as her naked true love and master screwing the equally naked red-haired heiress of the House of Gremory and princess of the Vermillion side of the Phenex clan against the couch they were sitting on the Vip Plane.
Stella squeaked, gasped, and panted with each thrust as Ayato pounded the redhead from behind, his hands on her waist to give him more leverage.
"We…have to…ah…continue- Ahn! The others are…ah! Come to watch us right now!"
Stella gasped, her mind racked with pleasure as she tried to talk.
"I have a feeling that we already have." Ayato said and looked to the side to find Ai.
"Eep! I've been found!" Ai whined as Stella saw her too.
"Ai! Ah, wait Ayato!" Stella cried as Ayato grasped her inner thigh and lifted it up so Ayato could completely see his erection inside Stella' pussy,
"Ai will see!"
"That's the idea. Now let's show her the climax to our passion. Besides, it'll be her turn soon." Ayato said as he used his other hand to cup her soft yet firm right breast.
"Mou! Ayato no ecchi!" Stella wailed as Ayato renewed his pistoning in and out of Stella' pussy.
He's…he's considering claiming me? " Ai thought, her blush increasing and her heart singing in joy.
She watched as the duo's pace increase, mesmerized by Ayato's cock thrusting in and out of Stella's pussy, and seeing the look of pleasure on both their faces as Stella's eyes clouded over with lust; and for an instant, Ai saw her appearance over Stella', and moaned at the thought of Ayato fucking her like Stella, with her own pussy getting wet.
"Stella, I'm about to cum!" Ayato groaned as he sped up his thrusts.
"Inside! Inside like before, Ayato!" Stella screamed as her breasts wildly bounced about.
Ai's pussy was practically gushing as she watched the two lovers hit their climax at the same time. She started to pant herself as she watched Ayato and Stella's combined love juices leaked out of the latter's pussy as they collapsed into the water, with Stella lying on top of Ayato, her breasts pressed against his chest.
SHORT LEMON OVER
- … thank you.
Ayato thanked her and depended on Stella's kindness.
He put his body horizontally on the sofa and left the back of his head on the plump and tensed white thighs of Stella.
The thighs of Stella loaded with flexible muscles and feminine soft fat were very comfortable to sleep on after a steamy love session.
Ayato closed his eyelids and put himself in that comfort.
Stella tenderly caressed Ayato's head and played with his bangs with her fingers.
His cheeks became less tense, he had a happy face that he could only show when they were alone.
Only falling affection was swaying in her deep crimson pupils.
Ayato felt it was irresistible when he thought that he monopolized that.
It was already unimaginable for Ayato to miss this gaze.
He couldn't imagine a future where Stella wasn't next to him
So, and certainly as Stella said, this greeting was「A conversation where we have no choice but to make it go smoothly」.
He knew that.
But,
(… Maybe it's not going to be easy to convince Stella's father)
Stella said that it was fine, but Ayato was going to tread on something that didn't have any smoothness on it. Because there was a very absolute difference between Ayato and Stella.
On one hand, she was the second Princess of a country.
On the other hand, he was born in two distinguished families though he was a wanderer with half broken relations.
On one hand, she and he were A-Rank knights with anticipated prospects from the world but one of them even went through《Brute Soul》.
when he thought about it again, they weren't balanced at all. Stella would say that this wasn't related to things like talent or family.
But that was only for Stella. The father of Stella would want more from her partner because he truly cared about Stella.
And so the wanderer called Kurogane Ayato didn't own a single one of those things that could meet those demands.
These facts were extremely heavy.
(Can… Can I meet the expectations of Stella's father…?)
Could he show something that was enough to receive Stella, his treasure, from her father?
Because she was important―― Because he couldn't think of handing her over―― His anxiety didn't disappear no matter what.
However, the plane flew in the night of the continent and directly headed towards the Empire of Vermillion. And also, Ayato didn't know yet.
In the foreign country he was heading to, the reality that awaited him was far beyond he assumed.
The next day. Around the time Ayato and Stella finished eating somewhat late in the morning.
The plane finally reached the skies of the Empire of Vermillion.
- Ayato! Look. This is my country. The Empire of Vermillion! Stella raised a happy voice to the hometown she hadn't seen in a long time.
Ayato chased her eyes and also overlooked the territory of Vermillion from the airplane. What was in his field of vision was the plain Vermillion and almost all of its territory, it was a vivid green carpet that spread gently everywhere.
Windmills stood in lines here and there, and a settlement where enumerated small private houses were seen along the river. It was a completely different view from Japan that had a little jumbled up impression with all its mountains and buildings. Ayato recalled the information about the Empire of Vermillion while looking at such an idyllic view. The Empire of Vermillion.
It was a rare, absolute monarchical country in the present day that existed along the gulf, facing the northern sea in a corner of Europe. It was originally a part of the neighboring country of Kledelland, but it got its independence several hundred years ago and that is how it was now.
The main occupation was animal husbandry by making the best use of the vast open fields. The exportation of cut flowers. The tourism made use of the beautiful nature. Exportation of natural gas and the like.
Up to this point, it could be said that it was quite an ordinary nation which wasn't unusual in Europe. However, the Empire of Vermillion had a big feature that no other country had. And that was the height of the loyalty towards the nation's imperial family.
There was a famous episode. World War II that yielded many tragedies. Due to the rise of the Nazi Germany, Europe became a sea of fire. The war also reached the Empire of Vermillion, and the imperial capital Hraesvelgr fell.
The Empire of Vermillion had lost its shape as a nation for a moment. In that occasion, the Nazi Germany that naturally put the Kingdom of Vermillion under their rule, set out to eradicate the imperial family of Vermillion――but that didn't turn out well.
That was because the people of the Empire of Vermillion continued giving refuge to the imperial family with whom they had become one. When the trend changed and until the Nazi Germany completely withdrew from Vermillion, they didn't yield to any kind of unjust torture.
And when World War II ended, the citizens disregarded completely the flow of democratization of politics that had spread at an accelerated pace all over the world and the Vermillion imperial family stood up once again as the only and absolute ruler. This episode, the strong and hard as iron loyalty, was greatly associated with the history of the founding of the Empire of Vermillion.
The War of Independence of Vermillion was a war in which the people who couldn't stand the Kingdom of Kledelland began to be led by the Duke of Vermillion who was the aristocratic leader of the moderate faction of Kledelland… During this period, the relatives of the influential nobles took the form of a marriage to the public in the capital city and were kept as hostages.
The Duke of Vermillion wasn't the exception and the Kingdom of Kledelland used the life of his family as shields and forced the Duke of Vermillion to stop the insurrection. However, the Duke of Vermillion didn't stop the war.
He didn't give in to a nightmare situation in which a part of the body of his beloved family was sent to him every week, he was going to complete the War of Independence in exchange for the lives of all his own family members. For the weak citizens that had asked for his help.
The people never forget even now the dedication of the Duke of Vermillion――also named the First Emperor of the Empire of Vermillion. That was widely transmitted as a children's story and as history, and raised the strong and hard as iron loyalty.
『We are one nation, we are one family』
When did that happen?
During a casual conversation in the dorm, and when Vermillion became a topic, Stella had confessed that that was the relationship between the royal family and the people.
All the people loved the royal family and the royal family also loved such people by spreading out a good government. The strong wishes regarding Stella's national defense were probably also the foundation of those feelings.
Ayato also was capable of even knowing that as general knowledge. He understood that the royal family and the citizens were closer than any ordinary nation.
However―― Notwithstanding, he was overwhelmed by the sight that jumped the moment he got off the airplane.
『『『〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜！！！！』』』
The very instant he took a step and walked under the sunlight of summer and his eyes were dazzled by it from inside the airplane. Ikki was kind of surprised for a moment, then looked towards the point where the shock had soared. And there,
『Stella-sama! Welcome home〜〜〜〜〜〜〜!』
『Your combat training is much appreciated――――!』
『Kyaa! Stella-chan! Your matches were very cooool!』
There were people. Hundreds of people were just filling altogether the site of the government-dedicated airport. The shock just now was their cheers. -
Everyone――――! I'm ba――――!
Stella shook her hand and returned those words while showing a lot of surprise to the beyond-the-norm cheers. The excitement of the people gathered here skyrocketed. The cheers that pretty much shook the earth raised. And then, the interest of the crowd reached Ayato who stood next to Stella.
『Ah! That's the boy I saw on TV!』
『That's the guy who defeated Stella-hime!』
『That means he's Stella-chan's fiancée, right!?』
『No way, he's quite attractive, isn't he?』 『He looks amiable, completely different from the time of the match』 『He came to greet the King as he promised!』 『Welcome to the Empire of Vermillion!』
『『『Welcome――――!』』』
Hundreds of thousands of cheers and gazes leapt at him. He experienced a big stage like the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, but this wasn't the case. Ayato didn't know what to do, so he waved his hand, imitating Stella for now. And then,
『『『 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜！！！！』 』』
The crowd returned cheers and applause in response to what Ayato returned.
(U-uwaa… this is really embarrassing…)
Although he was born in a distinguished family, Ayato, who was treated rudely, was hopelessly bad at this kind of situation. He showed his gratitude to others.
I'm probably not such praiseworthy person, he eventually ended up thinking so. - Stella-sama. Kurogane-sama. A welcoming car has come below here. Please be careful of your feet when descending.
- Thank you. It was a very enjoyable trip. They thanked the crew members that saw them off and descended the stairs covered with the same deep red carpet when the two had departed. Below the stairs a pure-white luxury car stood there.
The car was appreciated as Ikki wanted to escape from the gazes' concentrated fire quickly. Then, at that moment. Without waiting for the two to arrive, the passenger seat's door of the courtesy car was opened.
Thereupon, a petite, long waved, peach blonde woman got out of the car and looked upward,
- Welcome back. Stella-chan. She welcomed Stella's return home with a gentle smile on her childish shaped face
. - Eh…! You came to pick me up!? Stella, next to him, raised a surprised voice and ran down the stairs in one go, stood in front of her and held her hands. Reacting to this, the woman grasped back the hands of Stella, -
Of course. Now that I can see Stella-chan after several months〜.
- Thank you! I also wanted to see you! They were delightedly meeting again, and smiled together.
The pigment of that little girl's hair was slightly light, but the smile that made her cheeks became softer with『bonya』was exactly like Stella's smile when she was off guard.
She looked very young, but… was she the first princess or something?
When Ayato stood with his hands in his pockets idly while thinking about the figures of the two intimate girls, Stella guessed the left-behind state of Ayato and said to him.
- Ah, I'm sorry, Ayato! I'll introduce her to you! She's my mother!
- Eh!? Your mother!?
Is she the same type of monster as Little Demon-chan?
When he thought such a rude thing in his mind,
- You are Ayato Kurogane-san, yes? Nice to meet you〜.
I'm Astraea Vermillion, mother of Stella Vermillion〜.
I hope we can get along〜. When Astraea finished her self-introduction with a calm tone of voice, she bowed facing Ayato.
Before she finished her bowing, and while he felt it was an oversight of his, Ikki also bowed, panicking a lot.
- Ah, I appreciate your politeness…! I am Ayato Kurogane! Thank you for inviting me today…!
I will be indebted to you during summer vacation…!
- Fufufu, you're a very polite boy, so different from the powerful image I saw on TV〜.
Your aunt like those kind of boys〜.
- Okaa-sama also watched the broadcast? -
But of course. I also ended up watching the finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival on TV〜.
To be honest, I was surprised because I didn't think that Stella-chan would lose.
You're very strong〜.
- No, that's… it was very, very close. That match.
- Whether it's a complete victory or a narrow victory, it was your win, no? Astraea said so and firmly grabbed the hand of Ayato.
And then, she put nothing but her thanks in her voice,
- Ayato-san.
Thank you very much. For competing to that level with Stella-chan. It was the first time that Stella-chan fought with so much fun.
There was no one in Vermillion or in the neighboring country Kledelland who could keep up with Stella-chan's strength.
… I was a little worried about sending my daughter alone to a foreign country, but she was able to find such a wonderful boyfriend so it was right to make her go to Japan.
The hand that grasped him, her expression, her voice.
From all of them, it was transmitted to Ayato that Astraea's thanks weren't on the surface but they were indeed from the bottom of her heart.
As Stella said, it seemed that her mother supported her actions and decisions. Ayato was relieved in regard to this, and he also returned his thanks with a tense-free smile.
- Thank you very much. Since I also got the chance to meet Stella, fell in love with her and could fight to that extent.
- Fufu. You pass, and more than twice*.
(It came here, the strong distinctive body odor of a middle-aged person…!)
- Hey, Okaa-sama. Did Okaa-sama watch the match together with Otou-sama?
- Of course. Luna-chan too, the whole family was rooting for you〜
- I'm glad! Then Otou-sama also knows that Ayato is strong! That's a good thing, Ayato.
With this, your rank shouldn't be an obstacle. But to these few words of Stella- - Ah〜… I woo〜nder about that…
Astraea displayed a skeptical opinion, looking troubled.
- I wonder? What do you mean?
- Because papa didn't see that match till the end〜.
- W-why!? His job got in the way or something?
- That's not it〜, he saw till the middle of it, I think?
Right when Ayato-san slashed the abdomen of Stella-chan〜.
He was foaming when he saw that and remained fainted for three days or so〜.
Since he was going to move the army to declare war on Japan as soon as he woke up, both mama and Dandelion-san calmed him down
〜. - …
Ayato lost his words and complexion due to the excessively convincing reasons.
- What's with that?
How can he be so exaggerated, when I was barely cut?
Stella was incensed while saying so next to him, but that response wasn't to the degree that she was barely cut.
It was a fatal wound, a "break up match" would have been set if it wasn't due to Stella being capable of having a high level self-regeneration.
If he were looking at his own daughter in such state, then fainting would be a natural reaction. - Ah, come to think of it, I just remembered papa's story just now, but papa said he wants to have a family meeting with everyone for a moment before meeting Ayato-san.
- Huuh?
And why?
- Because he wants to hear all about Ayato-san from Stella-chan〜. If he were to look at his face without knowing anything about him now, then a proper decision can't be made.
…
I wonder though. I think it's not a bad conversation for Ayato-san. Though he will have to wait in the guest room for a while〜.
- Sure. I am fine with it. Ayato returned an immediate reply. He decided there was no reason to refuse. He didn't want to die young in the lands of a foreign country
- Sorry, Ayato. Otou-sama came up with a selfish thing.
- Don't worry. I mean, he would feel at ease when some things about me are conveyed by Stella rather than me facing him all of a sudden.
- Got it! I'll embellish, or perhaps I should say that I'll rapidly convince him like a jet engine about the wonderful things of Ayato!
- D-don't raise his expectations too much, alright…?
Thus, when the conversation was settled, Astraea recommended the two to seat in the back seats.
A middle-aged woman with a good physique appeared from the crowd that kept silent to not disturb their conversation until now and proposed to the three of them.
- Hey, hey. I've been hearing your conversation from a while ago.
If groom-san is going to be free, then would you like us to show the imperial capital to groom-san in the meanwhile?
What do you say? In fact, we've been preparing for their homecoming and we wanted to teach a lot of things about the city and the country to Stella-chan's darling.
Of course, if you don't feel like it, then we won't insist… At the suggestion of the middle-aged woman, the crowd behind her showed interesting reactions such as『It sounds good, isn't it!?』and『Say yes!』.
That was the same for Stella. - Yana-san, that's a very good idea! Please accept it, Ikki! Yana seemed to be the name of the middle-aged woman.
Once her name came out, they began to talk, he was able to see that they had a close relationship. In that case, there was no problem in trusting her. Ayato concluded so,
- Yeah. Then I accept your offer, I will be under your care. He accepted Yana's proposal. For Ayato, it felt more significant to look around the city where his lover was born rather than just waiting in the castle.
- Well then〜 You'll be contacted by Stella-chan once the family meeting is over〜, so until then, please enjoy sightseeing in Vermillion, Ayato-san〜.
- Everyone! I entrust Ayato to you!
『『『Yesーーーー！』』』
Thus, the Princess and the Empress of Vermillion entrusted Ikki to the crowd and headed to the castle first.
(Few Minutes Later)
On the other hand, Ayato Kurogane made full use of his natural physical ability. Right before the tank cannons fired, he manifested《Ryuuzetsu》. He stretched out his arms in front of him and spread his fingers to the sides, preparing to take the projectile on himself. A powerful blow tore him from his place, forcing him to shuffle his feet on the asphalt pavement of the base. Ayato was thrown back 10 meters, but maintaining an absolutely straight posture, he managed to catch the projectile. He jumped over the buildings lined along the highway and escaped danger.
- He stopped the armor-piercing shell of the tank with his bare hands !?
"Don't worry, I'll bring it back," Ayato said, and tossed a deformed armor-piercing round at the soldiers. The thrown shell hit the right track of the tank, damaging it. With a broken track, the tank could no longer move.
But――
- Y-y-you want to kill me!?
- Killing you would be fantastic. We don't intend to leave Stella-sama to a man who dies to something of this level. That's the consensus of the people of Vermillion. The people who wore red military uniforms and were waiting on the roofs of the buildings returned cold words to the relatively serious protest of Ayato.
They deployed on the roofs of the nearby buildings to surround Ayato who escaped, going to the roofs. They aimed their guns at Ayato. And then, a person among them.
A young woman with a shoulder strap threw a sharp gaze from behind her glasses and pronounced it to Ayato.
- My name is Signard Iruon. I'm the person that was entrusted to be the General of the Imperial Army of Vermillion. Ayato Kurogane. You are already surrounded by the Imperial Army of Vermillion.
- They even moved the army…?
He had heard of the level of loyalty of the people of the Empire of Vermillion, but to think it was this much. But this too was completely like the sown seed of their family.
- Please listen to what I have to say for a moment, I'm not going to run away or go wild. Everything is a misunderstanding.
- A misunderstanding?
Luckily, the woman that introduced herself as Signard was an experienced soldier, and she looked to be much more relaxed when comparing her to the people at the airport. So that was why Ayato tried to persuade her by talking to her somehow.
- I think that a lot of information about me that circulated widely during that scandal are false rumors. That "I'm on bad terms with my family", it's irresponsible that people who don't think well about me spread such things!
- Hou. Then you're saying that the things about you exhibiting violence poorly and that you got in a family that was carrying its days calmly and without any sort of crimes were all lies?
- … of course, se… huh? He tried to answer quickly but he was at a loss for words.
――In this case, what kind of treatment did he have when he was traveling around the World?
- Is it also a lie that you abruptly stepped in the room when Stella-sama was changing clothes and that you even reached the pervert act of taking off your clothes too?
- … Th-that's, well. - That you presented an unreasonable condition to Stella-sama in which the loser must be obedient to the winner forever and that you enslaved Stella-sama who lost the duel and you made her listen to what you say!? -
… (W-what do I do…!? I can't answer back because everything is completely true!)
And finally, the speechless Ayato. He realized Akaza's cleverness. They were 100% not a lie, he wasn't able to deny them. She really used in a skillful manner the serious personality of Ayato. He was finally able to squeeze out some words with a cramped smile,
- Well, the nuances are scary, aren't they?
- You piece of shit.
She spat out like she was looking at waste. He could see that the soldiers around him put their strength into the finger to pull the trigger.
However――Signard controlled with a finger the frenzied soldiers and said something unexpected.
- … well, the information surely reflects the arbitrariness of the third party
. It is also a fact that it was distorted when it reached the other side of the world.
… Stella-sama seems to like and trust you, and based on what we saw at the finals, we know that you aren't just a waste of human beings. It doesn't matter how accurate the information about you is, that's already indifferent for us. You don't have the guts for that.
- What do you mean?
- If you are Stella-sama's boyfriend, then you should know, right? The kind of hardships that Stella-sama had to overcome to be able to control her power.
- … well, yes. That was a story he heard from Stella herself.
At first, when her ability was revealed, Stella was unable to control the power of the dragon's flame, he was told that she burned herself with her own power.
However, Stella understood at a young age how valuable her ability was for the small country of Vermillion. A strong Blazer was an irreplaceable asset for a country.
She shook free from the opposition of her surroundings and acquired control of her own ability, being prepared for death. For all the people of this country.
... When Stella was still 5 years old. - I was overwhelmed by the pride of Stella's imperial family. - You're a kind person… Signard muttered like digesting that, - However, in the same way as Stella-sama thinks so, we also want to protect Stellasama! - …!
- Everyone in this place loves Stella-sama like a daughter, like an older sister, like a younger sister, like a family member. Because we think of her with great care.
…
That's why this relationship won't be allowed or consolidated without consulting it with us! In no way it will be allowed! When she scowled at Ayato for a second time, she raised a loud voice. - Ayato Kurogane! The people of the Empire of Vermillion challenge you to a duel! If you want to marry Stella-sama, then show us with your sword that you are worthy of a knight! That you are the appropriate man to be the spouse of our beloved girl who is beautiful, noble and kinder than anyone else!
『『『That's right ―――――!』』』
『『『If not, we'll never recognize you!』』』
Aligned with Signard, the soldiers on the roof and the soldiers and citizens that crammed below the buildings before he knew raised their voices all at once. When he saw that scene, Ayato realized at last the situation he was placed in.
They were beyond help.
To sum up, this country was―― (All the people of this country are her doting parents…!?)
He thought that the obstacle was one of Stella's parents, but he was over optimistic. But that couldn't be helped.
One wouldn't usually consider that. Even if Stella told him that her family was one with the country, her existence wasn't just the royal family for the Japanese Ayato. The royal family married him and so forth, they virtually watched it become news and after a while, everything was decided. It was unthinkable for them to determine him as a marriage partner of the royal family.
――But, - I see. That sure has logic
◆◇◆◇◆ - …!
In an instant, Ayato saw Signard facing him on behalf of the people.
A thin smile was shown on the mouth of Ayato.
And then, - Stella also said it before. "We're one family in the country".
In that case, your indignation is completely natural. I won't be allowed to marry Stella without making you consent to it.
――There's no reason to refuse you a duel.
The man who came to take their Princess from a foreign country elevated the tip of the black Nodachi he had in his hands and accepted their challenge without hesitating.
However! But, Ayato started to generate Frozen wind when Signard tried to wave her hand was controlling the soldiers.
- " Blade ice Whirlwind "
Realizing this, Ayato swung his sword in pursuit of the projectile and shot a cutting cryo tornado in a straight trajectory.
The cryo tornado, like a drill, flew into the ranks of the soldiers, crushing them to pieces.
The Army was sliced to bits by the Cryo Tornado.
How strong is the fucking bastard's " body " !?
The enemy had just demonstrated their monstrous power before their eyes. The frightened soldiers, trembling all over, began to slowly retreat back ...
- This psychic simply does not feel any of our attacks ...!
The enemy had just demonstrated their monstrous power before their eyes. The frightened soldiers, trembling all over, began to slowly retreat back ... But, fortunately for them, help loomed on the horizon.
- All soldiers retreat immediately. I repeat, all soldiers should stop fighting and retreat immediately.
- Miss Signard!?
"This youth, Ayato-kun, is a young knight of the A-rank of the League. It is believed that a psychic of this rank is able to stand alone against a small army. All your strength is not enough to defeat him.
This was a big mistake. Because Ayato didn't go into the building from the hole just like that――he was just grabbing the edge of it with his fingers.
- Heave-ho! Ayato made sure that the watch on the roof was removed under the instruction of Signard then threw up his body with his fingers and jumped out from the hole. Then,
『General Signard! There!』
He rushed out of the castle before the soldiers noticed him. Signard had a disgusted look on her face, looking at his retreating figure. -
D-dammit…! He feigned it! Don't let him escape.
『『『Yes ma'aaaaaaaaaaaam!』』』
The soldiers fired the rifle they had in their hands while chasing the distant Ayato. However, he was able to let all the bullets fired go bounce off him by using Heavenly Dragon Ice Armor.
He checked with his sense of hearing the location of the shooting sounds. He predicted the arrival time of the bullet speed, he didn't look back not even a single time. His movement was extremely quick despite the unstable footing.
Even when he was running on the level-ground airport. That was because Kurogane Ayato's mind and body conditions had recently reached their climax
. Everything was thanks to them, the people of Vermillion. Ayato was able to notice them because they were facing him seriously.
『To get them recognize him as Stella's companion』
『To get them to hand over Stella』
If they truly loved her, if they thought about her wellness more than anything else, ――Was she something that they should and could hand over?
As if he couldn't hand over Stella. Ayato was aware of the serious attitude so far of the people of Vermillion. They were just like him.
In that case, there was no way they could coexist. Trying to coexist was the great mistake itself. Fellows that loved the same girl from the bottom of their hearts.
If he wanted to get the girl, there was only one thing to do. That was to pull Stella's hand, hold it tightly and take her away. With stronger feelings――and physical strength and Magic Power than the others!
(If it's the strength of my feelings, then I won't lose to anyone――!)
Never, to them――or to Stella's father. Other than that, there was no way to make them agree.
The moment he arrived at that mental state, Ayato was finally able to determine his feelings――He may not get them to recognize him.
Such a Strong idea, that was filling the head of Ayato until just now, dissipated, and he stared straight at the castle with burning eyes.
He didn't think that he'd get them to accept him and hand her over again. He would take her away and make them recognize him…!
Because――that was Kurogane Ayato's way of life and the Ayato that Stella loved.
『T-that man…! Does he have eyes on his back or something!?』 『And with this unstable footing, how can he run so damn fast…!?』
『General! It's useless! We can't catch up with him! 』
- Tsk. The heavy burden of his heart vanished, the soldiers couldn't catch up with Ayato who became more agile. Ayato jumped between the roofs and separated from his pursuers in the blink of an eye.
The soldiers fired bullets at Ayato with the rifles they had in their hands, but none of them hit him. The soldiers weren't unskilled. Ayato uses Heavenly Dragon's armor to block the bullets with precision.
――He never looked back, not even once.
He had already assessed the speed of the bullets. And remembered them. If so, the timing at which the bullets came flying from the angle and position of the firing sound could be roughly calculated. It was possible to Block them, including the calculation error if he had to evade it with a bit more room. Signard clicked her tongue.
Although she knew about the level of his physical and Cryo ability, what Signard saw was just Ayato on top of a flat ring. It was nothing but the skillfulness and Powerfulness of his main sword technique and Blazer power that caught her attention. The impression of his Noble Arts《Ittou Shura》 and 《Kori Kusanagi》and《Kori Kirin》 was also combined with it, she thought "he was a strong knight specialized in matches".
But that wasn't it. Signard realized it. The fundamentals, the foundation that sustained that sword technique. The sharpened Cryo ability and Physical ability of Ayato weren't common.
And his ability to grasp space. Ayato wasn't bothered at all by the terrain or the surprise attacks.
He constantly turned his head and selected the best movement at the very instant, he understood the art to break the battle. This tenacity, this determination to use everything he noticed――
(――this guy's the type that exists for war rather than for regular matches…!)
The non-Blazer forces weren't opponents for him. It should be possible for Ayato to return and take the head of the enemy general by himself.
He was flashy so as to blow up the large army in one hit like Stella, and he also had the penetrating ability to deeply pierce through the enemy like a sharp needle.
He was making light of them.
They couldn't stop that by themselves.
However――
(Still, I can't break off from those girls…!)
(It's weird)
Ayato felt an uncomfortable feeling as he rode fast the roofs of the buildings of Vermillion alone, he completely got separated from Signard and company.
Even though he broke off from his pursuers and didn't see their figures anymore,
(There are two gazes that were able to stick to me this whole time)
Moreover, one of them was so close he could hear their breathing.
Where were they? They weren't to the right. They weren't to the left.
They weren't in front or above him――in that case, -
――from below! A water sound and a splash rose in an instant, and a three-pronged lance popped out of the roof right below Ayato.
Ayato blocked it with《Ryuuzetsu》.
But his movement was stopped,
- Heh, now, Milly!
The barley-skinned girl that appeared from inside the roof with lance in hand shouted,
- Or rather, I know what to do even if you don't tell me〜.
Immediately after, the ears of Ayato made a dry, bursting sound.
Together with that, he felt like lightning running in his femur.
(She's sniping…!)
- Fuh! - Whoah!?
The intuition that was sharpened to be out of danger many times moved the body of Ayato like drifting.
He launched a kick loaded with his weight on the long handle of the lance and pulled away one of the assailants,
- Haaaa! A black, circular bullet that flew and broke through the wind was cut in two, it was chopped.
The divided, severed bullet slid on the blade of《Ryuuzetsu》and passed to the left and right of Ayato――
- Ahhaaah . - …!?
At that moment, the hemispherical bullet took a sharp turn and thrust into both feet of Ikki from the left and right. Ayato dodged them by jumping to the back right away.
It was a Block that owed everything to Ayato's armor of cryo wind who had always won through disadvantageous fights, and to not being careless because he let the attacks of the enemies go past.
The semi-circular bullets lost their target, sunk into the roof and stopped their movement. - Not good, this guy's super fast and Super Strong.
They were dodged with such a timing, this'll be a serious booooothersooome.
- Hehe. It's not that much though, he's kind of worth being our opponent, don't you see? The girl kicked by Ayato rotated in the air and landed on the red tiled roof. Next to her there was a girl having a small musket at the ready.
She suddenly appeared as if jumping out from the water's surface without destroying the roof. The bullets that followed him here had an almost impossible trajectory. Ikki realized. Without a doubt, these two girls were――
- … Blazers, huh. - Nice to meet you, Stella's boyfriend!
I'm Tilmitt Gracie, I'm in the first year of the National Black Magic Institute of Vermillion! Your reaction just now was very good, you know!?
- Huh〜? Are we self-introducing now? Then I also have to do so?
Hello, I'm Miliaria Lazy. I'm in the first year of the National Black Magic Institute of Vermillion. It seems you've been a close friend of Stella-chan since not too long ago, yes?
- I'm Ayato Kurogane . … Are you also going to test me for the sake of Stella? When he asked, the girl named Tilmitt laughed.
- Ah, no, no. We don't care who marries Stella. That girl is free to decide who she likes.
- Our goal is thi〜s.
Miliaria said so and showed a rough paper to Ayato.
There was a photo of Ayato in it and―― The characters DEAD OR ALIVE.
- I've become a wanted person!?
- Yup. We'll get a bonus from the army if we defeat you. That's 1,000,000《EL》Yulis! -
Milly-chan found a super cute bag last week, but she's totally troubled, she's running out of money〜. Can this be then a lifesaver without a doubt?
It appeared that the wanted poster was scattered throughout the whole town by the Imperial Army. By the way, 1M Yulis were 100M Japanese yen.
It was an extraordinary amount. Ayato understood that amount of money.
The degree of seriousness of his opponents. And the presence of those behind the army and Tilmitt.
(I thought it wasn't an arbitrary decision of the people because they're even moving the army, but――)
Only one person could withdraw this amount of the national treasure from the absolute monarchy that was Vermillion
. The king of Vermillion was also involved in this mess.
He didn't know if he was leading it or if he was cooperating, but either way, he approved it
(Their murderous intent is high!)
That perhaps was natural when looking at the match. And, when Ayato wryly smiled at the level of hate directed at him,
『This is it! 1M Yulis!』
『Damn! Another problem child combination is already coming into contact with the enemy!』
『Those girls, they barely work with honesty at times like this!』
『Don't let the two have a favorable moment! Let's go!』
Besides Tilmitt, those who were dazzled by the prize money rushed along the roof.
Tilmitt and Miliaria who were seeing this,
- Oops, the hyenas have gathered.
- Let's take care of this very quickly.
They took a combat stance again.
Tilmitt activated the ability of her Device《Triaina》.
Then again, the material called roof changed to sea for her, she jumped without hesitation and got inside.
At the same time, Miliaria, her partner, fell to her knees there,
-《Calamity Barrett》Triple rapid-fire
! Three bullets were fired from the musket-type Device. Its shape was of a musket, but there was no concept of reloading in her Device. And so, these bullets weren't ordinary bullets that flew straight into the sky. Ayato, who understood that with the hit earlier, started Blocking immediately without trying to avoid it at the very limit with his diamond like body.
Then, and not surprisingly, the bullets curved sharply and started Attacking the defending Ayato.
This was the ability of Milliaria's Device《Casper》that had the concept of absolute hit.
No matter how many times a bullet was repelled or bisected, the magic bullet would continue chasing the enemy to pierce them. It was a very annoying ability.
But, The capture method was already identified. Ayato aimed at a certain place on the roof while struggling to barely dodge the bullets that attacked him while turning around him. There was a chimney.
(Just like before, she sunk into the attracting wall)
But――
- Here I come! Because she was waiting for the moment he approached the chimney, Triaina came outside from the side of the chimney.
No matter how many times a bullet was repelled or bisected, the magic bullet would continue chasing the enemy to pierce them. It was a very annoying ability.
But, The capture method was already identified. Ayato aimed at a certain place on the roof while struggling to barely dodge the bullets that attacked him while turning around him.
There was a chimney.
(Just like before, she sunk into the attracting wall)
But―― - Here I come! Because she was waiting for the moment he approached the chimney, Triaina came outside from the side of the chimney. Ayato strengthened his body and blocked it by millimeters.
He rapidly separated from the chimney.
(If I get near the wall then I'll be attacked by Tilmitt-san…!)
- Here we go again!
- Kuh. Moreover, Triaina appeared in succession at his escaping steps first.
From this, Ayato couldn't stay in a place and he couldn't use a guided standard attack principle to attract and get into it.
It covered the weakness of《Calamity Barrett》very well. - That's a nice combination…! - Of course! After all, Milly and I are C-Rank knights, 2 of the 3 C-Rank knights of this country! - I mean, you praise us, but we're not going to miss. Miliaria said so and abandoned control of the speed-decreasing《Calamity Barrett》. She fired three more《Calamity Barrett》again to replace the bullets and went after Ayato mercilessly.
In addition to that, Triaina stuck out irregularly from below his feet like it was pestering him. Even the genius Ayato was just defending against the gapless attacks from every direction. At this rate, then he would be caught sooner or later.
That was why Ayato greatly jumped to the edge of the roof with all his strength.
When he moved to another building, he peeked at Tilmitt, who was《Travelling in disguise》. The two that chased Ayato understood such a way of doing things.
Most of those who had been attacked in waves by Tilmitt and Milliaria ended up with that general idea. Therefore―― Milliaria grinned and laughed.
- Ahhaa We were waiting for that〜!
At that second, Miliaria abandoned the speed-decreasing《Calamity Barrett》. Then fired three new《Calamity Barrett》aiming at Ayato who made a jump in the air.
Yes.
The creation of this situation was the aim of their wave attacks. People couldn't move in the air except for the Blazers that had a special ability .
He was completely defenseless. It wasn't possible to evade the maximum speed of《Calamity Barrett》that were just shot with that momentum. The three bullets attacked him. Ayato flipped his body in the air and stood in midair.
Then took an interception stance with sword in hand――
(That's really meaningless〜)
It was insignificant for《Calamity Barrett》whether they were cut or repelled. If they were cut, the number of balls would increase just like before. If they were repelled, then they'll attack him many times due to the propulsion of ricochet's momentum.
――That was what she supposed.
That was why both Milliaria and Tilmitt were convinced of their victory, but――
- Haaa! At the same time as the three bullets pierced Ayato.
Three flashing lights surrounded Ayato and《Calamity Barrett》lost its ardent driving force, it was attracted by gravity and fell to the ground without force. Ayato was safe, he landed on a building shorter than the one Miliaria and Tilmitt were standing on.
- Huh? Miliaria got confused by the unexpected consequences. The ability of Ayato Kurogane should be Generation Dragon Powers. That was why she was able to invalidate his Noble Arts.
But Tilmitt who had a taijutsu sense greater than Milliaria, comprehended together with shivers the superhuman feat of Ayato just now in the sea of stones.
(They completely cancelled each other out…!)
It was evidently that. Ayato in the defense and offense so far, and the bullets that Miliaria replaced twice up to now, he read that her ability is to guarantee nothing else but『Trajectory』, she doesn't have the power to『re-accelerate』the fired bullets.
By striking the bullets with the same energy as the energy contained in them, they weren't repelled to the back like before and weren't sliced off either, all their movements were cancelled.
(Milly's ability is just『bullets』, they aren't『missiles』. What we're doing is meaningless)
《Calamity Barrett》was powerless against enemies that had a technique of such level. (But still――!) She had no choice but to do that.
Tilmitt decided so, she strongly kicked the bottom of the water and jumped to the surface. - 《Dolphin Crash》!
She jumped out from the wall of the building. The distance between the two buildings was indeed 10 meters.
Tilmitt flew that distance without difficulty and drew near Ayato.
She pushed out Triaina and aimed at his head from above and the diagonal of Ayato who landed on a short building. The movements of the opposing Ayato were also fast.
He immediately raised《Ryuuzetsu》and took a defensive stance with his blade against the thrusting lance of Tilmitt. It was easy for him to defend against that attack, like a charge from 10 meters away. However, ――that was a trap.
(That momentary preparation did it…!)
That was her first strike, Tilmitt was performing in preparation for the moment when《 Calamity Barrett》couldn't shoot him down. That was the first strike that made Ayato defend. At that moment, Tilmitt had instilled an understanding by purposely making Ayato defend against her thrust. He was able to block the thrust of《Triaina》.
But, (It's not like I can just hide in buildings!) The Device of the opponent was no exception. Now it was the time to move the trump card prepared in case the collaboration with Miriallia didn't go well. Triaina slipped through Ayato's《Ryuuzetsu》 trying to stop the point of the lance with a water sound and hurried to the face of Ikki in a straight line.
(Got you!)
The moment Tilmitt was convinced about it, - That's too open.
Certainly, 《Triaina》supposedly stabbed Ayato's forehead, but it turned away to the side like sliding on the skin of Ikki. It was the secret technique that warded off the blade with only a slight defensive body movement ――《Flawless》.
Ayato dodged the lance attack of Tilmitt with that, - Fuh.
He slashed Tilmitt who became defenseless in mid-air due to the unexpected protection with the blade of《Illusory Form》.
- Kuh, ah.
- It was as if you were saying "please receive the charge from that distance".
Given the special characteristics of your ability, it's easy to anticipate and slip through your Device, and so turning the tables.
That was quite dangerous now, so it's better to not do it again. In the real battlefield, if his real enemy was an opponent, then her current careless attack could have cost the life of Tilmitt. So, Ayato scolded her imprudence with severe words.
But soon after she reflected upon those words, a strong sleepiness that resembled a blackout of consciousness attacked Tilmitt and she fell on the roof. And just like that, she rolled down due to the inclination of the roof. Ayato took a glance and,
- Alright then, I leave the rest to you! With a refreshing smile, he violently threw everything to Milliaria and resumed the escape. - Kyaah! Til-chan!
She may be a Blazer, but she was just a human being that needed to protect herself with magic. It was unpardonable if she fell from the roof of around 10 meters in height in a fainted state. Miliaria jumped out from the roof by dashing with all her strength and caught Tilmitt in the air and landed on the ground. Then she looked up on the roof from there but there were no signs of Ayato anymore.
When Ayato defeated Both Tilmitt and Miliaria. Stella and Astraea arrived at the castle of the Imperial Capital central part.
- Hmm〜 Like I thought, my home is quiet〜.
Stella breathed in a big way while walking through the spacious marble corridor. Everyday cleaning should be done carefully, but her home had a smell of marvelous and harmonic air.
However, leisure was for later. Even though the citizens were keeping company with Ayato, it was painful to keep him waiting too long.
- So, where's Otou-sama waiting?
- He told me to bring you along to the dining hall, so I guess he's still there?
Then Stella tried to hurry up, she left the luggage to the maid and headed towards the dining hall.
And then, she pushed the large double doors open that lead to the dining hall and―― - Sssstell aaaaaAAAA―――――! I so wanted to see youu――――!
A middle-aged man with a thick beard flew like a rocket, aiming at the lips of Stella. - Nooooooooooooo!
Naturally, she punched him. A counter with all her might.
Raising a snap and no sounds, the fist of Stella sunk into the face of the middle-aged man and knocked him off his middle-aged man of large build that was knocked off his feet protested against Stella with a shaking voice while holding his nose that was bent in a weird direction.
- W-why did you… I just… wanted to give you a welcome kiss…
- That's the reason why I did that! The exasperated expression of Stella to this middle-aged man―― She shouted at Sirius Vermillion, her father and the current King.
- You think that such an assault is allowed for your adolescent daughter that turned 15 already!?
This is exactly that case!
- … fu, and so you hide your embarrassment by turning your face deep red? You're not being honest.
- I'm angry! You truly are inconsiderate! Stella said and sighed in a great way. What a way to reunite with her father after several months. Even if she was extremely reluctant. Then, from the side of Stella, - Papaa〜?
A voice like a curse resounded.
(Ah…) This is bad, she was already moving when Stella turned her face to the side. She, Astraea, put both hands on the face of Sirius who fell to one of his knees as he was hit by Stella and made him look towards her,
- What do you mean by approaching our daughter to kiss her when you have me? She opened her eyes wide to the limit of her big pupils with eyes filled with darkness like mud and asked Sirius.
- Ma-mama…!? -
Are you cheating on me? You're cheating on me now? Was mama perhaps cuckolded by papa with our daughter? Did you notice the importance of the two only after you were separated〜? - Hii…! T-there's no way such a thing is happening. I've been devoted to mama since always!
- Hmm〜〜〜〜〜〜?
Is that true〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜?
Astraea approached him enough to not touch his eyeball and stared at the pupil of Sirius who explained as sweat was suspending on his forehead. Sirius blinked not even once. At that moment, if he were to divert his eyes from the eyes of Astraea even for a moment, he knew very well the kind of terrible things that would occur.
Once a minute in that state had passed, Astraea finally released both hands from the cheeks of Sirius, - That's good〜. Mama also loves papa since forever〜. She showed a sweet and calm smile. - But if you try to do something strange to Stella-chan next time, then I'll have to punish you〜.
- Ah, yes ma'am! - Enough! Even Okaa-sama became strange because Otou-sama did a ridiculous thing, so take that in mind!
- Y-yes. I also like a tender mama rather than a strange mama…
When Sirius got up and cleared his throat once, - You came back well. Stella. He showed a gentle smile with a tough look as if it was a strict one and hugged Stella.
- … yeah, I'm back. Otou-sama. Stella put her hand on the thick body of Sirius and returned the hug.
(… Even though I wouldn't have hit him if he were like this from the beginning)
He really was a helpless father. Well, maybe it meant that he loved her so much. After their bodies separated, - By the way, Otou-sama. I was wondering but Rox-ane hasn't come yet? She asked Sirius about something that was weighing on her mind from a while ago.
She thought that they were going to have a family meeting in the dining hall, but the figure of her older sister wasn't there. Sirius looked a bit bitter,
- Since Luna arbitrarily had decided long ago her own conclusions, she went and locked in her own room.
… Even though this is a serious affair that involves all members of the family.
- It can't be helped. Since the『war』preparations this time apart from the preparations of the coronation are entrusted to Rox-chan, she has been quite busy〜.
She said that she would go on a business trip to Kledelland tomorrow. Stella showed agreement to the words of Astraea.
『War』was an important diplomacy done once every five years. With those things before her very eyes, it was like she was being chased by reconciliation businesses. In that case, it would be unwise to disturb her. Above all, her older sister, Roxanne Vermillion, was on her side about her actions and decisions, so there was no need for her to be present.
Stella concluded so, - Well then, let's immediately start the family council without Luna-ane and Rox-ane.
She sat down in a dining hall chair.
- There's no need to start so fast. This is our first reunion in several months.
- Nope. Because Ayato is waiting for me while we're doing this.
- Don't worry, because will that guy be able to get here after all――oops.
- Otou-sama?
- It's nothing, it's nothing! T-that's right! It's a shame to keep your boyfriend waiting forever, so I would like to hear what you have to say asap!- …?
Stella inclined her head to the side because her father became obedient all of a sudden. However, since it was habitual for her father to be weird like this, she immediately stopped paying attention to it. But his wife Astraea noticed something,
- Papaa〜? Were you perhaps thinking about something incorrigibly evil? She glanced at suspicious eyes.
- W-what nonsense are you saying!? I'm the just and upright King of Vermillion! I don't have a guilty conscience or anything of the sort! Wahahahaha! Even though Sirius denied it while laughing looking excited――there was cold sweat floating on his forehead. That's right. There was no way he wasn't scheming something. Sirius Vermillion has been working since long ago for this day.
Ayato said that he would come to greet him when the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival ended. Without being seen by Astraea and Lunaize and Roxanne, he cooperated with the people through the former maid Yana and the military through Signard, he created a Kurogane Ayato encirclement and even made use of a large prize money to make doubly sure of it. Now, the Empire of Vermillion was united as one to shoo away Ayato Kurogane . Sirius was convinced that the named ones knew it.
――Ayato Kurogane couldn't reach this castle.
(Anyway, at this moment,『those guys』are also moving…!)
Maybe it was not possible for the non-combatant citizens and the non-Blazer armed forces and the ones after the prize reward. Because he was a man that even for an instant defeated twice his daughter who was an A-Rank knight like him.
However, he wasn't going to be able to break through『those guys』. The loyal beasts that pledged absolute allegiance to the royal family of Vermillion and didn't hesitate to lose their lives for Stella.
There was no way for『those guys』to make a mistake and let that poisonous insect get near Stella.
(I rely on you. The Imperial Elite Guards of the Empire of Vermillion…!)
The very moment when Sirius strongly transmitted that thought. Ayato went through the outer circumference of the castle town and arrived at the bridge that led to the rich residential area and confronted the Imperial Elite Guards that were waiting on the bridge
. - How admirable of you to get this far, Ayato Kurogane!
As one would expect of the man that defeated her Highness Stella in combat!
However! Your steady advance ends here!
The bridges leading from the castle town to the noble district were made to collapse completely, this is the only one remaining! But look at us, we are the elite! We are the shield of the Empire of Vermillion and we the soldiers pledged absolute allegiance to her Highness Stella. Because we are the Imperial Elite Guards of Vermillion!
- L-O-V-E! Stella! - L-O-V-E! Stella! - Lovely! Lovely! Stella!
「「「Wooooooooooo〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜!」」」
(W-what's with these people…!?)
Ayato ended up stopping his steps because of too much bewilderment due to the group of around 50 people that wore red happi coats* and continued turning the upper half of their bodies with incredible momentum while having glow sticks in their hands.
This was well understood by Ayato who lived for the martial arts and Magic Powers and carried defensive body power to extremes.
On the other hand, the man and leader of the group, the captain of the Imperial Guards, looked at Ikki who stopped his walking in front of them and smiled. - Kuku. This guy looks like he said that he's lost for words before our perfectly coordinated leadership and loyalty. However, it's too late for you to get cold feet now!
We will judge your serious crime of tricking her Highness Stella with our swords!
For that reason, we will confirm your crimes after this!
When the captain of the Imperial Guards told him so, the Imperial Guards that were making mysterious movements and circling around him from behind stopped their movement all of a sudden.
Everyone had the same serious expression or either were at their wit's end.
But that was also natural. Questions and answers were coming from here on.
In any case, this was also related to the meaning of their existences.
Everyone was holding their breaths and watched attentively.
In such silence, and after several deep breaths, the captain of the Imperial Guards represented all present and asked Ayato.
- The information saying that you're living in the s-saaaame room as Stella-chan, is that true!? -
Eh…. Yes. It's true. My Aunt Kurono told me to do so.
「「「HHmmrgh！！！！」」」
Immediately after. Half of the Imperial Guards that blockaded the bridge bled and fell on the spot.
- Captain! Second-class soldiers have fainteeeeed! - Huh? Those weak guys…! Although I said that they had to prepare themselves by playing NTR erotic games, they weren't prepared enough…!
- B-but the captain also has blood coming out from his fists! He's grasping it so tightly that they're bleeding! - Calm down! It's fine, it's only a confirmation of the fact they live in the same room…!
However, they're just living together! Damn straight! According to reports, this man wasn't in good terms with his family and the scandal with Stella-chan and the theory that this guy's home was a disseminated hoax is still alive…! That thing is what!? T-this photo is fake, riiiiiiight!?
The commander of the Imperial Guards said so, he turned toward Ayato the picture of a weekly magazine that exposed the relationship between Ayato and Stella.
The photo looked very well when he saw it again.
It was a professional job.
To that vividness and while averting his eyes, looking embarrassed, Ayato, -
No… it's real. Stella and I are lovers, we have kissed already.
「「「Guaaaaaaaaaaaーーーーーーーッッッ！！！！」」」
At that moment, the voice of something like a strangled cattle echoed in the skies of Vermillion, almost all the Imperial Guards that survived fainted. Those who fell down in the first question also began to convulse incessantly.
Did their brains understand Ayato's answer?
- Don't loooOoOoooOoooze your miiind! D-dis iz a trap of dis guy to make uz fall in chaos! -
Please calm down, commander! Aren't you so perturbed that you have problems speaking properly!?
- W-wait a moment! And, at that moment. An unhealthy thin man crawled out of the back row of the heaps of corpses all around,
- If you're really the lover of Stella-chan, then… that means that you already had s-s-ss-s-sex with Stella-chan――
- Stop you morooOooooooooooOOOOOn!
- Ack!? But before the thin man finished asking the question, the commander of the Imperial Guard crushed his face and words underfoot. - Youuuuuu, youuuuuu! Why are you asking such thoughtless thiiiings!? Yes, youuu! Nevertheless!
What would you have done if the reply was a『Yes, that's right』or a doubtful silence!? Do you plan to destroy the Imperial Guaaaaaaaard!?
- Hii, I-I'm sorry yyyyy!
Then, the commander of the Imperial Guard wiped out the bitter tears, breathed greatly just once and appealed to the fallen members.
- You, the Imperial Elite Guards, get a hold of yourself! We haven't confirmed anything yet! There's a possibility that this man has made a false declaration, we're not done yet! Don't give up hope! There's still one thing that is clear in this round of questions and answers! Just one! And that is no matter if the words of this guy are true or lies, there's no way we're going to trust in this guyyyyyyyyyyyy! Everyone, draw your swords! Let's cut him into pieces.――――!
「「「Yes siiiiiiiiiiiiiiIIiIiIIーーーーーーーーr!」」」
The order of the commander of the Imperial Guard also raised those who were even convulsing on the bridge. As for the Imperial Guards, all of them made their Devices manifest and attacked Ayato with all their strength.
The number of enemies was 50.
They were all Blazers.
And combat in a wide area was an advantage.
" Blade ice Whirlwind " Realizing this, Ayato swung his sword in pursuit of the projectile and shot a second cutting cryo tornado in a straight trajectory. The tornado, like a drill, flew into the ranks of the soldiers, crushing them to pieces.
The cuts off Imperial Guards attacked with a furious facial expression while scattering magical light like it was red blood from their necks. Ayato destroyed the drawn swords of their counterattack with Blade ice Whirlwind.
(They didn't collapse with《Illusory Form》…!?)
The damage of《Illusory Form》chipped off their stamina directly, it didn't deal physical damage.
If an arm was cut, then that arm wouldn't move, there was actually no damage.
These were all temporary actions by means of strong『wrong impression』.
Essentially, this wrong impression by the Device acted strongly in the human body, it couldn't escape from that. If they received a fatal wound, they would faint.
That was the usual. But very rarely, there were those who could avert this wrong impression with the strength of their will.
Individuals that faced battles with a willpower that transcended both the body and mind as long as their willing to die was weak. Towards such a type of guy, the blade of《Illusory Form》was almost powerless.
But such individuals rarely existed. Ayato was amazed because they didn't exist. But the Imperial Guards that were in front of him now.
The appearance that this odd bunch had, (The strength of their hearts is real…!)
If he didn't have a strong mind, he would be swallowed up by their strong determination.
Ayato believed so, and pushed aside the three people with his own indomitably strong force.
At that moment, - Hmm?
He saw a piece of paper lightly fall from the Imperial Guards' sliced off happi coat's hem. Then the pieces of paper fell like sliding under the feet of Ayato.
- Is this…? Ayato touched them with his hand almost by reflex, - Ah, d-don't touch that!
The collapsed Imperial Guards stopped Ayato's action with a shouting, close voice.
But Ayato――caught sight of that a bit late.
It was a Stella's swimsuit photo that captured the precise moment she was fixing the part surrounding her buttocks.
- ――――…
- That's a medal that can only be given to the Imperial Guards who pledged allegiance to the Imperial Family! Give it baaaack!
They wouldn't hesitate to give their lives for the royal family. In exchange for such loyalty, a dear treasured picture was given by the commander of the Imperial Guard.
The man whose treasure was arbitrarily touched raged and swung downward the western sword against Ikki.
That, yes, that was――such a foolish act, wasn't it?
In that case,
- The fact that this was only given to the Imperial Guards means that all these guys have something similar to this, isn't it?
He made a smile with just his mouth because he would waste the last chance to escape from the man that was the most broken in this place.
――Later on, the Imperial Guards spoke while shaking.
Of the day when their Princess came back, accompanied by a『demon』from the country of Japan.
(Strange…) Sirius felt a strange uneasiness.
Even though enough time had passed already since Ayato arrived in Vermillion, ――why was there not even a single report arriving from the citizens, the army or the Imperial Guard saying that they defeated Ayato?
His ability with the sword was certain, however, he had an A-Rank fighting power after all.
Mobilizing even the army, the possibility of being a hard fight should be there, but then――
- Otou-sama! - ――ah, i-it's nothing, Stella!
- Don't "it's nothing" to me!
Why is Otou-sama staring at the emptiness, even though you wanted to hear about what kind of person Ayato is!?
- N-no! I wasn't absent-minded!
- Really? You listened to me perfectly?
He didn't listen to her at all. He didn't want to listen about her boyfriend from the mouth of her daughter. But if he were to say such an honest thing, he would end up roasted.
In that case, Sirius, - O-of course. Every time I hear more things about this admirable young man. He should be called a Samurai.
As one would expect of my daughter.
To find such a man, you have to have reliable eyes.
At any rate, Stella was singing praises of that man.
Then if he also praised him or something like that, then that should convince her, so he said an insincere compliment. Towards this, Stella showed an almost bright smile on her face.
- I-I know right!? Ayato is really cool! Otou-sama finally got it! Sirius noticed his own blunder due to Stella's delight.
(N-no good. Now that I made the conversation come together right away, as things are, the family meeting will end up finishing)
There were no reports in which they defeated Ayato, and that was problematic. In the worst case, Stella could go and assist the escaping Ayato.
(I have to earn some time somehow...!) - Okay then, let's contact Yana-san immediately so that Ikki――
- W-wait, Stella! - Eh, why? Sirius said to stop Stella who took out her smartphone.
- I certainly think he's a splendid man, but when it comes to marriage the story is different! - W-what do you mean? - Because, well, you're the second Princess of the Empire of Vermillion.
And naturally, the political this and that are, well, affected by that marriage, you see? The opinion of Luna who will be the ruler of Vermillion for the next period must also be heard before the greetings, that's what I think. Stella raised her eyebrows towards the words of Sirius,
- Don't say such things at this point of time! She protested. It was justified. That was something that should be said before the family council began.
- Isn't it okay to summon Ikki? Besides, Luna-ane wasn't against him from the start. - But it's not like she declared her approval, am I right? But Sirius didn't withdraw.
He persisted while getting self-aware that what he was saying was an absurd thing, that he wanted Lunaize's opinion at this late hour.
- This is an important conversation for the Empire of Vermillion. I'd like to properly unify the opinion of the imperial family. I'm sorry, Stella. Please summon Luna to come here! I also want to be certain of his attitude as the current King of Vermillion based on Luna's opinion.
- F-fine… Sirius' insistence was completely late. Now that they called Lunaize, it would take just double effort from the point of view of Stella to have a meeting once again. She felt very bad for Ikki as she kept him waiting outside.
However… while it was completely annoying, it didn't mean that what he said was a complete baseless emphasis.
That he wanted to compare the opinions regarding the engagement of the second Princess with the next ruler as the current King and that was certainly a reasonable discussion. That was why Stella gave in there. - Understood. Then I'll go and call Rox-ane now. And then, you will greet Ikki so you better be prepared. Good grief...!
Stella said so and jumped out of the dining hall and hurried to shorten the time she has kept Ikki waiting. Astraea let a sigh escape while looking at her back and reproached Sirius with a glance.
- … papa really doesn't know when to give up.
- I-I don't really know what mama is saying…!
Sirius stood up, turned away his eyes and tried to escape.
- Where are you going?
- T-to the toilet. I'll be back soon. When he left the dining hall and rushed to the toilet, he got in touch with the Imperial Guard. No, he tried to take on the matter directly.
But None of the Imperial Guards answered the call of Sirius.
The only thing he could hear from the cell phone was the eternal inorganic call sound. With that sound, Sirius felt something ominous like it was inexplicable, he was sweating cold.
(What the… hell is happening outside…?)
Almost at the same time.
(Finally)
Ayato Kurogane finally broke through numerous obstacles and came just outside of the castle walls that surrounded the castle. However, he hid in the shadows of the buildings, he hid himself and stopped walking. While Ikki sent all the Imperial Guards to the hospital and took extra time to dispose of the photos, the allied forces of the citizens and the military led by Signard and Yana gathered in front of the wall.
They spread out to protect the iron wall by taking advantage of their numbers. It was difficult to break through the front with this.
No, the breakthrough itself couldn't be done because it could cause a lot of damage to the other party. They would get hurt even if he cut them with《Illusory Form》.
Unlike the group of a while ago, almost all the citizens and the military were nonBlazers.
The real intention of Ayato was to avoid a battle as much as possible. So he took a look at his surroundings――and had his eyes on a certain place.
On a church with a blue roof that was next to the wall.
(If it's from that roof, then I can cling to the wall)
When he decided so, he moved. Fortunately, the vigilance of the citizens wasn't suited for it. They probably didn't think that he was going to jump over the castle walls of more than 20 meters. Ikki jumped on the triangle roof of the tall church without being discovered by anyone, - ――Hohoho. In the end, you chose this route?
That person stood in front of him.
- …!
- The rumor was true, you are a gentle but Strong young man. A bald old man that Ayato didn't perceive until he stood on the same roof asked with a jesting tone of voice and turned a shrewd glance towards Ayato from the back of his eyelids that hung due to his aging.
- How was it? What is your impression of the sightseeing tour of the Empire of Vermillion?
- You are... - Hoho, my apologies. I am Daniel Dandalion, I was entrusted as the Branch Director of Vermillion of The International Mage-Knights League and as the Sword Art Instructor of the Empire of Vermillion.
I was waiting for you to come. 《Seven Stars Sword King》Kurogane Ayato-dono.
When the old man answered, he revealed his Device. It was a thin long sword with a silver sword blade and the face of a lion was traced on the golden grip.
The old man held the specialized weapon in his hand and turned its tip towards Ayato.
At that moment, Ayato, who sensed that a sword was produced by him, felt a sensation like the soft hair of his whole body was burning.
(――this person. He's strong)
Ayato felt the form of the enemy's firm true strength, and realized his own disadvantage.
The enemy's specialized weapon was a rapier. He was armed with a long blade that was thinner than a Japanese sword.
In addition, the enemy's stance was a fencing stance that was mainly based on thrusting techniques.
It wasn't wise to oppose that opponent in a terrain that was the top of an inclined triangular roof with limited horizontal movement.
Above all, the level of the enemy was different from the ones that were defeated and had come to him till now. He wasn't an enemy of an ability that one would say he was going to deal with as he took an advantageous position. In that case, Ayato jumped to the back to change the location.
Immediately after ――he was attacked in the middle of that and fell to his knees due to the impact, he was shocked. - !? This… There was an invisible wall behind him. To Ayato, who got aware of this fact, the old man put a smile at the back of his beard that was like a white cloud
. - Hoho. You are already in my cage. - Is this your Noble Arts?
- Correct. It's the Noble Arts《Blood Circle》 of my Device《Lionheart》. It's a barrier-type ability that captures an enemy with whom I've exchanged a glance into the battlefield that won't have interference from the outside, creating a one-on-one situation even during a fight. So I was able to eradicate your escape route. If you want to get out of this cage, then you will have to win a duel. It wasn't a very easy-to-use skill, but it was a handy power in case there was an opponent you wanted to fight no matter what.
That old man, Dandalion, talked about his ability, - Now then, will you be able to get out? I was made to take care of Stella-sama since she was still a baby. I am not going to leave Stella-sama to someone who cannot advance and push aside this old man, there is no way, don't you agree? He came close to Ayato who had lost the means to escape. If he wanted to go beyond from here, then he would have to defeat him.
Then Ayato,
- Understood. ――Come. 《Ryuuzetsu》.
He manifested his Device and took a fighting stance.
… The battlefield was on top of a very inclined roof. No matter how stable the trunk of Ayato was, it was at an angle where he couldn't escape to the side as expected.
The battle was on top of the roof. It was to be done on nothing but straight footings.
An absolute favorable battlefield for the opponent that used an armament called rapier, the core of the thrusts and also that outrivaled him with the reach of his Device.
However――he concluded that in this setting, he had no choice but to force his way through. And then,
- Now… The fight started.
The one who started first was Kurogane Ayato
He lifted his hand, Ryuuzetsu glowing with pale, baleful ice fire in the darkness—
"Ha!"
—and swept horizontally at a rapid closing Dandelion .
Ten meters separated the two.
It was a distance no blade's reach could cross, or would cross. And yet— "Tch!" Dandelion 's body, already held close to the ground in his charge, now went lower still as he dived flush to the ground in a panic.
Not a moment too soon—a frigid ice gale passed over him, scything through the rows of Concrete behind him in its wake. A blade of steel might not cross that distance. But a blade of cryo wind was a different matter.
This was the Noble Art Kori Shinkuuha, a popular offensive technique among ice wind users that tore through air, creating a small corridor of ice vacuum. Naturally, Ayato was capable of using it.
"Haa!"
Ouma struck out with Ryuuzume once again, sending another blade of vacuum hurtling toward Dandelion. A slash capable of cutting through ice air. While it compared the sheer offensive strength of a fire-user's ranged abilities like Stella Vermillion's own long-range technique Dragon Fang, its supersonic speeds and the difficulty of dodging an invisible strike made it a deadly ability in its own right. But such a pedestrian technique would not be able to tame him.
Dandelion continued to advance without losing an iota of speed, juking his way through the gaps between the ice vacuum blades, dodging them all by a hair's breadth.
From his movements it was obvious that he had seen through the supposedly invisible Kori Shinkuuha. But how? The trick lay in that which Dandelion had fixed his gaze on. His eyes were not on the unseen blades, but the Ryuuzetsu Ayato wielded.
Though it boasted supersonic speed, Shinkuuha could only go a straight line down the trajectory drawn by its user's Device.
Therefore, following it and evading it was simple if one observed Ryuuzetsu's angles of attack.
It was much like dodging bullets, where one could easily evade them by reading the timing of the bolt's movements, and the position of the muzzle. For someone with Dandelion's reflexes and motion perception, they simply could not hit.
"Hmph…." Weaving past the corridor of ice vacuum slashes,Dandelion was closing in.
As though judging that bringing Dandelion down was beyond mere Kori Shinkuuha, Ayato too charged and swung at Dandelion's neck—not with a sword of wind this time, but with a sword of steel.
"Kaaaa!"
"Tch…!" He's fast!
Despite wielding a bladed weapon whose weight equaled that of a spear, the sharpness and speed of Ayato's slash with his nodachi by far surpassed Dandelion's. This was not a difference in skill—indeed, both sides were about equal in that regard. The difference lay in Ayato's ability.
Manipulating theice wind, he had rendered air resistance null and void, giving his black blade the advantage in speed over Dandelion's Rapier; there was no counter to such speed.
Having judged in that moment, took up a defensive stance— *Swish* —and then he felt a chill freeze the blood in his veins as that sound reached his ears. "Ooooooh!" Forsaking defense, he threw himself backward to avoid Ouma's strike. The blade struck the sandy soil of the park—and did not stop there, carving a seemingly bottomless chasm in the earth below, etching that fissure-like wound deeply into the ochre-colored ground. Dandelion broke into a cold sweat at the sight.
Stella too could shake the ground with her strikes, but Ayato's were a cut above her's. After all, shaking was a phenomenon caused by the dispersion of energy—a sign of excessive waste and imperfection in the user's magic control.
A true strike of concentrated energy created no such perturbations. Where it went, it silently yet thoroughly blew everything away. That was Ayato's strike, which had cut through the earth like a knife through hot butter.
How much energy would have had he gathered, how much force and mass simulated in order to do something like that? How many hundreds of kilograms? How many thousands? He did not know, but one thing he did. His strike, much like Stella's, was a brutal blow
. And not one he could take head-on. But— This extraordinary offensive strength, it can only be created by that body.
Dandelion had a deep respect to Ayato who caught his breath.
- Certainly, you have defeated Stella-sama while being just a Generation and you are much more powerful than , I should say you've changed too much. What's the secret behind that body?"
"Oh?" Ayato cracked a predatory grin at Dandelion 's words.
"To think that you would notice my anomaly in our first crossing of blades"
Ayato showed a small smile at the corner of his mouth. - I'm envious of Stella. I would also like to receive instructions of the sword from a person like you. May I ask for a bout if we have the chance some other time?
- Today I will deliberately show you more than enough, there won't be a next time.
That said, Dandelion felt disquieted――as he raised the point of the sword.
Even though he lost his strongest card, "Ayato's surplus was there".
In that case, when something came to his mind―― (《Kori Kusanagi》… huh?
Or perhaps like me, action reinforcement by magic release?) In the process of investigating Ikki, Dandelion, who had also looked over the leaked data of the battle against Ayatsuji Ayase, didn't throw away that possibility, he strengthened his alertness against either of them. To such Dandelion, Ayato, - No.
I'll hold back for now.
… I have to go and greet her father after this. I don't want to leave and get to that situation looking shabbier. He said so with a tone of voice adorned with a joke that made his light shoulders to freeze, He lowered his stance, laid horizontally against the ground and had the point of the sword ready like drawing a bow, - I'll break through you with this blow. Daniel Dandelion…! He trampled hard on the roof and released 《Gou no Kiwami - Karai》.
And in addition to that, by emitting magic powers. Nothing was the same as the one some time ago.
(Can this I overcome this honorable suicide attack!?)
If that is the case, then that is foolish thinking, Dandelion concluded.
――Dandelion remembered the speed, distance, timing and everything else of《Gou no Kiwami - Karaii》minutes ago.
If so, then he couldn't catch this already.
There was no need to catch it. He dodged it with paper-thin difference and pierced Ayato's glabella with a bitter counter! .
- !? Immediately after, the consciousness of Dandelion froze. Because the pointed end of《Intetsu》appeared in front of him all of a sudden. The time of Dandelion stopped with the predicament of his life. He was astonished in the midst of that halt. Why was the tip of the sword in front of his eyes? Even though the tip of his sword hadn't reach the enemy. Why, when the armament of the opponent had less reach than his own? It was too fast for《Gou no Kiwami - Karaii》. And too close. ――If that was the case, then the answer was one.
(He threw it…!) Yes. Ayato threw《Ryuuzetsu》, aiming at Dandelion from the stance of《Gou no Kiwami - Karaii》.
As a result, He covered a counter against Dandelion who tried to meet《Gou no Kiwami - Karaii》with a counter.
Dandelion had already stepped on his forefoot, and at the same time he stepped into Ayato's territory with a stance to thrust his glabella. He couldn't stop. He was no longer in a state where he could stop.
Therefore―― - NUUuh!
Still, the movement ability of Dandelion that moved his body and brushed away Ayato's 《Ryuuzetsu》that stopped the movement of his body against his will came to an end with a few words as expected.
(It was a very good surprise attack, but without giving a step――!?)
However, Dandelion saw despair in the next moment.
Ayato, who sent his armament flying, became defenseless. Black thread extended from his hands to《Ryuuzetsu》.
(That is the pattern thread of a Japanese Nodachi!)
Oh no!
The moment Dandalion understood so, everything was decided. Ayato pulled the unraveled thread and brought 《Ryuuzetsu》that was flipped back to his hands like a yoyo and――
- HaAAAAAAA!
He cut down the defenseless Dandelion who ended up swinging Foil to repel《Ryuuzetsu 》with the grip of his blade. Dandelion coughed, spat out blood and fell on his knees on the spot. Together with that, 《Lionheart》disappeared from his hands, becoming hazy, he lost the power to tie Ayato.
- … that was truly an underhanded idea… Dandelion raised his neck somehow and cursed at the boy who looked down on him.
Towards Ayato, - That is what art of war means, isn't it?
He returned a smile like being proud of it, there was no sign of feeling guilty about it.
In addition to that, Dandelion laughed at the back of the blood-stained beard. It was completely like that.
The art of war was a means where the Strong was born to win by all possible means against the stronger.
If so, the unfairness in the real art of war was a virtue.
(… I intended to make use of《Ittou Shura》or 《Kori Kusanagi》 , but…)
As for the weapons and the numbers available, the difference was too great. The difference of reach which was absolutely advantageous for him from the start.
It was an observation tactic to use his attack against him and match that. But the thing he saw in the field of battle was different.
How long had it been since he went through the verge of death? How was he able to learn such cunningness being this young? There is no way for me to stop him anymore.
Dandelion deemed that, - It is my defeat. … Please take care of Stella-sama.
He entrusted the future of the girl he loved like she was his daughter. Ayato, before this,
- Yes.
A strong answer returned, he went through the side of Dandelion and jumped to the castle walls. And then he ran up to the wall with the slight unevenness as footholds and disappeared into the castle. Dandelion saw him off with a hazy field of vision due to loss of blood and apologized to his king.
- I am sorry, Sirius. I am very unlikely to be an enemy of that boy anymore.
After he crushed Dandelion,
Ayato finally succeeded in crossing the castle walls and infiltrating inside. The palace guards were also inside the castle walls, of course, and kept an eye towards intruders, but if it was about crossing the walls, then it wasn't difficult to enter the castle using Ayato's movement abilities.
As he climbed the castle walls, he grabbed onto the small unevenness and ascended the surface wall of the castle.
He could easily break into the castle from an opened window, - Fuu. I finally made it into the cas―― -
―――――― The moment he tried to intrude, their eyes met. In the room.
The sudden intruder opened his eyes wide, he was lost for words――with the woman in sexy underwear.
(Oh-oh nooooooo!?)
His mind faded, Ayato realized about his own regretful mistake, that he failed to check the interior, but it was too late. The woman dyed her face red, hid her very large breasts that fit in a Magenta two piece bikini bra and scowled at Ayato.
- I-I'm sorry! I didn't think there were people inside, or rather, I forgot to confirm, anyway, I just didn't do it on purpose! Even though it gives the impression about what the hell I'm saying and that I'm creeping in from the window, it was truly inevitable…!
Ikki kept excusing himself with things that didn't look like excuses, but, -
―――― The woman was approaching Ayato with large steps, her lips still in silence. Ayato, who stepped on the window frame, didn't run away, he just looked firmly at those Blue eyes.
And then, when she got very close to Ayato, she waved her hand.
(I'll be punched…!)
But, it can't be helped. This wasn't a situation where he could make an excuse no matter how one looked at it. He had no choice but to accept at least 10 fists here.
Ayato prepared himself for the worst, closed his eyes and prepared for the impact that would strike hard on his cheek.
But―― - What are you doing? Get in before you're found by those guys, idiot. - Uwaa. The impact didn't come.
What attacked Ayato instead was an ability that caught the nape of his neck and pulled him inside the room. Ayato, who was prepared for the impact that would strike him, couldn't go against it and fell from the window into the room.
Hmm? Ayato fell on the carpet and raised his face. What was reflected in his field of vision was the very buxom figure of a woman who closed the window and the curtain after she confirmed as if being on guard, looking restlessly outside the window.
- E, err… Ayato was perplexed, he wasn't able to understand her behavior. She looked at such Ikki and,
- Puh, ahahahaha! The woman tore down her beautiful face that didn't hide her intelligence and laughed out loud.
- Well well, I'm amazed. I wanted to know how was the man that Stella brought with her, so I was pretending to not notice the conspiracy of our father, but I certainly wasn't expecting you to reach the castle by challenging the people and the army all by yourself.
You sure are amazing, aren't you, boy?
Though I'm not saying that you turned that hot-blooded idiot woman into an elegant one. Because of this, the preparations of the government management broadcast that were prepared for your support ended up coming to nothing.
… Hmm hmm, m-moreover, due to that, you intruded in the room where I was changing my clothes. If I remember correctly, didn't something similar happen to Stella when she had just arrived in Japan? *TN: I'm completely unsure about the underlined sentence.
(Eh…) Ikki noticed the way of speaking of this woman. The color of her hair had the Magenta pink as Astraea, the mother of Stella that he met at the airport some time ago.
Then, this woman was――
- Excuse me, are you perhaps… her Highness Roxanne!?
To that question of Ayato, the woman laughed and wiped the tears that floated in the outer corner of her eyes with her fingers and, ――she nodded greatly, she showed affirmation.
- Yup. Certainly, I'm the older sister of your girlfriend and the next Queen of the Empire of Vermillion. I'm the first Princess Roxanne Vermillion. Nice to meet you. Ayato Kurogane. Roxanne formally introduced herself and presented her right hand to request a handshake. Towards this, Ayato, while confused, stood up and,
- Ah, y-yes. Nice to meet you. T-thank you v-very much for inviting me today. He returned the greeting and a handshake.
But――his eyes were swimming.
The reason was, of course, the appearance of Lunaize.
She was only wearing lace fabric that covered her very buxom figure. Though he was in the wrong for coming through the window, he wasn't going to say that he was troubled about where to look.
To this restless gaze of Ayato
- Why are you acting suspiciously? … Hmm? Lunaize inclined her head in Teasing――immediately after that, she examined both arms of Ayato and opened her eyes wide in surprise.
- Hey, aren't you injured!? Lunaize, who said that, stared at the left shoulder that was pierced by Dandelion not long ago.
Although it was thin, there was a piercing mark.
The hemorrhage was abundant in itself, blood spread in the white uniform, it was dripping even on his fingertips.
Due to this, Ayato turned an "oops" expression.
- I'm sorry! The carpet is…! - Don't mind about it, now take off your clothes! I'll treat you! However, Roxanne raised her eyebrows as if she got angry at Ayato's irrelevant worry and started stripping him.
- Eh, eeeeeeeh!? Hey wait, it's fine! This is nothing!
- This isn't an injury where you can say "this is nothing" you know!?
those guys did it, they were completely serious about keeping you company….
That doting parent that don't care about moderation――ah, hey! Don't move! You're not a child, so be obedient!
- Understood! I'll be obedient, but please wear clothes at least! -
Leave that for later! It's not that you're going to die by seeing some skin! -
T-that's true, but still〜〜! Ayato resisted, but Ayato's will was unexpectedly strong, he couldn't tear it off. No, Ayato could have been able to tear it off if he seriously shook her off, but as he was injured, he wasn't able to put strength into it.
Then, in the end, Ayato was left at Roxanne's mercy who stripped him of his coat and undergarment, - Rox-ane! I know you are in the midst of work but can you come to the dining room―――… w-w-w-w-what are you two doing!?
The scream of Stella when she saw the scene of her boyfriend and her sister that were entangled and half naked resounded even in the cellar of the castle.
Although it was in an outrageous form, Ayato succeeded in joining Stella safely. It was Stella who showed great confusion at first with the gut-wrenching sight that jumped into her eyes, but the misunderstanding was immediately solved with a sheet of paper presented by Roxanne.
Yes. It was a wanted poster of Ayato scattered throughout the city. After that, Roxanne exposed this physical evidence and the behavior of her father Sirius in the dining hall where everyone gathered.
From here, the strife that started because of the visit of Ayato Kurogane would reach its conclusion at once.
――In the dining hall, a denunciation meeting that surrounded Sirius who was made to kneel with the tops of his feet flat on the marble floor was being held.
- I see〜.
In other words, papa conspired with Yana-chan and Signard-chan then took out a prize money from the national treasury and tried to drive Ayato-san out by forming a crowd with everyone? -
Yes. The family council had also divided work for that reason. It means that he was only stalling us. - Is that right, papa? Sirius objected with a pathetic expression that one wouldn't think he was the King of a country to his wife who looked down on him with an exasperated look. -
Th-th… I couldn't help it, you know? Why do I have to give my daughter to whom I brought up under my personal care to a guy who's no one!?
- Father. You threw a tantrum like that and exhausted it to the limits of cowardice and despicableness, but in the end, the entirety of it, everything was just overcome by Ayato in under five minutes. There isn't a single good thing at all in what you did. - Mama is already disappointed.
- Mmmmmmm…. Guh! Sirius was despised by the cold eyes of Astraea and Roxanne and after they caused his words to be clogged, he shot Ayato with eyes packed with wrath. Even if he didn't have one, it seemed that a "voice" with such a look could be heard now. Ikki had nothing other than a wry smile as Sirius vented his intense anger on him. Then, at that moment.
- Otou-sama. … The conversation just now, is everything really true? After she came to the dining hall, Stella, who hadn't emitted a single word, opened her mouth for the first time. It was a strangely composed tone of voice.
The expression of the eyes weren't hidden behind the forelocks. Ayato felt something cold come down around his stomach. And then, he noticed it. It was like an explosive in which Stella had pierced innumerable fuses.
If he were to add a careless stimulus, even if it was something minimal, it would cause a huge explosion.
And there, - S-Stella. Listen to me. I was just trying to protect you…
- Unbelievable… With the careless excuse of Sirius, - UNBELIEVABLE! She evidently exploded. Stella yelled with a loud voice just like a shock wave, the room practically swayed, she scattered brightened phosphorescence from the core of her scarlet hair and turned eyes burning with fury towards Sirius.
- Despite me being happy!?
When Otou-sama wanted to hear about Ayato, I thought that Otou-sama was seriously thinking about us…
and yet, I was happy! But even then, why!? Why are you doing this!? Why!? How can you do such a terrible thing!? Stella raised an angry voice because of her emotions and approached Sirius.
The light surrounding Stella was distorted by the emitted heat, the scenery got crooked. This is bad, Ayato felt.
This way of anger of Stella wasn't usual.
The reason was that she was thoroughly burning in anger.
At this rate, she might be capable of committing an act of violence.
It seemed that Astraea felt the same thing as well.
It wasn't good to leave her alone as one would expect, she tried to stand up for Sirius. - Stella-chan.
It's reasonable to get mad, but let's settle for a moment, yes? She called out to Stella from her side.
But, - I'M NOT CALMING DOWN! Stella glared at Astraea with eyes just burning in flames――then gradually, large tears appeared in the outer corner of her eyes.
- S-Stella-chan.
- Because…!
Because, that's horrible…!
Everyone ganged up on Ayato and were cruel to him when he finally came here…!
Since such horrible things were done, if Ayato ends up hating everyone…. How is he not going to end up disliking this country!?
E-even though I love Otou-sama, and the people of my country――I wanted you and everyone to come to like Ayato, and yet, this,
uh, u, uwa, 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜!
Uwaaaaa 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜aaaaa!
The worked up emotions of Stella exceeded the critical point. Stella crumbled down on the spot, covered her face with both hands and cried like a kid.
The indignation of what her father and the people of the country had done and the sadness already surpassed the limits that could be handled by her immature heart, it was what she spat out while sobbing.
Sirius showed dismay. He was prepared to be knocked off his feet. However, he didn't take into consideration that she would cry her eyes out like this.
- S-Stella…! Mama, what are the things that one should do at moments like this…!? -
… I wonder if that's a bit hopeless this time around.
- T-that's…! It was hopeless indeed.
She wanted her family and the citizens to come to like her special person.
For Stella, who thought so, it was an extremely cruel incident.
What Sirius said now seemed to add fuel to the fire.
However, ――That sadness of Stella was a misunderstanding. So, Ayato Kurogane moved to make Stella know about it.
-Stella. He sat down on the floor and gently hugged the round back of Stella,
- Wha, you bastard, the hell are――
- Sit down.
After he sent his thanks with his eyes to Roxanne who immobilized Sirius who tried to stand up with an axe kick, he tenderly whispered close to the ear of Stella who sobbed convulsively. -
Don't worry. I'm not going to hate the country nor the people of this country.
Rather… Now that I finally came here and fought with the people of this country, I really came to like this country.
- A…yato…? Stella turned curious eyes that were dyed red with hyperemia to Ayato because of those words.
Stella knew.
Ayato wasn't a man who would make a temporary lie to comfort her.
In other words, his words were his true feelings.
That's why she couldn't understand.
- W…hy… How can he say that, even when he was persecuted in a country where he came for the first time? Ikki replied while wiping the tears of Stella with a gentle gesture.
- Because the people who acted so desperately like this did it for the sake of my dear girl.
His true feelings from the bottom of his heart. That was it. It was impossible to hate them. Certainly they went too far, and there was no doubt that they had an irrational behavior.
But… even when pressed by him, they couldn't help but feel to test him. The man that wanted to be Stella's husband.
Then why? Everyone just loved the girl called Stella from the bottom of their hearts. Precisely because they loved her, they worried about her, they wished for her.
They wondered if that man was of a suitable caliber to hold their treasure in his hands.
It's not that Ayato unsympathetically felt those feelings, hearts and love.
The man Stella chose wasn't such a narrow-minded man. - This is a warm and kind country. I understood well the feelings that Stella wants to protect.
And… I thought. The biggest strength as of now. That I――also want to be a person of that family and of that country…!
Ikki, when he said so, separated from Stella, then stood up and faced her family. And then, he calmly did one deep breath and, - Onee-san. Okaa-san. ――Otou-san.
- Who are you calling "Otou-san" ―― - Shut up. He opened his mouth and focused his field of vision on the three of them, centered on Sirius whose earlobe was twisted by Astraea. His own reply to all those who loved Stella. And today, to accomplish the purpose of coming to this place.
- Please allow me to greet you again. My name is Ayato Kurogane and I am the person who has been accompanying Stella-san. And as the rumor in the street says, I am a person who has a lot of things. I cannot say that my talent as a Blazer is superior, and although I am more or less the Stepson of the Kurogane and Kuchiki Family, I am in a "breaking off relation" situation and hardly getting along with my family, so I don't have social status beside the Junior League
. As the person who is in a relationship with Stella, I realized that I am a person in a very unfavorable state. I understand the feelings of everyone who is worried about entrusting Stella-san to such a man.
However――there is one thing. I have confidence in myself that I will never lose to any person of this country, nor to Onee-san, nor to Okaa-san nor to Otou-san, because I love Stella-san! And I am prepared to carry out those feelings too…!
So please, test my resolution until your hearts are settled.
Until everyone can agree and make sure of this man, of me. I will respond to all of them with my whole soul! If he needed strength, what kind of enemy would he have to completely overcome? If he needed status, then he could get one using any kind of means.
Not all the tender persons that loved Stella and thought of wanting to protect her would make a compromise like that. Ayato pledged so,
- And… if that were to come true, then at that moment, please let me marry Stella-san! Ayato kneeled with the top of his feet flat on the floor more strongly than Sirius, he lowered his body and bowed his head. Stella, who was next to this behavior of Ayato, wiped the tears off her cheeks and her dripping nose,
- Please… She bowed deeply to her own family next to him and indicated so. Who was the person that Stella Vermillion stood next to? Seeing the determination of the two, Astraea narrowed her lovely-looking eyes due to the growth of her daughter and asked Sirius.
- What do we do? Papa.
** - W-why do you throw it to me…!?
I recognize you! But a guy like you will never get to marry Stella!
- It seems that it went that way, what do we do, Stella?
- Do we have a father?
- In the end, it was like we thought. Mother.
- Maybe if he weren't here――
- Fiiinee! I'm also a man, if Ayato-kun said he will show a resolution of that level, then I have no choice but to confront it head-on! We were extremely ambiguous, besides Sirius has a very complicated way of speaking. So what they said might not be accurate.
- T-thank you very much!
Ayato smiled wryly and felt ashamed of the father where women were the majority in the family because of the appearance of Sirius that was cornered by the cooperation of the women group that had a good coordination while he thanked them.
If he was adopted into the family of his bride, then it would surely be the same for him. However, the intention was transmitted with this.
(What's left is――an issue of my own determination)
He would show everything.
Even if he said so himself, he didn't think it was something terribly to brag about, but he didn't have regrets. Ayato decided strongly that he would certainly do it to completion.
And then, Roxanne told Ayato without delay.
- Now, why don't we try out Ikki the way one likes? In that case, a challenge is presented by me first. - Rox-ane!? Didn't you say that you weren't against us, Rox-ane!?
- I don't remember saying that I approved of him but I'm not against him either.
- Ugh. No way, the bluff of Sirius came even this far and resulted to be correct? Stella put a bitter expression on her face.
On the other hand, Roxanne soothed Stella with「hey, be calm」and said. - It's not a troublesome conversation. If it's the physical strength and Cryo powers of Ayato.
- My physical strength and Cryo Powers are connected to the challenge? Roxanne nodded to the question of Ayato
. - Yes. Ayato. I'm inviting you to participate in the『War』that will be carried out with Kledelland soon.
- W『War』…!? Ayato couldn't hide his surprise at the disturbing meaning of those words. But Lunaize immediately denied his imagination.
- Huh? Although it's called war, it's not a bloody thing or something. Kledelland and Vermillion are both《member nations of the International Mage-Knights League 》.
In regards to the《International Mage-Knights League》, there were agreements regarding war between fellow member nations of the league, in addition, small countries helped each other to protect from large countries, and in the event of an emergency, to provide military strength and war expenses.
That agreement said: there won't be use of military or conventional weapons in the disputes between fellow member nations of the league but instead the outcome will be decided by duels, choosing the 《Mage-Knights》that will be the representatives of both countries――that's how it is.
This system was a symbol of League's great principle where『Blazer should protect the powerless』and at the same time, it was essential to maintain the harmony between the member nations. Since the hierarchical relationship was built by national power among the member nations, it would be difficult for a small country without power to be in League. However, using this rule, it was possible for a small country to defeat a large country. They could keep a position of equality.
『Two countries, even if they belong to the same League. Political arguments happen after all. That is inevitable. If they don't let it go and try to avoid the unreasonable, the organization loses its flexibility, develops cracks and collapses. That's why, war between the member nations must be conducted under fair conditions』
This rule, which was established and advocated by《Sir Whitebeard》, the head of League, had the most rivalry within the League, but the fact that this organization called《International Mage-Knights League》was able to become so huge as to divide the world in half a century, was probably thanks to the existence of this rule.
- Of course, the war between Vermillion and Kledelland will be conducted under this rule. Ayato. Do you know that Vermillion is an independent nation from Kledelland?
- Yes. I know the details of it. - In that case, I'll omit the explanation of those circumstances, but since the country originated like that, we naturally have territorial disputes. Even now, the gas fields near the border are being disputed with Kledelland. This war is held once every five years with the ownership of this gas fields at stake. The form of the match changes every time, but this year is a team competition of 5《Mage-Knights》.
To hurry things a bit, it will be the victory of the country that had reached more victories in a total of five matches. … About what I said so far, do you get my condition? - That is to participate in the war as one of the representatives of Vermillion and win… yes? - Not quite so. There's no point in your victory alone. To conquer your enemies and to bring victory to Vermillion. That is my challenge.
That's the condition of Lunaize Vermillion, the first Princess and next Queen to recognize your relationship with the second Princess Stella Vermillion. Having said that, Roxanne showed a smile to test Ayato. - Thinking about it, it's not a bad talk. After all, it's a chance to contribute directly to the national interest. Moreover, in the last 30 years, Vermillion has never won this war.
If a man were to break that situation, no one would object to your engagement with Stella. … Not even my obstinate father. Sirius, startled, opened his eyes wide because of the words of Lunaize. - Eh!? Hold on a second, Roxa! Such words are―― But, - Hey, Roxa-ane. It's been weighing on my mind since a while ago, but who's that old man?
- So fast!? If a Samurai brings victory to this country, then there's no reason for me, the King of Vermillion, to have a reason to go against him!
Then I'll be relieved, entrusting Stella to you! Bahahaha! Sirius easily fell down to the brief words of Stella. He was also aware. The eyes of Stella that were looking at him from a while ago became completely cold.
Now, within Stella, the existence of her father was in a very dangerous place. Because it seemed as if he was scattered outside of her head with the smallest of the impacts, and so, she was never able to remember about him again.
Well, he suffered the consequences of his own actions, nothing less, nothing more. Then, after they deceived Sirius with those words, Roxanne asked Ikki again.
- Okay then. Do you accept my challenge? Ayato then, - Of course. If with this I can hope to be the husband of Stella, then I'll win without fail. He immediately replied. At first, he was told that it was a war and so he was surprised, but rather this was what he desired, to cut and open a path with the sword.
There was no reason to refuse. She listened to that reply and,
- Alright. Roxanne turned her back on Ayato and the others all of a sudden. Then, she approached the big glass door of the dining hall and opened it with both hands――
- That's right! Did everyone hear it too!? She shouted out of the castle from the terrace. At that moment,
『『『YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!』 』』
An ovation like a rumble in the ground burst in the dining hall from the window that was left open. When anyone went out to the terrace, there were countless groups of people crowding outside the castle, raising shouts of joy.
- W-what's the meaning of this!? - It means this. Roxanne took out something from the hem of her dress with a mischievous look to Stella who opened her eyes wide in surprise. It was a highly directional microphone that was linked to all the broadcasting facilities of the imperial capital in advance to help Ayato while she pretended not to see the reckless action of her father.
- All the conversations so far were broadcasted outside by the government-managed broadcast. I thought that if we did this, it would save us time and effort to explain to the citizens.
- Wai… Ayato tried to protest Roxanne who had said something unexpected as if nothing happened. Naturally, the greetings to her parents were broadcasted throughout the town. However, Lunaize completely ignored Ayato and continued talking to the people outside.
- You heard it just now! A promise has been made here! Sirius Vermillion, the King of Vermillion, will recognize Ayato Kurogane as the husband of the second Princess Stella Vermillion with the victory of war! Is there anyone who disagrees with this promise!? Towards this, the crowd replied.
『No, nobody!』
『We all fought and we all lost!』
『Furthermore, groom-san even said that he liked us…』
『I've never seen such a strong and kind man!』
『You're the only one to whom we can entrust Stella-chan!』
『If the King throws a tantrum and tries to annul his promise, and even if a coup d'état arises, we'll be on your side!』
They didn't have negative feelings towards Ayato. The promise of the duel that he exchanged before coming here. Since he shook free from all the citizens and finally arrived at where Stella was, it was Ayato's victory. The people of Vermillion kept the promise of the duel.
If so――there was only one thing Ayato should do. - All the people are looking forward to your great efforts. Ayato. The words of Roxanne told. -
Yes…! Allow me to do my best effort! What it meant to win was to carry them on his back. To inherit the wish of the losers. That's why, he swore as a victor. That he shall never betray the trust that he had won.
Lucerle, capital of Kledelland Kingdom. A city where Art Nouveau buildings registered as World Heritage lined the streets.
A《Mage-Knight》training facility with a highly colored outward appearance similar to an opera house to fit into the scenery was located nearby. And now, in that training facility, five Kledelland representatives were training for the war with Vermillion that was drawing near.
- Wooooooooooo─────!
- Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! A red-haired small man and a large man that looked like a barrel were forcing back the pistons of huge press machines placed in front of each of them. This equipment was used to improve the quantity of instant magic power release of a Blazer.
The pistons of the pressured press machines were pushed back due to reinforcement of physical strength thanks to magic power release. It was a simple training, but it was a training where expectations about having a positive effect were possible.
The pressure of the large press machines has already exceeded 2 tons for both of them. They were still pushing back the pistons bit by bit, but with certainty.
The average for a Blazer was around 500 kg, meaning they were owners of an excellent physical strength. It wasn't surprising to say that they were selected as representatives of the country. Other members were doing a different training at the pool that was in the same training room divided by an acrylic fiber.
- This is too hard, Mira-chaaan…! - I'm not giving up! We still have 10 laps to go…! - No waaaay…. This is way too Spartan…! - Since Ena isn't good at using magic powers, you were told by the leader to repeat training until the war! Come on, if you run slowly, the necessary control will get difficult! - Eeeek!
The two women in their early twenties were running in the 50m training swimming pool that was fiercely flowing like the rising water of an overflowed river. That's correct, they weren't swimming, but running straight through the violent water current on the bottom of the pool in a while sticking to the bottom using magic.
Thanks to this, they could train their magic control powers. There were exercises for training of magic power control like keeping the water floating without making it spill as well as shaping clay without touching it with their hands, but the training of running on top of raging streams, the one that the two of them were doing, boasted to be the most difficult among them. It was clear that the ability of these two women as Blazers was quite high even if they continued doing it somehow or another while expressing their dissatisfaction.
And, while the four of them were working hard, another person, a tall blond young man, came into the training area. The young man entered the training area while clapping his hands a number of times, then called out to the four people. - Guys. I know you are in the middle of training, but please gather for a moment! The final order list of the five representatives from Vermilion arrived just now! With that call, the four of them concluded the training as they had an impatient look saying「it was time, you know」and gathered where the young man with blond hair… where Kledelland Kingdom's First Prince Johan──who was also the leader of the delegation was.
- Meanwhile, we were ready a month ago. Why did it take a lot of time to them? - Certainly, they were really slow, huh. While the red-haired young man used abusive language and the large man agreed with him, each one of them received the order list of Vermillion from Johan. The two women followed next and read the order list. - Let me see〜. Heehee. As expected, Her Highness Stella is participating〜. - Those two too, huh. The Diver and the Shooter. - That's because there are just 3 C-Ranks in Vermillion. Just as expected, no? - Also, the fourth guy is the C-Ranked King of Vermillion. Well, this person was obvious, wasn't he? A relatively solid lineup, but why did this order decision take so long? … Eh? What? Then Mira, the woman that appeared to have a lively mood, inclined her head. - Who's this fifth guy? - Ayato Kurogane? A Japanese? Why is a Japanese appearing as a representative of Vermillion?
- Moreover, there are notes, Luke. A-Rank? Maybe Vermillion was completely worried about revealing something like this? They knitted their brows. However, the replies of the quiet-looking woman Enaris and the large man Reid were different from the two. - Hey, hold on. Have I seen the face of this man somewhere before? - Ah! T-this guy! I saw him on TV! He's Stella-hime's boyfriend! - Oh! You're right! The match in Japan where Her Highness Stella lost in the satellite broadcast the other day! - That's right. Johan affirmed before the reactions of the two. - 《Seven Stars Sword King》Kurogane Ayato. He's an A-Rank, but he's a master of a superhuman-like sword technique that compensates for his high magic power value and in Japan, he has defeated the《Crimson Princess》 twice.
He's an authentic powerful person. Both Luke and Mira changed their complexion with those words of Johan. The two, who hadn't watched the broadcast of the match, just knew the rumor that a low-ranked Knight of a foreign country defeated《Crimson Princess》.
- Ah, don't tell me that such rumor was a true story…?
- I thought it was a lie…. - It's not a lie. … I also watched the match, but this guy was really amazing.
- B-but Johan. This guy isn't a person of Vermillion, right? Is it fine that he's participating in the war? Certainly, this should be prohibited by the League rules, and Johan nodded and returned an affirmation to Reid who said so.
- Originally, he wasn't. But this time, the King… my father approved it. To sum up, it seems that his participation had been decided due to a
『Special Convocation』frame. - E―――h! Why did he expressly approve a thing that has become a disadvantage for us? - It seems that Lunaize-san has been gallantly coming and going, negotiating many times about this over the last month. ――"They want to use this war and test whether Mr. Kurogane is suitable as Her Highness Stella's husband or not".
- T-the hell? Is that a "becoming an adult ceremony" of a tribe or something?
- It's because that doting King won't let his daughter be his wife no matter what with such achievements he has, or so it's what I heard.
She also seems to be very troubled. Johan shrugged his shoulders while not being able to hold back his laughter.
During that, both Mira and Enaris spouted out as if being unable to endure it. - Ahaha! That's right. Such a scene is coming into my mind.
- My dad was the same, but aren't all the fathers of families like that, Reid? - Hahaha…. Maybe. Reid, who just got the permission of engagement from the parents of Enaris the other day and was invited to talk by Enaris, replied while putting a wry smile. Will I be like that if my daughter was born? Certainly. - Johan.
By the way, are the rumors of this guy really true? Wasn't《Crimson Princess 》's physical condition very bad? -
To put it bluntly, even if the five of us hit him, we can't win.
- But isn't it written here that he's an A-Rank? Isn't this a mistake then?
- No, the rank itself is correct. I also watched the match, but his magic-related power couldn't be ranked other than A-Rank. However, he's strong… or rather, to an unusual extent where he's『good at fighting』.
It's unfortunate, but we're no opponents for him. To Johan, who affirmed so, Mira expressed her discontent saying「Eeeh」. - Oh, so we got two defeats decided before starting, huh? How lame. - Prince-samaaa! Can't you make a participation prohibition rule for outsiders using your power? Johan returned a「Don't ask for the unreasonable」
- I've got Roxanne to lend me all sorts of intelligence periodically. I can't increase what I'm borrowing more than this. Because Johan and Roxanne were hanging out with each other since they were very young as the heirs of the next period of both countries, they were childhood friends, one of them being one year older than the other.
They also graduated from the same university, the Cambridge one, and at that time, they were busy with their private lessons and the ignorant-of-the-ways-of-the-world Johan was greatly helped by the clever Roxanne.
If she weren't there, he would have ended up committing an irremediable mistake because of the invitation of a bad friend who ended up making a mistake at the university.
Johan remembered it well together with the pain of an earnest slap that he had received from Roxanne back then. The woman one year older than him had been guiding him since he was a child.
That was what Lunaize meant for Johan, that image couldn't be eradicated even now. That was why he couldn't strongly stand against Lunaize at all. - Johan is weak to Lunaize-san as usual. - It's inevitable. Our hierarchical relationship from childhood isn't something that can be easily turned upside down. That's why allow me to count on you.
Besides, although two losses are important, winning the rest of them all is something we can say. Tilmitt Gracie and Miriallia Lazy are strong when working together, but when it comes to fighting by themselves, they fall short as knights. King Sirius, also known as《Crimson Wild Lion》, is an old person whose golden age has ended.
Those three are in a category where they can be managed somehow by the five of us that will confront them.
Besides── Johan told them, softening his facial expression. - Well, I'm not saying this like there'll be a big loss even if we lost terribly. This was true.
The name of the war was a war done for the ownership of the gas fields near the border, but in the agreement between the two countries signed several decades ago, it had been decided that the winner side would bear the infrastructure improvement costs of the loser side in the form of money. In other words, there was almost no difference in this war between winning and losing. In fact, it was like a public joint exercise where excellent knights of their own countries would contribute jointly to it.
The form of this war that shared profit between both parties was generally well received as it was a situation where even the citizens got to celebrate and compete seriously with the neighboring country, and nowadays the war has become an once every five years in-name-only informal social gathering between citizens of both countries.
The reason why the King of Kledelland allowed the participation of Ayato, a powerful person of a foreign country, was because of this sort of background. This wasn't a battle where both countries would go in desperation for the victory.
That was why the delegation didn't feel like denunciating him for real with Johan or the King from the beginning. Luke agreed to Johan's word with「You're right」, - Oh well, it's a good chance since the techniques and powers of the samurai have come all the way here from distant Japan.
I hope we get him to enjoy it.
He manifested a scarlet knife, his own Device, played with it and threw it lightly with a tension that was looking forward to its trip. - So the princess is engaged to him? She fought at the past Sword Art Tournament, but somehow or another she was so stoic, or rather, she was so much serious she was unapproachable; I was surprised because I certainly thought she was going to devote her life to being a brave maiden.
- Oh, so you went even that far, to fall in love right away like that? Aren't they making a kid for next year too? ――Ena, Reid, you can't lose, alright? - 〜〜〜〜 - L-Luke! That's none of your business! The faces of the newlywed married couple reddened like apples with the common words of Luke. That situation was charming, both Luke and Mira of the unmarried group, shook their shoulders and laughed. Eventually, the newlywed married couple was enticed by the smiling faces of the two. With the figures of these four people, Johan thought that the team he was leading from the bottom of his heart was a good team. If it was with them, then they would be able to hold back the enemy well, get the remaining three victories and win against Vermillion. He was convinced, he broke out into a laugh ――it was at that moment. Blended with everyone's happy laughter, A noise was heard.
- Aha aha aha. - Eh…? A laugh like scoffing at everything in this world stirred up unpleasant feelings. Everyone except Johan heard the same person? They looked at each other's face. At that moment, they shifted their attention to the direction of the loud laughter that didn't belong to any of them. And, they found out. - It's not a rumor at all, but I heard that the War of League is a terrible farce. A war where it doesn't matter whether you win or lose is no more than an insipid comedy. A small figure with a black hoodie that covered his eyes was sitting on top of the catwalk fence of the training area. The small figure narrowed his blue like a will-o'-wisp and red like blood eyes that shone inside the very dark hanging hood and laughed. - It's way more interesting to look at an ants' nest.
- This is such a waste. Even though I was born in this world as a powerful being at last, I can't be tamed to be a good-for-nothing thing that will exhibit its power to satisfy things like『Society 』. Since I was granted the ability to speak, then I'd say that's a loss of irreplaceable time of what is called life.
(What's with this kid…?)
A creepy child appeared in front of them without any warning in advance. Johan felt intimidated by his darkened gray hair covered in ashes and his blue and red pupils that shone mysteriously behind it. It wasn't just a person.
The representative members of Kledelland except Johan felt it. - Who are you!? How the hell did you get in!? - This is a training camp that representative members have reserved for exclusive use. The entering of outsiders is prohibited. Leave from here immediately. Luke and Reid not just scolded the child much younger than them. They also prepared themselves and lowered their center of gravity so that they could immediately shift to battle. Towards all present, and while the intruder moved their white bare feet, looking bored. - … well, isn't it natural? Because you don't know anything. The pleasure of slaughter. The ecstasy of plunder. When he told so with a tone of voice that hid even pity, the hood showed a smile that cut deeply into his cheeks as if a red crescent moon casted a shadow and said. - That's why I'll teach them to you.
… Together with a demonstration. (――――!) Immediately after, the B-Rank Knight Johan, who was the most powerful Blazer there, noticed it.
Only he noticed it. *Terrified*, Evilness and maliciousness that completely covered the whole room were spewed out from the small body of the intruder as if the lid of the cauldron of hell was opened. Simultaneously with that, Johan understood. ―We can't win. Because the being before their eyes wasn't a being of a level where they were good enough to face him.
So, - Everyone! Run away right noooooooooooooooooooow! He shouted. A loud voice that he had never given since he was born. As if vomiting blood. But――it was too late. No, it wasn't about being faster or slower. Because the moment this being was in front of them, their destinies had already been decided.
- … eh? Fresh red blood scattered on Johan's face and body. The one who caused a shower of fresh blood was Reid, the young man of large build. His heart was pierced. It was done by the golden knight-spear manifested in the left hand of none other than Johan.
- Huh…? What? Reid's understanding couldn't catch up with the sudden crime of Johan. Not even understand the pain. Just surprised── - Jo…han… wh-why…? The next moment, he collapsed to the front while being pulled by the spear that was extracted. Reid spurted blood out from the cavity of his chest like a waterfall and extended his hand to his shocked wife who had lost her voice due to this tragedy, trying to beg for help. But that hand didn't reach her, and when it fell to the ground together with his consciousness, he immediately stopped moving.
- N-Nooooooooooooooooo―――!? - H-hey. Reid... you're joking, right…!? - L-leader!? W-why did you do that!? Mira thrust her Device which was two pistols at Johan who committed the crime. But――this wasn't Johan's intention of course.
(This…!) Johan noticed. His body wasn't moving under his own will anymore. Johan didn't know the reason for that. But he could understand that he had fell into the control of the enemy. He couldn't do anything with his own strength. So, - Everyone, don't get close to meeeeeee! Run! Run away, quickly! Johan cried desperately to his companions to throw them away from him in order to make them escape. But, that desperation ended up being noticed by Luke. Is something strange happening to his body?
- …! I see, this kid is doing something! The culprit of the tragic event. Luke, who understood that the opponent should be defeated right now, sprung at the enemy sitting on the catwalk at a speed which was also the origin of his alias《Swift Wind》having his knife-shaped Device ready with a reverse grip
. - Wait! Right now――!? - Luke!? However, the blade of Luke never reached the enemy. His body stopped in the middle of the empty air. Like a butterfly caught in a spider's web.
- …hell, is this…? My body… isn't moving!* And then, the body of Johan drew below the feet of Luke without following his will. - No way! Hey, what are you doing, leader!? Stoooooop!
- C-cut it out…! Stoooop! The scream of Johan was in vain, his body went through the body of Luke crucified in the air with the knight-spear directly from below.
- Gu, bo── The body of Luke that was pierced by the golden knight-spear convulsed violently several times and then relaxed. He died shortly thereafter. Just about everything that was stuffed in the abdomen of Luke rained incessantly on the whole body of Johan who pulled out the spear, staining his beautiful blond hair and heart. The spirit of Johan that killed his companions, his friends one after another with his own hands, was already at its limit. But, even so, he desperately took hold of his spirit that seemed to be burning off, - … I beg you… Mira…! Run away. He begged to the surviving companion while shedding tears.
- ────! With the gaze of Johan, Mira understood what she should do. She ran up to Enaris who kept shaking the dead body of her husband and grabbed her in her arms. - Ena! Get up! We have to run! - Reid! Answer me, Reid! - Let's go! - Noooooooooooooooo! Reid! Reiiiid! Mira pulled upright with all her strength the confused and disobedient Enaris and headed to the exit with undivided attention, running away from the place in accordance with Johan's instruction. At that moment. - Heh, can you use that technique?
This is a rare chance, so let's do that to the two of them. A high-spirited voice as if it had found a new toy was heard from behind──immediately after, A golden light surged in the entire training area. - Mi-Mira-chan! (No way…) Mira also turned around due to Enari's surprised voice. And then, they despaired. Mira and Enaris, his teammates, recognized it. This shining was── - AvoOoOOoooooid iiiiiiiit! It was《Circus Maximus》──the Noble Arts done by Johan's Device《Chariot》.
By straddling a golden warhorse which was also the real form of his Device, it flattened and ran over all that existed before him to form a road, it was an incredibly strong charge attack. Not just its destructive power, it was also the fastest and strongest blow in Kledelland, boasting an instant speed that left behind even the《Swift Wind》Luke.
It was something that Mira and Enaris couldn't deal with at all, 「「…!」」 An instant. The golden brilliance that pierced everything ran past from behind them. The destruction done by it didn't limit to the straight line where the light ran past from behind. The blasted atmosphere splashed in all directions, pulling out all the fixtures existing in the facility from their roots, striking the walls and destroying the lights.
When the legs of the warhorse stopped and the golden light weakened, darkness fell in the facility── - Ah..., aah... When he looked back the path that he had trampled down, Johan saw. The corpses of the two women, whose bodies were twisted and crushed, rolled on the hideously burned ground in the dark. On the other hand, the culprit of everything clapped his hands together, looking like he enjoyed watching the facial expression of Johan.
- How was it, Prince-sama? Wasn't this somewhat exciting? Didn't you taste the throbbing as soon as aha aha you slaughtered your precious companions one-sidedly with your own hands? - … kill you…! I'll kill you, I'll kill youuu aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! The anger that surpassed the limit stimulated Johan in an instant. While making sounds of muscle fibers snapping apart and scattering a blood mist from his torn off skin, Johan pulled the reins of the golden warhorse without caring if his body was destroyed, - 《Circus Maximus》――――!
With an overly burning rage, he launched a charge on the enemy sitting on the catwalk. The ability of《Chariot》was《Road》. 《Road》was an ability beyond that of humans, it overcame every single bad road and obstacle and of course, it also made him float in the air. Therefore, the hoofs of the warhorse went straight to the enemy while kicking the empty air. The knight-spear that Johan pushed out thrust away at the face of the enemy──at that instant, Like it was natural, Johan was forced to stop all movement. - Hmm. I prefer not slaughtering you. It's a pity that you couldn't enjoy it and get drunk on blood because of how you are.
Prince-sama. The enemy remained immobile all this time ever since he appeared before Johan and the others. Without even moving one finger. And yet――they couldn't do anything to such an enemy. (The difference is too much…) How much was it?
He couldn't even grasp the difference in strength. The riding warhorse and knight-spear of Johan became something like gold dust and disappeared. The Device was the soul of a Blazer. If the mind of its owner collapsed, then the Device would also collapse.
To such a state of Johan, - Oh, that's right. The effeminate Prince-sama liked the one over here. Though it would have been great if you had told her so from the beginning〜.
The wicked one that had created this tragedy had the most enjoyable-looking smile as of now. - …!? Johan put himself on guard with an expression that showed signs of fear. He's still planning things to do? But it didn't matter how prepared he was, his body was already at the mercy of the wicked―― When Johan's body landed on the ground, he, to the dead body of Enaris, He tore up her coat with all his strength. Johan made his voice quiver when he guessed the intention of the evil, his intentions with her fallen breasts. - Don't tell me… The wicked《Marionette King》――Or=Gaule showed shark-like teeth to the despaired Johan and told him with a smile full of joy. - She's already dead but, I think it'll feel good since she's still warm, no?
- Aha aha aha. In the very dim light illuminated only by the moonlight that flowed in from the blown window. The《Marionette King》made his body shiver in pleasure while listening to the sound that mechanically struck the flesh. It was Johan begging forgiveness as much as his voice allowed him, but now he was nothing but sobbing and shedding tears.
He only moved his body while repeating words of apology as if talking in delirium and with eyes out of focus. That was certainly transmitted to《Marionette King》through the steel-wired Device 《Black Widow》. The sounds of his heart cracking and collapsing. ――Were irresistible. One life, just like his own life. A loveable being that was loved by someone and loved someone.
This sensation of destroying as he wished, like a cheap doll. The sorrow and feeling of emptiness that struck the heart──the ecstasy exceeded those greatly. Once he was aware of it, there was no turning back anymore. He couldn't live without the stimulus of this destruction. And the stronger the stimulus, the better it was. - I'm looking forward to it. The《Marionette King》yearned for it. Citizens, family, a beloved girlfriend….
What face would Stella put when all of that has fallen apart? - I'm sure it's going to be a very adorable one… Ecstasy ran in his whole body just by imagining so. The core of his body got hot and began to dissolve. That stimulus seemed to be bringing even more excitement than the moment when he would have destroyed her. ――He couldn't endure it anymore. He wanted to play with her soon. He wanted to enjoy himself outside soon. But, if he was finally going to play, then he better have lots of toys prepared. The《Marionette King》moved his hands for the first time there. He raised horizontally both hands that were covered by a loose-sized hoodie, ──And extended a fine thread that couldn't be captured by the eye. The thread went through the blown window, weaved its way through the many trees of the forest and went to the city── To capture soldiers, to capture pregnant women, to capture children. And then… to build up little by little, little by little.
His own Kingdom――《Wonderland》. Even the captured people weren't aware of it now. Without knowing it, everyone was becoming dolls of that person. The thread eventually extended over the entirety of Kledelland, establishing a number of hubs. Those were practically『roots』. Roots of a parasitic plant that would make the Kingdom of Kledelland a seed-plot. And when this parasitic plant was to bear fruit… it would begin. The war is written as《Vermillion's Military Campaign》in the history of the stars.
The《International Mage-Knight League Headquarters》in the United Kingdom. There were two figures in a room of the division where only the single-digit knights in the world ranking determined by the director of all the branches, otherwise, the League, could get in.
- Oh, that's right. The story where Mr. Alexis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, collapsed. Did you hear it too? He collapsed like a thread that was cut during a dinner at the previous foreign trip.
He quickly regained consciousness, maybe it was just stress and he should rest one day…, but since this happened to more than 500 important political and business people around the world almost simultaneously, it's a different story.
One of them was a young man who was speaking in front of an inserted-styled display that emitted a sole light in the unlighted room. The other one was a tall man who heard his voice from inside the stagnated darkness that surrounded the room. The young man continued explaining to the tall man while operating the display.
- The integration of media and police information has confirmed that nearly 1000 people apart from the political and business people have collapsed all around the world. Most of them were treated as heatstroke patients, but how such a coincidence happened like that? However, what became conclusive for us, the League, was the video recorded in Kledelland two days after the multiple heatstroke that happened simultaneously in the world.
The video shown on the display changed together with those words. A small figure with a hood pulled over his eyes. Immediately after, the shadow of the tall figure standing in the darkness shook and the sound of metal rubbing against metal was produced. Was he shaking? The young man continued his words without being concerned about it.
- We used connections that we had and investigated him behind the scenes, but it seems that a big confusion occurred in the side of Rebellion due to his actions. Well, the independent action itself of the《Twelve Apostles》Numbers isn't that much unusual, is it? Those guys of Rebellion aren't the ones who were in control to begin with. The problem is… that he's not the puppet, his real body hasn't come out from the darkness.
He also willingly let go of all the control of the dolls that were the eyes and ears of Rebellion. Is he planning something…? Or is it just a caprice…? We don't know at the present time, but this isn't a situation that can be ignored if it's about《 Marionette King》Or=Gaule who moved.
… If we talk about detailed danger, a troubled Desperado is far more dangerous than《Tyrant》, the leader of the Rebellion. ――We, the League, need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. And then, the young man turned his tough eyes to the black armor in the darkness. - You'll have to go to Vermillion.
《Black Knight》Ascaride. You're the only one qualified in the League for this mission. You also know the dreadfulness of《 Marionette King》more than anyone else.
FF - ―――――― With this order,《Black Knight》waved his cape and turned back. Then, he left the room. He didn't return an affirmation or negation. But, that fist was grasped strongly in anger. ――Blood dripped from the joints of the metal plate, stronger. And stronger.
...