Editing Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume16 Chapter3 (section)

===Part 4===

As it turned out, coincidentally in the evening of the same day, Kamito and company received a report that the Revenant had returned to Dracunia's military port after the trip to the Holy Kingdom.

"It's almost like she knew when our training would end."

This perfect timing surprised Claire.

"Yeah..."

Her speculation was probably right. There was no doubt that guiding Claire and the girls to the dark dragon's temple was precisely Rubia's intent. It would not be a stretch to imagine Rubia calculating how much time they would need to complete their training either.

Kamito and company hastily packed their belongings and met up at the military port.

Although Leonora wanted to see him off, she reluctantly relented when Kamito repeatedly advised her to prioritize recuperation above all else. Instead, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor came in her place and provided flying militarized spirits as aid for Ordesia.

"This is the Vouivre-type flying spirit officially equipped by the knights of Dracunia. Although it is unsuited for combat, its high mobility and agile turning ability ought to come in handy."

"Thanks a lot. After all, except for Ellis, mobility is our weakness."

Kamito gratefully accepted the seal tablet handed over by Vice-Captain Yuri.

"Try not to die, Team Scarlet. Although we lost to you during the Blade Dance, I hope for a future rematch against you."

"As you wish. We are ready any time."

Claire nodded fearlessly and agreed.

"May fortune be in your favor. May Legitimate Ordesia be blessed by Dragon's Protection."

Headed by Yuri, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor saluted collectively.

Under the military port's illumination, the Revenant's massive hull landed on the ground.

The flying ship's hatch immediately opened and the gangway ladder descended.

At that very moment, the petite figure of a young girl shot out from the hatch.

"Onii-sama~!"

"...M-Muir!?"

Rushing at Kamito at the bottom of the gangway ladder, she threw herself into his bosom.

Kamito hastily spread his arms and caught the petite girl.

"Ahah, Onii-sama, I missed you so much!"

"Muir, I can't breathe..."

Hugging Kamito by the neck, Muir was very excited.

Her twintails were rubbing against his cheeks, tickling him.

Just as this was happening to Kamito, he felt cold stares stabbing into his back.

"U-Unbelievable, making such a young girl call him 'Onii-sama'..." "It wasn't easy to revise my opinion of him, but ultimately, his true nature remains that of a fiendish Demon King." "I must implore for Leonora-sama to slice ''that'' off...!"

He turned his head, only to see the Knights of the Dragon Emperor whispering dangerous words among themselves. The trust he had built up by protecting Leonora was apparently dropping down to abysmal levels.

Meanwhile, the members of Team Scarlet...

"Sigh, Kamito-kun hasn't changed the slightest." "Mm-hmm." "Same as always." "...~!"

...In a way, their trust in Kamito had not changed at all.

That filled Kamito with mixed feelings too&mdash;

"W-Wait, that is enough. Hands off now!"

At that moment, Claire's crimson hair stood up and she roared angrily.

"What's the matter? Do you wanna start a fight with me, Onee-chan? Even when you're so weak."

Muir smiled with condescension and retorted.

"Th-Things have changed since our defeat last time! We've been growing stronger the whole time!"

"Hmph, really? Then let's play next time, but I'm not in the mood right now. Onii-sama has to play with me next."

Still hugging Kamito and refusing to let go, Muir stuck out her tongue.

"...~I-I-I'll turn you into charcoal!"

Just as Claire raised the flaming whip in her hand...

"Muir, what are you doing? Stop causing conflict in a place like this."

Muir's partner, Lily hastily descended the gangway ladder.

"Not a conflict, just saying hello. Hello."

"Good grief..."

Seeing Muir completely nonchalant, Lily sighed with mental exhaustion.

"Hello, it's been a while, Lily."

When Kamito greeted her...

"Hmph, I never thought I would ever team up with you again&mdash;"

Her crimson eyes, unique to the Elfim race, stared at Kamito.

Ranked sixth in the Instructional School&mdash;Lily Flame was the expert in espionage and infiltration. Back during their days at the Instructional School, she had often partnered with Kamito on missions. Even though they had been enemies in the Blade Dance, Kamito considered her an extremely reliable helper as soon as they were on the same side.

"I only take orders from the Cardinal. I do not plan on getting familiar with you at all."

"Yeah, I know."

"You guys. A reunion is fine and all, but do hurry up and board&mdash;"

Hearing the sudden voice coming from within the ship, Kamito and company looked up in surprise.

"Esteemed sister!"

Ellis called out loudly.

With an overcoat of pure white draped over her, Velsaria Eva appeared at the gangway ladder.

"Esteemed sister, is your health alright now?"

"Yes, there is no problem."

Confronted with Ellis' concerned inquiry, Velsaria nodded simply. Then she said:

"More importantly, the Revenant will be heading to the city of Mordis in the Theocracy."

"Mordis?"

"The stronghold where the Theocracy's rebel forces have gathered. The Cardinal is currently there."