Editing Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter5 (section)

=== Part 4===

After quite a while, the two of them finally arrived at the secret tunnels of the Grand Temple. 

The path overhead was blocked by a giant stone slab, on which were cramped carvings of words in spirit language. 

The exit was right here; the courtyard of the Grand Temple was just outside. 

"Kamito, may I climb on your shoulders?"

"Sure, no problem."

Nodding, Kamito bent to allow Fianna to get up. 

The sensation of her tender thighs on the back of his neck made Kamito's heart involuntarily leap into his throat – how he hoped she would not get mad at him because of that. 

"S-Speaking of which... I really don't have to hide my face?"

"Something so suspicious would in fact make us more easily discovered. Besides, I'm a girl and even I think Kamito looks very pretty, so you don't need to worry at all."

"Such praise really doesn't make me feel any better..."

Then, Fianna chanted what sounded like a magical curse. The spirit words on the stone shone brightly blue, and the entire slab split cleanly down the middle and opened outwards. 

Bright moonlight beamed directly into the dark cave. 

Night had already fallen upon the outside world, and a bonfire was burning to light the enormous courtyard. 

"—It looks like no one's around, let's go now."

Fianna reached out and placed a hand on the ground, then slowly climbed out. 

Kamito leaped up in one bound, and followed closely behind her.

Fortunately, the ritual clothing had a long skirt, so even if Kamito were to look up, Fianna's panties would still be hidden. 

"What a pity... I'd even specially worn Kamito's favorite knickers today."

"I-I don't even l-like... suspenders!"

"Oooh, it looks like I've hit upon the truth!"

"Uhhh..."

Looking at Kamito's vexed expression, Fianna broke out into peals of laughter. 

After climbing to ground level, the two of them hurried to the stone corridor in front of the courtyard. 

"I say... If we're found out, will we have to escape from every single Guardian spirit here?"

"Don't look guilty, and we won't be found out."

The two of them exchanged nervous whispers while walking along the stone corridor stretched out before them. 

At that moment, a princess maiden appeared in front of them and began walking towards them. 

"Ooh!?"

Kamito's heart jolted, and his facial expression hardened. 

The girl drew ever closer, step by step— 

Just as they were about to pass each other, she suddenly stopped before them and said:

"Pardon me, where are you headed?"

"To Reicha-sama's chambers. Reicha-sama says she's feeling unwell, so..."

"Oh, is that so? Sorry for your trouble."

Fianna answered the questioning princess maiden with a calm, composed expression on her face, and the latter then turned and left. 

"Look, didn't we just successfully pass this trial?"

"Wow... The bravery of the princess maiden really is something else. I was so scared my heart almost stopped "

For a male to enter the Divine Ritual Institute was absolutely unheard of. A rule of such importance had never been broken before. 

If they were to be caught, in the best case they would be executed, while in the worst case... Never mind, it was best not to think about it. 

"This way."

Fianna, who was walking in front, gestured surreptitiously with her hand. 

Following her lead— 

"..."

– The pair reached the end of the lengthy corridor, where there were a set of grand doors decorated with intricate carvings. 

The decor of this door was noticeably different to the other doors: several very pure and valuable spirit crystals were inlaid on the frame of the door. 

"... Uh... Fianna, may I ask a question?"

Kamito inquired, a twitching expression on his face. 

"What is it?"

"This door wouldn't happen to be... Never mind, I guess it goes without saying..."

"Indeed, it's just what Kamito thinks."

Fianna shrugged her shoulders at Kamito naughtily. 

"I've no choice... Which other princess maidens are of a higher status than I am, other than these ladies?"

"Are you serious?"

"Don't worry, I'm absolutely certain."

Finishing her sentence, Fianna knocked smartly on the door thrice, according to the proper regulations. 

The duo waited for a while— 

Finally, the grand doors gradually opened. 

The sight that greeted them was— 

A red carpet that stretched out straight before them and brightly glittering spirit crystals. 

This was a sacred space, filled with the aura of somber tranquility. 

A thin curtain hung at the far end of the room; behind that was the silhouette of a small slight figure. 

"What does the visitor want? I believe I have already instructed not to have my meal—"

The high stately voice rang out into the hall. 

However, undeterred, Fianna walked forward and said:

"Long time no see, Reicha. How have you been lately?"

"... Huh?"

The maiden hastily pulled aside the curtain, then – her jaw dropped in shock. 

"... It can't be, Fianna-sempai!?"