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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume11 Chapter6

2013-08-08T19:05:28Z

67.71.167.101: /* Part 2 */

==Chapter 6 - Back to the Abandoned Capital==

===Part 1===

Kamito immediately summoned his teammates to the castle lobby.

Everyone were about to sleep at this point in time, hence the girls all displayed displeased expressions.

Only Scarlet was still very energetic.

(...Perhas it's because cats are nocturnal.)

"...Jeez, what happened? The «Blade Dance» already ended."

"I will have you know that I sleep regularly on the dot at nine."

Claire and Ellis had their arms akimbo as they remarked angrily.

However, since they were both wearing cute pajamas, they were totally not intimidating.

...Rather, they were quite adorable.

"Sorry, there's an emergency. Things are very bad."

"What emergency?"

"The Alphas Theocracy's flying vessel seems to be heading towards the «Abandoned City»."

"...Abandoned City?"

Claire frowned in surprise.

"What would she do in that kind of place at this time?"

"Most likely, her target is Iseria."

"...!"

All the team members were shocked. That was the girl with hair the color of shimmering water who had assisted them during Claire's rescue.

"Why... Why target that child!?"

Rinslet demanded from Kamito.

"Iseria is a top-ranked spirit. Sjora perhaps intends to capture her as a contracted spirit."

"How could that...!"

Probably recalling the demon spirit's theft of Fenrir, Rinslet cried out sorrowfully.

(Or perhaps, for some other purpose...)

Iseria Seaward.

Three years ago on that day, Kamito had liberated one of the elemental lords.

Did the witch act because she found out about that—?

"But how did those people find out about Iseria?"

Ellis voiced her puzzlement.

"Most likely by tracing Fenrir's memories."

Greyworth descended slowly down the stairs.

"Through the spirit seal, a contractor can see fragments of the contracted spirit's memories. That spirit probably appeared in Fenrir's memories."

"No way..."

Rinslet wavered.

"Greyworth, seeing as you employ demon spirits, do you know any method for retrieving «Fenrir»?"

"My condolences. I am a knight and not an authority on spirit research."

Greyworth shook her head.

"Besides, the category of demon spirits is simply something that the Spirit Investigation Association defined on their own. An umbrella term for spirits whose mental structure cannot be analyzed. Hence, there is basically no information on individual demon spirits unless they have been researched specifically."

"...I see."

"However, speaking of saving that demon ice spirit, that's not totally impossible."

"Eh?"

"Although the demon spirit «Bandersnatch» possesses the power to overwrite existing contracts, that effect can be considered a type of spirit contract. Being a spirit contract, it must be accompanied by a certain something—"

"...A spirit seal?"

"Smart lad. On «Fenrir» that was taken away, there should be a spirit seal carved by demon spirit. Aiming there—"

"Destroy it with Terminus Est, right?"

Kamito gripped the «Demon Slayer»'s hilt firmly.

"However, that's only a possibility. I don't know that much about that demon spirit's characteristics."

"...Yeah, got it. But it's worth a try."

Kamito nodded at Rinslet.

"Anyway, I think we should hurry over to the «Abandoned City». We can't passively let her get taken away."

"Eh, yeah, that's right! I promised that child that I'll definitely bring her out of that place."

"...However, we still don't know how to lift the seal."

"I have some ideas on that."

As Fianna showed hesitancy, Kamito responded.

If the girl he saw in his dream really was the liberated «Elemental Lord»—

Then the seal could be lifted using her true name as the medium.

(...Also, there's something that I must ask her no matter what.)

"But how do we get to the «Abandoned City»?"

Ellis raised a question.

"Can't we use the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s transfer magic?"

If they explained the situation to the «Divine Ritual Institute», they probably would lend out the «Gate» for transfer.

"That requires a ritual. Also, the «Magic Stones» can only transfer to fixed locations."

Fianna shook her head.

"Then what should we do—"

Just as Kamito gritted his teeth in frustration...

"Good grief, looks like my power is need."

Greyworth shrugged.

"Didn't you lose your power completely...?"

"The word power is not limited to an elementalist's power, you know?"

Greyworth smiled.

"Head over and wait at the tip of «Ragna Ys». I will prepare equipment for you."

===Part 2===

"...Telling us to wait here, what exactly is she planning?"

"The director will have arrangements."

An hour later, Kamito's group had gathered at the northwestern tip of «Ragna Ys».

THe night air was very cold. Despite the barrier covering «Ragna Ys» entirely to stop the wind, the air itself was enough to make the skin chilly.

"...So cold. My hands are almost freezing."

Under thick winter clothes, Kamito shivered.

"It reminds me of the training camp at the Laurenfrost snow mountains when we first entered the Academy."

"Hmm, that was hell."

Hearing Claire remark as she hugged her hell cat tightly, Ellis expressed full agreement.

"This level doesn't really count as cold."

Only Rinslet, who was born and raised in a land of snow, remained unfazed.

"...Say, that looks very warm. Let me hug Scarlet too."

"I don't really mind, but Scarlet doesn't let anyone close apart from me."

Claire took Scarlet from under her arm and handed her to Kamito.

Scarlet shrank into a ball then stayed obediently in Kamito's arms.

"...Wow, so warm."

He felt a sense of warmth rise from within his body.

"Meow—, meow—♪"

The hell cat spirit seemed to be meowing very happily.

"...Tsk, w-why is Scarlet acting so intimate!?"

"K-Kamito, that's so unfair! I want a hug too!"

As soon as Ellis reached over, Scarlet began to struggle as though greatly repulsed.

"Kamito-kun, this kind of skin to skin contact would be even warmer."

Boing boing boing.

"Fianna!?"

"W-What, w-what are you doing, pervert princess!?"

At this moment, there was sudden gust of wind, causing the girls' hair to fly at the same time.

"W-What!?"

From under the precipice, a massive object rose up.

Bathed under the moonlight, the object appearing out of the darkness was—

"The latest model of the «Winged Raptor»-class combat craft!"

Claire cried out with surprise.

The streamlined craft was shaped like a flying dragon. The ship's body was plated with mithril. The wings on both sides gave off faint light.

Kamito recalled that this was one of the twelve small-sized flying ships owned by the Empire.

At this moment, the control room's door opened and Greyworth appeared on the deck.

"Just use this. However, absolutely do not break it."

"To think you were able to get authorization to use a flying ship in such short time!?"

Beneath the roaring wind, Kamito yelled.

Apart from those reserved for the imperial family, all flying ships were under the Fahrengart family's administration. Without the Knights' authorization, mobilizing a flying ship should be impossible.

"Who do you think I am? I've got plenty of blackmail material to threaten the military with."

"That explains why your life is always being targeted."

"When the time comes, lad, you'll protect me, right?"

"...As if."

Kamito turned his gaze away.

"Hurry and come up, there's not much time left."

Urged by Greyworth, Claire and the others jumped off the precipice and onto the deck.

"Okay, let's hurry—"

"W-Wait a sec... Kyah!"

As Fianna hesitated, Kamito picked her up in his arms and jumped over together.

"K-Kamito-kun, you're really..."

Landing on the deck, Fianna muttered with her face red.

"Given this ship, it should be able to catch up to the Theocracy's older style flying ship."

"Yes. After all, it is the latest and most advanced flying ship that my grandfather purchased."

Ellis expressed agreement with Greyworth. The Alphas Theocracy did not have the latest model of flying ships. At most, it would be an old-style craft from the Ranbal War era, supplied by «Murders».

Greyworth got off the flying ship and looked back at Kamito's group.

"This is all I can do. You guys will control it from here on."

"You can't find a pilot?"

"It's already the middle of the night, of course it can't be arranged. It is able to hover like this in the surroundings of «Ragna Ys» where the ether density is high, but if you want to accelerate, you need to activate the «Spirit Mechanism» that uses a wind spirit crystal as its core. Ellis, can you manage it?"

"Y-Yes!"

Ellis immediately straightened her posture and nodded.

"Who will pilot it?"

Even though he was trained in the «Instructional School», Kamito had never learned the skills for controlling a flying ship.

(On the other hand, specialized in espionage, Lily does have that type of skill—"

"At least, I've driven the imperial family's mini-craft before."

Finna looked towards the control room and said quietly.

The control room's center was outfitted with a black slab of stone that had spirit language carved on it.

It looked like a stone panel that responded to touch and controlled by thoughts.

"The basic controls are similar. As an outstanding princess maiden, you should not find it hard to control."

Greyworth's voice was heard outside.

"I will stay on deck with Scarlet to guard against spirits. Rinslet, please prepare some midnight snacks. There should be a simple kitchen on a mini-craft."

"Understood!"

"What should I do?"

"Uh, Kamito should..."

Claire pondered for a while—

"Anyway, getting some sleep before we arrive would be nice, right?"

...Nothing he could contribute.

Oh well, it was true that there was nothing else he could do.

"Who knows the «Abandoned City»'s location?"

"The darkness spirit over there should know, right?"

"...Still the same, you don't know your manners, «Dusk Witch»."

The demon sword of darkness transformed into a girl in a dress the color of night.

Her beautiful black wings spread open and fluttered in the night sky.

"Restia!"

"...Fine. I shall lead the way until we reach the «Abandoned City». Be grateful to me."

"Darkness spirit, I don't trust you. Don't tell me you've forgotten everything you did back at the Academy."

Claire glared at Restia overhead.

"It matters not to me, if you know a safe route as humans. Once you enter the territory of archdemon-class spirits, this ship will be turned into sawdust."

"...!"

"Claire, it's okay. Believe in my partner."

"...Sigh, I know."

Claire shrugged.

Then lighting a small flame, she handed it over to Restia.

"...What's this?"

Restia inclined her head in puzzlement.

"You can't use light-attribute magic, right? It's hard to see you in the dark, so use this as a signal lamp."

"Ah yes, I see. How inconvenient it is to be human."

Understanding, Restia caught the fireball.

"Very well, let's go. To protect Iseria."

===Part 3===

"...As expected of the latest combat craft model. It's like a wind spirit."

The sound of the wind rumbled. Looking outside the window in the cabin, Kamito muttered.

A wind barrier was erected around the ship's body and kept slicing through the clouds. Down in the engine room, Ellis must be working quite hard.

"...But to think I would be asked to go sleep."

Kamito muttered to himself.

Although there was some remaining fatigue accumulated from the final round, Kamito did not feel at ease, leaving everything to the girls and going to sleep by himself.

"Oh well, if I try to help, I'll just end up getting in the way..."

Kamito lay down on his side on the bed.

At this moment, he felt a hard object in his pocket.

"...Speaking of which, I should pass it along."

Kamito recalled.

It was the pendant from Claire's older sister.

The pendant carved with the House of Elstein's crest, the flame lion.

Even after plunging into her hellish path, Rubia still held on to this object.

Kamito got up from bed.

Walking in the corridor, he was about to take the stairs up to the deck—

...Unable to resist, he halted in his steps.

A wonderful aroma was drifting through the kitchen door's gap.

(...Rinslet's making midnight snacks, right?)

His stomach began to growl. Thinking back, he had not eaten since morning.

Following the aroma, he pushed the kitchen door open.

"...Kamito, what's the matter?"

Dressed in an apron, Rinslet turned around with a spoon in hand.

Kamito could see a pot bubbling on top of a fire spirit crystal. Looks like the aroma came from this pot of soup.

"I'm hungry. Smelling this aroma, I couldn't help but come here."

"...I see. Please be patient for a while."

Rinslet served the steaming soup into a bowl.

"This soup is made from bacon and potatoes. That's all the ingredients I could find in storage."

"No, that's enough. It looks very tasty."

Kamito took a sip of soup.

"...Ahhh, delicious."

The delicious taste felt as though steam was rising from the bottom of his heart.

"The saltiness is just right."

"I-If you don't mind this type of crude cooking, I can make as much as you want."

Blushing, Rinslet kept twirling her hair in her finger.

Kamito finished the soup in one breath.

"Thanks for the meal... Thank you."

"You're going back to the room?"

"No, I still want to check out the deck."

Just as he was about to exit the kitchen—

"Uh, umm..."

"...Rinslet?"

Kamito's uniform sleeve was grabbed from behind.

...No, rather than grabbed, it felt more like it was held between fingers.

"U-Umm..."

Rinslet's head was bowed, looking very indecisive.

"C-Could you hold... my hand?"

Finally, she spoke quietly.

Gazing up at Kamito, her emerald eyes seemed to be wavering.

Her right hand had lost the «Spirit Seal». Her fingers were trembling.

One could hardly blame her. Despite acting full of vigor in front of everyone—

She was actually still very ill at ease.

...Kamito silently held her hand. He held her frail, delicate and feminine fingers.

"Fenrir will be taken back for sure. Don't worry."

"...Yes."

With Kamito holding her hand, Rinslet nodded.

===Part 4===

As soon as he walked outside the cabin, it felt cold as expected.

While shivering, Kamito looked for signs of Claire.

She was sitting on the deck, hugging Scarlet.

"Claire—"

Walking up the stairs, he called out.

"Uwah... K-Kamito!?"

Startled, she turned her head back.

"Go back down and sleep. You must be tired."

"I can't fall asleep. Here, I've brought you some of Rinslet's soup."

Kamito placed the steaming soup on the floor.

"Th-Thank you..."

"Can I sit beside you?"

"...Eh? Ah, y-yeah..."

Kamito bent over and sat down by Claire's side.

...An awkward silence descended.

After all, too many things had happened during the final round.

Both of them were searching for a suitable topic of conversation—

"It's great that you were able to get back your darkness spirit."

Claire ended up the first to speak.

While gazing at the bright light in the distant clouds ahead, she murmured.

Despite being out of view, mixed into the darkness, Restia was there, acting as the flying ship's guide.

"...Yeah. That's why I've journeyed nonstop for the past three years."

"I see..."

Claire began to pout and sulk a bit.

"Umm, what a shame... You finally saw her again."

"...Yes. It's wonderful to see Nee-sama again, but hearing that kind of thing—"

"You mean the «Elemental Lords»' madness?"

"Yeah. It's hard to believe, but..."

Worrying, Claire embraced Scarlet tighter.

"The reason why Nee-sama rebelled was because the elemental lord wanted me as a sacrifice..."

"...Indeed, that's very disturbing."

The «Fire Elemental Lord» had demanded the user of Elstein's flame, Claire, as a sacrifice.

The «Flame-burning Flames» that transcended the rules and logic of this world.

Why did the «Elemental Lord» demand that sort of thing—

"Next, what should we do? Continue searching for Rubia?"

"...Right."

Claire murmured with a pained expression.

She still had not organized her thoughts.

The «Blade Dance»'s winners' blood relatives would receive a special pardon. This was customary since antiquity. However, even if Claire begged, it was unlikely that the Empire would let Rubia Elstein off.

Betraying the «Elemental Lord» was an unforgivable crime.

(—Besides, Rubia's grievances cannot be disclosed to the public.)

Although few would believe it, if news spread of the «Elemental Lords» being corrupted by something unidentified and even going mad, surely a great commotion would result.

"Oh yeah, this thing—"

Kamito took out the pendant from his pocket.

"...The lion's crest! Kamito, why do you—"

"Rubia entrusted it to me. To give to you."

He handed the pendant over. Claire held it tightly.

"...So warm. This chain is infused with the power of flames."

She stared at the pendant with gentle eyes.

The side view of her face was causing Kamito's heart to race.

"...However, why did Nee-sama give this to me?"

"At the time, she probably intended for you to inherit it upon her death."

"How..."

"...Don't worry. Your sister is very tenacious. Just like you."

Kamito placed his hand on her head.

"Y-Yes... Nee-sama has great mental strength."

Claire nodded lightly.

"That thing, just return it the next time you see her."

"Yeah..."

After putting the pendant away safely...

Claire looked up—

"B-By the way..."

Coughing once, she leaned closer to Kamito.

"Hmm?"

"—Kamito, you're the real «Ren Ashbell», right?"

"Guh..."

...He was totally caught off guard.

"U-Umm... Uh..."

"Save it. You're wasting your breath if you want to keep hiding it. You've already admitted it yourself."

"I-I wasn't trying to hide it... okay..."

Kamito turned his gaze away and scratched his head.

"...So, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Claire glared at him.

"...Uh, sorry for deceiving you."

Kamito apologized honestly.

"Hmph, you've been deceiving me all this time?"

"Ugh..."

"—Before, I had always admired ''her''."

"...S-Sorry."

Putting his hands to the ground, Kamito bowed his head and apologized.

Seeing that—

"...Sigh, fine. Okay, look up now."

Claire sighed and then—

"...Umm, thanks."

"Huh?"

Hearing unexpected words from Claire, Kamito frowned.

Claire relaxed the corners of her mouth slightly and said:

"Uh, I already mentioned it before... Three years ago, what saved me after I had given on everything was ''her'' blade dance I saw three years ago. If it weren't for Ren Ashbell, I surely would not have made the «Blade Dance» my goal... So, thank you."

"Claire..."

"I-It feels a bit embarrassing, like this..."

"O-Oh..."

Blushing, both of them averted their gaze.

"...B-By the way, are you going to tell Ellis and the others?"

"...No, let's wait first..."

"I see..."

Claire chuckled and smiled, pressing her index finger lightly to her cherry lips.

"Very well, I will keep your secret. —A secret between two people."

Her smiling face was so charming that Kamito could not help but stare, mesmerized.

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume11 Chapter3

2013-08-07T16:39:17Z

67.71.167.101: /* Chapter 3 - The Closure of the «Blade Dance» */

==Chapter 3 - The Closure of the «Blade Dance»==

===Part 1===

Having awoken, Kamito followed Reicha to another room.

His broken arm was simply secured between two pieces of wood. His elemental waffen, the two swords, were hanging at his waist. Although Reicha suggested handing them over to her for safekeeping, Kamito declined.

Along the way with Reicha in the lead, Kamito saw a garden surrounded by colonnades. He had some recollection. In the past, he had cross-dressed and sneaked in here with Fianna.

(...The «Divine Ritual Institute»'s True Sanctuary, I guess?)

He did not know why, but from the way it looked, he really had been transferred to «Ragna Ys».

"Do Claire and the others know the situation already?"

Kamito asked the «Queen» in front of him.

"No. Everyone will be notified together later. Kamito-san, you were all transferred here at virtually the same time, but because your injuries were too severe, you were moved here to rest and undergo simple treatment."

"I see..."

...Indeed, his body's pain had subsided substantially. Oh well, it was just the pain that had disappeared. In actual fact, he was probably still covered in wounds.

"Uh, my body is supposed to be the type that deflects holy-attribute magic—

"Yes, I have already heard that from Fianna-senpai—no, Fianna-sama. Hence, uh, that method was used."

For some reason, Reicha's face went red with embarrassment.

"Th-That method... What method is that!?"

"U-Uh, for me to say it, really would be... Fianna-senpai was very proactive..."

"..."

Kamito resolutely pretended he heard nothing and shut up.

When they reached the door at the end of the colonnade, Reicha stopped. Pushing the door opened, Kamito saw a spacious room as large as the garden earlier.

Very likely, this was prepared for VIP guests. There was a wooden table in the center where all the young ladies were seated.

"Ah, Kamito, you finally woke up."

Claire spoke up as soon as she spotted Kamito. She had changed out of her «Darkness Queen» ritual attire and back into her usual uniform with her twintail hairstyle.

"Kamito-kun? Are you okay? Does your body still hurt?"

"...Y-Yeah."

Kamito nodded. Sitting down beside Fianna, he asked quietly:

"Fianna, could it be... You actually did ''that'' in front of everyone?"

"Fufu♪, Reicha and the other's faces were all flushed bright red."

Fianna smiled mischievously.

"Relax. Claire and the rest did not see it."

"I-I can't believe you..."

"Hmm, what are you two whispering about?"

Sitting opposite to them, Ellis stared at them suspiciously.

"Oh, no, nothing."

Kamito frantically tried to brush the matter aside. Then with a serious face, he looked towards Reicha.

"..Uh, you can explain now, right? The reason why we were transferred here."

"Yes. It's quite hard to accept why we were suddenly transferred here."

"Since everyone has gathered, please do explain."

"Very well."

Faced with Claire and the other's queries, the princess maiden nodded lightly.

"«Team Scarlet», representing the Ordesia Empire, you have obtained victory in the «Blade Dance»."

Smiling radiantly, she made the announcement.

===Part 2===

"...Victory... Us?"

The first to break the silence was Claire again.

"What happened?" "How did this transpire?"

Ellis and Rinslet voiced their queries in succession.

Kamito was equally puzzled.

The «Blade Dance»'s final round, «Cross Fire» was scheduled for three days.

Only two days had elapsed since Kamito's group was transferred to the abandoned city. No matter how you counted it, there were at least ten-odd hours remaining.

However, Reicha spoke calmly.

"It is not surprising that you would find this puzzling. However, the «Elemental Lords» have issued this decree through us «Queens»: «Team Scarlet»'s blade dancing has brought them great joy and satisfied them."

"The result was decided by the «Elemental Lords»?"

"Yes. The «Blade Dance» is the supreme ritual for making offerings to the elemental lords. Hence, ultimately, everything is decided by the «Elemental Lords»."

"Yeah, that's true, but..."

Kamito muttered, his face displaying his reluctance to accept.

"Furthermore, based on the the battle results, «Team Scarlet»'s victory is indisputable. Apart from all members surviving, even the number of «Magic Stones» obtained is overwhelming. Even with ten-odd hours remaining, one would not expect the result to change."

"...«Magic Stones», did we really get that many of them?"

Kamito took out from his breast pocket the «Magic Stones» he had obtained.

The crimson spirit crystals, carved with the crests of various countries, numbered five in total.

The «Sacred Spirit Knights»' vice-captain, Alda Reed. The «Knights of the Dragon Emperor»'s tyrant dragon spirit user, Reglisse Roa. Muir Alenstarl. Leonora Lancaster. Finally, there was «Team Inferno»'s leader, the self-styled «Strongest Blade Dancer», Rubia Elstein.

Multiple ace-class and commanding officer-level elementalists from various countries had been defeated.

In terms of results in the team battle, this was overwhelming indeed.

"I defeated one. The «Sacred Spirit Knights»' special operative."

Next, it was Claire's turn to take out a «Magic Stone» and place it on the table.

"Special Operative Ayla Cedar. A shadow spirit user."

"That makes six... Right?"

"Meow, meow..."

"Hmm, what's the matter, Scarlet?"

Under the table, the hell cat spirit seemed to mewing desperately, trying to say something.

Puzzled, Claire picked her up in her arms. Scarlet stuck her tongue out.

Another two «Magic Stones» rolled on the table.

Carved on each of their surfaces was the crest of the «Sacred Spirit Knights».

"Scarlet, these, how did you get them!?"

Claire stared eye-wide in surprise. Apparently, she did not know what happened.

Reicha picked up the two «Magic Stones» and said:

"This one belongs to the «Sacred Spirit Knights»' Lansa Kairod-sama, while the other belongs to their captain, Luminaris Saint Leisched-sama."

"...Eh?"

"You defeated that Luminaris!?"

This time it was Kamito's turn to be shocked.

Luminaris the Paladin. Three years ago, she was Ren Ashbell's blade dance opponent in the finals. For the current festival, she was also one of the top candidates for victory along with Leonora.

"Uh, umm..."

Claire made a troubled expression and stammered.

"I've released Scarlet's true name. Kamito's darkness spirit knew this child's true name, then... I lost consciousness in the middle of it and can't remember much, but it seems like the power that had lay dormant for centuries was released all at once..."

(So ''she'' is the one who defeated Luminaris...)

Kamito stared intently at Scarlet in Claire's embrace.

The «Scarlet Valkyrie»—Ortlinde.

Despite looking like a cute hell cat, her true form was a high-level spirit who looked like an adorable young girl.

"Meow?"

The hell cat tilted her head in puzzlement.

Recalling the cat-eared girl's nude body, Kamito could not help but blush.

"In other words—"

At this moment, Ellis gazed at the «Magic Stones» on the table and murmured.

"«Team Scarlet» has defeated the commanders of the three other teams participating in the finals."

"Indeed. Precisely. As a further note, the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor»'s vice-captain, Yuri El Cid lost to the «Strongest Blade Dancer» while «Team Inferno»'s Lily Flame was defeated by Leonora Lancaster."

"May I ask, what happened to the Theocracy's witch—Sjora Kahn?"

(...Rinslet?)

Her helpless expression gave Kamito an instant sense of dissonance—

"«Team Inferno»'s Sjora Kahn destroyed her own «Magic Stone» and retired."

"...Uh?"

Everyone looked at one another.

(...Forfeited? That witch?)

Judging from her personality, it was difficult to imagine her admitting defeat.

Was there some hidden story, or perhaps—

(...That witch, what was she actually planning?)

According to Fianna, one part of Rubia's plan—regarding the «Darkness Queen»—was known to some extent, but—

"—Hence, currently, as already explained, the other countries' commanders and ace-class participants were essentially all retired from the stage. «Team Scarlet» is the only team that survived intact. At the point in time when you were all transferred, the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor» and the «Sacred Spirit Knights» respectively had two and one survivor. However, the elemental lords decided there was no need to continue the blade dance."

The «Fire Queen» explained calmly.

"—I... see."

Kamito stopped thinking briefly—

Then he exhaled.

"Victory huh... Us."

"Yeah... Seems like it."

Claire answered in shock.

...Somehow it doesn't feel real at all.

Meeting Claire by the side of the lake. Establishing a contract with Est. A decisive match against the Syphid Knights led by Ellis. Adding Fianna as a teammate and the battle against Jio Inzagi. Defeating Velsaria in the school ranking battle. The tough struggle during the «Tempest». Also during the «Cross Fire»—Settling things with Rubia Elstein.

After entering Areishia Spirit Academy under Greyworth's guidance, all sorts of things had happened.

Everything was for the sake of victory at the «Blade Dance».

"We finally reached this point..."

Tears appeared in Claire's clear eyes.

"Claire..."

Kamito placed his hand on her head.

(...It's this girl who gathered us all together.)

Before encountering Kamito—

She had always fought alone.

Wiping her tears with the sleeve of her uniform, Claire stared at Kamito with her reddened eyes.

"I-I wasn't crying, okay!"

"Don't force yourself. Cry if you want to cry."

"I-I already said I wasn't, so annoying..."

She puffed her cheeks in a sulking manner and hammered her fists against Kamito's chest.

The young ladies in the team all gazed at Claire's behavior with gentle eyes.

"Claire, thank you. You're the one who brought us here."

"Thanks to this, that'll show those people in the imperialist faction."

"Y-Yes... Everyone, thank you..."

Habitually lacking in forthrightness, Claire uttered words of thanks for once as she wiped her eyes.

"—Congratulations, everyone."

Reicha offered warm words of blessing.

"«Ragna Ys» has released news of «Team Scarlet»'s victory. In particular, Kamito-san's defeat of the «Strongest Blade Dancer», Ren Ashbell, has become the topic of interest."

"...!"

Just at this moment—

Kamito realized something important.

(...This is bad.)

In theory, the proceedings of the «Blade Dance» were observed by the spirits sent out by the «Divine Ritual Institute» and should have been projected to various places on «Ragna Ys». In that case, inevitably, her battle with Kamito would be seen by large numbers of people.

In other words, the true identity of the unmasked «Strongest Blade Dancer» would also—

Probably having predicted that kind of reaction from Kamito, Reicha resumed a serious expression and spoke:

"...Kamito-sama, you are worrying about Rubia-sama, right?"

"Y-Yeah."

Claire and the girls also reacted and turned towards Reicha.

"Please rest assured. The «Divine Ritual Institute»'s spirits were unable to approach the blade dance that took place amidst the intensely burning flames. The images recorded from afar were also, uh... According to the supreme council's judgment, publicizing her true identity will cause a massive uproar, hence they have issued orders for corrections. Regarding the true identity of the «Strongest Blade Dancer» being the «Calamity Queen» who had brought disaster to the continent in the past, only a small number of people including us «Queens» are privy to that fact."

"...I see."

Kamito secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the spirits were unable to get close, then even Rubia's true face was seen, her dialogue with Kamito probably was not overheard. Also what she said about the «Elemental Lords» going mad, the «Demon King»'s power residing in Kamito's body, and other things—

"Nee-sama—"

At this moment, Claire spoke up.

"Where is Nee-sama now?"

"...!"

—Right. Rubia Elstein had abandoned her «Magic Stone» and was transferred.

Then she should have returned to «Ragna Ys» as well.

"Well—"

The Queen bowed her head.

"Including Rubia-sama, none of «Team Inferno»'s members were transferred to the designated location—the return point that was set in the «Magic Stones»."

"...Huh?"

"What happened?"

"Very likely, the magic in the «Magic Stones» was overwritten. Those «Magic Stones» all received magic that was injected by us «Queens». Although ordinary elementalists probably cannot manage it, if it were Rubia-sama who was once renowned as the continent's premier princess maiden, it is possible—"

"In other words, they set a new transfer location..."

Kamito was suddenly struck by the thought of Muir who had disappeared without saying a word.

Living in darkness, did she have a place to return to?

"What is the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s decision on Rubia-sama?"

Fianna asked.

"I believe the «Divine Ritual Institute» will not send out pursuers directly. However, the Ordesia Empire's cadre might have received news already."

"...How did that..."

Claire bit her lip.

The «Calamity Queen» was the great sinner who had brought immeasurable loss to the Empire. Once her location was found, the Empire was sure to hunt her down.

Once the elite «Numbers» were sent to execute the arrest mission, would Rubia have any way of escaping, having lost the «Sacred Maiden»'s power?

"Nee-sama..."

Faced with Claire's worried murmurs, Kamito whispered softly.

"Don't worry. This «Ragna Ys» has countless secret subterranean passages. Surely she must have prepared her escape beforehand."

"Th-That's true..."

Claire nodded—

Suddenly, she collapsed towards Kamito as though suddenly struck with dizziness.

"Claire, are you okay!?"

"W-What happened?"

"...Y-Yeah, it's okay. I'm just... a bit tired."

"...After all, so much happened."

Not much time had passed since Rubia had imprisoned her to become the «Darkness Queen». Mentally, she must have accumulated a lot of fatigue.

Once her tense state of mind relaxed, the fatigue surged all at once.

"Sleeping quarters have been prepared at the shrine. Please have a good rest."

"I am very grateful for your kind offer. But before that, I would like to undergo a ritual purification. If possible, a bath would be good."

"Very well. A hot water bath, right?"

Reicha answered Fianna in a relaxed tone of voice.

"I'll go rest too."

Kamito suddenly felt sleepy. Despite the princess maidens' treatment, those were merely superficial measures to close up his wounds. His physical fatigue was reaching a limit.

"So, let's all go together, Kamito-kun. I'll help you scrub your back."

"...Okay. No wait! I-I'm going to sleep!"

"Fufu, just joking♪"

"Hmm, is that so... I-I would not mind too much, actually..."

Ellis awkwardly twiddled her fingers.

"Claire, you come for a bath too."

"Uwah, s-stop it, pervert princess!"

Accompanied by a noisy racket, the young ladies left the room together.

Kamito shrugged and prepared to leave as well.

"A-Ah, uh, Ren Ashbell-sama—"

Reicha stopped him.

"...!"

Hearing her say that name, Kamito held his breath.

Her gaze rested on Kamito's left hand.

(...R-Right!)

During the blade dance with Rubia, Kamito had used the «Vorpal Sword» and the seal of darkness had appeared on that hand. Anyone who saw it would quickly deduce his identity.

While Kamito was speechless...

"Oh, p-please rest assured. Those images, together with Rubia-sama's true face were all edited on this side. Because in a certain sense, your true identity will cause an even greater commotion than Rubia-sama's."

"I-I see..."

Kamito mentally breathed a sigh of relief.

"But the princess maidens at the «Divine Ritual Institute» should have found out already."

"No, editing the seal was my sole and arbitrary decision. Hence, most likely, I am the only one among the «Queens» who knows of this."

"Eh?"

"Although the demon sword of darkness was too difficult to hide, Kamito-sama, you were using dual swords. And that demon sword with the darkness attribute was also used by that «Nepenthes Lore» monster. Besides, no one could possibly connect your current appearance with Ren Ashbell... Oh, excuse me, I had no intention of insinuating—"

"Oh, no... That doesn't matter."

Kamito scratched the back of his head as he shifted his gaze away.

Suddenly, a question poped up in his mind.

"Your 'arbitrary decision'?"

"Yes. Last time when you two visited the shrine, Fianna-senpai made a request, hoping I could hide the fact if the seal on Kamito-sama's left hand ever appeared."

(Was that when I was unconscious...?)

"That princess really misses nothing."

Kamito smiled wryly.

As much as she would deny it, Fianna really did seem to possess the wisdom of royalty.

"...That's a great help. If possible, I hope you can keep my true identity a secret."

"Y-Yes..."

The «Fire Queen» nodded politely then—

"E-Excuse me..."

"Hmm?"

"At the time, what did Rubia-sama say?"

"..."

Should he tell this young girl? Kamito agonized over it for a while—

"What's your opinion on the «Elemental Lords»?"

Finally, that was what he said.

"...Eh?"

"Regarding the fact of the «Elemental Lords» ruling over the world."

"Everything goes according to the divine wishes of the elemental lords. That is what we were taught."

Reicha stared Kamito straight in the eye and answered thus.

"That's... true."

That was the consensus shared by the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens.

Kamito recalled the words that Rubia left behind.

—You can confirm the truth with your own eyes.

"For the continent's future—That was what she said."

"For the continent's future..."

Reicha displayed a puzzled expression as she murmured.

===Part 3===

After entering the prepared sleeping quarters, Kamito fell on the bed.

Feeling as though his entire body would sink into the bed, it was a very comfortable sensation.

Having slept on hard ground throughout the final round, Kamito found the current sense of comfort quite touching.

"...It's over."

Looking up at the marble ceiling, Kamito spaced out as he muttered to himself.

The «Blade Dance» had drawn to a close with the best possible result—His team's victory.

Despite his concerns about Sjora Kahn's whereabouts, what Rubia had said regarding the «Elemental Lords», etc, Kamito's greatest personal goal was already accomplished.

Kamito placed the two swords in his hands lightly onto the bed.

Yes, the purpose of entering this «Blade Dance» was to take ''her'' back personally.

His hand stroked the Restia's blade that reflected no light at all.

As though she would disappear off to somewhere again if he did not do so—

(Restia...)

Enticed by a sense of sleepiness, Kamito's consciousness gradually drifted off to deep slumber.

—As promised, Kamito.

At this moment, he seemed to be hearing a tiny voice from the distance.

Like soft feathers, a comfortable voice was tickling his ears.

—Let me tell you about the truth three years ago.

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