<?xml version="1.0"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en">
	<id>https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=71.123.139.149</id>
	<title>Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]</title>
	<link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=71.123.139.149"/>
	<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Special:Contributions/71.123.139.149"/>
	<updated>2026-05-03T10:08:24Z</updated>
	<subtitle>User contributions</subtitle>
	<generator>MediaWiki 1.43.1</generator>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter3&amp;diff=165691</id>
		<title>Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter3</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter3&amp;diff=165691"/>
		<updated>2012-07-01T04:07:54Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;71.123.139.149: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Chapter 3: The Lost Queen==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 1===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After that, Kamito, who parted from Claire and the others, headed towards the academy director&#039;s office immediately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He knocked and opened the door –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You&#039;re late, for how many seconds do you plan to make this lady wait?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That was the first thing Greyworth, who was sitting at the office desk, coldly said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Dusk Witch – Greyworth Ciel Mais.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her figure was certainly that of a bewitchingly beautiful woman but she was originally a spirit knight with a long military service, who had her name entered first on the list of {{Furigana|the twelve knight commanders|Numbers}}.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She had wavy ash-blonde hair. Her gray pupils were shining behind her small pair of glasses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Sorry, I heard that you have business with me, and no matter what my walking became heavy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, so now you&#039;re able to run your rather cheeky mouth, are you? Where did the obedient pure boy from those days go? Really, this thing called the flow of time is cruel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You&#039;re the only one who doesn&#039;t change, Greyworth. Your outward looks as well as your tricky character.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito loathsomely said in disdain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth is one of the few people who knew him three years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And she was the perpetrator who called Kamito, who threw away the name {{Furigana|Strongest Blade Dancer|Ren Ashbell|margin=13}}, to the academy and attempted to make him participate in the Blade Dance two months later.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--76--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
She did not tell him the reason for that.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although, it was often the case that the Dusk Witch worked Kamito hard without telling him anything.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right, you have certainly changed. Compared to three years ago, you&#039;ve became especially weak. In the practice match a while ago, what was that sorry performance when faced with an opponent of that level? If it was the you from the past, you would have overwhelmingly defeated that one person in under three minutes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You were watching? ...As usual your hobbies are bad.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;In such a sorry state, your participation qualifications for the Blade Dance are also doubtful. Or, was it a fluke that you defeated that military-use spirit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That time was—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito slightly mumbled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not that he defeated it with just his own strength.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito, who had a chance meeting with his changed former contracted spirit and was struck with despair, was given the strength to stand once again by that red haired hellcat girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...!&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the sensation of her soft lips was resurrected in his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To shake it off and cleanse the evil thoughts, Kamito shook his head in a fluster.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I also think that I&#039;m miserable. I can&#039;t even fully use my contracted spirit&#039;s power yet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito dropped his eyes onto his right hand, which was engraved with a spirit seal.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--77--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is it that you still can&#039;t forget your previous woman? How stubborn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Don&#039;t mess around! For me, Restia isn&#039;t like that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;On the contrary, getting hotheaded makes it increasingly suspicious. If you like, how about getting a lover or something in this academy? It might even divert a little of the loneliness.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Lov—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Or, are the girls in the academy too childlike? If that&#039;s the case... I&#039;m also good.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth smiled bewitchingly and slightly pushed open her breast area with her fingertips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He accidentally saw an adult-like black, lacy lingerie in her cleavage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;D...don&#039;t mess around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s a joke. Hmm, with that tone, it seems that you have not yet reached that level. I&#039;ve heard rumors that you are made to wait on a tiny breasted beautiful girl and a nude knee-socks spirit and are indulging in an improper harem cohabitation life.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Guu...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trying to refute, Kamito was at a loss for words.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...Looking at it objectively, that was the truth and so it was painful to be unable to deny it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Greyworth, did you call me just to tell some worthless jokes?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right – but, of course, that&#039;s not the only thing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth creaked her chair and faced the visitor room at the inner side of the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I have a girl I want to introduce to you – okay, come in&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--78--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Okay.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From the inner room, came what sounded like a bell being turned over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The one who opened the door and appeared was –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A girl who wore a black dresslike uniform, different from the academy&#039;s uniform.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a beautiful girl, whose beautiful long black hair was impressive, to the extent that he was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She had clear black pupils. Without thinking, Kamito was charmed by her neat and clean appearance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Eh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The moment his eyes met with hers, she made a puzzled face for some reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Errm, you&#039;re ... Kazehaya Kamito-kun?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While blinking her eyes incessantly, the girl asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, that&#039;s right, however–&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;But my impression is very...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...It was somewhat strange, but it seemed the girl received a shock.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Wh...what&#039;s with this?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;But, that&#039;s right... he&#039;s a boy after all, and it&#039;s already been three years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl was muttering to herself in a voice that Kamito could not hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After that, she looked at Kamito&#039;s face again.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes, there&#039;s certainly a resemblance, yeah. Besides, this is fine—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--79--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What&#039;s up, Fianna?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth called out, seemingly puzzled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, s...sorry! Err, this is the first time I&#039;ve seen a male spirit contractor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl called Fianna shook her head in a fluster.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Erm... who is this girl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito faced Greyworth and asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then, the girl, for some reason, made a sullen expression and pouted her lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I knew it, you didn&#039;t remember... well, that&#039;s fine though.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;She is the recently admitted student who will be entering the same Raven Class as you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Admitted student?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ah! Kamito nodded. They were talking about it at the café just a while ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;This girl is the one...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol was saying that she was a daughter of noble social status, but, in any case, in this academy the ladies of noble social status were all around him, so he did not feel anything special.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;After that, she said that... her breasts were big.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without thinking, he glanced towards the dress-like uniform&#039;s chest area—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...Indeed, certainly.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito consented strangely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--80--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;She is the Ordesia Empire&#039;s second princess, her Highness Fianna Ray Ordesia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Ordesia?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito frowned for a moment—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No way...!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
His eyes widened in surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In Areishia Spirit Academy, which was a spirit contractor training organization, many genuine daughters of nobles were enrolled. This was the result of the empire&#039;s royalty and nobles continuing the bloodline of spirit contractors through marriage of convenience that even spanned over several generations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally, there were also exceptions, but, speaking of spirit contractors, it was normal for them to be daughters of nobles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fahrengart, the head of the military family, and Laurenfrost, with a family history.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Its lands were currently seized, but Claire&#039;s Elstein family was also of a noble pedigree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, this girl before him was – the second princess of the Ordesia Empire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was not even the nobility.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was what one would call – the real princess.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Why would the empire&#039;s princess be in the academy?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Daughters born into the Ordesia royal family should be scheduled to stack up training as a spirit princess candidates, serving the five great elemental lords, at the spirit princess training organization, the «Divine Ritual Institute».&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In any case, Kamito kept that question in his chest for now and knelt down on the ground on one knee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--81--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Please pardon my rudeness, your Highness.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not that he specifically pledged allegiance to the Ordesia Empire, but the bearing to take before the royalty was harshly driven into him by his former contracted spirit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, Fianna quietly shook her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s alright, we are students of the same academy here. Besides, although I&#039;m called the second princess, I&#039;m the Lost Queen, my social status is already gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The Lost Queen?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito asked back – then he recalled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;I see, the empire&#039;s second princess!&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He heard about it from rumors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;If I remember it, the girl was the spirit princess candidate to serve the fire elemental lord.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Four years ago, the fire spirit princess – Rubia Elstein&#039;s absconding happened.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The empire fell into chaos for a moment by the wrath of the fire elemental lord, who learned of her treachery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For the sake of appeasing the fire elemental lord&#039;s anger, the «Divine Ceremony Institute» tried to support a second spirit princess but –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that time, the empire&#039;s second princess should have been supported as the successor to Rubia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, she never became a spirit princess. At that time, she declared that she stepped down from the spirit princess candidacy for some reason and her existence was erased from the royal family.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason that she had rejected to become a spirit princess was not officially announced so far.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--82--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Henceforth, the second princess completely disappeared from the center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That Lost Queen meant this girl in front of him?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s just as she says. As long as you pass through this academy&#039;s gates, no matter what social status the princess maidens have, there is no special treatment. Even a princess, a male spirit contractor, or the Calamity Queen&#039;s sister.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;There you have it, I&#039;m the former princess, but nice to meet you, Kazehaya Kamito-kun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna smiled and picked up the sides of her skirt with her fingertips, then bowed elegantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;A...Ah, nice to meet you—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito stood up and his expression froze.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What&#039;s the matter?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, err...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While scratching his face, Kamito looked away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna tilted her head to the side.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kyaa!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed she realized that what she was holding up was not a ball dress, but a short length uniform skirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her mature black underwear, weaved with laces, was firmly etched into Kamito&#039;s retina.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--83--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ka...Kamito-kun... pervert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The former princess&#039; face turned red as she embarrassedly muttered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...I&#039;m sorry...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You two, don&#039;t flirt and act lovey-dovey in front of my eyes. It&#039;s irritating.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth glared at Kamito, with her eyes filled with bloodlust.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I&#039;m sorry. And why did you call for me?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
About this witch. It was probably not just to introduce the admitted student.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;To introduce the empire&#039;s princess to me, what is she scheming?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As if she read Kamito&#039;s emotions, the witch pushed up her glasses, seemingly sullen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s regrettable, despite purposely preparing a special quest for your sake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;A special quest?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right. It was just nice that I had a quest I wanted to entrust her with, so I wanted your team to accompany her as her guards.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 2===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—A quest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Together with official matches with fellow academy students, it was the system that supported the academy ranking system.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--84--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
A given quest could set various objectives, from Kagura by a blade dance, the suppression of a rampaging spirit, the excavation and investigation of the sealed spirit, to the subjugation of spirit contractors gone astray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By completing the quests that were divided into ranks depending on the danger level, the academy students could raise their team rankings just as they do by winning official matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;By the way, this quest&#039;s difficulty level is S rank.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;S rank?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without thinking, Kamito inquired back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An S rank quest was the highest difficulty level quest in the academy&#039;s ranking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The amount of ranking points it could net was extraordinary, but it was a dangerous quest that could even result in death depending on the situation. It should not even be possible to sign up for it with Kamito&#039;s current ranking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Did you prepare things behind the scenes?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Your hearing is bad. I said that I don&#039;t practice special treatment. It just means that the ones suitable for this quest are Fianna and you. If you disagree, then I&#039;ll spread the word around to other teams.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not a bad deal. On the contrary, looking at Kamito&#039;s current team, it was a godsend.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Till the opening of the Blade Dance, there already were only two months left. No, the final examination to decide the top three participating teams would take place even earlier.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With their current pace, they could not possibly make it by the means of regular official matches and quests.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--85--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth was somehow bent on making Kamito participate in the Blade Dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although, forcing in a representative of the empire through the power of the academy director was not possible, as expected.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Therefore, she has got the S rank quest, whose danger level was high, and the completion bonus was also extremely high.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;If we could complete the quest, that would be it – huh?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He was not pleased to move in accordance to Greyworth&#039;s expectation, but??&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If it was a quest to guard an important person, he had the experience of doing such things several times in the past.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Certainly, it was far better than raising the inter-school ranking steadily through the official matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—I understand. Explain the details of the quest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s the spirit.&amp;lt;!--そうこなくてはな--&amp;gt;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito prompted and Greyworth smiled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Do you know Mine Town Gado?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Gado? Well, I roughly know its name. It is the town with the mine that was abandoned a few decades ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mine Town Gado. It was formerly a town with large spirit ore mining grounds, but, during the second Ranbal war, spirit ore deposits were exhausted, and it became a town with a completely abandoned mine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It should certainly be a ghost town full of ruins nowadays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;There have been frequent occurrences of strange earthquakes at that mine recently. I want you to go there and investigate that.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Investigate the earthquakes?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For the academy to bring in an investigation request meant that it was probably not an ordinary earthquake.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--86--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
It was often the case that the earth attribute spirits that rule over the land caused the earthquakes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If that was because a spirit was angry or was in a frenzy, it could be appeased by a ritual of a blade dance. Depending on the situation, there were also cases where a subjugation unit of spirit knights was formed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As a quest it was relatively typical but—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Stop joking. Why is an ordinary earthquake investigation an S rank quest?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He did not think that such level of danger would be involved if it was just an ordinary earth spirit investigation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Compared to the quest&#039;s risk, the assigned rank seemed too high.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You&#039;re being distrustful as usual, can&#039;t you trust my good will?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Can I trust it? You never lie. However, you also never speak the truth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm...well, it is indeed like that.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth smiled and shrugged her shoulders in resignation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;At that mine, it seems a strategic-class military-use spirit, who was sealed by the old Ordesia Knights, is sleeping there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;A strategic-class military-use spirit...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito spontaneously groaned. Fianna beside him also gasped in surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A strategic-class military-use spirit – it could not be compared to the giant spirit that went into frenzy at the Academy Town the other day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Because of its tremendous strength, it was impossible for an individual to control it. In the end, it could only be controlled by ritual Kagura performed by several hundreds of spirit contractors – it was surely a weapon of mass destruction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the end of the second Ranbal war, the continental nations signed a treaty, and all the seven bodies should have sealed and disposed off such spirits, but—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Don&#039;t tell me, the one causing the earthquake is that strategic-class military-use spirit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;At the very worst; it&#039;s only a possibility. I want to entrust you guys with this investigation. If your investigation confirms that the seal has come undone —&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;ll perform the ritual of resealing by the «ritual Kagura».&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna calmly opened her mouth to speak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right. For you, who are the former spirit princess candidate, this quest suits you perfectly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I see, that&#039;s the reason you called for this princess.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The spirit princesses, who served the five great elemental lords, were the experts in the «ritual Kagura» that appeased spirits.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They did not receive any special martial arts training, and as the result they were not suited for battle, but all forms of ritual have been driven into their bodies since they were children.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the entire academy, there was only one former spirit princess academy student– a rare special skill user; the quest could only be accomplish with her, and considering that it had to do with a strategic-class military-use spirit, it might also be appropriate to set it as an S rank quest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The terms were not bad. However, there was one more thing that he had to ask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...But is Fianna alright with this? With the guard being me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If it was just about guarding her, there should have been even more competent spirit contractors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--88--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
For example, Ellis Fahrengart. If it was her, whose sense of responsibility was strong and who also had the ability, there would be no shortcomings to her being a guard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There were no merits for the princess to have Kamito, who was a boy, as her guard. If Greyworth grouped them together as she pleased, ignoring Fianna&#039;s will— he planned to reject this deal.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, Fianna –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Of course, I&#039;ll be relying on you, Kamito-kun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Did Greyworth threaten you to group with me?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, after all, I was the one who nominated you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is that so?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes. To travel with the world&#039;s only male spirit contractor, isn&#039;t it great?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna entwined her fingers with Kamito&#039;s hand and gazed with upturned eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Peering into her clear black pupils, Kamito spontaneously felt shock.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, aren&#039;t you popular?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Greyworth said, seemingly displeased, and handed over a document with the quest&#039;s key points written on it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;If you intend to take up this quest, then sign here. This should not be a bad deal for you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not bad, far from that, it was an extraordinary deal for Kamito in the current circumstances.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I can&#039;t decide this by myself. I have to at least ask Claire too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--89--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, well, that&#039;s alright. But hurry, I&#039;ll have you leave tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The one who raised her voice was Fianna.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, my team member, but—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Could she happen to be Claire Elstein?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...You know her?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito awkwardly scratched his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;That&#039;s right, this girl is... the spirit princess candidate to the fire Elemental Lord.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was the princess maiden who was training at the same «Divine Ritual Institute» as the Calamity Queen – Rubia Elstein.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If that was the case, it would not be strange for her to know even Claire, that girl&#039;s sister.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That person&#039;s sister...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna&#039;s lips slightly trembled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She might be having regrets after hearing that the Calamity Queen&#039;s sister was one of the teammates.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, but Claire is my teammate. I&#039;ll accomplish the quest together with her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito informed her—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes, that&#039;s what I wish for as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Fianna nodded, she muttered in a soft voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;&#039;&#039;&#039;I don&#039;t plan on losing to even the sister&#039;&#039;&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--90--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 3===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As the two of them left the office, Greyworth smiled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, that princess did something bold as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—you knew, academy director?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From inside of the Greyworth&#039;s shadow, a lady quickly appeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shadow spirit contractor – Teacher Freya Grandol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is it about her using spirit ores during the entrance examination? Of course, I noticed it. She did something impious. Doesn&#039;t that stone cost twenty million rood apiece?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Then, I presume you are overlooking this unfair entry, right?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Princess Fianna was ranked next to that Rubia Elstein as the second spirit princess candidate at the age of thirteen. If she wakes up as a spirit contractor again, isn&#039;t it the best bargain?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, if she tries to lead her academy life using that thing, wouldn&#039;t she be instantly exposed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I think that&#039;s something she also understands. She understands it and yet she became the academy&#039;s student. If she does not awaken, that would be the end to it, but if she awakens, it would be a fortune. Therefore, I grouped her with that boy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Academy director, what on earth are you—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Freya frowned, and at that moment a winged eyeball flew in from the office window.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--91--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
It was a probe-use spirit, used by Greyworth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, it seems that an uninvited guest has infiltrated the Academy Town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is it the darkness spirit from the other day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Well, I wonder? I do not know what they are aiming for, but... Freya Grandol, go prepare the order for the Sylphid Knights to strengthen the security.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 4===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito, who left the office, took Fianna on a tour around the academy building.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She had an elegant light manner of walking. It seemed that a real princess&#039; way of walking was also polished.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fianna, are you wearing the «Divine Ritual Institute&#039;s» uniform?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes, as opposed to the Areishia Spirit Academy, it seems to be a recent design. During the time I was active, it used to be an even more bombastic ritual costume. That was cute in a way, but all the girls were definitely yearning for skirts.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Hmm, is that so? It suits you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, even if it&#039;s just a flattery, I am happy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As they were talking while walking, Kamito&#039;s tone had relaxed tremendously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she was the Ordesia Empire princess and a princess maiden from the «Divine Ritual Institute» – he was thinking that there would be an even-harder-to-approach atmosphere, but she was a surprisingly easy girl to talk to.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two of them, who had such conversation while walking along the corridor, were already basked in the attention of other academy students.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, take a look. Kazehaya Kamito, again, is going to rape the admitted student!&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The licentious beast&#039;s special demonstration.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;But I might be a little envious.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Wh...what are you saying!&amp;quot; &amp;quot;B...but if I was gazed at by those sharp eyes...I...I might be unable to defy.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;It&#039;s just for a mere little while only, a little while only, I want to try being played with... don&#039;t you think so?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Th...that&#039;s true, I...if he were to approach with force... my heart would surely be pounding.&amp;quot; &amp;quot; No way, after all, he&#039;s the Demon King, the Demon King that devours any girl he could lay his hands on.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The Demon King...&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The Demon King of the night...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A soft commotion like that could have been heard from the whole corridor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...What! The Demon King of the night!&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He wanted to retort numerous remarks, but it seemed like it would become really troublesome, so he did not.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had already gotten used to the girls&#039; frightened gazes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, it was strange, but there also were numerous girls sending him passionate gazes for some reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, for some reason, there seemed to be ribbon-tied letters and homemade sweets placed in his locker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...Well, it might be just a prank.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, Kamito-kun, you&#039;re quite popular.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;They&#039;re just teasing me, after all, I&#039;m the only male in this academy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I wonder?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--93--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Mugyu!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, he felt a soft sensation at his upper arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna pressed her breasts onto Kamito&#039;s arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;H...hey, Fianna!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn, what&#039;s the matter?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The princess expressed an impish smile with an upward glance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The throbbing of his heart would not stop with that proper softness pressed onto his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, princess... err, your breasts are hitting...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I do not mind. Or—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna gave a short teasing smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Do you dislike an immodest princess?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From the breast area of the dress-like uniform, her black lingerie was slightly in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...He was troubled, earth-shatteringly troubled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He felt like the sharpness of the gazes of the girls passing by along the corridor was gradually increasing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna was enjoyably gazing at Kamito, who has tensed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fufu, it seems like everyone is jealous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--94--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s definitely not it...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito sighed deeply,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;By the way, why did princess enroll into this academy?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, he tried to ask something that was on his mind since a while ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He did not care for the circumstances that made her throw away her position as a spirit princess candidate. He was just curious as to why she became a student of the academy now, after having once disappeared from the center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna&#039;s legs suddenly stopped. Kamito also stopped at the same time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Uh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;If I said — I came to meet Kamito-kun, would you believe me?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Kamito was a little puzzled,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, it can&#039;t be that you came to meet me, haven&#039;t we just met, Fianna?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna pouted her lips as she was a little sullen hearing such a reply from Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Idiot.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna muttered and pushed her index finger softly onto Kamito&#039;s lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, she drew her face closer till her lips barely touched him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--95--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—Ren Ashbell.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment, Kamito&#039;s expression froze.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With the unexpected name coming from her mouth – he was at a loss for words.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!? H...ow...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing still and dumbfounded, Kamito leaked out a dry voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The only people who knew Kamito&#039;s true identity as Ren Ashbell are the contracted spirit Restia and the witch Greyworth – those two people only.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
How did this girl...?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I knew it, you don&#039;t remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna pouted her lips, seemingly displeased.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Making such a face at this distance made it look as if she were a lover pestering for a kiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s alright. I&#039;ll keep it a secret from everyone, I did promise after all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Promised?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito seemed to have recalled something, at that moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire came running from the other side of the corridor. It seemed that she was searching for Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Come on, what in the world were –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that point, Claire suddenly stopped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--96--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
In the middle of the corridor, she saw the two&#039;s posture, which was almost like a couple kissing—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...yo...yo...yo...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gogogo... her shoulders began to tremble bit by bit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her red hair bristled up like a crimson flame and blazed up tremblingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yo...yo...you slave... yo...you truly have no discretion...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Pishii!—The moment her whip made a sound, the hell cat, cladded in red hot flames, appeared from an empty space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The hell cat transformed into the Flame Tongue form in an instant and settled into Claire&#039;s right hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Th...that&#039;s alright, I&#039;ll thoroughly train you today...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wa...wait, don&#039;t misunderstand, Claire, this girl is –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—Claire?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna reacted to that name Kamito said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She gently parted her arms from Kamito and glared at Claire with a sharp look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I see, you are Claire Rouge.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right. So what?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You are that person&#039;s sister...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He felt like invisible fireworks scattered in Fianna&#039;s eyes glaring at Claire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;noinclude&amp;gt;{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter2|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter4}}&amp;lt;/noinclude&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>71.123.139.149</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter2&amp;diff=165678</id>
		<title>Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter2</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter2&amp;diff=165678"/>
		<updated>2012-07-01T03:23:29Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;71.123.139.149: For future reference, &amp;#039;Milady&amp;#039; is a term of address and should be capitalized.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Chapter 2: The Young Ladies&#039; Afternoon==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 1===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Mugugug...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Image:STnBD V02 049.jpg|thumb]]&lt;br /&gt;
Claire Rouge was stuffing a cream bun down her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was an unusual scene for her, who took it as a creed – that nobles are always elegant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Don&#039;t binge, you&#039;ll get fat you know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito glared with his eyes half-opened and Claire struck the table like she was frustrated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;But, but, urggggh!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire. That&#039;s my jam bun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est protested calmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This place was a salon café that was inside the academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From the opened terrace, the soft daylight was shining in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three of them were sitting and having a slightly late lunch at a round table near a window.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Inside the bamboo basket, placed right in the middle, there was a pile of jam buns, melon buns, sausage buns and so on, all kinds of buns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Any student could use the café and on top of that the freshly baked buns were all-you-can-eat. Coffee and black tea also had free refills.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was also an eatery in the academy but as it charged a fee equal to a high-class restaurant in the imperial capital, for Kamito, who was not even a noble, and Claire, who had her fortune and territory confiscated, they simply could not use it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Our team ranking dropped again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire lay, prostrated, on the table and groaned.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;We were matched up with a superior team. It can&#039;t be helped.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That may be true... but our true strength is absolutely greater.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire tightly bit and closed her lips. Although they were at a disadvantage in number, she seemed to be unable to understand and accept losing to lower rank spirit contractor opponents.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was certain that their level as spirit contractors was superior.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The cause of their defeat was that they did not execute the coordination between the both of them well. Claire over-relied on her strength and chased her opponents too far and Kamito too could not rely on Claire in a definite scenario.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With just the queen piece, it was not possible to win – in other words, it was something like that.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Despite that, it&#039;s not the time to be stumbling at such a place...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a reason that Claire binged on the buns to the extent that she looked to be in a hurry.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The regulation of the blade dance held in two months was different from the individual battle three years ago, if they do not put together a five-member team, they could not participate. And then, only the top three teams of the inter-school rankings could participate from Areishia Spirit Academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--49:Image--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--50--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito, who had just come to the academy, had no achievements that could raise his ranking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To raise one&#039;s ranking, one had to win a formal practice match like this morning&#039;s or complete a task assigned by the academy; however, he had not achieved either of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Defeating the giant spirit the other day, dueling with Sylphid Knights leader Ellis Fahrengart or even battling the frenzied magic spirit, those were all informal battles and did not reflect in the rankings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On the other hand, for Claire, who should have been superior and tower above the rest as a spirit contractor—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was especially surprising that she somehow had the result of the lowest class.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was only one reason. &#039;&#039;&#039;It was because she was completing all the tasks alone&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She failed when she challenged the tasks that should be originally completed by a team and she was defeated when she challenged upper classmen opponents alone in a championship match. If she did such a thing, no matter how superior she was as a spirit contractor, there was no way her ranking could raise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a reason that Claire was isolated in the academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rubia Elstein.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Four years ago, while she had the position of a spirit princess serving the fire spirit king, she betrayed the spirit king, disappeared and brought about an unprecedented great calamity to the empire – The Calamity Queen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, who was her younger sister, was being looked at with eyes of contempt and fear from most of the academy students.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s reason for participating in the blade dance was to restore the Elstein family name and – above all else - to know the truth regarding her elder sister Rubia Elstein.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--51--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
—It was not the time to be stumbling at such a place.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Blood-oozing emotions were filled in Claire&#039;s rough words.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;For now, we should also find comrades quickly. I understood it with this morning&#039;s match. If we stay as we are now, then, far from winning the blade dance, we can&#039;t even get into the top three ranks of the participation requirement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy, who was called the strongest blade dancer three years ago, accepted his greatest weakness honestly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At first he just came to the academy due to Greyworth&#039;s request but now he clearly had a reason that he should regain his strength from three years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was the darkness spirit, Restia – his former contracted spirit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was to take her back with his own hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl who gave light to Kamito&#039;s life for the first time, which was caught in darkness before.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, the girl, who gave a heartbroken Claire the frenzy spirit and tried to drive the giant spirit mad in the middle of the town.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Restia, who he met again, had greatly transformed from the girl Kamito once knew.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—What on earth happened to her?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
So, for the sake of knowing that, he absolutely had to meet the participation requirements to the blade dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, what&#039;s wrong? You&#039;re making such a serious face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Did you forget to put sugar into your coffee?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and Est peered in with their faces with a worried look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--52--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, sorry, it&#039;s just...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;By any chance, is it about your former contracted spirit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was mysteriously sharp at such a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito quickly averted his eyes from the ruby pupils that came peering in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Well. It&#039;s okay. But I&#039;ll properly tell you when I feel like talking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire did not try to dig deeper into it. Despite always being arrogant, there were occasionally times where she showed such consideration.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Ah, I understand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito nodded and there –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, everyone, having lunch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A tsun elegant voice was heard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around. And there was –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A magnificently platinum-blonde haired beautiful girl was standing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The very appearance of a noble ojou-sama.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With her smooth milky white skin, were her emerald eyes that locked up a faint radiance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That appearance, where she brushed her hair with her hand at her waist looked strangely good.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet Laurenfrost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A classmate of the same Raven Class as Kamito and self-named rival of Claire&#039;s.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--53--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Due to her rivalry with Claire, she was trying to make Kamito into her manservant. A troubling ojou-sama.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Right beside her was –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fufu, what a delicious smell.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl, who was dressed in a maid uniform, was standing there with a gentle smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was wearing a long skirt attached with neat frills, her hair was cut into short bobs and she slightly put on a lovely white brim on her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was Rinslet&#039;s exclusive maid, Carol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He did not know why there was a maid in the academy but he did not see maids other than her in the academy; it was surely an exception for the Laurenfrost family.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Why did you come here, Rinslet?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire swallowed her bun and sternly glared at her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I just happened to pass by. What a very simple lunch, having just buns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet brushed her hair and looked down on the three of them calmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Milady is saying that she wants to eat together with everyone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh... Carol, what are you saying!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Poka! Poka! Rinslet&#039;s face turned bright red as she hit Carol&#039;s shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As expected of her exclusive maid, it was a magnificent interpretation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Sit down both of you. You came after all, so let&#039;s eat together.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--54--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito suggested and Claire stepped on his foot hard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ouch, what are you doing?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Nothing? I just thought you lack constancy ...Idiot.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...it&#039;s n...not like I particularly want to eat together with you all!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Milady is saying it&#039;ll be nice to sit next to Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol soothed Rinslet, who turned bright red, and got her to sit down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet, who sat next to Kamito, averted her eyes and spoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...H...how are your injuries?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, it&#039;s mostly healed. All thanks to the healing spirit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was about the injury he got from the time he fought the giant spirit. Probably because he overdid it, it&#039;ll take a little longer then he thought, but as expected, the academy&#039;s spirit medical care was excellent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fufu, Milady has been continuously worrying about Kamito-sama.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol, d...don&#039;t say anything unnecessary!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet snapped with a grinding noise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, it is also natural that Milady would be worried. After all, Kamito-sama is under one roof with Milady Claire, so it is not odd if something should happen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wha...what are you saying, you stupid maid! There&#039;s no way such things would happen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--55--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
This time it was Claire who snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...What kind of worry is that?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est was munching and eating a melon bun beside Kamito, who sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With just that, Rinslet and Carol ended up having lunch together too.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Even Claire, who appeared upset at the beginning, eventually talked about this morning&#039;s match. After that, which store&#039;s cake was delicious, how boring the lecture over the introduction of the foundation of spirit learning was, and just like that normal girl-like conversations were began to bloom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Somehow these two were on pretty good terms. Especially for Claire, who was being isolated in the academy, it could be said that she might be her only friend.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That reminds me, it seems that a newly admitted student is coming to Raven Class.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Our class? Despite the fact that Kamito just came in recently?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yeah, I hear it&#039;s a daughter of noble social status.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, but even so, a noble now in this academy? There&#039;s the Fahrengart family and the Laurenfrost family... this isn&#039;t a bargain sale of nobles&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey! Would you please not lump the militaristic Fahrengart family with the true pedigree Laurenfrost family?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I don&#039;t care about such things... What&#039;s wrong, Kamito?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--56--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
At any rate, Raven Class was famous for gathering &#039;&#039;&#039;superior problem children&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He just thought that if people like Claire and Rinlset were to increase, it would be troublesome.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;In the practical skill entrance examination that took place in the morning, she seems to use a holy spirit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The maid, Carol, took out a memo from her chest and said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol&#039;s maid memo pad – &#039;Carol&#039;s notes&#039; were stuffed with data on the academy students and teachers... He did not understand well what on earth she used it for.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, a holy spirit user?...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The holy spirit is one of the five grand element spirits but there were not that many spirit contractors who used it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a spirit, whose pride was extremely high and chose its own user.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Among princess maidens, it was said that it only opens its heart to specially pure noble girls.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Because even in the competition three years ago, a holy spirit user gave him a tough fight...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After all, a holy spirit had an extremely bad compatibility with the darkness spirit Kamito was contracted with.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But then, at that time, Kamito&#039;s strength completely surpassed the opponent spirit contractor&#039;s, that was why he did not lose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, by the way, it seems like it&#039;s a very lovely big-chested girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol, from where on earth did you procure such information?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, Kamito-san, are you interested?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol placed her hand near her mouth and smiled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--57--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, so you are concerned about the information of a big-chested admitted student, huh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gogogogogogogo......!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around and Claire raised her eyebrows and was glaring at him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Really, men are just idiots!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, are you blind? Are you just a beast without reason?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Somehow, even Rinslet and Est were glaring—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gyuuuuuuuuu!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito&#039;s cheeks were pinched by the three of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;This is unreasonable...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 2===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After various things, the lunch of buns ended and it was time to rest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, that reminds me—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ahem! Rinslet cleared her throat and said,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Have you gathered your blade dance team members?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...N...not yet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--58--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Claire shook her head in shame to Rinslet, who asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that she knew that answer beforehand. Rinslet smiled,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, you still have not? I have asked something bad.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fufun! She held up her tea cup in an elegant movement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire sullenly talked back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s just that there isn&#039;t a person who matches up to our desired level. What about you? Have you decided on your members?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Tha...that&#039;s ... I just have not found a person who balances with my level!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh? Rinslet, you couldn&#039;t gather anyone either?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito tilted his head to the side.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s ability, who uses the magic ice spirit &#039;Fenrir&#039;, is about on par with Claire&#039;s.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He was thinking that if it was her, she would already be in great demand but...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fo...for now, there isn&#039;t, for now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s face turned red and she quickly turned away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito-san, Milady –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Uh huh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol tugged Kamito&#039;s sleeves and came to his side, telling him the reasons in his ear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The truth is... &#039;&#039;mumbling&#039;&#039;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--59--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
According to Carol&#039;s words—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that although she had tried gathering a team several times, so far, the expectations she desired from her members were too high and things didn&#039;t go smoothly because of her excessively high pride. The teams she gathered, repeatedly broke up and so, there were no students left to invite.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...How should he say it, it was indeed a Rinslet-like reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, her pride is certainly high but... she truly is good girl, regardless.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol earnestly nodded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol, what were you talking about with Kamito-san!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It was concerning the order in which Milady washes her body in the bath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Glancing at the playful ojou-sama and maid, Claire deeply sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Haa... I wonder if there&#039;s really no one... A superior spirit contractor who would enter our team.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...We...well, your circumstances aren&#039;t good.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Chiraa. &amp;lt;!--Ahem.--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet coughed and looked at Claire with one eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right. Preferably, I should try approaching the newly admitted student that was just mentioned. Perhaps it might be an unexpected bargain.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--60--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That is right. However, there might be an even better member unexpectedly closeby.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Chiraa. Chiraa.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...Kamito finally realized.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Ahh, I see. So that&#039;s the reason she brought up the subject about the team.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Claire, just a minute—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What? Faa, do..don&#039;t suddenly breathe into my ear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What are you turning red for? Lend me your ear for a while and listen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito whispered into Claire&#039;s ear in a quiet voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Somehow, this ojou-sama obviously wants to join us as comrades, but is that no good?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Absolutely not.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire immediately replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Why? Rinslet&#039;s battle strength is adequate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s... even I recognize her strength. However, no. We suffered in the duel with Ellis a while ago, didn&#039;t we? Because she doesn&#039;t even think the slightest about teamwork.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Well, wh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was certain that in the duel with Ellis&#039;s group the other day, despite being a sniper, she was standing in the most conspicuous place for some reason and was knocked down in the beginning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Be...besides, Rinslet ... about you ...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--61--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn? Did you say something?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I..it&#039;s nothing, at any rate, it&#039;s a no! Rinslet is not allowed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, without saying such things, isn&#039;t she somewhat pitiful?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what are you two sneakily talking about?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While twirling the front of her platinum blonde hair with her index finger, Rinslet was staring at them with a fidgety, uncomposed behavior.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;......&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire groaned seemingly unhappy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I got it. I&#039;ll try asking once.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She sighed deeply and nodded. There were two months remaining till the opening of the blade dance. She might have reconsidered that it wasn&#039;t the time to be stating her desires anymore.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Rinslet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what is it, Claire Rouge?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s voice was tensed and sounded slightly excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You wouldn&#039;t, by any chance, want to enter my team?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Id...idiot, don&#039;t ask Rinslet!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito shouted in a soft voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--62--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Asking Rinslet, who was a highly prideful girl, in such a way –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s finger, which was tampering with the front of her hair stopped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hm, if you think about what you suddenly said –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She placed her hand at her waist and pointed at Claire, in a thrust.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Aren&#039;t you the ones who want to join my team?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Huh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s eyebrows sternly lifted up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What are you saying? Are you an idiot? You&#039;ll join my team!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Rejected, rejected, rejected. You two will join my team!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two ojou-sama quarreled about something trivial.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...It was a perfectly parallel line.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Either way is the same, right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito retorted,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;quot;It&#039;s completely different!&amp;quot;&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They shouted in stereo mode. Only at such a time were their breaths in sync.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Uhm it&#039;s no good, these guys. Something like a team is absolutely impossible.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Really, can&#039;t you guys keep quiet? This is a public place!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--63--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
A cold voice resounded in the salon café.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everybody turned around—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the café&#039;s entrance, a ponytailed beautiful girl, who was wearing light armor, was standing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ellis!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire sullenly groaned. ...Another hindrance came. She had such a facial expression.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis Fahrengart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The leader of the Sylphid Knights, who observed the academy&#039;s public morals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She had a charming appearance not matching that of her strict personality. Her mutual relation with Claire&#039;s group, from Raven Class, who normally caused problems, seemed bad.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although to Kamito, it did not mean that she was such a hard-to-deal-with person.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At first, when Kamito entered into the academy, just because he was a male spirit contractor, she was prejudiced against him but she had remorsefully apologized about that matter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Even if there were times where she was a little overly serious with her straightforward personality, for which she held a strong belief, he could respect the part of her that held the pride of a knight.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis came walking, briskly, towards the table.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Knights&#039; leader-sama, what business do you have with us?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;If it&#039;s about redoing the duel, I&#039;ll accept it anytime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet and Claire, both of their eyes wore a dangerous light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--64--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
On that subject, the duel the other day became unsettled because of the magic spirit&#039;s sudden intrusion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He wondered if that time&#039;s conclusion was to be decided again—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;......Spare me. A duel again, no thanks.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Coming over here, Ellis looked down on Claire with sharp eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, I have no problem settling it here and now, Claire Rouge.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Just what I want.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis drew out her sword and Claire also pulled out her leather whip from under her skirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the explosive atmosphere, the girls, who were at the surrounding tables, stood up rattled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Claire...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito attemptd to stop it –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Le...leader, calm down!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...you can&#039;t draw out a sword here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Form the café&#039;s entrance, two girls dashed over here with a flustered look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They were wearing the same Knights armor as Ellis.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a short haired boyish girl and a somehow serious looking braided haired girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito certainly recognized the both of them. They were the Knights girls he fought in the duel the other day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If he remembered right, their names were – Rakka, for the one with the short hair, and Reishia, for the other with the braids.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Stopped by her Knights comrades, Ellis embarrassingly sheathed her sword.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--65--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...S...Sorry, my Knights followers.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Feeling ashamed, she cleared her throat and apologized to the two girls—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This time she turned towards Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kazehaya Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Me?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito tilted his head to the side, seemingly puzzled. Claire aside, he certainly did not recall doing anything to be kept an eye on by the Knights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It seems you lost completely to the Wolverine Class in this morning&#039;s match.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What?! As I thought, you&#039;re trying to pick a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire stood up with a clank sound.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s not it. Th...the truth is Kazehaya Kamito, you –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis shook her head, and rapidly blushed bashfully and looked down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn, what&#039;s the matter?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;So, err...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Come on, Leader, despite that it&#039;s better to say it quickly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Despite that you&#039;re always resolved, you&#039;re slow at such a time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reishia and Rakka were whispering behind Ellis.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, such a bashful leader is also cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--66--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, it&#039;s like that, it&#039;s almost like a girl who has fallen in love—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;D...don&#039;t make fun of me! I...I really do not think much of such an insolent person!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis shouted with her face turned bright red.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After that she coughed to cover over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It is certain that I&#039;ve gotten a better opinion of you because of that day&#039;s case but ... that&#039;s all. The one I admire is a pure strong female, like that {{Furigana|Strongest Blade Dancer|Ren Ashbell|margin=13}}. It&#039;s absolutely not such a boy!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito gazed at Ellis, who informed in a cold voice, with his eyes half-opened.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...I&#039;m sorry, your admired female is an illusion.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Unh, wh..what&#039;s with that look!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis thrust her sword at the back of Kamito&#039;s neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is it that strange for me to be admiring Ren Ashbell?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...N...no, that&#039;s not it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito panicked and shook his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the blade dance three years ago – the blade dance, which was danced by the strongest blade dancer, left a strong impression on the girls of the same generation. Henceforth, she was the aspiration of the princess maidens, who aimed to be spirit contractors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that Ellis was not an exception either.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s enough, quickly state your business.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--67--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Shut up, I know that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After turning and retorting to Claire, Ellis stared at Kamito again.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kazehaya Kamito –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Err, what I&#039;m saying is, ...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis seemed nervous as her hand was lightly trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Image:STnBD V02 069.jpg|thumb]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By the way, as the sword was left where it was thrust at, it could not be helped that it was dangerous.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What I&#039;m saying is... I...I want you!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—Silence arrived.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and the others, even Rakka and Reshia, were dumbfounded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For a while, time froze.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...wh...wh..wh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire was the first one who opened her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her face was bright red and her mouth was opening and closing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis widened her eyes, seemingly taken aback and shook her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Th...that&#039;s not it, the words, just now, do not have such a meaning!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--68--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Su...su...su...such a meaning means what kind of meaning!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I mean, th...that –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After Ellis took a deep breath,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kazehaya Kamito, would you join my team?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito did not believe his ears to those unexpected words.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...Ellis and me, a team?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What did you say?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and Rinslet were also staring in wonder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rakka and Reshia saw Ellis, who turned bright red, and were grinning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Well, what do you mean?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...I meant just that. Kazehaya Kamito, I welcome you to my team. Because you defeated that military-use spirit, I have no objections about your ability.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis rapidly said so and quickly averted her eyes, looking far away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that in truth her intention was to scout Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a sword thrust at the back of his neck, rather than being scouted, it was like he was being threatened.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis&#039; results were restrained by the upperclassmen and were top class. If Kamito joined this team, it was certain that the likelihood that he would obtain the entry qualifications to the blade dance would greatly increase.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--69:Image--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--70--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
However—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ellis, I—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No way, this is my contracted spirit after all!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The one who interrupted Kamito&#039;s reply and shouted was Claire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She stood up from the chair and tightly grabbed the sleeves of Kamito&#039;s uniform.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire, you...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around and looked down and his eyes met her clear ruby pupils.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s eyes seemed to be swaying in anxiety.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was likely that she was not aware of it, but she was staring with a clinging look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;I see, she&#039;s...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was surely that being betrayed by her sister, Rubia, caused her heart to be deeply wounded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Being abandoned by someone – something like that, being frightening to her, could not be helped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That was why she was always in solitude. She could not depend on anyone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Because she was afraid of being betrayed again—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Took a sharp breath and scratched his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...Being shown such a face...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--71--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
While bitterly smiling, he gently placed his hand on top of Claire&#039;s head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had decided on the reply from the beginning. She did not have to be worried.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ellis, sorry but I am her contracted spirit. I don&#039;t intend to change teams.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Kamito!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, taken aback, raised her face and widened her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I see.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis tightly bit her lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, by the next moment, she had already returned to her cold expression.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I understand. I&#039;m sorry for asking something unreasonable so suddenly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, me too ... thank you for inviting me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito apologized and Ellis was a little bashful.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...it&#039;s alright. Y...you are such a guy, therefore, I—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Uh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis seemed to have said something but her voice was so soft that he didn&#039;t catch it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, you&#039;ve been rejected.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s alright, leader has us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...you guys... I...it&#039;s not like that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis turned bright red and shouted at her two comrades, who were grinning and teasing her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--72--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;H...hey, Kamito...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While still grabbing Kamito&#039;s uniform sleeve, she was bashfully saying something else.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What&#039;s the matter?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Th...thank...you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...? What?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was trying to say something, but her voice was too soft, so he could not hear her well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was unusual for Claire to be hesitating in such a way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;S...so... erm...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And at that moment. Bam! The door opened—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is the licentious, no – Kazehaya Kamito here?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An academy student girl came running into the salon café.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She seemed to have come here in a great hurry and seemed out of breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Wait, it seems like she started saying my name as licentious beast just now...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;m here.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito raised his hand and that girl felt relieved as she stroked down on her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The academy director is calling for you. So, go over immediately.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Greyworth?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--73--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 3===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At a corner of the Academy Town possessed by Areishia Spirit Academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At a table of a coffee lounge, which greatly stuck out on the outside, a strange set of customers was sitting.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One of them was a black haired girl dressed in a jet-black dress.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Darkness spirit Restia. The perpetrator of driving the military-use spirit brought in from the imperial capital mad, and bringing great damage to Academy Town a week ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, the other one had–&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steel-like hard black hair. A boy – skinny with darkish skin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had well-featured looks but just his red eyes strangely could not be expressed other than being glaringly shiny.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two of them were clearly conspicuous in such a place, but not only did no one in the surroundings pay attention to them, it seemed that their presences were not even perceived.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—So, I just have to steal that specific sealed material from the academy&#039;s library?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yea, because of the incident the other day, I am unable to get close to the academy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Tch, how troublesome, what do we need such a thing for again?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy spat onto the ground. However, no one found fault in that.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--74--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That thing sleeping in Mine Town is a fairly hard problem. The seal of the highest grade Ordesia army spans several layers. With only the releasing ritual, how many months would it take to wake it up—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, the disposed military-use spirit – what&#039;s the plan for collecting such a thing?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You do not have the qualifications to know her prediction, Jio.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl in black clothing gently shook her head. The boy clicked his tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Because you toyed with the military-use spirit of the imperial capital as you pleased, it became troublesome. Is it an order to steal it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it fine, I could observe his current strength.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I guess. Honestly though, I am disappointed. Is that the level? Ren Ashbell&#039;s (the strongest blade dancer&#039;s)?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;He has not yet woken up.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I hope so. Even if I beat that guy, who lost his energy currently, there would be no point.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, you have the confidence to beat him?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;ll beat him. And then I&#039;ll prove it. That this Jio Inzagi is the true successor of the Demon King.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy&#039;s red lips bent. On his whole darkish skin body, countless numbers of spirit seals were shining.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Same as the demon king Solomon – &#039;&#039;&#039;the seals that carried seventy-two spirits&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;noinclude&amp;gt;{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter3}}&amp;lt;/noinclude&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>71.123.139.149</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter2&amp;diff=165655</id>
		<title>Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter2</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter2&amp;diff=165655"/>
		<updated>2012-07-01T02:30:20Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;71.123.139.149: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Chapter 2: The Young Ladies&#039; Afternoon==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 1===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Mugugug...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Image:STnBD V02 049.jpg|thumb]]&lt;br /&gt;
Claire Rouge was stuffing a cream bun down her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was an unusual scene for her, who took it as a creed – that nobles are always elegant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Don&#039;t binge, you&#039;ll get fat you know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito glared with his eyes half-opened and Claire struck the table like she was frustrated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;But, but, urggggh!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire. That&#039;s my jam bun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est protested calmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This place was a salon café that was inside the academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From the opened terrace, the soft daylight was shining in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three of them were sitting and having a slightly late lunch at a round table near a window.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Inside the bamboo basket, placed right in the middle, there was a pile of jam buns, melon buns, sausage buns and so on, all kinds of buns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Any student could use the café and on top of that the freshly baked buns were all-you-can-eat. Coffee and black tea also had free refills.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was also an eatery in the academy but as it charged a fee equal to a high-class restaurant in the imperial capital, for Kamito, who was not even a noble, and Claire, who had her fortune and territory confiscated, they simply could not use it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Our team ranking dropped again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire lay, prostrated, on the table and groaned.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;We were matched up with a superior team. It can&#039;t be helped.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That may be true... but our true strength is absolutely greater.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire tightly bit and closed her lips. Although they were at a disadvantage in number, she seemed to be unable to understand and accept losing to lower rank spirit contractor opponents.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was certain that their level as spirit contractors was superior.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The cause of their defeat was that they did not execute the coordination between the both of them well. Claire over-relied on her strength and chased her opponents too far and Kamito too could not rely on Claire in a definite scenario.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With just the queen piece, it was not possible to win – in other words, it was something like that.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Despite that, it&#039;s not the time to be stumbling at such a place...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a reason that Claire binged on the buns to the extent that she looked to be in a hurry.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The regulation of the blade dance held in two months was different from the individual battle three years ago, if they do not put together a five-member team, they could not participate. And then, only the top three teams of the inter-school rankings could participate from Areishia Spirit Academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--49:Image--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--50--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito, who had just come to the academy, had no achievements that could raise his ranking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To raise one&#039;s ranking, one had to win a formal practice match like this morning&#039;s or complete a task assigned by the academy; however, he had not achieved either of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Defeating the giant spirit the other day, dueling with Sylphid Knights leader Ellis Fahrengart or even battling the frenzied magic spirit, those were all informal battles and did not reflect in the rankings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On the other hand, for Claire, who should have been superior and tower above the rest as a spirit contractor—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was especially surprising that she somehow had the result of the lowest class.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was only one reason. &#039;&#039;&#039;It was because she was completing all the tasks alone&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She failed when she challenged the tasks that should be originally completed by a team and she was defeated when she challenged upper classmen opponents alone in a championship match. If she did such a thing, no matter how superior she was as a spirit contractor, there was no way her ranking could raise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a reason that Claire was isolated in the academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rubia Elstein.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Four years ago, while she had the position of a spirit princess serving the fire spirit king, she betrayed the spirit king, disappeared and brought about an unprecedented great calamity to the empire – The Calamity Queen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, who was her younger sister, was being looked at with eyes of contempt and fear from most of the academy students.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s reason for participating in the blade dance was to restore the Elstein family name and – above all else - to know the truth regarding her elder sister Rubia Elstein.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--51--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
—It was not the time to be stumbling at such a place.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Blood-oozing emotions were filled in Claire&#039;s rough words.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;For now, we should also find comrades quickly. I understood it with this morning&#039;s match. If we stay as we are now, then, far from winning the blade dance, we can&#039;t even get into the top three ranks of the participation requirement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy, who was called the strongest blade dancer three years ago, accepted his greatest weakness honestly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At first he just came to the academy due to Greyworth&#039;s request but now he clearly had a reason that he should regain his strength from three years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was the darkness spirit, Restia – his former contracted spirit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was to take her back with his own hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl who gave light to Kamito&#039;s life for the first time, which was caught in darkness before.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, the girl, who gave a heartbroken Claire the frenzy spirit and tried to drive the giant spirit mad in the middle of the town.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Restia, who he met again, had greatly transformed from the girl Kamito once knew.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—What on earth happened to her?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
So, for the sake of knowing that, he absolutely had to meet the participation requirements to the blade dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, what&#039;s wrong? You&#039;re making such a serious face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Did you forget to put sugar into your coffee?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and Est peered in with their faces with a worried look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--52--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, sorry, it&#039;s just...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;By any chance, is it about your former contracted spirit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was mysteriously sharp at such a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito quickly averted his eyes from the ruby pupils that came peering in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Well. It&#039;s okay. But I&#039;ll properly tell you when I feel like talking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire did not try to dig deeper into it. Despite always being arrogant, there were occasionally times where she showed such consideration.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Ah, I understand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito nodded and there –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, everyone, having lunch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A tsun elegant voice was heard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around. And there was –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A magnificently platinum-blonde haired beautiful girl was standing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The very appearance of a noble ojou-sama.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With her smooth milky white skin, were her emerald eyes that locked up a faint radiance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That appearance, where she brushed her hair with her hand at her waist looked strangely good.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet Laurenfrost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A classmate of the same Raven Class as Kamito and self-named rival of Claire&#039;s.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--53--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Due to her rivalry with Claire, she was trying to make Kamito into her manservant. A troubling ojou-sama.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Right beside her was –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fufu, what a delicious smell.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl, who was dressed in a maid uniform, was standing there with a gentle smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was wearing a long skirt attached with neat frills, her hair was cut into short bobs and she slightly put on a lovely white brim on her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was Rinslet&#039;s exclusive maid, Carol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He did not know why there was a maid in the academy but he did not see maids other than her in the academy; it was surely an exception for the Laurenfrost family.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Why did you come here, Rinslet?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire swallowed her bun and sternly glared at her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I just happenned to pass by. What a very simple lunch, having just buns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet brushed her hair and looked down on the three of them calmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Milady is saying that she wants to eat together with everyone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh... Carol, what are you saying!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Poka! Poka! Rinslet&#039;s face turned bright red and she hit Carol&#039;s shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As expected of her exclusive maid, it was a magnificent interpretation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Sit down both of you. You came after all, let&#039;s eat together.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--54--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito suggested and Claire stepped on his foot hard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ouch, what are you doing?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Nothing? I just thought you lack constancy ...Idiot.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...it&#039;s n...not like I particularly want to eat together with you all!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Milady is saying it&#039;ll be good to sit next to Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol soothed Rinslet, who turned bright red, and got her to sit down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet, who sat next to Kamito, averted her eyes and spoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...H...how are your injuries?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, it&#039;s mostly healed. All thanks to the healing spirit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was about the injury he got from the time he fought the giant spirit. Probably because he overdid it, it&#039;ll take a little longer then he thought, but as expected, the academy&#039;s spirit medical care was excellent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fufu, milady has been continuously worrying about Kamito-sama.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol, d...don&#039;t say anything unnecessary!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet snapped with a grinding noise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, it is also natural that milady is worried. After all, Kamito-sama is under one roof with milady Claire, so it is not odd even if anything happened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wha...what are you saying, you stupid maid! There&#039;s no way such things would happen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--55--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
This time it was Claire who snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...What kind of worry is that?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est was munching and eating a melon bun beside Kamito, who sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With just that, Rinslet and Carol ended up having lunch together too.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Even Claire, who appeared upset at the beginning, eventually talked about this morning&#039;s match, after that which store&#039;s cake was delicious and how boring the lecture of the introduction of the foundation of spirit learning, normal girl like conversations were beginning to bloom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Somehow these two were on pretty good terms. Especially for Claire, who was being isolated in the academy, it could be said that she might be her only friend.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That reminds me, it seems that a newly admitted student is coming to Raven Class.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Our class? Despite the fact that Kamito just came in recently.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yea, I hear it&#039;s the daughter of a noble social status.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, but even so, a noble social status now in this academy. There&#039;s the Fahrengart family and the Laurenfrost family, this isn&#039;t a bargain sale of noble social status.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey! Please do not lump the military Fahrengart family with the true pedigree Laurenfrost family?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I don&#039;t care about such things... What&#039;s wrong, Kamito?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--56--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
At any rate, Raven Class was famous for gathering &#039;&#039;&#039;superior problem children&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He just thought that if people like Claire and Rinlset were to increase, it would be troublesome.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;In the practical skill entrance examination that took place in the morning, she seems to use a holy spirit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The maid, Carol, took out a memo from her chest and said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol&#039;s maid memo pad – &#039;Carol&#039;s notes&#039; were stuffed with data on the academy students and teachers... He did not understand well what on earth she used it for.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, holy spirit user?...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The holy spirit is one of the five grand element spirits but there were not that many spirit contractors, who used it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a spirit, whose pride was extremely high and chose its own user.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Among princess maidens, it was said that it only opens its heart to specially pure noble girls.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Because even in the competition three years ago, a holy spirit user gave him a tough fight...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After all, a holy spirit had an extremely bad compatibility with the darkness spirit Kamito was contracted with.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But then, at that time, Kamito&#039;s strength completely surpassed the opponent spirit contractor&#039;s, that was why he did not lose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, by the way, it seems like it&#039;s a very lovely big-chested girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol, where on earth did you procure such information?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, Kamito-san, are you interested?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol placed her hand near her mouth and smiled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--57--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, you are so concerned about the information of a big-chested admitted student, huh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gogogogogogogo......!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around and Claire raised her eyebrows and was glaring at him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Really, men are just idiots!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, is your vision useless? Are you just a beast without reason?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Somehow, even Rinslet and Est were glaring—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gyuuuuuuuuu!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito&#039;s cheeks were pinched by the three of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;This is unreasonable...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 2===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After various things, the lunch of buns ended and it was time to rest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, that reminds me—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ahem! Rinslet cleared her throat and said,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Have you gathered your blade dance team members?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...N...not yet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--58--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Claire shook her head in shame to Rinslet, who asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that she knew that answer beforehand. Rinslet smiled,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, you still have not? I have asked something bad.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fufun! She held up her tea cup in an elegant movement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire sullenly talked back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s just that there isn&#039;t a person who matches up to our desired level. And you, have you decided?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Tha...that&#039;s ... I just have not found a person who balances with my level!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh? Rinslet, you couldn&#039;t gather anyone either?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito tilted his head to the side.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The ability of Rinslet, who used magic ice spirit &#039;Fenrir&#039; matched approximately to Claire&#039;s.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He was thinking that if it was her, she would already be in great demand but.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fo...for now, there isn&#039;t, for now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s face turned red and she quickly turned away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito-san, milady –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Uh huh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol tugged Kamito&#039;s sleeves and came at the side, telling him the reasons in his ear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The truth is &#039;&#039;mumbling&#039;&#039;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--59--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
According to Carol&#039;s words—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that although she had tried gathering a team several times, so far, the expectations she desired from her members were too high and things didn&#039;t go smoothly because of her excessively high pride. The teams she gathered, repeatedly broke up and so, there were no students left to invite.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...How should he say it, it was indeed a Rinslet-like reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, her pride is certainly high but... she is a truly good girl, regardless.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Carol earnestly nodded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol, what were you talking about with Kamito-san!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It was concerning the order in which milady washes her body in the bath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Carol!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Glancing at the playful ojou-sama and maid, Claire deeply sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Haa... I wonder if there&#039;s really no one. A superior spirit contractor who would enter our team.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...We...well, your circumstances aren&#039;t good.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Chiraa. &amp;lt;!--Ahem.--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet coughed and looked at Claire with one eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right. Preferably, I should try approaching the newly admitted student from just now. Perhaps, it might be an unexpected bargain.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--60--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That is right. However, there might be an even better member unexpectedly close-by.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Chiraa. Chiraa.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...Kamito finally realized.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Ahh, I see. So that&#039;s the reason she brought up the subject about the team.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Claire, just a minute—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What? Faa, do..don&#039;t suddenly breathe into my ear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What are you turning red for? Lend me your ear for a while and listen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito whispered into Claire&#039;s ear in a quiet voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Somehow, this ojou-sama plainly wants to join us as comrades, but is that no good?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Absolutely not.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire immediately replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Why? Rinslet&#039;s battle strength is adequate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s... even I recognize her strength. However, no. We suffered in the duel with Ellis a while ago, didn&#039;t we? Because she doesn&#039;t even think the slightest about teamwork.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Well, wh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was certain that in the duel with Ellis&#039;s group the other day, despite being a sniper, she was standing in the most conspicuous place for some reason and was knocked down in the beginning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Be...besides, Rinslet ... about you ...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--61--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn? Did you say something?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I..it&#039;s nothing, at any rate, it&#039;s a no! Rinslet is not allowed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, without saying such things, isn&#039;t she somewhat pitiful?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what are you two sneakily talking about?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While twirling the front of her platinum blonde hair with her index finger, Rinslet was staring at them with a fidgety, uncomposed behavior.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;......&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire groaned seemingly unhappy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I got it. I&#039;ll try asking once.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She sighed deeply and nodded. There were two months remaining till the opening of the blade dance. She might have reconsidered that it wasn&#039;t the time to be stating her desires anymore.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Rinslet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what is it, Claire Rouge?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s voice was tensed and sounded slightly excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You wouldn&#039;t, by any chance, want to enter my team?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Id...idiot, don&#039;t ask Rinslet!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito shouted in a soft voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--62--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Asking Rinslet, who was a highly prideful girl, in such a way –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet&#039;s finger, which was tampering with the front of her hair stopped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hm, if you think about what you suddenly said –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She placed her hand at her waist and pointed at Claire, in a thrust.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Aren&#039;t you the ones who want to join my team?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Huh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s eyebrows sternly lifted up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What are you saying? Are you an idiot? You&#039;ll join my team!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Rejection, rejection, rejection. You two will join my team!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two ojou-sama quarreled about something trivial.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...It was a perfectly parallel line.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Either way is the same, right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito retorted,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;quot;It&#039;s completely different!&amp;quot;&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They shouted in stereo mode. Only at such a time were their breaths in sync.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Uhm it&#039;s no good, these guys. Something like a team is absolutely impossible.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Really, can&#039;t you guys keep quiet? This is a public place!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--63--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
A cold voice resounded in the salon café.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everybody turned around—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the café&#039;s entrance, a ponytailed beautiful girl, who was wearing light armor, was standing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ellis!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire sullenly groaned. ...Another hindrance came. She had such a facial expression.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis Fahrengart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The leader of the Sylphid Knights, who observed the academy&#039;s public morals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She had a charming appearance unmatching that of her strict personality. Her mutual relation with Claire&#039;s group, from Raven Class, who normally caused problems, seemed bad.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although to Kamito, it did not mean that she was such a hard-to-deal-with person.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At first, when Kamito entered into the academy, just because he was a male spirit contractor, she was prejudiced against him but she had remorsefully apologized about that matter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Even if there were times where she was a little overly serious with her straightforward personality, for which she held a strong belief, he could respect the part of her that held the pride of a knight.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis came walking, briskly, towards the table.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Knights&#039; leader-sama, what business do you have with us?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;If it&#039;s about redoing the duel, I&#039;ll accept it anytime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rinslet and Claire, both of their eyes wore a dangerous light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--64--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
On that subject, the duel the other day became unsettled because of the magic spirit&#039;s sudden intrusion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He wondered if that time&#039;s conclusion was to be decided again—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;......Spare me. A duel again, no thanks.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Coming over here, Ellis looked down on Claire with sharp eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, I have no problem settling it here and now, Claire Rouge.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Just what I want.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis drew out her sword and Claire also pulled out her leather whip from under her skirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the explosive atmosphere, the girls, who were at the surrounding tables, stood up rattled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Claire...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito attemptd to stop it –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Le...leader, calm down!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...you can&#039;t draw out a sword here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Form the café&#039;s entrance, two girls dashed over here with a flustered look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They were wearing the same Knights armor as Ellis.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a short haired boyish girl and a somehow serious looking braided haired girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito certainly recognized the both of them. They were the Knights girls he fought in the duel the other day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If he remembered right, their names were – Rakka, for the one with the short hair, and Reishia, for the other with the braids.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Stopped by her Knights comrades, Ellis embarrassedly sheathed her sword.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--65--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...S...Sorry, my Knights followers.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Feeling ashamed, she cleared her throat and apologized to the two girls—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This time she turned towards Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kazehaya Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Me?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito tilted his head to the side, seemingly puzzled. Claire aside, he certainly did not recall doing anything to be kept an eye on by the Knights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It seems you lost completely to the Wolverine Class in this morning&#039;s match.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What?! As I thought, you&#039;re trying to pick a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire stood up with a clank sound.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s not it. Th...the truth is Kazehaya Kamito, you –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis shook her head, and rapidly blushed bashfully and looked down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn, what&#039;s the matter?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;So, err...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Come on, leader, despite that it&#039;s better to say it quickly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Despite that you&#039;re always resolved, you&#039;re slow at such a time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reishia and Rakka were whispering behind Ellis.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, such a bashful leader is also cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--66--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, it&#039;s like that, it&#039;s almost like a girl who has fallen in love—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;D...don&#039;t make fun of me! I...I really do not think of such an insolent person!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis shouted with her face turned bright red.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After that she coughed to cover over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It was certained that I got a better opinion of you because of that day&#039;s case but ... that&#039;s all. The one I admire is a pure strong female, like that {{Furigana|Strongest Blade Dancer|Ren Ashbell|margin=13}}. It&#039;s absolutely not such a boy!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito gazed at Ellis, who informed in a cold voice, with his eyes half-opened.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...I&#039;m sorry, your admired female is an illusion.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Unh, wh..what&#039;s with that look!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis thrust her sword at the back of Kamito&#039;s neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is it that strange for me to be admiring Ren Ashbell?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...N...no, that&#039;s not it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito panicked and shook his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the blade dance three years ago – the blade dance, which was danced by the strongest blade dancer, left a strong impression on the girls of the same generation. Henceforth, she was the aspiration of the princess maidens, who aimed to be spirit contractors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that Ellis was not an exception either.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s enough, quickly state your business.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--67--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Shut up, I know that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After turning and retorting to Claire, Ellis stared at Kamito again.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kazehaya Kamito –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Err, what I&#039;m saying is, ...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis seemed nervous as her hand was lightly trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Image:STnBD V02 069.jpg|thumb]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By the way, as the sword was left where it was thrust at, it could not be helped that it was dangerous.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What I&#039;m saying is... I...I want you!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—Silence arrived.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and the others, even Rakka and Reshia, were dumbfounded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For a while, time froze.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...wh...wh..wh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire was the first one who opened her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her face was bright red and her mouth was opening and closing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis widened her eyes, seemingly taken aback and shook her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Th...that&#039;s not it, the words, just now, do not have such a meaning!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--68--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Su...su...su...such a meaning means what kind of meaning!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I mean, th...that –&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After Ellis took a deep breath,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kazehaya Kamito, would you join my team?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito did not believe his ears to those unexpected words.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...Ellis and me, a team?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What did you say?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and Rinslet were also staring in wonder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rakka and Reshia saw Ellis, who turned bright red, and were grinning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Well, what do you mean?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...I meant just that. Kazehaya Kamito, I welcome you to my team. Because you defeated that military-use spirit, I have no objections about your ability.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis rapidly said so and quickly averted her eyes, looking far away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that in truth her intention was to scout Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a sword thrust at the back of his neck, rather than being scouted, it was like he was being threatened.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis&#039; results were restrained by the upperclassmen and were top class. If Kamito joined this team, it was certain that the likelihood that he would obtain the entry qualifications to the blade dance would greatly increase.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--69:Image--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--70--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
However—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ellis, I—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No way, this is my contracted spirit after all!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The one who interrupted Kamito&#039;s reply and shouted was Claire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She stood up from the chair and tightly grabbed the sleeves of Kamito&#039;s uniform.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire, you...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around and looked down and his eyes met her clear ruby pupils.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s eyes seemed to be swaying in anxiety.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was likely that she was not aware of it, but she was staring with a clinging look.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;I see, she&#039;s...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was surely that being betrayed by her sister, Rubia, caused her heart to be deeply wounded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Being abandoned by someone – something like that, being frightening to her, could not be helped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That was why she was always in solitude. She could not depend on anyone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Because she was afraid of being betrayed again—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Took a sharp breath and scratched his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...Being shown such a face...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--71--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
While bitterly smiling, he gently placed his hand on top of Claire&#039;s head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had decided on the reply from the beginning. She did not have to be worried.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ellis, sorry but I am her contracted spirit. I don&#039;t intend to change teams.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Kamito!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, taken aback, raised her face and widened her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I see.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis tightly bit her lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, by the next moment, she had already returned to her cold expression.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...I understand. I&#039;m sorry for asking something unreasonable so suddenly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, me too ... thank you for inviting me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito apologized and Ellis was a little bashful.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...it&#039;s alright. Y...you are such a guy, therefore, I—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Uh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis seemed to have said something but her voice was so soft that he didn&#039;t catch it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ahh, you&#039;ve been rejected.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s alright, leader has us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...you guys... I...it&#039;s not like that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ellis turned bright red and shouted at her two comrades, who were grinning and teasing her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--72--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;H...hey, Kamito...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hn?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While still grabbing Kamito&#039;s uniform sleeve, she was bashfully saying something else.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What&#039;s the matter?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Th...thank...you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...? What?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was trying to say something, but her voice was too soft, so he could not hear her well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was unusual for Claire to be hesitating in such a way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;S...so... erm...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And at that moment. Bam! The door opened—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is the licentious, no – Kazehaya Kamito here?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An academy student girl came running into the salon café.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She seemed to have come here in a great hurry and seemed out of breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Wait, it seems like she started saying my name as licentious beast just now...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;m here.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito raised his hand and that girl felt relieved as she stroked down on her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The academy director is calling for you. So, go over immediately.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Greyworth?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--73--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 3===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At a corner of the Academy Town possessed by Areishia Spirit Academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At a table of a coffee lounge, which greatly stuck out on the outside, a strange set of customers was sitting.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One of them was a black haired girl dressed in a jet-black dress.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Darkness spirit Restia. The perpetrator of driving the military-use spirit brought in from the imperial capital mad, and bringing great damage to Academy Town a week ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, the other one had–&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steel-like hard black hair. A boy – skinny with darkish skin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had well-featured looks but just his red eyes strangely could not be expressed other than being glaringly shiny.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two of them were clearly conspicuous in such a place, but not only did no one in the surroundings pay attention to them, it seemed that their presences were not even perceived.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—So, I just have to steal that specific sealed material from the academy&#039;s library?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yea, because of the incident the other day, I am unable to get close to the academy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Tch, how troublesome, what do we need such a thing for again?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy spat onto the ground. However, no one found fault in that.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--74--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That thing sleeping in Mine Town is a fairly hard problem. The seal of the highest grade Ordesia army spans several layers. With only the releasing ritual, how many months would it take to wake it up—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, the disposed military-use spirit – what&#039;s the plan for collecting such a thing?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You do not have the qualifications to know her prediction, Jio.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl in black clothing gently shook her head. The boy clicked his tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Because you toyed with the military-use spirit of the imperial capital as you pleased, it became troublesome. Is it an order to steal it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it fine, I could observe his current strength.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I guess. Honestly though, I am disappointed. Is that the level? Ren Ashbell&#039;s (the strongest blade dancer&#039;s)?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;He has not yet woken up.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I hope so. Even if I beat that guy, who lost his energy currently, there would be no point.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ah, you have the confidence to beat him?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;ll beat him. And then I&#039;ll prove it. That this Jio Inzagi is the true successor of the Demon King.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy&#039;s red lips bent. On his whole darkish skin body, countless numbers of spirit seals were shining.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Same as the demon king Solomon – &#039;&#039;&#039;the seals that carried seventy-two spirits&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;noinclude&amp;gt;{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter3}}&amp;lt;/noinclude&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>71.123.139.149</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter1&amp;diff=165654</id>
		<title>Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter1</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seirei_Tsukai_no_Blade_Dance:Volume2_Chapter1&amp;diff=165654"/>
		<updated>2012-07-01T02:23:41Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;71.123.139.149: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Chapter 1: Team Battle==&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 1===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;U...h...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Areishia Spirit Academy, Raven Class dormitory.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In one room, upon where the refreshing morning sun shone, Kazehaya Kamito woke up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Hn, if I recall, today ... there&#039;s a team battle in the morning.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Usually, he would enjoy a bit more time dozing off, however, today he could not do so.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had enough of being late and receiving sermons by the teacher, Freya.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Planning to fold the sheets and get up, he reached out both hands, then –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Funyuu*.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...His hands touched something that felt soft.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;What is this? It&#039;s small, soft, a little cold... feels good.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Funyuu*. *Funyuu*.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While half awake, he was playing with the mysterious soft thing with his palms, then...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You finally woke up, Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment, Kamito&#039;s movement froze.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--22--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Image:STnBD V02 023.jpg|thumb]]&lt;br /&gt;
A beautiful, nude girl was sitting on his chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her silver hair was glittering while basking in the morning sun. Her tight bare skin was white like milk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her body, which depicted her smooth curves, was small, but it was the proper body of a girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her mysterious violet pupils were looking down at Kamito expressionlessly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What&#039;s the matter? You&#039;re not going to play with my breasts anymore?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;... Owaaaaa!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito got up in a fluster and said, while pointing at the beautiful girl before him,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...Wh...What are you doing!? Or rather why are you nude?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;m not nude, I&#039;m properly wearing knee socks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While straddling over Kamito&#039;s abdomen, the girl raised her knees to show him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Startled by that action, which was mysteriously erotic, Kamito looked away in a fluster.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, that&#039;s worse! Because compared to nude, knee sock nude is even, err, ...that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Do you want me to take off my knee socks? Kamito... pervert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While the beautiful silver haired girl stayed expressionless, she bashfully rubbed her knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He did not understand why she was embarrassed about that but, somehow, to this spirit, showing her bare feet seemed more embarrassing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yes. This snow fairy like beautiful girl was not human.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was the Sword Spirit Est.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--23:Image--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--24--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
She was a &#039;Sealed Spirit&#039; that possessed extremely powerful strength and made a spirit contract with Kamito a few days ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But in her current condition, she could not exhibit even around a tenth of her original strength.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Within his subconscious, Kamito was rejecting the spirit contract with her and as a result, she became unable to return to Astral Zero where her real form was.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;A...Anyway, move aside Est!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Roger, Kamito&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although Est seemed a little dissatisfied, she obediently moved.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She was squirming on the sheet. ...The sensation of her soft thighs was bad for his heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While scratching his bed head in relief, Kamito finally got up and at that moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Chuu*.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a complete surprise attack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite that he noticed that he was kissed, it spanned about several seconds.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sensation of her soft lips gently separated. His cheeks turned hot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You... Wh...What are you doing all of a sudden!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;A wake up kiss, Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est answered expressionlessly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Why do such–&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--25--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Because it&#039;s unfair. Is it only Claire? Is it that you don&#039;t want to do it with me?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Towards Est&#039;s blaming tone, Kamito firmly softened his voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You s...saw, didn&#039;t you? ...That.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes. Because, at that moment, I was also there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Ah, come to think of it, that is right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito immediately recalled and sighed heavily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One week ago from now, that time when he fought the frenzied military-use spirit in Academy Town.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est was certainly there – as the form of a sword of her elemental waffe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that the scene at that moment was being observed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That moment when Claire kissed Kamito, who had lost his energy, to wake him up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was certain that it awakened him in one shot, however... now that he thought about it, it was extremely embarrassing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I heard that a kiss is an official ritual of a spirit contract. In that case, Est too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est gently brushed her silver hair hanging by her cheeks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She closed her eyes, slightly pouted her pitiful cherry-blossom color lips and slowly brought her face near him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;So, why did it turn out like this!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s my natural right. It&#039;s because I&#039;m Kamito&#039;s contracted spirit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although she was a Sealed Spirit, who concealed powerful strength, Est&#039;s current appearance was that of an ordinary cute girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--26--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Being approached like this, it could not be helped that his chest was beating fast... so he thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;He...Hey, Est...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Please shut your eyes, master.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Est brought her face near in one motion. A distance at which the tip of his nose encountered her sweet breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Just before her rose bud like lips was about to touch...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, because there&#039;s a team battle this morning, make breakfast more luxurious than–&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Bam!* The bathroom door was slammed opened.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...Wh...Wh...Wh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A beautiful red-haired girl was standing there with her ruby-colored eyes wide open.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her body was wrapped in a bath towel and depicted her gentle curves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From her skin, which had slightly turned to cherry blossom color, white steam was rising up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her chest was definitely of a child&#039;s level but that slight bulge was also plenty charming.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From the tip of her soaking wet red hair, drops of water were dripping onto the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On the bed, before her was nude E– no... knee sock nude Est.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, time froze.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--27--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire... Y...You&#039;re mistaken, this is...!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment when Kamito stood up in a fluster to explain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Gogogogogogo...!*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...What are you doing, you pervert sex maniac——!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Guoo!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A leather whip, used for animal training, came flying all of a sudden and landed a clean hit on his chin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito wound the bed sheet around his body and fell to the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...I&#039;ve misjudged you, you licentious brute, beast!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While holding onto the bath towel with one hand, the girl came walking briskly and forcefully trampled on Kamito&#039;s head, who was squirming on the floor, with the heel of her bare foot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire Rouge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A classmate of the same class; to whom, by some twist of fate, Kamito became tied to in a master-servant contract.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At least her face was of a ridiculously cute beautiful girl, however, her personality was like this, brutal to the extreme.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...What-What were you doing? Hey, just now, what were you doing with that Sword Spirit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Pishii, pishii, pishiii!*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, wait, stop ... guoo!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a tempest of whips that relentlessly swung downwards. Her bristled red hair was just like blazing flames.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—Then, during the tempest of the devastating whips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--28--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito noticed. He noticed it – completely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wa...Wait...Claire, isn&#039;t that bad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, as he completely noticed it, he had to say it. For her sake.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By the way, for things like this, Kamito strangely had an honest personality.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...? What?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her clear ruby pupils sternly looked down on Kamito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Erm, that angle ... err, can be seen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eh?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire– while placing her foot on Kamito&#039;s head, blinked her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, she finally realized.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On top of Kamito&#039;s head, from the opening of her bath towel, her thigh, which became exposed, was being peeked at.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s whole body felt hot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She fixed her bath towel in a fluster and her shoulders slightly trembled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...Y...You, you!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Gogogogogogogogogo...!*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wa...Wait, this is a misunderstanding, relax! Err, &#039;&#039;&#039;I did not see as far as the inside&#039;&#039;&#039;!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito&#039;s frantic excuse–&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--29--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Seemed to have backfired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Oh, I understand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire informed him with a shuddering-like voice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;After this, I&#039;ll give you two choices. Answer honestly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito gulped down his saliva and nodded moment by moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Here, he should answer carefully. Depending on his reply, it was not unlikely that he would become cinders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;About your cooking preferences, would you prefer medium? Or well-done?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...Things like choices did not exist from the beginning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...If possible, rare is good but...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the same moment Kamito answered,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Scarlet!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From an empty space, a hell cat, clad in crimson flames, appeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Roast huh, it&#039;s decided.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Together with such a refreshing death sentence smile, as though she was fascinated, spontaneously–&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A flashy explosion resounded in Raven Class dormitory today as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--30--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 2===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Areishia Spirit Academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A training school, where princess maidens, gathered from all over the empire, trained before becoming proper spirit contractors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In its vast territory, the academy possessed the «Spirit Forest» and Academy Town, as well as residential teachers, who possessed equal strength as the imperial capital&#039;s spirit knights, just like an independent small country.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was the time when the morning mist cleared up and the bell of lectures commencing sounded, when there was one carriage visiting the academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An old butler in a suit was working as the coachman of the one-horse carriage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The coachman got down the horse in front of the gate and opened the door of the carriage in a respectful manner.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;We have arrived, Fianna-sama.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Thank you for your efforts, old man.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Coming out of the carriage was a beautiful girl about fifteen, sixteen years old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her glossy black hair was fluttering in the gentle breeze. Her cold looking eyes were emitting a strong will. Her clear white skin could be associated to the virgin snow of the area of Laurenfrost and her uniform of a black dress like design was shining.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl, called Fianna, alighted from the carriage and looked up at the school building of the Academy and was dazzled.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;This is Areishia Spirit Academy. The place where spirit contractors from all over the empire gather.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Please be fully careful, Fianna-sama. It is not possible to deceive the eyes of that Dusk Witch with poor tricks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I understand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--31--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
With a nod, Fianna gently grasped a spirit ore, which was concealed by the sleeve of her uniform.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the empire&#039;s currency, it was a good-for-nothing article of 20 million rood&amp;lt;!--ルード--&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Rubia Elstein&#039;s sister seems to be in this academy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Princess, that name is a taboo. You had better not say it here.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That is right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Calamity Queen, who once brought about an unprecedented great calamity to the empire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That person&#039;s true name was even prohibited to speak of as a taboo.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Just by muttering that name, it was said that a pure girl&#039;s sacred nature would be polluted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She thought that it was a ridiculous superstition. Nevertheless for the people, who saw her at the closest place in the past, they felt that there was a slice of truth in such a jinx.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;...That&#039;s right. The truth is I have yet to be bound by her terror.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl cleared her throat and then she lowered her voice and whispered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Besides, I am also concerned about the spirit contractor, called Kazehaya Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hmm, is it that male spirit contractor? A few days ago, it was said that he defeated a frenzied military-use spirit in Academy Town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes, based on all the eye-witnesses&#039; words, it seemed to be a splendid blade dance of close resemblance to that of the strongest blade dancer – Ren Ashbell.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna&#039;s voice got lively as she got a little excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The old butler glared at her in such a state.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--32--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Princess, don&#039;t tell me, you fell in love with that boy, didn&#039;t you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fe...fell in love...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna&#039;s voice was turned inside out. Her cheeks turned red.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Th...that can&#039;t be it, right? After all, I have never met him before... it&#039;s just that I have an interest in what kind of person this male spirit contractor is.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a lie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The male spirit contractor, who defeated the frenzied military-use spirit in Academy Town.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The moment Fianna heard that boy&#039;s name, she immediately realized.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Three years ago, that boy, who had saved her in the forest of Astral Zero.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite promising to meet again, he disappeared for some reason after the Blade Dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;—However, I finally found him.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
When she heard the report on that day, Fianna decided to enter into the Areishia Spirit Academy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If that boy announced his candidacy to the Blade Dance again –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That was a never again chance to her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, I&#039;ll forgive you for breaking our promise.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fianna glared at the school building of the academy and an impish smile surfaced.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, I&#039;m not letting you escape again♪&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--33--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Part 3===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
About eight minutes had passed since the start of the match.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In a deep forest, which was enshrouded in a light purple mist, two shadows were moving fast.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire, watch the thicket on the left. There&#039;s an ambush.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;How do you know?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Intuition, if it was me, I would ambush from over there—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment, bluish-white lightning bullets were fired from the left thicket, just as Kamito suspected.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Tch—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito kicked the ground and accelerated. He jumped in front of Claire and repelled the lightning bullets projectiled at the speed of sound with the sword.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not a feat that could be done with an ordinary sword. Endowed with spirit magic resistance ability, the elemental waffe of sword spirit Est, — «Terminus Est» made all the magic attacks ineffective.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Before Kamito shouted, Claire was already capturing the target. Her red hair was fluttering in the wind. Below her fluttering skirt, a leather whip holder could be glimpsed at.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While she placed her foot on a tree branch and dodged the rain of fired lightning bullets, she released her elemental waffe – «Flame Tongue».&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a sharp swinging, cutting sound. The Flame Tongue, which cut up everything, very easily cut down the rows of standing trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--34--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
From the middle of the grove of trees that became almost bare in a moment, a thunder spirit contractor girl appeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a girl, who had her eyes hidden by her forelocks and felt a little gloomy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a cluster of bluish-white lightning bullets floating beside her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not a high ranking spirit like Est or Scarlet. It was a low ranking spirit that could only keep an indeterminate form, however, it was plenty helpful as a battery to use spirit magic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that that girl&#039;s role was a disturbance by means of support fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Humph, a sniper who shows herself is the same as a turtle coming up on land.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire thrust her whip in a declaration of victory. While being accompanied by the thunder spirit around her, the girl sniper ran towards the middle of the forest in a flustered manner—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You&#039;re not getting away! Scarlet, chase her!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the same time Claire shouted, the elemental waffe Flame Tongue transformed into the form of a hellcat, cladded in flames.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Because of being possessed by the frenzy spirit, Scarlet was once the size of a kitten, however, currently, it had recovered plentifully. Its form was of a lovely cat but its strength was certainly of a roaring fierce lion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The surging crimson flames attacked the thunder spirit contractor girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, that scorching heat, which by right could melt even rocks, did not even burn a single place of the girl&#039;s body.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That was because this place was a battle field in Astral Zero, which the academy controlled for practice match usage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Therefore, it was another world, where spirits live in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--35--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
In the real world, spirits had to change into an embodiment of physical strength but here spirits could be used as an embodiment of pure divine power.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In other words, it could make physical damage to the body almost zero.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nonetheless, it did not mean that shocks, pain and so forth disappeared, a consequence was that an equal damage would be received to the mind instead; for example, if one was torn up by Scarlet&#039;s claws, it was certain that one would faint and become unable to battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While carbonizing many trees of the forest, Scarlet was closely chasing the girl. However, the girl seemed considerably battle accustomed and while deceiving it with spirit magic, she was quickly escaping deep into the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Erghh, stay still!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Losing her temper, Claire jumped down to the ground from the gap of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Since it came to this, I&#039;ll blow everything together with my strongest spirit magic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait, Claire, the ground looks weird—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito shouted, and at that moment, a large quantity of earth and sand blew up from where Claire&#039;s feet were.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Appearing from underground were gigantic crustacean scissors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Negligence is one&#039;s greatest enemy, Claire Rouge of Raven Class!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From inside the sand fluttering up and the large hole opened in the ground, protuberance carapace armor of countless number flew out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was an elemental waffe of the type that covered the whole body in armor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--36--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Claire was blown off by that shock and was falling to the ground. The spirit&#039;s direct attack was, in any case, of impacts, earth, sand and so forth that gave the body suitable damage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Before Kamito came running to her, the carapace spirit contractor was already in pursuit. This was not a coincidental attack. They were scrupulously aiming for the moment when Claire went down onto the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Eat this, the elemental waffe of the carapace spirit «Kuraste» — «Breaker Arm».&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—Guu! Flames, dance in my hand, dance!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, who fell, released countless fireballs from her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the armor type elemental waffe was plunging in the face of this level of flames.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ha, the flame attribute isn&#039;t effective against the carapace spirit. Didn&#039;t you learn in the lecture?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gaa – A shoulder-tackle of the carapace armor blew Claire away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito kicked the ground and quickly turned around. Holding Est in a backhand grip, he tightly embraced and stopped Claire&#039;s body that came flying.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;U...gh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire leaked out a languishing voice in his arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed that she had greatly drained her divine power from the attack just now; however, it seemed that she was still conscious.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Just before the crash, she released the fireballs at the ground and destroyed her opponent&#039;s stance. As expected of her.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, are you alright?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--37--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Y...yea... Eh... y...you, what are you doing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Claire&#039;s face turned red.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire&#039;s petite body was being held in such a manner that her back and knees were held by both his hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was what was called being carried like a princess.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Fua... Id...idiot... qu...quickly let me down!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;He..hey, don&#039;t struggle! You&#039;ll fall!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Shut up! Shut up! Quickly let me down ——!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Boka. Boka. Boka. Boka.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, who was striking Kamito&#039;s chest while being carried like a princess, was somehow cute like a small animal.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;If it&#039;s about me, you don&#039;t have to care about it, because you&#039;re pretty light.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is th...that... because my chest is flat?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;No, I did not say such a thing. I just thought that you&#039;re cute like a small animal.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...! Cu...cute...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While her face was red, Claire looked downwards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While sighing in relief, Kamito let Claire down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The carapace spirit contractor had already disappeared. Because Claire was defeated in the attack just now, it seemed that she was waiting for another chance for a surprise attack. ...Comparative to her outward appearance, she was a cautious type.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From deep in the forest, Scarlet, who should have been chasing the thunder spirit contractor, returned.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--38--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
They did not seem to have suffered any injuries but they seemed to have also let their prey escape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That thunder spirit contractor purposely showed herself to us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yea, when I got down onto the ground while chasing her, that carapace armor stopped me with a surprise attack. We have suffered thoroughly from their good teamwork.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire, annoyed, hit the ground hard with her whip.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;As expected of a team of the cunning Wolverine Class.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It&#039;s not particularly that they&#039;re cunning or anything, considering their fellow spirits&#039; compatibility, it was a natural strategy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito said while shrugging his shoulders and Claire sullenly shut her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;However, it&#039;s strange that they aren&#039;t coming to chase us. I know that they&#039;re being cautious but – even so.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That&#039;s right. Since just now, that thunder spirit contractor&#039;s movement could only be seen as stalling for time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Astral Zero&#039;s forest was returning to be silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He couldn&#039;t feel their presence at all, not from the surrounding thickets, not from underground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;With such time stalling, do they have some sort of aim?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I want to send out a scout to search for the enemy, however.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;If that was possible, I&#039;d have already done it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At any rate, there were three people remaining in the opponent team. Compared to theirs&#039;, they had two people. Depending on the situation, it could be that one person had to fight two people or three people. In a one-on-one battle, both Kamito and Claire would not be defeated, however, if they were caught and taken on by more than two coordinated people, winning would be substantially more difficult. &amp;lt;!-- easy to tough sense--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--39--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Also, even in the case of a one-on-one battle, the fellow spirits&#039; compatibility had to be considered. There was the matter that the compatibility of the attributes was more effective than a spirit contractor&#039;s ability in an actual battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—Seems like you&#039;re having a tough battle, Kazehaya Kamito.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly from behind, a voice sounded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito turned around and, from the inside of the shadow made on the ground, a black figure quickly appeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The black figure very quickly changed into the form of an adult woman.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She had glossy long black hair. She had a glasses-wearing intellectual appearance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She put on a cuff-long white robe on top of her suit, that beautiful lady was –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Ms. Freya?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raven Class&#039;s homeroom lecturer and this match&#039;s inspector, Freya Grandol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The matter about her coming out from inside the shadow was her contracted spirit&#039;s ability –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is that alright? To appear in the middle of the match.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What, there&#039;s no problem with giving poor-scoring students advice.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Freya suddenly smiled and pushed up her glasses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Although, the one you&#039;re facing off currently is a superior ranking team. It can&#039;t be helped if it&#039;s a tough battle. Based on individual strength, you two are nigh-on unreachable but your team strength is lacking. ...By the way, why were you injured before the match?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;This morning, I was roasted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--40--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He glared at Claire beside him with scornful eyes and Claire quickly averted her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;In the first place, I think it is strange to have a five-to-two match though.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite having two people, the opponent team, they were facing, had five people. They had already defeated two, with the sniper thunder spirit contractor, the hand-to-hand-fighting type carapace spirit contractor and the last person, who has yet to show herself, remaining.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Do you know? The fact that your team only has two people is bad. You can&#039;t qualify for entry in this round&#039;s «Blade Dance» without a five-member team. What do you plan to do?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;We&#039;ll find people before the deadline. We don&#039;t really need to have all five members to be high level spirit contractors. After all, my plan is for I, alone, and – this slave spirit to win through this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire muttered unintelligibly and Freya glared at her with a serious face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;You had better not take team battles lightly, Claire Rouge. You are certainly a superior spirit contractor but even so you absolutely can&#039;t beat a coordinated team.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After that, she turned toward Kamito,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Do you know chess?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Greyworth had harshly made me her opponent. Although, I had never won.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The queen is certainly a strong piece. In a one-on-one battle, there were hardly times when it lost. However, depending on the situation, there are also times when it could be taken by a pawn, which certainly possesses no ability.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I know of that.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;But you do not understand it. Your fighting methods feels...awfully isolated.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--41--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Without answering back anything, Kamito shut his mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The boy, who was once called – the strongest blade dancer. He, who was raised as an assassin at that mad institution, «Instructional School», had never experienced fighting in coordination with his comrades.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Creeping to the target&#039;s back and cutting his throat – that was his original fighting method.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On a whim of the Elemental Lords, the Blade Dance&#039;s regulation was changed every time it was held.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Blade Dance, fifteen years ago, was a battle royale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Blade Dance, three years ago, was an individual elimination match.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And then, this time it was a team battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Honestly, he didn&#039;t think that his teamwork with Claire was turning out well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As a spirit contractor, he had a fatal three-year blank.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He had a contracted spirit, who could not exhibit even a tenth of her strength yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There were many factors that had to be overcome.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Claire Rouge, you too. You do not understand what it means to fight in a team.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I&#039;m always alone. T...this guy is just a slave spirit...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Oh dear, you two have many difficulties in store.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ms. Freya sighed and disappeared into the shadows once again.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Hmm, because of that incident just now two minutes have been used up. There&#039;s about five minutes left remaining.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As it was, if they did not reach a conclusion, both team&#039;s inter-school rank would drop.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--42--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
For the two, who were still of low rank, that was a great blow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
—Then, the hell cat, snuggling at the side of Claire&#039;s feet, let out a roar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Hey, Scarlet is saying something.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yea, the forest looks strange. The wild animals are stirred up?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire was frowning with a serious face for some reason –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;There—&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She suddenly faced the forest and fired a fire attribute spirit magic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a fireball – a high ranking spirit magic that would reduce a target to ashes with ultra-hot flames.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The red hot flames completely licked the ground and the forest near it was reduced to ashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With the rising black smoke, a boorish figure appeared in a relaxed manner.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Well, what a frightening ojou-sama.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl wore the carapace armor of her elemental waffe over her body.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite receiving a direct hit of the fireball, she did not have a single burn mark.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;This is unexpected... you came out fairly. Have you already given up on a surprise attack?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Our roles have ended. The leader&#039;s preparations have been readied.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Preparations?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire and Kamito frown simultaneously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the direction where the black smoke cleared up –&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--43--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Huh....?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;What... is that!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A gigantic timber-scaffolding was put together.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While it was of a simple structure, it was unreservedly a splendid shrine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On top of that, a small girl, who was wearing the academy uniform, was dancing the dance of a ritual for some reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a platinum blonde haired beautiful girl, who held a wooden cane.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Our brethren, now is the time, hand down the iron hammer to the forest devastators!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From the top of the gigantic scaffolding, she faced this side and thrust the cane with a snap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wh...what&#039;s going on, that girl ... when did she make that large-scale shrine!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;We were preparing it last night to have it ready for today&#039;s match.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The carapace spirit contractor girl proudly held up a pair of scissors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...Indeed, if it was with that spirit&#039;s power, it should be possible to make the shrine in a night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...it&#039;s unfair, that thing! A ritual Kagura!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Uh-huh, it isn&#039;t unfair! Without a large-scale ritual, I can&#039;t call out my contracted spirit!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The girl, who was on top of the scaffolding and holding a cane, shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Shut up, a child should stay silent!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Unh, what do you mean by a child, isn&#039;t your chest also of a child?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;What... did you say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Pakii! The sound of a twig being stepped on and broken resounded. Claire&#039;s red hair was bristled up like a blazing flame.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--44--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The family of Druid ...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While wiping the perspiration on his forehead, Kamito muttered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The family of Druid was a noble of the Ordesia Empire. It was a family of ancient honorable spirit contractors, which had lived in the spirit forest since before the origin of the Empire and succeeded the blood relationship of the princess maidens with their original methods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;That girl&#039;s spirit is a little special, summoning takes time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I see, that was the reason you were stalling time...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The ground was violently shaking. The flames of the torches, lighted at the surroundings of the shrine, were thunderously burning up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...He felt a tremendous sense of oppression. What that girl was trying to use was an outrageous spirit. It was likely that it roughly matched the military-use giant spirit that they fought the other day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—I won&#039;t let you. Scarlet!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire released Scarlet as its elemental waffe, Flame Tongue, and hit the ground very hard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Kamito, I&#039;ll hold back her. You go destroy that shrine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I got it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Kamito nodded and ran with the silver-glittering «Terminus Est» in his hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As a spirit contractor, Claire was a genius.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although her compatibility with the carapace spirit was bad, in a one-on-one battle, she would not lose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There was a considerable distance till the shrine but with Kamito&#039;s legs, he should make it in time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--45--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly the ground in front of him burst open.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From within the thicket, spirit magic lightning bullets were fired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was the thunder spirit girl. Naturally, Kamito had also predicted that an ambush was hidden in the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Toryaaaaaa!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wha...!?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This was unexpected. –The spirit contractor herself came interfering.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was impossible to ignore. Kamito stopped and turned around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;I&#039;ll stun her in one strike—&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He nimbly turned around and aimed the handle of the sword at her stomach—&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment, an intense flash baked his eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The thunder spirit, the girl was using, blew itself up in front of him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The rain of the intense lightning attack assailed Kamito. Sharp pain till numbness ran throughout his whole body.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was not to the extent that he could not move. However, he was certainly stopped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Before his eyes, the girl, who was caught in the explosion and fainted, had been defeated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;That girl had resolved for a tie from the start...&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was a tactic that could not be used in an individual battle but in the case of thinking only of the team&#039;s victory, it was not a bad choice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her duty was to stop him to the bitter end. And then, that had succeeded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--46--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;We&#039;re done in...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Come, tyrant governor! Thou, beast king of the destruction army that grinds and smashes everything!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On top of the shrine, the forest girl put up the cane to the sky and recited the majestic summoning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The summoning ritual had been completed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;...Its name is beast group spirit «Cernunnos»!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From here and there in the forest, the roar of countless beasts could be heard.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That Druid girl was calling the demon beasts that were living in Astral Zero.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;The beast group spirit... a spirit of vast possession range type!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was the same as the frenzy spirit that drove Claire&#039;s Scarlet, the military-use spirit and so on mad, a type of spirit that would possess the target – the vast range edition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dodododododododododoo!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The group of magic beasts, which were possessed by the beast group spirit, made the earth tremor and came charging.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Be...because they aren&#039;t spirits, if they were trampled, they&#039;ll die. Normally.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I...if it&#039;s the handling of animals, I too will not lose!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Pishi! Pishi! Claire, who defeated the carapace spirit contractor, beat her whip.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Give it up, Claire, it&#039;s our loss.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;—The match is over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Teacher Freya, who appeared quickly like a shadow, blew the whistle that marked the end of the match.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;noinclude&amp;gt;{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Prologue|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume2 Chapter2}}&amp;lt;/noinclude&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>71.123.139.149</name></author>
	</entry>
</feed>