Editing Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Chapter 1 (section)

===Part 6===

From the closet in my room, I picked out a suit that looked the most respectable. After changing swiftly, I exited the room and came to the corridor.

Although there was still plenty of time before the dinner party, I wanted to inform either Shinomiya-sensei or Mitsuki about my conversation with Major Loki.

After hesitating slightly regarding which of them I should report to, I knocked on Mitsuki's door. If I told Mitsuki, Shinomiya-sensei would automatically know, right?

"—Yes, what is it?"

A slightly muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

"Mitsuki, it's me. I need to talk to you."

"N-Nii-san? Hold on, I am currently—Ah... No, on further thought, you came at the perfect time, Nii-san. C-Could you let yourself in?"

Noticing that she sounded a little flustered, but since she allowed me to enter the room, I opened the door.

Mitsuki seemed to be somewhere out of sight from the entrance, so I closed the door and entered.

"U-Umm... I am over here."

I found Mitsuki standing in front of a large mirror next to the closet. However, the sight of her attire took my breath away.

Mitsuki was dressed in a magnificent purple formal dress. Undoubtedly, it was an outfit for attending a dinner party, but this was my first time seeing Mitsuki all dressed up, so—For a moment, I could not help but stare at her in mesmerization.

"Nii-san... Umm, may I trouble you to do the back for me?"

Awkwardly, apparently quite shyly, Mitsuki turned her back to me. It looked like she had been struggling to pull the zipper on her back. From the gap in her dress, I could see her underwear and pale skin.

"Got it..."

Frantically, I approached Mitsuki. Perhaps due to nervousness, I accidentally touched Mitsuki's skin when reaching for the zipper.

"Hyah... H-Hold on, Nii-san, where do you think you are touching?"

Mitsuki glared at me in surprise.

"S-Sorry."

I apologized to her. This time, I cautiously pulled the zipper up, covering up her pale skin with the purple dress.

In the past, I probably would not be this nervous. But having learned of Mitsuki's feelings—knowing we were not siblings by blood—It was impossible for me not to be conscious now.

"Thank you, Nii-san, what is your opinion...? Does it look weird anywhere?"

Mitsuki spun around once then sought my opinion.

"Hmm... No, not weird at all. This dress looks great on you."

"Wonderful, ah—Nii-san, your suit too... Umm, it looks great."

With blushing cheeks, Mitsuki praised my attire. However, she narrowed her eyes as though noticing something and drew closer.

"Still, it could be better, you tie is crooked."

Mitsuki reached for my collar and adjusted my tie's position for me.

"S-Sorry."

Mitsuki was dressed in a lovely outfit and standing within a breath's distance. It was a very surreal scene—yet Mitsuki was undoubtedly right here at my side—This discrepancy between feeling and cognition was making me dizzy.

"Much better... Well then, Nii-san, what did you want to talk about?"

"O-Oh, actually—"

I came back to my senses and told Mitsuki about how Major Loki had called me and sent a team to kill Kili.

"...I see. It is expected that NIFL would make a move, but there is one fact that bothers me—Come to think of it, does NIFL even have the power to threaten Kili-san?"

While taking care not to wrinkle her dress, Mitsuki sat down on the chair in front of the dressing table while offering her view.

I understood what she was saying. Because prior to this, NIFL had been trying to take Kili's life but never succeeded. However—

"Major Loki mentioned before that his team—Sleipnir—was fighting Kili in an intense battle while NIFL took in Tia from the Sons of Muspell facility. Consequently, I don't think they're easy enemies for Kili."
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v04 087.jpg|thumb]]

"...Understood. I will inform Shinomiya-sensei and discuss the upcoming plans and bodyguard arrangements."

Mitsuki nodded with her Dragon Subjugation Squad captain's expression.

Most unpredictable of all was what action Kili would take. Unless her intent and purpose was known, we would most likely end up being manipulated and used by her.

—Kili was probably somewhere in the palace right now.

I involuntarily looked at the ceiling while pondering.

It was almost time for the dinner party. The sensation of burying a sharp object into her abdomen that time was reawakening in the palm of my hand. Even though it was for protecting my friends, at the time, I was fighting her with the intent to kill her.

Although I had deliberately avoided her vitals at the critical moment and Kili had used dark matter for biogenic transmutation to instantly heal her wound—It was also true that I had crossed my line of not killing, one that I had always insisted prior to that.

That fact could not be erased at all.

Meeting her again, would another change come to me? Unable to calm my emotions, I waited for that moment to arrive.



Just before the dinner party started, Helen-san came to welcome us.

The girls were coming out of their rooms one after another, dressed in different styles of dresses that suited them.

"Ooh, this feels kinda weird."

Ariella tugged at her yellow-green dress and touched the skirt's frilly fabric while commenting.

"Mm..."

Ren could not settle down either. She kept inspecting the crimson dress that matched her red hair.

"Worry not, your attire suits both of you very well."

Wearing an elegant pale-yellow dress, Lisa praised the two of them.

However, speaking of suitability, Lisa's dress suited her the best. I got the feeling that she was very used to wearing formal dresses, or rather, she looked more natural in one than the usual uniform.

"What are you staring at, Mononobe Yuu?"

Noticing my gaze, Lisa asked with displeasure in her voice.

"Huh? Oh—I just find your attire extremely natural. A dress looks really good on you. It feels very cool."

"Cool... Huh?"

Lisa frowned.

"No—Sorry, let me pick my words better. What I mean is it's splendid, Lisa, you look very splendid in a dress."

Thinking cool was not the right word for praising a lady, I corrected myself.

"What..."

Lisa instantly blushed and glared at me.

"I-I will not be happy even if you flatter me! You won't gain anything no matter how much you flatter me!"

"I'm not looking to gain anything. Seeing you in a dress is good enough for me."

"...!? Y-You're mocking me, aren't you!?"

Seeing Lisa anger inexplicably, I panicked. Did I say something wrong again?

"I-I'm not mocking you! By the way, what happened to Tia?"

I explained myself while changing the subject. Tia, who was supposed to be Lisa's roommate, had not come out to the corridor.

"...Regarding Tia-san, she is fast asleep in the room. Since I am worried about letting her meet Kili suddenly, I've decided not to force her to wake up."

An expression of displeasure surfaced on Lisa's face while she answered me.

"I see, that does seem to be better."

Tia and Kili had a long history going back. We should first check out Kili's attitude before letting them meet.

This meant that Iris was the only one who had yet to leave her room.

Shinomiya-sensei was wearing a mature and attractive blue dress whereas Mitsuki's was purple. The two of them were checking out Iris' room, calling to her inside.

"Iris Freyja, are you not ready?"

"Iris-san, everyone is waiting for you!"

"—Wah, s-sorry! I'll be over right away!"

Iris exited the room frantically in a panic.

The hem of her dress, as pure-white as fresh snow, fluttered lightly while she walked.

All dressed up, Iris really seemed like a fairy who had escaped from the land of fairy tales. My gaze was strongly attracted to that otherworldly beauty of hers.

I was staring at her silently when our gazes met.

"M-Mononobe... What's the matter?"

"—So beautiful."

I could not think of any other comment apart from that.

Iris exhaled and relaxed as though relieved of her worries.

"I'm so glad..."

Watching our interactions, Lisa glared at me with apparent displeasure.

"Compared to the one offered to me, your comment seems rather upfront in comparison."

Mitsuki also glared at me with eyes of discontent.

"Nii-san, you only said the dress looks great on me... Were you just being polite?"

"N-No, that's not what I meant!"

I frantically explained.

Seeing our situation, Shinomiya-sensei smiled with slight wryness then turned to look at Helen-san.

"—Sorry for adding to your troubles. Please lead the way."

"Understood. Everyone, this way please."

Helen-san nodded then walked in front to guide us.

Using a different staircase from when we got here, we went down one floor, passed through a spacious hall then arrived before a pair of doors. A fragrant aroma instantly greeted us.

Helen-san opened the door and we entered.

Appearing before my eyes was a long and spacious dining table laden with dishes. Four people were seated already. I originally expected a party resembling a continental buffet, but it looked like we were going to sit down to dine normally.

Sitting on the far end at the head of the table was man, most likely Firill's father—the next king. A woman, probably the next queen, and Firill were seated respectively on his left and right.

Firill's formal dress was primarily blue in color. Worn around her neck was a necklace with a large blue gemstone. This attire truly befitted her identity as a princess.

Then sitting next to the next queen was a girl in a black dress, Kili Surtr Muspelheim.

Kili looked straight at us—rather, straight at me—and smiled.

It was impossible to tell what she was thinking from her expression.

The man got up from his seat on the far end and nodded to greet us.

"Welcome, I am Alfred Crest, Firill's father. Since the coronation ceremony will take place after my father's funeral, I am still the Crown Prince—nevertheless, I represent my country in extending a welcome to you all. Please sit wherever you wish."

Prince Alfred invited us to take our seats.

Before anyone else could make a move, I sat down first at what might be the most dangerous spot, the one next to Kili. I could not allow Mitsuki or the others to sit somewhere like this.

"—I knew you'd come. I'm so happy to see you again, Yuu."

Whispering quietly at a volume only audible to me, Kili gazed at me with passionate eyes.

"Frankly speaking... I don't want to see you."

I lowered my voice as well and answered at a volume too quiet for Prince Alfred and the others to hear.

"Oh my, how cold of you. I never forgot you for even an instant."

Kili touched her abdomen and smiled.

That was where I had stabbed her with a metal fragment. Just as I could not forget the sensation of that act, she also remembered the pain of the stab wound very clearly.

"......"

Not knowing how to answer, I turned my gaze away from Kili with bitter feelings.

After confirming that everyone was seated, Prince Alfred sat down again. As though waiting for the moment, this time, it was the next queen who spoke:

"You must all be tired after your long journey. I am Fariel Crest, Alfred's wife as well as Firill's mother. Firill's elders sisters were supposed to join us, but they need to prepare for the festival..."

"No, please don't let that weigh on your mind. We are the ones who feel sorry for making unreasonable demands. I thank you sincerely for permitting our sudden visit to your country."

Shinomiya-sensei expressed gratitude and bowed her head deeply. Seeing Lisa and Mitsuki get up to bow, I hastily followed suit.

After sweeping a glance across each of us, Kili took her turn to speak.

"I, Kili, am truly grateful for all of you to come today at my request. I am deeply moved to have fellow Ds from Midgard come all the way here to welcome me."

Hearing her empty words, Lisa and Mitsuki showed overt distaste on their faces but could not expose Kili's true identity here.

Hence, we all took turns and introduced ourselves, pretending to meet her for the first time. Since the sequence started with Lisa, who was sitting next to Firill, I was the last one.

"—I am Mononobe Yuu, nice to meet you."

I stated my name while seated and bowed. Immediately, Prince Alfred looked at me with eyes filled with interest.

"I have heard rumors due to our relationship with Midgard as sponsors... But to think a male D really existed."

"My dear, it is quite impertinent for you to stare like this. Let us end the pleasantries here and begin the meal. The food will get cold if we don't start."

"—Right, well said."

Persuaded by Princess Fariel, Prince Alfred nodded in agreement.

Hence, the superficially harmonious dinner party began. Of course, none of us was in the mood to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. While eating, we kept paying attention to Kili's movements.

"Are you and Firill close friends?"

"Since we're classmates... I guess we're okay."

Under such circumstances, Prince Alfred kept talking to me for some reason.

"Is tough for you, being the only man among girls?"

"A lot of things were definitely troubling in the beginning... But I'm living quite happily nowadays."

"Oh, but that kind of environment could be problematic, right? How should I put this? Well—Won't there be romantic disputes?"

"Eh...? No, that's—"

Suddenly asked this kind of in-depth question, I could not help but feel troubled.

"My dear, please do not pose such crude and vulgar questions."

"...Father, if you put Mononobe-kun on the spot, please know that I will be mad."

Glared at by Princess Fariel and Firill, Prince Alfred shrank away.

"...Oh, I suppose you're right. My apologies for asking you an impertinent question."

Prince Alfred apologized to me in contrition.

He probably felt worried that a man like me had been added to the place where Firill was living.

"No, umm, it's okay. Nothing happened between us, Prince Alfred, for you to worry about that sort of thing."

I added but Firill smiled mischievously and asked with her head tilted:

"...Eh? Is that really the case?"

"F-Firill!?"

Hearing what Firill said, I panicked.

"What? Something really did happen?"

Prince Alfred shot his sharp gaze at me.

"Father, please don't worry, when the necessary time arrives... I will make him take responsibility and become my prince."

Firill made a shocking statement with a nonchalant expression.

"What... I don't suppose you and Firill have already reached that kind of relationship!?"

"O-Of course not!"

I desperately tried to calm down Prince Alfred.

"Mononobe, something must have happened between you and Firill-chan, right?"

"Nii-san, could you explain in greater detail?"

Even Iris and Mitsuki were glaring at me, interrogating me in a low voice.

"I'm begging you all, please calm down!"

In this manner, which was uncertain whether it could be described as harmonious, the dinner party proceeded relatively peacefully and Kili showed no signs of malevolence.

When Ren, the slowest eater, finished her plate and everyone's conversations had winded down, the dinner party came to a close.

"—We would like to discuss with her about the itinerary henceforth. Could you lend this room to us for a while longer?"

Shinomiya-sensei spoke to Prince Alfred who had gotten up from his seat.

"Sure, no problem. I will order someone to bring drinks slightly later."

Prince Alfred nodded in assent then left the room with Princess Fariel. The cheerful interior of the room was instantly plunged into silence.

More talkative than usual when in front of her parents, Firill now showed a tense expression while she stared at Kili. Despite being the target of everyone's gazes, Kili showed a smile of composure on her face.

Soon after, Helen-san came with a tray of drinks. Just as she exited the room, Shinomiya-sensei finally spoke to Kili.

"So, what is your objective?"

"...How rude to ask that right off the bat. Didn't you guys come to pick me up because I sought Midgard's protection?"

Kili's tone of voice made her sound like a completely different person compared to when Prince Alfred was present.

"Indeed, but pray enlighten me as to the reason."

"I thought I already mentioned the reason on television? Namely, my life is under threat."

"That's not something new in recent days, is it?"

Kili had been active until now as the leader of the Sons of Muspell. It would be far too unnatural for her to seek Midgard's protection at this juncture.

"Definitely, but I'm currently cornered to an unprecedented extent, hence—I hope you will save me."

Instead of looking at Shinomiya-sensei, Kili directed her last sentence to me.

"...Is the enemy so powerful that you feel your life is in danger?"

I took on her gaze and asked.

"Yes."

"What kind of enemy will make you this wary? Sleipnir?"

"Sleipnir?"

Kili frowned as though she was hearing the term for the first time.

"It's the NIFL team that barred your way when they were taking action to get a hold of Tia. Don't you remember?"

"Ah, you mean that inexplicably troublesome team. Yes, they are a threat too."

"Then you mean there are other enemies?"

"Yes, of course. However, it'd take forever if I had to list them all out, because I have too many enemies. That is why I have no choice apart from seeking your assistance in order to escape their pursuit and find safety."

Kili looked at each of us then turned her gaze back to Shinomiya-sensei.

"So, first of all, I would like you to tell us everything you know. In particular, unless we verify your relationship with Hekatonkheir, we will not allow you into Midgard."

Shinomiya-sensei spoke in a forceful tone of voice.

Roughly a month earlier, Kili had infiltrated Midgard in an attempt to retrieve Tia. Then as though summoned by her, Hekatonkheir had also made a sudden appearance at Midgard.

Kili had called Hekatonkheir "mother" upon seeing it. Although I did not think the literal meaning applied, some sort of deep relationship definitely existed between them.

"Regarding this matter—I will tell you as soon as we leave this country."

"Then I hope to depart immediately. According to information just received, NIFL's team has apparently mobilized to eliminate you. If you wish for safety, leaving this country ASAP is the wise choice."

"Yes, I'd like to do that too but I already promised to attend King Albert's funeral. I also have a speech scheduled on the last day."

Kili shrugged and replied.

"For someone who claims to be cornered... You seem rather laid back."

"I am indebted to this country for taking me in. Wouldn't it be too fickle to leave as soon as someone came to pick me up? And if I backed out of attending the funeral this late, wouldn't that worsen the outside world's view of the Ds?"

"...So you insist on refusing to disclose your true goal."

Shinomiya-sensei sighed deeply.

"You are too suspicious. What I said was clearly all true."

Kili smiled faintly and sighed as well.

"No helping it—Then we will follow the original plan and guard you until the funeral ends. Let us find a chance to talk again after we leave the country. I hope you will adhere to your promise and tell us everything, including your relationship with Hekatonkheir."

"Yes, I promise you."

Kili made an unreadable smile and nodded.

"—I look forward to you keeping your promise. Then about tomorrow's schedule..."

"I've been confined in this palace for a while now, so I'd like to go outside. Could you take me sightseeing to some of this country's attractions?"

Kili interrupted Shinomiya-sensei and spoke to Firill.

"...Are you even listening? Someone is targeting your life, right?"

Firill asked with a troubled expression.

"It's precisely because someone is targeting my life. They have already mobilized a team. No matter where, I will be attacked sooner or later. In that case, it's preferable to choose a location more suited to battle, right? My combat style is not suited to indoors."

"But..."

"If damage to the surroundings need not be considered while fighting in the palace—I don't mind staying here obediently. But when that happens, your loved ones might get caught in the crossfire."

"......"

Firill could only stay silent in response to Kili's counterarguments.

"Looks like we've reached a conclusion. Let's set off after breakfast tomorrow."

Deciding on the schedule on her own, Kili got up from her seat.

Watching her leave the room with relaxed footsteps, no one stopped her. Then the door slammed shut.

"—I feel like we are being totally used by her."

Lisa remarked unhappily and stood up from her seat.

"Yeah, she's clearly hiding something."

"Mm."

Ariella and Ren concurred. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

Then everyone left together. When going up the stairs, we parted ways with Firill on the third floor. Her room was apparently on the fourth.

"You may experience difficulties in adjusting to the time difference, but please do not oversleep tomorrow."

Mitsuki reminded us loudly. Everyone showed fatigue on their face.

"O-Okay... I'll try my best but I'm not confident."

Iris answered with a wry smile.

Thus, we all entered our respective rooms.

Thinking I'd take a shower first, I loosened my tie while walking to the bathroom. Then I heard a knock at my door.

Did Mitsuki forget to announce something? Guessing that, I opened the door—

"What..."

Standing in front of my room was Kili in her black dress.

"Why are you here...?"

"I secretly followed you because I need to talk to you alone."

Kili smiled seductively then swiftly entered the room, closing the door behind her. With pleading eyes, she looked up at me.

"...You need to talk to me?"

"That NIFL team that you mentioned—Sleipnir—has probably arrived in this country already. Actually, I was attacked when going out recently. I think they were probably responsible."

I was shocked to hear what Kili said. Major Loki sounded like he was about to mobilize his troops, but now it seemed like things were in motion already. He probably thought of testing the waters to see if I could be used only because I happened to have arrived in the country.

"But the problem came later. I don't know if it was one of them... Or sent by another faction. A tall man with his face obscured by a helmet entered the fight—I almost got killed by him."

"You almost got killed... Really?"

I could not believe instantly so I asked her again.

"It's true. I got a sense that he was very similar to you, that you when you stabbed the piece of steel into my body—"

My heart was beating intensely and my limbs trembled involuntarily.

So Major Loki really deployed ''him'' into battle after all—

"Judging by your reaction, you know who he is?"

"No, well—"

Since this was not something to be disclosed lightly, I answered vaguely.

"Never mind, after all... You are the only one I trust."

Kili smiled and touched my cheek with her right hand. I was a bit surprised by the unexpectedly cold sensation. At the same time, I noticed the fabric wrapped around Kili's right hand.

From the back of her hand to slightly above her wrist, everything was wrapped under a white bandage. Since her fingers were not wrapped and she was wearing a long-sleeved dress, I did not notice earlier.

"Your right hand... It's injured?"

I felt curious while asking her. Since it was Kili, she should be able to heal wounds instantly using biogenic transmutation.

"Oh—This isn't an injury."

Kili smiled wryly and separated from me, hiding her right hand behind herself.

"Then goodnight, Yuu. Surely, you will be able to protect me, no matter who the enemy is."

Leaving such words behind, Kili exited my room.

I still could not fathom what her goals were but judging from the way her eyes gazed at me, I could tell that she was struggling desperately. I suppose her seeking of help was probably real.

"You overestimate me."

I muttered quietly.

The tall man who had almost killed Kili, if he turned out to be the one I predicted—Then he was the only exception whom I absolutely could not defeat.

No, more accurately—''It was impossible for me to defeat him''.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_4_Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Unlimited_Fafnir|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_4_Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>