Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Capítulo 1

Capítulo 1 – Chegando no País Nostálgico

Parte 1

“É realmente bom fazer isso, eu me pergunto...”

Lux estremeceu com o ar frio logo depois de se lembrar e sorriu ironicamente.

Ainda não havia começado a nevar de verdade, mas toda a superfície da cidade estava coberta com a cor tranquila do inverno.

Para diminuir o frio, as casas eram feitas de pedra grossa.

Entre eles, ele pôde ver vários edifícios feitos de aduelas de madeira no estilo de uma igreja de madeira. Isso o fez sentir que esta era a terra que era apoiada pela fé religiosa – o grande país do norte, Ymir.

O número de igrejas era incomparavelmente muito maior do que no Novo Reino. E mesmo entre aquelas igrejas, ele podia ver de longe a catedral, que era a substituta de um palácio real na Capital Santa, na parte norte da cidade.

“A partir daqui o tempo vai esfriar, então é melhor apertar um pouco mais a gola.”

Krulcifer ao lado dele sussurrou suavemente e ela passou a mão no colarinho de Lux.

Os dedos finos da garota que podiam ser sentidos até mesmo através das luvas e seu rosto sorridente fizeram o coração de Lux pulsar levemente.

O casaco de pele quente e leve que ele usava foi todo preparado por Krulcifer para ele.

Viajar por meio dia do Novo Reino até a Teocracia Ymir foi realmente difícil.

Se usassem métodos normais, eles teriam que passar por uma viagem de mais de dez dias estranhos usando carruagem e navio com trânsito entre eles, mas Lux e Krulcifer ignoraram isso.

Eles fizeram uso máximo de seu status como Drag-Knights com altas pontuações de aptidão para viajar pelo céu na velocidade mais rápida.

Era uma longa distância que se fossem outros alunos, eles ficariam exaustos rapidamente. Os dois conseguiram voar fazendo algumas pausas curtas no meio do caminho.

E então agora, os dois entraram na Capital Santa que era a Capital da Teocracia Ymir. Atualmente, eles estavam observando aquela paisagem urbana.

“Eu fiz você fazer algo realmente excessivo até aqui, então se você está cansado, quer ir descansar em algum lugar?”

Lux balançou levemente a cabeça em consideração à garota caminhando ao lado dele.

Desde o início Krulcifer era uma linda garota, mas vê-la na Capital Santa deu-lhe outra impressão diferente.

Sua estatura simétrica e flexível e sua pele de neve que era de um branco puro e suave.

Seu cabelo longo azul fantástico e seu par de olhos que pareciam gelo a faziam parecer mais uma fada do que humana.

“Estou bem. Além disso, desta vez, eu vim como a escolta de Krulcifer-san.”

Ele estaria mentindo se dissesse que não estava cansado, mas Lux fingiu ser durão como de costume e disse isso.

A razão pela qual Lux a acompanhou desta vez foi essa.

A casa de Krulcifer, que veio como estudante transferida da Teocracia Ymir, a casa Einfolk a chamou de volta usando uma carta que dizia que havia um negócio urgente . Havia o segredo de que o local de nascimento de Krulcifer era a quarta Ruína, o Hall, neste país, então provavelmente esse assunto urgente deveria estar relacionado à Ruína.

A fim de se tornar a força dessa garota que era sua amiga importante, ele se juntou a ela para ajudá-la.

“Está tudo bem em não agir duramente, sabe? Tudo vai ser em vão se você pegar um resfriado.”

Ela soltou uma risada antes de trazer o ombro para perto dele.

“Q-Qual é o problema Krulcifer-san!? S-Se você ficar tão perto, fica mais difícil andar......”

“Estou pensando em aquecer Lux-kun um pouco para que você não sinta frio. Você não gostou?”

As bochechas da garota que sorria provocadoramente podiam ser vistas corando levemente.

O doce hálito e o sussurro fizeram com que até o rosto de Lux ficasse vermelho.

“E-Eu estou bem. Ao invés disso, o pessoal— eu me pergunto se elas estão surpresas por eu ter sumido de repente?”

“Certamente agora está se transformando em um grande alvoroço lá.”

O tom de voz de Krulcifer que estava contando a Lux parecia vagamente divertido.

Ela basicamente tinha uma imagem de pessoa talentosa, mas inesperadamente ela também possuía humor ou talvez divertimento.

Em relação à viagem desta vez, Lux seguiu a sugestão de Krulcifer e fez os preparativos com antecedência.

Primeiro, ele não queria que essa conversa se tornasse um assunto muito grande e arrastasse as outras garotas para isso.

Especialmente para Lisha, que Lux servia como seu cavaleiro exclusivo, e para Celis, que atuava como sua ajudante por ser um dos Sete Paladinos Dragão.

Assim, ele informou apenas algumas pessoas sobre o assunto desta vez, incluindo a diretora, Relie. E para fazer parecer que Lux ainda estava na academia até o último momento antes de ser descoberto, ele deixou Yoruka para trás para transmitir sua mensagem aos outros.

Yoruka fundamentalmente não ouvia o que ninguém dissesse, exceto Lux, então Lux a ordenou exatamente como Krulcifer sugeriu, mas—

“Mas, eu me pergunto se Yoruka está se saindo bem em transmitir minha mensagem? Como pensei, deveria pelo menos ter contado às outras quando estava saindo da Academia...”

“Isso não é bom, Lux-kun. Se não tivéssemos deixada aquela garota no Novo Reino com o seu comando, ela viria voluntariamente conosco, não importa o que, certo? Nesse caso, meu plano também não daria em nada.”

“Eh......? Agora o que—”

Lux pôde ouvir a palavra plano dita suavemente agora, mas ela quis dizer o plano de viagem com isso?

“Mais importante, há um rosto nostálgico ali.”

Quando Lux estava prestes a perguntar sobre isso, Krulcifer voltou o olhar para a frente.

Lá, uma mulher adulta usando um terno preto estava de pé.

“Lamento ter feito você esperar, Ojou-sama. E então— Lux-sama, há quanto tempo.”

Alterize McClair.

Uma mulher firme e rígida que era a copeira da casa Einfolk. Certa vez, ela confrontou Krulcifer, nomeando Barzeride dos Quatro Grandes Nobres para ser seu noivo. No final, ela reconheceu Lux e se reconciliou com Krulcifer.

A garota com quem ele se reencontrou depois de alguns meses o recebeu com um sorriso amigável.

“Você também está bem de saúde? Na carta, ouvi dizer que a neve começou a cair este ano?”

“Está mais frio do que o normal, mas estou bem. Afinal, eu também nasci neste país.”

Quando Krulcifer a chamou, Alterize sorriu calmamente em resposta.

Suas personalidades eram opostas uma à outra e seu relacionamento também era de mestre e servo, mas as duas que tinham um histórico semelhante de serem adotadas e criadas na casa Einfolk pareciam ter um vínculo misterioso uma com a outra na mente de Lux.

“Eu preparei a carruagem. Por favor, aqui.”

Alterize fez uma reverência antes de começar a andar pela rua principal. Lux e Krulcifer a seguiram.

(Fico feliz. As duas parecem estar mais próximas do que antes.)

Para Krulcifer, parecia que sua casa, a casa Einfolk, era um tanto desconfortável para ela, mas se Alterize se tornasse sua aliada, então era reconfortante.

Enquanto Lux estava pensando assim em alívio, Alterize de repente diminuiu sua velocidade de caminhada e caminhou ao lado de Krulcifer.

E então, ela lançou um breve olhar para Lux, que estava andando um pouco atrás deles.

“A propósito Ojou-sama. Isso é── sua relação com ele, até onde ela chegou?”

“Nossa? Então, mesmo alguém sério como você vai desenvolver algum interesse no relacionamento de um homem e uma mulher a qualquer momento?”

“...N-Não tire sarro de mim, por favor!? Isto é, tenho o dever de reportar à casa.”

Alterize tossiu com o rosto vermelho contra a resposta de Krulcifer.

Então a jovem de cabelos azuis deu sua resposta com uma leve hesitação.

“Vamos ver. Nossa situação é aquela em que não será um exagero que nosso relacionamento como namorados esteja se aprofundando favoravelmente.”

“É-É muito bom ouvir isso. E— e-está tudo bem mesmo se eu perguntar os detalhes?”

“É como você viu, quando estávamos caminhando juntos no festival na Capital Real, recebi um beijo dele. Esse é o grau de nosso relacionamento agora.”

“......!?”

“Além disso, na Academia, passávamos um tempo juntos quase todas as noites.”

“C-Como esperado, isso não um progresso muito grande!?”

“Não é uma preocupação. Porque estamos levando em consideração nossa posição como alunos.”

Krulcifer informou a perturbada Alterize com um tom suave de profundo significado.

Mas, talvez a informação fosse muito surpreendente porque a copeira ficou tensa por um tempo.

(Elas estão falando sobre o assunto da casa Einfolk?)

Lux estava cuidando das duas à sua frente, mesmo sem saber disso. Então Alterize diminuiu o passo e parou ao lado de Lux.

“E-Err, Lux-sama. Eu vou cuidar da bagagem.”

“Muito obrigado.”

Lux respondeu à oferta de Alterize com um sorriso gentil.

Mas, por algum motivo, ela não voltou para o lado de Krulcifer, que estava andando na frente e continuou a andar ao lado de Lux.

“Err, Lux-sama. Embora seja presunçoso, há algo que gostaria de lhe perguntar. Como está seu relacionamento com Ojou-sama recentemente?”

“Eh......?”

Lux estava olhando perplexo enquanto pensava ligeiramente.

Alguns momentos atrás, houve a necessidade de fazer Alterize ter a impressão de que ele era namorado de Krulcifer.

Desta vez, ele veio como a escolta de Krulcifer, que voltou para casa por causa da ordem de sua casa. Ele se perguntou se deveria responder que eles eram apenas amigos normais.

“Sim. Krulcifer-san está sempre cuidando de mim.”

“É-É mesmo? Ou seja, ouvi dizer que vocês dois ficaram ainda mais próximos um do outro? Quer dizer, parece que vocês dois se deram muito bem, mesmo na Capital Real. Eu também ouvi algo como, vocês dois passando todas as noites juntos na Academia...”

“Ah, então é isso. É exatamente assim, mas—”

Lux concordou e ele acenou com a cabeça com um sorriso.

Era sobre a questão de Krulcifer dar a Lux uma lição suplementar para que ele pudesse acompanhar o trabalho da classe que ele estava atrasado por causa de sua admissão tardia.

“I-Isso é verdade!? Acho um pouco difícil de imaginar que Ojou-sama esteja fazendo algo assim.”

“Sim. Foi ela quem me convidou, mas muitas vezes eu a solicitei. Porque Krulcifer-san é realmente hábil em ensinar.”

“É-É a Ojou-sama quem está liderando!?”

“......? Err, acho que é o caso. Embora eu também esteja fazendo o meu melhor para alcançá-la.”

“E-Embora eu seja quatro anos mais velha...! T-Tal coisa é...... D-Deixando isso de lado, vocês estão indo tão longe dentro da academia!?”

“Não apenas na sala de aula, estávamos até mesmo fazendo isso no dormitório feminino ou no refeitório. Quando não temos tempo, faríamos até no pátio um pouco.”

“F-Fazendo essas coisas mesmo fora—!? I-Isto é, como esperado—”

Alterize não conseguiu esconder seu choque e ela começou a andar para a frente mais uma vez com passos cambaleantes.

Quando Lux inclinou a cabeça perplexo, Krulcifer veio para o seu lado.

“Krulcifer-san, do que você estava falando com Alterize-san?”

“Eu estava apenas contando a ela com precisão sobre o relacionamento entre nós dois.”

Embarcaram na carruagem preparada por Alterize e avançaram pela rua principal da Capital Santa que era a principal cidade do país.

Lux espiava a paisagem pela janela, sentindo uma certa sensação de estar fora do lugar.

“A paisagem urbana da Capital Santa, como é comparada com a Capital Real?”

“De alguma forma, estou tendo uma sensação misteriosa. Mesmo que a atmosfera esteja quieta à primeira vista, parece que os cidadãos estão vagamente inquietos—”

O ar era solene, o que era apropriado para um país religioso, mas havia uma vaga sensação de alegria.

Quando Lux contou a impressão que sentiu, Alterize, que estava sentada atrás da carruagem, respondeu.

“Que visão perspicaz. É porque o Festival de Peregrinação, que é uma cerimônia importante para os adeptos da Teocracia Ymir, começará amanhã.”

Lux ouviu sobre a cultura do país de Alterize durante sua viagem até o destino.

O Festival de Peregrinação era um dos grandes festivais que aconteciam todos os anos na Teocracia Ymir. Parecia que era uma cerimônia que também tinha um grande significado em sua doutrina.

Este país endeusou uma existência que era adorada como Deus. Naquele dia, as pessoas ofereceriam suas orações.

Era também uma festa em que as pessoas caminhavam em direção a lugares que tinham uma ligação com Deus, mas na realidade quem visitava vários lugares sagrados seriam apenas os sacerdotes de alto escalão como o Papa e os Bispos, seus guardas, e talvez alguns nobres influentes da Teocracia que eram crentes na religião.

Além disso, um dos lugares sagrados do país ficava perto da Ruína.

Portanto, nos tempos atuais, onde a frequência do aparecimento do Abyss estava aumentando, a peregrinação seria acompanhada por muitos guardas.

“Atualmente não estamos indo para a casa Einfolk, mas para o centro da Capital— o Santuário. Originalmente, sua eminência, o Papa, estaria na catedral, mas pelo bem do público desta vez, estamos indo para este lugar.”

“......Entendido.”

A mão de Lux segurava uma carta da Rainha Raffi.

O conteúdo não pôde ser lido porque a carta estava lacrada, mas quando ele recebeu permissão para sua viagem da Diretora Relie, por algum motivo, até o primeiro-ministro do Novo Reino, Nulph, sabia dessa viagem.

Como uma pessoa que foi apontada como membro dos Sete Paladinos Dragão, vá saudar o país aliado – essa deve ser a intenção deles.

Em pouco tempo, a carruagem chegou à frente do Santuário.

Estava visivelmente destacando-se até mesmo dentro da Capital Santa, um palácio branco como giz que criava uma atmosfera solene.

Sua aparência externa não era muito chamativa, mas era um edifício que foi congelado com um design que fez seu observador sentir a história e a autoridade.

“Ojou-sama. Você se lembra da etiqueta do Santuário?”

“Embora eu tenha essa aparência, pretendo ser uma crente devota, sabe? Mesmo no caso de eu ser expulsa da casa Einfolk, não esquecerei em apenas cerca de um ano.”

A pergunta de Alterize que desceu da carruagem foi respondida assim por Krulcifer com um sorriso irônico que não parecia nem um pouco piedoso.

Alterize deixou escapar um sorriso irônico com essa atitude enquanto apresentava algo embrulhado em um pano para Krulcifer.

“Esta é a vestimenta usual. Eu irei esperar aqui.”

“Então vamos, Lux-kun.”

“S-Sim.”

Lux passou pelo portão do Santuário depois de Krulcifer.

O interior possuía pilares e um teto que tinha pictogramas gravados, feitos de forma a transmitir a sensação da história e da cultura do país religioso.

O corredor que ligava o prédio tinha um tapete longo e estreito estendido no chão. O ambiente estava vagamente iluminado por lâmpadas.

Enquanto Lux estava mergulhado naquela atmosfera única, os pés de Krulcifer pararam de repente.

“Há uma área de espera se você for direto daqui. Me desculpa Lux-kun, mas você pode esperar um pouco aí? Não se mova o máximo possível a partir daí.”

“Não me importo, mas por quê?”

“Tenho alguns negócios. Quando um crente fica muito tempo sem entrar no Santuário, existem muitos procedimentos incômodos a serem executados.”

Depois de dizer isso com um leve sorriso, Krulcifer caminhou em direção a uma passagem secundária.

Suas costas ficaram mais distantes, sem nem mesmo tempo para chamá-la.

“Então eu acho que por agora, eu só preciso esperar ali...?”

Lux se dirigiu para o lugar que parecia ser o local de espera no corredor, então ele suspirou 'fuu' e se sentou.

O Santuário na Teocracia Ymir era principalmente um lugar para audiências ou cerimônias. O número de guardas não era grande, mas uma estranha tensão pairava no ar.

(Mesmo assim, eu me pergunto se Krulcifer-san está bem.)

O motivo pelo qual Krulcifer foi chamada de volta pela casa Einfolk ainda não estava claro.

O passado oculto da menina cuja origem vinha de uma Ruína.

Seria ótimo se Lux pudesse se tornar a força de Krulcifer, que estava preso a esse fato.

“Tenho que ajudar Krulcifer-san da maneira adequada.”

Quando ele sussurrou para si mesmo assim, de repente ele pode ouvir o som repetido de passos no chão.

“Nii-san aí, você está preocupado com alguma coisa?”

“Eh......?”

Quando Lux se virou para aquela voz, uma pequena silhueta estava parada ali.

Um manto branco puro sem nenhuma mancha cobria aquele corpo pequeno que ainda era infantil.

Sob o véu da mesma cor que cobria sua cabeça, um lindo sorriso podia ser visto.

Era uma garota que exalava doçura como uma rosa branca que acabara de brotar.

“Ah, certo... um pouco. Você é... filha de um crente? Você veio aqui para orar?”

Quando Lux também respondeu assim com um sorriso, a garota acenou com a cabeça uma vez.

“Isso mesmooo. Eu tenho orado aqui há algum tempo. Nii-san é uma pessoa de um país estrangeiro certo? Devo mostrar a você?”

A jovem sugeriu com um sorriso amigável.

“Não, mas estou esperando aqui por uma amiga com quem vim.”

“Está tudo bem. Não iremos por muito tempo, poderemos voltar em breve, ok?”

A garota puxou a manga do uniforme de Lux com uma voz alegre.

No final, Lux perdeu para os empurrões e ele a acompanhou um pouco.

A garota pegou a mão de Lux e começou a andar em um ritmo rápido.

E então ela abriu a porta de uma sala que ficava ligeiramente ao lado da passagem para a qual Krulcifer tinha passado.

“Então, primeiro você não vai tentar entrar lá?”

“Ah, ok......”

Instado pela garota, Lux entrou no quarto que lhe foi mostrada.

A sala fria feita de pedra era escura, estreita como uma passagem.

“......Eh?”

Dentro da sala comprida e estreita, havia apenas uma lâmpada. Ele não conseguia nem ver alguns ml à frente.

Várias prateleiras estavam alinhadas na parede, e havia uma pequena janela com grades no lado.

No fundo da sala havia uma porta fechada. Houve um leve som de água que ele podia ouvir.

“Err, este lugar é—?”

“Shh. Fique quieto, seremos ouvidos.”

Quando Lux inclinou a cabeça para a forma estranha da sala, a jovem colocou o dedo indicador na frente da boca.

E então, ela mostrou um sorriso vagamente malicioso e fez a mão de Lux segurar algo.

“...Err, o que é isso?”

Enquanto Lux ficava perplexo com a sensação do tecido que estava um tanto quente apesar de sua maciez, a jovem freira apontou para a janela gradeada.

‘Olhe ali’, deve ser isso o que ela quis dizer.

Mas, quando Lux aproximou o rosto da janela, uma visão difícil de acreditar surgiu em seus olhos.

“......!?”

Ele duvidou espontaneamente de seus olhos.

O corpo nu de Krulcifer se banhando em água fria destacava-se no fundo escuro iluminado pela luz.

Pupilas de cor de gelo tingidos de melancolia. Um tecido fino transparente branco puro estava agarrado em sua pele lisa que brilhava.

Isso era tudo que seu corpo usava, a parte inferior de seu corpo estava nua.

Seu lindo cabelo azul que pingava água, e a linha de seu corpo magro também estavam à vista. Apesar de que seu seio não parecia grande à primeira vista, um vívido volume podia ser visto apenas ligeiramente, embora fosse pequeno.

Essa bela e sensual visão fez com que o coração de Lux batesse forte.

(O qu—!? P-Por que—!?)

Lux de repente percebeu a surpresa, um momento depois.

Parecia que um crente devotado limparia seu corpo na entrada quando entrasse no Santuário, enxaguando a sujeira do mundo exterior.

O embrulho que Alterize à entregou deveria ser a rouba de banho.

Mas a cabeça de Lux estava envolta em caos, mesmo agora, quando ele havia chegado a essa resposta.

“Fuu—”

Do outro lado da barra da janela, uma voz encantadora de repente pôde ser ouvida.

(Isso é ruim! Desse jeito, estou espiando Krulcifer-san será—)

Quando Lux voltou a si e ele estava prestes a desviar o olhar, a garota do outro lado da parede se mexeu.

“—Quem!?”

Krulcifer levantou uma voz tensa. Lux se contraiu e seu corpo estremeceu.

O olhar penetrante da garota o apunhalou através das grades da janela.

“Lux...kun...?”

“V-Você está enganada Krulcifer-san!? I-Isto é, não é como se eu estivesse espiando, isto é, fui apenas trazido aqui por acidente—”

Lux deu uma desculpa em grande pânico para Krulcifer, que estava fazendo uma expressão perplexa.

A garota que estava escondendo o peito com as duas mãos ficou vermelha de vergonha enquanto dirigia olhos reprovadores cheios de ressentimento para ele.

“Eu pensei que Lux-kun era um pervertido e um ladrão de roupa íntima apenas quando você se matriculou na Academia, mas parece que era apenas minha imaginação.”

“Esses são dois mal-entendidos, sabe!? Estou falando a verdade, fui trazido para cá quando alguém estava me mostrando as coisas, não é como se eu tivesse a consciência pesada– espere, aquela criança não está aqui—!?”

Quando ele percebeu e olhou em volta, a figura da freira que trouxe Lux aqui havia sumido.

Quando Krulcifer viu isso com um olhar frio, ela soltou um suspiro exasperado ‘haa’.

“É mesmo? Se possível, eu também quero acreditar em Lux-kun, mas infelizmente sua persuasão parece não existir...... Em primeiro lugar, posso pedir-lhe para largar isso em sua mão?”

Quando Lux abaixou o rosto exatamente como lhe foi dito, sua própria mão entrou em seu campo de visão.

O que sua visão acostumada com a escuridão podia ver, era que sua mão estava segurando uma calcinha verde-clara com força.

“......Espere, não me diga que isso é de Krulcifer-san!?”

O fluxo sanguíneo de Lux acelerou drasticamente e seu coração estava pulsando como se estivesse pulando em seu peito.

“M-Me desculpe—!? E-Então—!?”

Lux berrou soltando a calcinha e saiu do quarto correndo.

Pensando agora, onde ele entrou era o vestiário para o banho. Além do mais— era o quarto para meninas.

“Haa, haa... por quê!? Por que algo assim—!”

Ele estava suando muito, mesmo dentro do Santuário frio.

Lux voltou para o sofá na passagem com área de espera, e quando ele estava imerso em confusão.

“Eu me pergunto se você verá o céu? O inferno está esperando logo depois disso.”

“......!? Você é—!?”

Uma voz pôde ser ouvida de repente. A freira de antes apareceu na frente dele.

A atitude da doce menina infantil era uma mudança completa em relação à antes, ela estava mostrando um sorriso malicioso.

Mas, o motivo da surpresa de Lux não foi apenas isso.

Ele tinha visto o rosto e a impressão da garota antes.

Antes que ele pudesse se lembrar, a própria garota falou sobre sua verdadeira identidade.

Ela tirou o manto e o véu, e uma figura usando um vestido preto chique apareceu.

Cabelo platinado ondulado e um sorriso autoconfiante que continha uma confiança inabalável.

Uma dos Sete Paladinos Dragão que ele encontrou no Principado de Vanheim— A Subjugadora, Mel Gizalut.

“Por que... você está aqui—!?”

Lux deixou escapar espontaneamente. Em resposta, Mel sorriu inocentemente.

“Que coisa, eu sou a representante dos Sete Paladinos Dragão da Teocracia Ymir, sabe? Não há nada de estranho para eu entrar e sair do Santuário local aqui, certo?”

Não havia vestígios da menina angelical até agora, em vez disso, ela estava até mesmo tingida com uma atmosfera vagamente encantadora e glamorosa.

Portanto, a dúvida de Lux se dissipou.

O incidente agora, foi ele sendo completamente armado por essa garota.

“Mesmo o Herói Negro do Novo Reino é inesperadamente pouca coisa. Ou então, você é apenas indulgente com as crianças, eu me pergunto? Para você ser facilmente pego por esse tipo de truque barato.”

“P-Por que você fez algo como—”

Quando Lux ficou perplexo com a risada de Mel, a garota ficou na ponta dos pés e olhou para o rosto de Lux.

“Ei, eu me pergunto, até que ponto seu relacionamento com Krulcifer progrediu?”

A garota de repente perguntou tal coisa.

“M-Mesmo que você me pergunte tal coisa, isso é...”

Mesmo resmungando de forma confusa, Lux respondeu a essa pergunta dentro de seu coração.

Uma garota que era sua amiga muito importante.

Desde que ele desempenhou o papel de namorado dela, ele estava construindo um bom relacionamento com ela mesmo depois disso.

Como se visse o interior do coração de tal Lux, Mel aproximou ainda mais o rosto dela.

“Hmmm. Parece que vocês dois ainda não são propriamente namorados. Embora você não pareça estar tão insatisfeito com isso.”

“N-Namorados? Não é como se Krulcifer-san e eu fossemos—”

Ter isso apontado fez com que o coração de Lux palpitasse e seu rosto ficasse vermelho. Foi então—

“Então, que tal eu ajudá-lo a se reconciliar com ela?”

A expressão de Mel de repente explodiu em um sorriso típico de uma criança e ela disse isso a ele.

“Quando Krulcifer retornar, vou defendê-lo sobre a questão de sua espionagem. Vou dizer a ela que não foi intencional, mas um acidente infeliz.”

“Isso é útil, mas— ...espere, em primeiro lugar, essa foi a sua armadilha, certo!?”

“Há apenas uma condição se você quiser que eu faça isso. Você pode me dizer a fraqueza de Krulcifer? Está tudo bem, então você pode me dizer?”

“......Eh?”

Essas palavras inesperadas de Mel fizeram Lux inclinar a cabeça por reflexo.

“Isso é, o que você—”

“Não há um significado particularmente profundo. E o que você vai fazer?”

A tentação da garota que era como um convite de um diabinho.

Mas, depois de hesitar um pouco, Lux decidiu sua resposta.

“Não sei nada parecido, então não posso te responder. Vamos manter isso em segredo de Krulcifer.”

Lux recusou a oferta claramente, mas Mel também não demonstrou qualquer sinal de agitação e zombou.

“Isso é o que eu pensei que você iria dizer. Mas, eu me pergunto se sua desculpa será capaz de persuadir aquela garota.”

“Não é como se eu estivesse planejando enquadrar isso como se fosse totalmente sua culpa, sabe? Eu entendo que metade é minha própria culpa.”

Lux estava refletindo não apenas por ter sido enganado, mas também sobre seu próprio ato de andar descuidadamente.

Em relação a isso, ele só poderia se desculpar sinceramente.

“É por isso, não posso dizer nada sobre fraqueza. Mas você pode apenas me dizer uma coisa? Você, qual é a sua relação com Krulcifer-san?”

A casa Einfolk era uma família distinta de grandes nobres da Teocracia Ymir.

E então, Lux previu que a casa Gizalut de Mel provavelmente também estava no mesmo nível.

Mas Lux não conseguia vê-la simplesmente como a rival aristocrata de Krulcifer.

“Hee...”

Os olhos de Mel que viram a reação de Lux se arregalaram ligeiramente de surpresa.

“Então você não vai me trair? Além disso, também parece que você não é apenas um simples pacifista que evita balançar o barco, não é? Para você manter o segredo daquela mulher e me sondar em vez disso.”

Quanto mais Lux falava com essa garota chamada Mel, mais ele entendia a profundidade de seus pensamentos.

Se ele fosse enganado por sua aparência jovem, parecia que enfrentaria uma experiência dolorosa.

“Não é como se estivéssemos fazendo um acordo—”

“Não importa, cavalheiro-san. Quero lhe dizer a resposta em deferência ao seu interesse, mas você pode perguntar a Krulcifer mais tarde. Eu odeio explicar ou mesmo ouvir isso, afinal.”

Mel mostrou um sorriso com profunda implicação antes de voltar seu olhar para trás de Lux.

Quando Lux se virou, Krulcifer estava parado com uma expressão um tanto confusa.

“Então vejo você mais tarde~. Lux-oniichan!”

Mel saiu com um sorriso inocente.

Depois disso, apenas Lux e Krulcifer ficaram para trás, com um ar estranho entre eles.

“............”

Alguns segundos de silêncio.

“K-Krulcifer-san!? Isso é, agora mesmo, err—”

Enquanto Lux se preocupava em pedir desculpas, Krulcifer escovou o cabelo com seu rosto sempre frio.

“Vamos deixar esse assunto para depois. Vamos rápido. Sua eminência, o Papa, deve estar esperando.”

Ela disse isso para Lux calmamente e começou a andar no chão do Santuário.

Lux também a seguiu lentamente após um momento de hesitação.

Part 2

「Krulcifer of the Einvolk house, and you are the aforementioned Lux Arcadia of the Seven Dragon Paladins. How admirable for the two of you to visit this land at this chance. Coming from afar through a long journey must be arduous.」

The audience hall was decorated with angel sculptures and radiant stained glass.

While Drag-Knight guards that were called the Sanctuary Knight Order and three bishops were standing at the side, Lux was handing over the letter from Queen Raffi while greeting Pope Nias.

(This person is, his eminence the pope of the Ymir Theocracy……?)

He had heard the rumor, but Lux couldn’t hide his surprise inside his heart.

「There is no need for consideration. God should be equally generous to all the people. You can be at ease.」

The one who told Lux that in a very formal tone was a young boy of very young age.

Although his appearance was wearing a robe for ceremony use, his whole body looked really weighty even after the dress had been modified for children use.

Of course, Lux had no intention to make light of him just because he was young.

Just, Pope Nias smiled, perhaps because he had guessed Lux’s bewilderment.

「Have you heard of the rumors about me? Well, it’s just as you see, I have only taken over after the previous pope. I’m not good at difficult talk. Because of that, Orphel, I’ll leave the rest to you.」

「Understood.」

The one who bowed reverently and walked forward was one of the bishops who was the pope’s close aide standing by at the back.

She was a young beautiful female with an intellectual look.

He heard she was a person of character who seemed to be of help to Krulcifer in the past and also had a close relationship with Mel too.

「Well then, please allow me to briefly talk about the Pilgrimage Festival that will start from tomorrow and about the matter that had us call you two here.」

With that preface, the bishop Orphel started talking about the circumstances this time.

First the pilgrimage, the visiting route would be different according to the believer’s rank, and the route that the pope, whose rank was the highest among the believers, would take was the most dangerous route.

The reason was because the route would graze right beside the fourth Ruin, the Hall.

Even at the best of times the Abyss would still appear from the Ruin, and yet recently that number of appearances was also increasing.

Thus, until now the elites of the Sanctuary Knight Order that consisted of Drag-Knights would accompany the pope with a lot of guards.

But, taking into account the recent year’s situation where the warmongers called Dragon Marauder were secretly maneuvering, there was also no way they could neglect the country’s defenses just for the sake of the pilgrimage.

In order to make the pope’s pilgrimage end smoothly while still leaving behind a combat force that could oppose any threat, it was thought that reinforcements of excellent Drag-Knights was indispensable.

「So, that means──」

Pope Nias nodded right away at Krulcifer who muttered that.

「Correct. My accompaniment for the pilgrimage this time will be the elites of the Sanctuary Knight Order and Mel Gizalut of the Seven Dragon Paladins. And then Krulcifer, you too are included.」

Even if it was a dangerous route where it would pass near the Ruin, if there was a force that included two users of Divine Drag-Ride serving as guard, then they would be able to oppose any opposition without problem.

「──That’s the plan so far, but we wish to make an additional request. The Seven Dragon Paladins, Lux Arcadia. Can we ask you to also accompany the pilgrimage of his preeminence the pope?」

The words that Orphel said next caused Lux to stiffen slightly.

If asked whether it was unexpected, it was an unexpected talk.

Currently, Lux only came with the intention of accompanying Krulcifer.

But, the Seven Dragon Paladins were originally created in order for cooperation against the threat of the Abyss and Dragon Marauder.

The Ymir Theocracy, too, had no reason to hesitate for requesting cooperation.

「Of course, Ymir will pay the compensation through the New Kingdom. Besides, just by receiving this guard duty for the pilgrimage, you will be given a positive evaluation as a Drag-Knight. How about it?」

Raising his World RankWorld Grade Rank and through that increasing his influence inside the Seven Dragon Paladins was also one of Lux’s objectives.

In that case, he had no reason to refuse.

「Understood. Please allow me to accompany on the pilgrimage too.」

「Oo! As expected from the representative of our allied country. You can ask about the details of the schedule from Orphel. Then, I will be relying on you from tomorrow onward.」

After Pope Nias spoke expressing his delight, the meeting was closed.

By the way, the archbishop with highest rank after Pope Nias seemed to be unable to come out because of sickness.

After that, Lux was told about the specifics of the arrangements from Bishop Orphel in a different room before he left the Sanctuary for the time being.

Perhaps because the sun would soon set, the air felt colder than before and Lux shivered lightly──then.

「You will quickly freeze if you are forcing yourself to endure in this country you know?」

Suddenly a cape was put *pofu-* on Lux’s head from the side.

The fluffy sensation from the fur seemed to be something Krulcifer prepared in advance in anticipation of this situation.

Lux was relieved from the girl’s consideration while he recalled about the peeping incident.

「Ah, Krulcifer-san. That, about the matter from before──」

「You don’t need to apologize anymore. It’s not like I was angry about it, I was just embarrassed that’s why……」

Saying that, Krulcifer’s cheeks reddened slightly while she walked ahead.

In front of the Sanctuary, Alterize was waiting with the horse carriage.

「After that, I also secretly listened to the conversation between Lux-kun and Mel.」

「Ah, uh, right.」

Krulcifer was still looking vaguely dissatisfied, but Lux was relieved that he was forgiven.

On the other hand, Krulcifer was still averting her blushing face from Lux.

「Rather than that, it was embarrassing that my unprepared side got seen by you……」

The girl whispered like that to herself with a small voice that couldn’t be heard even by Lux who was beside her.

They had just gone through a long travel, no, it couldn’t be said to be that long but it still took almost the whole day. The underwear she was wearing all that time that she had finished wearing and left to be washed was taken into Lux’s hand and it got seen by him.

She believed that it wasn’t that dirty, even so she couldn’t help but pretend to be angry.

「I wonder if I’m thinking that I don’t want my embarrassing side to be seen more than earlier……」

Krulcifer suddenly muttered with a small voice while climbing into the horse carriage.

Their schedule for tomorrow was settled, but there was one more trial that would come after this.

The homecoming after about a year and a half to Krulcifer’s home──the Einvolk house.

An exhale that was slightly tinged with nervousness vanished into the empty air that was dyed white.

Part 3

「So, in the end, even headmaster was staying quiet? A matter this important──」

At the same time, in the evening.

At the Cross Field in the New Kingdom, in the headmaster’s office in the Academy, several girls were intruding inside.

Because today was the holiday for the anniversary of the Academy’s establishment, Relie too originally should be resting, but only for today she remained inside the headmaster office and put on a wry smile in front of her desk.

「I understand that you are shocked that Lux-kun vanished, but it’s not like I have any ill will in this matter.」

In front of her wasn’t just Lisha who was making a dissatisfied face.

Celistia, Philuffy, Airi, in addition even the members of the Triad, almost all of the main members of Syvalles were gathered at the same time for some reason.

The matter of Lux traveling to the Ymir Theocracy without any previous notice.

They were unable to accept it just by hearing the verbal message from Yoruka’s mouth, and they intruded until the place of Relie who knew about the situation.

Like that what they were told from Relie’s mouth was that originally Lux and Krulcifer were planning to depart from the New Kingdom during the night today, not yesterday.

It seemed that originally he planned to say goodbye to everyone before departing, but──

「Haa, in short we got deceived by Krulcifer-san’s plan isn’t it.」

Airi muttered while letting out a deep sigh that was mixed with resgination.

「Thinking back now, that opinion is highly possible.」

Relie replied lightly like that and continued the explanation.

If Lux escorted Krulcifer who was ordered to return home, there was a possibility that Lisha and the others would try to follow and drastically reduce the defensive force of Cross Field.

Therefore, she wished to depart without telling anyone until the very last second. ──That was Krulcifer’s original stance on the surface.

But, a deviation of a day occurred on the day before the scheduled day. Noticing that the two departed in hurry without even any time to say goodbye to everyone. Lux then hurriedly entrusted a verbal message to Yoruka──that was the circumstances of this case.

「She was totally planning it. Krulcifer missy is really too shrewd.」

「Wee-ll, it’s really like her though.」

Tillfur responded to Sharis’s smile, and Noct nodded at the end wordlessly.

「──And, the decider is that woman huh.」

And then Lisha glared at the corner of the room. The gazes of everyone present gathered there then.

The girl who was unusually wearing the academy’s uniform──, Kirihime Yoruka was standing there.

「I was simply following Aruji-sama’s order.」

Yoruka floated a bright smile and lightly turned aside the gazes.

But, Lisha walked rapidly before her eyes and then she stood in front of her while folding her arms.

「……I wanted to ask this since some time ago, what do you think about Lux?」

「My apologies, but my principle is not to think about troublesome things.」

Yoruka’s attitude was unchanged even in response to that question.

「My long cherished desire is to live for the sake of Aruji-sama and die as a tool. I already accomplished conveying the verbal message, so I’m intending to pass my time quietly just like I’m told.」

「──Irritating. It makes me astounded asking this so called servant.」

Lisha who heard that pouted her lips in dissatisfaction and she pointed with her index finger.

「You thinking that it’s fine to just listen to the instruction like that conversely means that you don’t have any interest whatsoever in Lux right? Because you’re like that you got caught in Krulcifer’s scheme. As a Drag-Knight you are fairly strong, but on the inside where it’s matters, you are hollow, huh.」

「That’s troubling. I don’t happen to have any words in hand to reply back to that kind of emotional argument.」

「We-ll, in short Lisha-sama is saying 『Even though you also like Lux, and yet don’t you get pissed of that you got tricked by Krulcifer?』, like that. She isn’t being mean, so don’t let it get to you okay?」

「Wha-!? Do, don’t interpret it strangely as you please!? Pu, putting that aside. Now that I know Lux’s location, starting from now I’ll also go to the Ymir The──」

「It’s unfortunate but, you cannot do that. Though I feel bad for everyone.」

When Relie said that while smiling wryly, Lisha straightened her back and puffed her chest.

「Lux is my exclusive knight you know!? That’s enough reason for me to accompany him right!?」

「No, even I cannot permit that. You, who are the princess, leaving your own country should be avoided as long as there are no very pressing reasons, is what I think.」

Celis cut in and remonstrated Lisha.

「But──」

「And so, I who am an aide of the Seven Dragon Paladins judge that I should go to check his condition.」

「──Wait, wait a second!? You are planning to go!?」

「At the very least, I think that I am suitable for that duty though?」

「……Haa, I thought that it would become like this.」

Relie smiled in exasperation and stared at the scene while supporting her cheek with her hand.

If there was even one person trying to go to where Lux was, the other girls would obviously raise their hand wanting to go too.

Looking at this situation, then Krulcifer’s decision to depart without anyone knowing might actually be the correct course of action.

(……But, it’s nice being young isn’t it.)

Being true to one’s own desire, or perhaps she should call it crashing their honest feelings against each other, Relie thought of their figure that was like that as charming.

Having said that, currently she was an adult. She was in the position as a headmaster.

Originally it wasn’t in Relie’s principle to suppress this situation, but she had to fulfill her responsibility here.

「That’s enough everyone. I forbid anyone to follow after them in the matter this time. Surely all of you are dissatisfied, but I’ll take on the role to be the hated figure here. That’s why──」

When Relie was going to conclude it with such firm tone,

「I also, didn’t know.」

From the side, Philuffy suddenly muttered shortly with a serious face.

「Err, that, Phi……?」

Hearing the words of the little sister she doted on, Relie reacted timidly.

「I also didn’t hear anything from Nee-chan. Even though I promised, with Lu-chan to go to a new crepe shop today.」

Inside that apathetic expression and tone, the presence of clear dissatisfaction could be sensed.

That was a blunt attitude for Philuffy who was originally poor at expressing her emotions. Even Relie was bewildered against that.

「Wha, what you are saying is also reasonable but, ca, can you endure it only for this time?」

Relie tried to soothe Philuffy somehow with a smile, but Philuffy turned her face away with ‘puih’.

「Eh……!?」

Philuffy kept her face averted from the petrified Relie and she didn’t even twitch with her expression staying serious.

After a bizarre silence flowed for a few seconds, before long Philuffy muttered a few words.

「……I hate, Onee-chan.」

「-……!?」

The moment Relie heard that, her face that was usually quite indifferent turned pale.

She hurriedly approached in front of Philuffy, then she talked to her with trembling voice.

「Yo, you see. Thi, this can’t be helped you know? This is also unexpected for me. As expected, chasing after Lux-kun from now will be impossible, that’s why──」

「…………」

But, as expected Philuffy averted her face with ‘puih’ once more while her serious face didn’t change.

Relie who saw that stiffened as though she was turned into stone, then a few seconds later she folded.

「I, I understand! I, I’ll at least try negotiating something! Even if it’s impossible for everyone to go, at the very least I’ll make it so that Philuffy can go to the Ymir Theocracy! That’s why, don’t hate Onee-chan!」

After saying that Relie returned to her desk and began to write up a letter hurriedly.

「Just what happened with that role to be the hated figure……?」

「Or rather, that airhead girl, isn’t she actually really calculating……?」

Celis muttered dumbfounded, followed by Lisha responding like that with a conflicted face.

Although, from the view point of the national defense, it was hard to imagine that this situation could be overturned that simply.

「I too need to think of a reason so that I can go somehow. Oi eroerotic woman, is there anything else that you know?」

While Lisha was asking Yoruka like that, Airi and the Triad members were staring at that commotion.

「……By the way, this is just in case. But if they are able to go to Ymir, can we also go along with them I wonder. Look, we will be like extra assistants or something!」

「No. You can think of it as definitely impossible. Or rather, you should hide your true intention a bit.」

「Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but give up. Well, I too will be lying if I said that I don’t want to at least show my face.」

Tillfur said jokingly, but Noct and Sharis easily admonished her.

Inside the headmaster’s office that was filled with the tumult of the girls, Airi sighed with reproachful eyes.

「Everyone, are really a pain isn’t it……」

Everyone had the position as aristocrats in their own way, and they were also outstanding and powerful Drag-Knights. And yet, when it came to Lux, they were like children.

(Well, there won’t be any persuasiveness even if I say anything though.)

She had no skill to control a Drag-Ride despite her aptitude for it. In a sense that might be fortunate.

She was putting up a calm front but, actually she was the one who was the most──wanting to meet her big brother Lux.

(I’m also, a pain as a little sister……)

Airi whispered inside her heart and stared once more at the commotion before her eyes.

The situation was slowly moving in the New Kingdom too.

Part 4

On the other side, at the Holy Capital of the Ymir Theocracy where the sun almost set.

Lux stopped by at an inn together with Krulcifer and prepared for their visit to the Einvolk house.

The home of Krulcifer, who was a daughter of a count, was in another territory, but on days like this, where the day when there would be a ceremony was close, the family would move into their secondary residence in the Holy Capital.

First, Lux and Krulcifer put their appearances in order as the preliminary arrangements before visiting that house.

Normally he had a close relationship with the girls at the Academy like with Lisha or Philuffy, so he almost forgot, but the arrangement of nobles was basically troublesome.

「……Yosh, something like this is fine I think?」

Lux who changed from the academy uniform into a black dress suit looked at the mirror while whispering.

This attire was also something Krulcifer prepared for him, but it looked excessively expensive, so he didn’t dare to ask the price.

This kind of full dress reminded him completely of his time as a member of the Old Empire’s imperial family. For Lux he also felt a bit not used to it but──

「Can you show your appearance to me too? Let’s check each other’s attire.」

「Uwah!?」

The voice that Lux suddenly heard caused him to look beside him in panic.

Krulcifer wearing a graceful dress with her shoulders slightly visible was standing there.

The black fabric that gave the impression of elegant smoothness made her white skin appear even more prominent. A small silverwork accompanied her as a reserved decoration.

While it was an outfit with little showiness, it didn’t harm the intelligent charm she possessed at all.

No matter how he looked at her, she looked completely like a count’s daughter.

「It has been a long time since I returned home, that’s why I’m worried whether I’m wearing this well.」

After saying that, Krulcifer coolly brushed up her hair. Seeing that, Lux unconsciously became dazed.

Lux noticed that she was looking for his impression and he raised his voice in hurry.

「It really suits you, Krulcifer-san.」

「Is that so? Thank you. But, as for you it’s still coming a bit short.」

Krulcifer approached Lux who was smiling awkwardly and she slowly brought her face closer.

Lux was bewildered seeing that bewitching smile brought closer to him.

「Wai-, Krr, Krulcifer-san!?」

Their lips would touch with just one more push──it was a distance where their chests almost clung to each other.

The moment Lux became aware of the nice smell of her hair, her slender fingers touched Lux’s chest.

「Uwah……!?」

「Come on, don’t move. Your collar is slightly off.」

With just a single whisper, Krulcifer stole Lux’s movement ability.

After slightly pinching the chest part of his shirt, she lightly adjusted its shape.

「Okay, I’m finished. With this you too became a really cool prince.」

「Tha, thank you……」

He thought that it was a bit exaggerated, but he didn’t feel bad getting praised by her. His face turned completely red.

(Wait, isn’t this, aren’t our positions reversed here……?)

When they were alone together, Krulcifer led him around by the nose just like always.

But perhaps it was thanks to that both of them could relax somewhat from their tension.

While he was thinking that, Krulcifer suddenly turned her back towards him.

「My, it’s a bad hobby to peek you know, Alterize.」

「N, no-!? I’m coming only to take a look at the situation!」

Krulcifer’s teasing caused the female butler looking at the two of them from the corridor to respond in panic.

「I, it will soon be the time for the visit. If we are too late in coming, it will become time for dinner.」

Alterize awkwardly averted her eyes from the two with her cheeks still faintly blushing.

The girl had an image as a steady bulter, but it seemed she was estranged from the matter of romance.

「If you are jealous, how about you also find a lover?」

「Tha, that’s not true, I’m arranged to have a marriage interview someday and then marry anyway, so I’ll refrain from that.」

After saying that with a red face, Alterize exited the inn and headed to the horse carriage.

After that only Lux and Krulcifer were left behind.

「Come to think of it Krulcifer-san. How did you tell about the matter of us two to your family?」

Lux asked because Alterize’s reaction when the word ‘lover’ was said caught his attention.

A few months ago, in order to avoid an undesirable engagement, Krulcifer requested Lux to play the role as her lover.

The act itself went well and her engagement with Balzeride of the Four Great Nobles was discarded, but at that occasion, Alterize misunderstood that Krulcifer was engaged to Lux.

In the end, in regards to that matter it was ambiguous until now, but,

「…………」

Krulcifer was thinking with a serious look for a full few seconds, which was rare for her, and then,

「There is no use for you to be bothered by such trivial things. Now, let’s go.」

「Wait!? That’s a really important problem you know!? Just what is going on with our relationship!?」

「Lux-kun wants me to say such embarrassing things from my mouth huh. As long as we understand each other’s feelings, it doesn’t matter what other people call our relationship right?」

「Why are you trying to conclude it with such nice sounding words like that!? At the very least, my question here isn’t going through you know!?」

「Lux-kun, do you hate me?」

Suddenly Krulcifer’s tone fell and she showed a serious face.

「Eh……?」

Her ice colored pupils that were tinged with gloominess shook in loneliness and moistened.

Lux who saw that felt a slight pain in his chest.

He hurriedly shook his head on the spot.

「N, no such thing at all! There is no way I’ll ever hate Krulcifer-san──」

When Lux immediately said that with a serious face, Krulcifer chuckled and walked away.

「I see, thank you. I also like you Lux-kun. Then let’s ride the horse carriage now that you understand.」

「…………」

Lux’s reaching out hand wandered in empty air and stiffened.

He was completely, played…….

「Also Lux-kun. A warning for you, you are a bit too soft-hearted. That’s also your good side but, you should at least be careful right after getting tricked by Mel.」

「That’s cruel! Krulcifer-san!」

Lux spontaneously yelled in response to her teasing smile.

Alterize who was made to wait under the cold weather was staring at them with a reproachful gaze.

After that the horse carriage ran for a few minutes, then before long it moved out from the bulky townscape made of stone into an area where a lot of houses modeled after a church could be seen.

Most likely it was the residential area where believers with deep faith were living.

Inside a ground that was conspicuously large even in that area, there was a palatial residence.

「In order to defend against cold, it was built with corridors established at the outer side, so it’s not as spacious as the appearance suggests.」

Krulcifer added such explanation, but Lux thought that the building was huge even after taking that into account.

It was a three storey residence with overlapping pointing roofs that were slanted diagonally, perhaps in order to let the piling up snow fall.

The second floor had more windows than the first floor, most likely because when the winter came the snow would bury them.

This was the Einvolk house that was a distinguished family of the Ymir Theocracy. It was said that it also had deep connections with the Sanctuary Knight Order that was the army of the country.

Even while feeling like he would be swallowed by nervousness, Lux passed through the gate together with Krulcifer.

「We have been waiting for your arrival Ojou-sama. The family head is presently waiting.」

When they entered inside the residence, two maids welcomed them.

The living room they were taken to had beautiful furniture and furnishings lining up, and a flame was blazing brightly inside the hearth.

「I’ve returned home, Otou-samafather. Are you in good health?」

Krulcifer bowed respectfully and said that.

Krulcifer didn’t give the impression that her relation with her family was going well, so Lux was anxious inside his heart, but for the time being her father was responding calmly.

「Aa, my daughter, I’ve put you through some trouble at this chance.」

A man in his prime with a moustache growing──Stiyl Einvolk was the head of the house and also her adopted father.

His stern and sharp gaze was just as expected from the head of a military family.

「It’s an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Krulcifer-san’s classmate and the Seven Dragon Paladin of the New Kingdom, Lux Arcadia. I will be in your care in this time.」

After Lux also made a formal greeting, the people of the Einvolk family, the other family members who also came to the capital at present showed their faces.

The one who introduced himself as the eldest son, Zain, if he had to be represented with few words, then he was a typical noble heir.

His looks were well ordered, but he looked vaguely feeble and clad with an atmosphere that gave the hint of gloominess.

To say positively, he looked stoic which was becoming for a Sanctuary Knight Order, but obstinacy which was lacking of adaptability could also be felt.

The third daughter, Yunifa had a good manner and also ladylike image, but her smile was somewhat formal, making one conscious of her mask as a noble daughter.

The fourth daughter Irma was silent and obedient. She gave the impression of a girl who had led a sheltered life.

It seemed that there were still another three people who were of direct family, but the family members who were spending their time in the capital for the Pilgrimage Festival this time were only everyone here.

Because of Lux’s status as a former prince of the Old Empire, added with his rough livelihood that spanned for five years, he was used to getting attention, but even so he was quite nervous.

Just, the gazes they were watching him with felt more like pure curiosity rather than appraising him.

「So you are Lux Arcadia. I have heard of you from our butler Alterize. I heard that you are an excellent Drag-Knight, and you have deep relationships with the daughters of important nobles of the New Kingdom even with your status as criminal.」

When everyone’s self-introduction was finished, the family head Stiyl called out to him.

Alterize who served as the connecting pipe between Krulcifer and the Einvolk house was endorsing the matter of Lux positively to the house.

But,

「However, excuse my rudeness, but I cannot see you as someone who is possessing the quality as high as the report that I received. There is also your status as a criminal, and your quality as a Drag-Knight too, I heard that you had only just gotten promoted to Middle Class. About how you were appointed as the Seven Dragon Paladin of the New Kingdom too, I suspected that there is more to it behind the scenes.」

He was doubting that Lux’s position was received not from real skill, but because the princess Lizsharte who Lux was close with was making arrangements, so perhaps everything was just some kind of political move.

Lux didn’t particularly harbor any animosity against Stiyl’s accusation itself.

After all in the first place, seen from the side Lux’s position was just too peculiar.

Currently he was a former imperial family member of the Old Empire that should have the role to be hated, the criminal of the New Kingdom.

At the same time in the new kingdom, he received the royal order of the princess and obtained a special status and post.

There was something behind that strange chain of events──it was only natural for anyone to be cautious like that.

But, Alterize who endorsed Lux as a fiancé candidate immediately raised her voice to object.

「My lord, that’s──」

「That’s impolite Alterize. Right now father is in the middle of talking.」

The eldest son, Zain, stopped her like that and Alterize shut her mouth.

In exchange, Krulcifer beside Lux lifted her face.

「Is that so? But Otou-sama, it will be troubling if you cannot believe it just because you didn’t see the process after driving me away out of sight. If Otou-sama has dissatisfactions towards him, then can I ask you to please say it clearly?」

「…………」

Stiyl kept silent against the objection of the girl that was calm to the end.

At a glance, this was a confrontation of a distinguished noble father and his adopted daughter.

Only looking to that extent, there wasn’t anything particularly strange from this scene, but Lux became bothered by a certain thing.

「……Excuse me, Krulcifer-san?」

Lux dropped his tone until the very limit and whispered towards Krulcifer-san besides him.

「What is it Lux-kun? Right now I’m in the middle of war, so if possible please postpone it for later.」

Seeing how she immediately responded back like that with a small voice, it seemed that she still had composure.

「About that, from hearing the flow of the talk, could it be they are misunderstanding, that I am still Krulcifer-san’s fiancée?」

「…………」

Krulcifer fell silent with a serious expression still fixed on her face.

「It’s not a misunderstanding. Because I made it so that they perceived it like that.」

「Wait a second!? Krulcifer-san!」

Lux reflexively yelled when she said that without hesitation. The father Stiyl and the eldest brother Zain slightly glared at Lux who acted like that.

Lux who noticed the glares hurriedly closed his mouth.

The two little sisters were watching over the course of events acting like it was unrelated to them.

Inside the oppressive air, only the crackling sound from the hearth continued to fill the air.

(……Is it as I thought, that Krulcifer-san’s relationship with her family isn’t really good? But)

‘What’s with this atmosphere……?’, Lux felt something strangely out of place.

First, even though they disregarded the adopted daughter who was discovered inside the Ruin, their attitude was slightly too strict. And second──

「You have heard about the talk of you accompanying his eminence the pope’s pilgrimage as a guard haven’t you? Including you and Zain, there are several names from our Einvolk house who are members of the Sanctuary Knight Order who will participate too.」

「Yes. He too will participate in it as a Seven Dragon Paladin.」

When Krulcifer answered like that, Stiyl nodded and continued.

「I see, if that’s the case then the talk will be quick. If he really has that much caliber and skill, then I want to have you raise an achievement to a certain degree as a guard in this pilgrimage.」

「What does that mean?」

「It’s exactly as it sounds. Looking from the state of the Ruin in these recent years, in the pilgrimage route that his eminence will follow, the Abyss will surely appear. If you can obtain meritorious deeds and raise achievements there as a member of the Einvolk house, I will listen to some of your willfulness. It will also become a chance to understand the true strength of him who helps you.」

The letter that called Krulcifer back this time was for the sake of the guard mission during the pilgrimage.

And then, in addition there was the talk that demanded Krulcifer and also Lux to make some accomplishment.

It was too much of a businesslike demand for this family reunion after a long time.

Even so Krulcifer’s calm expression didn’t crumble.

「Does that mean, that this is the last job before I’m driven off as a nuisance? It can’t be helped.」

「Krulcifer-san, that’s──」

「I’m sorry Lux-kun. I’ve made you accompany me for this long talk. Then, please excuse us for the moment. Guide him to his room, Alterize.」

「Ye, yes-!」

A short pause later, Alterize moved with an anxious look.

Without pause they exited the living room and headed to the third floor. Lux was shown to the guest room he was assigned to.

Lux parted with Krulcifer and the others for the moment until dinner and he took a rest.

「Fuu……」

First, he put down his luggage inside the room. Then he sighed lightly.

Looking once more, he thought that it was a nice room.

Furniture were put insde the space that was moderately spacious. The large bed with feather blanket on it was also pleasant.

The room had also been cleaned, he didn’t find a single dust.

But, as expected, when he thought back to the exchange just now, he couldn’t really relax.

「Raise achievements as a guard in the pilgrimage, and obtain meritorious deeds at this chance, huh……」

By the time they visited the Sanctuary, he could imagine that the reason Krulcifer was called back was most likely for being the pope’s guard.

However, inside Lux there was still something that bothered him.

The reason for the coldness from the Einvolk house’s family members, was that the only reason he wondered.

Because Krulcifer was an adopted daughter whose origin was from the Ruin.

And then because as a Drag-Knight, she possessed outstanding talent that stood out from the crowd even among the Einvolk house.

Perhaps those were the reasons.

However, he felt like those weren’t the only reasons.

「──Or rather, in the end, what’s going on about the matter of the engagement with me!?」

As soon as the dinner was finished, he had to ask Krulcifer about it. Lux thought so, but Lux had the premonition that she would say this and that and give him the slip, which caused him to be at his wits’ end.

Part 5

• katsun, katsun*

Footsteps echoed inside a dark corridor.

After getting down a stone stair, an open space spread out ahead.

Inside the room that was surrounded by countless bookshelves, a large table and numerous experiment utensils were lined up in fixed order.

The New Kingdom’s Cross Field. This was the laboratory existing underground the library inside the Academy’s grounds.

「Having a meeting in this kind of tasteless room, I’m really looked down here huh. I was having expectations because this is a reunion after several years, but I wonder if the Aingram conglomerate is declining?」 (TN: The person here is using ‘washi’ to refer to herself. ‘Washi’ is usually used by elderly males. Anyone who read Magika, Futsunushi no Kami also used ‘washi’)

It was the room where Lux and Airi once received explanation regarding the horn flute.

There, Relie Aingram and a girl were standing side by side.

「I really wished to give you the proper hospitality, but unfortunately I also really cannot do that. Especially in the recent years, we don’t know where the enemy might be.」

「……Dragon Marauder huh, what a really troublesome bunch. Thanks to them the price of things are fluctuating furiously. My business is also in a bad state.」

「That kind of glib talk won’t work with me you know? You must have predicted emergency demands in that kind of field already since a long time ago anyway, right about now you are making a killing right?」

「What a terrible woman. Even though I am merely protecting my beloved company.」

The girl──no, she looked young, but she was a blooming female with almost the same age as Relie, she who responded like that grinned widely with a predatory smile.

A part of her blond hair that was tinged orange was formed into a loop. It was a characteristic hair style.

Regardless, it really suited the atmosphere of the girl who possessed both dignity and also pretense without anything feeling out of place.

She wore stacked up fabric of black and red with golden embroidery, while several small pouches were fastened around her waist.

It was a custom made attire that stressed beauty while also endowed with the beauty of function.

A bizarre appearance that looked like the combination of a noble daughter’s attire and the work clothes of a merchant.

What was standing out from amidst that appearance was the sword belt of a Sword Device carried on her waist.

「──And, today what kind of ulterior motive you have, catching this world’s most beautiful girl? Though at the surface you were talking about something like national defense.」

The self-proclaimed beauty showed a somewhat crooked grin and looked up at Relie beside her.

Normally Relie would make a retort at the woman calling herself ‘girl’ while making frivolous talk, but this time Relie was silent instead.

The world’s biggest company faction that ruled at the top across dozens of countries, the Vanfrick company.

Relie was silent because she wanted to ask a favor of that woman who was the boss of the Vanfrick company.

「My bad but, I cannot answer your expectations today. Actually this isn’t something that should be said from my mouth but, this is really a talk about national defense. What’s more──this is concerning the world.」

Relie muttered that and put a sheet of a written report on the desk.

In it was written the report of a man who was a spy of Dragon Marauder, and the result that the higher-ups of the royal capital deciphered.

Dilwy Froias.

He was a military officer who searched for the secret medicine of the Ruin that Dragon Marauder possessed──the Elixir, and betrayed the New Kingdom for it.

A letter that recorded his exchange with Dragon Marauder was discovered as the result from searching his room.

「……Hoo, so those guys’ next target is the Theocracy huh. However what a risky season. Even if they noticed the leak of this information, there is a possibility that they will still cause trouble.」

One of their aims in order to accomplish their plan──to tear down countries, existed in the Ymir Theocracy.

The exact date and time were unclear, but aiming at the chance when the protection of the country was divided between the Holy Capital and the pope when thr Pilgrimage Festival was going on was the natural conclusion.

But, from the view point of national defense, mobilizing a large army for the sake of an allied country was difficult.

「Yes……. But I’m holding a certain kind of belief. No matter what their objective is, most likely it has the meaning of causing conflict.」

The Dragon Marauder, and the influential people supporting them were putting up a will of opposition to rebel against the large countries.

At present, they should be aiming to lower the national power of a country by poking at the Ruins and expose cities to the flame of war.

「They don’t question the right and wrong of the outcome. Or rather, they will be able to accomplish a part of their objective……so it’s something like that. And then, what are you wishing from me, your old friend?」

「I want to borrow your strength for a little while. In exchange, a force to save the Theocracy will be sent from this Academy. I already contacted the top, they said that they won’t mind if that’s possible.」

The female merchant grinned fearlessly in response to Relie’s dispassionate mutter.

「So you’re coming like that. You too are quite reckless huh, getting into a debt with this me. Well, I can mostly predict why you are doing that though. ──Is my favorite disciple doing well?」

「I cannot deny that, but this isn’t simply for my little sister’s sake. I also have to pay back my debt to him.」

Relie smoothly muttered that and she spread out the contract she prepared.

「Lux Arcadia, huh. I heard the rumor, but it seems he is quite the remarkable character isn’t he. I also heard that his looks is easy on the eye for woman. I’m looking forward to the time this eye will be able to catch sight of him.」

The blooming woman muttered that and she quickly signed the contract in consent.

It seemed like the woman was licking her lips subtly, but Relie smiled wryly and pretended not to see it.

She was a beautiful woman who was strong and veteran, but she was someone who was loyal to her own desires.

She especially didn’t discriminate with younger males with beautiful looks. Relie had even heard a rumor that this woman employed people of such disposition and put them at her surroundings to serve her.

In that kind of meaning, she didn’t want Lux to meet this woman when it was likely that he would be her preference.

(Though as expected, it’s only this matter that it can’t be helped.)

In any case, someday Lux would surely meet this woman, who it wouldn’t be an exaggeration even if she was called as the one ruling over the world from behind the scenes.

With her current status, she was in an extremely close position to Lux.

Before that happens, she had no other way except making Lux’s relationship with Philuffy into something secure.

「Then, please move immediately from tomorrow. I’ll leave the protection of the New Kingdom to you, Magialca.」

The beauty only responded to that with a composed smile.

The secret plan was already starting to move.