Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Capítulo 1

Capítulo 1 – Estudante Transferido Fora de Temporada

Parte 1

“E por isso, embora esta seja uma exceção especial apenas desta vez, ele será o segundo aluno transferido. Ficará por duas semanas a partir de hoje. Pessoal, se deem bem com ele.”

A voz solene da instrutora Raigree ressoou calmamente.

*murmúrio*, uma agitação perplexa e surpresa que nunca tinha acontecido antes encheu a sala de aula pela manhã.

A infiltração e investigação em Heiburg que foi encoberta como uma lua de mel com Philuffy.

Além disso, a conquista da primeira Ruína Babel na cidade portuária de Triport localizada no território ocidental do Novo Reino. Depois que esses eventos passaram, Lux voltou para sua vida na Academia depois de tanto tempo.

Além disso, devido aos danos da batalha em Heiburg, onde ele usou o <Over Limit>, a médica disse a ele para descansar sem usar um Drag-Ride por um tempo.

Suas colegas de classe ficaram animadas com o acontecimento surpreendente que faria qualquer um arregalar os olhos em estado de choque.

“Eerr, por isso estarei aos cuidados de vocês por um tempo. Eu sou Coral Esther, ajudante do representante dos Sete Paladinos Dragão do Principado de Vanheim. Atenciosamente.”

Um jovem de belas feições possuindo cabelos verdes claros característicos, trançados e com aspecto andrógino.

Quando ele sorriu, ‘KYAAAAH!’ gritos de alegria trovejaram dentro da sala de aula.

—

“Eiii, a atmosfera dele é diferente da do Lux-kun, mas ele também é legal, não é?”

“Ele é a pessoa do Principado de Vanheim que virou mordomo no Festival do Campus, certo? Ele é uma pessoa muito distraída.”

“Devo mirar nele, eu me pergunto? A competição pelo nosso Príncipe já se intensificou demais, não posso fazer nenhum movimento mesmo.”

“No entanto, estou firmemente na facção Lux-kun. Além disso, ele ficará aqui apenas duas semanas. Ele também não poderá ficar para aquele evento—”

—

“—Vocês são barulhentas. Está tudo bem, mesmo que vocês não o tratem especialmente enquanto estamos na Academia, mas não sejam mal-educadas.”

Raigree imediatamente repreendeu a todas e acalmou a situação, mas a atmosfera da sala de aula ainda era animada.

Foi um evento em que um menino de um país aliado se transferiu temporariamente para experimentar a vida escolar.

E então, se aquele jovem também era alguém com belos traços que estava páreo com Lux, então não havia como evitar que todas ficassem animadas assim.

Lux também ficou surpreso com a situação. Ele estava olhando para ele enquanto sorria ironicamente.

Para Lux, que era o único garoto na Academia até agora, ele também se sentia um pouco complicado, mas como esperado, os membros do Syvalles dentro da classe estavam calmas.

Lisha estava de braços cruzados como se fosse apenas um acontecimento trivial, e Krulcifer também sorria com compostura. Philuffy estava cochilando sonolenta, enquanto Tillfur parecia que estava se divertindo.

“Então, vou lhe preparar um assento, mas se tem um lugar onde queira—”

“Ah, sim.”

Solicitado pela instrutora, Coral examinou a sala de aula.

Então, seu olhar encontrou o de Lux imediatamente.

Porque recentemente Coral estava ajudando na defesa do Novo Reino e similares, ele deveria estar familiarizado um pouco com os membros do Syvalles também, mas como esperado, parecia que ele estava inclinado a Lux, que era do mesmo gênero.

“Hum. Você ficará inscrito aqui por cerca de duas semanas apenas de qualquer maneira. Talvez seja mais fácil assim. Lux Arcadia, você vai cuidar dele?”

“Err, se ele está bem comigo, então com prazer.”

Claro que Lux também não tinha motivo para recusar.

Depois de aceitar prontamente, Coral sentou-se no assento preparado ao lado de Lux e ele deu a Lux um sorriso natural.

“Obrigado. Estou feliz por poder estar na mesma classe que Lux-kun.”

No final, deveria ser uma saudação normal entre homens, mas quando Coral com seu rosto que parecia uma garota disse isso para ele, por algum motivo seu coração parou de bater.

As colegas de classe que viram aquilo estavam incompreensivelmente animadas por algum motivo.

“Ooohh? Nossa, Lukkuchi, não me diga que você está bem com um garoto também?”

“Espera, o que você está dizendo Tillfur!?”

Quando Lux ficou perturbado com a provocação de Tillfur, Raigree suspirou ao iniciar a aula.

“Ahaha. Eu realmente não entendo, mas, por favor, vá com calma comigo.”

Mesmo sorrindo ironicamente, Coral combinava com o humor de Lux e das outras.

Krulcifer estava olhando para tal visão com seu olhar calmo de costume, enquanto Lisha estava olhando com uma expressão um pouco insatisfeita.

Lux devolveu um sorriso para Coral, então ele endireitou as costas e acenou com a cabeça.

As alunas da Academia pensaram que a transferência de alunos desta vez era um mero evento de intercâmbio cultural.

Mas os membros do Syvalles sabiam que havia um significado profundo e uma situação por trás disso.

Parte 2

Outro dia, uma cúpula mundial foi realizada mais uma vez.

Um conselho de guerra foi aberto na Capital Real do Novo Reino sob a forma de líderes e os Sete Paladinos Dragão de todos os países sendo separados uns dos outros e conversando entre seus respectivos grupos.

Lux participou apesar de sua exaustão e lesão. Três pessoas dos Lords se juntaram e dialogaram com os representantes.

“A captura de Babel desta vez, foi realmente um grande passo. Com isso, demos mais um passo em direção a Avalon.”

O Ragnarok de Babel – Metatron foi destruído em Triport, e o Grand Force foi colocado com sucesso na parte mais profunda da Ruína.

E então, na próxima semana, toda a força dos outros representantes dos Sete Paladinos Dragão estava focada na conquista, e sob a presença dos Lords, eles completaram esplendidamente a captura da Dungeon, a Ruína dentro do território do Principado de Vanheim. Tal relatório foi enviado.

Os participantes desse evento foram o Reino Blackend, liderado por Singlen, o Principado de Vanheim, liderado por Greifer, e a Confederação Turkimes, liderada por Soffice, esses três países.

Como essa conquista foi alcançada pela cooperação dos três países, a conquista foi compartilhada entre os três.

Parecia que naquele lado eles também foram forçados a uma luta muito dura contra o Ragnarok como seu oponente e receberam danos consideráveis, mas cuidaram disso com segurança.

Com isso— quatro das sete Ruínas foram conquistadas e havia apenas três restantes.

Garden, Hall e depois a Moon, cujo paradeiro ainda era desconhecido.

Em relação à destruição do mundo que seria trazida pelo Eclipse Sagrado em mais três meses, pode-se pensar que o assunto, embora não pudesse ser chamado de ideal, ainda estava progredindo favoravelmente, mas—

“Infelizmente, acredito que nem todos serão capazes de agir no próximo mês. Portanto, na realidade quase não temos tempo para chegar até Avalon.”

Os Lords—

Sobrevivente da família imperial da era antiga, a Primeira Princesa Imperial do Sacro-Império Arcadia, Listelka Rei Arshalia.

Seu cabelo prateado e olhos cinza, e então seu corpo que estava vestido com um vestido branco puro a faziam parecer uma garota efêmera. Quando ela falou essas palavras com uma expressão tensa, uma leve agitação percorreu os Sete Paladinos Dragão e seus ajudantes.

“É exatamente o que eu quero se você estiver nos dando uma chance, mas no final, será que vamos conseguir isso a tempo? Não há nenhuma garantia de que conquistaremos as Ruínas restantes sem problemas, certo?”

Quem disse isso era um jovem de cabelos loiros eriçados característicos e dava a impressão de estar irritado.

Greifer, do Principado de Vanheim, expressou sua opinião de maneira incomum.

Lux estava basicamente sentindo a mesma dúvida, mas Krulcifer, que estava presente como ajudante da Teocracia Ymir, falou calmamente sobre o cerne da questão.

“Mesmo se quisermos abrir a Ruína e invocar o Ragnarok, não temos ‘chaves’ suficientes correto?”

—

Com aquela frase, várias pessoas naquele lugar de repente perceberam. Listelka falou o motivo mais uma vez.

“Para dizer de forma simples, isso mesmo. Depois que um Xfer desbloqueia uma instalação importante, eles perderão sua capacidade de interferência nas Ruínas por um tempo. Eles vão se recuperar depois de cerca de um mês, é por isso que todos serão forçados a ficar em espera por um mês a partir daqui.”

“............”

Outro dia, Krulcifer usou sua autoridade como Xfer em Babel, enquanto a empregada Mishis do lado dos Lords, fez o mesmo na Dungeon.

Assim, no momento, era impossível abrir a porta que ligava à parte mais profunda de uma Ruína.

Eles foram forçados a uma paralisação, mesmo em uma situação em que não havia extensão de tempo restante.

“É impossível destruir a porta ou parede e abrir à força o caminho fechado?”

Auxiliar de Lux, Celis fez sua pergunta com franqueza.

Ela apontou que mesmo se a importante instalação de uma Ruína fosse bloqueada com uma parede sólida, se eles usassem a habilidade de uma Veste Divina de um Drag-Ride Divino com força total, havia uma possibilidade de que eles pudessem avançar.

Mas Listelka balançou a cabeça em silêncio.

“Isso não é possível...... Ou melhor, quero dizer isso a todos mais uma vez, quero que parem de destruir instalações que não podem ser acessadas e os dispositivos que não podem ser usados sem a autoridade de um Xfer.”

A razão era porque, em primeiro lugar, a parede ou porta foi criada a partir de uma liga que era difícil de destruir, mesmo com o poder de um Drag-Ride.

Quando a Ruína reconhecia que estava sendo exposta a um forte ataque, por alguns meses o pedestal na parte mais profunda da Ruína ficava incapaz de aceitar uma Grand Force. Naturalmente, se isso acontecesse, o caminho para Avalon também seria fechado.

Assim, nesta chance, uma ordem estrita foi dada para que conquistar uma Ruína destruindo um local onde a autoridade de um Xfer fosse necessária seria considerado algo proibido que poderia até ser chamado de traição.

“Entãooo, você está nos dizendo para cruzar as mãos e apenas assistir por um mês a partir de agora? É bom para mim porque eu posso pegar leve, embora.”

Quando a conversa estava quase concluída assim, a representante dos Sete Paladinos Dragão da República de Heiburg, Rosa Granhide interrompeu.

Ela foi ferida no meio da conquista de uma Ruína. Seu braço quebrado estava suspenso com um pano e ela caminhava com uma bengala, mesmo assim não dava nenhum sinal de fragilidade e se envolveu em uma opressão atmosfera insuportável.

A propósito— Rosa não foi relatada como uma traidora.

Após o caso em Babel, Lux consultou a Capitã dos Sete Paladinos Dragões, Magialca, e foi decidido que a questão da traição da Rosa não seria processada e ela continuaria como uma dos Sete Paladinos Dragão.

Foi porque Rosa Granhide só foi usada como bode expiatório pelo verdadeiro Rei dos Vícios – Calensia que a ameaçou e fez uma lavagem cerebral nela, fazendo de seus delitos e infâmia um disfarce para si mesma.

‘Claro, terei que falar sobre isso com os líderes de cada país. Honestamente, será lamentável perder um dos Sete Paladinos do Dragão aqui, será problemático também se aqueles companheiros Lord se vingarem e causarem o caos. Vou lidar com isso secretamente. Você pode deixar o resto comigo.’ Magialca disse isso a Lux e ele acatou as palavras dela.

O ajudante de Magialca foi enviado para Heiburg, e a situação lá estava se movendo na direção da dissolução do regime militar sem o Rei dos Vícios.

Honestamente, também parecia uma intervenção nos assuntos internos de outro país, mas nesta situação em que a destruição do mundo seria iminente em três meses, ele não tinha motivação para se opor.

Claro, seria uma história diferente se Lux se opusesse a isso, mas ele perdoou Rosa.

No final das contas era um assunto secreto, então Rosa continuou agindo de forma arrogante como antes.

“Claro, não temos margem para perder tempo assim. Durante este mês em que não poderemos conquistar as Ruínas, desejo que todos descansem e preservem sua força de batalha, e também que concluam as três tarefas restantes.”

As três tarefas.

—

1- A aniquilação da organização mercenária antagônica, Dragon Marauder.

2- A descoberta da sétima Ruína, Moon, cujo paradeiro era desconhecido.

3- Localizar o traidor que existia na aliança mundial.

No momento, a existência de um traidor como a terceira tarefa sugerida era incerta, então não havia perspectiva disso.

—

Se ele fosse forçado a dizer, então o Rei dos Vícios de Heiburg poderia ser aplicável, mas esse assunto, incluindo o caso de Rosa, foi tratado secretamente, então pela aparência era o mesmo que ser incapaz de encontrar o traidor.

“Durante o mês seguinte, parem de conquistar as Ruínas. Em troca, prometo que o país que realizar essas três tarefas receberá recompensas como Drag-Rides e similares, e também a bênção de Avalon.”

Quando Listelka mostrou a isca mais uma vez, vários dos Sete Paladinos Dragão prenderam a respiração.

A terra prometida que seria aberta após as sete Ruínas serem libertadas, Avalon.

A promessa de oferecer recursos, tesouros e, além disso, tecnologia da antiguidade.

Dentre os que serviram para conquistar as Ruínas e cumprirem as tarefas, aquele com mais realizações seria recompensado com aquelas, e recentemente a avaliação foi ganhando corpo com um sistema de racionamento de pontos.

Na situação atual, o Novo Reino e a República de Heiburg que cooperaram na superfície para conquistar Babel foram premiados com dez pontos por conquistar uma Ruína. Esses pontos foram divididos entre os dois países com uma proporção de 3:2.

O Principado de Vanheim, o Reino Blackend e a Confederação Turkimes que estavam cooperando para conquistar o Calabouço também receberam pontos de avaliação.

Novo reino - 6 pontos, República Heiburg - 4 pontos, Principado de Vanheim - 4 pontos, Reino Blackend - 3 pontos, Confederação Turkimes - 3 pontos.

Esse era o resultado final da avaliação da Lord.

“A propósito, derrubar um dos comandantes das três divisões da Dragon Marauder será recompensado com cinco pontos. E apresentarei dez pontos como recompensa ao país que descobrir a Moon ou o traidor.”

“............”

Vendo Listelka que falava com um sorriso gentil, os Sete Paladinos Dragão e seus ajudantes ficaram em silêncio.

Essa conversa também foi feita aos líderes de cada país, de modo que se poderia imaginar que eles provavelmente dariam a instrução de buscar as bênçãos de Avalon mais tarde.

Originalmente, eles gostariam de evitar que a estrutura de cada país competisse por pontos, mas pensando no futuro depois que o mundo estivesse protegido da ruína, como era de se esperar, pois os líderes não conseguiriam fechar os olhos em relação a isso.

A conquista das Ruínas desta vez foi realizada pacificamente na forma de dois ou mais países cooperando entre si, mas não se sabia o que aconteceria a partir daqui.

Pode haver disputas entre os países porque eles estavam impacientes por conquistas e, se fosse mal, havia até a possibilidade de alguns países serem enquadrados como traidores.

Portanto, daqui a um mês seria um período de preparação.

Todos aceitaram como um adiamento para resolver tudo nos dois meses restantes, mas—

“E então— há mais uma sugestão minha, o que vocês acham de fazer uma troca de ajudantes nesta chance?”

A frase que Listelka anunciou no final causou uma pequena agitação dentro da sala.

Ao final, essa estranha proposta foi aprovada na reunião e, poucos dias depois, os países a executaram.

Parte 3

“Hum. Então Coral-kun vai ficar aqui por um tempo?”

“Ei, ei, que tipo de trabalho um ajudante tem que fazer?”

“Se houver algo incomodando você, não seja reservado e apenas pergunte!”

No intervalo do almoço, após o término das aulas da manhã.

Como esperado, Coral foi cercado por alunas e foi bombardeado por perguntas.

“Meu Deus, embora um perigo esteja se aproximando do mundo, nossas meninas ainda estão como de costume.”

Lisha estava observando de longe enquanto reunia Lux, Krulcifer, Philuffy e Tillfur e começou a conversar com eles casualmente.

“Isso é inevitável. Não há como elas, assim como as pessoas, saberem o que está acontecendo atualmente.”

“Sim, sim. Ou melhor, Lisha-sama também está muito relaxada, sabe? Este assunto é absolutamente secreto, certo?”

Krulcifer e Tillfur responderam com sua atmosfera usual para Lisha, que cruzava os braços em insatisfação.

Talvez Philuffy ainda estivesse se sentindo exausta da batalha mortal anterior, ela estava apenas piscando os olhos com sono.

A fim de evitar o caos e tumultos, a destruição do mundo pelo Eclipse Sagrado foi contada apenas para uma parte do alto escalão, incluindo os membros do Syvalles.

E então, este espetáculo atual não deve representar nenhum problema, mas a existência de Coral era preocupante.

“O período de espera de um mês. A fim de confirmar o potencial de combate um do outro e fortalecer a cooperação usando esta chance, os ajudantes dos Sete Paladinos Dragão serão trocados a cada duas semanas para inspeção. —Essa foi a desculpa daquela dita Princesa Imperial hein.”

Correto.

Coral vindo para a Academia como aluno transferido não foi uma coincidência.

Devido à sugestão de ‘intercâmbio e inspeção’ da Princesa Imperial Listelka, Coral veio aqui como enviado do Principado de Vanheim. Amanhã, Celis e Krulcifer também deveriam partir do Novo Reino no início da manhã.

“Bem, aquele homem parece inofensivo, então não há necessidade de ser tão cautelosa.”

“—Tal negligência é proibida. Lux-kun, se for você, já entendeu o verdadeiro significado dessa proposta, correto?”

Krulcifer imediatamente negou o murmúrio de Lisha e ela sussurrou isso.

Lux acenou com a cabeça ligeiramente e respondeu de volta.

“Compreendo. Eu acredito que sim, mas—”

O verdadeiro objetivo da troca de ajudantes entre países.

Em vez de fortalecer a cooperação entre os países companheiros, pode-se imaginar que o objetivo seja que os países se ‘monitorem’ uns aos outros.

Se o ajudante de outro país estava acompanhando o representante dos Sete Paladinos Dragão de um país, então esse ajudante inevitavelmente se tornaria capaz de observar as tendências daquele país.

Resumindo, a própria Princesa Imperial Listelka estava cautelosa com a possibilidade de algum país tomar vantagem para ficar no topo.

Além disso, caso fosse descoberto que um país estava escondendo algo relacionado à Ruína, era possível que eles fossem designados como traidores usando isso como prova.

O objetivo dos Lords era até o fim usar essa chance para esmagar esses fatores incertos.

No final, a proposta de Listelka não pôde ser rejeitada e os líderes tomaram a decisão de realizá-la em sua reunião.

“Bem, mas está tudo bem, certo? Não temos nada a esconder de qualquer maneira... ah—”

Tillfur estava prestes a falar casualmente, mas viu Philuffy e sua boca se fechou por reflexo.

A situação de Philuffy que tinha a semente de um Ragnarok residindo em seu corpo era algo que eles não queriam que outro país soubesse.

“Em qualquer caso, seria melhor ter cuidado neste mês. Você é bom com qualquer pessoa, mas ser descuidado é proibido. Celis-senpai e eu também seremos enviadas para outro país depois disso.”

“—Certo. Tenha cuidado, Krulcifer-san.”

“Ah, Lux-kun. Você poderia me mostrar um pouco onde fica o banheiro? Isto é, eu não sei onde fica o dos meninos—”

Naquele momento, Coral levantou a mão de seu assento à distância.

Lux, que viu isso, imediatamente caminhou em direção a Coral.

“Certo. Se você estiver bem comigo, eu também posso mostrar o campus para você mais tarde—?”

Coral soltou um suspiro de alívio com a sugestão de Lux e sorriu enquanto segurava a mão de Lux.

“Obrigado, isso será muito útil...”

Como esperado, Coral deve estar cansado de ser cercado por alunas durante o intervalo.

Lux, que havia adivinhado isso, arranjou tudo para que eles pudessem ficar sozinhos. Coral também entendeu a consideração dele e o agradeceu, mas—

“Eu me pergunto se ele realmente entendeu o que eu disse a ele agora mesmo...”

“Para mim, parece que ele não está em guarda nem nada enquanto encara um ajudante de outro país...”

Krulcifer estava observando com um olhar conflituoso, enquanto Lisha também estava exasperada.

“Eu queria almoçar, com o Lu-chan.”

Por outro lado, Philuffy, que finalmente abriu os olhos, estava enchendo suas bochechas com uma rosquinha calmamente.

“Nossa academia é realmente pacífica, de alguma forma, não é?”

Tillfur concluiu a conversa assim e encolheu os ombros.

Mesmo com a atmosfera tensa da situação especial que foi a transferência de Coral, os dias pacíficos e normais ainda começariam.

Part 4

「You saved me. After all, there was almost no chance to interact with girls at the military academy in Vanheim you see.」

And then the time passed until after school──

Lux was guiding Coral around the Academy’s ground.

He started from the school building and practice ground, then to the Drag-Ride atelier, the dining hall, the library, and the Drag-Ride hangar.

Like that he introduced the facilities in general.

If that was all then there would be no problem, but,

–

「Hey hey, those two, aren’t they getting along better than expected?」

「That’s right. I heard that they often met because of their work, it seems he is one of Lux-kun’s few male friends.」

「I thought there would be jealousy but, could it be that this pairing might be possible?」

「Ye─s, the spectators please watch from a distanc─e」

The female students from the first years until the third years who were watching Lux and Coral from a distance were getting led away by Tillfur cheerfully.

The curious onlookers were too many, so he heard from Airi that the Triad were managing them each hour.

「Ahahaha……. This Academy is amazing in various ways. Should I call it unique──」

「I think no one will blame you even if you call it strange here.」

Lux also returned a wry smile to Coral who was making a troubled face.

During times like practical training and the like, Lux would only watch without wearing his Drag-Ride because his exhaustion was still great, but just by doing warm-up exercises with Coral, for some reason the female students would become noisy with shrill voices.

It seemed that a part of the female students would find perversion from the relationship between two handsome young men in spite of the reality.

A single boy in a girl school.

He thought that the ordinary days until now had gradually calmed down, but contrary to expectations, the Academy was becoming noisy in a different meaning.

And then, in addition to that, a giddy air was also flowing through the whole Academy.

「Even so, somehow they are very energetic. Will there be a festival or something soon?」

「Ah……I see, now that you mention it, it won’t be long before that.」

Lux also suddenly remembered something from Coral’s words.

Fundamentally it was forbidden to decorate the girl’s dormitory, but from not long ago, there were several rooms that were decorated with a circle constructed from the branches of holy olive.

It was a decoration that prayed for repelling evil and bringing happiness.

At this time, Lux would receive several odd job requests to make them.

Recalling that, Lux’s cheeks loosened unconsciously.

「It’s the Holy Night Festival. The preparation to welcome the end of the year in the New Kingdom will begin soon.」

Part 5

At the same time.

The girls were also forming their strategy while observing that from afar.

And then, at night── in the empty dining hall after dinner was over.

At that place that was specially reserved for an extraordinary meeting, the main members of Syvalles were gathering.

The captain Celis, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy were naturally there.

Even the members of the Triad, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct, then Airi and also Yoruka were present along with tea and desserts.

「Gununununu……. What’s with that! Even though Lux finally came back from that fake honeymoon, it became hard for us to approach because of that!」

「You’re right. The pretext of that person accompanying him as the aide of the Vanheim Principality exists. That is quite the miscalculation on our part.」

「Both of you, please hide your true feelings a little. Please remember that in the end this is a strategy meeting.」

When Airi retorted like that with exasperation,

「Tha, that’s right! The topic of this meeting should be about doing information exchange between us before Krulcifer and I depart tomorrow.」

The serious Celis put the situation in order while looking impatient like that. The place calmed down.

「Yes. Putting that aside, it will be the Holy Night Festival soon. It’s an event where females will give a present to the male who has helped her the most throughout the year──and after that it will also soon be the Nativity Festival, where the male will present the return gift for that in the third month next year.」

Continuing after Noct who was murmuring matter-of-factly, Sharis and Tillfur were also smiling mischievously.

「I completely thought that we were gathered here for that matter, but I wonder if I’m mistaken?」

「Ain’t that right, it feels like it will be really troublesome if we don’t have a discussion about it beforehand after all.」

「My? What could this be about?」

「…………」

Everyone present fell silent at Yoruka’s question, as though they had something in their mind.

After that, Krulcifer observed the expressions of everyone around while starting to talk with determination.

「It looks like it isn’t even a month until the Holy Night Festival, which is a big event in this country, but, in this period where the world might end soon, there is no one who is thinking anything strange, isn’t it?」

「……Wha, what do you mean by strange thing? That’s, it’s not like I’m planning anything else other than giving a present though──」

After Celis whispered that with a somewhat fretful look, everyone there silently turned a dubious gaze towards her.

「I want to confirm beforehand but, that aforementioned Holy Night Festival, it’s not like it’s a day for confessing love to someone isn’t it? It’s only a day for giving a present.」

「O, obviously! After all, it’s a tradition that has continued from ancient times, even before the era of the Old Empire. That’s, perhaps there is that kind of custom in part of it though.」

「Ye, yes! That’s, even if someone gave a present as a symbol of gratitude to another person, there shouldn’t be any other intention than that put inside it……perhaps.」

After Lisha spoke in panic, Celis also added further explanation after her.

Philuffy was looking absentmindedly, but before long she tapped her hand *pon*.

「That’s right. A present for Lu-chan, I have to think about it──」

「──!?」

Instantly everyone’s body jerked in reaction.

It showed how they were sharing the same reason for uneasiness.

「A present for Aruji-sama? I cannot think of anything that would be fitting for that, so at the very least I’ll offer this body direct──」

「That’s why, I’m telling you that’s completely no good……」

Seeing Krulcifer who raised her voice unusually, Airi guessed something.

「The world’s destruction is imminent, that’s why let’s not steal a march on each other. That’s what this is about isn’t it?」

「Stea, stealing a march!? I, it’s not like I’m……」

Lisha’s cheeks reddened and she oddly averted her gaze.

But, the Triad, who also guessed Airi’s point each added their own opinion.

「Certainly it might be better that way. Of course, we don’t know when we will die, so at the least I want to convey my feelings──there is also such feeling though.」

「Yes. But, to do anything that will cause the mind to become unstable until the matter of Avalon is taken care of will be putting the cart before the horse.」

「Everyone’s feelings need to be on the same page here. It will be terrible for Lux-chi too if he gets a confession from a lot of people all at once.」

Sharis talked with a deep feeling, then Noct and Tillfur continued after her.

Seeing how everyone other than Philuffy and Yoruka went ‘hah’ in realization, they must have noticed Airi’s intention.

In short, let’s not tell our feelings to Lux until the matter came to an end, it was such a discussion for everyone to restrain themselves.

The reason Krulcifer suggested that was because she was also the aide of the Ymir Theocracy. She was surely being cautious if by any chance she was unable to be present here because of her duty.

Lisha and Celis who noticed that also consented with a tacit understanding.

So to speak, the Holy Night Festival would be a skirmish to gauge their distance with Lux.

When this battle was concluded and the world became peaceful, the Nativity Festival would come right after that.

Until that day, they mustn’t advance their relationship with Lux further than the present.

「……Haa, everyone is really hopeless, but I understand everyone’s feelings. About Philuffy-san and Yoruka-san, I will talk with them again later. And so, I will manage the schedule of Nii-san on that day, so can everyone please report to me about your present so that there won’t be any overlapping?」

「Oh well, I guess, it will be helpful if you, his little sister, will manage this.」

「I, I get it. I pretty much have decided already what present to give Lux after all.」

「A, acknowledged. That’s, I will think about the general idea until tomorrow.」

「What should I give Lu-chan, I wonder.」

「I don’t get it about that matter, so I’ll concede it to you.」

After Krulcifer, Lisha, Celis, and Philuffy muttered one after another, Yoruka concluded the talk with a carefree smile.

Like that Airi put the girls’ wishes in order and then they broke up from that place.

「Good grief, just why do I have to do something like this.」

Airi parted from the Triad while murmuring sulkily.

There was the matter of the other day with Philuffy, so she told her beforehand so that nothing strange would happen because of the instigation of her elder sister, the headmaster Relie.

Airi was able to predict that it would become like this in the near future, but when the time actually came she felt conflicted.

On the other hand, she also talked about this matter to Yoruka, but she didn’t look interested and ignored her.

『It’s not necessary. Something like a present for Aruji-sama, what kind of thing that would make him happy, it’s something that I don’t think I would be able to do anyway──』

Yoruka who didn’t understand a human’s feelings.

Airi was also convinced by her words, but she also felt something strangely unnatural from her words.

If it was the Yoruka from before, she felt like Yoruka would at least think of a present for form’s sake even if it might not make Lux happy.

She thought that after fighting together with the other girls in the previous battles, Yoruka had become able to understand the others to a certain degree, but…

「It will be fine if she isn’t thinking of anything bad though……」

Noticing that she was thinking in consideration like that towards Yoruka, she smiled wryly seeing how without noticing she was starting to think of her as a friend.

Captured by his past and duty, Lux was unable to notice the good will from other people. But even that shackle that was like a curse was gradually getting unbound from his interactions with the girls.

In three more months, even this great battle will be concluded and Lux would be able to take a break from this battle he was immersing himself in.

In other words, for the girls, that time would also be the time to settle victory or defeat.

Part 6

「The Holy Night Festival huh. It’s nice that there will be a fun event in the New Kingdom.」

「It was a festival for only nobles in the era of the Old Empire though. Since the country became the New Kingdom, her majesty Queen Rafi turned it into something that is unrelated with one’s status.」

「The Queen of this country is a good person isn’t she……」

Lux who had just finished dinner was sorting the books inside the library after the closing time due to the request from the librarian.

His body still hadn’t fully recovered, so his chores were also only light work for rehabilitation, but Coral proposed to help.

At first he planned to refuse, but thinking that it was also not a good idea to gather attention from the female students even more than this, he accepted.

「Her highness Princess Milmiette of the Vanheim Principality also doesn’t lose right?」

「You’re right. It would be great though──if I could also act like that.」

「……?」

Lux felt something strangely out of place from Coral’s words and he tilted his head.

He should be the princess’s close associate and a distant relative, but did something weigh him down about it?

「In any case, please take care of me for these two weeks. Though it may be tedious that it’s someone like me who came here.」

Coral who put the last book smiled while saying that. Lux immediately shook his head.

「I might have said it before but, I like everyone in the Academy, however I didn’t have even a single male friend. I’m happy that Coral came.」

「Ah, that……thank you, Lux-kun.」

Coral suddenly looked bashful with reddened cheeks.

It was an unusual reaction from him who usually smiled naturally. For some reason even Lux almost got a throbbing heart.

(Wait, what am I thinking! Even though I am indisputably a man──)

Just because the other party had androgynous looks and a slender body, as expected feeling like this would be inexcusable for him.

Though, thinking back, when Coral’s skin got seen by Lux at the Vanheim Principality, it felt like at that time he was also acting embarrassed more than necessary──

(No, something like this feels strange because I’m overly conscious of it. We are fellow males, I need to interact with him boldly──)

When Lux determined himself like that, a knocking sound came from outside the library.

「Lux-chi, thanks for your work. The bath is already empty right now y’know?」

「Ah, right. Thanks Tillfur. I’ll go there right away so──」

Lux replied to the other side of the door and he slowly stood up.

After all the female students finished entering the large public bath, Lux’s turn to enter finally came.

Exactly because he had decided that he mustn’t get strangely conscious of Coral, Lux intentionally declared.

「The, then Coral. Let’s enter together.」

「Eh!? Tha, that’s──a bit……. No, I get it!」

Coral’s eyes opened wide for a moment in agitation, but then he averted his eyes and nodded.

(Wait, why is even Coral acting embarrassed like this……?)

Lux was feeling the vaguely awkward atmosphere while heading to the large public bath.

Part 7

「Say Lux-kun. Right now, I’m looking properly like a boy right?」

While changing in the changing room, Coral asked him like that for some reason. Lux didn’t know how he should react.

「O, of course, but, what’s the matter?」

「No. It’s nothing, though.」

Even while saying that, he averted his eyes from Lux for some reason while taking off his clothes in a way that attempted to hide his body. Because of that he looked strangely bewitching.

However it was odd.

Even though Coral looked undoubtedly like a man, Lux wondered why he looked erotic to him.

He was feeling strangely nervous with his heart pounding hard, but the moment he stepped inside the bathroom, that dubious atmosphere vanished.

「Uwaa……」

The pillars that were made from marble.

The large public bath that was illuminated by faint orange light felt pleasant no matter how many times he visited it.

Although Coral was also a relative of the princess, it seemed he had never seen a bath this large, because his face burst into a happy smile.

「Somehow, it’s amazing. I’m envious that you can enter this kind of bath.」

There was almost no custom to take a bath in the academy of the Vanheim Principality and the bathtubs there were also cramped, so it seemed that it was quite the hardship for Coral to bath there.

When he soaked inside the bathtub after lightly washing his body, Coral stretched out his limbs delightfully.

「Nn. It’s calming. So much so that I want to become a student here.」

「Ahaha, I’ll welcome it if Coral came here.」

Lux finally returned to his usual rhythm and he felt relieved in his heart.

His gaze casually moved towards Coral’s chest, but as expected he couldn’t see anything feminine there at the slightest.

(At that time it felt like he even had proper breasts there though──)

When Coral dressed as a girl in his pursuit of Dragon Marauder, at that time it wasn’t just his body, if he remembered right even the color of his hair──

「I heard just now but, in the holy night festival, it seems a boy can receive a present from a girl isn’t it? It feels like Lux-kun will receive a lot of presents──」

「Ah, about that, it seems that Airi will manage it for me. She said that it appears the number of present that will come will be more than expected, but I think she is exaggerating.」

「Haa……. Really Lux-kun, even though it will soon be one year that you are staying here, but you still don’t understand a girl’s feelings.」

Hearing Coral tell him that with an exasperated tone mixed somewhere in his voice caused him to feel like his heart was stabbed deeply.

「I think I’m in agreement with Airi-chan. After all, when I was protecting this place with Greifer while Lux-kun was absent, I saw how popular you are.」

「As expected, it must be because they are considering me as a rare sight here, I think that’s all there is to it. After all I’m the only boy here. Besides──」

「Lux-kun. That kind of modesty is called as simple blockheadedness you know?」

Coral got out of the bathtub with a splash and he gathered his light green hair with a towel.

And then he puffed out his cheeks slightly and pointed out.

「They won’t pay attention to you for nearly a year just because you are a rare sight. You are an imperial family member of the Old Empire, and the only boy in the Academy, but everyone is able to receive you properly. I think that’s something really amazing, something that you should feel proud about.」

「……Is, that so.」

If that was the case then he felt happy.

After all he was from the imperial family of the Old Empire that was once oppressing the people.

From his position as an 『enemy』 that was widely imposing the tendency of male chauvinism, to a position where everyone was able to recognize and accept him.

He was finally able to obtain the thing that he had been wishing for all this time.

「By the way, Lux-kun, do you have anyone who you like?」

「──!?」

Lux was bewildered from getting asked that with a tone that sounded teasing, but also sounded somewhat serious.

「Wh, why so suddenly?」

「Isn’t it fine? We are fellow males here, I also wanted to try doing this kind of talk. Greifer is obviously devoted to Milmiette-sama after all.」

「……Even if you ask me that so suddenly, that’s──I don’t really know.」

「Really? Even though you are getting along so well with those girls.」

Coral questioned with a blushing face from soaking into hot water.

「Certainly everyone is really friendly with me, but that is because of various circumstances. Could it be……there is such doubt remaining in me.」

「Hmmm. That also means, that you have become properly conscious of them.」

Coral stayed submerged in the bathtub and smiled with a somewhat innocent expression.

「Bu, but it isn’t like I said it clearly. Besides, I’m a criminal, there are things that I have to do no matter what──」

「……Certainly, that might be true.」

After holding his breath slightly, Coral muttered with a meek expression.

「A criminal isn’t burdened with just debt, they don’t even have the freedom to marry. But, you are recognized by her majesty Queen Raffi and Lizsharte-sama. You have also become the princess’s personal knight, and you have saved the country from danger several times. If you only wish for it, isn’t it possible to have that collar removed?」

「──Yes. Perhaps, it’s just as Coral said.」

After similarly taking a bit of time to think, Lux also smiled with a lonely look and told his answer.

「But, I still cannot do that. That which I tried to accomplish in the past but was unable to. Until I obtain an answer about it that can convince myself, I──」

It was about the revolution in the Old Empire that ended as a tragedy due to Fugil’s betrayal.

Did Lux overlook something, or were the words that his elder brother told him correct?

Perhaps, there was no way to confirm the answer.

Even so──Lux resolved himself to become deeply involved with the New Kingdom once more as a member of the Seven Dragon Paladins and fought together with Lisha and everyone.

With the method that was the same as that time, where he would try to save even the enemy as much as possible.

However, right now he had a lot of comrades who were fighting together with him.

「Perhaps something like an answer in regards to an incident or a mistake that happened in the past doesn’t exist. Even so──if I can finish this battle, then perhaps I will be able to feel convinced in my heart. That’s what I think.」

There was no way Lux could talk about the particulars of the Black Hero to Coral who was from the Vanhiem Principality.

That was why, he let out a large sigh and smiled after hearing Lux earnestly expressing his feelings to him just now.

「I see. It will be great……if you can find your answer.」

Coral didn’t say that casually, he spoke earnestly while putting his hand on his chest.

It was the smile of someone who understood Lux and sympathized with him.

「──That means, Aruji-sama’s relationship with those girls will also progress at the Nativity Festival three months later? After relinquishing that criminal collar too?」

「Right. I don’t know how it will become but, if possible I──wait!? Why is Yoruka here!?」

The moment Lux responded to the voice that came from inside the steam, he noticed the girl’s presence.

There he saw the figure of the girl exposing her bewitching white skin.

「Huh, eeeeeh!? Wh wh wy, why!?」

Coral spontaneously also leaped back, creating a large splash in the bathtub.

The large public bath at night where there should be only two young men alone, was instantly enveloped with an odd heat.

「My, please don’t pay me any mind. I’m only coming here to guard Aruji-sama while also washing his back. Besides──I’m also borrowing the so called water dress from my friend.」

Yoruka said that while making a carefree smile on her face. Indeed, she was wearing a purple water dress and a small dark blue waistcloth.

Although, the exposure rate was slightly greater than her usual clothing or pilot suit as expected. Lux’s gaze was naturally absorbed towards her body.

「Not that, what I want to say is──」

「Lux-kun, don’t tell me you are always doing something like this……?」

Coral who was submerged until his shoulder inside the milky white hot water was unusually expressing dissatisfaction.

He was sending him a reproachful gaze with red cheeks from the heat of the hot water.

「Yo, you are wrong! That’s, usually even Yoruka won’t come until this place──! Yoruka too, you promised not to do anything strange in the Academy right!?」

Lux was justifying himself to Coral who was unusually making a grave expression while chiding Yoruka who was circling her hands around his neck.

But, the girl didn’t look guilty as usual and spoke out a shocking thing.

「Protecting the safety of Aruji-sama is my natural duty as a servant. Especially when there is an unknown fellow staying by your side, that’s all the more true──」

「Eh──?」

Lux was taken aback by the words and gaze of Yoruka that were filled with significance.

Her blue and purple eyes, the asymmetrically colored eyes were obviously looking at Coral.

「Those words, do you mean to say that I’m going to do something to Lux-kun?」

「Forgive me for my slowness. My name is Kirihime Yoruka. The loyal servant and tool of Aruji-sama──that is all there is to my existence.」

Yoruka didn’t answer Coral’s question and introduced herself to him.

She was telling the young man in front of her that she had no intention at all to get along with him.

「I, I know. This is the first time I’m talking properly with you but, you are just like the rumors aren’t you? More importantly, I don’t know if I should be the one to say this but, it’s not good you know, something like this.」

Coral averted his face as though he recalled the situation they were in and calmly offered his candid advice.

‘I don’t know if I should be the one to say this’, Lux was curious about those words, but he didn’t understand what Coral meant by that.

After all, there should be no problem for him to enter with Coral, unlike Yoruka. Did he refer to his standing as a transfer student from a foreign country?

While Lux was tilting his head in puzzlement at that,

「Is that so? But, you are in no position that allows you to say such thing I believe.」

「No I, based on the general common sense──」

「Actually, I am doubtful.」

While the steam was covering each other’s body, Yoruka interrupted like that with a carefree smile.

「You have been getting involved too much with Aruji-sama since some time ago. And then you appear conveniently too many times around Aruji-sama. It is as though you are monitoring Aruji-sama’s situation──」

When Yoruka said that, Lux was taken aback by a sudden awareness in his heart.

Coral himself was receiving such missions from the Vanheim Principality, but indeed the number of times he came into contact with Lux was a lot.

And then the aide exchange this time that was due to the proposal of the Lords, this event in itself was implicitly about fellow Seven Dragon Paladins, and also fellow countries checking each other in place.

「……It’s a coincidence. Besides I have no intention at all to trick and betray him.」

「Then, there is no problem even if I am by Aruji-sama’s side. I am Aruji-sama’s tool, so there is no reason for me to do anything unnecessary without his order.」

Coral calmly objected, but Yoruka too kept smiling without yielding.

(What’s with this situation……)

The elusive Yoruka who stuck with her unique sense of value at all times, and the calm Coral who was sensible and social.

The two of them were mostly the polar opposites of each other in personality, but for them to become involved and confront each other like this…

Furthermore, it was in the bath.

「Besides from my point of view, I don’t wish for the likes of you who are a man to stay by Aruji-sama’s side. Time and chance are not something infinite. With you taking Aruji-sama’s time means that is also how much the other girls will lose the chance to produce a successor with Aruji-sama.」

「Wai-, what are you saying Yoruka!?」

Lux raised his voice in panic also because the image of Syvalles’ members immediately came to mind when he heard her mention ‘the other girls’.

But, Coral didn’t even show any sign of caring about it and puffed out his cheeks slightly.

「I don’t really want to say this but, I think you are being bothersome to Lux-kun you know?」

「My, that is not true. Isn’t that right, Aruji-sama?」

「……Wait, the talk moved towards me!?」

While Lux was dumbfounded, the talk was suddenly thrown at him from the two and he became flustered.

This was troubling.

Coral was in the right based from what they were saying, but Yoruka herself was thinking about Lux’s well being in her own way, so he was also reluctant to bluntly rebuke her.

Because she was also not mistaken in a sense with what she was saying.

「Excuse me, Nii-san. Did you happen to see Yoruka-san? After she suddenly talked about a water dress just now, she suddenly went outsi──! Eh……the door?」

The moment Lux was stiffened, Airi appeared and she seemed to think it odd that the door to the large public bath was opened. She peeked inside while tilting her head in confusion.

And then she saw Lux, Yoruka, and Coral, and she stiffened.

「Thi, this is, Airi! There is a deep circumstance about this──」

「Please come to my room after Nii-san finished bathing. I have something important to talk about with Nii-san.」

Airi smiled with a shadow covering her eyes. She told him that with a wide smiling face.

「O, okay……」

The door was slowly closed. After that, the place was ruled by a heavy silence.

「That’s, sorry, about various things somewhat.」

「She will understand if she is reasoned with. Then Aruji-sama, if you like I can directly explain to your younger sister──」

「It might be useless if it’s not me who talks to her. That’s, can I get out now?」

Lux replied to Coral and Yoruka each while getting out of the bathtub.

The month of rest period that suddenly happened and Coral’s transfer.

The ordinary days that should be peaceful was opening its curtains with a disturbance.

Part 8

「It looks like I came at a good time. After all I was able to interrupt the scolding towards Lux-kun like this.」

Inside the dining hall late at night where there was nobody else.

Krulcifer wearing glasses was sitting at the opposite side of the table.

A textbook and several pieces of paper were spread on the table.

And then, there were cups that were filled with tea.

It was a study meeting with Krulcifer after so long.

About the case of bathing with Yoruka, he was saved by Krulcifer when Airi was about to start her scolding.

「You really saved me, Krulcifer-san. But this is really troubling, certainly Yoruka’s act was also problematic, but to think that she would get into a confrontation with Coral…」

「It’s a really interesting story. I wonder if Lux-kun isn’t really swayed by us is because you are more interested in boys rather than girls?」

「Please stop it Krulcifer-san!?」

When Lux became flustered, Krulcifer chuckled.

It was troubling that she would tease him sometimes like this, even so his time with her was precious.

When Lux became a Seven Dragon Paladin and he was absent from the Academy, or when he was in recuperation from injury or fatigue, Krulcifer would summarize the gist of the lessons he missed and taught it to him in an easy to understand way.

He was extremely helped by her giving him a follow up in the aspect of schoolwork that he neglected.

「Come to think of it, Krulcifer-san will depart early in the morning tomorrow right? To the Ymir Theocracy.」

「Yes. It’s lonely to part with Lux-kun, but it can’t be helped. After all I’m worried about my family and the Ruin’s matter, and also about Mel and Ney Louches.」

The aide exchange that would be implemented for two weeks originally should be done with a country the aide wasn’t connected with, but Krulcifer would go back to Ymir Theocracy as an exception. She would also be accompanied by guards.

This was because Krulcifer was a Xfer. This exception for her was to avoid Dragon Marauder kidnapping or attacking her.

「Be careful Krulcifer-san. There won’t be any action to conquer a Ruin for a while but, it’s exactly because it’s this kind of time that you need to be vigilant.」

「Yes, Lux-kun too. ──That’s what I want to say here but, it looks like you still cannot have it easy and relax. After all it also looked like something fun happened after the world summit the other day.」

Krulcifer spoke with a voice that was filled with implication and smiled mischievously.

Lux who saw that recalled the end of the summit the other day.

Almost all the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides broke up and left the room. And then the girl with characteristic red hair and black military uniform──Rosa Granhide was staying behind inside the room.

Her evil deeds and crimes were mostly fabrications of the King of Vices, Calensia, where she was made to shoulder Calensia’s infamy. Right now she continued to be a member of the Seven Dragon Paladins under the surveillance of the captain Magialca.

But, to the end it was a story behind the scenes.

So that the domestic strife of Heiburg wouldn’t get exposed, she was attending the meeting with her usual dangerous attitude even with the absence of Calensia, but,

『──Thank you very much, Lux-sama. For saving this me……I was, happy. That’s, if you ever need something, please let me repay you no matter what.』

She said that to him shyly with her injured arm still suspended by a cloth and her gaze averted from him.

Hearing her words, a feeling of gratitude towards Philuffy for stopping him that time welled up inside Lux once more.

He almost made a choice that couldn’t be undone at that time.

『You don’t need to thank me or anything. Best regards from now on too, Rosa.』

He replied like that with a smile, then he shook her hand before parting from her.

This was the only result that he could feel relieved about from the case in the Heiburg Republic where there were a lot of appalling incidents, but then Celis looked at him with a troubled gaze.

『I, I have also heard about her circumstances but, Lux was a bit too deredereflirty just now. That’s, if you like big breasts then……i, i-i-i-i-i-i-it’s nothing-!』

Her face became red and she ran away in the middle of talking.

When he told about that happening after the summit to Krulcifer, she frowned slightly.

「Certainly that is troublesome. Not just Rosa, but also Celis-senpai──」

「……? Rather than that, what about Krulcifer-san? Did anything strange in the summit──」

「I also didn’t encounter anything exceptionally strange there. I only talked a bit with Mel……. Aa, conversely, I don’t really get those girls. That duo from Turkimes Confederation, Soffice and Uruk if I’m not mistaken?」

The Seven Dragon Paladin with characteristic dark brown skin and a red tattoo, and her aide.

The elder sister Soffice was taciturn and wouldn’t say anything. She would show agreement or refusal using her expression or head movement, then Uruk would interpret it and spoke for her in the meeting.

Their act that was comical sometimes didn’t match the oppressive atmosphere of the meeting.

「But, this time too I didn’t notice anything strange from them though?」

Based from what he saw in the meeting, Lux couldn’t see any suspicious movement and he said that to Krulcifer, but,

「I guess──but, it was funny when that girl’s little sister responded to my call.」

Lux also saw that scene.

Right after the summit.

In front of everyone who was starting to leave the room, Krulcifer called out 「Hey」 to Lux. At that instant, Uruk who was facing the other way suddenly turned around toward Krulcifer.

『Yes, what is it desu?』

They were separated by a distance of several ml, so Lux and Krulcifer were puzzled, but Soffice hurriedly grabbed Uruk’s neck and pulled her away.

『I’m sorry desu! Soffice said ‘Don’t be so absentminded!’ just now desu! To me!』

The figure of Uruk getting dragged away with teary eyes was inviting laughter until the end.

「Well, I think that was just a mistake, but I think it will be better to feel the tension for these three months from now. The enemy can aim at us easier exactly at this time where we relax our attention because we won’t need to conquer the Ruins for a while. After all I and also Celis-senpai will be absent from here too.」

「Yes. I won’t let my guard down but, Lisha-sama and the others are here too, so I think it will be fine.」

「……That is worrying instead, based on my personal circumstance that is.」

「Eh……?」

Because Krulcifer spoke with a small voice only at that last part, Lux asked back.

Then *knock knock*, the door of the dining room was knocked and Celis’s voice came.

「Both of you, do you have a bit of time? I have something to talk with Lux so──」

It seemed the night was still long.

「Time passes quickly when we are having fun. Then, please don’t get carried away no matter what while I’m not here. Just in case, I intend to put some countermeasures in motion in my own way though.」

「A, ahaha……」

Krulcifer left after giving him a reminder that he really didn’t understand.

After that──Celis who was worried about Lux’s body gave him a massage that she learned from Philuffy. He enjoyed the massage while passing a peaceful time with her too.

Part 9

When Lux returned to his room, Coral who became his temporary roommate was waiting for him.

Because there was no empty rooms in the girl’s dormitory, it was inevitable for him to stay in Lux’s room. When the dorm mother asked Lux about it, he consented readily.

At the bunk beds that were prepared, Lux slept at the bottom while Coral took the top.

Different from the agitated atmosphere when Yoruka was present before, right now it was calm.

「I talked a bit with Airi-chan and the others for a bit. I also asked about her──about Yoruka-san.」

It seemed Airi apologized about Yoruka’s intrusion into the bath while making a follow up about her eccentricity.

「Sorry for the various troubles.」

Lux smiled wryly while talking towards the upper bed.

Looking back, this might be the first time he was sleeping in the same room with a boy of the same age.

Somehow a mysterious feeling of excitement was produced in Lux’s chest.

「No. I myself was a bit discomposed there. How should I say it, the life here is too fresh in various aspects──I’m having fun.」

The voice of Coral’s reply sounded somewhat distant.

It gave Lux the impression that until now he was placed in an environment with a stiff atmosphere because he was a distant relative of the princess.

「I think that her method is too forceful but, I’m a bit jealous.」

「I, is that so……?」

Lux who recalled Yoruka’s conduct made a dubious voice. Coral replied with a wry smile.

「That’s right. At the very least she knows what she herself is. She is living to serve you without any hesitation. I believe that is a good thing. And of course, for Lux-kun too.」

「……Is it different for you, Coral?」

「Actually, I have no memory of the past──when I woke up on a bed three years ago, I lost all my past memories.」

「────」

The unexpected confession made Lux speechless.

「Since then, I supplemented my memory as much as possible with the letter that my parents left for me as the base. My remaining family is an elder sister and a younger sister. And then, there is also a mission that was written on the letter. That’s all. Though, I have to be satisfied just by being able to live safely like this.」

「…………」

Lux couldn’t reply to Coral’s murmur that sounded somewhat fleeting.

Lux himself hadn’t gone through an easy upbringing until now by any means, even so, right now he had a foundation that allowed him to fight.

What he should accomplish as an imperial family member of the Old Empire.

And even though he had hesitation about that way of living, he didn’t lose sight of his path.

「I understand what I should do and what I have to do no matter what. But I have no foundation that can make me believe that it is the right thing to do. It might be spoiled of me but, if I’m able to find it──」

「……You will find it, surely.」

While Coral was continuing to mutter, Lux cut him off with those words.

He didn’t think before speaking, his voice came out naturally.

「Even though you cannot remember your past memories, you can just make new memories from here on. I think it will be fine if you decide based on what you see from here on. Greifer, too, is also a better person than what he looks like, besides──I’m also here for you as a friend.」

「……You’re right. Thank you.」

Coral replied with a lovely voice that was somewhat filled with shyness.

Lux wondered why. Even though they were fellow males, he felt itchy and tickled just from that reaction.

「The, then good night. Best regards for tomorrow too!」

To cover up that incomprehensible emotion, Lux suddenly turned off the lamp.

Silence came along with the darkness and before long a quiet sleeper’s breathing leaked out from his mouth.

Recently the coldness of Winter was getting worse, but it felt like the room felt considerably warmer with just the addition of one more person inside.

But, at that time Lux still hadn’t noticed.

About the sound that was approaching from outside the door and what that faint presence would bring about.

About how these days that he believed would continue peacefully for a while, was the calm before the storm.

「As I thought, it’s like that. I have to manage somehow while those girls are absent──」

How Coral was muttering those words towards the matter of Yoruka.

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