Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 4
Episode 4 – Assault, and…
Parte 1
Não são apenas outros Drag-Knights que um Drag-Knight deve olhar como inimigo.
Não, mais importante, o inimigo natural da humanidade ao qual eles devem ter muito cuidado, entrou nesse mundo agora.
É uma misteriosa besta mítica que ocasionalmente aparecia nas Ruínas onde os Drag-Rides foram descobertos há cerca de 10 anos.
Existem inúmeras espécies e foi dito que elas atacariam indiscriminadamente humanos e animais assim que se deparassem com eles.
O que os separou das bestas comuns foram sua força, seu misterioso modo de viver e suas habilidades únicas.
Portanto, a maioria das poderosas nações colocou fortes barreiras e Cidades Fortalezas perto das Ruínas, e colocou Drag-Knights como guardas para situações inesperadas.
Mesmo aquelas Cidades Fortalezas, localizadas entre a Capital e as Ruínas, eram cidades que atendiam a posições defensivas.
Mas—
“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”
“Por que um Abyss apareceu de repente em um lugar como esse!?”
“Esse é... um tipo Gargoyle como mencionado nos livros!? Por que não tocou o alarme?”
“Pessoal, acalmem-se! Alunos de classe baixa, não desembainhem seus Sword Devices! Reúnam-se sem entrar em pânico e abriguem-se no prédio da escola.”
Gritos subiram um após o outro das alunas nas arquibancadas.
Além dos cadetes Drag-Knights, havia muito poucos estudantes que tinham experiência em combate.
Embora a taxa de aparição de um Abyss seja bastante baixa, eles são basicamente várias vezes mais fortes que os Drag-Rides.
Além disso, como originalmente eles voavam das Ruínas, há dezenas de quilômetros de distância da Cidade Fortaleza, uma notificação geralmente vinha dos fortes e barreiras.
Além disso, se acontecer que Drag-Rides fossem implantados para áreas lotadas como arquibancadas, era uma conclusão precipitada que a implantação seria adiada pela invocação.
Quando de repente se depara com uma besta selvagem no centro da cidade, pode não haver tempo para calmamente carregar balas em uma arma na frente da besta.
Até os oito estudantes Drag-Knights que foram designados para implantar a barreira na arquibancada ficaram completamente petrificados diante dessa ocorrência repentina.
“O que diabos aconteceu...?”
Uma instrutora, Raigree olhou para o céu enquanto reunia os alunos e colocava a mão no seu Sword Device.
Os hábitos de um Abyss são bastante semelhantes aos de um carnívoro.
A tendência de contra-atacar o que o ataca primeiro ou de correr atrás de uma presa tentando fugir, era um comportamento típico que pertencia a esses monstros.
Se alguém fizesse um movimento descuidado no chão, o Abyss que estava no céu reagiria e poderia começar atacar a arquibancada abaixo.
Portanto, Raigree hesitou em sua decisão.
Mas, naquele momento....
GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
O Abyss do tipo mecânico, que tinha uma forma alada, o Gargoyle uivou.
Ao mesmo tempo, de uma parte de suas asas que estavam abertas, atirou balas luminosas do tipo pena.
A direção do disparo estava abaixo.
Em outras palavras, o público na arquibancada do campo de treino.
“...!?”
Naquele momento, quando instrutores e alunos prenderam a respiração—
Lux Arcadia cortou o Gargoyle no céu.
Part 2
“O que...!?”
No momento em que Lisesharte teve sua atenção atraída pelo Gargoyle que estava no céu, Lux Arcadia acelerou ainda mais.
Ele levantou bruscamente sua lâmina parcialmente destruída em uma postura para empurrá-la para cima.
Ele atravessou Lisesharte e se aproximou ainda mais do Gargoyle no céu.
“GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
Imediatamente depois, de ambas as asas do Gargoyle, balas luminosas do tipo pena foram atiradas diretamente pra baixo.
Mas—
“Howling Roar!”
Na frente do <Wyvern> de Lux, uma onda de choque espiral foi formada.
Era uma técnica básica de um Drag-Knight que desviava o ataque lançado pelo inimigo através de uma onda de choque gerada pelo Force Core.
A trajetória do ataque foi desviada e as balas luminosas caíram não sobre o campo de treino, mas sobre a paisagem vazia ao redor.
Bang.......!
Um momento depois, um som estridente e uma onda de choque explodiram em sucessão.
O vento da explosão derrubou árvores, provocando uma tempestade de areia violenta.
Da arquibancada, os gritos das alunas podiam ser ouvidos.
“Qual o significado disso!? Por que um Abyss apareceu de repente...”
Quando Lisesharte, muito abalada, ia apontar o <Seven Heads> de seu <Tiamat>...
「...Lisesharte-sama. 」
Lisesharte podia ouvir a voz de Lux Arcadia diretamente dentro de sua cabeça.
Era a capacidade de comunicação entre colegas Drag-Rides – o Dragon Voice.
Ao enviar sua voz, Lux Arcadia bloqueou o caminho do Gargoyle.
“.....SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
Braços compridos e finos, e garras que brilhavam roxas.
Lux bloqueou golpes consecutivos em alta velocidade vindos para ele com sua lamina parcialmente destruída.
「Com o poder de fogo do meu <Wyvern> eu não consigo destruir o Abyss. Então, por favor, desça ao chão do ringue e mire no inimigo.」
「Pretende me dar ordens? Para começar, você não pode segurar o Abyss sozinho...」
「Eu de alguma forma vou conseguir. O sinal para o disparo será imediatamente depois que eu levantar minha espada.」
「E-Ei! Espera um minuto!? Lux Arcadia!」
BIP* - Ele cortou egoisticamente a comunicação do Dragon Voice, e Lisesharte cerrou os dentes.
Mas o fato é que, devido ao consumo extremo do <Tiamat>, seu limite de operação estava se aproximando.
Certamente, só havia energia para liberar mais uma injeção de energia na carga máxima.
O julgamento de Lux estava correto.
“Ele é louco? Até os Drag-Knights do exército do reino não podem fazer nada sozinho...”
Quando Lisesharte, que desceu ao chão do ringue, olhou para o céu, ela viu esta cena.
Parte 3
Logo após o Gargoyle atirar suas balas luminosas do tipo pena, desencadeando inúmeras explosões.
A arquibancada e seus arredores estavam envoltos em pânico e confusão.
“Ei, a permissão para desembainhar as espadas ainda não foi emitida!? N-Nós devemos fugir rapidamente ou lutar...”
“Os reforços ainda não chegaram!? O que os guardas estão fazendo!?”
“P-Por que as alunas do terceiro ano tiveram que ir treinar na Capital em um momento como este...”
“Todo mundo, ouçam com atenção! Todos os alunos armados com Sword Device, saquem suas espadas! Implantem uma barreira com 70% de sobrecarga de energia e ajude os alunos sem Sword Device a bloquear os ataques! Não ataquem o Abyss agora!”
Em uma situação real de combate, realizada diante dos seus olhos pela primeira vez, a instrutora repreendeu as alunas confusas.
Enquanto olhavam de longe, as três garotas da Tríade e Airi se reuniram.
Como Airi tinha um corpo fraco, ela se candidatou como oficial civil. Portanto, ela não possuía Sword Device nem Drag-Ride.
Portanto, para protegê-la, as três garotas usavam Drag-Rides e fizeram uma barreira em cima.
“Que pena, afinal elas ainda são candidatas a Drag-Knight, então elas são vulneráveis a um súbito distúrbio.”
Airi suspirou enquanto examinava o ambiente.
Noct, que viu, assentiu levemente.
“Yes. Mas você não pode culpá-las. No caso de uma luta contra um Abyss com Drag-Ride genérico, seria necessários pelo menos três usuários renomados de classe alta ou sete de classe média. Dizem que no caso de usuários de classe baixa, uma luta apenas pela retirada ou defesa de base é possível. Além do mais, nessa situação fomos pegas desprevenidas...”
“Certamente é.”
A garota digna de cabelos azuis, Shalice, olhou em volta e concordou.
“Também foi a decisão certa ordenar a espera e a defesa das estudantes que podem lutar. As estudantes que ficaram abaladas depois de ver a força de um Abyss se tornarão inúteis. Um soldado que já foi corroído pelo medo não deve participar da batalha então. É o que meu pai me disse uma vez.”
“Mais importante, o Lux-kun. Ele vai ficar bem?”
Para Tillfur que sussurrou nervosamente, Shalice também assentiu.
“O ‘Mais Fraco Invicto’... Ele parece ser muito bom em defesa, mas é inútil contra um Abyss. Se os outros instrutores não vierem rapidamente...”
“Parece que há apenas um inimigo, hein.”
Para a voz de Shalice tingida de tensão, Airi olhou para o céu e murmurou.
“Então, ele não vai perder. Se é o Nii-san...”
Part 4
“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”
In the sky of the practice field, light was dancing.
The Gargoyle drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Lux Acadia flipped and parried them with his blade.
Not only did he perfectly prevent one by one the consecutive blows drawn out with a momentum as to not let one breathe, the power of each blow was enough to make the receiving armor creak each time.
On top of when he lost his balance by the shock, he struck them regardless.
Chasing Lux Acadia who reduced the distance and drawing the trajectory of an arc, the Gargoyle gave pursuit.
The black of the Abyss and the blue of the <Wyvern>.
The traces of the two colors intersected on countless occasions in mid-air and intense sparks scattered.
“…!”
But, while overwhelmed to the extent that his armor was cut down little by little, Lux Acadia’s mind was not confused.
He could assume only minimal evasive action.
If he was to take a too large distance, the Gargoyle might change its attack target.
To the audience seats where there was his younger sister Airi and –– the powerless students without Drag-Rides directly below.
Thus, it was a situation where even his defense options were restricted.
However,
(It was about time to see through its intentions, huh)
The ability which could be called the essence of Lux Acadia suddenly broke its equilibrium.
The life-or-death crises which he had overcome on countless occasions.
The Drag-Ride’s armor which he was familiar with to the extent that it was mistaken as a part of his body.
His body moved even beyond thinking and reflexes.
At this moment –– Lux Acadia’s scenario was completed.
By a hairbreadth, he slipped through the alloyed claws drawn out and casually stabbed his blade to the Gargoyle’s chest in perfect timing.
“Guih…!?”
To the sudden counterattack of Lux who had been devoting himself into a one-sided defensive battle, the Gargoyle showed agitation for the first time.
On its hard body, a wound the size of a finger.
That was only it, but the Gargoyle’s mechanical expression turned harsh.
Lux Acadia’s combat experience was not only that of the tournament of the capital.
There were also many times where he handled jobs of the defense of ruins and fought against Abysses.
Among the frightened female students in the audience seats on the ground, Lux Acadia’s ears also heard that a big stir occurred.
“Guaaaaaaah!”
The Gargoyle’s movement stopped for a moment and it raised a cloudy roar.
It could not be determined whether it recognized Lux as a powerful enemy as it was an opponent that could not speak, but Lux suddenly braced himself.
The Gargoyle belonged to the species with high intelligence even among the Abysses.
It was said that not only does it launch a surprise attack like a wild beast, but it also knows how to use a tactical level retreat.
『Lux Acadia! Reinforcements are coming! They are preparing for the siege! Wait only a little more!』
A communication by dragon voice came from the instructor Raigree on the practice field.
“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”
When Lux, just for an instant, focused his consciousness on the communication, the Gargoyle kicked the sky and charged.
“…………!”
Lux reflectively set up his blade.
But, the Gargoyle passed through Lux’s side and nose dived to the practice field directly below.
At the same time, it greatly spread its jet black wings which wore a purple light.
The omen of the bombardment which it showed first.
The aim was–– the audience seats!
While moving to take shelter, the female students who were watching the development of the fight slightly gasped as they were taken aback.
“––––!”
Lux switched his <Wyvern>’s propulsion output to maximum and pursued the Gargoyle.
Catching up with its back, Lux brandished his blade overhead. At that time,
“Guaaaah!”
The Gargoyle suddenly stopped its attack and turned around in the air.
“…!?”
The Gargoyle kind was an Abyss with high intelligence.
During the brief offense and defense, he grasped Lux’s ability and saw through his intention of fighting.
Lux’s action purpose –– was to move in order to protect the students of the audience seats.
The Gargoyle which recognized that pretended to aim at the students and lured Lux.
“Kuh…!?”
Lux’s slash packed with all his energy fruitlessly cut the sky.
Lux Acadia became wide open in front of the Gargoyle.
“Shaaaaaaaaa–”
From below to above, a flash of claws.
It pierced the barrier and flew off the armor covering Lux Acadia’s shoulders.
In the sky of the practice field, a spray of fresh blood danced.
“Ku, ah…!”
The <Wyvern>’s system shut down and Lux Acadia started a free fall.
But at that moment––,
“…I see. I understood.”
Lizsharte’s smile was reflected in the eyes of Lux Acadia who turned his face.
“If you give an opportunity to someone with a solid defense, you will bring him down even if he applies all his energy––. It is certainly a standard strategy, monster. I’m the same, too.”
“––Gi!?”
The Gargoyle’s agitation was drowned out by a very large flash of light.
<Seventh HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon>.
The strongest main armament that the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat> which Lizsharte drives, possessed.
The light pillar of the seven lines released from the muzzle pierced the Gargoyle’s strong metal body and pulverized it.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Spreading an echo of death agony, the Gargoyle burst and scattered.
Lux Acadia fell inside where black metal debris was pouring down with a clattering sound.
To the peace which returned after the beast’s defeat, cheers of relief rose from the female students who had taken shelter.
“However, what a man… you are.”
Lizsharte who caught Lux Acadia cancelled <Tiamat>’s connection and laughed.
How many humans were there in this place that understood of the fearful Lux Acadia with the current offense and defense?
『––the signal for the bombardment will be after I raise my sword.』
The first words which he said with the dragon voice’s communication.
In other words, that bargaining itself where it was thought that the Gargoyle outwitted Lux Acadia was the scenario which Lux Acadia had drawn up completely.
Even the fact that he applied an attack on the enemy and attracted his attention to him (Lux) by making him think “this guy is dangerous”.
Even his fighting action in order to protect the audience seats below was also included.
Everything was to drive in a blow with all his might and to make Lizsharte attack at that opportunity––
“However –– you’re a fool after all.”
With a pure smile cleared of all malice, Lizsharte looked up at the sky.
And, towards the students who could not settle their great joys and excitement, Lizsharte inhaled.
“Listen! Everyone who is in this place! I, the New Kingdom Princess, I have something important to announce!”
Lux Acadia’s fatigue and stamina was already beyond their limits.
“…………”
The wound on his chest did not seem to be that serious.
Airi, the other students and Lizsharte were safe, too.
(It somehow went well, I guess…?)
After ascertaining only that, Lux Acadia finally lost consciousness.
Part 5
After a mock battle, taking a bath was Lizsharte’s daily routine.
Her fighting spirit was highly strung after a battle.
Of course, she could not boil the water for the whole large public bath in the evening, so she only drew hot water for herself alone in a bucket and only washed off her sweat lightly in the washing area.
It was not necessary; however, warm water drops ran down over the skin of the young girl with some ups and downs.
“Phew…”
As she lightly sprinkled hot water on her whole body, Lizsharte’s face flushed and she leaked a long sigh.
Elation just after a battle and the feeling of satisfaction of the victory.
The girl had many times tasted such things until now.
(But–– what is it? This feeling…)
However, today’s feeling was different from any of that.
“To think that there was a man of the same generation that could put up such a fight against me… Besides––”
She thought that this was the first time.
(A man who also tried to help and protect me…)
That time when the Abyss had assaulted, Lux Acadia turned his back to the enemy and protected her who had not enough remaining power; and he engaged the enemy without hesitation.
(This was the first time. That I thought I “lost”…)
The New Kingdom was established and for Lizsharte who became its Princess, she had thought that the “man” who was the symbol of the Old Empire was her enemy, or an existence which was at best a stepping stone.
Even from her father who planned the coup d’état to overthrow the Old Empire, she had never felt affection.
She had never once held something like romantic feelings.
But––.
(It might have been fortunate that this had been seen by that guy.)
While touching her lower abdomen, just below her navel with her fingertip, Lizsharte felt anxious.
Even though it was a secret which must not be known, the fact that she thought that she was glad now was strange.
The girl wiped her body with a towel soaked with hot water.
“Hmm, phew…”
When her hand casually touched her chest, *badump*. She felt such a sweet throbbing.
“Lux Acadia… huh”
The girl’s shapely lips naturally smiled when she muttered that.
“There is also a reliable guy even among the men, huh…”
With these words, Lizsharte noticed her feelings.
That for the first time, she had found what she wanted in a “person”.
Part 6
He had a dream.
Six years ago. One year before the coup d’état occurred, the scene when Lux Acadia headed to the Imperial Court.
The world’s largest country, the Acadia Empire.
A detached mansion of the royal palace in the Imperial capital.
In the courtyard where greenery overflowed, Lux Acadia was looking up at the sky.
“Even though you didn’t come to the imperial capital for a long time, that’s a fairly long face. Dear little brother.”
A silver-haired young man who was standing with his back leaned on a marble pillar–– the First Prince Fugil smiled wryly.
He was Lux Acadia’s eldest brother born of a different mother, but he had already retired from the front lines because of injury and disease due to an accident.
Thus, he had a really close relationship with Lux Acadia who had similarly been expelled from the Imperial Court due to circumstances.
“Was I wrong?”
As his gaze fell to the water’s surface of the pond, Lux Acadia muttered.
The expression of the youth who wore the imperial family’s mantle on his body was cold and stiff.
“No, you did well.”
Fugil answered in a calm tone.
“The Honor of being the youngest in the empire history to have obtained the license of Drag-Knight. Using the opportunity of having been invited into the Imperial Court for that commendation, your ability to report to Father –– to His Majesty the Emperor was splendid. It was hardly thinkable of you who have just turned 12.”
The Reinforcement law of the system of androcracy. The heavy taxation due to military expansion. Human experimentation of powerful drugs using poor citizens.
Lux Acadia had carried out the statement of wanting you (the emperor) to cancel all of that.
“But, His Majesty the Emperor didn’t even take the trouble to hear you out. Your doubt is also justifiable. This empire has completely accelerated (grown) in the wrong direction.”
“…………”
Even to his eldest brother, Fugil who held the same opinion, Lux Acadia did not change his complexion.
To his younger brother who showed neither resentment nor disappointment even after he was deprived of his greatest chance, Fugil continued his words.
“It seems to have been decided that your little sister will also go to the remote region in two months. Poor child, even though she is still bedridden due to illness after losing her mother in that incident…”
“…………”
“I wonder whether it was to boost the morale of the army of frontier guards as well as a diplomatic purpose. His Majesty’s way of doing things is candid. Once you oppose him, he will show no mercy even to his relatives.”
“What do you think, Nii-san? About the situation of this Empire.”
Lux Acadia turned his face to Fugil and asked.
It was not the expression of a pretty boy where childishness remained; it was a different look.
It was an inhuman ruler’s smile.
It was the transcendent smile of a person who cleared away ethics and emotions.
“The Empire now is smeared with depravity. Corruption, disparity, tyranny, heavy taxes and oppression. The gear which once went amiss accelerates without stopping. His Majesty the Emperor and the ministers did not even listen to my report.”
Lux Acadia spun his words with a calm tone.
“––Despite this, no one tries to stop it. No one tries to correct it. Let alone the people of lineage that hold authority, even the other chief vassals and feudal lords.”
“…You’re right.”
To that fact which was indifferently spitted out, Fugil agreed.
“He neither takes the populace’s life into consideration nor corrects injustice; he doesn’t carry out his duty, either. Nobles, who only steal, force and covet. They have certainly lost the pride of “Standing above others”. Even their subordinates and dependents are so. The current nobles themselves should know their depravity. However, once he turns to the side which exploited –– to the side which receives benefit, he will never consider going as far as to cast away his profits and position in order to save the people. He can permit as many times as he likes the “irrational misfortune of others”.”
“…………”
After Lux Acadia slightly nodded to Fugil’s words,
“Yes… That’s why this empire –– the world doesn’t change anymore. It can’t be changed. As long as the empire's army monopolizes the Drag-Rides, revolt will only be the final coating of tragedy. I’ve heard about many stories of resistance and even uncalled massive slaughters.”
“Yes. But, there is nothing we can do now––”
“––No, I don’t think so.”
Interrupting the words of Fugil who resigned himself, Lux Acadia said clearly.
“So, there is something I have to tell you. Will you hear it? It’s for that reason that I came today to the imperial capital.”
Lux Acadia’s smile which wore a shadow and Fugil with a perplexed face.
That scene became dim and disappeared.
And Lux Acadia regained his consciousness.
Part 7
“Hmm…”
The setting sun burning madder red came in through the window.
A small wooden private room which smelled of medicine and flowers.
Lux Acadia woke up on the bed of the room.
A bandage was wound to his chest which was cut. It looked like the wound was shallow.
“This place is––?”
“Ah… D-Did you wake up!?”
“Uwah…!?”
Hearing a voice nearby, Lux Acadia, startled, sprang up.
A blond-haired girl, the Scarlet Princess Lizsharte was sitting on a chair immediately nearby, watching over him.
It looked like this place was the academy’s medical office.
“D-Does your wound hurt? U-Um, the skill of the doctor here should be pretty good, but––”
With a somewhat settled appearance, Lizsharte looked into Lux Acadia’s face.
She seemed to be extremely worried about him.
“…………”
After grasping the situation, Lux Acadia looked downward for a while,
“Um––, thank you.”
He said so with a smile.
“Eh…?”
Lizsharte cocked her head in puzzlement and looked at Lux Acadia
“For having taken care of someone like me––”
“…………”
For a little while, Lizsharte blinked her eyes as she was taken by surprise––,
“Lux Acadia. You’re a guy whom I don’t know whether you’re modest or arrogant. Was everyone in the royal family of the empire like that?”
“I don’t know. I had been immediately driven out of the imperial court when I was a child.”
As Lux Acadia smiled wryly, Lizsharte muttered in a low voice “I see”.
“D-Does that have anything to do with your heading towards the Abyss without hesitation?”
She continued so in a slightly awkward tone.
“Eh?”
“An ordinary human can’t do it and wouldn’t. Facing an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride is… Why did you save me––?”
Showing a somewhat shy aspect, Lizsharte asked.
“…E-Errr, I don’t remember well.”
Lux Acadia honestly answered while smiling wryly.
“However, I just think that I have to do it. I’m often scolded by my little sister. “Nii-san does what he thinks right away” she says.”
When he said that troubled, after Lizsharte folded her arms and showed a thoughtful look,
“I see. Well, it’s fine. It's my principle not to think about bothersome things after all. You protected me –– us. I will leave it only at that.”
“You’re quite a frank person, eh. Princess.”
As Lux Acadia said with an awkward smile,
“Yes, that’s right. I’m a very lenient and generous Princess to those who are competent.”
Lizsharte happily returned a lovely smile.
The caution and hostility which she had towards Lux Acadia until very recently seemed to have completely disappeared.
Rather than childish, her pure and honest attitude was refreshing.
“Yes. You might be a very useful guy, fallen Prince.”
As Lux Acadia breathed a sigh of relief to the princess who slightly blushed and nodded,
“Okay, Lux Acadia. I will believe you completely. So, I will fulfill my promise.”
Lizsharte suddenly stood up and said such a thing.
“A promise?”
“I-I said it, didn’t I? The reason why I challenged you to a duel. Since you had seen that, I couldn’t let you off like that. S-So––”
“Ah. U-Um –– sorry, I saw everything… But, it was beautiful.”
“D-Don’t remember it, stupid Prince! What I want to talk about is––”
As a towel was thrown out by Lizsharte who turned red, Lux Acadia blocked his view.
Have I said something rude?
As usual, I don’t really know how to interact with girls.
As Lux Acadia thought so and took the towel in front of him––,
“U-Um––, it’s this.”
An unbelievable sight spread out before his eyes.
In the evening sun coming in through the window, Lizsharte’s skin could be seen.
She rolled up the uniform blouse until above, grated her skin, lowered her underwear only just a little and stripped off.
As if saying that “I wanted you to see”.
The cheeks of Lizsharte who averted her eyes turned red not only because of the setting sun but also because of shyness.
“…It’s like that. This is the real reason why I challenged you to a duel. You had seen this in the bathroom at that time, so––”
“…………”
The girl’s fresh rotundity which showed signs of clear growth on her figure where childishness remained.
Lux Acadia was completely captivated by that immature beauty.
“W-Why don’t you say anything!? How about you say something?”
“…! U-Um, errr––”
While completely forgetting himself, Lux Acadia thought.
That’s right. I will use the art of talking that I learned in the bar where I did odd jobs at that time.
When you praise a girl, you should first praise the affinity of the person herself with cloths––
“Um, it suits you very well. That white underwear––”
“Uwaaaaaaaah!? Are you an idiot!? Pervert! Die!”
I failed again! Let’s forget already the knowledge I acquired when I worked there…
While Lux Acadia was regretting, Lizsharte who spouted fire from her face hurriedly raised her skirt.
But, everything else was fairly visible to Lux Acadia.
“Is that crest… possibly –– the Old Empire’s?”
“…D-Did you finally notice? ––So that means, you haven’t told anybody about this, right?”
As Lux Acadia nodded, Lizsharte who put back on her clothes sat on the chair.
The Old Empire’s crest which modeled a black dragon.
That brand was on the lower abdomen under the navel of Lizsharte.
“Why in the world––”
“I can’t tell it yet. But, don’t speak about this crest to anyone. Please. Will you promise?”
“…………”
The body of the New Kingdom Princess has the mark of the Old Empire.
It was either the proof of betrayal or the false statement of lineage.
Certainly, if it was known, it was a fact that might cause groundless doubt, but Lux Acadia, even before the doubt, was concerned about Lizsharte.
Lizsharte who kept quiet and looked downward, desperation was transmitted.
It was not “I want you to overlook it”… but rather “I want you to believe in me”.
Right, he felt like she was saying it in her heart.
Surely –– it was not a guilty, simple secret.
Even Lux Acadia himself had such a past.
That’s why he understood.
This child had probably not done anything bad.
“It’s all right. I won’t tell anybody.”
“Really? Can you swear it?”
“Yes. I swear on the Sword Device I possess.”
Lux Acadia straightened himself and bowed his head.
Lizsharte who saw it leaked a breath of relief and showed a smile.
“Thank god. At first, I intended to interrogate you in various ways after I confine you in the underground prison by that duel, but––”
“Eh… Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”
So, you intended to confine and interrogate me after beating me into a pulp and sending me to the medical office!
As expected, it wasn’t the way of thinking of a Princess.
She’s pretty rough, this child…
“Okay. Then, this matter is settled. With that said, I will have you officially come to this academy from tomorrow.”
“Ah, there was such an agreement. From the start––”
The duty of Drag-Ride mechanic apprentice requested by the Principal Relie.
Many things had happened, but he finally returned to his original odd jobs.
When Lux Acadia was relieved so,
“Ah. By the way, the work of mechanic apprentice was cancelled. From tomorrow on, you will come as an officer candidate student to our academy.”
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
Several seconds after giving a half-hearted reply, Lux Acadia reflected on that meaning,
“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”
He instinctively screamed.
“I-It’s a joke, right…? I mean, in the first place, I’m a man––”
“A-And, call me “Lisha” like my classmates. This is a promise, too.”
It looked like she was completely serious.
Seeing Lisha’s bashful smile, he felt like the wound on his chest got severely worse.
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