Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Capítulo 2
Capítulo 2 – Negociações Armadas
Parte 1
“Haa…… haa…… Finalmente chegamos ao campo de batalha onde Lux está esperando!”
O sol estava brilhando no zênite, era meio-dia com tempo claro.
Lisha, que estava usando o <Tiamat> com seu cabelo loiro amarrado em forma de cauda balançando ao vento, e as outras com ela estavam olhando para a situação da batalha nas ruínas do céu.
De um lado estava o antigo castelo com estrutura desgastada que escondia Avalon no subsolo.
A poucos kl dali, no lado oposto, a força da aliança mundial foi reunida. A fortaleza que era sua base e torre de comando era alta.
Menos de dois dias desde que partiram do Novo Reino.
Lisha e Krulcifer alcançaram Philuffy e Celis, então as quatro chegaram à capital abandonada Guernica no Reino Marcafal para recuperar os Sete Paladinos Dragão.
Como esperado, como este lugar era longe do Novo Reino, elas descansaram várias vezes no meio do caminho enquanto se revezavam usando seus Drag-Rides e percorriam a distância mais curta.
Uma vez que os Sete Paladinos Dragão foram todos capturados, elas ouviram que o ímpeto da captura de Avalon havia diminuído, mas Lisha achou que já era incrível que o exército da aliança não tivesse entrado em colapso.
“Vamos descer para a fortaleza rapidamente. Mas— não devemos ser impacientes. Nós também não podemos nos mover satisfatoriamente com nossa exaustão agora, afinal.”
Ao lado de Lisha, Celistia, que usava o Drag-Ride Divino <Lindworm>, as incentivou a seguir em frente.
Ela não estava errada.
Mesmo ela, que possuía uma resistência extraordinária entre os Drag-Knights, gastou muita força nessa viagem superexpressa.
Primeiro elas tinham que mostrar seus rostos ao comandante atual que administrava a fortaleza e depois descansar.
Pensando nisso, elas enviaram comunicação através da Dragon Voice, então uma resposta veio imediatamente de dentro da fortaleza.
[Quem é? Indique a sua afiliação e objetivo.]
A voz que veio através da Dragon Voice do <Drake> pertencia a um menino.
Em resposta, Lisha respirou fundo e se apresentou.
[Aqui é o grupo da Princesa do Novo Reino Atismata, Lisesharte. Nesta oportunidade, vim ajudar seu exército a fim de salvar meu cavaleiro que é um dos Sete Paladinos Dragão, Lux Arcadia, e também membro da aliança mundial. Eu peço que você abra o portão.]
Após Lisha informar com um tom respeitoso, uma resposta veio rapidamente.
[Bem-vindos visitantes. Fico feliz por sua chegada.]
E então, alguns minutos depois disso, uma silhueta apareceu no telhado carregando uma bandeira.
Recebendo a permissão para pousar, Lisha e Celis que estavam carregando Krulcifer e Philuffy, respectivamente, pousaram.
Aquele que veio dar as boas-vindas a Lisha e companhia era um menino de cabelo preto com uma constituição pequena.
“Eu sou ajudante da Capitã dos Sete Paladinos Dragão, Lolotte Cadius. Neste momento, estou encarregado do comando-geral devido à captura de minha mestra Magialca, é por isso que estou liderando as tropas restantes assim. Prazer em conhecê-las.”
“Como está a situação? Como está a condição do Lux e dos outros!?”
Elas tinham ouvido falar que os Sete Paladinos Dragão foram capturados, mas vários dias se passaram desde que receberam a informação até chegar aqui.
Por causa disso Lisha estava ansiosa. Lolotte sorriu gentilmente para acalmá-la.
“Está bem. Não há dúvida de que estamos em desvantagem, mas, pelo menos, neste momento a batalha é justa para os dois lados. Não temos muita liberdade para progredir devagar, mas temos algum espaço para formar estratégias com calma.”
“E-Entendi.”
Lisha suspirou aliviada ao ver a resposta calma do menino.
O ajudante de Magialca nunca apareceu na reunião da aliança mundial, mas parecia que ele tinha nervos de aço em contraste com sua aparência angelical e jovem.
Lisha cambaleou logo depois de dissipar sua armadura. Vendo isso, ele primeiro guiou todas para o quarto de hóspedes.
A fortaleza construída foi exatamente como esperado da Magialca, que era uma multimilionária global.
Deveria ser uma fortaleza feita às pressas que reaproveitou uma base militar abandonada, mas em pouco tempo foi reconstruída com um acabamento que até de certa forma dava a impressão de extravagância.
O quartel-general inimigo, o antigo castelo, ficava apenas alguns kl à frente da fortaleza, a linha de defesa formada pela Ordem dos Cavaleiros de White Ridge sob a liderança do ajudante de Singlen, Zweigbergk, parecia estar funcionando corretamente.
Mais de dez <Drakes> estavam constantemente monitorando os arredores, e um alarme soava em caso de emergência.
“É por isso que, primeiro, lavem o suor e descansem com tranquilidade. Quando Vossa Alteza e seu grupo estiverem descansadas, acho que será ótimo se você me permitir explicar sobre a situação e discuti-la após o jantar.”
“Agradeço sua consideração, Lolotte-dono.”
“Tudo bem me chamar apenas de Lolotte. Afinal, eu sou um órfão que agora é o mordomo de Magialca.”
Lolotte sorriu ironicamente, mas colocando de lado sua habilidade como um Drag-Knight, sua habilidade como comandante era realmente algo.
Por enquanto, elas seguiram sua recomendação e se separaram para os quartos duplos para os quais foram conduzidas e largaram as bagagens.
Depois que Lisha entrou no quarto de hóspedes com Krulcifer, ela espontaneamente se sentou na cama.
Ela de alguma forma aguentou com seu espírito, mas ela estava se sentindo exausta que tornava difícil até mesmo ficar de pé.
“A situação está mais calma do que o esperado. Claro, no bom sentido.”
Krulcifer tirou seu Traje de Piloto que estava encharcado de suor e enxugou seu corpo enquanto penteava seus cabelos azuis.
Agora que todos os Sete Paladinos Dragão foram capturados, elas presumiram que a pior situação com limite de tempo mais urgente estava acontecendo.
Mas, na realidade, a situação pode ser inesperada para os Lords também.
Provavelmente, eles deviam estar convencidos da vitória no momento em que capturarem os Sete Paladinos Dragão.
No mínimo, eles estavam estimando que essa base entraria em colapso, porque era o que Lisha e as outras também estavam pensando.
Mas, uma pequena misericórdia, essa subestimação trouxe esse impasse.
Pelo contrário, podia-se ver que Magialca e Singlen previram a situação desesperadora caso fossem capturados e aconselharam seus confidentes de antemão.
Aqueles dois não pareciam realmente pró-ativos na captura das Ruínas, mas parecia que eles estavam fixando seu objetivo crucialmente em Avalon e se prepararam totalmente.
“Mas, como esperado, não devemos manter a guarda baixa— ou melhor, esta situação nada mais é do que uma ligeira mitigação do desespero.”
Krulcifer, que terminou de vestir o uniforme da Academia que ela trouxe, suspirou mais uma vez.
“Sim, essa ameaça dos Lords, a contagem regressiva de doze dias também está começando a surtir efeito em cada país. Talvez apareçam aqueles que se submetem a pressão deles e se recusam a cooperar com outros países.”
Lisha rangeu os dentes de irritação e se lembrou do relatório no Novo Reino.
O incidente onde um Abyss que imitava a Lord, a aparência de Listelka— um Shadow era comandado para apresentar a cabeça da Rainha Raffi, bem como as outras realezas e nobres.
Se eles se tornassem um sacrifício, os Lords disseram que eles não colocariam as mãos sobre o povo.
Era uma exigência muito tirânica e irracional, mas os nobres de baixa patente e o povo poderiam se submeter a essa pressão e começar a dizer para sacrificar a Rainha.
Elas entenderam que era o objetivo dos Lords que isso acontecesse e isso as deixou inquietas, mas era problemático porque não podia ser completamente desconsiderado.
“Ao pensar nisso, como era de se esperar, não consigo ficar com vontade de descansar bem.”
“Mesmo assim— temos que descansar. Esse é mais ou menos o meu dever, a Princesa do Novo Reino.”
Lisha respirou fundo e se deitou olhando para o teto.
Essa forte tensão e ansiedade.
Mesmo assim, para alcançar a próxima esperança, ela fechou os olhos na tentativa de recuperar seu corpo.
Parte 2
Algumas horas depois disso.
Lisha e companhia foram chamadas pelo comandante representante da força expedicionária, Lolotte, e apareceram para jantar.
“É apenas uma refeição humilde, mas, por favor, nos perdoe porque este é um campo de batalha.”
Disse Lolotte humildemente, mas a refeição era extravagante o suficiente.
Também mostrou a importância da habilidade da Magialca em estocar uma grande quantidade de comida com antecedência e como a situação atual da batalha era calma.
Sopa quente, carne e pão dessalinizados, queijo e vinho. Enquanto comiam aquele cardápio, Lisha e as outras ouviram os detalhes da situação da batalha.
O número de Abyss protegendo a área ao redor do antigo castelo ainda era grande, mesmo assim eles haviam diminuído até menos da metade.
Avalon também era semelhante a outras Ruínas. Estava dividido por andares, e parecia que na última metade existia uma sala de controle que era chamada de centro.
A fim de evitar que qualquer outra pessoa chegue lá, os Lords selaram os Sete Paladinos Dragão e, a fim de retardar a chegada do reforço, eles espalharam a notícia de purgar as realezas e nobres.
Lisha e as outras tinham ouvido falar até certo ponto, não havia erro na previsão.
“Em primeiro lugar, como os Sete Paladinos Dragão foram capturados? Eu acredito que era impossível para as pessoas com sua força serem derrotadas obedientemente.”
A pergunta direta da Celis foi respondida por Lolotte com um olhar um pouco preocupado.
“Isso é algo que não está confirmado, mas aqueles Lords, parece que eles podem usar uma parte das funções da Ruína devido à cirurgia chamada Batismo.”
A Primeira Princesa Imperial Listelka, como a Donzela do Oráculo, ela podia obter informações de Avalon e realizar um controle simples.
A Terceira Princesa Imperial Hayes possuía o direito de controlar as Gear Leaders em cada Ruína.
E então— a Segunda Princesa Imperial Aeril que estava se passando por uma existência chamada Coral e que era ajudante do representante dos Sete Paladinos Dragão do Principado de Vanheim, foi suposto que seria capaz de realizar a manipulação da percepção.
“Em primeiro lugar, Magialca estava suspeitando do Coral-san. E assim, ela ordenou que nós, seus servos, observássemos secretamente seus movimentos. Foi assim que percebemos sua verdadeira identidade junto com sua traição.”
“Pensar que aquele cara era alguém do lado do inimigo……”
Lisha murmurou em descrença.
Ela e as outras receberam ajuda da Aeril muitas vezes. Uma emoção complicada coloriu seu rosto.
“Acredito que Aeril também percebeu nossas observações sobre ela. Eu acredito que foi por isso que ela não pôde tomar nenhuma atitude que fosse muito evidente, mas parece que ela finalmente usou seu trunfo.”
“Lu-chan e os outros estão seguros?”
Philuffy, que jantava com uma porção para cinco pessoas da mesma maneira que oferecida, interrompeu de repente o fluxo da conversa e perguntou.
Em resposta, Lolotte ponderou por um tempo e logo ele ergueu silenciosamente o rosto.
“Honestamente falando, no momento não sabemos de nada. Porque embora consigamos manter a linha de frente, vergonhosamente isso é o melhor que podemos fazer.”
Por direito, ele queria resgatar os Sete Paladinos Dragão e capturar Avalon que ficava no subsolo do antigo castelo.
Mas, porque além do Abyss e armadilhas que estavam à espreita no antigo castelo, eles careciam de força de combate para atacar até aquele momento.
Se eles atacassem precipitadamente várias vezes e ficassem exaustos, depois fosse contra-atacados e sua base fosse tomada, sua derrota seria gravada em pedra.
Portanto, a situação deles agora era cheia de dificuldades até mesmo para coletar informações do acampamento inimigo.
“No entanto, se eu puder expressar minha opinião pessoal, acredito que a possibilidade do Lux-san estar viva é alta. Afinal, para os Lords, ele será útil como refém contra a ameaça restante de vocês, Syvalles do Novo Reino.”
“Entendo.”
Lisha murmurou enquanto olhava para baixo, então ela imediatamente abriu os olhos vermelhos.
“Resumindo, é assim. Neste momento, vai depender da nossa atividade. Você também estava esperando pela nossa chegada.”
“Sim, é exatamente como Vossa Alteza diz.”
Lolotte acenou com a cabeça com as sobrancelhas baixadas em desculpas.
“Infelizmente, minha aptidão para Drag-Rides é baixa, e o melhor que posso fazer é usar um <Drake> genérico. Com Zweigbergk-san sozinho como um usuário de Drag-Ride Divino, o melhor que podemos fazer é apenas defender a fortaleza.”
“Sete dias restantes até o final da contagem regressiva que os Lords decidiram. Antes disso, iremos nos infiltrar no antigo castelo, reunir informações e retomar os Sete Paladinos Dragão. É bom considerar isso como o que devemos fazer?”
Quando Krulcifer concluiu assim, Lolotte silenciosamente se curvou em consentimento.
“Daremos suporte tanto quanto possível com esta base como centro. Se vocês tiverem alguma necessidade, seja pessoal ou material, diga-me o que for. Por favor, nos dê suas forças.”
“Deixe isso conosco! Vamos resgatar Lux— os Sete Paladinos Dragão com certeza!”
Lisha gritou para animar a si mesma e as outras como a Princesa do Novo Reino.
As outras três garotas também concordaram com a cabeça.
“Sim, vamos conseguir isso sem falhar. É para o bem de ninguém além de nós mesmas.”
“Você tem razão. Se não pudermos salvá-lo aqui, não teremos rosto para olhar para todas na Academia.”
“Eu quero conhecer Lu-chan rapidamente.”
Krulcifer, Celis e Philuffy expressaram sua determinação e se separaram do jantar.
Os sete dias na abandonada capital Guernica que decidiriam o destino do mundo.
A longa noite que informava o início disso estava se aprofundando silenciosamente como a calmaria antes da tempestade.
Part 3
「Was it fine, Listelka-sama?」
Around that time when Lisha and the others were showing their motivation to capture Avalon and take back the Seven Dragon Paladins.
Inside a bedroom in the old castle that existed a few kl ahead, Listelka was stripping off her clothes.
「What is it, Mishis? It’s an unclear question coming from the wise you. I won’t be angry even if you stop acting so reserved you know? Though it will be a different matter if it’s an insult against Fugil.」
Listelka said that with a teasing smile. Her cheeks were faintly dyed red.
Soft white skin that looked like even the circulating blood underneath would become visible.
Long silver hair swaying softly.
And then her purity that was the same like the pure white underwear she was wearing.
The bedroom where Listelka and Mishis were inside was different from the bedroom of Lux and Aeril.
The surroundings and inside of the old castle were crowded with a lot of traps and brutal Abyss, but several safe zones existed. The Abyss wouldn’t get near those zones.
Listelka was able to perceive those zones due to the power she obtained from Baptism──the ability to govern a part of Avalon’s system.
They had gathered food and clothing from each Ruin into that safe zone beforehand to construct a temporary base.
「…………」
Inside that room, Mishis was hesitating with her master’s words before she finally formed her words in the end.
「It might be slightly related. It’s about the permission to entrust him to her highness Aeril.」
「Aah, you mean that Lux Arcadia.」
「Yes.」
The maid Mishis immediately nodded at the voice of imperial princess Listelka.
「Although he has the Wedge put on him, isn’t it a bit dangerous to use him as a pawn? That is what I think.」
「Perhaps so.」
The girl smiled as though playing the fool.
After finishing changing into her sleepwear, she sat down on the bed that had a canopy attached.
「I can comprehend how he can become a central figure even among the Seven Dragon Paladins with his potential that cannot be measured. He is far from being a match against Fugil, but he seems quite competent. Though his appearance looks like an unreliable boy.」
「In that case──why did your highness make that decision?」
Mishis’s question was extremely calm. Listelka lightly stretched herself.
‘Fua……’, she lightly put her hand over her lips and yawned. It was a lovely gesture befitting her age.
「Well, there is also how I chose Fugil, but it is just as I said before, it’s like my present to Aeril. Unlike Hayes, that delinquent girl, she was faking herself for a few months alone and accomplished her mission for us.」
「…………」
「Besides, I also understand Aeril’s feelings a little. We too are grown women of that age. It is in our instinct to search for the person who will become our pair. Even the imperial princess of the beginning who once reigned in the past──Arshalia was also said to welcome a young man who was called as the White Hero to be her close aide. Originally it was a love of different social status……there is also an aspect to it that seems similar to my feelings towards Fugil.」
「I see, your highness.」
「You still cannot be convinced with only this answer?」
Listelka let out a sigh ‘fuu’ and let herself fell on the bed to lie spread-eagled.
Mishis approached Listelka’s side and put a blanket over her. And then next Mishis calmly formed her words.
「I have a tinge of anxiety remaining. Surely in this capture of Avalon, we will have to pay a considerable effort even for us the Lords. Although we possess enough combat force, it’s also a fact that it will be better to spare some strength in reserve. In that case, I am aware that using him──Lux Arcadia as a pawn is an excellent plan.」
「You are worried for the slightest chance of his collar getting taken off aren’t you?」
When Listelka pointed that out, Mishis nodded briskly with a serious face.
The collar of Wedge would generate electricity if the wearer went against orders, harbored rebellious thoughts, tried to take it off, or if the collar simply got hit by a strong impact. But Mishis was apprehensive to a certain situation.
The content of her apprehension would also become doubt and insult towards the imperial princesses in a sense.
It was something that made her hesitate to say easily.
「Is it the possibility of Aeril betraying and stealing a march on us to control Avalon with him?」
「……!?」
A sentence was spoken from those lovely lips that cut into the heart of the matter.
The content of those words caused even Mishis whose face was like an iron mask to become speechless spontaneously.
It was bull’s eye.
Aeril had been working as a spy away from the Lords for too long a time.
She was blending into the heart of the world alliance so much so that she wasn’t doubted by almost anyone.
The possibility of someone compassionate like her giving help to them wasn’t zero.
「There is no need to worry Mishis. It’s impossible for Aeril to betray us. After all, that child is also the same like me and Hayes. She remembers the tragedy of the past.」
「…………」
「Just what kind of experience we went through because of that family of traitors……when thinking about it, don’t you think it’s foolish to distrust her?」
Listelka let out grief to show on her face seen from the side. Mishis couldn’t say anything to that.
The absolute rule that conquered over the world, the imperial family of the Holy Arcadia Empire.
Due to the rebellion of the family of traitors, the atrocity of the counterattack was running rampant to the extreme.
In the far away past, Listelka and the others escaped the disaster by sleeping inside the hibernation pods for the use of the imperial family, but the hell they acutely went through to reach that point was still fresh in their memories.
She also remembered how a few hundred years later, that pod was discovered by a descendant of the family of traitors and once more she almost got killed, but Fugil saved her in the nick of time.
She could remember them all as though they happened only yesterday.
「Either way, in this world there is no place where we belong anymore. There is only this Ruin, only the pride in the form of the legacy of ruler that our ancestors left behind for us.」
The imperial princess muttered earnestly, her hand touching her chest.
「That’s why, I swear I will obtain Avalon no matter what I have to do. That should be the correct action.」
「That’s──」
「At present, the Wedges are set up so only us, the three imperial princesses, can take them off, isn’t that right?」
Mishis nodded silently.
The Wedges were a part of Avalon. Once it was put on, it was set up so the third electric shock would give instant death as long as the collar wasn’t taken off.
Aeril took off Lux’s collar once in order to reset the electric shock count that had reached two due to Hayes.
Listelka and Mishis also knew about it through hearing it from Aeril herself.
「But regarding Lux Arcadia, the Wedge is already set so even if it is Aeril herself who tries to take it off, an electric shock that will grant instant death will suddenly flow. Even the person who tries to take it off will die from the aftershock of the electricity. That’s why──there won’t be any problem at all.」
「──!?」
Mishis spontaneously felt a chill in her spine seeing that pure smile.
In a glance she was an elegant girl, but she was hiding enough cruelty as a ruler.
Listelka didn’t even tell Aeril how she had changed the settings.
Even in the worst case that she attempted to take off the collar of Lux and the other Seven Dragon Paladins, Aeril herself would also die instantly. She would be executed right on the spot.
「Besides, I have already thought up the countermeasure that I didn’t tell to even my little sisters. The plan of a ruler is arranged in such way that one will win no matter how the situation becomes. That is the basics. If the capture of Avalon advances by the pawn called Lux Arcadia, then one other secret plan that can destroy the world will be carried out.」
「…………」
She didn’t have mercy even toward her own flesh and blood relative by not granting them important information.
And then, she was letting Aeril act while laying out even more traps.
Mishis felt a chill from fear that came from the bottom of her heart.
In that case, Mishis V Xfer who was serving this person could only pray.
That one of her masters, Aeril wouldn’t think to quarrel with this terrifying ruler.
That Aeril wouldn’t do anything like searching for a path that she should walk herself and chose it.
Part 4
The remaining twelve days countdown that Listelka declared to the world.
It was a threat that the Lords would massacre the people if the delegation of all countries didn’t present their heads at the abandoned capital.
The morning of the sixth day, the halfway point of the countdown, was visiting the old castle in the abandoned capital Guernica.
「N, nn……」
The sunlight shining in from the gap of the ragged curtain woke Lux up.
The bedroom had a single bed with canopy attached.
Aeril slept there while Lux was sleeping on the sofa beside it.
He was wearing a sleep-wear with thin fabric that he was given last night.
When he confirmed the time using his pocket watch──it was six in the morning.
From the point of view of Lux who usually woke up at five for doing chores and morning training, he had overslept.
Even so, there was no doubt that it was morning, but as expected it was strange.
Outside the curtain──at the ruined castle town that could be seen from the old castle, there were the Abyss strutting around on the ground and in the sky.
He was inside the enemy’s castle, he was in a position of changing sides to the enemy camp, he was also in a situation where he exchanged a secret agreement to allow Aeril to control Avalon.
Lux thought that he wouldn’t be able to get even a wink of sleep from nervousness, but when he noticed he had fallen asleep.
Perhaps he was surprisingly tired.
Or perhaps in his heart he was trusting Aeril.
「Even if that’s the case, I cannot be so relaxed……」
The other collar that was put on his neck──the binding called Wedge, with its existence death was constantly beside him.
There was also the other Seven Dragon Paladins who were still captured.
And also the existences of Listelka, Hayes, and Fugil.
And then the arrival of Lisha and the others, the members of Syvalles, that most likely wouldn’t be long, and the capture of Avalon──
The situation changed every second. If even a single gear went out of place, destruction would wait right away.
「──Fuu」
Although, it would be no use even if he brooded too much right now.
Whether it was the chore works that Lux had done or the large-scale plan like the revolution in the Old Empire, his actions to reach until the finish point was the same.
He could only accomplish it by accumulating steady progress before his eyes and cleared them.
Thus, first, Lux tried to search for Aeril in order to know his objective for now.
(Somehow, even in this kind of situation, I’m still staying together with a girl huh……)
Well, even in the Academy he was staying in the same room as Philuffy at the beginning. It also felt like it was too late already to worry about that now, but it couldn’t be helped that he was conscious of it because he was a man in puberty.
He timidly peeked at the bed, but Aeril wasn’t there.
「Eh──?」
Strange.
Aeril staying together with Lux should be for the sake of their 『agreement』 and also for her to monitor Lux, and yet she went away somewhere.
(Don’t tell me, was our plan found out by Listelka? Or perhaps Hayes is trying to circumvent us?)
There was also a possibility that the alliance army launched a surprise attack in the early morning and Aeril joined the battle.
If the Lords met difficulty in dealing with that, it might be a chance for Lux to find an opening for escape and joined up with the Seven Dragon Paladins.
Although, if he tried to take off the Wedges of the other Seven Dragon Paladins, both would get shocked with electricity together so it was impossible.
(The development might change faster than expected. As expected this should be too early for Lisha-sama and the others to come already but──)
Lux changed into his pilot suit while reaching his hand to the door to leave this bedroom.
There would be no turning back if he went outside as he pleased.
「-……!?」
Should he keep his promise with Aeril, or should he risk danger to search for a path of escape?
At that time when Lux’s thoughts were weighed in his heart and he hesitated, the doorknob in front of him turned and the door opened.
At that instant where he expected a shocking situation, a sight that was just too unexpected entered Lux’s sight.
「Ah, good morning Lux-kun. Were you okay yesterday? Like your collar──」
「…………」
Apron figure.
Aeril who was wearing a pure white apron above her pilot suit was carrying a tray with a serious face.
There was fresh baked bread above the tray. It was accompanied with vegetable sticks, then sunny-side-up fried eggs that were roasted together with bacon, soup, and glasses of water.
No matter how he looked at it, Aeril seemed to have just prepared breakfast. Lux could only stiffen with his eyes wide open.
「Eh? What’s the matter Lux-kun? You don’t need breakfast?」
「No, I can eat anytime but── That appearance……」
「A, ahaha……. This kind of appearance while wearing a pilot suit, does it look a bit strange just as I thought? I suddenly thought to cook this morning so──」
Perhaps Aeril only noticed the unnaturalness of her appearance after this late, she grinned with her cheeks slightly reddening.
Somehow, thanks to the pilot suit that had a small surface area covered with fabric, her appearance emitted a mysterious sex appeal. Lux paid attention to not stare too hard towards her.
For the time being they moved to the table in the bedroom and had breakfast before the dishes became cold.
「Could it be that Aeril was the one who cooked this?」
Lux asked while eating breakfast.
「That, i, is it not delicious just as I thought? Perhaps it will be better if I just obediently leave the cooking to Mishis……. So it’s a failure……」
Her figure averting her gaze without confidence while casting down her gaze in embarrassment looked somewhat cute.
「No, it’s really delicious. Somehow the taste loosened my tension, it’s making me feel relieved.」
The dining hall in the Academy was also luxurious with delicious food, but this breakfast was just right for Lux.
「I see, I’m really glad. I also practiced to cook by myself in the military academy of Vanheim. Ah, I asked Mishis to bake the bread though.」
Aeril smiled while exhaling in relieve.
Her smiling face was really like a homely girl. Lux’s heart throbbed hard seeing it.
「But, why did you intentionally cook this yourself? You weren’t here when I woke up, so I thought to go looking for you.」
Lux casually asked to cover up that he was thinking of escaping. Aeril tilted her head slightly and thought.
After lightly nibbling on the bread and swallowing, she finally answered him.
「Ahaha, I wonder why. But perhaps, it was because I wanted to do it. Even I wanted to try once something like cooking for a friend. Surely──」
She looked vaguely nostalgic.
Aeril muttered with a distant gaze that seemed like she was harboring a longing.
She lived as an imperial family of the ancient era, then after that she lived while faking her own identity.
But, Aeril’s smile when she was doing Academy activities together with Lux and the others might be her true feelings.
「Aeril, you wanted to try living normally?」
「Yes……. I was envious at everyone in your Academy, at Lisha-san and the others.」
Aeril replied with a lonely smile. Seeing that Lux was dazed.
He wondered whether this breakfast that she prepared by herself was also the expression of that feeling?
While thinking of such thing, Lux and Aeril quickly finished their breakfast.
Part 5
「Then, Lux-kun, you prepare for the sortie while I go to check on the Seven Dragon Paladins for the moment. After that, Lux-kun and I will go to capture the surface level floor of Avalon with just us two. First I want to clear up the swarm of the Abyss under this old castle.」
Finally they would start capturing Avalon for real.
It seemed the first imperial princess Listelka was able to use a part of Avalon’s functions using her ability to interfere with the Ruins that she obtained through Baptism, but there was a limit to that.
Naturally she didn’t want to split her force just to clear up the Abyss.
(Should I feel happy about this?)
With this he would be lending a hand to the Lords, but he was relieved that he wouldn’t need to attack the fortress where the alliance army was based at and fight his allies.
「I get it but…… is it okay, that Aeril will take your eyes off me?」
「Yes. Actually, I want to give the order『don’t go out of this room』 through the Wedge, but it will be troubling in the low chance that an accident occurs here, so I’ll hold back from that. More importantly, I’m worried whether Hayes is meddling with the Seven Dragon Paladins or not.」
Certainly it might be just as she said.
It would be better if he could ask Aeril to check on them.
「Got it. I’ll prepare while waiting.」
「Be careful okay, Lux-kun.」
Aeril left only those words behind and exited the bedroom.
「Or perhaps, she is giving me time to change?」
Lux was saying that to himself while he finishined changing his clothes. A few minutes later, Aeril returned while carrying a sword belt. She handed Lux his Sword Device.
General purpose Drag-Ride, Wyvern, and the Divine Drag-Ride, Bahamut.
And then Aeril herself was also bringing two Sword Devices in her sword belt.
「Your preparations are finished then. Also, I prepared various things like a bit of food, a pocket watch, a map, lamp, and towel. Here.」
Aeril also handed a pouch that was filled with those things to Lux with a somewhat cheerful look.
「Thank you Aeril.」
「……? What’s the matter Lux-kun?」
Aeril’s eyes opened wide in surprise at the thanks that came from Lux’s mouth.
「It’s about Hayes. Thanks for your consideration so that I, and also the Seven Dragon Paladins, don’t get attacked by her.」
「……Haa, you are really a strange person. In this situation you are threatened by me and even got forced to carry out an act of treachery, do you understand that?」
「That might be so.」
Lux put on a smile and slowly pulled out his Sword Device from the sheath.
When he summoned Wyvern using the passcode, Aeril also followed his movement in response.
「──Come, the winged dragon of crest that is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, EX Wyvern!」
A large Drag-Ride with streamlined shape that was a size larger than Lux’s Wyvern was summoned, and it transformed into an armor that covered her body.
「Then, let’s go. First is going to the underground of the old castle──to open the route until Avalon. Is that okay?」
Lux nodded briefly, then the door was opened and the two flew away.
They passed through a corridor and descended down the stair, then they opened the door of the reception hall. There they faced the Abyss that appeared.
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