Chivalry of a Failed Knight Volume 12

Table of Contents

Intermission - The resolution of the First Princess
Chapter 10 - Their duty as the Imperial Family
Chapter 11 - White peak
Chapter 12 - An extreme cold trial
Chapter 13 - The assassin from Shinryuuji
Chapter 14 - The sword of Vermillion

Intermission - The resolution of the
First Princess

Time goes back, one hour before the clash between Vermillion Army and
Kradleland Army.

When Vermillion Army established a battle formation in Caldia City.

Lunaize Vermillion, the First Princess of the Empire of Vermillion, who was
brought to the hospital by Kurogane Ikki and《Black Knight》Iris Ascaride,
had heard the response of her father Sirius Vermillion about the current
situation on the bed of the hospital room, namely that Kradleland was
advancing into Vermillion with the magic of《Marionette King》Or-Gaule.

In other words, the fact that he moved Vermillion Army, armed with police
equipment used for mob suppression to save their friend country Kradleland
controlled by magic.

To that decision, she,

- What did you say!?

She raised her voice due to the great surprise.

- Is, is that true!?

- Yes. As one would expect of King Sirius. I have never been so proud of
being born in Vermillion than today.

- ……

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The young messenger soldier spoke with proud while making his eyes
sparkle like a boy.

Certainly, Lunaize thought that was a choice typical of her father.

Vermillion and Kradleland compromised with each other to bridge the gap of
history until today. And there haven’t been a moment in which Kradleland
had needed the help of Vermillion recently. And in the last moment, they
turned a self-protection and changed their attitude quickly. Her father wasn’t
a man who would make such a selfish decision with a heartlessness like that.

That was the virtue of her father as the King.

――But still, Lunaize declared.

“That this decision of her father was a big mistake”.

There wasn’t that much of a big difference between the military strength of
Kradleland and Vermillion.

If they were to fight them at home, they should be able to make the war
situation stalemate even with inferior equipment.
Besides, Vermillion now had《Black Knight》.

She should have already requested an emergency intervention to League
headquarters.

Reinforcements would come from neighboring member nations of League.

It was evident that the number of those reinforcements overwhelmed
Kradleland both in quantity and quality.

In that case, they may be able to successfully save Kradleland from the hands
of《Marionette King》.

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――Yes, all of these were convenient delusions. Nothing but wishful
thinking.

First and foremost, there was no way the reinforcements would move
immediately.

Perhaps Vermillion would need to maintain the war front unassisted for the
entire day.

With poor police equipment.
Moreover, it could be possible that the opponent was Kradleland Army only,
but,

――The enemy, they weren’t alone. That demon was behind Johan and the
others. 《Marionette King》Or-Gaule.

An enemy with a fearsome strength that quickly made of Kradleland his own.
And perhaps, her circle of friends were also in it.

If the opponents were also those people and they were to fight against them
without having a decent attack power――they would certainly suffer big
losses. Thousands. No, tens of thousands. With the result of many people
losing their sons, fathers and husbands.

The situation would be worse if the enemy had a Blazer with a strength
similar to Stella’s.
It was inevitable that with a large-scale battle like this even common people
would be dragged into it.

(Why Haha-ue didn’t stop him…!?)*

*TN: Very formal way to address one’s mother.

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Her father and Stella were excellent warriors.

But for that reason, they tended to be too brave.
That in itself was their charisma, it wasn’t a bad thing, but――

Never, no matter what happened, a country shouldn’t have bravery as their
motive power.

Politics were performed with minimal losses in mind, and not with best war
results.
Saving both Vermillion and Kradleland ――was possible.

They shouldn’t cling to such thin expectations.

(The best choice in this situation is to throw away the emotions and carry out
a defensive battle with maximum firepower equipment)
Because they, the imperial family, carried the lives of the people on their
backs.

Because they existed to protect the lives of the people.

(――I must stop them)
The one who took care of the current war between Kradleland and Vermillion
from the beginning was her.

That responsibility was on her.

But, how do so?
In their previous meeting, Or-Gaule was showing a behavior in which he was
suspiciously interested in Stella. What came from the type of emotions he had
wasn’t within the category of comprehension, but it appeared to be
impossible to stop war itself as long as the enemy was interested in Stella.

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It wasn’t realistic anymore to change the equipment of Vermillion Army to
conventional weapons again and perform a complete resistance, because the
fact that Kradleland Army is being controlled is already well-known by the
soldiers.

Then almost everything was too la――
(… No, wait)

The smart head of Lunaize derived to a solution as she thought.

She certainly could no longer stop the war.
But――it was possible to stop this battle.

(At this rate, the League will soon do an armed intervention with a large
army)
《Black Knight》’s figure should have seen Or-Gaule.
And that wasn’t a convenient situation for Or-Gaule and company.
While Or-Gaule and the others were powerful Blazers, 《League》was an
enormous organization that divided the world into two.

Fighting directly against them was a great disadvantage.
Rather, the chance to win was nonexistent.

They would be exterminated without fail.

In that case, at that moment, there would be room for negotiation.
(I will explain the reasons to prevent a forced intervention by taking on
the appearance of doing war with what’s in the League Treaty as
originally planned)

If the scale of war were to be reduced to a war of representatives, then they

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would have enough time to make people find shelter outside the country.
If this was the case, then taking the risk of facing the enemy with poor
equipment was not necessary.
If worst comes to worst, if Vermillion was defeated, the lives of the people
could be protected.
… However, the choice of discarding the number advantage and dropping the
winning chances of Vermillion drastically while at the same time lowering
the probabilities of saving Kradleland was…

『Relax, Johan! If there’s something that you can’t handle by yourself, then
at that time, I’ll come and give you a hand』

(I’m sorry…)

Lunaize apologized in a small way with a disgusted expression as she
recalled the words she returned to Johan who made feeble complaints about
whether he would actually be fit for a King when they were children.
Oaths and friendship… were of little importance when compared to the
responsibilities this person was burdened with.
There was only one action she could do now.
With that in her heart, Lunaize got up from the bed.
- Ah! Lunaize-sama, you can still move.
- I need you to tell the director to prepare a helicopter as soon as possible.
- Eh!? W-what do you mean――

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- I will go to Kradleland. This is an order as the First Princess.

Lunaize commanded with a strong tone of voice that didn’t let him say yes or
no, covering the words of the young soldier with it.

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Chapter 10 - Their duty as the
Imperial Family

「「「Eh…!?」」」

The soldiers of Vermillion who fought against Kradleland Army controlled
by the『threads』of Or-Gaule.
A change like that happened all of a sudden in front of them, who fought
against the threat.
- What? Is it my idea or Kradleland Army stopped moving abruptly?
Yes. The soldiers of Kradleland stopped moving suddenly and collapsed into
the ground.
Just like a puppet with cut threads.
All of them.
The soldiers were confused. “How did this happen when we haven’t
destroyed the hubs?”
While that happened,
《Black Knight》Iris Ascaride, who had a remarkably high true strength,
and《Seven Stars Sword King》 Kurogane Ikki, noticed the presence of an
enemy who came flying in the air from the far west.

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- That’s Or-Gaule, and… Lunaize-san!?
――《Crimson Princess》Stella Vermillion, who confronted them in the air,
also saw the unusual change of the battlefield below her.

(What does that mean?)
『Vermillion, as a member nation of the League, has officially accepted the
declaration of war of the new government of Kradleland. According to the
rules of League, the battle will not be done by our armed forces, but instead,
both sides will carry out a battle of representatives done by 5《Mage-Knights》
selected from their current national military strength to settle the war. These
are legitimate war rights exercised in accordance with the rules, and as such,
neither governments allow any emergency intervention by the《International
Mage-Knights League》within the territories of Vermillion and Kradleland』

The words said by Lunaize who appeared with Or-Gaule unexpectedly.

Her head couldn’t keep up with the situation below.

That’s why, Stella,

- You’re rejecting the intervention of the League? What do you mean with
that, Luna-nee!?

She threw a question to the person who should be questioned.

What on earth happened?

Why was Lunaize with Or-Gaule?

The one.

The one who replied to all those questions was Johan Kristoff Von Collbrand,
the new King of Kradleland who straddled a soaring golden warhorse.

He told Stella with a tender expression and with affection put into it.

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- That’s exactly what it means, Stella-chan. Kradleland decided to eliminate
the secret pact signed by the stupid former administration and to go to war
with Vermillion to take back all the stolen territory and pride. And well,
Lunaize-san accepted it with the power she was entrusted with from King
Sirius. The misunderstandings and misinformation ended up causing
unfortunate armed conflicts, but since I discussed this with Lunaize-san when
she visited Kradleland not long ago, both countries have agreed to carry out a
war based on new rules. Therefore, the reason why《League》interrupting it
is――

- Shut up!

Stella cut and discarded the words of Johan with a stinging voice.

And turned her eyes filled with anger that felt as if they spouted flames next
to Johan. She glared at《Marionette King》Or-Gaule, the boy with white hair
who stood in the air.

- Don’t keep talking about ridiculous stuff with Johan’s voice…!

She knew that Johan had already fallen under the evil influence of Or-Gaule.

All the words that came out from Johan now belonged to Or-Gaule.

Or-Gaule just handled him like a ventriloquist’s dummy to make him speak
by proxy with his own voice.

It was an insult of the greatest category to an individual.

That couldn’t be forgiven.

However, Or-Gaule stuck his tongue to Stella’s fury like a kid who was
questioned for his mischief,

- Aha You don’t seem to jump into the mood so easily, huh. Since there are

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eyes of the League in this, I want to keep up appearances.

He sent a fleeting glance to Nene who looked up towards them from the
ground as he said so without being shy.

It looked like this guy was seriously trying to prevent an intervention
of《League》 with the excuse he gave moments ago.

However, Stella decided such a thing wasn’t going to be allowed.

It was an obvious excuse.

There was no reason to believe it.

There shouldn’t be, and yet――

- It’s as he said now. I went to Kradleland to have a discussion to reduce the
scale of the battle. And so, we agreed to suspend the ongoing battle actions
and put an end to the history of conflict between the two countries with a
battle of representatives in accordance with the rules established by《League》.

Her older sister said she accepted it.

She didn’t understand that at all.
- Why are you doing such a…!? Even though《League》had already prepared
1 million troops to help us!

Stella charged to reveal the frustration she had about the behavior of her
incomprehensible older sister.

Lunaize, with an always composed and calmed voice,

- One million, huh. As long as they’re reliable, that is. It’s a very large scale,
with such a great number――but also too late.

- ――!

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She explained the hard fact that Stella failed to notice.

- Who are the ones stopping those guys of the Kradleland Army while that
big army comes slowly? … Not even you can imagine what would happen if
such a force were to be used in place of the Vermillion Army. To say nothing
of the poor equipment that Vermillion Army has.

- … That’s.

Stella’s complexion, who was told so, was growing pale.
The crust that was smashed by a hit of《Haboob》.

Because of that, the soldiers of Kradleland were swallowed by the ground,
with town and all.
If a《Blazer》with such a strength were to act violently and seriously, there
was no way to avoid a tragedy.

She could easily imagine so.

- Pride is a good thing, but we aren’t Gods. We can’t save everyone. Don’t
confuse priorities. The most important thing is to protect the lives of the
people. We, the Imperial Family, have the obligation to think and act about
that above all else. If war is done as we originally planned, it can be
postponed for a week. In the meantime, it can be possible to let the people
escape to a safe country. If so――and in the worst case, if we are defeated in
the war, even if Vermillion is destroyed, their lives can be protected.

- Ugh…

Even if Vermillion was destroyed.

Stella felt a chill on her spine because of the tone of voice of her older sister
who told so.

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A heavy resolution was put into it.

Lunaize even considered their downfall, the downfall of the Vermillion
Imperial Family.

She considered even the worst ending, moreover, she thoroughly thought the
method to protect the『citizens』once they have reached the worst ending and
implement it.

They would defeat Or-Gaule and company and save both Vermillion and
Kradleland.

Always for the people, without clinging to such light expectations.

To fulfill the pride of the Imperial Family and to serve aka to protect the
people even if they die.

- ――

That’s right, in this case, the choice they could take as the Imperial Family
was no other than that.

There was no room for objection.

Stella had no choice but to say no more.

And,

- Well, although that’s not something we know about.

Or-Gaule continued, facing Stella.

- But… honestly, the movement of League has been so fast so far that it has
been unexpected for us. I’m finally able to play with Stella-chan, and yet, as
things are, I have no interest in being mixed with those guys. It’s not that I
can’t win, but it’s annoying to hit a fly that flies before your eyes. … In short,
the proposal of Her Highness, in which the war between the two countries

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will be done in the form of a battle of representatives as planned is also
beneficial to us. So, we took part in it. But will you be able to give us your
consent?
-…
The explanations from both points of view.
Stella understood this, that this proposal was certainly a proposal with
advantages for both sides.
But,
(What is… this unsatisfied feeling?)
Certainly, the course of events had their logic, but they felt terribly
disgusting.
She could understand them, but not accept them.
It felt like something, like something very important was overlooked.
Then, at that moment.
- Why are you settling this on your own, you bastard…!
A black gust of wind blew right next to Stella who fluttered in the air with
wings of flame.
- 《Haboob》…!
A man with loose and disheveled hair and with black clothes covering his
whole body.
The《Blazer》known as the strongest mercenary in the world.
《Haboob》Naseem Al-Salem.
Naseem ascended to the sky by riding a sandstorm then attacked Or-Gaule

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with his left fist together with an irritated and angry voice.
Or-Gaule prevented the direct hit by catching it with《Spider web》――a
barrier of threads stretched around the surroundings of his body. But, the
strongest mercenary wouldn’t be stopped with something of this level.

Naseem didn’t care that his left hand was caught by the threads, he wrenched
open the《Spider web》that protected Or-Gaule with all his strength and thrust
his right hand.

Then, he constricted the collar of the hood Or-Gaule had put on.

- The hell are you doing just when I’m finally getting up…!? If you’re
watering this down… then I’ll kill you, you《Shitty brat》!

*TN: Shitty brat is the furigana reading for Marionette King.

- Aha you’re very excited, aren’t you? I see that you were very pleased
with《Princess Yaksha》.

His bloodshot eyes had not even a fragment of other emotion than murderous
intent.

Naseem was serious.

The community of lone wolves didn’t have a feeling of friendship from the
beginning.

If he were to say something wrong, Naseem would bare his fangs against Or-
Gaule.

However, Or-Gaule didn’t have a panic look on his face, and without
changing his easygoing attitude,

- In that case, “if I accept the reinforcements, limiting it to the people
of《League》who are in Vermillion now” how would that sound?

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――He suggested that.
「「…!」」

- We’ll also change the existing order and put you and me as the
representatives. It won’t be fair if I don’t approve changes to Vermillion’s
order. Apart from that, if we’re going to do a regular battle of representatives,
then you aren’t going to be hindered by League while fighting against the
enjoyable《Princess Yaksha》. This deal shouldn’t be bad for you, don’t you
agree?

-…

Naseem’s bloodlust calmed down with Or-Gaule’s suggestion.

Even though being interrupted in front of the best prey was unpleasant for
him.

But,

(Like I thought, something doesn’t fit…)

The suspicious, bad feeling that swirled in Stella’s chest increased with the
words of Or-Gaule.

Lunaize proposed a battle of representatives that was beneficial for both
parties.

And Or-Gaule consistently showed a positive and cooperative attitude to this.

This gave her a terrible bad feeling.

What on earth was the thing she was failing to notice?

Stella was worried. However, and unrelated to her,
- In the end, 《Princess Yaksha》came to this country to fight against us, so

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there’s no problem, is it?

Or-Gaule gave a fleeting glance at the back of Stella and continued speaking.
Stella followed the point of his eyes and the figure of《Princess Yaksha》
Saikyou Nene, who had ascended to the sky with her gravitational
manipulation ability, was there.

She had a wry smile on her face as if she had heard a joke that didn’t make
her smile.

- … You just insisted that you’re going to go to war following the rules of
the League. But, as for me, just knowing that you are in Kradleland is reason
enough for a forced intervention, you know?

*TN: You (plural) is the furigana reading for criminals.

- Well, at that time, we also had to protect ourselves. However, if it becomes
to that, we can’t guarantee not even a bit the safety of the people of
Kradleland that is close to us.

- Are you calling them “human shields”?

- Either way, you gave a splendid interpretation.

“That seems to be the only interpretation, huh” Nene spoke bitterly.
In other words, Or-Gaule had demanded《League》 to participate in this farce
with the people of Kradleland as shields.

Nene asked Or-Gaule about his demand in a low voice after a brief silence.

- The rules of the League aren’t there just to not involve the general public in
the war. There’s also an agreement that prohibits the tyranny of the
government towards their own citizens. … If you’re pretending to follow the
rules, then you’ll abide by them, no?

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That was a question to make him guarantee the safety of the people of
Kradleland if the《League》 gave up the plan to intervene.

Regarding this, Or-Gaule,

- Of course.

Returned without hesitation and raised his right wrist as if scooping up
the「regret」.

In an instant, the soldiers of Kradleland, who were swallowed up by the
collapse created by the crust smashed by Naseem, were pulled up one after
another from the dry sand’s surface.

Or-Gaule raised the ones who were buried in the underground with his own
threads.

With that action,

- So, can you trust me with this?

Or-Gaule asked Nene.

Nene returned, without hiding her disgust.

- Who will trust in you?

- Aha It’s that a no then?
- But… I understand. I’ll join this farce. Now I don’t have to persuade《Prime
Minister》-chan.
The reason of being of the《League》was『The powerful ones must protect the
powerless people』

There should be nothing for them with more priority than the lives of the
populace.

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The people of Kradleland was currently in the hands of Or-Gaule and the
others. How much could they trust the words of the lot that guaranteed their
physical safety? It was something to suspect, yes, but still, better than
nothing.
Nene decided so as a knight of the《League》.

- As expected. You’re down to earth. The squad that came is glad with you.

Or-Gaule clapped his hands together, looking happy and asked Naseem.

- With that said, why don’t we take our retreat here?

- Tch…

Although what was said had some benefit for him, Naseem looked
dissatisfied that this took a form that excited Or-Gaule, so he turned his body
into sand and disappeared from the sky while being scattered by the wind.

He probably would return to Kradleland first.

After he made sure of it,
- Now that he did something like that, can you withdraw as well? 《Dirty
Rose》.
Or-Gaule used his『threads』to send a withdrawal instruction to《Dirty Rose》
Ain, another one of his fellows who launched a surprise attack on the distant
Imperial Palace of Vermillion.
To this instruction,《Dirty Rose》, who confronted《Futen》Tatara Yui, her little
sister that chased her and《Crimson Wild Lion》Sirius Vermillion in the
Imperial Palace,

- Fufu. Oh well. Here I also had just an unexpected surprise. Shall we stop for
today and start again another day?

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She said so, swung the rose ivy that appeared from the arm and pulverized
the wall of the closest window.

She turned her back on the two and bent herself forward.

And to that back,

- Are you running away?
Tatara Yui provoked her, but――《Dirty Rose》looked back with a facial
expression that deeply showed scorn,

- If you follow me, I’ll be your opponent. If you think you have the chance to
win against me today, after you wasted your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
called surprise attack to show up in front of me to save King Sirius, then
chase me.

-…

Tatara couldn’t say what came next.
Because her cells that received training in《Abgrund》as a professional killer
truly understood that the words of《Dirty Rose》had no room for objection.

And so,

- Alright, everyone. Adieu.
During that silence, 《Dirty Rose》threw herself through the hole to the air.

Tatara, who ran up to the hole drilled too late, saw the figure of her older
sister who disappeared into the northern sky, holding the fluff of a giant
dandelion.

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◆◇◆◇◆

『Then, Your Highness, please contact me if the members are officially
decided. Oh, but please make Stella-chan register as promised. Because I
don’t want to reach the situation in which the Imperial Family won’t
participate in the fight where both countries are wagered, and more than
anything, my enjoyment will die, you see』

《Marionette King》Or-Gaule left those words with the liberated Lunaize and
withdrew to Kradleland, bringing the safe soldiers along with him.

After that, the Vermillion Army, that was deployed in Caldia, gave medical
treatment to all those who were wounded.

Not only the soldiers of Vermillion, but also the soldiers of Kradleland who
were left wounded.

The seriously wounded soldiers of Kradleland were a few because of the non-
killing weapons that were used under the order of Sirius, but almost no one
could walk on their own because of the after effects of Or-Gaule’s Noble
Arts《Marionette》that controlled other people and the intensified muddiness
of their consciousness.

The withdrawal became formal and now it depended on the arrival of the
wheeled vehicles of the logistical support force.

During that time he was standing by, Kurogane Ikki looked for his girlfriend.

An all-out war had occurred… in her beloved motherland.

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He was worried about her health, but he was way more worried about her
heart that was going to witness this scene.

- ―――There.

Her deep red hair stood out noticeably.

He immediately found her in this devastated battlefield.

- Stella…

Ikki let Stella, who was watching over the withdrawal preparations with
Lunaize surrounding at a distance, knew he was there.

Stella turned around quickly, looked at Ikki’s figure and showed an
expression of relief.

- Ikki. I’m glad. Your injuries… seem to be okay.

- Yeah. Because I was healed once again by Ascaride-san.
-《Orichalcos》―― it’s an amazing power, isn’t it? As expected of《Black
Knight》, the one ranked 4th in the world. I haven’t thanked her properly. …
Where’s Ascaride-san now?

- She’s treating other severely wounded persons now.

- Is that so? In that case, I can’t interrupt her.
《Black Knight》 Iris Ascaride, who was a blood relative of《Marionette King》
Or-Gaule, as well as a knight belonging to《League》, and who was lying in
wait in the area of Vermillion in advance to sniff out the threatening
movements of《Marionette King》, had the ability to control the concept
of《Fortitude》.
With it, she manifested an armor Device《Orichalcos》that boasted of an
absolute strength that protected herself with strength and at the same time a

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superpower that granted an extremely powerful healing power to its wearer.
That healing power surpassed an《IPS Capsule》by far, it regenerated any
external wounds instantaneously.
It looked like it was the greatest fortune for Vermillion that she was here.
Stella wanted to thank that fortune, so she closed her eyes for a moment, saw
Ikki again and,
- Thank you too, Ikki.
She made a slight smile and bowed her head.
- I heard from Til and the others. You also had it difficult. But thanks to Ikki,
who risked his life, the injuries of the forces deployed on the Central Road
were minimized.
However, the facial expression of Ikki got slightly cloudy with such words of
gratitude.
- No, my strength didn’t do that. … It’s all thanks to Ascaride-san. If she
hadn’t saved me, I would have died.
- Still, it doesn’t change the fact that you made frantic efforts for Vermillion.
That’s why, thank you. Stella thanked Ikki from the bottom of her heart,
- Not only Ikki. Everyone fought desperately. Everyone did their best.
She raised her face and stared.
At the near destroyed Caldia City that lost its original form.
And at the wounded soldiers sitting down there.
What was floating in her bright red eyes was a deep gratitude, pride, ――

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- Still…… 83 people, 83 people ended up dying!

And tears of sorrow that felt like blood.

- Stella…

- If wasn’t because Luna-nee displayed a quick wittedness, more people
would have died! And killed! Because I was weak! I couldn’t protect
them…! If only I was the strongest in the world! This wouldn’t have
happened if I was way stronger than all of those damn guys!!!!

- Stella, that’s not tr――

- It is!!!!

Stella shouted, hit her own chest with strength and asked Ikki.

- Who am I, Ikki!? I’m Stella Vermillion, the Second Princess of Vermillion!
This body, this sword exists to protect the people of Vermillion and the
families of Vermillion! I decided so! And by deciding so, I determined I
could hone myself until today! Not only that, I intended to become stronger! I
intended to certainly protect everyone from any threat! And the result of that
is this scene!!
What《Crimson Princess》?

What best magic powers in the world?

- I… was frightened, I couldn’t do anything!!

Tens of thousands of armed forces collided, and as result, 83 deaths seemed
to not be a lot.

But it wasn’t a problem of a lot or a few.

83 people couldn’t be protected.

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83 families ended up being destroyed.

That fact and the disparity between ideal and reality tormented Stella.
- This can’t continue…! I must become stronger and stronger…! At least to
the extent where I can compete with them! If I can’t do that, then this sword,
this life, have no meaning…!

- … Stella…

Ikki grinded his teeth, seeing Stella who hugged her own body and sunk her
nails into her white arms.
“The bad presentiment came true”.

The same as when Tsukikage showed him the other day the state of an
incoming hopeless future.

She carried the country on her back. She carried the lives of the people on her
back. Because of that overly strong sense of responsibility, she was torturing
herself.
Her own powerlessness.

Her mentality wasn’t good.

She now partly knew the existence of those outside cause and effect
called《Desperado》, and for that reason,
(… This state of hers is dangerous)

She was capable of doing something absurd, like driving herself to death.

However, that kind of overwork occasionally had the opposite effect.
She just hurt herself in vain, greatly damaging herself without reason.

It would be dangerous unless he made her calm down.

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He knew.
But… what were the words he should be able to say to her now?
(… There’s no way she can be calmed)
Stella had killed her family now.
With an irrational and unreasonable violence.
Her anger and hatred couldn’t be suppressed.
Nonetheless, Stella was the royalty.
Her body carried that responsibility on her back. Ikki, who was a commoner,
could just imagine that weight.
That truly couldn’t be shared.
What kind of words could he give to Stella?
(Damn…)
He couldn’t do anything for Stella who tortured herself.
It’s alright, I’m here with you.
He wasn’t able to declare that, he felt frustrated and hopeless.
A real war for the first time in his life.
Stella wasn’t the only one who felt her own imperfection there.
- … I’m sorry. I went too emotional. It’s not like I wanted to drag Ikki into
this.
Stella apologized to Ikki after a brief and heavy silence.
But Ikki shook his head,
- It’s fine. I’m not the person who is responsible for the lives of other people,

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so I can only imagine Stella’s suffering now. That said… I want Stella to
share with me the responsibility she carries on her back and the pain that
Stella feels, or even some words at least.
He said and held out a handkerchief to Stella.
Without remonstrating the emotional Stella, he just cuddled her.
Precisely because he truly understood and thought of Stella with great care, to
that consideration,
- … Thank you.
Stella put back just a little smile on her face and wiped her tears with his
handkerchief.
Then, it was exactly at that moment.
- Lunaa! Stellaaaa!!
A deep voice that they knew well came down from the sky.
When they looked up, Sirius Vermillion, the father of Stella, accompanied by
the evacuation force, had gotten on a helicopter and rushed to Caldia City.

◆◇◆◇◆

Sirius jumped from a height of about 5 meters to the ground, he didn’t wait

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for the landing of the helicopter.

- Are you both okay!? You’re not injured, are you!?

Stella and Lunaize, the two of them returned a nod.

- We’re fine. The damages… if we consider the scale of the battle, are few.
More importantly, what about you? We heard that there was an attack while
we weren’t there, but is Okaa-sama and the others okay?

- Yeah. Thanks to an unexpected helper, there were no severely wounded
persons on our side. I’m like this thanks to the《Capsule》. Mama is, at this
time, bringing the chaos under control… though it has calmed down already,
hasn’t it?

- A helper?

Stella inclined her head, she happened to know nothing of that.
However, Sirius didn’t answer Stella’s question and said「More importantly!」
with a voice that let anger ooze,

- Luna! Doing negotiations in Kradleland all by yourself is way too much!
What would you have done if something happened to you!?

He scolded Lunaize who went to meet Or-Gaule in Kradleland without a
proper guard.

But Lunaize, without quailing at it, talked back coldly.

- If we take on the appearance of doing a battle of representatives as it was
planned from the beginning, then it will be possible for us to prevent
reinforcements from the《League》and we can also have an extension of time
to make the citizens evacuate. Reducing the scale of battle to the minimum is
beneficial for both sides. I just triggered an action because I judged that there

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was room for negotiation. In the first place, “what would you have done” are
my words, Chichi-ue. Have you thought how many victims Vermillion Army
would have had if they kept fighting with such poor equipment?

- Ugh…. However, if we had resisted a bit more, then the reinforcements
from the《League》…

- Protecting our own citizens is the duty of the Imperial Family. If so, what
we should be aiming for is not the biggest war results for our friendly nation,
but the minimal sacrifices of our own country. And nothing else. In the first
place, if Chichi-ue didn’t recklessly open hostilities with soldiers equipped
with police equipment from the beginning, I wouldn’t have had the need to
do this. … Really, what was Haha-ue doing?

- W-well…

Sirius decided to fight to save his friend country Kradleland.

Lunaize prioritized the safety of their people than Kradleland.

Pride and life.

Both were very important choices.

The decision of both sides weren’t incorrect.

But, as a result, the bold negotiation of Lunaize had protected the lives of the
soldiers of Vermillion from Naseem and the others who were Blazers outside
of the norm, and that was a fact.

Therefore, in this argument between the two, the position of Sirius looked
bad.

But, as she stared at this arguing back and forth of the two from the side,

(… Is it really that? I have a bad feeling after all)

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Stella thought so once again.

Lunaize’s claim made sense, she thought it was like completing a puzzle, but
once she looked at it very, very carefully, it was as if she thrust pieces of
completely different shapes into it… such was the uncomfortable feeling she
had.

- Your face says “I can’t agree to this”. Stella-chan.

-!
《Princess Yaksha》Saikyou Nene, who was behind her all this time, talked to
Stella who grimaced to the doubt in her heart.

- But intuition isn’t wrong, you see?

- What do you mean… Nene-sensei!?

- Just like you don’t use dollars in Japan. Just like you don’t use yen in
America. … To do business with the devil,『you need the devil’s currency』,
don’t you?

- What, does that mean?

- All those wacky ones feel as if they are causing war to kill time, like a ball
that moves with anew『advantage』.

- …!!

As Nene had pointed out, Stella realized that the doubt that was whirling like
a black mist in her heart had formed a certain shape.

It was evidently as she said.

Stella observed.

The reckless malice that boiled strongly from the whole body of Or-Gaule.

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The only gesture that seemed to be fixated on Stella Vermillion was his
mouth.
There was no particular vector regarding that man’s malice.
《Black Knight》Iris Ascaride said.
Once he had found an interesting-looking toy when he didn’t know what to
do in his free time, he tried to reach it.
That was it.
Anyone was fine.
Anything was fine.
Because he genuinely and simply liked to hurt and destroy others.
A deviant who completely took actions that were very far apart from reason.
A pure wickedness.
There was no way such a devil would move with anew advantage.
But moving didn’t seem to be possible.
In fact, Or-Gaule was hounded by《Haboob》and he quickly allowed the
participation of Nene and the others. He himself had relinquished advantage.
――Because it didn’t matter.
However, Or-Gaule jumped on Lunaize’s negotiations.
In other words――
- Ohime-sama. How did you pay to that demon?
Lunaize paid something that was nothing but a valuable compensation for
that demon.

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And so, Nene’s deduction was――right.
Lunaize certainly paid.
With devil’s currency to inspire the demon who didn’t find value of any kind
in reason.
… Lunaize wouldn’t forget throughout her life.
The aberrant-like way of rejoice of Or-Gaule when she presented the
payment for it.
The eyes that became bloodshot from the cruel delight.
She placed that much on the table of negotiations and settled a truce.
To not cause more war on the people of their country.
However,
- … I just carried out my duty as the First Princess of Vermillion.
Lunaize didn’t answer Nene’s question.
She put away everything inside her and closed her lips tightly.
Because that was something nobody needed to know.
- Luna-nee…
Stella, who knew her well, saw a pathetic resolution on her face.
And, she understood.
Even if she continued pressing her older sister, those lips of hers would never
open.
It appeared that that also was transmitted to Nene.
Nene shrugged her small shoulders grandiosely,

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- Oh well, what gives. There’s no use in talking this and that about the past at
this late hour, is it? Besides, it certainly hurts that we can’t use the
reinforcements of the《League》, but not everything is bad news. As long as
we win the battle of representatives, everything will settle peacefully, that’s
the easy way to understand the situation. So, let’s look on the bright side of it.
She said so and asked Lunaize again.
- I’ll ask this just in case, but wagering the rights of the oil fields have
nothing to do with『putting an end to the history of confrontation between
the two countries』 , am I right?

◆◇◆◇◆

Nene switched the topic to the settlement of the problem in front of them.

Lunaize replied positively to that.

- Yes, you are correct. That’s an agreement with the former administration of
Kradleland. The new administration of Kradleland… criticizes the
independence of Vermillion as an appearance and did a declaration of war,
demanding for its merging with Kradleland. Therefore, what is being
wagered in this battle is the nation itself.

- Literally a war in which the destiny of the country is waged.

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- Not only that, a few points decided with the former administration have
been changed.

- And those are?

- We agreed to stick to the schedule and the number of representatives, 5 in
this case, decided with the former administration, but the format of the war
and the hosting place have changed. Essentially, this year’s war had been
planned as a team competition where 5 knights represent each nation and
compete to snatch each other’s win, but the war against the new
administration will be a Battle Royale set in the capital of Kradleland.

- A Battle Royale in a metropolitan area. … Well, we’re talking about the
mentality of those guys, so isn’t that natural?

Ikki, who was near them and heard their exchange, sincerely agreed with
Nene’s murmur.

A victory; now, the enemy didn’t have a good behavior as if they were acting
obediently to that extent.

Battle Royale.

This format, in which the fight continued until the last person remained,
seemed to be chosen based on their liking.

- Their order is decided, no?

- I heard it’s done already.

- I have a general idea about it, but can you tell us for the time being?
- 《Marionette King》Or-Gaule. 《Haboob》Naseem Al-Salem. 《B・B》.
The Blazer called《Dirty Rose》that attacked Chichi-ue and the others. …
And《Golden Wind》Johan Kristoff von Collbrand, new King of

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Kradleland.
Nene nodded and said「well, that’s no surprise」about that lineup.

Since the limit of representatives was five, the order of Kradleland side
wasn’t very good.

However, what worried them was…

- Excuse me, Lunaize-san. When Or-Gaule left, he said “to make Stella
participate as promised”. Does that mean that Stella registering to participate
on the Vermillion side was decided as a prerequisite?

Lunaize nodded to the query of Ikki,

- Yes. Changing to Battle Royale and the participation of Stella. Those were
the conditions to accept the battle of representatives. … Can we leave this to
you, Stella?

Lunaize turned her eyes towards Stella with a small apologetic look.

Although it was an emergency, she may have felt indebted because she
forced her little sister into a dangerous situation without any sort of
discussion.

However, Stella replied with a firm look towards such Lunaize.

- You don’t need to tell me.

- Whether you entrust this to me or not, not being involved in the war of
Vermillion is something it cannot be, don’t you think? I’m the sword of
Vermillion after all. The one drawing the line to those who came to do as
they please with this country will be me. I will certainly do so…!

- You’re full of spirit, that’s good, very good.

Nene laughed at the returning cheerfulness of Stella,

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- So… about Naseem, he said so before me, so it’s natural for me to take care
of him.

- It will help us a lot if you do so.
- That’s why I’m here. I came here to help. And now that the people in
Vermillion are allowed to participate, having Iris-chan as a member, who
knows that damn Or-Gaule very well, is great.

- As for Vermillion, if she can do it, then certainly will.

- Iris came with a mission, so she’s not going to decline. So, who will be the
other two?
Nene showed a pondering gesture as she poked her chin with the pointed end
of the《Red Ageha》.

Ikki announced himself,

- I will also participate.
Towards Nene.

- I already have permission from Lunaize-san and King Sirius. I will also
fight as a representative.

- Ikki…
- Kurobou. The situation changed, no? If you’re trying to look good in front
of her, you should choose a better place for that, alright? This is a serious
war, isn’t it?

Nene turned sharp eyes towards Ikki’s proposal, as if gauging his resolution.

However, Ikki replied without recoiling from that gaze.
- It upsets me that my resolution is being questioned at this point of time. I’m

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not carrying the title of the《Seven Stars Sword King》on my back on a
whim or to show it off.

In the first place, knights were combatants and no sportsmen. Both the
regular lessons, the《Seven Stars Sword Art Festival》 and everything were
trainings to protect the nation and the powerless people in the event a war
occurred.

And now, the motherland of his beloved girlfriend was getting into a scrape.

Danger was approaching to each person that recognized him.

His honed swordsmanship, if he was not going to exhibit it now, then when?

- Besides, among the knights who are in Vermillion now, I’m among the top
five, aren’t I? There should be no reason for me to be excluded.

Resolution and logic.

To Ikki, who showed those two,

- … Okay. Your answer got 100 points, a perfect mark. I’ll talk to the
Japanese branch.

Nene, being touched by him, smiled broadly and allowed his participation in
the war.

- Thank you very much.

- In reality, what Kurobou says has logic behind it. And above all, Kurobou
has the qualifications for it. ――Now, four slots are filled, and one remains,
so who would be the last one?

- The last one is me, of course. I’m the King of this country and a knight as
well.

Sirius, who kept silent until now, announced his candidacy.

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The serious matter of the country.

He showed the dignity of a father who couldn’t leave this matter just to his
daughter.
――But Nene,

- No, that can’t be.

Returned a bitter immediate reply.
- W-why!?

- Because, to put it bluntly, it’s the same as giving a win to those guys. In that
case, I’d rather talk about participating with one member not taking part in it.
If it’s a Battle Royale, then all the more, isn’t it? It’s just an inconvenience
allowing you to participate when you can’t even protect himself.

- Can really a teacher put it bluntly like that!?
Sirius was shocked by the outspoken notice and that he was not included in
the team.

Certainly there were other ways of saying it, but what was said in itself
wasn’t wrong.

But, although there was that,
- ――Well, that also can be said about Stella-chan.

-…

A harsh look suddenly dwelled in the facial expression of Stella due to the
words told by Nene.
- It wouldn’t be so bad if it was《B・B》or《Golden Wind》, but Stella-
chan is unfortunately being targeted by Or-Gaule. And a battle with that will

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inevitably occur. And… if the current Stella-chan were to square off against
that, she will probably end up being killed in less than three minutes.

-…

- You’re not answering back, so, does that mean you are also self-aware of
something of that degree?

Stella nodded as she bit her lips.

- … Yes. I am.

Stella revealed an affirmation.

The panic until not long ago that started from the assault in Kradleland.
And during that, the fact that she felt her『death』in the presences released
by《Marionette King》 and《Haboob》.

The end of the path of the fate she was making progress on.

She felt despair, as if fixedly staring at the hell stretching out there.
- That is《Desperado》, isn’t it?
- Uh huh. … And this war is a battle against world-leading《Desperado》. A
war in which we’ll try to kill the demon that keeps having his own way and
that destroys even the causality of the world with his own will and strength.
That burden is… a bit heavy for Stella-chan now. The difference in
experience, true strength, and all aspects is too much. So, in this fight, Stella-
chan will devote herself to protect herself. I’ll bear the responsibility of
polishing Stella-chan to a level she can protect herself at least before the
battle of representatives. Well, it will be quiiite a hard intense training.

Nene informed so and tried to tap Stella’s shoulder.

――But Stella returned before that hand touched her shoulder,

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- I appreciate it, but I decline. Nene-sensei.

A clear rejection.

- … You decline? What do you mean with that, Stella-chan?

- I said earlier, didn’t I? I’m the sword of Vermillion. All that I diligently
studied so far, and that I fought so far, all of me exists to protect the people of
Vermillion. It makes no sense for me to be strong enough to run around,
trying to escape from the enemies of Vermillion in front of me. That doesn’t
change absolutely nothing. In that case, I don’t need such strength…! What I
need is the strength to protect Vermillion from those guys…!

- I understand your feelings. But nothing can be done with feelings alone. …
Stella-chan. How many times have you been killed today? Aren’t you being
completely conceited? Have you thought it is thanks to your strength that you
survived and you are here now?

Stella nodded a bit regarding Nene’s severe question,

- I know that. It may be impossible to close the difference between me and
those guys in a week. Even if Nene-sensei gives me an intense training,
there’s a limit to how much I can protect myself. ――However, I know a
person, just one person that can make the impossible possible.

Stella said and turned her eyes――to the north horizon.
- Fortunately, Vermillion is a Nordic country. Her dwelling, 《Kenhou》
Edelberg, is just nearby.

- Stella, are you telling me…

Edelberg.

The world’s highest peak with an altitude of over 9000 meters that towered in

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Estonia, one of the three Baltic countries.
Only one person… in the world was there.
Stella returned a nod to the “are you telling me” question of Ikki,
And said with a strong tone as if to inspire herself.
- I’ll challenge her. The as far as I know strongest swordswoman. 《Wings
Abreast》Edelweiss.

◆◇◆◇◆

The night of the day when the large-scale clash between Vermillion and
Kradleland occurred.

After she returned to the Imperial Capital Flareberg for a moment, Stella,
without taking a break, boarded a jet as if valuing every second and took off
towards Estonia.
As they saw off the lights of the airplane going away,

- Say, Nene-sensei, Stella will… be okay, right…?

Sirius, standing next to Nene, let his uneasiness show.
At this, Nene shrugged her shoulders and returned.

- Who knows? I’m a very kind teacher, but I’m not responsible for the lives

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