Chivalry of a Failed Knight Volume 10

It was a professional job.
To that vividness and while averting his eyes, looking embarrassed, Ikki,
- No… it’s real. Stella and I are lovers, we have kissed already.

「「「Guaaaaaaaaaaaーーーーーーーッッッ！！！！」」」
At that moment, the voice of something like a strangled cattle echoed in the skies of
Vermillion, almost all the Imperial Guards that survived fainted. Those who fell down
in the first question also began to convulse incessantly. Did their brains understand
Ikki’s answer?
- Don’t loooOoOoooOoooze your miiind! D-dis iz a trap of dis guy to make uz fall in chaos!
- Please calm down, commander! Aren’t you so perturbed that you have problems to
speak properly!?
- W-wait a moment!
And, at that moment.
An unhealthy thin man crawled out of the back row of the heaps of corpses all around,
- If you’re really the lover of Stella-chan, then… that means that you already had s-s-s-
s-s-sex with Stella-chan――
- Stop you morooOooooooooooOOOOOn!!!!!
- Ack!?
But before the thin man finished asking the question, the commander of the Imperial
Guard crushed his face and words underfoot.
- Youuuuuu, youuuuuu! Why are you asking such thoughtless thiiiings!? Yes, youuu! N-
nevertheless! What would you have done if the reply was a『Yes, that’s right』or a
doubtful silence!? Do you plan to destroy the Imperial Guaaaaaaaard!!!!?
- Hii, I-I’m sorryyyyyyy!

Then, the commander of the Imperial Guard wiped out the bitter tears, breathed
greatly just once and appealed to the fallen members.

- You, the Imperial Elite Guards, get a hold of yourself! We haven’t confirmed
anything yet! There’s a possibility that this man has made a false declaration, we’re not
done yet! Don’t give up hope! There’s still one thing that is clear in this round of
questions and answers! Just one! And that is no matter if the words of this guy are true
or lies, there’s no way we’re going to trust in this guyyyyyyyyyyyy! Everyone, draw
your swords! Let’s cut him into pieceeeeeeee――――!!!!

「「「Yes siiiiiiiiiiiiiiIIiIiIIーーーーーーーーr!!!!」」」

The order of the commander of the Imperial Guard also raised those who were even
convulsing on the bridge.

As for the Imperial Guards, all of them made their Devices manifest and attacked Ikki
with all their strength.

The number of enemies was 50.

They were all Blazers.

And combat in a wide area was a disadvantage.

If so,

(I’ll rapidly deal with these guys near me and I’ll temporarily retreat to the alley …!)

In the narrow alley they couldn’t make the best use of their advantage in numbers.

If he ran around skillfully, then he would be able to get around opponents with
minimum battle.

Ikki judged the situation in an instant. He made a strategy and,

- Haaa!

- Guhaa!

He made the three Imperial Guards that were sticking out to faint with a hit in their
necks with《Illusory Form》and tried to escape.

But ――
- ――hoooooooooooo!!!!
- …!
The cut off Imperial Guards attacked with a furious facial expression while scattering
magical light like it was red blood from their necks.
Ikki protected against the drawn swords of their counterattack with difficulty and also
showed agitation.

(They didn’t collapse with《Illusory Form》…!?)

The damage of《Illusory Form》chipped off their stamina directly, it didn’t deal
physical damage.
If an arm was cut, then that arm wouldn’t move, there was actually no damage.

These were all temporary actions by means of strong『wrong impression』.

Essentially, this wrong impression by the Device acted strongly in the human body, it
couldn’t escape from that.
If they received a fatal wound, they would faint.
That was the usual.
But very rarely, there were those who could avert this wrong impression with the
strength of their will.
Individuals that faced battles with a willpower that transcended both the body and
mind as long as their willing to die was weak.
Towards such type of guys, the blade of《Illusory Form》was almost powerless.

But such individuals rarely existed.

Ikki was amazed because they didn’t exist.
But the Imperial Guards that were in front of him now.
The appearance that this odd bunch had,
(The strength of their hearts is real…!)
If he didn’t have a strong mind, he would be swallowed up by their strong
determination.
Ikki believed so, and pushed aside the three people with his own indomitably strong
force.
At that moment,
- Hmm?
He saw a piece of paper lightly fell from the Imperial Guards’ sliced off happi coat’s
hem.
Then the pieces of paper fell like sliding under the feet of Ikki.
- Is this…?
Ikki touched them with his hand almost by reflex,
- Ah, d-don’t touch thaaat!
The collapsed Imperial Guards stopped Ikki’s action with a shouting, close voice.
But Ikki――caught sight of that a bit late.

It was a Stella’s swimsuit photo that captured the precise moment she was fixing the
part surrounding her buttocks.

- ――――…

- That’s a medal that can only be given to the Imperial Guards who pledged allegiance
to the Imperial Family! Give it baaaack!
They wouldn’t hesitate to give their lives for the royal family.
In exchange for such loyalty, a dear treasured picture was given by the commander of
the Imperial Guard.
The man whose treasure was arbitrarily touched raged and swung downward the
western sword against Ikki.
That, yes, that was――such a foolish act, wasn’t it?
In that case,

- The fact that this was only given to the Imperial Guards means that all these guys
have something similar to this, isn’t it?

He made a smile with just his mouth because he would waste the last chance to escape
from the man that was the most broken in this place.
――Later on, the Imperial Guards spoke while shaking.
Of the day when their Princess came back, accompanied by a『demon』from the
country of Japan.

◆◇◆◇◆

(Strange…)
Sirius felt a strange uneasiness.
Even though enough time had passed already since Ikki arrived in Vermillion,
――why there was not even a single report arriving from the citizens, the army or the
Imperial Guard saying that they defeated Ikki?
His ability with the sword was certain, however, he had an F-Rank fighting power after
all.
Mobilizing even the army, the possibility of not being a hard fight should be there, but
then――
- Otou-sama!
- ――ah, i-it’s nothing, Stella!
- Don’t “it’s nothing” to me! Why is Otou-sama staring at the emptiness, even though
you wanted to hear about what kind of person Ikki is!?
- N-no! I wasn’t absent-minded!
- Really? You listened to me perfectly?
He didn’t listen to her at all.
He didn’t want to listen about her boyfriend from the mouth of her daughter.
But if he were to say such honest thing, he would end up roasted.
In that case, Sirius,
- O-of course. Every time I hear more things about this admirable young man. He
should be called a Samurai. As one would expect of my daughter. To find such man,
you have reliable eyes.
At any rate, Stella was singing praises of that man.

Then if he also praised him or something like that, then that should convince her, so he
said an insincere compliment.
Towards this, Stella showed an almost bright smile on her face.
- I-I know right!? Ikki is really cool! Otou-sama finally got it!
Sirius noticed his own blunder due to Stella’s delight.
(N-no good. Now that I made the conversation come together right away, as things
are, the family meeting will end up finishing)
There were no reports in which they defeated Ikki, and that was problematic.
In the worst case, Stella could go and assist the escaping Ikki.
(I have to earn some time somehow...!)
- Okay then, let’s contact Yana-san immediately so that Ikki――
- W-wait, Stella!
- Eh, why?
Sirius said to stop Stella who took out her smartphone.
- I certainly think he’s a splendid man, but when it comes to marriage the story is
different!
- W-what do you mean?
- Because, well, you’re the second Princess of the Empire of Vermillion. And naturally,
the political this and that are, well, affected by that marriage, you see? The opinion of
Luna who will be the ruler of Vermillion for the next period must also be heard before
the greetings, that’s what I think.
Stella raised her eyebrows towards the words of Sirius,
- Don’t say such things at this point of time!
She protested.

It was justified. That was something that should be said before the family council
began.

- Isn’t it okay to summon Ikki? Besides, Luna-ane wasn’t against him from the start.

- But it’s not like she declared her approval, am I right?

But Sirius didn’t withdraw.

He persisted while getting self-aware that what he was saying was an absurd thing, that
he wanted Lunaize’s opinion at this late hour.

- This is an important conversation for the Empire of Vermillion. I’d like to properly
unify the opinion of the imperial family. I’m sorry, Stella. Please summon Luna to
come here! I also want to be certain of his attitude as the current King of Vermillion
based on Luna’s opinion.

- F-fine…

Sirius’ insistence was completely late.

Now that they called Lunaize, it would take just double effort from the point of view of
Stella to have a meeting once again.

She felt very bad for Ikki as she kept him waiting outside.

However… while it was completely annoying, it didn’t mean that what he said was a
complete baseless emphasis.

That he wanted to compare the opinions regarding the engagement of the second
Princess with the next ruler as the current King and that was certainly a reasonable
discussion.

That was why Stella gave in there.

- Understood. Then I’ll go and call Luna-ane now. And then, you will greet Ikki so you
better be prepared. Good grief...!

Stella said so and jumped out of the dining hall and hurried to shorten the time she has
kept Ikki waiting.

Astraea let a sigh escape while looking at her back and reproached Sirius with a glance.
- … papa really doesn’t know when to give up.
- I-I don’t really know what mama is saying…!
Sirius stood up, turned away his eyes and tried to escape.
- Where are you going?
- T-to the toilet. I’ll be back soon.
When he left the dining hall and rushed to the toilet, he got in touch with the Imperial
Guard.
No, he tried to take on the matter directly.
But――none of the Imperial Guards answered the call of Sirius.
The only thing he could hear from the cell phone was the eternal inorganic call sound.
With that sound, Sirius felt something ominous like it was inexplicable, he was
sweating cold.
(What the… hell is happening outside…?)

◆◇◆◇◆

Almost at the same time.
(Finally)

Kurogane Ikki finally broke through numerous obstacles and came just outside of the
castle walls that surrounded the castle.
However, he hid in the shadows of the buildings, he hid himself and stopped walking.
While Ikki sent all the Imperial Guards to the hospital and took extra time to dispose
of the photos, the allied forces of the citizens and the military led by Signard and Yana
gathered in front of the wall.
They spread out to protect the iron wall by taking advantage of their numbers.
It was difficult to break through the front with this.
No, the breakthrough itself couldn’t be done because it could cause a lot of damage to
the other party.
They would get hurt even if he cut them with《Illusory Form》.
Unlike the group of a while ago, almost all the citizens and the military were non-
Blazers.
The real intention of Ikki was to avoid a battle as much as possible.
So he took a look at his surroundings――and had his eyes on a certain place.
On a church with blue roof that was next to the wall.
(If it’s from that roof, then I can cling to the wall)
When he decided so, he moved.
Fortunately, the vigilance of the citizens wasn’t suited for it.
They probably didn’t think that he was going to jump over the castle walls of more
than 20 meters.
Ikki jumped on the triangle roof of the tall church without being discovered by anyone,

- ――Hohoho. In the end, you chose this route?

That person stood in front of him.

- …!

- The rumor was true, you are a gentle young man.

A bald old man that Ikki didn’t perceive until he stood on the same roof asked with a
jesting tone of voice and turned a shrewd glance towards Ikki from the back of his
eyelids that hung due to his aging.

- How was it? What is your impression of the sightseeing tour of the Empire of
Vermillion?

- You are...

- Hoho, my apologies. I am Daniel Dandalion, I was entrusted as the Branch Director
of Vermillion of The International Mage-Knights League and as the Sword Art
Instructor of the Empire of Vermillion. I was waiting for you to come. 《Seven Stars
Sword King》Kurogane Ikki-dono.

When the old man answered, he revealed his Device.

It was a thin long sword with a silver sword blade and the face of a lion was traced on
the golden grip.

The old man held the specialized weapon in his hand and turned its tip towards Ikki.

At that moment, Ikki, who sensed that a sword was produced by him, felt a sensation
like the soft hair of his whole body was burning.

(――this person. He’s strong)

Ikki felt the form of the enemy’s firm true strength, and realized his own disadvantage.

The enemy’s specialized weapon was a rapier.

He was armed with a long blade that was thinner than a Japanese sword.

In addition, the enemy’s stance was a fencing stance that was mainly based on
thrusting techniques.

It wasn’t wise to oppose that opponent in a terrain that was the top of an inclined
triangular roof with limited horizontal movement.

Above all, the level of the enemy was different from the ones that were defeated and
had come to him till now.

He wasn’t an enemy of an ability that one would say he was going to deal with as he
took an advantageous position.

In that case, Ikki jumped to the back to change the location.

Immediately after ――he was attacked in the middle of that and fell to his knees due to
the impact, he was shocked.

- !? This…

There was an invisible wall behind him.

To Ikki, who got aware of this fact, the old man put a smile at the back of his beard
that was like a white cloud.

- Hoho. You are already in my cage.

- Is this your Noble Arts?

- Correct. It’s the Noble Arts《Blood Circle》 of my Device《Lionheart》. It’s a
barrier-type ability that captures an enemy with whom I’ve exchanged a glance into the
battlefield that won’t have interference from the outside, creating a one-on-one
situation even during a fight. So I was able to eradicate your escape route. If you want
to get out of this cage, then you will have to win a duel.

It wasn’t a very easy-to-use skill, but it was a handy power in case there was an
opponent you wanted to fight no matter what.

That old man, Dandalion, talked about his ability,

- Now then, will you be able to get out? I was made to take care of Stella-sama since
she was still a baby. I am not going to leave Stella-sama to someone who cannot
advance and push aside this old man, there is no way, don’t you agree?

He came close to Ikki who had lost the means to escape.
If he wanted to go beyond from here, then he would have to defeat him.
Then Ikki,
- Understood. ――Come. 《Intetsu》.
He manifested his Device and took a fighting stance.
… The battlefield was on top of a very inclined roof.
No matter how stable the trunk of Ikki was, it was an angle where he couldn’t escape
to the sideways as expected.
The battle was, on top of the roof.
It was to be done on nothing but straight footings.
An absolute favorable battlefield for the opponent that used an armament called rapier,
the core of the thrusts and also that outrivaled him with the reach of his Device.
However――he concluded that in this setting, he had no choice but to force his way
through.
And then,
- Now…
The fight started.

◆◇◆◇◆

The one who started first was Kurogane Ikki.

Before he turned his dominant hand towards Dandalion, he instantly raised straight
the point of the sword with one hand and took a stance called “Allongez le bras”
(Thrusting attack) that mainly consisted of the same technique as Dandalion.

In order to reduce the superiority of his reach even a little.

Seigan*, Hassou*, in any case, he went with it because his vitals were too close to the
point of the sword of the enemy so he was going to thrust with an original posture of a
Japanese sword.

*TN: Seigan means “Aiming at the eye (with a sword)” and Hassou is kind of tricky. The kanji used is八相 and
when read as Hassou implies the 8 features that characterize the life of Buddha. Now if we use the furigana reading
and look for another use, it could mean “style of sword fighting” however I’m not sure what the intention of the
author was.

And then, he kept that stance and shortened the distance with steps instead of dashes.

(First is to determine the capability of the enemy on the same ring…!)

In response to Ikki’s proximity, Dandalion was in a defensive stance, he didn’t move
from the spot.

The instant the pointed end of《Intetsu》 got in the distance between them, the
pointed end of the sword was put against the facing Ikki!

- ――Hmm!

- …!

He suffered a series of thrusts like flashes of light.

Ikki also responded to this with a series of thrusts and the pace strife while repelling the
point of the sword started.

On top of the triangular roof. Flashes of black and silver lights intersected while giving
off sparks.

If the other opponent tried to lag behind even a little, then he would immediately go
and pierce their heart.
In that fight, they couldn’t relax their concentration not even for an
instant――however, Kurogane Ikki analyzed the enemy with composure.

(I see, he’s certainly fast. And nimble)
It was a sword handling that didn’t seem to be of an old man who had gone beyond his
golden age.
There was no way he would give him a chance to step into his territory.
――However,
(I know very well that my sword is sharper than his sword and that I’m faster than
him!)

《Sword Eater》’s《Yamata no Orochi》,

《Star of Naniwa》’s 《Three-stranded Stars》,

And《Wings Abreast》’supreme slash――the whole <combat experience> career of
Ikki somehow or other slipped through, he wasn’t worried about the speed of
Dandalion.
- …!
Dandalion goggled at him beyond his thick eyelids.
Because Ikki increased the rate he projected the point of his sword.
He smashed the reach of Dandalion by parrying him before the point of the sword that
was all extended then Ikki approached Dandalion with certainty step by step.
The flash of black lights were approaching at an overwhelming speed and number.
Dandalion was forced to retreat before the fierce attack that relied on his physical
ability,

――He was able to corner him up to the edge of the triangular roof in the blink of an
eye.
(One more step)
After that one step, 《Intetsu》’s pointed end would reach the vitals of Dandalion.

If Dandalion didn’t want that, then he would have to undo the barrier and jump down
the roof, but then at that moment there won’t be chains to prevent his movement.
In that case, it would be fine to jump from one castle wall to another before he made
contact with his eyes again.
Judging so, Ikki went after a thrust while advancing towards Dandalion.
Immediately after, a deep crimson splash scattered on the blue roof.
――that gushed out from the pierced shoulder of Kurogane Ikki.
- Guh!?
Ikki opened his eyes wide and distorted his expression.
Was he in anguish due to the pain he felt in his shoulder, like it was burning?
No.
He wasn’t bewildered by the <results> pain, but by the process.
(W-what was that just now…?!)
And, towards Ikki who wavered to the back with his pierced shoulder,
- Fuh――!
This time, Dandalion launched an attack.
He stepped greatly on his forefoot from “Allongez le bras” (Thrusting attack) and
launched a fast series of thrusts as if returning the favor of moments ago.
Of course, Ikki had《Intetsu》at the ready, and tried to brush away the incoming point
of the sword. But――

Right after that, the same process of not long ago developed.
The long blade of Dandalion’s Device《Lionheart》 that was brushed away by《
Intetsu》returned and made its body undulate like a snake and attacked Ikki.
(Again…)
Ikki, who barely dodged by paper-thin difference the thrust that was extended to his
face, understood.
The thrusts of Dandalion came back even if he repelled them.
As if they were alive.
Then, it was impossible to defend against it by parrying.
Nothing good would come out if his offensive continued.
This should be restarted once.
Then Ikki, who judged so, stepped back to try take distance for a moment,
- !?
――Immediately after, Dandalion, who was waiting for that decision, just stepped
greatly and deeply into Ikki’s territory, the most effective distance was taken by him!
(My running feet were predicted…!)
And then――,

- 《Croix Du Sud》.

*TN: Southern Cross.

Dandalion launched thrusts from the most effective distance.
His speed was just like lightning speed.

From the offenses so far, this speed was of a different dimension.
Instantaneous.
The instinct of Ikki that was sharpened by slipping through the verge of death gave
birth to phantom pains that pierced his skin.
The locations were: the lungs, throat, heart and the point below the navel.
What was released by Dandalion was five instant thrusts crowned with the name of
Southern Cross, he was on the verge of piercing those five human body’s weak points.
(――This, is bad…!)
Even Ikki wasn’t able to block them.
However, Dandalion’s thrusts returned even when parrying them.
It was difficult to protect against them.
But Ikki, against Dandalion’s attack――
Dandalion also took an unthinkable response.
- Huuh――!?
The next moment, Dandalion revealed surprise.
Ikki firmly pressed the ground with his feet that were drew back to come down and
charged with all his body towards him who tried to release the thrusts.

And when he sustained the first thrust of 《Croix Du Sud》that went into his right
lung with the sword handle as a shield――he put pressure on the body of Dandalion
with all his might.
From that, the stabbed Ikki and the pressured Dandalion stepped back at the same
time, the distance between the two of them widened again.
Yes, Ikki began to shut down the five thrusts of Dandalion and got out of the
predicament by pushing him away.

- Fuh…

Dandalion had a deep respect to Ikki who caught his breath.

- Certainly, you have defeated Stella-sama while being just an F-Rank.

His intuition came from the motion of the enemy, the detailed gaze movements and
the vast combat experience.

And also he read through of the enemy’s sword, he saw through it even if it was his
first time seeing a technique.

Seeing that it was too much to be struck by his own ability, he smashed it from the
onset without hesitation.

Dandalion transmitted his honest praise to his powers of observation, imagination and
his decisiveness to devote himself to it.

- In addition, you made of the handle a shield, which is indeed a really interesting way
of using the sword, you are not different from the rumors.

- … we are of equal status when it comes to interesting swords, aren’t we?

Contrasting with him, Ikki returned a wry smile to Dandalion’s praise.

- That Device… it looks like a rapier, but the sword blade is strangely flexible. If I had
to say then it’s a sword similar to a Foil. So it’s expected to do odd movements.

Foil’s sword blade had unnatural flexibility for a sword, it bent nicely.

That is to say that it bent on how much one tried to repel it, as if the point of the sword
came back with the reaction.

As for this sword, if it were to be carried to extremes with a different flexibility
treatment, then even the special move called furikomi (jutaju)* can be done to thrust
the opposing rival from behind.

*TN: A term that I can’t really find any translation available. But it’s about piercing the opponent’s defenses to
reach even their backs.

- … I was taken aback because it was the first time I saw it being used in actual
fighting.
- Hohoho. Evidently. My《Lionheart》has this flexibility as its selling point. Not even
the《Blade Steal》of Ikki-kun can imitate it in the slightest, isn’t that right?
- You know me a lot…
- If you know your enemy, then the battle should not be eternal. Especially because of
such ability, so I decided to perform an elaborate investigation beforehand of my
fighting opponent. So… I know the next move of Ikki-kun. There isn’t enough
distance to start《Shinkirou》in this place. And hard to go through the swaying sword
blade of Foil with《Dokuga no Tachi》. ――In that case, only one possibility
remains.
That said, Dandalion took a stance of “Allongez le bras” (Thrusting attack) with the
point of sword to the front again,

- Now. Use it, to see it. ――The First Secret Sword《Saigeki》.

- …!

Ikki had his breath taken away due to the words of Dandalion.
His prediction hit the mark.
Ikki planned to use《Saigeki》as his next blow without a doubt.
The reason was the armament of the enemy.
The Foil was a sword endowed with a unique characteristic named flexibility.
However, that characteristic wasn’t its only advantage.

The disadvantage of Foil was that its sword blade was too soft, the strength was hard
to convey due to that.
If that was the case, the most effective was to overwhelm him with power.
He decided so.
But, Dandalion had read through the options of Ikki.
(He truly investigated me well, huh…)
Even though Ikki was impressed by Dandalion’s meticulousness, he slowly made his
stance flourish, lowered his posture and pulled tight the point of the sword as if
drawing a bow and took a stance of《Saigeki》.
It was uncanny that he read his thoughts, but it was a fact that 《Saigeki》was an
effective technique against a weapon called Foil. If so,
(Don’t hesitate…!)
- ――You don’t have to tell me!
Ikki released《Saigeki》with the power enough to smash the roof.
In the past, it was a sword technique that couldn’t be used unless using it together with
《Ittou Shura》, but ever since he used《Blade Steal》on Edelweiss’s sword and
thanks to his mastered taigi he reached the point where he was able to exhibit enough
power without《Ittou Shura》.
There was no way he could catch it with a soft sword blade like Foil…!

――Or so he thought.

- Huh…!?
However, Dandalion caught it completely.

Just like《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss, the world’s strongest swordswoman did.

He met the pointed end of his sword with the pointed end of《Saigeki》.

He stopped the charge of Ikki.
Ikki shuddered because of this fact.
Because even that Edelweiss, the weapon that she was using was a sturdy single-edged
blade, and yet,
(The soft sword blade that is like wire of Foil isn’t even scratched…!)

Against the pointed end of《Saigeki》, Foil received all the strength as a straight
needle in a single point.
(This kind of technology existed already…!?)
- Even though it looks like this, I was the fencing instructor and the opponent of the
rigid sword of Stella-sama with this narrow one. The way of power killing is
understanding it more than others…!
Dandalion said.

Ikki’s《Saigeki》degree was equal to mere child’s play compared to her wielding,
strong sword.
If the timing of the magic released didn’t err and if he didn’t make a mistake in the
angle, then he could easily catch it,
――On top of that, if he could force him back.
- Hmmm!
The body of Ikki was further driven to the back. He was repelled by his strengthened
physical strength because of Dandalion’s magic release.
When he became aware of it, the place where the two faced each other first.
The distance that was shortened in the previous assault had returned to the beginning.

No, he merely shook out the relation of their positions, but the war situation was
different.

Ikki was much more cornered because he blocked his charge technique《Saigeki》
that had the strongest offensive ability among his cards.
But, in such situation,
- … fufuh.
-!
- I see, there’s no way that this much of my strength and abilities will keep in touch
with my opponent who had received Stella’s sword.
Ikki showed a small smile at a corner of his mouth.
- I’m envious of Stella. I would also like to receive instructions of the sword from a
person like you. May I ask for a bout if we have the chance some other time?
- Today I will deliberately show you more than enough, there won’t be a next time.
That said, Dandalion felt disquieted――as he raised the point of the sword.

Even though he lost his strongest card, “Ikki’s surplus was there”.
In that case, when something came to his mind――

(《Ittou Shura》… huh? Or perhaps like me, action reinforcement by magic release?)

In the process of investigating Ikki, Dandalion, who had also looked over the leaked
data of the battle against Ayatsuji Ayase, didn’t throw away that possibility, he
strengthened his alertness against either of them.
To such Dandalion, Ikki,
- No. I’ll hold back for now. … I have to go and greet her father after this. I don’t want
to leave and get to that situation looking shabbier.
He said so with a tone of voice adorned with a joke that made his light shoulders to
freeze,

He lowered his stance, laid horizontally against the ground and had the point of the
sword ready like drawing a bow,

- I’ll break through you with this blow. Daniel Dandalion…!
He trampled hard on the roof and released a second《Saigeki》.
And in addition to that, without emitting magic powers or making use of《Ittou Shura
》.
Nothing was the same as the one of some time ago.
(Can this I overcome this honorable suicide attack!?)
If that is the case, then that is a foolish thinking, Dandalion concluded.
――Dandalion remembered the speed, distance, timing and everything else of《
Saigeki》minutes ago.
If so, then he couldn’t catch this already.
There was no need to catch it.
He dodged it with paper-thin difference and pierced Ikki’s glabella with a bitter
counter!

- !?!?

Immediately after, the consciousness of Dandalion froze.
Because the pointed end of《Intetsu》appeared in front of him all of a sudden.
The time of Dandalion stopped with the predicament of his life.
He was astonished in the midst of that halt.

Why was the tip of the sword in front of his eyes?
Even though the tip of his sword hadn’t reach the enemy.
Why, when the armament of the opponent had less reach than his own?
It was too fast for《Saigeki》. And too close.
――If that was the case, then the answer was one.
(He threw it…!)
Yes. Ikki threw《Intetsu》, aiming at Dandalion from the stance of《Saigeki》.
As a result, He covered a counter against Dandalion who tried to meet《Saigeki》with
a counter.
Dandalion had already stepped on his forefoot, and at the same time he stepped into
Ikki’s territory with a stance to thrust his glabella.
He couldn’t stop.
He was no longer in a state where he could stop.
Therefore――

- NUUuaAh!

Still, the movement ability of Dandalion that moved his body and brushed away Ikki’s
《Intetsu》that stopped the movement of his body against his will came to an end with
a few words as expected.
(It was a very good surprise attack, but without giving a step――!?)
However, Dandalion saw despair in the next moment.
Ikki, who sent his armament flying, became defenseless.

Black thread extended from his hands to《Intetsu》.
(That is the pattern thread of a Japanese sword!)
Oh no! The moment Dandalion understood so, everything was decided.
Ikki pulled the unraveled thread and brought 《Intetsu》that was flipped back to his
hands like a yoyo and――

- HaAAAAAAA!!!!

He cut down the defenseless Dandalion who ended up swinging Foil to repel《Intetsu
》with the grip of his blade.
Dandalion coughed, spat out blood and fell on his knees on the spot.
Together with that, 《Lionheart》disappeared from his hands, becoming haze, he lost
the power to tie Ikki.
- … that was truly an underhanded idea…
Dandalion raised his neck somehow and cursed at the boy who looked down on him.
Towards Ikki,
- That is what art of war means, isn’t it?
He returned a smile like being proud of it, there was no signs of feeling guilty about it.
In addition to that, Dandalion laughed at the back of the blood-stained beard.
It was completely like that.
The art of war was a means where the weak was born to win by all possible means
against the strong.
If so, the unfairness in the real art of war was a virtue.

(… I intended to make use of《Ittou Shura》 , but…)

As for the weapons and the numbers available, the difference was too great.
The difference of reach which was absolutely advantageous for him from the start.
It was an observation tactic to use his attack against him and match that.

But the thing he saw in the field of battle was different.
How long had it been since he went through the verge of death? How was he be able to learn such
cunningness being this young?
There is no way for me to stop him anymore.
Dandalion deemed that,
- It is my defeat. … Please take care of Stella-sama.
He entrusted the future of the girl he loved like she was his daughter.
Ikki, before this,
- Yes.
A strong answer returned, he went through the side of Dandalion and jumped to the
castle walls.
And then he run up to the wall with the slight unevenness as footholds and
disappeared into the castle.
Dandalion saw him off with a hazy field of vision due to loss of blood and apologized
to his king.
- I am sorry, Sirius.
I am very unlikely to be an enemy of that boy anymore.

◆◇◆◇◆

After he crushed Dandalion, Ikki finally succeeded in crossing the castle walls and
infiltrate inside.
The palace guards were also inside the castle walls, of course, and kept an eye towards
intruders, but if it was about crossing the walls, then it wasn’t difficult to enter the
castle using Ikki’s movement abilities.
As he climbed the castle walls, he grabbed onto the small unevenness and ascended the
surface wall of the castle.
He could easily break into the castle from an opened window,
- Fuu. I finally made it into the cas――
- ――――――

The moment he tried to intrude, their eyes met.
In the room.
The sudden intruder opened his eyes wide, he was lost for words――with the woman
in underwear.
(Oh-oh nooooooo!?)
His mind faded, Ikki realized about his own regretful mistake, that he failed to check
the interior, but it was too late.
The woman dyed her face red, hid her small breasts that fit in the stylish-made lace
fabric with her arms and scowled at Ikki.

- I-I’m sorry! I didn’t think there were people inside, or rather, I forgot to confirm,
anyway, I just didn’t do it on purpose! Even though it gives the impression about what
the hell I’m saying and that I’m creeping in from the window, but it was truly
inevitable…!
Ikki kept excusing himself with things that didn’t look like excuses, but,
- ――――
The woman was approaching Ikki with large steps, her lips were still in silence.
Ikki, who stepped on the window frame, didn’t run away, he just looked firmly at
those scarlet eyes.
And then, when she got very close to Ikki, she waved her hand.
(I’ll be punched…!)
But, it can’t be helped.
This wasn’t a situation where he could make an excuse no matter how one looked at it.
He had no choice but to accept at least 10 fists here.
Ikki prepared himself for the worst, closed his eyes and prepared for the impact that
would strike hard his cheek.
But――

- What are you doing? Get in before you’re found by those guys, idiot.
- Uwaa.
The impact didn’t come.
What attacked Ikki instead was an ability that caught the nape of his neck and pulled
him inside the room.
Ikki, who was prepared for the impact that would strike him, couldn’t go against it and
fell from the window into the room.

Hmm? Ikki fell on the carpet and raised his face.

What was reflected in his field of vision was the figure of a woman who closed the
window and the curtain after she confirmed as if being on guard, looking restlessly
outside the window.

- E, err…

Ikki was perplexed, he wasn’t able to understand her behavior.

She looked at such Ikki and,

- Puh, ahahahaha!

The woman tore down her beautiful face that didn’t hide her intelligence and laughed
out loud.

- Well well, I’m amazed. I wanted to know how was the man that Stella brought with
her, so I was pretending to not notice the conspiracy of my father, but I certainly
wasn’t expecting you to reach the castle by challenging the people and the army all by
yourself. You sure are amazing, aren’t you, boy? Though I’m not saying that you
turned that hot-blooded idiot woman into an elegant one. Because of this, the
preparations of the government management broadcast that were prepared for your
support ended up coming to nothing. … Hmm hmm, m-moreover, due to that, you
intruded in the room I was changing my clothes. If I remember correctly, didn’t
something similar happen to Stella when she had just arrived in Japan?

*TN: I’m completely unsure about the underlined sentence.

(Eh…)

Ikki noticed the way of speaking of this woman.

The color of her hair had the same pale pink as Astraea, the mother of Stella that he
met at the airport some time ago.

Then, this woman was――

- Excuse me, are you perhaps… her Highness Lunaize!?

To that question of Ikki, the woman laughed and wiped the tears that floated in the
outer corner of her eyes with her fingers and,

――she nodded greatly, she showed affirmation.

- Yup. Certainly, I’m the older sister of your girlfriend and the next Queen of the
Empire of Vermillion. I’m the first Princess Lunaize Vermillion. Nice to meet you. Ikki
Kurogane.

Lunaize formally introduced herself and presented her right hand to request a
handshake.

Towards this, Ikki, while confused, stood up and,
- Ah, y-yes. Nice to meet you. T-thank you v-very much for inviting me today.

He returned the greeting and a handshake. But――his eyes were swimming.

The reason was that, of course, the appearance of Lunaize.

She was only wearing lace fabric.

Though he was in the wrong for coming through the window, he wasn’t going to say
that he was troubled about where to look.

To this restless gaze of Ikki,

- Why are you acting suspiciously? … Hmm?

Lunaize inclined her head in doubt――immediately after that, she examined both
arms of Ikki and opened her eyes wide in surprise.

- Hey, aren’t you injured!?

Lunaize, who said that, stared at the left shoulder that was pierced by Dandalion not
long ago.

Although it was thin, there was a piercing mark.

The hemorrhage was abundant in itself, blood spread in the white uniform, it was
dripping even on his fingertips.

Due to this, Ikki turned an “oops” expression.
- I’m sorry! The carpet is…!
- Don’t mind about it, now take off your clothes! I’ll treat you!
However, Lunaize raised her eyebrows as if she got angry at Ikki’s irrelevant worry
and started stripping him.
- Eh, eeeeeeeh!? Hey wait, it’s fine! This is nothing!
- This isn’t an injury where you can say “this is nothing” you know!? Those guys did it,
they were completely serious about keeping you company…. That doting parent that
don’t care about moderation――ah, hey! Don’t move! You’re not a child, so be
obedient!
- Understood! I’ll be obedient, but please wear clothes at least!
- Leave that for later! It’s not that you’re going to die by seeing some skin!
- T-that’s true, but still〜〜!
Ikki resisted, but Lunaize’s will was unexpectedly strong, he couldn’t tear it off.
No, Ikki could have been able to tear it off if he seriously shook her off, but as he was
injured, he wasn’t able to put strength into it.
Then, in the end, Ikki was left at Lunaize’s mercy who stripped him of his coat and
undergarment,

- Luna-ane! I know you are in the midst of work but can you come to the dining
room―――… w-w-w-w-what are you two doiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!?!?!?

The scream of Stella when she saw the scene of her boyfriend and her sister that were
entangled and half naked resounded even in the cellar of the castle.

◆◇◆◇◆

Although it was in an outrageous form, Ikki succeeded in joining with Stella safely.
It was Stella who showed a great confusion at first with the gut-wrenching sight that
jumped into her eyes, but the misunderstanding was immediately solved with a sheet
of paper presented by Lunaize.
Yes. It was a wanted poster of Ikki scattered throughout the city.
After that, Lunaize exposed this physical evidence and the behavior of her father Sirius
in the dining hall where everyone gathered.
From here, the strife that started because of the visit of Kurogane Ikki would reach its
conclusion at once.
――In the dining hall, a denunciation meeting that surrounded Sirius who was made
to kneel with the tops of his feet flat on the marble floor was being held.
- I see〜. In other words, papa conspired with Yana-chan and Signard-chan then took
out a prize money from the national treasury and tried to drive Ikki-san out by forming
a crowd with everyone?
- Yes. The family council had also divided work for that reason. It means that he was
only stalling us.
- Is that right, papa?
Sirius objected with a pathetic expression that one wouldn’t think he was the King of a
country to his wife that looked down on him with an exasperated look.

- Th-th… I couldn’t help it, you know? Why do I have to give my daughter to whom I
brought up under my personal care to a guy who’s a no one!?

- Father. You threw a tantrum like that and exhausted it to the limits of cowardice and
despicableness, but in the end, it the entirety of it, everything was just overcome by
Ikki. There isn’t a single good thing at all in what you did.

- Mama is already disappointed.

- Mmmmmmm…. Guh!

Sirius was despised by the cold eyes of Astraea and Lunaize and after they caused his
words to be clogged, he shot Ikki with eyes packed with wrath.

Even if he didn’t have one, it seemed that a “voice” with such look could be heard
now.

Ikki had nothing other than a wry smile as Sirius vented his intense anger on him.
Then, at that moment.

- Otou-sama. … The conversation just now, is everything really true?

After she came to the dining hall, Stella, who hadn’t emitted a single word, opened her
mouth for the first time.

It was a strangely composed tone of voice. The expression of the eyes weren’t hidden
behind the forelocks.

Ikki felt something cold came down around his stomach.

And then, he noticed it.

It was like an explosive in which Stella had pierced innumerable fuses.

If he were to add a careless stimulus, even if it was something minimal, it would cause
a huge explosion.

And there,

- S-Stella. Listen to me. I was just trying to protect you…

- Unbelievable…
With the careless excuse of Sirius,

- UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

She evidently exploded.

Stella yelled with a loud voice just like a shock wave, the room practically swayed, she
scattered brightened phosphorescence from the core of her scarlet hair and turned eyes
burning with fury towards Sirius.
- Despite me being happy!? When Otou-sama wanted to hear about Ikki, I thought that
Otou-sama was seriously thinking about us… and yet, I was happy! But even then,
why!? Why are you doing this!? Why!? How can you do such a terrible thing!?
Stella raised an angry voice because of her emotions and approached Sirius.
The light surrounding Stella was distorted by the emitted heat, the scenery got crooked.
This is bad, Ikki felt.
This way of anger of Stella wasn’t usual.
The reason was that she was thoroughly burning in anger.
At this rate, she might be capable of committing an act of violence.
It seemed that Astraea felt the same thing as well.
It wasn’t good to leave her alone as one would expect, she tried to stand up for Sirius.
- Stella-chan. It’s reasonable to get mad, but let’s settle for a moment, yes?
She called out to Stella from her side. But,
- I’M NOT CALMING DOWN!!!!

Stella glared at Astraea with eyes just burning in flames――then gradually, large tears
appeared in the outer corner of her eyes.

- S-Stella-chan.

- Because…! Because, that’s horrible…! Everyone ganged up on Ikki and were cruel to
him when he finally came here…! Since such horrible things were done, if Ikki ends up
hating everyone…. How is he not going to end up disliking this country!? E-even
though I love Otou-sama, and the people of my country――I wanted you and
everyone to come to like Ikki, and yet, this, uh, u, uwa, 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜! Uwaaaaa
〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜aaaaa!!!!

The worked up emotions of Stella exceeded the critical point.

Stella crumbled down on the spot, covered her face with both hands and cried like a
kid.

The indignation of what her father and the people of the country had done and the
sadness already surpassed the limits that could be handled by her immature heart, it
was what she spat out while sobbing.

Sirius showed dismay.

He was prepared to be knocked off his feet.

However, he didn’t take into consideration that she would cry her eyes out like this.

- S-Stella…! Mama, what are the things that one should do at moments like this…!?

- … I wonder if that’s a bit hopeless this time around.



- T-that’s…!
It was hopeless indeed.
She wanted her family and the citizens to come to like her special person.
For Stella, who thought so, it was an extremely cruel incident.
What Sirius said now seemed to add fuel to the fire.
However,
――That sadness of Stella, was a misunderstanding.
So, Kurogane Ikki moved to make Stella know about it.
-Stella.
He sat down on the floor and gently hugged the round back of Stella,
- Wha, you bastard, the hell are――
- Sit down.
After he sent his thanks with his eyes to Lunaize who immobilized Sirius that tried to
stand up with an axe kick, he tenderly whispered close to the ear of Stella who sobbed
convulsively.
- Don’t worry. I’m not going to hate the country nor the people of this country.
Rather… now that I finally came here and fought with the people of this country, I
really came to like this country.
- I…kki…?
Stella turned curious eyes that were dyed red with hyperemia to Ikki because of those
words.
Stella knew.
Ikki wasn’t a man who would make a temporary lie to comfort her.
In other words, his words were his true feelings.

That’s why she couldn’t understand.
- W…hy…
How can he say that, even when he was persecuted in a country where he came for the
first time?
Ikki replied while wiping the tears of Stella with a gentle gesture.

- Because, this people who acted so desperately like this did it for the sake of my dear
girl.

His true feelings from the bottom of his heart.
That was it. It was impossible to hate them.
Certainly they went too far, and there was no doubt that they had an irrational
behavior.
But… even when pressed by him, they couldn’t help but feel to test him.
The man that wanted to be Stella’s husband.
Then why?
Everyone just loved the girl called Stella from the bottom of their hearts.
Precisely because they loved her, they worried about her, they wished for her.
They wondered if that man was of a suitable caliber to hold their treasure in his hands.
It’s not that Ikki unsympathetically felt those feelings, hearts and love.
The man Stella chose wasn’t such a narrow-minded man.
- This is a warm and kind country. I understood well the feelings that Stella wants to
protect. And… I thought. The biggest strength as of now. That I――also want to be a
person of that family and of that country…!

Ikki, when he said so, he separated from Stella, then stood up and faced her family.

And then, he calmly did one deep breath and,

- Onee-san. Okaa-san. ――Otou-san.

- Who are you calling “Otou-san” ――

- Shut up.

He opened his mouth and focused his field of vision on the three of them, centered on
Sirius whose earlobe was twisted by Astraea.

His own reply to all those who loved Stella.

And today, to accomplish the purpose of coming to this place.

- Please allow me to greet you again. My name is Kurogane Ikki and the person who
have been accompanying Stella-san. And as the rumor in the street says, I am not a
person who has a lot of things. I cannot say that my talent as a Blazer is superior either,
and although I am more or less the second son of the Kurogane Family, I am in a
“breaking off relation” situation and hardly getting along with my family, so I don’t
have social status. As the person who is in a relationship with Stella, I realized that I
am a person in a very unfavorable state. I understand the feelings of everyone who is
worried about entrusting Stella-san to such man. However――there is one thing. I
have confidence in myself that I will never lose to any person of this country, nor to
Onee-san, nor to Okaa-san nor to Otou-san, because I love Stella-san! And I am
prepared to carry out those feelings too…! So please, test my resolution until your
hearts are settled. Until everyone can agree and make sure of this man, of me. I will
respond to all of them with my whole soul!

If he needed strength, what kind of enemy would he have to completely overcome?

If he needed status, then he could get one using any kind of means.

Not all the tender persons that loved Stella and thought of wanting to protect her
would make a compromise like that.
Ikki pledged so,

- And… if that were to come true, then at that moment, please let me marry Stella-san!

Ikki kneeled with the top of his feet flat on the floor strongly than Sirius, he lowered his
body and bowed his head.
Stella, who was next to this behavior of Ikki, wiped the tears of her cheeks and her
dripping nose,
- Please…
She bowed deeply to her own family next to him and indicated so.
Who was the person that Stella Vermillion stood next to?
Seeing the determination of the two, Astraea narrowed her lovely-looking eyes due to
the growth of her daughter and asked Sirius.
- What do we do? Papa.
**
- W-why do you throw it to me…!? I recognize you! But a guy like you will never get
to marry Stella!
- It seems that it went that way, what do we do, Stella?
- Do we have a father?
- In the end, it was like we thought. Mother.
- Maybe if he weren’t here――

- Fiiinee! I’m also a man, if Ikki-kun said he will show a resolution of that level, then I
have no choice but to confront it head-on!
**

*TN: The sentences between ** were extremely ambiguous, besides Sirius has a very complicated way of speaking.
So what they said might not be accurate.

- T-thank you very much!
Ikki smiled wryly and felt ashamed of the father where women were majority in the
family because of the appearance of Sirius that was cornered by the cooperation of the
women group that had a good coordination while he thanked them.
If he was adopted into the family of his bride, then it would surely be the same for him.
However, the intention was transmitted with this.
(What’s left is――an issue of my own determination)
He would show everything.
Even if he said so himself, he didn’t think it was something terribly to brag about, but
he didn’t have regrets.
Ikki decided it strongly, that he would certainly do it to completion.
And then, Lunaize told Ikki without delay.
- Now, why don’t we try out Ikki the way one likes? In that case, a challenge is
presented by me first.
- L-Luna-ane!? Didn’t you say that you weren’t against us, Luna-ane!?
- I don’t remember saying that I approved him but I’m not against him either.
- Ugh.
No way, the bluff of Sirius came even this far and resulted to be correct? Stella put a bitter
expression on her face.

On the other hand, Lunaize soothed Stella with「hey, be calm」and said.

- It’s not a troublesome conversation. If it’s the physical strength of Ikki.

- My physical strength is connected to the challenge?

Lunaize nodded to the question of Ikki.

- Yes. Ikki. I’m inviting you to participate in the『War』that will be carried out with
Kledelland soon.

- W『War』…!?

Ikki couldn’t hide his surprise at the disturbing meaning of those words.

But Lunaize immediately denied his imagination.

- Huh? Although it’s called war, it’s not that is a bloody thing or something. Kledelland
and Vermillion are both《member nations of the International Mage-Knights League
》.

In regards to the《International Mage-Knights League》, there were agreements
regarding war between fellow member nations of the league, in addition, small
countries helped each other to protect from large countries, and in the event of an
emergency, to provide military strength and war expenses. That agreement said: there
won’t be use of military or conventional weapons in the disputes between fellow
member nations of the league but instead the outcome will be decided by duels,
choosing the 《Mage-Knights》that will be the representatives of both
countries――that’s how it is.

This system was a symbol of League’s great principle where『Blazesr should protect the
powerless』and at the same time, it was essential to maintain the harmony between
the member nations.

Since the hierarchical relationship was built by national power among the member
nations, it would be difficult for a small country without power to be in League.

However, using this rule, it was possible for a small country to defeat a large country.

They could keep a position of equality.

『Two countries, even if they belong to the same League. Political arguments happen
after all. That is inevitable. If they don’t let it go and try to avoid the unreasonable, the
organization loses its flexibility, develops cracks and collapses. That’s why, war
between the member nations must be conducted under fair conditions』

This rule, which was established and advocated by《Sir Whitebeard》, the head of
League, had the most rivalry within the League, but the fact that this organization
called《International Mage-Knights League》was able to become so huge as to divide
the world in half a century, was probably thanks to the existence of this rule.

- Of course, the war between Vermillion and Kledelland will be conducted under this
rule. Ikki. Do you know that Vermillion is an independent nation from Kledelland?

- Yes. I know the details of it.

- In that case, I’ll omit the explanation of those circumstances, but since the country
was originated like that, we naturally have territorial disputes. Even now, the gas fields
near the border are being disputed with Kledelland. This war is held once every five
years with the ownership of this gas fields at stake. The form of the match changes
every time, but this year is a team competition of 5《Mage-Knights》. To hurry things
a bit, it will be the victory of the country that had reached more victories in a total of
five matches. … About what I said so far, do you get my condition?

- That is to participate in the war as one of the representatives of Vermillion and win…
yes?

- Not quite so. There’s no point in your victory alone. To conquer your enemies and to
bring victory to Vermillion. That is my challenge. That’s the condition of Lunaize
Vermillion, the first Princess and next Queen to recognize your relationship with the
second Princess Stella Vermillion.

Having said that, Lunaize showed a smile to test Ikki.

- Thinking about it, it’s not a bad talk. After all, it’s a chance to contribute directly to
the national interest. Moreover, in the last 30 years, Vermillion has never won this

war. If a man were to break that situation, no one would object your engagement with
Stella. … Not even my obstinate father.
Sirius, startled, opened his eyes wide because of the words of Lunaize.
- Eh!? Hold on a second, Luna! Such words are――
But,
- Hey, Luna-ane. It’s been weighing on my mind since a while ago, but who’s that old
man?
- So fast!? If a Samurai brings victory to this country, then there’s no reason for me, the
King of Vermillion, to have a reason to go against him! Then I’ll be relieved, entrusting
Stella to you! Nahahaha!
Sirius easily fell down to the brief words of Stella.
He was also aware.
The eyes of Stella that were looking at him from a while ago became completely cold.
Now, within Stella, the existence of her father was in a very dangerous place.
Because it seemed as if he was scattered outside of her head with the smallest of the
impacts, and so, she never being able to remember about him again.
Well, he suffered the consequences of his own actions, nothing less, nothing more.
Then, after they deceived Sirius with those words, Lunaize asked Ikki again.
- Okay then. Do you accept my challenge?
Ikki then,
- Of course. If with this I can hope to be the husband of Stella, then I’ll win without
fail.
He immediately replied.
At first, he was told that it was a war and so he was surprised, but rather this was what
he desired, to cut and open a path with the sword.

There was no reason to refuse.
She listened to that reply and,
- Alright.
Lunaize turned her back on Ikki and the others all of a sudden
Then, she approached the big glass door of the dining hall and opened with both
hands――
- That’s right! Did everyone hear it too!?
She shouted out of the castle from the terrace.
At that moment,

『『『YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!』
』』

An ovation like a rumble in the ground burst in the dining hall from the window that
was left open.
When anyone went out to the terrace, there were countless groups of people crowding
outside the castle, raising shouts of joy.
- W-what’s the meaning of this!?
- It means this.
Lunaize took out something from the hem of her dress with a mischievous look to
Stella who opened her eyes wide in surprise.
It was a highly directional microphone that was linked to all the broadcasting facilities
of the imperial capital in advance to help Ikki while she pretended not to see the
reckless action of her father.

- All the conversations so far were broadcasted outside by the government-managed
broadcast. I thought that if we did this, we could save us time and effort to explain to
the citizens.
- Wai…
Ikki tried to protest Lunaize who had said something unexpected as if nothing
happened.
Naturally, the greetings to her parents were broadcasted throughout the town.
However, Lunaize completely ignored Ikki and continued talking to the people
outside.
- You heard it just now! A promise has been made here! Sirius Vermillion, the King of
Vermillion, will recognize Ikku Kurogane as the husband of the second Princess Stella
Vermillion with the victory of war! Is there anyone who disagrees with this promise!?
Towards this, the crowd replied.

『No, nobody!』

『We all fought and we all lost!』

『Furthermore, groom-san even said that he liked us…』

『I’ve never seen such a strong and kind man!』

『You’re the only one to whom we can entrust Stella-chan!』

『If the King throws a tantrum and tries to annul his promise, and even if a coup d’état
arises, we’ll be on your side!』

They didn’t have negative feelings towards Ikki.
The promise of the duel that he exchanged before coming here.
Since he shook free from all the citizens and finally arrived to where Stella was, it was
Ikki’s victory.

The people of Vermillion kept the promise of the duel.
If so――there was only one thing Ikki should do.
- All the people are looking forward to your great efforts. Ikki.
The words of Lunaize told.

- Yes…! Allow me to do my best effort!
What it meant to win was to carry them on his back.
To inherit the wish of the losers.
That’s why, he swore as a victor.
That he shall never betray the trust that he had won.

Chapter 4 The opening of a tragedy

Lucerle, capital of Kledelland Kingdom.
A city where Art Nouveau buildings registered as World Heritage lined the streets.
A《Mage-Knight》training facility with a highly colored outward appearance similar
to an opera house to fit into the scenery was located nearby.
And now, in that training facility, five Kledelland representatives were training for the
war with Vermillion that was drawing near.
- Wooooooooooo─────!!!!
- Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
A red-haired small man and a large man that looked like a barrel were forcing back the
pistons of huge press machines placed in front of each of them.
This equipment was used to improve the quantity of instant magic power release of a
Blazer.
The pistons of the pressured press machines were pushed back due to reinforcement of
physical strength thanks to magic power release.
It was a simple training, but it was a training where expectations about having a
positive effect were possible.
The pressure of the large press machines has already exceeded 2 tons for both of them.
They were still pushing back the pistons bit by bit, but with certainty.
The average for a Blazer was around 500 kg, meaning they were owners of an excellent
physical strength.
It wasn’t surprising to say that they were selected as representatives of the country.

Other members were doing a different training at the pool that was in the same training
room divided by an acrylic fiber.

- This is too hard, Mira-chaaan…!

- I’m not giving up! We still have 10 laps to go…!

- No waaayy…. This is way too Spartan…!

- Since Ena isn’t good at using magic powers, you were told by the leader to repeat
training until the war! Come on, if you run slowly, the necessary control will get
difficult!

- Eeeek!

The two women in their early twenties were running in the 50m training swimming
pool that was fiercely flowing like the rising water of an overflowed river.

That’s correct, they weren’t swimming, but running straight through the violent water
current on the bottom of the pool in a while sticking to the bottom using magic.

Thanks to this, they could train their magic control powers.

There were exercises for training of magic power control like keeping the water floating
without making it spill as well as shaping clay without touching it with their hands, but
the training of running on top of raging streams, the one that the two of them were
doing, boasted to be the most difficult among them.

It was clear that the ability of these two women as Blazers was quite high even if they
continued doing it somehow or another while expressing their dissatisfaction.

And, while the four of them were working hard, another person, a tall blond young
man, came into the training area.

The young man entered the training area while clapping his hands a number of times,
then called out to the four people.

- Guys. I know you are in the middle of training, but please gather for a moment! The
final order list of the five representatives from Vermilion arrived just now!