Chivalry of a Failed Knight Volume 10

- … “we let him do so”…. I’m pretty much a state guest. I’m the Second Princess of
Vermillion Empire! This perfectly could have been an international issue!

Stella glanced at Tsukikage who was behind those two due to the blunt words of
Kurono.

Tsukikage showed a wry smile.

- I stopped her, but…

- We approved it!

- Aren’t you our teacher!?

- You won’t have many opportunities to meet knights of this level. Experiencing the
strength of League’s top-class knights on your skin is affection that you may call it like
becoming experience which is good for you. Trust me.

- E-even so, wasn’t there another way of doing this…?

Stella dropped her shoulders, exasperated.

Certainly, Sparta had a limit.

And while Stella was complaining to Nene and the others, the assailant, Ascaride, still
didn’t say anything then tried to leave the ring to which she had returned to.

He accomplished his goal, so it seemed that it was meaningless for him to be here
anymore.

He was really a man that did things as he wanted.

*TN: Please take into consideration that during all this time, the sex of Ascaride hasn’t been mentioned at all. But
the line above explicitly mentions a man “男”. For sake’s consistency I left all mentions towards Ascaride as “he”.

Well, if the other party didn’t show intention of fighting Ikki, then there was no reason
in particular to chase him.

That’s why he took away his eyes from the back of Ascaride who went away,

- I understand the reason why Ascaride-san attacked us. There’s no need to discuss this
any further. More importantly, Prime Minister Tsukikage. What is the matter you have
to talk with us…?
He presented interest to the man who summoned them to this place.
Tsukikage, who had given a single step till now, showed an expression similar to
gratitude on his face for having changed the flow of the conversation,
- There are two matters about why I called you both today. Because there was
something I want you to hear and something we ought to talk. … Let’s start from the
latter first.
He began to talk with a serious tone.
- There’s only one thing we ought to talk. Ikki-kun. It’s about the incident that
happened to your body.

◆◇◆◇◆

- Something… happened to Ikki’s body…?
Stella turned an uneasy face with such disturbing sounds.
But Tsukikage didn’t answer the question of Stella,
- Ikku-kun already knows what I’m talking about, isn’t that right?

He asked Ikki.

Ikki nodded to that question.

It was because he remembered so.

- Is it perhaps no other thing but when I used《Ittou Rasetsu》 for a second time in the
match against Stella?

Towards that, Tsukikage affirmed with「Exactly」.

- Magic power is the influence that is related to this world and the thing Blazers have by
birth. For this reason, the aggregate amount is determined as fate. But… there are
exceptions in this world that disprove that premise. Like those who have severed the
chains of fate by their own strong will. There are exceptions that broke the limits of
their souls as persons and got out of their destiny. We call those existences《
Desperados》.

Tsukikage said.

The moment he received Stella’s 《Katharterio Salamandra》, Ikki was defeated in his
original fate.

But he burned with his feelings for Stella and shook free from that fate.

The fate surrounding this world transcended the limits that was allowed for the being
called 『Kurogane Ikki』and caused an unbelievable miracle of raising the upper
limit of his magic power, and overturned his fate.

- At that time, you leveled up the rank of your soul and became an existence different
from the regular Blazers. You, who have reached this awakening, have been removed
from the circle of fate surrounding this planet, and now you have become able to raise
the upper limit of your magic power depending on the training. My first task is to tell
you a fact, that you have become an existence that set foot into the current《Domain
of the Desperados》.

- W-wait a minute!

Then, Stella interrupted the words of Tsukikage.

She was showing a strong irritation on her face,

- Certainly I saw the moment when the magic power of Ikki increased. It was
impossible, but I thought that if it was Ikki, then he would do around that much.
However, Prime Minister Tsukikage. By your way of speaking, it means that you knew
about the existence of this phenomenon since long ago, isn’t that right?

- Yes. Absolutely. And certainly not only me, as it is also known by the League
Headquarters. I am conveying this stage’s conversation to the《Desperado》that
experienced an awakening as the head of the member nations of the 《International
Mage-Knights League》.

- ――

Stella’s irritation changed to anger with those words.

- Vermillion Empire has never heard a story like that. I’ve never heard such a story
from Otou-sama! … Why were you silent in the first place? Turning upside down the
common sense of this world from the roots with something like『The upper limit of
magic power doesn’t change from the time one was born』, isn’t that a serious
conversation…!? You should have detailed so to all the member nations of the League,
don’t you think!?

Stella approached Tsukikage with an unusual threatening attitude.

It was natural.

She was first a student knight and at the same time, the Second Princess of Vermillion
Empire.

He was a political person involved in the center of the administrative organs of a whole
country.

The League was hiding things towards her country, and those weren’t contents that
could be transmitted with “yes, is that so?”

The magic power upper limit could be removed.

If only some nations shared that know-how, then that was a malpractice act against the
allies of those nations.

In that case, she must consider their withdrawal from the League.

However, in response to the indignation of the Second Princess of Vermillion
Kingdom, Tsukikage explained as a representative of the League.

- It’s reasonable for Stella-hime to be angry. However… it’s a misunderstanding that
the League has deceived Vermillion Kingdom and that has monopolized the know-how
that leads to《Desperado》among some nations. The League is hiding the existence of
《Desperado》… because they are completely dangerous.

- Dangerous?

- Yes. In order to reach《Desperado》, one must carry the potential of oneself to the
extremes, additionally, it’s necessary for the strong person’s will to rise even higher
than that. That is an absolute condition of awakening. … But, have you thought that
there are people who can hurt you and how much of them are in this world?

- That’s…

- Stella-hime. You should understand it if you are a knight of that degree. It’s not
something that can be imitated or attempted to copy it. However, you should be able
to imagine it as you are also a lady that is part of the imperial family that is involved in
the administration of a country. … The type of tragedies that will happen if a greedy『
Leader』knows the existence of this domain.

-…

Stella opened her eyes wide and caught her breath for a moment.

It was easy for her to imagine the tragedy at the end as her royal family had a strong
political power over their people and knew well the mechanisms of the nation.

- A powerful Blazer is a very important being for a nation. The more their numbers, the
better. Consequently, if the upper limit of magic power were to have a method to be
increased and propagated, then and without fail, someone who will force the Blazers of
their own country will appear. To carry to exhaustion the potential of the human
beings against their will, that is indeed such a horrible training. … But the awakening
it’s not something that can be enforced by a third party. What is necessary to overcome
fate is one’s own will. When they force a severe training, like making one stand in the
depths of death, then only tragedy is born while one is pressured. That’s why, and to
not create a tragedy like that, the League concealed the existence of《Desperados》
and revealed their existences only to some people of the nations that discharged《
Desperados》among the nations affiliated with the League. It doesn’t mean that we
were hiding ill will towards Vermillion Kingdom, so I would like you to understand
that.

Towards the explanation of Tsukikage,

- … hmm. That being the case, oh well… I understand.

Stella showed understanding and withdrew her threatening attitude.

She imagined so, she was convinced that that tragedy was inevitable.

Dictatorship countries as well as democratic countries were dangerous.

If they were to do the unreasonable like putting lives in danger, then Blazers would
become stronger by surpassing the upper limit of magic power. If such public opinion
were to be born, the human rights of the small number of Blazers would reach a critical
situation.

It was justified that the League, that supervised the Blazers, kept it a secret.

――Like that, Stella recovered her composure and Ikki took a breath of small relief.

- But since only the nations are discharging《Desperados》, does that mean… that
there are already other individuals like them in Japan?

He raised a question that was generated in the middle of the conversation.

Tsukikage nodded towards this, he showed affirmation with his neck going up and
down.

- There are only two《Mage-Knights》that have Japanese nationality. One is the
legendary knight《God of War》Mr. Nangou Torajirou who lived in the same era as
《The Great Hero》Kurogane Ryouma. And the other person is the favorite pupil of
《God of War》who is here, 《Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene-kun. When it comes
to outside matters, Mr. Ascaride is also a《Desperados》that belongs to the League.

- Nene-sensei is…!

- Well, it’s not like I’m ranked third in the world just for show you know. … I’m
different to you who ended up retiring immediately because you lost your nerve when
awakening.

-…

Kurono, looking embarrassed, averted her eyes because Nene turned aggressive eyes
towards her.

There was truly a volatile mood that was different from the two people who messed
around while using their common abusive language.

Tsukikage, who guessed that, clapped once and returned to the story.

- The conversation went a little back and forth, but to sum up about why the head of
the member nations of Knights League made an appointment with a new《Desperado
》: like I explained to Stella-hime now, I just wanted you to be self-aware of the
existences called 《Desperados》and how this may compromise the human rights of
all Blazers and for you to not make it public. Did you understand that?

- Yes. I should express that I drew out magic power from the bottom and not that it
increased when I’m asked anything that is related to my second《Ittou Rasetsu》, is
that correct?

- Your quick understanding saved us time.

Tsukikage showed a satisfied smile towards the comprehensive faculty of Ikki who
guessed without being told the fixed text recommended by the League after one has
experienced awakening in an official place. And then,

- Although their existences should be concealed for the benefit of all Blazers, the 《
Desperados》who have gone beyond their fate through awakening aren’t bound by the
fate surrounding this world. And depending on the training, their superior fighting
power can extend their magic powers. I, as Prime Minister of Japan, will collaborate
without sparing anything for you to become stronger. If necessary, I can also introduce
you an excellent teacher with my connections.

He made a firm promise to support Ikki, who had climbed to a new domain, as a
nation.

Ikki, towards this,

- Thank you very much——it’s what I would like to say, but.

He told Tsukikage while having careful sparkles inside his eyes like a blade.

- I still can’t trust a person like you. You attacked our Academy. You even asked for
cooperation to《Rebellion》and tried to launch《National Akatsuki Academy》.
Unless a number of reasonable explanations are given for that reason, I don’t feel like
relying on you by any means.

- You said it well, Kurogane. I agree.

- That also goes for Vermillion Empire, we cannot help but feel distrust towards people
like you who were conspiring with terrorists.

- Sensei. Why don’t we talk about this slowly? About what do you think and why did
you do this?

The other three also adhered to the distrust of Ikki.

The eyes of everyone were gathered in Tsukikage.

As if Tsukikage was waiting for that,
- Of course…. As that’s the second matter that assembled everyone here today.
He pushed out both arms to the front,
- Make all the universe shine. 《Moon Orb》*

*TN: 月天宝珠: Getten Houju.

Together with a faint light like the glow of the moon, he made his Device manifest.

◆◇◆◇◆

What appeared in front of the two hands that Tsukikage opened was a fist-sized crystal
ball decorated with gold metal.
It was flying in the air while shedding a pale golden light.
- This is… sensei’s Device…
- It doesn’t feel like a weapon. Is this also your first time seeing it, Kuu-chan?
- Yes…. When I was in the Academy, I heard he was a Blazer of the non-fighting
group, but this is my first time seeing it.
- My Device《Moon Orb》, due to its ability… has always been a secret of the state of
Japan since it manifested. Naturally the details were hidden by the League. It’s been a
long time since I’ve showed this in public too.

- How does this Device relate to the reason that Prime Minister Tsukikage started to
act this time?

Tsukikage smiled with a look that made him feel a little fatigued due to the question of
Ikki,

- Well, let’s postpone the conversation for a minute, I want you to see this first.

Saying that, he flicked《Moon Orb》that was staying in the air with his fingers.

Then, a wave stood on the mirror surface of《Moon Orb》and a drop fell from the
bottom of the orb. It fell on the reinforced slate floor.

At that moment,

The drop that fell caused a shining ripple under the feet of Ikki and everyone and
projected an image on the floor in the dark.

- T-this is…!

Everyone caught their breaths and made their facial expressions become stiff with that
image.

What showed the Device of Tsukikage was――hell.

A city where the whole surface was engulfed in flames and people burned while being
alive.

It was a sight of blood, cries of pain and flames, it could only be described as hell.

- … w-what is, this……! The c-children are……!

- Stella…!

Lower half of bodies were crushed by the debris? Stella crouched and covered her
mouth, she was unable to bear the scene of boys who were trying to escape from the
flames desperately but were swallowed up by the flames without realizing their
dreams.

Ikki immediately rushed to Stella and rubbed her back that became rounded, but his
face was also pale.
After all.
This wasn’t just a video.
In a simple video, Stella would have just knitted her brows in discomfort, no more than
that.
However, everyone in this place certainly felt it.
The heat of the flames encircling the surroundings.
The screams that pierced their ears.
The smell of human flesh burning to a crisp.
And clearly with all that.
None other than they themselves were convinced that the feeling they felt was beyond
their understanding.
That this scene wasn’t fake.
There was no place for doubt, this was reality.
- Sensei…! What on earth is this!?
Kurono raised a voice of protest towards the action of Tsukikage that she couldn’t
understand.
However, at that moment.
- Eh…? …!? Kuu-chan, that! Look at that!
Nene watched intently the video while knitting the part of the eyebrows closest to the
nose, then by getting aware of a certain thing, she pointed at one place in the video.
After that, Kurono also did the same――she shuddered.

What was indicated by Nene first was the shape of『Toky Sky Tree』that leaned
diagonally with violence.
- No way, are you telling me that this is Tokyo!?

Tsukikage told 「That’s right」to that awareness.

- Moon Orb has the power to look into the『Past』of people and places of a defined
range. However, the power to read cause and effect sometimes shows me the『Future
』that exists on the present line of cause and effect in the form of『Prophetic Dreams
』. … This is the memory of the future that such power showed to me. If the fate of the
planet changes as it is now, then that will be the appearance of Tokyo of the day that
will come sooner or later. I’m playing this from the past of the human called me.

「「「Wha….!?」」」

All of them opened their eyes wide all together with the words of Tsukikage.
- You’re saying this is the future of Tokyo!?
- No way…! H-how could that happen…!
The question of Stella escaped with a trembling voice.
Towards that, Tsukikage shook his head.

- I don’t know that. My power is only『To see』. However, I can guess the
circumstances from the current world situation.

Tsukikage, who said so, snapped his fingers to extinguish『Moon Orb』and closed the
video of the floor.
He then approached Stella who fell to her knees and presented his hand while
apologizing with「I ‘m sorry for showing you something unpleasant」.

But Stella returned a stern expression to this person, she didn’t took his hand and stood
up by relying on Ikki,
- You don’t need to apologize, so keep going…!

She wanted so.

The other three also showed the same opinion to Tsukikage with their eyes.

Tsukikage continued speaking after confirming that the four gazes have gathered at
him.

- I presume Stella-hime knows about this, but this world maintains a temporary peace
in the rivalry that exists between the three potencies. One of them is the《International
Mage-Knights League》 to which Japan also belongs. Another one is the《Union》
where big countries such as America, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia are connected.
And the last one is《Rebellion》, a tremendously large crime organization that is
nested in the darkness of this world. This story is completely ironic, but the presence of
a third power called《Rebellion》avoids a major conflict by constraining the extremist
movements of both《League》and 《Union》somehow by creating a three-way
deadlock which is the current situation. But… this struggle for supremacy won’t last
long.

- What’s the reason for that?

- Life span.

Tsukikage replied briefly the question of Ikki.

- In each of these three potencies, there is an extremely powerful《Desperado》. For《
League》, the knight who serves as the general manager of the League and is ranked
1st in the World Ranking KOK——《Whitebeard》 Arthur Bright. For《Union》, the
man who serves as the head of 《Psyon》 and whom America is proud of at his young
age of 20——《Superman》 Abraham Carter. And for《Rebellion》, the rascal king
who continues reigning in the dark world since before World War II――the Leader《
Tyrant》. The three potencies struggle for supremacy because there are three《
Desperados》with unimaginable strength. However… 《Tyrant》, whose name has
been in history since World War II, is considerably old. It wouldn’t be strange if his life

were to end soon. At that time, when it comes to how the world affairs will move, the
first would be the competition for the enclosure of the remnants of 《Rebellion》.

- How can you declare so…?

- Because it has already started. Stella-hime.

- …!

- Not only every country of《Union》 like United States, Russia and China but also
some of the member nations of League have made contact on their own ways with 《
Rebellion》. … As Kazamatsuri-san was able to say, when it’s about the members of
《Rebellion》, there are many persons who have taken a position in their own ways in
the public world. And in this competition, League is tremendously falling behind 《
Union》.

- Because League is also the parent organization of Knights League Headquarters
which has clearly taken a hostile stance against《Rebellion》 … correct?

Tsukikage nodded greatly.

- That’s right. There are individuals who have small connections like me, but
connections as an organization are deeply stronger in the side of《Union》. If《
Tyrant》dies, the great majority of fighting power will flow to《Union》. And then,
what will inevitably produce after this enclosure will be… World War III.

Tsukikage said.

《Union》aimed to put this world under divided control by the big countries and《
League》attempted to preserve the shape of the current world by cooperating with
small fellow nations.

These two organizations that could never coexist in the same planet.

If the third potency called《Rebellion》were to lose, a great war would definitely
occur. And…

- That result, I think it’s the scene we saw in your dream.

- In other words, does Sensei think that this future couldn’t be avoided if he sided with
《League》and so he took a series of actions to switch over《Union》, is that what he
means?

- … generally speaking, that is the case.《Superman》Abraham Carter, the strongest
man of 《Union》who was born in the United States of America, the largest country
in the world, was still young. Given the risk of his low age and the fact that《Union》
was strongly connected to《Rebellion》, I thought of just one method to save Japan
from going to ruin and that was to join《Union》even if we had to accept some
disadvantageous conditions, but I executed it. I launched 《Akatsuki Academy》, and
with its strength, it increased the trend of leaving the league and made a strategy to get
the majority of votes in a national referendum that had to be cleared in case of
withdrawing from the《League》.

More than a decade ago.

Ever since he saw this nightmare. Tsukikage devotedly lived only to accomplish so.

For that reason, and while he had nothing in his favor as he was a mere teacher, he
brought in an influential person who put up an《Anti-League》that shifted the public
opinion, the conservatives’ former ruling party had to step back and they assumed the
reins of government.

Because there was no other way for Tsukikage who had no fighting power.

However,

- … that’s an impossible dream now. 《Akatsuki Academy》 lost and the public
opinion has increased the tendency to reevaluate the policies of《League》. In this
state of affairs, it’s impossible to win majority of people’s will through drastic reforms
such as withdrawing from《League》. … In other words, it seems that I lost to you.

Tsukikage dropped his shoulders and sighed.

――But,
- Compared to what you said, you look very happy.
Ikki judged that his words and his emotions were diverging in a big way.
And Tsukikage didn’t deny this.
The wrinkles of his face that were very deeply engraved in this decade, smiled much
more stronger,
- … fufu. Is that so? It’s been 10 years. I just fought believing that was the only
salvation. But the only emotion I have in my heart now is joy.
He answered that he didn’t have regrets or anything like that.
Because even when he were to lose control spontaneously, then commit a crime and
lament the future,

- Young power is strong enough to break fate because you were raised indomitably…

Tsukikage saw that at this Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
The moment when young forces intersected, enhanced each other and finally tore off
even their fates.
They won’t struggle in an underhanded way when trying to defeat fate, they would do
it directly from the front and magnificently.
He understood so when he looked at the figures just before his eyes.
It wasn’t his place to say anything anymore.
- My ability is the power that sees the fate surrounding the planet and nothing else.
Outside of that fate, I can’t see the past of the ones that reached the《Domain of the
Desperados》and the future they will create. That’s why… I believe that you will lead
this country to a completely different future from the future of despair I’ve seen.

If so, there’s only one thing I should do.
Realizing so, Tsukikage looked at all of them,
——He smiled like as if he was saved,
- … please take care of this country and the world…
He entrusted his wish and the future of his beloved country to the young forces.

◆◇◆◇◆

- … at that moment, Prime Minister Tsukikage was crying, right?
- Yeah.
Ikki, who recalled the event last night, re-thought about the last expression of
Tsukikage and nodded.
At that time, there was no doubt that small teardrops were rising in the outer corner of
his eyes.

He became miserable with an exhausted look on his face, however, as if he was saved.
Stella also felt that.
So,

- I hated that person. I don’t care about the reasons, he’s the one who hurt everybody
of the Academy. I thought that I would punch him if I had the chance. … However.
Stella said it. She didn’t hate him anymore.
Stella was part of the royal family.
Stella was conscious of the dreadfulness of something called political world, so she
understood him well.
How difficult was to climb to the top, to go as far as being the head of the
administrative organ of the whole country in just ten years?
The marks of those hardships were clearly recorded on the face of Tsukikage.
However, Tsukikage accomplished it.
Solely for the sake of saving his beloved country.
Stella felt even respect towards that dynamism and willpower as a fellow politician.
There was no way she could embrace hatred.
And then, they unexpectedly defeated Akatsuki and crushed that dream.
- When you win, you take responsibility for it…. Those were the words of Touka-san
when they announced the representative members, but… I think we were burdened
with the wish of Prime Minister Tsukikage. A preposterous and incredibly strong wish.
No, that wasn’t either, such scene, there was no way they could turn that into a reality.
The premonition of Tsukikage. The Defeat of League in World War III.
If such scene truly reflected the future, then it wasn’t going to be a problem just for
Vermillion Kingdom that was also a member nation of the League.
Above all, Japan was like a second home for Stella.
There were many important friends in this country.
She wanted to protect them.

——She will absolutely protect them.

Because of that, Stella clenched her fists on top of her knees and said strongly to herself
as she looked down.

- I have to get even stronger…. And like Ikki, surpass my own limits…!

To such woman,

- … Stella.

Ikki called out to her by patting her back from the side,

- Hmm? ――Myu!?

He raised a finger to the place Stella would turn around her face and he poked the face
of Stella who turned around.

To such sudden and childish trick, Stella brushed off the hand of Ikki and showed
surprise.

- W-what are you doing so sudden!?

- You’re getting too worked up.

Ikki, who faced her, advised with a serious tone of voice.

- It’s a good thing to be motivated, but what will corner you will be the source of the
injury. Certainly, we were surprised by the story of Prime Minister Tsukikage, but we’ll
never allow such scene to be a reality. … But, from the beginning, we exist to help
those who don’t have strength from crisis like that, because we’re《Mage-Knights》.
We knights aren’t sportsmen. Even Stella must have walked through chivalry with a
strong spirit to protect the people of your country. Am I wrong?

- Ah…

- That’s why, there’s no need for you to get worked up now. After all, Stella isn’t a
person who could be negligent with herself. If you keep aiming for the greatness of a
knight with all your strength like you’ve been doing so far… then one day, the moment

when you’ll go beyond your limits will come. And without fail when the need has
approached.
――Besides,
- Prime Minister Tsukikage was referring to《Desperados》as special beings, but I
don’t think so.
Ikki said that and transferred his gaze from Stella to everyone in this place,

- I understand that as I fought with everyone here. Not just Stella, but no one here is a
knight that could lose against me. For the sake of pride, dreams or someone else——
things such as limit should easily be surpassed.

He asserted with a strong tone of voice.
He was convinced from the bottom of his heart.
Ikki had sharpened their souls and swords for this reason.
The nightmare shown by Tsukikage. There should be no one here who would allow
the realization of such a thing.
If it was for that reason, then they were going to surpass everyone.
Their own limits.
Just like they themselves did at the finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
Because everyone absolutely hated to lose with each and every one of them.
- If we join forces with everyone, then anything can be surpassed. I’m sure of it.
Ikki said so and put his hands on the hands of Stella and held them gently but strongly.
――Because I’m next to you.
Like saying that there was no need for a single person to be responsible for the future.

With the words of Ikki,
- You’re right.... Absolutely right.
Stella also grasped back the hands of Ikki,
- I’ll be relying on you. Ikki.
She showed her usual bright smile and leaned on Ikki’s shoulder.
She wasn’t dangerously stiffened anymore.
Since they were shown the future yesterday, Stella made an intense uneasiness to
propagate while pretending to be calm.
Her position as royal family. Her nature’s strength of the sense of responsibility.
Those were stealing composure from her, they were pressing her feelings.
However, Stella pointed out to Ikki that she understood that the future was not
something that only she or those in the field must deal with.
If it was like this, then the amount of sense of responsibility wouldn’t be absurd.
Ikki was relieved of that matter for a moment,
(As for me, the wall in front of my eyes troubles me more than the things of the future
that I don’t know)
He sighed with real intention due to the visit to Vermillion that approached closely.
Because that was a wall that he had to break through with his own ability.
He was going to steal Stella from the King of Vermillion.
… What kind of feelings would a father have when his daughter was stolen by an
unknown man with doubtful origins?
Ikki didn’t have a child so he didn’t comprehend well.
He didn’t know, but――he at least knew that it wasn’t going to be a somewhat
friendly meeting.

(If I have to bring up the topic, I wonder in what way it would be better…)

When Ikki was worrying about the contents of the imminent greeting,

- Oh. Really? Thanks a lot!

Moroboshi was talking to someone on the phone, then stood up from the chair and
spoke loudly to everyone.

- Hey guys! The people working at the public bath near here had a break today, but it
seems that they made a reservation for us! Our bellies that were full are in good
condition now, so let’s all go to the public bath!

Everyone who gathered at this victory celebration raised delighted voices in response
to this proposal.

- Eh!? For real? You’re not joking!?

- Oh my, oh my. That’s excellent, don’t you agree? I remember when I went on a trip
with everyone to the bath at『Wakaba’s residence』

- Soukei has become my right-hand man. What is a public bath?

- Public bathhouses are what commoners use. There, everyone takes off their clothes,
Ojou-sama also takes off her clothes, I also take off my clothes, the two of us will be
just like when we were born and and and and and and and and and and. *Drip*
*Drip**Drip* (Nosebleed)

- Shar――――!?

And Stella, who had been in Japan for several months, also showed a strong interest in
this proposal.

- Hey, hey, Ikki! The public baths of Japan! There’s a big picture of Mt. Fuji in the bath
right?!

- That’s true in Tokyo, but… in Osaka…

- If it’s not there, then I’ll get Sara to draw one!

- Eh?
- I don’t mind since I wanted to go there at least once! So, let’s go ASAP!

Aside from Sara who was bewildered by the request that was thrown at her all of a
sudden, Stella stood up and took the hand of Ikki then rushed as fast as she could like a
child.
Shizuku pierced a sidelong glance towards such Stella.
- This is a very disappointing news to you who is getting very horny, but public baths
aren’t mixed baths.
- H-hey! What on earth do you mean with horny!? And I know that much you know!?

… Thus, the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival came to an end, and the last night in
Osaka was going to get lively.
During several months they made utmost efforts but just one went to the top.
Many stories were born like the many bonds that were tied.
The young people, who had placed those bonds in each of their hearts, were going to
enjoy a moment of rest.
Thus, they walked out from this place.
Each one of them staring at the future——and to a new stage.

Chapter 2 《Lorelei》and 《White-Robed Knight》

The Seven Stars Sword Art Festival is over, and the somewhat late summer vacation
came to its participating players.
On that day, Shizuku took a different route at the train station as Arisuin returned
home; she went to Hiroshima using the linear motor train alone.
She went to visit Yakushi Kiriko, a third-year student of Rentei Academy.
Of course, the other party was a busy doctor. So an appointment was properly made in
advance.
The visit of Shizuku was surprisingly well received.
Shizuku went through the front entrance of Yakushi General Hospital while pulling a
rolling suitcase filled with clothes to spend some time here.
And then she started talking to the clerk who was sat at the “General Reception”
counter.
- Excuse me. I am Kurogane Shizuku and I came from Tokyo. I was told by Kiriko-san
to come to the General Reception and give my name when I arrived …
The clerk replied towards those words with「Oh, it’s Kurogane Shizuku-san. The
director told me about it」and took out a brochure.
- Sensei is currently doing her round on the third floor of the special ward, is it possible
for you to head there directly? Here is a map of the hospital.
- Thank you.
Shizuku received it and returned a brief bow then moved through the large hospital by
following the map.

And then she entered a special ward that was after 2 large wards and across the
courtyard, and went up to the third floor using the elevator.

Once she got there――

- Eh…?

Shizuku felt puzzled due to the view before her eyes.

The third floor of the special ward was, in a nutshell, a view that didn’t seem to feel
like a hospital.

It didn’t have the nuance that the interior was luxurious like a VIP purveyor’s hospital.

The interior itself was the same as the other wards, but the mood of the people who
were inside didn’t give a vibe of being patients at all.

Because not a single person wore hospital gowns, there was a woman getting a
makeup, people were chatting happily here and there, and even figures of children
playing a card game while eating sweets on the sofa.

It was a very lively place.

Although Shizuku felt a touch of anxiety about whether she was really doing her round
here or not, the map didn’t lie.

So she decided to take a look at all the rooms there.

――The result: the target was found in the third room.

《White-Robed Knight》Yakushi Kiriko was grasping the wrist of an old man lying in
the bed.

At first she thought she was taking his pulse, but she understood that she was using
some sort of magic because the facial expression of Kiriko was extremely concentrated
in it and because a fleeting sky-blue magic light was overflowing from the grasped
wrist.

That was probably a healing technique.

If so, it wasn’t good to disturb her, so Shizuku silenced her voice that was about to call
out to her and stared at the work of Kiriko from the distance.
- Alright. That’s all for today’s treatment. How are you feeling, Yoshioga-san?
- Well. The pain ended up going away a little. Now I can go and eat with my old lady.
Thank you. Sensei.
- Fufu. You have to drink alcohol in moderation, otherwise it’s no good, okay?
- Hehe. Then I’ll remember to get drunk!
Kiriko shrugged her shoulders towards the hold man who smiled broadly and showed
his yellowed teeth.
- You truly are a patient beyond help, huh.
However, her gesture wasn’t either angry or sad, she seemed to smile instead.
(Will I be good as a doctor? And)
When Shizuku was wondering so,
- Kiriko-chan! How are you going? Would you like to have a cup of tea with me when
you can rest a bit? My family bought me a cake that is popular these days.
- I’m sorry. Actually, I have an appointment with a person after this――oh my.
The eyes of Shizuku and Kiriko who turned around to talk with a patient of another
bed met.
- Shizuku-san. You’re here already.
- Yes. … I arrived just now. … This is quite a very bright hospital room, isn’t it? … For
a moment I thought “Did I get lost in the Staff’s dormitory?” I was bewildered.
- Hmm fufu. I apologize for how loud is getting here.
Kiriko put a finger on her lips and laughed sophisticatedly.
Then she stopped laughing, excused herself briefly and said to Shizuku.

- … thank you very much for finally coming here, but can you wait a bit longer? My
round time is slightly pressed for time, and I haven’t been able to do a rotation yet. The
patients of this room are the last ones.
Towards this, Shizuku,
- Please don’t worry about me. The one who barged in when you were busy was me.
She returned, got into the hospital room with a step and pulled to the side so as to not
be a nuisance and studied by observation the medical treatment of Kiriko.
During her hospital round, Kiriko was talking with the patients all the time.
- Sensei! Hey umm, I’ll go to a display of fireworks with mom and dad tomorrow!
- Hee. How nice. Are you going to wear a yukata for that moment then?
- Yup! I was wondering! Wouldn’t Sensei go with us!?
- Hmm. … Yeah, why not? I don’t have plans for tomorrow night anyway.
- Yay!
- Are you also taking acquainted little children with you?
- Yup!
From elderlies to small children.
The incredibly big thanks and trust from the smiles that everyone turned towards her
were felt by her.
It was a charming scene that she saw from beginning to end.
——But,
- Sensei…. I will always, always be grateful…. Thanks to you, I could see the faces of
my grandchild, now I have no regrets…
- Eh?

One of the patients that surrounded Kiriko. Shizuku wondered about the words of the
elderly woman.

- “Have no regrets…”

How does she say that, even if it’s at such age?

Towards the question of Shizuku,

- Oh my, the young girl doesn’t know?

An elderly woman who was reading a book in the bed closest to Shizuku gave her the
answer.

- All the patients on this floor are nothing but people who have no hope, who can’t be
saved and have no life expectancy.

- Eh…!?

Shizuku revealed amazement at this fact.

- D-does that mean that little kid too!?

Towards that, the elderly woman nodded slowly and returned an affirmation.

- Everyone possesses a disease that can’t be undone by current medicine. Essentially
it’s just a life where you spend your short remaining years in bed. But with the power
of Kiriko-sensei, we deceive our bodies until the last moments of our lives. Thanks to
that… we can eat with our families, we can be fashionable, and we can go out to have
fun. We can enjoy our lives until the last moment. … That’s why everyone is grateful
to Kiriko-sensei.

(Oh, I see…)

Shizuku understood.

For that reason, at that time, Kiriko didn’t really remonstrated the excessive drinking
of the patient.

Because from the start they weren’t in some kind of physical condition where they
would be moderated at this point of time.
- There is a lot of strong and weak battles in the world, and what they talk about is the
talent of Blazers… but that’s not just what knights are. In fact, 《White-Robed Knight
》is a hero to us, more than any other great knight. That’s why, study by looking
properly at her, okay? 《Lorelei》 -san.
- You know me?
- Even though I may look like this, I was a Blazer that went to the top of the National
League. I also watched the broadcast of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. The young
kids nowadays are really on another level.
While Shizuku was talking to the elderly woman, Kiriko ended all her rounds and
came to the side of Shizuku.
- I kept you waiting. I’m sorry for that. The gossips of everyone were getting too long.
- … Don’t apologize. I’m grateful that you are making some time while being busy.
Kiriko waved her hand like saying “Don’t worry about it”,
- It’s fine, it’s fine. After all I had some business with Shizuku-san.
She had said so.
- Eh? With, me?
- Yes. … Well first of all, let’s go to another place. We can’t talk at ease here after all.

◆◇◆◇◆

Shizuku descended to the basement of the special ward via elevator while being guided
by Kiriko.

When the door opened, a space of about 12 tatamis that had light suppressed was
spread there. There were bookshelves lined up on the walls of raw concrete filled with
spines of books from which one could understand at a glance that those weren’t
Japanese and there was a plain bed as if that was made by combining iron plates and
iron pipes in the center of the room.

At first glance the space looked like an operating room…

- What is this place?

- My private laboratory. It’s like my room, you know?

She replied and went to the coffee maker that was in a corner of the room.

- Make yourself comfortable. Would you like to drink coffee?

- No. Please don’t worry about me. I didn’t come here to chitchat after all.

- Yeah. If I remember correctly, you said you have something to ask me.

Shizuku nodded, gave a step to approach Kiriko and told her about the matter.

- I… I want you to teach me the healing techniques, the water magic of Kiriko-san!

In regard to this, Kiriko sipped coffee and「… Well, I kind of understood it was going
to be like this」

- Our point of contact is that we are at least《Water Users》.

- Of course I’m not saying anything shameless like teaching me for free. I was
wondering if there was something I can do. Even being the subject of an odd human
experiment, anything…!

- Hee. … You sure have resolution. Alright then, let’s say that I get you be the
experiment of a new technique style. In order to destroy the cancer cells that got into
the lymph, it would be a good idea to take out all the lymph fluid for a moment and
clean it.

- I don’t mind.

Shizuku replied immediately.

She was serious.

The reason was that it wasn’t a good move for the knights to reveal their techniques to
others.

It was different when a Mage-Knight had gathered pupils, but for her, to pester Kiriko
who was a student just like her, it was absurd.

She was asking her to incline to that. That was the level of resolution that Shizuku had.

Kiriko showed a bitter smile towards this resolution of Shizuku.

- … fu. I’m kidding. I learned my lesson with Moroboshi-kun already, so I’m going to
attempt all the dangerous experiments on my own body. So that has to be enough.
There’s nothing in particular that I want Shizuku-san to do.

So,

- I don’t want you to give anything in return. I’ll teach you my healing techniques for
free.

- Eh, I-is that true!?

Shizuku raised her voice in surprise due to the words of Kiriko.

- Is it really that surprising?

- B-because knights have a foundation and that is not wanting to teach people their
techniques.

- But I’m not a knight.

Kiriko declared quite indifferent.
The spread of medicine was a valuable thing.
She had no reasons to be stingy about it.
- Besides, Shizuku-san seems to have some qualities, so Sensei will teach you with
pleasure.
If that was the case, then everything went as expected for Shizuku.
She bowed very deeply and gave her thanks.
- T-thank you very much!
But——
- … However.
Then, Kiriko changed the tone of her words.
She placed the coffee cup that still had coffee in it on the desk and walked up to
Shizuku,
- You don’t have to give anything in return, but there’s only one condition.
- A condition?
- I want you to receive some treatment before studying. It’s the reason why I have
business with you and why I tried to summon you——you see.
*Tsun*
With a strength of a degree that touched her lightly, very lightly with her fingertips, she
poked the solar plexus of Shizuku.
- !?!?!?!?
In an instant, a lightning was generated in the body of Shizuku and ran from the
fingers of her feet to the brain.
-〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜ーーーーーー!!

Intense pain.

An intense pain like a lightning that won’t let a scream come out.

It was born from the place where Kiriko had placed her fingertips.

Shizuku couldn’t stand the excessive pain anymore and fell from the knees,

- What, was…!?

She distorted her look that got wet from the cold sweat that gushed out and glared at
Kiriko.

Kiriko replied to Shizuku.

- I did nothing in particular. I just poked you lightly. However, this much was painful.
… That’s because there’s a distortion in your body.

- A dis, tortion…!?

- You can also call it a fissure. Your Noble Arts makes your body transform into vapor
to invalidate physical attacks…. It’s too premature to say this, but it’s a technique
equal to resurrect oneself who died once. In order to execute it, extremely high magic
control power and very deep knowledge of the human body are essential. You don’t
have enough knowledge of your body. So there are a few number of distortions in your
body when it reconstructs. I poked one of those distortions now. You haven’t felt any
discomfort until that was poked by me, but if I leave them as they are, they will
certainly cause fatal damages to your body. And those aren’t too far of accomplishing
so.

-…

- My job is to get you a treatment for that. If you study in depth my healing techniques,
then all the more I can’t postpone this. … Well, in the first place, I don’t have the
intention of allowing a patient to disappear without getting completely cured before my
eyes.

Kiriko immediately took out a small plate-like machine from a pocket of her white
robe and pressed a button installed on its plain surface.
Then a barrier wall went down between this room and the elevator.
She was serious.
Shizuku realized.
If she were to show rejection, then she would get her by the use of force.
But for Shizuku, there was no reason to decline the proposal of Kiriko that was going
to cure her.
- I, understand…. I’m under your care.
- Obedient patients are my favorites. So, can you take off everything except your
underwear and then lie on the bed, looking upward?
Shizuku followed the instructions obediently.
She took off the clothes on the spot and put herself on the designated bed with just her
underwear.
At the same time, Kiriko turned on the surgical light on top of the bed.
Shizuku asked Kiriko while narrowing her eyes due to the white light that was lighted
in the room where ligh was suppressed all of a sudden.
- Approximately how long will it take?
- Half day of work. But don’t worry. It will be an instant for you as I’ll use magical
anesthesia.
She would lie on the bed but everything would be over once she woke up.
Shizuku said with an earnest look to Kiriko who told her so.
- … thank you very much for your kindness, but could it be possible to do it without
anesthesia?
- Huh?

Kiriko showed a flabbergasted expression on her face that one couldn’t imagine could
be there from her image that usually didn’t hide the height of her intelligence.
But that wasn’t impossible either.
Because it was a proposal that she didn’t understand at all.
However, that’s the story from the point of view of Kiriko.
For Shizuku, this proposal made a lot of sense.
She said.

- So that I can experience the healing technique of《White-Robed Knight》, Japan’s
number one doctor in my own body. I don’t want to waste such a unique opportunity.
Kiriko made a somewhat displeasured expression show on her face and,
- … hold on. Have you forgotten the pain just now? From now on, I’ll be turning and
thrusting my hands into painful places against your will even if only I had to poke
them lightly from outside, you know? And there’s a lot of them. It’s not a pain that you
can stand while conscious. I can’t say yes to your request because you could act
violently and things can go wrong.
She refused clearly.
This proposal was no different from a laparotomy without anesthesia.
As a doctor, this wasn’t a proposal that could be accepted at all.
But,
- I can do it.
Shizuku didn’t withdraw.
She appealed to Kiriko with a cornered and desperate voice.
What time did this point to?
It was transmitted to Kiriko who was the person concerned.

At that time, when Shizuku couldn’t do anything but just cry in front of the operating
room.
Even though she was continuously thinking that she wanted to be helpful to Ikki,
longer than anyone else and stronger than anyone else――
At the most important time, she didn’t have the ability to accomplish that.
Luckily, Ikki was saved due to an excellent doctor named Kiriko who came running,
but if Kiriko wasn’t there… Ikki would have lost his life now.
A world without Ikki.
Her head was just getting full of that just by imagining it.
She couldn’t forgive herself.
There was no we she could forgive herself.
Then, what should she do?
The answer was one.

- I… I want to be stronger…! Enough to cure any injury and strong enough to save
Onii-sama from any predicament! ——Even if it’s a second faster!
That’s because she was the only one among her companions that could use healing
techniques.
Because it was something she had to do.
Kiriko remembered――the expression of the strong determination of Shizuku.
She was the same as her before, the figure of a fellow that completely got rid of every
obstacle in order to do the things she had to do.
- … Haa. You knights are truly all the same, aren’t you? You never hear doctor’s
advice.
While Kiriko sighed as if she was dumbfounded,

- But… it’s not just about cherishing life but how to make use of our lives…
She took out the belt to restrain the patient from under the bed.
And she used it to fasten the four limbs of Shizuku.
She accepted the will of Shizuku.
- Thank you. Sensei.
- Don’t thank me yet. You’re going to regret this if you don’t die immediately. Come,
hold this in your mouth.
Finally, Kiriko made the small mouth of Shizuku to hold a gag and fixed it.



Without this, she would certainly end up biting her tongue.
And once preparations were ready,
- If it gets too dangerous then I’ll forcibly drop it according to my judgment, so keep
that in mind firmly if you don’t want me do to do so.
Kiriko activated the magic technique for healing in her right hand.
When she touched the distortion of the abdomen like she was doing earlier with the
fingertips that were cladded in sky-blue magic light,
The base of the fingers sunk into the abdomen of Shizuku as if pressing against mud.

Chapter 3 The Empire of Vermillion

Several days after Arisuin and Shizuku traveled to their destinations.
Ikki and Stella departed towards the Empire of Vermillion.
They headed to connect trains from the school to the airport, and after various
procedures, they were guided to the VIP chartered airplane.
They received the welcome of the crew, went up the stairs covered with a dark red
carpet then got inside the plane. Ikki was astonished by the interior.
Anyhow, the plane was fully equipped with a bar, a salon, a theater room, a bedroom
that had a king size double bed and all sorts of things were in the bathroom.
Like a luxury hotel. He didn’t think this was the interior of an airplane at all.
It seemed that Stella had never been on an airplane of this class as one would expect,
and like Ikki, she wasn’t able to believe it, she looked everywhere with great interest.
Because this was all prepared by Tsukikage as an apology for the impoliteness
regarding the matter of 《Black Knight》 the other day.
Well, it was that sly old fox Tsukikage. Maybe he had ulterior motives to deepen the
friendship between Japan and Vermillion by providing a pleasant and romantic air trip
to Stella and Ikki and have them deepen their relationship.
However, the ulterior motives of such Tsukikage were an unrelated story to them.
Stella wasn’t just enjoying what was expressly prepared for them, she was fully
enjoying the air trip by watching a movie accompanied by an aroma massage in the
Jacuzzi.
However, on the other hand, Ikki wasn’t enjoying this trip at all.

The movie watched by them didn’t get in his head, the splendorous Kyoto-style
traditional Japanese meal brought in courses as dinner seemed to be certainly good,
but he didn’t experience the taste.
His thoughts were filled with just one trouble.
――The greetings with Stella’s parents, it was finally going to happen tomorrow.

It was just the trouble of what to do in that scenario.
According to Stella, her mother respected Stella’s decision, so in reality the story was
about how to persuade her father, the King of Vermillion,
(… How should I break the ice?)

Ikki racked his brain as he sat down deeply on the sofa of the salon.
At any rate, his amount of experience was completely zero.

He didn’t know but,
(For the time being, the plan I came up with when I was arrested by the former League
branch is discarded)

It was a plan to express aloud as he showed sincerity by prostrating himself, saying「
Please allow me to marry your daughter」without using even the small ounce of
masculinity.

*TN: the verb within the brackets was placed by me: the original sentence just says otome-san o kudasai, literally
means “please (verb) your daughter”.

At that time, he was rejected by his father who appeared inopportunely saying「I’m
not going to leave Shizuku to you」with a serious face. That was an ill augur.

In addition, to convey his good faith without adorning it,

(In the end, if I immediately prostrate myself, then that would be a bad move, huh)
Everything had something called procedures.

Rather, his true feelings were far away from it when only his feelings were suddenly
thrown at the other and that other was not in the mood to listen to his true feelings.
One may say that was just self-satisfaction. And that was no good.
(In any case, I don’t think it should be enough to get Stella’s parents to listen to my
true feelings first)
The first was from there on.
And from there on was the start.
So, the question was what to do to get to the start line,
Then, at that moment.
- Fuuuh.
「ッッ〜〜〜〜!?!?」

Ikki shuddered when he felt a breath that went into the hole of his ear without any
previous notice.
Naturally, it was Stella who breathed into his ear.
- S-stella!? Eh, w-what are you doing so suddenly!?
Stella inflated her cheeks as if pouting discontentedly and returned a protest.
- Don’t come with “what are you doing”! You were absent-minded all this time since I
started talking to you a while ago, or perhaps I should say, you just gave absentminded
responses. Why are you acting so weird, Ikki!?
Ikki turned an awkward expression before this.
Because he had no memories of being addressed by her.
Maybe he was unconsciously ignoring her.
- I-I’m sorry… I was just thinking a little about something.
- Are you perhaps nervous because you’ll meet my parents tomorrow?

Ikki returned a nod to Stella who asked while sitting next to him.

- … y-yeah. I was thinking about more and more about the moment when I’ll have to
come down this plane….

- Well, you’re getting nervous. … When I met Ikki’s father I also got frozen. Just
remembering it makes me feel embarrassed….

- Haha. That thing also happened to you.



With those words, Ikki showed a smile as he reminisced that such behavior was
exactly the same as to what happened to them before, and that was Stella’s behavior
when she met Father Itsuki, the father of Ikki, in the medical office by coincidence
during the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

- Since Stella did her best at that time, now it’s my turn, but I’m worried about in what
way I should bring up the topic.

- It would be better to pass on doing a dogeza.

- I know that much.

The problem was that no alternative plan came to mind.

At any rate, Ikki had no experience doing greetings like this and had no information
about the other party.

However, Ikki realized something there.
Information could be gathered regardless of having experience or not.

If he asked Stella about what her father liked, then he would be able to get a starting
point in one way or another.

- Hey, Stella. I was wondering, what are the things that your father likes?

- My father?

- Yeah. Going straight to the issue at hand all of a sudden is… a little frightening as
you can see, so if there’s something to warm up the situation or information to initiate
a chat like a jab to grab the pace, that would really save me.

Stella responded to the question of Ikki after she thought for a short while.

- … hmm. Me?
- How you say that with a straight face…

Ikki hung her head, his hopes were gone.

Stella spoke words of encouragement to Ikki.

- It’s alright, you don’t have to think too hardly. In the first place, Okaa-sama and
Onee-sama aren’t against you, and Otou-sama who is against you is a bit unwilling to
let her children go, an obstinate person if you will, who’s not so skilled and irritating.*

*TN: Last part of this sentence said: his legs are clumsy and his beard is irritating.

(The amount of discontent is quite high, huh)
- Even so, Otou-sama is someone who thinks and cares a lot about me. It’s impossible
to not understand the charm of Ikki I fell in love with. He will definitely… get it if you
talk. Because… nothing is impossible for my strongest and beloved Ikki. We’ll
persuade him together and we’ll do our best together.

Stella tapped her thigh and only said「come」 with a bright voice.

Maybe she was trying to cheer him up in preparation for the crucial encounter.

- … thank you.
Ikki thanked her and depended on Stella’s kindness.

He put his body horizontally on the sofa and left the back of his head on the plump
and tensed white thighs of Stella.

The thighs of Stella loaded with flexible muscles and feminine soft fat were very
comfortable to sleep on.

Ikki closed his eyelids and put himself in that comfort.

Stella tenderly caressed Ikki’s head and played with his bangs with her fingers.

His cheeks became less tense, he had a happy face that he could only show when they
were alone.

Only falling affection was swaying in her deep crimson pupils.

Ikki felt it was irresistible when he thought that he monopolized that.
It was already unimaginable for Ikki to miss this gaze.

He couldn’t imagine a future where Stella wasn’t next to him.

So, and certainly as Stella said, this greeting was「A conversation where we have no
choice but to make it go smoothly」.

He knew that.
But,
(… maybe it’s not going to be easy to convince Stella’s father)
Stella said that it was fine, but Ikki was going to tread on something that didn’t have
any smooth on it.
Because there was a very absolute difference stuffed between Ikki and Stella.
On one hand, she was the second Princess of a country.
On the other hand, he was born in a distinguished family though he was a wanderer
with half broken relations.
On one hand, she was an A-Rank knight with anticipated prospects from the world.
On the other hand, he was an F-Rank who was still far from E-Rank even when going
through《Brute Soul》.

When he was preparing for the decisive match aka the greetings with her parents,
when he thought about it again, they weren’t balanced at all.
Stella would say that this wasn’t related with things like talent or family.
But that was only for Stella.
The father of Stella would want more from her partner because he truly cared about
Stella.
And so the wanderer called Kurogane Ikki didn’t own a single one of those things that
could meet those demands.
These facts were extremely heavy.
(Can… can I meet the expectations of Stella’s father…?)

Could he show something that was enough to receive Stella, his treasure, from her
father?
Because she was important――
Because he couldn’t think of handing her over――
His anxiety didn’t disappear no matter what.
However, the plane flew in the night of the continent and directly headed towards the
Empire of Vermillion.
And also, Ikki didn’t know yet.
In the foreign country he was heading to, the reality that awaited him was far beyond
he assumed.

◆◇◆◇◆

The next day. Around the time when Ikki and Stella finished eating somewhat late in
the morning.
The plane finally reached the skies of the Empire of Vermillion.
- Ikki! Look. This is my country. The Empire of Vermillion!
Stella raised a happy voice to the hometown she hadn’t seen in a long time.
Ikki chased her eyes and also overlooked the territory of Vermillion from the airplane.

What was in his field of vision was the plain Vermillion and almost all of its territory,
it was a vivid green carpet that spread gently everywhere.

Windmills stood in lines here and there, and a settlement where enumerated small
private houses were seen along the river.

It was a complete different view from Japan that had a little jumbled up impression
with all its mountains and buildings.

Ikki recalled the information about the Empire of Vermillion while looking at such
idyllic view.

The Empire of Vermillion.

It was a rare, absolute monarchical country in the present day that existed along the
gulf, facing the northern sea in a corner of Europe.

It was originally a part of the neighboring country of Kledelland, but it got its
independence several hundred years ago and that is how it was now.

The main occupation was the animal husbandry by making the best use of the vast
open fields. The exportation of cut flowers.

The tourism made use of the beautiful nature. Exportation of natural gas and the like.

Up to this point, it could be said that it was quite an ordinary nation which wasn’t
unusual in Europe.

However, the Empire of Vermillion had a big feature that no other country had.

And that was the height of the loyalty towards the nation’s imperial family.

There was a famous episode.

The World War II that yielded many tragedies.

Due to the rise of the Nazi Germany, Europe became a sea of fire.

The war also reached the Empire of Vermillion, and the imperial capital Hraesvelgr
fell.

The Empire of Vermillion had lost its shape as a nation for a moment.

In that occasion, the Nazi Germany that naturally put the Kingdom of Vermillion
under their rule, set out to eradicate the imperial family of Vermillion――but that
didn’t turn out well.

That was because the people of the Empire of Vermillion continued giving refuge to
the imperial family with whom they had become one.

When the trend changed and until the Nazi Germany completely withdrew from
Vermillion, they didn’t yield to any kind of unjust torture.

And when World War II ended, the citizens disregarded completely the flow of
democratization of politics that had spread at an accelerated pace all over the world
and Vermillion imperial family stood up once again as the only and absolute ruler.

This episode, the strong and hard as iron loyalty, was greatly associated with the
history of the founding of the Empire of Vermillion.

The War of Independence of Vermillion was a war in which the people who couldn’t
stand the Kingdom of Kledelland began to be led by the Duke of Vermillion who was
the aristocrat leader of the moderate faction of Kledelland… during this period, the
relatives of the influential nobles took the form of a marriage to the public in the capital
city and were kept as hostages.

The Duke of Vermillion wasn’t the exception and the Kingdom of Kledelland used the
life of his family as shields and forced the Duke of Vermillion to stop the insurrection.

However, the Duke of Vermillion didn’t stop the war.

He didn’t give in to a nightmare situation in which a part of the body of his beloved
family was sent to him every week, he was going to do to completion the War of
Independence in exchange for the lives of all his own family members.

For the weak citizens that had asked for his help.

The people never forget even now the dedication of the Duke of Vermillion――also
named the First Emperor of the Empire of Vermillion.