- …and Stella's words washed over Ikki's mind like cold water. - So your gesture that Shizuku is in me .. - Yes, I literally meant it. Shizuku became part of Ikki's body. - ... Ikki's head started spinning, as if the world had just turned upside down. If you think about it, the story is mysterious. Ikki's injuries are much more serious than those of Tatara. But unlike her, he now lies in bed completely intact. Where could the lost fragments of his body come from? - Really ...! Why didn't he think about it right away? Why? Why…? - Why .. why did this fool do this .. ! - AND!? Hey what's going on!? Ikki, why are you crying !? “But Shizuku sacrificed herself to help me! Whaaaa !!!! Tears came to my eyes. A cry of pain escaped from his throat. But before Ikki completely covered the whole gamut of feelings, - AND!? What !? You're wrong! Hey Shizuku! Do not be silent! Say something! -
Stella exclaimed. And at the same moment - Hee-hee, I'm sorry, but I could not resist. I wanted onii-sama to be a little worried. The voice of the man Ikki had already said goodbye to in his mind came from the right side of his ear. - S-shizuku? Is it really you, Shizuku !? - Yes, onii-sama. - Shizuku! Ikki turned excitedly to the source of the voice. Then he saw - …and? That a palm-sized Shizuku sat on his right shoulder. There was a wide mischievous smile on her face. - Good morning, onii-sama. “What… what… what… What the hell is going on? ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ Despite Ikki's loud cry, a chirping joyful laugh escaped from Shizuku's throat. "Onii-sama, are you so worried about the size of your cute little sister?" - AND!? What!? But you are so tiny! You seem to have turned into a drop! Ikki exclaimed. After all, he immediately noticed that in addition to the reduced size, Shizuku's body had practically become translucent. It's like she's turned into
steam through her Blue Samsara technique . “What… what happened to you! Ikki was in complete disarray, so Shizuku decided to clarify. - Stella already explained to you a couple of minutes ago. Your remains, onii-sama, were badly damaged, and your somatic cells continued to deteriorate rapidly. If I hadn't hurried, then your body parts that could still be used have also collapsed. Therefore, I was forced to use my own body as a " link " to restore yours. Say what you like, they were blood relatives. Her trick was completely successful, so the smile on Shizuku's face still hadn't left. “… But as long as I act as a" link "and borrow my somatic cells for your restoration, I have no body. That little figure that you see was created from the remains of somatic cells that were not needed in the process of your recovery. That is why my current size is the limit for what I can do. “Shizuku, but doesn't that mean you’re not alive now !? Albeit temporarily, are you completely attached to me !? - Hee hee. You know, onii-sama, I always thought it was great to become your flesh and blood. - In no case! “… Don't worry, I won't do that. After all, I understand that you, onii-sama, will be against it. At the moment, the restoration of your body is complete. Your body is already capable of creating new cells by itself. I have merged with you to speed up this process. Therefore… In the same instant, Ikki's entire body glowed with a bluish, magical glow. The light, focusing on one point, began to form a human image in front of Ikki. After a couple of seconds, the intensity of the aurora decreased and the bluish light began to change colors. ... And now his dear little sister again stands in front of Ikki.
“If you’re so worried, I can undo our merger,” Shizuku said with a proud smile, thrusting out her small chest. She detached from Ikki's body without any problems and returned to her normal size. - …Good… The realization that Shizuku sacrificed herself was an unbearable thing for Ikki. But now that everything was back to normal, Ikki's tense body relaxed. He was so glad that Shizuku was okay that he almost fainted. To support his sharply weakened body, he leaned his right hand on the bed and took a deep breath. Calming down and waiting for his raging emotions in his chest to subside, Ikki was finally able to thank his little sister for miraculously saving his life. - Thank you, Shizuku. It was only thanks to you that I was saved from inevitable death. - Ah ~~~~~ ♡ Upon Ikki's thanks, Shizuku reacted with a strange reaction. Her eyes gleamed feverishly, which looked scary, and her breathing became heavy. “It’s like heat is building up inside me. Onii-sama is so cute right now that I find it difficult to stay calm. I can feel a strange desire waking up inside me ~ ♡ Shizuku gripped her shoulders tightly with her hands as if she were holding her body from falling. “You have done a great job to achieve such results .. I think I understand how you feel, Shizuku,” Stella said. Stella's face flushed a little; her gaze, which was looking at Ikki, was defocused, and her mouth was slightly parted, as if she had no control over
it right now. -…? - Ikki bowed his head inquiringly, seeing in front of him the strange reaction of the girls. As soon as Ikki moved his head, his pajamas slipped off his shoulder. His shoulder was completely exposed. Ikki immediately tried to pull up his clothes, but .. - AND? At the same moment I noticed the strangeness. Looking at his hands in his pajamas, only one thought entered his head. Have his hands always been this small? It seems not, Ikki never complained about too long sleeves. -! Ikki looked up and accidentally saw his appearance in the reflection of the window. All extraneous thoughts instantly flew out of my head. After all, what he saw in the reflection was he, Ikki Kurogane, only with the appearance of an elementary school student. - AAAAAAAAAAAAAA !? It is me!? Have I become a child !? Impossible !! What!? Why is my voice so high now !! `Àh ~ Little Onii-sama's panic is so cute ~ Shizuku !? Why did I turn into a child !?
“When I broke the fusion and took all my somatic cells with me, the support of your original body became impossible. This is your true appearance now, onii-sama. - So now I .. “There is a limit to my magic and concentration, so I cannot be inside you all day. Moreover, I understood that onii-sama needed a body that he could control. But your somatic cells were too few, so I thought and figured it was a good opportunity * cough * .. ! So I tried and recreated the onii-sama from my childhood! Is it good? Shizuku hugged Ikki's small shoulders with a proud smile. Even though her words sounded suspicious before coughing, Ikki knew it was necessary. When Shizuku left his body, it is simply impossible to maintain the same size without a sufficient number of somatic cells. That is why, in order for Ikki to somehow move, there was only one choice - to reduce its size. - So this is how it is. It looked like it was impossible to do without it. - You are not going to mind? - At first I was surprised and even scared. But your words completely convinced me that this is a necessary necessity .. - This is not my trick, I really could not help it. It was the only choice. - I understand. No matter how suspicious it all looks, there is nothing to be done. There is no point in further discussing his appearance. Most of all now he was tormented by a completely different question.
- I'm right that with my appearance . . the physical capabilities of the body have also greatly decreased? "That's right," Shizuku nodded. “Onii-sama, your physical capabilities are about the same when you were ten years old. Now you can no longer behave recklessly. After all, your body will not stand and break. - That's how .. “Besides, Stella, even though onii-sama looks adorable, you shouldn't do anything obscene to him. After all, he now has a small body and a difficult fate. Stella, if I find out that you have tried his nightly Itto Shura again , I will immediately spread this information on social media. - Hey! I wasn't even going to! What are you even thinking about! “I think you are a monkey who has a passion for onii-sama all year round. - It is not true!! - However, if I merge with the body of Ikki, then I do not mind your intercourse. After all, there is no guarantee that the child who will be conceived during this time will belong to Stella. - Ikki! I'm afraid of your little sister! How did it happen that she grew up such a person! Ikki didn't know the answer to that question either. After all, he ran away from home when he was still in high school. Perhaps his escape was to blame for his sister's behavior. “I only ask you not to act unreasonably. Onii-sama was badly injured and lost about thirty percent of his body. Please don't forget this. - Good. I promise not to act unwise, ”Ikki nodded. Perhaps the whole seriousness of Shizuku's words did not reach Stella, but Ikki took her words carefully.
Even without her words, just listening to his body, Ikki felt that his physical strength had significantly decreased, and his cardiopulmonary function had lost half of its capacity. Feels like his physical capabilities have dropped by fifty percent. If he tries to move his body as before, then obviously nothing good will come of it. In the current position, he needs to develop completely different ways of moving his body. But before, - Um, Shizuku. I’m wondering if I’ll stay like this forever .. ? If so, then this is a pretty serious disadvantage. Even if Ikki develops new movements, muscle strength is limited in a body with a small skeleton. And this is a very serious drawback, because he is always used to fighting in close combat. However, Shizuku responded negatively to Ikki's concerns.
- No you are not right. As already mentioned, I used the growth space of your body for recovery. Onii-sama, you are still sixteen years old, and people can usually grow to twenty-five. Therefore, you still have the makings for physical growth. If you make the most of my technique, you can go back to the old look in six months. - Six months .. ! So I can return to my original body in six months !? - According to my calculations, yes. Your body has not yet lost the opportunity to grow and develop, therefore .. - I understood, then it's okay. My current state is too cheap to be resurrected. Within six months, it will be able to return to its previous size. Having experienced the endowment. Ikki patted his chest.
Suddenly, the door to his hospital room swung open wide. - ABOUT! Ikki Kurogane's little sister is here. On the threshold stood a woman dressed in a beautiful bright red kimono. No doubt it was Princess Yaksha Nene Saikyo. Casting a glance at Ikki in bed, a sweet smile blossomed on her face. - You finally woke up. - Yes. Thanks to Shizuku. - And by the way, you are now so cute and small. You know that? - Yes .. This is also thanks to Shizuku .. - said Ikki, and lowered his head towards Nene. “Thank you very much for watching my battle on the battlefield closely. If I were alone, I could still buy time, but I would not be able to protect all the people around me. - This is teamwork. You don't need to thank me for my help. - Not really. I want to thank you for leaving the role of suicide for me and not intervening. Then Nene unexpectedly appeared on the battlefield, she, too, could well intervene in Ikki's fight against Or-Goul. But she didn't. She completely trusted Ikki and waited for Stella to fully recover. It was all about the civilians of Cledland. The League's vanguard forces were destroyed, leaving the inhabitants of Kledland unprotected. If Nene joined Ikki, a thousand ordinary people could die. No… the number of victims could have exceeded tens of thousands while they were killing Or-Goul. But no one was hurt, because Nene completely focused on protection.
Although the decision to throw a teammate may have been hard for her. Moreover, she was his teacher at the Hagun Academy. But still, Nene did not let feelings get the best of herself and continued to be guided by reason. Namely, completely surrender to the protection of the inhabitants of Vermilion and Cledland. Although Nene was very worried about Ikki, she did not deviate from her intended goal. That is why Ikki wanted to thank her for such a choice. However, at the words of Ikki, Nene just shrugged her shoulders. “Fool, you don’t have to thank me for choosing to die on the battlefield. Your fight was so aggressive. I just had to protect everyone around. Especially since Stella-chan was more worried. She cried so much, screamed and raged at your corpse. - Hey, wait! No need to say too much! Moreover, I was able to pull myself together on my own! - Stella protested when Nene's words came about her. However, Ikki was not worried. His death should surely have upset Stella . . but she's not such a weak person that bitterness could crush. This girl proudly bears on her shoulders the fate of the country. It's not so easy to break her. Only Stella is able to turn anger into her own strength. He only used Kuruisakura because he trusted his partner completely. - Come on! After all, now everything is fine and everyone survived! "So .. Do you have any business with Shizuku?"
- Oh, exactly! - Nene remembered her original goal and looked at Shizuku. “Kurogane-chan, I brought you good news. - What are you speaking about? “I just got a message from the League headquarters . It concerns your ability to " raise the dead" . Death was captured by everyone, but you were able to push your desire against fate. Therefore, from now on, the League officially promotes Lorelei Shizuku Kurogane to A-rank knight .. everything will be officially approved, of course, only after all the paperwork. “Shizuku, isn't that amazing !? Among all the knights-apprentices, only Stella and Ouma-sama have A-rank! Ikki was genuinely glad of the news just said, but .. - . . Only I raised my rank? Shizuku asked. Discontent was evident in her tone. `` Didn't Onii-sama prove himself much stronger? - Don't talk nonsense, - answered Nene. - Ranks in the League are not medals, but just a system for managing blazers. All these pompous old men are not going to change anything in the system for the sake of some knight who has gone beyond the standards. "Grrr," Shizuku growled angrily. The truth made Shizuku terribly angry, but she couldn't do anything about it. Indeed, a knight who can lose his life from one shot of a bullet cannot even be assigned an E-rank. The League leadership could not make exceptions. “Well, after all, League ranks are just decorations when it comes to" awakening . " I don't think there are people left who look down on Kuro-
kun after the finals of the Seven Star Sword Art Festival and that recent heated battle. And by the way .. - said Nene, turning towards Ikki. “Since you woke up, Kuro-boy, I also have something for you. The secretary of the French branch of the International League of Mages-Knights Levi Ascaris left a message for you. - Ascaris .. Ikki's breath caught in his last name. After all, this surname has long been borne by the Black Knight Iris-Gole. This woman must have been her relative or guardian in some way. -… Please voice them to me. Nene nodded affirmatively and opened her mouth: - “I am grateful that my daughter did not feel despair and regret in the last minutes of her life. If you have any difficulties in the future, please contact me. I, Bayonet Levi Ascarid, undertake to personally help Kurogane to the best of my ability. " - ... - Why did you open your eyes so wide? Thought that you would be scolded without hesitation in expressions? - …Yes. This is exactly what I was waiting for. “She’s saddened, no doubt, but that’s no reason to take it out on you. Irischan was an independent person .. and that was exactly her real desire. - …Probably. It wasn’t said out loud, but Ikki realized that with these words Levi was trying to protect him. Even though he killed her precious daughter, she did not want to admit even the possibility that he would try to reproach himself and torment himself for that act.
“Saikyo-sensei .. What about Iris-san? - Her body was sent to France. She will be buried with the ashes of Or-Goul in her home village. - . . That's how. Great. - The support of Bayonet Levi Ascaris is equivalent to the support of the entire French League headquarters . Enlisting such allies is much more valuable than raising some rank. - ... But am I worthy? I don't think I deserve that kind of attention to myself. - You're wrong. - AND? - Ikki was surprised at such categorical words of Nene. - There are at least three reasons. First, Kuro-boy, it is not up to you to decide whether you are worthy of such attention or not. Second, it is useless to refuse. This Baba Bayonet is not the kind of person who just scatters words and refuses them. Third, Kuro-kun, you must not give up such valuable connections right now. - Do I really need them .. ? - Kuro-boy, after this war your position has changed a lot. You are no longer the talented kid who won the student festival. After you defeated the Black Knight, the 4th most powerful in the world and fighting under the banners of the International League of Mages-Knights , you actually took her place and became the main fighting unit of the League . -…! - After such a lot of people with their cockroaches in their heads will start roaming around you. Some of them will experience admiration, some passion, some will envy. And of course, there are those among them who will want to try to deal with you. Thus,
“As your sensei, I advise you to recruit more allies. Nene's advice made Ikki feel bad memories. Hagun Academy. Qualifiers for the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival . It was then that a conspiracy was arranged against him, as in the best drama. . . There will always be people in the world who are ready to use the most vile methods to destroy others. Ikki didn't quite understand how to protect himself from this. If that incident occurs again, he will fall into the trap again. And not only he can suffer. Many people who are dear to him may also have problems. To fight this .. there was only one force in the world - the political one. Therefore, Nene's advice is very reasonable. “Okay, then please tell her that I will count on her in difficult times,” Ikki said after a little thought. Ikki's answer completely satisfied Nene, and she loudly hit Shizuka on the shoulder. - Well, on this note I say goodbye to you. Sis Kurogane, we have to go. - Hey! Now I can not! I'm busy treating onii-sama! “It's been thirty hours. You deserve a little rest. - Ah. It looks like I can’t get out of it, ”Shizuku muttered in displeasure at Nene’s decisive words. “In that case, onii-sama, I will have to leave you for a while. “Shizuku, thank you very much for everything you've done for me. There are not enough words in the world to express my gratitude to you, ”Ikki Shizuku thanked before she left the room.
Hearing his words, a wide smile appeared on Shizuku's face, very rare for her. “Oh yes, I forgot to say something important. She stopped at the doorway and continued her words with a smile on her face. - Onii-sama. When I announced that I would not mind becoming your flesh and blood, you flatly refused. Surely you think this is too terrible, right? - AND? Well yes… “But what you did to Stella last time was much worse. -…! The words of contempt from his sister's lips made Ikki forget his breath. The wide smile on Shizuku's face, as if glued .. there was no joy in it. Anger, intense anger. That's what was reflected on her face. - To die during a battle and to die intentionally are two completely different things. You cannot use strategies in which death is required to achieve the best result. People using such strategies are the worst scum in the world. I'm fine, because I love you, onii-sama, and I'm already used to your antics. But Stella is completely different. You told her you loved her. You swore that you would always stay with her. When you've said these words, you need to be ready to take responsibility for your love. - ... “Onii-sama, this time I'm not going to be on your side. Therefore, please do your best to have your loved one forgive you. After bowing to her brother and saying goodbye, Shizuku immediately left the room. Even after she left, the room felt freezing cold.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ - ... After Nene and Shizuku left, Ikki looked at the door for a while. "But what you did to Stella last time was much worse." The words echoed over and over in his head. Suddenly a crimson light filled everything before his eyes. It was Stella's hair fluttering behind her. Loudly knocking her heels, she went to the door and reached for the handle. - Wait ... - Ikki said reflexively, thinking that right now she would leave his room. But a sound came to his ears. * Loud grinding * The sound belonged to the key. It looks like right now, with the help of it, they were locking the door with special fury. Hearing such an unpleasant grinding, Ikki shivered and shrank. His little body has become even smaller. “Um, Stella… you’re angry now… huh? - Ikki said timidly, watching her from the bottom up. However, Stella was not even going to react to his words. Ignoring him, she took a big step, went to the window and grabbed the curtain. * Loud grinding * Stella pulled and drew the shade so hard that sparks fell from the hard rubbing of the hooks and the cornice.
Thanks to her quick movements, the hospital room was plunged into darkness. Ikki was left alone with the eyes of the Crimson Princess blazing with anger. - Ah! - Ikki cried out. Now he was not a frog tempted by a snake. Before those flaming dragon eyes, he was just a pathetic insect. - W-wait! Stella, please calm down! I'm really sorry I broke my promise! But at that moment, so that no one died, only this plan came into my head! Ikki whispered desperately. But his words did not stop Stella. Step by step, she got closer to Ikki. In the face of such a frightening reality, he could only continue to make excuses. - If I fought along with Saikyo-sensei, then there would be no one to protect the common people .. I had little strength, I could not deal a decisive blow to the Puppet King .. Therefore, I decided to buy time for you and use the trick that you had be sure to notice .. " When you have said these words, you need to be ready to take responsibility for your love. " “… I cannot accept such excuses! Exactly .. no matter how profitable my strategy was. Those scornful words of Shizuku .. she's absolutely right. I wanted to become one family with Stella. Therefore, I had a responsibility to her. I promised to always be with her, I promised to love her, so my decision ..
Isn't it selfish? You can't think of a worse way to make your soul mate suffer. It was only after Shizuku's words that I realized .. how intense the pain was, tearing my chest. I could not even imagine how painful the death of a loved one is. "God .. I doomed Stella to such suffering .. " - I am really sorry! I will do anything to make amends for your anger towards me .. ! Even after his death, Stella ended the battle. She lived up to Ikki's trust, but .. After my act, she clearly will not be calm and good-natured. I hurt Stella so much that Or-Goul couldn't even dream about it. Therefore, the only thing I can do now is just ask for forgiveness. And until she forgives me, I have no right to any excuses. - . . You can do anything? Stella asked, hearing Ikki's last words. - Of course! - Then with every good morning and good night you must kiss me. - Good! - And also every day for an hour you have to describe in poetic form what you like about me. - I-got it. - Keep in mind, verses should not be repeated.
- I will do everything possible…! - After that, when you have enough material, you will compile a collection of poems of love for me and put it into circulation. - AND!? - And you are obliged to spend all royalties only on the satisfaction of my desires. - Um, Stella ...? Something is wrong. Ikki peered carefully into the darkness and noticed that Stella's head was dropped down. - Hee-hee, a-ha-ha-ha! Unable to hold back any longer, Stella exploded with laughter. - Okay, it was a joke. I'm not angry anymore. - Really? - Yes. Shizuku said everything that was on my tongue, Stella Ikki replied with a smile. Her smile was far from happy. Bitterness was perfectly read in it. "Are you really not angry anymore?" - I was very angry. All this time I have been waiting for you to wake up to count all the bones in your body. - Right in the hospital? - What? You can save time on transportation.
- Ah .. “But I reconsidered my feelings. Ikki-san, you have a wonderful sister. "... I've always been proud of her," Ikki agreed with a nod. It looks like Shizuku saved him this time too. “… But that's not the only reason I'm no longer angry. Right. There was another good reason why Stella simply could not be angry with Ikki. “Of course Shizuku's reproach also influenced, but .. I'm so glad I saw you alive, Ikki ... - Stella ... - ~~~~~! Unable to contain her feelings, Stella sat down on the bed and hugged Ikki's small body. - I'm sorry .. If I predicted that he would be able to move even after his own death, you would not die .. Ikki, please forgive .. Stella apologized for her own mistake. She considered herself responsible for the act of Ikki, which cost him his life. These words of apology were logical. …But, - Stella, you don't need to apologize ... Right. A technique that activates after the death of your enemy. It is very difficult to predict something like this.
Even Ikki had no idea that Or-Goul had something like that up his sleeve. Therefore, if you ask for forgiveness, then only he needs it. “I should have guessed that Or-Goul's trump ability. If I knew about her, I would not let you go alone. If I were stronger .. I would not have been killed and this conversation would not have happened. Ikki and Stella were worried about theirs. But now all these torments are left behind. Then what should they do now? What can they do in this situation? Only one. Gently freeing himself from the embrace, Ikki pulled back a little and put his hands on Stella's trembling shoulders. After exchanging glances, Ikki sighed heavily and opened his mouth. “Together we must become even stronger. So that something like this never happens in our life again, - said Ikki, wiping hot tears from Stella's cheeks. A new promise made to them. - ... Uh-huh. Finally, a really happy smile came across Stella's face. Misunderstanding and hostility disappeared. The boundaries are erased. Both lovers felt the heat rise in their chests again. As expected, their lips began to close. As if checking if the partner had disappeared, Stella and Ikki merged into a kiss. Sharing warmth with his beloved and feeling the heat of Stella's lips, Ikki remembered the place where he was after his death. Absolute darkness without heat, sound and light. Monotonous space.
Once he is there . . he will never forget that place. If he dies again, Stella's life will be a living hell. I will never go back there. I will stay with her forever. I need to get even stronger. I swear, from now on, I will cling tightly to happiness .. I want to feel it deeper. “Oh no,” Stella tried to pull away. - I'm very sensitive now. If we go further, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop. Ikki agreed with Stella's words. He, like her, was also now extremely excited. But unlike her, “Sorry, but the way back is closed. - Hey !? “… I can't hold back anymore. Ikki's small hands gripped Stella's back and neck. Now she will not be able to leave and escape. With a rough movement, he pressed his lips firmly into hers. It was no longer an ordinary lip-synching, but Ikki didn't care. Not so long ago, he felt the loneliness of death. And right now he wanted to fill this chilling cold with Stella's warmth. - Stella ... Stella ... “… Ah.
For a moment, Stella was shocked by Ikki's wild behavior, which absolutely did not match him. But as she felt the tremor of his body, understanding arose in her head, and she relaxed her shoulders. Her beloved was completely chilled, and now he wanted to plunge into her warmth. It was very nice for Stella. "It's all true, it's like I'm waking up after a nightmare . ." With a gentle movement, she wrapped her arms around Ikki's small body. And that was the signal. That he can do whatever he wants. And that is exactly what Ikki wanted. Their kiss grew deeper and .. - STELLAAAAAA! ARE YOU THERE!! - Stella-chan! Something terrible has happened! Suddenly for them, the locked door swung open with a loud bang. - Oh! - Oh .. - Oh ~~~~ Stella's parents appeared on the doorstep. Namely Sirius and Astrea Vermilion. There was no screen, so they immediately had a beautiful view of Stella and Ikki, tightly clutching each other and kissing. - W-what . . what DO YOU ALLOW YOURSELF!?!? Sirius flashed.
After the end of the war, he changed his mind about Ikki, But right now, his paternal instinct took over him again. - Dad !! Now is not the time !! - It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! Mum! Mum! You will rip my ass off !!!! Sirius' rampage was instantly stopped. Astrea gripped his buttocks tightly. Continuing to hold on to Sirius and completely oblivious to his screams, Astraea turned to Ikki: - Ikki-san, you finally woke up ~ It's great! With a special smile that neither Stella nor Lunaise had inherited, Astrea rejoiced at Ikki's recovery. In response, Ikki and Stella quickly broke the affinity. Although Ikki was extremely uncomfortable, he still found the strength to answer. - Y-yes, thanks. - Fu-fu. Immediately after the end of the war, we brought you to Vermilion Hospital. Are you okay? Nothing hurts? “N-no, it's okay. True, thanks for your concern. I feel very good now. - I believe ~ - ~~~~~ Ikki and Stella's faces flushed at the same time. They did not hide their relationship. But just like that, catching the eyes of adults while they exchanged affection .. it was extremely embarrassing. With a mischievous smile, watching the embarrassed faces of Ikka and Stella. Astrea opened her mouth again.
- Ikki-san, after the war, you are the hero of Vermilion. I would like to thank better for everything you have done for us .. but I have to do it later. Stellachan. - What? Stella immediately looked up at Astrea's changed tone. - The point is that Tatara-san ... Astrea told Stella the story in detail. - What !? But why!? The mother's words both confused and angered Stella. ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ “As promised, I have prepared for you a small plane with an autopilot system. The action took place at the Vermilion International Airport, which was still closed during the hostilities. In front of a small jet parked on the runway were Daniel Dandalion, secretary of the International League of Knight Mages in Vermilion, and Yui Tatara in an electric wheelchair. Glancing at the bright red jet plane, Tatara nodded in satisfaction. “This is my reward for participating in the recent war. But isn't it too generous? “Don't worry, the king himself gave permission for such a gift. If you are not satisfied with the color, we have models in a different color. - It’s just the color that worries me the least .. The question is quite different. Can the head of the League branch provide such things to one of the assassins of the Rebellion ?
- Oh, that's what you mean. You know, all I know is that you are an apprentice knight from Akatsuki Academy. I have no more information about you. “Hah, it looks like the Winged Prime Minister will soon have new chores,” Tatara said mockingly, casting a glance at Dandalion's sly face. The League branches and the League headquarters are two different things. League branches are local organizations created by member states to interact with the main headquarters. Therefore, usually League branches listen more to the decisions of the local government, rather than the orders of the headquarters. The main point of the League has always been that small countries can cooperate with each other in the face of a military threat from a large state. If the League interfered excessively in the internal political affairs of its member states, this would negatively affect its expansion. This organizational structure has created a dilemma of understanding for Member States. But it was this dilemma that tied the hands of the League during Vermilion's military campaign. Despite an obvious enemy, the League could not go on an open offensive. A real headache for the man at the head of the entire faction. "Perhaps in the future there may be a centralized power" And if this happens, then Tatara will be able to start getting " work " from the League . “The situation is bitter, but this is the prose of life,” thought Tatara, well versed in the world of murderers. After making her predictions about the future and assessing her present, she sighed heavily. Before returning to her professional work, she must heal the body.
"As soon as I return to Abgrund's house , I need to start rebuilding my body . . and then immediately rehabilitate." But this will take about a year. For such a long time, the road to the professional path will be closed to her, but there is nothing she can do about it. Indulging in such gloomy thoughts, Tatara slowly moved in a wheelchair to the plane to hit the road. - Do you really want to leave right now? “I’m already tired of being sulky in your castle for so long,” Tatara answered Dandalion resolutely. - Stella-sama will be sad. “I don’t care,” the girl said shortly. There was a distinct note of irritation in her voice. The name of the girl Dandalion spoke. Only thanks to her . . Tatara was able to survive. According to the information that she heard later, the urgently arrived rescue team tried to cure her, but due to the monstrous destruction of the body, their help was ineffective. In return for saving her life, the Angel Dust stimulant destroyed her brain. Only thanks to Stella, they were able to save her. Over and over again, Stella desperately pleaded with Lorelei, who was not eager to spend her strength on saving the life of the terrorist. ... But Lorelei was right. The killer is not the person who should be lent a helping hand.
They should have simply forgotten about her. "But…" They didn't do that to her. Even if not completely, but her life was saved. And this fact depressed Tatara. Oh, this girl. If I stay here longer, who knows what might occur to her. Therefore, we urgently need to leave this empire. This is what Tatara thought as she approached the plane. But, - WAITIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! A voice rang out. The voice that Tatara least wanted to hear came from somewhere above. Reflexively raising her eyes, a clear blue sky appeared before her. And the brightly shining sun. This crimson sun was falling rapidly right on her. Bad feeling. A sixth sense, trained over a long career as an assassin, yelled at Tatara about danger. Trusting her instincts, Tatara immediately activated her noble art. The reflective barrier spread completely around her. Intuition did not disappoint Tatara, because in a moment the crimson sun fell from the sky onto the jet plane and blew it up. - AAAAAAAA!?!? - Tatara shouted, when the figure of Stella Vermilion appeared in the red-black flame against the background of the burned
wreckage of the plane. - Fuh. It looks like I made it. Nice. - Gorilla !? What are you doing!? You wanted to sit in front of me on the courts? - Tatara exclaimed when she realized that her departure had been canceled by a rude act. But Stella, ignoring her protest, shouted: - What are you doing, Tatara! Why did you run away from the hospital !? You promised at the holiday party to try a delicious cake from Bonnie's house with me ! Moreover, your injuries .. Stella's face turned pale when she saw Tatara's body completely wrapped in bandages. -… Where are you going to go with such a body? “Your parents should have told you. I am going back home. - But you have nowhere to go! Thanks to the efforts of Dirty Rose, Abgrund's house was completely destroyed. This is what Stella had in mind when she said the last phrase. “… Listen, Tatara. The news has not yet been officially announced, but once Kledland calms down a bit, Luna-ane and Yohan-nii will announce their engagement. - Congratulations. “In this regard, Luna-ane renounces her right of succession. In other words, I am the next queen. - Great, but it doesn't concern me, - with a bored face Tatara deliberately sluggishly answered Stella's words.
It was a sign on her part that she did not want to continue the conversation. But Stella was not going to stop. “So I want to hire you when I’m queen.” - … AND? At Stella's last words, Tatara was speechless. After all, what her interlocutor said sounded absurd. - Not as a killer, but as a personal bodyguard for yourself. Your abilities are just perfect for such a task. Naturally, you will be entitled to benefits. Well, the place of residence. Vermilion is not a very rich empire. But if you enter the elite Imperial Guard, rest assured that the perks will be decent. “You fought for Vermilion's existence. Nobody will mind, on the contrary, everyone will be only happy. Why don't you quit your dark job then and start a new life in Vermilion? Stella with all the cordiality tried to persuade Tatara. Her proposal could have been extremely interesting. But, ... Tatara saw through and through what Stella was hiding behind her emotions. - So you want me to give up the profession of a murderer and join you for benefits when you become queen? - B-be sure! We will do our best to meet your needs! - Hehe, not bad. So let's discuss some of the nuances. Please come closer. I don't want those League bastards to hear us. - Now!
Like a dog, wagging her tail, Stella jumped off her seat and ran to Tatara. And that was exactly what she needed. As soon as Stella got close enough, Tatara turned the joystick and the wheelchair, rolling forward, kicked hard in Stella's shin. - AND!? Hey, what are you doing! - Stella exclaimed with tears in her voice at the unexpected act of her interlocutor. “It looks like we didn't understand each other,” Tatara said with disgust. -…! “There was some confusion due to a misunderstanding, so let me clarify the real situation. First, I did not fight for your empire. I am the murderer of the Abgrund house and did my job. Second, I and only I are to blame for my injuries. So I don't need any sympathy, especially from you. - ... The last phrase of the Tatars made Stella fall into silence. After all, she herself understood that the proposal " to fight for Vermilion " was only a pretext invented in a hurry. And this is not good, such things should be carefully considered. “If you are really going to become the queen of your empire, you need to be more careful with people like me. I do not fit your environment. Whatever happens to me, I no longer have anything to do with your life. - No you have !! - …AND!? - You are dear to me, Tatara !! The main reason Stella didn't want to let go of Tatara was because she was very attached to her.
- It was Tatara who made me stronger! It was you who pointed out all the flaws to me, so only thanks to you I was able to defeat Or-Goul! And that is not all! You fought bravely for Vermilion to the very end! I don’t want you to heal your wounds and leave me !! Stella completely abandoned all contrived reasons. She didn't care about them now. The person in front of her helped her to protect the most precious thing in her life. And now Stella didn’t want Tatara to return to the world of darkness alone. If she lets her go now, they won't meet again. Don't go away. The whole sight of Stella crying spoke of it. - ... This time, Stella's words silenced Tatara. … To tell you the truth, she expected something like this to happen. First match at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival . It was then that Stella fully showed her real herself. She shouldered the difficulties of others that she should not have faced personally. Despite the enormous danger, she fought against three at once. That's what Stella Vermilion was behind the man. I knew that ... but I got too close to her anyway. I had acted carelessly, and now I am trapped. But, Despite everything, this situation was not unpleasant for Tatara. The feeling that she is in someone's heart .. was pleasant to her. If she dies, then at least one person will shed tears over her.
Tatara behaved coldly towards Stella, told her nasty things .. but she did not hate her. Tatara liked Stella's kindness. And even though she could not honestly admit this because of her callous nature, Tatara did not want to lose this feeling. … But within herself, she understood that she had no right to her kindness. Therefore, -… Our relationship is not so close. -! - But all the same, thanks for your concern, - Tatara thanked. Her words to Stella came from the heart, but . . “I don’t want to disturb my lifestyle, even for your sake,” Tatara said flatly. - I am a killer. And already killed a dozen people. - But this is because you were born in that place . .! - You're right, my place of birth cannot be called safe. However, this does not change the fact that I am a murderer. The people I killed will never be resurrected. - ... - Moreover, in my opinion, it would be stupid if a person like me, who knows nothing about a peaceful life, ended his existence like this. “But living a decent life and trying to atone for your sins is much better than continuing to be a murderer! - You are not right. - Why!
“Because I don’t think I’ve done bad things. -… !? “Before going down the path of redemption, one must first feel regret for all the people I have killed…” said Tatara. Inside herself, she understood that she did not have such feelings and that they were unlikely to appear. It is bad to kill and harm people. Such a simple rule was not instilled in Tatara. Who do you kill this time to get another bar of chocolate? That was the choice she faced all her life. She did not remember the faces or names of her victims. Killing has become a daily routine for her. Therefore, the path of redemption is simply impossible. “I'm a killer monster. When I realized this, there was no way back. How many masks have I changed, how many personalities have I discarded .. no, I'm not going to pose as a victim, supposedly forced to do all this because of a bad place. I am not going to become a coward and abandon the chosen path. I will not be able to correct any of my past actions, so the only thing I can do .. - I want to continue to live as before. I want to live like a villain and am not going to change anything in my lifestyle .. I will continue to do bad things. And maybe someday, if I manage to survive in this damn world, I will feel joy. - This is my choice and my struggle. Thanks again for your concern, but don't get in my way.
- …you… All the feelings that Stella felt inside her could not be expressed in words. Although the Tatara's answer was sharp, it was also decisive. Stella didn't like him .. but she could only bite her elbows in frustration. Stella could only surrender. Another's will cannot be so easily crushed. Stella figured it out on her own. Therefore, - …I understood. Sorry, I won't hold you back anymore. Stella's surrender brought a smile to the Tatara's face. - Do not worry. Yui Tatara never existed. I'm just a ghost that everyone soon forgets about, ”Tatara said. Immediately after her words, she turned away from Stella and rolled in a wheelchair towards the small multi-colored planes that Dandalion carefully prepared again. - Whimper. Stella's sobbing sob came from behind Tatara. But there was no sign of pursuit from her. Stella was torn apart by two opposing feelings at the same time. She wanted to rush forward and stop Tatara, but at the same time she accepted her will and could not stop her. - Sob sob. Stella's sobs became more frequent.
Tatara's heart felt pain and longing, but she convinced herself that this was her punishment. From the beginning, she should not have played with the heart of this girl capable of such kindness. - Whimper ~~~~ ya. Keep forever in your heart the feelings of the girl who was hurt. Tatara rolled towards the plane faster so that she would not hear more of Stella's sobs. But until she reached the end of the journey, the sobs sounded louder behind her. - Wow ~~~ ...! Stronger… - UAAAAAAAAAA. And stronger .. - UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAA AAAA !!!! - Lord! What else was this !? Against the background of loud crying, there was a loud click, as if something had cracked in Stella. Where does this sound come from? Ah, here's the thing. Stella's head is lifted up strongly.
If Tatara leaves everything as it is, then most likely Stella will break the cervical vertebra. And this is already too much. Sharply turning the wheelchair, Tatara aptly threw something at Stella. Card. The card hit the bridge of Stella's nose with a straight edge. - AND!? What are you doing ~~~~~! “That was the only way to shut you up! I will not change my choice, so stop crying! - What! I wasn't going to convince you! Tatara, you fool! - Stella protested in response to the rude words of the Tatara. Reluctantly reaching for the card that Tatara threw at her, Stella's eyes widened with amazement. "Is it . . a business card?" - Yes. This is my killer's calling card. - Do murderers have them? - AND? Why not? It's a business, after all, - Tatara shrugged her shoulders over Stella's naive question. “This card has all my contact details .. If the king approves of your marriage to the guy who led Vermilion to victory, please contact me. I will come to your wedding .. Now stop crying at last! Annoying! It was .. an unexpected concession from the Tatara. Do not forget and form some kind of connection with her. Stella's eyes, which had just oozed with sadness, brought back life and sparkled brighter than rubies. - Tatara! Is always! You must always contact me!
- Oh my god .. “… Hey! Here are my contact details! Be sure to save them correctly! I want to communicate with you! This is not up for discussion! If you deceived me, I will clothe the whole world, but I will find you! “… Got it. Why did I turn around? In her head, Tatara cursed herself many times while Stella, with burning eyes, wagged her tail in front of her. No doubt I've just done an unnecessary thing. It can come out sideways to me and cast a shadow over the intended lifestyle. But maybe .. I wanted to do it? - ... Stop digging into yourself, I already spent a lot of time on Stella. It's time to finally say goodbye and take a break. Grunting displeasedly, Tatara turned away from Stella and did not turn to her again. She even ignored Stella 's cheering exclamations of "remember to add my contacts" and "please don't overexert yourself . " Having silently reached one of the colorful jet planes, Tatara climbed into it and closed the door tightly behind her. After that, she immediately hurried to the control panel and turned on the autopilot, not forgetting to enter the coordinates of Abgrund's house . "Oh" Only on the plane did Tatara remember one thing that she forgot to tell Stella.
However, if she now opens the door, then Stella will certainly come running to her and start wagging her tail again. And this is so .. annoying. Moreover, Tatara didn't really want to contemplate Stella's smile when she told her about something. The door remained closed and Tatara started the plane's engine. Trusting fully on autopilot, Tatara grabbed the phone from her pocket and deftly typed an email with one hand to the new contact she had just added. - My name is Vier. At our next meeting, I will respond only to this name. As soon as she pressed the send button, the plane picked up speed and took off. - ~~~~~~~~~~! "At our next meeting" The words of a friend, whom she thought she would never meet again, completely washed away all the despair in Stella's heart. - Weeeeeeeeer! We will definitely meet again !!!! - Stella shouted, running towards the plane. She did not stop waving her hand until the plane completely disappeared over the horizon. Stella was overflowing with courage and determination right now. At the next meeting, she was going to completely change Vier's mind. At first, Stella accepted her will and desire and just let her go. But after this letter ... not all is lost.
Vier can still choose a new meaning in life. After all, until now, even though she never admits, she has not managed to find the meaning of existence. But I . . can help her. She may be annoyed, she may be angry But I won't give up. I will try again and again. And sometime in the future, my words will surely reach her heart. Until then, I'll wait. After all, not a single person in the world should lead a meaningless existence. Yes, Vier? Epilogue: Justice Diving The war between Vermilion and Kledland ended with the death of OrGoul's chief terrorist, thanks to Ikki's clever actions. The crisis has come to an end. Both countries started helping each other to heal their wounds. The damage is great, many people died or suffered as a result of this war. Nevertheless, by supporting each other, both sides will be able to overcome all difficulties. But… Unfortunately, not everything can be settled. Before unleashing a war between Vermilion and Kledland, Or-Goul attacked and completely destroyed the Rebellion 's headquarters .
International League of Mages-Knights. Alliance of the Great Powers. The uprising was the only force maintaining the fragile peace between the two factions. But now the Uprising has been destroyed. Irreversible consequences are about to make the world change. The League and the Alliance . . The era of open confrontation between these two factions has already arrived. The first clash occurred two weeks before the Vermilion military campaign. Once the headquarters of the Rebellion , located in the Alps, was destroyed, countless armed soldiers landed on the decapitated peaks of the Alps. On the back and on the sleeves of each soldier's uniform was the "PSYON" emblem, indicating that they were all " psychics" of the largest nation in the world - the United States. - Charlie! We must protect Dad! - So exactly my lady !!!! - The color of magic. " Brush of the Demiurge ". Glancing at the enemy soldiers, Rinna Kazamatsuri, Charlotte Corday, and Sarah Bloodlili prepared for battle. They wanted to protect at all costs Kuza Kazamatsuri, who was both the head of the Rebellion and the father of the girls, and the Prime Minister of Japan, who had arrived at the request of an old friend. But, - You three. Calm down, ”said Kuzu Kazamatsuri in a determined tone. - But dad!
“I know how strong you are with me, but you cannot defeat him…” said Kuzu Kazamatsuri, throwing a frown at the gray-dull sky in front of him. Countless skydivers continued to descend the gentle peaks of the Alps. But among them there was a special one . . descending the slowest of all, he descended the mountain without a parachute. A blond blond with bumpy hair, half of his face was hidden by a visor. - After all, this is the commander of the " psychics ", who is also Desperate ... Superman Abraham Carter. In the United States, which is the largest military power, this " psychic " was the strongest combat unit. To resist this is simply dangerous. Moreover, when the Uprising is defeated and most of the Numbers either died or were still on assignment. Therefore, Kuzu decided to stop his daughters. While they were exchanging phrases, Abraham Carter descended from heaven to them. Looking at them from under his visor, he opened his mouth and spoke in a tone in which not a single emotion was felt. - Japanese Prime Minister Bakuga Tsukikage. The head of the largest Kazamatsuri conglomerate, Kuzu Kazamatsuri. As the US envoy for global justice, I must ask you one question. All of you standing in front of me at this moment . . who are you? Friends? Or enemies?
Author's Words Thank you for reading Chronicle of a Failed Knight Volume 15 . First, a little about the author's experiences.
When I wrote the postscript at the beginning of September .. there was an earthquake, typhoon and other terrible things. Although the earthquake happened in Hokkaido (it touched me weakly), I suffered from a typhoon, because my home is located in Osaka. So far I have moved to Tokyo and, in principle, everything is fine with me. But in my parents' house the tiles were blown off the roof and now the house is flooded with torrential rains .. My friend's car was seriously damaged, all the windows were broken and the shed was seriously damaged. Perhaps, among you, readers, someone has suffered. We all knew the horror of the disaster .. After all that had happened, I realized that I needed to better prepare before the warning. For example, it is important to have cash on hand, even if not a lot. After all, when the electricity goes out, all ATMs are de-energized. As for my house, it was destroyed a little. Even the electricity was cut off ... But, fortunately, my family and cat were not hurt. Okay, maybe it's time to get back to the piece. This volume was the last, and the story of Vermilion ended. The next arc will take you back to Japan and tell the story of Ikki's former rivals. After all, not only Ikki and Stella fought in Vermilion. In Japan, too, oh, how not calm. Hi Or-Goul (he is again). I could write more details here, but I think it's not worth it . .! I hope you, like me, will look forward to the release of the new volume! In the end, I would like to thank the people who helped this volume come out. The publisher and his editor, illustrator, and of course you, my dear reader. Thank you very much!
See you in the next volume.
Document Outline Interlude: Death Words Chapter 22: Sword God Chapter 23: Wrath of Vermilion Chapter 24: Tears of a Corpse Chapter 25: End and Aftermath ... Epilogue: Justice Diving Author's Words