"Winner!　Champion Huta!

　The Colosseum of Hot Sand.
　His fights were always gritty, self-righteous, and without a shred of respect for his opponents.

　He just wanted to win.

　It was no surprise that Aylin saw it that way.

　No matter what I do, I'm not popular. You're a champion, but you don't feel it.
　In his pursuit of what he wanted, he couldn't see others, and if he didn't know what he was struggling with inside, he was really just a "shura".

　In fact, at that time, he had no time to think about others.

　All he could think about was what he should do after he won.
　That was all he could think about, and he was not wrong.

　But...
　Even in such a state, the way he had single-handedly defeated the man who was said to be the best fighter in the Colosseum had left a strong imprint in Aylin's eyes.

　Yeah, so...



"You're fighting my sword, my sword."



　I felt nauseous.





　I flung myself upright.
　It was almost the same time that I realized that I had fallen unprotected and that I was in a strange room.

　Where am I?
　Judging from the fact that he was lying on the bed, it seems that he was not captured by anyone. There are no restraints on her.
　On a side table near me, my dress was folded and a parasol was propped up.
　I was wearing only my battle gear. And there were bandages everywhere.

　When I had gathered that much information, I finally remembered.

　I had lost the battle.


You're awake.
"...... you are.


　A young man walked into the room.
　He was holding a pitcher of water in one hand, so he must have come to check on you.

This is Spectacula's infirmary. If you're awake, drink some water from ...... and do what you want.
Isn't this the part where I tell you to go home?
It's not my house. It's not my house. ...... I'm sure the healer was scared of you, though.

　That's true. It's also true that if a strange healer were to wake up and see you, she wouldn't know what she was doing.
　It makes sense that he came to check on you, since you seem to have been taken care of.

"Richter L. Klingbloom, right?
Yes.
I thank you for the pitcher of water.
I see.

　I poured water into a glass and swallowed it all at once.
　Richter sat in a side chair and watched her in silence.

What is it, ......?　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
No way. --I was just wondering what you were going to do.
Nothing.

　Putting the empty cup on the side table, she lifted her feet off the bed.
　She put the empty cup down on the side table and pulled her feet off the bed. She had removed her foot and hand armor, but they were still propped up on the bed.
　It was too much trouble to carry them back. I'll put the gear on my feet.

In the end, there was only one person in the whole world who could say with certainty that he was stronger than me. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I've been able to take advantage of his naivety, so I'll be staying here in the capital for a while.
As long as you don't commit any unnecessary crimes, I won't blame you.
I see.

　The stronghold is already in place. That abandoned church is quite cozy.
　I'll file an application so we don't become illegal tenants.

Will you keep fighting?
It's a vain question. You're going to keep breathing, aren't you?
Yes.

　For her, it's just about that dimension.
　It was an unnecessary question, Richter shook his head.

I have one question.
"You ask a lot of questions, Mr. Richter.
That's all I really want to know.

　When Richter closed his eyes, he saw the blade in his eyes.
　And there are many warriors with weapons at the ready.

"What does the sword mean to you?"
"To you...

　Aylin's eyes narrowed.


"As a swordsman, I will crush you.
"Your vain pride in yourself makes you a terrible bore.


　"Sword fighting."
　For some girls, it was a sanctuary, but for Aylin, it was something that had faded into obscurity.

　It's something that's been constant since childhood.

"Isn't it a freak show to win your life?



　Or something that misunderstands human life as entertainment.
　That's just a difference in perspective, though.

"...... I see.

　Richter, still meditating, muttered quietly.

You're not going to change your mind, are you?
"...... Huh.

　Sigh.
　I'm not sure what you're talking about," he said, shaking his head loosely.
　The anklets are ready. The cuirass is now firmly in place. It's a little crooked, but we can fix that later.

It's not what I'm looking for anyway. It doesn't have to be a spectacle. It doesn't have to be entertainment. If you want, you can start here.
"Is beating up a man with no weapons a form of strength?"
......
No, it's not. You just want to be strong for each other. You don't want to use cowardly means. You just don't do it the same way a swordsman does.
"......

　Then there's still a way to compromise.
　It's not that I don't want to use it.

　--Richter's words certainly hit the nail on the head.

　I want to use cowardly means. There is no such desire in Arawn.
　The only thing that matters is that you put your all into defeating the enemy that appears before you. Victory. That's all.

　But...
　There was no reason for me to reveal my true feelings to the man in front of me who beckoned me to play a lazy game.

"I have nothing to say to you. And I have no words to say to the Champion."

　If he'd beaten him, then he'd become him.

　Then it's the same.
　I'll challenge him eventually.
　After all, there is no one else worthy of a challenge but him.

　I sat up and walked past Richter.

　With a parasol in one hand and a dress in the other.

Wait.
"...... still something?

　I heard Richter stand up behind me.
　If you just ask a question without looking back, you will hear him approaching you.

　Keep your guard up.
　I was wondering what he was going to do, but Richter just walked out before Aylin did.

You're going home dressed like that. I don't know how it was at the Colosseum, but it's the etiquette of a lady of the realm not to bare her skin unnecessarily. At least put that on before you go.

　And with that, he closed the door.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.

Even though it's just a ...... top.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm sure you'll appreciate the fact that I'm not going to watch you change into a lady.

　I see, like a nobleman, you're concerned with things that don't matter.

　I'm sure you're not the only one.

　For Arawn, the courtesy of a lady is a sign of strength.
　I'm not the least bit interested in that pride itself.
　But...

　The sound of her clothes slipping off.
　She left the room this time, dressed in an elegant white dress.

"If you're going to stand in my way as an enemy again, I'll welcome it.

　"I'm not even interested in the question of sword fighting.
　But...

　Every battle in this spectacle has been worthwhile.















So, we've paid back about a third of the money.
"Oh, yeah!

　At the same time.
　Two men and a woman were summoned to Spectacula's office.
　One was a young man who was just now clenching his fists in joy.
　The other is a young girl standing idly next to him.

But it's only a third of the way there. I have no way to pay it back.

　The girl's eyebrows lowered in annoyance.
　The young man also crosses his arms.

　The two of them had a large amount of debt.
　It was compensation for collapsing the buildings in the capital, as well as a fine for causing a commotion in the capital.
　Even though he had pushed most of it to the Crown, it was still an exorbitant amount for an individual to pay back.
　In fact, the fact that they were able to pay back 1/3 of the amount proves their skill.

"Princess?
Yes.


"Well, can't you do something about it?　I'm sorry to say this, but I think we're pretty good.
"Yeah, yeah. I've been waiting to hear you say that.
"Oh, well.

　In the eyes of the young man full of expectation, the princess - Lilac nodded with a smile.
　The fact that he was able to pay back a third of the money was better than Lilac had imagined.

　It was obvious from the qualifying round that his sword had contributed to the box office. He would not be reluctant to pay for it.
　In fact, if it weren't for the young man in front of me, Izuna Siyenzan, I don't know how many people would have gone to the finals.

　In that sense, I think it was the right decision to have him participate, and above all, he is a genuine 'fighter'.

We will continue to organize tournaments and fights in the future. We will continue to organize tournaments and fights, and we will provide you with food, clothing, and shelter until you pay off your debt. What do you think? Would you still like to show us your sword in the spectacle of King's Landing?
"Oh, ～～～～!　It's a great idea, I'll be more motivated if a beautiful woman asks me to do so!

　The fact that you're being asked to use your greatest strengths is surprisingly pleasing.
　The fact that he was being asked to play to his best ability was more than enough for him, although he couldn't shake the fact that he had dabbled in the assassination business because he didn't know how to make money.

"Master. You're doing this because a beautiful woman asked you to?
"Hmm?　No, it's because I'm a sword fighter.
But just now.
Well, it's always a man's best interest to be asked by a beautiful woman!
The most beautiful woman in the world: ...... analysis started.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　The fact that he is still in the sword fight in King's Landing is enough for Lilac.

　It's just... If I may say so...

"It's a pleasure, Izuna.
"Hmm?　What is it, Princess?
I'm more than happy to be seen as the most beautiful woman ...... I'd be happier if you thought I was someone you'd eventually meet on the field.
...... Haha.

　That's true, that's true. That's true.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. The princess's skills are quite impressive.
I'm looking forward to it. I'm not sure what to make of it.
Ha-ha-ha!　I'm not giving up!
Yeah.

　Izuna and Lilac.
　Before you know it, the woman standing in front of Izuna has changed from a beautiful woman to a warrior.

　They're both defeated by Futa, but they're both wondering who's stronger.
　They vow to fight each other sooner or later, and think about the next "fighting sword".










　--The next morning. Pasta's home.

The next morning at Pasta's house. "Thanks for the help at .......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　The sun was shining gently through the doorway and the flowers and plants in the garden were clearly visible.
　The flowers in bloom were dancing happily, as if they were very happy with the morning sun.

"Heck!
"I'll have the healer take a look when I get back to the castle.
I'm not sure.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
　What's more, she has wrapped her own luggage in a small furoshiki and tied it to the end of a branch.
　It's the kind of thing you'd expect from a vagabond who's traveling alone, but sadly, no one's bothering me anymore.

Well, if you don't like her place, there's always room.
You won't be disgusted by me.
So he's gonna hate you, then. Poor guy.
That's bad luck!

　--Today is the last day of this strange life together.

It's been fun.

　Leafy is leaning against a pillar in the doorway, her lips pursed. No one remembers the story of the guards anymore, they're just roommates here.
　That's why I'm even more sad to say goodbye. That's what I see here.

"We'll see each other again.
Yeah, right. I'd like to have a game with Futa next time.
And I'll be your opponent.
Oh, yeah. I'm gonna beat the shit out of you!
Come on.
"Heh.

　They rubbed the bridge of their noses and shook hands.


　That "next time" will be in the not-too-distant future.

And Corona, ...... well, you've been a big help.
"It's good to see you looking so good, maid!
First of all, stop calling me "noodle." ......
"Mmm. Pasta, then.
Why the reluctance?
Because it's ......

　While Leafy and Futa were talking, Corona and Pasta were also taking the opportunity to say goodbye.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"You don't really like the name pasta, do you?
...... No, I don't even like noodles.
"Well, yeah. But...
It's okay.
Huh?

　Corona's eyes widened slightly at the soft smile.

Pasta's fine. Really.

　There's a small resignation in that one word. A small resignation, and then a gentle acceptance that she really was okay with that.
　Sensing something, Corona puffed up a little.

"I wonder...
"What a pain in the ass.
"Well, whatever. See you later, pasta!
Okay, okay. Have a nice life. ...... What's with all the baggage?
I'm so glad you asked!　This is...
I'm not that interested.
I'm not that interested." ............

　I'm not really interested in it, but I'll give it a shot.
　He chuckled.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
"...... Oh, yeah.

　You can find a lot more information on this topic on the web.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"What's with the childish reaction?
"Shut up, ......, you're the one who's acting cool.
"Yeah?　"Well, I got Lilac's permission.
"What?

　The way she licked off the grease from this morning's cupcake was so mischievous.
　The pasta laughs at Futa, who yelps in response to her unexpected words.

　--I'll allow you to celebrate.

　That's what Lilac said.
　So I did." Don't let anyone know the true meaning of that raised corner of your mouth.

　A toast. You're drunk with victory-- what's wrong with that? You have no right to complain because you've been vouched for.
　What's more, this time, I was threatened with death.
　It's a good thing that the price was only this much, sister.

Oh, yeah. ......
We'll see each other again at Spectacular anyway, so let's not be bitter. It's going to be busy again, so don't think that it was easier to go to Spectacular from here.
It's close, but...

　Somehow, I didn't think I could beat today's pasta.
　I've been getting punched in the back a lot since a while ago. It's time for me to really leave.
　My fun life in this house is over.

See you later.
Yeah, see you.

　All right, all right, let's go, Corona.
　And with that, they left the house, almost as if they were being dragged along.

　I watched them leave until I couldn't see them anymore.

　Pasta stretched widely.

　--That was fun.

　Looking back, I wonder if we couldn't have had a little more fun from the start.
　Or--I wish we could have continued our relationship a little longer.

　I have a lot of things on my mind.
　Still, from today, I'm back to living alone in this big house.
　Gone are the good meals and the lively days.

　But I'm not discouraged. But don't be discouraged, because a happy and busy life is waiting for you.


Pasta.
Hey, you're still here?
What the hell?

　He turns his back to the sun, as if he's been blown away.


　As I was walking back to the door, I noticed that the girl was still there.

　I looked at her, wondering what was wrong, and after some hesitation, she opened her mouth.

"Actually... The ...... family broke off the engagement proposal.
"What?　Oh, you mean you ran away.
Don't say you ran away!　It's true!　--The guy I got engaged to was Eastwood. That's gonna ruin it.
Strange coincidence. ......
And the princess said she'd take care of everything else. She said I could be a gladiator.
...... I see. So she's rounding up fighters now. And?

　She pulled out a letter from her pocket and looked it over.
　I got the gist of what was going on.
　When I looked up, she was still stammering about something.

"Speak up," she said.
Can I live here a while longer?
"......

　I looked at him blindingly for a moment as if I was confused.
　Then a small pasta laugh.

Don't laugh at me. ......
Do what you want.
What?
I don't pay you much. I don't pay much. I'm useless as a guard.

　With that, she hurried back to the door.

　It was Leafy who was taken aback.
　She followed Pasta back into the house, as if she hadn't dreamed that she would be so easily approved of.


"Hey, Pasta.
"...... what?

　I was certainly useless as a bodyguard.
　But I've seen a lot of her in my life.

"Let's say you're going through something. I'll definitely be on your side.

　I don't know what Pasta has been going through.
　I don't know what Pasta has been going through, but what Corona has told me and the life we've had in the mansion has been enough.

　Reefy was saved by this woman when he came to King's Landing.
　But for Pasta, if Leafy wasn't...

　--In the village, there was no one close to his age who treated him as an equal.

You're so unreliable.
Don't say that!　--We're friends!
We're not friends!
What?


　It looks like this house is still...

　It's not going to be quiet yet.


　The fight between the swordsmen has come to an end, but the battle continues.
　Causes, thoughts, resolutions, and desires.

　In the land of spectacle, where so many emotions swirl, there will come a time when the heat will be turned on again.

　And when that time comes, it will be just like this one.


　"Let's hope for victory and come.


　I cast my gaze from the doorway to the outside of the house.


"Isn't it?　--Futa.


　At the end of her smile, a red flower was swaying happily in the sunlight.




"Let's say I change my job from princess pimp to champion. The end.
The end.