Mr. Iris, do you know what you're talking about?
...... Yes, I intend to.

　Iris answered my question without hesitation.
　Well, it's no surprise that she understands what I'm saying.
　I had been working on the premise that the "swordsmen" who wanted to kill Iris would come here.
　What Iris is suggesting now is that instead of waiting here, we should make our move and lure the swordsmen.
　Of course, it's easy to say in words.
　For example, if Iris is walking alone at night, there is a high probability that they will come to her.
　At the very least, they are not the kind of people who would overlook such an opportunity, and so the suggestion of using Iris as bait was not an option for me.
　In fact, it was the most direct way to get rid of the swordsmen.
　But...

But, "Miss Rheinfell, it is very nice of you to show your willingness to help us in this way. But I must tell you that it's a dangerous proposition.

　That was Remyll.
　His words were polite, but his speech was a little prickly.
　I'm sure that Remyil hadn't thought of a way to use Iris as bait.
　It is a common practice to use a targeted person as bait to lure out the enemy.
　However, this is only done when the safety of the target of the escort can be guaranteed.
　This time is completely different - in fact, even in her current state, Iris' safety cannot be guaranteed.
　Still, the reason she suggested taking the bait may be that she can't stand the thought of anyone else getting hurt anymore to protect herself.
　That's a big part of why she said she didn't need an escort.

I'm of the same opinion as the Commander.
I agree with the Commander.　Dr. Schweizer, ......
"Iris, you're definitely strong and have a lot of potential. I believe that you can eventually surpass me. But this is a different story. Even if I were close by, I can't guarantee that I could protect you.
...... I'm aware of that.
Don't worry, I'll protect Iris.

　Aria steps in front of Iris.
　It is typical for Aria to be able to say that even in this situation.
　Remyll also looked a little surprised.

Many of your students are brave, aren't they?
It's just that these two are special. It is true that they are as good as the swordsmen. But as students, we can't put you in harm's way.
Would you say that, Sensei ......?
I'm a child, yes, but I'm your teacher now. I'm also a knight of the realm. In this respect, I'm a knight and you're a student under my protection.
"....... But you can't just wait around and--
Yes, what Iris said is also true. If you're just waiting around, you're likely to be at a disadvantage as far as the enemy is concerned. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

　If he was really just a fighting maniac, he would have started fighting me right then and there, instead of taking Fault back with him.
　The fact that he didn't is to be taken as a sign that he chose to position himself to bury Iris for sure rather than fight me there.
　Seeing Iris' expression darken, I continued.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.
...... I've decided to become a knight in the future.
Yes, I know that.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　I feel that it is a dream with a sense of mission, like following my father's footsteps.
　But it's still Iris's dream.

"You said that you support me in becoming strong to protect someone, right?　The reason I want to be strong is not to protect me. If it means more sacrifices to protect me - I will not spare this life.
"Miss Reinfell......

　Remyll could not hide her surprise.
　This is not something that a girl of about fifteen would say.
　If someone else is going to be sacrificed for you, then you should be the only one sacrificing. That's exactly what Iris said.
　She never ceases to amaze me, as she did when she came after me wishing to fight me.

"Some of us have died to protect you. You understand that, don't you?
...... Yes.
If you die, their deaths will have been in vain, so don't say you don't value your life. People are only alive if they're alive.
I don't want to die either. That's why I fight.
I understand your determination, Iris. Commander, let's accept Iris's proposal here.
Thank you!　Oh, thank you very much!

　Iris bows her head.
　But this is only because I have accepted it.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

I'm not sure I can accept that as a ...... Knight Commander, but I'm not sure I can accept that either. I'm not so dismissive of people that I'd trample on their resolve.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the Commander is probably the most human of them all.


You're so bitter sometimes. ......

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"On Miss Reinfell's resolve and on yours, First Officer Alta Schweizer. Will you be able to protect Frau Reinfell from the swordsmen?
"To put it bluntly, I can't say for sure. But yes, ...... for 30% more pay.
This is serious business.
Yes, I'm kidding. And a correction. It's not about protecting Iris, it's about me and Iris working together to defeat the swordsmen, is that correct?
"......!　Yes!

　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　In the event that you're in a situation like this, you might be pleased to be treated as a fellow fighter instead of being protected.

"Me too, me too.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I'm glad you feel that way, but this is my--
"Me and Iris are family. It's only natural to protect them.
"...... Family, huh?　I thought the two of you were very close, but you are not twin sisters ......, are you?

　Her name is not Aria Reinfell.
　I believe Aria's name is--

"Aria Notorious. Iris's half-sister.
"......?
No, not at all!　Don't confuse me with something else.
I misspoke.

　...... What misspoke?
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
　In a way, Aria may be the one who surprises me the most.

I'm staying at Iris' house. So it's natural for me to protect Iris. It's only natural that I stay with her. If Iris takes the bait, then I take the bait.
I see, that's how it is.

　I know you are saying that it is natural for you to be with Iris.
　From Aria's personality, she is the type of person who will come even if you tell her not to.
　Above all, we can see that Aria cares about Iris very much.

If you're ready to do this, I understand. But please understand that there is a risk.
Of course.
Sir, ......?　You can't involve Aria in this ......
I don't want Iris to die. I don't think it would be a shame to risk your life for it either.

　I don't want Iris to die, and I'm not willing to risk my life to do it," Aria declared, clearly matching Iris' words.
　It is clear that there is a great deal of trust between the two of them.
　They have been taking care of each other at the Rheinfels' house, or at least they have known each other since before they entered this school.
　Iris also nodded reluctantly when she heard Aria's words.
　Now we have a plan for our next mission.

The timing will be the weekend Sabbath. Iris, shall we have a date?
"Okay... what?

　This was the moment when Iris, who had been happily answering my words, let out an absent-minded voice.