On the outskirts of the Fenkor district, near the place where the Blue Sword was defeated by the Swordsmen.
　In addition to the church, there are many other old buildings here, and it is also known as a tourist spot.
　Knights have been clearing the area since early in the morning, but you never know what will happen in a battle.
　After breakfast, we set out for our destination. At least there were only two people near me, Iris and Aria.
　There is an elevated area where I can get a good view of the area.
　Aria is waiting some distance away.
　Apparently, she heard that Iris wanted to talk to me, so she left us alone.

I haven't been to this side much. How about you, doctor?
"I come here sometimes. It's my job to go around.
I don't know why it's so strange for a teacher to have a job.
He looks like a child.
He's a kid, isn't he?
"Oh, yes.

　When I said that, Iris giggled.
　But Iris's expression quickly turned dark.

...... I'm sorry, I said I wanted to talk to you.
It's okay. It's okay. It's better to relax.

　I thought I could just let Iris talk at her own pace, but she started talking little by little.

Do I look nervous?
From my point of view, yes.

　From my point of view, yes. I felt that Iris was acting differently than usual.
　I thought it was because of the freshness of her clothes and the fact that I had never seen her enjoy shopping in a normal way, but there was something different.
　I had been feeling uncomfortable all morning.

I'm probably the one who's most scared, even though I'm the one who suggested it. I'm probably the most scared of all.

　That's what Iris said to me.
　She had once said, "I don't want to die," when she had taken the bait.
　Of course, it is natural to not want to die.
　There are not many people who are willing to die when they are about to be killed, even if they think so in word and heart.
　Iris clenched her fists and continued to speak.

I have to be the one to get Aria involved, but I've been feeling anxious all day. I'm the "Princess of the Sword," but I can't ...... be like this even before I meet the enemy!

　I'm sure that's what Iris has been dealing with since this morning.
　It's not possible in a normal life to have your life threatened.
　It was rare to find a person who could remain calm in such a situation, where an enemy could come at any time.
　Iris was no exception.

"I have my doubts. I wonder if I can really be strong. I want to say clearly that the Swordsmen aren't my enemy, but I can't. ......!　How can I become as strong as you, ......?
"Like me?
Yes. I really wanted to ask you. ......

　It's the knight that Iris aspires to be, and her goal is to surpass her father.
　But for Iris, that goal is not there.
　I could not understand what Iris was confused about unless she told me.
　As always, I am reminded that I am lacking in many areas as a person.
　However, there are things I could tell you if you put them into words.

"You don't have to be as strong as me.
"...... What?
The strength you seek is the strength to help others. It's easier said than done, but the power to help someone is not just about being strong.
But you have to be strong. ......
Of course, what I'm saying is probably just a bunch of nonsense. To protect people, you need a certain amount of strength, but I don't think you have it right now.

　Standing in front of Iris, I continued.

It's okay if you're worried. You're here because you're brave. You could have waited and done nothing, but you chose to fight. That's one kind of strength. There's a difference between recklessness and courage, but at least the path you chose is a courageous one, in my opinion.
"Sir, ......

　Iris's expression brightened.
　I hope this situation will help her to feel a little more relaxed.
　I don't know if I could have said this before.
　After all, I had only ever seen Iris as the "Sword Saint Princess".
　Now I'm her guardian, her teacher, and her sword master.
　In this way, we were becoming more and more involved.

"If you need me, you can count on me. That's what I'm here for.
"Thank you, ....... But I'm fine now. I'm sorry for my weakness!

　It seems that relying on me is not an option for her yet.
　But just the fact that she expressed her anxiety is a step in the right direction, I guess.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I can do it.

　When I finished talking with Iris, I turned around to see that Aria was not there.


　I can at least locate her from a distance, but Aria's covert abilities are such that she can outmaneuver me.

"Aria ......?　I'm done talking!
It's not like we're playing hide-and-seek in this situation. ......

　The only thing I can think of is that Aria's spy skills were even better than I expected.

It's not ......!

　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　Aria was probably headed in the opposite direction from where we were.
　I'm not sure what to do with it.

　　　(*)

　Two men and a woman were hiding behind a building.
　One was Adil Gratz, and the other was Fis Maiden.
　They were the two remaining Swordsmen.

It looks like they're really playing.
"Yes, they're definitely inviting us.

　They were watching Alta and Iris from a distance.
　Of course they knew it was waiting for them.

If it's an invitation, it's time to take it. It's not in my nature to wait and see.
"So that's what it comes down to. You didn't have a plan anyway, did you?
"The two of us will kill the Princess Swordsman. That's the objective, that's the plan.
"Hmm, that's very clear.

　Fiss smiled at Adil's words.
　Just as the two of them were about to make their move.

"Wait, where's the other one?

　Adil stopped in his tracks.
　Adil stopped. There was a girl a short distance away from Alta and Iris. She was supposed to be there, but she was already gone.
　I never took my eyes off her - and yet she was gone, as if she had vanished from the scene.

"I--

　Phis moves.
I'm not going to take my eyes off her, but she's gone.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

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"...... Uncle and sister are the assassins who are after Iris?

　The hair and skin seemed to glow in the sunlight.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　Adil and Phil were surprised to see a girl with such a young face approaching them, so perfectly unnoticed.
　Alta and Iris weren't the only potential enemies here.

Who are you?

　Fiss asks.
　Looking down at them, Aria pulls out two black daggers from her pocket.

"Assassins.

　Aria holds them up and says, "Assassins.