--I still remember that it was a rainy day.
　A strange place, a strange person. There was no one to talk to her.
　The girl had no purpose.
　She just did what she was told.

"......

　She sits on the ground and looks up at the sky. Counting the raindrops as they fall--a meaningless act.
　Just then, I hear footsteps crunching nearby.
　The girl looks over.
　Standing there was a woman with long blond hair and a girl who looked just like her.

What are you doing here? Are you okay?
"......

　The woman called out in concern, but the girl did not answer.
　At that moment, a blond-haired girl comes running up to her.
　Not caring if she gets wet, the blonde girl holds out her umbrella.

"I'm Iris. And you are?

　She smiled gently and asked.
　It was a smile so similar to the one she had seen before that she couldn't help but open her mouth.

"...... I'm Notria.

　The girl, Notria, replies.
　That was the first encounter between Iris and a girl who did not yet have the name Aria.

　　　I'm not sure.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. The "Swordsmen," the enemies who target Iris, are also enemies of Aria.
　Adil laughs at the sight of Aria.

Huh, an assassin. I never thought you would say that about us.
If we kill you, it's over, right?
"Well, I don't know. There's someone else who wants the Princess...
Not here. Just you.

　Aria interrupted Fiss.
　We've already checked the surrounding area - there's only two people here who are targeting Iris.

"I see. I see. You have excellent reconnaissance skills--a true assassin.
What are you impressed with?

　The two of them don't seem to be in a hurry even though they've been noticed.
　At the very least, Aria's attack was prevented when she was completely obliterated.
　It is clear that Adil and Fis's strength is close to that of Arta.

(......, but no matter)

　I look at the two of them.
　Adil's side is not poised.
　Fiss is the one who blocked Aria's attack.
　Fiss has a sword in his hand. It has a scabbard and hilt, but the sword he had just pulled out had no blade.
　Aria has heard what it is. The question is-- can she see it?

"I don't have a choice. Killing you would be futile, but leaving ...... would be harmful. Therefore, I will let you die.

　Phis drew his sword.
　Aria's eyes widen. She opens her eyes to see a thread running around her.
　A slight glint in the sunlight enters Aria's eyes.
　That's not what she really wants - Aria leaps from her spot and moves away.

"!

　Phis looks a little surprised.
　She's probably surprised that Aria evaded her.
　The threaded blade - something Aria is good at, though she needs to sense it, not just see it.
　The part of the rooftop where Aria was standing a moment ago suddenly collapses. The thread-like blade must have sliced through it.
　Aria doesn't stop moving. The thread moves to chase her. She throws a dagger, but it's obvious that it will be blocked.

(Then ......)

　When she hid behind a building, Aria threw the dagger at her feet.
　What appeared was a pitch-black hole. When the dagger went inside, a hole appeared at Fis's feet.

What?

　In the next moment, Aria's face showed surprise.
　The next moment, Aria looks surprised. As if she knew the attack was coming from her blind spot, Fis steps back.
　The two daggers flew past Fiss. A black hole reappears in the air, and Aria retrieves the daggers, keeping her distance.

(She reacts quickly. It's as if she's seeing the future.)
I won't let you escape.

　She doesn't even give me time to think about it.
　The threads are coming at Aria again from all directions.


　He'll kick the ground and slip right through.

"I'm not letting you go. I'm not going to waste any time here.
"......!

　Adil was standing in front of me as I ran.
　I was so focused on avoiding Phis's attack that my reaction was delayed.

(You can't avoid it--)

　Aria holds up her dagger to block the huge sword that is about to be swung down. If she can't block it, she will surely die.
　However, Aria's dagger is not suitable for defense.
　She can either cut it down or take it out with two daggers. Either way, her options were limited.

"It's over!

　Instantly, a thunderbolt struck between the two of them.
　Adil reacted immediately and moved backwards.
　Aria immediately understood who the magic belonged to. The blonde haired girl landed in front of Aria.
　It was the girl Aria had been trying to protect - Iris herself.

"Iris--
Why are you doing this?

　When she called out her name, Iris interrupted her and raised her voice.
　Aria's body trembled with fear. She could hear the anger in Iris's voice.
　But Iris quickly exhaled loudly and said

"...... I'm sorry. I got you into this.
"...... No. I was trying to protect Iris.
I know. I didn't want to push Aria too hard because of ...... her feelings. But it's okay now.

　There was no hesitation in Iris's expression. Ever since this morning, Aria had sensed it.
　The subtle changes she could tell from being with him all the time - he seemed to have gotten better after talking to Alta.
　She could see Arutha coming from behind her.
　I thought I could fight alone. But Aria notices that she's somewhat relieved.

"Fiss, you take care of Alta Schweizer. I'll kill them.
"Yes, sir. Good luck.
"Don't pray. I don't need it.

　The two swordsmen started to move.
　Adil stood in front of Iris and Aria, while Phis went towards Arta.
　Adil stands in front of Iris and Aria. Aria holds her dagger, but Iris stops her.

Aria, please step back and let the doctor--
"Long time no see, Iris Reinfell.
"...... What?

　I'm not sure what you're talking about.
　It seems that he did not immediately understand what he was saying.
　I'm not sure what he meant by that either. The words alone sounded as if they had happened before.
　I'm not sure what you're talking about.

"That voice, it's .......
"Iris ......?　What's wrong?

　I'm not sure.

If you've become known as the "Princess of the Sword," have you managed to surpass your father?

　Adil smirked.
　Adil smirked. Aria could see that Iris's expression was changing to one of anger.