Iris watched as a silvery light flooded out of the crumbling ground.
　Iris had no idea what was happening.
　But one of them must have struck a blow with all their might - or so it seemed.

"Where's the doctor?

　It was Aria who called out to him from behind.
　Aria, who had just recovered, was taking the girl that Iris had protected to safety.

I don't know. I don't know, but that blow might have settled it.
Yeah.

　Aria heard this and sat down beside Iris.

It's better to stay away, just in case.
"Then why are you waiting with me?
"Because Iris doesn't listen to me when I say so.
...... Yeah, I'm sorry.
No problem, dessert's on me.

　I'm sure you'll have a great time.
　Even if it wasn't Arta who came back, Iris had to settle the score here.
　That's why she didn't move from here.
　For a few minutes, time passed without anything happening. And then - bam - there's a loud bang in a nearby building.

!

　Iris and Aria reacted and prepared themselves.
　A second or third sound, and then the door is slashed open.
　The one who emerged from the door was Arta.

I see, the underground ladder leads to here.
"Dr. Schweizer!

　Iris got up and tried to go to Arta, but she couldn't get up.
　She realizes that she has more damage than she thought.
　Arutha comes running over to Iris and Aria.

You'll be fine.
Did you win, doctor?
"Of course, I promised you.

　Aria's words are answered with a nod from Arta.
　That promise was to help Iris.
　The only person in this country who could really accomplish such a thing against the 《Swordsmen》 would probably be Arta.
　Thinking of this, Iris couldn't help but smile.

(Really, you're much better than I am... no, that's why I tried to get you to teach me.

　I knew that from the first time we put our swords together. I knew from our first sword fight that Alta was much stronger than Iris.

"Well, sir, how can I put this: ......

　When he saw that Arutha was safe again, he couldn't put it into words. He took a deep breath and calmed himself down.
　Then, Iris continued to speak.

Dr. Schweizer, thank you so much for ....... I'm sure my father will be rewarded for this.
You don't have to thank me. I only did what I could do as a matter of course.
...... You are amazing after all. You said that I don't need to aim for your strength, but I want to aim for that strength. I want to have my father's will so that I can reach the same heights as you.

　Iris said, clearly.
　I don't just want to be like Alta. He really wanted to become a knight like his father, so that he could stand alongside Arta - or even surpass her.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

If that's your goal, I'll support you. You are also my student, so I think I can at least help you with your career path.
"There's no such thing as career advice in this situation. But thank you.

　Iris and Alta smile at each other.
　The battle is now over.

"Well, the knights will be here soon. Iris and Aria need to get medical attention as well.
I'm fine, okay?
Just in case.
Um, is the doctor at ......?
I'm fine. He's not going far. I just have some things to collect.
"What do you need to retrieve, ......?

　Iris asked.
　Alta nodded his head and looked away.

It's not my job to do the rest, though.

　It's not my job to do the rest," he muttered.

　In a room in the palace.

　In a room in the royal palace, Zail Tiroque was frustrated.
　You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best in the world.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that Iris is safe and sound.　What are you doing, you incompetent bastards? ......!

　They're just paid assassins, that's all...and they're taking it out on things as they spit.

I'm not sure what to make of this. Swordsmen are nothing but a name. ......



　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　If nothing is done at this time, the investigation will not reach Zale even if he is suspected--some knights of the Guardian Order are cooperating with Zale. I'm sure he'll be able to get you to agree.

I'll report back.
What's ......?　Why are you here now?

　The person who suddenly appeared was a member of his own unit. Zale can tell by the pattern on the mask.
　In reality, it's a unit made up of paid assassins.
　Her voice has been magically altered so that it is indistinguishable, but he can tell that she is a woman.
　She kneeled down and began to speak in a calm, explanatory tone.

"Earlier, the two swordsmen were defeated--
"I heard that from the knights at the palace!　There is no need for you to come and report to me now!　The other assassins were all useless!

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm not a fan of incompetence, so I don't like it. ......
I'm sure you're aware of that.
"...... what?

　Zale looks at the masked woman with an angry expression .
　The woman removes her mask.

"Hey, you .......
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　It's not the assassin who was there - it was the leader of the Kuro Wolf Knights, Remyll Ein.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.

"What you just said is reflected in this crystal. It will be a confession that you have targeted Miss Iris Reinfell.

　What Remyll is holding is something that can record sound.
　She must have recorded her conversation with Zale.
　--the fact that you sent the assassin.

You're saying it's a confession. ...... I'm saying it's a confession. ......
I'm sure you're aware that I was under suspicion. And this mask belonged to Fith Maiden, one of the Swordsmen. I think that's more than enough reason to suspect you out in the open.
"......!

　Zale wavered, feeling cornered.
　In the event that you've got any doubts, it's not easy to get a hold of Zale, who is one of the candidates for the next king and the son of the current king.
　This led to the defeat of the swordsmen.

You can come with me, can't you?
"...... No, I don't think so...

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

You're going to resist?
"Of course!　I'll be caught in a place like this: ......!　That's absolutely not possible!　You've been hit in the arm by that fizz,......?　You'll be able to get away on your own by using the hidden passages. After I kill you!

　Zale moves.
　I'm confident in my sword skills--so much so that if Iris wasn't around, I'd have a shot at winning.
　He said that there was no reason why he should kill a wounded Knight Commander. But...

"What?

　The next thing you know, Zale is slammed to the floor.
　He was taken by the arm and thrown to the ground by Remyll.
　He immediately tried to get up, but a sword was thrust under his neck.

You seem to be overconfident in your abilities. You're overconfident in your power and your skill with a sword. If you can't use your dominant arm, it's no problem for me to capture you.
"......!
"Well, I say again. Zeir Turok, you are in custody for the attempted assassination of Iris Reinfell. This has already been authorized by the King.

　Remyll's words clearly told me this.
　After letting out a deep breath, Zale let go of his sword.

　--Thus ends the assassination attempt on Iris.
　The son of the current king had targeted Iris, the next king candidate, leaving a huge mark.