When I returned to the school, I saw Iris waiting for me in front of the school gate.
　As soon as she noticed me, she ran up to me.

"Did you find out anything about Aria?
I'm afraid I don't have any information for you.
"I see. ......

　A disappointed look appeared on Iris's face.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.
　He seems to be trying not to show it in public, but I guess he is worried about Aria.
　In order not to cause confusion in the class, I've told them that she won't be coming for a while due to family reasons, but that's not going to happen when it's an open investigation.
　Just a few days ago, Iris was targeted, and now Aria, who is usually with Iris, has disappeared, so it's not surprising that the gossip is catching on.

I'm sure Aria will be fine. ....... I don't know why she disappeared.
I'm sure there's something going on, but we have a few knights working with us. Let's wait for more information.
Thank you very much. I'm ...... going to do what I can, I guess.

　Even in this situation, Iris has taken on the role of guiding the Marshal's daughter, Aena, who is coming from the Empire.
　In addition to being an executive, she is also a friend.
　In addition to being an executive, her friend and family member Aria has disappeared. The emotional burden on Iris must be considerable.

"Iris, please don't take it too hard. I can take over if you can't.
I'm fine. I can take over if you can't. - Don't worry. But if you find out anything about Aria ......, please let me know right away.
Of course.
(Let's not talk about possibilities for now.)

　I can't say that the timing of Aria's disappearance has nothing to do with the Imperial inspection.
　In fact, from my point of view, the timing is too coincidental.
　Until now, Aria had been a normal student at the school.
　But she disappeared as soon as Iris took over the role of guiding her, so I can't say that there is no connection.
　Still, it would be a burden for her to point out this possibility to Iris.

(Aria's body language is almost certainly that of an assassin. ...... Normally, the reason for her disappearance would be the assassination of someone from the Imperial side.

　It's not something I want to think about, but it's something I have to consider.
　Of course, there could be other reasons, if only in terms of possibilities.
　However, the fact that she cares for Iris so much and then disappears without saying a word can only mean that there was something very wrong with her.
　This is why, even if Iris decided not to take on the role of guide, I was going to take on the role of guarding the Empire's important people. ......
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

For now, you should rest today. The imperial inspection won't come until next week.
"...... Yes. If you don't, Aria will worry about you, won't she?

　I nodded my head in agreement to Iris' words.
　I was expecting Aria to show up, even if it was just for a moment, but she never did.
　A few days have passed since Aria disappeared. Nevertheless, time passes, and the day when Iris and I will be working as guides is getting closer and closer.

　　　　It was only a few days ago.

　--Just a few days ago.
　Aria had left her dormitory and was running alone through the city at night.
　Dressed in a black coat, she was armed all over.
　It had been a long time since Aria had been this well armed--she was fully prepared for a fight.
　Aria flew from roof to roof, stopping at a building.

"Hey, I've been waiting for you, Notria.
Doctor.

　Aria looks at the man without changing her expression.
　A white-haired man in a white coat - Aria's first "teacher".
　She has not seen him for several years, but his appearance has not changed much.
　The white-haired man looked at Aria as if he was assessing her.

"That armed ......, you didn't think you'd be able to fight me, did you?
"...... I'll fight you if I have to.
"Hahaha, you've got a funny sense of humor now. Notorious.

　With a grin, the man comes towards Aria.
　Aria readied her jet-black dagger and went into a battle stance.
　I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. ...... I couldn't let Iris or Arta know about this.

I'm not going to kill you. I'm not trying to kill you.
...... Then what do you want?　Why did you go to all that trouble to call me?

　The man who stole the case and the man who stole it were both in on it.
　Both the man who stole the case and the man who stole it were in on it, because the man in front of him had just arranged for it to happen.

"Well, that's cold. I guess I can't get you to let your guard down. How about these girls then?

　As if following the man's words, two shadows appeared.
　They were dressed in jet-black robes and wore masks with red patterns.
　Although she could not see their true faces, Aria once again prepared herself for the presence that she could hardly feel.
　The man made a gesture of restraint with his hand, and said

"You should calm down. They're not your enemies. After all, you're both 'Notorious', aren't you?


What?

　Aria's eyes widened.
　The two men who appeared took off their masks to reveal their true faces.
　They have the same hair color and eyes as Aria.
　Their faces are similar to Aria's, but they seem more mature.
　The faces of these two people were familiar to Aria.
　Placing his hands on their shoulders, the man smiles like a crescent moon and says.

"Your 'brother' and 'sister'. Don't you miss them?
"...... is a lie.
It's not a lie. Did you think I killed them?　No, I didn't. ...... Your father would never be so cruel.
What?　Dad, too ......?
Yeah, he's supposed to be here, too. This job is very important.
"Work ......?

　Hearing the man's words, Aria asked back.
　I knew it - he had contacted Aria and summoned her, which meant he needed her.
　Aria's hands tremble. She had come here to fight, but when she saw their faces, she just couldn't bring herself to wield her weapon.

It's that simple. ....... Do this job, and you can go back to your life. If you want, I can even guarantee you a life with these two.

　Hearing the man speak so clearly, Aria relaxed her stance.
　There was only one choice for Aria to make.