Iris and Mercier were walking near the arena, which was still crowded with people.
　The fact that there were still so many people in the arena meant that there was probably something going on inside.

If you just want to see inside, let's go this way. If you just want to see inside, let's go from here. You can see a lot more from the spectator seats, and this place is open to the public now.
"Yes, sir. And you, Mr. Iris.
Yes, how may I help you?
You don't have to speak to me like that.

　Suddenly, Mercier spoke up in such a way.
　Aena did not want to be formal, so she spoke normally, but Mercier was different.
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

You're right,........ I'll do that. Mr. Mercier is--
"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to leave it at that. I'm not a nobleman, I'm just one of Master Aena's men. Besides, I'm a normal person.
I understand.

　As they talked, they walked through the service entrance to the auditorium. There are a few people here, too, but it's more empty than in the arena.
　Iris moved with Mercier to the front of the auditorium.
　They were at the front of the dome-like seats, a few meters above the lower level. Here, I could see for some distance.

It looks like the market is almost over. ......
"A street performance?

　Mercier added.
　The reason the arena was so crowded was because there was a performance going on inside.
　There seemed to be a crowd gathered around a pair of robed and masked men.
　Their bodies are both slender, and their movements, from throwing knives to running around the large grounds together, are beyond the realm of ordinary people--Iris sees this and suddenly thinks of a girl.

(In the past, Aria used to show me all sorts of tricks, didn't she?)

　The girl who was his best friend and family member who had disappeared.
　Aria never told me much about her identity, that's for sure.
　The only thing that Iris has heard in the past is that she has been running away.
　In the past, Iris has only heard that she ran away. ...... For Iris, it doesn't matter how Aria lived her life, or so she thought.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"......
Master Iris, are you all right?
I'm sorry.　Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I was a little taken aback. ......
I understand how you feel, Iris. I can understand why you feel that way. Those two are doing such a great job. If you let Aena know, she might be interested in them.

　Mercier replied, watching the duo's movements.
　Whether Aena would be interested or not ...... would be an important factor in this inspection.
　It is necessary for the friendship between the two countries.

"...... Really?　So you want me to invite him here?　I'll go get him.
"No, let's go back. Master Aena can be a bit fickle.

　I can't help but agree with Mercier when he says that.
　We have only been together for a short time, but it's hard to tell what Aena is thinking.
　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 can't help but feel a certain admiration for him.

(One day I too will be a knight ...... defending this country. I'll do what I can to make that happen.)

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you can do it.
　I'm sure Aria would say so.

"In that case, shall we go back?
Yes. I'm sorry about the market.
I'm sorry about the market. ...... In the meantime, if you have any other opportunities to stop by--!

　A moment later, Iris' words were interrupted by a roar and a murmur from outside the arena.
　Iris and Mercier looked at each other.

That sound was ......!
"Master Iris, let's hurry back--

　Mercier's decision is quick, and he immediately rushes out.
　Iris did not miss the knife that came flying from behind her.
　He grabbed the handle of the knife and stood in front of Mercier as if to protect him.

I'm not sure what to say.
...... I didn't think they'd target us too.

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　Given the situation, we should return immediately. .......

(If Aena has a teacher ......, then all I have to do is ......)

　(Aena has a teacher , then what I should do is ) I decided to cover Mercier and return to where Alta was.
　However, the enemy moved as if they had anticipated this.
　The two men who had just performed the trick came to Iris and the others without any hesitation.
　One as if to block the escape route, and one on the side of the arena.
　Iris immediately takes her stance. In order to summon his sword, the Shiden, immediately. The two who came to the scene also took up their weapons. I'm not sure what to make of that. ......


　Iris' eyes widened when she saw it.
　Because the weapon was one that Iris was familiar with.

"...... Aria?

　It was so sudden that she could not comprehend it.
　It's not possible, he denied, but he was immediately confronted with the reality.
　The unmasked "girl" was Aria, Iris' best friend who had disappeared.