As the sun was setting, I went to the roof. There was no sign of Iris in the room, and there was no mention of her going outside.
　If that's the case, she must be here.
　When I opened the door, I saw Iris looking outside. ...... She is looking at the view from the roof with a gloomy expression.

It's hard to say that I'm okay.
"Sir, .......

　When Iris sees me, she bites her lip. She seems to have something to say, but she seems to be holding it back.
　I continue to stand beside Iris and look at the scenery.
　The whole town was already lit up by the lights, and it was becoming like a beautiful night scene. It's a view not often seen from the rooftops of the 《School》.
　Iris also moved her eyes to the night view again. Some time passed in silence between them.
　It was I who spoke first.

"About Aria...
What?

　The mere mention of her name causes Iris to shiver.
　She seemed to be scared of what kind of decision I would make. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ...... I don't mean to scare her in the slightest.
　I'm not going to scare her, but I think she's under a lot of pressure right now.

Don't worry, I agree with Iris. We'll get Aria back, I promise.
I know that, I know that. I want to bring Aria back, too.

　Iris turns to me. I know that," she continued, looking as if she was about to burst into tears.

But ...... I don't understand. I never thought I'd have to fight Aria. I didn't mean to stray, but I couldn't ...... really face the fight with Aria.
So that's why you couldn't bring Aria back?
I'm sure that for Aria, she'd be able to kill without hesitation ...... for the sake of someone she cares about. I'm sure there is someone out there that is important to Aria, and that's why she can fight me. When I thought about it, I didn't know what to do. ......

　I'm sure Iris wants to bring Aria back.
　I'm not sure what kind of communication I had with Aria, but I'm sure she said something that could be considered a farewell. The reason why Aria is working with the Shadow Apostle is because of that "important person".

It's hard to say who Aria's "important person" is without asking her. But for Aria, at least, Iris must be an important person, too.
...... How can you be so sure?
I think you know that better than I do. If you didn't take it seriously, you might have been injured more seriously by now. At least, if Aria was serious, too.
It's .......

　Hearing my words, Iris choked on her words.
　In my opinion, there is no significant difference in ability between Iris and Aria. There is not much difference in ability between Iris and Aria, as far as I can tell. At least, as far as Iris' condition is concerned, she is far from her best - she was probably the same way when she faced Aria.
　If the current Iris were to confront Aria in earnest, it would not be impossible to kill her.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
Oh!　If that's the case, then Aria probably didn't intend to fight either. Regardless of the reason, Aria is on the side of the enemy. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
......!　Then, Aria is ......?
You and Aria must be worried about each other. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get there.

　Iris had a look of surprise on her face. Maybe there's something that comes to mind.
The clear objective of the Shadow Apostle is to assassinate Aena. And beyond that is the war between the kingdom and the empire. ...... I guess they see value in that.
　If Aria wanted to keep Iris away from this matter, it makes sense that she went to the trouble of telling her that she was on the enemy side.
　For an assassin, revealing one's own identity can be fatal. Especially since Aria's skills are known to Iris and me.
　If you really want to fight, it would be right to hide your true identity.

I feel a little saved by your words, .......
It's too early to feel saved.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm so weak in front of ...... you.
That's okay, you can just think of me as the reason.
"You're not so childish after all, are you?
Haha, I'm often told that.
But thank you very much. In any case, I knew what I had to do from the beginning. I'll bring Aria back, I promise.

　Clenching her fists, Iris declares clearly.
　The expression on her face was different from the previous one, this time it was full of determination.
　As long as she didn't have any doubts, she would be fine - the problem would be Aria.


　Now that Iris' doubts are gone, there's something I have to tell her.

Iris, you and Aria met in the Kingdom, right?
"......?　Yes, it was a rainy day, but I was with my mother. ......
I just heard a story from Mr. Mercier. It's about "Nootria.
No-tria, as in aria?
Yes, but not exactly. It is indeed Aria's last name, but I think it's at least enough to know her connection to the Shadow Apostle.
"...... What do you mean?
Kufilio Nautria - that's the founder of the Shadow Apostle and the one who will be our enemy.
......!　So you're saying that the person who created the Shadow Apostle is a member of Aria's family?
It would have been better if I could have said 'family'.

　I tell Iris what I heard from Mercier.
　I will tell Iris what I heard from Mercier. Notoria is Aria's surname, and it also symbolizes the Darkness of the Empire.

　　　　I can't believe it.

　Aria was quietly cleaning her weapon in the dark, where no one could see her.
　She polished the dagger with which she had just fought with Iris.
　Her expression was cold, as if she were a doll.

"Notoria, are you alright?

　There was someone who spoke to Aria.
　He was hiding his face with a hood and a mask, but when he came in front of Aria, he took it off.
　There was a young man with a face just like Aria's.

"Brother .......
Are you worried?　Are you worried about whether or not Iris Reinfell will back out?
...... I think Iris is probably not going to back out.
Okay. I'm not going to say anything because it's your call, but ...... if you take too long, you're going to have to kill Iris too.
"...... I know.

　Aria responded to her brother's words.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. Because of ......, she felt she had to do something about it.
　As the two of them were talking, another person came up behind them.
　A girl with longer hair and a more mature face than Aria.

"Don't scare your sister too much.
"Sister .......

　When Aria calls out for her sister, she smiles and nods.
　These two are Aria's brothers. ...... There are a lot fewer of them now, though.

I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just telling you the truth.
That's what you call scaring. But it's okay. You promised your father and the doctor that you would do what Aria said, didn't you?
"...... Yes.

　Aria nodded at her sister's words.
　Aria's family is all here. They had all participated in the earlier mission.
　As a result, the operation ended in failure, but it was just a checkup to understand the strength.
　...... Among the enemies, there is Iris. Arta was also included in the enemy as a matter of course.
　That's why Aria has some things she needs to resolve as soon as possible.

"Don't worry, as long as you kill Aena Baudel, it will all be over. You'll be fine.
I know that too .......

　Aria tightens her grip on her dagger.
　There's only one objective that I've been told: the assassination of a girl named Aena Baudel.
　I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it, but it's a great idea. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

(...... I'm protecting someone I care about.)
Good girl. Now, they're waiting for you. Let's start talking about the next mission.
Yeah, let's get this over with.

　Aria stands up, following her brother and sister.
　With determination in her heart, Aria walked out.