Aena was resting alone in her room.
　As she sits quietly in her chair, she remembers the events of today.
　An assassin had come for her. ...... So far, so good, just as she planned.

(Is she still targeting me? If it's not in the Empire, it's in the Kingdom. ......

　The Shadow Apostle is definitely trying to frame the Kingdom for the assassination of Aena.
　Taking advantage of this, Aena is trying to lure the enemy to her.
　But even she has one miscalculation.

(I was hoping that she might be mistaken.)
"I'm back, Master Aena.

　Mercier returns to Aena's side.

Did you get through to her?
Yes, just now. Master Alta understood.
I see. That man is very good. ....... He's shown us what he can do in battle. He can cut down an opponent without a sword - interesting guy.

　Aena smiles as she recalls her fight with the assassin.
　The Invisible's ability to instantly create and wield a wind blade was something that Aena had seen up close and understood.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get there.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm so excited. I'm sure my thoughts were correct.
"...... Master Aena, no way.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I'm not sure what to say.

Don't worry, they're ahead of us now.
I'm sorry about .......
"Why are you apologizing?　This was my idea and I put it into action. You're doing exactly what I told you to do.
No, it was my idea.
"Merci.

　Aena interrupted Mercier and called out his name.
　She stood beside him with a smile on her face. Then she gently touched his cheek.

Nothing is wrong with you. I, Ena Bourdelle, can assure you of that. Are you still worried?
"...... No, you always are, aren't you?

　Mercier responded to Aena's words with a smile.

"Haha, always be me. ...... That's what I believe. But I can't help but feel out of sorts in front of Alta Schweizer.

　Aena sighs and sits back in her chair.
　...... Aena walked up to Alta and touched her to make sure she was okay.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm going to have to.
　But it was different when the battle began. He felt a slight flutter in his chest when Arutha tried to protect Aena in the carriage.
　She didn't know if it was love or not. When she asked Mercier how to find out, he replied, "If you have the chance, why don't you touch her again? She followed his advice.
　...... As a result, Aena was once again aware that she was conscious of Arta.
　Arutha was strong - she hadn't fought him as an enemy, but she knew his strength from close quarters.
　I don't know if even Aena can beat him. I can't help but be curious about Arta, who has gained so much strength despite being just a boy.

Of course, until this battle is over, I'm going to focus on them. ...... But what should I do about this feeling?
'...... you were serious, weren't you?
"Mm, what the . Did you think I was joking?
No, that's not what I meant. But it's a little ...... strange for you to say that you're in ...... 'love' with Aena.
Is that funny?

　Enna asks in frustration, as Mercier obviously looks at her funny.
　When Mercier shook his head.

No, I just thought you were interested in that sort of thing.
I thought it was out of the question. I didn't think I'd run into anyone stronger than me here. ......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　There is no hesitation in Aena's mind. I'm not sure what to make of it.
I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. ...... But when that's over, that's another story.

For now, yes, ....... What if a man and a woman are going on a date?
"I thought we were supposed to be devoted?
Mmm, at least for now. ....... You should go out with my problems a little too.
You're always keeping me company. ....... Well, yes, I do. For the time being--

　Aena and Mercier did so, and they began to talk together.


The "Shadow Apostle" and Alta Schweizer--these two were now becoming the targets of her operations.