In a large park, Iris was walking alone.
　She had left Alta and the others and was on her own to lure Aria out. He waits for his best friend, not knowing if she will come or not.
　If someone passes close by, Iris will move farther away.
　...... In the event that Aria did come, there was a chance that a battle would soon ensue.

(I'm not lost anymore)

　In her mind, Iris had made up her mind. After talking with Arta, Iris's resolve has been strengthened - she thinks so, but she can see that her hands are sweating a little.
　He can't help but feel nervous - to the point where he thinks he's a bad person.
　Aria has no doubts, but Iris does. That "hesitation" is what makes the difference between Iris and Aria now.

(As you said ......, if Aria really became an enemy, she wouldn't have asked me to back off. (If there is a possibility there--!

　The figure came to Iris's side without hesitation.
　It was coming straight at her from a short distance away, its face hidden by its robe.
　It is possible that the person is watching from a distance, but it is clear that the person is coming towards Iris. It was ...... really, really revealing.

...... Aria.
That's who Iris is, after all.

　As if she knew, Aria said.
　Aria told me to back off, but Iris is still guarding Aena. I'm sure Aria is aware of that as well.
　But he still showed up because he still wanted to talk to Aria.
　Iris was sure of it.

You can't just be told to back off, of course.
"...... Yeah, I knew that. But I want you to.
But first, you have to tell me why.
...... I have nothing to say to Iris.

　Aria glanced around to check her surroundings.
　I think she's checking to see if there's anyone else besides Iris. Arutha and the others are waiting some distance away, but at least they are not within sight.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. ...... After a certain amount of time, Arutha will also come here.
　When that happens, Aria will probably disappear from Iris's sight.
　But first, we need to convince her.

Don't say that. I consider Aria to be family.
...... I never thought of her that way.
Well, I still care about you.
I don't care. I don't care about Iris anymore.
If you're ......, why are you telling me to back off? If you really don't care about her, why don't you fight me right now and kill me? If I'm in your way. No matter what you say, I'm not going to back out of this.
"...... Iris is really clueless, isn't she? She always has been.

　Aria lets out a small sigh and takes out the Kuro Dagger from her pocket.
　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. Aria's expression is serious - even Iris can sense that Aria's intent is real.

"Take a stance. If you don't back off from this, I'm going to kill you.
"Go to ...... and try.
Try it!

　Iris also replied without changing her expression. He clenched his fists and took a step forward.
　I'm going to tell you exactly what I want to tell you, because now is the time to do it.

"If you really want to kill me, then do it.
"Are you going to die without a fight?　You're going to be the greatest knight, aren't you?
Yes, I am. My goal is to become the strongest knight in this country. I have no doubt about that.
"Then...
But that's not why I'm fighting you. If I could stop you in a real fight, I would do it this time. But not now. That's not going to solve anything. So ...... please, just tell me everything. I'm on your side no matter what.
...... That's not what I asked.

　Aria's expression wavered slightly. I've been with you long enough to know that.
　For the first time, Aria showed signs of agitation. The fact that Iris had not hesitated in her words gave Aria a glimpse of her true feelings.
　Iris took another step forward.

I'm going to tell you even if you don't listen. I'm bringing you back. You're family.
"No. I'm not ...... like you.


You're not different. You're my best friend, my family. That's what you are to me.
"Don't you dare say that!

　For the first time, Aria raised her voice.
　She held a dagger in both hands and pointed it at Iris with murderous intent.
　Iris is not intimidated. She takes a step forward and Aria steps back.
　Aria looks upset, but continues to speak quietly.

Please, you have to back off.
I can't do that.
I can't do that. ...... If you think of me as family, please...
What?　I can't leave you with that look on your face. It's okay, okay?

　Iris speaks to Aria as if to warn her.
　Aria's murderous intent never went away, and she finally kicked the ground to close the distance. She thrusts her dagger toward Iris' neck.
　Iris still doesn't take a stance. Aria's dagger stops just short of taking Iris' life.

"......
"Aria.
Why won't Iris listen to me? ......

　Aria's expression was on the verge of tears.
　I've never seen such a grief-stricken expression on her face before - that's how determined she was.
　Iris was more determined than she had ever been.

"I'm here, and so is Dr. Schweizer. He's waiting for you and he believes in you. That's why I'm the only one here.

　The situation confirms that these words are true.
　The fact that Iris is the only one who is willing to do such a thing when the enemy may be lurking in the area is because she clearly thinks that it is okay to contact Aria.
　Aria lowered the dagger from Iris's throat and looked away.
　She seemed to be wondering what she should do.
　But that's when Iris is convinced that she can bring Aria back.

"Well, you're in trouble, aren't you ...... Note Leah.
"Ah!

　I'm not sure what to say.
　There are four of them who appeared almost without any sign of her.
　Three of them have hoods and masks, reminiscent of the assassins who attacked us before. The other was a gray-haired man in a white coat.
　The other is a white-haired man in a white robe, with an unhealthy smile on his face.

I don't want you to end up failing to persuade me and getting tied up.
...... You're the Shadow Apostles, aren't you?
I'm not sure what to make of this.　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. Maybe there's no point in killing her?

　I'm not sure what to do.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　There are four enemies, and each one of them is quite capable.
　It's too difficult for Iris to take on them alone, as she has already decided.
　At that moment, Aria stands to protect Iris.

"Wait, wait. I'll try to persuade Iris to go to ......!
You don't have to be so scared. I'm not going to kill the girl. I'm just trying to use him.
"Use ......?　Use me?
Yes, you are. You're pretty good at what you do, but ...... there's one other person I'm having trouble with. According to my information, it was Alta Schweizer. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here. So I'm going to rethink the plan a bit. If it works, you might be able to start a 'war'.
"......!　That's what you're after, isn't it?
Hmm, that girl is hard to eat. You can't eat that girl. I didn't realize that she was targeting me when I thought she was targeting me, but that's why now is a good time. Notoria, get Iris.
".......
Aria, don't follow.
"Don't follow. What right do you have to say that?
Rights. ....... If you're Kufilio Nootria, why would Aria obey you?
What?　Oh, I see.

　The man looked a little surprised at Iris' words.
　This time, Iris stood in front of Aria as if to protect her.
　Aria seemed to be lost - but Iris still believed in Aria.
　If Iris doesn't believe in her now, she will never be able to bring Aria back.



"I am .......

　Aria choked on her words. After a while, she lowered the dagger in her hands without effort. Clearly, her desire to kill Iris disappears.
　She can even lie about her intent to kill--that's the girl Aria.
　Still, Iris' determination saw through Aria's lie.
　She reached into her pocket for a signal round.

"I can't let you take that out.
Aah!

　The one who moved was the smallest of the four.
　From the sound of his voice, he was the same as or younger than the child, Arta.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　In his right hand he holds a dagger, which Iris uses to defend herself with a signal bullet.

I'm not sure what to say.

　At the same time, Iris takes a distance and calls out her sword.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

I'm not sure what to do. I'll take care of this.
"Father, Mr. .......
Dad!　Dad, you mean ......?

　Iris's eyes widened in surprise as she heard these words.
　Even though he was about the same height as Alta, Aria did indeed call the boy father.
　The boy puts his hand on his mask and reveals his true face. He looked exactly like Aria and smiled wryly.

I'm sorry, but you're a little off. I'm Kufilio Notoria.

　The boy, Kufilio, says.
　The boy, Kufilio, says, "I'm Kufilio Nautria," and Iris turns to face him, dagger at the ready.