I met up with Aena and Mercier, and we talked as we ran through the capital.

I'm sorry, but I lost sight of both the Shadow Apostle and Iris. ....... I was a little too far away.
"No problem. It's not a problem. I'm aware of their movements.

　I respond to Mercier's words.
　I know where Iris is - she also seems to have found Aria's location.

If you know where she is, it's easy. We'll head there.
"No, Master Aena and Mercier, you'll meet up with the Knights. Do you know the Commander of the Order, Remyll Eyn?
Yes, I do, but they're...
The ones you've been chasing. I know that. But that's the plan. I need you to work with the Commander to block their escape route.
"...... Well, that's certainly something that needs to be done.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　I can understand why she likes to fight and wants to go to the front. And she's the one who's been tracking this organization. But...

"Master Aena, you're being hunted. I'm sorry, but I can't take you with me where I'm going. The wise Master Aena will understand.
I'm sorry, but I can't take you with me where I'm going.
No, I'm not. Anyway, I think this is the right way to divide up our responsibilities.
You mean, you're going alone?
Yes, it is. I'll go alone, and if there are any remnants that escape, I'll hunt them down.
I'll go alone and hunt down any remnants that escape." "Huh, that's a lot of confidence to go it alone, ...... but I hope you're good enough to do it. I think I know what I'm talking about.

　Aena smiles and reaches out her hand to me.

"I wish you luck. This time, you can have it.
"Thank you.

　We shook hands lightly and I ran off, leaving the two of them behind.
　I knew where Iris was because I had given her a talisman before.
　I didn't think that what I gave her to protect her would come in handy in this way, but...

(Well, I guess it's faster to go underground from here.

　I headed for the side streets of the water vein that runs through King's Landing. It's like a complicated "cave" that leads to some facilities in the capital.
　One of them is the facility that manages the underground water supply where the Swordsmen once fought.
　Iris' movements have already stopped at one place.
　Perhaps that's where the Shadow Apostle is hiding. Even in the darkness, I continue on my way without hesitation.

"Shhhhhh... ......
A demon. I see, they can live underground, but ......".

　I remember a case in which Remyll was particularly busy lately - there had been an increase in the number of demons appearing underground in the royal capital, and he had been busy dealing with them. I chuckled to myself, "You never know where the connection lies.
　And then I unleashed the Invisible and bounced the demon's head off.

And...

　The demon dies in an instant.
　I sigh and run off again.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. I'll take that as extra income.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea. But they're not my enemy.
　I headed straight for Iris.

　　　I'm not an enemy.

　Iris faced Kufilio with her "purple light".
　The boy Kufilio, on the other hand, did not seem to be moved even when he saw Iris.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.

I didn't expect you to find me here.
"...... We'll find it. Aria is family.
"Family, or is it that lightning magic of yours?

　Kufilio seemed to notice this immediately.
　All the time Iris was sending a weak electric current through the ground and walls. It could monitor the condition of buildings and could observe a wide range of areas while moving.
　The constant need to release it consumed a lot of magic power, but Iris didn't care about that.
　As a result, she was able to find Kufilio's hideout in the basement.
　On the way, he encountered several demons, but Iris didn't care about them. After cutting down all of them, Iris is standing here.
　The captive Aria was just looking at Iris with a sad expression.
　I know what she means - she probably didn't want Iris to be here.
　She didn't want to, but she wanted to see him. Iris could understand that feeling.
　He didn't want Aria to be an enemy, but he wanted to see her no matter what.

"So, ......, did you come alone?


Yeah, I am. I'm alone now.
"...... Haha, you're a great woman. She's called the Princess of the Sword.
What does that matter now?
Of course it matters. You're going to fight me with that sword now, aren't you?　But can you win in such a state?　Your breathing's erratic, your magic's low. You're a wounded man. You've only come here to be used by me...!

　What interrupted Kufilio's words was a blow from Iris.
　He kicked at the ground, closed the distance and flashed. Just in time, Kufilio dodged it.
　He wanted to let Aria go right away, but now he had to focus on the enemy in front of him.
　Her breathing was labored. Every part of her body ached and was exhausted.
　Even so, the blow that Iris had just delivered was the most powerful blow she had ever struck in her swordsmanship with Kufirio.
　Her consciousness was clear and she was able to concentrate.
　Now Iris is able to swing the sword properly.

(The body is heavy ......, but the sword is light. I can still move. I can fight ......!

　This conviction boosted Iris' spirits.
　Soon, Iris was on the move.
　Three blows in quick succession. She closed the distance between her and Kufilio and swung her sword.
　Kufilio took out his dagger and blocked Iris' sword.
　He did not fire any thunderbolts - the thunderbolts that had covered his body earlier were gone, and now Iris was fighting only with her sword.
　I'm not sure if Kufilio saw this, but he smiled.

I'm not sure what to do. You don't have to try to numb her like you did before, do you?

　It may be a strategy to provoke you and disrupt your movement. But Iris is not going to take such a provocation.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to try.

It's true that I relied a little bit - no, I relied a little bit on the purple light. But that's not it. I've been called the ...... "Sword Saint Princess" ever since before I used this sword!
"......!

　She flicked Kufilio's dagger and swung it at his torso.
　It's a great way to make sure you don't get caught in the middle.
　Kufirio kicked the ground and fell backwards. The blade grazed his abdomen slightly, causing Kufirio to bleed.

"One blow first. But it's not enough.
"...... I'm surprised. Have you grown in such a short time?

　Kufilio's eyes widened. His magic is low and his strength is gone.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before. But she can still move - it's only natural, since she has her precious family in front of her.
　Iris says with confidence and clarity.

Of course, I have to protect my family. I'll be as strong as I can be to do that.

　--That's the way Iris Reinfell is.
　Kufilio smiled happily when he heard Iris' words.

"Haha, I'm going to enjoy this for the rest of my life. But you're going to get in the way. ....... Aria, I'm going to kill your fake family now. Because my real family is me.

　Kufilio said, but Iris's expression did not falter. He exhaled a small breath and grasped the Shiden tightly, readying it.
　Right next to him, Aria is trapped. He doesn't make eye contact with her - what Iris needs to do now is to defeat the enemy in front of her.
　With the dagger at the ready, Kufilio and Iris face each other again.