Three days have passed since the end of the battle against the Shadow Apostle.
　Originally, the inspection from the Empire was supposed to be over, but Aena and Mercier were still staying in the Kingdom.
　In the end, our inspection had to be cut off after two days, but we were told that the inspection of the other areas had continued and ended without any problems.
　I talked with Remyll in front of the hospital room.

I talk to Remyil in front of the hospital room, and he tells me that as far as he can tell, there is no problem with the underground monsters. Once again, we're sealing off the area so that no one can enter from the outside.
"But King's Landing is a big place. It will be difficult to manage.
We'll just have to try. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. ...... I never thought there was a connection between my busy schedule and this incident.

　A lot of the paperwork that was filed with Lemire was about the demons underneath King's Landing - and he finally had time to take care of it. So he came to visit Iris in the hospital.

You've come all this way and you're not going inside?
"I didn't do anything special this time. Besides, Miss Iris and Aria are with you now, aren't they?
That's right. By the way, about Aria...
Yes, she cooperated with the Shadow Apostle and explicitly targeted the life of Master Aena Baudel - to be frank, that is a crime. However, the target, Aena, has said that she won't mention her responsibility, and she was mentally unstable because her family was used as a shield. She may be under observation for a while, but it won't be a big crime.

　As far as I was concerned, it didn't seem to be a big problem. Of course, even if you have a reason to do so, it is still a crime to attempt to kill another person - Aria was complicit in it, so it will never be completely forgiven.
　Nevertheless, the fact that it was treated as a lesser crime was largely due to the fact that Aena made it a non-issue. I should be grateful to her.

I'm glad to hear that. I'm relieved, too.
You can tell Aria about it. Also, keep in mind that you'll probably be supervising the observation process.
That's one more role for you to play. ...... I understand that as well.

　I also promised to protect Aria - I originally taught her with a sword along with Iris. It would not be too much of a burden. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. ......

I'll leave the girls to you.

　With a wave of his hand, Remyll left the scene.
　She said she had some time to spare, but she was probably still busy at the moment.
　From the Imperial side, the daughter of the Imperial Marshal was targeted during the inspection - but this is all part of Aena's strategy.
　It's unlikely that she'll mention it too strongly, and it's unlikely that the relationship between the Kingdom and the Empire will be severely damaged. Nevertheless, there is still much to be done about this matter.
　For the time being, all I can do is be there for them.

Iris, is there anything else you want me to do?
"Don't worry so much. I'm fine.

　When I entered the hospital room, I could hear Iris and Aria talking.
　Ever since Iris had woken up, she had been like this - Aria was worried about Iris' injury and was all over her all the time. I guess Aria feels responsible for all those injuries.

I'm relieved to see that you're doing well.
I'm so glad you're feeling better.　I'm so sorry, doctor. I'm sorry I look like this. ......

　Iris quickly hugs the covers to hide herself. She was wearing an outfit embroidered with cute animals, perhaps her nightgown. There was nothing to be concerned about, though.
　She tried to get up from the bed, and I stopped her.

It's okay to stay. I'm just here to visit you, so don't worry about it.
Oh, thank you very much.
"Sir, ......

　Aria looks at me with an uncomfortable expression.
　I hadn't had a chance to talk to Aria since that day when she revealed her identity as the Sword Saint.
　Today, it feels like it's been a long time since we've met face to face. She must be tired from the interrogation by the Order, but she doesn't show any sign of it.

"Are you feeling okay, Aria?
"No, I'm fine. I'm fine. Thanks to you, ...... saved my life.

　Aria's gaze swam, but then she looked at me and said that honestly.
　It was the first time I saw her genuinely say something like that to me, and it made me smile.
　Aria reacted to that with a twitch.

What?　Did something funny happen?
No, I'm just glad you're being honest with me.
The doctor told me to trust you. That's why you protected Iris and me. So I'll be a little more honest. But I need you to keep Iris safe.
Hey, Aria, ......!
Of course I will. But that includes you. From now on, if you need anything, you come to me, okay?
"...... Yeah, thanks.

　Aria was always worried about Iris during this conversation, but Iris smiled when she saw Aria nodding at my words. At last, I felt that everything was back to normal.


　But there's one more thing-- I have an appointment with someone.

"And, Miss Aria. There's someone waiting on the roof who wants to see you. Why don't you go and let me take care of Iris?
"You want to meet me at ......?

　Aria tilted her head. Such a person does not ring a bell for her.
　But I've heard from him, and I understand what's going on.
　Aria looked at me suspiciously, but I urged her to leave the hospital room.

　　　(*)

　--On the rooftop, which was turning into a sunset, sheets and towels used in the hospital were being hung out to dry.
　As the white cloths swayed in the breeze, Aria walked to look around her.
　There was a hint of human presence. A girl stood looking down on the town.

"Are you ......?
It's nice to meet you - or should I say, it's been a while?

　Aria looks a little surprised at the sight of her.
　The girl's name is Melche Altina. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　She seems to have fought and lost to Kufilio, but judging from the fact that she was only slightly injured, she must be quite skilled.
　Why does Mercier want to see Aria?

"Long time no see, you mean in the arena?
That was only a few days ago. Well, but ...... even Kufilio can't notice it, so it's no wonder you can't.
"...... What do you mean?

　Aria's guard was up. It's only natural that she would become more cautious when she hears Kufilio's name.
　In contrast to Aria, Mercier smiled and took a step closer to Aria. She was not in a state of readiness, but she was ready to respond immediately if anything happened.
　In response to Aria, Mercier continued to speak plainly.

I'm sure Iris was the one who was most upset when she saw you in the Shadow Apostle. But I was just as upset as she was. I wondered why you were there.
"......?　Why are you talking like that?
You have a different face and voice, so it's understandable that you don't understand. But - I told you, didn't I?　I said I'd be there.
"What?

　Aria's eyes widened in surprise.
　Aria's eyes widened in surprise. She knew it couldn't be true, but Mercier's words were something she remembered.
　It was her sister's words that had given Aria, who knew nothing, the opportunity to learn so much. She never showed up again, and the people who claimed to be her brother and sister, who hadn't shown up in a long time, were fakes.
　I was told that the real ones had been killed by Kufilio. But Mercier, who was right in front of her, said to Aria with the same expression as that time.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who survived.
"...... Sister, sir?
It's been a long time since you called me that.
Because you're already ......
That's what Kufilio said, isn't it?　Sure, I was almost dead - running for my life, fighting for my life. I still have the scars. And yet, here I am, saved by Master Aena. In that sense, I'm just like you. I was given a name!

　Interrupting Mercier's words, Aria hugged her.
　It was half a reflex, and she was surprised to find herself doing so. But as she buried her face in Mercier's chest, she gently stroked his head.

I never thought I could do this to you. But I've always wanted to do it for you.
"Sister ......!　I'm so glad you're alive. ......!

　I'm glad you're alive," Aria says, squeezing.
　Her face and voice are different, but I know now that she is real. Yes, I can feel it.

I'm also relieved that you're okay. I'm also relieved that you're okay, because I couldn't let it look like you and I had anything to do with each other until it was all over. I'm sorry about .......
I wanted to apologize to you too. I really shouldn't have run away at ...... that point. If I had stayed, my brother would have ......
It's okay. Thanks to you, my brother and I got to know our family. During the time we were together, ...... I saw you slowly grow up and I understood that the feelings I had were not created. So what your brother and I did was not a mistake. I did what I did because I really cared about you, not because I was made to.

　Mercier hugged Aria tightly. Aria responded in kind. It was as if they were making up for a long time of being apart.
After a moment of silence, he gently grasped Aria's shoulders and slowly released her.

When all is said and done, I was planning to welcome you into the Empire.


What?　That's .......
"Yeah, but I'm relieved ....... You already have someone who cares about you, don't you?

　Mercier glanced backwards. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. ...... Iris and Alta must have come to see her out of concern.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm fine, sister, I'm fine. I have a very strong teacher and a very important 'family'. Of course, you're my family, too.
I know. We'll see each other when we want to. So I'll see you.
I'll see you later.

　After the conversation with Mercier, Aria turned around.
　After the conversation with Mercier, Aria turned around and ran to the two people waiting for her.

　　　I don't know.

I'm sure you have nothing to worry about.
...... "Yes, it does.

　We quickly disappeared, but Aria probably saw us.
　I'm sure Aria saw us, but we both looked at each other and smiled.
　Aena had come to inspect the kingdom in order to lure the Shadow Apostle, but it had all started before that.
　The rebellion of Mercier, one of the beings created by Kufilio. One of them has led us to this point.

"Well, let's go back to the sickbay. You're still recovering from your injuries, Iris.
"Don't worry, doctor. I'm fine now.
No, you can't. When you're healed, I'll accompany you to your training.
No!　Well, if that's the case, I'll make sure you're well. ......

　Hearing my words, Iris nodded honestly. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　Aria came back to me.

"Oh, Aria. I was just near here with Iris...

　Suddenly, I feel a soft touch on my forehead. When Iris saw the action, she looked surprised. --Aria had kissed my forehead.
　The suddenness of it startled me. With a mischievous smile, Aria whispers, "I like you.

I like you a lot, second only to Iris. So I'll keep it all to myself.
"Hey, hey!　What the hell was that all about ......?
I don't know.
Don't be silly!　Wait, wait, wait!

　In spite of her injuries, Iris tries to chase after Aria as she runs away. In the end, Aria, who was worried about her and came back, caught her and started to interrogate her about what she just did.
　While watching this, I touch my forehead.

"Haha, so you're still treating me like a child.

　I couldn't help but chuckle and mutter something like that to myself.