I remain facing Aena and answer her question.

So you think that who I am - that I am related to the swordsman you fought ...... who calls himself Raoul Isaruf?
"Yes, I do. Your strength is real, and I have worked with you before. But that's not what this is about. Your swordsmanship is too similar to Raoul's. And it seems that the Invisible you actually use is also the same as ...... Raoul's.

　--The blade created by wind magic is a sword technique that Raoul Isaruf is very good at, and I also use this technique a lot.
　The reason for this is simple, there is nothing wrong with this as long as it gets the job done.
　If you are good at wind magic, it would not be difficult to recreate it, but it would not be possible to recreate firing an invisible blade at high speed.
　In the first place, Raul's swordsmanship is his own style, a style he has never taught to anyone.
　What Aena is probably saying is that my swordplay, including that, is the same as that of the swordsman who calls himself Raoul.

...... I don't know what kind of person you were fighting, Aena. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will help you.　And that's how you remembered me.
"Yes, first of all. But the reason I'm asking you directly is because I trust you to a certain extent. So I want you to answer honestly, including any questions you may have.
"I see. I appreciate your trust in me, but unfortunately, I don't have any idea either. If you are on the same level as me, then I would like to fight you.
"......

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
　But soon after, she let out a small sigh and opened her mouth.

"Huh. ...... I was hoping you could give me some information, but that's what I said. I'll take your word for it for now.
Thank you very much. Is that all you wanted to tell me, Miss Aena?
Yes, that's it. Now I'll tell you what you want to know. The reason I'm here, is it?
Yes, that's right. You didn't really come here just to study abroad, did you?
No, personally, I wanted to study abroad without any worries.

　Aena replied with a shrug of her shoulders. ...... This is a typical answer for her, but it is not the only reason.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this. ...... Well, let's see. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.
"Holy Armor?　The Knights of the Holy Armor?

　I can't help but react to those words coming out of Aena's mouth.
　However, she immediately continued to deny it.

It's not our place to get involved in the incident... or is it? First of all, there is Halon Stiletto, the leader of the Order of the Holy Armor, right?　He's been working with us, the Falmer Empire. But I believe he was almost assassinated by someone.
"You're referring to the incident the other day. We're investigating that incident, but you're already aware of it?
Yes, we are. Yes, that's right. I guess you could call it an alliance. Incidentally, one of the reasons Haylon survived was because I sent one of my men to help him.
"!

　When I heard Aena's words, I looked a little surprised.
　I'm not only aware of the previous incident, but it seems that Aena was already involved in the case at that time.
　It was said that Haylon's wounds were so deep that he would not have survived if it had been too late.
　If what she said was true, then it was thanks to the Imperial Army that Hayron was saved.

If what Aena said is true, then perhaps we should be grateful.
I'm not going to lie to you about this. I assure you it is true.
I see. But an alliance, huh? I didn't think that the Knights of the Holy Armor, who are responsible for the nation's defense, would be in league with their counterparts. ......
You are surprised?　It's not that I'm not in direct contact with Halon myself. Rather, I came here with the intention of approaching him from a different direction. That's why I'm here.
"Approach?　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.
I'm glad you understand so quickly. In addition, I would like to say that the alliance between the Imperial Army and the Knights of the Holy Armor is not a bad thing for you. It is only an alliance for peace, and this is what my father is promoting.

　Aena said with a grin.
　It seems that Aena may be able to provide at least some information on the matter that the Order is investigating.
　But it is unlikely that Aena would be willing to talk about it. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... No, if she dared to choose this school, I'd consider that possibility and ask her.

I'm not sure what to make of this.
"Yes!　I'm not sure what to make of it. But I don't dislike that about you. You're right, that's not a bad idea.
"Not at all. ...... Are you here to find out?


"Hmm, well, that's about it. Now, speaking of the one you're investigating, there's also the matter of the Order of Magic, isn't there?　I can answer for that as well.
I can answer that question as well." "......, from the way you say it, I assume you want something in return for the information?
"Huh, you know what I mean. I answered your questions because you answered mine, but I'm not close enough to you to give you everything for free.

　Aena said this, but not with a hostile look like before, rather she reached out to me as if she needed me.

The recent incident with the magic cult, and the man who calls himself Raoul Isaruf, are all connected. And it's a matter that concerns the future of the kingdom and the future of the empire. That's why I've been looking for an ally at my own discretion. That's you, Alta. Are you willing to join forces with me?

　Aena looked at me straight in the eye. Apparently, her reason for coming here is more complicated than I thought.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm going to cooperate with her if the future of the kingdom and the empire--that's a big word.
　Normally, I would have brought this up to the Knight Commander, Remyll, for consultation.
　But that's not the answer Aena wants.
　Besides, if she's talking about the future of the kingdom, it's obvious that it's something that concerns Iris.
　So I don't hesitate to take Aena's hand.

If you want to cooperate, you can tell me everything you know about ......, is that correct?　I'm sure you've had more than a few suspicions about me.
"Yeah, I doubt everything. Yes, I doubt everything, but when I decide to believe something, I don't doubt it. What I need now is a strong swordsman like you. That's why I'll tell you what I know.

　They shook each other's hands.
　Thus, Aena, who had ostensibly come to Japan to study, and I became partners.