I'll start by telling you why she's here. There was a knight killing the other day.
What?
"Knight Killer?

　When Aria and Aena heard my words, they both reacted with surprise.
　It's understandable that they are surprised. ...... I myself could not hide my surprise when Helen told me about it.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
It's not necessarily near the school. And it's not limited to this area, it's happening all over. That's why the knights are on special alert. The reason she is here is to deal with the "knight killers". In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
"...... Hmm, I see. So you are at least a first class knight?
Ah, yes. I'm a member of the 《Holy Armor Order》. ......
I understand the situation. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

　I'm not sure what to do.
　I nodded at the question. You can't just say, "I'm fine," and go it alone because that's the order.
　After all, Helen had come here under Lemire's orders.
　If she refuses to do so, it will be her who will be in trouble.

You don't know who did it, do you?
No, we don't. If you look at the fact that they are occurring in various places, it must be multiple criminals. However, all of the crimes were committed by knights who were strong in their own right, and we have been beaten. You can assume that the enemy's ability is quite high.
I see. Yeah, that makes sense.
Yes, ......, that's true, but it can't be helped under those circumstances. I understand why you're working together.
Thank you for your understanding. That's all I can tell you.

　At least that's what Aria wanted to hear.
　At the very least, she will be relieved to know that the knight is not here because Iris is being targeted.
　Aena has more to say than just this, though.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　Like before.
It's a little different this time. It seems that they are targeting knights indiscriminately. And they're all pretty good ones, too.
Even more so. You are ...... the strongest person I know, at least. So there's a good chance they'll come after you.
You can't deny that. But it would be more convenient if they were to target me. I want to minimize any further damage to the knights.
The teacher is ...... well, I think the teacher can win. I'm not sure what to make of it. I also--
Aria, you're a student. I know you're good at what you do, but I can't have you doing dangerous things like ...... going out and patrolling in the middle of the night.
"But .......

　Aria seemed unconvinced by my words. I knew that she would want to help.
　But the situation is different this time. It is the knight who is being targeted, and there is no possibility that Iris is being targeted at the moment.
　In the event that you are a knight, you will need to be able to take care of yourself.

It would be great if you could understand this as well.
I don't understand.

　The one who answered my words was not Aria, but Aena. Everyone in the room looked at Aena.
　Aena continued to speak with a serious expression.

"I saw the training earlier. Although Iris and Aria are not as good as I am, I'm sure they are both capable. In addition, Aria has the ability to spot enemies on par with Mercier, right?　I'm sure you'll find it much more useful than any of those knights.
You can find a lot more information on the web at ....... But...
She's a student?　Huh, you just told me why. So what are you training them for?　To make them strong, I guess. And they're getting strong enough... and you're telling them to stay back because it's dangerous?　No wonder you don't agree with me. Alta, to be clear, ...... you're being overprotective. I think it's insulting to tell someone who can fight to stay back.

　I was a little surprised to hear Aena say that much. --It seems from her words that she is planning to welcome Iris and Aria as her collaborators.
　It seems that the person who was watching our training earlier was not just here to observe.


　--Indeed, I can vouch for Iris and Aria's abilities as I train with them. Both of them are not the kind of people who will fall behind even if the enemy is skilled.
　So, it would be an insult to not let them fight. ...... I didn't try to stop someone who was ready to fight as a swordsman.
　Maybe I've changed my mind a bit. Or perhaps I should say, this time in particular.

"Sir, I'm fine. I can fight, and I can make a decision to run away if I think it's dangerous. At least, I think I can help you.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to help me," Aria said with a determined look on her face. ...... Originally, I didn't think she would back down. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.
　I let out a small sigh and raised my hand to soothe them.

...... Oh, I get it. I'm sure you're not the only one. Aria, as I told you before--
"Don't do anything you don't want to do. Yes, I know that.
I see. Then I'll ask you to help me. Is that all right with you?　Miss Aena.
Yeah, I was hoping you could help me with this.
I thank you for convincing him to go to ......, but I don't agree that you're stronger than him.
"Hmm?　What, you want to give it a try?
Sure, I'll give it a shot.
Okay, okay, okay, okay. We're all friends here, so don't get into a fight. Do you understand?
...... Yes.
"Hmm, no choice.
...... Well, I mean, ......, Aria and Aena?　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that they're going to help us, right?　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.　It's a student and a princess of the empire!
"Helen.
Helen!　Yes, yes.

　Aena called out Helen's upset name.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

I'm aware of the abilities of Arta and Aria. I recognize the abilities of Arutha and Aria, as well as Iris, even though she is not here. But I still don't know what you're capable of. I'm not going to work with a first officer who isn't good enough. Helen, let's see what you're made of.
"Yeah, yeah, show me what you're made of, sir.

　Helen's words trailed off for a moment.
　Helen's words were cut off as Aena stood up and pointed a knife at Helen from her pocket.
　But Helen caught the blade firmly between her forefinger and thumb.

"Oh, that's dangerous!
I like it. I like it--you can stay here.
Oh, thank you, sir?　Oh, is that ......?　Is that what I think it is, ......?
Helen, can you please just calm down and listen to what I have to say?　Helen, can you please calm down and listen to what I have to say? Aena, from what you've just said, you're saying that you and the other members here are going to continue the conversation we had yesterday.
"Yes, that's right. There's no harm in having a few strong ones. But, ......, I'm sorry. I'd like to invite Iris to join us.
I can do that.
No, Aria, I'd like you to stay.
No, Miss Aria, please stay.　Doctor ......?
I'll take your help. But since Iris is not here. As long as I don't know her, I'll stay out of it. Is that all right with you?

　I said to Aena.
　Aena lets out a small sigh in response.

"...... is fine. It's not like I'm going to argue with you. I'll leave that decision up to you. Now, let's continue our conversation. I'm talking about our enemy.

　And so we heard from Aena.
　I decided not to pay attention to the look Aria was giving me at the moment.