I take off the cloak that hides my face and put an expensive looking robe with gold embroidery on top that Palinkron had prepared for me. Wiping off more sweat and dressing up, I dress like some nobleman.

　A palinclone opens a door with a luxurious pattern on it and follows behind it.

　With a loud bang, the door is opened and the inside comes into view. The priests and the guests of honor, who were carrying out the ritual, turned their attention to the sudden visitors.

　In the midst of it all, Rastiara on the platform looks at me and her eyes widen.

　I lock eyes with him and observe Rastiara.
　First and foremost, I can see the unusual fatigue. According to what Dea told me, he hasn't slept a wink since last night and has been praying all this time. It's just like exhaustion.

　-- and I feel a sense of discomfort.

　I'm out of it (・・・・・).
　That's what I thought when I saw Rastiala.
　It looks like a possession has fallen. I can see that one of the fetters that bind her as planned here has been removed.

　I turn away from Rastiara and then look for Dia.
　I look over and find Diah lightly floating on her haunches.

　Immediately I control it with my hand.
　Dia slowly sat back down and nodded.

　It was a momentary exchange, but no one seemed to notice it. It was significant that it was Palinkron who was standing at the front of the line.

　After finishing the exchange with Dia, one of the priestesses, who understood the situation, stopped the entire ritual proceeding and spoke up.

　He is a man past his years with muddy eyes. He stands on the platform and wears extremely distinctive clothing, even among the priests. Based on his representative attire, I make a guess that this man is Feydert.

"We're in the middle of a ceremony. What the hell is going on here?

　Feydert asked Palinkron in a low voice what he wanted.

　His voice is heavy.
　He is probably angry that the ceremony has been delayed.

　In contrast, Palinclone replied aloofly.

'No, I'm sorry. Acting Prime Minister. I'm a little late, but there was someone who I believe to be a guest of honor, so I escorted him to the temple.''

　Palinclone shifts his body, exposing me for all of us here to see.

　I curtsy lightly and respond to the entire temple.

　For now, I'll take Palinkron's plan. Even though I'm on board, it doesn't change what I'm going to do. In the end, there's no doubt that the end result will be a cajoling kidnapping.

　The buds of the surprise attack were crushed, but that gave me a firm grasp of Rastiara's condition.
　Now, if I could exchange even a few words with Rustyala before kidnapping her, it would be well worth it to take Palinkron's plan.

''What are you talking about ....... All the guest seats are occupied. I know of no such person. You must leave at once.
'No, as far as this boy's situation is concerned, I'm wondering if he qualifies for a place in the pew: ......
I'm sorry. I wouldn't do it under any circumstances.

　Feydert takes a swipe at the biting Palinkron.

　The atmosphere of the place is not receptive to the sudden visitor either.
　The priests and knights who have been waiting on the wall also check out the suspicious person and come closer to us. They are probably planning to urge us to leave.

　However, Palinclone is unfazed and continues to talk.

''But we are actually here, right?　All the 'Seven Celestial Knights' (Celestial Knights) are the people who passed through the path and passed through the cathedral's wards unscathed to reach this point. If this isn't a guest, what is it?　It's difficult for me to judge whether you are a legitimate guest or not, and that's why I brought you here.

　I'm amazed at how often the tongue turns.
　But there was a slight persuasion there. The priests and knights who had been coming by also slowed their steps. If the pinnacle of knights, the 'Celestial Knights', passed through unscathed, their subordinates would be hard to deal with.

　Right now, I'm standing here unharmed and in a well-groomed outfit.
　The more knights who trust in the power of the Celestial Knights, the more likely they are to be deceived by Palinkron's lies. This is because they think that as long as the Seven Celestial Knights are guarding the outside, there is no way the bandits can reach this point unscathed.

''Nonsense!　In the first place, the fact that you're coming in at this time--
'Oh?　But it looks like Rastiara-sama knows this boy. After all, this boy's claim of being a relation of Saint Tiara-sama is probably true, isn't it?
'Ha, ha!　You're related!

　With a sullen look on his face, Palinkron tells a big lie.
　Federt made a face like it couldn't be possible, and the end of his speech was rough.

　No, it's not a lie: .......
　Rastiara wanted to be my companion even after he became a saint tiara. It's not that I'm not related to him in that sense.

　The buzz around me increases, including the guests of honor.

　The priests and knights who had come by at the mention of being related to the saint finally stopped.
　They show their superiors a look of not knowing how to respond to them.

　The atmosphere of the place tilted slightly in our direction.
　Without missing a beat, I spoke to Rastiara.

　The distance to Rastiara is a few dozen meters.
　It's a little far to talk to him. But that doesn't mean I don't shout.
　I try to keep my voice calm, as if it were going through the entire room. If you are inside a closed temple, it should be possible to use the echoes.

'Rastiara ....... As a friend - or even a companion - I have something to ask you.

　Emphasize that they are friends.
　Rustyala's surprised expression remains on his face as he lets the words slip out in response.

'Ki, Christ......'

　He gave me my name back.
　He doesn't seem to know what's going on.
　He looks more than a little confused. I don't know if he's simply surprised or if it's the effect of the magic on Rustiala disappearing, I don't know that much.

　Feydert, who was listening to this next to Rustiala, couldn't bear it and shouted out loud.

''Yoo, friend and others, falsehoods!　Get that boy under control now!

　This clears one of Palinkron's demands.
　The first to shout out must be Feydert.
　This was the condition that had been mentioned beforehand.

　However, that voice pushes the priests and knights around me to resume their steps towards me, though they seem to be lost. The reason for their hesitation is probably because there is no discrepancy in Palinkron's words, and Rastiara looked at me and called my name back.

　Taking advantage of his hesitation, Palinclone pulled out his sword and thrust it at my back before the priests and knights.

''Mm-hmm. If the other party is related to the saint-sama, it's hard for you guys to point your swords at them. I'm going to be responsible for this, and I, the Celestial Knights, will hold you back from behind.

　Ikeishahaha, Palinclone points his sword at the guest he was supposed to have invited himself.
　At first glance, it appears that I am stuck by the 'Seven Celestial Knights' (Celestial Knights) in the sky.

　If this happens, there will be no reason for them to move until they are forced to.
　To be precise, they would think that the decision is too difficult for them to make, and they wouldn't be able to deal with it by themselves at the end.

'Nah--!　You guys!

　Feydert is breathing hard and tries to scold the knights.
　I try to put my voice over it. I speak louder than before - and I speak to Rustiala with power and confidence.

'Rustyala. I'm sorry I didn't answer you yesterday. But I can answer you now. Everything you did yesterday is ...... an affirmation (yes).

　I'm going to make it all happen.

　--Can Christ help me?
　--will you travel with me somewhere far away and different?　
　--All the knights of the Confederacy, can you turn the country of Hoosiers against them?　
　--and you'll break tomorrow's ritual?
　-- risking all kinds of things to help me?

　--will you be the hero of my story?

　Apparently, I liked you, so .......
　They have to do something about that much, apparently.

I've answered your question. So now Rastiara has to answer my question. Let me ask you ...... what Lastiara's dream is.

　I continue to speak, gracefully and seamlessly. I've been given strict orders by Palinclone to do it with the feeling of an actor, and I'm going to fulfill it as long as I'm cooperating with him.

'Dream ......?'

　Rustyala's face paled when he heard my words.
　It was like she heard something she shouldn't have heard at a time when she shouldn't have heard it - such was her expression.

　Feydert, who confirmed that next to me, has an impatient look on his face, gets off the platform and puts his feet on the carpet that connects Rustiala and me.

''Kudos--''

　I don't miss Feydert's little grunt.
　In other words, this trend that Palinclone describes is very troubling to Feydert as the organizer.

　Feydert approaches us with a proclamation.

'Just do it!　Get that boy!　Now!

　In contrast, one of the guests emerges from the couch beside him.

''--But, Mr. Acting Prime Minister. I'm curious about what the boy is talking about. The dream of that saintly person who will become a saint.

　It was Dia.

　Dia, dressed in a pure white dress like Rastiara, leapt out onto the carpet and blocked Feydert's path.
　Her voice seems calm, but the magic power she wears is extraordinary. It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you can get your hands on it.

It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to find a way to get the best out of it.　What do you say ....... That was just a bandit--

　The unexpected person's entry caused Feydert to lose his temper.
　He seems to be puzzled by being suddenly hit by a huge magical force.

　I hurriedly spell out my words, thanking Dia.

　Just once.
　All you have to do is shake Rastiara just once more.
　Now, there should be no 'made rastiara'.

　I believe there isn't and say the words.

'Rastiara, remember. "Rastiara, remember, we made a deal. When we joined forces, we made a pact. I made a 'deal' with Rustyala to help him return (...) in exchange for making his dream come true (・・・・・). Just let me hear the dream I had then ...... again!

　I bring up the promise of one day to get the words out of Rustyala.

　Rastiara gasped and stiffened. He seemed to remember that time.

　That night, behind the tavern.
　The time when the two of them had talked about their dreams together--

　I'm almost there.
　I take a step forward and raise my voice, little by little.

'I don't have a choice in the first place. Under the terms of the Agreement, I have to fulfill Rastiala's dream. You have helped me a lot in the labyrinth, so--

　Rustyala looks at it with moist eyes.
　But he still doesn't say anything.

　I need to sway my emotions more.
　I take a step further forward and move closer to Rastiara.

'I've heard that you have to become a saint tiara.' ......!　But I didn't hear that it was a "dream" to be a saintly tiara!　I never heard of it!

　I walk slowly, step by step on the carpet as knights, priests, and honored guests watch.

　One more word.
　If Rastiara says that one word, all the conditions to control the place will be met.

　Most importantly, I too - I can get rid of the regret of that time and fight without hesitation. And I would give it all up for you, and I would give it everything I had to help you.
　So please just tell me what you...

"Answer me, Rustyala!　Your real dream, plain and simple!　Now, here!

　If you raise your voice, you look like a bandit.
　Palinkron warned me.
　But I can't keep my voice down here.
　No, it's right that I don't anymore.

''Don't worry!　The deal isn't over!　If all of this is a hindrance to your dreams, then I'm going to destroy it all!　The price will just come back to me!

　That's all I've said.

　Now there's no turning back for me.
　I guess I'm a total Hoosier's adversary.

　There is nothing more I can say.
　All we have to do now is wait for Rastiara's answer.

　Rastiara is shaking.
　He's trying to get his voice out of his throat, but is interrupted by a sob boiling from the back of his throat.

　I know I'm confused. But answer me.
　That one word makes all the difference.

　Or was I mistaken in thinking that the magic would be lifted during the ritual?　Was 'The Girl There' and 'Rustyala' not in this world, and was 'The Made Lady' all that Rustyala was?

　I shake my head and shake it off, risking everything and continuing to stare at Rustyala.

'Wow, my ......, dream ......'

　Rustyala replies in a snatched voice.
　Then she looks back into my eyes with a faint smile.

''I dream of becoming a hero ...... and a saint tiara ......--''

　Rustyala continues to speak as if recalling something.

'Not -- not (・・・・). It's not. It's not what I longed to become (・・・・・・・・). The story of how to become a hero (・・・・) is my dream ......!

　That's right.
　It's no wonder.

　There was no way that Rustyala wanted the glory of vanity to fill her vanity. It was always the adventure that got her there that made her eyes shine. That's why even in the labyrinth, she was more concerned with the process than the outcome.

　Clearly, Rastiara continues to talk about her dreams.

'If I become 'Saint Tiara' here, my story is over ....... The few days I spent with Christ. In those only days, my dream is going to end ....... It's just a little ....... It's just a little bit of ......--

　Her shoulders tremble, her eyes moisten, and she turns over slightly as she talks about her dream.


''--Lonesome (...)


　That's all.
　It's all of Rastiara's - no, it's all of 'the girl there'.

　There is no longer a 'made girl' here, that's for sure.

　Rastiara continues to speak.
　She shouts with all her might to convey her thoughts to me.

''Rather than the soon to be over 'Saint Tiara'!　I like my story that's about to begin: ......!

　Saint Tiara's denial.
　Lastiara shouted it so that they could all hear it clearly.

　It was definitely a willingness to not accept this ritual.
　Now, all conditions have been met.
　In addition, my decision is now complete.

　--Oh, thank God.

　I was anxious.
　I was afraid that perhaps "Rustyala" and "Made Lady" might be the opposite.
　I had such a fear. But now I was relieved.

　I can safely break everything that has toyed with Rustyala in anger.

　I respond to Rustyala, who weakly stares at me, with a nod.　
　She also nodded back, smiling innocently.