Giggling, the girl laughs and lands on the ground, coming closer to me.

'Do you know each other?'

　Loewen saw the Lastiara Hoosiers' unmitigated power and her expression hardened.

'In case you're wondering, I know you: ....... I'll tell you.

　Stepping forward, I construct Dimension Decisive Arithmetic (Gradiate).
　However, the girl speaks to me in a cool - and very friendly manner.

'Have you become friends with the Guardian (Guardian) again?　You're still the same, Christ.

　There appears to be no wariness.
　However, it does not let down its guard. This is an opponent that has more than a little bit of experience with hostile action against 'Epic Seekers'. I don't know what he's going to do.

　I don't keep up with their pace and ask questions.

"Are you alone today?
Emotionally unstable Diah is away with Serah. She's on her own now.

　In response to a one-sided question, Rastiala Hoozeyers answered graciously.

　I let my guard down and asked my next question.
　It's a question I've always wanted to ask.

...... And what do you want?
Hmmm, purpose. Well, it has only one purpose. I want my people back.
Fellowship, hey .......

　I couldn't believe those words.
　If you combine it with what we talked about before, it means that the objective is me and Maria. But neither Maria nor I knew anything about them. They can't be our friends.

So, I'm going to register for the dance competition. It's a good idea to have a good time.

　Rustyala Hoosiers beckons us in, then shows us his back and tries to get inside the building. If it's true to their word, they plan to register inside.

　I wrinkle my brow and say, "Hey.　

"Hey. Why do I have to help you--
It's not you, Rustyala. You can see (・・・・), right?　You have to call me that. I'll call you Kanami, too.

　But it is interrupted by Rustyala's quiet voice.
　It's quiet, but it's a strong voice that doesn't say anything. Apparently, he can't stand being called 'you' by me.

...... Rustyala. There's no reason for me to help you.

　I decide that I don't mind at least calling him by his name and expressing my opinion.

'Hmmm, is that okay?　Not that I'd mind going on a rampage here?
"Is that what you think you're threatening me with: ......?
'I think that's an effective threat to Kanami,'

　Rastiara asserts.
　I certainly don't want to have to deal with her here. If we fight in the city center like this, the city will definitely be damaged. The girl in front of me is strong enough to be sure of that.

　As someone who works for Lauravia, I don't want the city to be in turmoil.

'Huh, okay ....... I'll help you.

　I follow Rastiara into the building.
　When Rustyala sees this, she looks happy and looks as if she's going to say 'just as I thought'. And, for some reason, Rowen also has a happy look on her face behind her. Am I being funny and am I being funny now?

　So I stand in line with the lady at the reception desk. She'll be kind enough to teach me a lot of things again.

　As Rastiara and I keep each other in check with our eyes, our turn comes around.
　Rastiara receives a piece of paper like we did, and fills out the necessary information on the paper with a familiar hand.

　The receptionist who receives it pales when she sees the contents.

''La, Rastiara Fuzzy Yards ......?''
Hi, Rustyala Foods Yards. Just sign up for a quickie.

　If you look closely, I think the receptionist's hand is shaking.

'Well, I'm going to ask you a strange question: ......, is this you, sir?'
'Of course. I wouldn't lie about my name. Unlike some guy.

　Rustyala turns to me. 'Somebody somewhere,' he seems to say, 'is me.

'Hey, who are you talking about? For the record, Aikawa Uzumi is not a fake name.

　It's off-putting to be looked at like that.
　In my life, I've never taken a false name.

'Yes, I have. It's not a pseudonym, that's the problem: ......

　Hearing that, Rustyala sighs with a dumbfounded look on his face.
　He's still the same guy who says things he doesn't understand.

　The receptionist's sister understands that it's her real name and continues to talk.

''Ka, you don't mind?　What a name with a first degree capture order in the Hoosier State, and what a registration: ......
I appreciate your concern. But I think it's unspoken in these competitions that they don't ask about the contestants' origins and background. It shouldn't be a problem.
'Yes, but ....... You are not of a different rank, or the circumstances are unique to .......

　From the flow of the conversation, it is clear that Rustyala Hoozeyers is a special kind of sinner. The fact that she's given a 'sama' despite being a sinner makes it seem more likely that she was originally a noble lady.

''No matter what the circumstances, the law doesn't apply within 'Vuarhuala' on the day of the 'Dancing Tournament', so it's okay, it's okay. Besides, it sounds interesting, right?　I'm in.
'It will be exciting, no doubt, but ....... I'm sure that the moment you leave Vualhuala after the "Dance Competition" is over, you will be surrounded by all the guards. Will you still be attending?
Yeah, I'll get Kanami to take care of that.

　Suddenly the conversation turns to me.
　Apparently, they think that I'm going to make enemies of all the Allied guards in order to help Rastiara.

　Impossible.
　I can't help but wonder how they came up with such an idea.

"Hey. Why don't I take care of it? I'm not going to take care of it.
'Oh no, I think I will, right?　I'm willing to bet on this one.
Well, I bet I don't.
Whoa. You're on, Kanami. So the loser will do whatever you say.
'I don't mind, I won't lose. I'd rather happily help the security guard out. Definitely.

　I lightly make a promise to Rustyala.
　She laughs cheerfully when she hears it.

　.............
　It's not quite what I was expecting.
　At first I thought he was dangerous, but after talking to him, I'm not so sure.
　Rather, it's the opposite.

　It's hard to put into words - but Rastiara and I fit together.
　It's a strange fit.

　Just talking with this girl makes my heart beat faster.
　Naturally, light words come out of her mouth, and the conversation is fun.
　It's as if--

''Silently ....... Certainly the 'Dance Competition' cannot refuse you. We will approve your registration. However, I believe the preliminary round will be in a venue for sinners.

　The receptionist, who had a difficult look on her face, nodded as if she had given up.

Yes, it's no problem. Thanks.

　Rastiara thanked the receptionist and finished registering for the event.

　We all leave the building together.
　And I question him about the reason for the event.

Why do you want to participate in the tournament?
It's not easy to get alone with Kanami, so I had to.
I mean, you can't just...
Yes, I want to have an uninterrupted fight with Kanami. And I'm going to destroy that weird bracelet.

　Rustyala points to my 'bracelet' with a cheerful smile.
　But what she's saying is boisterous.

''The 'bangles' at ......?''
I think that's the point. Snow made eye contact with me, too.

　Apparently, it's Snow's way of putting it together.
　Then I remember Snow's words, "That means I'm losing my memory of the past, and it's because of this bracelet.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time. I'm sure that's what you're trying to say.
That's what I mean.

　I exhale heavily and calmly analyze the information.

　--a hazy past. Repeated headaches. Inconsistent memories. Experiences I can't remember. Palinkron's attitude. Snow's words. The presence of Rastiara and Diablo Sith--

　Putting it all together creates a single assumption.

'Yeah (...). I suppose that's a possibility.
'Huh?　You're smarter than I thought.

　I don't believe the girl in front of me.
　It's the result of many human words combined.

　This is definitely a possibility that needs to be considered.
　I'll have to think about it.
　I know.
　I know, and yet--

'But a possibility is a possibility ....... It can't be, it's never going to be ......!

　For some reason, I don't feel like thinking about it.
　I don't want to take the 'bracelet' off.

　Like a curse (・・・・・・・), I can't face that idea seriously.

　I can't admit that it's all a lie.
　No, you don't want to admit it?
　Do I not want to believe that this world is a fiction?

　This world of convenience, spent with my beloved sister...

　The magical power circulating inside my body becomes blood like mud and binds everything about me.
　It's such an illusion. I feel sick as if my heart is being grabbed.

"I see.

　Seeing me in denial, Rustyala nodded sadly.

''I'm sorry, but I can't remove this 'bracelet'. It's more important than anything else. ......!

　My body muttered to itself.

　Oh, yes.
　This is.
　This world is.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do that.
　I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.

　--And that's why... ・・・・

"More important than anything. Well, then, I guess it can't be helped. I knew this was going to happen in the first place: ......

　Rustyala looks a little sad.
　But the next moment it changes to a sunny face and takes a step closer to me.

　I brace myself to protect my world.
　In response, Rastiara speaks kindly to me.

'Don't worry. I'm not going to do anything about it now. It's not a good idea to peck poorly and have a suicidal magic built in. When you take it off, you need to be more prepared: ......
Ready?
Diah must be in tip-top shape. The rest of the time, it's a situation no one can touch.
"And you call that situation a 'dance competition'?
''The 'Dancing Tournament' is in a state of antagonism, with the five nations holding each other in check. Even if you wanted to protect Kanami during the match, Lauravia couldn't move. If she moves and disrupts the tournament, she will give the other four countries a critical opportunity to win.

　Certainly, from what I've heard, the power relations between the countries in the "Dancing Tournament" will be complicated.

　It's a kind of three-way tie-up - no, it's a five-way tie-up, so no country can move easily.

So you want to fight fairly and squarely for your own wishes.
Yeah. So, I'm going to ask you to quickly bet your "bracelet" on it. Isn't it obvious?

　Pretty decent means.

　In a way, this is an anomalous duel offer.
　Rastiara is risking his own safety to get my bracelet. I've heard that it's a common practice in 'battle tournaments' to stake one's possessions. If you say, "I was prepared to participate in the tournament with the intention of getting caught for Kanami Aikawa's bracelets," there is a high possibility that you will not be able to resist the atmosphere of the venue.

　It's a decent and reasonable procedure.
　It was different from my image of Rustyala Foodsayers.
　I'm not sure I've ever heard of a more absurd method of getting things done.

　--There was one thing I didn't like about that too decent application: "But that's not what you're doing.

But that's assuming you're stronger than me, isn't it?

　That's what I think 'Rustyala Fuzzy Yards' can do to beat 'Aikawa Uzumi'.

''Hmm, I think it's a good match?　Unlike Kanami, who's good at covering up, I specialize in direct combat. Most importantly, my experience with opponents is different. These guys have a whole lot of battle theory in them, for one hero.
'That's an optimistic prediction. It's a nonsense idea that I'm so good at covering up that I'm not good at direct combat. In a legitimate fight, there's no reason for me to lose.

　For some reason, I didn't want to lose to the girl in front of me.
　I truly want to be stronger than the girl named Rastiara.

　It's like a child's heart that wants to dress up in front of the girl she loves.

　I stare at Rustyala with hostility so that she doesn't realize it.
　I'm not going to be able to get the same thing done.

　--We stare at each other and silence falls.

　Then another voice interrupts.
　It was Rowen.

''--Haha, that's an unexpected turn of events for me as well. I like the confidence you both have in yourselves. Very good. Yes, things are getting interesting. After all, there should be a place for swordsmanship in the competition.

　Loewen, who hadn't said anything because she guessed it was between acquaintances, starts to talk about her feelings, happy to see the story coming together.

　She appears to be buoyed by the unexpected appearance of a powerful enemy.
　Then he closes with a smirk and a confident look on his face.

''--But I'm sorry, but I'll take the win.

　He declared that he would not be defeated by me or by Lastiara.

　It was a solemn declaration, similar to a knight's oath.
　Along with the voice, an unidentified oppressive feeling hit me. Rowen's magic power is low. In other words, this oppressive feeling is not magic.

　I break out in a cold sweat as Rowen's unfathomable sense of intimidation overwhelms me.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not calling for a guardian right now. ......

　In contrast, Rustyala, not to be defeated, chuckles back.
　A ferocious magical power, symmetrical to Rowen's, envelops the area. It's simple and straightforward, hence the terrifying oppression. I can't stop sweating at that vicious magic power.

'............'

　Then, after the standoff, there is a second silence.

　.............
　In the silence, Rustyala and Rowen's eyes flickered to us.

　Do I have to say something about this, too? .......

　The two grinning, apparently only seem to be expecting it.
　It was perfectly clear from "Dimension Decisive Arithmetic (Gradient)" that they were paying attention to us even as they stared at each other.

　From the flow of things, maybe I should also deploy Dimension Winter (Di Winter) to create a chilling oppressive feeling.

　However, if you expect me to do that, it's hard to do the opposite.
　Hence, I didn't say anything and watched the two of them stare at each other.

'............'

　The silence continues to flow.
　Unable to bear it, Rustyala calls out to me, dripping sweat.

''...... Ho, ho, ho. Do you have anything from Kanami?
No, not really. ......?
'Oh, I'm not in a good mood!　Hey?

　Rustyala asks Rowen to agree.

'Yes. All that good flow has been halted.'

　Rowen nodded and followed Rustyala to give me a no-no.

　I didn't think it was a betrayal.　
　These two should have met for the first time now. However, they are unusually close.
　Maybe there is something in common. In a bad way.

　After that, the tense atmosphere dissipated and we laughed at each other.

　I didn't let my guard down at the very least, but that guard was slowly fading.
　Then, after talking about trivial matters, he said, "Well then, I'm busy too, so I'll be leaving soon. Don't die until the 'Dancing Tournament', both of you," said Rustyala, and left.

　He moved on the roof and was still fast as ever.
　I quickly make sure that she disappeared until she was out of the reach of the Dimension, and I let my guard down to a minimum.

　Next to me, Rowen was excited about the unexpected enemy.
　She seems to be looking forward to the time when she fights Rastiara.

　Thus, my second encounter with Rastiara was safely over.


　◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　After registering for the tournament, we return to Epic Seeker's headquarters.

　I didn't see Snow and the others in the office, so I used Dimension to locate them. We found people gathered in Maria's room upstairs, so we moved on.

''Ah. Welcome back, big brother.
Welcome back, my brother.
...... is finally back.

　When I entered that room, I was greeted with three different words.
　It was a bizarre sight. Each of them had a stick needle in their hands and were knitting while rolling a ball of yarn.

　I walked up to Snow and asked her what was going on.

'What's going on?'
I tried to do something about it at ...... and ended up knitting.

　Then Snow shows me the yarn in her hand.

'Why, knitting ......?'
...... because it's the only thing I can do there besides fight.

　Two scarves that would have been completed fell around Snow.
　By the way, Maria and the Reaper are finally about to complete one.

　Apparently, Snow was teaching them both to knit, a special skill.
　Perhaps it was unavoidable. The purpose of this is to calm down the Reapers who are bored with picture books.

'Wow, so you're good at knitting, aren't you, Snow?
...... I used to practice a bit back in the day.

　Snow turns away in embarrassment.
　But you can tell by looking at the finished product that it's no more than "a little practice".

　I pick up the scarf Snow has made and look at it. There are two scarves, one with a striped pattern and one with a checkered pattern. They look good enough to be sold.

I don't need ......, I'll give it to you. It.
Yeah, can you give me that?

　Snow says while turning away.
　But no matter how much he turns away, the 《Dimension》 makes it clear that Snow is embarrassed to say it.

'...... I'm not cold, and I'm not cold. I have a surplus.
I appreciate it. Thank you.

　I wrap the checkered scarf around me and put the rest in my 'belongings'.

'Oh, brother. I'll give you mine.

　The Reaper, who was watching me, shouts out.
　From a little distance, he tosses me a just-completed scarf.

　The Reaper, like Snow, doesn't need a scarf.
　The only thing she can wear is her own constructed magical clothing.

''Thanks.''

　He received a poorly made scarf and thanked her lightly.

Nee, brother. Please accept mine too.

　And then Maria comes along for the ride.

'Yeah, you should use it yourself, Maria. Snow and the Reaper only gave it to me because I never had to use it myself--
No. Please take it.

　When I tried to reasonably decline, Maria smiled and repeated the same words.

'-- Oh, yes. Thank you.

　I accept Maria's scarf, overwhelmed by the pressure I feel from that smile over Rustyala and Rowen.

　Maria is blind. She still wears a bandage on her head.
　But the scarf is a well-made scarf that doesn't bear that handicap. I knew she was good with her hands, but I didn't think she'd go this far.

　As I received the scarf, Rowen behind me was looking at me with envy.
　Rowen coughed and approached the Reaper.

'Reaper, don't you have mine?'
'What?　Why do I have to give it to Rowen?

　Rowen's modest hopes were cut short by the Reaper.

'Wait, wait, wait. You've known me longer than Kanami, haven't you?　There should be some for me in the normal course of events.
'What?　Because Rowen is the enemy, right?
'Well, that's ridiculous ....... Funny .......

　Rowen wrinkled his brow and looked seriously frustrated.
　It's like an older brother who didn't get anything from his beloved sister on his birthday. It's so understandable.

　I say to the unhappy Rowen, "I'm sorry about that.

"I'm sorry about something.
I'm used to it. ......
I'm used to it: ......

　Immediately, Rowen looks up. She's used to this kind of predicament.
　That makes it all the more sad.

　I guess that's what Rowen's life has been like to this day, and I put my hand on her shoulder.

I'll make you a scarf later. I'm good at this sort of thing.
Thank you, Kanami: ....... After all, it's a friend to have .......

　Before I knew it, I had been upgraded to a friend.
　Me and Rowen laughed bitterly at each other and confirmed our friendship.

　Little by little, I began to understand Rowen's personality.
　She is sincere and mature, but has a somewhat childlike personality. She has some harsh words for the Ripper, but there is an unmistakable gentleness at the core of her personality. He's a person worthy of trust.

　--worthy of trust, 'person'.

　It would be difficult to see Rowen as a guardian (Guardian) -- as a monster -- anymore. I reaffirm this as we laugh at each other.

　But it shouldn't be a problem.
　Although I will fight with Rowen in the "Dance Tournament", we will not kill each other.

　We'll stay human to human and give Rowen what she wants and have her come to fruition.
　I don't need to see Rowen as a monster to do that.

　Hence, I laugh without a care in the world.

　No problem.
　It shouldn't be a problem: .......
　For some reason, I couldn't get rid of my deepest fears .......