After that, I continued to formulate a plan to remove the 'bracelet' in the semi-finals.

　I think I'm getting to know Sera-san a little better as we talk.
　However, I can't bear the thought of Snow hearing all of this because I'm worried.

　And at the end of the conversation, Rustyala said something that made me feel even more uneasy.

''--Then, Kanami. Go play with Dia.
What?
Also known as a "date.
'No, no, no, wait. You don't have time for that, do you?

　It's too abrupt to make sense.

'It's necessary to destroy the 'bangles', so come on, get ready to go.
What do you mean, "need"?
'We need Kanami to be exhausted by the time of our match with her. A sleepless and exhausted Kanami is more likely to pull off the plan, right?
''If the 'bracelet' makes them fight back on their own, does that mean they'll be weakened until they can't fight back?
'Yeah. I'm going to have you in great shape for the semifinals, so keep that in mind.

　I know what I'm going for.
　It makes sense, too.
　Rastiara does not underestimate the influence of the 'bracelet'.

　He even thinks that even if they are unconscious, if the "bracelet" becomes dangerous, the person equipped with it will move on their own. If you think about it on that basis, it's reasonable.

　Even so, in a tournament, a place where you can't start over, the act of getting out of shape instead of adjusting to a strong enemy makes me resist.

But if you do that, there's a chance I'll lose the third and fourth rounds. Are you okay?
'Hmmm, looking at the tournament table, I think I'm okay.'

　Rustyala says comfortably as he looks at the tournament table.

'The ones to watch out for are Snow and guardian (guardian) Rowen. These are the only two. Snow will hit us, and Rowen is on the opposite side of the entry block from us. If Kanami goes in order, I guess we'll hit the ...... "Seven Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights)" team and the guild "Supreme" team, this one. Neither of them are much of a big deal, so a Kanami weakening strategy is possible.

　I look at the front page as well as Rustyala.
　They both know each other.

　The leaders are Persiona Quager and Elmirad Siddharq.
　They're the highest ranking knight team in Hoozeyards and the highest ranking guild team in Lauravia.

''It's no big deal. ...... They're both the highest level in the country ......?
'Sure, it's probably one of the best humans out there, but ....... If you're dealing with someone who hasn't stopped being human, you're fine and fine.

　Rastiala doesn't seem to be interested in both teams.
　I seriously don't think they're a good match.

'Well, does that mean you're saying we're quitting being human?
...... well. The stage on which you're standing is different. At the end of the day, this tournament is nothing more than a battle between four teams that have stopped being human.

　With a slightly sad look on his face, Rustyala goes on to name the team.

'There are four teams: us, Kanami, Snow, or the Guardians (guardians). Without a doubt, only one of them can win. Well, the people who participated this year are miserable. They got caught up in a substandard conflict.
'I know Rowen, but Snow ......?　Isn't the 'most powerful' brother more dangerous than that?

　As far as his status was concerned, Glenn-san was more dangerous.
　Besides, I wouldn't underestimate his experience until he rose to the 'strongest' level. I think I'm the one to be most careful about.

''Well, the next best thing is that Glenn is also pretty strong there, but ....... Hmm, is that ......?　Could it be that Kanami has never seen Snow in earnest?

　However, Rastiara's opinion of Glenn was strangely low.
　And it confirms the difference in perceptions about Snow's strength.

'Seriously ......?　No, I don't, but ......

　I've always taken Snow's place.
　Because of that foolishness, I've never seen her fight for real.

'Then I think you'll find out in this 'dance competition'. That Snow is the only one who can reach us.

　Rastiara had an unusually serious look on his face.

　Looking at the status alone, Rastiara was far higher than Snow. Even so, it seems that there is something in Snow that can erase the margin from her.

I'd like to see you prepare a well-equipped Dia for the time when you fight Snow. Come on, let's go get a quick change of scenery.

　Then Rustyala's expression falters and he tries to send us off.

　Before we knew it, Diah had moved to the next room and started to prepare for our outing. She doesn't know why we're going out to play, but she seems to be in favor of going out to play.
　It's not like she's going to argue with me.

'Yeah, so why do you want to go to ...... for a change?'
'...... It'll put Dear in a good mood, and Kanami will get tired. Two birds with one stone, right?　It's very important that Dia's mental state is in tip-top shape during the Snow fight. You at least know that magic can affect your mental state.

　Rastiara pulls her face closer and says to me in a small voice.

'If you just want to calm your mind, isn't there another way to do it: ......?
No. It's the best thing for Dear. I don't think Kanami (...) would understand.

　Rastiala emphasized 'Kanami'. As long as I'm not 'Christ', I have no words to return.
　I'll take Rastiara's word for it, as I'm sure he's known Dia-chan and 'Christ' for a long time.

'And if we can catch Snow well, we can disqualify him before the main game.

　With an evil look on his face, Rustyala laughs.
　Maybe that's the real deal.

'If you say so much, I will ....... I'm sure Rastiara knows the situation better than anyone else .......
Okay, that's it. Okay, I'll go coordinate Dia's outfit then.

　With that, Rustyala moved happily to the next room and the next room.
　Then I am left alone with Sera-san.

　Sera-san lets out a grand sigh and comes closer to me.

I have no choice. Then I'll coordinate your outfit. Since you're going to be escorting Lady Dia, you have to be dressed accordingly. ......
'Oh, yes. Please.
'Huh ....... Why should I have to coordinate with a man or anything else ......
Excuse me.

　Then, thanks to Sera's brilliant coordination, he was dressed like a knight of the Hooziers. He doesn't have any weapons, but his uniformed appearance with clean and expensive looking items would make anyone look like an upper class person.
　Thus, Dia and I went out to "Vualhura" to play.

　I also say we were kicked out.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　Me and Dia-chan had come to one of the theater ships in 'Vualhura'.

　When we parted ways, Rustyala reminded me to never act alone. It seems that since there is the matter of Snow, we should at least work in pairs.

　So I'm always trying to keep an eye on Dia-chan. She missed me strangely, so that in itself was easy.

　But I'm troubled by the fact that she's holding my hand and won't let go of it at any time.
　What was I thinking about in the past when I made such an innocent and dangerous girl miss me so much? I'm very curious.

　Her attire had been changed to a party dress that resembled a dress, much to Rastiara's liking. Just before we left, Diah had hated that frilly outfit, but in the end, she had been defeated by Rastiara's forcefulness.
　It was pushy, but I must say that its coordinated white color was brilliant. It went well with Dea's white skin and golden hair, and attracted the attention of many people. By the way, her shipshape is well disguised by the coordinated Las Tiaras. Thanks to the loose sleeves, it would be impossible to notice her from a distance.

　I, who is always holding hands with such a special beautiful girl, also stands out.
　From the color of her hair, there will be no excuse for her family. I'm embarrassed in every sense of the word. But I have no choice but to put up with it. That's my role now.

　And now we had just finished watching a play.
　As we walked out of the theater, Dia spoke to me with a big smile on her face.

"Well, that was hot, Kanami!
Hot?　Oh, you mean the play. Yes, it was a royal and passionate story. It was an interesting play that really shows what a warrior's life is all about.
I'm glad you liked it. It was one of the best heroic tales I know, and this was one of the ones I recommended.
'Huh, Dear, you like heroic tales, don't you?

　It was a hobby that didn't suit her pretty appearance. However, after it was decided that they were going to play, Dear decided immediately on a heroic play. There was no hesitation at all, even though there was a whole range of other romantic plays that the girls seemed to like.

'Dia-chan ......?'

　Diah's smile shades a bit when she hears me call her.
　Her grip on my hand tightens a little.

'Was it bad to call her Changs?'
'I'd prefer to call it ...... no, I'm still fine with it. It's (...) fine for now.
...... Okay. I will.

　In the past, I may have called her "Dear" in the past.
　I don't want to interfere with Dia-chan's attempt to distinguish between the two, so I'll continue to call her 'Dia-chan' honestly.

I'm not going to be able to get away with it. What's next?
Well, next up is ......

　Diah frowned, "Mmmm," as she wondered where to go next.
　Her appearance is childlike and adorable.

　Combined with her outward beauty, she catches the eyes of people on the street. And after looking at Dia-chan with a smiling face, they turn to me next.
　I'm still a contestant in the 'Dancing Tournament'.
　People who have seen one of the matches in the north area talk to me from time to time. As we walk around the theater ship, we're a sight to behold.

　I'm really uncomfortable with the admiration, jealousy, strangeness, curiosity, and all sorts of eyes.
　On the other hand, Diah doesn't pay attention to her surroundings at all. Maybe she's used to these kinds of eyes because of her innate beauty.

　I'm not good at standing out, so I wanted Dia-chan to be a little more quiet. However, when I see her enjoying herself, I can't say anything.
　To put it bluntly, there's also the fact that I'm afraid that she might go crazy over a little thing.

''--Oh, so that story is a play too!　Kanami, let's go this way next time!　This one's funny, too!
Wait, Dear. But first, let's have dinner. This theater ship looks like it's hooked up to the dining room ship.

　I keep looking at the theater and my sense of time is starting to lose track of it, but when I check the outside of the ship on the Dimension, it's already dark.
　So I suggest a meal for a short break.

...... right. We can have dinner around here. Speaking of which, is Kanami allowed to eat?　Weakening to the limit, right?
'Oh, come to think of it, you're right: ....... Then I'll just leave the water for me: ......
You know, I feel bad about that. ......
'No, don't worry about it. I'm the one who's asking for the 'bangles'. I'll put up with this much.
That's not true, Kanami!　We're not doing this because we're asked to. We're doing this because we want to help Kanami!

　Apparently, that was a point that Dearie couldn't afford to make a mistake.
　And I was already well aware of that. Ever since the day we met, Dia-chan has been trying to help "Christ". She has never been asked by anyone, but of her own volition.　
　I sense that clear and untrue goodwill and I feel a little warmed by it.

'I see. ....... Thanks, Dia, ....... You and I were really buddies, weren't we?
'Yeah, me and 'Christ' were buddies. We both got hurt in one layer of the labyrinth and we started working together. To me, Christ was my first mate, my best buddy. ......
Two, or ....... Hey, did I have a family then?
Family?　No, I heard you came to the Confederacy from far away by yourself?
Yes, .......

　From what I've heard, Dia is my first companion, but I don't see my sister's shadow there.
　I know I'm lost in another world by myself.

What's wrong with ......?
'Oh, I knew there was one 'Christ'. I wanted to make sure of that.
...... different. Christ isn't alone. I'm here. No matter what happens, I'll be right next to Christ for sure!
'I see, 'Christ' was a happy one. To have such a pretty girl to adore.
Okay, pretty?　Eh, no, that's not true, Kanami. I'm not, you know--

　Seeing me in a state of despondency, Dia-chan tries her best to cheer me up.
　It soothes my troubled mind.
　I've loosened my mind, and I've been talking to her as if she were trying to seduce me.

　Catching Dia-chan's embarrassment, I feel my face growing hotter too.　
　Just as I begin to think about how to deceive her, I catch a voice I've heard before in 《Dimension》.

''--Lagne-san, it's so trivial!　Be more ladylike and moderate!

　Is it more of a 'tone of voice' that I've heard before?

'Yeah, eh?　Can't I buy and eat?　That would take the fun out of it here: ......

　The voice in response to it is also a characteristic 'tone of voice'.
　The two people with the characteristic tone of voice come closer to me while arguing.

''If you're hungry, I'll show you a good place to eat. Please bear with me until there.
'No, these things are delicious because you eat the ones you see on the spot.　I mean, I'm not a fan of well-behaved food at high-end restaurants before that: ......
'That's because you're not used to the upper-class atmosphere, Lagune. It's a good opportunity. From now on, I'll make sure that he has the manners of the upper class.
What?　I'm just wondering if you'd like to give me a break on that. ......
Come on, let's go!　It's only a short walk from here!
I'm not listening to you. The first time I saw her, I was in the same boat as her, but she was no less troublesome.

　A young lady with blonde twin-tails was pulling on the hands of a girl with short hair.
　They were Franlle Helvirshain and Ragne Kaikwola.

　As I recall, they were the same group of girls who called me 'Christ'.
　If we interacted, we might make progress on the 'bracelet' or memory.

　But soon I'm reminded of this.
　It's better to focus on Rastiara's plan for now. Unnecessary irregularities are a recipe for disaster. That's also a major accident.

　And that blonde twin-tailed girl is strangely difficult to deal with for some reason. I want to distance myself from her on an unconscious level, is it something that happened between me and her in the past?

　I was about to pull away from Dia's hand to get some distance, when Ragne Kaikwola turns her eyes towards me.

''--Hmm?''

　In this crowd, she's found us precisely.

　I'm surprised.
　Using the 《Dimension》, we're finally at a distance where we can find her.

　Ragne Kaikwola's magic power isn't moving, she knows with the 《Dimension》. She had good instincts, just like Rowen.

　She has the skill 'Magic Power Materialization'. Also, I think she has a vaguely similar atmosphere to Rowen. Maybe it's a distant relative of Rowen's.
　I wonder if that blood had a power similar to the skill 'sensitivity' latent in it.

　Ragne Kaikwola's face brightened, and on the contrary, she pulled Franlure Helvilleshain to come over here.
　Then he greeted me in a friendly manner.

''Hi, hi, kidnapper brother.''
'...... I see you again. But I'd like you to stop being a kidnapping brother. Um, lagne, girl?

　The eyes of the people around me turned dubious.
　It's unfashionable because I'm holding back Dia-chan now.
　I chuckle and resent my past deeds.

I'm just kidding. I'm not serious. It's like they're pretending it didn't happen. The top brass seems to have put their reputation and business interests ahead of their own. So now I can talk to my brother without any hesitation. How about going out to dinner with him since we've just met?
Um, I'm sorry, but I'm just...

　I try to say no to them in favor of Dia.
　The more I think about it, the more I realize that they are my next opponent.

''Oh!　Christ, it's me. I'm Franlle Helvirshain!

　But I wasn't allowed to finish saying that.

'Well, um, is it okay if it's been a while ......?　Franlure, chan?

　She calls me 'Christ'. I don't try to correct that anymore.

　However, when I talk to me and my past acquaintances, I'm always confused about what to call her.
　I choose "changs" because Lagne is visibly younger than I am, but she is risqué in front of me.

　She looked just a bit younger than me, so I tried the 'chan-name' again.

'Oh, ah, ......!　After all, Christ remembered me, didn't He? And I'm so touched that he calls me "Franllewelyn" in a friendly way!　I'll interpret that as a shortening of the distance!
'Oh, is that ......?'

　I guess I made the wrong choice.
　Apparently, I didn't 'channellate' her before. It's not always the same with the past me.

''If you don't mind, would you like to have dinner with me from now on?　We'll treat you to the finest food here at Vualhura!
'No, no thanks. ....... I have a companion, and .......
Don't be shy. Come on, come on.

　I tried to say no softly, but Flanlure wouldn't listen to me.
　Dia-chan, who couldn't bear to watch, intervenes.

"--Wait. What do you think you're doing? Kanami is going to see the play with me from now on.

　Inevitably, Diah and Franlleurre form a staring contest.

'Oh, you're ......?'
It's just Dear. No family name.

　Diah glares at me, her eyes sharp.
　I look at the missing arm for a moment. But he quickly deflects it away. It seems she was so concerned that she pretended she didn't see it.

'It is. ...... you, I don't know where I've seen you before or since.
I've never seen a guy as funny as you.
Mmm, that's a rude kid: ......
I'm not a kid!　Probably as good as you!
And you don't use language. You're acting like a boy, aren't you?
I'm in the right place!　I don't need you to tell me what to say about my language!

　From my point of view, I'm the only sane person in the room with decent language. But I'm afraid they all seem to think they're the only sane person in the room.

'No, it's not right at all. A beautiful face is ruined ....... If you want, I can teach you how to use the language, if you like.
You want me to take that strange tone of voice ......?
Very elegant language, isn't it?
Let's go, Kanami. Let's go now. My head is hurting from talking to this guy anymore.

　Diah pulls away from me and turns to leave the scene.
　I bow my head lightly.

'Wow, sorry, but we were about to go see a play. We'll have dinner another time: ......
Well, then, I'm going to stay with you to see the play!　Come to think of it, I'm not much hungry!

　But he took my other hand and stopped me.

'Don't follow me!'

　Reflexively, Dia-chan shouts out.
　Ragnet, who was watching the scene, quietly admonishes Franloule.

''...... Fran-chan. We've been invited to the central ball, right?　I have to eat dinner and head straight for it. I don't have time to watch a play.
'There's a liner in there, you'll be fine!　But more importantly, it's Christ now!
'What?　Are you serious?
'We don't have a Chancellor right now, so this is our chance!　As a fellow maiden, help me out, Mr. Ragne!
Hmmm, hmmm, I guess it's okay if you're here, Reiner. ......?
"Rainer's pretty handy. Come on, Christ. We have a few minutes to spare, so I'll join you.

　Apparently, he's ready to push his brother (Reiner) to take care of his business and follow him as is.
　From his shining eyes, you can see the spirit of not leaving no matter what.

"Well, well, isn't that defeating the purpose ......?

　Walking around with this wishy-washy girl would be exhausting in and of itself.
　In that sense, she may be the person I need right now.

　The moment I let go of Dia-chan's hand to agree to go with her...

The 'Christ': ......

　-- as far as only I can see next to me, Dia-chan's condition changes.

　Dia-chan called out the name of the example in a whisper and grabbed the hem of my clothes. The force was so strong that it almost made me fall backwards.

　I look at Dia-chan's face with a start.
　She looks down, but I can tell by the 《Dimension》. Her eyes have become empty and she is about to return to the state of frenzy she was in earlier.

　Then, he continues to mutter in a really small voice.

''Christ'' has to be protected by me ......, and this time it will be me ......!

　Immediately, I grabbed Dia-chan's hand again and spoke to her in a whisper so that only she could hear.

...... Oh, calm down, Dear.
You have to go to ....... Otherwise, again, far away. Far, far away ....... "The 'Christ'--
No, no. I'm not Christ, I'm Kanami. I'm Kanami: ......!
...... Kanami?

　Hearing my words, Diah looks very strange, and after a few moments, her face changes to one that looks like she's realized something very sad.
　Then she takes a few deep breaths and replies calmly and slowly.

'Oh, I see. ....... It's not 'Christ' now, is it? It's not 'Christ', it's Kanami .......

　Dear let go of my hand.

　Her one and only hand has lost its grip. It looks so lonely, and even now I want to say that I am the 'Christ'. But I can't do that.
　I just can't do that.

　Dia-chan looks up and forces a smile.

'Haha, sorry. I was confused, Kanami. It's all right now. It's okay. ......

　Then, as if it were nothing, he acknowledges the accompaniment of Flanlure and the others and walks off.

'Now, to what theatre are you going!　If you'd like, I can show you my recommendations!

　The quick-tempered Flanlure was leading the way, with his back to her. I don't think she noticed a shred of frustration from Dia-chan.

　However, I think only Lagne-chan was watching the whole thing. But she didn't say anything. I don't know if she heard me and was paying attention or if she was just whispering too much to hear me.
　He smiled a little and followed behind the tomboyish Franlleure.

　Thus, we ended up watching the play with Franlleure, who was walking with great enthusiasm.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　It was decided that the four of them would go to see a play together, but then it took them a great deal of time to choose a play.

　Dia-chan and Franloule were in great disagreement over whether to see a heroic tale or a romantic play. Dia-chan said, "We're here to see a heroic tale! I insisted, "You're late, Dear!　There's a love play between a man and a woman in vogue among the aristocracy right now, so that should do it! It was returned to them.

　After a long argument, we eventually settled on a play that took a break between our two opinions.
　It was a relief to have just the right one. Thanks to the unusually high number of plays in "Vualhura".

　When I tried to get a ticket for the play, Flanlure, from somewhere, secured a seat for the honored guest. I knew her name was Helvilleshain, but she seemed to be quite a lady after all.

　And we watch the play from our special seats.
　At first, both Dea and Flanliulet seemed unhappy with the play, which was not what they wanted, but they soon became engrossed in it. Maybe they were fine with anything to do with the play.

　At the same time, it was a relief.
　I was worried about what would happen to Diah as she let go of my hand, but it didn't seem to change much.
　She's watching the play with her eyes shining with Franlure.

　However, Lagne-chan, who is watching right behind me, doesn't seem to be having much fun.
　She is just watching the play as if she were watching the news. It seems that theater is not my hobby.

　And so the time of the play passed with a clear difference in temperature.
　The content of the play was conventional, but Dia and Franlleh seemed satisfied with it. After the play was over, they stood up and were excited, and when they were leaving, they even started discussing the play together.

　They were also talking about the play on the way to the restaurant.

'-- I can't have our hero throwing his life away in there. If you have a loved one waiting for you, you should have done whatever you had to do to get home.
'No, Franlure. That was a scene I could never pull off as a man. So that was it.
It couldn't be better. That's not good for the woman left behind. It's just a man's complacency.
You don't understand, it's also romantic. Don't you think it's a beautiful way to end a relationship?
'You and Dear will never understand each other. It's true that beauty is important, but it's not everything. In fact, I'm not convinced that two people in love with each other don't have a happy ending!
Really?　More often than not, life doesn't work out. I like it better when it doesn't have a happy ending because it's more convincing to me--

　Through the same hobby, we had become friends before long.
　It's a change from when we met, and it's more congenial.

　I had the impression that Dia-chan was a dangerous child who was dependent on 'Christ', but my impression of her is slowly changing. If I wasn't involved, she would be very normal.

　When I was watching it from behind, Lagune-chan, who had been silent until now, called out to me.

''--big brother,''

　The volume of his voice is so exquisite that the two people in front of me can't hear him.
　Apparently, it's a story they want me to hear alone.

　Ragne speaks with a serious expression on her face.

''Brother, I need to talk to you about tomorrow's game. ......
Tomorrow's game?

　I'm surprised when he talks about the "Dance Tournament".

"I want you to be absolutely sure not to let your guard down for tomorrow's match. I'm asking you to be serious.
...... Suddenly, you're serious. I was hoping you guys didn't realize I was your next opponent.
No way. I've lost to my brother twice in a row. The only opponent in this tournament is your brother.
'Heh, heh: ......'

　I'm apparently on a two-game winning streak against the girl in front of me.
　Because of that, it seems that I've been recognized as a good opponent. I nodded my head, wondering about my past deeds.

''So in order for tomorrow's match to go smoothly, don't we need to set some rules here?
Rules?　I don't mind. ......
Probably, the president plans to play three against one without reservation. Also, the rule I want to play is 'drop your weapon'.
Hmm, they're both fine, I don't mind. It's a standard rule, so I can't complain about it.
That's good. And this is the most important thing, but please don't bet anything.
"Don't bet anything on it: ......?

　I nod my head at the unexpected request.

I have a bad feeling about this. I have a bad feeling about this. Before that happens, I want you to declare clearly that you won't bet anything. Just in case, I ask you to ignore any provocation.
'Come to think of it, you mentioned it before. Mr. Perciona said I'd be a knight in shining armor of the Hoosiers: ......
I'm sure the top brass told him to bring Aikawa Kanami to the Hoosiers. If my brother comes to the Foodsayers, there will be a big problem. So don't take it on any terms.

　Easily, Ragnet revealed the story behind Foozeyards to me.

''Wow, okay, ....... But you're also a 'Celestial Knights' guy, right?　Don't you have to cooperate with Mr. Perciona?
I'm a friend of the young lady and Sera-senpai before I'm a Celestial Knight. I think the two of them would be in trouble if their brother was caught by the Hoosiers, so I gave them some advice.
'Miss ......?'
It's a company called Rustyala Foodsayers.
'Oh, I see. I'm good friends with those two.
It's a bit like childhood friendships. But our positions have changed and we are enemies now. ......

　Little by little, I began to see the situation of the girl in front of me.
　The fact that she speaks to me strangely is probably because she's worried about those two. To her, Lastiara and Sera-san are friends who want to help her, even if it means rebelling against her boss, Perciona-san.

　She sensed that warm friendship and nodded vigorously.

''I understand. I'll never go along with Perciona-san's intentions. I won't embarrass Lastiara and Sera-san. I promise.

　Hearing that, Ragne-chan flushed.

''Thank you.''

　Then she starts walking in front of me, looking relieved.
　It's like she's been waiting for the right moment to tell me this story all along. Her steps are light, as if she's just lifted a heavy burden.

　I try not to be left behind by the three people in front of me as I walk.
　Before I knew it, Dia-chan and Franlure's conversation, which could be heard from the front, had flown to a strange place.

''--Oh, are you really able to use a sword with such a small body?''
'Don't lick it, I used to learn this in the House of Alais. It's as good as Hellville Shine.
At the Alais house?　That sounds interesting. Well then, let's go to an empty arena next time, shall we?
I'm going to rip you to pieces, Blondie.
I know you're a blonde too. ......

　The two of them had gotten along well with each other, and had changed their destination to the arena.
　Since there were no fights at night, they could rent an empty place. There they were going to show each other's skills.
　Apparently, the story of the heroes had flown off and fallen into a discussion of swordplay.

''Oh, that's right!　Christ!　If you don't mind, I'd like to see some of Christ's power, too!
'What?　Yeah, not really, but ......

　I nod my head as he abruptly turns the conversation around.

'Good for you!　I couldn't help but wonder how much stronger Christ has become since then!
Not me. I'm a knight who becomes extremely vulnerable when exposed.

　Ragné-chan declines to be a quickie.
　If you think about it, you'll be revealing your hand before the next fight. I regret my rash remark, and with a bitter smile, I head to the arena.

　I couldn't say no to Dia-chan, who was standing next to me with a glint in her eye, so I couldn't say no now.

　Afterwards, we had a mock fight in the arena.
　I took it easy and won it all, but Dia-chan's record was terrible.
　On top of all the losses, I didn't see any chance of winning until the end.

　In terms of status, it wasn't much different from Franloure, but the overwhelming difference was there.
　From Dia-chan's sword, one could see the traces of a good amount of effort. However, her sense of handling the sword is hopeless.

''Dia ....... Well, don't you know, don't you, .......
Oh, shut up!　Try again!　I may not be able to beat Kanami, but I will beat you!

　On the contrary, he was being cared for by Flanruele.
　The difference in talent was absolutely too much in this different world.

　There were more than ten mock battles between Dia-chan and Franlure, but Dia-chan's sword never reached her.
　A frustrated Dia-chan also competed with Franlleure with other weapons, such as a spear, but she lost all of them.

　I had a hint of it, but Dia-chan is devastatingly bad at using her body.

'd*mn, why can't I win ......!

　Dia-chan swears and squirms with her exhausted body.
　It looks like this long battle is finally over.

　It was almost midnight, so we decided to break up.

　As we part ways, Franlure speaks with Dear Dear with an unusually serious look on her face.

''-- You knew that I was Helvirshine, but you didn't change your attitude at all until the end.
Of course not. There's no courtesy in showing a spoiled little b*tc* like you.
...... It's quite a sight to see. When you realize that you can't live with that childish sword, ask for me, and I will make you my maid of honor. I'll make you my maid of honor, okay?
That will never happen. I'd rather die than be your handmaiden.

　Although they are swearing at each other, they are both laughing at each other.
　I felt it was similar to the relationship between me and Rustyala.

　As I was looking at the two of them, trapped in a strange sensation, Ragne-chan muttered dumbly from the side.

...... Fran-chan, I didn't realize that Sith-sama was an 'apostle' of the Levantine religion until the very end. I'm sure I've seen it from a distance though...
The 'Apostle' ......?

　Ragne Kaikwola called Dia-chan 'Sith-sama'. As I recall, it was 'Diablo Sith' on the status screen, so there was no doubt about it.
　However, I had never heard the word 'Apostle' after that.

''Oh, could it be that your brother is with Sith-sama without knowing anything about him?''
No, I'm not with you. You must have known.
'Hm. ....... I see your brother has his own situation. Anyway, please give my regards to the young lady and Sera-senpai. I still love you both. Please just tell them that. --I like your brother to a certain extent, too.
I don't need that kind of follow-up. --I'll certainly pass on the message.

　Ragne conveyed her fondness with a friendly smile.
　I shrugged it off, turning my face away.

　Then we parted at the end of Franlure's cheerful voice.

'Then, Christ-sama, Dear!　Here we go again!

　When we were leaving, Dia-chan, who was walking next to me, only talked about Franlleure.
　I was worried that she didn't seem to have many friends, but she seems to be able to socialize with people.

　We were relieved to find that we had accomplished the request that Rastiara had asked us to make, and we left.