It's the second day since I arrived in the Great Sacred City.
　I wake up in a room in a mansion in the underground city that is under lockdown.
　I woke up in a place I hadn't expected on the boat trip before arriving, and immediately headed to the hall to meet up with my friends.

　Today we're going to the Legacy family's villa.
　I consulted with everyone in the hall about what to do with that group, and the first thing Rustyala did was to take a curled-up Nosfi on her lap and say, "I'm with Nosfi-chan! And he wanted to stay home. As I told you last night, it seems that I'm going to stay with Nosfi while I'm in this great holy city.

　Everyone else is pretty much the same as yesterday, and once we divide the personnel to watch Nosfi and protect Yotaki, the only ones left will be me and Ragne-chan.

　Or rather, it's also because Rustyala has promised to interact (and play) with everyone at the mansion today, so it's hard to force them out. According to their plans, they're all going to cook together today. They are talking about competing to see who can cook the best, and Maria is a bit breathless.

　Rustyala, Dea, Maria, Snow, and the Reapers will be standing in the kitchen together, fussing and playing and laughing as they cook. I'm sure there will be ...... fun-loving Nosfies in the mix there, too.

　I had no choice but to invite a companion who seems to be relatively unfriendly to Nosphy.

'-- What about Rainer?　Aren't you and Shea close?

　A year ago, they traveled together in the same party and were very familiar with each other.
　Considering their backgrounds, I would recommend accompanying them.
　Ryner, who was leaning his back against the wall in a corner of the great hall, frowned and hesitated at the suggestion.

''Well, it would be easier to talk to Shea if I was there, but ....... I'm not sure ....... Which would be better ......--

　His brow wrinkles and his eyes wander between me and Nosfi.
　From the way he looks at me, I can tell that he is seriously measuring the danger. He's not going to choose his options as rambunctiously as we do. After enough thought, Ryner starts to move his back away from the wall.

'Well, let's follow Christ today. From the looks of it, the Nosfies' guy looks fine already. The whole bad story should have been over yesterday. ...... maybe.

　Seeing Nosphy embarrassed after being caught by Rustyala, Ryner seems to have decided that there is no need to worry about escaping.

　Thus, the force ratio between the stay-at-home group and the outgoing group changes slightly.
　Seeing the situation, Nosfi, who is being played with her hair by Rustyala, replies happily.

''Hmph, go ahead and have a good day. Today is going to be a good day just because there's no creepy Helvirshine.''
...... tch. ...... It's going to be a good day for me to get away from all the noisy women over here too.

　They finish their goodbyes with a sarcastic look at each other.
　They seem to be on bad terms, but is it my imagination that they seem to be breathing well together? I'm the only one who can't face Nosphy properly here - the thought of it depresses me, so I immediately start moving.

''Let's go then. It's just a collection, so let's get this over with as soon as possible. --I'm going to go everyone. I'll be right back, so just be quiet.

　My fellow detainees wave back at me as they head to the kitchen. I say a quick goodbye to them, and then walk out of the house.

　The underground shopping mall is quiet in a complete change from yesterday. There is no sound, and the air is cool.
　You will be able to pass through the underground city where the flames have been completely extinguished and emerge into the Great Sacred City above ground and blend in with the vibrant streets.

　--It's the second day of exploring the Great Holy City.

　Yesterday there were two of us, but today there are three of us. This may be the first time that Ragné and Ryner are the three of us. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

''Um, Kanami's brother ....... By any chance, did something happen with your daughter last night ......?

　The question was asked after I moved to a crowded area far enough away from the entrance to the underground city - where I was sure no one in the mansion would hear me.
　The question must have occurred to her after hearing the brief conversation between Rastiara and I earlier. I nodded in affirmation, admiring her concern and overly keen observation.

'...... you know very well,'
Hmm. I knew it.

　And Ragne nodded back without asking for any details about the situation. Maybe she has a general idea of what happened last night.

　Seeing that I'm getting a little impatient, Lagune-chan holds up a finger.
　Her index and middle fingers - making a peace sign - and somehow the conversation from yesterday continues.

''So, lesson two on the heart of women. Reiner with you, too.

　Another talk from Ragne in person in town.
　However, it seems that Ryner has been added to today's lesson. Naturally, Ryner tilts his head slightly at the abrupt lesson.

''Ha, what?　Why are you doing that now: ......
'Do you know how Mr. Nosfi feels about your daughter now?　Please answer the reverse pattern.

　Ragne asks us both with a serious look and a serious tone of voice.
　The story started out as if it was a silly joke, but Ryner seemed to understand that it wasn't a joke.
　In some cases, she thought it was a story that could affect the upcoming battle, and she answers with the same serious expression as she did.

'...... maybe, but from the way things went yesterday and today, I don't think we're looking at each other as enemies who will kill each other one day anymore. But you at least see them as love enemies, don't you?　You're my ex-girlfriend and current girlfriend.
Hey, Reiner: ......!

　I accuse Ryner of using the worst possible expressions of 'ex-girlfriend' and 'current girlfriend' with a serious face, and I let the killing magic fly. Ryner coolly passes it off, and Ragne goes on with her lesson as if my tsking didn't happen.

''Bubu. That's too normal an answer, isn't it? That's not true. It's just that both Nosfi and the young lady have given up on being able to have a proper relationship with Kanami's brother. --Therefore, a proper relationship with a rival is not possible.
Oh, I see.

　Ryner is going to be convinced with a look that says, "If you ask me, yes.

"Reiner, does that make sense to you now ......?

　I am not convinced by this conviction, and my gaze on Ryner is only getting harder. How does this boy who calls himself my knight think of me? I need to have a serious talk with him once.

　While I'm the only one with a difficult look on my face, Ragne goes through the process of answering the question.

''The answer is--Nosphy-san looks at the young lady like a 'sister'. That's why he loves her so much. On the contrary, the young lady looks at Miss Nosfi-san as if she were her 'sister'. That's why she wants to get to know him like that.

　My bewilderment grows at the answer that me and Ryner will never reach.

'Yi, 'sister' and 'sister' ......?　No, it's certainly not without resemblance: ......

　They are both the same "magical stone human (Jewelculus)", but they are both the same.
　Both of them are beautiful as if they were made up and embody the ideal image of an artificial woman.

　However, although they may have the same background, their essence is too different.
　Their appearance characteristics are different, and their personality tendencies are different. Their magical attributes are different, and their fighting styles are different.
　At a quick glance, there are similarities, but the more I think about it, the more I understand that they are not similar.

　However, when it comes to whether the two of them want to be like sisters, it's not easy to deny it. Last night, I heard from Rustyala that there was a knot in it from me.

　Seeing that Ryner and I were surprised but didn't deny it, Lagune further admonished us.
　She told me to know our feelings properly and to act prudently on that basis--

You two are doing more than just being bad sisters. And now, please think about what Kanami's brother should do. And the liner too. I know this may be unnecessary, but I'd like to see the young lady happy. Just in case, Nosfi-san too.

　I can tell me and Ryner, who is looking at Nosfi and me as an enemy, to refrain from doing so in a distant way.

　If they say it's for Rastiara's happiness, there's no way to talk back to me.
　However, if they consider each other as sisters, the only thing I can do is to watch them from the shadows. There is nothing more I can do. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

　...... I think the best thing to do is to keep your distance as you always have. But the look on Ragnet's face seems to tell you that's not right.

　As we walk through the city, I continue to worry about the treatment of Nosfies - and before I can find a new answer, the group of us reach our destination.

Oh, we're there. I'll tell you the rest of the story next time.

　The villa was not far away.
　It's only a few minutes' walk from our base.

　The size of the villa is smaller than the mansion at the base, and it's almost as big as if there was no garden. Frankly speaking, it's not so expensive. They aren't using it in earnest and probably own it in the form of a hidden villa. As I recall, the Legacy family is from Waldo, and they were not associated with the Huseyards.

　There are no servants at the main gate or in the garden.
　It looks like we'll have to knock on the front door normally to announce our visit.

　In order to facilitate the conversation, I lead Ryner through the garden gate and enter the grounds with Ryner in the lead.

　And when Ryner's hand was about to touch the door of the villa, there was a creaking sound.
　The door moved by itself. No, to be precise, the door was opened from inside the villa.

　Three men and women emerge from the Legacie family's villa.
　The most prominent one is a tall man standing in the middle. His lustrous golden hair hangs down to his shoulders, and his hair on the right side of his head (on the side) is intricately braided like a work of art. Once you see him, you could say he is a beautiful man who is unforgettable.
　As if caught by his grace, I spill out my name.

'E, Elmirad Siddharq ......?　And--

　For some reason, the man who was Snow's fiancé and the master of Lauravia's guild, Supreme, was here.

　I then turn my attention to the two women on either side of him.
　The first is a tall beauty with a chestnut-colored ponytail, former President of the Seven Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights), Perciona Quager. She doesn't have the full black full body armor (full plate mail) that is synonymous with her, and is dressed in rough civilian clothes, but there is no mistaking it.
　The other girl has black hair and black eyes - a bit different from the other girl. She may have forgotten to dye her hair, or her pure white hair is visible at the base of her black hair. The name of the cute girl who looks as if she is carrying snow on her head also comes out immediately. It's Noir, one of the 'Magic Stone Humans (Jewelculus)' that Ayd rescued, Noir-chan.

''Persiona-san and Noir-chan too ......?

　We are surprised by the unexpected faces.
　It seems to be the same for them, and Elmirad and the three others are also rolling their eyes.

　In the midst of all this, Elmirad was the first one to regain his composure. Her face lights up, she is happy to see us again and thrusts out her fist.

'I'm surprised. I didn't expect to see you here ....... 'Kanami, it's been a long time.'

　I hadn't seen him since The Dancing Tournament a year ago.
　We beat each other in the fourth round, and he helped me in many ways in the final. Remembering the events of that day, I throw a greeting to my old friend. I respond with a fist to his outstretched fist.

'Its ...... been a while, Elle.'

　I dare to try to be familiar with him.
　I hadn't called him by his nickname yet, although the honorific title had disappeared since we'd given it our all in the "Dance Tournament".

　But I already knew that. I know this when I calmly think back on my life in Lauravia.
　All along, this Elmiraad Siddharq man had been looking for an equal friend. He wanted a foolish man with whom he could chase the heroes of the story beyond his position as a nobleman.

　I remember well how he had been discouraged by the lack of tension against my much lower profile. Now it's time to live up to his expectations.

...... Oh, oh. ...... Phew, you've changed a bit since then.

　Elmirad opened his mouth to let out an exclamation, which was quickly mishandled by a graceful cough. A gratitude is shown that proves my response wasn't wrong, and I'm relieved.

'There's been a lot going on in its own way, ....... Besides, when we parted ways before, you said you'd thank me for it.

　In the final match of the "Dance Tournament", Elmirad retrieved the "Treasured Sword of the House of Alais" from Lagune-chan next to me, and he even stopped his pursuers in their tracks. It is not easy to repay that favor, even if you want to.

I'm grateful for that. It's true that you are the one I want to thank most. Now I can challenge you again without hesitation.

　With a graceful, aristocratic smile, Elmirad turns to me with the will to fight.
　There is an unconcealed will to fight again (revenge) there.

''Eh ......?　A challenge means you want to fight me again ......?
Of course. 'Of course I would like to ask for help when I get the chance. For the sake of my fiancé, for the sake of my family's pride, I am obliged to challenge the hero of Lauravian. Yes, this is my duty.
Well, I hope you get the chance: ......
Just wait till you get a chance. If you get a better chance, all right?

　He doesn't seem to have any intention of forcing her to do anything right now.
　Maybe it's because of the strong image from the game, I thought he was going to force himself on me, but that's not the case.

　I'm going to ask Elmirad with a sense of relief.

'More importantly, why is Elle here?'
...... You know that well. I was recently sent to the continent to fight a war, but the truce was abruptly decided, leaving me with a great deal of spare time. I'm waiting in the Great Sacred City.

　There is a border war going on on the mainland right now between the Northern and Southern Confederacy.
　However, since I took out Snow, the acting commander-in-chief of the South, and eliminated the top id from the North, there is no longer a proper war to be fought.

　Apparently, Elmirad knows that I was the cause of that series of disturbances.
　I wonder how he found out: .......

The Legacies and Siddharths have always had a close relationship. I used this free time to come to the villa to say hello. ...... and so did Mr. Quager next door for the same reason.

　Elmirado spreads his right hand vigorously and introduces the knight in line next to him. With his name mentioned, Persiona-san greets me while lightly raising her hand.

'It's been a while, Kanami-kun. And also Ryner and Ragne. As both generals who were sent to the front line, they often work with Lord Siddharth. It's that way again today.

　A brief supplement to Elmiraad's story is given.

　However, that explanation - I don't agree with it (・・・・・・・・).

　I have a strong sense of discomfort from earlier.
　For example, I can't find one explanation for why they are visiting this Legacy family. Inevitably, I can't help but think that this encounter is not a coincidence.
　But as long as Elmirad and his friends are talking to me in a friendly manner, I can't point that out. ...... It's still too early.

''Oh, so that's why ....... But, Noir-chan, are you ......?
Is it wrong to play with them?

　I spoke to Noir, who was most uncomfortable, but she returned it with a Buddha's face.
　Come to think of it, I had stabbed her in the stomach and also severed the ligaments in her right arm. I realize that she could have slashed me in retaliation right away, and I speak to her as gently as possible.

'No, it's not like that. I just wanted to tell you that Rouge-chan wanted to meet you ....... With Ayde gone, Viasia is short-handed now. I hope you'll please go and see her: ......
'Which mouth says. Which mouth is ......!　You're the one who made Dr. Eid disappear: ......!

　That's right. It's like I'm killing her benefactor.
　I decide it's impossible to make up for it and stop embellishing my words.

"...... Yeah. I drove Ayde back to her real home. But I think that was the best way for your benefactor, Ayde, to end it. I can't apologize to you for ...... lying to you.
This ......!!!

　If I apologize, it would be like insulting all the fighting in that castle.
　I've had the best goodbye to both Ayd and Titi after the best fight. I wanted to tell you that, but Noir-chan's anger is only growing.

　Noir-chan was about to jump on him now, but Elmirade grabbed him by the shoulders from behind and stopped him.

...... Hmmm. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on. ...... But now Noir-kun is treated as my subordinate - no, as a colleague. I'm not going to let him or her mess with you, even if he or she is Kanami.

　Elmiraad steps forward and protects Noir-chan, making her look stern and full of wariness.

　In contrast, I take a step back.
　It's not that I've lost my nerve.
　I realized that Elmirade's wariness is not a joke. It's not a boilerplate statement that says you can't touch your subordinates; it's a serious intention to fight. If I mess with it now, Elmirad will definitely start a duel here. I'm sure that if I do anything now, Elmirado will definitely start a duel here--

Haha. ''Kanami, don't worry about it. Once I'm done with my business in this great holy city, I'll send Noir back to Viisya. But I hope you'll tolerate him until we're done with this job.

　Elmiraad laughs as he maintains his fighting spirit.
　The discomfort is only growing.

　Are you lying ......?
　No, Elmiraad is not the kind of person who would easily reveal his inner workings originally. Nine out of ten, he's probably hiding something. However, in order for that to be conveyed, I feel that Elmiraad dares to move in a way that makes him suspicious.

　To be precise, 'I'm lying and I want you to touch me' - he seems to be making an invitation to do so.

...... Well. Well, I think it's time for us to be excused. In fact, I still have to go around to say hello. This is the hardest part of being a nobleman and heir to the throne. Let's save the duel for another time.

　As I'm carefully choosing my response, Elmirad starts to leave with just a greeting.
　I wonder if I should let it go. If I stall him, he'll probably be happy to--

'Do you think you can get away with that, Lord Siddharq?

　The three people who are about to leave are stopped by Ryner, not me. Following that, Ragne also calls out in a tight tone while putting her hand on the sword at her waist.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I'm not going to let you go. It's a bit too suspicious when you're here at this time today. In the first place, how did you know that someone from the Legacy family is coming to this hidden villa?

　He is suspicious of Elmirad and the others who show up at this time and expresses his intention not to let them go. Then, quietly, Ryner speaks in a whisper.

'Christ....... Not a single person in the house there ...... has moved. They're all asleep.

　I can feel a slight activation of wind magic from the liner. Apparently, he manipulated the wind to examine only the breathing sounds of the people inside the villa.

　After being stopped by the two of them, Elmirado sighs lightly, shakes his eyes slightly and tries to bring his hand to the sword at his waist. Lagne-chan blames that on her eyes.

''Yikes. My eyes went to my right breast pocket. ......!　Sir Siddharth, I'm sorry, but can I check one thing: ......?　We were just here to look for something: ......

　Ragne wanted to check the contents of Elmirad's pockets with some sort of certainty.

''Huh--, hmmm, kukku-- hahahahaha!

　Hearing this request, Elmirad suddenly begins to laugh.
　He shakes his shoulders and looks up to the heavens and laughs loudly. The three of us are puzzled by his uncharacteristic bad manners.

　We thought they would be able to come up with a good, calm and elegant excuse for their behavior, no matter how they tried to talk it down.
　But Elmiraad doesn't have an ounce of grace, and shakes with laughter - contemplation.

''Ha, ha!　It looks like I'm at the end of my rope: ....... Exactly as we both suspected!　But honestly, I was at my wit's end, so just as well!　Haha, now I'll have a good chance to get a good one: ......!

　With those last words, the magic in Elmirad's entire body swells. He also pulls out the sword at his waist without reaching into his pocket.
　It was obvious that he refused to talk and chose to fight.
　Elmirado laughs and instructs the two men next to him.

'Both of you!　Unfortunately, there's been a change of plan!　Let's get away from the Kanami as fast as we can!　--WIND!

　Elmirado swings his sword right out to the side and converts all the swelling magic power into wind.
　Instantly, a gust of wind strikes from directly in front of me. I call out to him, protecting my face with both hands while squinting at it.

''Well, wait!　Elle!

　The confusion only grows. This is like confessing that I have a guilty conscience. There was still plenty of room for excuses, but he chose sword and magic first.

　It's too unlike Elmirad.
　With that in mind, I dispelled the magic 《Wind》 with both hands and regained my vision.

　All three of them were no longer in front of me.
　Shaking my eyes from side to side, I look for the three of them back.
　The three of them were not heading to the gate we had entered, nor were they entering the mansion, but were running sideways through the narrow garden and trying to climb over the rock wall.

　Naturally, I would try to follow his back.
　In terms of status 'speed', there aren't many people who can surpass me. I was confident that I could catch up with them before they left the garden. --But the distance between Elmirade and us never closes, and all six of us finish jumping over the mansion's rock wall.

''--What?''

　Then I let out a voice as I saw the cause of the distance not closing.
　Before I knew it, the three people I had been chasing after were far away from the human form.
　First, Noir-chan was gliding low with bat black wings sprouting from her back. Then, Perciona's lower body turned into a horse-like one, and she was galloping on the ground on all four legs.

　I know what that ability is. It's the 'demonization' we saw before.
　I knew that Noir-chan transformed, but I didn't think it was the same for Persiona-san as well. Even though she's not a beastman, she looks like the centaur itself in the mythology.

　And on the back of the part of her that became her horse is Elmirad.
　From a distance, he, too, has strange hair and a strange left arm. His long, lustrous hair has grown many times longer, and his arms peeking out from the hem of his clothes are distorted and bulging. He seems to have gained some kind of monster features as well.

　All three of them are 'turning into monsters'. On top of that, it turns out that they are gaining extra-human speed, and Ryner, who is running next to them, lets out a panicked voice.　

''Christ!　Maybe those three guys are attacking Shea and taking the magic stone!　We can't let him go!
I know!　I'm going to keep going down the street!

　Outside the mansion, the trio of demons immediately headed towards the main street of the Great Sacred City.
　There, just like yesterday, the waves of people continue to flow without stopping.
　The three transformed people pass through the gap between those people. The people of the city scream one by one as the deformed ones pass by at high speed.

　It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with them.

　It's easy to talk about if you have a dimensional magic "default" at a time like this, but right now you can't use it due to the warding of the Great Sacred City. No, you can use it if you want to force yourself to use it, but in that case, there is a high possibility that it will damage the city's 'magic stone line'.

　Thinking of another way to catch up somehow, I realize that Elmirad and the others have a definite destination on their escape route.

''Ryner!　Maybe it's a castle!　He's heading for the castle!

　The road we're on now is the same one we took yesterday when we went to Fouzeyards Castle.
　The three of them are heading to the castle without hesitation, as if they think they can manage to escape to that place.

　Hearing that, Ryner also uses wind magic without hesitation.

''Got it!　It doesn't matter if you know where you're going!　I'll get there first!　--Wind Wind (Skyrunner)!

　It leaps with the wind and rides on the roofs of the houses that line its sides.
　Perhaps they intend to ignore the city streets and head for the castle in a straight line.

　Noir-chan can also fly, but Perciona-san, who is taking the form of a horse, and the two Elmiradians on her back have no choice but to follow the path. The anticipation is effective.

　If the liner uses plenty of wind magic, it will have a high success rate.
　Without stopping the knight's dictatorship, I then turn my head backwards to look for my other companion, Ragne-chan.

　I turn to Lagne-chan, who is far behind me, and give her instructions in a loud voice.

'Lagne-chan!　Run straight to the castle!　We'll go first!

　Lagne, who simply lacks the level and status, has fallen far behind. Unfortunately, I decide that she doesn't count in this chase, and I seriously run out of town with the intention of leaving her behind.

　Along the way, we pass a number of townspeople, and I overhear several shouts of surprise. I apologize for causing a disturbance, but I continue to catch the backs of the three demons ahead of me.

　In the midst of the chase drama on the intricate streets of the Great Sacred City, we enter an area that is very busy.
　It's a place where several simple tents have been pitched, various carpets have been laid out on the cobblestone streets, and merchants are arranging crafts and food items. You could tell it was the morning market of the Great Holy City by the variety of fresh vegetables and seafood that seemed to have been imported from outside the city.

　The thicker wave of people cracks with a louder scream.
　I chill to see if a shelf of goods has been overturned somewhere, but I can't raise anything more than a scream of surprise.

　The reason why there are only screams and no shouting now is because the three of them are choosing the best way to escape. If they are really thinking only of escaping, they can ravage the market while running away. If they scattered their goods on the streets and threw people into confusion, it would slow me down as I chased behind.

　There is no doubt that Elmirad and the others are still calm, as they haven't forgotten to take care of the townspeople. But if they are calm, I don't know why they chose to flee so shorttermly.

　It is possible that this sequence of events is a trap.
　For example, the possibility that there is an ambush soldier in this person's crowded marketplace. Immediately I try to sort out in my mind what other traps are possible - the three backs in front of me stop moving.

　If I look closely, I see Ryner standing further back with his twin swords at the ready. He seemed to have succeeded in getting ahead of me well as early as possible.

　I caught up to the three who had stopped, stopped, and then Ryner and I formed a pincer attack.
　Elmirado roars as he is stuck in the front and back of the road being held back.

'd*mn, it looks like Ryner-kun got ahead of us. ......!

　The five of us stopped in the middle of the marketplace, where various goods were lined up around us, with merchants and townspeople looking on.
　Various goods are lined up around the perimeter, and further out, merchants and townspeople are watching us with their faces lined up. It seems that many of them are screaming and surprised by the sudden appearance of demons and knights, but in the end, many of them don't seem to have moved on because of their curiosity.

　If this place becomes a battlefield, there will be injured people in general.
　It's much harder to fight than the deepest part of the labyrinth - so when I'm worried about my surroundings, Perciona-san yells at Elmirad on my back.

''Lord Siddharq!　No wonder they're catching up to us!　There's no way you can get away from these two!　--No, more than that!　Didn't you talk earlier, deliberately to make me suspicious!
'Ha, no way. Mr. Quager, I wouldn't do that, would I?　I'm known for being honest in my duties.
'I doubt it!　I knew I should have asked to be made captain!　Oh, more work to do!

　From every word, it is clear that Perciona-san has no choice but to follow Elmirado's instructions. The chain of command seems to be higher than Elmirado's. And at the same time, I am convinced that he was slacking off in the question and answer session.

　Ryner's eyes are cold as he watches that struggle between Perciona-san and Elmiraad. He points his sword at her and speaks to her, saying that he doesn't care about the situation between the two of them.

''That's enough of a joke. But it's a lick. You're trying to escape with wind magic against a knight of Helvilleshain.

　Elmirado received that liner's wariness with a belligerent smile and got off Perciona-san's back. He didn't want to let his speed get in the way of his escape.

'...... Hein Helvirshine's brother. Good eye. Apparently, we can't get through here ...... without defeating Ryner and Kanami. Unfortunately, we have to ...... fight them!　Oh, very unfortunate!

　Then, repeating that it's a shame, he takes the same approach to the battle as Ryner. Beside her, Perciona-san clicks her tongue evasively, and Noir-chan clasps her right hand tightly and welcomes the struggle.

　This is not good.
　If this is the case, we'll end up in a battle here.
　And there's something wrong with the reason for the battle.

　First of all, Elmirado's tension is too strange.
　He should have been more nonchalant. He always had an image of calmness and composure and an unusually strong sense of responsibility for his work.

　If you say that a year has changed a person, that's as far as I can go, but I'd like to at least confirm it. I shout before someone makes a move.

'Wait, Elmirad!　There's something wrong with all of this!　Don't you think you're crazy!　How do you feel, that's just too unlike you!
'Oh, yes!　Of course, now I'm crazy!　In normal times, I would never do this!
Wha-......!

　Without even thinking about it, he was easily affirmed.
　I'm too honest with my opponent, who is trying to fight me right now. In front of the stunned me, Elmirad, like an overly-directed actor, appeals for his innocence with his entire body.

But, Kanami!　It can't be helped that the three of us have fallen under the spell of Nosfy now!　What we have been given is one of the basics of light magic - Light Mind!　It's the most famous mental interference magic in the world, but when Nosfi uses it, this is how awesome it is!

　And we are told that the cause of the problem is Nosfies in the mansion. In addition, he even revealed the name of the magic in question.
　This way of dealing with the situation is the same as the Fafner we fought yesterday. It's a good thing that you're able to determine that Elmiraad is also a victim of Nosferi.

　However, the type of magic on it seems to be different from Fafner's.
　I quickly flipped through the dictionary in my head and remembered about the Light Basic Magic 《Light Mind》 that Elmirad had just mentioned.

　I swallowed all the magic stones a while ago, so I know the details.
　If I wanted to use it, I could use it too.
　If I remember correctly, it was the foundation of light magic, which is about the next to the light-emitting magic, Light. I remember that among the many basic spells, I was impressed by the fact that it was regarded as unwieldy and useless anyway.
　The effect was too vague, 'to cleanse your mind' - the effect seems to be to make you a little kinder to others, less likely to lie, and more likely to be honest. It's very abstract and unreliable.

　Therefore, its use in the world is limited.
　It is not used at all in the labyrinth, but only chanted by priests to those who come to church to pray. The priests chant it at the beginning of the prayer for a certain holy service. That's about it, but it's a magic that is known by people for nothing because all the places it's used are in the city.

　It seems that Elmirad and the others are now being invaded by that "Ride Mind".
　I make his status 'display' and take a confirmation.

【Status】
　Name: Elmirad Siddharq HP252/252 MP421/421 Class: Knight
　Level 28.
　Strength 6.54 Strength 4.56 Skill 6.66 Speed 11.79 Wisdom 8.92 Magic 34.23 Elemental 1.67
　Inherent skill: attribute magic 2.52
　Acquired Skills: magic combat 2.50 swordsmanship 1.34 anticipation 1.21 inspiration 1.89
　State: purification (...) 4.88

　Perhaps under the influence of 'Demon Return', his level and status values have risen rapidly.
　And the name of the status abnormality is 'Purification'. Although I can't think of it as a bad status from that word, the high value of 4.88 is probably a problem. Furthermore, based on my past experience in magical combat, it seems likely that even if you cast a magic to recover the status abnormality on it, it will be judged as normal and not lifted.

　Elmirado, whose mind seems to be purified, continues to talk very happily.

''Kanami!　It seems we are in a very 'straightforward' state of mind right now!　Maybe it's because of her powerful magical power that has led to her reaching outside of humanity, but it's almost a 'straightforward' thing to call a runaway!　This is so white now, it's almost like dark magic in reverse!　Aha, that's a shame!　As the eldest son of a great nobleman, whose heart is being played with and who dances on the palm of someone else's hand - it's very, very regrettable!

　He goes on to talk about the threat of Nosfi's magic in frustration, but from the look on his face--

''But the girl who is named in the same 'Stealers of Reason' as the lifetime honorary Sword Saint Rowen-dono!　I've spent the past year retraining myself to defeat Kanami, but it seems that even I can't resist the magic!　It's called the always-activated fascination, the magical erosion to blood, the light magic smelting, she really is foul!　Yes, they used foul play and I had no choice but to fight!　Hahahahahaha!
'Elle, you really can't resist ......?'

　-- I feel like I'm daring to surrender to magic.

　The power of Elmirad, who seems to have trained for a year, is tremendous. From the changes in her left arm and hair, she has gained the power of a monster similar to a lion. Even against the "one who steals the reason", he has acquired a presence that makes it hard to believe that all of his intentions can be taken away so easily.

　I'm sure he's using Nosufi as an excuse to enjoy his free time with this .......

　I'm sure you're not the only one who has seen this suspicion on my part, and Elmiraad's face is deliberately twisted up.

''It's never a lie!　It's all inevitable!　I really don't have any choice but to challenge my eternal rival, Kanami, my hero!　Don't get me wrong!　I'm just in the middle of a vacation, and I'm not going to take advantage of the opportunity!　Haha, I'm telling you, this is an unavoidable--!

　Who can look at that great excitement and think that he has no choice but to do it?
　I understand that he's not suffering at all, despite the fact that he's being manipulated in many ways by Nosfy.
　At the same time, I now understand that it seems unlikely that he will be able to avoid a fight.