I didn't know you were a princess. ......

"If you've only been in King's Landing a short time, it's no wonder you don't know.

　It's no wonder you don't know her. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

　Putting her hood back on, she walked down the alleyway and came to a common graveyard.

　Under the willow trees that grow in one corner is one of the hidden passages that connect the royal castle to the capital.

　When I asked her if it was okay to tell such a thing to an outsider, she just smiled.

　Her smile was quite frightening, as if she had no problem telling such a secret.

　At this rate, I'm sure there's a lot of things I can't tell Futa.

　There is no need to poke a snake out of a bush.

　I think I'll stop talking about it and tell him something else.

"Is it okay for the First Princess to be out like this?
"No. Not if she finds out that I've been sending you illegal requests.
"......

　This was also a bad topic.

　As it became clearer and clearer, the lilac princess was quite a tricky one.

　She had a pretty figure, beautiful good looks.

　She had all the makings of a great princess.

　But she's also aggressive, active, and smart.

　If she thought of framing Futa, she would be on the guillotine the next day.

In the first place, I don't know what kind of punishment awaits me if I cross paths with someone whose 'profession' is not 'teaching'. No matter what your occupation is, you are a fencer. So don't tell anyone you crossed swords with me, okay?

　She brought her index finger to her mouth and gave a small wink.

　The girl is a picture in itself.

　As soon as she came under the large tree in the common graveyard, she removed the board disguised as a wooden surface and walked into the cave.

　Then, a hand reached out and beckoned her to come.

"Here we go.
"Yes, sir.

　The cave was a ladder that led down to the basement, and Lilac jumped down.

　Futa followed her down, and she picked up a torch that was propped up and began to walk in a familiar manner.

　It was pitch black and the passage was narrow.

　Illuminated by the light of the torch, there were many bends and stairs as well as straight darkness.

　She quickly made her way through them, turning, descending, and ascending.

　On the way, she put her finger to her mouth thoughtfully.

"Is it urgent that I prove that you are a strong fighter?
"Proof?
"Assuming you've dressed yourself and introduced yourself as my guest. "If you are unemployed, then the question becomes, 'How did I know you were strong?
"I've seen you somewhere.
That's a good idea, but I also don't want people to know that I'm working alone.
"I see.

　I mean, the princess is the only one who knows who's a great fighter, but she's not good enough.

　Then, Huta thought for a moment.
　He thought that he could tell her that he was a champion swordsman.
　But that would mean that he had invited a champion who was an 800-fold champion.
　Even if we keep it quiet, it will be exposed.

　--Should I just make a suggestion?


　While Futa was thinking about this, Lilac lightly clapped her hands.

"Well, okay.
"Princess?
I'll give you a chance to prove your strength soon. Until then, you will be our guest of honor.

　Her brow furrowed, as if she was planning something.
　I'm sure he meant no harm to Futa, but I can't help but feel a little scared.

　Futa, who is not good at making waves, suddenly realized.
　It would be fine if the princess was the only one who knew about his skills, he thought.

"On the other hand, what if you don't have to prove it?
"No, sir.

　That was a quick answer.

Simply because it's not good for publicity if you keep her as a mere guest. ...... Also, it's a hassle to have to train with you secretly.
"Oh, I see.

　So, what should I do?
　Is there anything I can do to help her?

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

I'm fine. You can relax. There are no changes to the terms. I'll take care of everything on my end.

　I'll take care of everything.
　What is it about the words that scares me?

　But it's not like Futa can do anything about it.

　I felt uncomfortable leaving everything I was involved in to him, but I had no choice but to be lenient at this point.

I'm counting on you.
"Yes.

　Humming, she strolled through the underground passage, not even trying to hide her good mood.

"...... Speaking of which...

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.
　The two people next to each other are about the same height. She naturally looked up at him.



"I'd like to ask you something while I'm at it. Aside from the fact that you took all of my swords, is the last one on ...... a coincidence?
And by "last," I mean.
It's my signature move. The stabbing.
"Oh, .......

　The "last" Lilac was referring to must have been the Gryjumod.

　It's true that she could have used the same technique by accident.
　But no.

"Uh, well... You may find this hard to believe.

　She scratched her head lightly.

I know all the fights I've faced.
......

　The girl just rolled her eyes.

　Futa continued.

"I know what techniques you can use, and what moves you need to use to do them. So I can recreate it. ...... I was fighting in the Colosseum with the same weapon as my opponent.

　Would she say that's not fair?

　This was the only way that Futa could compete in the Colosseum, where the evil spirits of mountains and rivers roamed.
　As a result, he became an undefeated champion, but he was spat upon as a fraud and a crackpot.

And the last one. You're saying that you copied a move that I didn't even perform?
That's what I'm saying.　
"I see. ......

　Lilac traces her forefinger across her mouth as she ponders.

　Futa swallowed his saliva.

　It's not fair, I don't want it. I don't want it," he said.
　It's not that I don't like it. I'm used to it.

　It's just that it's hard to be pushed down by someone who once approved of you.



　Lilac's serious expression is sharp as she thinks.
　The innocent look on her face when she was praising Futa has changed, and she looks like an experienced politician.

　The more the dignified woman pondered, the more nervous Futa became.

　But the end of his thoughts came abruptly.



"Isn't that the strongest?



　Her sharp expression disappeared.
　Lilac blinked and looked at Futa.

"You believe ......?
If you want to know the truth, then you need to know the truth. I don't want to hear such a dumb answer.
Oh, yes.
You have such power, and yet you were cast out as a swordsman?
...... Yes, I was.

　Lilac gazed at Huta with a very disturbing look in her eyes.

Was the manager human?
I'm sure you're not the only one.
...... is incomprehensible to say the least. With a little brainstorming, you can use your strength to make the Colosseum as exciting as possible. ......

　Lilac tilts her head and mumbles to herself.

"Don't you think that I was very weak?
"No way. If you were weak in the Colosseum, it would be impossible for you to be confident in your skills as an 'unemployed' man.
You're right. ......

　Besides," she continued.

"You were strong. Your sword arm showed signs of constant training. No matter how good your mimicry is, you can't imitate my techniques very well if you don't have the ability to do so yourself.
"What?
These are the words of a man who has crossed swords with me. Stand tall and be proud of yourself, Futa. Whatever the Colosseum may think of you, I admire your work.

　Finally, he smiled softly.
　Lilac turned her back and walked away, saying, "We're almost to the castle.

　For a moment, Huta could not move.

　He was not denied, he was not called cunning or cowardly.

　And most of all.
　For the first time in his life, someone had acknowledged his efforts.

　I was truly, truly happy.

"...... Futa?
"I'm sorry, I got distracted.

　I'm sorry, I was just a little distracted." She wondered why I had stopped. Lilac turned around and tilted her head.

I heard you haven't had a good meal. I'll arrange it when we get to the castle.

　He was misunderstood, but he was too embarrassed to correct her.