Lilac walks into the room and stares at Futa intently.

"...... Huh?

　Then she tilted her head, just as she had done when she first met him.

"Princess. It's been a while since I've seen you.
"Yes, ......, it has.
Can I help you?
No. You look very different. Corona's no expert on makeup. ...... Is that your true face, of course?
That's your real face?" "It's my real face without much thought process. ......

　I'm not sure if you'll be able to find the right one for you.

I'm sure you'll like it. Yes, I like it.
"Oh, hi, .......
I like it better when you say it with a little more class.

　That's what he said to me this morning.
　Futa's shoulders slumped.

I'm sorry I can't say anything witty. ......
You're not going to be my mate. I'm fine with that. I was being too greedy.

　He smiled softly, and the word "love" suited him well.

　Now," Lilac continued, looking around.

Corona has returned to make dinner, hasn't she?
"Yes, just now, at great speed. I can see the wheels under my feet. ......

　In fact, it was like she was running with a whirring sound effect.

　Lilac held her mouth as if she was trying to stifle a laugh.

"Princess?
No. ...... I'm relieved to hear you're getting along.
It's ......

　Huta closed her eyes as she thought about today.

"It's all thanks to Corona.

　He thought wistfully. If it hadn't been for her, Futa would not have been able to recover so much.

　Lilac's eyes also lowered, as if she could feel his realization.

"I see. I'm glad. It was worth it to put her on. She has her quirks, but please continue to be good friends with her.
"Yes, sir. She has her quirks, but she's been a real blessing.

　It was already common knowledge that she had strong habits.

　Lilac looked out the window and muttered.

"She told me. She told me to talk to some unrelated people.
"Oh, really? ...... So, Corona knew about the talker, right?
Yes. And then I made the request. And as a result, I met you.
...... So, what were you looking for in someone to talk to?
Well?
Huh?

　Lilac shrugged her shoulders.

I don't want to talk about this in front of you, but I was lost after all. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. That's why I went along with Corona's unfamiliar proposal for the time being.

　Having said that, Lilac gives a small, downcast smile.

"It was a waste of time as it ended in several unsuccessful attempts. Hmm.
Scary.
What is it?
"Nothing, yes.

　Futa looked away from her as she looked up at him.

　After the waste of time, Corona must have been afraid to even look at Lilac.
　Next time he saw her, he would try to be a little nicer to her.

The fact that I met you, though, makes up for it all and is a huge plus. I don't need anyone to talk to anymore because I have no reason to hesitate."
"Oh, really?

　Futa wondered if he would need someone to talk to, but it seemed to be useless.

　So," she continued. Then she looked straight at him.

"Do you know what I want most right now, Futa?

　Futa thought hard.

"............ Is that a smart line?

　Lilac sneered lightly.

You are welcome to ...... make an effort. It's true that if I were to point out to you where you are lacking, that would be it. Yeah.



　Put your hand on your forehead and close your eyes.
　Unusually, Lilac was in trouble.

I'm not asking you to make a personal effort, it's what I want most right now. It's not what I want from you, it's what I want most in the world right now. Yes, what is it?

　The palm of his hand was held out to him, and he was left to think.

　The thing that Lilac wants most in the world.

"Even if I can't do it, ...... ah.
What?
"I'm prepared to break my heart and, uh, swear my allegiance to you. ......
What?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"...... that strong, power?

　Lilac's mind was filled with question marks.

　Then Lilac finally understood.

"Oh, you have the worst sense of humor, don't you?
"What?
"I'm not blatantly shocked!　It's just a fact!　Oh, God!

　It's not just the fact that I'm not shocked!

　Lilac's cheeks flushed with anger and shame, and she shouted.

What I want most of all!　What I want most of all is a hand to hand with you!
"Ah!
No, not that!　Are you nuts?
No, ......, I don't think you're the best in the world.
I just told you this morning to be proud of your abilities!　I told you that you're better than any teacher I've ever had!　Don't you dare stoop so low!
Yes, yes!
The only thing you should be ashamed of is your catastrophic sense of poetry!
What?

　I'm not sure what to do.

"...... Not so good, huh?
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a little disappointed in your poetry. You are.
That's .......

　After some thought, Huta said.

"The princess asked for a witty line.
It's .......

　With her hands on her hips, Lilac sighed heavily.

"Okay, Futa. Sure, I love it when you say something cool and pleasant to hear.
Yes.
I'm sure you've been paying attention to me because I've been saying it out of habit. Thank you for that.

　After saying this, Lilac looked away.

But there's something I want you to remember.
It's ......, isn't it?
"I'd rather have one meeting with you than a hundred witty lines. No matter what poet comes along and spins a poem to my liking, I will fire them all if I have to lose my time with you. Do you understand?

　Futa nodded as if to bite his tongue.
　Lilac took one look at Futa and looked away once more.
　She was so embarrassed that her cheeks had turned red.

I'll never say it again, so keep it to yourself.
"Yes, yes. It's .......

　I never thought my presence would be worth that much.
　I didn't think it was worth it.

　Because it was just one hand to hand.
　Does that mean that she estimated Futa's value so highly?

"I didn't know you were worth that much...
"Futa?
Yes, yes!

　Lilac smiled, a blue streak appearing at her temples.

"I just said I wouldn't say it again, didn't I?
I'm sorry.
"......?

　Lilac muttered in disgust, "Good grief.

You're confident in your sword skills, aren't you?　I'm sure you'll be proud of your sword skills, so why can't you be proud of yours against me?
"...... That is.

　I'm not sure what to say.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that you're the first person to ever be pleased with my sword.
"...... No way.
It's true. I was happy that you recognized my efforts. But the rest of the time, I was more confused. I'm sorry.


You can't help it, can you?

　Lilac lowered her eyes in disgust.

"Then I'll fight you as often as I can. I'll show you how much I love your sword - take it.