--A few days ago, a few days ago.


"Your Highness Lilac.

　In the inner corridor of the royal castle, Lilac turned around at the sound of a voice from behind her.

　A group of nobles, led by Richter, walked toward her on a red carpet.

　Unlike those behind her, who bowed hurriedly as soon as Lilac looked at them, Richter bowed deeply once and looked straight at Lilac.

Can I talk to you for a moment?
If you'll just stand there.
Thank you, sir. --The other day's hand-to-hand combat with Lord Futa was truly exciting. The other day's match with Lord Futa was very exciting. Once I saw how good he was, I wanted to see how strong he was as a warrior. What do you think, Your Highness?

　The flowing words spun as if in praise were an eloquence reserved for the aristocracy.

　Lilac knew that this was a check on her, or at least a warning to Futa.

　If she refused, Futa's ability would be underestimated.
　At least, no one could "prove" that he was better than Lilac.

　Richter thought that he would have no choice but to accept.

　And Lilac did.

"Yes. I wonder how strong Huta is. ...... Well, I don't know if there is any measure of his strength in this world.

　Lilac played with her beautiful hair, looking bored.
　At first glance, she was a beauty of the deep. I don't know if there is such a thing as an idol in this world.

I would like to set up a preliminary match.
Your Majesty is not here, is he?
"Of course you're right. So, of necessity, I would like to invite His Highness the Lilac and other members of the royal family, as well as some of the most important figures in the royal court.
"......

　Lilac thought for a moment.
　Richter's gaze sharpened, wondering if she was being cautious.
　In fact, he seemed to be on guard.

　After a moment, Lilac nodded.

It is true that there have been no recent events in the palace. There have been a number of occasions when I have been 'inconveniently' unable to attend royal parties, so this may be a good opportunity.

　Inconvenient, Lilac said.
　Unfortunately, Richter knew that wasn't true.
　She preferred the commercial unions of King's Landing to the parties thrown by the aristocracy and the royal family.

　Of course, he didn't want to take the risk of pointing that out, so he kept his mouth shut.

"Is that so, sir? Then by all means.
"Yes. Are you going to be the one to take care of ...... Futa?
No way!　I couldn't do anything about it, so of course I brought my best fighter. A real one.
I'm looking forward to it. What's the point of having an event if it's over in a flash?
Well, well, well. Please let Mr. Futa know that I'm coming.
Yes, sir. Have a good day.

　Lilac smiled one last time and turned on her heel.
　Richter smiles, bowing deeply to her back.
　Everything is ready now, he thought.

　But Richter wasn't the only one who thought so.

"...... All is as it should be.

　The girl muttered as she walked, the corners of her mouth twisted.















　--And back in time, the day Lilac visited Futa.


I'm not sure what to make of it.

　I'm not sure what to say.
　Then Lilac, who had brushed off her silver hair, said casually.

I'm sure they're related to Futa.
"What?
I told him the other day that Futa was the Colosseum Champion of the Principality. If he's going to start an investigation, it's going to start around the Colosseum.
"Yes, yes. I'm not sure what to make of that.

　You'll be able to get a lot more information on the subject.

I'm sure you're not the only one. The fact that you're exiled like this. And - your ability. With all these ingredients, I'm sure you'll find a swordsman who'd like to fight you again. And that's the kind of person who knows a lot about you.
"Wait a minute, Princess.
What is it?
No, there's something I think is inconsistent. I'm talking about the other day.

　Futa tilts his head.
　What's on his mind is the story of the last time he was unemployed.
　Lilac said that the condition for triggering it was "not to work".

　When he was in the Colosseum, he was "working" as a champion.


　So, even if Futa's power was the "diffusion of pleasure", it would not reach the people of the Colosseum.
　Shouldn't it?

"Oh, I see. I see what you're thinking. I see what you're thinking. ...... You're such a helpless person.

　Lilac shook her head in disgust.

"Futa. "I told you not to get caught up in your profession. I told you not to get caught up in your profession. But if you only focus on that, you're not doing yourself any favors.

　Gently, Lilac took Futa's hand.
　Lilac gently took Futa's hand. His hands, craggy and angular, were proof of his honest efforts.

"Indeed, your power has made me very happy. I've never had so much fun wielding a sword as I did with you. But even if you didn't have the talent to share the fun, you are strong.

　I ask you again. She said.


"What fighter wouldn't want to take on the greatest swordsman of them all?


　I gulped.

"Next time, I'm going to win!

　It wasn't only the second best swordsman who spouted such fire.
　All the swordsmen in the Colosseum challenged Futa again and again.

　They didn't care about the audience, they just kept pointing their swords at the man who was at the peak of his power.

　Thinking back, I sighed.

"...... I'm not a fighter after all.
"Futa?
I think I was so focused on proving my hard work and showing those unemployed people that even unemployed people can do it, that I wasn't looking at sword fighting itself.
It's not that I wasn't watching, it's that I didn't have time to watch. I understand that you were so desperate. I'm serious.
I'm sorry. ......
But it's different now, isn't it?

　Lilac smiled.

　Futa nodded.

　That's right. Not now.

　Right in front of me is the princess who picked me up. Everything I've ever done has been affirmed.

　Next to her is a sign that says, "Leave me alone! next to me was a maid who was fidgeting with a sign that said "Leave me alone! My heart was saved.

　Now I can afford to look around me.

Futa.
Yes.
Go prove to the swordsman who will challenge you that you are the strongest.
Yes, sir.

　Whoever comes out, I will crush them with all my might.
　That's what Futa swore in his heart.
















"Hey, .......
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. You can't interrupt the princess!
When did you put up this sign? I didn't notice it. ......
It's the princess. ...... She glanced at me once. ...... I prioritized chatting with Futa-sama. ......