--That night.

　Thanks to the "good will" of a certain nobleman, a victory party was held for Futa.

　The place was one of the venues prepared in the royal palace.

　The hall on the third floor was decorated with glittering designs, and the words that came out of the mouth of the one who started the party were praise for Futa.

　After that, many people came to greet Futa, and Futa tried his best to remember each and every one of them.

　They were superficial admirers, but he didn't know what they were thinking inside.
　Even though he knew that, he couldn't ignore them.

But ...... is something like that.

　Futa was greeted with a rush of greetings for a while, and then left alone.

　There are a number of reasons why this could have happened, whether they thought it would be pointless to give him any kind of pass, or whether they prioritized their relationships with other people over him, but for Futa it was a blessing in disguise.

　When he came to the balcony, which was directly accessible from the hall, there was no one around, perhaps because of the cold weather.

　The night sky was beautiful as he leaned his arm on the balustrade, and the noise of the party was completely silent.

I was grateful for the ......

　I never said anything more than that.
　But the first time I received a compliment from the people, I felt that it was not something to be overjoyed about.

　I never expressed my feelings, because I felt too bad to be in a position where I was being congratulated.

It's a good situation.

　As I was thinking about this, I heard a voice behind me.

　When I slowly turned around, I saw Lilac standing alone in a beautiful nightdress.

"Princess. Is it safe for you to go out alone?
When I said I was going to see Futa, everyone refrained. It seems that what happened today had more of an impact than I thought.

　Giggling, she walked up next to Futa.
　Then she looked up at the sky and muttered to herself as well.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
I think I asked you if it was okay for me to go out alone. I think I asked her if it was okay for me to go out alone. At the time, she just seemed like a normal princess.
So is it different now?
Right now, I'm more worried about the chaos in the hall.
Well...

　She smiled happily and shook her head.

I told her I'd be away. I've told her I'll be away, and more importantly - I'm sure she'll be more comfortable talking without me.
"......

　What Lilac saw in her eyes, Futa could not see.
　But it couldn't be helped that she seemed lonely.

　Even if she hadn't put desolation in her words, what Futa thought of her was his own business.

　There is much to think about.

I'm sure you've been thinking about it.　I didn't mean to do that.
...... So that's why people have been avoiding her for the past few years.

　No one had ever told her that they were staying away from her.

Her back protection was unparalleled among the swordsmen I've met. It's as if they're always ready to betray you.

　The training of being alone that comes from swordplay.

"I'll tell you. You don't know it yet, but ...... you need fetters.
"Fetters. ...... What do you want with the princess?
"No. I don't want anything to do with her. Your Highness is in danger.

　The people around me were blatantly alarmed.

"It's called conflict of interest. We're not together because we're good friends. It's sad, though.
It's not just maids, but also the commercial association that you've made a lot of connections with.　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　Even the girl who is supposed to be closest to you is not more than a contractual relationship.

"Think of His Highness' profession. The king is being deceived by manipulation. If this continues, the country will--
"The princess's occupation is that of a cunning hero, as the old saying goes."

　"Because of her "occupation," she has been viewed through colored glasses as a "hero who leads with cunning.


　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

　For the earnest Futa, it was impossible not to feel it.

　Even if she had accepted all of that, and had reopened her mind...

"Well, Princess.
What is it?
"...... about my past. I'm sorry. I should have told you.
No, no. It must have taken a lot of courage for you to tell me. It's okay.
Princess.

　Yes?　She turned her head and looked him straight in the eye.

I'm never going to play a hundred games again. Please believe me.



　She blinked her eyes. Lilac let out a small gasp.

"Futa. I know this may be unpleasant for you.
"Yes?
I've done a lot of research on you. I have a rough idea of what you've done and how you've done it. And now that we have crossed swords and words many times, I understand who you are. ...... So, what you did in the past is not important to me.
"What you did in the past is not important to me.

　And then, with a snap, he said.

Now you say you will meet my expectations and you have met them. That's good enough for me. Futa.

　Futa exhaled as Lilac told him without losing her smile.

Thank you, .......

　He felt as if he had been saved again.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.
　There's someone who appreciates that little effort.

　I'm sure Lilac doesn't understand how much she means to you.

No need to thank me. You don't need to thank me. I've made you do things that weren't part of our contract.
"No, not at all.

　"No, not that much.

　Many times, she said.
　She's only asked me to stand with Prim once.
　Sure, the assassins and Richter could be considered inadequate.
　But if Corona's words are correct, it was Lilac who led us to this point.

　And she was the first to say it.

　"I'll prove it to you. I'm going to prove it. And the result is, without question, this.

"Did everything go well?

　So I asked.
　Futa didn't care if everything had gone according to his calculations.

　It's just... He just couldn't believe that she was just a brilliant woman who could do it all on her own.

　He could only think of her as the result of the "efforts" she had made in her life.

"What do you mean?

　The answer was a loving smile.

　The answer was a benevolent smile, as if to say, "Don't ask me why I want to be the strongest.

I don't mean to offend you, Princess. Just .......

　It's just that the girl who reached out to me was really wielding a sword all by herself.
　I just thought that if there was anything I could do to help.

"Princess?
"Princess?

　I noticed her gaze on Futa.
　The emotion reflected in her eyes was one of unconcealed contemplation.

　It was as if she was wondering what to do with the man in front of her.

　Not expecting such suspicion, Futa tried to open his mouth, but was interrupted.

But he was interrupted. "By any chance, are you concerned about my occupation as a 'wicked man'?　If so, don't worry. It is rumored that you will be a good retainer in your reign.

　So don't worry.
　That's what he said.

　Futa knew that "wicked men" would become good vassals in the reign.
　But that was just a rumor about a "wicked" rebel who was regretted in a country a short distance away from the duchy where the Colosseum was located, who could have been a good vassal.

　Besides.

　Lilac's words of reassurance were meaningless to Futa.

　Futa isn't worried about Lilac being a wicked man.

　In fact, the opposite is true.

　However, Lilac is also afraid of him, but he has never been thought of as a "wicked man" before.

　There is no way you can assume that this has never happened.

...... Are you still worried? Huta.
Princess. ...... I'm good at mimicry.
You are?　Yes.

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

　I'm sure you'll agree with me.

It's not that I'm not good at it. I can't ...... understand your emotions. But I can tell you what kind of training ...... you've had.
"What?

　That was all Lilac seemed to understand.
　Her expression visibly tightened.

　For the first time, I felt as if the mask of my expression had been broken.

"The Princess's training is unusual in her protection of her back and legs. It's as if she's always prepared for betrayal. She was much more aware of fighting alone than a swordsman.



　So," he continued.

I knew that I wasn't just longing to be the strongest.

　Futa didn't have the environment or the knowledge that Lilac did.
　So it was impossible for him to find out anything about Lilac.

　But just as Lilac had gathered information and knew about Futa.
　Just as Lilac knew Futa by gathering information, Futa also knew Lilac by crossing swords.

"Oh, really?

　Instantly.
　As if the balcony had frozen over, a cold fighting spirit filled the air.

　The horrifying smile was one that Huta had never seen before.

"That was a little unexpected. --The sword represents a person. I'm sure you can understand me if I'm like you. ...... I thought I was a kind princess in my own way.
"......
You can't change the karma that identifies you after all. I'm not sure if I'm a good person or a bad person. If you want to leave, I won't stop you. It's your choice to terminate the contract.

　Just...

　And with that, she pulled a small dagger from inside her dress.

　Her eyes were cold.
　Like they'd never been directed at Futa before.
　When I decide to delete it, I delete it. The lack of hesitation confirms the experience he has gained.

"If you're going to tell the whole palace...

　Lilac immediately places the blade of her dagger against her own abdomen.

"I don't care if I have to condemn you to death...

　I can do it," she said, but her words were lost in mid-sentence.




What are you doing?　What are you doing all of a sudden?




"...... Futa. You too.

　It happened in an instant.
　Before Lilac could react, Futa appeared in front of her.

I really didn't mean to stab you yet, ......?
"Uh, no. No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. The atmosphere was so different from what I'm used to that I got really nervous.
That's what you get for being in such a hurry.

　Drip, drip, drip.
　Red spots are dripping and accumulating on the balcony.

I'm not sure what to make of this. If I pull the blade, your fingers will all fall off.
I know what I'm talking about. I think I have a pretty good understanding of swords.
Then why ......

　The blade clenched in his right hand did indeed keep Lilac's hand from going to his abdomen.

　I'm sure you're not the only one.

I'm not sure what to say. The princess will be hurt.
I know the non-lethal parts. Not ....... I'm asking why you went to the trouble of using your dominant arm to stop the self-inflicted wound of a man who wants to condemn you to death!
I'm going to leave out the part about ...... because it's easier to use your dominant arm for reflexes, because I don't think that's important.

　For Lilac, it was one of the most important parts.
　Futa simply dropped the subject of his arm and continued.

I'm not going to die, and I'm not going to tell anyone. As long as you're okay with it, princess, you can keep it.
"Do you know me well?
Yes. You saved my life. That's why I don't care what happens to my dominant hand... but you don't want me because I can't play with your hand. In that case, life and hand are not so different.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
　The expression on her face is like that of a lost puppy, without her usual dignity or composure.

　--It was inevitable.

　I don't understand how anyone can be so devoted to someone who understands their true nature.

　"Seventeen years have passed since I was born as a wicked man.
　There was no one who liked me.

　Even more so since I was born a princess. Her presence was a hindrance to the royal court where there were only people who wanted the country and themselves to be safe.

　No one had ever worried about her.

　I've been living on my own my whole life, and I thought I knew that I would continue to do so.

　So... what's with the bright red hands?

　Seriously, I didn't get it.
　I was just afraid of something I couldn't understand.

　And mixed with the fear, for some reason, was a pain in my chest.


"You have to correct your mistake, Princess.
"My mistake?

　Futa smiled cheerfully at close range.



I just don't know what to say to make her feel better.
"I'm reassuring ......?　Not you?
No, it's not you. I just want to make her feel at ease.

　I don't know what to say.
　I don't know how to say it." He said in a distressed tone.

　I didn't need any embellishment.

　In this situation, with his hands stained red, he continued to speak, even in pain.

　Straight ahead, straight ahead.

　Lilac didn't know that honest and straightforward words resonated more than any fancy words.

　Because she had only been able to live by decorating her words.


"Oh, yes.

　His voice, as if he had just thought of it, made her look up.
　I've been a princess all my life," he said, smiling as he met Lilac's gaze.


I'll give my whole life to you, Princess.


"...... Yes?

　The words leaked out as if he were in a daze.
　One of the men, mistakenly believing that he had not been understood, continued hard.

If it weren't for the princess, my life would have ended right there. That's more than enough for me, but the last month or so has been the best time of my life. That was enough for me, and I don't really care if the princess used me or not.

　After saying that much, I shook my head.

　He didn't even notice her eyes staring up at him.

It's not that I don't care. "It's not that I don't care about you, it's just that there's a difference between 'scheming' and 'unemployed', but to me, they're the same. Well, when I thought that the person who saved me was really wielding a sword all alone, I just wanted to do something about it.

　The way she exchanges fillers like "uh" and "uh", she doesn't have the great oratory skills of a "nobleman" or the beauty of a "poet".

　No, but...

"So I'd rather do whatever I can. This right hand is cheap, seriously. "Ha, I didn't mean to imply that my left hand is good enough for a sword, you know?

　In normal times, I would be stunned at what a trivial joke this is.

　Now my head and heart are just in a panic, not about his joke.

You told me not to get caught up in my profession. You're the one who told me not to get caught up in my profession. It's hard at the palace. Then how about not worrying about it in front of me?　I think it would be easier for you. At least it was hard for me to live by myself all the time. It's thanks to you, Princess, that I realized how hard it was.

　--I don't get caught up in my profession.
　It was because Lilac herself was helplessly trapped that she was able to feel dazzled by Futa.

　Because of my "occupation," I have been living under the watchful eye of all kinds of people, watching my every move. I've been using everything to live.

　And yet.

　If I were to be affirmed as I am any more...

　If I'm unconditionally accepted any more.

　I feel like I'll lose control.


So. I may not be much of a person, but...

　I stared straight into Lilac's eyes.

　It wasn't pretty or beautiful, but...

　It's not pretty or beautiful, but it's honest and it's what I want the most.


I'll always be on your side, no matter what.

　--I felt like I'd lost my mind.



That's a lie. ！！！！



　The dagger was no longer in his right hand as he thrust it away.

　The one that I carried with me to stay alive at all times fell away in the turmoil.

　I don't understand the man in front of me.

　You can see the truth in him at a glance, but his eyes are shaking with fear like a baby's.

"It's a lie. ...... It's a lie, it's a lie!
"Princess .......

　A clear rejection. He took a step back and distanced himself from Futa like a magnet of the same pole.

　I look at Futa's troubled face and suppress my aching chest.

　I desperately rejected the feeling of human warmth that seemed to be pouring hotly down my throat.

There's no one on my side!


　I screamed.
　Like a child throwing a tantrum, I shook off the hand that was held out to me.
　I'm afraid of the uncertain future that lies beyond that hand. I'm afraid to hold hands with anyone. Everyone will pull back and stab you in the back the moment you take their hand.

　Because...

　We all did.


　Fathers were always afraid of their daughters' professions.

　He never once confronted himself with the thought that one day she might threaten him.

　The mother always denied her daughter's "occupation.

　She refused to love herself, saying that such a lovely child could not be a "wicked man.

　She kept herself away from all those who said they loved her and were on her side.


　He knows that the palace has a manual for killing Lilac if something goes wrong.



　He knows that the chamberlain has been ordered not to listen to Lilac's words.

　He knows that everyone is afraid of him, and he is desperately trying to build a wall in his mind so that he will not be deceived or swallowed up.

　I know that I can no longer establish a connection with anyone except through a "contract".




　From birth, I knew that I had to live alone.



　I knew it. And yet...


"Princess.

　Futa took Lilac's hand, not caring about her bloody hand.

　I can't shake him off.

　The man in front of her is inexplicably stronger than she is.
　I can't shake him off.

　I've been alone my whole life. I've been afraid of this.

　I was losing my strength, my mind.

What is it ......?

　There was no falsehood in his eyes as he stared straight ahead.

　That's why I was scared.
　There is no way that is possible.
　You can use him as much as you want.

"...... You're not afraid of me because you're strong. If that's the case, you're being too conceited.

　The faint murmur was a desperate resistance.
　I looked away and tried to escape his gaze as it loomed before me.

I can see that the princess is saying the right things. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
"......
Listen to me. ...... I'm just trying to repay you, princess.
I don't think it's a debt of gratitude.
Even if it was to you. I think I owe you enough to serve you for the rest of my life!

　I'm not sure what to do.
　He put his face close to Lilac's, not caring if it would increase the amount of blood loss.

　Lilac was blindsided by the loud voice that was being shouted at her for the first time, and Futa said.

I've lived my whole life alone. No one ever looked out for me. "No one looked at me. All they cared about was my occupation, that I was 'unemployed' or whatever, and no one paid attention to my efforts.
"What?

　I gulped.
　I had researched it and thought I knew it.
　But to be told that right up front, and to have that pain come out of his mouth...

You're the only one.

　A pair of muscular hands wrapped around Lilac's right hand.
　"You're the only one for me.

"For me, you're the only one. You were the first person to acknowledge my heart, my life. You were the first person to validate my heart, my life. Let me tell you something. "I don't care what you do, I just wanted to live for you from the beginning."




"You were strong. Your sword arm showed signs of constant training. No matter how good you are at imitation, you can't imitate my skills if your own abilities are not up to par.

"Man is not a slave to his profession. You've shown me that firsthand.

"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?

"It's your talent. I hate being manipulated by "professions" more than anything. "Occupation" is something that people use, not something they do for a living. Most people in this world are now slaves to their professions.



　I am indebted to you in countless ways.

"...... Princess. Tell me about it.
"......

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

"Or do I... "Or did I fail to disappoint you?
That's... ......



I'm not sure what to say. But it's not now.
What you can do is... The only thing you can do is, well, keep me guessing so that I'll want to tell you everything about myself.



　You couldn't make me hope?
　Lilac already had the answer to that question.

　That's why her mouth trembled as she tried to open it.

　If she was disillusioned, she should have gotten rid of it before she did something rude like this.
　If not, she's already decided her answer.

　But... Even if Lilac's answer is "yes".
　She doesn't know what Lilac means to Futa.



　Shaking eyes. Conflict. Confusion.

　In seventeen years of life, I've never seen anything like this.

　Upset, too. But that's not what's important.

　This is a person who honestly said, "Give me your life."

　I don't care if you use me. I don't care what you do.

　I didn't know what to do when he said that.

"...... Okay.

　I don't know what I was thinking, but when Futa removed the warmth from Lilac's hand.
　I'm not sure what to do.

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

"What are you--



"Stab me if you don't like it. I'm not very good with words.



　As soon as she said that, he hugged her before she could resist.

"Huh.
I love you.
"......

　The dagger in my hand could stab his defenseless back with a light pull back.

　Knowing this, knowing the disrespect, this man now...



　He knew that he was small enough to be squeezed in a tight embrace.

　And...
　The first time I felt the warmth of a person all over my body, it was inexplicably warm.



"...... Really?



　The words barely escaped me, but they were so pathetic.


It's true. --Princess?


　With a light thud, the dagger fell.

"......, have you ever held a man in your arms?
"No. I'm sorry, was that too strong?
Yes. ...... But the pain is better.

　The empty hand goes to the back of the one you love to protect.

I'm still not sure how you feel.
What?
But... I think I'll try to understand .......

　The only thing I can think of is that I'm not sure how I feel about you.

　The only thing is, you can't know if you've got a drop on the balcony floor.

　But...


"No matter how many times I think about it. No matter how many times I try to think about it. It's not possible that you're lying to me. ...... I'm still too immature to let my emotions get in the way of my analysis of how impossible it is.
...... I've heard that there are a lot of people in the world.
Well. That's what I'm going to have to learn from .......

　Gently, the shadow parted in two.

　A small smile appeared on Lilac's face, and she gently wiped her eyes so as not to be seen.


　She tugged at the hem of her dress, took his hand and wrapped it around her.

It's a little ...... expensive.
I've said it before. I've told you before that things have priorities. A dress is cheap.

　Gently cover your hand with the cloth.
　Lilac smiled to herself as if she were her own mother, treating someone else. A true "noblewoman", she had often tended to her tomboyish daughter. With a compassionate smile, she would always say, "There's no way she's a scoundrel.

...... I haven't told you why I wanted to be the strongest, have I?
Yeah, yeah. The first time.
I was scared.

　Huta looked at Lilac.
　Her gaze never left his hand.

"There might be someone stronger than you. I was afraid of not knowing. I was afraid of not knowing.
"...... are you happy that I'm here?

　Without answering, Lilac looked at Futa.

"I'm going to ruin this country.
"...... What?
It's the end of order, the end of chaos. It's the end of order, the beginning of chaos. But I think that chaos is not bad.

　What spun out of her mouth was her hope without any falsehoods.

　When she talked with Futa about being unemployed, she showed a glimpse of her thoughts on "occupation".

The first thing I want to do is to put the nobility on the same level as the commoners and drag down the king.



　As she said this, she looked at Futa.
　She looked at Futa with a mixture of anxiety in her eyes, because it was the first time she revealed her purpose to someone else, and because she wanted to believe his words.

Because I had to do it alone. I was scared that there was someone stronger than me.

　So...

Will you follow me?
Of course.
"...... Instant answer, huh?

　Lilac gives a small smile.

"As I said before... As I've said before, it's not always so bad to be straightforward.
"Thank you, ......?
"Hmm.

　She blurts it out.

　Oh. I've let out everything about myself and it's all been accepted.

　It's easy to put into words.
　But it feels so good.
　I put my hand on my chest and feel it. I don't know if I've ever felt such a quickening and throbbing in my life.

"But you wanted to be the strongest. Are you done?
"Yes. No. Instead, I've got a dream that sounds a lot more fun.
What do you mean?

I want to be a fighting swordsman champion. I want to see what you saw one day. Since Futa was able to do it, why shouldn't I?

　She flicks her tongue out and says teasingly.

"Show the country. It doesn't matter what your profession is. Show the country that it doesn't matter what your profession is, this country is the place where you can be free to do what you're good at. Isn't this just the place for that?
"Yes, sir. If there's anything I can do, please let me know.
Okay. --Well.

　Lilac then smiled wickedly and raised her hands.

Please twirl. You told Corona you could do it, so I should be able to do it too.
"What?
I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. She'll be happy to hear that. As for me, well, I'll be happy to do it.

　A hand is gently held out.
　Huta tilts her head, momentarily unsure of what he means.

"Let's dance. On the balcony at night, under the stars. You can see the tower where you first came to the castle, and the garden where we met.

　Lilac said happily and happily.

If it's all right with you, it's all right with me.
"Yes, you would.

　I take her hand and we take a step or two.

　She was clumsy and had little experience in dancing.

　Lilac takes me by the hand and teaches me carefully.

　Below me, the tracks of the past January unfold.

　It was the happiest January of my life, with so much going on.

　No, I'm sure there will be many more happy days to come.

　There will be more and more happy days to come.

Futa.
Yes.

　When she finally got used to her steps, she looked up at Futa from her chest and smiled.

Please stay next to me.
Of course. That .......

　Lilac nodded her head at Futa, who looked uncomfortable.

　She looked at him lovingly, as if she was waiting for him to confess, which was completely different from when he was questioning her about her profession.
　Futa answered honestly.

I can't say anything clever, but...
"Well. Well, you'll have to train well.


　The night of victory drew to a close.







　Later, Huta would say of the present.

"Let's say I change my job from champion to princess's pimp. --I'm sure it was a rewarding day for me, affirming all my hard work.

　And.


"Let's say I went from being a champion to a princess's pimp. .
The end.