--The garden below the castle.

　As the night falls, the garden is lit up by the stars.

　A place I've faced many times before.
　And that day... --the place where Futa was welcomed as a guest in the royal castle.

　But there's no time for sentimentality.
　Because...

　The garden is already filled with the dull sound of swords being fought over and over again.

"There!

Gryjumod.

　Lilac kicked the turf and snatched Futa's neck with a blow.

　Futa, as expected, cleaves the konzesh and flicks her sword.

　She loses her balance, and he follows up with a barrage of merciless stabs.

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

"Ugh--

　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it.

　Even so, they fought each other for five or six rounds, and finally ended up being hit by a kontse.

　Futa grabbed the falling contessa and held it out to the kneeling Lilac.

I'm not ready yet, am I? I was too preoccupied with going for the decision.
"No. No. I was forced to parry a blow that I could have avoided before. You're getting better and better at this, Master Lilac.
...... I see. I'm a little flattered to hear you say that.

　Lilac smiled softly and put away her contessa.

　We have crossed swords in this place many times.

　Each time, Futa thinks, Lilac has gotten better.

　The only reason is because no one of higher rank has appeared until now.
　After all, in order to improve, it is essential to have someone who is equal or superior to you.

　Except for one person in this world, Futa.

"Well, then, shall we end this? It's been a good day.
Thank you for your time, Miss Lilac.
"We're both tired.

　She giggled, but there was no sign of the spirit or fighting spirit she had shown earlier.

　In the light of the stars.

　I reached out to Lilac, who was on her knees, and with a gentle motion she took my hand.

　I stood up and exhaled at close range.

　She stood up and exhaled at close range. The softness of her mood made Futa feel relieved.

"Good.
...... Is there something wrong?
"Oh no.

　Lilac noticed the subtleties of Futa's emotions and looked up at him from her chest.
　Her blue eyes glittered in the reflection of the stars.
　The half-lidded eyes did not even try to hide their suspicion.

　She was more expressive than I had expected. And yet, along with her icy beauty, her face was more youthful than I had expected.

"Futa. Did you really think you could keep secrets from me?
"No, no. It's not a big deal.
...... I'll decide if it's a big deal or not. By the way.

　"By the way," he continued, his eyes half-lidded, the corners of his mouth turned up. "By the way," he continued with a half-lidded, half-smug expression.

"You want me to trust you, don't you?
"Yes.
I can't stand it when you hide things from me. Whatever you have to tell me, tell me.
...... All right. I'll be honest and straightforward about everything.
Yes. Even if it is to my detriment, please do so.

　Futa nodded, and Lilac finally took a step back.
　Futa finally realized that he was being pressed, but he also realized that it didn't matter.

"Oh.
What is it now?
No, ...... that's right. Honestly. Honestly. Even if it's to Mr. Lilac's detriment.
Yes, it is.
...... The expression on Lilac-sama's face, seen at close range, was younger and more dainty than I expected.
"Osana .......

　Lilac took another step back.
　And a small cough. Even with the starlight, you can't see her face from a distance. For Lilac, it was a retreat method based on a cunning calculation.

I was the one who said, "...... even if it's to your detriment. I forgive you. ...... I don't care about that. What was that strange relief you were feeling earlier?


"Oh, yes. ...... I wasn't feeling well during the day. I'm glad you're not in a bad mood right now. I'm glad to hear that you're not in a bad mood right now.
"...... I see. I see.

　Lilac nodded her head in agreement.
　Then she stepped forward to where she could see Futa's face.
　Her expression had returned to normal.

Futa was right, you were not in a good mood. It was largely due to a combination of disadvantages.
"Disadvantages? Is there anything I can do to help?
What do you mean? I've had enough of you. I feel much better now.
Oh, really?
What's wrong?
I don't know if I'm doing the right thing.
You know. We become desensitized to the things we've done on our own merits. But that's our strength. What may seem like a big deal to you is a big deal to me. Do you understand?
"...... I understand.

　"In a world full of professions, it's painfully obvious.
　What Fouta doesn't understand is that Prim and the others have never had any trouble wowing an audience.
　She has something that Futa never had, no matter how hard he tried.

That's why I feel most comfortable with you. I don't have time for Richter or anyone else. Do you understand?
"Oh, yes.

　While apologizing to Richter in his mind, Futa knew that he would have to say no to Richter many times in the future.

　Then he remembered the conversation he had had with Richter during the day.



You are no longer irrelevant. Or rather, you should have told me. I'm about to get a war budget from His Majesty the King.
"I'd really appreciate it if you didn't. I'm not in a position to say that.
Your Majesty and the belligerents are larger than my aristocracy. My opinion will be silenced if it's put to a parliamentary vote.


"By the way, Miss Lilac. I spoke to this Richter today.
Oh, did you turn him down?
That's not what I meant. No, I turned him down.

　I wonder how long he's been holding on to it.
　Futa became a little worried.

　But still...
　This is a heavy topic. Futa made up his mind and slowly opened his mouth.

"...... I hear there's going to be a war.

　He looked at Lilac.
　Then she brushed her beautiful hair away and said simply.

"Oh. I won't let you.
"What?
Did Richter say anything else?
Oh, yes. What else? As Lord Treasurer, the aristocrats don't want a war.
"......?

　Lilac scrutinized her eyes.

I see. That's very convenient.
Is that so?
Yeah. It is. I especially like the fact that the Lord Treasurer came to me through you. -Of course, that has nothing to do with the hand-off.

　With a small wink, Lilac smiled.
　Futa had no way of knowing how much information was going through her head.
　Still, Futa was relieved to hear her denial of the war.

　He had a slight feeling that Richter was going to get into a lot of trouble again.

　But it was a small matter compared to the war.

I'm going to be very busy. I have a few more things I need to work on before your return. So our meetings will be few and far between.
"No, I'm fine. Good luck.
"...... Yes.

　Futa understood that Lilac was starting to make plans that were probably much bigger than Futa's.



　So, if Lilac doesn't call out to you to lend a hand .

　In the meantime, I'll make sure she can stay whenever she wants to get some rest.


　I won't be bored. Because when I get back to my room, she'll be there.


By the way, Futa.

　Lilac looked back at me on her way out.

"What is it?
"Do I have a baby face?
"What?