--a few months ago. The basement of the royal castle.

　A single candlestick lit up a dimly lit room with no sunlight shining in.
　The two of them were standing across from the wavering, faint fire.

　On the table, in addition to the candlestick. A meal from the royal castle.

　Izuna wasn't the only one gobbling down vegetable scraps and meat broth without a hint of manners.

　The small shadow in front of her also proceeded to eat in the same way, as if she was doing so because Izuna was doing so.

　If the nobles and chamberlains saw this, they would be appalled, but sadly, the nagging maids who always came to serve the food didn't particularly care how they ate.

I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

"Shh, shh, shh. ......

　I looked around and saw that the room was quite stuffy.
　Fortunately, the girl and I were thrown together in this dungeon.
　There is nothing to train with, nothing to use, nothing to pass the time with.
　But I had a girl to talk to and three meals a day.

　We had the choice of two or three meals because of cultural differences.
　For Izuna, who trained hard every day, this environment, where three meals were served, was actually not so bad.

The food is good, and I don't have to look for a job. You can go out to the backyard once in a while. ...... To be honest, I don't really feel like going out to this inn.
Master. It's not an inn, Master. It's a prison, Master.
What's the difference?
...... Master says an inn is a prison.
I don't see how it can be the other way around. ...... Indeed, ......

　In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what you're thinking.
　Not only is her hair pure white, but so is her skin.

　She is a girl with an eerily unworldly appearance, but to Izuna, she is no different than any other human being. It was a good thing she was stupid. It's easy to spot her from a distance, and she's easy to recognize.

"Hey, Mochisuke.
"Hi, I'm Mochisuke.
Do you want to go outside?
I don't understand your question, Master.
You're an idiot. Do you want to go outside? I mean, do you want to go outside? I'm asking you if you want to live the way you've always lived.

　Life as usual.
　I don't know what's going on, but Izuna pulled me out and I've been living in the wild, running away from my pursuers. I've been living day to day, moving from place to place with Izuna, who said she had a reason to continue her journey.

　Izuna said she had found her purpose for traveling.
　Then there's no reason to keep traveling. So Izuna is not in a hurry to live here.
　So, Motisuke...

　She dunked the wooden spoon into the remaining soup.
　She locked eyes with her reflection in the water.
　The magic formula that appears in her eyes, however, does not provide a clear solution.

...... I'm not sure what your question is, Master.
"What?　You still don't get it, do you?
Yes.

　When I look up, I see a man with an absent-minded look on his face.
　If you look down a little, you will see the meal we had together.

　I hadn't been able to eat properly for many days before I came to the capital.
　I didn't know anything about the world until he pulled me out.

　So, for Motosuke...
　For Mochisuke, the time when he and Izuna were traveling under the sky and the life in this dungeon are not so different.

"An environment that provides the nourishment necessary to sustain life. The Master's purpose has been achieved. There is nothing in particular that Motisuke wants.
"Hmm, I see. Does this taste bad?
Does it taste bad ......?　No. It's easy to eat, and no matter how much you eat, it won't cause any rejection. In fact, I think you should take some more.
You're an idiot, Mochisuke. That's what I call good.
"Then it's delicious.
Okay, okay.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one.

　--It was that night when the princess told them about the tournament.

　The princess had told him about the tournament that night. Considering the amount of damage Izuna and Motisuke had caused to the building, it was not a debt that could be repaid.
　But when Izuna heard about the arena that was to be built in this area, he was hoping for the best. There was no reason to refuse.

　If you win, you get 50 million gold.
　Even if you don't, you don't have to worry about paying off your debts if you're a good fighter.

　And most importantly.




"The more time you spend trying, the more time everyone else is trying.


　I owe you big time.


I couldn't do it alone.


　Even the champions did.


"First things first. I need to find someone I can talk to about all of this.



　Close your eyes and think back on the bitter memories.
　Even with Motosuke's help, I couldn't win.

　The champion is far away.
　I couldn't reach him at all when I was at the Colosseum.
　It was the same when I came to King's Landing.

　I trained. I trained. I trained and trained.
　Still, the gap got no closer.

　So why...

"...... Master.
Hmm?
Do you still want to beat the ...... champion?
Yes, ....... You can't give up.

　Why is he still training himself at this point?


　Why is it that I can eat three satisfying meals even in an empty room?
　The reason lies in the training that I have been doing incessantly.

　Is it inertia?

　Rather, I wish it was inertia.

　In the end, the reason why I train myself like this is because I can't help but reach for it.

　Even if there is a clear difference. But if I stop now, the gap will only widen.

　Oh, yes. I was scared. I'll admit I was scared.

　If you stop, the future is gone.

　So... We can't stop.

......
What's up, Motisuke?
............ No.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been doing this for so long.
　I'm not sure what to do.

　Until he came to the capital, he seemed to be in a hurry.
　He saw Motisuke's power and was happy that he could use it to win.

　I don't think Izuna was evil at that time.
　However, Motisuke learned that sword fighting is not so easy.

"This is a fighting sword.
"...... This is sword fighting?
The clash of sword against sword. The clash of swords. The desire to surpass the opponent. And then... The bare blade.


　One day, when Izuna and Futa face each other.
　Mochisuke was shown that scene in person.
　This is a fighting sword. This is what Izuna is looking for.

We'll see what we have to do. I've got someone to guide me, someone to support me. I also have a guy who's annoying but reliable. And many others. Thanks to them, I might be able to reach my dreams.

　Futa said.
　Do what you need to do, Izuna.

　If I can be of help to someone else...


"...... Master.
"What's up?
Motosuke has a plan.
A plan?
A way to increase your chances of winning.

　Izuna's reaction to that was swift.

Tell me about it.
Yes, sir. According to Motisuke's records, by imbuing the master's left arm with magic, you can greatly increase his physical strength.
"...... I see. I don't know, but if Motisuke does something, my left arm - in other words, my black hawk karate - will be strengthened.
Yes.

　I see," Izuna nodded.
　That's certainly an attractive option.
　I don't know anything about magic, specifically.
　But there were swordsmen who used magic, and there were those who had magic power in their weapons. Then that weapon would just turn into your fist.

　Although the two of them were unaware of it, Futa's mimetic eyes were also under the power of magic.

　It is not cowardly to carve magic into one's arm.



All right, go ahead.
Master. Magick comes at a price. And it can be very painful.
I don't care. I want to beat them. I'll do whatever it takes to do that. It's not something that can be solved by just getting stronger. I'll do whatever I can.
Master. The price is the loss of any of the five senses ....... Eyes, ears, skin, tongue, nose. Would you still do it if you lost some of those functions?
I do. ...... Then it's the tongue. The rest of you will have trouble fighting.
Okay.
Can you do it right here?
Yes. With Motisuke's power.

　Then, please.
　With that, Izuna sat down on his knees.
　Motisuke's eyes blinked at the strange sitting position, but he did not deny Izuna's choice.
　I walked up behind him and put my hand on his broad back.

　Strengthening his left arm. With the ancient spell that Motisuke possesses, it is possible.
　The only thing you lose in return is your taste buds.

　He exhaled and put his hand on Izuna's left shoulder.
　And in the eyes that opened, there was a magic formula.

"...... Master.
"Hmm?　Do it quickly.

　I was told it would be extremely painful.
　So I didn't think it was over.

　With that question, Izuna came to the surface, and suddenly realized.
　Strangely, the touch of his shoulder was tantalizing.

"...... Master.
What's wrong?

　What you're losing is your sense of taste.

　The taste buds are taken away from the man who was always gobbling up the food in front of her and saying, "This is delicious.
　After he's learned to appreciate the taste.

"...... Master.

　Motisuke is not equipped with any functions that go against the Master's will.

"...... Master

　But.

"...... is not working.

　Why?
　I can't use that magic.

　Confusion. Frustration. And unknown emotions.

　Izuna slowly turned her head to see her negative heart lit up in her expressionless face.

　As usual, I don't know what she's thinking.
　However, Izuna is beginning to understand what he is thinking.

　I'm getting better at reading people's faces.

...... I see. If it's ......, so be it. I'll find another way.

　So he smiled and said.

　In that smile, Mochisuke learned the true nature of his unknown emotion.



　--I'm sorry.



Master.
What's wrong?
Mochisuke is ....... Mochisuke will help you, Master.
Hmm?　Oh. Okay.
Yes. Now, I promise.

　We're still at zero percent.

　We can't let that slip away.
　So.

　For the first time, Motosuke started to move of his own volition.
　He started by looking for something he could do.


　And then...
















　--The arena spectacle.


　Amidst loud cheers and loud commentary of 'great, great, great'.

　In the battlefield, an even battle was going on.

　The sound of explosions rang out, and a hammer axe was being wielded.
　I handle it with my left hand. They kill all the impact of the hammer axe and outmaneuver each other's huge weapons as if they were swatting away an insect.



"How is this possible? ......!　I can't believe that the threat of Izuna's hammer and axe, which he showed off in the preliminaries, feels so light. ......!
It's not that it feels light, it's that they handle it so well. It's not that they feel light, it's that they are too good at handling them.
It's not that I feel light, it's that I'm too good at handling them.

　The spectacle was in full swing as the child girl left a proud comment.

　There was a strong sense of recognition that Izuna's hammer and axe was still strong.
　I couldn't quite understand what the commentary was saying, but it was a sword fight between two men cutting each other with a mallet without breaking a sweat.
　Their handling of the hammer and axe, which made me wonder if they were wielding daggers or something, looked like a duel between monsters just by watching the qualifying round.

　But at the same time, there was a growing sense of excitement as to who this Futa guy was.

"What, are you from the same school as Izuna?
"I don't know. I don't know. But there's no other explanation.
But you're like a commentary brother. Izuna looks more flamboyant.
Oh. Yeah, that's true. He's like a commentary brother.

　At worst, normal.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm not a fan.　Why aren't you watching this?　It's amazing!


　It could be that the commentary is not doing a good job.
　Fouta's sword was one of those swords that made you feel like you were on the field being told how to handle it, and how to handle it here.

　--Like Izuna's qualifying match, this one also relied heavily on prior information.

　If you had just seen Futa's match, you would have thought that he was not as good as his opponent.

　But if you make him think, "Our commentary brother is doing something. The girl smiles a vicious smile not unlike a child.

　The child girl smiles a vicious smile not unlike a child girl's. She favors Futa's fighting sword.
　This is where it all began, Pasta thought as she took a small breath.

"You know, big brother, you're strongest when you use the same weapon as your opponent!
"That's right. His true value lies in his physical ability to adapt to any situation and his natural ability to mimic everything he sees. There it is. "You can't lose if you do the same thing as your opponent."

　Instantly, there was laughter in the Spectacle.
　If we could do that, we'd have no trouble. But what about the reality?
　The reality of what's happening in front of us is that we're evenly matched. Futa and Izuna are using the same weapons and fighting in the same way.

"Well, it's a little less spectacular than the real thing.
"He's my big brother, I can't help it. You can't blame him. He fights like he's in the mood for something when Izuna is going for the jugular.

　--Everyone knows that.

　That's why you can't help but feel that your friend is doing a great job in this fight.

　When you hear that a big star you've all seen is fighting someone you know well.

　--Not many people would expect anything spectacular from someone they knew.

　We just hope that he wins and that it's fun.

　That's the way Pasta has made Futa look so far, in a favorable light.

　His ability as a "manager" to sell the business in front of him perfectly.

　And then-- Pasta narrows his eyes.

　This is just a one-shot show.
　If you keep doing this, you'll eventually get bored and reach a dead end.

　That's why I'm preparing the next plan. It will take a little longer for it to blossom, though.

"Iznaaaaaaaaaaaa!　Where's the legend of the strongest!
Futa!　You can't lose!

　Naturally, the crowd was divided.

　It was up to the audience to decide who to cheer for, Izuna or Futa.

　But the skill that brought her to 50% against that "fighting swordsman" instead of 30% is the true spirit of the "manager" that the princess recognizes.

I'm not sure how this is going to play out, but it's going to go on like this until tomorrow morning!
I don't care if it goes on forever, it's going to be a problem.
I don't care about that.　What's going to happen next?
What's going to happen next?


　While the commentators are putting on a talk show.
　The battlefield is getting fierce.
　While the crowd is getting excited all at once.


　The girl was alone, staring at the battlefield.
　Please let him win, she thought.

　She shook her head gently.

"...... Why is she so happy to fight a fight where the odds are not in her favor? Why does he look so happy to be in a fight where the odds are against him?

　The only thing I can see is the field.
　Her ears didn't register the commentary or the cheers of the crowd.
　She squeezed her own hand without realizing it.

　I'm sure Mochisuke doesn't yet realize the meaning of his hand, which is unknowingly killing his uncontrollable emotions.

I'm not sure what it is, but... Is that what it is?　The world of warriors.


The ...... World of Warriors......

　Next to me stood one of the few people I knew in King's Landing.
　We ran into each other by chance, and we slyly went along together.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.

Is it a victory ...... that you want to gain, even if it means losing something important?
I'm sure you're right. The maid has no idea. But.

　I'm sure she's next to you, but she's looking at you differently.
　But her thoughts and Mochisuke's thoughts are similar.

I'm sure that the maid's love for her and Izuna's chase for her are different in form but the ...... passion is the same. Izuna wants to go beyond. The maids--no secret.
The ...... heat is the same.

　I want to go beyond.
　But the form is different.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the best way to do it.

"...... Master.

　I muttered to myself.
　I'm sure you'll do fine.


"If there's one thing I can tell you about what's going to happen next, it's this.


　If there's one thing I can tell you about what's going to happen next, it's that I want to see you surpass the man in front of me one day.




"It's not going to be as physical as Izuna wants it to be.



　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that the odds of winning are zero.
　I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.