--Inside the arena spectacle.


　The chairman's office at the end of the corridor.

　The organizer of the tournament and the acting head of Spectacula.
　She had taken on the challenge of this tournament with more than just her origins as the first princess.

　However, her result as a warrior ended with a loss in the semifinals.

"......

　He put down his pen.

　I knew that whether I won or lost today, I would use up all of my energy.
　So I kept my work to a minimum. I looked over the few documents I had and exhaled.

　It was dark outside the window.
　Most of the staff had probably already left the spectacle.

　That's why I don't have to hide my depression.

　I'm sorry. I was sad. Everything backfired.

　And yet, she never degraded her status as a princess, never showed a shred of her true nature. The fact that the operation of Spectacula itself was not affected at all was a product of the careful preparation before the game.

　Nevertheless, it is her ground that must not be shaken.
　From her point of view, it's a matter of course. It is a matter of victory or defeat.

　So what she has now is the clear bitterness of defeat.

　For the first time in her life, she's been beaten head-on.

　I didn't know it could be so painful, so sad, so hard.

　Looking up at the unblemished ceiling, I can see today's game replayed like a canvas of white paste.

　In my ears, I can still hear the excitement of the crowd.
　I can't help it, I can't shake the memory of today.

　It's no good," I shook my head, just then.

　The girl who had been staring at the sky turned her gaze back to the front.

　A white blimp popped up in front of her desk.

　There's no need to kill anyone, and I can't think of anyone who would come into the room without permission.
　And speaking of this headdress...

"Meh!

　With a squeal, its face appeared.

...... Why were you squatting?
I was trying to hide!
I could see his head.
You could see it. People can't see their own heads, can they?
......

　Even though the work is done.
　A rude man perched on a tidy desk.

　Her white tights wrapped legs dangle and she mutters.

I wonder...
"What is it? I'm interrupting your work.
You're already done.
......
I have something more important to tell you!

　Lilac pushed her cheeks away from his face, looking annoyed.

I'm sorry.
I don't remember allowing you to be so rude.
What?　We're friends.

　One day, we had a contract.
　When it expired, she chose to die.
　But it wasn't easy, and she pulled my arm back, and we made room for the three of us.
　At that moment, we never made the contract again.

　To test her friendship, we've been going out without a contract.
　That's right.

"At ......?
"Mmm-hmm.

　"The maid was happy that she hadn't been denied her friend.

".......
Oh, wait!　Don't leave!
"It was a short friendship.
"Wow, not a hair out of place!

　It was funny to see her get up from her desk chair and cling to Lilac to keep her from leaving.
　But there was no one here to laugh at the ridiculousness, or to be surprised by the unexpected side of the princess.

　That's why she stops.

"What is it?　What am I--
I'm not in the mood for this?
...... If you know what you're doing, isn't it in bad taste?
...... Well, yeah...

　I put my hands around Lilac's waist and held on to her.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you have. It was so full of emotion that even Lilac had to stop herself from going out.

Is there something you want to say?
"I have something to say, but... I'll come even if I don't have anything to say.


"......?
It's okay, I don't need that right now.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you have.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

It's the princess's fault.
"What?

　I couldn't ask her what she was talking about.
　Her expression was unusually stiff, and her first words were unexpectedly piercing to Lilac's heart.
　It was as if she had suddenly stabbed him in the inside, no matter what anyone had said to him.

　My chest was so heavy as if I had swallowed a lump of stone, and it hurt so much that I couldn't get up with a single sigh.

"Well, you know, Princess. I'm sure you worked very hard for this tournament.　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk.

　As for whether Corona would be of any use to the administration, I'd say no.
　She might be able to help out with some paperwork, but not enough to be a real asset.

　Futa, however, was different.
　It was because of his skills that I invited him as a guest at first.
　It would have been better to have him accompany me as I adjusted for my own tournament.

　But I didn't do that because...
　One reason I didn't was that I didn't want to be near Lilac as a hidden card in the final.
　Another reason was that we both wanted to keep each other focused in the fight against him.
　No matter what kind of athlete you are, even if you get along well, your performance will suffer if you get used to each other before a fight.
　Lilac's decision to avoid this was the right one, both for the warrior and the organizer. It was also good for both of them.

　But...

"Did you think we wouldn't get along?

　That word was heavy.

　She bit her lip and hugged her arm. The gesture, the words that didn't come out right away.
　That was enough for Corona.

The maid was kind of a jerk, too. But it can't be helped, can it?
"...... what?
The princess allowed it. You can't just use noodles.
"But ......, I hated her.
I mean, I hated her, but... Oh, so it's the maid's fault.

　And that the two of them had fallen out.
　And the fact that you took Futa's advice on top of that.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what I mean.

　Lilac knew what she meant.
　I've known you long enough to know what to expect.
　Lilac gave a small shake of her head, and Corona told her.

But you shouldn't try to force them apart.
"...... I am.
"Noodles. I've never had an ally. It's not like I was able to live a strong life on my own like the princess. You said yourself that you were always losing and dragging yourself on the ground. ......
"......

　I kept losing.
　I'm sure Corona knows how those words sound to Lilac now.

"The girl. If that girl loses in front of you to a very strong princess. That's because she's Futa-sama. I'd reach for her. Because... noodles are a dream.

　She didn't get to finish her sentence.

I'm the one who made it happen!

"......, Princess.

　She shouted, looking like she was about to cry.
　--that's for sure. I thought that Beatrix would be the best solution to make Futa's dream come true.
　I put her in a place I couldn't reach, for good reason.

　I hoped he would reach his dreams.

"I made it ...... happen, I did it for you ......, why ......?
You said it.

　You said it. I'm not sure what to do.

　If you want to cry it out, that's fine.
　But... Sadly, today's Lilac doesn't have that kind of strength.

　She crumpled from her knees to the carpet.
　Corona could hear what was being said.

"Futa is mine. ......　
"Yes, he is. That's right.

　That was it. That was the thought that consumed Lilac.

"But ....... It's the princess's fault for not telling Futa-sama about it.


"......
I'm not saying it's not Futa-sama's fault. I'm not saying that Futa-sama isn't at fault, but the princess is a complete mess. What kind of a person orders a pervert around?
Ugh. ......
But that's it.

　Pop.
　You squat down, your eyes meet hers, and you touch her head.

I'm shaking.
You know what you're doing.

　You know I do.
　Lilac tilted her head at Corona, who puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

　That's all. What do you mean by that?

"I don't think the maid is wrong about your feelings, princess.
"Corona.
I don't think it's right either.
......

　You can't lie about what you feel.
　Whether it's right or wrong is up to each of us to decide.

But. But... I don't think you should involve people in it or do anything dangerous, maid.
"...... you.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　I couldn't help but ask. You are.

Whose side are you on?

　You're on Lilac's side now that you're friends. I'm not on Lilac's side.
　You're not on Hooter's side, you're on Lilac's side.
　I'm not on Beatrix's side, either.
　Your own side?　How could someone like that choose to kill himself?

　Well, she ponders, then.

I'm not on anybody's side.

　But.

"A maid doesn't want to be anyone's enemy.

　She smiled happily.
　Lilac, momentarily dumbfounded, smiled in annoyance.

"Yes?
"Yes...

　It was a good line, I thought.
　I thought it was a good line. Just after I thought she was going to say something very decisive.

"Heck.
...... It's not tight.
Don't say that!　Heck no! ......

　Oh, yeah. "Oh, yes," Corona reminded Lilac.
　Then she let out a little gasp.

...... was also suggested by Futa.
"Ah. I think Futa-sama's best friend is the maid!
"No.
What?












　--Next morning. Pasta house.

...... What the hell is this?

　Pasta with a twitch at the corner of his mouth.

　You wake up, say good morning to your stuffed animal.
　Get ready, wash your face. I did my hair and came to the cafeteria.

　Your normal routine comes to an abrupt end when you see what's lined up in the cafeteria.

"Hey, there, victim number two.
"Who's victim number one?
Me, I think. ......
Oh, ......1 die alone?

　"Yeah, , die alone?
　It could not be helped.
　What was prepared in front of them was... 　

"I'm fired up!

　A breakfast so enormous that it looked like a nobleman's dinner.

"The final!

　The maids are in high spirits, pumping their fists in the air.
　The maids were in high spirits, pumping their fists in the air. Futa was happy that they had made it to the finals and was looking forward to their victory.
　However, it's not easy to eat all of this food.

　Once you've eaten it all, you might as well just roll on over to the venue. In a roundabout way.

"Uh, Corona. That.
"Yes, sir!　Mr. Futa. Good luck today!



　It's a good idea to have a full-blown smile on your face, like a flower blooming in the background.

"...... No, pasta. I can't betray that smile.
Will you die alone?
f*ck you. You're going to have to sacrifice yourself.
"......

　Thinking for a moment, Pasta gave a little cough and said.

"Good luck, big brother?

　And the same cute, mocking smile.

"Just eat it.
"Isn't that funny?

　This upset Pasta.

"Corona. Corona, you've got to get into the swing of things, don't you?
That's right. Good luck with the noodles!　I made a lot of food!
No, I can't cook this much. You're an idiot.

　"No, I can't eat this much.
　The amount of each dish is sensible, but it's even more terrible. I'm amazed at the variety of dishes the maids serve, but that's not the point.

　Corona smiles annoyingly at Pasta's distracted expression.

I'm sure you'll agree. ...... Yeah, well, I think I made too much. Sorry?
"Hey, Pasta. I'm going to knock you over.
Why?　That's a good argument!　That's the best argument I've ever heard!
You know what the right argument did to Corona?
So what?

　Isn't that crazy?　Pasta.
　There must be something wrong with you.
　Where's yesterday's vow to win tomorrow?

　Your neck is bent to breaking point. Eyes with no light. Clenched fists.
　A murderous intent fills my head as I think of punching this man in the face.

"Hmm... Is the maid that important to you?
Yeah.
..................!
Whoa. You're a good eater.

　You'll only hurt your knuckles if you hit me.
　This is not a loss. No, it's not a loss. I tell myself, and bite into the omelet placed in front of me.

　The cheese in the omelet and the demi-glace sauce on the omelet were so good together that it made me really angry.

　If you're going to make such an elaborate dish (sauce), you should at least be careful about the amount.

Oh, this is good too. Corona, it's all good.
"Heh. I knew it. The maid thinks so too!

　The expression on her face as she smiled shyly was just like a flower.
　I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea.
　He is also such a good cook. He seems to be a bit crazy, but he must be an indispensable part of the family.

"............!!!

　What's the point?

Hey, you're slowing down.
Shut up. So are you. I hope you die in a fit of pique.
You don't have to say that. I want you to rip your guts out and die.
What?
You said it first.

　The meal is garrulous and lacking in manners.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

　Fortunately, she was watching over me with a smile, and I agreed with her - but sadly, it was not enough to eat.

　It wasn't there.

Good morning. I'm hungry. ......?

　The door to the cafeteria opens.
　The young man and girl's arms grabbed the green-haired girl's shoulders from both sides as she came in.



Welcome to ......
"Victim number three. ......
Huh?　What the f*ck?
Sounds like you're hungry.
We love you, too.
We're in sync!

　What's going on? I look at the dining room table and my eyes pop out of my head.

What the hell is this?　Are you nuts?
I f*cked up.
That's not enough!

　Leafy is going crazy, but sadly, there are no allies.

I ate so much! I've eaten so much! I'm full. I think I ate a third of the table.
Yeah, that's how much I ate too.
You guys are lying, there's more than half left!
"d*mn. Even a country monkey can do math.
I thought they were just swinging swords in the countryside.
Isn't that a hard hit?
Hey, guards! Come protect us.
Wow, I can't even fight off a mass attack like this.
What the hell is ？？？？？？？？?

　But...
　But Leafy had to be prepared for the fact that he was being referred to as a useless escort.

　I've never been able to do any real guarding up to this point, I've only been allowed to live in this house as a guest.

　If you have a debt, you will be unhappy in every way.

Hehe. ...... Hey, pop your paycheck, will you?

　He rubbed the bridge of his nose, and now.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.





"Well, my salary is a per diem, you know.
Idiot. Don't say a word until you've finished eating.





　And then, a little later...

"No, no, no.
Oh, my God. He ate it all.
Nice work. I'll pay you per diem.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

　That's ridiculous!　Leafy looked up, but sadly, he was too full to speak. It's as if her throat is full of food.

You really do have a stomach, don't you?
......!

　Stop it!　Don't touch me!　I can almost hear you screaming.
　I'm not going to stop because it's funny. After all, I'm a crooked businessman.

"Huh?　Corona?
What?

　Slowly, slowly.
　As she was walking from the dining room to the kitchen, Futa stopped her.

What's that?　What is it?　What is it?
She was very upset. What? What's wrong?

　She was sweating profusely, looking away with an apologetic expression on her face.

　I don't think so," Pasta said, pointing a trembling finger toward the kitchen.

You're not going to tell me there's more that didn't make it to the table, are you?
You can't be serious. ...... You can't fit any more in Leafy's mouth.
......??????

　How can I be sure?　I'm not sure what to make of this.

　You can find a lot of people who have been in the business for a long time.

　But then, why are you so upset?

Um...
"Yeah. Yeah.
Why is he only governing that maid like that?
"......?

　Leafy tried to say, "Well? Leafy tried to say. She couldn't.



You know what?
Yeah.
The maid.
Yeah.
"The maid's food is gone at .......
"Buh-uh?

　I turn around.
　On the table, shining plates from the cafeteria that I had worked so hard to finish.

　I see, I see.
　The point is, her portion is included.

　I watched her eat and eat and eat.
　The next thing I know, I'm eating less and less.
　And I just kept watching her sweat and sweat.

　Since they ate it all up, I had to make another batch for myself.

　I see.

　--Leafy fell out of his chair and fainted.

　--Even Futa laughed.

　Pasta shouted.


"Go ahead, ！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！.


　Now, it's time for the final!