--The royal castle is the princess' office.

　Two levels down from the third floor, where Futa's room is located.
　The room exists in a special space on the first floor that is not connected to the entrance of the castle.

　To reach this place, you need to go up from the first floor to the third floor, and then take another staircase down.
　Such a complicated place was a comfortable place for Lilac, and she didn't mind the lack of sunlight and the dense atmosphere of the trees through the window.

　Today, in her darkened office, she worked by the light of an ore lamp and a lantern.
　Her daily life has not changed much even now that the arena has opened.

　In the room where she quietly runs her brush, there is a tranquil and beautiful melody reminiscent of a snowy landscape. He no longer hides, but plays his favorite music to encourage himself to concentrate.

　In the room, there was another person sitting on the sofa, slowly leaning against a cup of tea with a sullen look on his face.

　No matter how many times I try to make it, it never turns out as well as that maid.

　The teapot I hadn't touched since the princess told me to make it when I thought she might be gone someday.
　When I poured hot water into the teapot and tasted it, it had a very subtle astringency that made my mouth water.

　If the maid were here, she would have laughed at me for letting the fine tea leaves soar.
　Steeping time is not everything, he thought, realizing the difficulty of this path.

"Well... What do you think, Futa? Ready?
"Uh, ...... no, I mean... It didn't go so well.
I see. It's not easy, is it?

　Lilac put her pen back in the pen holder, stretched slowly and looked towards the couch.
　The good smell of tea itself was still in the air.
　She wanted to taste it if it was ready.
　The young man's expression was not bright.

If Corona were here, she could make it quickly.
"Well, she has her own social circle. Like you, we are not the only friends she has.
That's true, but...

　Lilac knew that Huta had recently been visiting the taverna lute and occasionally playing with Izuna and others.

　Similarly, Corona would at least meet up with someone on vacation.
　There was no reason to blame her.
　Futa was a little embarrassed that he couldn't even serve tea at the tea party.

　Lilac sat down on the sofa facing Futa, the corners of her mouth relaxed.
　The fine leather sank deeply into her back.

So, what is it you want to talk about?　I'm a little surprised at how unusual this is.
"Oh, no, I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time.
I'm sorry to take up so much of your time. - No, it's not ...... that.

　Lilac's lips twitched slightly as Futa lowered his eyebrows apologetically.
　It's unusual, but not unpleasant.
　It's not that I don't like it, it's just that the way he reacted made me feel even more reserved about it.

It's not that I don't want to. I have a schedule, but it's not difficult to keep it open.
"Yes, thank you.

　Futa smiled back at Lilac and nodded.
　But I don't feel like I'm getting through to you.

　Lilac gently brushed her lips and gave him a frustrated look.

...... Let's get to the point, shall we?
"Oh, yes. Lilac, is there anything I'm doing that makes you uncomfortable?
Not particularly. Just the usual.
"Oh, really?

　With a slight hint of concern, Futa opened his mouth to speak.

In the future, there will be a lot of sword fights in the arena, but unlike the ...... tournaments, I'm sure there will be more card announcements like the Colosseum.
Yes. Yes, that's right. I'd like to think of a new tournament format and find the best solution.
And now, about the entrance of ...... players...
"Entrance?

　Lilac tilted her head, not expecting Futa to mention that part.
　That's true. The Colosseum was not particular about the entrance, and it was not originally planned for the martial arts tournament either.

　Even at Spectacula, the entrance was staged with a court mage, but that was about it. The rest of the event was livened up by an impromptu introduction of the players by Pasta.

　But what will Futa say about the "entrance", which is so much better than the Colosseum that it was out of Lilac's mind?

　I hoped that Pasta hadn't told him something, but I looked at Futa as if I were trying to figure it out.
　I took a sip of the tea that was poured into my cup. It was a little bitter, and his brow creased slightly.

This is exactly what I was talking about when I was having dinner with Izuna.
I'm not sure what to make of that.　So that's it?
Yes. Yes.

　Lilac's eyes widened at his next words.

"I was wondering if we could play a separate ...... theme song for each player?　"I was thinking that we could play a separate theme song for each player.
".......
"Oh, Master Lilac?


Keep going.
What?　Oh, yes.

　Her eyes were fixed.

I thought it would be cool if Aylan played the viola and then switched to the orchestra, and then she came in. I don't think Aylan will play the viola, and more importantly, I thought it would be a little different to have her come in while playing. ...... Then I thought it would be better to have her play the music separately from the beginning and use a loudspeaker gramophone to make it sound spectacular. ......That's what we talked about ...... and .............

　I'm not sure what to do.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　If you make eye contact with her, you will see a strong glare piercing through her eyes.

"...... Lilac-sama?
"I see, I see. It is true that among the five senses, the ears are lonely. Music ...... hmm.

　Her gesture of contemplation.
　I envisioned my own entrance scene. It wasn't bad that she was introduced and walked proudly through the snowflakes, but it wasn't bad that she played her own theme so that the audience could immediately recognize that Lilac was coming.

　No, it's better.

　He looks back at the confused Futa and asks.

"...... What song would you like me to play?
I'm in!

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in this article.

　She coughed lightly and shook her head.

No, I'm not into it. I just wanted to ask you how much you think about the excitement of this arena. I'm not asking this for selfishness or to satisfy my own vanity.
"I didn't say that much, Lilac-sama. ......

　She tilted her teacup with a cool face, but apparently she had forgotten how astringent Huta's tea was.
　She also twitched her eyebrows a little and put the cup back on the saucer.

I'm sure you'll agree that this is the best way to go.

　Futa's hand sign gently indicated the entire room.
　The music box that was given to her has been playing all day, if you ask me.

　But Lilac thought for a moment.

But Lilac thought about it for a moment and said, "Doesn't it seem a little chilly for an entrance?　It's not very exciting.
"That's ...... for sure. But...

　I've been listening to this song for a while now, and I've noticed something.
　--You don't have to notice that now.

I'm sure you'll have a great time.
"...... You think I'm a villain?
Not at all.

　The music box was the only thing that pulled me in, and I hadn't been talking about her music selection.
　He shook his head at her, clearly offended, and continued to praise her for her solemn and gorgeous music.

　Lilac, who understood that she was in a good mood, turned away with her cheekbones to show her sulky rejection, but she didn't feel bad about the ...... compliments, even if they were flattering.

"If .......
"Yes, what is it, Miss Lilac?
If you like it, I'll hire you. If I like it, I'll adopt it.
What?
What's the problem?

　Lilac looked at Futa in surprise.
　To tell you the truth, she doesn't want to compromise on this kind of thing, but if Futa chooses to do it, there's room for consideration.
　She wouldn't do anything wrong to herself for being in such a bad mood.

　I've also made a precautionary statement that if I like her, I'll go for it. If it was a hot lady case, I could just tell her off.

　When she thought about it, Futa shook his head unsurely.

I don't have enough confidence in my ears to choose Master Lilac's music. Besides.

　Even if I'm not confident, if you choose mine," the words receded into the background. Futa's next words were plausible.

I don't have any contacts who can compose music.
"That's ...... for sure.
If you can introduce me to a court musician, I'll do my best. ......
"Court musicians?

　Pasta told me about the entanglement of interests.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　Futa didn't expect Lilac's reaction, as he had expected her to do so naturally when he asked her for music.
　However, she pulled her chin back as if she was satisfied.

"I see, Beatrix.
"What?
I remember she mentioned something about using music, and promotion is her domain. Didn't you also talk to Beatrix about this?
Yeah, yeah. Yes, yes. Yes, I did.
"......, and as a result, you got a connection to a court musician. I see.

　I'm not sure I should have said that.
　I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

I think you misunderstood me, so I'll correct you.
"Yes, what is it?


I don't want to get into trouble if there's interest involved, so I won't use court musicians.
"What?　Are you sure about that?

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm not using them.
　If you include what Pasta told you, it's even better.
　But Lilac shook her head loosely.

I'll take care of that.

　She said casually.

　Pasta had said that, but since Lilac said she would take care of it, it must be true. From the trust he had placed in her so far, Huta would not doubt her.

　He nodded, but then crossed his arms.

I don't have any extra contacts in the music business. ......
"Okay. By the way.
Yes?

　She looked around the room and then looked at Futa again.

Who made this music box?
"Oh.

　Well, it occurred to Futa.

　I don't know why I hadn't noticed it before.

　The woman who had delivered the music box with the image of herself to Futa.
　I don't know if she makes them herself, or if she commissions them from someone else, but at least.

　If you ask her, you might find a way.

All right, I'll ask Corona!
"Yeah. Yes, I will. I'm counting on you, Futa.
Yes!

　Lilac looked up at Huta, who stood up as if she had gotten an answer.

You can take your time if you want, sir.
No, I'll do my best to comply with your wishes, Lilac-sama!
...... I see.

　He wanted to go see Corona right away, but I stopped him lightly.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but he left the room saying he was doing it for Lilac.

　After watching his back, ...... she looked at her reflection in her teacup for a while, and then slowly stood up.

　The office is located in a secluded area and is rarely visited by people.
　Even more so when it was Lilac's castle.

　She wriggled behind a curtain at the far end of the room, and after a moment, she opened the drape - for some reason. Strangely. And there, instead of Lilac, was Lila.

　She moves neatly out of the room, picks up her skirt and runs lightly.


　When I saw her back ahead of me, I called out to her.


"Mr. Futa, what can I do for you?
"Oh, Rila!　Just in time, I need your help!


　There was a broken smile on his face.