--A noble town, a party place.

　A social party was held to celebrate the birth of the first son of a noble family.
　Richter went to the party, partly because he was related to the family and partly because he had been asked to go, but to be honest, celebrating the birth of his son had to take a backseat.

　He wanted to think about his son first and talk about the future with his master.

　However, it is also true that the situation does not allow me to do so.

　Despite my itchy feelings, I went around and around to gather information.
　And as a result.

...... is not good.

　The host of the party welcomed Richter's visit with glee.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Richter.
"Good day to you.
"How do you do, Herr Richter?

　Among the noblemen, many of whom had been Richter's relatives, were so-called "aristocrats.

　There were not many reasons to welcome or keep away Richter, who was of good family, had a lot of accomplishments, and was still involved in huge projects.

　He exhaled, knowing that it was probably because of the bombing.

　One by one, the nobles around Richter were being targeted.
　It would be unbearable if we had to suffer the same fate. That's probably what he meant. I understand that feeling.

　But if people disappear from around Richter like this, that's exactly what the criminal group wants.

　Even if you know that, it is absurd to say, "Stay on our side even though there is a possibility of being blown up. The only thing we can do now is to try to get the culprit's tail under the water.

"You look like you're in trouble, Richter.

　That's when the call came.
　As Richter was picking at the meat on the table, Graciel walked up to him, unusually without any of his cronies.
　As Richter's eyes narrowed, he brushed back his blue hair and said.

You've lost your mind. You've lost the hearts of the people, and those heroes are your enemies. Maybe you should get out.
"Volunteer Corps"?　Is that the name of those terrorists?
Yeah. I can't publicly affirm it either, since they're calling for the restoration of the king.

　In other words, it is the same as admitting that the current king has no power.
　However, Richter knew that this man was generally in favor of them. As he continued to speak brashly, Richter shook his head.

"If you were in my shoes, would you get out?
If you were in my shoes, would you get out? ...... I wouldn't mess with the princess.
I'm not talking about something so limited. I'm asking you if you'd step down if terrorists started attacking your people because they felt antagonized by your methods.
......

　He shook his glass of wine, wavering.
　I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that.

I'm not getting off.
That's what I mean. You and I are alike in many ways.
"Huh. Don't put us together. I'd have tracked down those terrorists and killed them all by now.
I don't know. They're surprisingly clever at hiding their tails.

　It's as if they have the backing of a great nobleman.

　After pouring the meat down with wine, Richter took a glance at Graciel.
　I'm sure this man knows he's under suspicion.
　That's why I'm here to tell you this. It's nothing more than a check.

　Then there was one thing that bothered me.

Let me change the subject.
"What?

　I closed my eyes and remembered that a while ago.
　I remember a while ago when Izna Sienzan came all the way to Richter's house.
　She said she was looking for someone. And his name was.

Is there any chance Mirabelle's still alive?
"What about ..................?

　A look of surprise crosses his face. Then thought. Then anger.

"What kind of joke is that? I'm about to ruin the celebration, if that's what it takes.
You're not hearing any of this, are you?
I don't know what you're talking about!

　The sound of a thump on a nearby table drew the attention of the surrounding nobles to what was going on. And as soon as they realized that Richter and Gracial were facing each other, they hurriedly moved away.

　But the two in the center were unconcerned.
　Richter looks at him very calmly, with a probing look in his eyes.
　Glacial, on the other hand, glared at Richter with piercing eyes, as if he had been touched by a reverse.

"He's dead. He was killed by my mother. You know that, don't you? You know that, don't you? You know that, don't you? You know that, don't you?
You know exactly what I mean. I also remember that the punishment was quite light. --Well, your mother was found dead after that. Suicide.


"Shame on the Gringott family. ...... mother, this is good. It's Mirabelle. Why is his name coming up now?
"...... Well.
Richter!

　In the face of Gracial's anger, Richter is calmly thinking.

　You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.
　But that is also unnatural. The people he was chasing apparently used explosives. There is no way that so many criminal groups can possess explosives.

　Then there's only one answer.
　The man in front of me may be connected to the criminal group, but he's not at the center of it.

　--The man who calls himself Mirabelle is still a mystery to me.

If you don't know, fine.
Nothing good is going to come out of this. Hey, Richter!
Maybe I'm just bluffing my way out of this one. Don't be so sure.
You're the one who's gonna do it!
Come on. You're out of the picture. --Don't talk to me like you know what you're doing.

　With that, Richter turned his back on Gracials.
　Then, seeing the people around him hurry to clear the way, he lets out a sigh.
　Oh dear, it seems I've attracted attention once again.

　If they see me in a head-on struggle with Gracial, people will leave again.

　Now we just need a little more information and people.

"Hey, Mr. Richter!
"......?

　And then there's a voice.
　At a nearby table, a fat, stocky man who couldn't read the air was shouting for Richter.

"It's really good, sir!
"....... Can you afford to come to the party?
What are you talking about? You get a lot of free food.

　The boneless ham hock proceeded to eat as usual, not caring about anything in the air.

　There's no one around him.
　That's true. The current head of the Hammot is known for his stupidity.
　He's called an incompetent pig and is treated coldly even by Richter's own people.

　That's why Richter keeps his eyes down a little.

　He has some important documents under his care, which he is using to his advantage. I've got some important papers for him, and I'd like you to hold onto them for me," he says.

　No one will pay any attention to them.

"...... Well, eat what you want.
"I don't need to be told!　Mr. Richter...
I'm good.
I see. ...... It's delicious. ......

　He was enjoying his meal with his usual not-so-beautiful gestures.










　--King's castle. Futa's private room.

"You're going to perform ......?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"You're putting on a spectacle under these circumstances?
I'm not sure if you're referring to the situation in Corona, or to the situation in Corona.　Or...
It's the terrorist organization. No, I can't help it if you tell Rilla.
No, ...... I can tell the princess later, and I can give her some answers, too.
...... Well, okay. Well, let me ask you something.

　I just had a talk with Pasta the other day.
　If we go ahead with the show, some unscrupulous people might even attack the Spectacle.

　If that happens, it'll be that girl again who'll be in the crosshairs.
　I buy her guts, but she is a delicate and weak girl, no matter how strong her spirit is.

　At least that's what Futa thinks, and he's not wrong.
　I don't mean to compare her to my sister, but I don't think she'll be able to face the terrorists head-on and survive.

　That's why the decision to move the performance to 10 days later was understandably frustrating.

I'm sure Mr. Lilac has some ideas, but... At least I'm worried now. Even if it's just .......

　I glanced at the bed.
　I've woken up a few times since then, but I still spend my days in the hospital bed, sleeping after a light meal.

　I'm worried about Corona, and I don't want to add to her worries.

I understand how you feel.

　Rilla's answer was simple.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. But for that reason. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.



It's just ......, right. Can it wait?
Wait?
Yes. I'm sure the princess has a lot on her mind.
............ Well, I don't have the option of not trusting Lilac-sama.

　Huta crossed her arms.
　That was the truth. I have faith that if she decides to do it, she won't fail.

　However, I am still worried about her.
　When Futa showed such conflicted expression, Rira thought for a while.

　Then, she said what only she could.

Are you worried?　For example, are you worried that you'll sacrifice pasta again?
That's .......

　Faced with a girl who looks a lot like Lilac, Futa is a little worried.
　But the resemblance is not the same as Lilac herself.
　He lowered his eyebrows in annoyance.

If I'm being honest, yes. Lilac-sama cares about Korona. So I'm sure she'll be fine with Corona. The same goes for King's Landing. I'm sure she won't do anything to jeopardize the city because she's looking to the future. But ...... Mr. Richter and the pasta guy are the ones who might be an obstacle for ...... Lilac-sama.

　Lila narrowed her eyes a little, knowing full well.

But. But Mr. Richter is a friend to me, and Pasta has become ...... irreplaceable to me.
"What ......?
If there's one thing I'm worried about, it's what Lilac is going to do.
...... "Irreplaceable," huh? What if it's gone?
I don't even want to think about it. Just ...... at least.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

I'm sure I won't be able to stand in the arena when he's gone.

　That's your own weakness, too. I know that.
　But... will I really be able to be a champion in the world after she's gone? I can't, Futa declares.
　I can only imagine the Colosseum, or worse, the disgusting mess I'll be in.

　It's not that he is relying on her.
　Rather, the opposite. I no longer feel worthy to act as a champion in an arena without her.

　What is the value of embracing the dream alone, when you have reached it together?

......
Lila?
...... Yes, of course.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

　There was a side table.
　A small bottle sitting on it.

"............

　Time passes in silence.

...... I'm not going to sacrifice the pasta, by the way.
Is that so?
Yeah. We'll need her for the rest of our lives. If she gets in the way, so be it.

　If you take her life, she'll be sad.

Let's just give her a little happiness somewhere else and let her live quietly in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, yeah. Yes, yes, yes. ...... No, that's not for you to decide, is it?
Oh, I have a message for you.
What?　You've read all my thoughts!

　The man in front of you who says, "That's a great idea.

"A little happiness? Like marriage?
Well, yes.
........................ I see.
Anything?
No, nothing.
...... You're trying to tell me something.
You don't have to get married to be happy, do you?
What? I don't know. ...... I don't know.
If he can't be happy without marriage, then he can be unhappy for the rest of his life, can't he?
What?　Mr. Futa, what you said before is different.

　No, no. Futa crosses his arms.



　I want Lilac to achieve her dreams, and I want Corona to be happy, but... No pasta, right?

I don't care about that guy. "Well, I don't care about that guy, as long as Lilac vouches for me.
"Yes, .......

　I don't mind, said Lilah, exhaling one breath.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
"Oh, I see. You're with Mirabelle, right? That's right. I'll have to ask Izuna to take care of that. ......
"Yes, sir.

　An admiring bow.
　I'd be very grateful if you could take a message for Izuna as well.

Thank you.

　I thanked him and thought.
　A terrorist attack, a spectacle.

　A lot of things were happening in the capital, and I honestly felt itchy that I couldn't do anything about it.

　Rilla smiled, perhaps anticipating Futa's worries.

"Hmm.
"Huh?

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

　But the smile on her face now was just like the real Lilac.

"It's okay. You'll get the chance to make your move.

"............, etc.
What?
"Dear Lilac, ......?
What?　And!　The princess is at ！！！！.
Oh, yeah!　Yes, of course!　No, you surprised me. You look so much like her, now.
"Yes you do...ugh... ...... You didn't seem to notice me too much, so I let my guard down. ......

　I'm not sure what to say.
　I'm not sure what to do.
　Corona's condition is still unpredictable.

　In case of a sudden change in her condition, "I must have someone I can trust.

　Futa is the only one who fits that description.
　Lilac feels the same way.

　If only we could get Futa to work. If only he could've gotten rid of the terrorist organization by now, there would've been no one left.

　Rilla shook her head. There's no need for conjecture.
　Perhaps...


"Is anyone there?

　A small knock sounded.
　Futa's voice is lispy and languid.

　When Futa saw Rilla, he turned to the door and called out.

It's okay.
"Excuse me.

　He was about the same height as the doorknob.
　She peeked out and walked into the room, her long brown hair swinging in the air.

　It was Ayame Walcott, who had begun to visit her neighbor Futa frequently, as if she was lonely alone.

"Oh my. You're Rilla. How do you do?
"Yes, hello, Ayame.
...... So you know each other. Oh, yeah. You're the maid.

　She walked briskly to the center of the room.
　She came to the center of the room and greeted Corona, who was sleeping in her bed.

"Good day, Corona. You're asleep again.
She should be fine in a few minutes.
Oh, yeah. That's good to know.

　The magic is in full bloom.

Have one.
Thank you.
It'll be gone soon, but...
I knew it.

　A pretty yellow tulip that Futa touches and within a few seconds it's gone to dust.

"Yes, Lilah. I have a favor to ask you.
"Yes, what is it?

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.


　She grabbed her own brown hair with both hands and tied it in two at the back of her head.

"Can you make my hair look like this?
"Yes, I can.
"Oh, my God. Oh, good. Please do.

　She sits down on the couch, and Lila starts to do her hair from behind her.

　Her hair looks like Prim's, Futa thought to himself.

　In fact, he hadn't even realized she was doing it that way.

"Peaceful, Corona.

　Futa muttered, looking at the bed behind him in the peaceful air.

　Lowering his eyebrows, he glanced at the vial.

　--It was just before Lila's visit.
　Suddenly she started breathing funny and I used a potion.
　Thanks to that, her condition calmed down, but ......

I'm not sure what to do.　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
...... That's just plain ignorant. "As a healer, I'd advise you to limit yourself to two more drops.
"Two drops. ......

"You have one drop left to use.

　By then, please, you'll be cured.

　I sincerely hope so.