--On the outskirts of the royal capital. Forest area.

I'm not sure what to make of this.

　The one who crosses his arms at the back of his head and walks forward step by step while muttering is Leafy Lean Glide.

　The shelter of the cap does a good job of blocking out the sun, and there are several large trees with overlapping leaves that are competing with each other for sunlight.
　It's a beast of a path, speckled with sunlight that doesn't have much to offer Leafy.

I heard he asked for it. Apparently, Yakko and the others have finally gotten off their asses because of my exploits in the fighting tournament. I need you to be a little more carefree so I can take care of you.
You've got a lot to say. ......

　You'll find a lot of things to say.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"The Hunter's Guild, huh?

　Arrows was referring to the hunters' guild.
　People like him who make a living as hexenbiest hunters can not only hunt the hexenbiests they want to kill, but also regularly hunt valuable hexenbiests and bring back the materials for cash.

　However, without a branch of the union to serve as a place to exchange the money, the whole thing would fall apart.
　It seems that the hunters living around here have been calling for a branch to be set up in the capital as well, but it seems that there is resistance to anything new.

　If it's a system or a company from another country, it's even worse.

　It is strange that a proposal can be accepted with open arms, and within a year, the building and the show can begin.
　It would have been easier for the Hunters' Guild if they had been in an invincible position where they could fully utilize their power, social power, and financial power and no one would complain, but such a person does not appear that often.

　This is why the position of Arrows, who came to King's Landing on a whim and made visible achievements, has become more than a little significant in the guild.

As far as I'm concerned, as long as I have good pizza and money to live on, I can't complain. Yeah, a good wife would be great.
"You'd love a slut, wouldn't you?　The Hunters' Guild is your girlfriend.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

　Wearing a cowboy hat, Arrows shakes his head.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.

　Apparently, he was begged to come back just before the establishment of the Hunter's Guild branch in King's Landing.

　I heard that the power of persuasion is different if there is no skilled person.
　It seems that the job of a hexenbiest hunter is not free from human ties.

"So, Arrows.
"Huh?

　When Arrows turned around, Leafy was frowning.

You look like you just got your favorite pizza with cheese on it, don't you?
I'd kill that guy, but... That's not what I'm talking about.

　It's a common view. That seems to be the common view.

You're coming out, second episode?
That's right.

　We cut through the ivy as we make our way through the forest. The green grows deeper and deeper, darkening the world with its tinge of blue. But the way he took on nature as if he was used to it was similar to the way he would face a strong opponent in a martial arts tournament.

The Lord of the Treasury has arranged for us to receive fight money if we advance to the finals. Apparently you don't get much money if you lose, but ...... it's still nice to be paid.
Did you know it was 2 on 2?
Yeah.

　Arrows answers immediately.
　--Leafy was troubled.
　He was confident that he'd gotten reasonably good at the first tournament.
　I'm not sure if that's enough to win the tournament, or even if I'm good enough.

　But, yes.
　What kind of tournament is this for me?
　Leafy was in the process of figuring it out.

　Sakurahana Itto-ryu. If that sword was to be used in this 2on2 tournament, it would be to stop a strong opponent. The advantage of being able to divide 2on2 into 1on1.

　But what if it fails?　What if your ability is not up to the task?
　It's your partner who will be in trouble.

　That's what Leafy was thinking, and he was wondering.
　Who should she partner up with?


Has Leafy decided on a partner yet?
"No. ...... not yet, but...

　So when Arrows brought it up, he stammered a bit.


So when Arrows brought it up, I faltered a bit.
What?


　So I was surprised at his offer.
　So I was surprised at his offer, too, since he approached me so easily.

"Yeah," I said. I can't even enter without the two of you.
"Am I okay with that?　Or someone else, like someone from the guild?
No, you're good.

　That's easy for you to say.
　There's not even a hint of embarrassment. He left Leafy shivering, wondering if this was the norm in the West, and continued.

If not, I won't be able to get revenge on Izuna.
Oh.

　That day's qualifier.


　Leafy and Arrows fought to create a two-on-one situation against Izuna. As a result, they ran out of time, but the two of them were able to somehow maintain equilibrium against Izuna.

　Ever since then, I've had Izuna as my target.

　And I'm curious to see how well I can fight against Izuna now.

　Revenge. That's good.

Yeah, that's right. Let's show Izuna what we're made of.
Oh, that's settled.

　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

It's not like last time, we have a lot of time. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that we both know how to work together.

　I'm sure you've heard of it.

I'm going to show the strong but novice swordsman what a hunter's hunt is all about.
I like it, it's getting fun.

　Arrows nodded to the toothy grin on Leafy's face.

　And then...


　There was a crash. It came from beyond the darkness of the forest.
　Happily, Arrows draws his twin swords.


　By the way, I wonder what we're doing here today. 　



So this is an outpost.



　Two Arcadian King Gorillas appear.






Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. ！！！！






　Leafy Lean Glide & The Arrows "Wild Hunt" -- Enter!
















　--Inside the King's castle, Futa's private room.

　The Red Season will soon be upon us.

　The maid, who claims to have access to many delicious foods, is more excited than ever.
　The princess has more time to play with her hands now that she can move more easily after the heat of the fresh season.

　Futa was alone in realizing that the unchanging days at the royal castle were still changing with the seasons.

　As a year goes by, you can learn some interesting things.
　For example, it was almost time for the maids to say, "It's cold! and tries to huddle under the covers.
　For example, the princess will be busy with her work looking ahead to the cold season. Oh, her favorite outdoor tea parties will be a little less frequent.

　On such a night of the Red Season, Futa was leisurely looking out the window.

　The sky from his private room was beautiful, though not as beautiful as from the balcony.
　It really had been a year already - he could somehow assume from the position of the stars.

　Yes, in that sense.
　The knowledge to determine the direction and date from the position of the stars was taught to me by my girlfriend who claims to be my fake sister.
　I've known her for almost a year now, and strangely enough, I'm more surprised by her shorter relationship than grateful for it.

　I've known my sister for less than a year. If you're listening, you'll wonder what I'm talking about.

"Well, ...... it's been a year already .......


"Princess, Princess, what do we do about it?"
Let it go. We need time to escape from reality.
I thought Futa-sama had a lot of friends, but that was just my imagination!
That's true. It seems that this is the only place to be after all.

I can hear everything!

　Futa turns around, almost in tears.
　A small tea party is held without the master of the room, but it seems that his shouting is not even a gentle breeze.

　The maid, her eyes twinkling, seemed to be saying, "So what? The maid who blinked her eyes seemed to be saying, "So?
　The graceful princess with crossed legs, tilting her cup with a nonchalant expression, actually asked, "So? I asked.

"......, so, um... Don't make me sad. ......

　It was an honest sentiment. If I said it out loud, the reality of the situation would hit me even harder, and I would fall to my knees.

　The warmth of the room, the gentle light.
　The two of them were in a warm room with a gentle light, a warmth that seemed to contradict the darkness outside the window.

"Hmm.
"Hahaha!

　The two of them were smiling so happily that nothing mattered to Futa anymore.



　So, even if you don't have anyone to pair up with.



"...... Lilac-sama.
What is it?
Is there any hope of an extension on that ......?

　"I don't need to ask what extension.
　Lilac let out a small sigh and looked up.

I'm sure it's not the end of the world if you don't show up. I'd like you to do your best as soon as possible, but at the very least, let's try to hold on to your title of champion until the finals begin.
"Thank you very much!

　Oh, the misery.
　Futa was almost in tears.

　--Although...

　Lilac was right, too.
　The reason why the fighters around Futa didn't join him was not because they were bullied, or hated him, or smelled a little sweaty, or anything negative like that.

　It's because they all want to fight you that they can't be your ally.
　And if Futa says, "I couldn't come out because I didn't have a partner," then it's just a fallacy.

The maids will go out with him.　Maid style mopping technique!


Yeah, you can save that for Mr. Richter.
"Isn't Richter unwilling to do that?

　While Corona was reprimanded, Lilac was tilting her head at the obvious question.

I think Richter's ledger is enough to clean up.
I think that's a hell of a lot more than a direct mop, but that's ......
It's not much different.
That's the way it is.

　Fouta crossed his arms.
　--I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that if I were here.

　A leisurely day.

　But in that peaceful time, Lilac and Futa sensed something.
　Lilac gets up and prepares for battle. Futa immediately takes up a position to protect Corona.

"Me?　Me-?

　Futa and Lilac make eye contact with each other, feeling bad for Corona who looks at them in turn, wondering what's wrong.

　There was no sign of an attack, but it was clear that there was an uninvited guest in the vicinity.
　It was almost the same time when they saw the presence.

"Intruder!　There's an intruder!

　The loud voice probably belonged to the military police in charge of the castle's defense.

　The sound of running was in the direction of the corridor.

"What should we do, Master Lilac?
Corona, I'll take the back. Hooter, please.
Yes, sir.

　The two of them switch places with Corona's protection, their steps lean and steady.

　Huta puts his hand on the door of the room and senses a presence on the other side.
　It seems that there are footsteps approaching--three of them. They're all running, all in the same group. The MP's voice can be heard in the distance, indicating that this group is probably the intruder.

　When Futa looks back, Lilac nods.
　Lilac nodded. She would not like to have intruders in her castle. Besides, if it was Futa...

　--I'm sure you'll be able to subdue them no matter who they are.
　That's what I thought.

　Futa opens the door and leaps into the hallway.

　The moment he does, he sees three shadows running towards him.


"Whoa, whoa!　I'm not listening to you, brother!
I didn't hear you! - Just run, I messed up!
Hey, my side hurts. ......!
Shut up, you've got no sides, you've got a big belly!
Well, my stomach hurts. ......!
You must have picked up something weird and eaten it. ！！！！


"......

　I wonder. They were tense.
　But Futa understood.
　The two behind him, but only the man in the silk hat at the front noticed Futa.

"Whoa... are you playing pass the buck?　Tough luck, huh? I thought I had the best fortune today.
I'm sure the fortune today was the best. ...... So don't use your fortune to decide when to go. ......

　The girl behind me let out an exhausted voice, and then Futa and the three of us met.
　You can find no other signs of life, and Lilac will also show up.
　If there are no ambushes, it's faster to subdue them all at once.

　So. That was the moment Lilac stood behind Futa.


　The young man in the silk hat opens his eyes.


"Whoa, whoa, whoa, seriously?


　He's looking at Lilac.



You were right about the fortune-telling. ...... Love at first sight is a real thing, isn't it?



　--I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.
　He left the two of them, who were caught off guard by his lack of hostility, and said.





"Will you marry me, sunflower?
"Meh?




　Futa, for the time being, kicked the prowler who was on one knee away like a ball.