"Get away from Master Diana, you Kehaku man!

The first thing that flew at the designated location - behind the royal family's private quarters next to the Temple of Mist - was such abuse and several knives. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　If I hadn't avoided it, I would have died.
"What kind of brazen man like you would die from a stab wound?
No, no, no. If you get stabbed, you die, okay?　I'm a human being.
I'm fine. I'm a human being. - Don't worry. They say, "Haters gonna hate.

This is only the second time Rita and Kai have met face to face, but it's a fast-paced exchange. Deanna was impressed.

"You two are so close, aren't you?
"What?

At the same time, she was convinced that they were good friends. I slowly walked up to Rita as our eyes met.

"I'm sorry, Rita. I'm sorry I made you worry.
It's really ......, really, Diana is ......!

The reason why Rita couldn't help but hit Kai was because she didn't know what to look like when she greeted Deanna. It was easy to imagine that Rita's character would think that it was her fault that Diana was left alone, that she had failed as a maidservant.

It's not your fault. It's not your fault. The people who attacked you were the worst and I was the second worst for running away even though I was the Red Rose. ...... I don't regret it, and I can't promise that this is the last time it will happen.
"That's the way it is, isn't it, Diana? ......
You did everything you could to protect me. --Where is your fault in that?
...... If I had been stronger. If I had been stronger, none of that would have happened. If I'd been more vigilant, more prepared for an attack.
I'm sure it was very difficult to predict, but if ...... Rita thinks so, she can be more careful next time. What's wrong with that?

Rita's face was contorted as if she was about to start crying, but as she listened to Deanna's words, she began to laugh and cry. In the background, Kai was holding back a chuckle.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sorry for worrying you.
I'm sorry I caused you so much worry. I know that if I were to choose the right answer as the Red Rose, I should have stayed put and just protected her no matter what happened outside. --But I can't do that.
I know that. The Cresters try to make the most of every moment. ...... even at the risk of their own lives.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that. I'm sure that's the only thing I'll ever give up.
"...... I can't help it, can I? You can't blame her.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

I'm sure you've heard of this before, but I'm not sure how you ended up working with such a man as ...... Diana. He's a secret agent of the Peony!
I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... Hey, how many more times do I have to repeat myself?
"Oh, let me see, Rita. ......

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea. Rita's eyes widened in surprise when she learned that the Knight of the Court of Colt was one of the enemy.

The Knight of Colt?　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.
That's what he looks like to me, too. To be honest, I'm confused because I don't know what they were aiming for when they attacked us.
What do you mean?
In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, it's possible that you'll be able to find it in the marketplace. I don't know what that is to begin with.

And then there are the actions of the Colt Knights.

I'm not sure. It's possible that the Colt Knight was a Kingsguard of the Peony Faction?
It's possible, but I don't think so. In the first place, the Peony girl doesn't think well of the palace guard.
Is that so?
"Because she thinks it's a rule that a noblewoman should always live a life of elegance, beauty, and modesty, and be a healer for her lord. She often complained that it was disgusting and vulgar to wield a sword like a woman.

Well, that's very Lillian.

"If I were to show my true colors in front of Liliane, she'd probably faint.
"Or I could go on a rampage and say, 'This woman is unworthy of the Red Rose! "I think I have two choices. She's surprisingly bold, that girl.
...... So the Colt Knight has nothing to do with Liliane. But the man with the long sword who seemed to be her companion said that he was employed by Landrose, right?
Maybe your father hired him without telling the little girl?
I don't know. If Liliane doesn't like female swordsmen, then her father probably doesn't like them either.



I don't know, I just don't have enough information. I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about the Colt Knight and that mysterious man.
Of course I will. The Knight of Colt hasn't returned to the procession since last night, so we can assume that he has fled. We need to take him into custody and question him.
As for the man, I think a search of the gladiatorial records of the past would be a good idea.

Kai's line, which was added without hesitation, was quite heavy in content. Not only Sirius, but also Diana and Rita paid attention to Kai.

"Why do you think that?
"About the gladiator?　Because his kata wasn't that of someone who'd learned it the refined way. He's a self-starter, but he's been through enough to have it ingrained in his body. Only a gladiator would do such a thing, except for those behind the scenes.

A gladiator is a person who earns money by showing fights in the arena. Arena gambling is one of the most popular pastimes in the kingdom, and there is usually one arena in every large town. It is a dangerous occupation that often results in death, and it is not a very serious job, but when you are recognized by the government and your name is on the list, you are a living entity in the "front".
Young and good-looking gladiators have fans, and goods such as pictures and dolls are sold. In addition, those with outstanding skills are rarely scouted by the nobility to work in their territories, making gladiators a relatively familiar profession for poor young men with good skills.

Even though he uses a long sword, his fighting style seems to be mainly punching rather than cutting. No one who has learned proper swordsmanship would ever hit with a sword.
"How would you know that?

Rita had fought the same man, but she hadn't had time to observe his fighting style. She rolled her eyes and listened to Kai's explanation.
The one who was asked cowered lightly.

Of course, I don't know everything. Of course, I don't know everything, but I know most of the common martial arts forms. I know most of the common martial arts kata, because they are important clues to the enemy.
You're right, but you and he only fought for a short time.
Once or twice you'll know his fighting style. If you don't, you can't initiate.
...... Is that part of your education, Kuro Lion?
Well, .......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something for me. It's a good idea to check out the ...... Colt Barony for Colt Knights.
I'll discuss the details with Master Dualis.
Yes, please do. Speaking of which, where is your father?　He should be back at the Crester estate by now.

There's a Lord's Day service tomorrow. All the family will be together in that old house.
Sirius smiled wickedly at his youngest daughter's question.

No. Master Dualis is now in Ciria, a port town in the Mael region. Master Elizabeth and Edward are there as well.
"What?

The Mael region of Crestor. It has a large harbor and is a key location for the defense of the country. At the same time, in recent years it has developed into an international port where many trading ships come and go. It has been a part of the Crester territory for a long time and is a familiar place. .......

I'm not sure what's going on here.　What's going on?
Yes, well... We welcomed Kai's father, so we wanted to meet him as well.
"Wait, Sirius-san!

It's not often that I see Kai get so flustered. Deanna tilted her head in disbelief.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　You said you welcomed him to Shelia?
Yes. Actually, the Kuro Lion is ill.
Sirius, wait.
Sick?　...... Is it a serious condition?
It's a rare disease, but if he takes his medication and rests well, he should recover.
Well, that's good. ......
"It's just...

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on," he said.

The herbs needed for the treatment are very expensive and cannot be found in this country. If Master Dualis had taken the time to find the Kuro Lion and let him pass the winter, ...... he might not have survived.
"Sirius-san!

Kai shouted, but it was too late for many things. At that moment, Deanna, who was extremely intelligent, knew everything about how Kai had become a secret agent for the Peony. As soon as she turned around, she grabbed Kai by the chest.

"Why don't you tell me something important like that?
It's not like I was trying to hide it. ......
"To pay for your father's medicine?　I'm sure you're not the only one.　You can't be so stubborn!


"...... That's something I wouldn't want Dee to say to me.
Oh, yeah. So let me ask you something.　How were you going to earn money to pay for your father's medicine when you had no income after quitting Peony's secret service?
There are so many ways to make money if you want to. There are plenty of ways to make money if you want to. This time of year, King's Landing is full of customers. --Dee has no reason to be worried.
I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm sure it's because of me that you had to quit your job as a secret agent for the Peony.　I'm the one who caused it, so why should I worry about it?
I'm sorry for worrying about you! It's nothing for Dee to feel responsible or angry about.
That logic, unfortunately, doesn't work on those who are helped.

Even after saying all this, he seems to be reluctant to involve Deanna in his father's affairs. When I glared at him with pouting lips, Kai patted me on the head.

"You're making fun of me!
I love you. I'm not afraid of you staring at me like that.
What a rude thing to say to the villainous Cresta family!
I know who you are.

"I know who they are." Deanna's frustration grew as she was easily dismissed.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

...... Do you have anything disturbing in mind?
No.
Just so you know, it's not like I don't want Deanna to meet my dad or anything.

Is this guy a mind reader or something? I'm not sure what to make of this.

"If I told you what happened, Dee would definitely think it was my fault. I didn't want that. It was my choice to leave Peony.
"But ......
Yeah, I'm kind of sorry about that now, too. I should have known what to do next so that Dee wouldn't have to worry about it. --I should have decided what to do next so that Dee wouldn't have to worry about it and end up in the care of the Cresta family.

Sirius explained to Deanna, who didn't quite understand what he meant, that Dualis had learned of the Kuro Lion's illness and had built a temporary sanatorium to help him. The Cresta family has provided everything from the distribution of medicines to equipment, and they welcomed the Kuro Lion there this afternoon.
Deanna's expression brightened upon hearing the story.

"So the black lion will be fine now, right?
"They say he'll be fine in the spring if he takes it easy over the winter.
Thank God!　Right, Kai?

He smiled wryly at being rejected. Of course I'm glad he's getting better, but...

He's going to be pissed, though.
Pissed?　Why?
Because my father's stance on staying out of the Cresta family is not mine.
...... So you're saying you don't like the Cresta family?
"No, I don't. I didn't get the details either, but he said something about being sorry and not being able to face them. If I knew ...... that my son, me, had caused all that trouble as a result, I would ......
You already know.

Sirius stabbed him in the back and Kai fell into Diana's arms.

"Kai?
"I'm not just going to get pissed off, you know. I'm afraid of getting punched, kicked, or stabbed ...... in the spring.
You don't choose your work, you idiot.
You got what you deserved.

The cold shove from his peers stung the back of Kai's head. Deanna laughed a little and patted Kai on the back.

It's true that we started out as enemies, but you quickly became our strongest ally. Even this time, you saved my life by giving up the gold for your father. The amount of trouble you caused me is zero.
...... Maybe that logic won't work with my father.
When you and your father meet, I'll be there to intercede. So don't be so downhearted.
"Thanks, Dee.

They looked at each other and smiled, but behind them.
They looked at each other and smiled, and behind them there was no room to stop them. When did they get so close?
(No, I don't know much about ......, but I heard something happened last night.)
What do you mean, something?　He took advantage of Deanna's kindness, that guy ......!
(Well, you'll have to ask Deanna directly later.)
(Well, you'll have to ask Deanna directly later.) The conversation between the household members was unfolding in silence. It's true that Deanna and Kai now look like they're flirting with each other. It's as if the two of them are in a state of "Rearmament explosion!

"Oh, by the way, it's about time, isn't it?

Rita, checking the position of the sun, suddenly switches the air. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"What time?


"It's time for the palace carriage to arrive. I asked Yuri to help me out today and rode up here on horseback ahead of them.

After all this time, all the members of the Crestor family can ride horses just fine. That's because the Lord and his family are like this.

"I see. Well, I'll have to think of a good excuse for my being here safely.
I've got a pretty good idea, if you don't mind.
All right.

It was almost dusk.
It was almost evening, and Deanna had finally escaped from her lost state.