--So, what to do now?
　Literally imprisoned in a dungeon surrounded by cold stone, Diana ponders as she watches the light shining through the skylight far above her.

　Her current location is an ordinary "prison" for criminals in the basement of the outer palace, near the soldiers' quarters. In the palace, there is a place for nobles where they are guaranteed food, clothing, and shelter, which should be called a lockup rather than a prison, but the conservatives have no intention of treating Diana with care.

(I don't know how far they're going to go with their promise. ......)

　If the enemy had even a modicum of caution against the Cresta family, they would not have treated Diana, the daughter of the current head of the family, in this way. If they wanted to keep her, they would have chosen the right place. The other side may be so intent on killing Diana that they think the result will be the same no matter where they throw the short-lived woman.

(It doesn't help that he's so sure he can kill me at this point.

　It's true that Deanna and her team have been on the back foot in every aspect of this plot. The person they captured was eerily silent, and the poison came out of nowhere, as if by magic. Just when you think you've gotten over it, Shayla is taken from you and Deanna is in this mess. I can't deny that I felt like I was being rolled along according to a plot that someone had devised. --It's annoying.
　But... But the enemy doesn't understand.

The reason we've been on the back foot is because of a number of constraints.

　The biggest, most powerful fetter of all. ...... The Enemy has removed itself.
　Foreseeing what was to come, Diana let out a deep breath, unknowingly.
　She looked up at the faint light falling from the skylight above her and knew that dawn was near.

(Depression doesn't change the fact that time is passing. (Being depressed doesn't change the fact that time is passing. ...... I have to find something to do.

　The dungeon was large, but there were no other prisoners in the cell where Diana was kept. The guards seem to be guarding the outside of the cell, out of sight of Diana. I can feel their presence, but not their eyes.
　The narrow, square cell has stone walls on three sides and a skylight on the front of the wall with iron bars, typical of a prison. The bars are only vertical, and although you can put out one arm, there is not enough space for your entire body to pass through.

(As expected, there are no loopholes inside the prison, though. (There are no loopholes inside the dungeon, but it won't be hard to get out without the guards noticing.

　The dungeon seemed large and complex. The dungeons were large and complex, probably to prevent criminals from escaping, but also to provide a loophole for security. There are only a handful of royal palace knights involved in this case, and it's not that difficult to escape through the guards' blind spots.

(Maybe ...... if the Landrose family is involved in this case)

　If Deanna escapes, the life of Shayla, who is still unaccounted for, will be in grave danger.

Deanna was captured by the royal knights as the main culprit in the plot to kidnap Her Highness. The three "perpetrators" currently in custody are Oleg, Rhyno, and Bel. Even if all three of them stated that the kidnapping was ordered by the Red Rose, in the absence of any physical evidence, it would only be "suspicion". Even if we move to capture them, if they say, "Do you have any hard evidence, bring it to me with all your ears," there is nothing we can do but turn back. Normally, they would not have been able to go in there so brazenly and without the king's forgiveness.
　Nonetheless, they made their move. Diana is not so dull as to not be able to decipher the enemy's message in that.

"If you don't do as you're told, Shayla's life is over.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
　There is no way that the conservative aristocrats know that Deanna was deepening her friendship with Shayla as "Dee". The Marquesses of Cocotte are the only ones who can be sure that the threat will be effective against Diana, because they have a track record of actually blocking her movements.

"The Marquesses of Cocotte are preparing for war.

　At the New Year's Eve party. When I was alone with Liliane...
　That one word from her stopped Diana for sure. She was forced to give up her relentless pursuit of the Peony Faction.
　As a noblewoman, you have to protect the weak. That is, indeed, in a sense, Diana's weakness. The only person who can accurately exploit this weakness is Liliane, who has actually faced Diana and felt its effects.

(As expected of one of the oldest nobles in the kingdom. (You are indeed one of the oldest nobles in the kingdom.

　I didn't mean to underestimate her, but she's done more horrible things than I thought without feeling guilty. Thanks to you, I'm itching to check on Shayla's safety and rescue her if possible, but I can't move.

(And--)

　If you want, this country... --And the king.
　I don't want to give up.

"Dear Diana...

　The voice I've been waiting for, but didn't want to come, falls.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk.

Sirius: ......
"Are you hurt?
I'm fine. I was pushed back when they put me in the cell, but it was nothing to worry about. Not a scratch.
"How dare you treat the daughter of the ...... Cresters like this? The number of irredeemable fools has increased considerably.
"It can't be helped. Small incidents happen every now and then, but they're not enough to leave a lasting impression. But you have to be very serious about history to want to pass on a 150 year old trigger to your children.
"Mr. Dualis also said that. I'm sure you're aware of that. This time it seems to have been delayed by fifty years due to the knighthood system.

　Is Dualis suggesting that the lessons of history fade after a hundred years?
　She was afraid to listen to her father's words, who seemed to have an accurate grasp of the situation.
　She suppressed the trembling in her body with her willpower.



So, ......, your father...
I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I mean.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. It's just a matter of time before we get to the point where we'll be able to use our full strength against the enemy.
　Now, in the royal palace. If House Crestor gets serious,......, it will.

"...... will sink the country.
"It's inevitable.
"The king is about to change. "The king is about to change." "And you know this, and you still want to throw everything you've got at him?
"Master Diana. I'm sorry to be so harsh, but when you're reigning at the top of the kingdom, it's not enough to say that you're trying to change. You must certainly change and create a different landscape with your change.

　Deanna shook her head violently from side to side.

I don't understand. Do you really need to do that?
No. No. You know that. You know why Mr. Dualis has made this decision.
I don't know. ...... I don't want to know.

　I'm trying to look up, but my eyes keep going down. ...... Yes. The truth is, I do know.
　That's why Dualis made the decision. It's...

I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the best way to make the most of your time here. ...... You understand, don't you?　I'm not sure what to say.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it. I knew it.

　--I knew it. I knew that from the moment I learned that the conservatives had made a move on Deanna's life.
　Now that it's happened, my father will show no mercy. He's going to reap what he sows, every last one of them.
　Regardless of faction, he will not tolerate anyone who threatens the life of Diana or Crester.
　The purge caused a storm in the royal court. It even threatened the kingdom.
　It will shake the very foundations of the Elgrand kingdom.

　The Dualis. He'll hold the line to keep it from turning into a war, and if it does, he'll hold the line to keep it from harming Crestor. What he doesn't care about is the royal court, politics, and the nobility.
The Cresters, the "underworld emperors who control the evils of the kingdom," will put the king aside and execute the nobles. Duarisse knows how much of a shock it would be to the king's reign to do so in a country with an absolute monarchy, but she is making her move.

　This is because Dualis believes that the current king's past behavior is responsible for this situation and that he lacks the talent and ability to overcome the current situation.
　In short. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

　When Diana turned her head down, a quiet voice fell from above her.

I'm sure you can understand how disappointed I am. I know how sorry you are. ...... We were so close.
"...... I knew your father would make that decision. But I want to wait. Can you tell him that?
"If that's what you want, I can do that. ...... Why do you want to believe so much?
I don't know.

　I don't know. I don't know. Close your eyes and think.
　...... Oh, I thought.

I'm sure I'll regret anything I do now that I'm here. If you're going to regret it as much as I do, it's better to believe in the future than to give up.
I'm sure that's what Diana would say.
"All I can do is stay in my cell. The only thing I can do is trust.

　I'd rather leave things to those outside.
　Diana said something that had been bothering her for a long time.

"Sirius. Do you have any idea where Shayla is?
"...... No.

　"Hmm.
　The temperature dropped from Sirius's voice.
　--A bad feeling built up in me.

"Don't you know if you're alive or dead?
"Yes, sir.
"...... Are you sure the Darkness isn't working to save Shayla?

　The silence that fell was an affirmation.
　The silence that fell was an affirmation. Deanna almost shouted out loud, grabbing her left hand painfully with her right, and killed her voice.

"Why ......!
"Master Dualis instructed us to use all our strength. We're doing everything we can to gain a foothold to hunt down the enemy. --We have no manpower to spare.


"Is destroying the enemy more important than Shayla's life?
"If life has a weight... "If life has a weight, then Master Diana's life is more important to us than Master Shayla Callerd's.

　Sirius says he'll abandon Shayla to save Deanna.
　Sirius, you're saying?
　...... No. Maybe not.

"Sirius. Don't think you can fool me.
"Dear Diana. ......
"I don't think it's a lie that we don't have the manpower. But we're not the kind of people who would abandon innocent lives because of that.
"It's...
"...... Your father gave you an order. Your father ordered you not to help Shayla.

　The only person that Sirius could think of who would want to protect him, even if he hated him, was Dualis.
　After a few moments of silence, Sirius' voice comes out, full of bitterness.

"Master Diana. Master Dualis is distressed and in pain. I can't help you with Miss Shayla.
"...... There's a reason, isn't there?　I cannot tell you.
"Yes.

　The short affirmation was a clear indication that she had no intention of explaining further.
　Deanna shook her head lazily.

"You can't, no matter what?
"The Darkness of House Clester will not act to save Miss Shayla.

　Sirius himself must be seething. His voice was bitter.
　The fear of losing her froze Diana's whole body. The last thing she wanted to do was to overturn a table at a banquet and make a snide remark.

(I hate it!)

　At such a critical moment, Diana can do nothing. I can hear the footsteps of despair steadily approaching.

　Ringing the bells of the beginning, ravaging the land.
　Putting her best friend's life in danger for nothing.
　What the hell did I do? --What have you done?

Master Diana. --I have a message for you from Master Dualis.

　I've got a message for you from Mr. Dualis." Sirius's ...... words fall quietly on Diana, who can no longer speak.

I'm sure you'll understand. I'm sure you'll understand.

　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 why.



　　† † † † † †

　
　Sirius's heart darkened in the face of the reality that there was nothing he could do.

(No matter how hard you try, you can never be all things to all people. (You can't be all things to all people no matter how hard you try. ...... Even though you know that.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.
　...... So, the Dualis.

...... So this is the deciding factor. --I don't know.

　You'll be able to see the chill down his spine as he does Sirius. It's not a conscious lack of expression, but a face that has lost its expression in anger, the Lord of Crestor said.

'It's like playing pawns. To him, we're just another pawn in his game.
"Would you like to visit ......?
"How about this? I'll take you all the way. --I'm going to take you all the way to the end.

　It's very difficult to estimate the thoughts of a crazy superhuman in a normal way, muttered Dualis, who is also far from normal.
　The more he gets angry, the less he speaks, and the more his emotions run high, the more his thoughts run wild, and the more he shows his god-like sharpness.

"Sirius.
"Yes, Lord Dualis.
"We will now do everything in our power in accordance with our ancient covenant.
...... Master Diana will not approve.
I'm sure. But I am the current leader of the Crestor. But I'm the current head of Crestor. As a member of Crestor, I have no choice but to abide by the decisions of the head.
He's changed since summer. And?
Doesn't ...... Ed agree?
"If you're going to be stupid... If he had stayed stupid, he could have cut his losses and given up.


"Is it really necessary to go that far to ......? Yes, you do. That's what the kids are going to say.

　Deanna is in jail. She may not be able to move freely, but the most mobile man in House Crestor can move any way he wants to.
　The moment he plots to kill the Crester girl, he knows what will happen to those who move. --But no matter how to "dispose" of them, there are many ways to do so.
　If you want to, you can take measures to keep the royal palace in the background and have only the people involved leave quietly.
　It was not unlikely that Edward, who knew this better than Deanna, would object to the "total power" part.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'd rather not do this, but... I didn't want to do this, but I guess I'll have to tell you .......
I don't think so.
What is Diana? What is she to us? ...... What harming her would do.

　--Yes. The real reason why Dualis decided to go all out is.
I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I have.
　This is why it was hard for Sirius to tell Deanna about Dualis' decision, because he knew it.
　...... Perhaps even Dualis himself, who made the decision.

　Deanna doesn't know. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　If it were possible, he would want her to end her life without knowing .......

"...... will surprise you, Edward.
"He will be surprised and ...... devastated to find out that his hopes have been dashed.
But that's not the end of him. I don't think I raised him to be anything more than that.

　Edward is Dualis's son, but he is also Sirius's favorite pupil, whom he has nurtured since childhood. Sirius is well aware of Edward's strength.
　Sirius smiled a little and changed his mind.

I understand about the "total power" thing. --But, Master Dualis...
I know. The rescue of Miss Shayla Callerd, I presume.

　The air around Dualis grew heavier and heavier.
　...... That's all Sirius needed to know.

"How does ...... Sirius see it?
I'm sure the enemy is. I'm sure the Enemy is anticipating our attack.

　As soon as those on the side of the Cresta family were attached to the people involved, those being watched stopped moving. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　You can find a lot more information on the web at ....... I'm not sure what to do.
If he sees through the darkness. If they can see through the darkness, they must know that kidnapping Shayla will likely move the darkness.
　You can't predict what traps are waiting for you. Even so, neither Dualis nor Sirius were reckless enough to move to Shayla's rescue.
　The priority for them is Diana.

If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always try to find a way to find it. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what you need to do.

　There is a definite weakness in the darkness of House Crestor. --Absolute loyalty to the house.
　If you are just a money earner, you will put your own life first and betray your employer to survive. The old man said it very well: "Life is the seed of things.
　But. But that's not the case with the Darkness. They know that House Crestor, their master, will protect them no matter what. That is why they know that even if they betray their country and become traitors, they will not abandon the darkness they call family.
　Therefore. The Darkness will remain loyal to the Cresters until the end of time. He would rather die than betray them, and if the lives of the members of the main family were taken as shields, he would be unable to move at that moment. The current situation, with the daughter of the main family in jail, is one of the worst I can think of.

　In a situation where it is clear that it is difficult to act without hesitation in one's mind, a trap would be laid.
Sirius knew how cruel it would be for Dualis to order his men to "save Shayla Callerd and bring everyone back safely". If it was an order, the professional Darkness would carry it out with an understanding of the risks. It's just that Dualis is mainly hesitant to move them.
　But with all this mental uncertainty. And if you can't read your opponent's traps.

I'm not sure what to do.
Right. I'm not sure what to make of this.
I'm sure you've got a good arm.
I'm sure you have a good arm. I'm sure you're good at it. ......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. He was thinking about something with a distant look in his eyes.

"Dualis, sir?
"Do you want to bet on ......?
"Yes?


"I'm sure Miss Shayla has a lot of work to do. If she's going to die from something like this, she's not going to be a proper queen anyway.
I think the kidnapping is rather important.
But for now, it's 50/50 that she'll live. For the enemy, she's a weight that restricts our movements in Diana ....... They must know that killing her early will only give us time to prepare for a counterattack. They're not smart enough to just kill us.
I'm not sure if that's down to the perpetrators.
"So that's the bet. If the perpetrators are all in the way of the favored princess, Miss Shayla, she won't live long.

　Although a friend of Deanna's, Dualis has never met Shayla directly, and has only seen her from a distance at best. She is a rare talent who has voluntarily decided to become a queen because she fears that Shayla's death might break Diana's heart, so she only cares for her, but to be honest, she is not someone who wants to protect the Darkness or her home at risk.
　It's important to reiterate that for Dualis and the Cresters, it's only Diana that they need to protect.

　But... But despite her cold words, Dualis's eyes were not those of someone who would cut off someone's life.

"If I'm right. If I'm right, I don't think Miss Shayla's luck is running out.
"......, you say?
"If the perpetrators were smart, they would have taken Miss Shayla's life as soon as they took her. I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. ...... If Deanna is keeping her composure, then Miss Shayla is still safe.

　I'm not sure what to do. There are a good number of people in this country who can sense that.
　It's just a feeling, but it's also a fact that it's quite accurate.

The longer Miss Shayla survived, the more likely it was that some of the perpetrators understood the intentions of their superiors. At the same time, the longer Miss Shayla survives, the more likely it is that she will live.
"...... and at the same time. At the same time, it increases the danger to those who are trying to rescue her.
"I don't make bets I can't win.

　He said firmly. Dualis looked at Sirius.

The Crester family will now move with all hands on deck. At the same time, we will not be working to save Shayla Callerd this time. Tell Diana that .......
"Dear Duiris: ......
"I'm going to give you a hard time. You can blame it all on me.

　If I had as much skill as Ed, I'd go directly to him," Dualis said, and Sirius chuckled.

Sirius chuckled. I'm not going to let even Edward be a part of trespassing. Especially if you're the head of the family, Duiris-sama.
"Sirius, you.
It's nobody's fault. It's no one's fault. ...... If I may say so, this was caused by our lack of power. We should have seen it as a necessity and made the effort to obtain it instead of blaming the times.
"It was the successive heads of the family who decided that it was not necessary.
"You are too kind. You are too kind. You may misjudge. --You are too kind.

　As is rarely the case, Dualis' shoulders slumped and his eyes lowered. He covered his face with his left hand, and his voice was full of bitterness.

"I'm sorry, .......

　The Lord of Sirius is capable of ruthless strategy if necessary.
　......, but it is never without heartache. You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.
　He made a choice that his daughter would hate him for. Even if he had to break the bond he had built over the past seventeen years.
　There are certain things that he, the leader of ...... "Crestor", cannot compromise.



You look like you're having a bad day, Sirius.

　A not-so-dark secret emerged quietly from behind a corner.
　Only his dark blue eyes blazed brightly in the hidden passageway, where the light from the outside poured in thinly.
　Sirius chuckled at the casual tone.

'How can you look so good?　I know the Lord's struggle, but I can't tell Diana about it. At the very least, I wanted to keep the relationship between Master Dualis and Diana intact.
That's really mocking Deanna.

　I'm not sure what to say.
　I'm not sure if I've ever seen anything like it. The color was different, but it was very similar to his father's.

I'm sure Diana knows that you made a decision for her that she didn't want to make. She may blame herself for her lack of strength, but she will never hate Mr. Dualis.
It's .......
You'll understand, Deanna. I don't know what's going on, but I know it's the only way.

　I don't think anyone is wrong, Kai said, his voice soft.
　Sirius couldn't help but laugh, knowing that he was being encouraged by a young man no older than his daughter.

"So, what's wrong with you?
"...... Are you asking me that now?
"We're trying to save Master Diana's life. That's our first priority. But it ...... sometimes breaks her heart.



　Just as Rita had come to her senses. Sirius knew it, too.
　There is only one person who can protect Deanna's everything.
　The man who was entrusted with the task paused for a moment, then ...... laughed quietly.

"I'm angry, aren't I?
Kai.
It's not that I don't like it. I'm most angry with myself." ......

　When the royal knight stepped into the room to put Deanna in jail. Kai was not nearby.
　This boy is just as hard on himself as Deanna is.

"It's not worth it.
"Worthless?
A world where Deanna can't be happy is worthless to me. If she can't be happy in this world, I want to destroy it all and rebuild it. I really do.
You're ......
Radical?　That's what Rita said to me. I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... Honestly, I think this country should be destroyed as soon as possible, because it's always making Deanna suffer. I'm not sure why Deanna likes this country so much, but she does.

　He looked at the palm of his hand intently. Kai squeezed her hands together.

"Sirius. "Sirius, can I do what I want?
"...... what?
I won't do anything Deanna doesn't want me to. Deanna's happiness, her smile, that's what I want to protect. ...... I will use what I don't want to use for that purpose, and I will not reject what I don't need.

　This man, too. Perhaps there is something hidden in him.
　The dark blue eyes had a strong light in them.

"What I do now is up to Deanna. --But I'm gonna make sure at least one of you makes it to the other side.

I can't let him live.
　The man who said this calmly and without any emotion was truly a businessman who lived behind the scenes.
　Sirius knows very well that it is useless to say anything to a person from the "back" who declares like this. He sighed lightly.

"Suit yourself.
"Thanks. I'll go and see Diana.
...... I know you're depressed. Take care of her.
I'll be fine. Don't worry too much about it, Sirius.

　He saw off the secretive man whose attitude was so light, but whose love was so heavy.
　Sirius walked away without a sound.