--As we left the first diner we visited, a sense of unease began to creep in.

　With Porte's guidance, time flew by as we visited the bazaar that was said to be the busiest in the northern district, a popular playhouse, and a tavern that seemed to attract many people at night. Saja and Porte were popular wherever we went, especially at the playhouse, where young girls were happy to see Porte safe and sound, and asked Saja to come back soon. Saja was a very good dancer and had once been on stage as a dancer.
　The places that Porte showed us were all crowded and lively, just as Diana had requested, and it seemed to be a universal truth that such places were not always safe.

"Princess!

　Riku's sharp cry echoed. As the sun was setting and Exiga and Samba were leaving to call for a carriage to end their stroll through Iftarne, a group of men with a very unsophisticated air jumped out of the crowd, grabbed Diana by the shoulders and tried to drag her into the back alley. The fact that it was in front of a crowded bar and she had to stay on the edge of the street to avoid getting in the way worked against her.

Diana: ......

　As Porte screams, a large man holds her from behind and covers her mouth. Another man was reaching for the pale Saja and the grim-faced Yuri. The men were the same ones who had been stalking Diana and her group from the cafeteria during the day, and they were ready to kidnap them if they saw an opening. The fact that they were waiting for Exiga and Samba to leave made me wonder if they thought they were guards or something.

(What are we going to do?)

　They may be ruffians, but they don't seem to be professional warriors with extensive combat training. In the event that you've got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at a few of these.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. She backed away and moved into a back alley. Following Deanna, Yuri, Saja, and Porte were pushed into the back alley.
　Stopping just in time to see the street, Diana turns to the men for the first time.

What can I do for you, sir?　Suddenly forcing you into a narrow alley without saying a word, that's not very gentle.
Well, it's nothing serious. I thought that if she's so kind as to show mercy to such a poor kid, she might be able to give us some too.

　The smirking men are kindly telling us that their attitude alone is enough to show us how vile they are. Frankly speaking, they are so vile that I don't even want to talk to them.
　If I were to meet such people in my own country, I would beat them up without question. Unfortunately, Deanna, as the ambassador of the Kingdom of Ergeland, is obligated to try to have a conversation at least once, no matter how incomprehensible they seem to be. I'm not sure what you mean by that.

I don't understand what you mean. I'm not trying to be merciful to Saja-san and Porte-kun,......, but even if I were, that doesn't mean I have any reason to be merciful to you as well.
I don't know. I'm not sure what to make of that. If you can afford to care about them, you must be a very wealthy lady. If you have money to give away to the poor, you should give it to us, the proper people.

　Saja and Porte's expressions twisted in distress. --I'm not sure what to make of that. On the other hand, there are some people who fall into the hands of the rulers and relieve their resentment of the hard life by looking at the poor and slaves as "lower" than them. Instead of directing their frustration at their hardships to the political system, they look at those who are "lower" than them and feel relieved that they are "better than them. They look at those who are "lower" than them and feel relieved that they are "better" than them, even though their own difficulties in life have not changed at all.
　The sight of men dancing around ignorance without realizing that they are ignorant is incredibly funny and -- pathetic.

...... Apparently, there is a very big gap between your idea of a "proper human being" and my idea of a proper human being. In my opinion, Saja-san and Porte-kun are much more decent than you.
What's that? ......?
I don't understand the term "misfits" either. A child born of human parents is equally human. There is no such thing as a failure to be human.

　While calmly arguing with him, she signaled to Yuri with her eyes. The capable maidservant correctly understood Deanna's intentions with just a glance, and took Saja's arm and gently moved her legs to get closer to Deanna.
　After confirming that the two had moved, Deanna shifted her gaze and glared at the large man holding Porte.

So, how long do you plan on wreaking havoc on a young child?
......
Get your hands off me right now. If you don't...

　The men were alarmed by the faintly deadly Diana. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. It's as if the two of them are about to collide!





　--I'll be back!

　The loud sound that shook the place suddenly came from behind the men, near the entrance of the alleyway. It seems to have been the sound of someone kicking over a piece of scrap wood that was there, and it hit the back of the man who was holding Porte. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

Sis!
Porte!

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. By that time, the battle between the ruffians and the new intruders had already begun.

(That outfit ...... looks like a stanza soldier.

　Of course, Deanna had been aware of the presence of the rogues since their first contact, and that the owner of the presence was trying to figure out when to help them. It was a strange presence, but as far as she could sense, it had no ill will towards Diana. He had been led all the way to the back alley because he expected that "someone" would come to his aid if he made an opening. If there was no help coming, he would not have been led into the back alley quietly.
　The soldier was strong, wielding his sword proudly against the rogues. It's a pity to compare him to the superheroes who are all around Deanna, but he's more than strong enough to be an ordinary soldier. They were no match for the riffraff, who, despite their flair, had probably never experienced a real battle in their lives. In no time at all, the number of moving figures had dwindled, and the narrow alleyway was crammed with moaning men.
　--The soldier who sank the last one with a brilliant sword movement turned to Diana and smoothly kneeled down.

I'm very sorry for the delay in helping you, and for putting you in danger. I'll accept any punishment you want.
What are you saying? --Thank you, you've saved me a lot of trouble.

　Actually, it helped. Deanna can fight reasonably well and knows enough to keep up with such a ruffian, but she doesn't want Stanza to know that if she can help it. As with Kai's existence, I honestly want to save as many of these "trump cards" as possible. I didn't want to be too conspicuous right now, in order to be able to play my cards without hesitation in a really dangerous situation.


　--If it weren't for him, I would have lost a valuable piece of paper to a little guy like him. I'm grateful, but I have no idea how to punish him.
　Seemingly startled by Deanna's words, the soldier looked up abruptly. He was an intrepid-looking young man with dark skin, black hair, and clear, pale water eyes. He was probably a little older than Kai.

The princess!

　In the back alley, where the silence had fallen for some reason, Exiga came rushing in, bloodshot, probably informed by other soldiers. In order to show that it was nothing, Diana dared to smile.

Your Highness...
Princess, are you alright? Are you hurt? ......!
Yes. As you can see, I don't have a scratch on me. That soldier over there killed the bad guy with his brilliant swordplay.
I see. That's good. ......

　Relieved, Exiga looked down at the kneeling soldier with calm eyes.

You've done well. I thank you.
That's too kind of you to say.
Um, Your Highness...

　From behind Exiga, Diana softly smiled at the stunned soldier.

If you don't mind, I'd like to give something back to your soldiers. ...... In any case, we'll need to accompany you to capture these rioters and explain the situation. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
《No ......!

　The one who was surprised was not Exiga, but the one who was told. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm not going to say it's not true.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something to thank me for. ......
I won't do anything to put the person who helped me in a tight spot. That's right. ...... The sun will be setting soon, so please let me treat you to something to eat.
You can't ask me to enter a restaurant alone with a man.
Of course, I know. I'm sure there are many stores around here that sell takeaway meals. I thought I'd buy some and give them to you.
I understand. I don't think that would be a problem. ...... As I recall, the soldier's quarters had a resting place that could be seen from the outside, didn't they?
Yes, there was. I remember there was also a reasonably large desk.
Then let's have the princess wait there while we finish dealing with this miscreant. If the area is open, we won't be alone even if I'm talking to a soldier.

　The arrangements for the future were quickly made between Exiga, Diana, and sometimes Samba, leaving the parties involved behind. The person who was supposed to be thanked gradually paled from a look of confusion.

Please leave me out of such ...... affairs. As a stanza soldier, I did what I had to do. I've done nothing for which you should thank me.
I've never done anything to warrant a thank you. ...... I won't force you to do it if it bothers you.
No, ......

　The soldier was flustered, but the silent pressure from the Exiga in front of him may have helped. Eventually, he nodded, cringing.
　Deanna smiled and nodded, then looked back at Saja and Porte behind her.

Saja-san, Porte-kun. Are you hurt?
Yes.
I'm fine!
Thank God. ...... I can't ask too much of you after the scary experience, but I have one more favor to ask of you if possible.

　The two sisters nodded with shining eyes at Deanna's words.

Yes, Deanna-sama. Anything you want!
Thank you. --Can you tell me about some good takeaway food that's sold around here?
Okay!　Then...

　I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.


　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it to get a lot of things done. The soldiers seemed to have been given a special ride in the coachman's seat, and they arrived safely at the soldiers' camp. Incidentally, Exiga and Samba had to deal with the rioters, so they took a different carriage and entered the camp first.
　The resting place designated by Exiga was an open space with a rude wooden desk and a number of couches under a large roof. It was certainly a place where people would be able to see each other (there was a training ground and a passageway nearby, so people were passing by rather constantly), so even if a man and a woman were to talk to each other one-on-one, there would be no suspicious rumors. --In this case, Diana was accompanied by Yuri, so it wasn't even one-on-one.
　They sat down around a long table (the soldier tried to stay standing, but Deanna asked him to sit down since he was uncomfortable), put the food they had bought on the table, and Deanna bowed again.

Thank you very much, very much. You've helped me, Yuri here, and my sisters and brothers before me.
No,......, as I said before, it is my duty to protect you. But since I was far away, I could not help you immediately and put your life in danger. This was undoubtedly my fault. A fault that should be punished.
But you were guarding me from a distance so as not to frighten my sisters and brothers who were with me, weren't you?



　The soldier's eyes go wide. Deanna smiled softly.

The other day, a stanza soldier wearing the same uniform as you almost cut down your sister and brother, you were careful to protect them from being seen, so as not to hurt their young hearts unnecessarily, weren't you?　I'm very glad that there are stanza soldiers who care about the children of the poor, the discriminated class, as human beings. Besides, I was led to the back alley by my own choice so as not to cause too much damage to the people around me. It's not something you should feel faulted about.
Dear Ambassador, ......
I've never introduced myself before. I am Deanna, daughter of the noble family of Elgrand, the Earls of Crester. If you don't mind, I'd like to know your name as well. ......》
What? My name is Brad, a member of the Imperial City Guard of the Stanza Army.
You're Brad, aren't you?
No, Your Highness, please, call me Brad. I don't even have a family name. A title of honor would be too much for me.
I can call you Brad if you like, but ...... I think you're personally more than worthy of the title.
Yes, .......
I believe that a person's dignity lies in the way they live their own life. Your sincere attitude towards your work and the people of the city is worthy of my respect.

　When I told him in a roundabout way that he shouldn't belittle himself because of his birth, Brad rolled his pale eyes and stared back at Deanna. He seems to have understood the words correctly, and is not only an excellent swordsman, but apparently also a quick thinker.
　Then he slowly opened his mouth, his eyes looking at something distant and nostalgic.

《......, you are very much like the person I look up to as my teacher.
Well... Is he your master of martial arts?
No, I'm not. He is a master of ...... learning and of life.

　Deanna smiled, but only looked at him to encourage him to continue. The soldier, Brad, spoke quietly with a different, more relaxed expression.

I was born into a poor family that lived on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital. I was born into a poor family living on the outskirts of the Imperial City. Although I was barely a commoner, I had no family name, no savings, and no idea what tomorrow would bring. By the time I remember, I was already spending all my time helping my parents and siblings. ...... The only thing I could look forward to was going to visit a scholar who lived nearby.
《......, huh?
The scholar-sensei was a very generous person. ...... He used to say, "No matter where you are born, you can become a noble person by learning more and choosing a better way of life. Many children went to the homes of scholars to play with them, and the teachers taught us the basics of learning for free.

　...... Brad's story sounds very familiar to me. In fact, I think I just heard it a few hours ago.

...... So, this scholar teacher is your master?
Yes. I haven't been able to meet him lately, but ...... when my wish comes true, I'll definitely visit him and live to repay him.
What do you mean by "wish"?
...... No, it is said that ambitions cannot be fulfilled if they are spoken out loud, so please forgive me.

　Brad was tight-lipped, but the intense heat that flashed in his eyes for a moment made it clear what it was, in a way, without him having to say a word.
　And that deep, intense feeling was exactly the same as the one I felt through a flower a few hours ago. ...... No, his "feelings" have become deeper and more intense in the years that have passed since he inscribed the flower.

It's a problem before wishful thinking. --I'm going to take the Emperor's side.

　Even though Diana is an Elgrandian who has nothing to do with the internal affairs of the Stanza Empire, she still can't say this. It was an ambition that could be taken as a rebellion against the Emperor. In fact, it would be difficult to say that he doesn't hold a grudge against the Barloon family and the Emperor who took Arciolene away from him.

(Master Raine said that he was "a person who doesn't give up easily. ...... It seems that the word "give up" is not in his dictionary. (As for other things, he can't compromise on anything when it comes to Master Raine.

　Arciolene's father, Dr. Tebaran, was a scholar, but before she was adopted by the Barloon family, he was a small-time researcher in a corner of the imperial capital and was not of very high status. Brad was a commoner, though he didn't have a family name, and he worked as Dr. Tebaran's assistant after he grew up, so their statuses weren't that far apart. Originally - if the current head of the Barloon family hadn't been haunted by a trivial dream, there would have been nothing standing in the way of Arsiolene and Brad.
　But fate can be unexpectedly cruel. After being spotted by the Barloon family, Arciolene was adopted to protect her father's research, and she had no other way to live but to go up to the harem at the behest of the emperor and become his concubine. She was adopted by the emperor to protect his research.

(...... Still, he will not give up.)

　Thinking about this, Diana felt strange.
　--The country, the system of the palace, and everything else is different. At the same time, there were people in each country who were involved in the palace, who were trying to do the same impossible things like "I'm going to get out of here" and "I'm going to rescue my childhood friend", and who didn't know how to give up. Brad doesn't know anything about Diana, but he can't help but feel a one-sided kinship with her.

《......》 Um, Minister of State?

　I'm not sure if it's because Deanna suddenly became silent. Brad calls out to Deanna with a slightly anxious voice. Slowly raising her head, Deanna looked straight into Brad's eyes.

...... Brad. I don't know what your "ambitions" are, but I'm rooting for you. I'm rooting for you, and I hope you can make it happen.
Master of the Kingdom. ......
I'm sure that Master is looking forward to that day at .......

　The next time I see Arciolene, I'll be sure to tell her about it.
　The next time you see Alciolene. Next time I see Alciolene, I'll tell her that Brad hasn't given up on Renee yet. And if she still has feelings for Brad...

(You said it was just a memory, but...) I'm not sure what to do, but I'm not sure what to do.

　If you're one of those people who don't give up, you might just end up struggling.
　But if you add another person with bad luck to the mix. But if you add another person who doesn't give up, you can make something happen.


　Figaro has often experimented with this, hasn't he? When two materials of different origins and backgrounds are fused together in a glass bottle, unexpected reactions occur. Depending on how you use those reactions, you may be able to lead the world to something more useful and brighter, he once said happily.

(If the Elgrand Kingdom and the Stanza Empire, two people who don't know how to give up, team up. (If people who never give up from the Kingdom of Ergeland and the Empire of Stanza team up, they will surely be able to create a "chemical reaction" that no one has ever seen before!

　The first step is to ascertain Arciolene's feelings.
　--The first step is to find out how Arciolene feels.