– Welcome back, Emilia-sama!!

It was the Slayer Claudia Lowetti, who belongs to Gudenburg’s army, who greeted Hayato and Emilia who descended from the ramp connected to the transport ship that landed at Heathoria Airport.

– This Claudia, was waiting for your return, Emilia-sama!

As she hugged Emilia and said that, she stared coldly at Hayato.

– And you, why did you come, Kisaragi Hayato.

– This, I was told to come to protect Emilia…

The so-called escort. With that said, it’s not just that. Besides he also has the mission imposed by the president to bring Emilia back to Little Garden.

– Claudia, stop being cruel to Hayato. If you still have that horrible behavior, I’ll return immediately to Little Garden.

– That’s right, Claudia. Thanks to Hayato-sama for accompanying Emilia-sama, she has returned home. That is not something that should be treated as evil.

Continuing what Emilia said, and with a lively laugh, said Gerard Kilfelthar, senior officer of the Government.

Hayato noticed his existence with that.

– It’s been a long time, Kilfelthar-san.

– Welcome, Kisaragi Hayato. Now we will go to Gudenburg. Emilia-sama has finally returned.

– Yeah, I’m back.

Listening to Emilia’s response, Kilfelthar begins to walk.

– I have a vehicle ready, please follow me.

Hayato and Emilia, were led by Kilfelthar to a black vehicle, which had a driver inside.
Claudia and Kilfelthar go at the same time.

I wonder how many times I’ve been in a vehicle like this. About the same as an aircraft- No, I think more times. I was not comfortable at first, but I was getting quite used to it.

The journey time between the airport of Heathoria and the palace where the king of the kingdom of Britannia, the sovereign state of Gudenburg lives, is approximately fifteen minutes.

The courtesy car crosses the city area where there are a lot of office buildings lined up one after another.

– I have the feeling that this is not the same with relation to those days…

Hayato murmured as he looked out the window. That time, in fact, was ten years ago.

– The old part of the city was damaged during the Second Attack.

Right after Claudia responded.

*TURURURURU*, *TURURURURU*… an electronic sound was present inside the vehicle.

– Hello?

Hayato pulled a vibrant PDA from his chest. On both sides of it, Kirishima Sakura is shown. She is an all-round Idol, also known as <<Servant Princess of the Temple of the Rising Sun>> Sorceress of the East and a scholarship student from Little Garden. She has also self-proclaimed herself as Hayato’s childhood friend, and Hayato’s younger sister, Kisaragi Karen, who recently began her activity as an Idol, has found her as source of admiration.

[Yes, Hayato–kun? Have you arrived to Gudenburg?]

When he pressed the answer button, he heard a very enthusiastic voice. Of course, it belonged to Kirishima Sakura.

– What are you saying so suddenly? I mean, you’re on a ‘Live Tour’ now, aren’t you? Besides, how do you know that I am in Gudenburg?

[Of course, I asked Karen. And therefore, I thought this was destiny!]

– Mm, destiny?

[This is destiny. DESTINY. You know why?]

– No, I do not know, but…

[All right, I’ll give you a clue, what’s the country I’m in now?]

– I don’t know, even if you say something like that so abruptly….

[Why should not you know? Please stay current with my Tour schedules!]

– Uhm, even if you tell me that…

[Guess what, when we’re done, let’s go on a date]

– What, a date?

The moment he said that, Hayato felt that beside him there was a sense of bloodlust.

Turning his eyes, he could see Emilia’s facial expression and the prana surrounding her.

The time elapsed was not more than three seconds, but the time limit had already been fulfilled.

[Hehe, time is up. I am currently in the capital city of Louvre, in the Kingdom of Francois. It is a short distance from Gudenburg using the bullet train. What I want to say is that, the ‘Live’ will be the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I will be free, so if possible, I would like to see Hayato]

– Give it to me!

It was a strong tone.

– It’s for the best!

Emilia said again, who snatched Hayato’s PDA from his hands, seeing that he was somewhat confused.

– Hello?

It was a low tone, in a bad mood.

Even so, Sakura could identify with the voice and immediately recognized that it was Emilia.

[Why did you respond, this thieving cat*!? Please let me speak again with Hayato-kun!]
*TN: Thief cat is a woman who has an affair with a married man.

– No way. Besides, who are you calling a thieving cat!
[It is said that the thief cat begins by being a liar. A man lied and approached Hayato-kun, and even tried to steal Hayato-kun’s heart!]

– As for that, there were a lot of reasons and I have already explained that. So everyone gave me their understanding.

[…everyone? I’m not convinced. Students have a great sense of admiration for Hayato-kun, not like you who was posing as a man, so those students who support you are not convinced, or am I wrong?]

– A…

As you can expect with the truth, Emilia was lost without words. Of course not only with the premises, but in different places, the rumors attack, and sometimes the gazes were falling like rain.

[Returning to the subject, let me speak to Hayato again. I want to finalize tomorrow’s plans]

– Because tomorrow I have an important task to do with him, he will not have free time. So the appointment tomorrow will be impossible. The end!

[What is this task? What time does it start and when does it end? Will you always be together]

– Because it’s confidential, I cannot tell you anything. Anyway, Hayato has no time. Well, see you soon!

– As she terminated the call, Emilia returned the PDA to Hayato.

– Perfect, now it’s in silent mode. At this moment you have a duty to fulfill.

– Hey you…

I’ll apologize to Sakura later.

While he was thinking that, Hayato put his PDA in his pocket. Suddenly, the vehicle stopped completely. Hayato decides to look out the window, making a visual inspection.

But there was nothing in particular that caught his eye.

The driver only showed his face and exchanged a few words with the security guard at his side, and then the vehicle began to move again and went through a giant gate.
– From here on we are on royal grounds.

In less than a minute since Claudia informed him of this, a gigantic structure was in sight.
In a few moments, the vehicle stopped.

– We’ve arrived, let’s descend

The first one in descend is Kilfelthar, who was sitting in the passenger seat, to open the door to the rear seats where Hayato was sitting.

Then Claudia, Emilia, and Hayato descended in that order.

– Is this the palace where your father lives?

Hayato murmured, staring at the palace in front of him. The mansion of the Governor of the Zwei Islands was quite large, but this surpassed five times its size. Apparently there were three buildings that were linked, it looked quite luxurious.

– I was living here too, but for a short time.

Immediately after Emilia said that.

– It is been a long time without seeing you, Hime-sama

The person who spoke was a girl dressed in a maid’s outfit.

It could be said that she is the same age as Emilia? Her hair is short, black in color, bobcat style and has fine freckles on her nose. Emilia’s expression when seeing such a young girl suddenly changed to a tone of joy.

– Kate! It’s been a long time. You’ve been good?

– Yes of course. After Hime-sama left, I was quite sad. But I dedicated myself to being the best at managing tasks.

– Ahaha, I’m sorry, I’m sorry … Ups, I did not introduce you to Hayato. She is my exclusive maid at this palace.

– I was not previously, but now I am her exclusive maid.

Saying that as if she barely opened her mouth, Kate lowered her head to Hayato.

– My name is Kate Gramanshe* and I belong to the Royal Family Administration Department, I hope to be able to best serve Hayato-san during his stay. It is a pleasure to meet you.

* TN: Her full name is written in Katakana and is ケ イ ト グ ラ ラ マ ン シ ェ. Keito guramanshe.

– The pleasure is mine … but, apparently you already know me?

– I have heard many things from Hime-sama.

– Hey, Kate! Do not say unnecessary things!

Emilia’s face was very red.

I wonder what the hell they were talking about.

– Ahahaha, then Princess-sama, we must first change your clothes. If you want to see your majesty, those clothes are not enough.

– …Haa, why? Cannot we stay with our school uniforms?

– Impossible. It has been a long time since father and daughter haven’t seen each other, and it is a good opportunity to show the beautiful appearance of Ojou-sama to Hayato-sama. Does Hayato-sama also want to see the lovely figure of Ojou-sama?

– Well … I would like to see, I mean, I want to see…

I wonder, what kind of clothes is, it is impossible not to pay attention to this.

– You heard, Ojou-sama. Then we are going!

– Uwaa! Save me, Hayato!

The only thing Hayato could do was see how Emilia was dragged by Kate.

– All right, Hayato-sama, we’ll be in the living room, waiting for Emilia-sama to change her clothes.

The waiting room, led by Kilfelthar, had bright red walls and rugs, with chairs around an ancient desk, and had a magnificent view of the palace exterior. On the wall there was also a fairly large painting whose quality was of the highest.

Inside the room, the silence fell until it was like the death itself.

Claudia, Kilfelthar and Hayato were in this place. But none of them were close to Hayato, so he could not find a topic to talk about. Of course, in such a situation, in which he would soon find with the king himself, it was impossible for Hayato to remain calm.

Hayato tests the water the maid brought when he entered the room, which was placed on the desk in front of his eyes.

(I do not get along very well with carbonated water…)

He was hesitant to drink the water that had bubbles, but he really thought it was carbonated water. As he looked around the room again, he heard *TAP* *TAP* and *TOC*.

– Sorry for the wait.

The door opened and Kate, who entered the room, called pointing to the hallway.

– Hime-sama.

– Y-yes…

Emilia, due to Kate’s call, entered the room embarrassed, she was wearing a dress with many ruffle like a princess in a fairy tale.

– How does she look, Hayato-sama? Have you fallen in love again?

– No, I mean, I really thought I was in front of an Ojou-sama.

– Uu…

Emilia hanged her head and her face was bright red.

– I cannot feel comfortable in this. The skirt is too long…

– It’s very bad, princess-sama! It’s a disgrace!

As she twisted her lips and watched Emilia lift her long skirt in both hands, Kate warns without delay.

– I want to change clothes quickly, so let’s go to where Otou-sama* is.

* TN: Emilia says お 父 様 (o-tou-sama), which means father, but including the honorific that is sama, so I left it like that.

– Very good. Apparently you can go visit him. Ready to go? However, Hime-sama, in the presence of the king, I will not be able to follow your orders, I will do it as it is appropriate.

– Uu, I know.

– Well, then, let’s head over there.

Guided by Kate, Hayato and Emilia left the living room. Claudia will accompany them to the bedroom where King Granald is waiting for them.

– Hayato, let’s do as we have planned to when we meet Otou-sama.

– O, ok…

As they walked down the hall, Emilia whispered in Hayato’s ear, to remind him of the strategy to allow her to break her current engagement.

He is Emilia’s lover, and their current relationship is that they are in the process of getting married. It is assumed that they will meet with King Granard under these circumstances.

(Is it really good to do this …?)

Deciding to lie to the king of a country.

If this is discovered to be a lie, this could get pretty ugly.

In spite of this, this operation was also accepted by the president. As a mission carried out by the Slayers, it must be fulfilled as such.

– After your meeting with your majesty, you want to meet with your sisters?

Kate asked Emilia.

– No it’s fine. I do not want to see any of them even less meet them.

– Claudia, come here.

– What–what’s happening, what do you want to do while you bring your face to me?

While Hayato whispered in Claudia’s ear, she took distance from Hayato as she writhed.
It was an attitude that meant ‘you should not approach me’.

– Well, I think the relationship between Emilia and her family is complicated.

– Haaaaaaa…

Listening to that question, Claudia released a rather large sigh.

– Have not you heard anything about Emilia-sama’s family?

– I heard something about her coming from another mother, and that mother comes from Wenz, so her blood is mixed.

– That’s just the way it is. In the royal family of Gudenburg, all their members possess royal blood. Emilia, who has blood from the indigenous people living on the island, known as the kingdom of Wenz, is then a rare person. That’s why there are people who get on badly with Emilia, while others try to marry people from Wenz. To adhere to the rules that remain within the royal family, Emilia decided to leave the palace to maintain a good impression on people, but so there are people who hate that she is a daughter of one of his concubines.

– Being royalty is a pretty hard job…

– Even in Europe, the Kingdom of Gudenburg is a great historical country, as well as being a sovereign state within the Federation of Britannia. That is why Emilia-sama, the third princess, is involved in this political conflict in this way.

When Claudia sighed with a rather serious face, Kate, who led the way stopped. Hayato also stopped. Then Kate hit the big thick door twice in front of her.

– Your Majesty, I have brought with me Emilia Ojou-sama, and Kisaragi Hayato-sama.

– Oh, oh, they’ve finally arrived. Let them get into the room.

A thick voice was heard coming from the other side of the door. I wonder if it belongs to King Granald.

Hayato’s tension increases.

– I will do as you say.

With that said, Kate opens the door.

What you can see in the giant room is an old man lying on the bed, and a man about sixty years old standing at the side of him.

– Hime-sama, Hayato-sama, please.

At the request of Kate, Emilia proceeded to take a step towards the king’s bedroom.

– Otou-sama, it’s been a long time.

At the same time the door closed, Emilia bowed her head before the king. Then she turned his gaze to the man standing next to him.

– It’s been a long time too, Bratt. Have you become Prime Minister yet?

Emilia’s attitude was formidable. While for Hayato, his body could not stop shaking for a while back. Of course it was a matter of experience since, for Hayato, it was the first time he saw the king of a country in person.

Meanwhile, the king’s eyes are directed towards Hayato.

– Who is that young man?

– He is my most precious person, and asked him for the impossible, to accompany me today.

– Hou.

Prime Minister Bratt’s gaze turns to Hayato, and the king again opens his mouth.

– Could you introduce him to me?

Those were the words of King Granald.

-… Hayato.

With a brief blow, Emilia hit Hayato’s stomach with her elbow. It was a signal to introduce himself.

Putting into practice what Hayato learned, he bent down on the floor with one of his knees as a support, inclined his head and introduced himself.

– My name is Kisaragi Hayato, I belong to the first year of the Department of Martial Arts of Little Garden. I am Emilia-san’s classmate and I have come to ask his majesty’s favor for…, this…

– Hayato is a childhood friend, who also, during the Second Attack of ten years ago, was the person who saved me when I was injured by a Savage.

Emilia continued, in support of Hayato who was lost in words.

– I’ve been looking for Hayato for a long time, and when I entered Little Garden I could finally find him.

The king’s gaze once again turned to Hayato.

Hayato gulped his saliva tightly.

“So why did you bring Kisaragi Hayato-kun to me?”

“Because I want to marry him.”

Emilia said.

– So, this time I came to seek the approval of Otou-sama, I do not plan to live here in this palace, for I intend to stay with Hayato in Little Garden from now on, so I want to see the possibility if Otou-sama allows it”

– Wait a minute Princess, what are you saying?! You are Douglas-sama’s fiancé–

Prime Minister Bratt intervened appearing from the side, with a rather impatient appearance.

– I want to cancel that engagement, that’s my main reason to return to Gudenburg.

– Cancel it?

With a voice very strong, Bratt jumped.

– That’s very rude to Douglas-sama, who is your couple! To treat something like this as a joke!

– I do not think it’s a joke at all, you Bratt know very well, do you not? Because as I said, since I’ve been in the palace I do not remember ever admitting that I accepted such a compromise.

– Is that true?

King Granald’s hesitation turned to Bratt.

– What are you saying, Princess!? You are the princess of the royal family, who must watch over the good of the country. Is it that you do not know of ‘Noblesse Oblige’?*

TN: It comes from the French, it means: nobility obligates. Whoever calls himself a noble must behave like a noble.

– You who have blood relations with the kingdom of Wenz, this will be the era of chaos. With many excellent Slayers, with more times than can be protected the territory-

– As for such a thing, I did not know that. But I would like to say that there is an alternative to that.

– An alternative!

Surprised, Bratt says raising his voice.

– We, who belong to Little Garden, are to protect you. Hayato, the memorandum –

– O, okay…

Hayato took the letter that was given by the president out of his pocket and handed it to Emilia who was next to him.

– Otou-sama, read this please.

Emilia approached the king’s bed and handed the letter to him personally.

King Granald opened his contents and glanced at it. While Emilia was talking about the contents inside her.

– If a crisis comes to Gudenburg, and if the current forces are not enough, Slayers will be dispatched at no cost. That is the proposal of Little Garden, which is the memorandum from its representative, Claire Harvey. However, this will only be done if I remain a student of Little Garden. About what will happen after graduation, appears on the next page. Please, read it.

At the request of Emilia, King Granald turns the page.

– Even after my graduation there, to Gudenburg will be donated a ‘Variable Stone’, a learning center with Slayers of excellence, and if allowed, the company of Warslan will build a training school, as well as the dispatch of troops of Slayer without charge, as it is written there.

– Indeed, everything that Emilia said appears written here.

– But, if we include Little Garden soldiers and their support to our country, our relations with neighboring countries will worsen, and even if you think of national defense, it is better to leave it to the Federation than to forces from outside…

– Bratt!

– Y-yes!

Without taking his eyes off and with a stern look, King Granald approached Bratt and whispered in his ear.

– Father and daughter have not seen each other for a long time, could you please retire now?

– But, your majesty…

He did not want to concede

It could be seen written all over Bratt’s face.

– I’m requesting it to you.

– I understand…

After being pressed, Bratt lowered his head and walked past Hayato’s side and moved his legs toward the door. On his way as he passes between them, Bratt glances menacingly.

– Hayato, do not worry about him.

– O-okay…

Emilia whispered in his ear.

It is clearly demonstrated that the Prime Minister is against nulling the engagement.

– Emilia, come to my side.

When Bratt left the bedroom, the King spoke.

– At once, Otou-sama.

Emilia answered as she stood beside her father.

Do not bother.

Hayato stood in his position and saw how father and daughter interacted.

– Show me your face more closely.

At that, Emilia looked at King Granald. Then the King touched Emilia’s face with his palm.

– You really look a lot like Remilia.
– Okaa-sama?*

*TN: In case you ask, it refers to Emilia’s mother.

With a nod, the king continued.

I really had problems with Remilia, we had very difficult times. And in the end, I was not with her at the time of her death. That’s why Emilia… I really, I want you to be happy.

– Otou-sama…

– That’s why I wanted you to go back to the palace, and I accepted Bratt’s proposal for that compromise. But I was wrong. Emilia, please forgive me.

For a moment there was a brief silence.

The king, who was chewing something, looked from the distance toward Hayato’s direction.

– Kisaragi Hayato-kun.

– Eh yes.

Hayato answered hastily, being suddenly shaken.

– The proposal sent from Little Garden, I will be delighted to accept it.

– Oh…!

Understanding what he suddenly said was something very unexpected.

– So…

Emilia’s expression shone incredibly.

– As for the engagement related to Wenz, let us do our best to null it.

– For real!

Emilia flies to the bed where King Granald is.

– Thank you, Otou-sama! I love you!

The King caresses the head of Emilia. For Hayato, this figure, rather than that of a king, is that of a father.
– And one more thing…

Staring into Hayato’s eyes, the King continued.

– Hayato-kun, take care of Emilia.

Those words weighed heavily on Hayato’s shoulders.

***

– How was your reunion after a long time with your father?

On leaving the King’s bedroom, Kate, who was waiting in front of the door, approached.

– I am relieved to know that it went better than I expected, and what is more, Otou-sama has approved the relationship between Hayato and myself.

– Hey, what are you saying…?

Hayato’s face filled with discomfort.

– You were asked to take care of me, were not you?

– Certainly that is what he said, but in the end we are not a couple isn’t–

– Don’t say it, Hayato!

Emilia covers Hayato’s mouth.

– We do not know who could hear this.

Certainly before that, Hayato stopped resisting.

– Apparently on the subject of engagement…

– Otou-sama, has said he will break the engagement with Wenz.

– Hime-sama, I’m glad you did!

It was Kate who gave a voice of joy. On the other hand, the expression of Claudia who waited in front of the door remained a little cloudy.

– It’s too early to be celebrating.

– What do you mean, Claudia-sama?

– The compromise between Emilia and Douglas was established by mutual agreement between the Kingdom of Gudenburg and the Kingdom of Wenz. Therefore, should it be annulled, it must first be approved by Wenz, and will they accept it…? As a result, even knowing this, that nullifying it under these circumstances, I do not know what kind of compensation they will ask for.

– That will surely be handled by Otou-sama. Besides, it’s an issue that does not concern me. Those who decided to make a marriage engagement without my authorization have to take responsibility.

At that moment, the figure of the Minister who stared at him as he passed near him went through Hayato’s head.

Surely he will be one of those who takes responsibility.

– Other than that, I have something to ask to Kate and Claudia.

– What is it that you desire?

– What do you want?

Kate and Claudia asked, one after another.

– I would like to go out on a date with Hayato, but I am in these clothes today and I would like to change. Of course Hayato too.

 ***

– Hmm, somehow, I cannot remain calm…

It was too flashy to be dressed in Little Garden’s uniforms, which is why Hayato wears a white shirt, a red bow tie, black cloth trousers and black slacks, that is, he’s dressed as a gentleman, and is waiting outside the room where Emilia is changing her clothes.

The suit feels pretty tight, because I’m not used to wearing clothes like that. In a way, I can understand the feeling of Emilia when I put myself in the place of her, having to wear such flashy clothes* a while back.

* TN: The word used is フ リ フ リ “furifuri”, whose google search casts different types of costumes.

In addition, women take a long time to change their clothes.

About five minutes passed since Hayato changed his clothes, when the door where Emilia was changing finally opened.

– Thanks for waiting, Hayato.

Talking about Emilia’s dress, this was a white one-piece suit, which contained fewer decorations, compared to the dress she used previously.

– You, that costume…

– Ehehe, you recognize it?

– As for that, I’ve recovered a lot of my memories.

The dress he saw Emilia in looks exactly like the one he saw when they met in Gudenburg years ago.

– Okay then, now that we’ve finished changing clothes, let’s start our date―eh, before that, Claudia.

Emilia looks at Claudia who helped her change clothes.

– What, what is it that you need?

– I’ll just say it once and it’s about surveillance, but we do not need you to follow us.

– EEHH!?

– And of course we will not need bodyguards.

– But why?

– Because you’ll be a nuisance. Besides, Hayato and I are Slayers, so we can do anything. We do not need something like that.

– That’s true, but…

Claudia had no arguments against that.

A big smile spread over Emilia’s face.

– Of course Kate will not do any unnecessary action.

– That is correct. I do not want to be hated by Hime-sama.

– In that case, we’re leaving!

With that said, Emilia took Hayato’s hand.

***

Together with Hayato, they left the palace, boarded a bus and went to the older part of the city of Gudenburg.

– This neighborhood has changed considerably.

Hayato got off the bus and could not believe the view that was in front of him, and which could not have imagined ten years ago. Each building was new and modern.

– The oldest buildings collapsed almost completely when the <<Second Encounter>> Second Attack occurred. The buildings you see here, are the result of the reconstruction of them. In spite of being called “Ancient town”, in fact, it owns constructions that are newer than the center of the city.

Abruptly, Emilia stopped walking, when she crossed the street.

– Oh! Wait, look what’s there.

Beyond his gaze was a stall selling ice cream cones

– Do you remember, Hayato? We used to buy ice cream cones there and we ate them together.

Immediately upon hearing that, the memories of the past come back to life once more.

– If you say so, I think that such a thing really happened…

– I still remember. The first thing we ate together, the day after we met for the first time. Hayato had chosen a cone of ice cream for me, because I had left my purse in the mansion, since I had sneaked out of there.

– Oh!

Memories that resurface from the depths of the mind.

– That’s right, the feeling that you’re the same girl as that time.

– Do I look weird? Now that I’m wearing this beautiful dress?

– Not at all, certainly I think that you look beautiful, but…

– Then, what’s the difference?

– I think that maybe, you should act more like a girl?

– Eh… that… the thing is, that has a motive.

– And what would be?

– Because in Little Garden, I had to act in a masculine way, to keep my secret from being revealed.

– If that’s the case, then what about now?

– Now?

– I think it’s enough that you keep on expressing yourself as a man, even though…

The night of the festival.

That time Emilia said [Watashi]* behind the school building of the Slayers.

 *TN: Watashi [私] is the feminine or formal form of the first person “I”.

But then, she again expressed herself by saying [Boku*].

 *TN: Boku [僕] is the masculine form of naming oneself. There is also Ore [俺], which is more informal.

The only difference was when she was in front of her father.

– That I express myself more femininely? So how about this, Kisaragi Hayato?

– That, as far as femininity, will not be achieved by mimicking the president…

– I thought Hayato liked this kind of thing.

– What are you saying!?

– Ah! Have you become impatient? Hayato likes the president! While I’m only the childhood friend!

– You’re wrong. That’s not the problem, you’re the way you are, I mean, that’s fine.

– Who are you trying to fool now?

– It’s not that. Living in a palace, in a place like this, when you were talking to your father in that way, it was as if the one who was speaking was an Ojou-sama, I had the feeling that this person belonged to another world. But at that moment, I did not say anything.

– I see … if that’s the case, let’s leave it as it is. To be honest, this way I feel more comfortable, ‘Boku’

– In other words, does not that mean that now this land is yours?

– Uu, Hayato is mean.

– Leaving that aside, what you want to do? Do you want me to buy ice cream cones? Maybe it’s not the best time, since it’s not hot today though.

– It’s ok! Buy, buy, buy!

Hayato approached the stall selling ice cream cones along with Emilia, who nodded many times, submerged in joy.

– Give me two, please.

It was Hayato who ordered. And Hayato was also the one who paid. Apparently he could not pay by card, so he used the coins when making the change in advance before he reached Gudenburg.

– Thank you, Hayato.

Emilia replied with a smile and then called the salesman who was preparing the ice cream cones.

– Sir, Did you use to sell ice cream cones here before the Second Attack, right?

– Oh, miss, you were my client that time.

Hayato does not remember at all, but Emilia’s memories seemed to be fine.

The salesman then opened his eyes and his mouth widely,

– Oh! Now I remember, this kid here. Oriental youths are very rare here. He came very often to buy at that time, but since the incident occurred, he never appeared again, I was quite worried. But you’re alive. I’m really happy.

– I do not live in Gudenburg now, but I came back here after a long time with him.

– I see, I see. In that case, let me serve you a large portion of ice cream. Look! This is for the young lady.

– Uwaaa! It’s gigantic!

Incredible, the height of the cream reaches twenty centimeters.

– Be careful that you do not spill over, brother.

– Thank you.

.Hayato received the ice cream cone that was the same size as Emilia.

– If you feel like it, please come back whenever you want.

– Yup, when we return to Gudenburg, we will.

After leaving the store, they began to walk.

– After all this cone of ice cream, is delicious.

– Yeah.

Answered Hayato.

– What do you want to do now? Do you want to go to the park?

– Of course.

He answered at the same time he nodded.

As they walked licking their ice cream cones, they walked with their shoulders next to each other, until the park became visible.

– The park went through a restoration and seems to have been identical to the past.

As she says that, Emilia takes a step toward the park.

– I agree.

Hayato and Emilia sit on a bench like in the old days.

– When I do this, I feel that I traveled ten years ago.

Said Hayato.

– However, I was suddenly in trouble when the Savage were attacking.

-That is not something to laugh at.

She tentatively sketches an ironic smile.

– I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I remember, there’s a scar left that time.

– You mean the scar on your chest?

– Yeah, since I got to live in Little Garden, the mark has begun to disappear. Do you want to corroborate it now?

– EEH!?

A loud, stunned voice emitted Hayato, while Emilia put her hands on her dress.

– Ahahaha, it’s a joke.

Emilia laughed.

Apparently he’s been the victim of a prank.

– Charo says that the wound, which in a beginning was said that would not disappear for the rest of my life, has become to this because of the environment that exists in Little Garden which is made to increase the immune power of the Slayers, and may be due to the state of mind.

– State of mind?*

*TN: 気の持ちよう kinomochiyou.

– Correct, state of mind.

With that said, Emilia touched the top of her dress and rubbed where the wound was.

– This scar somehow reinforced the bond between Hayato and me. That is why, sometimes I have thought that I do not want it to disappear. However, now that I’ve been able to start again with Hayato, I don’t need it anymore.

– Hey, what do you mean…

– Which reminds me that, that day, this is what I really wanted to do to Hayato.

– Hey! What are you doing so suddenly!?

*CHUTTO*, Emilia kisses his cheek, and with it Hayato’s face becomes extremely red.

– Mou, how can you feel ashamed by such a thing? We are no longer children. Do you not you remember the other day?

– The other day―

– When we kissed on the mouth.

Emilia put the tip of her fingers on her lips as she said that. That gesture is extremely charming, Hayato skipped a beat.

– What are you going to do? Why do not you try these?

– No, that’s fine. But, why did you not kiss me on the cheek that day?

– Because on the morning of the next day, it was planned that Hayato should return to Yamato. That’s why I wanted to try to leave him a farewell kiss. That day my heart was beating so hard that I could not sleep… that’s why I came to lie down on the bench.

– That’s what I can remember too.

Saying it, he could remember

It was true. On the morning of the following day, Hayato was scheduled to return to Yamato.

– I did not like having to separate from Hayato, my heart was breaking. And so, to see you once more, I wanted to give you a kiss as a good luck charm. But, we could not meet.

Smiling, Emilia moves her hands over and over.

– Hey… hey… you…

– Hey, Hayato. We have already presented ourselves to my Otou-sama as a couple with a promise of marriage. Would it be bad if that were true?

Emilia stared at Hayato’s face and said that.

– Hey, wait a minute…

– No, look at me.

Saying that, Emilia put her hands on Hayato’s face.

– Uu…

Hayato was forced to see Emilia in front of him.

Then Emilia began to bring her face closer.

– Emilia, please, stop … not just the president, but also Dr. Charlotte have asked us to avoid having too much contact, since there are parts that are not fully comprehended about what might happen if there is interaction between two Variant.

– We are fine. So far nothing has happened. The Variant Virus is stable.

As she said that, Emilia was getting closer and closer. But there was an electronic sound that emitted the PDA that was in the pocket of the skirt of Emilia that moved the two people away.

– Aaa why, we were just at the best part. Who the hell dares to call!

As she showed her frustration with a sharp tone, Emilia took the PDA from her pocket.

– Claudia? What does she want now?

Even demonstrating her displeasure with her lips, Emilia accepted the incoming call.

– Hello, Claudia? There’s something wrong?

Emilia answers the phone with a grumpy appearance. Then the voice of Claudia is heard, which is strong enough even to be heard by Hayato.

– I’m sorry, Emilia-sama. But there is a serious problem! You must return to the palace as soon as possible!

***

– Long time no see, Princess Emilia. I’m truly delighted to see you again, that I feel I can ascend to heaven.

The person who was waiting for Emilia to come to the palace was a young man with silver hair and dressed like royalty. His name was Douglas Edward Wenz. The third prince of the kingdom of Wenz. And the man who was Emilia’s fiancé. Beside him was the figure of Gudenburg’s Prime Minister, Bratt Fitzroy, who was the person he met when he visited the King.

– Why did Douglas come to the palace!?

– I heard the rumor that Princess Emilia had returned to Gudenburg, and I had the privilege to come here.

Saying that, Douglas knelt down, trying to hold Emilia’s hand.

– Stop!

Emilia shouted, taking her hand away from there just before Douglas could take it.

– Why did you do something like that? Are we not that engaged?

Surprised, with an expression that seemed to be very exaggerated, he presented his doubt to Emilia.

– Have not you heard anything from Bratt yet? Not long ago I consulted my Otou-sama if it was possible to get rid of this engagement, and so Otou-sama accepted.

– I had heard that.

With an expression that tightened his face, Douglas continued talking.

– Princess Emilia, I cannot believe you chose that man, Kisaragi Hayato, over me. Is that true?

– It is true. I love* Hayato.

* TN: It says: 大好 き = daisuki, which is (I like it a lot), it is a “loving” softer than aishiteru, but the latter is practically not used, unless it is private since it has a very strong connotation.

– Hey, Hey, Emilia…!?

Hayato is perplexed, since Emilia links their arms together.

Looking at the two of them, Douglas makes his teeth grind with frustration.

– …I see. If she is able to say something like that, then I have no other choice than myself, to prove if Kisaragi Hayato really is a man fit for Princess Emilia.

Saying that, he deploys his armament.

– HUNDRED ON!

The ring in his right hand shines, and becomes a <Red long sword> Broadsword.

His armament appeared to be similar to Hayato’s Chevalier type. Then he points with the edge of his sword, <<Glorious Crimson>>, Red Glory, to Hayato.

– Hey, Douglas, what do you think you’re doing!?

Emilia shouted.

– It’s a challenge to a duel.

– Duel?

As he stared at Hayato, Douglas declared.

– The wife of a Slayer, must have the same skills as the Slayer. You know what it is necessary for the future of mankind. I’d like you to show me if your ability is suitable for it.

– Hold on, Douglas. I like Hayato, I do not care if he’s not the best Slayer that exists!

– Please wait, Princess Emilia. This duel will also be beneficial to you.

It was Bratt who stepped in and spoke from the side.

– What is it you’re talking about, Bratt?

– Douglas-sama said: “If Kisaragi Hayato is victorious in the duel, we will give up the engagement to Princess Emilia.”

– Is that true?

– I swear by the gods of heaven and earth.

At Emilia’s question, Douglas replied with his head down.

– But, in case I win the duel, Princess Emilia will return to Gudenburg, and she will marry me. If, on the contrary, you reject it, for the next ten years, 80% of the distribution of the Savage cores and the Variable Stone, which the United Nations gives to the kingdom of Gudenburg, will be received by my Kingdom, the Kingdom of Wenz. That would be the cost of canceling the engagement.

– How can you ask for something like that!?

Claudia screamed hysterically.

– Such a demand, it is impossible to accept! In addition to suffering an economic loss, the military force will also fall, the position that the Kingdom of Gudenburg has within Britannia will vanish!

– H-Hey, Emilia…

What to do, Hayato looks into Emilia’s eyes. Hayato is totally unaware of the ability of that guy. It is impossible to judge by just seeing it.

– It’s too bustling inside, what is happening in here?

It was the voice of a transparent woman who dominated the place with a few words.

In addition to Hayato and Emilia, Douglas, Bratt, Claudia and Kate who were also in that place looked in the direction from which came that voice.

Who was there was a woman in a white dress with a high hood, where a thin cloth that hung from that covered the upper half of her face, and on both sides of her, wearing short skirts, were two young ladies wearing habits of black color that gave the impression that allowed them to have a better mobility.

The voice belonged to the woman in the center with the hood.

The three people walked from the back of the palace in the direction of Hayato and company.

– This is the royal palace, the king’s residence! Is not a place to withdraw and swing your weapon!

– Who do you think you are! Do not you know who I am!

Douglas moved the tip of his sword that was in the direction of Hayato toward the person in the white habit. The thin cloth breaks and her face is exposed.

Pale, blond hair. It was a beautiful woman whose face had perfect features. At the same time, the young women standing next to her shouted with their hands holding the crucifix on her chest.

– HUNDRED ON!!

The crucifix turns into golden particles and then a giant halberd forms in their hands.

The girls then point their weapons at Douglas.

– Lower your weapons.

The woman in the white habit said.

– Are you sure?

– Do not worry, cancel your armaments.

The two girls listened to the words and they dematerialized the armament.

– The person who calls himself the Prince of Wenz, is a wild one.

Then the woman dressed in white continued, addressing her words to Douglas.

– …So if you know me, why that attitude? Tell me what your name is!

– I’m going to ask you to lower your weapon first, please.

– Answer my question!

– It can’t be helped.

The woman in a white habit murmured as if she were surprised, and then she moved the palm of her hand toward Douglas.

– Fly, vulgar.

Then Douglas’s body flew a couple of meters and crashed into the wall.

– What? What was that? What the hell are you, damn it!!?

Using his sword as a cane, Douglas staggered to his feet. In his face, one could see the expression of terror emanating from him.

That would be natural. No one could understand what she did, not even Hayato or Emilia.

– I am Serivia Notredame, Paul III. The current Pontiff of the <<Holy Church>> Puritaria.

– Re-really…?

Hearing that name, Douglas’s eyes widened. Hayato is the same.

Speaking of the Pontiff, representative of Puritaria, is a religious leader capable of having the same authority as the king of a country.

– Impossible, to think that the Pope was a woman…

Emilia murmured spontaneously.

– Is it so strange?

The pontiff smiled and continued.

– There were moments in the past when the Pope were women… Although, this was kept in complete secrecy. In addition, it is supposed that the Pope should not expose their face to the public.

– Serivia-sama, the other one is over there.

The one that spoke was the girl standing on the right side of the Pope.

– Understood.

In response, Serivia looked to where the girl standing on her right side was pointing her finger, and focused her gaze.

– Those people who feel hostility towards us, we ask you, please, immediately release your arms and throw them in front of us.

Hayato could not understand the meaning of those words. Because it turns out that where she looked at, there was no one.

– It can’t be helped. There is no alternative but to respond to animals than being an animal per se.

By saying that and from her right hand, Serivia made appear a dagger that emitted light.

(What will she do now?)

It did not appear to be a materialized weapon. She also did not say a keyword.

The pontiff threw the dagger at the wall. But it didn’t land on it. It made a loud noise in the air and then fell to the ground. Then a silver-haired girl in a black helmet and suit suddenly appeared in that place.

Before mentioned woman, Serivia said.

– Apparently, your Hundred has the ability to capture the surrounding and reflect it on your Variable Suit. It is best to be used as a guard.

– !!

The black-clad woman gritted her teeth, unable to say anything.

– Is she one of your subordinates, third prince of Wenz?

– Tch, of course, it is only natural for me, the third prince of a country, to have bodyguards around me!

At the same time Douglas shouted, the door through which Serivia entered opened again.

– Who will enter now?

– Your Majesty!

Cried Bratt.

– Are you OK?

Bratt hurried to King Granald who was walking hard, and used his body for support.

– I’m really sorry, King Granald. Although I came to visit you, this became a mess. Is your body feeling better already?

– Do not worry, Your Holiness-sama, I feel better for now. What’s important, what kind of situation is this, Bratt? In addition, you…

The sight of King Granard is headed toward Douglas.

Douglas then knelt down and introduced himself to the king.

– I am the third son of the Emperor of the Kingdom of Wenz, Douglas Edward Wenz. Today, I heard that Princess Emilia had returned to Gudenburg, and that she had requested the annulment of the marriage engagement, so I hastened to come here.

– That’s what this is about…

Apparently they could understand the situation in general.

Then followed Bratt supporting the above.

– However, the attempt of Douglas-dono was in vain, since the princess Emilia wants to annul in any way her engagement with Douglas-dono. That’s why the fuss…

– His majesty, all that Douglas-dono said, that if the compromise is annulled, for the next decade, 80% of the Savage cores and the ‘Variable Stone’ sent by the United Nations to the Kingdom of Gudenburg will go to the Kingdom of Wenz.

It is Claudia who said that with a certain level of indignation.

Similarly, King Granald’s expression becomes stiff at this.

– Bratt, is that true, about the conditions regarding cancellation of the engagement? Although I regret it a lot, I do not find that the demand really is so exacerbated.

– This is the case where it cannot be resolved by a duel.

– … A duel, that’s…?

-That is so. If it is possible for you to see a duel between Kisaragi Hayato and me, then it is certain that Emilia-Hime will fall in love with me. That is why I have such confidence, that I request to you the possibility of authorizing the duel between Kisaragi Hayato and myself.

– That is absolutely impossible!

– In other words, Princess Emilia, do you mean to give up?

– What do you say, I never said anything like that!

– I get it. His majesty also seems to show signs of disapproval, so let’s change the condition. If Kisaragi Hayato accepts a duel with me, regardless of the result, to that point the engagement is already ruled out. But, if I win against Kisaragi Hayato, as a change to the aforementioned condition, you will promote me as Commander of the Slayer troops of the Allied Forces of the Federation of Britannia.

– What, what things are you saying, you!

It is Claudia who interrupts by raising her voice.

. – That request is also unthinkable. Not only limited to the management of Allied Forces Slayer, the commander of all units, is a position occupied by people from the sovereign country, which is Gudenburg. It is impossible to consider it from a perspective for national defense and even less, the people of Gudenburg will definitely not approve! Even the Prime Ministers, to this day, have never come from Wenz!

– You certainly cannot say the same thing, Miss.

Who said that was the Prime Minister, Bratt.

– …But your Majesty, he has certainly abandoned the subject of concessions of his previous condition and now that we must fight against the Savages in all Britannia, if we have Douglas-dono who is the third prince of Wenz leading the troops of Slayers, who also in his country possesses many excellent Slayers, if you think about it’s not bad at all. Wenz’s position as first commander would not be a bad compensation given that his name has been stained up by the abandonment of the engagement. In addition to―.

Bratt’s gaze is directed toward Hayato.

– As a result of new research, isn’t Hayato-dono an extraordinary and excellent Slayer within Little Garden? If he defeated Hayato-dono in a duel and takes victory, then it is more than likely that the inhabitants of Gudenburg will agree with it.

After hearing those words, Emilia thinks that Bratt is a type of guru.

The political party of which Bratt is the representative brings political ideas like the subject of reconciliation with the Kingdom of Wenz, besides that receives a strong support from the royal family of Wenz. That is why he has such a deep relationship with Douglas. And there may be the possibility of a secret pact with the royal family of Wenz, from which he could have obtained the cooperation in the election as Prime Minister, so as to eventually give some sort of position to the royal family of Wenz.

– I see. If Hayato-kun is okay with it, I’ll acknowledge the duel.

– Your Majesty, are you serious?

Claudia shouted.

There is no other way if it is to break the engagement. In addition, Britannia United* is one of the most beloved wishes of the Federation of Britannia, and a dream for me that has a few years of life left.

* TN: Says “O-ru Buritania, All Brittania, it sounds bad but that’s how It is in the raw.

– Knowing and respecting each other’s country, it is essentially true that those who have an innate ability are born with it or come from a certain family, but have a sense of strong responsibility, and are truly righteous. What about you, Hayato-kun?

When asked, Hayato set his eyes on Emilia.  She suddenly nodded.

– Very well, I agree.

Hayato said firmly.

– When is the date of the duel?

Douglas answers Emilia’s question.

– What do you think about tomorrow at noon?

– Hayato do you agree to that?

– Yes, no problem.

He agrees and nods.

– Even though I’m not directly involved with this, would it be possible to join me as a spectator?

– Huh…?

All members present there were surprised, of course Hayato too, seeing that Serivia was getting into the discussion.

– No no, for the Pope attending that kind of―.

It was Bratt who said that with some bashfulness.

– There is no need to feel insecure. The agenda we had occupied for today, and since tomorrow there is nothing, we will have the privilege of being able to stay here, in the palace, tonight. I want to express my most sincere thanks and-

– Are you completely sure?

It is King Granald who calls her attention, requesting an answer.

– That’s right, there is no problem.

Serivia replied immediately and continued.

– It’s because I want to see the excellent Slayer of Little Garden and the Prince of Wenz, that turns out to be also the Kingdom of Slayers.

– Serivia-sama. It’s almost time for the next plan.

The girls on either side of Serivia spoke one after another.

– Oh my oh my, I see. Very well then, if you will excuse us, we will retire. Kisaragi Hayato and Princess Emilia, you will stay here in the palace, correct? Then we are likely to see each other again. At that moment, I will be under your care.

As she said that, Serivia would leave the palace next to the two followers.

– Very well, if you’ll excuse me.

Douglas takes the woman who is his escort and leaves the palace.

– Princess Emilia.

Just when she crossed over to Emilia and Hayato.

– Certainly that man, of course, there is nothing special to come from Little Garden, I knew that immediately. In the same way I will be deeply alert as to my judgment may be wrong. Now if you want to resolve the issue of cancellation, please tell me as soon as possible. If you excuse me.

***

– … Even when I come to Gudenburg, I’ll encounter a duel…

Hayato, who sits on a chair in a room, that looks quite similar to a luxury hotel, mutters as he looks up at the ceiling.

This is a guest room that is located on the second floor of the guest building on the west side of the palace where the king lives.

It is the room where Emilia will sleep today.

Originally, the royal family lives on the east side of the building, and although she was also living on the east side, Emilia said she did not want to go there, so Hayato decided to stay in the room next to it.

– First of all, let’s inform the president.

Emilia, who hung Hayato’s coat on the hanger at the entrance to the bedroom, took the Tablet PC from the briefcase that had previously been transported to this place.

– You’re right.

The purpose of Hayato’s visit to Emilia’s room was to report themselves.

Emilia put the tablet on a small round table in front of him and sat in the chair next to Hayato. And together they look towards the Tablet. But Hayato does not get along with machines, so it’s Emilia who operates the device. It changed the state of the switch to on and the application launched the communication that makes the call to the president. After two dialing tones, communication was established. The appearance of the president is displayed on the tablet.

[Thank you for keeping in touch…, you, what happened to you, that appearance…]

Hayato remembers that they are not currently wearing Little Garden uniforms.

– Well, a lot of things happened.

*Ahaha* laughed Emilia, trying to hide what happened and continued.

– Leaving that aside, we have things to report but, so many events have happened that it has all become really chaotic.

[Chaotic? But what happened there?]

Then Hayato began to relate the facts, putting them in order, from his arrival in Gudenburg.

It was reported that Emilia’s father was better than he thought, since he accepted Little Garden’s proposal, and said he would nullify her engagement. However, there was one person opposed to this, her fiancée Douglas, who said he would not accept the abandonment of the engagement.

If that was done, then for the next decade 80% of both the Variable Stone and the cores that were obtained from the Savages, which the United Nations destined to the Kingdom of Gudenburg, had to be transferred to the Kingdom of Wenz.

[That’s a highly complicated demand. It would put even Little Garden in trouble]

If you wish to send a Slayer without cost to Gudenburg, then you could send the Variable Stone and the Savage cores as a thank you to Little Garden.

– But, that is already in the past. On the other hand, Hayato has to face Douglas tomorrow.

[Please wait a moment. A battle? What, couldn’t you have talk about it?]

– Well, it’s just… that…

Hayato continues with the summary.

While they were in the middle of the dispute with Douglas on the subject of the demand, and as a goal to visit the king who was sick, they met the Pope of the <<Sacred Church>> Puritaria.

Then in the middle of the conversation the king appeared, and if Hayato accepted the duel, the matter related to the cancellation of the engagement was over. But if Hayato loses, then Douglas will serve as Commander of the Slayers of the Allied Forces of the Federation of Britannia.

[So it was the Pope of  <<Sacred Church>> Puritaria]

– It seems that she came to see the king who was sick. President do you know this person?

[No, I have not met her in person. But, being a person with a very high magical power, I have not heard much about it. It is known that she possesses a skill that exceeds human knowledge, very different from the five types of sensory organs that the human being possesses that are that of vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell, which is cataloged as the sixth sense, with which she predicted the <<Second Encounter>> Second Attack. That is, you did not know about that?]

– Now that you mention it, I’ve heard something about it…

[Leaving that aside, let’s go back to the main topic. In other words, there was no other option but to accept the duel in order to annul the engagement, is that not so?]

Seeing Hayato that says “Yes,” Claire sighs heavily.
[If that’s the case, it’s because there was no alternative. There is no choice but to carry out the duel. Needless to say you should take the victory anyway. Understood? ]

– Yes, of course.

Hayato answered firmly.

[A good answer. They may have some information there, but I will send to you the personal information about Douglas Edward Wenz through the Little Garden Intelligence Department in a few minutes]

About ten minutes passed since the report with the president ended when an incoming call appeared on the Tablet PC. It was a call from Charlotte. Emilia accepted it.

– What happened Charlotte?

[No matter where you go, things always happen.]

As soon as the face of Charlotte suddenly appeared on the Tablet PC, she talked and continued.

[I have to show you the information of Douglas Edward Wenz that was previously compiled by the Department of Intelligence, but there are certain points that are of concern. So I thought I’d give them some brief advice about them. Now I’ll send you the information, so wait a moment.]

The screen changes and Douglas’s personal information is displayed.

Hayato stares at it as if trying to devour all that information.

[As you can see, the reaction value of his Hundred is acceptable, and of course his average skill power is quite high―even reaching values ​​like Liddy’s. But it does not go beyond that. He has never fought against the Savage, even being royalty, and it is because it is unnecessary for them, to avoid any danger. On the contrary, has never participated in an official game, there are no records of that. Certainly, it may not be the most powerful Slayer from Wenz. However, there are reports that so far, he has not lost a single duel]

– How can that person be the strongest if he has never fought against anyone?

[Um, no, it’s not that. Despite the fact that the spread information has little time to really be as it says he is, but apparently he is capable of performing ‘Dual Act’]

– Are you sure of it?

Emilia raised her voice, surprised.

– ‘Dual Act’ It is that which allows Hundred to be deployed simultaneously, if I am not mistaken?

As he remembered what they had learned in class, Hayato replied in the form of a question:

[Indeed it is so]

Charlotte nodded.

[Apparently he did not let others realize this in the middle of the battle, and deployed another Hundred that completely pierced the defense of his opponent, giving him victory]

– Doesn’t that sound like cheating?

He really is a person who likes to play dirty

If he had not heard it here, Hayato would have been really surprised at the time of the duel.

[Currently, there is no restriction as to the number of Hundred that can be deployed in battles or simulated combats, carried by a country or organization. First, Hayato-kun, did you know that there are not many Slayers who can do ‘Dual Act’?]

– Uhmm, I can certainly say that it is more difficult than full armament, I think…

[Exactly]

– Now that you say it, is he able to perform full armament?

[Looks like he can do it]

Charlotte answered Emilia’s doubt.

[Regarding the handling of his Hundred, he is considerably good at it]

– I understand.

After a few moments in silence, Emilia again opens her mouth.

– So, honestly, what do you think is the probability of victory, Charo?

[Including the fact that that person uses ‘Dual Act’, and now that you know about it, the probability that Hayato-kun wins exceeds 80%. Liza has given the same answer. Besides, he does not know about that ability of yours. That’s because that ability is not written in Hayato-kun’s Personal Information]

That ability, it refers to the skill related to Variant power.

– I see…

Releasing a long sigh of relief, Emilia continued.

– I am glad to know that the duel would not take place immediately. Thanks to this, we were able to obtain this valuable information.

[Even so, do not think that your rival will not investigate about you. So do not neglect this, do not think it will be presented without having prepared something beforehand. I have to retire, visitors have arrived, so I have work to do. If you’ll excuse me]

With those words, the connection with Charlotte was terminated.

– How can you tell me to accept the duel, and yet he has a skill you do not know about?

Once, she was his fiancée.

Hayato thought that she already knew it.

– That’s because I’ve never been interested. Hayato is the only one I like. And I also thought that Hayato is absolutely more powerful. In fact, most of the data information says that they are higher for Hayato. Charo also said that you would definitely win.

– In truth, you are as optimistic as ever.

Hayato takes a deep breath.

– But you will not win unless you think you can win. As the saying goes: “Illness and health begin with the mind”*. According to this, the Hundred have the same ability to react to the power of emotions. You should not think about defeat at all, but think about how important it is to gain victory in the duel.

*TN: Basically, it means that according to the disposition of the mind, it is how the body will react. If I want to feel good, my body will be fine.

Emilia nods and reveals a big smile on her face.

*Fuaaaa* Hayato lets out a big yawn from his mouth.

– Are you sleepy, Hayato?

– Even though I’ve managed to get used to the aircraft, I could not sleep much in the sky.

– In that case, we’re going to lie down for a brief moment, and you have to remember that the duel is tomorrow. Let’s meet at 8 in the morning, the place will be here, my room.

***

– Why would you call me to come to the arena at this hour?

Eight in the night. Standing at the center of the arena’s battlefield, is Claire Harvey, the queen dressed in her red Variable Suit. The person who she demands an answer from is Charlotte Dimandius, <Chief Technology Officer> Main Technologist at Little Garden, who stands next to her and holds a candy, as usual.

– Besides, why did she come here as well?

Claire’s line of sight is directed toward Kisaragi Hayato’s younger sister, Kisaragi Karen, who was sitting on the audience bench next to Fritz and Latia in their respective Variable Suit.

With a smile on her face, Charlotte replied.

– You will understand the reasons immediately. First, could you deploy your armament?

– …I will do it.

Nodding, Claire flung her Hundred to the skies, which she held firmly in her hand.

– HUNDRED ON!!

Deployed Dragoon-type Hundred, <<Noble Combatant Princess>> Alisterion. Claire’s body was covered in red armor, and six floating batteries appeared around her.

– Then let’s begin. Begin, Mei Mei.

[Yes, master]

Mei Mei’s voice reverberated across the area. She seemed to be in the control room that was in the distance, over the spectators. From the other side of the window, she raised her thumb.

(What do they intend to do now?)

While Claire wondered what was going to happen, from the waiting room in the arena, they heard *GASHAN* *GASHAN*, they were sounds that came from a machine.

– But what, what is this…?

At the sight of Claire, who had a look of surprise with her eyes wide open, she looked at the machine whose body had a length of three meters, a height of one meter and fifty centimeters, whose figure was that of an organism similar to that of a spider.

– Just as Vitaly Tynyanov tried to imitate the Savages with her <<Man Made Machine>> Replicant, I did the same, and did some versions of Replicant for Little Garden.

Charlotte responded with a sense of satisfaction, as if introducing her little child.

– Why did you want to do such a thing…?

– Why do you ask, that’s because Vitaly did it, and I do not want to keep the regret that I didn’t. If another person does, it is only natural that you feel that you also want to do it. As for the uses we can give to it, is it okay if we think about it later?

– So that’s your answer. It can’t be helped. Well then, I will have the privilege of being its opponent. Will Mei Mei be the one to operate that thing?

– No, once it enters combat mode, the control is automatic. That’s why I called that girl, since I’ve considered the case where that goes frenzy. Kisaragi Karen’s voice has the same power as Kirishima Sakura.

In other words, Karen apparently has the responsibility of holding the Savage in case it lose control.

– To prepare such level of support, it means that you have a high degree of confidence in the ability of the Replicant. Sounds good to me, then the opponent it’s not insignificant.

– In that case, start the test.

As soon as Charlotte stepped out of the battlefield, the horn sounded all over the arena.

It was the signal that the battle had begun.

Coinciding with that, the Replicant opened its head and from there shot a lightning bolt in the direction of Claire. When Claire decided to make a jump to avoid it, then two wires were launched from above the shoulders.

(As I thought, the armament of the Replicant really is similar to those created by Vitaly)

As one can expect, it is reproduced perfectly by the scientist Charlotte. That is why, I assumed that would make such an attack.

Using the six floating weapons as <<Propulsion Equipment>> Thrusters, applied <<Acceleration>> to evade the wire, then aim with the weapon prepared in her right hand.

– This time the attack will come from here.

The beam that Claire emitted was splendid, it seemed to hit the Replicant. But what was before her eyes was that the beam had faded.

– What was that!?

[As you can see, that’s a <<Protective Wall>> Barrier]

Charlotte, who finally settled next to Karen, saw that she, like Claire, had the same look of astonishment that Fritz and Latia.

[There you can see the difference that exists between the Replicant of Vitaly and the one that I have made. It is practically the same that is deployed in this arena and that is located in front of the public. If the size of the ‘Variable Stone’ varies, it can be given many uses, since the size of the device to amplify the force that is emitted is also different, even if the intensity is not the same, and in case the attack consists of a beam of simple Energy Sense, as you have seen, the attack can be prevented]

Charlotte’s voice is heard by Claire through the wireless ring.

– So that was … if that’s the case then.

Escaping the Replicant attacks, Claire fires the beam again from the weapon on her right arm.  The attack is consumed by the barrier as before, but the attack is not yet over with this. This time, since the gun on her left arm shoots towards the back of his head. The shot splendid hits the Replicant.

(It struck him? Then that means that, the barrier can only be generated towards the front)

Turning her body in midair, Claire lands looking towards the front of the body of the Replicant.

– Let’s see how you take this!

Looking at the figure of Claire who discharged the six floating guns to the Replicant, Charlotte showed a somewhat complicated smile.

– Wow, despite being a test, you could tell in an instant. Should we admire the power of Princess-sama as usual?

– Dr. Charlotte. Why the laser has hit the Replicant right now?

Who asked was Fritz.

– It’s because the second shot was out of the line of sight. In addition, it was behind the device that generates the barrier. Ideally, it is the upper body that rotates and creates the barrier, but the sensor could not cope with the continuous attacks. So Claire took advantage of that moment. That is the case when it is a continuous attack. Try to keep looking.

According to Charlotte’s words, the six floating batteries surrounded the Replicant’s body and began firing lightning one after another. The Replicant tried to crush the batteries using the scissors of both arms, but it was impossible, it could not destroy a single one. Although some of the beams were cancelled by the barrier, a dozen rays emitted by the six floating batteries pierced the metal shell and made a number of holes in its body. Eventually, the legs collapsed, and the Replicant stopped moving. After that, the six floating batteries returned to Claire, to become small particles, and began to change its form to Claire’s most deadly weapon, ‘Buster Cannon’.

Claire then screams determined.

– It’s time to finish this!

She fired a thick beam of light. This one penetrated the metal shell of the artificial Savage and made a great hole in it. Because of this it did not explode, but it does not move anymore.

– Incredible…

Karen murmured, who was on the audience’s bench. Using the wireless ring, Charlotte speaks to Claire.

[You really are the Queen-sama, <<Completely Undefeated>> Perfect Queen. Even your movements that were programmed, your opponent could not do anything with you]

– Charlotte, perhaps you, considering the possibility that they were uncontrolled, did you make restrictions on their behavior and functions? If so, it was really very easy. For this level of skill, training for first year students who master weapons simply could do it.

[Please do not say that. I’m not a terrorist. Understand that we must develop this very carefully and go slowly like walking on thin ice. Also, now was just a warm up for what you will not defeat]

– Warm up? What do you mean?

[You will understand immediately]

When Charlotte said that, the door that connects the waiting room with the arena opened.

– …?

Looking at the figure of Liddy who appeared there, Claire was left with her eyes wide with surprise, like Karen, who was sitting in the audience.

– Hey, what’s that suit?

Looking at the armor with a giant winged form on Liddy’s back, Claire asks her. But it was Charlotte, and not Liddy*, who answered the question.

*TN: in the raw it was Claire who answered, well done editor.

[It’s a unit to fly in space]

– A unit to fly in space?

[As we are approaching the space age, I thought that it would be optimal to have something like Slayers weaponry that could make them move freely through the skies, and that’s what I created]

– In other words, you mean that <<External Armor>> Outer?

[Exactly. <<Air Combat Armor>> Air Ride is what I called it. That is not all, as the Variable Stone is inserted, it is designed to connect with the extensions of the back, being able to attack using energy, and even to float, if possible. Liddy, please show us]

– Understood.

The pattern that was drawn on Liddy’s wings begins to glow and radiates light, with which her body floats in the air, staying a distance of ten centimeters.

– What do you think? Although it has a thruster in its armament, unlike your floating weapons, whose acceleration in parallel is its main function, it was not a type that could move vertically or freely in the air. But with this Air Ride, that difficulty can be surpassed. For that reason, a little while ago I was doing a <<Test of movement>> Test.

Charlotte showed a rather large smile and continued.

– In addition, since there were no long range weapons for use in space, you could not fight quite well, which is why I have decided to install weapons in the equipment. When one uses energy, the other will not use it, respectively. It is a system of one at a time.

Certainly, when looking closely the Air Ride, it has two turrets, one on each side, likewise has two missile launches, one on the left and the other on the right.

– Liddy, when did you start training with the Outer?

– Exactly since one week ago.

– In other words, the fact that the <<External Armor>> Outer also uses Variable Stone means that it’s like you’re using two Hundreds at the same time, is not it? And you could do it correctly in just one week. It’s what you can expect from Liddy.

Claire stared in astonishment.

Then Liddy responded based on this.

– It is because in short, I just have to transmit the instructions to the Variable Stone, which is why, compared to Dual Act, it is not something complicated.

– Dyuaru Akuto?*

*TN: She said it without knowing the word, it is usually written in Katakana, and she ‘said’ it in Hiragana.

– ‘Dual Act’ is to make a double deploy.

Charlotte said, looking at Karen who inclined her head trying to understand what they were saying, sitting in the audience sector of the arena.

– As it was exactly said, try to deploy two Hundred simultaneously.

– Hee, to be able to do such a thing.

– Of course, that is not so simple.

The one who got into the conversation from the side was Latia.

– It is said that it is much more difficult to operate than a full armament, it is such the level, that there are not even ten people around the world, who are able to achieve it, of course I cannot either.

– … However, as Liddy said earlier, it has less complexity than Dual Act because there is no need to maintain the shape of the weapon, but only to send instructions, but in practice, even in a hundredth of a second , if one’s decision is not correct, the error can be potentially fatal. So if you really can make good decisions, the chosen instructions you give to <<Air Combat Armor>> Air Ride, that’s the real test.

– Claire-sama, would you accept a duel with me?

– Of course yes. It’s been a long time since we fought.

– It will be the first time in three years.

– That’s right, close to that time has passed.

– I’m anxious to get started.

– I am too.

Claire and Liddy.

They are facing each other, about ten meters away and both smile.

– All right, let the fight begin. You two, are you ready?

At Charlotte’s question, both nod at the same time.

The horn that rang in the arena indicated the start of the fight.

Claire is the one who takes the lead and points to Liddy with her six floating batteries, but Liddy does not care in the slightest of them.

Accelerating using the propulsion of her Air Ride, and using her Midgard Schrange in her hand, she makes an attack on Claire. Claire operates all the way to her floating weapons.

If I manage to divert her concentration to another place, I should be able to stop her movement. That was Liddy’s strategy.

Claire dodges Liddy’s offense with a leap and releases a beam from the weapon in her arm. Liddy dodges it by taking a step back, then flew to Claire, and released two beams from the left and right side of her Air Ride. Claire then reduces to particles the weapon of her right hand, generates a barrier with one hand and stops the attack.

But that did not mean that Liddy’s attack was over. Positioning her Midgard Schrange, She accelerated with the Thrusters of her Air Ride, and began her charge again.

– Uooooooooooooo!

The tip of the spear was approaching imminently.

– … Ghaa!! This barrier needs more force!

In distress, Claire also reduces the weapon in left hand in particles and concentrates the energy of all its body in both hands to stop the penetrating attack of Liddy. However, it ends up being pushed by its power.

– Aaagh!

As it happened, the barrier was slightly crossed. But Claire does not allow this to continue. Control and mobilize the six floating batteries and shoot beams from Liddy’s back. Of course, this was also in Liddy’s calculations that Claire would make this move.

She pushes the spear, lifts it upwards, pointing toward the ceiling, and advances using the Thrusters.

On the other hand, Claire falls to the ground. Liddy then fires a total of forty missiles from the missile launchers that are mounted on either side of the Air Ride.

– Haa, haa … what did you think of that, Claire-sama?

A curtain of smoke rises. What can be seen as it appears from there is the figure of six floating batteries that defend Claire, with a form of tulip petals that surround her body.

– Haha, it was to be expected, if it is Claire-sama…

– I also think the same. It is something expected of Liddy. In a week, achieving such a level when using the external equipment, you have come very far. And before that, I have only to respond properly to that effort.

– …!!

Unexpectedly, Liddy makes a gesture of pain, at the moment in which Claire’s body releases energy intensely.

– Here I go, <Full Armament> Perfect Form!

Claire’s full body is covered with a thick armor.

– From now on, I will play seriously. Go, petals!

From each of Claire’s six floating weapons, two small floating weapons are fired. In total there are 12 small floating weapons.

(I really … I think … I grew to such a level for Claire-sama to fight seriously)

If I think of it in such a way, yes I have gone far. And I thought that while I was in combat, I was really impressed.

That was three years ago.

In a certain town in Liberia, at a training school for Slayer, Liddy had no rivals. One could say that she was a genius. Besides, she was not pretentious, she was only training day after day. And there were reasons for it.

During the Second Attack, her father had died. However, her father and mother did not register her, she was born as a result of an adulterous relationship, therefore, Liddy is then who is known as an illegitimate daughter. There was no money support, it was a mother, a child, two people living together. And worse, her mother had a rather weak body. Even so, she worked every day to keep Liddy alive. Her life was very miserable, like trying to get out of a spider web.

That’s how this Slayer was formed. Liddy had talent in it. And she would absolutely not let it slip through her hands.

When making a space like one of the best Slayer of Liberia, she was able to make her mother to live in a better way.

That’s the reason that she will not allow to be defeated by anyone.

She must still being the number one.

That was the reason Liddy devoted herself to practice hard every day.

And during that time, a girl appeared at <Training School> Gym where she resorted to go, accompanied by a large number of adults wearing military uniforms.

It was Claire Harvey. It was said that she was young and associated with the great company of Warslan.

– Is it possible if you point out to Liddy Steinberg?

She suddenly said her name. Although she was thrilled by what she had heard, without any fear, Liddy jumped in front of Claire.

– I’m Liddy Steinberg.

– So, you are Liddy Steinberg.

Looking at Liddy as if she were pricing her, Claire grabbed her Hundred from her Variable Suit and threw it with her fingers into the air.

– Hundred, ON!

A red armor covered Claire’s body, and six floating batteries appeared around her.

(…It’s a Dragoon type…)

Plus, it’s an exclusive Hundred.

You could really say that she is a girl. It is very different from me who has no family. Even her skin is white and beautiful that seems to shine, not like mine.

– This is my Hundred <<Noble Princess of Battle>> Alisterion. Do you mind if you can show to me your armament?

Looking to Liddy, Clair said that.

– Do you plan to challenge me to a duel?*

 *TN: She says: 道場 破 り (doujouyaburi) = challenge a group and annihilate them.

– Well, that’s what it can be said.

As long as I can maintain an attitude that gives the best of me, I must have confidence in my ability. However, it does not seem that according to what I see, that going against others is a hobby of an Ojou-sama.

Hundred aims to destroy the Savage. It is not a toy that competes to see who is the strongest of humans.

– Hundred, ON!

Liddy materialized her Hundred.

– …so it is a spear type.

– That’s right, and it’s a generic one, so it has no name.

Liddy readies her spear and Claire stares at her.

– Even so, I do not feel I can lose against you.

– Li, Liddy-san … needs permission for the duel…

Someone appears in a hurried way, is a girl who wears glasses, and goes to the same training school.

– Obtained.

It was what the man in military uniform and was standing next to Claire said.

– To get a duel with Liddy Steinberg, permission has been obtained from the administrator of this training site.

– Dammit, what do you want? What do you want to achieve?

Liddy looks sharply at Claire.

One by one, they express themselves that they are displeased.

– I see. In that case, let’s start the fight immediately. Depending on the situation, the damage in the surroundings could unravel.

– So, should we start the duel already?

Claire said after confirming that the other Slayer trainees and that her subordinates evacuated to a safe place.

Then, the duel did not last for more than a minute.

(It cannot be, this person …)

Liddy remembered what terror was, seeing this golden-haired girl that she underestimated.

That she has such an overwhelming power.

She is a genius. It’s the first time in her life that she experienced something like that.

It’s a complete defeat.

(Damn it!)

It’s completely annoying. She can feel nothing but mortification. Besides, she feels miserable.

There was nothing more important. It was inevitable, she could not feel more ridiculous. But the girl did nothing to ridicule her. On the contrary, she said something totally unexpected.

– Liddy, you’re stronger than I expected. Don’t you agree? What do you think about coming to Warslan together with me?

At the sudden invitation, Liddy stares with astonishment.

– What do you mean by―.

– Warslan Company, where my brother is the president, is planning to open Little Garden, a school institution for Slayer’s training in just over a year.

– But why me?

– It’s because you have the same power as I do. Is that not a satisfactory answer? Your skill is of such a level that, for the Slayers, it can be an example of learning and you can be their guide. Or am I wrong?

– Was it the purpose of the duel that you could corroborate that?

– It is as you say. What do you say, are you interested?

– Even so, I…

– ? What’s the matter, is there a problem?

– It’s because I live with my mother, we’re both alone. I have plans to enter the army of Liberia and with it, to obtain money to be able to have sustenance for my mother…

– How much do you need?

– Eh…?

– I ask how much you need monthly. Although it would be a problem if you said you need something like $50,000 dollars? If you decide to come to Little Garden, we will pay you more than what the Liberia Army offers you as a new recruit, even if you leave tomorrow. If you need to be paid an advance, you will also be paid that. Only, there is only one point. You are expected to respond to the <<Obligation of a person with power>> Noblesse Oblige.

– <<Obligation of a person with power>> Noblesse Oblige?

– That is, neither power, nor money, nor authority, nor knowledge, none of that really matters. Since one naturally must take everything one has and give the best, so with all that effort, make this world a much better. That is what I think is Noblesse Oblige.

At the same time that she heard those words, Liddy thought.

That woman, now that I understand, is the representation in person of Noblesse Oblige.

(If this person is, then it is okay to follow her)

As she thought about it, tears began to flood her face. Even now she remembers that.

– From now on, I will no longer have problems with money to be able to make my mother live better. From now on, please take care of me.

– Aha, of course.

Claire shook hands with Liddy’s.

Then, since that day, Liddy has been involved with Claire in preparations for the Little Garden establishment.

(Since then, Claire-sama has been my goal. To be the same as her. In strength, endurance, magnificent, to become a great Slayer) 

There’s no need to win.

But what I want the most is to be recognized by Claire-sama.

– << Defensive Barrier>> Shelter <<Propulsion Equipment>> Outer.

Liddy covers her body adhering to her << Defensive Barrier >> Shelter, injects energy violently from the Thruster of her back and attacks with her maximum power in direction to Claire.

The rays emitted by the petals, all were annihilated by Shelter. But, the six floating weapons fired to a different objective. Many of the beams were heading for the Air Ride, in a few moments Liddy’s barrier was destroyed and some of those hit her.

Even after all that, Liddy didn’t give up.

She kept going forward despite the balance of her body was to collapse at any moment.

It’s a situation that Claire had never imagined.

– Forgive me, Claire-sama!

– …huh?

Midgard Schrange penetrated Claire’s barrier and touched the armor that protected her chest.

– Kyaaaaa!

As a result, Claire’s body was thrown back.

– Ouch, that was quite risky … a little more, and it would have pierced the armor completely.

Claire, who was with her butt touching the ground, lifted the top of her body and looked directly at Liddy.

She was lying face down on the floor.

– Apparently, I have been the winner.

The armament was cancelled.

The Air Ride was in poor condition because of the beams fired by the floating arms of Claire. In addition to these beams, there were vestiges that the beams of the petals had struck Liddy’s Variable Suit. This would have happened once the barrier was completely destroyed, causing the armament on the back to be cancelled. Claire releases her armor, and moves closer to Liddy’s location.

– Are you all right, Liddy?

She sat down and touched her shoulder with her hand. As a reaction, the body moved agitatedly.

– Claire, sama…

Claire held out a hand to Liddy so she could get up.

– You’ve really grown stronger.

– Thank you, Claire-sama.

Liddy replied with prideful expression on her face.

***

– Brothers, Are you all right? Now that I see your appearances, you are Slayers, isn’t it?

– Ah?

Well late at night, a little before the day change. When he heard the voice that came from an alley in the town of Sangria, who turned around was a Slayer belonging to the army troops of Liberia, and was sent to Sangria to assist in the repairs of Little Garden. The person who spoke, wore a hoodie suspiciously black, that hoodie is worn by boys. Then, next to the man who was standing and who had called recently, there was a young Slayer, also belonging to the Liberian army troops, who turned to ask.

– Who are you? Do not you see that we are on duty? Or should I say better, what does a small fry like you do at this hour?

The Slayers have their faces red, and their way of walking is quite rare.

And from their throats sounds like *Hic* *Hic* could be heard.

It had been four hours since the mission ended in Little Garden, which is why they were drinking alcohol in the street in the town of Sangria. Right now the troops were halfway to preparing to return to their resting places.

– What you want is an autograph? As you can see, we are in the street, but I’ll do it anyway.

The young man laughs loudly. The reason he feels so generous is largely because of alcohol.

– No, it’s not your autographs that I want, what I want are your Hundred.

– Huh?

– Hey you, what are you saying?

The young people look at the boy with a very serious face.

– I said what I want are your Hundred. Didn’t you hear me?

Then the boy showed a very long smile, and his eyes shined with a golden color.

Three minutes later. The two people who were Slayer were lying on the road. One of them was wounded in the shoulder. The other bleeding from his chest, creating a pool of blood from where he lay on the ground. The boy then picked up the two Hundred who were there.

– Damn, who are you?

While he was collapsed, leaning back on the floor, pressing his shoulder that had an open wound, the young man asks in a cut voice.

– What kind of person am I? Onii-san really wants to know that?

The boy opens his mouth wide and swallows the two Hundred in his hand.

– Haaa, delicious. I really just live for this moment. This makes me feel great.

Releasing a breath of happiness, the boy smiled malevolently as he looked with his eyes at the trembling young man, then smile like the crescent moon.

– Well, should I continue with some exercise after eating? As for the people who know about my power, I have been told that they cannot go on living. If you want to blame someone, please hate the doctors who did not give me enough Hundred.

– Please, please stop…!

He noticed that a bright spear appeared in the hands of the boy.

As he leaned on his shoulder, the boy would not let the man try to crawl across the floor and escape.

– Die.

The boy throws the shiny spear.

Following the sounds of the spear that pierce the flesh, the screams of an agonizing death that echo in the night of the city are heard.

– Welcome back, Emilia-sama!!

It was the Slayer Claudia Lowetti, who belongs to Gudenburg’s army, who greeted Hayato and Emilia who descended from the ramp connected to the transport ship that landed at Heathoria Airport.

– This Claudia, was waiting for your return, Emilia-sama!

As she hugged Emilia and said that, she stared coldly at Hayato.

– And you, why did you come, Kisaragi Hayato.

– This, I was told to come to protect Emilia…

The so-called escort. With that said, it’s not just that. Besides he also has the mission imposed by the president to bring Emilia back to Little Garden.

– Claudia, stop being cruel to Hayato. If you still have that horrible behavior, I’ll return immediately to Little Garden.

– That’s right, Claudia. Thanks to Hayato-sama for accompanying Emilia-sama, she has returned home. That is not something that should be treated as evil.

Continuing what Emilia said, and with a lively laugh, said Gerard Kilfelthar, senior officer of the Government.

Hayato noticed his existence with that.

– It’s been a long time, Kilfelthar-san.

– Welcome, Kisaragi Hayato. Now we will go to Gudenburg. Emilia-sama has finally returned.

– Yeah, I’m back.

Listening to Emilia’s response, Kilfelthar begins to walk.

– I have a vehicle ready, please follow me.

Hayato and Emilia, were led by Kilfelthar to a black vehicle, which had a driver inside.Claudia and Kilfelthar go at the same time.

I wonder how many times I’ve been in a vehicle like this. About the same as an aircraft- No, I think more times. I was not comfortable at first, but I was getting quite used to it.

The journey time between the airport of Heathoria and the palace where the king of the kingdom of Britannia, the sovereign state of Gudenburg lives, is approximately fifteen minutes.

The courtesy car crosses the city area where there are a lot of office buildings lined up one after another.

– I have the feeling that this is not the same with relation to those days…

Hayato murmured as he looked out the window. That time, in fact, was ten years ago.

– The old part of the city was damaged during the Second Attack.

Right after Claudia responded.

*TURURURURU*, *TURURURURU*… an electronic sound was present inside the vehicle.

– Hello?

Hayato pulled a vibrant PDA from his chest. On both sides of it, Kirishima Sakura is shown. She is an all-round Idol, also known as <<Servant Princess of the Temple of the Rising Sun>> Sorceress of the East and a scholarship student from Little Garden. She has also self-proclaimed herself as Hayato’s childhood friend, and Hayato’s younger sister, Kisaragi Karen, who recently began her activity as an Idol, has found her as source of admiration.

[Yes, Hayato–kun? Have you arrived to Gudenburg?]

When he pressed the answer button, he heard a very enthusiastic voice. Of course, it belonged to Kirishima Sakura.

– What are you saying so suddenly? I mean, you’re on a ‘Live Tour’ now, aren’t you? Besides, how do you know that I am in Gudenburg?

[Of course, I asked Karen. And therefore, I thought this was destiny!]

– Mm, destiny?

[This is destiny. DESTINY. You know why?]

– No, I do not know, but…

[All right, I’ll give you a clue, what’s the country I’m in now?]

– I don’t know, even if you say something like that so abruptly….

[Why should not you know? Please stay current with my Tour schedules!]

– Uhm, even if you tell me that…

[Guess what, when we’re done, let’s go on a date]

– What, a date?

The moment he said that, Hayato felt that beside him there was a sense of bloodlust.

Turning his eyes, he could see Emilia’s facial expression and the prana surrounding her.

The time elapsed was not more than three seconds, but the time limit had already been fulfilled.

[Hehe, time is up. I am currently in the capital city of Louvre, in the Kingdom of Francois. It is a short distance from Gudenburg using the bullet train. What I want to say is that, the ‘Live’ will be the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I will be free, so if possible, I would like to see Hayato]

– Give it to me!

It was a strong tone.

– It’s for the best!

Emilia said again, who snatched Hayato’s PDA from his hands, seeing that he was somewhat confused.

– Hello?

It was a low tone, in a bad mood.

Even so, Sakura could identify with the voice and immediately recognized that it was Emilia.

[Why did you respond, this thieving cat*!? Please let me speak again with Hayato-kun!]*TN: Thief cat is a woman who has an affair with a married man.

– No way. Besides, who are you calling a thieving cat![It is said that the thief cat begins by being a liar. A man lied and approached Hayato-kun, and even tried to steal Hayato-kun’s heart!]

– As for that, there were a lot of reasons and I have already explained that. So everyone gave me their understanding.

[…everyone? I’m not convinced. Students have a great sense of admiration for Hayato-kun, not like you who was posing as a man, so those students who support you are not convinced, or am I wrong?]

– A…

As you can expect with the truth, Emilia was lost without words. Of course not only with the premises, but in different places, the rumors attack, and sometimes the gazes were falling like rain.

[Returning to the subject, let me speak to Hayato again. I want to finalize tomorrow’s plans]

– Because tomorrow I have an important task to do with him, he will not have free time. So the appointment tomorrow will be impossible. The end!

[What is this task? What time does it start and when does it end? Will you always be together]

– Because it’s confidential, I cannot tell you anything. Anyway, Hayato has no time. Well, see you soon!

– As she terminated the call, Emilia returned the PDA to Hayato.

– Perfect, now it’s in silent mode. At this moment you have a duty to fulfill.

– Hey you…

I’ll apologize to Sakura later.

While he was thinking that, Hayato put his PDA in his pocket. Suddenly, the vehicle stopped completely. Hayato decides to look out the window, making a visual inspection.

But there was nothing in particular that caught his eye.

The driver only showed his face and exchanged a few words with the security guard at his side, and then the vehicle began to move again and went through a giant gate.– From here on we are on royal grounds.

In less than a minute since Claudia informed him of this, a gigantic structure was in sight.In a few moments, the vehicle stopped.

– We’ve arrived, let’s descend

The first one in descend is Kilfelthar, who was sitting in the passenger seat, to open the door to the rear seats where Hayato was sitting.

Then Claudia, Emilia, and Hayato descended in that order.

– Is this the palace where your father lives?

Hayato murmured, staring at the palace in front of him. The mansion of the Governor of the Zwei Islands was quite large, but this surpassed five times its size. Apparently there were three buildings that were linked, it looked quite luxurious.

– I was living here too, but for a short time.

Immediately after Emilia said that.

– It is been a long time without seeing you, Hime-sama

The person who spoke was a girl dressed in a maid’s outfit.

It could be said that she is the same age as Emilia? Her hair is short, black in color, bobcat style and has fine freckles on her nose. Emilia’s expression when seeing such a young girl suddenly changed to a tone of joy.

– Kate! It’s been a long time. You’ve been good?

– Yes of course. After Hime-sama left, I was quite sad. But I dedicated myself to being the best at managing tasks.

– Ahaha, I’m sorry, I’m sorry … Ups, I did not introduce you to Hayato. She is my exclusive maid at this palace.

– I was not previously, but now I am her exclusive maid.

Saying that as if she barely opened her mouth, Kate lowered her head to Hayato.

– My name is Kate Gramanshe* and I belong to the Royal Family Administration Department, I hope to be able to best serve Hayato-san during his stay. It is a pleasure to meet you.

* TN: Her full name is written in Katakana and is ケ イ ト グ ラ ラ マ ン シ ェ. Keito guramanshe.

– The pleasure is mine … but, apparently you already know me?

– I have heard many things from Hime-sama.

– Hey, Kate! Do not say unnecessary things!

Emilia’s face was very red.

I wonder what the hell they were talking about.

– Ahahaha, then Princess-sama, we must first change your clothes. If you want to see your majesty, those clothes are not enough.

– …Haa, why? Cannot we stay with our school uniforms?

– Impossible. It has been a long time since father and daughter haven’t seen each other, and it is a good opportunity to show the beautiful appearance of Ojou-sama to Hayato-sama. Does Hayato-sama also want to see the lovely figure of Ojou-sama?

– Well … I would like to see, I mean, I want to see…

I wonder, what kind of clothes is, it is impossible not to pay attention to this.

– You heard, Ojou-sama. Then we are going!

– Uwaa! Save me, Hayato!

The only thing Hayato could do was see how Emilia was dragged by Kate.

– All right, Hayato-sama, we’ll be in the living room, waiting for Emilia-sama to change her clothes.

The waiting room, led by Kilfelthar, had bright red walls and rugs, with chairs around an ancient desk, and had a magnificent view of the palace exterior. On the wall there was also a fairly large painting whose quality was of the highest.

Inside the room, the silence fell until it was like the death itself.

Claudia, Kilfelthar and Hayato were in this place. But none of them were close to Hayato, so he could not find a topic to talk about. Of course, in such a situation, in which he would soon find with the king himself, it was impossible for Hayato to remain calm.

Hayato tests the water the maid brought when he entered the room, which was placed on the desk in front of his eyes.

(I do not get along very well with carbonated water…)

He was hesitant to drink the water that had bubbles, but he really thought it was carbonated water. As he looked around the room again, he heard *TAP* *TAP* and *TOC*.

– Sorry for the wait.

The door opened and Kate, who entered the room, called pointing to the hallway.

– Hime-sama.

– Y-yes…

Emilia, due to Kate’s call, entered the room embarrassed, she was wearing a dress with many ruffle like a princess in a fairy tale.

– How does she look, Hayato-sama? Have you fallen in love again?

– No, I mean, I really thought I was in front of an Ojou-sama.

– Uu…

Emilia hanged her head and her face was bright red.

– I cannot feel comfortable in this. The skirt is too long…

– It’s very bad, princess-sama! It’s a disgrace!

As she twisted her lips and watched Emilia lift her long skirt in both hands, Kate warns without delay.

– I want to change clothes quickly, so let’s go to where Otou-sama* is.

* TN: Emilia says お 父 様 (o-tou-sama), which means father, but including the honorific that is sama, so I left it like that.

– Very good. Apparently you can go visit him. Ready to go? However, Hime-sama, in the presence of the king, I will not be able to follow your orders, I will do it as it is appropriate.

– Uu, I know.

– Well, then, let’s head over there.

Guided by Kate, Hayato and Emilia left the living room. Claudia will accompany them to the bedroom where King Granald is waiting for them.

– Hayato, let’s do as we have planned to when we meet Otou-sama.

– O, ok…

As they walked down the hall, Emilia whispered in Hayato’s ear, to remind him of the strategy to allow her to break her current engagement.

He is Emilia’s lover, and their current relationship is that they are in the process of getting married. It is assumed that they will meet with King Granard under these circumstances.

(Is it really good to do this …?)

Deciding to lie to the king of a country.

If this is discovered to be a lie, this could get pretty ugly.

In spite of this, this operation was also accepted by the president. As a mission carried out by the Slayers, it must be fulfilled as such.

– After your meeting with your majesty, you want to meet with your sisters?

Kate asked Emilia.

– No it’s fine. I do not want to see any of them even less meet them.

– Claudia, come here.

– What–what’s happening, what do you want to do while you bring your face to me?

While Hayato whispered in Claudia’s ear, she took distance from Hayato as she writhed.It was an attitude that meant ‘you should not approach me’.

– Well, I think the relationship between Emilia and her family is complicated.

– Haaaaaaa…

Listening to that question, Claudia released a rather large sigh.

– Have not you heard anything about Emilia-sama’s family?

– I heard something about her coming from another mother, and that mother comes from Wenz, so her blood is mixed.

– That’s just the way it is. In the royal family of Gudenburg, all their members possess royal blood. Emilia, who has blood from the indigenous people living on the island, known as the kingdom of Wenz, is then a rare person. That’s why there are people who get on badly with Emilia, while others try to marry people from Wenz. To adhere to the rules that remain within the royal family, Emilia decided to leave the palace to maintain a good impression on people, but so there are people who hate that she is a daughter of one of his concubines.

– Being royalty is a pretty hard job…

– Even in Europe, the Kingdom of Gudenburg is a great historical country, as well as being a sovereign state within the Federation of Britannia. That is why Emilia-sama, the third princess, is involved in this political conflict in this way.

When Claudia sighed with a rather serious face, Kate, who led the way stopped. Hayato also stopped. Then Kate hit the big thick door twice in front of her.

– Your Majesty, I have brought with me Emilia Ojou-sama, and Kisaragi Hayato-sama.

– Oh, oh, they’ve finally arrived. Let them get into the room.

A thick voice was heard coming from the other side of the door. I wonder if it belongs to King Granald.

Hayato’s tension increases.

– I will do as you say.

With that said, Kate opens the door.

What you can see in the giant room is an old man lying on the bed, and a man about sixty years old standing at the side of him.

– Hime-sama, Hayato-sama, please.

At the request of Kate, Emilia proceeded to take a step towards the king’s bedroom.

– Otou-sama, it’s been a long time.

At the same time the door closed, Emilia bowed her head before the king. Then she turned his gaze to the man standing next to him.

– It’s been a long time too, Bratt. Have you become Prime Minister yet?

Emilia’s attitude was formidable. While for Hayato, his body could not stop shaking for a while back. Of course it was a matter of experience since, for Hayato, it was the first time he saw the king of a country in person.

Meanwhile, the king’s eyes are directed towards Hayato.

– Who is that young man?

– He is my most precious person, and asked him for the impossible, to accompany me today.

– Hou.

Prime Minister Bratt’s gaze turns to Hayato, and the king again opens his mouth.

– Could you introduce him to me?

Those were the words of King Granald.

-… Hayato.

With a brief blow, Emilia hit Hayato’s stomach with her elbow. It was a signal to introduce himself.

Putting into practice what Hayato learned, he bent down on the floor with one of his knees as a support, inclined his head and introduced himself.

– My name is Kisaragi Hayato, I belong to the first year of the Department of Martial Arts of Little Garden. I am Emilia-san’s classmate and I have come to ask his majesty’s favor for…, this…

– Hayato is a childhood friend, who also, during the Second Attack of ten years ago, was the person who saved me when I was injured by a Savage.

Emilia continued, in support of Hayato who was lost in words.

– I’ve been looking for Hayato for a long time, and when I entered Little Garden I could finally find him.

The king’s gaze once again turned to Hayato.

Hayato gulped his saliva tightly.

“So why did you bring Kisaragi Hayato-kun to me?”

“Because I want to marry him.”

Emilia said.

– So, this time I came to seek the approval of Otou-sama, I do not plan to live here in this palace, for I intend to stay with Hayato in Little Garden from now on, so I want to see the possibility if Otou-sama allows it”

– Wait a minute Princess, what are you saying?! You are Douglas-sama’s fiancé–

Prime Minister Bratt intervened appearing from the side, with a rather impatient appearance.

– I want to cancel that engagement, that’s my main reason to return to Gudenburg.

– Cancel it?

With a voice very strong, Bratt jumped.

– That’s very rude to Douglas-sama, who is your couple! To treat something like this as a joke!

– I do not think it’s a joke at all, you Bratt know very well, do you not? Because as I said, since I’ve been in the palace I do not remember ever admitting that I accepted such a compromise.

– Is that true?

King Granald’s hesitation turned to Bratt.

– What are you saying, Princess!? You are the princess of the royal family, who must watch over the good of the country. Is it that you do not know of ‘Noblesse Oblige’?*

TN: It comes from the French, it means: nobility obligates. Whoever calls himself a noble must behave like a noble.

– You who have blood relations with the kingdom of Wenz, this will be the era of chaos. With many excellent Slayers, with more times than can be protected the territory-

– As for such a thing, I did not know that. But I would like to say that there is an alternative to that.

– An alternative!

Surprised, Bratt says raising his voice.

– We, who belong to Little Garden, are to protect you. Hayato, the memorandum –

– O, okay…

Hayato took the letter that was given by the president out of his pocket and handed it to Emilia who was next to him.

– Otou-sama, read this please.

Emilia approached the king’s bed and handed the letter to him personally.

King Granald opened his contents and glanced at it. While Emilia was talking about the contents inside her.

– If a crisis comes to Gudenburg, and if the current forces are not enough, Slayers will be dispatched at no cost. That is the proposal of Little Garden, which is the memorandum from its representative, Claire Harvey. However, this will only be done if I remain a student of Little Garden. About what will happen after graduation, appears on the next page. Please, read it.

At the request of Emilia, King Granald turns the page.

– Even after my graduation there, to Gudenburg will be donated a ‘Variable Stone’, a learning center with Slayers of excellence, and if allowed, the company of Warslan will build a training school, as well as the dispatch of troops of Slayer without charge, as it is written there.

– Indeed, everything that Emilia said appears written here.

– But, if we include Little Garden soldiers and their support to our country, our relations with neighboring countries will worsen, and even if you think of national defense, it is better to leave it to the Federation than to forces from outside…

– Bratt!

– Y-yes!

Without taking his eyes off and with a stern look, King Granald approached Bratt and whispered in his ear.

– Father and daughter have not seen each other for a long time, could you please retire now?

– But, your majesty…

He did not want to concede

It could be seen written all over Bratt’s face.

– I’m requesting it to you.

– I understand…

After being pressed, Bratt lowered his head and walked past Hayato’s side and moved his legs toward the door. On his way as he passes between them, Bratt glances menacingly.

– Hayato, do not worry about him.

– O-okay…

Emilia whispered in his ear.

It is clearly demonstrated that the Prime Minister is against nulling the engagement.

– Emilia, come to my side.

When Bratt left the bedroom, the King spoke.

– At once, Otou-sama.

Emilia answered as she stood beside her father.

Do not bother.

Hayato stood in his position and saw how father and daughter interacted.

– Show me your face more closely.

At that, Emilia looked at King Granald. Then the King touched Emilia’s face with his palm.

– You really look a lot like Remilia.– Okaa-sama?*

*TN: In case you ask, it refers to Emilia’s mother.

With a nod, the king continued.

I really had problems with Remilia, we had very difficult times. And in the end, I was not with her at the time of her death. That’s why Emilia… I really, I want you to be happy.

– Otou-sama…

– That’s why I wanted you to go back to the palace, and I accepted Bratt’s proposal for that compromise. But I was wrong. Emilia, please forgive me.

For a moment there was a brief silence.

The king, who was chewing something, looked from the distance toward Hayato’s direction.

– Kisaragi Hayato-kun.

– Eh yes.

Hayato answered hastily, being suddenly shaken.

– The proposal sent from Little Garden, I will be delighted to accept it.

– Oh…!

Understanding what he suddenly said was something very unexpected.

– So…

Emilia’s expression shone incredibly.

– As for the engagement related to Wenz, let us do our best to null it.

– For real!

Emilia flies to the bed where King Granald is.

– Thank you, Otou-sama! I love you!

The King caresses the head of Emilia. For Hayato, this figure, rather than that of a king, is that of a father.– And one more thing…

Staring into Hayato’s eyes, the King continued.

– Hayato-kun, take care of Emilia.

Those words weighed heavily on Hayato’s shoulders.

***

– How was your reunion after a long time with your father?

On leaving the King’s bedroom, Kate, who was waiting in front of the door, approached.

– I am relieved to know that it went better than I expected, and what is more, Otou-sama has approved the relationship between Hayato and myself.

– Hey, what are you saying…?

Hayato’s face filled with discomfort.

– You were asked to take care of me, were not you?

– Certainly that is what he said, but in the end we are not a couple isn’t–

– Don’t say it, Hayato!

Emilia covers Hayato’s mouth.

– We do not know who could hear this.

Certainly before that, Hayato stopped resisting.

– Apparently on the subject of engagement…

– Otou-sama, has said he will break the engagement with Wenz.

– Hime-sama, I’m glad you did!

It was Kate who gave a voice of joy. On the other hand, the expression of Claudia who waited in front of the door remained a little cloudy.

– It’s too early to be celebrating.

– What do you mean, Claudia-sama?

– The compromise between Emilia and Douglas was established by mutual agreement between the Kingdom of Gudenburg and the Kingdom of Wenz. Therefore, should it be annulled, it must first be approved by Wenz, and will they accept it…? As a result, even knowing this, that nullifying it under these circumstances, I do not know what kind of compensation they will ask for.

– That will surely be handled by Otou-sama. Besides, it’s an issue that does not concern me. Those who decided to make a marriage engagement without my authorization have to take responsibility.

At that moment, the figure of the Minister who stared at him as he passed near him went through Hayato’s head.

Surely he will be one of those who takes responsibility.

– Other than that, I have something to ask to Kate and Claudia.

– What is it that you desire?

– What do you want?

Kate and Claudia asked, one after another.

– I would like to go out on a date with Hayato, but I am in these clothes today and I would like to change. Of course Hayato too.

 ***

– Hmm, somehow, I cannot remain calm…

It was too flashy to be dressed in Little Garden’s uniforms, which is why Hayato wears a white shirt, a red bow tie, black cloth trousers and black slacks, that is, he’s dressed as a gentleman, and is waiting outside the room where Emilia is changing her clothes.

The suit feels pretty tight, because I’m not used to wearing clothes like that. In a way, I can understand the feeling of Emilia when I put myself in the place of her, having to wear such flashy clothes* a while back.

* TN: The word used is フ リ フ リ “furifuri”, whose google search casts different types of costumes.

In addition, women take a long time to change their clothes.

About five minutes passed since Hayato changed his clothes, when the door where Emilia was changing finally opened.

– Thanks for waiting, Hayato.

Talking about Emilia’s dress, this was a white one-piece suit, which contained fewer decorations, compared to the dress she used previously.

– You, that costume…

– Ehehe, you recognize it?

– As for that, I’ve recovered a lot of my memories.

The dress he saw Emilia in looks exactly like the one he saw when they met in Gudenburg years ago.

– Okay then, now that we’ve finished changing clothes, let’s start our date―eh, before that, Claudia.

Emilia looks at Claudia who helped her change clothes.

– What, what is it that you need?

– I’ll just say it once and it’s about surveillance, but we do not need you to follow us.

– EEHH!?

– And of course we will not need bodyguards.

– But why?

– Because you’ll be a nuisance. Besides, Hayato and I are Slayers, so we can do anything. We do not need something like that.

– That’s true, but…

Claudia had no arguments against that.

A big smile spread over Emilia’s face.

– Of course Kate will not do any unnecessary action.

– That is correct. I do not want to be hated by Hime-sama.

– In that case, we’re leaving!

With that said, Emilia took Hayato’s hand.

***

Together with Hayato, they left the palace, boarded a bus and went to the older part of the city of Gudenburg.

– This neighborhood has changed considerably.

Hayato got off the bus and could not believe the view that was in front of him, and which could not have imagined ten years ago. Each building was new and modern.

– The oldest buildings collapsed almost completely when the <<Second Encounter>> Second Attack occurred. The buildings you see here, are the result of the reconstruction of them. In spite of being called “Ancient town”, in fact, it owns constructions that are newer than the center of the city.

Abruptly, Emilia stopped walking, when she crossed the street.

– Oh! Wait, look what’s there.

Beyond his gaze was a stall selling ice cream cones

– Do you remember, Hayato? We used to buy ice cream cones there and we ate them together.

Immediately upon hearing that, the memories of the past come back to life once more.

– If you say so, I think that such a thing really happened…

– I still remember. The first thing we ate together, the day after we met for the first time. Hayato had chosen a cone of ice cream for me, because I had left my purse in the mansion, since I had sneaked out of there.

– Oh!

Memories that resurface from the depths of the mind.

– That’s right, the feeling that you’re the same girl as that time.

– Do I look weird? Now that I’m wearing this beautiful dress?

– Not at all, certainly I think that you look beautiful, but…

– Then, what’s the difference?

– I think that maybe, you should act more like a girl?

– Eh… that… the thing is, that has a motive.

– And what would be?

– Because in Little Garden, I had to act in a masculine way, to keep my secret from being revealed.

– If that’s the case, then what about now?

– Now?

– I think it’s enough that you keep on expressing yourself as a man, even though…

The night of the festival.

That time Emilia said [Watashi]* behind the school building of the Slayers.

 *TN: Watashi [私] is the feminine or formal form of the first person “I”.

But then, she again expressed herself by saying [Boku*].

 *TN: Boku [僕] is the masculine form of naming oneself. There is also Ore [俺], which is more informal.

The only difference was when she was in front of her father.

– That I express myself more femininely? So how about this, Kisaragi Hayato?

– That, as far as femininity, will not be achieved by mimicking the president…

– I thought Hayato liked this kind of thing.

– What are you saying!?

– Ah! Have you become impatient? Hayato likes the president! While I’m only the childhood friend!

– You’re wrong. That’s not the problem, you’re the way you are, I mean, that’s fine.

– Who are you trying to fool now?

– It’s not that. Living in a palace, in a place like this, when you were talking to your father in that way, it was as if the one who was speaking was an Ojou-sama, I had the feeling that this person belonged to another world. But at that moment, I did not say anything.

– I see … if that’s the case, let’s leave it as it is. To be honest, this way I feel more comfortable, ‘Boku’

– In other words, does not that mean that now this land is yours?

– Uu, Hayato is mean.

– Leaving that aside, what you want to do? Do you want me to buy ice cream cones? Maybe it’s not the best time, since it’s not hot today though.

– It’s ok! Buy, buy, buy!

Hayato approached the stall selling ice cream cones along with Emilia, who nodded many times, submerged in joy.

– Give me two, please.

It was Hayato who ordered. And Hayato was also the one who paid. Apparently he could not pay by card, so he used the coins when making the change in advance before he reached Gudenburg.

– Thank you, Hayato.

Emilia replied with a smile and then called the salesman who was preparing the ice cream cones.

– Sir, Did you use to sell ice cream cones here before the Second Attack, right?

– Oh, miss, you were my client that time.

Hayato does not remember at all, but Emilia’s memories seemed to be fine.

The salesman then opened his eyes and his mouth widely,

– Oh! Now I remember, this kid here. Oriental youths are very rare here. He came very often to buy at that time, but since the incident occurred, he never appeared again, I was quite worried. But you’re alive. I’m really happy.

– I do not live in Gudenburg now, but I came back here after a long time with him.

– I see, I see. In that case, let me serve you a large portion of ice cream. Look! This is for the young lady.

– Uwaaa! It’s gigantic!

Incredible, the height of the cream reaches twenty centimeters.

– Be careful that you do not spill over, brother.

– Thank you.

.Hayato received the ice cream cone that was the same size as Emilia.

– If you feel like it, please come back whenever you want.

– Yup, when we return to Gudenburg, we will.

After leaving the store, they began to walk.

– After all this cone of ice cream, is delicious.

– Yeah.

Answered Hayato.

– What do you want to do now? Do you want to go to the park?

– Of course.

He answered at the same time he nodded.

As they walked licking their ice cream cones, they walked with their shoulders next to each other, until the park became visible.

– The park went through a restoration and seems to have been identical to the past.

As she says that, Emilia takes a step toward the park.

– I agree.

Hayato and Emilia sit on a bench like in the old days.

– When I do this, I feel that I traveled ten years ago.

Said Hayato.

– However, I was suddenly in trouble when the Savage were attacking.

-That is not something to laugh at.

She tentatively sketches an ironic smile.

– I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I remember, there’s a scar left that time.

– You mean the scar on your chest?

– Yeah, since I got to live in Little Garden, the mark has begun to disappear. Do you want to corroborate it now?

– EEH!?

A loud, stunned voice emitted Hayato, while Emilia put her hands on her dress.

– Ahahaha, it’s a joke.

Emilia laughed.

Apparently he’s been the victim of a prank.

– Charo says that the wound, which in a beginning was said that would not disappear for the rest of my life, has become to this because of the environment that exists in Little Garden which is made to increase the immune power of the Slayers, and may be due to the state of mind.

– State of mind?*

*TN: 気の持ちよう kinomochiyou.

– Correct, state of mind.

With that said, Emilia touched the top of her dress and rubbed where the wound was.

– This scar somehow reinforced the bond between Hayato and me. That is why, sometimes I have thought that I do not want it to disappear. However, now that I’ve been able to start again with Hayato, I don’t need it anymore.

– Hey, what do you mean…

– Which reminds me that, that day, this is what I really wanted to do to Hayato.

– Hey! What are you doing so suddenly!?

*CHUTTO*, Emilia kisses his cheek, and with it Hayato’s face becomes extremely red.

– Mou, how can you feel ashamed by such a thing? We are no longer children. Do you not you remember the other day?

– The other day―

– When we kissed on the mouth.

Emilia put the tip of her fingers on her lips as she said that. That gesture is extremely charming, Hayato skipped a beat.

– What are you going to do? Why do not you try these?

– No, that’s fine. But, why did you not kiss me on the cheek that day?

– Because on the morning of the next day, it was planned that Hayato should return to Yamato. That’s why I wanted to try to leave him a farewell kiss. That day my heart was beating so hard that I could not sleep… that’s why I came to lie down on the bench.

– That’s what I can remember too.

Saying it, he could remember

It was true. On the morning of the following day, Hayato was scheduled to return to Yamato.

– I did not like having to separate from Hayato, my heart was breaking. And so, to see you once more, I wanted to give you a kiss as a good luck charm. But, we could not meet.

Smiling, Emilia moves her hands over and over.

– Hey… hey… you…

– Hey, Hayato. We have already presented ourselves to my Otou-sama as a couple with a promise of marriage. Would it be bad if that were true?

Emilia stared at Hayato’s face and said that.

– Hey, wait a minute…

– No, look at me.

Saying that, Emilia put her hands on Hayato’s face.

– Uu…

Hayato was forced to see Emilia in front of him.

Then Emilia began to bring her face closer.

– Emilia, please, stop … not just the president, but also Dr. Charlotte have asked us to avoid having too much contact, since there are parts that are not fully comprehended about what might happen if there is interaction between two Variant.

– We are fine. So far nothing has happened. The Variant Virus is stable.

As she said that, Emilia was getting closer and closer. But there was an electronic sound that emitted the PDA that was in the pocket of the skirt of Emilia that moved the two people away.

– Aaa why, we were just at the best part. Who the hell dares to call!

As she showed her frustration with a sharp tone, Emilia took the PDA from her pocket.

– Claudia? What does she want now?

Even demonstrating her displeasure with her lips, Emilia accepted the incoming call.

– Hello, Claudia? There’s something wrong?

Emilia answers the phone with a grumpy appearance. Then the voice of Claudia is heard, which is strong enough even to be heard by Hayato.

– I’m sorry, Emilia-sama. But there is a serious problem! You must return to the palace as soon as possible!

***

– Long time no see, Princess Emilia. I’m truly delighted to see you again, that I feel I can ascend to heaven.

The person who was waiting for Emilia to come to the palace was a young man with silver hair and dressed like royalty. His name was Douglas Edward Wenz. The third prince of the kingdom of Wenz. And the man who was Emilia’s fiancé. Beside him was the figure of Gudenburg’s Prime Minister, Bratt Fitzroy, who was the person he met when he visited the King.

– Why did Douglas come to the palace!?

– I heard the rumor that Princess Emilia had returned to Gudenburg, and I had the privilege to come here.

Saying that, Douglas knelt down, trying to hold Emilia’s hand.

– Stop!

Emilia shouted, taking her hand away from there just before Douglas could take it.

– Why did you do something like that? Are we not that engaged?

Surprised, with an expression that seemed to be very exaggerated, he presented his doubt to Emilia.

– Have not you heard anything from Bratt yet? Not long ago I consulted my Otou-sama if it was possible to get rid of this engagement, and so Otou-sama accepted.

– I had heard that.

With an expression that tightened his face, Douglas continued talking.

– Princess Emilia, I cannot believe you chose that man, Kisaragi Hayato, over me. Is that true?

– It is true. I love* Hayato.

* TN: It says: 大好 き = daisuki, which is (I like it a lot), it is a “loving” softer than aishiteru, but the latter is practically not used, unless it is private since it has a very strong connotation.

– Hey, Hey, Emilia…!?

Hayato is perplexed, since Emilia links their arms together.

Looking at the two of them, Douglas makes his teeth grind with frustration.

– …I see. If she is able to say something like that, then I have no other choice than myself, to prove if Kisaragi Hayato really is a man fit for Princess Emilia.

Saying that, he deploys his armament.

– HUNDRED ON!

The ring in his right hand shines, and becomes a <Red long sword> Broadsword.

His armament appeared to be similar to Hayato’s Chevalier type. Then he points with the edge of his sword, <<Glorious Crimson>>, Red Glory, to Hayato.

– Hey, Douglas, what do you think you’re doing!?

Emilia shouted.

– It’s a challenge to a duel.

– Duel?

As he stared at Hayato, Douglas declared.

– The wife of a Slayer, must have the same skills as the Slayer. You know what it is necessary for the future of mankind. I’d like you to show me if your ability is suitable for it.

– Hold on, Douglas. I like Hayato, I do not care if he’s not the best Slayer that exists!

– Please wait, Princess Emilia. This duel will also be beneficial to you.

It was Bratt who stepped in and spoke from the side.

– What is it you’re talking about, Bratt?

– Douglas-sama said: “If Kisaragi Hayato is victorious in the duel, we will give up the engagement to Princess Emilia.”

– Is that true?

– I swear by the gods of heaven and earth.

At Emilia’s question, Douglas replied with his head down.

– But, in case I win the duel, Princess Emilia will return to Gudenburg, and she will marry me. If, on the contrary, you reject it, for the next ten years, 80% of the distribution of the Savage cores and the Variable Stone, which the United Nations gives to the kingdom of Gudenburg, will be received by my Kingdom, the Kingdom of Wenz. That would be the cost of canceling the engagement.

– How can you ask for something like that!?

Claudia screamed hysterically.

– Such a demand, it is impossible to accept! In addition to suffering an economic loss, the military force will also fall, the position that the Kingdom of Gudenburg has within Britannia will vanish!

– H-Hey, Emilia…

What to do, Hayato looks into Emilia’s eyes. Hayato is totally unaware of the ability of that guy. It is impossible to judge by just seeing it.

– It’s too bustling inside, what is happening in here?

It was the voice of a transparent woman who dominated the place with a few words.

In addition to Hayato and Emilia, Douglas, Bratt, Claudia and Kate who were also in that place looked in the direction from which came that voice.

Who was there was a woman in a white dress with a high hood, where a thin cloth that hung from that covered the upper half of her face, and on both sides of her, wearing short skirts, were two young ladies wearing habits of black color that gave the impression that allowed them to have a better mobility.

The voice belonged to the woman in the center with the hood.

The three people walked from the back of the palace in the direction of Hayato and company.

– This is the royal palace, the king’s residence! Is not a place to withdraw and swing your weapon!

– Who do you think you are! Do not you know who I am!

Douglas moved the tip of his sword that was in the direction of Hayato toward the person in the white habit. The thin cloth breaks and her face is exposed.

Pale, blond hair. It was a beautiful woman whose face had perfect features. At the same time, the young women standing next to her shouted with their hands holding the crucifix on her chest.

– HUNDRED ON!!

The crucifix turns into golden particles and then a giant halberd forms in their hands.

The girls then point their weapons at Douglas.

– Lower your weapons.

The woman in the white habit said.

– Are you sure?

– Do not worry, cancel your armaments.

The two girls listened to the words and they dematerialized the armament.

– The person who calls himself the Prince of Wenz, is a wild one.

Then the woman dressed in white continued, addressing her words to Douglas.

– …So if you know me, why that attitude? Tell me what your name is!

– I’m going to ask you to lower your weapon first, please.

– Answer my question!

– It can’t be helped.

The woman in a white habit murmured as if she were surprised, and then she moved the palm of her hand toward Douglas.

– Fly, vulgar.

Then Douglas’s body flew a couple of meters and crashed into the wall.

– What? What was that? What the hell are you, damn it!!?

Using his sword as a cane, Douglas staggered to his feet. In his face, one could see the expression of terror emanating from him.

That would be natural. No one could understand what she did, not even Hayato or Emilia.

– I am Serivia Notredame, Paul III. The current Pontiff of the <<Holy Church>> Puritaria.

– Re-really…?

Hearing that name, Douglas’s eyes widened. Hayato is the same.

Speaking of the Pontiff, representative of Puritaria, is a religious leader capable of having the same authority as the king of a country.

– Impossible, to think that the Pope was a woman…

Emilia murmured spontaneously.

– Is it so strange?

The pontiff smiled and continued.

– There were moments in the past when the Pope were women… Although, this was kept in complete secrecy. In addition, it is supposed that the Pope should not expose their face to the public.

– Serivia-sama, the other one is over there.

The one that spoke was the girl standing on the right side of the Pope.

– Understood.

In response, Serivia looked to where the girl standing on her right side was pointing her finger, and focused her gaze.

– Those people who feel hostility towards us, we ask you, please, immediately release your arms and throw them in front of us.

Hayato could not understand the meaning of those words. Because it turns out that where she looked at, there was no one.

– It can’t be helped. There is no alternative but to respond to animals than being an animal per se.

By saying that and from her right hand, Serivia made appear a dagger that emitted light.

(What will she do now?)

It did not appear to be a materialized weapon. She also did not say a keyword.

The pontiff threw the dagger at the wall. But it didn’t land on it. It made a loud noise in the air and then fell to the ground. Then a silver-haired girl in a black helmet and suit suddenly appeared in that place.

Before mentioned woman, Serivia said.

– Apparently, your Hundred has the ability to capture the surrounding and reflect it on your Variable Suit. It is best to be used as a guard.

– !!

The black-clad woman gritted her teeth, unable to say anything.

– Is she one of your subordinates, third prince of Wenz?

– Tch, of course, it is only natural for me, the third prince of a country, to have bodyguards around me!

At the same time Douglas shouted, the door through which Serivia entered opened again.

– Who will enter now?

– Your Majesty!

Cried Bratt.

– Are you OK?

Bratt hurried to King Granald who was walking hard, and used his body for support.

– I’m really sorry, King Granald. Although I came to visit you, this became a mess. Is your body feeling better already?

– Do not worry, Your Holiness-sama, I feel better for now. What’s important, what kind of situation is this, Bratt? In addition, you…

The sight of King Granard is headed toward Douglas.

Douglas then knelt down and introduced himself to the king.

– I am the third son of the Emperor of the Kingdom of Wenz, Douglas Edward Wenz. Today, I heard that Princess Emilia had returned to Gudenburg, and that she had requested the annulment of the marriage engagement, so I hastened to come here.

– That’s what this is about…

Apparently they could understand the situation in general.

Then followed Bratt supporting the above.

– However, the attempt of Douglas-dono was in vain, since the princess Emilia wants to annul in any way her engagement with Douglas-dono. That’s why the fuss…

– His majesty, all that Douglas-dono said, that if the compromise is annulled, for the next decade, 80% of the Savage cores and the ‘Variable Stone’ sent by the United Nations to the Kingdom of Gudenburg will go to the Kingdom of Wenz.

It is Claudia who said that with a certain level of indignation.

Similarly, King Granald’s expression becomes stiff at this.

– Bratt, is that true, about the conditions regarding cancellation of the engagement? Although I regret it a lot, I do not find that the demand really is so exacerbated.

– This is the case where it cannot be resolved by a duel.

– … A duel, that’s…?

-That is so. If it is possible for you to see a duel between Kisaragi Hayato and me, then it is certain that Emilia-Hime will fall in love with me. That is why I have such confidence, that I request to you the possibility of authorizing the duel between Kisaragi Hayato and myself.

– That is absolutely impossible!

– In other words, Princess Emilia, do you mean to give up?

– What do you say, I never said anything like that!

– I get it. His majesty also seems to show signs of disapproval, so let’s change the condition. If Kisaragi Hayato accepts a duel with me, regardless of the result, to that point the engagement is already ruled out. But, if I win against Kisaragi Hayato, as a change to the aforementioned condition, you will promote me as Commander of the Slayer troops of the Allied Forces of the Federation of Britannia.

– What, what things are you saying, you!

It is Claudia who interrupts by raising her voice.

. – That request is also unthinkable. Not only limited to the management of Allied Forces Slayer, the commander of all units, is a position occupied by people from the sovereign country, which is Gudenburg. It is impossible to consider it from a perspective for national defense and even less, the people of Gudenburg will definitely not approve! Even the Prime Ministers, to this day, have never come from Wenz!

– You certainly cannot say the same thing, Miss.

Who said that was the Prime Minister, Bratt.

– …But your Majesty, he has certainly abandoned the subject of concessions of his previous condition and now that we must fight against the Savages in all Britannia, if we have Douglas-dono who is the third prince of Wenz leading the troops of Slayers, who also in his country possesses many excellent Slayers, if you think about it’s not bad at all. Wenz’s position as first commander would not be a bad compensation given that his name has been stained up by the abandonment of the engagement. In addition to―.

Bratt’s gaze is directed toward Hayato.

– As a result of new research, isn’t Hayato-dono an extraordinary and excellent Slayer within Little Garden? If he defeated Hayato-dono in a duel and takes victory, then it is more than likely that the inhabitants of Gudenburg will agree with it.

After hearing those words, Emilia thinks that Bratt is a type of guru.

The political party of which Bratt is the representative brings political ideas like the subject of reconciliation with the Kingdom of Wenz, besides that receives a strong support from the royal family of Wenz. That is why he has such a deep relationship with Douglas. And there may be the possibility of a secret pact with the royal family of Wenz, from which he could have obtained the cooperation in the election as Prime Minister, so as to eventually give some sort of position to the royal family of Wenz.

– I see. If Hayato-kun is okay with it, I’ll acknowledge the duel.

– Your Majesty, are you serious?

Claudia shouted.

There is no other way if it is to break the engagement. In addition, Britannia United* is one of the most beloved wishes of the Federation of Britannia, and a dream for me that has a few years of life left.

* TN: Says “O-ru Buritania, All Brittania, it sounds bad but that’s how It is in the raw.

– Knowing and respecting each other’s country, it is essentially true that those who have an innate ability are born with it or come from a certain family, but have a sense of strong responsibility, and are truly righteous. What about you, Hayato-kun?

When asked, Hayato set his eyes on Emilia.  She suddenly nodded.

– Very well, I agree.

Hayato said firmly.

– When is the date of the duel?

Douglas answers Emilia’s question.

– What do you think about tomorrow at noon?

– Hayato do you agree to that?

– Yes, no problem.

He agrees and nods.

– Even though I’m not directly involved with this, would it be possible to join me as a spectator?

– Huh…?

All members present there were surprised, of course Hayato too, seeing that Serivia was getting into the discussion.

– No no, for the Pope attending that kind of―.

It was Bratt who said that with some bashfulness.

– There is no need to feel insecure. The agenda we had occupied for today, and since tomorrow there is nothing, we will have the privilege of being able to stay here, in the palace, tonight. I want to express my most sincere thanks and-

– Are you completely sure?

It is King Granald who calls her attention, requesting an answer.

– That’s right, there is no problem.

Serivia replied immediately and continued.

– It’s because I want to see the excellent Slayer of Little Garden and the Prince of Wenz, that turns out to be also the Kingdom of Slayers.

– Serivia-sama. It’s almost time for the next plan.

The girls on either side of Serivia spoke one after another.

– Oh my oh my, I see. Very well then, if you will excuse us, we will retire. Kisaragi Hayato and Princess Emilia, you will stay here in the palace, correct? Then we are likely to see each other again. At that moment, I will be under your care.

As she said that, Serivia would leave the palace next to the two followers.

– Very well, if you’ll excuse me.

Douglas takes the woman who is his escort and leaves the palace.

– Princess Emilia.

Just when she crossed over to Emilia and Hayato.

– Certainly that man, of course, there is nothing special to come from Little Garden, I knew that immediately. In the same way I will be deeply alert as to my judgment may be wrong. Now if you want to resolve the issue of cancellation, please tell me as soon as possible. If you excuse me.

***

– … Even when I come to Gudenburg, I’ll encounter a duel…

Hayato, who sits on a chair in a room, that looks quite similar to a luxury hotel, mutters as he looks up at the ceiling.

This is a guest room that is located on the second floor of the guest building on the west side of the palace where the king lives.

It is the room where Emilia will sleep today.

Originally, the royal family lives on the east side of the building, and although she was also living on the east side, Emilia said she did not want to go there, so Hayato decided to stay in the room next to it.

– First of all, let’s inform the president.

Emilia, who hung Hayato’s coat on the hanger at the entrance to the bedroom, took the Tablet PC from the briefcase that had previously been transported to this place.

– You’re right.

The purpose of Hayato’s visit to Emilia’s room was to report themselves.

Emilia put the tablet on a small round table in front of him and sat in the chair next to Hayato. And together they look towards the Tablet. But Hayato does not get along with machines, so it’s Emilia who operates the device. It changed the state of the switch to on and the application launched the communication that makes the call to the president. After two dialing tones, communication was established. The appearance of the president is displayed on the tablet.

[Thank you for keeping in touch…, you, what happened to you, that appearance…]

Hayato remembers that they are not currently wearing Little Garden uniforms.

– Well, a lot of things happened.

*Ahaha* laughed Emilia, trying to hide what happened and continued.

– Leaving that aside, we have things to report but, so many events have happened that it has all become really chaotic.

[Chaotic? But what happened there?]

Then Hayato began to relate the facts, putting them in order, from his arrival in Gudenburg.

It was reported that Emilia’s father was better than he thought, since he accepted Little Garden’s proposal, and said he would nullify her engagement. However, there was one person opposed to this, her fiancée Douglas, who said he would not accept the abandonment of the engagement.

If that was done, then for the next decade 80% of both the Variable Stone and the cores that were obtained from the Savages, which the United Nations destined to the Kingdom of Gudenburg, had to be transferred to the Kingdom of Wenz.

[That’s a highly complicated demand. It would put even Little Garden in trouble]

If you wish to send a Slayer without cost to Gudenburg, then you could send the Variable Stone and the Savage cores as a thank you to Little Garden.

– But, that is already in the past. On the other hand, Hayato has to face Douglas tomorrow.

[Please wait a moment. A battle? What, couldn’t you have talk about it?]

– Well, it’s just… that…

Hayato continues with the summary.

While they were in the middle of the dispute with Douglas on the subject of the demand, and as a goal to visit the king who was sick, they met the Pope of the <<Sacred Church>> Puritaria.

Then in the middle of the conversation the king appeared, and if Hayato accepted the duel, the matter related to the cancellation of the engagement was over. But if Hayato loses, then Douglas will serve as Commander of the Slayers of the Allied Forces of the Federation of Britannia.

[So it was the Pope of  <<Sacred Church>> Puritaria]

– It seems that she came to see the king who was sick. President do you know this person?

[No, I have not met her in person. But, being a person with a very high magical power, I have not heard much about it. It is known that she possesses a skill that exceeds human knowledge, very different from the five types of sensory organs that the human being possesses that are that of vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell, which is cataloged as the sixth sense, with which she predicted the <<Second Encounter>> Second Attack. That is, you did not know about that?]

– Now that you mention it, I’ve heard something about it…

[Leaving that aside, let’s go back to the main topic. In other words, there was no other option but to accept the duel in order to annul the engagement, is that not so?]

Seeing Hayato that says “Yes,” Claire sighs heavily.[If that’s the case, it’s because there was no alternative. There is no choice but to carry out the duel. Needless to say you should take the victory anyway. Understood? ]

– Yes, of course.

Hayato answered firmly.

[A good answer. They may have some information there, but I will send to you the personal information about Douglas Edward Wenz through the Little Garden Intelligence Department in a few minutes]

About ten minutes passed since the report with the president ended when an incoming call appeared on the Tablet PC. It was a call from Charlotte. Emilia accepted it.

– What happened Charlotte?

[No matter where you go, things always happen.]

As soon as the face of Charlotte suddenly appeared on the Tablet PC, she talked and continued.

[I have to show you the information of Douglas Edward Wenz that was previously compiled by the Department of Intelligence, but there are certain points that are of concern. So I thought I’d give them some brief advice about them. Now I’ll send you the information, so wait a moment.]

The screen changes and Douglas’s personal information is displayed.

Hayato stares at it as if trying to devour all that information.

[As you can see, the reaction value of his Hundred is acceptable, and of course his average skill power is quite high―even reaching values ​​like Liddy’s. But it does not go beyond that. He has never fought against the Savage, even being royalty, and it is because it is unnecessary for them, to avoid any danger. On the contrary, has never participated in an official game, there are no records of that. Certainly, it may not be the most powerful Slayer from Wenz. However, there are reports that so far, he has not lost a single duel]

– How can that person be the strongest if he has never fought against anyone?

[Um, no, it’s not that. Despite the fact that the spread information has little time to really be as it says he is, but apparently he is capable of performing ‘Dual Act’]

– Are you sure of it?

Emilia raised her voice, surprised.

– ‘Dual Act’ It is that which allows Hundred to be deployed simultaneously, if I am not mistaken?

As he remembered what they had learned in class, Hayato replied in the form of a question:

[Indeed it is so]

Charlotte nodded.

[Apparently he did not let others realize this in the middle of the battle, and deployed another Hundred that completely pierced the defense of his opponent, giving him victory]

– Doesn’t that sound like cheating?

He really is a person who likes to play dirty

If he had not heard it here, Hayato would have been really surprised at the time of the duel.

[Currently, there is no restriction as to the number of Hundred that can be deployed in battles or simulated combats, carried by a country or organization. First, Hayato-kun, did you know that there are not many Slayers who can do ‘Dual Act’?]

– Uhmm, I can certainly say that it is more difficult than full armament, I think…

[Exactly]

– Now that you say it, is he able to perform full armament?

[Looks like he can do it]

Charlotte answered Emilia’s doubt.

[Regarding the handling of his Hundred, he is considerably good at it]

– I understand.

After a few moments in silence, Emilia again opens her mouth.

– So, honestly, what do you think is the probability of victory, Charo?

[Including the fact that that person uses ‘Dual Act’, and now that you know about it, the probability that Hayato-kun wins exceeds 80%. Liza has given the same answer. Besides, he does not know about that ability of yours. That’s because that ability is not written in Hayato-kun’s Personal Information]

That ability, it refers to the skill related to Variant power.

– I see…

Releasing a long sigh of relief, Emilia continued.

– I am glad to know that the duel would not take place immediately. Thanks to this, we were able to obtain this valuable information.

[Even so, do not think that your rival will not investigate about you. So do not neglect this, do not think it will be presented without having prepared something beforehand. I have to retire, visitors have arrived, so I have work to do. If you’ll excuse me]

With those words, the connection with Charlotte was terminated.

– How can you tell me to accept the duel, and yet he has a skill you do not know about?

Once, she was his fiancée.

Hayato thought that she already knew it.

– That’s because I’ve never been interested. Hayato is the only one I like. And I also thought that Hayato is absolutely more powerful. In fact, most of the data information says that they are higher for Hayato. Charo also said that you would definitely win.

– In truth, you are as optimistic as ever.

Hayato takes a deep breath.

– But you will not win unless you think you can win. As the saying goes: “Illness and health begin with the mind”*. According to this, the Hundred have the same ability to react to the power of emotions. You should not think about defeat at all, but think about how important it is to gain victory in the duel.

*TN: Basically, it means that according to the disposition of the mind, it is how the body will react. If I want to feel good, my body will be fine.

Emilia nods and reveals a big smile on her face.

*Fuaaaa* Hayato lets out a big yawn from his mouth.

– Are you sleepy, Hayato?

– Even though I’ve managed to get used to the aircraft, I could not sleep much in the sky.

– In that case, we’re going to lie down for a brief moment, and you have to remember that the duel is tomorrow. Let’s meet at 8 in the morning, the place will be here, my room.

***

– Why would you call me to come to the arena at this hour?

Eight in the night. Standing at the center of the arena’s battlefield, is Claire Harvey, the queen dressed in her red Variable Suit. The person who she demands an answer from is Charlotte Dimandius, <Chief Technology Officer> Main Technologist at Little Garden, who stands next to her and holds a candy, as usual.

– Besides, why did she come here as well?

Claire’s line of sight is directed toward Kisaragi Hayato’s younger sister, Kisaragi Karen, who was sitting on the audience bench next to Fritz and Latia in their respective Variable Suit.

With a smile on her face, Charlotte replied.

– You will understand the reasons immediately. First, could you deploy your armament?

– …I will do it.

Nodding, Claire flung her Hundred to the skies, which she held firmly in her hand.

– HUNDRED ON!!

Deployed Dragoon-type Hundred, <<Noble Combatant Princess>> Alisterion. Claire’s body was covered in red armor, and six floating batteries appeared around her.

– Then let’s begin. Begin, Mei Mei.

[Yes, master]

Mei Mei’s voice reverberated across the area. She seemed to be in the control room that was in the distance, over the spectators. From the other side of the window, she raised her thumb.

(What do they intend to do now?)

While Claire wondered what was going to happen, from the waiting room in the arena, they heard *GASHAN* *GASHAN*, they were sounds that came from a machine.

– But what, what is this…?

At the sight of Claire, who had a look of surprise with her eyes wide open, she looked at the machine whose body had a length of three meters, a height of one meter and fifty centimeters, whose figure was that of an organism similar to that of a spider.

– Just as Vitaly Tynyanov tried to imitate the Savages with her <<Man Made Machine>> Replicant, I did the same, and did some versions of Replicant for Little Garden.

Charlotte responded with a sense of satisfaction, as if introducing her little child.

– Why did you want to do such a thing…?

– Why do you ask, that’s because Vitaly did it, and I do not want to keep the regret that I didn’t. If another person does, it is only natural that you feel that you also want to do it. As for the uses we can give to it, is it okay if we think about it later?

– So that’s your answer. It can’t be helped. Well then, I will have the privilege of being its opponent. Will Mei Mei be the one to operate that thing?

– No, once it enters combat mode, the control is automatic. That’s why I called that girl, since I’ve considered the case where that goes frenzy. Kisaragi Karen’s voice has the same power as Kirishima Sakura.

In other words, Karen apparently has the responsibility of holding the Savage in case it lose control.

– To prepare such level of support, it means that you have a high degree of confidence in the ability of the Replicant. Sounds good to me, then the opponent it’s not insignificant.

– In that case, start the test.

As soon as Charlotte stepped out of the battlefield, the horn sounded all over the arena.

It was the signal that the battle had begun.

Coinciding with that, the Replicant opened its head and from there shot a lightning bolt in the direction of Claire. When Claire decided to make a jump to avoid it, then two wires were launched from above the shoulders.

(As I thought, the armament of the Replicant really is similar to those created by Vitaly)

As one can expect, it is reproduced perfectly by the scientist Charlotte. That is why, I assumed that would make such an attack.

Using the six floating weapons as <<Propulsion Equipment>> Thrusters, applied <<Acceleration>> to evade the wire, then aim with the weapon prepared in her right hand.

– This time the attack will come from here.

The beam that Claire emitted was splendid, it seemed to hit the Replicant. But what was before her eyes was that the beam had faded.

– What was that!?

[As you can see, that’s a <<Protective Wall>> Barrier]

Charlotte, who finally settled next to Karen, saw that she, like Claire, had the same look of astonishment that Fritz and Latia.

[There you can see the difference that exists between the Replicant of Vitaly and the one that I have made. It is practically the same that is deployed in this arena and that is located in front of the public. If the size of the ‘Variable Stone’ varies, it can be given many uses, since the size of the device to amplify the force that is emitted is also different, even if the intensity is not the same, and in case the attack consists of a beam of simple Energy Sense, as you have seen, the attack can be prevented]

Charlotte’s voice is heard by Claire through the wireless ring.

– So that was … if that’s the case then.

Escaping the Replicant attacks, Claire fires the beam again from the weapon on her right arm.  The attack is consumed by the barrier as before, but the attack is not yet over with this. This time, since the gun on her left arm shoots towards the back of his head. The shot splendid hits the Replicant.

(It struck him? Then that means that, the barrier can only be generated towards the front)

Turning her body in midair, Claire lands looking towards the front of the body of the Replicant.

– Let’s see how you take this!

Looking at the figure of Claire who discharged the six floating guns to the Replicant, Charlotte showed a somewhat complicated smile.

– Wow, despite being a test, you could tell in an instant. Should we admire the power of Princess-sama as usual?

– Dr. Charlotte. Why the laser has hit the Replicant right now?

Who asked was Fritz.

– It’s because the second shot was out of the line of sight. In addition, it was behind the device that generates the barrier. Ideally, it is the upper body that rotates and creates the barrier, but the sensor could not cope with the continuous attacks. So Claire took advantage of that moment. That is the case when it is a continuous attack. Try to keep looking.

According to Charlotte’s words, the six floating batteries surrounded the Replicant’s body and began firing lightning one after another. The Replicant tried to crush the batteries using the scissors of both arms, but it was impossible, it could not destroy a single one. Although some of the beams were cancelled by the barrier, a dozen rays emitted by the six floating batteries pierced the metal shell and made a number of holes in its body. Eventually, the legs collapsed, and the Replicant stopped moving. After that, the six floating batteries returned to Claire, to become small particles, and began to change its form to Claire’s most deadly weapon, ‘Buster Cannon’.

Claire then screams determined.

– It’s time to finish this!

She fired a thick beam of light. This one penetrated the metal shell of the artificial Savage and made a great hole in it. Because of this it did not explode, but it does not move anymore.

– Incredible…

Karen murmured, who was on the audience’s bench. Using the wireless ring, Charlotte speaks to Claire.

[You really are the Queen-sama, <<Completely Undefeated>> Perfect Queen. Even your movements that were programmed, your opponent could not do anything with you]

– Charlotte, perhaps you, considering the possibility that they were uncontrolled, did you make restrictions on their behavior and functions? If so, it was really very easy. For this level of skill, training for first year students who master weapons simply could do it.

[Please do not say that. I’m not a terrorist. Understand that we must develop this very carefully and go slowly like walking on thin ice. Also, now was just a warm up for what you will not defeat]

– Warm up? What do you mean?

[You will understand immediately]

When Charlotte said that, the door that connects the waiting room with the arena opened.

– …?

Looking at the figure of Liddy who appeared there, Claire was left with her eyes wide with surprise, like Karen, who was sitting in the audience.

– Hey, what’s that suit?

Looking at the armor with a giant winged form on Liddy’s back, Claire asks her. But it was Charlotte, and not Liddy*, who answered the question.

*TN: in the raw it was Claire who answered, well done editor.

[It’s a unit to fly in space]

– A unit to fly in space?

[As we are approaching the space age, I thought that it would be optimal to have something like Slayers weaponry that could make them move freely through the skies, and that’s what I created]

– In other words, you mean that <<External Armor>> Outer?

[Exactly. <<Air Combat Armor>> Air Ride is what I called it. That is not all, as the Variable Stone is inserted, it is designed to connect with the extensions of the back, being able to attack using energy, and even to float, if possible. Liddy, please show us]

– Understood.

The pattern that was drawn on Liddy’s wings begins to glow and radiates light, with which her body floats in the air, staying a distance of ten centimeters.

– What do you think? Although it has a thruster in its armament, unlike your floating weapons, whose acceleration in parallel is its main function, it was not a type that could move vertically or freely in the air. But with this Air Ride, that difficulty can be surpassed. For that reason, a little while ago I was doing a <<Test of movement>> Test.

Charlotte showed a rather large smile and continued.

– In addition, since there were no long range weapons for use in space, you could not fight quite well, which is why I have decided to install weapons in the equipment. When one uses energy, the other will not use it, respectively. It is a system of one at a time.

Certainly, when looking closely the Air Ride, it has two turrets, one on each side, likewise has two missile launches, one on the left and the other on the right.

– Liddy, when did you start training with the Outer?

– Exactly since one week ago.

– In other words, the fact that the <<External Armor>> Outer also uses Variable Stone means that it’s like you’re using two Hundreds at the same time, is not it? And you could do it correctly in just one week. It’s what you can expect from Liddy.

Claire stared in astonishment.

Then Liddy responded based on this.

– It is because in short, I just have to transmit the instructions to the Variable Stone, which is why, compared to Dual Act, it is not something complicated.

– Dyuaru Akuto?*

*TN: She said it without knowing the word, it is usually written in Katakana, and she ‘said’ it in Hiragana.

– ‘Dual Act’ is to make a double deploy.

Charlotte said, looking at Karen who inclined her head trying to understand what they were saying, sitting in the audience sector of the arena.

– As it was exactly said, try to deploy two Hundred simultaneously.

– Hee, to be able to do such a thing.

– Of course, that is not so simple.

The one who got into the conversation from the side was Latia.

– It is said that it is much more difficult to operate than a full armament, it is such the level, that there are not even ten people around the world, who are able to achieve it, of course I cannot either.

– … However, as Liddy said earlier, it has less complexity than Dual Act because there is no need to maintain the shape of the weapon, but only to send instructions, but in practice, even in a hundredth of a second , if one’s decision is not correct, the error can be potentially fatal. So if you really can make good decisions, the chosen instructions you give to <<Air Combat Armor>> Air Ride, that’s the real test.

– Claire-sama, would you accept a duel with me?

– Of course yes. It’s been a long time since we fought.

– It will be the first time in three years.

– That’s right, close to that time has passed.

– I’m anxious to get started.

– I am too.

Claire and Liddy.

They are facing each other, about ten meters away and both smile.

– All right, let the fight begin. You two, are you ready?

At Charlotte’s question, both nod at the same time.

The horn that rang in the arena indicated the start of the fight.

Claire is the one who takes the lead and points to Liddy with her six floating batteries, but Liddy does not care in the slightest of them.

Accelerating using the propulsion of her Air Ride, and using her Midgard Schrange in her hand, she makes an attack on Claire. Claire operates all the way to her floating weapons.

If I manage to divert her concentration to another place, I should be able to stop her movement. That was Liddy’s strategy.

Claire dodges Liddy’s offense with a leap and releases a beam from the weapon in her arm. Liddy dodges it by taking a step back, then flew to Claire, and released two beams from the left and right side of her Air Ride. Claire then reduces to particles the weapon of her right hand, generates a barrier with one hand and stops the attack.

But that did not mean that Liddy’s attack was over. Positioning her Midgard Schrange, She accelerated with the Thrusters of her Air Ride, and began her charge again.

– Uooooooooooooo!

The tip of the spear was approaching imminently.

– … Ghaa!! This barrier needs more force!

In distress, Claire also reduces the weapon in left hand in particles and concentrates the energy of all its body in both hands to stop the penetrating attack of Liddy. However, it ends up being pushed by its power.

– Aaagh!

As it happened, the barrier was slightly crossed. But Claire does not allow this to continue. Control and mobilize the six floating batteries and shoot beams from Liddy’s back. Of course, this was also in Liddy’s calculations that Claire would make this move.

She pushes the spear, lifts it upwards, pointing toward the ceiling, and advances using the Thrusters.

On the other hand, Claire falls to the ground. Liddy then fires a total of forty missiles from the missile launchers that are mounted on either side of the Air Ride.

– Haa, haa … what did you think of that, Claire-sama?

A curtain of smoke rises. What can be seen as it appears from there is the figure of six floating batteries that defend Claire, with a form of tulip petals that surround her body.

– Haha, it was to be expected, if it is Claire-sama…

– I also think the same. It is something expected of Liddy. In a week, achieving such a level when using the external equipment, you have come very far. And before that, I have only to respond properly to that effort.

– …!!

Unexpectedly, Liddy makes a gesture of pain, at the moment in which Claire’s body releases energy intensely.

– Here I go, <Full Armament> Perfect Form!

Claire’s full body is covered with a thick armor.

– From now on, I will play seriously. Go, petals!

From each of Claire’s six floating weapons, two small floating weapons are fired. In total there are 12 small floating weapons.

(I really … I think … I grew to such a level for Claire-sama to fight seriously)

If I think of it in such a way, yes I have gone far. And I thought that while I was in combat, I was really impressed.

That was three years ago.

In a certain town in Liberia, at a training school for Slayer, Liddy had no rivals. One could say that she was a genius. Besides, she was not pretentious, she was only training day after day. And there were reasons for it.

During the Second Attack, her father had died. However, her father and mother did not register her, she was born as a result of an adulterous relationship, therefore, Liddy is then who is known as an illegitimate daughter. There was no money support, it was a mother, a child, two people living together. And worse, her mother had a rather weak body. Even so, she worked every day to keep Liddy alive. Her life was very miserable, like trying to get out of a spider web.

That’s how this Slayer was formed. Liddy had talent in it. And she would absolutely not let it slip through her hands.

When making a space like one of the best Slayer of Liberia, she was able to make her mother to live in a better way.

That’s the reason that she will not allow to be defeated by anyone.

She must still being the number one.

That was the reason Liddy devoted herself to practice hard every day.

And during that time, a girl appeared at <Training School> Gym where she resorted to go, accompanied by a large number of adults wearing military uniforms.

It was Claire Harvey. It was said that she was young and associated with the great company of Warslan.

– Is it possible if you point out to Liddy Steinberg?

She suddenly said her name. Although she was thrilled by what she had heard, without any fear, Liddy jumped in front of Claire.

– I’m Liddy Steinberg.

– So, you are Liddy Steinberg.

Looking at Liddy as if she were pricing her, Claire grabbed her Hundred from her Variable Suit and threw it with her fingers into the air.

– Hundred, ON!

A red armor covered Claire’s body, and six floating batteries appeared around her.

(…It’s a Dragoon type…)

Plus, it’s an exclusive Hundred.

You could really say that she is a girl. It is very different from me who has no family. Even her skin is white and beautiful that seems to shine, not like mine.

– This is my Hundred <<Noble Princess of Battle>> Alisterion. Do you mind if you can show to me your armament?

Looking to Liddy, Clair said that.

– Do you plan to challenge me to a duel?*

 *TN: She says: 道場 破 り (doujouyaburi) = challenge a group and annihilate them.

– Well, that’s what it can be said.

As long as I can maintain an attitude that gives the best of me, I must have confidence in my ability. However, it does not seem that according to what I see, that going against others is a hobby of an Ojou-sama.

Hundred aims to destroy the Savage. It is not a toy that competes to see who is the strongest of humans.

– Hundred, ON!

Liddy materialized her Hundred.

– …so it is a spear type.

– That’s right, and it’s a generic one, so it has no name.

Liddy readies her spear and Claire stares at her.

– Even so, I do not feel I can lose against you.

– Li, Liddy-san … needs permission for the duel…

Someone appears in a hurried way, is a girl who wears glasses, and goes to the same training school.

– Obtained.

It was what the man in military uniform and was standing next to Claire said.

– To get a duel with Liddy Steinberg, permission has been obtained from the administrator of this training site.

– Dammit, what do you want? What do you want to achieve?

Liddy looks sharply at Claire.

One by one, they express themselves that they are displeased.

– I see. In that case, let’s start the fight immediately. Depending on the situation, the damage in the surroundings could unravel.

– So, should we start the duel already?

Claire said after confirming that the other Slayer trainees and that her subordinates evacuated to a safe place.

Then, the duel did not last for more than a minute.

(It cannot be, this person …)

Liddy remembered what terror was, seeing this golden-haired girl that she underestimated.

That she has such an overwhelming power.

She is a genius. It’s the first time in her life that she experienced something like that.

It’s a complete defeat.

(Damn it!)

It’s completely annoying. She can feel nothing but mortification. Besides, she feels miserable.

There was nothing more important. It was inevitable, she could not feel more ridiculous. But the girl did nothing to ridicule her. On the contrary, she said something totally unexpected.

– Liddy, you’re stronger than I expected. Don’t you agree? What do you think about coming to Warslan together with me?

At the sudden invitation, Liddy stares with astonishment.

– What do you mean by―.

– Warslan Company, where my brother is the president, is planning to open Little Garden, a school institution for Slayer’s training in just over a year.

– But why me?

– It’s because you have the same power as I do. Is that not a satisfactory answer? Your skill is of such a level that, for the Slayers, it can be an example of learning and you can be their guide. Or am I wrong?

– Was it the purpose of the duel that you could corroborate that?

– It is as you say. What do you say, are you interested?

– Even so, I…

– ? What’s the matter, is there a problem?

– It’s because I live with my mother, we’re both alone. I have plans to enter the army of Liberia and with it, to obtain money to be able to have sustenance for my mother…

– How much do you need?

– Eh…?

– I ask how much you need monthly. Although it would be a problem if you said you need something like $50,000 dollars? If you decide to come to Little Garden, we will pay you more than what the Liberia Army offers you as a new recruit, even if you leave tomorrow. If you need to be paid an advance, you will also be paid that. Only, there is only one point. You are expected to respond to the <<Obligation of a person with power>> Noblesse Oblige.

– <<Obligation of a person with power>> Noblesse Oblige?

– That is, neither power, nor money, nor authority, nor knowledge, none of that really matters. Since one naturally must take everything one has and give the best, so with all that effort, make this world a much better. That is what I think is Noblesse Oblige.

At the same time that she heard those words, Liddy thought.

That woman, now that I understand, is the representation in person of Noblesse Oblige.

(If this person is, then it is okay to follow her)

As she thought about it, tears began to flood her face. Even now she remembers that.

– From now on, I will no longer have problems with money to be able to make my mother live better. From now on, please take care of me.

– Aha, of course.

Claire shook hands with Liddy’s.

Then, since that day, Liddy has been involved with Claire in preparations for the Little Garden establishment.

(Since then, Claire-sama has been my goal. To be the same as her. In strength, endurance, magnificent, to become a great Slayer) 

There’s no need to win.

But what I want the most is to be recognized by Claire-sama.

– << Defensive Barrier>> Shelter <<Propulsion Equipment>> Outer.

Liddy covers her body adhering to her << Defensive Barrier >> Shelter, injects energy violently from the Thruster of her back and attacks with her maximum power in direction to Claire.

The rays emitted by the petals, all were annihilated by Shelter. But, the six floating weapons fired to a different objective. Many of the beams were heading for the Air Ride, in a few moments Liddy’s barrier was destroyed and some of those hit her.

Even after all that, Liddy didn’t give up.

She kept going forward despite the balance of her body was to collapse at any moment.

It’s a situation that Claire had never imagined.

– Forgive me, Claire-sama!

– …huh?

Midgard Schrange penetrated Claire’s barrier and touched the armor that protected her chest.

– Kyaaaaa!

As a result, Claire’s body was thrown back.

– Ouch, that was quite risky … a little more, and it would have pierced the armor completely.

Claire, who was with her butt touching the ground, lifted the top of her body and looked directly at Liddy.

She was lying face down on the floor.

– Apparently, I have been the winner.

The armament was cancelled.

The Air Ride was in poor condition because of the beams fired by the floating arms of Claire. In addition to these beams, there were vestiges that the beams of the petals had struck Liddy’s Variable Suit. This would have happened once the barrier was completely destroyed, causing the armament on the back to be cancelled. Claire releases her armor, and moves closer to Liddy’s location.

– Are you all right, Liddy?

She sat down and touched her shoulder with her hand. As a reaction, the body moved agitatedly.

– Claire, sama…

Claire held out a hand to Liddy so she could get up.

– You’ve really grown stronger.

– Thank you, Claire-sama.

Liddy replied with prideful expression on her face.

***

– Brothers, Are you all right? Now that I see your appearances, you are Slayers, isn’t it?

– Ah?

Well late at night, a little before the day change. When he heard the voice that came from an alley in the town of Sangria, who turned around was a Slayer belonging to the army troops of Liberia, and was sent to Sangria to assist in the repairs of Little Garden. The person who spoke, wore a hoodie suspiciously black, that hoodie is worn by boys. Then, next to the man who was standing and who had called recently, there was a young Slayer, also belonging to the Liberian army troops, who turned to ask.

– Who are you? Do not you see that we are on duty? Or should I say better, what does a small fry like you do at this hour?

The Slayers have their faces red, and their way of walking is quite rare.

And from their throats sounds like *Hic* *Hic* could be heard.

It had been four hours since the mission ended in Little Garden, which is why they were drinking alcohol in the street in the town of Sangria. Right now the troops were halfway to preparing to return to their resting places.

– What you want is an autograph? As you can see, we are in the street, but I’ll do it anyway.

The young man laughs loudly. The reason he feels so generous is largely because of alcohol.

– No, it’s not your autographs that I want, what I want are your Hundred.

– Huh?

– Hey you, what are you saying?

The young people look at the boy with a very serious face.

– I said what I want are your Hundred. Didn’t you hear me?

Then the boy showed a very long smile, and his eyes shined with a golden color.

Three minutes later. The two people who were Slayer were lying on the road. One of them was wounded in the shoulder. The other bleeding from his chest, creating a pool of blood from where he lay on the ground. The boy then picked up the two Hundred who were there.

– Damn, who are you?

While he was collapsed, leaning back on the floor, pressing his shoulder that had an open wound, the young man asks in a cut voice.

– What kind of person am I? Onii-san really wants to know that?

The boy opens his mouth wide and swallows the two Hundred in his hand.

– Haaa, delicious. I really just live for this moment. This makes me feel great.

Releasing a breath of happiness, the boy smiled malevolently as he looked with his eyes at the trembling young man, then smile like the crescent moon.

– Well, should I continue with some exercise after eating? As for the people who know about my power, I have been told that they cannot go on living. If you want to blame someone, please hate the doctors who did not give me enough Hundred.

– Please, please stop…!

He noticed that a bright spear appeared in the hands of the boy.

As he leaned on his shoulder, the boy would not let the man try to crawl across the floor and escape.

– Die.

The boy throws the shiny spear.

Following the sounds of the spear that pierce the flesh, the screams of an agonizing death that echo in the night of the city are heard.