Volume 12 Chapter 2 (1/2)

Episode 2 - Double Layered Trap

–

Part 1

And then the next

After waking up Lux washed his face and headed to the dining hall There Head

He was told that she wanted to stop doing Acade with the holy night festival

By the way it seemed that the Academy put much effort into the festival, fros like -Ride where the citizens would file a complaint if they found out about it

In the end was this Acadeht?

Lux as anxious about the defense aspect of the Acade that he should do, but what ca with a smile was the next sentence

『If it's about insuring the evacuation route of the citizens as well as the strengthening of thein the area around the ra tis will be too late already if you need to suddenly worry about it』

That ument

Since the danger of Ruins was increasing, the defense in Cross Field was also increased starting froo In the first place any hasty effort would bound to fail against that Moon and two Ragnarok

It would also be troubling if the current war situation was known and the people panicked, so this was the best they could do right now

By the way, soon the on Paladins would be sent to the Academy from each country in turn one by one

The re Ruins hadn't been liberated, so reinforcedoeted In the case of the new kingdom, the place that was used as the base was Cross Field

「Oops, more importantly, I have to check the condition of everyone else──」

After parting with Relie, Lux recalled his own task

Just when he thought there was soht now because of the so called mysterious 『pact』, Lisha and others wouldn't call out to hiency

(Usually it was always noisy, so this feels lonely as expected)

There were ti that he was surrounded by too many people, but Lux reconfirmed once more that it was fun even then

Because Krulcifer was also an aide in Ydom, she would only return to the Academy from the afternoon today

Then the available choices were to check on Lisha, Philuffy, or Airi

For noas thinking to visit on Lisha as highly likely to be at the Drag-Ride's atelier, it was at that ti──the female students at the courtyard called out to him

「Heey, Lux-kun Can you do so about that?」

「Yep She is your fellow Seven Dragon Paladins right?」

「Err──, ah……」

Lux who saw that way beca the bench over there

A person with unique look that was like a mix of merchant and alchemist outfit

That person was a petite girl with distinctive orange hair that was styled into circle shape and mature smile

The owner of the great congloest coht as the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca Zen Vanfrick was there

Different froainst Lux, but she was a difficult girl in a different sense

「Wait, what are you doing here Captain Magialca?」

「Oh, you are an i a forh I showed reat trouble, how about you pour me drink?」

She was co on him, which was as expected in a sense

Or rather, looking closer she was drinking alcohol froot drunk

Guessing frolass, shereally expensive and old wine

「You are askingThe treatment of Rosa Granhide who you beat up black and blue was finished, so I ca your woot」

「Yes……?」

Lux tilted his head toward Magialca's statement that was quite incomprehensible

Then, Magialca whose cheeks reddened froht her body closer toward Lux slowly

「Wai-, what are you doing!?」

「Nn You are free anyway, so I' to test your body If you don't like it then try to slip away from me」

「Kuh……!」

In fact, even when drunk she locked his arm precisely and he was unable to move

There was also the fact that she was Philuffy's master and an expert of martial art He wasn't her match unarmed

In addition Magialca e Lux's chest and stomach His skin shuddered with itchy sensation

「My, even Lux-san cannot win──」

「What should we do!? Should we call the Triad!?」

「Aa! What a thing! But, if we leave fros──」

On the other hand, the fe from afar

「Wait, everyone fro this way!」

When Lux was in despair at the feirl suddenly approached this way from the opposite direction with brisk pace

「Eh? Phi-chan?」

「Lu-chan Long time」

His childhood friend greeted hi out even within her expressionless face

Her soft pink hair, and her voluptuous chests that were obvious to see even from above the uniform

Her face that vaguely had trace of childishness reialca

But, due to the battles when they infiltrated inside Heiburg Republic and near the Babel previously

Her body was burdened tooof Vices Calensia Hers for a while, but

「No wait, Phi-chan There is also your body to consider, but is it okay for you to come toward me?」

It see to not come into contact with Lux from their own end because of the so called pact, with the exception when it was a battle or special situation, but──

「It's fine Saving Lu-chan is my job」

「Ah, I see……」

Philuffy was saying that she was volunteering to guard Lux

In other words this situation seeialca

「What's this, good grief, even though I' Can't be helped, I will yield this ti outside」

Magialca said that and stood up froo of Lux

But, when she was going to separate from him, she quickly whispered with a small voice into his ear

「Leave your schedule open for the night, it feels like there will be a chance to call for you」

Those words surely were said not as individual but as the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins

Magialca showed hirin that was filled with implication before she left

「Lu-chan You alright?」

「Ah, yep I'm fine」

「Then, come over here I want you to help out, with the outfit for the costume party」

Like that, he responded to Philuffy's invitation and went to look at how the preparation of the holy night festival was going

Somehow it felt like he was completely called out by Philuffy but──was this fine?

–

「Captain Sharis, is that acceptable?」

「……Well, just barely It's a fact that she saved Lux-kun from a predicament, that need to be taken into consideration Either way Lux-kun also hadn't gone to meet her anyway」

「Yes Then I'll count that as a visit from Lux-san」

–

Lux was feeling exasperated at the Triad hispering secretly behind cover while heading toward the school building's special area

There, the headmaster Relie welcomed him with a smile and let him entered inside the parlor

There eet s from the kitchen at the side where sweets seemed to be baked

Amidst that, he talked casually with Relie about the trend of the situation in Cross Field

「Even like this I a with the mayor and officials of the capital you know? There is no doubt that the upper echelons of the new kingdom are really nervous」

「Is that so, as I thought──no wait, what's with that appearance!?」

「Of course, this is the rehearsal for the costu In any case, don't you think it really suit me?」

Relie was putting on a witch hat and completely black costume on the sofa

The chest area had deep cut applied, giving her bewitching charm that was really like a witch

Beside her was Philuffy wearing rabbit ears hair band while snacking sweets

There was a ribbon on her chest while black cloth was clinging tightly on her body like pilot suit Her back and legs were boldly exposed

It was suggestive, but at the same time the outfit also emphasized cuteness which really suited her

Coupled with the presence of her big breasts which was her trait, Lux was troubled of where to look

「No wait, even the head!? As expected that appearance is a problem isn──」

「My? You are not only interested to the little sister, but even to the big sister too? Geez Lux-kun, you are a no good kid aren't you Eh eh」

Relie poked on Lux's back with a s carried away

While the troubled Lux stiffened, the rabbit eared Philuffy poured him herb tea from the side

「Onee-chan It looks like she get a bit of stress piled up, so endure it」

「Isn't that right……」

Lux slomerate

Sweets with fresh cream that had fruits mixed in, cookie with herb kneaded in, the hap of Philuffy's special pancake, and so onLux was eating the trial sweets that would be distributed in the holy night festival while spending peaceful time with Philuffy and Relie

Lux was treated as guest and sat down on the sofa of the parlor Then he suddenly saw the back of Philuffy as brewing replacement tea

「My, Lux-kun Where are you looking at? Well, Phi is too cute so it can't be helped」

「Relie-san Are you drunk already……? Tha, that's not it, I' that Philuffy's body is beautiful── There is not even any trace of wound or after effect」

Certainly Philuffy's tight and white back was char concerned about

In the deadly battle in Heiburg Republic, Philuffy said that the redrasil's seed in her body was released

She reinforced her body using a part of Yggdrasil that possessed the power of 『reinforcement』

She even used a drastic -Ride Typhon she earing

Lux thought that she would be unable to return to battle for a while due to its aftereffect, but──

「That's right── We didn't tell Lux-kun but, Philuffy was treated a little while ago」

「Treated……? You say?」

Was a treatment to heal the backlash from Abyss transformation existed in this world?

「Do you remember about Ries Island? Kirihime Yoruka was imprisoned in the nearby solitary island The hibernation pod she was sleeping in and the facility were so created froy it's possible to sleep without aging and even applying the surgery called Baptism」

「Since she sided with us, using her testiht what I discovered back to the Academy Of course this tido theht, we activated the medical treatment system」

「Since when, such thing──」

Just now, Magialca mentioned about Rosa's treatment, was it about this?

Indeed, it wasn't a good plan to let the coon Paladins to sleep with the threat of the renarok

The system was used on Philuffy and Rosa, then it seemed Yoruka's turn would be next, but it appeared that the reuse of the hibernation pod took ti

If it ell, Yoruka would also get healed in a few ain

「Phi's body that was transplanted with Abyss could be healed to so that But, in the end it's only the burden in the surface But if, a healing device that is farinside Avalon then──」

「Then it ht be possible to perfectly heal even Philuffy's body!?」

Lux bit at Relie's words with a loud voice

Because if Yggdrasil's seed that was taking root in the heart could be re from a dream

「I don't know, But perhaps, it's impossible to cure this completely After all a part of Phi's body already share the same function But, perhaps it will be possible to remove the majority of bad influence of Abyss body part and the interference to the ht be able to return to a body that is al influenced by horn flute anymore──」

「I'm back」

Philuffy who arrived bringing another helping of tea put a tray with cups on it on the table

After that, she sat beside Lux and looked up at her big sister with a dissatisfied expression

「I hate, Onee-chan」

「Eh……!?」

Philuffy told that with her usual bland tone and absentminded expression

Relie who saw that went pale and made excuse

「Yo, youabout possibility──」

「You promised, to not tell that to Lu-chan」

「……Err, Phi?」

Puih, Philuffy looked aside still with her blank face Seeing that, Relie eating from her forehead and fell silent

「Tha, that, then Onee-chan has work to do, so let's break up for now……」

Like that she was showing an expression of despair while leaving the room

Because Philuffy was stubborn despite her appearance, sheshe did would be pointless when it had become like this

(Or rather, is it okay for the headmaster to leave the headmaster office……?)

Lux couldn't help but felt pity seeing that figure leaving with sunken shoulders while still wearing witch costume

「……I brought, more tea」

「Ah, right……thank you」

When Lux returned to his senses, Philuffy was giving hi of tea

But, a few seconds later, Lux asked the thing that bothered him

「That, can I ask what ry to Relie-san just now?」

Philuffy was staying silent beside Lux in her rabbit costuh exposure rate

「It's not like, I', you know?」

His childhood friend answered like usual with her own pace, expressionless face, and pure golden pupils

「Abyss is ht I don't want Lu-chan to er than this I'll be ether」

This time it was Lux's turn to be speechless from Philuffy's words

'I see' He thought, he noticed the e with Relie just now a bit late

Relie didn't say it directly but, she wanted Lux to pursue the possibility that Philuffy would be able to return to nory of Avalon

If he obtained great achieveon Paladins, the reward from the Lords would also increase

The benefit of that ancient technology and legacy could be obtained through the new kingdoure in the effort to reach Avalon, the right to be able to obtain reould increase

Relie didn't speak it clearly, but she was convinced that if she talked about it, then Lux would do his best to make it happen

But──Philuffy didn't want Lux to do reckless thing in order to save her

Previously, he tried to save Yoruka and almost lost his life

SheRelie to not tell Lux about this er

That hy, Philuffy was angry at Relie as telling Lux about that while she ay from her seat

He understood Philuffy's feeling

He also understood the feeling of her as always staying close to hi him

However──

「Phi-chan, make up with Relie-san later okay?」

Lux s that

「Because, I'ht be a way that can heal Phi-chan's body」

「…………This is wh, I don't want Lu-chan to know」

Philuffy puffed up the cheeks of her expressionless face looking somewhat displeased

「But, Phi-chan don't need to be bothered about it Because, I'et better I can think that it's great I beca that」

When Luxthat, beside him Philuffy softly pulled Lux's body closer

She eentle movement

「Lu-chan, hasn't changed」

A voice that was fluffy like sweets tickled Lux's ear

The sensation of breasts that were sweetly pressed on him caused his heart to beat fast

But even that e toward her that was filling his heart to the brim

「Then, I will also fight again This time for sure, so Lu-chan won't be too reckless」

「Yes Let's do our best together, Phi-chan」

Even if it would be dangerous, he wanted her at his side Lux's feeling when he gave her the sword belt of Sword Device didn't change even now

They treated each other as the foremost, and for the sake of the other they would even force the they didn't even think that they were forcing themselves

They were fellow similar people in that aspect

Lux's heart was healed just by being at her side like this just like when they were children

It was mysterious that he didn't notice until now──no, actually he had noticed since the past

That he was harboring an e childhood friend or friend toward her

The existence who saved hiirl who became his first friend

Hi of indebtedness of being unable to save her caused hi all this time, that was all

(If I don't decide before the battle against Sacred Eclipse is finished……)

If Philuffy's body could be healed by the technology of Avalon

If that feeling of indebtedness disappeared from Lux's heart

At that time──

「……Then, Phi-chan Let's ht festival」

After spending nostalgic time for a while, Lux parted from Philuffy and exited the headmaster room

After telling Relie as unsteadily wandering outside the roory any boisterously

「Even so, hibernation pod in the island where Yoruka was sleeping huh…… Based on the situation perhaps at first it was brought out from the Ark」

It was Relie's achieve that Ruin's facility until the Academy, but a certain person should be involved with it to uplift it until a level where it was possible to be used

Next he would head to where Krulcifer was at the afternoon in order to say his thanks about it

The place was at the underground rooar

He went to that place that was originally forbidden to enter

–

Part 2

When he opened the door using the key he received from Headmaster Relie, a beautiful woman as like a fairy turned around

「What a shah Lux-kun finally visited ance like this」

The one who said that with a shter of a count from Ymir Theocracy, Krulcifer

Right beside her was a on……──the hibernation pod was shi+ning

Froonally

The lid part was rasp the healing progress that was being done inside

When Lux was injected with Elixir fro similar like this within the scene he witnessed

「Thank you Krulcifer-san Forit possible to use this」

「Half of it is thanks to your little sister you know? She helped a lot with the deciphering of thewas done in the Hall」

「I see」

Lux nodded in comprehension

Krulcifer's homeland, Ymir Theocracy

Inside the fourth Ruin, Hall that existed there was an archive She searched for the manual of how to use hibernation pod there and translated it

Krulcifer was a Key's Supervisor, and she was able to perfor the Ruin's Gear Leader, Ney Louches, but at the surface it was made to look like Airi was the one who deciphered the manual

The matter of hibernation pod's discovery and its usability was also reported to the world alliance, Seven Dragon Paladins, and also the Lords, but the detail of the process was concealed

Due to the tense situation with Soffice asthe seventh Ruin, Moon, if it was exposed that Krulcifer was secretly contacting Ney, then they wouldn't knohat kind of trouble it would bring

And then now that Philuffy's treat's representative, Rosa Granhide was entering the pod for the sake of the co battle but──,

「Can I ask you to not stare so hard to her nakedness? I have known already that Lux-kun is a boy without integrity though」

「Yo, you're wrong, I'ht──!?」

Lux averted his eyes in panic after Krulcifer's mischievous whisper

「Is that really true? Somehow it looks like the way you look at us recently has also changed after all」

He couldn't deny that

Or rather, one reason of that was also because of the strong approach of the girls so he wanted to object, but it felt like he would be teased even more if he did that so he stopped

There was no way Lux could win against Krulcifer in the exchange between man and woman

「Then, let's leave the control of this place and go outside」

「Is that alright?」

「Yes, they also came here for that, and this is a visit from you that is rare to come by, so it will be a waste to end it with only a talk inside this kind of underground」

「They?」

「Your vigilance is insufficient there Because it's you Lux-kun, I thought you have noticed already but──」

「Ah……」

Lux recalled so and turned around, at that moment sound came from outside the room

(As I thought, it's the Triad……)

Even while feeling half astonished, Lux thought that they would surely monitored this place while he and Krulcifer were away

After they got out of the underground of the hangar following Krulcifer's reco use of the after school time

–

Part 3

「So since the last ti in the city slowly like this」

Lux along with Krulcifer watched the townscape wearing coat above their uniform

The fortress city with cross shape, Cross Field

The first block was located in the center of it

Even though he had walked here several times at his chore livelihood period, now it felt like it was different somewhere

Was it because there were only two months left until the estimated world destruction?

Or perhaps, it was because for a while he was going around foreign countries and fought continuously?

The townscape that should be faic

「The new kingdoh it's also winter It helps that we don't need to wear thick clothes」

Krulcifer wrapped a scarf around her neck while talking with earnest tone

Because she was codom to Ymir Theocracy every week, she clearly understood the difference in weather between the two countries

As expected, even with Fafnir that possessed top class o between countries even if it was less than a day

Even Krulcifer who possessed overwhel-Ride aptitude couldn't hold out if she didn't take rest

But even with that lad she became Mel's aide in Ymir Theocracy

「As expected, Krulcifer-san understand the difference well isn't it? Like the air of Y」

「I guess Until now I have never thought of such thing, but since I beca able to openfriend with Mel, with my butler Alterize, and also with the Automaton Ney Louches, I understood really well」

She paused her words for a moment, and turned a smile that seemed warm toward Lux

「I understood that Ymir Theocracy, the house of Einfolk, they are ht, crossed the point between life and death, and returned alive If I kept living under the impression that I am shunned by my family, surely──I won't be able to feel like this」

「I'reat that Krulcifer-san can say that now」

Lux showed a relieved smile at her words

Then, Krulcifer sht her cheek closer to him

「Why are you talking like it is someone else's matter like that? All of this is also thanks to your cooperation right? You know, every ti──『Actually how ressed with him』」

「That's because Krulcifer-san deceived everyone right!?」

Lux retorted in panic at Krulcifer's whisper that sounded like she was really enjoying it

However, now after so of her words

He understood that those weren't words that were simply a cover up for the search of fiancée

He understood that it was the wish of none other than Krulcifer herself

「I guess you're right Hoewver for the tiress in that front until two more months──until Sacred Eclipse is defeated It's unfortunate, but after all it was irls」

「The Triad also mentioned it but, what is that pact about?」

「──It's a secret There are things that I cannot say even to you my benefactor I made a promise with everyone else」

How should he say it, he thought that Krulcifer was like always

She was always teasing and leading Lux by the nose in different form than the airheaded Philuffy

But, mysteriously this ticklish rapport of his with her felt pleasant

「That's why, right now I'et serious on you again」

「That feels scary somehow, Krulcifer-san」

Lux was trickling cold sweat at Krulcifer's smile that was filled with implication somewhere

While he alking on the street with a conflicted expression, a feirth suddenly called out to him

「Oh, isn't this Lux? What are you doing? You neglected guarding the princess and going on a date instead, even you cannot be underestimated eh」

「Ah……, long time no see, missus」

It was an auntie of a restaurant that also helped with the stocking up in the period of holy night festival

Since Lux entered the Acade the cat that stole a pouch, he hadn't ain but──,

「What are you saying? I have no plan toCross Field and the new kingdoht of Syvalles is far ry? You are finally here so have so to eat」

「……Then, let me accept your kind offer for a bit」

「Oo! This is a nostalgic face! You are doing fine?」

When Lux entered inside the restaurant, a youngster of a far on a chair leaped on his feet

Next his coworker from a bar, then the son of blacksh also called out to him one after another

But, in contrast to Lux's expectation, they didn't ask hiave hireat efforts

「It can't be helped I wonder if Lux-kun can let me experience your other birthplace too? I'll be happy if I can hear about the story from your chore livelihood period I'irls in bar or the like」

Krulcifer s sharply

It see to acquire more material to tease Lux with

「That, please go easy on me……」

Lux s talk with the nostalgic people he knew fro chores

The days of the past when he spent his tinized by the citizens

The words of Krulcifer who said that it was his other birthplace remained in his ears

–

Part 4

After spending peaceful ti, Lux parted with Krulcifer and headed to the govern at the first block

Following the list that was given to him by Triad, he would visit Lisha next

He didn't hear it directly froreeting at the new year parade that would be held in the new kingdo that

Furthermore this tiovernht festival

Lisha was checking the display ite

「Lisha-sama! Thank you for your hard work!」

Lisha was doing work on a high place by standing on a foothold that was constructed froht below

Then, Lisha as concentrating got taken aback and she turned toward him in hurry

She was the princess of new kingdom with her red eyes that were like jewel and her blonde hair that was tied with side tail style as her distinctive trait

Her body build was s enthusiasm inside like a sun

Right now she earing her white coat that she was often wearing when developing Drag-Ride while perfor with Sword Device in one hand

「Lu, Lux-!? Why are you here──」

「I prepared dinner, so how about taking a breather? I also brought Lisha-sama's favorite apple pie」

The basket that he asked the restaurant to prepare was filled arm rock so the dishes wouldn't be cold

But, it was still better to eat it while not much time had passed

Thinking that, Lux called out to her loudly, but──