105 104. Day 1, night.txt (1/2)

After that, I continued to formulate a plan to remove the 'bracelet' in the semi-finals.

I think I'm getting to know Sera-san a little better as we talk.

However, I can't bear the thought of Snow hearing all of this because I'm worried.

And at the end of the conversation, Rustyala said something that made me feel even more uneasy.

''--Then, Kanami. Go play with Dia.

What?

Also known as a ”date.

'No, no, no, wait. You don't have time for that, do you?

It's too abrupt to make sense.

'It's necessary to destroy the 'bangles', so come on, get ready to go.

What do you mean, ”need”?

'We need Kanami to be exhausted by the time of our match with her. A sleepless and exhausted Kanami is more likely to pull off the plan, right?

''If the 'bracelet' makes them fight back on their own, does that mean they'll be weakened until they can't fight back?

'Yeah. I'm going to have you in great shape for the semifinals, so keep that in mind.

I know what I'm going for.

It makes sense, too.

Rastiara does not underestimate the influence of the 'bracelet'.

He even thinks that even if they are unconscious, if the ”bracelet” becomes dangerous, the person equipped with it will move on their own. If you think about it on that basis, it's reasonable.

Even so, in a tournament, a place where you can't start over, the act of getting out of shape instead of adjusting to a strong enemy makes me resist.

But if you do that, there's a chance I'll lose the third and fourth rounds. Are you okay?

'Hmmm, looking at the tournament table, I think I'm okay.'

Rustyala says comfortably as he looks at the tournament table.

'The ones to watch out for are Snow and guardian (guardian) Rowen. These are the only two. Snow will hit us, and Rowen is on the opposite side of the entry block from us. If Kanami goes in order, I guess we'll hit the ...... ”Seven Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights)” team and the guild ”Supreme” team, this one. Neither of them are much of a big deal, so a Kanami weakening strategy is possible.

I look at the front page as well as Rustyala.

They both know each other.

The leaders are Persiona Quager and Elmirad Siddharq.

They're the highest ranking knight team in Hoozeyards and the highest ranking guild team in Lauravia.

''It's no big deal. ...... They're both the highest level in the country ......?

'Sure, it's probably one of the best humans out there, but ....... If you're dealing with someone who hasn't stopped being human, you're fine and fine.

Rastiala doesn't seem to be interested in both teams.

I seriously don't think they're a good match.

'Well, does that mean you're saying we're quitting being human?

...... well. The stage on which you're standing is different. At the end of the day, this tournament is nothing more than a battle between four teams that have stopped being human.

With a slightly sad look on his face, Rustyala goes on to name the team.

'There are four teams: us, Kanami, Snow, or the Guardians (guardians). Without a doubt, only one of them can win. Well, the people who participated this year are miserable. They got caught up in a substandard conflict.

'I know Rowen, but Snow ......?　Isn't the 'most powerful' brother more dangerous than that?

As far as his status was concerned, Glenn-san was more dangerous.

Besides, I wouldn't underestimate his experience until he rose to the 'strongest' level. I think I'm the one to be most careful about.

''Well, the next best thing is that Glenn is also pretty strong there, but ....... Hmm, is that ......?　Could it be that Kanami has never seen Snow in earnest?

However, Rastiara's opinion of Glenn was strangely low.

And it confirms the difference in perceptions about Snow's strength.

'Seriously ......?　No, I don't, but ......

I've always taken Snow's place.

Because of that foolishness, I've never seen her fight for real.

'Then I think you'll find out in this 'dance competition'. That Snow is the only one who can reach us.

Rastiara had an unusually serious look on his face.

Looking at the status alone, Rastiara was far higher than Snow. Even so, it seems that there is something in Snow that can erase the margin from her.

I'd like to see you prepare a well-equipped Dia for the time when you fight Snow. Come on, let's go get a quick change of scenery.

Then Rustyala's expression falters and he tries to send us off.

Before we knew it, Diah had moved to the next room and started to prepare for our outing. She doesn't know why we're going out to play, but she seems to be in favor of going out to play.

It's not like she's going to argue with me.

'Yeah, so why do you want to go to ...... for a change?'

'...... It'll put Dear in a good mood, and Kanami will get tired. Two birds with one stone, right?　It's very important that Dia's mental state is in tip-top shape during the Snow fight. You at least know that magic can affect your mental state.

Rastiara pulls her face closer and says to me in a small voice.

'If you just want to calm your mind, isn't there another way to do it: ......?

No. It's the best thing for Dear. I don't think Kanami (...) would understand.

Rastiala emphasized 'Kanami'. As long as I'm not 'Christ', I have no words to return.

I'll take Rastiara's word for it, as I'm sure he's known Dia-chan and 'Christ' for a long time.

'And if we can catch Snow well, we can disqualify him before the main game.

With an evil look on his face, Rustyala laughs.

Maybe that's the real deal.

'If you say so much, I will ....... I'm sure Rastiara knows the situation better than anyone else .......

Okay, that's it. Okay, I'll go coordinate Dia's outfit then.

With that, Rustyala moved happily to the next room and the next room.

Then I am left alone with Sera-san.

Sera-san lets out a grand sigh and comes closer to me.

I have no choice. Then I'll coordinate your outfit. Since you're going to be escorting Lady Dia, you have to be dressed accordingly. ......

'Oh, yes. Please.

'Huh ....... Why should I have to coordinate with a man or anything else ......

Excuse me.

Then, thanks to Sera's brilliant coordination, he was dressed like a knight of the Hooziers. He doesn't have any weapons, but his uniformed appearance with clean and expensive looking items would make anyone look like an upper class person.

Thus, Dia and I went out to ”Vualhura” to play.

I also say we were kicked out.

◆◆◆◆◆ ...

Me and Dia-chan had come to one of the theater ships in 'Vualhura'.

When we parted ways, Rustyala reminded me to never act alone. It seems that since there is the matter of Snow, we should at least work in pairs.

So I'm always trying to keep an eye on Dia-chan. She missed me strangely, so that in itself was easy.

But I'm troubled by the fact that she's holding my hand and won't let go of it at any time.

What was I thinking about in the past when I made such an innocent and dangerous girl miss me so much? I'm very curious.

Her attire had been changed to a party dress that resembled a dress, much to Rastiara's liking. Just before we left, Diah had hated that frilly outfit, but in the end, she had been defeated by Rastiara's forcefulness.

It was pushy, but I must say that its coordinated white color was brilliant. It went well with Dea's white skin and golden hair, and attracted the attention of many people. By the way, her shipshape is well disguised by the coordinated Las Tiaras. Thanks to the loose sleeves, it would be impossible to notice her from a distance.

I, who is always holding hands with such a special beautiful girl, also stands out.

From the color of her hair, there will be no excuse for her family. I'm embarrassed in every sense of the word. But I have no choice but to put up with it. That's my role now.

And now we had just finished watching a play.

As we walked out of the theater, Dia spoke to me with a big smile on her face.

”Well, that was hot, Kanami!

Hot?　Oh, you mean the play. Yes, it was a royal and passionate story. It was an interesting play that really shows what a warrior's life is all about.

I'm glad you liked it. It was one of the best heroic tales I know, and this was one of the ones I recommended.

'Huh, Dear, you like heroic tales, don't you?

It was a hobby that didn't suit her pretty appearance. However, after it was decided that they were going to play, Dear decided immediately on a heroic play. There was no hesitation at all, even though there was a whole range of other romantic plays that the girls seemed to like.

'Dia-chan ......?'

Diah's smile shades a bit when she hears me call her.

Her grip on my hand tightens a little.

'Was it bad to call her Changs?'

'I'd prefer to call it ...... no, I'm still fine with it. It's (...) fine for now.

...... Okay. I will.

In the past, I may have called her ”Dear” in the past.

I don't want to interfere with Dia-chan's attempt to distinguish between the two, so I'll continue to call her 'Dia-chan' honestly.

I'm not going to be able to get away with it. What's next?

Well, next up is ......

Diah frowned, ”Mmmm,” as she wondered where to go next.

Her appearance is childlike and adorable.

Combined with her outward beauty, she catches the eyes of people on the street. And after looking at Dia-chan with a smiling face, they turn to me next.

I'm still a contestant in the 'Dancing Tournament'.

People who have seen one of the matches in the north area talk to me from time to time. As we walk around the theater ship, we're a sight to behold.

I'm really uncomfortable with the admiration, jealousy, strangeness, curiosity, and all sorts of eyes.

On the other hand, Diah doesn't pay attention to her surroundings at all. Maybe she's used to these kinds of eyes because of her innate beauty.

I'm not good at standing out, so I wanted Dia-chan to be a little more quiet. However, when I see her enjoying herself, I can't say anything.

To put it bluntly, there's also the fact that I'm afraid that she might go crazy over a little thing.

''--Oh, so that story is a play too!　Kanami, let's go this way next time!　This one's funny, too!

Wait, Dear. But first, let's have dinner. This theater ship looks like it's hooked up to the dining room ship.

I keep looking at the theater and my sense of time is starting to lose track of it, but when I check the outside of the ship on the Dimension, it's already dark.

So I suggest a meal for a short break.

...... right. We can have dinner around here. Speaking of which, is Kanami allowed to eat?　Weakening to the limit, right?

'Oh, come to think of it, you're right: ....... Then I'll just leave the water for me: ......

You know, I feel bad about that. ......

'No, don't worry about it. I'm the one who's asking for the 'bangles'. I'll put up with this much.

That's not true, Kanami!　We're not doing this because we're asked to. We're doing this because we want to help Kanami!

Apparently, that was a point that Dearie couldn't afford to make a mistake.

And I was already well aware of that. Ever since the day we met, Dia-chan has been trying to help ”Christ”. She has never been asked by anyone, but of her own volition.

I sense that clear and untrue goodwill and I feel a little warmed by it.

'I see. ....... Thanks, Dia, ....... You and I were really buddies, weren't we?

'Yeah, me and 'Christ' were buddies. We both got hurt in one layer of the labyrinth and we started working together. To me, Christ was my first mate, my best buddy. ......

Two, or ....... Hey, did I have a family then?

Family?　No, I heard you came to the Confederacy from far away by yourself?

Yes, .......

From what I've heard, Dia is my first companion, but I don't see my sister's shadow there.

I know I'm lost in another world by myself.

What's wrong with ......?

'Oh, I knew there was one 'Christ'. I wanted to make sure of that.

...... different. Christ isn't alone. I'm here. No matter what happens, I'll be right next to Christ for sure!

'I see, 'Christ' was a happy one. To have such a pretty girl to adore.

Okay, pretty?　Eh, no, that's not true, Kanami. I'm not, you know--

Seeing me in a state of despondency, Dia-chan tries her best to cheer me up.

It soothes my troubled mind.

I've loosened my mind, and I've been talking to her as if she were trying to seduce me.

Catching Dia-chan's embarrassment, I feel my face growing hotter too.

Just as I begin to think about how to deceive her, I catch a voice I've heard before in 《Dimension》.

''--Lagne-san, it's so trivial!　Be more ladylike and moderate!

Is it more of a 'tone of voice' that I've heard before?

'Yeah, eh?　Can't I buy and eat?　That would take the fun out of it here: ......

The voice in response to it is also a characteristic 'tone of voice'.

The two people with the characteristic tone of voice come closer to me while arguing.

''If you're hungry, I'll show you a good place to eat. Please bear with me until there.

'No, these things are delicious because you eat the ones you see on the spot.　I mean, I'm not a fan of well-behaved food at high-end restaurants before that: ......

'That's because you're not used to the upper-class atmosphere, Lagune. It's a good opportunity. From now on, I'll make sure that he has the manners of the upper class.

What?　I'm just wondering if you'd like to give me a break on that. ......

Come on, let's go!　It's only a short walk from here!

I'm not listening to you. The first time I saw her, I was in the same boat as her, but she was no less troublesome.

A young lady with blonde twin-tails was pulling on the hands of a girl with short hair.

They were Franlle Helvirshain and Ragne Kaikwola.

As I recall, they were the same group of girls who called me 'Christ'.

If we interacted, we might make progress on the 'bracelet' or memory.

But soon I'm reminded of this.

It's better to focus on Rastiara's plan for now. Unnecessary irregularities are a recipe for disaster. That's also a major accident.

And that blonde twin-tailed girl is strangely difficult to deal with for some reason. I want to distance myself from her on an unconscious level, is it something that happened between me and her in the past?

I was about to pull away from Dia's hand to get some distance, when Ragne Kaikwola turns her eyes towards me.

''--Hmm?''

In this crowd, she's found us precisely.

I'm surprised.

Using the 《Dimension》, we're finally at a distance where we can find her.

Ragne Kaikwola's magic power isn't moving, she knows with the 《Dimension》. She had good instincts, just like Rowen.

She has the skill 'Magic Power Materialization'. Also, I think she has a vaguely similar atmosphere to Rowen. Maybe it's a distant relative of Rowen's.

I wonder if that blood had a power similar to the skill 'sensitivity' latent in it.

Ragne Kaikwola's face brightened, and on the contrary, she pulled Franlure Helvilleshain to come over here.

Then he greeted me in a friendly manner.

''Hi, hi, kidnapper brother.''

'...... I see you again. But I'd like you to stop being a kidnapping brother. Um, lagne, girl?

The eyes of the people around me turned dubious.

It's unfashionable because I'm holding back Dia-chan now.

I chuckle and resent my past deeds.

I'm just kidding. I'm not serious. It's like they're pretending it didn't happen. The top brass seems to have put their reputation and business interests ahead of their own. So now I can talk to my brother without any hesitation. How about going out to dinner with him since we've just met?

Um, I'm sorry, but I'm just...

I try to say no to them in favor of Dia.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that they are my next opponent.

''Oh!　Christ, it's me. I'm Franlle Helvirshain!

But I wasn't allowed to finish saying that.

'Well, um, is it okay if it's been a while ......?　Franlure, chan?

She calls me 'Christ'. I don't try to correct that anymore.

However, when I talk to me and my past acquaintances, I'm always confused about what to call her.

I choose ”changs” because Lagne is visibly younger than I am, but she is risqué in front of me.

She looked just a bit younger than me, so I tried the 'chan-name' again.

'Oh, ah, ......!　After all, Christ remembered me, didn't He? And I'm so touched that he calls me ”Franllewelyn” in a friendly way!　I'll interpret that as a shortening of the distance!

'Oh, is that ......?'

I guess I made the wrong choice.

Apparently, I didn't 'channellate' her before. It's not always the same with the past me.

''If you don't mind, would you like to have dinner with me from now on?　We'll treat you to the finest food here at Vualhura!

'No, no thanks. ....... I have a companion, and .......