273 270. The last deception.txt (1/2)

'Huh?　Who was there just now?

I was waving my sword in the shade of a tree, and Rastiara asked me at the opening.

''No, I've always been alone ....... I've been training my sword because I've been bored.''

I was able to answer him with an unfamiliar face, probably because of my training with Tiara earlier.

Rastiara looked a little strange, but soon returned to her usual face and sat down near me as I wielded my sword.

Then, while looking at me silently wielding the sword, he speaks to me.

''Hmm ....... Ryner really is a model student, isn't he? Both as a knight and as an academy student.

You'll be praised for your sincerity, but there are people who are more exemplary than you are.

For example--.

The paragon of knighthood is ex-chancellor Quager, or maybe even his brother.

'Hmmm, I think those two are just workmen. I feel like I'm a knight because of my job. The only person I consider a knight to the core is Ryner.

That's right, ....... Thanks.

He explained why, and I received honest praise for it.

And I admire myself for really growing up.

I never thought at the time of the 'Dancing Tournament' that I could talk about my brother's story with Rustyala. When I heard the current assessment of ”Brother is a workhorse,” I was able to properly accept it without getting angry.

After all, my brother was not a perfect knight who protected everything equally, he was just an ordinary man who could be found anywhere. When I was a child, I thought my brother was a perfect knight, I just made the mistake of seeing him struggling to get his work done in the rear. I can now wholeheartedly admit that fact.

...... Now, I have good news for that fine knight liner.

Rustyala watches me alone and pensive enough, and then goes into her own business with a smile.

''The other day, Al-kun and Emily-chan, I got permission to properly 'draw blood'. The preparations for the ceremony are mostly done. If we can get ready as early as this evening, we can finish the preparations and start the rituals tomorrow morning.

...... You went out of your way to find me to tell me that?

I didn't tell anyone where I was going when I left the Helvirshein house this morning.

I feel ...... a little bit sorry that Rustyala, the greatest man in the cathedral, walked around just to contact me, who had no idea where I was.

'Hmm, well. But somehow I knew (・・・・・) Ryner was here, so it was quick to find him. I've always had good instincts, I've always had good instincts, you know.

'Oh, oh ....... Sounds like it. ......

For a moment - I almost look towards the bushes.

The source of Rastiara's sharp intuition is undoubtedly Tiara-san. But I can't turn my attention to that bush in front of the girl here who calls herself a good intuition.

Desperately, I don't divert my attention and focus only on the Las Tiara in front of me.

''Well then, we're going to meet up with Ryner at the cathedral from now on. But before you come, you have to go home. Now Sera-chan is waiting for you at your house with the two guys. They want to say thank you to Ryner.

I was summoned for a ceremony, but before that I was told to stop by the house.

This shows that the four of us were visiting my house at first.

However, since I wasn't in the Helvirshain family's house, it was probably a matter of Rustyala running around in a daze to find me.

It's just like her to have Rustyala, the most important person here, running around.

'You have Al and the others at home. But they thanked me a lot on the first day. ......

You still want to thank me. Wow, I knew you were my sisters. ”Jewelcrus” are such good girls.

Really?　Like you, Emily's was a pain in the ass, too.

No, no, no. All girls are like that.

I wonder if that ”everyone” that Rustyala is referring to is the Christ Party as an example. Certainly, compared to those guys, it wouldn't be too much trouble, no matter what kind of guy they are.

When I give up my rebuttal with an unconvinced look on my face, Rustyala tries to hurry back the way we came.

''Well then, Ryner, get him back home early. I'll go back to the cathedral first. I have a few more preparations left to do.

A year ago, the Nativity ritual had the help of a lot of Hoosier priests, but this time we had to do it on our own. Apparently there are still some preparations for that.

Rustyala looks busy - but his eyes are shining like a child's before a festival, and he's about to return to the cathedral.

I watch her carefully.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time with us. I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do, but I'll be able to tell you what to do. He's always smiling and makes you feel like you'll be fine if you follow him. She's like a grown-up sister with room to spare.

Seeing her gives me a little hope.

Tiara-san said it's impossible, but if we talk about it, maybe--

Rastiara, give me a minute.

What are you talking about?

'I have one last question: ....... What if--what if?　What if Saint Tiara didn't want tomorrow's ritual to be ...... 're-birth'?

Upon hearing my question, my ideal boss Rustyala turns around and answers immediately.

''--that's not happening (・・・・・・). What's the matter with you all of a sudden?

It strikes at the same time.

A pressure, enough to crush your back.

As if to tear off the casual air that had been there until now in an instant, a magic power that stabbed my skin leaked from Rustyala's entire body.

I almost fell backwards unceremoniously.

''............!

Even though he was gripping his sword, bracing himself, and was in a state that could be called warlike - he almost sat down with just that one word.

Of course, the pressure wasn't battle intent, nor was it a killing intent. It would simply be that Rustyala simply responded strongly to a statement that was a bit off-putting.

Still, it was a horrible pressure.

You almost get swallowed up by the strong, casual reply.

The reptilian eyes that you can't imagine from her goddess-like appearance.

The golden pupils shine like the sun that burns through everything.

When you stare at her lightly, you are drawn to the depths of her eyes. Regardless of how much malice she has in mind, she will be burned to death regardless of her intentions.

This is the essence of Rustyala Hoozeyers.

-- Scary (...).

I know I'm winning in power (level), but I thought so.

I was reminded of the fact that my power is all papier-mâché.

But because I'm a fighter, I'm not going to step back for the sake of the masters who have taken time out to help me. I conquer my fears and say firmly back.

'How can you assure me that's not going to happen?　You've never met or talked to me. ......

'I've certainly never met her, but I've seen Lady Tiara's life, you know. So I know what I'm talking about.

The affirmation of an immediate answer continues.

It seems that the answer to this question of mine has been fixed in Rustiala's mind from the beginning.

However, seeing me, who hadn't yet taken a step back, Rustyala continued to talk about it in a whisper. She goes on to tell me the basis for her assurances.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. A room with only a single maid of honor and a stack of books. I grew up there all the time, despite being of the same desperate bloodline. From the time she was born, her body was poisoned by the Devil's Poison, and she had to suffer every night. Dying and dying and dying and dying all the time - in the midst of daily close proximity to death. Lady Tiara was sinking into the depths of despair. She hated the world. She almost gave up on life, thinking that she would continue to suffer and die without anyone noticing her and without the meaning of her birth. ......

It was Tiara's childhood memory.

Rastiara speaks of it as if it were her own.

'--then Kanami appears. ''I might be able to heal you,'' he said, and the door to that unopened room was opened. It was like a heavenly light that reached into the dark deep sea ....... Tiara-sama's heart, which was closed like a shell, was opened a little bit more ....... That (...) story began.

Rastiara brags about Kanami's arrival and tells the story with the panache of a bard.

Her cheeks rise with excitement, her golden hair leaps with magic, and the heat of the sun on her twin eyes increases.

'Then Kanami would come to check on Lady Tiara on her sickbed every day. Kanami said it was an experiment to find a cure for her sister, but there's no doubt that Kanami was sincerely worried about Tiara, because she was that Kanami. Because she was that Kanami. And it is from Kanami that Tiara-sama learns for the first time to feel the warmth of a human being, which is normally given to her by her parents. ......

I feel an inexplicable fear as Rustyala speaks vaguely and moodily.

I know she's excited, but it's so crazy that I want to close my eyes and ears. But it's so crazy that I want to close my eyes and ears.

'As you know, thanks to Kanami, Lady Tiara's body will be restored. You will be saved from the depths of despair. It's no wonder, because if he dies here, the history of Hoosiers will be lost. ...... Afterwards, Tiara-sama's recovery is called a 'miracle' on the continent, and she returns to her original position as a princess. The father-king was thrilled, and there were rumors that she might become the next queen. But Tiara-sama didn't want the right of succession after all this time. There was nothing attractive about it. It didn't matter. It's only natural--

I wonder why this woman seems to enjoy talking about other people's affairs so much.

Just like Tiara-san said, Lastiara seems to be mistaking that thousand-year-old story for her own affairs.

'Because there was something more appealing to her than such a trivial thing. It was the five heroes who showed up at the Hoosiers to save the world!　The three ”apostles” - and the two ”gentiles” who follow them!　Especially with Kanami, who had saved her life, Lady Tiara wanted to be with her!　I wanted to keep walking next to you and live with you forever!　That was far more appealing than the position of a princess!

Having said that, Rastiara exhaled with a huff.

Right now, Rastiara must be very satisfied with disclosing his favorite hobby to the public. His brother had a similar habit, so he could calmly analyze it.

And perhaps because of the temporary release of the hot things inside him, Rustyala regained his composure a bit. He realizes to himself that he's been talking about it for a long time, and he's a little embarrassed about it.

”...... and anyway, Tiara-sama should be united with Kanami. Now, a thousand years later, they should definitely meet again.

There was no longer the intimidating feeling that froze everything he saw with fear. A beautiful girl who could be mistaken for a goddess just pouted.

'Because, unlike me, she's a real princess. She's not an imitation. Yeah, that's right. That's - that's not me (・・・・・). It wasn't me.

I was about to close the conversation with that one word when I saw his expression for the first time.

His eyes are narrowed, his eyebrows are furrowed, but the corners of his mouth are loose. It looks like he's sad, and it looks like he's happy - and expectant.

I wasn't exactly sure what emotions I could read from its expression, but I listen with the closest thing I know to substitute it.

'Are you ...... envious of Ms. Tiara?'

Do you envy him?

Of course, that was misguided. But the good-natured Rustyala doesn't just deny my mistake, he gives it a second thought.

You may be right. I have a pretty jealous streak in me ....... But more than that, I love you, Lady Tiara. I'm a big fan of Tiara-sama's stories, and I sincerely support her happiness. Yeah, I think I'm rooting for you.

He replied with a flattering smile, devoid of any negative coloration.

Although I don't have as keen a 'gut feeling' as Tiara-san, I intuitively thought that Las Tiara meant what she said. That's why I don't agree with a lot of things.

'But you like Christ too, don't you ......?　How could you back down so easily?

We've confirmed they're bromanticidal.

I also confirmed that Rustyala is jealous now.

And yet, the girl in front of her is trying to give away her lover to someone else.

To this contradiction, Rastiara replies very easily.

''Hmm, maybe because of the ...... order?''

In that order: ......?

The order of magnitude of my 'likes'. My 'love' is probably only about a tenth of Maria's or Snow's. I think that in a love story, the girl with the biggest 'love' should be given priority. I think that in a love story, the girl with the biggest 'love' should be given priority. Isn't it the basics, the basics?

The basics of a love story: ......?

I was so stunned that I almost lost the words to reply.

I've been predicting this for a while, but this woman is still strange.

Hearing it from her mouth makes it stand out.

Rastiara has developed her own rules and adheres to them. That rule is a common promise if it's a play or novel. In other words, this guy - who is a supporting character who doesn't even like the main character much - is probably saying that he doesn't agree to have a happy ending with that main character.

That's why he easily gives away his chance to Tiara-san.

He's not afraid to hand it over to others.

Probably, even if that former slave girl or the dragoness took my lover Kanami, I'm sure I would be able to congratulate her with a smile.

Indeed, the emotion of 'love' might be less than normal people .......

Well, no.

There is something different about describing the feelings of this violent and sidelined character of a woman as thin.

This guy enjoys everything and is always laughing. At all times, Rustyala Hoosiers is enjoying life.

There was a section of him that enjoyed everything, whether it was labyrinth exploration, world adventure, battles, daily life, danger or safety, enemies or allies. If there was the only time I ever saw him sad, it was when he couldn't even get up on the stage.

Rather, because the feeling of 'love' is more intense and all-around (...) than normal people, this kind of exclusivity is distorted......--.

--I'm not sure how to persuade them.

I came to that conclusion when I realized the answer that awaited me.

I'm not going to be able to catch up with Rastiara's values in the mindset of an ordinary person like me.

The only people who can catch up with him and convince him are probably Christ and his fellow women.

With that thought in mind, I decide to agree with the idea. I'll let the Lord handle this one. It's for the best. I don't want to poke around too much, honestly. It's not a good idea.

”...... Okay. If you've made up your mind, you can leave it at that. I'm not going to say anything.

That's my brother, Mr. Hein's brother!　You understand!

Honestly, if it wasn't for the precedent of my brother, I wouldn't have understood half of what I'm talking about now. That's how ridiculous this guy's story is.

And I'm going to tell you that in no uncertain terms. I don't want to be treated as one of them.

'No, I get it, but I don't have any sympathy for you. I don't know what the hell you're talking about, dude.

'What?　...... cheeee. Well, I knew you'd say that. So is that the end of that story already?

Oh, forget it. I see now that you need Saint Tiara's Rebirth more than anyone else.

Now I can betray him without gloom at tomorrow's ritual.

I'm sorry to Rastiara, but Tiara-san was more 'decent' than me.

That's why I'm going to take Tiara-san's side.

It may be rough, but ”decent” or not is one of the criteria that I trust.

''Ok. Then I'll hurry back to the cathedral and get ready. You can come over here right after you stop by the house. Maybe if things go at a brisk pace, we'll start the ceremony this evening.

As I pledge my betrayal to my heart, Rustyala runs back to the city at a trot. I say goodbye to its back and wave to it.

''Yeah, go ahead. I'm going to meet Sera and the others properly and then I'll go over there.

Bye Bye!

Rustyala responded to that by waving his hand with his back turned.

Even though it was a small run, it wasn't long before Rastiara, with his basic physical abilities, disappeared from sight. Until then, I continued to wave my hand as a loyal knight - and when the figure disappeared completely, I called out to the nearby bushes.

''Why did you let it go until it was like that?''

In the meantime, I blame the saints of the previous generation, who call themselves parents, for the abnormality of the saints of this era.

''Yeah?　Is it my fault?

Tiara, who came out of the bushes quickly, shook her head as if to say that she was heartbroken.

''It wasn't me. It was already like that when my consciousness came out. In fact, I'm even a little taken aback that Foozeyers raised that thing,

So, it's our education officer's fault?　As I recall, your brother and Palinkron were in charge: ......

'The Descendants of Helvirshine and Mr. Legacy's reincarnation at ......?　If it's those two, ...... it's probably your fault, Legacie!　Legacy you're basically a thing!

'I knew it. ....... If the saint says so, there's no doubt about it: ......!　d*mn, that Palinkron guy: ......!

If anything, I don't feel like it's my brother's fault this time, but I'll blame it on Palinkron. It can't be helped, because if you blame that guy, you can usually turn around and get it right most of the time.

Me and Tiara-san cursed Palinclone Legacy to the fullest extent, and then calmly sorted out the current situation.

'Putting aside the joke, ...... is it true that you like Kanami the most?　At least that's what Rastiara thinks, and he's going to give you a turn.

'Oh no, I like it in its own way, but...' I don't think it's the best, you know?　Absolutely not. I've been looking at Dia, Maria, and Snow in my daughter, and I honestly don't feel like I can win!

Yeah. If we beat those guys, it's a disaster.

Mr. Tiara has great strength and skill, but he has a relatively decent personality. She's missing a lot of things to line up with the guys around Christ.

'I don't know how my daughter can be so judgmental about my feelings ....... The only thing I know is that it's impossible to 'relate' to my daughter anymore. My voice can no longer be heard by my daughter .......

I've heard the word 'affinity' before when I fought the Palinkron. I'm aware of the extent to which it was necessary to master the power of ”the one who steals reason”.

I want a little more explanation, I thought, and as usual, Tiara-san sensed that for me.

'Oh, you don't know?　Then I'll teach you about ”affinity” on the way home. This is something that will be relevant to tomorrow's ritual. It's one of the essence of magic!

Thank God.

Thus, the two of us pick our way back to the mansion slowly, so as not to run into Rastiara, who has left.

On the way back we have a conversation that resembles a farewell address.

''I see you're done preparing for the ritual - ....... Maybe the one we just had will be our last class. ......

Yeah, I guess tomorrow is goodbye.

Tomorrow, or at ......

When I think of this being the last time I practice, I slow down a bit. It was a near-death experience, but when it's over, I feel like it was a fun day in its own way.

But I don't look back. There is something more important to us than that feeling of loneliness. After a couple of steps, our steps are no longer in doubt.

◆◆◆◆◆

-- 'Affinity' is the overlap of life.

It is said to refer to how much the souls are very similar to each other.

By multiplying souls of the same quality, 'affinity' is to sublimate them to a higher level of soul.