277 274. First move.txt (1/2)

The Eleventh Crossroads.

It is the most crowded place in Huzzya's and the place where the 'magic stone line' (line) from all over the country gathers.

The intersection of roads about thirty meters wide connecting to each other is an area large enough to be called a large square, and it's large enough to fight with magic.

The only obstacles are a fountain and a stone statue, so it's also suitable for vigilance of the surroundings.

But that's only if you don't take into account the ordinary people who come and go.

Right now, Tiara and I are sitting side by side on the couch where I was having lunch alone a week ago.

In the past, many people looked at me strangely, but today my partner is here, so I'm not floating in the sweet air peculiar to this street. However, I can't say that Tiara's clothes are so modest that she blends in completely.

If you look to your right or left, all you see is a couple of aristocrats dressed in glittering outfits.

Resisting the urge to feel sick at the throng of people, I try to be vigilant about my surroundings.

Come to think of it, I think today was some kind of holiday.

Maybe it's the date that makes me feel the air is a few percent sweeter than it was a week ago.

I'm so jealous of a date in the morning.

I'm getting ready for a bloody killing spree over here, and I'm not even sure I'm ready for it.

I'm about to mutter one of my complaints when a voice comes from next to me.

'Ready. ...... Just, now I'm stuck with it, okay?　Can you protect it properly on your own?

Tiara-san, who finished her usual preparations quickly, looks at me with concern.

It seems that she managed to make it in time before someone attacked us.

Maybe they didn't think that the other side would be taking a break at the country's largest intersection with impunity either. Anyone looking for an enemy on the run would check the back alleys like the one they were in earlier.

'Yeah, enough of that. Originally I was going to take on all of the Hoosiers by myself, so I'm fine.

Good answer. Then we'll move to intercept position!　Flat.

As planned, Tiara finished all the preparations and got out of her chair the rest of the way. Then she sat down on the ground, not willing to get dirty, as she was struggling to even keep her body up.

She must really have very little time left now.

Not only was her body not strong, but her expression was lifeless. Her sweat has stopped, her breath is shallow, and her body is cold. I can only assume that my body is completely prepared to die.

I get up from the couch and put all my energy into alerting my surroundings next to her as she lies there defenseless.

My hands are placed on the twin swords at my waist and I increase the internal pressure of the magic in my body so that I can release magic at any time.

However, of course, it would be noticeable if he did that.

The couple thought they were sitting in a long chair, but one of them was sitting on the ground, and one of them was standing there watching them. You can't help but wonder what the hell they are doing.

Couples passing by stare at us.

Some moved away suspiciously, others walked away disinterestedly, and still others consulted with us distantly about whether they wanted to talk to us.

Then, a few tens of seconds after we are ready to intercept - a certain gentlemanly blond male nobleman calls out to us.

''...... Are you okay?　Do you think I should lend a hand?

Behind the man, his companion was looking at us with genuine concern.

Clearly, this wasn't in our plans.

I shake my head, a little impressed that the folks at Hoosier's are more than we planned, but I shake my head.

'Thank you for your kindness, I appreciate it. But I'm fine. It'll get easier in time if you take a break.

'No, she is too, but ...... you look pale too. Wouldn't it be better to move to a quieter place?　If you'd like, we can help.

Quickly indicating the woman behind her with her chin, Tiara tells me not to worry because her gender is lending her a shoulder. She seems to be someone who is not only kind-hearted, but also meticulous and caring.

But I laugh and shake my head again.

''Excuse me. She says this is a good place to be, she says. It has to be here.''

This is the place: ......?

Yes, sir. So no hands are needed.

He thought of the horrors that were about to happen and moved away from the gentle aristocratic couple with a strong rejection.

'I see. No, I have meddled. You can take a good look at them. You don't have to take it easy either.

Without imposing good intentions, the nobleman easily stepped aside.

His eyes stared at the knight's armband on my shoulder. He must have decided that it shouldn't be so bad, taking into account that I was a Knight of the Cathedral. Thank goodness he was careful and judgmental.

'Thank you,'

Then, after thanking them, we come back to see the back of the kind couple as they leave.

And with that, some of the pairs who had been watching us from a distance also move away. The people who were worried about us but couldn't talk to us seem to have given up after seeing the way we're handling things now.

Some of them noticed my armband and were relieved, while others may have become suspicious and went to report it to the nearby military police, just to be sure.

Not long after that, the pursuing knights will hear about it, and Feydert and the others will come here.

I wait for the time of the attack to arrive without a care in the world.

The sun is gradually rising.

It's time to call it noon instead of morning. Normally, the ceremony would be over and we'd be in the cathedral enjoying a sumptuous meal.

But that is no longer possible.

The biggest obstacle to that peaceful future is now coming.

Even though we don't see it, its singular presence gives us an inkling that it's coming.

It's here. As planned, my daughter will be here first. Just make sure you time it right.

Yeah, I know. You do the same.

It's noon in the clear sky, and the Eleventh Crossroads are filled with people passing by.

That wave of people is suddenly broken.

A girl emerges from the unnatural split in the wave of people.

A girl with golden hair dominating, intimidating her surroundings with her magical power, and pointing her sharp eyes forward.

All of them were afraid to stand in front of that girl's gaze. As a result, a path was created in front of the girl as if an expensive carpet that she was hesitant to step on had been laid out.

The girl who walks alone - the appearance of Rustyala Hoozeyers - attracts all the attention of the ”Eleventh Crossroads”.

It's no surprise that she is the most famous, most precious, and most beautiful girl in Hoosiers right now. Rastiara's popularity in Hoosiers is high. All people, male and female alike, admired the way Rustyala walked.

Normally, Rastiara would smile and charm the people with her amicable smile, but right now she doesn't have the luxury of time.

She's serious.

Her expression is solemn. Her usually restrained magical power swells and moves, creating a presence characteristic of a great man. The demonic charm that forcibly robs all who see it of their interest is leaking out.

The buzz around him increases.

Voices of ”beautiful” are leaking out from all over the place. I hear whispers that it must be the real thing. But no one is able to speak to her. There is no room to call out.

This, too, is the power of the girl called Rustyala.

She is too precious to be approached or touched - she makes you hesitate to even cast your voice at her.

Rastiara walks silently and comfortably along the road that has been made and comes right in front of us.

And then he speaks to us in the same way as the aristocratic man from earlier.

''...... Lady Tiara, you seem to be in pain. Are you okay?　You can use your hands. I can lend you my body if you need it.

It was a similar expression and similar words - but he had a resolve that could not be compared to the man before him. Even if he refused to be meddled with, he would never give up - he was ready to risk his life.

But it's the same here.

Both I and Tiara-san are risking their lives to win the game.

I reassured myself that I would never back down, and I stood in front of Rastiara and said, ”If you want Mr. Tiara, you must defeat me first.

''If you want Tiara-san, you'll have to defeat me first.

Reiner, get out of the way!

That's my line.

In order to strike the will of hostility and also to insist on fighting here, he pulled out the 'Sylph Bringer' and the 'Knight's Sword' and stabbed them into the ground. On top of that, he took the 'Twin Wings of the House of Helvirshain' and thrust the cutting edge at it.

In the face of that wariness, Rustyala narrowed his eyes and looked around.

''...... Could it be that you were waiting for me?　Did you think I wouldn't be reckless if I had eyes all around me?

Half of the couples at the Eleventh Crossroads had stopped walking and were paying attention to our behavior. The current god of the present man, whom we admired, appeared and showed a swift air. It's no wonder they were curious and turned into onlookers.

''That's sweet, Ryner. I'm the type of person who suddenly feels more motivated when there's an audience.''

Are you sure?　If you're reckless here, you'll be in charge of your own cathedral: ......

Against my wariness, Rustyala laughed, showing a greater wariness to me.

It wasn't the smile of the current human god who managed the cathedral, but the smile of Rustiala as a single explorer.

With a great return in front of him, he was excited that he would overcome whatever risk he had to take. It's the crazy smile of a thrill junkie.

'It's not a big deal about the position. I was going to leave it all up to Feydert after I resurrected Lady Tiara anyway. ...... Above all, here's something more important than that. Because right now I have something I'd be willing to give up everything in Fuzzyards to get.

You were willing to give it to that Feydert: ......

If you think about reality, not ideals, then Feydert should be the one to rule the Fooziers. Compared to those infuriating senators, it's a lot less ...... - no, let's not waste time talking about it. We're running out of time.

I would have liked to buy some time with a long story if I could, but it doesn't work out that way.

The story is busted at the right place.

Rath Tiara would want to decide the game before the dying Tiara-san did anything reckless. Before the conversation ends, he steps forward and declares loudly while walking.

''--I'm sorry, not around you!　I'm going to fight you right now!　Stay away for a minute!

With that last, Tantou Rastiara kicked the ground.

She plunged into me with her bare hands without any hesitation as she held her twin swords at the ready. Naturally, I wield the sword - although I can't kill my opponent, so the goal is to slash off my arm - and Rustyala has completely read my aim.