301 298. Old knowledge.txt (1/2)

It's the second day since I arrived in the Great Sacred City.

I wake up in a room in a mansion in the underground city that is under lockdown.

I woke up in a place I hadn't expected on the boat trip before arriving, and immediately headed to the hall to meet up with my friends.

Today we're going to the Legacy family's villa.

I consulted with everyone in the hall about what to do with that group, and the first thing Rustyala did was to take a curled-up Nosfi on her lap and say, ”I'm with Nosfi-chan! And he wanted to stay home. As I told you last night, it seems that I'm going to stay with Nosfi while I'm in this great holy city.

Everyone else is pretty much the same as yesterday, and once we divide the personnel to watch Nosfi and protect Yotaki, the only ones left will be me and Ragne-chan.

Or rather, it's also because Rustyala has promised to interact (and play) with everyone at the mansion today, so it's hard to force them out. According to their plans, they're all going to cook together today. They are talking about competing to see who can cook the best, and Maria is a bit breathless.

Rustyala, Dea, Maria, Snow, and the Reapers will be standing in the kitchen together, fussing and playing and laughing as they cook. I'm sure there will be ...... fun-loving Nosfies in the mix there, too.

I had no choice but to invite a companion who seems to be relatively unfriendly to Nosphy.

'-- What about Rainer?　Aren't you and Shea close?

A year ago, they traveled together in the same party and were very familiar with each other.

Considering their backgrounds, I would recommend accompanying them.

Ryner, who was leaning his back against the wall in a corner of the great hall, frowned and hesitated at the suggestion.

''Well, it would be easier to talk to Shea if I was there, but ....... I'm not sure ....... Which would be better ......--

His brow wrinkles and his eyes wander between me and Nosfi.

From the way he looks at me, I can tell that he is seriously measuring the danger. He's not going to choose his options as rambunctiously as we do. After enough thought, Ryner starts to move his back away from the wall.

'Well, let's follow Christ today. From the looks of it, the Nosfies' guy looks fine already. The whole bad story should have been over yesterday. ...... maybe.

Seeing Nosphy embarrassed after being caught by Rustyala, Ryner seems to have decided that there is no need to worry about escaping.

Thus, the force ratio between the stay-at-home group and the outgoing group changes slightly.

Seeing the situation, Nosfi, who is being played with her hair by Rustyala, replies happily.

''Hmph, go ahead and have a good day. Today is going to be a good day just because there's no creepy Helvirshine.''

...... tch. ...... It's going to be a good day for me to get away from all the noisy women over here too.

They finish their goodbyes with a sarcastic look at each other.

They seem to be on bad terms, but is it my imagination that they seem to be breathing well together? I'm the only one who can't face Nosphy properly here - the thought of it depresses me, so I immediately start moving.

''Let's go then. It's just a collection, so let's get this over with as soon as possible. --I'm going to go everyone. I'll be right back, so just be quiet.

My fellow detainees wave back at me as they head to the kitchen. I say a quick goodbye to them, and then walk out of the house.

The underground shopping mall is quiet in a complete change from yesterday. There is no sound, and the air is cool.

You will be able to pass through the underground city where the flames have been completely extinguished and emerge into the Great Sacred City above ground and blend in with the vibrant streets.

--It's the second day of exploring the Great Holy City.

Yesterday there were two of us, but today there are three of us. This may be the first time that Ragné and Ryner are the three of us. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

''Um, Kanami's brother ....... By any chance, did something happen with your daughter last night ......?

The question was asked after I moved to a crowded area far enough away from the entrance to the underground city - where I was sure no one in the mansion would hear me.

The question must have occurred to her after hearing the brief conversation between Rastiara and I earlier. I nodded in affirmation, admiring her concern and overly keen observation.

'...... you know very well,'

Hmm. I knew it.

And Ragne nodded back without asking for any details about the situation. Maybe she has a general idea of what happened last night.

Seeing that I'm getting a little impatient, Lagune-chan holds up a finger.

Her index and middle fingers - making a peace sign - and somehow the conversation from yesterday continues.

''So, lesson two on the heart of women. Reiner with you, too.

Another talk from Ragne in person in town.

However, it seems that Ryner has been added to today's lesson. Naturally, Ryner tilts his head slightly at the abrupt lesson.

''Ha, what?　Why are you doing that now: ......

'Do you know how Mr. Nosfi feels about your daughter now?　Please answer the reverse pattern.

Ragne asks us both with a serious look and a serious tone of voice.

The story started out as if it was a silly joke, but Ryner seemed to understand that it wasn't a joke.

In some cases, she thought it was a story that could affect the upcoming battle, and she answers with the same serious expression as she did.

'...... maybe, but from the way things went yesterday and today, I don't think we're looking at each other as enemies who will kill each other one day anymore. But you at least see them as love enemies, don't you?　You're my ex-girlfriend and current girlfriend.

Hey, Reiner: ......!

I accuse Ryner of using the worst possible expressions of 'ex-girlfriend' and 'current girlfriend' with a serious face, and I let the killing magic fly. Ryner coolly passes it off, and Ragne goes on with her lesson as if my tsking didn't happen.

''Bubu. That's too normal an answer, isn't it? That's not true. It's just that both Nosfi and the young lady have given up on being able to have a proper relationship with Kanami's brother. --Therefore, a proper relationship with a rival is not possible.

Oh, I see.

Ryner is going to be convinced with a look that says, ”If you ask me, yes.

”Reiner, does that make sense to you now ......?

I am not convinced by this conviction, and my gaze on Ryner is only getting harder. How does this boy who calls himself my knight think of me? I need to have a serious talk with him once.

While I'm the only one with a difficult look on my face, Ragne goes through the process of answering the question.

''The answer is--Nosphy-san looks at the young lady like a 'sister'. That's why he loves her so much. On the contrary, the young lady looks at Miss Nosfi-san as if she were her 'sister'. That's why she wants to get to know him like that.

My bewilderment grows at the answer that me and Ryner will never reach.

'Yi, 'sister' and 'sister' ......?　No, it's certainly not without resemblance: ......

They are both the same ”magical stone human (Jewelculus)”, but they are both the same.

Both of them are beautiful as if they were made up and embody the ideal image of an artificial woman.

However, although they may have the same background, their essence is too different.

Their appearance characteristics are different, and their personality tendencies are different. Their magical attributes are different, and their fighting styles are different.

At a quick glance, there are similarities, but the more I think about it, the more I understand that they are not similar.

However, when it comes to whether the two of them want to be like sisters, it's not easy to deny it. Last night, I heard from Rustyala that there was a knot in it from me.

Seeing that Ryner and I were surprised but didn't deny it, Lagune further admonished us.

She told me to know our feelings properly and to act prudently on that basis--

You two are doing more than just being bad sisters. And now, please think about what Kanami's brother should do. And the liner too. I know this may be unnecessary, but I'd like to see the young lady happy. Just in case, Nosfi-san too.

I can tell me and Ryner, who is looking at Nosfi and me as an enemy, to refrain from doing so in a distant way.

If they say it's for Rastiara's happiness, there's no way to talk back to me.

However, if they consider each other as sisters, the only thing I can do is to watch them from the shadows. There is nothing more I can do. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

...... I think the best thing to do is to keep your distance as you always have. But the look on Ragnet's face seems to tell you that's not right.

As we walk through the city, I continue to worry about the treatment of Nosfies - and before I can find a new answer, the group of us reach our destination.

Oh, we're there. I'll tell you the rest of the story next time.

The villa was not far away.

It's only a few minutes' walk from our base.

The size of the villa is smaller than the mansion at the base, and it's almost as big as if there was no garden. Frankly speaking, it's not so expensive. They aren't using it in earnest and probably own it in the form of a hidden villa. As I recall, the Legacy family is from Waldo, and they were not associated with the Huseyards.

There are no servants at the main gate or in the garden.

It looks like we'll have to knock on the front door normally to announce our visit.

In order to facilitate the conversation, I lead Ryner through the garden gate and enter the grounds with Ryner in the lead.

And when Ryner's hand was about to touch the door of the villa, there was a creaking sound.

The door moved by itself. No, to be precise, the door was opened from inside the villa.

Three men and women emerge from the Legacie family's villa.

The most prominent one is a tall man standing in the middle. His lustrous golden hair hangs down to his shoulders, and his hair on the right side of his head (on the side) is intricately braided like a work of art. Once you see him, you could say he is a beautiful man who is unforgettable.

As if caught by his grace, I spill out my name.

'E, Elmirad Siddharq ......?　And--

For some reason, the man who was Snow's fiancé and the master of Lauravia's guild, Supreme, was here.

I then turn my attention to the two women on either side of him.

The first is a tall beauty with a chestnut-colored ponytail, former President of the Seven Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights), Perciona Quager. She doesn't have the full black full body armor (full plate mail) that is synonymous with her, and is dressed in rough civilian clothes, but there is no mistaking it.

The other girl has black hair and black eyes - a bit different from the other girl. She may have forgotten to dye her hair, or her pure white hair is visible at the base of her black hair. The name of the cute girl who looks as if she is carrying snow on her head also comes out immediately. It's Noir, one of the 'Magic Stone Humans (Jewelculus)' that Ayd rescued, Noir-chan.

''Persiona-san and Noir-chan too ......?

We are surprised by the unexpected faces.

It seems to be the same for them, and Elmirad and the three others are also rolling their eyes.

In the midst of all this, Elmirad was the first one to regain his composure. Her face lights up, she is happy to see us again and thrusts out her fist.

'I'm surprised. I didn't expect to see you here ....... 'Kanami, it's been a long time.'

I hadn't seen him since The Dancing Tournament a year ago.

We beat each other in the fourth round, and he helped me in many ways in the final. Remembering the events of that day, I throw a greeting to my old friend. I respond with a fist to his outstretched fist.

'Its ...... been a while, Elle.'

I dare to try to be familiar with him.

I hadn't called him by his nickname yet, although the honorific title had disappeared since we'd given it our all in the ”Dance Tournament”.

But I already knew that. I know this when I calmly think back on my life in Lauravia.

All along, this Elmiraad Siddharq man had been looking for an equal friend. He wanted a foolish man with whom he could chase the heroes of the story beyond his position as a nobleman.

I remember well how he had been discouraged by the lack of tension against my much lower profile. Now it's time to live up to his expectations.

...... Oh, oh. ...... Phew, you've changed a bit since then.

Elmirad opened his mouth to let out an exclamation, which was quickly mishandled by a graceful cough. A gratitude is shown that proves my response wasn't wrong, and I'm relieved.

'There's been a lot going on in its own way, ....... Besides, when we parted ways before, you said you'd thank me for it.

In the final match of the ”Dance Tournament”, Elmirad retrieved the ”Treasured Sword of the House of Alais” from Lagune-chan next to me, and he even stopped his pursuers in their tracks. It is not easy to repay that favor, even if you want to.

I'm grateful for that. It's true that you are the one I want to thank most. Now I can challenge you again without hesitation.

With a graceful, aristocratic smile, Elmirad turns to me with the will to fight.

There is an unconcealed will to fight again (revenge) there.

''Eh ......?　A challenge means you want to fight me again ......?

Of course. 'Of course I would like to ask for help when I get the chance. For the sake of my fiancé, for the sake of my family's pride, I am obliged to challenge the hero of Lauravian. Yes, this is my duty.

Well, I hope you get the chance: ......

Just wait till you get a chance. If you get a better chance, all right?

He doesn't seem to have any intention of forcing her to do anything right now.

Maybe it's because of the strong image from the game, I thought he was going to force himself on me, but that's not the case.

I'm going to ask Elmirad with a sense of relief.

'More importantly, why is Elle here?'

...... You know that well. I was recently sent to the continent to fight a war, but the truce was abruptly decided, leaving me with a great deal of spare time. I'm waiting in the Great Sacred City.

There is a border war going on on the mainland right now between the Northern and Southern Confederacy.

However, since I took out Snow, the acting commander-in-chief of the South, and eliminated the top id from the North, there is no longer a proper war to be fought.

Apparently, Elmirad knows that I was the cause of that series of disturbances.

I wonder how he found out: .......

The Legacies and Siddharths have always had a close relationship. I used this free time to come to the villa to say hello. ...... and so did Mr. Quager next door for the same reason.

Elmirado spreads his right hand vigorously and introduces the knight in line next to him. With his name mentioned, Persiona-san greets me while lightly raising her hand.

'It's been a while, Kanami-kun. And also Ryner and Ragne. As both generals who were sent to the front line, they often work with Lord Siddharth. It's that way again today.

A brief supplement to Elmiraad's story is given.

However, that explanation - I don't agree with it (・・・・・・・・).

I have a strong sense of discomfort from earlier.

For example, I can't find one explanation for why they are visiting this Legacy family. Inevitably, I can't help but think that this encounter is not a coincidence.

But as long as Elmirad and his friends are talking to me in a friendly manner, I can't point that out. ...... It's still too early.

''Oh, so that's why ....... But, Noir-chan, are you ......?

Is it wrong to play with them?

I spoke to Noir, who was most uncomfortable, but she returned it with a Buddha's face.

Come to think of it, I had stabbed her in the stomach and also severed the ligaments in her right arm. I realize that she could have slashed me in retaliation right away, and I speak to her as gently as possible.

'No, it's not like that. I just wanted to tell you that Rouge-chan wanted to meet you ....... With Ayde gone, Viasia is short-handed now. I hope you'll please go and see her: ......

'Which mouth says. Which mouth is ......!　You're the one who made Dr. Eid disappear: ......!

That's right. It's like I'm killing her benefactor.

I decide it's impossible to make up for it and stop embellishing my words.

”...... Yeah. I drove Ayde back to her real home. But I think that was the best way for your benefactor, Ayde, to end it. I can't apologize to you for ...... lying to you.

This ......!!!

If I apologize, it would be like insulting all the fighting in that castle.

I've had the best goodbye to both Ayd and Titi after the best fight. I wanted to tell you that, but Noir-chan's anger is only growing.

Noir-chan was about to jump on him now, but Elmirade grabbed him by the shoulders from behind and stopped him.

...... Hmmm. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on. ...... But now Noir-kun is treated as my subordinate - no, as a colleague. I'm not going to let him or her mess with you, even if he or she is Kanami.

Elmiraad steps forward and protects Noir-chan, making her look stern and full of wariness.