–
Part 1「And because of that, although this is a special exception for only this time, he will be the second male transfer student. It will be for two weeks from here on. Everyone, get along with him.」
Instructor Raigree's solemn voice resounded calmly.
*Murmur murmur*, a bewildered and surprised stir that had never happened before was filling the cla.s.sroom in the morning.
The infiltration and investigation in Heiburg that was covered up as honeymoon with Philuffy.
Furthermore the conquering of the first Ruin Babel in the port city Triport located at the western territory of the new kingdom. After those events had the curtain closed, Lux returned to his life in Academy after so long.
Also due to the damage from the battle in Heiburg where he used Over Limit, he was told by the doctor to take a rest without wearing Drag-Ride for a while.
His girl cla.s.smates were getting excited due to the surprising happening that would make anyone opened their eyes wide in shock.
「Eerr, because of that I will be in the care of everyone for a while. I am Coral Esther, the aide of Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality's Seven Dragon Paladins. Best regard.」
A young man with beautiful features possessing characteristic light green hair that was braided and androgynous look.
When he smiled, shouts of joy 'KYAAAAH!* thundered inside the cla.s.sroom.
–
「Heey, his atmosphere is different from Lux-kun, but he is also nice isn't he?」
「He was the person from Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality who became butler in the campus festival right? He is a very dreamy person.」
「Should I aim at him I wonder? The compet.i.tion for our prince is already intensified too much, I cannot make any move anyway.」
「I'm firmly in Lux-kun faction though. Besides, he will be here for only two weeks. He also won't be able to stay for that event──」
–
「──You all are noisy. It's fine even if you all don't treat him specially while we are in the Academy, but don't be lacking in manner.」
Raigree immediately chided everyone and calmed down the situation, but the atmosphere of the cla.s.sroom was still excited.
It was an event where a boy from an allied country transferred in temporarily to experience enrolling in the academy.
And then, if that young man was also someone with beautiful features that were neck to neck with Lux, then it couldn't be helped that everyone got excited like this.
Lux was also surprised by this situation. He was staring at it while smiling wryly.
For Lux who was the only boy in the Academy until now, he also felt somewhat complicated, but as expected the members of Syvalles inside the cla.s.s were calm.
Lisha was folding her arm looking as though it was only a trivial happening, and Krulcifer was also smiling with composure. Philuffy was falling in a doze sleepily, while Tillfur looked like she was having fun.
「Then, I want to a.s.sign a new seat, but if you have hope for where──」
「Ah, yes.」
Prompted by the instructor, Coral looked over the cla.s.sroom.
Then, his gaze met Lux's right away.
Because recently Coral was helping with the defense of new kingdom and the like, he should have been acquainted quite much with the members of Syvalles too, but as expected it seemed he was inclined to Lux who was of the same gender.
「Hmm. You will be enrolled here for around two weeks only anyway. Perhaps it will be easier like that. Lux Arcadia, will you look after him?」
「Err, if he is alright with me then with pleasure.」
Of course Lux also had no reason to refuse.
After he readily accepted, Coral sat on the seat prepared beside Lux and he gave Lux a natural smile.
「Thank you. I'm happy that I can be in the same cla.s.s with Lux-kun.」
In the end it should be a normal greeting between fellow male, but when Coral with his face that looked like girl was saying that to him, for some reason his heart skipped a beat.
The girl cla.s.smates who saw that was incomprehensibly getting heated up for some reason.
「Ooohh? Geez Lux-chi, don't tell me you are okay with a boy too?」
「Wait, what are you saying Tillfur!?」
When Lux was fl.u.s.tered by Tillfur's teasing, Raigree sighed while starting the lesson.
「Ahaha. I don't really understand but, please go easy on me.」
Even while smiling wryly, Coral matched the mood of Lux and others.
Krulcifer was staring at such sight with her usual composed gaze, while Lisha was staring with a slightly dissatisfied expression.
Lux returned back a smile at Coral, then he straightened his back and nodded.
The students of the Academy thought that the student transfer this time was a mere cultural exchange event.
But the members of Syvalles knew that there were deep meaning and situation behind it.
–
Part 2The other day, a world summit was held once more.
A war council was opened in the royal capital of the new kingdom under the form of the leaders and Seven Dragon Paladins from all the countries being separated from each other and talked among their respective group.
Lux partic.i.p.ated in spite of his exhaustion and injury. Three people from the Lords joined and had a dialogue with the representatives.
「The capture of Babel this time, it's truly a great step. With this we have taken one more step forward on the path toward Avalon.」
The Ragnarok of Babel──Metatron was destroyed in Triport, and the Grand Force was successfully put in the deepest part of the Ruin.
And then at the next week, the full force of the other Seven Dragon Paladins were focused in the conquering, and under the presence of the Lords, they splendidly completed the capture of the Dungeon, the Ruin within the territory of Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality. Such report had been sent.
The partic.i.p.ants in that event were Blackend Kingdom that was led by Singlen, Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality that was led by Greifer, and Turkimes Confederation that was led by Soffice, those three countries.
Because that achievement was done by the cooperation of the three countries, the accomplishment was shared between the three of them.
It seemed at that side they were also forced into a very hard fight against the Ragnarok as their opponent and they received considerable damage, but they took care of it safely.
With this──, four of the seven Ruins had been conquered and there were only three remaining.
The Garden, the Hall, and then the Moon which whereabouts was still unknown.
In regard to the world destruction that would be brought forth by the Sacred Eclipse in three more months, it could be thought that the matter although it couldn't be called as ideal, but it was still progressing favorably──but,
「Unfortunately, I believe everyone won't be able to act in this one month ahead. Therefore, in reality we almost have no extension of time to reach until Avalon.」
The Lord──.
The survivor of the imperial family of the ancient era, the first imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire, Listelka Rei Ashalia.
Her silver hair and grey eyes, and then her body that was clad with pure white dress made her looked like an ephemeral girl. When she spoke those words with a tense expression, a faint agitation was running around the fourteen Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides.
「It's just what I want if you are giving us a break, but in the end will we make it in time like that? There ain't any guarantee that we will conquer the remaining Ruins smoothly yeah?」
The one who said that was a young man who had characteristic bristled blond hair and gave the impression of being peeved.
Greifer of Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality unusually spoke out his opinion.
Lux was basically feeling the same doubt, but Krulcifer who was attending as the aide from Ymir Theocracy was quietly speaking the heart of the matter.
「Even if we want to open the Ruin and summon the Ragnarok, we don't have enough 『key』 correct?」
With that sentence several people in that place suddenly realized it. LIstelka spoke the reason once more.
「To say it simply, that's right. After an XferKey's Supervisor unlocked an important facility, they will lose their interference ability toward the Ruins for a while. They will recover after about a month, that's why everyone will be forced to standby for a month from here.」
The other day Krulcifer used her authority as Xfer in Babel, while the maid Mis.h.i.+s from the side of the Lord did the same in Dungeon.
Thus, at present it was impossible to open the door that connected to the deepest part of Ruin.
They were forced to a standstill even in the situation where they had no extension of time remaining.
「Is it impossible to destroy the door or wall and forcefully open the closed path?」
Lux's aide, Celis asked her question frankly.
She pointed out that even if the important facility of Ruin was locked with a solid wall, if they used the ability of Drag-Ride's Divine Raiment in full power, there was a possibility they could breakthrough.
But, Listelka shook her head quietly.
「That's not possible. ……Or rather, I wish to tell this to everyone once again, I want the destruction of facility that cannot be entered and device that cannot be used without Xfer's authority to stop.」
The reason was because in the first place the wall or door was created from alloy that was hard to destroy even with the power of Drag-Ride.
When the Ruin recognized that it was being exposed against strong attack, for a few months the pedestal at the deepest part of the Ruin would become unable to accept Grand Force.
Naturally if that happened the path to Avalon would also be closed.
Thus, in this chance a strict order was given that conquering Ruin by destroying place where Xfer's authority was required would be considered as something prohibited that could even be called as treason.
「Theen, are you telling us to fold our hand and just watch for a month from now? It's fine for me because I can take it easy thouugh.」
When the talk was almost concluded like that, the Seven Dragon Paladins of Heiburg Republic, Rosa Granhide interrupted.
She was injured in the middle of conquering Ruin. Her broken arm was suspended with cloth and she was walking using cane, even so she didn't show any sign of frailty at the slightest and wrapped herself with overwhelmingly overbearing atmosphere.
By the way──Rosa wasn't reported as traitor.
After the case in Babel, Lux consulted the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca, and it was decided that the matter of Rosa's betrayal wouldn't be prosecuted and she would be made to continue as Seven Dragon Paladins.
It was because Rosa Granhide was only used as scapegoat by the true King of Vices──Calensia who threatened and brainwashed Rosa, making her misdeed and infamy as cover for herself.
『Of course, I will have to talk about it to the leaders of each country though. Honestly, it will be regrettable to lose one of the Seven Dragon Paladins here, it will be troublesome too if those Lord fellows take revenge and cause chaos. I'll deal with this secretly. You can leave the rest to me.』 Magialca said that to Lux and he abided by her words.
Magialca's aide was dispatched to Heiburg, and the situation there was moving to the direction of the dissolution of the military regime without the King of Vices.
Honestly, it also felt like an intervention of other country's domestic affair, but in this situation where the world destruction was imminent in three more months, he had no motivation to object.
Of course, it would be a different story if Lux opposed that, but he forgave Rosa.
It was a secret matter in the end, so Rosa kept her acting of behaving arrogantly the same like before.
「Of course, we have no leeway of wasting time like this. During this one month where we will be unable to conquer Ruins, I wish for everyone to rest and preserve your battle strength, and also to complete the remaining three tasks.」
The three tasks.
The annihilation of the antagonistic mercenary organization Dragon Marauder. The discovery of the seventh Ruin, the Moon which whereabouts was unknown. Pinpointing the traitor that existed within the world alliance.At present, the existence of traitor like the third task hinted was uncertain, so there was no prospect about it.
If he was forced to say, then the King of Vices of Heiburg might be applicable for it, but that matter including Rosa's case was taken care of secretly, so by appearance it was the same as being unable to find the traitor.
「During the one month ahead, please stop conquering the Ruins. In exchange, I promise that the country that accomplished these three tasks will receive reward like Drag-Ride and the like, and also the blessing of Avalon.」
When Listelka showed the bait once more, several of the Seven Dragon Paladins held their breath.
The promised land that would be opened after the seven Ruins were liberated, Avalon.
The promise of offering resource, treasure, and furthermore technology from the ancient era.
Among those that were useful in conquering the Ruins and accomplished the tasks, the one with most accomplishment would be rewarded with those, and recently the evaluation was taking shape with point rationing system.
At the present situation, new kingdom and Heiburg Republic that cooperated in the surface to conquer Babel were awarded with ten points for conquering a Ruin. Those points were split between the two countries with 3:2 ratio.
Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality, Blackend Kingdom, and Turkimes Confederation that were similarly cooperating to conquer the Dungeon were also given with evaluation point.
New kingdom - 6 point, Heiburg Republic - 4 point, Vanheim Republic - four point, Blackend Kingdom - 3 point, Turkimes Confederation - 3 point.
That was the end result from the Lord's evaluation.
「By the way, bringing down one of the Dragon Marauder's three division commanders will be rewarded with five points. And I will present ten points as reward for the country that discovered the Moon or the traitor.」
Seeing Listelka who talked with a gentle smile, the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides fell silent.
This talk was also told to the leaders of each country, so it could be imagined that they would most likely give the instruction to pursue for the blessing of Avalon later.
Originally, they would want to avoid the structure of each country competing for point, but thinking about the future after the world was protected from ruin, as expected as the leaders they wouldn't be able to shut their eyes in regard to this.
The conquering of Ruins this time was carried out peacefully in the shape of two or more countries cooperating with each other, but it was unknown what would happen from here.
There might be dispute between countries because they were impatient for achievement, and if it went poorly there was even possibility that some country would get framed as traitor.
Thus, one month from here would be a preparation period.
Everyone accepted it as a postponement in order to settle everything in the remaining two months, but──,
「And then──there is one more suggestion from me, what do you all think about doing aide exchange in this chance?」
The sentence that Listelka announced in the end caused a small stir to result inside the room.
At the conclusion, that odd proposal was approved in the meeting, and a few days later the countries executed it.
–
Part 3「Hmm. So Coral-kun will be here for a while?」
「Hey hey, what kind of work an aide have to do?」
「If there is anything troubling you, don't be reserved and just ask!」
At lunch break after the morning cla.s.s was over.
As expected, Coral was surrounded by female students and he was barraged by questions.
「Good grief, even though a danger is approaching the world, our girls are still like usual.」
Lisha was watching that from afar while gathering Lux, krulcifer, Philuffy, and Tillfur and began to talk with them casually.
「It can't be helped. There is no way for them as well as the people to know what is currently happening after all.」
「Yep yep. Or rather, Lisha-sama is also too relaxed y'know? This matter is quite the top secret right?」
Krulcifer and Tillfur retorted with their usual atmosphere toward Lisha who was folding her arms in dissatisfaction.
Perhaps Philuffy was still feeling exhausted from the previous deathly battle, she was only blinking her eyes sleepily.
In order to avoid chaos and riot, the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse was only told to a part of the upper echelon, including the members of Syvalles.
And so, this current spectacle should pose no problem, but Coral's existence was concerning.
「The standby period for a month. In order to confirm each other's combat potential and strengthening cooperating using this chance, the aides of Seven Dragon Paladins will be exchanged every two week for inspection──. That was the excuse of that so called imperial princess huh.」
Correct.
Coral was coming to the Academy as transfer student wasn't a coincidence.
Due to the 『intermingling and inspection』 suggestion by imperial princess Listelka, Coral came here as an envoy from Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality. Tomorrow, Celis and Krulcifer were also scheduled to depart from the new kingdom at the early morning.
「Well, that man looks harmless, so there is no need to be that wary though.」
「──Such negligence is forbidden. Lux-kun, if it's you, you already understand the true meaning of that proposal correct?」
Krulcifer immediately denied Lisha's muttering and she whispered that.
Lux nodded slightly and replied back.
「I understand. I believe so──but」
The true objective of exchanging aide between countries.
Rather than for strengthening cooperation between fellow countries, it could be imagined that the aim was for the countries to 『monitor』 each other.
If the aide of other country was accompanying the Seven Dragon Paladins of a country, then that aide would inevitably become able to observe the tendency of that country.
In short, the imperial princess Listelka herself was cautious of some country stealing a march to stand on top.
Furthermore, in case a country was found out to be hiding something related to Ruin, it was possible they would be designated as traitor using that as proof.
The aim of the Lord was till the end to use this chance to crush those uncertain factors.
In the end the Listelka's proposal couldn't be rejected and the leaders made the decision to carry it out in their meeting.
「Well, but it's fine right? We have nothing to hide anyway──……ah」
Tillfur was about to speak casually, but she saw Philuffy and her mouth closed reflexively.
The situation of Philuffy who had the seed of Ragnarok residing in her body was something that they didn't want other country to know.
「In any case, it will be better to be careful in this one month. You are kind to anyone, but being careless is forbidden. I and Celis-senpai will also be sent to other country after this.」
「──Right. Be careful there, Krulcifer-san.」
「Ah, Lux-kun. Can you show me a bit where is the restroom? That's, I don't know where is the one for boy──」
At that timing, Coral raised his hand from his seat at the distance.
Lux who saw that immediately walked toward Coral.
「Right. If you are alright with me, I will also show you around the campus later──?」
Coral let out a relieved sigh at Lux's suggestion and he smiled while grasping Lux's hand.
「Thank you, that will be really helpful……」
As expected, Coral must be tired from getting surrounded by female students during the break.
Lux who guessed that arranged so they could be alone. Coral also understood Lux's consideration to him and he said his grat.i.tude, but──.
「I wonder, does he really understand what I'm telling him just now…….」
「To me, it looks like he isn't on his guard or anything while facing an aide from other country……」
Krulcifer was watching that with a conflicted gaze, while Lisha was also exasperated.
「I wanted to eat lunch, with Lu-chan.」
On the other hand, Philuffy who finally opened her eyes was stuffing her cheeks with donut silently.
「Our Academy is really peaceful somehow isn't iitt」
Tillfur concluded the talk like that and shrugged her shoulders.
Even with the tense atmosphere from the special situation that was Coral's transfer, the peaceful ordinary days were still going to start.
–
Part 4「You saved me. After all there was almost no chance to interact with girl at the military academy in Vanheim you see.」
And then the time pa.s.sed until after school──.
Lux was guiding Coral around the Academy's ground.
He started from the school building and practice ground, then to the atelier of Drag-Ride, the dining hall, the library, and the Drag-Ride hangar.
Like that he introduced the facilities in general.
If that was all then there would be no problem, but,
–
「Hey hey, those two, aren't they getting along better than expected?」
「That's right. I heard that they often met because of their work, it seems he is one of Lux-kun's few male friends.」
「I thought there would be jealousy but, could it be that this pairing might be possible?」
「Ye─s, the spectators please watch from distanc─e」
The female students from first year until third year who were watching Lux and Coral from distance were getting led away by Tillfur cheerfully.
The curious onlookers were too many, so he heard from Airi that the Triad were managing them each hour.
「Ahahaha……. This Academy is amazing in various things. Should I call it unique──」
「I think no one will blame you even if you call it strange there.」
Lux also returned a wry smile to Coral who was making a troubled face.
In time like practical training and the like, Lux would only watch without wearing Drag-Ride because his exhaustion was great, but just by doing warm-up exercises with Coral, for some reason the female students would become noisy with shrill voice.
It seemed that a part of the female students would find out perversion from the relations.h.i.+p between two handsome young men in spite of the reality.
A single boy in a girl school.
He thought that the ordinary day until now had gradually calmed down, but contrary to expectations, the Academy was becoming noisy in a different meaning.
And then in addition to that, a giddy air was also flowing through the whole Academy.
「Even so, somehow they are very energetic. Will there be a festival or something soon?」
「Ah……I see, now that you mention it, it won't be long before that.」
Lux also suddenly remembered something from Coral's words.
Fundamentally it was forbidden to decorate the girl dormitory, but from not long ago, there were several rooms that were decorated with a circle constructed from the branches of holly olive.
It was decoration that prayed for repelling evil and happiness.
At this time, Lux would receive several odd jobs requests to make them.
Recalling that, Lux's cheeks loosened unconsciously.
「It's the holy night festival. The preparation to welcome the end of the year of the new kingdom will begin soon.」
–
Part 5At the same time.
The girls were also forming their strategy while observing that from afar.
Night──, in the empty dining hall after dinner was over.
At that place that was specially reserved for an extraordinary meeting, the main members of Syvalles were gathering.
The captain Celis, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy were naturally there.
Even the members of Triad, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct, then Airi and also Yoruka were present along with tea and dessert.
「Gununununu……. What's with that! Even though Lux finally came back from that fake honeymoon, it became hard for us to approach because of that!」
「You're right. The pretext of that person accompanying him as the aide from Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality exist, that is quite the miscalculation on our part.」
「Both of you, please hide your true feeling a little. Please remember that in the end this is a strategy meeting.」
When Airi retorted like that with exasperation,
「Tha, that's right! The topic of this meeting should be about doing information exchange between us before I and Krulcifer depart tomorrow.」
The serious Celis put the situation in order while looking impatient like that. The place calmed down.
「Yes. Putting that aside, it will be the holy night festival soon. It's an event where female will give present to the male who has helped the most throughout the year──and after that it soon will also be the nativity festival, where the male will present the return gift for that at the third month next year.」
Continuing after Noct who was murmuring matter-of-factly, Sharis and Tillfur were also smiling mischievously.
「I completely thought that we are gathered here for that matter, but I wonder if I'm mistaken?」
「Ain't that right, it feels like it will be really troublesome if we don't have discussion about it beforehand after all.」
「My? What could this be about?」
Everyone present fell silent at Yoruka's question, as though they had something in their mind.
After that, Krulcifer observed the expression of everyone around while starting to talk with determination.
「It looks like there won't be even a month until the holy night festival that is a big event in this country but, in this period where the world might end soon, there is no one who is thinking anything strange isn't it?」
「……Wha, what do you mean by strange thing? That's, it's not like I'm planning of anything else other than giving present though──」
After Celis whispered that with a somewhat fretful look, everyone there silently turned a dubious gaze toward her.
「I want to confirm beforehand but, that aforementioned holy night festival, it's not like it's a day for confessing love to someone isn't it? It's only a day for giving present.」
「O, obviously! After all, it's a tradition that has continued from ancient time, even before the era of the old empire. That's, perhaps there is that kind of custom in part of it though.」
「Ye, yes! That's, even if someone give a present as a symbol of grat.i.tude to other person, there shouldn't be any other intention than that put inside it……perhaps.」
After Lisha spoke in panic, Celis also added further explanation after her.
Philuffy was looking absentmindedly, but before long she tapped her hand *pon*.
「That's right. A present for Lu-chan, I have to think about it──」
Instantly everyone's body jerked in reaction.
It showed how they were sharing the same reason of uneasiness.
「A present for Aruji-sama? I cannot think of anything that would be fitting for that, so at the very least I'll offer this body direct──」
「That's why, I'm telling you that's completely no good……」
Seeing Krulcifer who raised her voice unusually, Airi guessed something.
「The world destruction is imminent, that's why let's not steal a march on each other. That's what this is about isn't it?」
「Stea, stealing a march!? I, it's not like I'm……」
Lisha's cheeks reddened and she oddly averted her gaze.
But, the Triad who also guessed Airi's point each added their own opinion.
「Certainly it might be better that way. Of course, we don't know when we will die, so at least I want to convey my feeling──there is also such feeling though.」
「Yes. But, to do anything that will cause the mind unstable until the matter of Avalon is taken care of will be putting the cart before the horse.」
「Everyone's feeling need to be in the same page here. It will be terrible for Lux-chi too if he get confession from a lot of people all at once.」
Sharis talked with a deep feeling, the Noct and Tillfur continued after her.
Seeing how everyone other than Philuffy and Yoruka went 'hah' in realization, they must have noticed Airi's intention.
In short, let's not tell their feeling to Lux until the matter came to an end, it was such discussion for everyone to restrain themselves.
The reason Krulcifer suggested that was because she was also an aide for Ymir Theocracy. She was surely being caution if by any chance she was unable to be present here because of her duty.
Lisha and Celis who noticed that also consented with a tacit understanding.
So to speak, the holy night festival would be a skirmish to gauge their distance with Lux.
When this battle was concluded and the world became peaceful, the nativity festival would came right after that.
Until that day, they mustn't advance their relations.h.i.+p with Lux further than the present.
「……Haa, everyone is really hopeless, but I understand everyone's feeling. About Philuffy-san and Yoruka-san, I will talk with them again later. And so, I will manage the schedule of Nii-san at that day, so can everyone please report to me about your present so that there won't be any overlap?」
「Oh well, I guess, it will be helpful if you, his little sister will manage this.」
「I, I get it. I pretty much have decided already what present to give Lux after all.」
「A, acknowledged. That's, I will think about the general idea until tomorrow.」
「What should I give Lu-chan, I wonder.」
「I don't get it about that matter, so I'll concede it to you.」
After Krulcifer, Lisha, Celis, and Philuffy muttered one after another, Yoruka concluded the talk with a carefree smile.
Like that Airi put the girls' wishes in order and then they breakup form that place.
「Good grief, just why do I have to do something like this.」
Airi parted from the Triad while murmuring sulkily.
There was the matter of the other day about Philuffy, so she told her beforehand so that nothing strange would happen because of the instigation of her elder sister, the headmaster Relie.
Airi was able to predict that it would become like this in the near future, but when the time actually came she felt conflicted.
On the other hand, she also talked about this matter to Yoruka, but she didn't look interested and ignored her.
『It's not necessary. Something like a present for Aruji-sama, what kind of thing that will make him happy, it's something that I don't think I will be able to do anyway──』
Yoruka who didn't understand human's feeling.
Airi was also convinced by her words, but she also felt something strangely unnatural from her words.
If it was the Yoruka from before, she felt like Yoruka would at least think of a present for form's sake even if it might not make Lux happy.
She thought that after fighting together with the other girls in the previous battle, Yoruka had become able to understand the others to a certain degree, but…
「It will be fine if she isn't thinking of anything bad though……」
Noticing that she was thinking in consideration like that toward Yoruka, she smiled wryly seeing how without noticing she was starting to think of her as friend.
Captured by his past and duty, Lux was unable to notice good will from other people. But even that shackle that was like a curse was gradually getting unbound from his interaction with the girls.
In three more months, even this great battle would be concluded and Lux would be able to take a break from this battle where he was immersing himself in.
In other words, for the girls that time would also be the time to settle victory or defeat.
–
Part 6「The holy night festival huh. It's nice that there will be a fun event in the new kingdom.」
「It was a festival for only n.o.bles at the era of the old empire though. Since the country became the new kingdom now, her majesty queen Rafi turned it into something that is unrelated with one's status.」
「The queen of this country is a good person isn't she……」
Lux who had just finished dinner was sorting the books inside the library after the closing time due to the request from the librarian.
His body still hadn't recovered fully, so his ch.o.r.es were also only light work for rehabilitation, but Coral proposed to help.
At first he planned to refuse, but thinking that it was also not a good idea to gather attention from the female students even more than this, he accepted.
「Her highness princess Milmiette of Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality also doesn't lose right?」
「You're right. It will be great though──if I can also act like that.」
Lux felt something strangely out of place from Coral's words and he tilted his head.
He should be the princess's close a.s.sociate and a distant relative, but did something weigh her down about it?
「In any case, please take care of me for these two weeks. Though it my tedious that it's someone like me who came here.」
Coral who put the last book smiled while saying that. Lux immediately shook his head.
「I might have said it before but, I like everyone in the Academy, however I didn't have even a single male friend. I'm happy that Coral came.」
「Ah, that……thank you, Lux-kun.」
Coral suddenly looked bashful with reddened cheeks.
It was an unusual reaction from him who usually smiled naturally. For some reason even Lux almost got throbbing heart.
(Wait, what am I thinking! Even though I am indisputably a man──)
Just because the other party had androgynous look and slender body, as expected feeling like this would be inexcusable for him.
Though thinking back, when Coral's skin got seen by Lux at Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality, it felt like at that time he was also acting embarra.s.sed by more than necessary──.
(No, something like this feels strange because I'm overly conscious of it. We are fellow male, I need to interact with him boldly──)
When Lux determined himself like that, a knocking sound came from outside the library.
「Lux-chi, thanks for your work. The bath is already empty right now y'know?」
「Ah, right. Thanks Tillfur. I'll go there right away so──」
Lux replied to the other side of the door and he slowly stood up.
After all the female students finished entering the large public bath, Lux's turn to enter finally came.
Exactly because he had decided that he mustn't get strangely conscious of Coral, Lux intentionally declared.
「The, then Coral. Let's enter together.」
「Eh!? Tha, that's──a bit……. No, I get it!」
Coral's eyes opened wide for a moment in agitation, but then he averted his eyes and nodded.
(Wait, why is even Coral acting embarra.s.sed like this……?)
Lux was feeling the vaguely awkward atmosphere while heading to the large public bath.
–
Part 7「Say Lux-kun. Right now, I'm looking properly like a boy right?」
While changing in the changing room, Coral asked him like that for some reason. Lux didn't know how he should react.
「O, of course, but, what's the matter?」
「No. It's nothing, though.」
Even while saying that, he averted his eyes from Lux for some reason while taking off his clothes in a way that attempted to hide his body. Because of that he looked strangely bewitching.
However it was odd.
Even though Coral looked undoubtedly like a man, Lux wondered why he looked erotic to him.
He was feeling strangely nervous with his heart pounding hard, but the moment he stepped inside the bathroom, that dubious atmosphere vanished.
「Uwaa……」
The pillars that were made from marble.
The large public bath that was illuminated by faint orange light felt pleasant no matter how many times he visited it.
Although Coral was also a relative of the princess, it seemed he had never seen a bath this large, because his face burst into a happy smile.
「Somehow, it's amazing. I'm envious that you can enter this kind of bath.」
There was almost no custom to take a bath in the academy of Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality and the bathtub there was also cramped, so it seemed that it was quite the hards.h.i.+p for Coral to bath there.
When he soaked inside the bathtub after lightly was.h.i.+ng his body, Coral stretched out his limbs delightfully.
「Nn. It's calming. So much so that I want to become a student here.」
「Ahaha, I'll welcome it if Coral come here.」
Lux finally returned to his usual rhythm and he felt relieved in his heart.
His gaze casually moved toward Coral's chest, but as expected he couldn't see anything feminine there at the slightest.
(At that time it felt like he even had proper b.r.e.a.s.t.s there though──)
When Coral dressed as girl in his pursuit of Dragon Marauder, at that time it wasn't just his body, if he remembered right even the color of his hair──.
「I heard just now but, in the holy night festival, it seems a boy can receive present from girl isn't it? It feels like Lux-kun will receive a lot of present──」
「Ah, about that, it seems that Airi will manage it for me. She said that it appears the number of present that will come will be more than expected, but I think she is too exaggerating.」
「Haa……. Really Lux-kun, even though it will soon be one year that you are staying here, but you still don't understand girl's feeling.」
Hearing Coral telling him with an exasperated tone mixed somewhere in his voice caused him to feel like his heart was stabbed deeply.
「I think I'm in agreement with Airi-chan. After all when I was protecting this place with Greifer while Lux-kun was absent, I saw how popular you are.」
「As expected, it must be because they are considering me as a rare sight here, I think that's all there is to it. After all I'm the only boy here. Besides──」
「Lux-kun. That kind of modesty is called as simple blockheadedness you know?」
Coral got out of the bathtub with a splash and he gathered his light green hair with a towel.
And then he puffed out his cheeks slightly and pointed out.
「They won't pay attention to you for nearly a year just because you are a rare sight. You are an imperial family member of the old empire, and the only boy in the Academy, but everyone is able to receive you properly. I think that's something really amazing, something that you should feel proud about.」
「……Is, that so.」
If that was the case then he felt happy.
After all he was from the imperial family of the old empire that was once oppressing the people.
From his position as 『enemy』 that was widely imposing the tendency of male chauvinism, into a position where everyone was able to recognize and accept him.
He was finally able to obtain the thing that he had been wis.h.i.+ng for all this time.
「By the way, Lux-kun, do you have anyone who you like?」
Lux was bewildered from getting asked that with a tone that sounded teasing, but also sounded somewhat serious.
「Wh, why so suddenly?」
「Isn't it fine? We are fellow male here, I also wanted to try doing this kind of talk. Greifer is obviously devoted to Milmiette-sama after all.」
「……Even if you ask me that so suddenly, that's──I don't really know.」
「Really? Even though you are getting along so well with those girls.」
Coral questioned with blus.h.i.+ng face from soaking into hot water.
「Certainly everyone is really friendly with me, but that is because various circ.u.mstances. Could it be……there is such doubt remaining in me.」
「Hmmm. That also means, that you have become properly conscious of them.」
Coral stayed submerged in the bathtub and smiled with a somewhat innocent expression.
「Bu, but it isn't like I said it clearly. Besides, I'm a criminal, there are things that I have to do mo matter what──」
「……Certainly, that might be true.」
After holding his breath slightly, Coral muttered with a meek expression.
「A criminal isn't burdened with just debt, they don't even have the freedom to marry. But, you are recognized by her majesty queen Raffi and Lizsharte-sama. You have also become the princess's personal knight, and you have saved the country from danger several times. If only you wish for it, isn't it possible to have that collar removed?」
「──Yes. Perhaps, it's just as Coral said.」
After similarly taking a bit of time to think, Lux also smiled with a lonely look and told his answer.
「But, I still cannot do that. The matter that I tried to accomplish in the past but was unable to. Until I obtain an answer about it that can convince myself, I」
It was about the revolution in the old empire that ended as tragedy due to Fugil's betrayal.
Did Lux overlook something, or did the words that his elder brother told him correct?
Perhaps there was no way to confirm the answer.
Even so──Lux resolved himself to become deeply involved with the new kingdom once more as a member of Seven Dragon Paladins and fought together with Lisha and everyone.
With the method that was the same like that time, where he would try to save even the enemy as much as possible.
However, right now he had a lot of comrades who were fighting together with him.
「Perhaps something like an answer in regard to incident or mistake that happened in the past doesn't exist. Even so──if I can finish this battle, then perhaps I will be able to feel convinced in my heart. That's what I think.」
There was no way Lux could talk about the particular of the Black Hero to Coral who was from Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality.
That was why, he let out a large sigh and smiled after hearing Lux earnestly expressing his feeling to him just now.
「I see. It will be great……if you can find your answer.」
Coral didn't say that casually, he spoke earnestly while putting his hand on his chest.
It was the smile of someone who understood Lux and sympathized with him.
「──That means, Aruji-sama's relations.h.i.+p with those girls will also progress at the nativity festival three months later? After relinquis.h.i.+ng that criminal collar too?」
「Right. I don't how it will become but, if possible I──wait!? Why is Yoruka here!?」
The moment Lux responded to the voice that came from inside the steam, he noticed the girl's presence.
There he saw the figure of the girl exposing her bewitching white skin.
「Huh, eeeeeh!? Wh wh wy, why!?」
Coral spontaneously also leaped back, creating a large splash on the bathtub.
The large public bath at night where there should be only two young men alone, was instantly enveloped with an odd heat.
「My, please don't pay me any mind. I'm only coming here to guard Aruji-sama while also was.h.i.+ng his back. Besides──I'm also borrowing the so called water dress from my friend.」
Yoruka said that while making a carefree smile on her face. Indeed, she was wearing purple water dress and small dark blue waistcloth.
Although, the exposure rate was slightly greater than her usual clothing or pilot suit as expected. Lux's gaze was naturally absorbed toward her body.
「Not that, what I want to say is──」
「Lux-kun, don't tell me you are always doing something like this……?」
Coral who was submerged until his shoulder inside the milky white hot water was unusually expressing dissatisfaction.
He was sending him a reproachful gaze with red cheeks from the heat of the hot water.
「Yo, you are wrong! That's, usually even Yoruka won't come until this place──! Yoruka too, you promised not to do anything strange in the Academy right!?」
Lux was justifying himself to Coral who was unusually making a grave expression while chiding Yoruka who was circling her hands around his neck.
But, the girl didn't look guilty as usual and spoke out a shocking thing.
「Protecting the safety of Aruji-sama is my natural duty as a servant. Especially when there is an unknown fellow staying by your side, that's all the more true──」
「Eh──?」
Lux was taken aback by the words and gaze of Yoruka that were filled with significance.
Her blue and purple eyes, the asymmetrically colored eyes were obviously looking at Coral.
「Those words, do you mean to say that I'm going to do something to Lux-kun?」
「Forgive me for my slowness. My name is Kirihime Yoruka. The loyal servant and tool of Aruji-sama──that is all there is to my existence.」
Yoruka didn't answer Coral's question and introduced herself to him.
She was telling to the young man in front of her that she had no intention at all to get along with him.
「I, I know. This is the first time I'm talking properly with you but, you are just like the rumor aren't you? More importantly, I don't know if I should be the one to say this but, it's not good you know, something like this.」
Coral averted his face as though he recalled the situation they were in and calmly offered his candid advice.
'I don't know if I should be the one to say this', Lux was curious about those words, but he didn't understand what Coral meant by that.
After all there should be no problem for him to enter with Coral, unlike Yoruka. Did he refer to his standing as a transfer student from foreign country?
While Lux was tilting his head in puzzlement of that,
「Is that so? But, you are in no position that allow you to say such thing I believe.」
「No I, based on the general common sense──」
「Actually, I am doubtful.」
While the steam was covering each other's body, Yoruka interrupted like that with a carefree smile.
「You have been getting involved too much with Aruji-sama since some time ago. And then you appear conveniently too many times around Aruji-sama. It is as though you are monitoring Aruji-sama's situation──」
When Yoruka said that, Lux was taken aback with sudden awareness in his heart.
Coral himself was receiving such mission from Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality, but indeed the number of times he came into contact with Lux was a lot.
And then the aide exchange this time that was due to the proposal of the Lord, this event in itself was implicitly about fellow Seven Dragon Paladins, and also fellow countries checking each other in place.
「……It's coincidence. Besides I have no intention at all to trick and betray him.」
「Then, there is no problem even if I am by Aruji-sama's side. I am Aruji-sama's tool, so there is no reason for me to do anything unnecessary without his order.」
Coral calmly objected, but Yoruka too kept smiling without yielding.
(What's with this situation……)
The elusive Yoruka who stuck with her unique sense of value in all time, and the calm Coral who was sensible and social.
The two of them were mostly the polar opposite of each other in personality, but for them to become involved and confronted each other like this…
Furthermore, it was in the bath.
「Besides from my point of view, I don't wish for the like of you who are a man to stay by Aruji-sama's side. Time and chance are not something infinite. With you taking Aruji-sama's time mean that is also how much the other girls will lose the chance to produce successor with Aruji-sama.」
「Wai-, what are you saying Yoruka!?」
Lux raised his voice in panic also because the image of Syvalles members immediately came to mind when he heard her mentioned 'the other girls'.
But, Coral didn't even show any sign of caring about it and puffed out his cheeks slightly.
「I don't really want to say this but, I think you are being bothersome to Lux-kun you know?」
「My, that is not true. Isn't that right, Aruji-sama?」
「……Wait, the talk moved toward me!?」
While Lux was dumbfounded, the talk was suddenly thrown at him from the two and he became fl.u.s.tered.
This was troubling.
Coral was in the right based from what they were saying, but Yoruka herself was thinking about Lux's wellbeing in her own way, so he was also reluctant to bluntly rebuke her.
Because she was also not mistaken in a sense with what she was saying.
「Excuse me, Nii-san. Did you happen to see Yoruka-san? After she suddenly talked about water dress just now, she suddenly went outsi──! Eh……the door?」
The moment Lux was stiffened, Airi appeared and she seemed to think it odd that the door to the large public bath was opened. She peeked inside while tilting her head in confusion.
And then she saw Lux, Yoruka, and Coral, and she stiffened.
「Thi, this is, Airi! There is a deep circ.u.mstance about this──」
「Please come to my room after Nii-san finished bathing. I have something important to talk about with Nii-san.」
Airi smiled with shadow covering her eyes. She told him that with a wide smiling face.
「O, okay……」
The door was slowly closed. After that, the place was ruled by a heavy silence.
「That's, sorry, about various things somewhat.」
「She will understand if she is reasoned with. Then Aruji-sama, if you like I can directly explain to your younger sister──」
「It might be useless if it's not me who talk to her. That's, can I get out now?」
Lux replied to Coral and Yoruka each while getting out of the bathtub.
The month of rest period that suddenly happened and Coral's transfer.
The ordinary days that should be peaceful was opening its curtain with a disturbance.
–
Part 8「It looks like I came at a good time. After all I was able to interrupt the scolding toward Lux-kun like this.」
Inside the dining hall late at night where there was n.o.body else.
Krulcifer wearing gla.s.ses was sitting at the opposite side of the table.
A textbook and several pieces of paper were spread on the table.
And then, there were cups that were filled with tea.
It was a study meeting with Krulcifer after so long.
About the case of bathing with Yoruka, he was saved by Krulcifer when Airi was about to start her scolding.
「You really saved me, Krulcifer-san. But this is really troubling, certainly Yoruka's act was also problematic, but to think she would get into confrontation with Coral…」
「It's a really interesting story. I wonder if Lux-kun isn't really swayed by us is because you are more interested to boy rather than girl?」
「Please stop it Krulcifer-san!?」
When Lux became fl.u.s.tered, Krulcifer chuckled.
It was troubling that she would be teasing him sometimes like this, even so his time with her was precious.
When Lux became Seven Dragon Paladins and he was absent from the Academy, or when he was in recuperation from injury or fatigue, Krulcifer would summarize the gist of the lesson he missed and taught it to him in an easy to understand way.
He was extremely helped by her giving him a follow up in the aspect of schoolwork that he neglected.
「Come to think of it, Krulcifer-san will depart at early morning tomorrow right? To Ymir Theocracy.」
「Yes. It's lonely to part with Lux-kun, but it can't be helped. After all I'm worried about my family and Ruin's matter, and also about Mel and Ney Louches.」
The aide exchange that would be implemented for two weeks originally should be done with a country the aide wasn't connected with, but Krulcifer would go back to Ymir Theocracy as exception. She would also be accompanied with guard.
This was because Krulicfer was an Xfer. This exception for her was to avoid the Dragon Marauder kidnapping or attacking her.
「Be careful Krulcifer-san. There won't be any action to conquer Ruin for a while but, it's exactly because it's this kind of time you need to be vigilant.」
「Yes, Lux-kun too. ──That's what I want to say here but, it looks like you still cannot have it easy and relax. After all it also looked like something fun happened after the world summit the other day.」
Krulcifer spoke with a voice that was filled with implication and smiled mischievously.
Lux who saw that recalled the end of the summit the other day.
Almost all the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides breakup and left the room. And then the girl with characteristic red hair and black military uniform──Rosa Granhide was staying behind inside the room.
Her evil deed and crime were mostly fabrication of the King of Vices, Calensia, where she was made to shoulder Calensia's infamy. Right now she continued to be a member of Seven Dragon Paladins under the surveillance of the captain Magialca.
But, to the end it was a story behind the scene.
So that the domestic strife of Heiburg wouldn't get exposed, she was attending the meeting with her usual dangerous att.i.tude even with the absence of Calensia, but,
『──Thank you very much, Lux-sama. For saving this me……I was, happy. That's, if you ever need something, please let me repay you no matter what.』
She said that to him shyly with her injured arm still suspended by a cloth and her gaze averted from him.
Hearing her words, feeling of grat.i.tude toward Philuffy for stopping him that time welled up once more inside Lux.
He almost made a choice that couldn't be undone at that time.
『You don't need to thank me or anything. Best regards from now on too, Rosa.』
He replied like that with a smile, then he shook her hand before parting from her.
This was the only result that he could feel relieved about from the case in Heiburg Republic where there was a lot of appalling incidents, but then Celis looked at him with a troubled gaze.
『I, I have also heard about her circ.u.mstance but, Lux was a bit too flirtyderedere just now. That's, if you like big b.r.e.a.s.t.s then……i, i-i-i-i-i-i-it's nothing-!』
Her face became red and she ran away in the middle of talking.
When he told about that happening after the summit to Krulcifer, she frowned slightly.
「Certainly that is troublesome. Not just Rosa, but also Celis-senpai──」
「……? Rather than that, what about Krulcifer-san? Did anything strange in the summit──」
「I also didn't encounter anything exceptionally strange there. I only talked a bit with Mel……. Aa, conversely I don't really get those girls. Those duo from Turkimes Confederaton, Soffice and Uruk if I'm not mistaken?」
The Seven Dragon Paladins with characteristic dark brown skin and red tattoo, and her aide.
The elder sister Soffice was taciturn and wouldn't say anything. She would show agreement or refusal using her expression or head movement, then Uruk would interpret it and spoke for her in the meeting.
Their act that was comical sometimes didn't match the oppressive atmosphere of the meeting.
「But, this time too I didn't notice anything strange from them though?」
Based from what he saw in the meeting, Lux couldn't see any suspicious movement and he said that to Krulcifer, but,
「I guess──but, it was funny when that girl's little sister responded to my call.」
Lux also saw that scene.
Right after the summit.
In front of everyone who was starting to leave the room, Krulcifer called out 「Hey」 to Lux. At that instant, Uruk who was facing the other way suddenly turned around toward Krulcifer.
『Yes, what is it desu?』
They were separated by a distance of several ml, so Lux and Krulcifer were puzzled, but Soffice hurriedly grabbed Uruk's neck and pulled her away.
『I'm sorry desu! Soffice said 'Don't be so absentminded!' just now desu! To me!』
The figure of Uruk getting dragged away with teary eyes was inviting laughter until the end.
「Well, I think that was just a mistake, but I think it will be better to feel the tension for these three months from now. The enemy can aim at us easier exactly at this time where we relax our attention because we won't need to conquer Ruin for a while. After all I and also Celis-senpai will be absent from here too.」
「Yes. I won't let my guard down but, Lisha-sama and others are here too so I think it will be fine.」
「……That is worrying instead, based on my personal circ.u.mstance that is.」
「Eh……?」
Because Krulcifer spoke with a small voice only at the last part, Lux asked back.
Then *knock knock*, the door of the dining room was knocked and Celis's voice came.
「Both of you, do you have a bit of time? I have something to talk with Lux so──」
It seemed the night was still long.
「Time pa.s.s quickly when we are having fun. Then, please don't get carried away no matter what while I'm not here. Just in case, I intend to put some countermeasure in motion in my own way though.」
「A, ahaha……」
Krulcifer left after giving him a reminder that he really didn't understand.
After that──Celis who was worried about Lux's body gave him a ma.s.sage that she learned from Philuffy. He enjoyed the ma.s.sage while pa.s.sing a peaceful time with her too.
–
Part 9When Lux returned to his room, Coral who became his temporary roommate was waiting for him.
Because there was no empty room in the girl dormitory, it was inevitable for him to stay in Lux's room. When the dorm mother asked Lux about it, he consented readily.
At the bunk beds that were prepared, Lux slept at the bottom while Coral took the top.
Different from the agitated atmosphere when Yoruka was present before, right now it was calm.
「I talked a bit with Airi-chan and others for a bit. I also asked about her──about Yoruka-san.」
It seemed Airi apologized about Yoruka's intrusion into the bath while making a follow up about her eccentricity.
「Sorry for the various troubles.」
Lux smiled wryly while talking toward the upper bed.
Looking back, this might be the first time he was sleeping in the same room with a boy of the same age.
Somehow a mysterious feeling of excitement was produced in Lux's chest.
「No. I myself was a bit discomposed there. How should I say it, the live here is too fresh in various aspects──I'm having fun.」
The voice of Coral's reply sounded somewhat distant.
It gave Lux the impression that until now he was placed in an environment with stiff atmosphere because he was a distant relative of the princess.
「I think that her method is too forceful but, I'm a bit jealous.」
「I, is that so……?」
Lux who recalled Yoruka's conduct made a dubious voice. Coral replied with a wry smile.
「That's right. At the very least she knows what herself is. She is living to serve you without any hesitation. I believe that is a good thing. And of course, for Lux-kun too.」
「……Is it different for you, Coral?」
「Actually, I have no memory of the past──when I woke up on bed three years ago, I lost all my past memory.」
The unexpected confession made Lux speechless.
「Since then, I supplemented my memory as much as possible with the letter that my parents left for me as the base. My remaining family is an elder sister and a younger sister. And then, there is also a mission that was written on the letter. That's all. Though, I have to be satisfied just by being able to live safely like this.」
Lux couldn't reply at Coral's murmur that sounded somewhat fleeting.
Lux himself hadn't gone through an easy upbringing by any means until now, even so right now he had foundation that allowed him to fight.
What he should accomplished as an imperial family member of the old empire.
And even though he had hesitation about that way of living, he didn't lose sight of his path.
「I understand what I should do and what I have to do no matter what. But I have no foundation that can make me believe that it is the right thing to do. It might be spoiled of me but, if I'm able to find it──」
「……You will find it, surely.」
While Coral was continuing to mutter, Lux cut him off with those words.
He didn't think before speaking, his voice came out naturally.
「Even though you cannot remember your past memory, you can just make memory from here on. I think it will be fine if you decide based on what you see from here on. Greifer too is also a better person than what he looked like, besides──I'm also here for you as a friend.」
「……You're right. Thank you.」
Coral replied with a lovely voice that was somewhat filled with shyness.
Lux wondered why. Even though they were fellow male, he felt itchy and tickled just from that reaction.
「The, then good night. Best regard for tomorrow too!」
To cover up that incomprehensible emotion, Lux suddenly turned off the lamp.
Silence came along with the darkness and before long a quiet sleeper's breathing leaked out from his mouth.
Recently the coldness of winter was getting worse, but it felt like the room felt considerably warmer with just the addition of one more person inside.
But, at that time Lux still hadn't noticed.
About the sound that was approaching from outside the door and what that faint presence would bring about.
About how this day that he believed would continue peacefully for a while, was the calm before the storm.
「As I thought, it's like that. I have to manage somehow while those girls are absent──」
How Coral was muttering those words toward the matter of Yoruka.
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