V7Ch2: This time, you won’t be able to see through my disguise!

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Translator: Soafp

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Sakura Tokiseiryuno opened the carriage window and gazed at the flowing night forest.

Her beautiful pink hair swayed gently in the wind.

The luxurious Mitsugoshi carriage, a fusion of artifacts and scientific technology, hardly shook at all. According to Alfred, who sat across from her, it used cutting-edge systems like suspension and compressors—though she didn't really understand them.

“Is something wrong?” Alfred asked in a low voice.

It seemed she had been staring at his face without realizing it.

“The Mitsugoshi Company… it's quite a mysterious organization,” Sakura said, trying to cover up the awkwardness.

“Indeed.”

“It's your company, isn't it?”

“Indeed.”

“Still not planning to tell me?”

“That's right.”

Alfred repeated the same words calmly.

It seemed he had no intention of giving away any information. He was completely thorough.

“Maybe teaming up with you was a mistake.”

“Are you worried?”

“No. You revealed your true identity to me. For now, that's enough.”

“…Sorry.”

“It can't be helped. You must have a lot you can't talk about. But honestly, could you at least take off that stifling mask? It's just the two of us here.”

“There's always a chance someone could see.”

Alfred glanced toward the window.

Sakura quickly shut it.

“That should be fine now. That appearance of yours makes me uneasy.”

“…It can't be helped.”

The voice that answered sounded like a woman's.

Then his face warped unnaturally, and a black, slime-like layer peeled away. The face revealed beneath it belonged to a beautiful elf woman with golden hair.

“Is this better?”

She asked in a clear voice.

“Yes. Kikyou Tokiseiryuno… or rather, you just go by Alpha now?”

“I am simply Alpha. Nothing more.”

“That may be fine for you, but Tokiseiryuno has never forgotten Kikyou. You were meant to one day carry the elf nation on your shoulders… if not for that incident.”

“…That's all in the past. There's no point bringing it up now.”

Alpha replied flatly, her voice unreadable.

“That's not true! Everything was taken from you! Tokiseiryuno will never forget your sorrow, your humiliation, and your anger!!”

“…Thank you.”

“That's why I want you to trust us a little more and talk to us. If you wish for revenge—”

“—I don't.”

Alpha cut her off, her tone slightly firmer.

“…I see. But if you ever change your mind—if the day comes when you seek revenge—Tokiseiryuno will stand by you.”

“That day will never come. Not ever.”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno quietly gazed at Alpha's profile.

“Lady Beatrix was searching for you as well. She was very worried.”

“I know.”

“Won't you meet her?”

“…No.”

“Do you plan to someday?”

At Sakura Tokiseiryuno's question, Alpha narrowed her eyes.

Then she quietly looked down at her own hand.

Though there was nothing in it, she stared as if something were there, remaining like that for a while.

“…Let's end this topic here. It's more productive to talk about what lies ahead.”

“…Alright.”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno let out a small sigh and crossed her legs.

“Our objective is to stop the Diabolos Cult's scheme.”

“The Diabolos Cult… so they really do exist.”

“They've already taken root deep within the elf nation. Even the elders likely never imagined it had gone this far.”

“So King Anorion's death was their doing as well?”

“Most likely. But there's no proof. We should have acted sooner…”

Alpha closed her eyes for a moment, as if filled with regret.

“To be honest, I'm still not completely convinced. I haven't even told the elders about the cult yet.”

“That's fine. Forcing people to believe everything at once would only cause resistance. Your cooperation alone is enough.”

“Kikyou, we're helping you because it's you. Not Alfred, not Alpha—no one else. You are Kikyou Tokiseiryuno. Don't forget that.”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno said, looking straight at her.

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Alpha replied, then looked away and continued.

“So, the cult's objective is to recover the right leg of the demon Diabolos, which lies dormant within elf territory.”

“The right leg of Diabolos… this really sounds like something out of a fairy tale. I've heard the story that it was severed in elf lands, but that's just one of many legends. Does the right leg really exist?”

“We're certain it does. Our investigation teams have already analyzed ruins and ancient texts. We have a rough idea of where it's sealed. All that remains is the key…”

“The key…”

“Something special passed down to the royal successor. That is the key to Diabolos's right leg.”

“So the Diabolos Cult is interfering in the royal succession war to obtain that key, and my role is to stop them. Do you have any leads on the cult?”

At Sakura Tokiseiryuno's question, Alpha shook her head.

“The cult's information control is extremely tight. At this point, every major faction—the Conservatives, the Reformists, and the Royal Brother faction—is a possibility. That's precisely why, for now, the only option is for us to win the succession war.”

“Even hearing it again, it sounds like an impossible task. You understand just how difficult it is to overcome the three major factions and win, don't you, Kikyou?”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno sighed wearily.

“That's why I'll support you as Alfred. And in addition, from the Mitsugoshi…”

As Alpha spread her hand, new figures appeared inside the carriage.

There were three of them, their identities concealed by jet-black robes and masks.

“I am Beta. I command the mobile unit.”

A woman with silver hair visible beneath her hood spoke.

“I am Epsilon. I handle investigation and support. Nice to meet you.”

A well-proportioned woman said, her figure noticeable even under the hood.

“Eta. I'm fairly knowledgeable about artifacts…”

A small girl said.

“…They're all elves, aren't they? I can tell by the scent. Are any of you connected to Tokiseiryuno?”

“….”

No one answered Sakura Tokiseiryuno's question.

“Well, fine. I'm Sakura. I'm confident in my abilities, but I'm no monster who could defeat Lady Beatrix. I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, leave it to us. We'll exceed your expectations.”

Beta replied on behalf of the group.

“Heh, that's quite the confidence. You're making me think we might even beat Lady Beatrix.”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno said lightly, half-joking.

“Yes. We have no intention of losing.”

Epsilon replied in an unwavering tone.

“…Oh? I see. Well, I'm looking forward to it.”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno blinked in surprise at the unexpected response.

“Everyone here is capable. If things proceed normally, our victory in the succession war is all but certain. The only things to watch out for are interference from the Diabolos Cult… and the monsters among the elves.”

Alpha said with a faint smile.

“And those ‘monsters' are exactly the problem. Lady Beatrix, the great swordmaster, the battle-hardened elder… I'm not doubting your abilities, but it won't be easy.”

“Of course, we don't intend to let our guard down. But in the end, we'll be the ones who win.”

“That's reassuring. To be honest, Tokiseiryuno also has its own thoughts about the current political struggle. But we're a clan that withdrew from the public stage. We still have history and prestige, but our authority and military strength have declined. That's why this was the perfect opportunity.”

“So Tokiseiryuno is prepared to step back into the spotlight?”

“If we weren't, we wouldn't have accepted this. The Conservatives, the Reformists, the Royal Brother faction, and other powerful groups are all participating in this succession war. No matter who wins, resentment will remain.”

“So as a clan that once stepped away, you have fewer entanglements and won't stir as much conflict.”

“Exactly. With this, we'll eliminate every last parasite feeding on the elves. That is both the will and the mission of Tokiseiryuno. It is the role of a clear stream to wash away stagnant water.”

“So history repeats itself… I hope that's how it turns out. I don't want to see any more people possessed by demons meet tragic ends.”

Alpha said with a sorrowful gaze.

“Yes… but it will take time. Even among the elves, hatred toward the possessed runs deep. Even after hearing the truth from you, I still haven't fully come to terms with it.”

“The cult has manipulated information for over a thousand years. Even if we told the truth to the public now, they would never accept it. We might be judged as criminals and never be allowed to return to elven lands again.”

“If that's all, we'd be lucky. We might even be executed as heretics.”

“I know. That's why it's fine to take it slowly. Someday, I want to see the day when the possessed are called blessed heroes… and can live in peace.”

Alpha's tone was incredibly gentle.

“Yes. Let's create that future together.”

“Thank you. And for that, our strategy to win the succession war—”

Alpha stopped mid-sentence, as if noticing something, and slightly opened the window.

“—It's an ambush. One kira ahead, more than ten magic swordsmen.”

She closed the window, and by the time she finished speaking, her form had already returned to Alfred.

“An ambush? Really?”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno still couldn't sense anything.

“Engagement imminent. They've already identified us as well. We won't be able to escape by carriage. What shall we do?”

Epsilon, who had been scanning the surroundings with magic, spoke calmly.

“Hmm… what should we do…”

Alpha muttered, looking troubled.

“…To summarize, they have over ten magic swordsmen, and we have five. Fighting an enemy more than twice our number before the succession war is unwise. Even if we win, we might suffer injuries or casualties. Abandoning the carriage and retreating is the best option.”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno said, regaining her composure.

“I'm not worried about that. We just can't let them learn our strength yet. I was thinking about how to eliminate them all without being exposed.”

“…What?”

“…In that case, no problem. Activating magic-detection prototype No. 71. All enemy forces within a ten-kira radius, including observers, have been detected…”

“Oh wow, that's impressive. The performance has improved a lot. Shouldn't you mass-produce that?”

Beta looked surprised at Eta's artifact.

“…The drawback is that it breaks after one use… cost per unit: one billion zeny, repair cost: four billion… no, five billion zeny…”

“So right now, we're using detection worth fifteen billion zeny…”

Beta muttered, looking exasperated at the device.

“Mass production is rejected. Think about cost performance.”

“…Ugh…”

At Alpha's words, Eta groaned and slumped her shoulders.

“But if there's no risk of them escaping, we can go all out. Let's eliminate every single one of them quickly.”

Saying that, Alpha threw open the carriage door.

“There are more than ten magic swordsmen! Shouldn't we proceed more carefully!?”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno shouted over the sound of the speeding carriage.

“…Seventeen, to be exact.”

Eta muttered quietly.

“Oh? That's more than I thought. Perfect for a warm-up. Sakura, want to join us?”

Alpha said half-jokingly as she leapt out of the carriage.

“I'll support Alpha-sama.”

Beta followed.

“I'll deal with the observers and any escapees. Eta, don't mess up the enemy positions.”

Then Epsilon followed as well.

“Hey, wait a second—!”

Before Sakura Tokiseiryuno could stop them, the three were already gone.

The only one left was the small elf who called herself Eta.

While activating a strange artifact, she glanced sideways at Sakura Tokiseiryuno.

“As expected of elven royalty… your physical potential is extraordinary…”

“…What is it?”

Sakura Tokiseiryuno shrank back slightly under the gaze, as if being observed like a test subject.

“…Do you want power?”

“Eh? Um…”

“…If you want power, I can modify you.”

“I don't need it.”

At Sakura's response, Eta let out an exasperated sigh.

“…That is a foolish choice… what a waste.”

Saying that, Eta let out an even deeper sigh.

“You have missed the only chance… to reach a higher existence beyond ordinary elves… to become a High Elf.”

“A High Elf…?”

“Hidden wisdom… High Elf… eternal life… overwhelming power… the Master showed that path… ah, Alpha-sama is calling.”

At that moment, while muttering incomprehensible words, something in Eta's pocket suddenly vibrated.

“…Time for work… this is what it means to be a corporate slave… I demand better working conditions.”

Muttering that, Eta leapt out of the carriage.

“She's… a strange one…”

Left alone inside the carriage, Sakura muttered to herself.

“I wonder if they'll be okay…”

She leaned slightly out of the carriage, gazing into the deep forest where the sun had already set.

From afar, she could faintly sense the presence of battle. She understood that they possessed extraordinary strength. However, they were all still young elves. If the enemy included multiple elven magic swordsmen over two hundred years old, it could turn into a difficult fight.

“Should I go support them…?”

Unconsciously, Sakura gripped the hilt of her sword.

Even if the opponent were an elf over two hundred years old, she had no intention of falling behind. Still, there was a high chance that the enemy's target was Sakura herself. She understood that she shouldn't act rashly right now.

“Sakura-sama, please return inside the carriage and close the door!”

The young girl driving the carriage shouted.

“And you are!?”

“I am No. 89, assigned to miscellaneous duties for this operation! Sakura-sama, the enemy is coming, quickly!”

The elf girl calling herself No. 89 shouted while skillfully handling the carriage.

“Understood!”

Sakura shut the door and placed her hand on her sword, preparing for the worst.

The lights inside the carriage went out.

Darkness enveloped the interior.

The carriage shook violently, then came to a stop.

Sounds of battle echoed from outside.

…Close.

One person was fighting with their back to the carriage—likely the elf called No. 89.

Surrounding her were three figures. None of them felt ordinary.

Ragged breathing could be heard just beyond the door.

“…Who are you!? Do you realize this carriage belongs to the Mitsugoshi Company!?”

No. 89 shouted.

She was fighting desperately, but clearly at a disadvantage.

“Step aside. For someone so young to have that much power… it would be a waste to kill you. I will spare your life.”

A low, composed man's voice echoed.

“Don't be ridiculous. That refined magic of yours… you must be someone of high status. Why dirty your hands with this?”

“Who knows. Unfortunately, if you won't move… then I'll kill you. Prepare yourself.”

The attacker's magic surged.

This is bad.

Sakura drew her sword and leapt out of the carriage.

“You're after me, aren't you?”

Three masked magic swordsmen surrounded the carriage.

“Sakura-sama, please fall back!”

No. 89 stepped forward to shield her.

“Sakura of Tokiseiryuno… it seems there's no mistake.”

The elf with the deep voice spoke.

He seemed to be the leader. Likely over two hundred years old, carrying the presence of a top-class magic swordsman from a prestigious lineage.

The two following him were also highly skilled, leaving no openings.

These were not the kind of warriors who would normally take on dirty work.

“I don't know which faction you belong to, but do you really have the luxury of allocating forces to a minor group like us?”

“…If you truly were a minor group, you would already be dead. It seems their judgment was correct after all.”

The leader spoke with a hint of frustration.

“Their judgment…? So someone is wary of us… no, of the Mitsugoshi Company. And they sent you to assess our strength?”

“Now then… that's enough talking. Sakura Tokiseiryuno—if you die here, everything ends.”

“Very well. I'll show you the pride of Tokiseiryuno.”

Sakura raised her sword into a proper stance, facing the leader directly.

“I will protect you, Sakura-sama.”

No. 89 stepped in front of her.

“I'll be fine. Please handle the two behind him.”

“No. My duty is to protect you, Sakura-sama.”

“It's better if we cooperate and face them together—!”

“There's no need to worry. Opponents of this level… I alone am enough.”

At that moment, No. 89's magic power overflowed.

“…!”

“What is that magic power…!?”

Sakura and the others were shaken by the sudden change.

“I was holding back a little. It would be troublesome if they escaped.”

Saying that, No. 89 raised her sword—and Sakura instinctively held her breath.

“…She's strong.”

She hadn't even swung her sword yet, but her strength could be felt directly on the skin.

Out of everyone present, No. 89 radiated the strongest presence.

“…Strange. That amount and density of magic—something a young girl like you could never possess. What trick are you using?”

The leader asked, his guard raised.

“I'm simply using the power that should have always been mine, correctly.”

No. 89 said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“I see, that is truth. But we mastered that long ago. If it were that simple, no one would struggle to obtain such power!”

“Both the power that should exist, and the proper way to use it, have long been buried in darkness. Is this the current state of elves, eaten away by vermin…?”

“A foolish girl who knows nothing dares mock us?”

“Which of us truly knows nothing? There's no point discussing it here.”

“That's right. Because you will die here.”

“Yes. Because you will die here.”

The next instant, two shadows clashed at tremendous speed.

“Guh…!”

The leader clutched his slashed shoulder—

“Impressive skill. I was aiming to take your head…”

—while No. 89 spoke calmly.

“Are you alright!?”

“We'll take it from here!”

The two magic swordsmen immediately moved to protect their injured leader.

“No need. I can still fight.”

The leader roughly stopped the bleeding with magic and raised his sword again.

“But—!”

“I said it's not necessary! More importantly, be careful. This woman's skill is no joke. The three of us will kill her.”

“…Understood.”

They steeled themselves.

The three closed in, surrounding No. 89.

No. 89 also released her magic without carelessness. She wasn't relaxed either. The three of them were that strong.

“I see… I can feel it now. Power approaching that of royalty. You… no, you all—just who are you? Does everyone in the Mitsugoshi Company possess such strength?”

The leader asked.

“One day, everything will be revealed. But for now, I have no intention of saying more.”

“I thought as much…”

Then once again, they clashed.

One shadow against three.

Sparks scattered in the darkness.

“Gah…!”

And the ones who fell… were the three shadows.

“…Magnificent.”

The one left standing was No. 89.

“You're bleeding—from your neck…”

Sakura noticed the blood running down No. 89's neck.

“It was a close call. They coordinated a suicidal strike to take your head, Sakura-sama…”

“My… head?”

“From the start, their target was you. They never forgot their objective. I realized it at the last moment… and managed to protect you.”

That must have been how she got the wound. No. 89 spoke while clearly exhausted.

Sakura felt a chill run down her spine. She hadn't even realized she had been targeted at that moment.

“You're strong… No. 89, was it?”

“I still have a long way to go. If I had captured them alive, we could have extracted information quickly… but with my ability, it was impossible…”

No. 89 looked down at the three lifeless attackers with a hint of sadness.

“You defeated three fighters of that level alone. That's more than enough.”

“No… I'm not even close to Alfred-sama and the others.”

“That's not true.”

At that moment, a gust of wind blew—and four presences appeared.

“W-who's there?”

When Sakura turned around, she saw Alfred and the others.

“…What, it's already over?”

Alfred said in a man's voice.

“As expected, this was the real target.”

Beta added.

“I'm sorry… I wasn't able to capture them alive…”

No. 89 knelt and spoke.

“It's fine. You fulfilled your role as bait and escort”

“But at this rate, I can't compare to No. 559…”

“That one is on another level. Don't overdo it—just grow stronger in your own way.”

“Yes…”

Epsilon tried to comfort her, but No. 89 remained downcast, looking at the ground.

“Um… are you all okay? Any injuries? And the other attackers—what happened to them?”

“No problem. We took care of all the attackers, though they were just the low-ranking ones.” Alfred answered to Sakura's question.

“That was quick…”

“Thanks to Magic Detection Prototype No. 71… hoping for budget approval for mass production or an improved model…”

Eta suddenly cut into the conversation, smoke rising from the strange artifact in her hands.

“We'll consider developing a cost-effective improved model. Submit the documents this week, and I'll bring it up at the month-end meeting.”

“I'll prepare them…!”

The moment Alfred responded, Eta disappeared.

“Wait—”

“Ugh!”

Just as they thought she was gone, Alfred returned holding her by the scruff of her neck.

“You're still on duty.”

“I'm applying for paid leave.”

“Denied. Eta, can you extract memories from the corpse's brain?”

“If it's not sent to the lab immediately, the brain will deteriorate… the extracted memories will be fragmentary, and it will take time.”

“I see… Epsilon, cooperate with Eta to examine the bodies. There probably won't be any clues left.”

“Yes.”

“Eh—”

Epsilon dragged Eta into the night, disappearing into the darkness.

“Who could those attackers have been…?”

“Most likely the conservatives. They had enough magic swordsmen to measure our strength, using low-ranking fighters as bait.”

“They were quite skilled opponents.”

“I see… then it could also be the prince's faction, or even the reformists.”

“The reformists? I can't imagine them stooping to such dirty tricks.”

“Politics that's all clean and proper doesn't exist anywhere.”

“That's true… though, now that I think about it, the attackers said something concerning. Someone must be viewing the Mitsugoshi Company as a threat, and they acted on that person's advice.”

“The cult, no doubt.” Alfred said, narrowing his eyes.

“So it really is the Diabolos Cult.”

“The Mitsugoshi Company has clashed with them before. It makes sense they see us as dangerous—but their movements were faster than expected.”

“Are we okay?”

“No problem. Our target is the cult as well. Though we'll need to slightly adjust our plan…”

Alfred paused mid-sentence, as if noticing something.

“Alfred, what is it?”

“…Two elves are approaching.”

“Reinforcements?”

“No, too slow for reinforcements, and they aren't even hiding their presence.”

“Then… travelers?”

“It's already dark. Travelers moving at this hour is a bit strange.”

“Alpha-sama, what should we do?” Beta asked in a serious tone.

“…This is a single road. As long as we stay here, they will eventually make contact. Hide the bodies and all traces of the battle immediately.”

“You mean you plan to make contact?”

“No, just let them pass… if nothing happens.”

Alfred said calmly.

Beta immediately went to work, and Sakura waited inside the carriage.

“The two of them are getting quite close. Even I can sense their presence.”

“Yeah. Soon, they'll notice us too.”

Alfred answered from outside the carriage.

Soon, Beta, having finished her task, appeared from the shadows.

“Alpha-sama, everything has been completed without issue. I also confirmed the two of them from a distance.”

“What did you find out?”

“Both of them are young elves, a male and a female. They seem like swordsmen, but I didn't notice any particularly remarkable skill. However…”

Beta hesitated, wearing a troubled expression.

“However?”

“I feel like I've seen the face of the elf girl somewhere before… but I just can't remember where.”

“I see. Anything else suspicious?”

“Nothing. Aside from moving at night, they're just ordinary traveling elves.”

“Understood. Stay nearby the carriage and keep watch.”

“Yes, understood.”

After waiting for a while, two elves hurried through the darkness toward them.

“Master! If we don't hurry, we won't make it in time!”

“It's because Lalanoa got too absorbed in training.”

“But I felt like I was getting stronger and stronger! Perhaps it's because your teaching is so good, Master?”

“You won't get that strong so quickly. Oh, looks like we have visitors.”

The two approached without caution, casually walking closer.

One of them, called the Master, was an ordinary-looking elf male. His dark brown hair was casually tousled, and his sleepy eyes of the same color were striking.

The other was the beautiful elf girl named Lalanoa, with jet-black hair and purple eyes, her youthful features still evident.

“Lalanoa … if I remember correctly, that girl is…”

Alfred muttered quietly.

“Greetings. Excuse me for going ahead—wait, haven't I seen you somewhere…”

Lalanoa greeted cheerfully as she tried to pass by, but stopped midway and stared at Alfred.

“What's the matter, Lalanoa?”

“I feel like I've seen this person somewhere before.”

“…Ah! He's the swordsman who became a knight of Tokiseiryuno, right?”

“Tokiseiryuno… yes! Alfred, the knight of Tokiseiryuno!”

Lalanoa tilted her head briefly, then recalled and became slightly cautious.

“Nice to meet you. You are Lalanoa Hinoizumino, correct? I heard you found a knight—so this young man is him?”

Alfred bowed politely.

“Yes. He is my knight.”

“Nice to meet you, I'm Nazono Senen, just a wandering elf.”

Alfred gave Nazono a quick glance.

“I see… so you do intend to participate in the succession war after all?”

“Yes, that's the plan.”

“I see… indeed.”

Alfred squinted, as if wanting to say something.

“Do you have a complaint?”

“No, it's just…”

Before he could finish, the carriage window opened and a girl's face appeared.

“Long time no see, Lalanoa Hinoizumino.”

“You're Sakura Tokiseiryuno… yes, if he's here, then of course you are too.”

“I'm sorry about King Anorion. But I'm glad you're safe. I've been worried about you all this time.”

“There's no need to worry.”

“Still, it must be difficult in your position. Do you have a place to live? A trusted guardian? If you're in trouble, Tokiseiryuno can arrange it. How have you been managing until now?”

Sakura spoke with gentle concern.

“…I've been surviving by drinking muddy water,” Lalanoa replied, clenching her fists tightly.

“That must have been harsh. Then please, come to Tokiseiryuno. We played together at the royal palace as children. I still consider you like a sister.”

“Sister…”

“Yes. You are precious family to me.”

“…Don't make me laugh. My family is only my father and mother.”

Lalanoa glared at Sakura.

“Lalanoa. But I—”

“You wouldn't understand. Looking down from that luxurious carriage, you'll never understand my feelings.”

“…My apologies,” Sakura said, hastily stepping out of the carriage.

“Sakura-sama, please return,” said the hooded girl, but Sakura interrupted and stepped forward in front of Lalanoa.

“Is this okay? I'm sorry—I didn't mean to make you angry.”

Sakura apologized sincerely.

But Lalanoa's gaze remained cold and unwavering.

“I see. You've always been like that. Always composed, always kind, always giving help. But I… I never wanted that.”

“Lalanoa…”

“I will participate in the succession war. That means I and Sakura are enemies. We are not in a relationship where I should receive your charity.”

Lalanoa said this firmly.

Sakura lowered her gaze slightly and nodded.

“I understand… but be careful, Lalanoa. This succession war will be chaotic. And the world will watch you with a harsh eye. Please, at least protect your life…”

“No need to worry. I have my Master with me.”

Lalanoa took Nazono's hand and turned away.

“You… you said your name is Nazono Senen, right?”

Sakura called out to Nazono as he was about to leave.

“Yes, but… do you need something from me?”

“Master, let's go.”

“But… it seems like she wants to talk about something.”

Even as Lalanoa pulled him along, Nazono stopped.

“What is your purpose? Why did you become Lalanoa's knight?”

“It's… complicated. I don't think it's something I should explain to someone I'm meeting for the first time.”

“I see… So you've been wandering, huh? And you understand the position Lalanoa is in?”

“Hmm, I've heard about it.”

“In that case, I'll give you a warning. Don't continue being Lalanoa's knight with a half-hearted resolve.”

“Hey, Sakura! What do you mean by that!?”

Lalanoa hurriedly intervened, but Sakura didn't move, her sharp gaze fixed on Nazono.

“Do I need your permission to continue being Lalanoa's knight?”

At Nazono's reply, Sakura's gaze grew even more severe.

“Nazono Senen. You understand nothing. Do you realize how dangerous your choice to become her knight has made Lalanoa's situation?”

“What do you mean?”

“If you hadn't become her knight, Lalanoa wouldn't have participated in the succession war. The more she stands out, the more she will be targeted. All the malice in the kingdom will be directed at her. I don't know your purpose, but your reckless actions have put Lalanoa's life in danger!”

“I see… so you think Lalanoa should have lived in the shadows all along?”

“I didn't say that. I will become Queen and change this country. Then Lalanoa will eventually—”

“Do you think that's what Lalanoa wants?”

“Of course she does! Lalanoa wants to walk in the sunlight too—”

“I do not want that.”

Lalanoa's resolute voice cut off Sakura's words.

“I will carve my own path.”

“Lalanoa…”

Sakura involuntarily held her breath at the strong will in Lalanoa's eyes.

“Lalanoa doesn't want you to protect her. Maybe you should think about why she pushed your hand away.”

“…What do you mean?”

Sakura turned her gaze to Lalanoa, but Lalanoa faced away, saying nothing.

“Nazono Senen. Stop participating in the succession war.”

Sakura glared at Nazono.

“I told you, I don't need your permission.”

“I don't know your goal. But if anything happens to Lalanoa, I will never forgive you.”

In the next instant, Sakura drew her sword at lightning speed.

“At your level of skill, you would die. The succession war isn't a stage for someone like you.”

Sakura's blade lightly cut the skin of Nazono's neck and stopped.

Nazono calmly stared at the sword.

“…I see.”

“No matter what you plan, if you die, everything becomes meaningless.”

Her gaze was so cold it felt like it could freeze him.

“Thank you for the warning… but I won't die on a lukewarm battlefield.”

Nazono said quietly and left with Lalanoa.

“…Not exactly something someone who couldn't even react to my sword should say,” Sakura murmured with a sigh, watching them go.

“Indeed… but—”

Alfred hesitated as if he wanted to say something.

“But what?”

“I thought… that man, Nazono, might have looked at your sword.”

“My sword…?”

“When you drew it, his gaze reacted for a moment.”

“That's impossible. He couldn't move at all. If he had been tracking with his eyes, his body would naturally move too.”

“It was just for a moment… maybe I misread it. But since we don't know his purpose, we shouldn't be careless.”

Alfred said thoughtfully.

“Yes. Why did he approach Lalanoa? What is he trying to do by using her?”

“Maybe it's just goodwill.”

Alfred smiled faintly.

“Impossible. Becoming Lalanoa's knight and entering the succession war is basically suicide.”

“But currently, Lalanoa has little practical use.”

“Then perhaps it's not to use her, but simply malice. Pretending to be an ally, but intending to harm Lalanoa.”

“In the most humiliating way… perhaps even on the succession war stage…”

Alfred and Sakura's faces twisted.

“Distasteful, isn't it? But if it's the Pureblood faction, they might actually do it… Alfred, can you investigate this man Nazono?”

“Of course. By the way, Sakura, were you close to Lalanoa?”

“Yes. Lalanoa and I grew up together from childhood. I still consider her like a sister. Did you know her, Alfred?”

“As children, I occasionally saw her at the royal palace. Never spoke, but I heard a lot of rumors.”

“Rumors? More like slander.”

“Indeed. Poor girl. I hope she can be happy someday…”

The two of them narrowed their eyes, staring into the darkness where Lalanoa and her companion had disappeared.