Assassins Pride - Volume 12 - Chapter 2

Assassin Pride Volume 12 Chapter 2
LESSON:  II ～Dragon of the Halite Cavern～

(Unedited)

The vague image Melida group had about the night world was 「dark」, however ──

Unexpectedly, in this tree and mist world faint light could be seen here and there. It was different from the strong light of the sun (nectar) ……. it had a modest feeling as if nestling inside your soul.

It seemed that was the resources of the night world 《Nemesis》.

That thing looked like a bluish white quart.

It pierced out from the ground surface like rock, or dangled from the tree like fruit……It was also used for house decoration. There were people’s hands involved in this.

People, although it’s better to say Lycanthrope.

It seemed that the Frankenstein clan set it up with the meaning 「This is our territory」.

The seven caravans entered the forest from the beach, they chased after the faint light and advance to the other side of the mist.

The Nemesis guideposts gradually grew in number, and it was clear that the decorations became refined.

That meant, the inner citadel grew close.

Inside the leading vehicle, just when Melida had faintly guessed, the road came to an end.

From the window, light came overwhelmingly.

They had exited the forest. And right at the point──

What is this! Wasn’t this grand capital built and surrounded by the forest? Inside the tall castle wall, numerous spires stretched up to the sky could be seen. They seemed to be quite large in terms of the number of windows. Such high-rise building technology……!

However, the most eye-catching thing was the building material’s color.

The wall, the tower and even the paved road walk were all one milky white color.

Was the light source (Nemesis) buried inside the stones, the buildings themselves were faintly shining. Was it because so, there was not any type of street lights. It drew a line between Flandre and this townscape.

At the left and right of the castle gate, the robust Frankenstein group was on the lookout. They were towering great men, however most of their body lengths were occupied by the upper half bodies, the lower halves were feeble.

Furthermore, it seemed their heads were close to that of young children. They fiercely slammed the spears on their hands to the ground.

「Those《rising smoke》shall not pass!」

「Why can’t we?」

Even though the solely effective face which was Serge’s persuaded them, the sentries simply shook their heads.

「Wu (we) shall guard this gate!!」

Serge shrugged his shoulders and showed a 「I give up」gesture.

With that said, the rising smoke and the Nectar steam releasing caravans stopped outside the castle gate. For now they left them to the watchful eyes of the sentries, they all entered the gate.

The Frankenstein clan’s capital, Carna Navel──

Of course for manager Clover and the Machine Regimen (Guild) who came from the commoner class, even Melida group which were four daughters of the knight duke house, this was the first time they saw the livelihood of the Lycanthrope.

Serge who went ahead to guide turned to look over his shoulder.

「I’ll tell you this before hand, but this is still pretty close to human’s livelihood」

Even though being told so, Melida group was merely being overwhelmed by the milky white color structures spreading out three hundred and sixty degree around them. The feeling was just like they had come to a city in the future.

Toward his disciples who was darting their eyes around, Kufa naturally lectured.

「Ojou-sama, do you know the true origin of this milky white stone?　──it’s rock salt」

「Rock salt……it’s, salt??」

Melida group all at once turned back at Kufa.

Kufa meekly nodded.

「In the first place, this city wasn’t built by the Frankenstein clan. Since ancient time──the era when the sun and the moon existed in the sky, the human was still living here, as they suspected 」

「The ancient ones ……」

Certainly, Mule who had that ancient bloodline flew inside her veins directly emotionally casted her eyes down.

Kufa put his hand on that girl’s shoulder and continued.

「It isn’t only this Carna Navel. I know that there are many ancient cities remain everywhere in this night world and those ruins are all composed of rock salt」

Elise tilted her head “koten”, she asked with a voice as if a bell of a bird.

「Did the people from olden times live in salt city?」

「……With all due respect, but that shouldn’t be the case」

「I  think so, too」

Serge interjected. The girls’ eyesight restlessly looked at him and back.

Serge had already obtained much knowledge surrounding the night world.

「Building the city with salt is too thorough. Is there any logical reason to make the curtain using salt?　Perhaps the streets from ancient times weren’t made from salt since the start, something…………」

Serge searched for his words frustratingly.

And Kufa took over from that point.

「──Some world scale calamities happened, and it changed all the towns into salt. Although this is an outrageous talk, there is no better guess」

「Calamities……」

Melida naturally looked up at the sky painted in black ink.

Turning the cities in the world into salt all at once, an unheard of great calamity …… Just what is that reality?

The party had stopped their feet since who knows when.

As the engineers temporary transferred from the Leybolt foundation were also included in the Machine Regimen (Guild), the scale was nearly thirty men army. With such a group standing still at the middle of the road, whether one wanted or not their eyes would be drawn to it.

From the milky white buildings and their windows, endlessly the Frankenstein poked their faces out.

Their faces and figures were rather close to human …… At any rate, it was because they sew the scattered human’s body parts scattered onto themselves. As expected the people from the Machine Regimen (Guild) trembled in fear.

Only manager Clover shook his body in amusement.

「Ooh, the messenger-dono……!」

Finally the Frankenstein noticed Kufa.

Because everyone started to lower their heads, cold sweat broke out in Kufa’s heart.

Certainly Salacha, Mule and Elise, the three people couldn’t understand the situation at all.

「What messenger……?」

「They must have meant the messenger from the Frankenstein right」

Kufa made a lame excuse.

Surely his own body was that of a vampire, so he pretended to be a representative of the clan and accepted the cooperation from the Frankenstein clan ── something like that, he couldn’t just tell them that.

Did Serge plan to give him a helping hand, he stepped out.

「Where is doctor Hoir?」

「We haven’t seen the vice manager for a while」

「Is that so. Well then. I’ll be borrowing the research tower」

Saying so, he quick-footedly walked in front as the guide once again.

Kufa and Clover group meekly continued their walk after that. If speaking about why Kufa pretty much didn’t want to stop in this city at this point, it was because he couldn’t just let the fault come out. He felt guilty for the Frankensteins lowering their heads.

However……

「Look at that. They are leading a large amount of human to us!」

From the back of the group, those sneaky exchanges could be heard.

「Giving us those experimental materials is truly lavish!」

「I’ll take that man’s plump arm」

「I’m thinking it’s about time to replace this left leg」

「I’m certain they’ll finally teach us the perpetual youth and longevity technique!」

As soon as they knew those hair rising desires, their sympathies vanished ……

The group hurriedly drew back into a tower.

Serge already knew what he wanted, without hesitation he went up the stairs.

「We’ve already let our guesses wait」

He said with his back at them. 「Guesses?」, Melida group looked at each other.

As they went up the stair to the point their legs almost give out, finally Serge opened one door.

Behind it was something like a spacious meeting room.

Just as Serge’s words, there were two preceding visitors. Having entered the room, the first one to round their eyes was Salacha.

「Ku──Kushana-nee-san!?」

The first one was a beautiful woman who looked extremely like a military man. Her name was Kushana Shicksal.

She was the cousin of Serge brother and sister. Salacha’s opened mouth weren’t even closing.

The one being almost as surprised as they saw the second person was Melida.

「Freesia-san too! Why!?」

Different from Kushana who was only glancing back and forward, the young girl at her side quickly bowed politely. She was wearing battle outfit specialized in the cold and carried a rifle next to her skin. Her name was Freesia Blamange ……

She was the former Shicksal house’s guess musketeer, her true state was the werewolf’s favorite child, as she was released from that binding spell, right now she ── was taking position as the adopted child of Melida and Elise’s loved and respected former headmaster of St. Frideswide.

Because Kushana didn’t have any intention of opening her mouth, Freesia took the initiative to speak.

「Okaa-sama knew of your predicament and told me to give you some kinds of assistance──」

Melida ran up to her while filled with emotion and took Freesia’s right and left hands.

「Is headmaster Blamange alright?」

「Yes, she is. Because I left all my brothers and sisters with her」

Freesia looked down at her empty body figure seemingly a little anxious.

Melida put strength into her grabbing hands, she had to carefully ask.

「But we’re running away from the Burning Calvary Regimen (Guild Phoenix) you know? If you lend us strength then Freesia-san and also headmaster Blamange-sensei……」

At that point, Kushana at the side slightly moved.

「Well, there are also a lot of people don’t agree to that though」

Everyone involved gathered their eyes on Kushana.

Without a shred of timidity, she connected her words.

「The Burning Calvary Regimen (Guild Phoenix) isn’t the monolith anymore. The opinion concerning the pros and cons of particularly targeting the attack at the knight duke daughters (You) is being split right in half right now. Before being dragged into the political strife I quickly hid myself and exited Flandre to met up with you guys」

Since she forestalled that, she was waiting for Salacha’s group’s visit.

Kushana dropped her eyes on the palm of her hand.

「Duke Almedia is making every effort to suppress this chaos, duke Felgus’ chest was in pain because he can’t move as he wants to」

Melida silently casted down her eye lids and muttered. 「Otou-sama……」

Kushana’s voice seemed full of irritation, resentment and vigor.

「Originally, the Shicksal house didn’t participate in ruling that much」

“Gu”, she clenched her hand.

「Therefore, there is no power for us to rely on. Wasn’t I too made to confirm Flandre’s real state and the likes with my own eyes! So I should swing this spear according to whatsoever faith!!」

At that speech, the one who pompously choked with tears was manager Clover.

「Reliable allies are so many!」

He made a noisy clap with his metal arm.

Although Kushana looked at the funky guy with cold eyes, Kufa had the same thought as the manager. Anyhow this was the enemy territory. The assistance of Kushana who was equal to Serge was certainly reassuring as well as being able to leave the safety of Melida group to Freesia.

Including in those reliable allies, finally the opening of the meeting started.

There was no worry the Frankenstein. Even so, just to be sure, they let two machine soldiers stand watch in front of the door, the important people all surrounded the rock salt made table.

The ones in the middle of the controversial were Melida, Elise, Salacha and Mule.

The ones being keen on protecting the girls by any means necessary were the mana capable ones experienced in battle, Kufa, Serge, Kushana and Freesia.

Finally the one who took the lead of the Machine Regimen (Guild) was of course manager Jeanne Chrome Clover …… sticking closely to his side, the secretary Caesar Tsuezari was on attendant.

The one who started the debate was manager Clover.

He was the original proposer of this seemingly absurd《Travelling Plan》.

「EveryONE! First of all let me express my deepest thanks for gathering HERE……」

He took off the torn silk hat and bowed just like a rusted royal fern doll.

「What I’m about to SAY is my long life dream──And for the knight duke ladies, this is the only clue that could change their tragic storyline」

As he put on the silk hat, his artificial eye glittered with light.

「It is time travel」

「……!」

「Facing toward the far away past of this world, what had happened THEN? What is the true state of Flandre establishment that duke Almedia and the Burning Calvary Regimen are hiding at all COSTS? We will confirm that with our owns EYES, Hohhou……」

The artificial eyes’ lens reflected the tensed expressions of everyone present in order.

Kufa, “needless to say”, renewed his resolved without anyone knew.

When they went back in time long, long ago, they should find the clue to break the deadlock of the present situation.

Why Almedia and the black organization White Night Calvary Regimen (Guild Jack Raven) tried to erased history.

What is the content of the forbidden box (Pandora) that they had to bury the ladies of the knight duke houses Melida group into the darkness!?

──If they don’t intent to talk and keep silent, I’ll disclose it with my own hand.

Even if that means to smash the barrier of time!

Inside the strain atmosphere, manager Clover wavered his index finger「TCH, TCH, TCH」

「There is no need to think hard about IT. EveryONE will go on a train to a slightly different foreign country’s land, that’s ALL─Now now, pack your BAGS! Let ME prepare your tickET……!」

It seemed the engineer of the Black Sky Machine Regimen (Guild Ordyne) were already in a merry state.

However, at that point the one who let out a doubtful voice was Kushana.

「Is that really possible? A trip beyond time and such ……」

Manager Clover politely turned at at her.

「If there were no chance of success I wouldn’t invest in it. In order to make this fun trip successful I made sure every requirement and removed (checked) them one by one」

「Requirement……」

「For the time travel trip to be successful, there are three requirements──《Energy》, then《Place》and《Day》」

Manger Clover mixed his body gesture and hand gesture as he skillfully gathered everyone’s interests.

First he put up one finger.

「The first requirement is the wormhole……only to drill a tunnel into space time a tremendous energy is needed. However, regarding THIS,  the《Former King Baron》-sama on this side has already invented the perfect device for US」

Being in the focus of attention, Serge bent his lips in irony.

「It’s the perpetual motion machine that Mad Gold poured her blood into」

At that moment, although Freesia casted down her eyes with mixed feelings, it seemed manager Clover didn’t notice that at all. While letting the metal knot rang he waved his finger.

「After putting effort into snatching it, it finally paid off」

Kufa crossed his arms and asked just out of curiosity.

「But what principle is that based on? A wormhole is……」

「It’s difficult to explain from the start THOUGH」

Manager Clover entwined his right and left arm vertically and mechanically raised and lowered them.

What were those gestures expressing, the armature completely couldn’t understand at all.

「Vertical, horizontal and depth creates three dimensions. Adding the general idea of time, we have four axis, and they make up our current world. Then like this──」

He forcefully twisted his right and left arms.

Until they became like a twisted donut……….

「Bend IT」

「Haa……」

「Open a HOLE」

Speaking about who did that role, it was the secretary Caesar.

She thrust her palm forcefully at the gap of the manager’s both hands, vigorously passed through it.

The manager and the secretary were stuck together in a weird posture as they showed them radiant smiles…….

「What will happen when I do that. When we go through the tunnel, we could be at the future, or at the past──That’s the gist of IT. Do you understand?」

Kufa very deeply nodded.

It was useless trying to understand. He politely signaled with his palm.

「Please continue where you left off, manager」

「Thank you for the courtesy. Here we have to be mindful of one thing──」

As the secretary released the weird embrace, manager Clover exaggeratedly spread his right and left arms.

「Perhaps the chance of success is only ONE」

「Only, one……?」

「YES. According to what I heard the energy birth from the perpetual motion machine is《Permanent Substance》, to be precise it is not inexhaustible supply or somethING. Although ten thousands of years worth of energy is stored inside it, if only once is used each time, it will still be exhausted. Someday it will all be used up. To make it vomit all that energy in one go and create time tunnel, of course the limit is only one time only right」

Everyone inside the room mysteriously held their tongues. Although they couldn’t grasp the principle at all…….

Elise muttered to no one in particular.

「……A one-way ticket?」

Manager Clover smiled in overreaction.

「Of course, that is a round trip. I’m not that sloPPY!」

While making sidelong glance at the relieved states of the young girls, Kufa crossed his arms.

「Then, we have to be careful. Especially when we go beyond time, it would be difficult to return if we couldn’t find any assistance」

「It’s great that you UNDERSTAND. Where should we go upstream of time and head TO? That will be importANT.──We have to be thoroughly prepared, Caesar!」

As the manager signaled, the secretary who was prepared for everything held something.

The thing that she stretched out on the table was a map.

However, that was in extraordinary scale.

It was unlikely the domestic map of Flandre……..

As Melida group peeked into the map, they swallowed their breath.

「Sensei, this is……!」

「Yes, isn’t this the overall picture of the night world. This is the first time I see this too──」

Although this was unavoidable, Kufa unknowingly searched for the clue about the place where he and his mother wandered around on the days he was very young on the unrecognized map.

Something like the human’s world Flandre didn’t even exceed one region. Nonetheless, how ironic. This island country was like a main dish, taking the middle position of the map.

The one who explained this map was the duty of Serge. He stretched his arm on the table.

「I had received cooperation from the Frankenstein clan and had gone to this world’s《end》. The ever seeking《Outworld》that Flandre’s scholars once debated without result. What is at that place? A giant waterfall ──A sky tall wall that rises perpendicularly──Or perhaps, even more uncivilized great land stretching out, and so people claimed. Then, what is its true state?」

Everyone swallowed their breaths. Serge went to the right end of the map and glided his fingertips.

「The easten end of the night world is called Damiram peninsula . I set sail there and headed to the open sea. What do you think is out there?」

Manager Clover twisted his body「Please don’t teas and just tell US!」

As he did that, Serge once again glided his fingertips.

This time, toward the map left end.

「──I arrived at the western part of the night world, called the Magara bay! In other word, the shape of the world which we are living on is……」

「Just as I expec────ted!!」

Manager Clover interrupted with a stupidly loud voice.

Restlessly his fingers rang with a snap as he signaled something to the secretary.

Then, when thinking what secretary Caesar was carrying ──

「……A ball?」

Melida group frowned.

(illu)

Wasn’t it a little big for a children playing ball. Manager Clover put it on the table …… He didn’t seem to calm down at all. He didn’t mind the map become crumpled, he wrapped the ball with it.

「In other word, like this! Like THIS!」

The person himself was in great excitement and showed off the wrapped ball.

With the metal index finger, he poke repeatedly on the surface of the ball.

「This is Flandre── crossing the sea, like this, and right now we came HERE! If we head east from here──going one round and we’ll return to Flandre! Our world is《A Globe》, Hohhou! This is a great discovery of the centruRY!!」

The people from the Black Sky Machine Regimen (Guild Ordyne) were excited “Oo!”

Certainly, if they brought this fact back to Flandre it would be a public recognition.

However, the four ladies of the knight duke houses Melida group and the surrounding had difference degree in enthusiasm.

Because they had seen something very familiar.

Elise drew her face near Melida.

「……Nee Lita, do you remember that?」

「Yes. I also remember something, Ely」

Salacha who was next to them also nodded. Since miraculously the four people here had discovered it.

「It completely reminds me of the《World Affair Globe》we found in Bibliagort ……」

As the four of them had taken part in the librarian certification exam when they were first year, they had found the mysterious round object which was a historical material. It should be publicly known as『show any truth in this world』.

Since the ball was fixed by its axis, the girls at that time didn’t have any interest in it though…….

Mule made a dubious gaze.

「But isn’t that strange?」

The other three people turned at her. 「What is strange?」

Mule gave them a sidelong glance, she expressed the world affair globe that they had seen once again with her right and left hands.

「The ancient ones that created that ball also went to confirm the end of the world, right?」

「They should have」

「But wasn’t it just one gray color ball. The city’s name, the sea position, and even the mountain, nothing map-like was drawn on it. Leaving just a ball like that with religious zeal, it couldn’t convey anything to the future people. There’s no valuable material you know!」

Melida group didn’t seem to be answering. Mule crossed her arms with a difficult face.

「I feel like……we’re missing something……────」

The other three people looked at each other.

In either case, as the girls were out of expertise they shouldn’t be able to reach a conclusion…….

The great uprush of manager Clover group was completely ignorant of the ladies’ subtleties.  Spreading the crumpled map once again back on the table, he carefully straightened the sprinkles.

「This is extremely good news. We were able to remove a big concERN!」

Kufa raised his eyebrows and asked. 「What then?」

Manager Clover who was still excited tapped the map as if playing the piano.

「So I’ve told you about『bending the space time  and open a tunnel』 just now RIGHT. Then, when we come out of the tunnel, where will we appear in this WORLD? That’s the proBLEM.」

「The place, huh……」

Manager Clover folded the carefully stretched out map.

He folded it many times.

As it became a thick mass, he pointed his index finger stright right from the top.

「Wormhole」

“Stab”. With only that sound he showed the pierced map.

Then he spread out the map again.

On the map, pierced traces were here and there……

Manager Clover mixed his body and hand gestures to catch people’s attention.

「Where will we come out from the tunNEL? This is extreemely important. If that is in the middle of the sea, we’ll have no choice but to submERGE. If the corner of the world is a waterfall, then the tunnel’s exit might continue to hell……」

「I see. However if the world is a sphere, then the end will connect to the end──」

Manager Clover bent his lips looking pleased and pointed at Kufa’s face.

「That’s a correct answer (Excellent). At least, we don’t have to worry about being sprung out of the wORLD」

The little girls all together enthusiastically turned their sights at Kufa.

「You’re amazing, sensei!」

「Masterful」

「As expected of my husband-sama?」

At that point, the one who coughed impatiently was Serge.

With his right hand’s palm, he slammed the table strongly.

「Nevertheless there are still other problem remain! Don’t you somehow know what that is, Kufa-kun? No, do you know what that is? The, let me explain it to you!」

It was a rapid-speaking without any space to interrupt. Kushana heaved a sigh 「Don’t compete」.

Serge coughed once again and calmed down his breath.

Then he raised his index finger.

「──The point is, the terrains of the world we live in and the past are certainly not the same. The place where there was a stream back then may be dry up right now. On the contrary, the lake exists right now might be mere hollow ground. The city might have been destroyed, and the forest might have spread out. We don’t even know which era this Carna Navel was built either……」

He stroked the overused map as if smoothing it.

「This《Current Map》can’t correctly confirm the exit of the tunnel. We have to find the safe exit at a reliable contact point in the old era」

「A safe exit……」

「There is only, one method」

Serge glided his fingertip on the map.

He stopped, at one point.

「I’ve found this from the picture of young Mule and the mysterious letter I got from her, this《Tindaria histori ruins》──Only this place reliable makes me think it existed since the great olden era」

Melida group of three close friends looked at Mule’s face.

Speaking about Tindaria, it was engraved into the rocket pendant that contained the young Mule’s photo, this was yet another mysterious word.

Serge too smiled mischievously and peeked at her.

「There’s no other way to call it. You don’t mind, right?」

「Of course I don’t, onii-sama」

Mule returned a gracious smile.

Kufa put his fingertips on his chin.

「I understand what manager Clover said just now. The set off《place》──If we open the tunnel at this historic place and the exit there at the same time, we will safely and reliably get down to the olden world──is that what you mean?」

「Correct (Excellent)」

Clover pointed his right and left index fingers at Kufa.

This would soon be a suitable time. Kufa politely put his palm on his chest.

「I couldn’t think of anything more than you. As expected of Serge-sama──」

「You’re amazing, onii-san」

Salacha followed him. After that, the two focused their eyes on another person.

Kushana while still crossing her arms, she heaved a very deep sigh.

「…………I’m also proud of you」

「Right, right!」

He puffed out his chest in great delight, it was Serge.

Anyhow, with this they had cleared two problems ──

Manager Clover once again snapped his finger to signal his secretary.

「Bring the interstellar compass」

Secretary Caesar carried over something.

Although it looked like a compass, the many gradations and pointers made up a complex mechanism. There were seven in total. They seemed to have their own weight as they let out clanking dull sounds while being lined up on the table.

Kufa, Kushana and then manager Clover each took one on their hands.

While they were constantly staring at the map, they seemed to be turning the springs …….

Melida also picked up one and peeked at the surface of the interstellar compass or the likes.

「Sensei, what is this unique compass?」

「Please look at the biggest pointer, ojou-sama」

While Kufa still hadn’t stopped his hand, he bent his lips in amusement.

Just as he said, on the surface there was the most stood out red pointer. As a test Melida tried to move the compass to the right and the left, even so only that pointer aimed at a fixed direction.

Kufa returned the first compass and started to tinker with the second one.

「That red pointer stored the magnetism of the metal poles which make up Flandre, no matter how far it is separated, it will still continue to show that position.──The night world is dark. It takes a lot of effort to secure a light source, and the map or the likes are useless. So danger always follows the mission」

He proudly raised the compass’s surface he himself was carrying.

「Because of that, the only assistance is this interstellar compass」

「Hoee……」

From Melida’s right and left, her close friends gathered, the four peeked at the compass with admiration.

Serge also smiled in amused and stretched his right arm toward the table.

「Speaking about what Kushana group is doing right now──」

He glided the night world map to Melida group’s side, and tapped at one corner with his fingertip.

「We are here, Carna Navel. And the target point Tindaria historic ruins is here. Then Flandre is all the way──here. If you understand these three coordinates, you can draw a direct path from Carna Navel to Tindaria」

「And if we set these interstellar compass……」

Kufa grindingly turned the spring, once again he showed the surface.

Just like the clock’s hour hand and second hand, a golden hand aimed at who knows where.

「Just like this. We don’t have to worry about being lost in the night world」

「I see!」

「Ojou-samas please also try this. The operation is not difficult」

Because he said that, Melida group of four peeked into the map.

Relying on the hand written coordinate axis, they carefully moved the gradations and turned the sprung …….

Excellent! The golden pointer well behaved and started to point at one point of the wall.

If they single-mindedly followed this guide, they would arrive at Tindaria historic ruins ── Melida emotionally stared at the compass on her palm, her close friends also naturally held their tongues.

In the midst of it, Kushana and manager Clover skillfully finished their works.

“Clank”, the dull sound continued, six compass formed a line on the table.

Manager Clover solemnly opened his mouth.

「With this, the remaining problem is only, ONE」

Melida group looked at his face “yes?”.

Although their heads were being punctured by the deep meeting ── from a while ago, manager Clover had said for the time travel to success, they need to fulfill three requirements.

The《Energy》problem was cleared with the perpetual motion machine.

The starting《Point》was the fruit born from Serge’s investigation.

The final problem should be《Day》…….

In other words, how much into the past to go? That should be the case.

Kufa crossed his arms with a hard face.

「This ought to be the most important point」

Melida group of four meekly sit up straight and listened attentively to his words.

「It isn’t good to just arrive to the olden world. But at which point of time in the past to aim? Almedia-sama and Flandre’s central government are hiding it, if we can’t arrive at that historical moment, the only chance will be wasted」

「I’m already confident about thAT」

Manager Clover declared. Melida group looked at him with eyes wide opened.

As they did that, he also turned his artificial eyes at them.

No. To be precise, he immediately looked to Melida’s left side and at Elise.

「When I think back at the《confusion》 up till now from duke Almedia and the Knight Regimen (Guild), it seems they are afraid of the truth about the knight duke houses ladies being discloSED. The knight duke houses’, no, the noble class──mana capable ones’ roots! In order to personally see it, how far should we go back to the pAST?」

As always, he was a skillful pierrot who could gather everyone’s attention with his grandiose body gestures.

Kufa group as well as the others was waiting for his next words.

「According to the former mysterious science party Zohar──board chairman Bella Headier’s debate」

His fingernails bounced off the light and pointed at Elise.

「I’ve asked Sandrion’s left shoe. 『Which is the oldest blood』. And Elise-sama easily wore it. That means, among the many noble family lineages, undoubtedly it can be said that Elise-sama’s Angel house existed since the start of the NOBELS」

Melida and Elise opened their eyes wide and looked at each other.

Kufa put his fingers on his chin and doubted in his mind.

「……in that case, the Angel, Shicksa, La Moore, the three great knight duke houses rule supreme since the start of the noble, that history along is certainly the truth, In that case, if we trace back the blood line──」

「A correct answer (Excellent)」

For some reason, manager Clover putted in as if covering his voice.

Once again taking back the initiative, he continued with a loud voice.

「So the ladies-SAMA please be a little patient and let me extract a little of your blood. With that analysis report, wouldn’t we have the date for the trip?──PLEASE, come to a different room with my secretary. Won’t you, Mule-sama, Salacha-sama, and finally, Elise-sama?」

Anyone could feel that the air was fluffy.

The same age knight duke house ladies were a group of four.

Even so, why he purposely omitted one out?

Kufa turned at him with a sigh.

「Manager Clover……」

「As I’ve SAID many times」

The manager once again covered him with a strong tone.

「Time travel is extremely dangerous, the chance is only, ONE. Therefore we must not fail by any reason! Are we clear?」

「…………」

Although Kufa strongly kept silent, he didn’t stop staring at him.

Melida was also from the knight duke house Angel, but she didn’t inherit its merit mana《Holy Knight (Paladin)》 and was born as the incompetent gifted girl. Consequently, her mother, Meliona was suspected of adultery …… up till now it wasn’t just been dispelled.

Therefore manager Clover worried.

If Melida was the《bastard child》 and that blood analyzed together with the other ladies’ blood, the calculation might be wrong, that was one of the realistic possibility.

Kufa couldn’t stand not criticize him.

However, manager Clover only smiled in defiance.

「YOUR job is emotional SUPPRORT」

Because the atmosphere seemed to have gone really bad, Melida hurriedly pulled the hem of her home tutor.

「Sensei. It’s fine. I’m okay with it」

「Ojou-sama……」

It seemed Kufa was looking for something to speak. Melida smiled as bright as she could.

As if unable to bear seeing it, Freesia who was keeping quiet walked over to their side.

「……Ladies, I’ll lead the way. Let’s go to another room」

「That’s right. I’ll escort you too. Let’s go, everyone?」

Even though Melida promptly urged, Elise group of three had a dissatisfied expression.

Giving a sidelong glance at the cousins’ exchange, Kushana silently heaved a sigh.

「……let’s decide it once again for the final time. Who will participate in the plan?」

Melida group stared at the clever girl’s handsome face in a sudden.

Speaking about it, the ones being here, Melida group, Kufa and Serge group, manager Clover and his secretary, then the many people from the Black Sky Machine Regimen (Guild Ordyne) ── For dozens of people to trespass into the past world, that shouldn’t be the case …… right?

Manager Clover floated a sorrowful expression like that of an actor.

「YES. We have to set the time machine and also protect it, let’s mobilize everyone here to Tindaria. However, the number of people that can go back to the past is limitED」

The first person to announce themselves was Kushana.

「Let me join. The reason is as I stated just now」

「I’ll also go. It’s better to have more dragon’s eyes」

Without a moment delay Serge turned a charming smile at her.

Since it became like that, it was natural that Kufa had to follow them.

「Please leave it to me, ojou-sama. I will definitely bring back the truth」

Listening to that, Melida group had no choice but to fretfully look over him……

The fourth person, manager Clover, inevitably raised his hand high. And two capable people from the Black Sky Machine Regimen which was acting as guard were also included──with that, the participants were six people.

Just when all the opinions were received, Mule immediately raised her hand.

「What about bringing me along?」

「Mule-sama?」

「That rocket pendent’s clue is mine. Therefore, I think I have the rights to know the past with my own eyes」

“And so she said it……”, Kufa group of adult looked at each other in trouble.

They plainly had a hunch they would be scolded by duke Almedia later──

When it came to Mule’s little demon smile, there was the feeling she would likely come along even if having to crawl into the travel luggage. As Kufa group was the supervisors of the absolute condition, it should be a good plan to just node.

Manager Clover stroked his chin.

「That would be seven people. It’s generally the max capaciTY」

「Ano……」

Toward the person who let out a moderate voice, everyone inside the room turned their eyes.

It was Salacha. It seemed there was something she wanted to say, she timidly raised her hand.

「Is it, not good, to bring me along……?」

「「NO」」

The ones who instantly rejected were her brother and sister.

Kushana and Serge had expressions as if coming from a strict educating relationship.

「You know it right, duke Shicksal. You’re the only one who shouldn’t be there in a one on a thousand chance」

「Your circumstances and Mule’s are different. So just wait with Melida-kun group」

「……」

It seemed she herself was thinking that it was selfish, on that note Salacha backed down.

Melida, Elise and then Freesia stealthily looked at each other.

──For what reasons, Salacha proposed out something like that?

Serge suddenly winked his eyes at them.

He wanted to tell them to bring Salacha and quickly exit the room. In any case, only the people in concern were going to work out the sensitive details of the plan. Melida approached Salacha’s hand.

「Shall we go? Everyone」

Salacha meekly clasped her hand and turned her heels.

Elise, Salacha and Mule with Melida as the escort followed Freesia’s instruction and went out of the meeting room. Behind them was the sound of the adults calmly discussing.

While aiming to the lower floor, the ladies started chatting without a moment delay.

However, it was at that moment. They noticed a human figure which was going up the stair instead.

While they were trying their best to climb up the stairs with legs like that of a child, they let out an old man hoarse voice.

「This is the human ojou-sama. Excuse me! Pardon me for leaving first!」

Because he was in an extremely hurried state, Melida group quietly opened the way.

The toddler hands, the white coat and the wrinkled head, he was from the Frankenstein clan.

And then one more person ──

He was accompanied by a heterogeneous male.

His gray hair was shuddering. He had the appearance of around thirty to forty, but his skin was pure white like that of a young girl. He calmly went pass Melida group calmly with his long legs while giving them a sidelong glance.

「Thank you, courteous ladies」

Melida group couldn’t greet him back, they were standing still at a loss for words.

Maybe they should say something.

Or maybe they should stand in the way.

Perhaps, they should run away ……?

However, no matter which options it was already too late. One step ahead, the Frankenstein dashed into the meeting room while grasping for breath.

「Oo, Oo, everyone have gathered! I’m sorry for being so late!」

「You are doctor Hoir」

It was Kufa’s voice. Melida group could also see him turning around.

「We’re borrowing this room right now. But where have you gone?」

「I was going on a far away trip! I’m so ashamed that I doubted you. Uumu, uumu……I’ve brought you a surprise guess!」

「Surprise, guess?」

While hearing the exchange, Melida’s spine felt freezing.

About this guess, the white hair guess stepped into the meeting from Hoir’s back.

At that moment, Kufa, Serge, Kushana, the three people stiffened their faces at the same time.

Melida too couldn’t move her body as if her gears went array. Her throat became painful.

Because that guess was ──

The otherworldly white hair and the penetrating cold air (anima) were ──

The one who completely didn’t feel the tensed atmosphere in the meeting room was only Hoir.

Seemingly very proud, he invited the guess with his short hand.

「The people gathered here are all according to my detailed talk just now──Now then, let me introduce to everyone present! The leader of the Vampire clan ……Mr. Theodoa!!」

All the people from the Black Sky Machine Regimen (Guild Ordyne), and even manager Clover forgot to breathe.

The circumstances had also been heard by Melida group of knight duke house daughters.

The cooperation relationship between the human and the Frankenstein clan was fake. They were only swindling the name of the strongest power of the Vampire clan in the night world. If they were really indifferent to other clans, then maybe the human side (Flandre) should be able to manage to earn times and pull the Frankenstein clan to their own camp.

For that《Time Limit》to arrive in this way, no one could have expected.

The scheme had reached the Vampire clan’s inner citadel ……!

The man called Theodoa, just for what reason did he come here?

Melida also noticed Kufa group stretched their hands to their weapons.

However they were hesitated to draw them.

To the Vampire, inside this meeting room there was no mana capable ones, but only a great amount of undersized human. And if they fought here everyone would get dragged in.

Having said that, the enemy was in front of their eyes.

At least, would this one be reasonable with ……?

Since no one made a move and said something, Hoir peeked at everyone face colors. He said「Excuse me?」

The Vampire named Theodoa cheerfully smiled.

「It seems you’re lost. Alright. In that case let me suggest something」

He didn’t even take up a stance.

「I don’t mind one bit if you all die here」

Kufa group instantly drew their weapons.

Right after that, from the standing figure of Theodoa shockwave swollen up. Manager Clover group was immediately knocked down and the window frames were blown away. It was so fierce that Melida group which was outside the room had to cover their faces all at once.

The ones who held their grounds were the genuine knights. While Kufa jumped over the table he leaped upon the enemy. However, his black katana was held back by Theodoa’s single hand and bounded back from an invisible wall. Using that rebound Kufa stepped on the foot bellows.

With sharp footstep he reorganized his posture, Kufa stabbed resolutely. Kushana who ran around to the opposite side of him thrust the spear with greatest speed and timing. Theodoa’s arms moved like smoke. He hands that were wrapped by white cold air easily repelled the attack.

Spark danced, as if breaking through Serge jumped up. Adding the centrifugal force into the attack he slammed his heels. However, just before connecting to the enemy’s head it stopped, too.

Theodoa was only making his eyes shine intensely and strongly pushed back the kick.

While turning over in mid air, Serge yelled with all his might.

「Run!!」

Thos words were meant for them, Melida group recognized it too slow.

It was too late when they had noticed.

Theodoa said with his Tenor singer like voice.

「Jabberwocky──────────!!」

Right after that, from the damaged windows a strange voice could be heard.

Where did it appear from, in a flash,《monsters》filled the sky above Carna Navel. Monsters were monsters, there was no other way to call it. It had wings like dragon and its body surface was black.

Its sharp claws violently grabbed the window frame.

The most fearsome thing was that this monster had no face. No face and no nose, only its fangs packed mouth was widely opening.

The fierce fire inside the corner of its throat could be seen.

Theodoa smiled. The moment Kufa group noticed it was already too late.

The monster dumped the flamethrower (blaze) into the room. Just before it hit Kufa group released their mana, as it might oppose the flame. Melida group’s vision was filled with light flash, at the same time, fierce shock rushed at them. While their heads were shook by the thunderous sound, they were blown to the landing stairs.

Melida severely slammed her back, for a moment her breathing became hard. As she somehow raised her face, she saw that Kufa group and Theodoa and the monster were still locking sword.

Kufa group’s attack didn’t seem to be connecting at all. They once again let flame (mana) gushed up highly, but for some reason the black monster let out a delightful war cry. When Kufa sent out mana slash with his special phantom sword technique, it was crunched by the monster directly.

What’s the meaning of this!? They couldn’t even injure him even once.

From the burning meeting room, the small human figure ran out.

「Why! Why! Why the heck!」

It was Hoir. His white coat was scorched, and blood was flowing from his head.

「Why are they fighting? Why……!」

As if not letting it be erased by his scream, Serge’s tensed and beautiful voice resounded.

「Salacha! Where are you!? Salacha!」

Although unable to see the person in question, Salacha raised the top of her body “Hah hah”.

「I’m not hurt, onii-san!」

「I’ll come right away! Wait for me!!」

However, it seemed this was not the situation where they could just come together. Since the opponent was a vampire, the apprentice knight which was Melida group was nothing but a burden. Everyone fully recognized this.

Freesia’s judgment was swift. She quickly pulled the four ladies.

「Let’s run, Melida Angel!」

It was at that moment.

From inside the meeting room, there was someone who turned back at them.

It was the white hair Theodoa.

He bared his eye balls and thrust his finger.

「It’s that one! That blonde!」

Melida felt as if her heart froze. The voice came to her ears was almost buzzing.

「Don’t let that girl escape!!」

Right after, it seemed someone sent out a fierce attack. From the hall way the wall was gouged out and cloud of sand swollen up. The people inside the meeting had become silhouettes. Taking that chance, Melida group of knight duke house ladies turned their bodies and were led by Freesia to run down the stairs.

Different from her restlessly moved legs, inside Melida’s head, confusions were jumbled together.

──why!?

Don’t let that blonde girl escape …… he was talking about me?

There was not enough leeway to think over it. Although it would be good if the five of them dashed out of the research tower, inside Carna Navel they were still in a terrible situation. Many black monsters were flying about, they indiscriminately let out fire breaths.

The Frankensteins let out screams as they were engulfed in sea of flame without knowing why.

Their research results, the innumerable reports became ash and flew up ……

Where to run!?

The one who immediately made a decision was Freesia.

「Everyone, this way!」

Melida group of four had no other way but to follow the back of the girl who broke into the run with all their might.

There had to be a safe place somewhere ──

Although they had only walked over it once, the city had lost its original form because of the trampling claws of the monsters. Stepping on the rock salt rubbles scattered on the way, Melida group ran. Even though they had no idea where they were heading, they had a slight dejavu at the scene on their right and left.

We had passed this road before …….

It was just before this! Wasn’t this the main street everyone walked on in order to get to the research tower. Freesia turned back to the road on which they came. That means, the place she was aiming at, Melida group could faintly guess.

But the thing came into their view was the neck hurting tall castle wall ──

Although that main gate had been smashed into smithereens, the two sentries were still stood still. They livelily thrust the spears gripping in their hands to the sky for some reasons.

「You shall not pass! Get out of ouer (our) capital!」

One of the black monster rotated above them and threatened. Freesia immediately glided her sole and stood still, with her right and left arm stretched out she greatly stopped Melida group.

The sentries’ spears were mechanisms. From the spear head, explosives were bursting, the vastly scattered lead grains all firmly hit the beast. The monster twisted its body and screamed, it widely spread its big wings.

In a breath, it swooped down to the ground.

When thinking it was going to thrust his head to the ground or what, the monster used the force and bit one of the sentry. He let out a muffled scream. Seemingly it was going to hold his upper body like that and raised him up, the monster crunched his waist.

The sentry’s legs convulsed greatly once as his scream stopped.

Melida group of five swallowed their breaths.

While the monster carefully crunched the sentry’s whole body, it swallowed into its mouth. It turned around. The other sentry franticly thrust the spear.

「Hii! Hii! Hiaaaaaaaaa!!」

Together with violent exploding sound the buckshot hit the monster. However the beast acted as if that was nothing. The sentry stepped back and frantically pulled the trigger. The monster was further greatly pushed back by the buckshot, it advanced its forefeet, gradually corner the sentry to the side of the wall.

“Clink”, the trigger slipped.

The monster grandly spread its right and left wings and sealed its prey’s escape route.

As the faceless head opened its big mouth to the limit, the sentry let out a scream which didn’t turn into a voice.

Fire Breathe (Blaze)──

From point blank distance to excessive it scorched his whole body. The sentry became unspeakable charcoal in an instant. The monster really didn’t allow any compromise. Burning thoroughly until his nail tips, it continued to breathe out fire.

While they were only looking from the surrounding distance……..

Melida had already lost her words, she unconsciously stepped back. However, her hand was strongly pulled.

「Go, right now!」

Freesia wasn’t disheartened by the tragic event. She pulled Melida’s hand and ran. As she did that, the other three had no other way but to run with her.

Stepping on the ruins of the castle gate, behind the monster which unconcernedly cooked its prey ── While her heart was freezing, she went through with quick pace.

And so Melida group had already noticed Freesia’s intention. Even if separating their hands, Melida’s feet wouldn’t be lost, the thing stationed near the castle gate, heading toward those shadows.

Luckily over there, the seven caravans which the girls and the Black Sky Machine Regimen (Guild Ordyne) rode on to get here were still left untouched. There was no safe place inside Carna Navel anymore. For now, first of all to protect their own lives, they had to leave the city!

Melida group flew inside the closest vehicle stopped in place.

Freesia took the initiative and secured the driver seat, she quick handedly operate the lever.

「Can, can you drive? Freesia-san!」

「I leant by watching though!」

Instead of just an imitation, she extremely skillfully made the engine roar.

However, it was just at that moment. The monster which should have been absorbed with its prey turned its neck over here as if being drawn. From its pitch black smooth face, clearly it could perceive sight. Salacha who was being vigilance of the outside from the window was the fastest to notice this.

「Enemy in coming!」

The monster spread its wings, at the same time Freesia slammed the accelerator pedal.

The caravan suddenly departed, Melida group fell to the floor by the sudden momentum. While Freesia still stepped on the gas pedal to the limit, she sharply moved the lever and turned the handle.

This time they were smash to the edge by the side momentum. However this was not the time to tell her to drive safely. Even though they were constantly shook by the shock Melida still supported her upper body up, she stared at behind them from the window. Then, she undoubtedly saw the figure of the monster hot on their heels.

Its wings fiercely flapped on the air, the beasts got closer from the sky. It opened its big mouth.

A burning mass (Blaze)──

Right before that Freesia cut the wheel with the handle. Barely, the caravan’s side almost crashed into the flame, the ground burst open. Although they had evaded direct attack their speed greatly dropped. Estimating this, the monster folded its right and left wings.

It swooped down in a straight line.

Right after, a fierce impact transmitted through the roof of the caravan. The tires let out screams and suddenly the handle disarrayed. The beast had clung into the roof!

「……Son of a!」

Inside the greatly shaking vehicle, Melida undauntedly jumped up.

As it was only intended for exploration of the night world, this Night Caravan was full of useful equipments. If they went up the stairs and opened the hatch on the ceiling, it would lead to the watchtower on roof.

Melida pulled the hatch with all her might and the wind fiercely blown at her.

When it seemed the outside was awfully dark, it was because the monster’s wings were covering it.

This is a good target! As if saying so, Melida drew her right hand back.

「Phantom sword first slash ……Wind Fang!!」

From her swung fingertips, yellow slash flew out, it torn the half opened hatch together.

The remaining flame pierced into the sky above, and spark of fire scattered into the wind ──

However, what is this! The crucial monster’s wings had not even one injury.

「Why, why the heck!?」

「You can’t use your mana, Melida Angel!」

While Freesia maintain the handle with full of her strength, she called out.

「Use my rifle!!」

Was she planning to fire it while driving? While thinking that was impossible, Melida group turned their eyes around the inside of the vehicle in a panic. The girl’s favorite bolt action type rifle was …… There it is! It seemed when they dashed into the caravan with great force it dropped into the floor.

They jumped to pick it up, however Melida group was lost in thoughts.

「How to use this!?」

While staggering with the long and heavy gun barrel, she could only bring it to the hatch.

From the side, Mule grappled it with her. They both supported the rifle.

「Surely it’s like this!」

The girl finger pulled the trigger.

Bang──

At the same time, from the muzzle, shock wave was released, Melida group couldn’t bear it and tumbled down on the floor. However, the bullet went astray from the hatch and pierced the steel ceiling. But it seemed that was a success. Since the beast’s guts took a direct hit, together with a momentarily scream, the pressure rose.

Without letting that timing pass, Freesia strongly kicked on the gas pedal.

The monster’s claws on the caravan’s roof flicked as sparks scattered. The enemy couldn’t do anything but flapped its wing in that way and rose. The caravan didn’t even turn to look back. It single mindedly dashed and barged inside the forest.

That giant figure was immediately covered by the pitch black treetops, became invisible.

For a while, the monster circled on the space where its prey had escaped.

Finally──

It turned its giant head.

The monster flapped its wings heading back to war flame blazing Carna Navel.

(Illu)