Assassins Pride - Volume 2 - Chapter 1

Assassin Pride Volume 2 Chapter 1
LESSON I: ～ Golden Hime and, Silver Hime ～
Melida Angel 13 years old was in a serious trouble.

That was the distance with the beloved one, or should it be called the growing distance? At any rate the boy who was 4 years older than her, his back was tall, as if Melida didn’t look up their gazes wouldn’t meet, and the aura which he engendered appeared to be unbelievably grown up even before adulthood. With such a boy whom even though she entwined their palms in romance, from the surrounding eyes it’s much less than lovers, it couldn’t be seen as nothing but brother and sister at best.

Quickly, I have to become the Lady worthy of sensei or else ──

At the present, the girl’s heart had mostly been captivated, for it was the origin of her hot breathing, that was the ongoing problem.

Intervening between herself and the boy, there was an unfilled gap. For example, when Melida’s extended palm toward him was eagerly ── Gu! Gasped Tightly by him, She “Eh, No” Pushed Him Away.

On the spot with double the speed he returned it with a knuckle, Supan! hit her hard on her cheek.

Melida Angel right now, was facing a serious trouble.

With her beloved person, she couldn’t get in physical contact ……!!

「Alright, this is the ninth. How about you try to get about one more? Ojou-sama」

「Fuguuuu～～～!」

While her cheek was being squeezed and pushed, Melida groaned vexingly. The right punch that the girl stuck out with all her might was, dozens of centimeters before reaching the home tutor’s chest, trembling.

Kicking the ground to take distance, for the second time Melida took a hand-to-hand combat stance.

Kufa in the figure of a white shirt facing her too, with an air of composure had shown an arm squeezed tight.

Surrounded by the luxuriant botanical garden, Melida’s residence was like a hide out for a magician. What was being conducted at this back yard, was the custom early morning lesson. The two wooden swords had been set up before hand at the table, the student and teacher scattering mana from their whole bodies were facing each other with empty hands.

Melida’s both legs were “gu” sunk down, after that, violently she kicked the ground.

“Guwa” when thinking her whole body was floating, like a wave she aimed at the foot which was sinking down. she intended to move his ankle, she did a roundhouse kick, Kufa lightly jumped to dodge. The weed was, “zaa” dancing.

Melida didn’t stop the force of the swing. While dynamically turning her whole body, furthermore she kicked with the opposite leg. “Gatsu” it was caught at his hard as iron knee.

From the posture of almost collapsing on the ground, Merida supported with both her arms and once more rotated her lower body. It was Kufa’s own move, a foot work that looked like a break dance.

As if being in a hand stand she sprung up her lower body, Kufa saw her hips that were covered in spat for a second──There was no spare time, her healthy, firm thighs seemed nimble. Reflexively he bent his upper body, immediately after, the tip of his nose was mowed continuously by both of her heels.

「Wonderful」

The smooth technique and her physical beauty, while giving praise to both of them, Kufa casually release a horizontal kick. At the fully stretched out undefended flank of Melida, with perfectly adjusted strength the outer edge of his foot sent her flying.

「Agu……!」

The acrobatic movement was perfect for threatening and restraining, but at the same time it left a lot of openings. Having tumbled up on the lawn, before one could count to one, Melida took a safe landing and jumped back up.

Putting persistence fighting spirit into her fist, once again, like an arrow she kicked off the ground──

Suban! soon after, she was pressed down on her forehead by the home tutor.

「Alright, that’s the tenth. Impatiently charging in would result in nothing you know, ojou-sama?」

「Auu～!  After, just one bit, even just one bit～～～……!」

While being pressed down on her forehead by the sturdy palm, Melida didn’t give up and poorly thrusting both her arms. However both her left and right fist were in vain, before reaching him they were just waving at the empty space.

If looking from the perspective of an onlooker then clearly, it couldn’t be seen as nothing but animage of a child throwing a tantrum.

Melida Angel currently have a very serious problem. The evening of the Circlet Night at the middle of the summer break she had a wish, it had always continued smoldering inside the depths of her heart.

──Quickly,  I want to become the Lady befitting sensei!!

†　†　†

In the center of the back yard that made up the background of the estate. Today too at today’s training, looking at Melida whom was covered in dirt, with a nonchalant face Kufa turned around.

「Now then, ojou-sama. Why did not a single punch of ojou-sama reach me, on the contrary why ojou-samagot hit as I pleased, do you understand the reason?」

「That’s because sensei is an Oni!」

「That’s wrong. The problem this time is not that,I am no fiend in the first place. As for the matter, you will be fully convinced later.……Kohon」

Clearing his throat to start again, Kufa put up his index finger.

「Because that would be, ojou-sama has to understand the《distance》between each other.」

「Distance?」

「Yes.──let me show you the most simple example」

After Kufa took 2,3 steps backward, taking on a light stance he released his right straight punch. “Pan” air was shot out.

And then with his fully stretched arm he advanced, his fist hit Melida’s forehead with a thump.

「Ouch」

「This is range. This range is, the distance where my right straight could display the most power. While I freely use foot work or defensive body movement, jab or feint, from this distance I could aim for a one hit knock out. For example──ojou-sama please do one attack」

「Y, yes.──Ya!」

Together with a cute exhale, Melida too took stance and released a right straight.

“Byuu” while making the wind roar, her fist in front of her arm ceased faster than Kufa’s. Kufa moved to in front of her, he touched her fist and her belly.

「In regard, this range’s is ojou-sama distance. First of all if you can’t determine this, then you would avoid the opponent’s attack much more than needed, and helplessly miss the chance for a counterattack」

Both parties undid their stances, once again facing each other with straight back posture.

「Saying distance at this point, namely it would be《the advantage are between you and the opponent》. It didn’t stop with just the reach of a simple attack. What the point of your attack would be, what the enemy’s point of attack would be. Where your strong field is, where the opponent’s weak field is. Making choices based on the always changing,concurrent situation and every possibilities that revolve around you, shut down the opponent’s strong point and push your own strong point──this is what is called being able to《control the distance》」

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「Control the……distance……」

For the first year in the training school it was too early for the lecture about actual combat, but his students always eagerly lost in thought puzzling over. While Kufa faintly smiled, he continued to give hint.

「For example, the length of reach is of course an advantage, but at the same time there is also the risk called《the hit spot becomes further》. To put it simply it’s weak when you reached into the bosom. As for ojou-sama, compared to me your stature and height is just short, in exchange for lacking the reach, there is an advantage of being small,《maneuvering is effective》.

Kufa imagined the part of defense and offense just before in his mind. From the ground there was stem reached out, as if opening the petals splendid continuous kick was, vividly burning imprinted under the eyelids.

「With that point, the 10th kick is truly a magnificent one. Since with my height, the attack coming from grazing the ground would be difficult to deal with. Taking your advantage and pushed me to a disadvantage, I should praise you for that one attack」

Thereupon those words, Melida “Pa” raised her face and said with interest.

「I, I see! That means if I’m small there’s way of fighting for the small right!」

Excitedly she leaned her body forward, pressing both hands on the training wear’s chest. The two modest bulges were “funi”, softly changed their shape, having that entered his eyes, Kufa had a subtle trouble about where to look.

Being at the age of 13 years old in its own way would be having the bulges appropriate for the girl, Kufa couldn’t help but was forced to understand the situation. However why, right now at this place he stressed out about it.

「Y, yes. Just as you said」

「By, by the way sensei, big and small, which do you like……?」

「Yes, let’s see……both have its own advantage by itself I think but」

「I see! I shall make the best use of my own weapon!」

「……Fua, fighto」

Even though it was just the talk about actual combat techniques, why somehow there was the feeling that they weren’t in the same gear with each other. While subtly being uneasy, Kufa tightly gasped his fist and cheered her in advance. At any rate, it was definitely not bad if there was motivation in there.

Right after the lecture reached anend, as if arranged before hand, the head maid raised her voice.

「Ojou-sama, Kufa-san. It’s about time for school」

「Ye～s. Sensei, thank you very much for the lesson」

Politely Melida bowed her head, responding with a calm smile was Kufa. To the scene of the two, the maid head Emy was admiring with deep emotions in some respects.

Immediately after, quickly she took out the handkerchief, didn’t she just start sobbing?

「Uuu…… I won’t be able to see this exchange for a while, I’m getting lonely!」

「Eeh? Emy you’re exaggerating. Because it’s the event of the academy there’s nothing we could do, couldn’t we?」

These few days she was always in this state, Melida dropped her shoulders as if fed up.

Summer break had ended and new semester had started for St. Frideswide girl academy. The training school for mana capable ones, which Melida was attending to, every year would hold a custom big event.

The event opening period would be, around a month from today. In the meantime, the students who came and went from their own house like Melida too, were planning to stay lodging in the academy’s special dormitory.

Of course, the servant who was in charge of Melida’s education, Kufa, also accompanied her. Namely more than one month from now, Melida and Kufa would not return to this estate, that means they would not trouble the 4 maids working here anymore.

With that how lonely it would be,  ever since young age Melida’s growth had been watched over and protected by an exclusive maid, at the same time she had the mindset of an older sister, Emy was crying everyday while appealed her emotion.

「For one month I can’t stroke ojou-sama, I’ll be dry up!」

「Fugyuu……!　Emy, that’s uncomfortable」

With both her arms she hugged ojou-sama tightly, but about the heart of the parent, or rather the child didn’t know, 「Puha!」Melida broke out from the restrain, ran back into the estate.

「Sensei, since I’ll get ready immediately, please wait for me──!」

「Aa, ojou-sama! Today please let me carefully wash your back～～～!」

Similarly the head maid pitter-patter came back to the estate, Kufa looked and sent her back with a wry smile.

Although it didn’t like he didn’t have a little sympathy for Emy, any more than this would be the same as stretching it to the breaking point. It would be probably so, considering the girl was looking forward to the academy event.

Up to before the summer vacation──Until Kufa was dispatched as the home tutor, to reach the point of being able to head to the academy with that feeling or the likes, surely she wouldn’t have guessed it. Herself being scorned as the 《Incompetent gifted girl》, while shrinking from the surrounding eyes, she spent three years in a depressing mood and tormented by anxiety, that couldn’t be wrong.

However, at least right now, the girl always had a shiny smiling face to show Kufa.

If so then was there any meaning in betting his life, Kufa also thought that he was rewarded a little.

†　†　†

Having prepared to go to school, while being seen off by the maids’ reluctant to part voice, Kufa and Melida left the estate, and continued going straight to the school── they did not. Until the first semester she was different compared to serious honor students. Since the second semester, she took a little detour.

The reason was simple. If they were students it would be natural to go to school everyday.

It was the meeting with friends.

「I let you wait, Ely!」

At the same meeting place as always, the intersection of Oxypen Road and Parks End Street. Below the sign illuminated by gas lamp, the fairy with silver hair was waiting for Melida.

St. Frideswide girl academy’s pure white and red rose uniform, and holding designated leather bag, in such a perfect figure, Melida came running over, while wearing the same uniform the one waiting also raised their head.

Although having the appearance of an artificial with an expressionless face, gently they formed an almost captivate smile.

「Good morning, Lita」

「Good morning Ely! Ehehe, today is warm huh!」

The silver haired girl who was called with a friendly nickname was the same as the blonde hair Melida, the owner of beautiful face as if a mirror image. In a good contrast to the full of expression Melida, there was only a fleeting mysterious face. The little girl just now, held out her left hand’s palm.

「……Let’s go?」

「Let’s go!」

“Kyu”, the appearance of clasping palm was all and all as if real sisters. Melida began nowadays to look forward to the academy, the biggest reason seemed to be Elise’s existence. As the Angel branch family’s descendant, Elise Angel was her cousin……having been the drop out Melida naturally had to keep distance, among the first year in St. Frideswide she was widely known as the《the strongest》, the genius little girl.

Having been in estrangement, once again the chance to face her had been created, if asking Melida, it was because of Kufa’s guidance. If listening, for the two of them to be able to talk carefree in this way was the first time since Melida’s mother passed away.

In order to make up for the lost time, Elise tightly stuck to Melida’s shoulder.

Thereupon she turned to look over her shoulder, “Ji” she looked up at Kufa who was in waiting.

「……Kufa sensei too good morning. Today too you’re carrying plenty of wonderful baggage」

“Gunu”, unconsciously the home tutor’s cheek twitched.

In active service belonged to the knight regimen (guild) as a knight like him, who always in a black military uniform, was carrying two trunks used for the long-term lodging for each of them. If looking from a third party perspective they were slightly big baggage. However, taking on all the burden for the master was the duty of the servant.

Undauntedly, Kufa too showed a refine smile to answer.

「Good morning Elise-sama. If I could think of this as ojou-sama’s proof of trust, this is the utmost honor」

「If it’s sensei he’s reliable!」

With that Melida’s face frankly glittered, on the contrary Elise let out a short groan.

「Gununu……this is very tough」

In a huff she faced other way, Elise pulled Melida’s palm. While keeping a fixed distance walking from behind the sisters, Kufa lightly shrugged his shoulder.

The dance at the Circlet Night inside of summer break. Since serving as a partner, Elise was often in such a mood. Even though in front of her Kufa always showed that he attentively escorted Melida with gentlemen like attitude, in the end why was she having her guard up?

「Ehー, cough cough」

At that moment, together with a forced cough someone came lining up beside him.

While she dressed gorgeously as if a fashion model, she was a young girl with flower field on her head. The same as Kufa who was Melida’s home tutor, she was employed as Elise’s home tutor, the young and enegetic 《First generation marquess (Career Marquis)》Rozetti Pricket.

As if she had been practicing, the girl proudly raised her index finger.

「How do I say it, it’s like that. After escorting and waiting the ojou-sama day by day to school, for us the solidarity feeling like 《A group of wives》 is──」

「That’s impossible」

「Mou. Wh～y!」

With a mood full of dissatisfaction, angrily Rozetti resented.

At the girl who was raising the travelling bag which was stuffed to the rim,Kufa answered with a nonchalant face.

「I’ve told you many times right? Me and you are the home tutor from the main house and the branch house, it’s a Ri-val relationship. I won’t get along with you more than necessary」

「It’s fine rig～ht!? The ojou-sama in the question are that intimate which each other!」

Rozetti pointed forward with extremely disrespectful gesture. although they got sight of ladies of the duke houses who were merrily chatting in harmonious relationship, Kufa “yare yare” put his hand on his forehead.

「……For example if we and ojou-sama don’t mind it, it would be the talk about what the Cilent thinks. At Elise-sama’s estate there’s also sensitive people right」

「Yeah……un, certainly」

「What would Mrs. Othello do in the end of this one month?」

Yare yare, Rozetti shrugged her shoulders with a playful tone.

「On a trustworthy note, it seems like she had successfully squeezed in her name on the list of boarders. It seems like she is worried about leaving Elise-sama’s aid to me」

「It’ll be quite a pleasant one month right」

「Seriously」

If looking from a third person perspective they were like worried housewives socializing in the neighborhood, Haa, in uniform both Kufa and Rozetti let out a sigh.

Unknowingly Melida and Elise who had gone far ahead couldn’t feel any sorrow, with smiling face they waved their hands at them.

「Sensei──! Rozetti──! We’ll leave you behind you know──!」

Kufa and Rozetti exchanged glances, as if having arranged before hand, they both smiled.

「Even if the situation changed, our mission is only one」

「To protect our ojou-sama’s school life, right」

Re-holding the heavy baggage firmly, the two home tutors strongly kicked the ground and ran up.

†　†　†

Inside St. Frideswide girl academy’s large grounds, the places Kufa didn’t step into were rather many. For example, the places called 《Abandoned school building》by the students, it lied at the far back of grounds and was blocked by walls, that was the first.

Apparently whenever passing it, the gate was always got locked by a firm bolt, but that place was opened to the public since around one week ago. Despite having visited it many times, that wall yet still gave the feeling of fresh. Kufa and Melida and the rest, four people walked through it.

Beyond that point waiting for them was, the big palace made out of glass.

Starting with the decoration and lighting, from the roof to the wall, the floor or the pillar, all of every part was composed out of glass, this gorgeous building captured the light of gas lamps, then reflected it horizontally and vertically, glittered magnificently just like sapphire.

「Beautiful……」

Almost every morning it had become a habit to speak out her feeling, Melida moved her feet forward.

At the palace’s main gate, there were two glass statues imitating the war maiden (Walkure) stood in wait. Is it over 5 meters in length? Moreover looking up they were almost gigantic, the details throughout were made elaborately, a work of art.

Furthermore, the thing that should be a surprise ── exactly the moment Melida and Elise were about to go pass the gate, the glass statues played a clear tone color, Changed Their Postures. Crossing the swords made out of glass from both side, stopping the little girls’ approach.

The voice as if it came from the bottom of the river could be heard, it resounded from the throats of the Walkures.

『The rights to enter for those who did not receive permission, no matter who they are we cannot allow it!』

『If you wish to enter, show the proof of being the one who received permission!』

As Melida and Elise slightly exchanged looks, they put in power in their delicate bodies.

Almost at the same time, with stunning momentum, from both their bodies, flames of mana spouted up. Melida’s flame was the noble golden color. Elise’s flame was the mysterious silver color.

The two Walkures were looking down at the two of them with clear eyesight from the corner of their helmets.

『……First year, Melida Angel. The same first year, Elise Angel』

『Since your mana are in the record. You’re allowed to pass!』

The Walkures returned to their postures, with loud sound they disjoint the two glass swords. Melida and Elise exchanged smiles and suppressed their mana, they advanced inside the gate.

And then from behind the girls, Kufa and Rozetti too thought about following ──

Gasha ──── n!! Without a moment delay the crossed glass blade obstructed their path.

『The rights to enter for those who did not receive permission, no matter who they are we cannot allow it!』

『If you wish to enter, show the proof of being the one who received permission!』

The Walkure fully repeated the same speech and conduct. Melida and Elise were in panic and came turning back, each gasped their own home tutor’s palm and appealed.

「Ano, this is our follower. Please let them in」

『……If the one who received permission allowed, we also have to allow it』

『Very well. If so you’re allowed to pass!』

Gashan, the swords were released, this time without any trouble the four of them passed through the gate.

「It’s one week you know!」

Just now, Rozetti was in the state of unable to bear it and yelled.

「It’s fine already so why don’t they try to remember our face?」

「Well well, if they displayed that flexibility they wouldn’t be the gate keeper」

Again quarreling about those glass sentries, it had already become a custom. Although they were Melida and other’s servants, they weren’t students or lecturers so Kufa and the others couldn’t record their mana.

Thereupon, with the state of realizing something, Rozetti rushed back to in front of the gate.

「……Nee! What about the one called Mrs Othello, have she passed here today? The same as us she didn’t record her mana──or rather, she isn’t the mana capable ones」

The sentries together with a clear echo changed the angle of their necks, looked down on Rozetti.

『……You have been allowed to pass!』

『Quickly pass over the gate!』

「This is not allowed huh」

As the glass statues returned nothing but the fixed words, Rozetti disappointedly dropped her shoulders. Kufa called out to her while feigning ignorance.

「If she has business in here, she would have asked some lecturer to let her in, wouldn’t she?」

「That could be it. Let’s go then?」

At any rate, Melida and Elise were leisurely chatting whilst walking, and also it was about time to go to school. The big stairs at the frontage was ── of course made out of glass ──after going up the stair and arriving at the dance area (dance hall), at this place a great number of girl students had gathered already.

From thirteen years old to fifteen years old in three grades altogether, the number of students are approximately three hundred people. Representing their girl academies, the only male was Kufa, truly it was a showy space.

At the moment the noticeably tall figure in black uniform came to sight, the girls near the door were 「Kyaa」 excited in a ladylike manner. He had already become the famous person who caught the interests of almost all the little girl’s interest.

Regarding the eyes that were looking at him, while making himself pleasant to everybody equally, he followed Melida and the rest to the right side of the hall. Heading to the first year students gathering as if they are baby birds.

「It seems we made it in time. That’s good……The lecture’s sensei are visible already」

Lightly catching her breath, before Melida’s eyes, right at that moment, a group of first years happened to pass by.

「……A」

From Melida lips, somehow an awkward voice leaked out.

Accompanied by three followers, the girl who returned the look without saying any words was, the curly chestnut hair which was done into twin tails classmate, NervaMartillo. Once before the 《Incompetent gifted girl》 Melida was the target for her bully, at the public tournament last semester Nerva was completely retaliated, as putting their relationship in word, anyone of course could understand the reason for the tension in the air.

「……Good morning, Melida」

「Good, good morning」

After only exchanging the minimum greetings, Nerva led her followers and went away.

With a look of couldn’t say anything Melida saw them off, Kufa whispered into her ear.

「Ojou-sama. From her side did Nerva-sama say anything unpleasant to you?」

「No, there isn’t. Since the new semester we didn’t have a chance to meet……」

Seemingly just a little lonely, Melida smiled.

「I think she doesn’t want to concern with me anymore」

At that moment, a very dignified and solemn sound came up, at the same time the dance area (dance hall)’s glass door were closing.

The little girl students’ chatting was, all of a sudden as if wave, ebbed.  Inside the completely silent atmosphere, from the lined up row of lecturers, a woman came out.

Pure white hair with wrinkles stood out on her face. Although she appeared to be quite old but, her spine was in shape and her straightened stature was tall, putting on the atmosphere like a big tree. Should it be said she was a veteran witch? While dragging the solemn robe’s hem, bathed in the stares of all the girl students throughout her body, she stepped forward.

St. Frideswide girl academy’s headmaster, Charlotte Blamange. Floating a cheerful smile that turned age into a charm, the headmaster called out to the girl students

「Everyone, seems like you’re all gathered? Good morning.  Finally tomorrow, the long awaited moment would arrive. For this year’s 《Luna Lumiere Selection Matches》!」

The first class musician, just like the favorite violin, the low and calm vocal sound spread across the hall. The headmaster with her small pupils, surveyed all three hundreds girl students equally.

「Just as everyone’s knowledge, this will be a combined event with our sister school Saint D’Autriche girl institute. Each school will select two candidates, and competing in three trial, the 《Luna Goddess (Luna Lumiere)》 title would be decided on the most suitable candidate by the vote of all the students」

The girl students were a bit restless. With expectation their cheeks had already blushed.

The head master was, as if this atmosphere was interesting, floating a smile like a child.

「The selected candidate for Luna, one year from now on, will be the most exemplary lady and will gather respect from student of both schools. It’s a duty of great honor. Now then, as our position as the lecturers, we had continuously conducted meeting for the worthy stage for this year selection battle. And then this time is──」

For a short time she stopped her words, the headmaster extended both her arms, looked up at the sapphire like roof.

「This glass palace 《Glasmond Palace》, we formally opened it」

“Waa!” elegantly the girl students were excited, the group of lecturers were watching over them beamingly too.

「The  underground labyrinth 《Bibliagoth》’s entrance that’s inside this palace is, normally securely sealed. However, in order to commemorate the fifteenth selection battle on this occasion, the gentlemen from the La Moor house controlling the Bibliagoth has specially allowed our access to it. Although the entrance itself has been locked but──everyone, sincerely, don’t try to do thing like picking the lock of the soaring door at the end of the underground hallway. Is that alright?」

The head master tightened her tone, the expressions of the girl students were strained.

Like a leader worrying about the emergency case, the headmaster continued after exchanging gesture.

「This glassmond palace, please think of it as the legacy of ancient time constructed by the Flandre. In other words, that means we who are born in this age have no ability to control all the articles here. Having deployed inside the palace, the glass dolls that mysteriously move on their own──《Glass Pet》 and the likes could be said to be the most extend of it.」

Kufa was reminded about the figure of the sentries protecting the main gate. The head master’s speech continued.

「The moment if you lost in action inside the palace, seeking opinion from them would be alright. As good neighbor, they have promised the cooperation for this selection battle.──Then, around noon today the representative students from D’Autriche would arrive, and this academy would perfectly become the 《Chained Castle》. Properly prepare the welcome for them, is that all right? The selection battle prior preparation is finally over as for today, the end! Everyone, please do your best, now then dismiss!」

The headmaster loudly brought an end to her speech, and the hall became noisy.

Each school year and groups headed to do the the assigned work. More than half of the students hurriedly left the hall, from whose order dozens of students were gathering.

And then Melida was, first of all united with Elise, then headed toward the corner of the terrace. Their work was to carve Frideswide’s candidate names on the stained glass’s product, then decorate it.

At the same time the first year, the second year and third year senpai mixed together, working hard on the final stage of the work. Everyone contributed their opinion on the design, making patterns, cutting the glass and joining them into the original stained glass, and they were going for waxing as the final finishing touch.

While watching over the figure of her moving the brush carefully, Kufa asked Melida a question.

「Ojou-sama. For Luna Lumiere selection matches, what do they do in specific?」

「Eーto, in short……I think it’s to choose out Luna Lumiere」

Kufa returned an unspeakable look, Melida raised her head at him in a flustered state.

「Be, because I’ve only just enrolled this year, so anything other than what the headmaster sensei said, I don’t know very well」

「Then, instead let me answer your question」

At that moment, from nearby there was someone whom cut into their conversation.

It was the third year who was supervising all the work in the hall. She was a girl student with loose platinum blonde hair like a wave. Melida was surprised, unconsciously stopped her hand on the work.

「Ch, Christa the student council president!」

About her, Kufa had seen her a few times. She was currently the student council president of St. Frideswide girl academy, Christa Shanson. Standing on the stage of the assembly, gathering the students at the academy event, a figure that gathered trust of the group of lecturers, she left in that impression.

President Christa was, in regard to the older and tall figure of Kufa she didn’t become timid and came face to face with him.

「What is done in a selection matches, if putting it in one word, it would be 《A secret》」

「Hou?」

「According to what the headmaster-sensei said there were three trial prepared, but for the sake of keeping fairness every year the contents change, even the candidates performing in the selection matches wouldn’t be informed about the details until the very last moment. Usually as the custom of the selection match, for the candidates 『Share your fate in pair, and pick two unit members before hand whom you can place your trust in』 they were only given the directions like that」

Kufa raised his finger on his sharp chin.

「Unit member……That probably means, it makes me think that one of the trial would be performed with the unit comrade but」

「Yes. But as far as the remaining two are concerned, it’s seriously still unknown. Until the selection matches start, the only one who knew the details is the one who planned it, that means it’s the headmaster herself alone.」

“But”, while president Christa paused her words, she cast down her eyesight.

「What kind of trial that would be,  it could be said that the contents were very harsh and dangerous. At any rate our school and St D’Autriche are training school for mana capable ones. And the thing is to choose the representative student from them. For me this is the third selection matches but, no matter what year……it could unfold an intense offense and defense」

「I see. And then to honor their figures of making effort, among the four candidates who would be the representative student──worthy of being Luna Lumiere would be voted by everyone, is that right?…………Oya?」

At that Kufa was, as if suddenly realized something, wrung his neck.

「The students from St D’Autriche are, does all of them stay here during the selection matches?」

「No, alongside the third year around 50 people are, as D’Autriche’s representatives are expected to come here. Although the number of candidates is, to be fair only two each」

「However, if we carry out the selection like this……」

As if she had guessed what he was going to say, Melida leaned her body forward.

「That’s right, normally the hosting school’s side has overwhelming advantage. Because I think everyone wants their own school’s student to become Luna. But last year, when the selection matches were held at D’Autriche, that time, in defiance to this handicap Frideswide’s senpai had been selected!」

「「「Shenfa one-sama! Our aspiration!」」」

Melida’s classmates who heard their talk were, ecstatically glittering their pupils.

「While she was the candidate from the invited side, with the overwhelming support from both school students she won the position of Luna, Shenfa-sama!」

「Because the rival horse was Frideswide’s former student council president, in truth, last year was somewhat a one sided game and……!」

「Kohon」

President Christa lightly coughed, the girl in a fluster returned to the waxing.

While brushing up her platinum blonde hair, president Christa too once again puffed up her chest with pride.

「Well, Frideswide’s two years continuing crowning is all but for sure. Mostly, 《Who》 would be selected, that’s something we have yet to know though」

With a glimpse, she exchanged look at the handmade stained glass.

Frideswide’s candidates’ names were written on it, 『Shenfa Zwitoque』 and alongside, 『Christa Shanson』, the letters were carved grandly.

Looking at the same thing as her, Kufa floated a bright smile.

「I’m rooting for you, miss Shanson」

「A-ra, that would help. Then with this」

Nonchalantly said, she handed over to him some objects in succession.

They were lamps, metal fittings and tools. Kufa unconsciously let out an awkward voice.

「Yes?」

「Please put the lamps at the background, and the stained glass decorated at the conspicuous place. The stair is over here, and I will give direction──we’ll rely on you, sensei」

「Oya, since when I became the student of Frideswide?」

「Don’t mind the small details. Since you’re precious male helper would you work for us right away」

Since he felt if he grumbled too much he would get his butt kicked, Kufa “yare yare” carried the tools and followed after the girl. 「So he came」 some girl students laughed at the whisper.

He obeyed president Christa like a sharp whip, installing the lamps, securing the stained glass, covering with the thick curtain. With all the members completing the finishing touch, the big stained glass were decorated, the third year girl students were 「Waa!」 leting out an admiring voice.

「With this the preparation to surprise D’Autriche’s students is all done」

Looking up at her own name carved on the stained glass, president Christa murmured satisfyingly. The final curtain was hanged, and the work divided between Melida and others ended well.

「Leave your fate in pair, the unit member that you can place your trust inn……」

Looking up at the covered curtain, Melida was as if dreaming murmured. A year later and another year later, if she herself became the candidate for the selecting battle ……might be she was daydreaming about that.

With a glance she headed her eyesight toward Kufa, without a moment delay like always he returned a smile. Melida’s cheek was “Po” flushed, in a state of flustered she averted her face.

「That, that’s right. If talking about unit, that──…………Right, Ely!」

In a state of having decided her thoughts she called out, Elise always with an expressionless face blankly, tilted her small neck. Melida without making herself clear, while entwined her fingers bashfully repeated her words.

「A, a-no ne? I am right now, since I’m omitted from Nerva’s unit……I don’t belong to anywhere you know?  Although Euphy let me in her unit at the public tournament, but that’s an exception, therefore……」

“What was she trying to say”, Elise’s neck deepened the angle more and more.

Melida “gulp” made a sound with her throat, as if seeking direction from a superior, she looked up at her cousin’s face

「If, if it’s fine to you, would you let me join your unitー……because」

「E……」

「I, I won’t force you! Me and Ely are, I mean, there is, the difference in our status. B, but if I and Ely joined into one unit, surely it would be a wonderful thingーI think──」

「Elise ojou-sama, Meliaojou-sama. With all due respect」

Her voice which was containing biting words was, being interrupted by someone whom entered cut between them two.

Since when they came to the hall. The third person between Melida and the other was a female in apron dress. Elise’s estate serving as the head maid, a skilled servant, it was Mrs Othello.

Stiff and slackless proper like a wire, she looked at Melida with cold pupils.

「Excuse me, I would like to say a word. According to my knowledge, a unit started with lycanthrope, after numerous hardships fighting them to become comrade in arms. According to my glass judgment, for Melida-sama to play the role of Elise-sama’s unit member, wouldn’t you be a little too heavy of a load for her」

「Understand your body’s limit, you mean? As expected the power of persuasion is different, I am too right now having the same state of mind」

Undaunted to Othello who was like a spirit at the back of Elise, Kufa too stepped out beside Melida.

As Othello noticed immediately and let out a “fuu”, showed an unnaturally surprised act.

「You are Mr. Vandric right. You are also staying here?」

「Vampir desu. For you too, couldn’t you support that old body of yours, Mrs. Okkos?」

「It’s Othello. You don’t need to worry about me」

Pachi pachi pachi while seemingly like firework was scattering, the two of them didn’t let go of their smiling face and didn’t even move a step.

Othello put her hand on Elise’s shoulder, like a crow’s claw she put strength into it.

「Anyways, Elise-sama. Please have good awareness of your own position, and you have to carefully choose the one you want to deepen your friendship. If it were the unit member of a 《Paladin》, it would require a suitable level. A poor man servant couldn’t become your herald.」

「Wai, wait Othello-san!」

Elise’s follower, Rozetti forced her way through in a hurry. Since Mrs Othello spoke with an excessively high pitch voice, the conversation was leaked to the other girl students around.

「Didn’t I tell you that your way of talking is not good, did I? Right now there’s a child wanting to join Elise-sama’s unit you know!?」

Actually, from the first year students many were noticing them unpleasantly. Regarding Rozetti who was laid bare in unusual discomfort, Mrs Othello showed that she unpleasantly bent her lips.

「Being shivering is the proof of being guilty, isn’t it!」

Leaving that with a more high pitch voice, as if running away she left the dance hall.

Rozetti’ssleevees whose said that in anger and spoiled was shyly pulled by Melida.

「Anoo, sensei, it’s fine! It’s my bad」

Saying it as if to let the surrounding first year hear it, with a forced smiling face she directed at Elise

「I’m sorry Elise, it’s nothing! The talk just now, just forget it?」

The classmates were, having lost their interests unnaturally averted their eyesight.

「…………」

And Elise, since a while ago she had always been keeping an expressionless face which no emotion could be seen.

The words she was keeping inside her chest were, surely other than the person herself, no one could perceive it.

「Everyone, we could see the students of D’Autriche!」

At that moment, as if to blow away the stagnate atmosphere the voice resounded throughout the hall. The girl students rushed to the windows all at once. Kufa too had been drawn to the window and looked out, and then he saw.

The sweet soldiers’ parade had crossed over the 《Abandoned school building》’s wall, it was that sight which entered his eyes.

「That’s Saint D’Autriche girl institute ……」

Not at all inferior to Saint Frideswide, they were the figures of brilliant uniforms. The number of people were, from the first year to the third year, about approximately fifty people. Horizontally making a line of three, in a perfect order parade they followed the road to the glass palace. Each of their conducts was as if had been polished up to their fingertips.

As the ones watching were very nervous, the surrounding little girls gulped.

「The one who was guiding was……Shenfa-onee-sama!」

As someone spoke up, the head of the parade was only one, it was the figure in the uniform of Frideswide. Slender and high stature, outstanding figure. Gorgeous hair was softly stretched to her waist. Somehow, she gave off an air that reminded of the 《thoroughbred》, if putting into words.

「They also have the role of Luna」

President Christa crossed her armed behind the crowd of people. Kufa lightly turned back at her.

「Would the selection battle start tomorrow?」

「That’s right, the invited side also has some preparation for it. First for all the people from D’Autriche, in order to enter the glassmond parade each of them has to register their mana, at the same time receiving the orientation for living at Frideswide.──Everyone? Since from today onward for one month, morning, noon, evening we will live together, don’t be looked down on by D’Autriche student or──」

Speaking at that point, president Christa「Ko, kohon」 coughed.

「Don’t……don’t show a pitiful appearance, brace yourselves」

「Everyone! Frideswide is doing《Chain castle》!」

Throwing open the hall’s door, the lone girl student came to inform while breathing heavily. At that moment, the little girls around were “Wa!” letting out a big cheer, and flew out from the hall.

「Sensei, let’s go see too!」

Melida too was in a merry state and pulled Kufa’s arm. Behind the girl students who rushed to the gate, was the lone figure of president Christa whom was left behind, as she stomped the floor in dissatisfaction.

「Anyone, is there no honor students who would listen to my talk!」

†　†　†

Was it because they heard the rumor, in front of the castle gate the girl students had almost all gathered. As Melida and Kufa merged in at the end of the line, expressly as if waiting for them to come to study by observation, head master Blamange called out to the group with well passing voice.

「Even interrupting the preparation for the selection battle, I welcome everyone for coming here. As you expected, from this moment this academy will perform 《Chain Castle》」

Looking at somewhere and laughing pleasantly, the headmaster turned around to the castle wall.

Not different from the size of the site, the castle wall was high. It should be fifty meters right? Speaking of the exit and the entrance, every morning three hundred girl students passed through it, and there was only one castle gate that looked like a tunnel.

「In memories of the Luna Lumiere selection matches held for the first time. Because of the criminal group at that time, there was a scheme to take the gathered noble daughters as hostage and demanding ransom. Though since this was the school to train mana capable ones, the foolish ones had no choice but to be repelled, the incident was avoided before it happened but── Henceforth, in the period of the selection matches to not let even a rat in, it had became a custom to lay out the iron wall as security measures」

Loudly she explained, the headmaster once again called the group of girl students.

「This castle wall too, the same as the glassmond palace, is an ancient heritage. To protect it, it repels anyone coming from the outside, and it retains completely anyone who wants to get out. Once the 《Chain Castle》is deployed, one month from now on, for example me, as the headmaster too would have no chance of opening the gate. The necessary for living items had all been prepared but──everyone, do you still have any forgotten item at home?」

The respond from the students was, “no”. Everyone, with expectation in their pupils, they were shinning “kirakira”.

The headmaster smiled broadly with her wrinkled face, turned at the castle wall and “Pyu” waved her finger.

「Chain castle──────────!!」

The lone lecturer received the signal was, from inside the castle wall operated some kind of device.

At that moment, the tunnel gate, which was opened wide, slowly started to move. From both side two gates slowly closed, “gon” ……the sound as if echoing from the stomach licked the ground surface.

Next, with the door as the center, several waves of driving sounds overlapped. Inside the castle wall, it could be known that many keys were continuously locked. The gears moved and filled the gap, the latch came down to hold back the pressure. Left and right from the door, and to the upper part, similar melody of metal sounds spread around as if a wave ──

After one whole turn, “go”, faint fire wrapped the castle wall.

From blue to red, and then from yellow to green, changing the color scheme, that was as if an illumination. In front of the fantastic scene, the girl students 「Waa……！」letting out a quiet cheer.

The view from the inside was also spectacular, but if looking from the outside of the city wall, it would be a masterpiece. And yet this flame was not only divine. It showed enormous protective power, but Kufa could feel it in his eye and skin. Probably that monster that he fought with in the summer break ……even if it were two of the《Reaching the boundary (Counter Stop)》  Haunted Chimeras were to hit it, they would be repelled wouldn’t they.

That in other words, one month since now, no matter who went to school or left the school ──creeping in or running away, nothing could be done, that was the gist of it.

The headmaster turned back to the student, innocent as if a child she smiled while saying.

「Then, everyone! From this one month onward, let’s fully enjoy this carnival!」