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Assassins Pride - Volume 2 - Chapter 6




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Assassin Pride Volume 2 Chapter 6
LESSON: Ⅵ ~If this is the sky, then you are the moon~
October first week, Seventh day.

The final course of exchanges between the two sister schools was drawing near, for the  Frideswide Girls Academy there was an air of sadness surrounding them. The female students were trying to treasure their remaining time together. However, they wore expressions of sorrow and the feelings of reluctance to part.

Even though it was break day, the dormitories were empty with no students to be found. While at the same time the tower in the school building was bustling full of life.

The first-floor lobby was busy and hectic today. Kufa and Melida could be seen standing in front of the giant glass scale the symbol of the selection matches. They were confirming content of each basket.

The basket labeled for『Melida』 had become considerably livelier, compared to one month ago. The concrete amount of glass stone voted could be confirmed by the scale’s numerical value.

The vote total for Melida who was waiting for the final trial was at two hundred twenty.

“As expected, it seems I’m the closest to dropping out”

“Isn’t this a narrow margin? It’s not to the degree of dropping out quite yet”

There was one pile of glass stone that formed into a mountain, as expected this was Keira’s basket. Although from the start of the selection matches, she hadn’t had any highlight, her fame was deeply rooted according to the solid number of votes received. As she monopolized almost half of the votes, Salasha, Elise and Melida’s group of first years was happily being bunched up together.

Although, for Melida who had no more than six points, this was wonderful rate of growth. Depending on the result from the third trial, they could potentially aim for the top rank in one go.

As Kufa said positively, Melida immediately looked at him with a smile like a beautiful flower.

“Yes, Sensei. Even if I’m last on the list I’ll also fight with all my might!”

“That’s the spirit, Ojou-sama.……By the way, umm…”

Saying so Kufa, appeared a little embarrassed, inclined his face to the opposite side.

“In a place with many onlookers like this, as expected I also feel so embarrassed however……”

“Ah……”

Melida whose cheeks were slightly dyed in a shade of red had only just noticed herself.

From the outside looking in, one would  think “What a messy pair of lovers.” At any rate when it came to Melida, she was tightly embracing Kufa’s left arm while bringing her cheek close to his chest.

She wore such a sorry expression while feverishly entwining her fingers with Kufa’s.

“Sor-sorry Sensei. Even  don’t want to do this but, um……”

While saying that she looked up at his face, at that moment, her eyes began to moisten.

“No matter what I do I can’t control myself……Hauu….”

“N-no, being relied on is also my honor, moreover…”

That impulse was not Ojou-sama’s fault.

That was what he was about to say, but no matter how much he wanted to say but Kufa couldn’t bring himself to.

Roughly two weeks ago, directly after the second trial《Threaded Ball Dance》 had ended, Melida had continuously been in this state and clung onto Kufa. The reason was obvious. At the time of the trial she had taken a medication which increased her thought sympathy with Kufa, and the cause for said clinginess was that medication.

This was definitely something he couldn’t tell his employer the White Night Calvary Regiment (Guild Jack Raven), nor could he tell the main house Angel, his client Sir Mordred, and even Melida herself, that the mana she was housing was not by nature hers from birth, but that it was Kufa’s mana which he detached and distributed. In other words, they themselves, were the only two inside this world who had a mana connection stronger than anyone else.

Currently, the medication had further increased the two’s thought sympathy rate. Melida was possibly confusing that Kufa was a part of her own body, because of this, if she were removed her body, she would certainly fall in a state terrible state of restlessness or anxiety.

The reason was clear as day light. However, Kufa couldn’t explain it to anyone else.

The act of distributing mana to Melida was an absolute secret that must not be known by anyone in this world. Her mana to the bitter end was supposed to be the mana of the knight duke house. Her rank which was also the same as Kufa’s 《Samurai》, and for the sake of avoiding suspicion, right now it shouldn’t be made public yet.

Melida’s true linage ── she hadn’t inherited the knight duke house blood, meaning she might be the daughter of her mother Meliona Angel’s adultery.If that truth came to light, the assassin tutor (Kufa) who had been dispatched to bury that scandal in the darkness, along with the girl, their lives would surely be in danger.

Be that as it may, it didn’t mean that Kufa was putting his life on the line, the female students from training school obviously had no way to know. The master and servant still clung to each other, without minding the time or place; whether the dormitories, the mess hall, the classroom, on days off or even outside of that.When speaking about the female students who loved romantic gossip more than eating cake,what would their reaction be if they saw this? ──

Exactly right now, behind the back of the master and servant, a group of girl students passed by. The student council president Christa Shanson was seemingly in a midst of explaining to a large amount of D’Autriche’s student on a tour inside the school.

“Everyone, next please look at this collection of books displayed on this shelf. This is a literary master who graduated from our school, lady Chris Ratwidge, who was a model for the granddaughter of the headmaster that time──A-ra?”

The platinum blond girl suddenly discovered the figures of Kufa and Melida joining their arms together, as if it were a painting or something, she introduced them.

“Please look over there, that is the rumored Kufa Vanpiel-sensei, the sole male able to enter and exit Frideswide, and is the infamously fiendish teacher who plays with the hearts of girls’”

“Nice to meet you, Kufa-sama!”

“Plea-please wait student council president! I’m not doing anything like playing with the hearts of students──”

Kufa awkwardly denied it, however right at this moment, with the posture of having his one arm serving the innocent first year, his power of persuasion should be non-existent. The D’Autriche’s students’ cheeks became dyed with a little blush.

“You don’t have to feel ashamed, Sensei.”

“After passing the second trial, your lover’s bond will deepen even more!”

“The figures of you two at that time, like a scene from a stage play, made my heart beat fast!”

President Christa proudly let out a chuckle, then combed her platinum blonde hair upwards.

“Actually, when the third trial is over just how messy the two will be? Everyone, your expectation for the selection match surely had increased another fold”

Kyaa! the students let out a big cheer, Melida looked embarrassed with her face bright red. Was she planning on defending the honor of her home tutor, she leaned her body forward as much as she could.

“Th-that’s wrong! This is because I want to do it, I mean……he always has self-control!!”

Already too late, not only the D’Autriche students, but the girls inside the lobby also screamed out loud as if an eruption. If this kept up his honor would genuinely be in danger.Having judged that, Kufa quickly planned to turn his back.

“Ojou-sama, let’s take a walk outside. At least to somewhere quiet……”

“Quiet──to play around where there is no sign of people you mean!”

“A lover’s elopement!”

No matter what he said it would become a big uproar, Kufa and Melida quickly escaped from the school tower building. The high pitch cheers continued to chase after the two’s backs.

As they ran to the green house Claire Dor where the four-season flowers coexisted,  they could finally catch their breath. As their faces met, they both let out chuckles from nowhere.

“Ojou-sama. Don’t you feel that lately the academy has a nice atmosphere?”

“Yes.……Although the selection matches are almost over, I’m feel reluctant to part ways”

Having regained their breath, the two once again, naturally entwined their arms.

Hugging as if time was limited, slowly taking each step on the stone paved path, while looking at the colorful flowers, suddenly Melida murmured.

“The rest would be, why was I made to join the selection matches……? If I could understand the culprit’s objective, who switched the stain glass, I wouldn’t feel this anxiety anymore.”

“Ojou-sama, in regard to that incident─”

After some word searching, Kufa continued.

“……let’s leave it to headmaster-Sensei and the people from student council. I dare say that even if we scratched our heads over it, no solution would come for that problem. Moreover Ojou-sama should devote all of your strength to overcoming the final trial of the selection matches”

“Is that so? That’s, right.”

“……For Ojou-sama, isn’t there something else you should be more worried about?”

At Melida’s arm, “kyu” strength was put in.

As if trying to look at something from afar, her scarlet pupils squinted.

“……Will I, at the third trial, defeat Elise?”

“We already know the disadvantage of status. In order to make up for that, didn’t we pile on the training over the past month? Please be confident in yourself”

Although he encouraged her, Kufa judged that his own words had only slipped away from the surface of her mind. What she was truly feeling anxious about was not whether she won the trial or not.

She must have been able to understand it. Melida shook her head strongly.

“What I’m truly afraid of is when the trial is over, what will happen to my relationship with Ely? That’s what I’m thinking about.”

“Ojou-sama……”

“The story about our relationship falling apart a few years ago, up until just recently. You already heard about it right?”

Kufa weakly nodded. While she was relying on his sturdy arm, Melida continued.

“A long time ago Ely was a very spoiled child. She would always hug my back and never let go. Even though we’re the same age, for me she was like a small cute little sister……. Because we were separated for so long, surely right now I am still thinking that she is a still little girl who is weaker than me. Although, that girl should have already grown a lot while we were apart.”

“Therefore…”

Melida’s voice became weaker and weaker nearly vanishing.

“Was she not pleased with it? About me being a drop out, and still putting on an air of an older sister. Ely was no longer my little sister. Let alone me, she was the strongest honor student in the first year. Exactly because of it, just as Othello-san said, maybe I should understand my place and my association……”

“Ojou-sama.”

Kufa stood still and knelt down by her side. At Melida’s eyesight, which was continuously looked down, he matched it with his own gaze.

“What I think, isOjou-sama does not need understand her place.”

“Eh……?”

“And what Elise-sama needs to do is talk her head off more. When looking from mine and Rozetti-san’s view, she is still a very spoiled child. Without saying she wants you to understand, she’s being spoiled Ojou-sama.”

Although it was fine that there was no one here, however if someone from the duke’s house heard this his head would be flying off from his neck, for such a statement. As Melida was being surprised, Kufa furthermore continued.

“This is a perfect opportunity. Ojou-sama, at the time when you go head on with Elise-sama in the third trial, talk it out between you two until you are completely satisfied. Over there the nagging Othello-san won’t appear. Rozetti-san and I will only be watching over. And the most important thing isyou don’t need to worry a bit about your relationship being destroyed you know.”

“Wh-why, did you declare that……?”

“Does Ojou-sama like Elise-sama?”

On the conversely, he asked. As Melida was simply taken by surprise, suddenly she strained her expression.

With only that, a strong feeling that was by no mean shaken was shown.

“……I like her very much!”

“Lovers have peaceful relation. Just like me and Ojou-sama.”

Faintly a smile emerged, then Kufa stood up.

As the wind was blowing at a low position, it shook Melida’s skirt. As if the cold were going away, the blonde beautiful little girl lightly drew her cheek to the boy’s military outfit.

“……Thank you very much. Sensei is truly a sensei.”

As he smiled bitterly wondering what she meant, Kufa asked her with a graceful gaze.

“Did that ease your worries?”

“Yes! All thanks to you Sensei!”

When he saw Melida’s smiling face as if it were glittering, his chest felt like it was a load had been lifted off of it.

The stained-glass case was put on hold. Concerning the disadvantage with Elise, one way or another it should be the problem between the people in question. If they could surpass the third trial that came next, the long Luna Lumiere Selection Matches would also be over. Then the《Chained Castle》from St. Frideswide girl academy that had been serving for one month would be lifted.

Whatever cause her feelings of anxiety, right now it no longer existed.

──Therefore the only thing remaining was his problem.

The root of the problem that mostly no one in this academy knew, even Melida. For all black agents who were dispatched by that White Night Calvary regimen (Guild Jack Raven) and Black Madea, the problem concerning her had to be settled.

The hour which would settle all of their fates was coming closer, moment by moment.

“The final time, is tomorrow……”

October first week, seven day ──

Focusing on the branching path of the upcoming fate, Kufa muttered.

 

† † †

 

That day, the Glassmond Palace in a sense, had bizarre atmosphere surrounding it.

Inside the glamorous glass palace there wasn’t a human to be found. Nevertheless, on the high wall of the《Closed School Tower》surrounding the palace, audience seats were placed in a circle for this evening.The female students were there clamoring away while they eagerly waited for the moment when the selection matches, the biggest event would start.

At one the corners,on part of the foundation for the audience seat that had become a stair, Kufa was there wearing his favorite sword on his waist. The strain on the nerves before a mortal combat with a formidable foe caused a nervous pressure to the surrounding atmosphere. No matter how happy they were, in such a gloomy place there wasn’t a figure of a female student to be found.

The sole partner a young girl that was attending him, shook her red hair in dissatisfaction.

“As I thought I can’t agree to this.”

“Please just bear with it somehow and compromise with me here, Rozetti-san.”

She went in front of Kufa who was about to go to war, Rozetti sullenly inflated her cheeks.

“Why do you keep doing this way. Always,you always do things alone. You’re going to settle it things with that Black Madea guy or something right?  You have a rough idea about where they are right? Then bring me with you. Because this time I won’t be a burden to you!”

“I have faith in your true strength, but this isn’t about that, this is……”

While saying, Kufa vaguely held his tongue.

Having a rough idea about Black Madea’s identity, that was certain. Over the past month, this person who mysteriously came in contact with Melida could only be《her》 not anyone else. If they were wrong, then who exactly was that girl and what was her objective?

No matter how much he convinced himself an uncomfortable feeling like a thorn in his side just wouldn’t disappeared, weakening Kufa’s determination.

“……Exactly because I trust in Rozetti-san. Furthermore, I just can’t get rid of this bad hunch I’ve been having.”

Right as Rozetti was pondering his vague manner of speaking, headmaster Blamange’s harmonious voice echoed out from above the audience seats.

“Everyone, please be silent! Silent please! The fiftieth Luna Lumiere Selection Matches that went over the past month have finally come to the final trial. This shall be the third trial the 《Castle of Miracles》opening!”

Cheers from the girl students pierced through the sky. The base around them was creaked and shook.

The headmaster must have held her finger up. After a pause as always, the audience seats calmed down.

“As previously announced, the third trial will be a theme about struggle, a battle royal between all units. Once again let’s confirm the outline for the trial.”

Right after the headmaster snapped her finger, the outer appearance of the Glassmond Palace completely changed. The bluish color disappeared, and the level of transparency increased. The state of the inner part of the palace became clearly see through. The behavior of the glass pets that were loitering around could also be perfectly grasped.

Together with the female students’ surprised voices, the headmaster’s explanation continued.

“Just like this, amidst the third trial, Glassmond Palace will enter this special specification. Though from outside you could see the inner state very clearly, from the inside it you won’t be able to see or know what’s occurring on the other side of the wall. With this, while the match proceeds, we will watch the battle between our candidates from the outside andbe able to appreciate the details.”

At that moment, the headmaster used her eyes to search for the unseen figures of Kufa and Rozetti, however it was transmitted with a sign. Perhaps this specification was not just for the female students seated in the audience, but a consideration for Kufa’s group allowing them to supervise of Melida and Elise’s Safety.

After she surveyed the audience seats, the headmaster once again let out her voice.

“The match will be a battle royal with four units jumbled together. They will scramble for the medal attached to each of the members, after the time limit the unit with the most point preserve will be the victor. In this third trial, to achieve the medal you will have to use any means necessary such as directly attacks or indirect interference. Students with weak hearts please keep this in mind!”

She filled her voice with excitement, and with a mood as if coming from a drama, the headmaster spread her arms.

“Furthermore, inside the palace, the glass pet’s obstruction would surely hinder the candidates’ path. In the selection matches this time, that would be the noticeably harsh trial. The starting positions are as follows: Melida-san’s unit will depart from the main gate, Elise-san’s unit from the back gate, Keira-san’s unit from the underground vault, Salasha-san’s unit from the top floor dressing room. When all the unit members have taken their positions, the trial will start!”

Once again, just like the earlier trial’s tension the audience seats erupted. While feeling that commotion above his head, Kufa turned his back to his partner.

“With that Rozetti-san, I leave the fate of the sister’s quarrel to you, please watch over them. If any unexpected circumstances occur, I will depend on you to protect Ojou-sama’s group”

“That’s fine but……you also need to be careful, seriously.”

He raised his hand to the rapid talking voice being directed at him and then Kufa’s figure disappeared into darkness.

 Around the time when the home tutors were secretly having a meeting, at the Glassmond Palace’s main gate, there was the figure of Melida with her whole body clad in martial art training attire (battle dress). Showing no signs of trembling, she held onto her sword ready for the match all the while staring intently at the big gate.

Perhaps she was staring beyond the gate at those who should be waiting at the other side of the castle.Perhaps she was envisioning the figure of her cousin.

The figure beside her, Shenfa Zwitoque the third year who was the former Luna Lumiere was also present. In the selection matches until this point she had always devoted her support towards Melida. However, when finally, being able to see her gallant figure directly avast amount of her fans located in the audience seats became very excited. Boisterous cheers erupted from a group that was holding the handmade Shenfa flags waved her hands.

The first year and the elegant third year dawned stiff expressions. Just then another first year had finally arrived at the same place the contrasting girls. She had chestnut colored hair tied into twin tails, Nerva Martillo.

“I’m sorry for making you wait.”

“You’re late, Nerva.”

Without averting her eyes from the door, Melida said. Nerva took a quick peek at her Melida’s face.

“……Are you, shaking?”

Melida’s shoulders jumped with surprise in response to the question and then looked back at Nerva.

“No, no way.”

“Then it’s fine though.”

Shenfa cleared her throat “kohon” and gathered the attention of the underclassman.

“So, we’re all present. Then let’s confirm our strategy one last time.”

Nerva responded with a proper nod, while Melida gave an awkward nod. Shenfa returned the nod then continued.

“Our strategy goes like this, we’ll throw away the point allowing for one to one combat between Melida-san and Elise-san. We won’t aim for victory in this match, but we will show the students the dignity of Luna. For the sake of this we will keep the other candidates and the glass pet far away.Then set the stage for the two’s duel, that will be our roles, Nerva-san”

After she signaled Nerva with her eyes, Shenfa next stared at Melida who was still dawned a stiff expression.

“……Although I saw the status chart, Elise-san is a formidable foe you know? Honestly speaking, even for me I don’t know how the match would play out. However, you and Kufa-Sensei are expecting a victory, right?”

At that question, Melida responded with a clear nod.

Shenfa closed her eyes and slowly nodded in return.

“If so then I’ll abide to your will.”

Headmaster Blamange’s voice resounded at that moment, from the audience seats. All the unit members seemed to have taken their positions, the preparation to start the trial was in well order.

“Very well! Candidates brace yourselves and to the spectators behold the third trial《Castle of Miracle》 begins now! Melida-san, Elise-san, Keira-san, Salasha-san, you all are ready, aren’t you? ……Then let the match, begin!”

Tremendous cheers caused the ground to vibrate, frigidly shaking Melida’s footing and the Glassmond Palace.

Shenfa drew her fencer class’s long sword with a high pitch sound, from its guard at her waist.

“Let’s go, Elise-san is waiting!”

“Yes!”

Altogether Nerva unsheathed the gladiator class’s mace and Melida readied the samurai class katana. Three people with weapons in hands dashed into the glittering palace.

Taking a few steps through the hall they carefully advanced to the stairs.A solemn sound echoed out behind their backs.

If they unintentionally looked back, they would find the giant door was closing. Two battle maidens (Walkure) secured the front of the gate, loudly they crossed their glass swords. A flash of Light streaks managed to creep through the joint of the door.

“Only for tonight will we not allow anyone else enter this gate, except of these twelve candidates!!”

“Neither will we allow anyone to exit! The path of retreat is already cut. O maidens, advance!!”

Melida recalled hearing for the first time when she arrived at this palace, the talk the girls being the 《Key》to this place. Unconsciously, her shoulders stiffened. A hand was gently placed onto her shoulders.

“We never had any intention of  turning back from the start.”

Fearlessly glaring at the Walkures, Shenfa turned her body. While still being guided by her reassuring hand, Melida restarted her walk heading towards the corner of the palace.

“O-onee-sama, what route do you think Elise’s unit will follow to march forward?

“Leave it to me. I have finished analyzing many of their plans with Kufa-Sensei. You just need to preserve your stamina (HP) and mana (MP) . Nerva-san please guard Melida-san.”

While giving precise instructions, Shenfa continued moving her feet up the stairs towards the second floor with an undoubting pace. Melida and Nerva looked towards each other while nodding in agreement to follow after her.

Immediately upon stepping foot into the inner palace the cheers from the audience seats were mysteriously gone. A similar situation also took place on the other side of the wall.Even though everything was made of glass, nothing was seen on the other side. This structure was just as the headmaster had said.

However, from the outside the candidates’ every action were completely visible. More than three hundred people were watching over all the units’ movement during the match.

One of those people Melida thought dearly of, that boy her home tutor,his eyes were also mixed in with those watching. She couldn’t fight in a way that would embarrass him.

“For my honor, I want to declare to all the people around this place that I am completely not wrong about my guidance.”

The day of that public tournament, the words she had been told in the coliseum’s waiting room, Melida recalled them. At that time, she had mustered her own stamina and mana to the limit and applied the maximum knowledge and ability that Kufa had taught her.With all her might she had barely snatched away one victory from Nerva, an opponent of equal caliber.

On the same day, Elise had jumped over Melida’s check point from far away.This had gathered a large applause from everyone, not only from the students from her school but from the visitors too. The moment she was matched with that girl’s unit, Melida never even had a chance to cross swords with her during the third battle.

At that time, she had been painfully reminded of her cousin’s overwhelming difference in strength.

Who would have thought that the day she could make up for that loss would come so quickly. The situation now was different to that time. However, the important meaning of an unbeatable fight was still the same. For the honor of her respected and affectionate home tutor and for her own pride, she had to win.

Toward that absolutely powerful Elise Angel who was reigning….

“Stop!”

Suddenly, a girl’s scream brought Melida’s conscious back. At the same time Shenfa’s arm was raised sharply in front of her eyes.The forward space was shot by a number of bullets.

Melida’s group hid themselves at the turn in the road of the hallway. Intermittently bullets jumped out and scraped off the glass wall. It seemed the enemy unit contained a ranged attack class Gunner.

“Bingo……It’s Pris-san! Elise-san and Daisy-san also seem to be over there.”

Shenfa carefully poked her face out from behind wall and confirmed the enemy unit they had come in contact with.

At that moment Nerva who was beside Melida, suddenly turned to the back.

“…..”

When the《Fourth Person》 suddenly appeared behind the group, she tensed up and jumped from the surprise. She had gotten closer without anyone realizing. From the passage Melida’s group should have taken, the enemy’s figure appeared after going to a different street corner. Raising her staff was the Frideswide’s second year named Daisy June.

“Ku!”

While having known that her surprise attack had failed, the girl vigorously swung down her staff. Just before landing a hit, Nerva sprung up her mace to intercept. A metallic sound erupted and sparks scattered.

Shenfa made a surprised face just like an actress.

“A pincer attack!? Then Elise-san is……!”


Her breath was taken away, the moment Melida noticed.

In front of the grand stairs just past the cross road where a storm of bullets traversed from left to right, eyes as cold as snow staring into her.

With silver mana scattering around, Elise Angel who was like a water princess looked down at Melida.

“……Elise!”

Melida didn’t know, but Elise’s palm was gripping her sword hilt. Behind Shenfa, Nerva continued locking blades with Daisy.While at the opposite of the street corner, endless muzzle flashes flickered and as Shenfa looked up at the figure of Elise who had taken position in front of the grand stair, “Gyu” she bit her lips.

“Melida-san, if we continue to battle here it would be overwhelmingly disadvantageous. You have to go on!”

“Eh, but……”

“It’s fine! Leave Daisy-san’s group to me and Nerva. We’ll also stop Salasha-san and Keira-san here. Now go and settle it with Elise-san!”

Declaring that with strong glint in her eyes, Shenfa jumped out from the road turn and ran. Several gun shots crossed the path and then abruptly stopped. Many times, the violent sound of weapons clashing rang out.

Melida looked back as if hesitating. The second year Daisy and Nerva were still continuing to lock swords with each other. Nerva’s expression, couldn’t be seen from this position.

In exchange, the corners of Daisy’s lips ironically raised into a smile as she pushed with her staff.

“I won’t interfere either. Since we also want a one on one.”

“……”

Melida bit her lips. Even so Nerva with her back still facing Melida, didn’t say anything. It must be because there was no leeway for it. Although she wanted to give assistance right away.However, as Shenfa had said prior to the clash with Elise, Melida shouldn’t exhaust her HP and MP.

After a few second hesitating, Melida nimbly turned her heels and headed toward the grand staircase. Since it had already come to this, the sooner Elise was defeated, the sooner Melida’s group objective should be completed. How much longer could Nerva hold out as the second year Daisy was her opponent?That would be the time limit forced upon Melida.

“Ely! This is victory or defeat!”

“…………”

While Melida clasped her sword, she dashed up the stairs. Momentarily she was caught off guard. Did something happen? Elise suddenly turned her body and dashed to the opposite side of the passage.

Was she just planning to move to a wider field? Impatiently, Melida chased after Elise. Crossing the long passage, running through the door at the end, while going through the stairs many times, from the upper floor of the wide palace to its lower floor, then once again to the upper floor──

“Wait Ely, stop it already! Where do you plan to run to!?”

“…………”

Finally, the sisters’ game of tag reached the deepest part of the palace. Once they burst through the conspicuously giant doubled door in front of them, they would be in the Glassmond Palace’s throne room.

The tall roof was supported my numerous thick pillars that lined the long hallway made of glass. The red colored glass floor stretched out in a line. Within that path she was confronted by the back of the silver haired girl stopped in her tracks.

Unlike before, there was no longer anywhere to run.

Melida lowered her sword in a low position, she slid her feet carefully to reduce the distance.

“Now you can’t run anymore. Let’s finish this!”

“…………”

Elise swayed back to face Melida. Her gaze pierced through her as if filled with ice.

After a few second of silence….

A glittering flame blew violently from Melida’s body, immediately after the glass at her feet burst.

“Ah!!”

While dignifiedly releasing vigor Melida charged forth like an arrow. The lowered tip of her katana quickly sprung up. Just before it was absorbed into the back of her neck, Elise’s left arm flashed liked a mist.

With a breathtakingly smooth action Elise’s long sword was drawn out and intercepted the katana. The clashing of blades released faint sparks in front of their eyes. The atmosphere creaked and snapped as a result of their mana pressure being released.

Having had her first strike defended, Melida successively shot out her left arm that was drawn to the back. Grasped in her palm was the katana scabbard, making the air roar. Elise for an instant rotated her body and sent the katana and the scabbard together with Melida’s body flying.

“Not yet……Not yet!”

Melida resolutely stepped forward, continuously releasing attacks without a break. The katana in her right hand and the scabbard in her left. Each endlessly swung down toward Elise. The 《Paladin》 was visibly being forced into a defensive battle before the boisterous dance of uninterrupted sword slashes.

As if dancing Melida rotated her body and the sword followed in her tracks. Glittering for a moment, the falling stars rushed toward the enemy. The golden flame that danced down slower roughly dyed the air in sublime.

Both of Elise’s arms were dissolved as if mist. All of the sword slashes that freely came swooping down at her were repelled again and again. Eye searing sparks scattered,  surrounding the two. Melida swung her katana. Elise warded it off. Melida shot out the scabbard. Elise knocked it away. At the same time both of them drew their right arms and released as if they were looking at each other in a mirror.

Long sword and katana clashed causing a terrific air pressure to scatter.The glass in their surrounding radius was smashed as a result. “Bishiiiiiii!” the crushing sound that was as air was being torn apart resounded.

“…………”

While their weapons clashed, Elise still maintained an expressionless face and remained silent. In contrast, Melida’s savage emotions burst through as her katana howled at point-blank range.

“Ely! If you have anything you want to say, then speak out clearly!”

“Gui”, she further pressed with the katana. Without even opposing it Elise retreated a step back, then another after that.

“Fuu……”she let out a sigh as if being disappointed.

“Lita is so weak.”

“Eh……?”

Elise’s whole body erupted with a pure flame that couldn’t be compared to before.

From her palm it vigorously crept up the blade and violent flashes of light gushed out “Bachii!!” from the blade’s contact area. Just with that pressure alone Melida was sent flying back.

“Wha……!?”

Barely managing, she was able to achieve a posture to land on the ground, Melida however trembled from the mana pressure her cousin emitted in front of her eyes. It wasn’t the same as the public tournament last semester. Or perhaps she wasn’t being serious at the last tournament and this one too?

“Did you ever think about why I avoided fighting you at the first semester tournament Lita?”

Elise suddenly asked. Melida couldn’t immediately answer.

“Eh, eh……?”

“Have you ever thought about why I didn’t fight with you but ran away to this place Lita?”

Swaying, Elise raised the sword.

Together with a step up, she swung it down.

A fierce slashing sound erupted, the glass floor at her feet was split and torn in a straight line. The tip of the crack reached as close as only a few meters from Melida’s feet, the after wave violently fluttered her blonde hair.

In front of Melida who was at a loss for words, Elise said.

“Because I….did not want Lita to know that you’re weaker than me!!”

The glass floor was split open. Large and small fragments forcefully soared.Without a moment to be captivated, the Elise approached before her eyes. Melida reflectively avoided to the right. The long sword which was immediately swung down mowed down Melida’s martial art training attire’s (battle dress) hem and pierced the floor.

No, it didn’t pierce the floor.

Crushed and penetrated.With only the mana pressure added to the sword the floor  exploded. Again, the cracks scattered a few meters all around.Having barely avoided the direct hit Melida was dumbfounded and stared at that scene.

The difference in status was too large……!!

Furthermore, Elise put her strength into the sword which penetrated the floor while she pulled it out and swung down again. Melida immediately crossed the katana and the scabbard while increasing her mana pressure as much as she could into the weapon.

The Elise’s sword slashed and Melida’s cross clashed, an ear-splitting thunderous roar pierced the hall.

“Kuu, uuu……!!”

Although she was enduring the sword lock, the side about to be blown away was of course Melida. On the other hand,Elise could only be seen as if casually pressing her arm. The girl gazed at the figure of her cousin desperately trying to hold her ground, her expression distorted as if trying to hold in her tears.

“……I don’t want to stand equal with Lita. I’m better than Lita”

“Eh……!? That, what do you……!”

“You know, Lita. Being《the number one before all》, I hate it, I hate it, I can’t stand it!”

Together with the end of her sentence she put more strength into the long sword and sent Melida flying backwards. Elise casually approached Melida who stumbled in her steps. It wasn’t even any kind of sword technique. Just like a child carrying a toy sword, she unleashed slashes with tremendous power.

“I hate standing out! I hate being noticed!Having to do all those things I hate! I hate it! I can’t bear it! It’d be great if I was the 《second place》!! I want to stick to the back of someone sparkling….Lita’s back being bathed in Lita’s light! Just like old times!!”

From the clashing blade violent pure flames gushed out. Melida’s posture was momentously broken. She was doing her best in order to not to be cut down by a single attack. Elise looked down with a face as if about to cry at the tiny figure of a warrior.

While Melida sternly glared at her cousin, she said back.

“……Just as you wish! If you want it then do it!”

“But isn’t Lita weaker than me!!”

Elise cleared the sword left and right. Unconsciously, Melida jumped backward. The tip of the long sword that was swung up toward the upper stairs having estimated the time for that.

“《Divine Rise》!!”

Pure flame spouted up even higher, looking up at that Melida opened her eyes wide. Instantly she lowered her center of gravity.The sword that was put back to the scabbard rang out “Rin.”

“《First flash》!”

The timing,however, didn’t match. Elise’s assault skill preceded and let out a roar as it intensely smashed the glass floor. Although she didn’t take the attack directly, together with the broken and smashed pieces of glass, Melida was sent flying into the air.

“….Kyau!”

Melida unable to fall safely, crashed into the floor and tumbled to the corner of the throne.

As she looked down at the opponent who had to win or lose with her, Elise frowned as if lamenting.

“……Why did Lita became so weak? Why didn’t Melida become my《Talented Person》? Why do you keep running away from me?”

“That’s……!”

“Why did Lita become a drop out? Why were you called《Incompetent gifted girl》? Why even though you were being mocked by bad people, did you keep on laughing it off not and retort? Even though Melida was my yearning Onee-sama……Don’t show that shameful figure of yours!!”

“Gou!” Fierce pure flame gushed upward. Still wearing those violent emotions, Elise swung the long sword up and vigorously thrust it down. On the brink of taking a direct hit, Melida rolled back.

Having taken a safe landing posture and somehow managing to spring up, Melida took big breath heaving her shoulders.

“I see……I had always thought that I was the one who felt embarrassed, but Elise also shared miserable feelings……”

“That’s right……! Certainly, I felt embarrassed by Lita……and also about myself……!”

“Therefore,” her voice was uttered, as if squeezing out the word from her throat.

“In this selection match, I wanted Lita to defeat me. I wanted you to go beyond me. But since Lita was this weak……I thought I had to fall behind!”

“That means, you……!”

Melida flipped up her face and opened her eyes wide.

“The tampering on that swimsuit, you did yourself……!? To purposely lower your vote……!?”

“…………”

Elise didn’t answer. As before, she wore an expression as her heart tightened.

This was the same as an answer. Melida once again cast down her eyes.

“I am an idiot……I never knew I had cornered Elise so much……!”

Because she was a drop out.

Because she was not a Paladin but a《Incompetent gifted girl》, so their relationship had become strange.

If so, then there was only one way to fix this mess.

While Melida wiped her mouth she slowly raised her body.

She strongly grasped the katana in her right hand while glaring directly at Elise.

“Ely, there’s one thing you’re wrong about. Certainly, until recently I was unable to  waken my mana and was a drop out called the 《Incompetent gifted girl》. But……I’m weaker than you? Don’t get too conceited!”

“……!”

Elise bit her lower lip then drew back the long sword while she lowered her waist.

“Despite that you’re weaker than me……!!”

Just like the force of an explosion the floor was kicked down. With terrific speed the sword was swung down and Melida slipped under to avoid it. Continuous flashes erupted one after another after another. Elise let the difference in their statuses speak, without a moment to breathe sword strikes poured down like rain.

While she brandished the sword, she hurled violent emotions towards the figure of her cousin, she couldn’t do anything but run away.

“I’m not a kid anymore……I know it too! My own position amongst others! The difference in our status! Regardless of how much I hate standing out, in front of me there is no one anymore……Because I’m the best there is! Because Lita no longer stays in front of me! I can no longer return to being Lita’s sister!!”

As the two blades collided, Melida was once again greatly thrown back.

“Because we are the《capable ones》, we can’t be together just because we’re good friends……”

Immediately after, fierce light gushed out from the long sword Elise squeezed tightly above her head.

The sharpened pure flame, which was liked a blade, cut off everything in its way and rose to the roof.

“《Divine Rise》!!”

Melida reacted immediately. Only this time she expected the assault skill would be coming.The moment Elise yelled the skill’s name Melida lowered her waist. She strongly inserted gripping strength into the katana that was put back into its scabbard.

“《First Legendary Sword Drawn》!!”

“Useless!!”

While Elise kept grasping the sword, she shortened the distance, attempting to crush her cousin’s defense. The glass floor that her foot stepped on was smashed apart“Bishin!”

“Lita can’t win against me!!”

The long sword shot out. From high above her head the silver colored glittering light ran through in a straight line towards the tip of Melida’s shoulder. The mana pressure that was packed into the blade caused a fierce shock wave that tore through the area.

Then, in front of the body dividing silver glittering light, which was approaching, Melida who was ascertaining the moment to draw the sword at the very limit of her boundary…… “Ka!!” her eyes opened wide for an instant.

 

 With Kufa who was staring at the same thing from afar, they yelled at the same time. ““Now!!””

 

The golden flame transformed into a meteor and advanced. The katana which was unsheathed from the scabbard at that instant showed speed surpassing even Elise’s sword, painting a miracle like trying to cross with the silver sword flash that was coming down from above her head…… It struck the back of Elise’s right hand that was gripping the hilt from the side.

“Eh……!?”

Even though Elise’s whole body stiffened for a second, at that moment Melida howled.

“《Wing Killer》!!”

A much sterner glittering flame blew violently, forcibly shaking the katana. After withstanding the pressure for some time, the blade shattered into numerous pieces and  blew away, at the same time the long sword in Elise’s right hand was vigorously sent flying.

“Urgh……!”

For the first time in this fight, Elise let out a voice of anguish. It was reasonable. In the middle of activating the assault skill most of her mana had gathered into the weapon reducing her body’s defense down to a dangerous degree. Directly taking the enemy’s assault in that state regardless ofthe difference statuses, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the pain with any amount of force being applied to their bodies.

At the opportunity which the opponent faltered, having thrown away the katana Melida jumped at her bosom.

“You dare run your mouth as you like huh?”

She swung upward her right fist with great force. With a dull sound Elise’s solar plexus was gouged.The girl was unable to bear it, her body folded as she groaned “Kaha……!”

Melida could clearly imagine the flash of admiration that was running inside her cousin’s head.

 

“”Hand-to-hand fighting!?””

 

 At that moment, over three hundred female students in the audience seats became noisy. For a while now the attention of those students had been fixated on the fierce battle between the Angel sisters inside the throne room. Elise who was overwhelming in status in a short turn of events had her weapon blown away and at the same time she received a severe counter.

On the other hand, Melida as if was wishing for this moment, boldly closed the distance and kept on pursuing her opponent. A skillful right strike gouged Elise’s cheek, followed with a knee strike, front kick and two continuous horizontal kicks rhythmically hit the opponent hard. Receiving severed attacks inflicting pain to her whole body, to the extent that Elise staggered two then three steps.

Without having a weapon in her hand, how could she close the distance with her enemy?How should she deal with the enemy’s attack?She didn’t have the slightest idea about how to take on an empty-handed fight.

“If the enemy is a paladin with overwhelming power, then you just need to smash『what makes them a paladin』”

Kufa was ascending up a dark and lightless flight of stairs. From this high place, he could look down towards the audience seats. While going further up, he watched over the progress of battle at the far away Glassmond Palace.

His lips bent pleasantly to the sight of his pupil, who turned the tables and became the one unleashing fierce attacks just now.

“Trying to stick to your ranking is so second rate……. My Ojou-sama’s whole body is the weapon you know.”

The roundhouse kick beautifully seized the side of Elise’s head, making her lose posture and trip over. Being drove to desperation she swung her right fist.However, Melida caught and tied it with her hand like a close embrace.

“This is not how to distance yourself!”

Like that Elise was hurled, then slammed to the floor. “Kaha!”Elise groaned, while from right above her solar plexus Melida continued to trample down. Not an ounce of mercy was given. With the second strike of Melida’s foot, the glass around Elise’s back was smashed. While Melida stepped over her body she formed a fist with her right hand.

“……I’m sorry, Ely.”

The faint repentance had been blown away by the pure flame that spouted upward. Just like a hammer her fist swung down at Elise’s chest and the golden flame pierced through her back. Elise let out screams of anguish as her internal organs took the fierce impact.

“Gu……Uu!!”

Elise flipped both of her legs, recklessly pushing Melida away. Like a child attempting to run away from a monster, she crawled while trying to get up and make a run towards the long sword that was lying on the floor further away.

“And don’t you forget……《that distance》 is the samurai’s unrivaled aspect!!”

“《Phantom Sword Second Form》”

Melida began to invocate the second assault skill. Both of her sword-less hands were raised as a golden light coiled around them and began to sharpen. Seeing this Kufa believed in her victory.

Elise suddenly turned back, while at the same time Melida stepped in to strike.

“《Fang Storm》!!”

While she swung out crossing both her hands, blades of mana flew out from her palms. In a flash they ran through the distance of a few meters and hit hard at Elise’s back from both right and left at the same time. The cross attacks pierced Elise from behind and the remaining flame vigorously scattered to the air.

“Urgh……Kyaaaaaa!!”

Elise fell forward from the excessive momentum.

Her extended hand extended to the limit was only one meter away from reaching the long sword.

“Haa……Haa……!”

While Melida’s shoulders were rising up and down, taking a few seconds to put her breathing in order.She walked over approaching Elise who was lying face down. As the sound of footstep came, Elise raised her head with a jump as if being scared.

Melida proudly puffed up her chest even though she was aware of the wounds on all over their bodies.

“Look at that Ely. I am stronger than you!”

“……”

“You are Paladin right? You’re the best in this school year right?Even with how much stronger you became recently.Right? But I’m always a step-in front of you!”

With an expression as if having found a lost treasure in the past, Elise looked up at her cousin. Melida knelt down on one knee and stretched out her hand toward the dirtied cheek.

Just like a holy knight (Paladin) who was filled with affection, she said.

“Therefore, don’t worry and just keep depending on me.”

“Lita……”

“No matter what you hate, I shall carry it all for you.”

Elise’s lips shivered and bent.

The hand that stretched out for the weapon, as if being reeled back by the thread of hope, reached out to the front. Seeing that, Melida together with a smile that enveloped everything, spread out her arms.

“Lita……!!”

Elise turned her body, gemstone like tears fell down and jumped into Melida’s chest.

“Lita……! I have always, always wai……uuu……!!”

“……I know. There’s nothing for you to worry about. Because I’m here.”

Melida continued to comfort her cousin whose voice leaked out,unable to form any words.

Just like long ago, when she found the little girl who lost in the forest.──

Seeing the sister’s quarrel with his own eyes from afar, Kufa’s lips were suddenly etched with a smile.

“Well done, Ojou-sma. You somehow 《survived》this time as well.”

From top to bottom, the female students in the audience seats were also seemingly impressed by exchange of the two sisters. They took out handkerchiefs to wipe away their tears. At the most front row with the sensitive girls, the figure of an old woman whose emotions were trembling off in another vector could be seen.

Franticly disheveling her hands and feet, it was none other than Mrs. Othello. As for her, who thought that it was a matter of course for Elise to be elected as Luna Lumiere, it must be a shock, like the world was falling down when she was defeated by Melida who should be nothing more than a stepping stone.

“Unbelievable! This is so unbelievable! Elise-Ojou-sama lost to that《Incompetent gifted girl》!  No way! That can’ be happeninggggggg!!”

If someone from the Duke’s house were to be present at this event, her head would surely have been removed. Leaving the opportunity to celebrate for later, Kufa held the black sword in his hand and ascended the stair.

On the mountainside of 《Closed school tower》, there was a watch tower built on the wall.

Walking up the spiral stairs, Kufa stepped up the last step leading to the highest floor.

At the same time, towards the back of the other preceding visitor, Kufa plainly announced.

“This is checkmate.”

Not in the audience seat, but to watch over the battle in this unpopular place, there was no one else.

The young girl who was looking down at the Glassmond Palace from the observation platform of the tower heard Kufa’s voice and elegantly swung back.

On her back, the transparent black quartz hair was fluttering in the air.

“A-ra……am I exposed?”

Mischievously she stuck out her tongue, the girl who was wearing D’Autriche uniform said.





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