Assassins Pride - Volume 3 - Chapter Pr

Assassin Pride Volume 3 Prologue

HOME ROOM EARLIER
「This is certainly a big scandal!」

After someone started the debate, other people who were surrounding the round table leaned their bodies one after another 「That’s right that’s right!」. Mixing with gesture, putting excitement into the voice, they rattled on and on about their own opinions striving to be the first.

「I’ve always thought it was strange from long ago!  That’s right, long before《that nickname》 was started to be called!」

「Doesn’t matter if they’re the greatest arm producing company, as expected marrying a common class woman was definitely a mistake! With the state of our knight duke house that should stand on the top right now, the noble’s prestige will decline and we will too follow suit!」

「Certainly that《Incompetent Gifted girl》……didn’t succeed the Angel knight duke’s blood!!」

At that moment, one of the people sitting at the round table quickly raised his hand. When he did that, the other people present who were noisy as if having cut off a dragon’s neck all shut their mouths.

The one that gathered everyone’s eyes was a beautiful young man who was having an atmosphere like a spring breeze.

「Everyone, please be silent. Right now, we still don’t have the decisive creditability which is high enough to bring this to light. First of all, shouldn’t we give praise to the goddess that brought us this heaven’s blessing?」

The young man raised his hand, and pointed to the one who was standing in wait behind his left side.

「That’s right, toward this wise intellectual, and bravely done lady Mule La Moore right here」

The eyes of everyone present were naturally focused onto the backside. The girl bathed in attention while letting her glittering black quartz hair flutter even more mysteriously inside the gloomy room, took a step forward.

While giving rise to mysterious seductiveness unbefitting of a thirteen year old, she opened her charming mouth.

「In the school exchange event between St. Frideswide and St. D’Autriche, taking the opportunity of the selection matches, I’ve investigated the mana of the students attending those training schools. Then the case involving the two──《Holy Knight (Paladin)》Elise Angel and the《Incompetent Gifted girl》 Melida Angel, I have ascertained that the mana they’re harboring are divided by nature」

Everyone present went「Oh……」while matching their voices, and exchanged glances with each other. As if being absorbed by Mule’s beauty, someone leaned their body while tightening their voice.

「Is, is there anything to confirm, did you bring back any evidence!?」

「Unfortunately, lady Melida had a very formidable escort around her. The graph about the Angel’s sisters is only one sheet, and it should be more than enough with what’s recorded inside my head……」

Mule frowned like an actor while looking apologetically as she hugged her body.

「My body was almost being dyed by his color. Just remembering that moment, even right now my soul is trembling that I can’t sleep. Aah……it was a very stimulating mission」

The people around the round table gulped. Among them, the beautiful young man that was cladding in a calm atmosphere once again raised his hand, and gathered everyone’s attention.

「Now then, this is a serious situation. While lady Melida Angel was from the main house of the knight duke family, she had mana different from that of a paladin. What should this means……」

「It’s certain that her mother did adultery!!」

One person among those present sternly prattled on, almost overturning the seat as they stood up. Starting with that, the round table was wrapped in tumult as if being reminded of that fact.

「The rumor is true! Melida Angel is not the child of Angel house!」

「That daughter of an arm merchant Meliona……while receiving the favor of a knight duke house, she dared to trample it! What did she think about us, the sublime noble class?!」

「Duke Felgus is also duke Felgus! Why does he just leave those rumors until this day!? Even though this is the problem concerning us nobles as well」

「That’s right! It’s impossible for us to not be seen as the same dirty accomplice!!」

Even as a joke, they said「messy」and「accomplice」toward the knight duke that reigned at the summit of the social structure (hierarchy)

However, inside this meeting room, there was no one to criticize the one who declared that. On the contrary, as if triggering it, it became much more extreme and direct, and the vulgar word was like a lance passing from one to the next. Things like the difference in social status were blown away from the mad dogs’ mind.

The savage valor’s source was the novelty design masks that were sticking on their eyes.

Emphasis on decorating rather than hiding, it reminds people of the Carnival’s parade. The ones that were sitting at the round table and the followers that were standing behind too, down to the black uniform maid that were serving at the table, almost everyone was concealed behind the masks.

Three persons were the exception.

The one that called upon this round table and the center figure of the meeting ── Bearing one portion of the three knight duke house《Dragon Knight (Dragoon)》, the young man cladding on the calm air like a spring breeze, the knight duke Serge Shicksal. Acting as his close aid, standing in wait at his back on the left side, and with an alluring smile looking around the round table, the《Demon Knight (Diablos)》Mule La Moore.

And the last person, who was in the same position as Mule and waiting at his back on the right side was her close friend.

Modestly claiming to be Serge’s sister, the beautiful girl with cherry color hair ──

It was Salasha Shicksal.

「…………」

Salasha didn’t open her mouth in the meeting. She was looking at something far away at the round table which was endlessly repeating the conclusion that is as clear as daylight. However, the adult wearing masks sometimes said《that name》, and that barely kept her interest in this meeting.

Inside Salasha’s brain, the scene of that golden hair nobly turning was appearing vividly. The one she had saw three months ago in the Luna Lumiere selection matches.

†　†　†

It was one of the secondary residence of the Shicksal knight duke house. This was an event in a secret reception room hidden in the corner of the collection room. There was a meeting being held which the public couldn’t be allowed to know, and its participants were also the people who shouldn’t be here originally.

People who were gathering around this round table had each of their own court rank, birth place or their position among the Calvary regimen (Guild)and each were different. Wealthy commoners and influential people who weren’t nobles were not small in number. However, no one was trying to open up. Even if they knew the other’s background they would act like they didn’t know anything. This was the unspoken consent.

The thing that drew the interest of everyone who were at different standings, was the only one《Idea》

Reformist group──

Those words were started to be whispered amongst the influential people in Flandre a few years ago. There was nothing to gain if you call it a lesson, and not a concrete path if you call it a belief. Perhaps, it was simply an aimless trend only ── If you try to express the essence into one word, it would be like asking「Don’t you have any dissatisfaction towards the current situation?」

The current state of this country is wrong. The circumstances surrounding them were strange. Therefore, in order to right that「something」and that「wrong」, shouldn’t they make some kind of move ──

If they made one wrong move they could be interpreted as a dangerous ideal(terrorism), however it wasn’t organized like an organization, nor hiding like a criminal guild. When you realized it, it might penetrate you right beside yourself. ──just like pathogen (virus).

The ones who were affected by that illness were given a direction for their outlet since they didn’t have any place for it at their own house, and tried to push on as one giant stream. While still not knowing where they would go, they let out roars like savannah beasts.

We are the progressivism (Operación).

†　†　†

「It’s great that everyone believes me……. I won’t keep this important matter only in my chest.」

The older brother who is a handsome young man showed a happy face that always capture the opposite sex, once again stopped the tumult suddenly. Dozen of masks looked at him, the lips below them formed satisfied smiles.

You’re being distant, duke Shicksal! Don’t we all share a same sentiment!」

「If there is injustice, we have to uncover it even in the garden of god! We Operación won’t succumb to political power, nor avert our eyes from the inconvenient truth!」

「Since you also have the same feeling, you should have prepared yourself to fight against the darkness of the Angel’s house. That chivalrous spirit, is worthy of our prideful《Hero》of Flandre duke Serge Shicksal!」

If the revolutionist’s creed was the pathogen, then Serge Shicksal was the source of it.

At the young age of twenty he succeeded the family head. This beautiful young man who is overflowing with wisdom’s heart capturing technique (Charisma) was not just for show. The Operation today, which reached the point of having extended its roots toward influential people in various field, certainly had the support of none other than one of the most influential person in Flandre who guided them was very big.

「Alas, everyone……! My very small courage is nothing but the support of my comrades. Since I have so much reassuring friends, what else is there to fear!」

Serge Shicksal raised his voice which was overcome with emotion, everyone present at the round table looked at him with gaze filled of expectation. Everyone shared their opinions and it was finally the main subject of the meeting

「Therefore right now I’ve decided! I will officially unveil this《Incompetent Gifted girl》’s secret!! And it will give rise to great chaos. It might mean the collapse of the structure of this country which the knight duke houses reign at the summit. However, continuing to live on the wooden castle’s wall, there’s nothing to be afraid of, is there!?」

「We applause duke Shicksal’s resolute decision!!」

Someone raised a ridiculously loud voice and everyone who was sitting at the round table clapped their hands with a red face. The shaking sound that came from the ceiling certainly made the employees in the estate surprised.

When the clapping that took one minute whole finally settled down, duke Shicksal said.

「However, we don’t have proof」

Everyone around made a face like a pigeon being shot by a peashooter, and looked at each other’s faces.

「We have ascertained that Melida Angel’s rank was not Paladin, perhaps she doesn’t even inherit the knight duke’s blood. However, we don’t have proof that will satisfy the populace. For the numerous mana incapable people, things like the nature of mana, and dominant gene won’t get through their heads. If the mass don’t approve of us, our action will be deemed as crime committed for fun」

Certainly, uumu, that’s troublesome……」

Dozen of masks’ eyesight fell down to the table, and let out difficult groan.

As they did that, just like written in a script, the《Demon Knight (Diablos)》 girl stepped up to the round table.

「There is a good way to do it. In other words, to bring it to light to everyone, we should put on a 《Show》that the commoners like」

「Sho, show? You said? Lady La More」

「Please look at this」

Having said so she placed something on the table, it was a bulky book.

Although it was quite old, the binding was firm and dignity could be felt from the cover. As young girl’s delicate finger opened the book at around the middle page, the masked people present who were peeking at went「Ooh……!?」 and leak out admiring long breaths.

「One of Bibliagort’s inheritance──the magic book《Manuscripts of Anders》」

Putting it in an easy to understand way, it was a very elaborated popup book. Once turning over, the paper ware would stand up, and revive the characters and stage scenes.

The book which Mule was opening had a large paper round table set up. Furthermore, surrounding it were dozen of human characters. And the most that stood out was the noticeably beautiful young man’s paper doll which was sitting, and standing behind him were two cute models of beautiful little girl in waiting.

In addition the thing which should be surprised at was that the pop-up book was moving. One person and another participant joined at the round table, and started to tumultuously argue. Orderly the black quartz hair beautiful girl doll that made her appearance walked forward, while supporting with gesture she reported something……

It was the exchanged happened around a dozen minutes ago in this meeting room. One of the people present who was peeking at the book, while opening their eyes extremely wide, looked up at the face of the young girl.

「Perhaps this is, us……? The story written in this book is……」

「Indeed, because this is《Manuscripts of Anders》’s effect. In order to give it a real feeling, while it is discourteous, I’ve been recording the state of the meeting from a little while ago」

As she cleared her throat seemingly being ashamed toward the people present, Mule slipped out a chuckle.

「《Only on the blank page, it will record everything that happens around in details》──With the magic of this Manuscripts of Anders, we can inform Melida Angel’s blunder to the whole world」

「I, I see……however」

Wearing glasses, one of the people present said nervously.

「Wha, what about the many conditions that have to be achieved? Firs, first of all we have to prepare the material to corner Melida Angel, and have to set a successful stage too. More, more than anything I heard accompanying that girl, there’s a devil like scary bodyguard……」

「There’s no loose end. Everything is perfect」

At the full of confident words of the daughter of the knight duke house, the far older people present couldn’t do nothing but shut their mouth.

「Soon, at all the training school where our apprentices attend, 《Bibliagort librarian certification exam》will be held. In that event, certainly Melida Angel should have her name entered」

「Wha, what’s your basis for that?」

「Because she was this year Luna Lumiere’s candidate」

After Mule sent a side glance at Salasha, she continued.

「In case you don’t know, for our St. D’Autriche girl institute and St. Frideswide girl academy, to serve as Luna representative student is an honor duty with a history of fifty years. If the candidates who competed for that title doesn’t even have the lowest labyrinth librarian qualification, then surely they won’t be able  to show their faces to the public. Likely those Frideswide lecturers should be recommending her to participate in this year certification exam……Then if I were Melida Angel, I will undoubtedly accept it with full confidence」

Toward the strong end of the sentence that made them felt even more trustworthy, the people present finally swallowed their words.

Inside of them, only one raised their high pitched opinion.

「Plea, please wait! If the Luna Lumiere’s candidate also participated in the exam then, my Elise-oujou-sama too──N, no, the unrelated student who is beside the Incompetent Gifted girl, I mean, if she were involved in our plan then would there be any danger……!?」

The one who flurried was the old woman who was wearing something like a mourning dress. Without exception her true face was covered by a showy mask, however not only Salasha, but everyone here knew her true face. She was the head maid serving at Elise Angel’s residence, Mrs Othello.

Mule pretended as if she knew nothing, and returned a perfect smile like there was nothing more than it.

「Please rest assured, on that very day I myself will guard Elise-sama. Beside the plan to make the Incompetent Gifted girl fall, by no means there will be no danger happen to Elise-sama, I assure you」

「A, as the La Moore house’s person is taking responsibility, I feel more or less relief, however. No, I too greatly approve of kicking down that Incompetent Gifted girl…………」

In mutter she put her words together, in the end the old woman shut her mouth strongly.

As if estimating the chance, duke Shicksal cheerfully clapped his hand.

「It’s decided! We will carry out the plan on Bibliagort librarian certification exam day. On that day, we will unveil all of the deceit spread by the Angel house! The sinner will present their own neck, and the stage will open the path for us──A revolution will happen in Flandre , this is a one in a life time chance!!」

The beautiful young man suddenly stood up from the seat, and looked around at the people present at the round table. Like a gesture from an actor and the inflection added in his beautiful voice, he encouraged the impulse of the people whose faces were hidden behind the masks.

「The reform always requires courage and determination. However, this is something only we can do! For the sake of Flandre’s future, someone had to do it. And, the time for action is right now!! Everyone, I am powerless. However, if I’m with everyone, the courage of making some kind of miracle is surging up. For everyone living in Flandre, I will become the sword of revolution.──Everything, is to return Flandre to its rightful state! The one who could accomplish it is none other than, Us!

「「「Progressivism (Operación)!!」」」

Everyone surrounding the round table stood up, and raised their fists to the sky.

The angry roar inside the gloomy meeting room pungently shook Salasha’s long eyelashes.

†　†　†

「That was a wonderful speech, onii-sama. You’re really good at swinging the lash」

After the meeting come to an end, everyone who was wearing masks went on their way. Mule looked at them while smiling mysteriously. Inside the carriage returning to their own residence, duke Shicksal leaked out a charming wry smile.

「That’s wrong, Mule. All and all they are like the cart-horses. Operación is strong comrades to us……Absolutely don’t forget about the trust and respect for them」

「Fufu, that was an unacceptable slip of tongue. Please forgive me」

「…………」

Inside the carriage were the three core members of the revolutionist. One among them, who was always keeping a gloomy silence, namely Salasha, and the older brother asked her with a gentle expression.

「What is it Salasha? If you have something in your mind then say it」

「…………」

Even so Salasha still kept silent, seeing that Mule suddenly stood up. Saying「I want to see the scenery」, she went out to the coachman seat. After confirming with a glance that his little female friend started chatting with the rider, duke Shicksal asked again.

「Will you tell me?」

「……Nii-san」

When there were only two of them, finally Salasha opened her lovely lips.

「Is this really, for the sake of Melida-san?」

「…………」

「In the Luna Lumiere selection matches three months ago, I saw her fighting with my own eyes. And I haven’t seen such noble knight before. Being called《Incompetent Gifted girl》even till now, I can’t believe that any good result will remain……. Certainly, she also wishes to stand on even higher ground. About her own bloodline, and about how much she was scorned and looked down, she has the possibility to overturn everything right……」

Duke Shicksal slowly nodded many times, and put his hand on his little sister whose age differed too much from him.

「You’re very kind Salasha. If possible you don’t want to hurt her right?」

「…………」

「Me too, to tell the truth, it’s hard. However, this is something someone has to do. Right now in Flandre , many strategies are whirling around Melida Angel. For her to continue fighting in such harsh environment, is not for her sake. Therefore to put an end to her suffering is the duty of us who were worrying about her, don’t you think?」

「……Maybe, so」

Then suddenly he changed his voice tone, and put his hand inside gorgeous coat.

「That’s right! I’ll give Salasha a charm. Bring this with you」

Saying so he handed over another old item, which was a fountain pen. Having it placed on her palm she looked at it, Salasha’s big pupils blankly became round.

「This is……?」

「This is said to have once served at Bibliagort’s great library, the legacy of a certain person──《Alternite’s fountain pen》. Certainly, it will give Salasha courage. To be on the safe side, ne?」

As her head was stroked strongly, Salasha was inclined to receive the fountain pen. Certainly this was an unthinkable artifact, but he gave it to his sister as a charm, such unconcerned personality didn’t change at all since the old times.

While feeling a pleasant touch in her palm, Salasha muttered what she couldn’t say with her mouth inside her chest.

The courage that I wanted is, only one thing ──

It’s saving you, nii-san.

The carriage shook with a loud bang, the warm feeling inside her palm, gently went away.