Hagure Yuusha no Kichiku Bigaku

In the dim light of night only quiet footsteps were heard.

The stillness engulfed the cathedral that Church of Richard boasts.

Milanda Quenty was idly walking through the empty corridors, a peaceful smile appeared on her face. Soon after she arrived before a ma.s.sive set of doors. On the other side of those doors was a s.p.a.cious hall, standing in the middle was the legacy of olden times pa.s.sed down through the church -- the .

"Miranda-sama, at such time, is something the matter?"

Once the female bishop in charge of managing the Gate noticed Miranda, she promptly called out to her.

Miranda calmly answered,

"Yes. On instructions from his Holiness...... I"ve come see a little lower."

Which meant -- she had to depart from the capital of Aleclasta, Aslanda the floating city in the sky.

The female bishop understood the meaning of the words and lowered her head respectfully, then opened the door to the Gate. Miranda slowly made her way into the room. The heavy sound of door closing behind her echoed. She kept strolling ahead -- and stopped in the depths of the hall.

She looked up at the huge circle-formed object before her. Countless sacred colored gla.s.s stones encircled an inner like mirror surface, that clearly projected any images before it. Miranda looked at herself reflected in the with a delighted expression.

"-- Akatsuki-kun was seriously injured. Those girls also learned the awful truth."

Milanda Quenty mouth formed an ice-cold smile,

"This world because of those girls, how will it all change?... ... I"m really looking forward to it."

After talking to herself -- She slowly pa.s.sed through .

Part 2

-- Just after the peace negotiations and the duel ended with Akatsuki in the arena.

The fierce fighting had come to a close. Listy went back to the east side waiting room, the exactly opposite side to Akatsuki"s. She was there all alone. Zechs and Loutier were in the infirmary receiving treatment for the disrupted ki within their bodies.

"............"

Listy silently sat on a bench against the wall. Her fingers trembled as she went to touch her lips. Thereupon, she clearly felt a trace of Akatsuki"s warmth still on her lips.

"......!"

Listy felt her face turning red, in a panic she closed her hands and placed them on top of her thighs. Akatsuki kissed her -- it was different from the surprise kiss he gave her when he returned to his own world. It was a real kiss. Akatsuki almost demanded it, and deprived her of the lips aggressively, but still she accepted the kiss from him. Tens of thousands of spectators were witnesses.

The cheers and applause from the audience as they gave their blessing to Akatsuki and herself still reverberated in her ears.

"I hate this...... what should I do......"

Listy felt faint. Then,

"What is it? Is something wrong?"

A voice suddenly came. Startled, her eyes reflexively stared at the waiting room"s entrance.

"Akatsuki -- Why are you here?"

"Why here...... I just want to see you again."

"Is there something wrong with that?" Akatsuki"s broad smile seemed to say.

Then, he came into the room and sat down next to Listy on the bench.

"W-Wait a moment...... a place like this, what if you were seen by someone --"

Akatsuki and Listy were on friendly terms despite fighting each other in the duel. She acted as a representative of the Tripart.i.te alliance, while Akatsuki was the representative on behalf of Galevain. Although the outcome of duel was decided, it just meant the peace negotiations could shift into the next phase. However, at this sensitive time period it was just the two of them alone, it will be hard to stop any gossip from spreading.

To begin with all the entrances in the arena were heavily guarded, including this one. However, Akatsuki nonchalantly,

"What does it matter? The duel is over. If it"s against the rules for the winner to visit the loser, then it isn"t a problem. Since it was you guys who had won."

"But...... The real "winner" should have been you."

It was Alphonse stratagem that forced him to take part in the duel against the trio from Sherfied. She only thought that her winning would lead to them falling into his trap.

However, Akatsuki turned his overwhelming disadvantage on its head, and ultimately won the final victory.

To Listy"s sulky voice, Akatsuki only smiled,

"Wrong. The real winner was not me, rather it was ours –- you guys and me."

As he said so he glanced at Listy, Sherfied"s Queen involuntarily averted eyes from him in shame.

...... I hate this...... what am I to do......!

Her cheeks became flush, and her ears were burning hot. Well, there was no helping it. That kiss during the duel was still fresh in her memory. Then she saw Akatsuki smile wryly, as if he read Listy"s thoughts,

"Though I understand your feelings...... you don"t have to force such an atmosphere."

"Eh? -- me. I never, umm...... had such an intention at all!"

Listy hanged her completely red face down and,

"If you came all this way to tease me, you should be satisfied now, right? Please leave the room at once. The peace negotiations just reached a consensus if someone b.u.mps into you and I sharing a room...... that type of misunderstanding wouldn"t be funny."

"Your thinking too much. Its not like you did something to feel ashamed over."

After saying so, Akatsuki showed a big grin,

"Or is it that -- you want to give it a try?"

"I want to... ... EH?"

Listy started to repeat his words in hope of asking Akatsuki what he meant, but then it hit her what she said and what it all meant. After that she shifted her whole body over a little on the bench, trying to get some distance from him. But she could not escape. Akatsuki easily stretched out his hand and grabbed hold of Listy"s wrist. With a laugh,

"I guess it goes without saying...... Of course the thing to be ashamed over then."

He barely said so, as Akatsuki immediately printed his lips on hers. There was no chance for Listy to resist.

"Mmm --!...... No... Ah, mmm...... mmmhhrmm ~ ~!"

Listy made an effort to escape from Akatsuki"s lips, but it wasn"t possible. Akatsuki"s left hand already wrapped around her back, gently embracing her closely. She had no say in letting it go.

...... I hate this...... how can this be......?

Listy was at a loss. Although she intended to resist, but for some reason was not able to.

Then she fully realized that she no longer had the will to defy Akatsuki since the kiss a while ago. She was completely at his mercy.

Against Akatsuki"s tongue trying to enter her mouth, Listy"s lips meekly obeyed.

Her lips slightly opened, and Akatsuki went straight in. Inside there was nowhere to hide, as their tongues intertwined and rubbed against each other.

"...... Mrrmm, Chu...... chu, mm...... ugh."

A sweet voice leaked from her mouth, adding to her feeling of embarra.s.sment. It only made Listy"s heart beat faster, almost uncontrollably.

And the depths of her body began to burn up.

She felt it, and there was nothing she could do. In this semi-public place, her lips were forcibly taken away by a man –-

...... What do I want......

On that fact, Listy got the feeling she was trembling to the core of her body. So much she thought it was shameless. However, before she knew it even such thoughts disappeared from her mind. She was pushed down on the bench and subconsciously wrapped her arms around Akatsuki"s neck blindly kissing him, already forgetting about a woman"s modesty. She was now engrossed to the point she almost couldn"t breathe.

Before long -- the lack of oxygen in her lungs caused her consciousness to wane. Akatsuki quietly parted from her lips. Listy slowly opened her eyes, staring into Akatsuki"s gentle face.

"...... Is this fine?"

A gentle question was posed. However there was not enough time for Listy to answer, his hands were already on top of her clothes. Still Listy didn"t resist, since Akatsuki"s deep kiss at the beginning the word "resistance" was wiped from Listy"s mind. While she let out a pa.s.sionate sigh, her clothes were opened from the front. To make it easier to move in combat she wasn"t wearing any underwear. Everything from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s to her waist was completely bare.

"...... Ah."

Her fervent skin was exposed to the outside air, and in full view of Akatsuki"s eyes an indescribable tingling ran throughout her body. When Akatsuki saw such a Listy he quietly said,

"For a long time...... I"ve always wanted you."

Those words were the most important key to her. Listy had desired for a long time now for him to say that.

The remaining traces of power completely left her body, only adding its softness.

Akatsuki was also prepared to accept to her.

He tenderly pressed up against her. Listy slowly closed her eyes.

-- But, nothing happened beyond this point.

"Eh......?"

Akatsuki"s warmth and weight disappeared, Listy couldn"t help but open her eyes.

Inside the waiting room there was only one person, Listy.

"Akatsuki......?"

Listy involuntarily stood up from the bench.

Thereupon the tips of her toes felt something wet and slippery to the touch. Listy"s eyes turned to the floor.

There -- collapsed on the floor was Akatsuki covered in blood.

"------------!?"

The shock woke Listy from her sleep.

"Haa...... Haa......!"

Along with her shortness of breath and dry throat Listy was able let out a noise. Then Listy looked up.

The interior of the room was familiar. It was Listy"s office. She was sitting at her desk. She finally understood, it was all just had a dream.

-- After the duel in the arena, Listy indeed returned to the waiting room alone.

And then reflected on the feeling of Akatsuki"s kiss.

But everything ended there, Akatsuki never went to Listy"s waiting room.

...... To have that kind of dream......!

Listy bit her lower lip, and reminded herself to remain calm.

Akatsuki was absolutely still alive. There was no reason not to believe in him.

...... But that embarra.s.sing dream......

Listy was blushing. A dream was said to be a way to realize a hidden desire. Could it be that her wish was for Akatsuki to do that kind of thing to her? Though she was embarra.s.sed, at the same time she felt a little relieved that it stopped at a kiss. It would of gotten awkward if things went further then just kissing. Anyway......

"No matter how tired I am...... there is no room to doze off at a time like this!"

Listy couldn"t help, but shake her head and sigh, but it wasn"t a mystery. Since Akatsuki became the new Demon King, and formerly declared war on Disdiya she had almost lived a life of sleepless nights.

She had already found no signs of Zechs in the room, and then Listy suddenly remembered. After hearing the whole story she asked Zechs to leave, because she wanted to be alone for a little bit. As she was thinking of what to do from now on the c.u.mulative fatigue of the past several days finally caught up to her, and she fell asleep.

The facts that came out of Zechs mouth surpa.s.sed by far what Listy could ever have imagined.

-- However, after a few hours of sleep for first time in days Listy"s head was clear.

Therefore Listy began to face the truth again anew.

First of all -- was the inner darkness Leon had.

He was bound by hatred and then those thoughts drove him mad. In Listy"s mind the most appropriately word to express how she felt about the matter would be "regret."

The culprit behind -- the murder of the royal family, both her parents and relatives, was none other than Leon. That cruel fact hit home the hardest. However, Listy had come to terms with the grief of losing her loved ones, even knowing that the real murderer was Leon she won"t bring herself to direct her hatred towards him. To begin with it was the royal family who chose the path of war with the demons, without doing that perhaps Leon may not have been driven into a corner.

"But --"

Listy thought even if she could sympathize with him, she still couldn"t accept his behavior. Leon lost to his own hatred, caused by the weakness of his mind. Listy won"t blame Leon for that weakness, but also can"t defend the way he handled it. Leon was not the only one to lose his family because of the war. There were a lot of people in the same circ.u.mstances, even Listy was among them. No matter how much sadness and bitterness was in your heart, you should have grit your teeth and looked to the future. To strive to live every day is the responsibility of those who survived. In Leon"s case there was a trace of regret in her heart for being so close to him and yet unaware of his suffering.

...... I"m sorry Leon.

Listy had learned the sad truth about her former fiance -- yet she was still able to keep calm.

-- Why? Listy was fully aware of the reason.

There was a definitive answer that all this time hasn"t changed.

A dark secret she never told anyone.

For Listy, the Hero Leon was her fiance.

But -- she didn"t have any romantic feelings towards him.

-- Of course, it didn"t mean she hated him either. Leon was always gentle, had a strong sense of justice, and in everyone"s opinion was the prefect person fit to be the Hero. Listy also agreed. There was no way she could hate such a person. In fact she spoke favorably of him.

However, is speaking favorably of someone tantamount to love? The answer is definitely no.

A royal marriage was not the crystallization of love, rather purely an obligation.

All for the purpose of continuing the prosperity of a country. Therefore if Zechs"s distinguished military services got him recognized as the Hero, Listy"s fiance would have been Zechs instead of Leon.

However, Listy never intended to object to the matter. Since she was born as a member of the royal family, she would carry out her royal obligations. And Listy was determined to act like Leon"s lover, all to please the soldiers and the people of her country. So she did what was expected of her.

But.......

One day -- Listy"s quiet life encountered a storm.

It was her unexpected run in with Akatsuki.

Even thinking back now, it was still the worst meeting. At that time, Listy was taking a bath, when out of the blue Akatsuki fell on top of her stark-naked. For Listy having been seen by the opposite s.e.x, also having her body touched as well was her first experience. She was angry enough to kill him on the spot, but having learned that Akatsuki was summoned from another world she was able to control her anger somehow. And that was how Akatsuki became a guest of the castle, and began living under the same roof. Everyone within the city walls would take care to treat Listy respectfully, fearing the slightest offense. However, Akatsuki"s frivolous att.i.tude and casual tone when interacting no doubt set off a series of exclamation points. In those days, she thought it was almost every day that she would get angry at Akatsuki. However, it was because of his influence she was able to learn how to express her inner emotions, and gradually find her true self. Those days,

....... Life was really enjoyable.

As a princess of a country it was hard for Listy to spread her wings, yet Akatsuki easily freed her from her birdcage. Usually he appeared to be free-spirited, but occasionally when no one was around revealed a look filled with worry that was almost painful. After she discovered an unknown side to Akatsuki, Listy gradually couldn"t take her eyes off him.

Then one day, Listy became self aware of her feelings. She liked -- Akatsuki.

However, such thoughts were not allowed. To not let anyone notice her feelings Listy buried them deep in her heart. For people of royal lineage it was a sign of pride to be able to repress your emotions.

In some shape -- her lie was also the same.

Just like how Akatsuki considered herself and Sherfied, and decided to hide the truth about Leon.

Listy also chose to hide her true feelings.

But on that day -- when Galious attacked the capital of Sherfied, Erudia. After she saw Akatsuki run out from the castle, Listy let her feelings override her reason for the first time and promptly chased after him. And through looking everywhere in the rain she found Akatsuki safe and sound, and was immediately relieved from the bottom of her heart.

However, Listy lost too many things that day. Both her parents and relatives, the castle she grew up in, and the country she must defend were lost. And the hope of the country Leon died. It was all too much. The despair pushed Listy to the edge of a complete collapse, but at that moment one thought emerged from the bottom of her heart.

-- I will do anything to not lose Akatsuki.

It was her biggest fear.

She can withstand the loneliness of Akatsuki not being by her side, but not the pain of parting forever. So she rejected Akatsuki.

All for the sake of pushing him to return to his own world faraway from Alayzard.

Listy chose to lie.

-- Its all your fault that any of this ever happened.

Even now Listy felt ill about it.

Those words that came out of her mouth must of torn apart Akatsuki"s heart.

But at that time Listy wholeheartedly only hoped for him not face any more danger.

She thought as long as she explicitly rejected him, he would return to his own world. So when Akatsuki disappeared Listy"s heart was filled with regret that they parted because of a misconception. It was sad but.

If it meant he would be safe and sound then Listy didn"t mind.

-- However Akatsuki never returned to his own world.

He went to alone. Putting his life on the line to obtain enough power to protect everything. Therefore, when Listy was fighting to free the Royal capital, and had found herself backed into a wall. She unconsciously prepared for certain death.

At that moment a familiar back suddenly appeared in front of her. Even now she remembers it clearly.

His body had been trained to the point he was almost a different person with an overwhelming power lurking inside. To achieve such results within such a short time, the extent of how much blood and sweat Akatsuki put in was evident.

Mere words weren"t sufficient to describe how she felt.

For the first time she knew what it was like to have a feeling beyond description, even with all the words in the world.

After that of course she apologized to Akatsuki for the terrible words she had said to him. He just smiled and said he didn"t take it to heart. Nevertheless for rejecting him in the worst way possible Listy felt she lost the right to express her true feelings to him. So until the end -- even after Akatsuki defeated Galious and was on his way to return to his original world. She kept her feelings buried, and never expressed them.

...... However......

Listy wasn"t willing to betray her feelings any longer, and was unable to keep calm. Because was it not? Akatsuki the one, who she wanted to protect at all costs, and on that day five years ago he protected her and safeguarded her country all alone.

If not for Akatsuki neither herself nor Sherfied would still exist now.

Before she was barely able to suppress her feelings for Akatsuki.

However now, after learning the truth from Zechs the levee burst in Listy"s heart.

The feelings she had been holding back for so long began to overflow and couldn"t be stopped. So,

"...... Un."

Listy nodded and stood up from her chair. She made up her mind. It was just him protecting her so far, now it was her turn to do something for him.

...... Because I don"t want to regret anything else.

She believed that Akatsuki was absolutely alright. None the less the present situation was greatly unfavorable to him. In any case, no matter what she will protect him.

As the Queen of Sherfied, Listy had her responsibilities and obligations. With both sides at war priority had to be given to one or the other. Listy must pick between protecting Akatsuki or Sherfied.

But, was that really so? Akatsuki has not given up. Furthermore he hasn"t given up on Galevain or Sherfied, and hasn"t given up on true peace. That being the case, how can she give up so easily?

This time it was her turn protect Akatsuki, while he tries to safeguard everything.

"---------"

Listy threw open the door to her work room, and quickly walked down the long corridor.

"Listy-sama...... Pardon me, is there anything you need?"

A maid was waiting outside the room, Listy smiled only for a moment,

"Inform Valkyria to gather all members of the Council of Ministers -- I would like to convene an ad hoc committee."

After Sherfied"s Queen announced such, she continued straight down the corridor. Listy El Da Sherfied was no longer hesitating, or going to cower. She likes Akatsuki, but also loves this country.

She wasn"t going to betray her feelings another time.

Although there was not much time left -- Let"s start with the att.i.tude of never giving up.

The mood inside the room was exceptionally heavy.

The stillness of the forest after nightfall made it feel like time was a stand still.

Currently they were waiting in Forestnium for Akatsuki to recover.

Disdiya right now was probably basking in their defeating Akatsuki, Ousawa Miu thought. They were probably convinced of their victory, and were probably letting down their guard. However, even if they seized the opportunity and launch a surprise attack she was afraid that it wouldn"t turn around the situation.

....... And if we move...... we must be absolutely certain not to fail.

Miu already decided to no longer only depend on Akatsuki, but taking action in this situation was also not sensible. And if that operation failed, then Akatsuki would be exposed to even greater danger. Things were bad enough as it stands, we can"t afford to make it worse.

Therefore, after thinking it over Miu calmly concluded the best way to change their overwhelming disadvantage was to show that Akatsuki was still alive and well. Let the whole world know the new Demon King possessed a strong body, even after receiving a fatal wound he remained as strong as ever.

Fortunately, there was still a little time. As of now the enemy does not have an effective means to attack. Urumu sacrificed himself in exchange for strengthening the conceptual barrier still in place. In case they have a method to break through the barrier, they will take full advantage of Akatsuki"s injury to attack sooner than later.

So Miu decided to wait for Akatsuki -- for moment when the young man everyone believed in was restored.

"............"

Kaidou was the only who headed out a just a while ago. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka, and Loutier all stayed in the treatment center with Miu, quietly waiting for Akatsuki to wake up.

Until a few moments ago the room was filled with chatter, but before they knew it went silent. After all the reason they all stayed was to wait for Akatsuki to recover, not to chat about meaningless topics.

Naturally since no one choose to talk time pa.s.sed very slowly.

Then -- at the door of the medical facility suddenly came a light knock.

"-- Who is it?"

Miu stood up to ask, immediately from outside the door came a familiar voice.

"It"s Kurt...... I"m sorry to bother you at a time like this, but can I have a moment of your time, Myuu-sama?"

"It"s okay. Come in."

With Miu"s consent the door was quietly opened, Kurt appeared in the darkness. However, he didn"t try to step foot in the room.

"What happened...... no, something must be on your mind if you went looking for me, right?"

"............"

Kurt silently looked at the other four people present except Miu.

Most likely because he didn"t want to be heard by others.

"......It seems it would be better to talk outside."

Sensing Kurt"s intention, Miu made a move to the door. However, at the entrance he shook his head.

"No, it would be better to talk indoors...... since there is no moon tonight." (Tl note -- double entendre -- moon is one of characters in Akatsuki)

After saying so, he presented an envelope to Miu.

"Not too long ago this was found outside the village by one of the patrolling guards. Please forgive me, on the side of caution I have already opened it to confirm the contents in the envelope."

It was an official doc.u.ment with the wax seal broken, what was pressed into it was the emblem of Disdiya.

"............"

Miu silently opened the envelope and read the letter inside. And,

"--------------------!"

The message Disdiya sent made Miu slightly shiver. The wording was arrogant, but the content was even more inexcusable. However, Miu quickly regained her composure. The others must never know of this. Then,

"Myuu-sama... ... We also received this envelope."

Kurt pa.s.sed her another envelope. On a closer look it had the emblem of Sherfied. She opened the envelope and read the contents of the letter.

"............"

Then she quietly folded the letter back up and put it back into the envelope.

"-- Miu, is there a problem?"

Chikage"s voice suddenly came from behind. Miu turned towards her and smiled back,

"No, its nothing. The villagers are...... just a little uneasy."

She said up to there, then Miu"s eyes turned to the back of the room.

Only for a moment, she just watched Akatsuki continue to sleep on the bed. And said,

"I will go rea.s.sure the villagers -- I will be back soon."

Miu exited the medical facilities, and immediately took to the air using her wind magic along with Kurt, who was waiting in the nearby forest. The moment they got far enough away the door opened again.

Chikage and Kuzuha appeared from behind the door. They noticed how Miu"s face didn"t look quite right, worried they decided to follow after her.

...... I"m sorry.

After losing sight of the medical facilities the two stopped to take measure of their surroundings. Miu looked back one last time before setting off.

After that they quickly reached Forestnium"s border.

"-- Do you really intend on going?"

On Miu"s right side, one step behind Kurt spoke up.

"Yes. Kurt, you also saw that letter, and should be able to understand the seriousness. We have to move now, even if that person hasn"t recovered. Otherwise -- We will all lose."

Written in the letter from Disdiya was,

"If you do not surrender before sunrise, the wandering forest will be set on fire."

Their official doc.u.ment was a means to threaten them. The barrier would protect Forestnium from any harm caused by the fire, however the forest outside the barrier would be burnt to ashes.

There along with the forest -- the people of Forestnium would share the same fate. For generations it has been preached into them to have a symbiotic relationship with the forest.

Once the Forest was devastated by the fire it could never be restored. Even if new green buds were to form the forest wouldn"t take on the same shape. The fact was burning the forest was synonymous with destroying the country in which Miu pledged her life to protect. Moreover the forest was home to many animals, when the fire breaks out those animals will naturally flee deeper into the forest. Since outside of the forest they would only be turned into prey, and only in the forest was there enough food for them to live. But also those driven deeper in could be obstructed by the barrier around Forestnium. In the end the animals had nowhere to go, and will be surrounded by the flames, and burned alive.

...... I will never let them do such a thing......

That said, it was still possible that it was all purely a threat. The burning of the forest would be an effective means to compel Galevian to surrender. However, in the war so far Disdiya hadn"t taken such measures.

That means either the time for that hadn"t arrived yet, or more likely they don"t want to so.

If it comes down to burning the forest, and the ma.s.sive killing of animals the matter wouldn"t be considered a small thing. Even if it was for subduing Demons it will give rise to public criticism. However it can"t be taken as a simple threat either. Disdiya had already disregarded the conclusion from the peace negotiations and forced this state of war. Even going as far as to use forbidden magic to revive Leon, unconcerned with challenging the laws of nature. With reasoning like that becoming the b.u.t.t of public criticism for destroying the Demon"s forest wouldn"t be all that surprising. So,

...... We must protect this forest......

Miu can"t help but speed up the pace. Her target was not Disdiya"s garrison stationed at the outskirts of the forest, rather a place with a like-minded ally.

Listy El Da Sherfied.

The sender of the other envelope delivered to Forestnium. In her letter she wanted to somehow fix the worsening situation, and hoped to privately engage in talks with Miu.

Ousawa Miu was completely aware that Listy thinks the same way about Akatsuki as she does.

That was why she believed in only her. The current situation could be said to be very detrimental. Still, if this war was going to be stopped, Listy had no choice but to join forces with her.

Perhaps this was their last hope. Miu felt she found the thing she was able to do herself at last.

This was her battle.

Therefore, she went to the meeting place Listy specified, in the corner of the Wandering forest. It was the same place where Miu and the others originally came to Alayzard, and meet Riruru as well as a scouting party from Sherfied.

If they elected to meet outside of the forest it was extremely possible she would of been spotted by Disdiya"s soldiers. So the forest was the safest place to meet. Then from behind Kurt advised her in cautious tone,

"Though Sherfied"s offer in the letter was certainly attractive...... it was possible it was all a trap."

"Un...... that"s right."

Miu understood that. Therefore she didn"t take Chikage and the others. She had thought just in case it was a trap by Disdiya, Kuzuha could of have made a puppet of Miu to attend in her stead. But if Listy really does appear at the agreed meeting place the fake might upset her for not believing in the exchange. Not only losing the opportunity to talk openly to each other, moreover the last hope will be lost at the moment.

So, Miu must go there in person.

"Whatever the case may be...... it seems your set on going."

Knowing Miu was going to stand firm, a sigh escaped from Kurt. And,

"At least allow me accompany you as your escort."

"I appreciate your kindness, but...... that won"t be necessary."

Miu stopped to look up at Kurt"s face,

"If it"s really someone other than Queen Listy an escort won"t be unnecessary. It would be just two people falling into Disdiya"s trap instead of one."

The worst possibility was she would be killed. It was enough for just her to take such a risk. Besides the sender specifically called out Miu, meaning she was the one they wanted. If anything, her going could buy a little bit of time for Galevian, and also give Akatsuki more time to recover.

However, Kurt refused to budge,

"Queen Listy should have also brought along a guard, right? If this really is a trap, than when compared to just Myuu-sama the odds of two people escaping is higher. Also it would be better to deal with a surprise attack."

His tone became more serious as,

"If I let you go there all alone...... how could I ever face that young man again."

Akatsuki fought for Galevian without saying a word. Such thoughts of Akatsuki were greatly appreciated, and he himself felt the same as Miu in wanting to use his power to help that man.

Inside Kurt"s eyes, Miu saw an unshakable determination and,

"I understand... ... Then let"s go together."

A clear nod was returned by Kurt. She couldn"t bring herself to say only she will go alone, since Kurt held the same thoughts as her. So the two of them started walking again.

They pa.s.sed through the barrier protecting Forestnium -- into the pitch black woods.

The agreed meeting place was shrouded in a suffocating silence.

"This should be the place......"

Miu muttered while looking around. In her heart she question the authenticity of that letter.

Whoever called her out here was late in showing themselves. Miu was extremely worried.

The letter had been placed in a conspicuous place outside of the village. It was reasonable to expect that the sender would have arrived first at the agreed place, and for them to be waiting for us to approach. However, there wasn"t a soul in sight. Could it be that --

"-- Someone is coming."

Hearing Kurts voice, Miu immediately turned to look.

On the other side of the forest a Sherfied soldier appeared.

"Thank G.o.d...... that letter was real."

Miu couldn"t help but let out her relief, but Kurt looked sour.

"No -- Regrettably this is a trap."

When he finished saying that, he was holding the pike he had on his back in his hands.

Then from out of the forest -- several Sherfied soldiers appeared. It looked as if they were crawling out from the deep darkness. In each of their hands was either a sword or an axe.

"Eh......"

Miu was involuntarily stunned. Of course, the possibility of this being a trap was taken into consideration.

It was just that she thought Disdiya would be the one to spring it.

...... Sherfied also uses these kind of despicable tactics......!

She was betrayed by someone whom she believed in -- that shock stuck at Miu"s heart. But, Kurt stepped forward to protect Miu with hardly any agitation, and at once focused his mind to launch the magic spell. Then,

"Haaaaaaaa -- !"

After letting out his fighting spirit Kurt brandished his pike. At the same time with his burst of magic he wrapped up the wind into a whirlwind. The encompa.s.sing Sherfied soldiers all crashed into the trunks of the tress, and tumbled to the ground.

"Myuu-sama, now get out of --"

Halfway through Kurt was struck speechless because the knocked down soldiers began to get up. Faced with enemies he can"t beat, Kurt"s face hardened.

"This...... is just like that time when that armor knight of Disdiya attacked the village."

"It appears it was like that......"

While a little faint, Miu was convinced. This was a trap set up by Disdiya.

"Such elaborate mimicry...... to go as far as putting on Sherfied armor."

She said so regrettably, while biting on her lower lip.

"-- No, that was their own armor."

She suddenly heard a strange voice. Miu looked back, and couldn"t help but gasp.

Having appeared from the darkness was a golden Knight.

He took off his helmet revealing the true ident.i.ty of the Knight, who wander out aimlessly. Miu was dazed, as she let out the name of that person,

"Leon Esuperio......!"

When Leon heard that, he suddenly had a hauntingly serene smile on his face,

"Do you remember the incident that started this war? These are monitoring force that were annihilated."

"Eh......?"

For a moment, Miu could not understand the meaning of Leon"s words.

However before Miu had a chance to respond -- a figure ran our from her side.

"-- Kurt!?"

Kurt heard Miu"s appeal for him to control himself.

However, he didn"t stop. There was no way he would. The man in front his eyes was the one who killed the nonresistant paternal grandfather. And now, he planed to harm Miu. No matter how cool-headed Kurt usually was, he was unable to just let him walk away. So Kurt sprinted, shortening the distance to Leon in one breath,

"Accept your death, monster --!"

He pulled forth all the power from his feelings inside him, and concentrated it into the pike in his hands stabbing it forward at the his enemy.

But -- the tip of the pike did not reach, because it was taken. Leon nonchalantly held up his left hand...... and caught the pike with his index finger and middle finger. Then revealed a smile full of contempt,

"Unfortunately -- your hatred was not strong enough."

Then simultaneously, a light flashed vertically. Leon had counterattacked with his sword.

"Gaaa -!"

Kurt immediately thought to move back a few steps, but his evasion was too late.

Leon"s sword cut through his pike, inflicting a deep wound on his body.

"Gu......!"

Kurt"s face distorted from the sudden sharp pain coming from his abdomen, powerless he was forced to one knee. Then,

"Your reaction wasn"t bad...... though it was a little slow."

After Leon indifferently evaluated, he prepared the finishing blow. He raised the sword above his head, only for a moment did it stay mid air -- Leon"s sword went straight down, when a strong force pushed Kurt to the side. A sudden gust similar to magic used to fly brought him into the air.

"-- Myuu-sama?"

High speed winds had blown him high up into the sky. For a split second he clearly saw it.

Miu was standing there with her magic wand raised facing him, and then she made a soft smile. Her lips then quietly moved as if saying something to herself, when --

At almost the same time, the handle of Leon"s sword struck her in the pit of the stomach.

Her wand fell from her hand, disappearing into nothingness. Miu lost consciousness and slumped over to the ground. Then the ground before his eyes rapidly got farther away, Kurt was longer able see what was happening.

"Myuu-sama......! Gukkusoooooo!"

Kurt"s sorrow filled shout was drowned out by the wind magic engulfing him.

Only the soft sound of a gust of wind quietly ran through the dark night sky.

The emergency convening of the Council of Ministers of the Sherfied Kingdom was well underway.

Since Listy ascended to the throne this was the most chaotic, and urgent meeting.

Almost all of the Ministers strongly opposed Listy"s proposal.

However, Listy wasn"t willing to make any concessions. She described the present situation while explaining the best path her country should take. Her unwavering determination impressed upon the Ministers, until finally they accepted her proposal. Listy El Da Sherfied laid out her convictions.

...... This way Sherfied will be safe.

But it was not over yet. Listy left the conference room alone at a quick pace to allow the Ministers to discuss the details. There was a person waiting outside in corridor for her, Grand Chamberlain Valkyria.

Listy pa.s.sed by her side, as Valkyria followed her one step behind,

"...... Did the Council of Ministers progress smoothly?"

"A consensus has been reached. The next step is to stop this war."

And Listy,

"Was Zechs not informed......?"

"Yes. In accordance with Listy-sama"s wishes he is waiting elsewhere. Zechs-sama has no knowledge of the Council of Ministers."

Valkyria spoke of it indifferently, Listy said "Then, it is good." with a smile. Although it was difficult, she cannot afford to enlighten Zechs as to her plan. He was someone indispensable for this country.

"Time is running out, we need to quickly move to the next phase. First we must contact Galevain"s former Princess...... and hope she willing to listen to us."

"On that matter --"

Suddenly, Valkyria voice stiffened. Listy knew by that itself something was wrong. She stopped,

"...... What happened?"

"A little while ago we received information that former Princess Myuu-sama had been caught by Disdiya."

"No way...... how can that be?"

Currently a powerful barrier was in place around Forestnium.

No matter who it was or how many, no one was able to break through that barrier produced from concept magic.

"According to the spy in Disdiya"s ranks, Myuu-sama was apparently tricked......it seems they deceived her by using Listy-sama"s name as a decoy to lure her outside of the barrier in hopes to negotiate with you."

"Who ever heard of such a thing!?"

Listy was trembling with anger. First they turned their backs on the peace agreement to launch an attack, and now they resorted to such a cowardly lie to deceive. To what ends will Disdiya go. Is there no justice?

...... But -

Apart from angry, Listy felt very confused. Why would Miu accept such a request?

Even though Listy planned on contacting her in the future, she thought it was going to be difficult for Miu to trust her. She must of been aware that there was an extremely high chance of being a trap. But, she still went -- Why?

Then Listy remembered the girl at Akatsuki"s side who firmly believed that peace will eventually arrive.

...... Does that mean that girl --

Listy could only conclude one thing, and gasped.

Miu didn"t believe in such a request, but trusted in Listy.

Akatsuki was now injured, and thought that only Listy could stop this war.

And even while knowing it could be a trap she decided to expose herself. She was willing to sacrifice herself for a glimmer of hope of achieving peace.

All for the sake of saving Akatsuki, and the people of Galevain.

Listy couldn"t help think about how she should act now. Miu had already put her life on the line, then it was only natural for her to work just as hard. Miu wasn"t the only one who"s thoughts were on Akatsuki.

"-- Now that their former princess Myuu had been caught. How is Galevain reacting?"

"They are keeping quiet...... I can"t make out anything abnormal."

"...... I see."

Then looking at things that way, Akatsuki was definitely alive.

If Akatsuki was dead, Miu would have been the last hope for Galevain. Then they most certainly would have taken action immediately when she fall into enemy hands. Since they were able to stay calm, then some kind of hope still exists for them.

And --

Precisely because Akatsuki was still alive...... That girl would run the risk of going outside the barrier.

Knowing that was already sufficient for her to make her move.

So Listy won"t stop, and steps bravely forward.

"Valkyria -- I would like to somehow get in touch with prince Alphonse currently under house arrest. Try to get one of our informants in Disdiya to send a message to the Prince."

After being knocked out by the hilt of Leon"s sword, with great difficulty she managed to regain consciousness when--

As soon as Ousawa Miu identified where she was, her breath was immediately taken away.

And before her eyes stood an unimaginable person.

She was locked inside an isolation cell, both her hands were stretched out and chained to the wall as if she was a criminal about to be executed.

The women in front of her reached out her hand to touch Miu"s cheek to confirm if she was awake.

"Ara...... looks like your waking up."

The woman said with an ice-cold smile.

"How can you be in...... here......"

Miu was at a loss, as she tried to ask her question. Standing there was Aleclasta"s number 2.

The young Archbishop of the Church of Richard -- Miranda Quenty.

What was this all about? Hasn"t Aleclasta always adopted a neutral stance towards the war?

And yet Miranda was clearly standing there. Does that mean they are no longer remaining neutral?

...... This can"t be because I got caught......?

Just thinking that sent chills down her spine. Akatsuki had sustained serious injuries, and she was taken hostage trying to buy some more time for him. In Aleclasta eyes the situation looked like it has shifted in Disdiya"s favor, so they had no other option but to renounce their neutrality and join Disdiya"s side. If that was the case, then Miu"s action set in motion the downfall of Galivain. However -- it was at that time,

"Miranda-dono this should of been satisfactory to confirm the authenticity of the hostages, I presume."

A voice suddenly came from the other side of the iron bar window. On closer look it was from a Disdiya soldier, presumably was there to keep watch or something. There were two guards each standing on one side of the door to cell carrying weapons. One of them looked somewhat impatient,

"Were you able to believe it now? We have arrested Galious"s daughter."

"Ah well, that is her. It was well worth the effort in convincing Your Majesty Baram."

Miranda said, and stepped away from Miu,

"Because of Forestnium"s powerful barrier I initially struggled to believe that suddenly the Demon King"s daughter was apprehend while the barrier was still in place. But...... it appears the news was true."

Miranda made a small laugh as she said,

"I wonder...... What kind of hand did Your Majesty Baram play?"

"That...... is not a question we know how to answer. If you want to know you will have to ask someone higher up, I"m sorry.-- Regardless, with this the war will end with our complete victory." (tl note - means they don"t know anything, so ask someone who would)

Said a Disdiya soldier.

"From now on -- what does Aleclasta intend to do?"

"Well now, I wonder...... that"s not a question I can answer."

Miranda while deepening the smile, she used their own words against them,

"If you want to know. I"m sorry your going to have to ask someone higher up."

"......!"

The only person above Miranda was Pope Volk. For a mere foot soldiers of Disdiya how could they ever consult with him face to face. Knowing they were being made fun of the soldiers depressingly sank into silence.

Over hearing their conversation Miu couldn"t help thinking: they were already discussing how to handle things after the war.

Disdiya had disregarded the peace negotiations, and took it upon themselves to start the war. Aleclasta maintaining their neutral stance had always been troubling for them. The Church of Richard has a huge influence over their country, and depending on how Aleclasta acts the future of Disdiya could be greatly affected. Even the soldiers on the ground, who don"t understand diplomatic struggle between the leaders of the two countries, could feel the uneasiness.

Miranda began to leisurely walk out of the dungeon cell as if laughing at the impatience of the two soldiers.

Then she stopped at the doorway to look back at Miu and softly spoke,

"It is disappointing...... that the future you wanted cannot be realized."

"............"

Miu bowed her head in silence, Miranda looked at her reaction and also kept silent. Then Miranda continued towards the exit without waiting for an answer.

"...... It"s not over yet......"

No one heard her voice as Miu softly whispered.

It was still too early to give up. After all there was still -- Akatsuki.

However the tears running down her cheeks spoke otherwise.

She had become a hostage and could be killed at any time.

The future that herself and Akatsuki believed in had been rejected by Miranda.

And the cruel reality was Akatsuki wasn"t there to wipe away her tears yet.

Her tears contain all sorts of feelings jumbled up -- but she remained resolute in her faith.

At that moment -- everything began to change.

-- And at present.

Miu had fallen into Disdiya"s trap and taken hostage.

After hearing the news Listy sprang into action.

In addition, the last side was keeping ominously silent with some sort of sinister design.

Still, this war was beginning to move to a conclusion.

At that time......

A youth slowly opened his eyes.

"...... You were crying."

The youth muttered while staring at the ceiling. He seemed to have a dream, but couldn"t remember what it was about. But the youth was sure of one thing -- somewhere there was girl he knew very well who was crying.

He couldn"t let that girl continue to cry, so the youth raised himself up off the bed. The left side of chest felt a little itchy, then he noticed the piercing wound had already healed. It was impossible for Renkan keikikou to completely erase the wound. It must of been the work of recovery magic. Therefore, Ousawa Akatsuki floated a fearless smile, he seemed to understand what happened while he was comatose.

So he announced –-

"Well -- It"s about time for me to make my move."