Published at 17th of August 2019 8:11 am

Volume 8.5, Chapter 4: The Sword in the Temple

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

Koutarou had survived thanks to Clan and Caris who had accompanied him. Caris had used her magic to slow Koutarou down and Clan had just barely managed to catch him.

“Geez... what a problematic Blue Knight...”

Clan had thrown away her rifle to catch Koutarou, and that ended up smashing into the ground and shattering instead. However, that didn't seem to bother her as she was only relieved that Koutarou was safe.

Koutarou was then brought to the infirmary in the fort and was treated by Lidith, the alchemist, and Fauna, the priestess.

However, despite the treatment finishing, Koutarou was still unconscious. Worried, Alaia asked Lidith at her side while staring at Koutarou's face.

“Lidith, what is Reios-sama's condition?”

“He is injured all over, but there are no critical injuries. It seems like Caris's magic was of great help.”

As an alchemist, Lidith had knowledge of the most advanced medical arts in this age. Alchemists were scholars who studied everything from science and pharmacy to medical arts and magic. As a result, she was able to give Koutarou more adequate treatment than the so called home remedies. The experience she had gotten from serving as Clan's assistant also helped her.

“So Lidith, when will Blue Knight wake up?”

Charl climbed up next to the bed and gazed at Koutarou together with Alaia. She had no doubt that Koutarou would wake up since she firmly believed that Koutarou would let her ride a horse. But even then she was worried, and she stared at Koutarou's face while frowning.

“I can't say for sure... it all depends on Lord Bertorion.”

“Princess Charl, I'll do my best to wake up Reios-sama as fast as possible!”

“Yeah! Please do, Fauna!”

As a priestess of the goddess of dawn, Fauna could manipulate spiritual energy. She had been using those powers to activate Koutarou's body and speed up his recovery for a while now. One could consider it to be a stronger version of Sanae's massage. Since she had practiced that as part of her priesthood, she should be able to speed up Koutarou's recovery by at least twice as fast as normal.

By the way, using the medical kit on-board the Cradle, they would be able to heal Koutarou even faster. However, in this situation where they couldn't get a hold of supplies, there was a limit of the amount of times they could use the medical kit. So since these injuries could be healed using these aged techniques, the use of the medical kit was put off.

“Thank goodness... Reios-sama is alright...”

Hearing her companions speaking, Alaia was able to relax. She was able to feel that Koutarou was safe, not only from just their words, but from their attitude as well. Alaia showed a small smile and wiped off a tear that had formed in her eye.

When Koutarou had been dragged in unconscious, Alaia felt like her heart would stop. It was as if she had witnessed the end of the world. That was the moment she was reassured of just how valuable Koutarou was to her.

Alaia hadn't been able to calm down until Koutarou's treatment had ended and she could hear more details and judge her companions behavior.

“What a lucky man. It's hard to believe that he would be okay after fighting a monster like that.”

“He's always been a lucky man. After all―”

Clan swallowed her following words. They would have been the following.

After all, he was the man I tried to kill but couldn't.

However, despite that being the truth, saying that now could only be a disfavor to her. And admitting that Koutarou was her enemy was mortifying. Clan kept those words inside and continued with an innocent look.

“After all, a lot of people are always praying for this man to be safe.”

“Really. If Blue Knight doesn't stay alive, I'll be troubled. He still hasn't fulfilled his promise of feeding me something delicious.”

Unaware of Clan's feelings, Caris nodded repeatedly. Staring at Caris's face, Clan repeated her words to herself.

A lot of people are always praying for this man to be safe, huh... Now that I think about it, the same was true there...

As she did, Clan recalled Koutarou's life on Earth.

Koutarou lived with five girls in a small apartment. Clan's rival, Theia, was one of those girl, and all of the girls had been Koutarou's enemy to begin with. However, as time passed, hostilities ceased and they began respecting each other. The girls were probably even now worrying about Koutarou. That was why Koutarou was trying to return.

I must be the sixth... fufufu...

And the same could be said for Clan. She had tried to kill Koutarou, but now even she was worried for him. And what's more, Koutarou had offered to let her live with him if she lost a place to call home.

Koutarou was stupid, awkward and unable to live well. The invaders attacked one after another, he had been involved in their troubles, and in the end he had been thrown into a different space and time. Even if he wanted to return, he couldn't. If he had behaved a little different, this probably wouldn't have happened. However, the awkward Koutarou couldn't do that.

But he was a fortunate man. Someone was always worried for him. That would become his power to survive. And knowing that, Clan was certain that Koutarou would awake. While he was himself, he shouldn't be able to stay asleep. And everyone loved that awkward part of him.

“...He really is a lucky man...”

This man is probably the only one to have four princesses worrying about him...

Clan smiled at the sleeping Koutarou. She felt it was odd, but right now she honestly admitted to worrying for Koutarou.

“This is bad, princess Alaia!! Flair-sama has come back with someone unbelievable!!”

The maid, Mary, entered the infirmary with her face pale.

Flair had found that man when she had gone to confirm what happened to Alunaya.

Thanks to Koutarou's attack, Alunaya had crashed into a forest south of the fort. In order to confirm Alunaya's state, she had led a small force and entered the forest. However, they couldn't find Alunaya, no matter how much they looked. They had found trees they suspected Alunaya knocked over when it crashed, but not the dragon itself. With its size, it was hard to believe they could miss it, so Flair assumed that it had flown off and called off the search.

On their way home, Flair come across a man she had seen before.

Since it was such an unexpected person, Flair wasn't sure how she should deal with him. At first she thought of killing him, but in the end she decided it would be best for Alaia to pass judgment, and brought him back to Raustor's fort.

“...You have quite the courage to dare appear in front of us.”

Flair brought the man to a meeting room near the entrance to the fort. Alaia normally had a mild expression, but now she showed an ice cold one instead.

Behind Alaia were Clan and Charl. However, they said nothing and instead watched over the development. They were planning on leaving this to Alaia and Flair.

“That's precisely why, ‘princess’ Alaia.”

However, the man showed no signs of being shaken by her cold glance. Instead, he smiled slightly as he stood there. It was as if he didn't know he was in the heart of enemy territory.

“Such a brazen attitude... what business do you have, copper knight Dextro?”

Copper knight, Dextro. That was a name Alaia and the others would never forget.

Dextro was a knight of the Melcemhein family, and his title was copper. The Melcemhein family obeyed Maxfern, and made up a portion of the coup d'état army.

In the past, he had taken on a mission of pursuing Alaia, and launched an attack on them. At that time, the method of attacking he used had been to poison the water source, an indiscriminate attack that involved the villagers. Alaia and the others had fortunately enough been able to survive that danger, however, Dextro had been carved into their minds as someone they would never forgive.

“Before we talk, take these off me. They're just so uncomfortable.”

Dextro showed the shackles binding his hands and feet. Since he was an extremely dangerous man, they wouldn't bring Alaia to him without restraining him this much.

“Don't be stupid. We're not foolish enough to set you free.”

Flair rejected Dextro's demand. The reason was the same for restraining him, she couldn't put Alaia in any danger.

“Geez... you really are a thick headed woman. I won't do anything that would risk my life.”

Dextro shook the shackles around his hands and dropped his shoulders in an over exaggerated fashion. However, it seemed that was part of what he had expected, as Dextro showed no signs of caring and began explaining the circumstances for appearing in front of them.

“I came here to make a deal with you lot.”

“...A deal?”

Alaia narrowed her eyes, she felt something disturbing about Dextro's words.

“Yeah. I have some information you would find important. Moreover, it's incredibly urgent information. In exchange for telling you, I want you to accept my demands.”

“There is no way we would make a deal!”

Flair rejected Dextro's proposal once more. She would never make a deal with a despicable man. That was both for Alaia's sake, and for her own creed.

“What are your demands, Dextro?”

However, Alaia's judgement was the opposite of Flair's.

“Your highness!? You can't fall for this kind of man's sugar coated words!!”

“Flair, taking the reason for why this man came here on his own into account, we won't lose anything from hearing what he has to say.”

Alaia knew just how calculating of a man Dextro was. And he had taken the risk of exposing himself to Alaia and the others. Since Alaia valued the lives of her citizens, she probably wouldn't kill him, but there was a chance that others would. In reality, even Flair thought of it. Despite knowing that, Dextro had come to make a deal. So the information must have been worth the risk.

“As expected from princess Alaia. You're different from this hard headed woman.”

“Dextro, you bastard!!”

“Calm down, Flair.”

Alaia held back Flair and stepped up to Dextro. She was planning on hearing what he had to say.

“Tell me your demands, Dextro.”

“I only have one demand. I want you to protect my position, even if you were to win this war.”

“Your position?”

“Yeah.”

Dextro nodded and grinned as he said that.

“At first I thought it was only a matter of time before your reborn Forthorthe army would be dismantled, but now you've even taken over Raustor. Your numbers are still no match for Maxfern's, but the same might not be said in the future. If you spread the rumor of that Blue Knight defeating a dragon, you would probably be able to gather even more soldiers.”

“...So what about it?”

Flair glared at Dextro and he responded with a sneering.

“Kukuku, in other words, there's a chance you lot might win this war. I'd say you're 50/50.”

“...I see, so that's why...”

Alaia realized the reason for why Dextro had appeared in front of them. Her expression then changed into an even more serious one.

“Honestly, I don't care what side wins, but if you lot do, I'd be in a bit of trouble. You would without a doubt put me on a trial, and punish me for war crimes. At worst, I might even get executed.”

“Of course! That's what you deserve after what you've done!”

If Maxfern's coup d'état army were to lose, Dextro wouldn't just lose his position, but he would also be punished. His indiscriminate attack on the village would be considered as going too far, and he would subsequently be punished. It would depend on the trial, but he probably wouldn't be able to avoid the death penalty. If he was lucky, he'd spend the rest of his life behind bars. Either way, Dextro's future would be dark if Alaia's side was to win.

“So you're selling us information to buy amnesty in advance, huh?”

“Exactly, princess Alaia. I couldn't give a damn if you or Maxfern win. But, I want to save my own life. So don't you think it'd be in my interest to put myself in a secure spot, no matter who wins?”

By secretly selling information, Dextro would be able to avoid a trial in the case that Alaia's side won. By doing that, Dextro would be safe regardless of if Alaia or Maxfern won. That was why Dextro had appeared, knowing the risks. It had all been to save himself.

“You're saying the information is worth that much?”

“Precisely. Both for this army, and for you personally. But you better decide quickly, soon this information will be useless.”

The information Dextro was trying to sell was urgent. Even if they didn't buy it, they would eventually find out what it was, but by that time it would already be too late. Dextro requested a swift judgement from Alaia. Would she let it happen or prevent it beforehand?

“...There is no other way. I will accept your deal.”

After thinking for a while, Alaia decided to accept the deal. Since Dextro believed it was information worth enough to save his life, she couldn't just disregard it. In other words, she believed in Dextro's calculations.

“Your highness!!”

Of course, Flair objected. Letting someone who would slaughter indiscriminately go free was unacceptable.

“I'm sorry, Flair. I just believe this would be the best for the people.”

However, Alaia shook her head at Flair.

“Your highness...”

“Just endure it, Flair.”

Alaia felt the same as Flair, however even then, she believed it was a necessary choice. She couldn't put the citizens at risk just for the sake of justice. She felt the same as she did that night at the harvest festival.

“You won't lose out on this. That's why it's a deal.”

Dextro nodded in satisfaction. Like he said, Dextro wasn't planning on having Alaia and the others lose out on the deal. She had to protect Dextro's position because it was a fair trade.

“The dragon that Blue Knight fought this morning... supposedly it's called Alunaya... anyways, that's actually Grevanas's puppet.”

“Impossible!? Are you saying that Grevanas can control something like that!?”

Flair's eyes shot wide open in surprise.

The head of the court magicians, Grevanas. He was one of the masterminds behind the coup d'état and could also be called Maxfern's right-hand man. However, even if Maxfern was the strongest of the court magicians and one of the arc-wizards, Flair couldn't believe that he could control Alunaya.

“Calm down, that's not the problem right now. The problem is what's next.”

Dextro told Flair to calm down, and began speaking a little faster as he felt pressed for time.

“Maxfern and Grevanas's goal has three stages. First they use that dragon to bring out that Blue Knight. Not even he would stay in one piece after fighting a dragon.”

Dextro looked around the room, Koutarou was nowhere to be found.

If I had followed the plan it might have worked, but... oh well, guess it can't be helped now...

Since it was only proper for Koutarou to take part in this situation, Dextro sensed that Maxfern's plan had been a success.

“In that situation, I would lead a force to assault the fort. By doing that, we wouldn't have to fight the Blue Knight. However, I gave all kinds of reasons to delay the march, so this attack won't happen.”

“Why did you delay it?”

“I didn't know if that Blue Knight was incapacitated or not. I don't have the courage of facing that Blue Knight in a fight. I'd just lose.”

The assault force led by Dextro wasn't all that large. It was a small force intended to invade the fort at night and sabotage. Because of that, if they were to face Koutarou, they would end up being repelled. Dextro had been planning on carrying out the attack if he could confirm Koutarou's state, but in the end, he didn't have enough information. So Dextro came up with various reasons to stop his force, and met with Flair on his own.

“Because of that, there will only be the third attack.”

“And that's?”

Alaia urged Dextro ahead. Her tone was faster, as if she was in a hurry. She had been feeling something ominous ever since the words Blue Knight left Dextro's mouth.

“...Having lowered his guard, even just a little, after fighting against the dragon, the Blue Knight will be assassinated.”

By the time Dextro finished speaking, Alaia was already running. It was almost as if she had forgotten about Dextro.

Part 2

Alaia was headed towards the infirmary where Koutarou was sleeping. Flair, Clan and Charl were all chasing after her. Leaving a few soldiers behind to guard Dextro, they chased after Alaia.

“Koutarou-sama!!”

In contrast to her graceful appearance, she slammed opened the door and jumped into the room. In that moment, she could see what was going on in the infirmary.

The infirmary was in a wretched state.

There were two people on the floor: the army surgeon who worked here, and the guard who helped out with odd jobs. They were still alive but critically injured, and a large amount of their blood dyed the floor red.

Koutarou laid sleeping on the bed the furthest away from the entrance. Three men surrounded that bed. They were wearing Forthorthe army uniforms and holding swords dripped with blood. They had attacked the army surgeon and guard, and now they were going to attack Koutarou.

“I won't let you!!”

Having realized the situation right away, Alaia rushed towards Koutarou at full speed. She desperately wanted to save Koutarou's life. She had completely forgotten how important her position and life was for Forthorthe. To Alaia, Koutarou was starting to become more important than Forthorthe.

“Your highness!? Damn, help me, Clan!!”

Seeing Alaia rushing towards the assassins, Flair hurriedly drew a knife from her waist. And while asking for Clan's assistance, she threw the knife towards the assassin closest to Alaia.

“As lively as always!!”

Clan had predicted this situation and already had her rifle ready. She quickly took aim and squeezed the trigger. A bullet shot out from the barrel and flew towards an assassin different from the one Flair had attacked.

“Guwah!?”

“Gyaaaa!”

Flair's knife and Clan's bullet disposed of one assassin each. Seeing that, the last assassin swung his sword down to fulfill his objective.

“Nooooooooooooo!!”

The riot in the room and Alaia's sorrowful shout woke up Koutarou.

“Mm... W-What!?”

As Koutarou opened his eyes he noticed the abnormal sight in front of him. Alaia was running to get in the way of the approaching silvery blade. The smell of blood filled the room as four people laid on the floor.

“Princess Alaia!?”

Having just woken up, Koutarou couldn't understand the situation. The only thing he knew was that at this rate, Alaia would be slashed and killed.

“As if I'd let youuuu!!”

Fully intending to protect Alaia, Koutarou slammed his own fist into the oncoming blade.

A dull sound and collision. Koutarou's left fist hit the assassin's sword. Since it didn't hit the front of the blade, he wasn't cut, but his fist crashed into a mass of metal, breaking his bones. Koutarou took a lot of damage, but as a result, Alaia wasn't harmed. The sword's trajectory was altered and it only cut a little at Koutarou's foot.

“Koutarou-sama!!”

The next moment, Alaia jumped on top of Koutarou's body and held him. She was desperately trying to keep Koutarou from being harmed.

“...”

The assassin's first attack had failed, but he quickly recovered and took aim for a part of Koutarou's body that Alaia wasn't able to cover. Because of the difference in size between Alaia and Koutarou, she wasn't able to cover up all of Koutarou's body. His arm, head, and most of his legs were visible. By aiming there, it would be easy to kill Koutarou, despite Alaia covering him.

“I won't let you do that!”

Clan's rifle blew out fire. As a result, the sword was blown away from the assassin's right hand. Clan's bullet shattered the sword and obstructed the assassin's actions.

However, the assassin didn't stop. Since his right hand had gotten numb from the impact and wouldn't move, he pulled a knife out with his left hand and attacked Koutarou.

“...Nice save, Clan.”

However, that was all the assassin was able to do. The tip of Flair's sword was pointed at his throat and completely blocked his movements. If he moved any further, Flair would surely cut his head clean off.

“This is...”

At that time, Flair was aghast when she saw the assassin's face. She recalled seeing him before. He was a coup d'état soldier that had defected to the reborn Forthorthe army just yesterday. Since Flair was in charge of the combat troops, she had seen his face when he applied.

Flair struck the assassin with the handle of her sword and made him faint, but her surprise still hadn't died down.

“Kukuku, this is what happens when you don't kill someone you've pointed your weapon towards. That Blue Knight is too naive.”

Dextro jeered. Since he was wearing shackles he had only arrived just now. However, since he knew of this assassination plan, he was well aware of what had surprised Flair.

“...I wouldn't be so sure.”

“Huh?”

“Look at it like this, I've tried to kill Bertorion in the past.”

Clan leaned her rifle on her shoulder and glared at Dextro. It was an expression Koutarou would surely call sly if he could see it.

“And because I was here, that giant was defeated... Who is the naive one here? You? Or Bertorion?”

“...Tsk.”

Dextro clicked his tongue. The steel giant he had made Koutarou fight had been pierced by Clan's beam cannon. That was a result of Koutarou not killing Clan and Dextro making light of her. And being able to prevent this assassination plan was thanks to Koutarou not killing Dextro. So one could reason that Dextro was the naive one.

“...You're fine the way you are, Bertorion...”

Clan mumbled in a low voice and looked towards Koutarou. Despite the assassination having ended, Alaia was still firmly holding onto Koutarou. Her body was trembling and despite being injured, Koutarou gently patted her back. Charl worriedly watched over the two. And seeing that sight, Clan was once again able to confirm her belief.

“...That is the path of, you, the Blue Knight...”

That Koutarou was indeed the actual Blue Knight.

Part 3

The next time Koutarou woke up was three days later. It was a result of the disgusting medicine Lidith had given him, and his accumulated exhaustion and injuries.

“Where am I...?”

Having woken up, Koutarou looked around the area. The dim lamp wasn't lighting up the infirmary; instead it was Koutarou's room in the fort. With his treatment finished, he had been moved from the infirmary.

“Hm?”

The moment after Koutarou realized he was in his own room, he noticed a person by his side.

“...Princess Alaia!?”

Alaia was sitting on a chair next to Koutarou and leaning her body on his bed, fast asleep. On the table next to her was a container with liquid in it, bandages, a pitcher full of water and more. Seeing that, Koutarou realized that she had been attending him.

“Princess Alaia...”

She was grasping Koutarou's right hand with both of her hands. Even fast asleep, she was firmly holding on, as if she would never let go.

“Seems like I've made her worry quite a bit...”

Koutarou mumbled in a quiet voice and squeezed her hands back.

Alaia should be busy with her work as a princess, so she shouldn't have time to attend Koutarou. Despite that, Alaia had somehow made time and was now sleeping like this. She had been so worried about Koutarou she felt the need to do so.

“Mm, mmm...”

Noticing that Koutarou was moving his hand, Alaia woke up. She slowly opened her eyes for a few seconds and the next moment her body shot straight up.

“Koutarou-sama!?”

“Good morning, your highness.”

When she saw Koutarou smiling, her expression changed and tears began streaming down her eyes.

“Thank goodness... you woke up...”

“I'm sorry for making you worry, and for her highness to have treated me herself... I am truly honored.”

“That's fine! They were all injures you got for my sake! I should be the one apologizing and thanking you!”

Alaia hurriedly wiped her tears as she didn't want to become a burden to Koutarou. However, her tears kept streaming down no matter how much she wiped them away. Although Alaia might be able to fake her expression and tone, she couldn't manipulate her tears of relief.

“Your highness...”

Looking at Alaia like that, Koutarou felt truly grateful. Having the princess of a country worried for you was a very rare event. The only thing that saddened Koutarou was that those feelings were originally supposed to be for the real Blue Knight. As such, Koutarou felt a little guilty.

“...I'm sorry for crying like a little child, Koutarou-sama.”

Alaia didn't stop crying until a while later. With her mind cleared after crying her heart out, Alaia's normal calm smile reappeared.

“I'll be sure to remember that, it's an expression you don't see very often after all.”

“My... Koutarou-sama, you have quite a mean side to you.”

“I get that a lot.”

While looking at Alaia, who was slightly pouting, Koutarou remembered Harumi back on Earth.

“Satomi-kun, you meanie.”

While the two would cheerfully chat, Harumi would often condemn Koutarou by saying that. And the expression Alaia had right now was the same as Harumi's was.

Princess Alaia and Sakuraba Harumi really do look very similar...

Thanks to that sensation, Koutarou hadn't felt lonely these past few months. It wasn't just Alaia either; Charl, Flair and the others all reminded him of his companions on Earth in one way or another. As a result, Koutarou never felt lonely. He believed he had been incredibly lucky to have been sent to this time and place.

“By the way, Koutarou-sama.”

Alaia stopped pouting.

“How are you feeling?”

With her expression back to normal, Alaia worriedly looked at Koutarou's body. As she did, Koutarou nodded and smiled.

“I'm all better. It hurts in some places when I move, but the biggest problem is my empty stomach.”

While Koutarou was sleeping, treatment was continuously being performed. Thanks to Lidith's scientific methods, Caris's magic and Fauna's spiritual energy, Koutarou was quickly recovering. If he was to move, no part of his body would scream out in pain. As long as he ate something and let time pass, he would eventually fully recover.

“Oh my, Koutarou-sama...”

Alaia instinctively smiled as she heard Koutarou's tone of voice. After having been so worried about Koutarou, Alaia couldn't help but find Koutarou's innocent tone of voice funny.

“I-I'll have Mary prepare dinner right away, fu, fufufu.”

While laughing at Koutarou, Alaia confirmed the warmth in her hands.

I'm really glad... Koutarou-sama is safe...

Alaia confirmed her own feelings through the warmth of Koutarou's hand.

I... I definitely don't want to let Koutarou-sama die...

During these past few days, Alaia had learned just how much Koutarou meant to her.

The despair she had felt when Koutarou had been critically injured and carried into the fort. The irritation when she had heard about the assassins. The feelings she had as she threw her body in front of the assassin to protect Koutarou. The impatience when all she could do was watch Koutarou sleep. And the deep relief when Koutarou smiled again.

All those feelings supported Alaia. She definitely didn't want to Koutarou to die, no matter what price she herself had to pay.

Alaia knew that one day Koutarou would leave her. To the princess Alaia, marriage was just a tool in politics. No matter how much she loved him, there was never a chance of Alaia being able to marry Koutarou. But if she knew that Koutarou would continue living after they parted ways, she could stay strong.

So, for that sake...!!

Alaia made up her mind, her determination was unwavering, and it even surpassed her desire to protect her country.

“Koutarou-sama, once you recover, there is someplace I want to take you to, would that be alright?”

As long as Koutarou was safe, she could protect the world on her own.

At this time, Alaia was being driven by that powerful emotion.

Part 4

Alaia took Koutarou to an empty temple in the mountains, some distance away from Raustor.

The name Raustor meant the goddess's resting place. Having traveled through infinite time and worlds, the goddess of dawn rested her feet in these lands.

With that legend, Raustor naturally became a religiously important place, and a lot of temples for the goddess of dawn were built. Alaia had taken Koutarou to one of those temples. It was the oldest of temples being managed directly by the Mastir family.

This temple was a very sturdy building made from stone. Thanks to that, the temple's appearance remained the same as it did when it was first built over 1,000 years ago. The only change in appearance would be the plants growing on the stone.

Fauna was the one who had guided Koutarou and Alaia here.

Fauna was a priestess of the goddess of the dawn, on top of that she has been Alaia's friend since the two went to seminars. Because of that, Alaia trusted Fauna, and she had been left in charge of this temple.

“Alaia-sama, Reios-sama, this way.”

“Thank you, Fauna.”

With Fauna in the front, they entered the temple. Since both Alaia and Fauna had been here several times, they didn't really think much of it.

“This is...”

However, Koutarou was different. As Koutarou entered the temple, he was taken aback by a strange sensation. He had been told in advance that this was a temple built for the goddess of dawn, and even if he hadn't, he could easily tell this place was sacred. However, that wasn't what Koutarou was feeling. This was more a sensation of deja vu.

Have I come to this place before...? Or is it this atmosphere that I remember...?

His sense of deja vu grew stronger the closer he got to the center. Koutarou himself felt like he knew of this place, or possibly the atmosphere surrounding this temple.

“I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. This is the place I wanted to take you.”

“...This statue...”

Koutarou's feelings changed into conviction when he reached his destination.

That destination was a large room made out of stone in the center of the temple. Many red glass panes had been fitted in the ceiling off the room, changing the light into the color of dawn. And in the center of the room was a stone statue lit up by the red light. Since the statue was placed on top of a large stand, Koutarou was looking up at it.

In Forthorthe, that statue was called the goddess of dawn. It had been made in the image of the goddess of creation, a motif of a girl with her hands clasped in front of her hands, praying. In the legends, the girl weeping in solitude turned her own tears into threads and began knitting the world. Because of that, tears had been carved into the statues face.

And surrounding the statue were several pillars. Transparent globes had been installed on the top of them, and light poured down on them from above, dying them red.

I... I know that statue and this place... but why? Why can't I remember it?

Koutarou was perplexed. He could recall having seen the sight, this girl, the goddess of dawn before. Despite that, he was completely unable to remember that event. Comparing his memory to a photograph, it was like that part of his memory had been painted over. He could tell something was supposed to be there from the surrounding image, but he couldn't see it. This was an impatient and strange situation for Koutarou.

“Please come over here.”

Koutarou was spacing out as he stared at the statue when Alaia's voice snapped him back into reality. She was already in front of the statue, and she called out to Koutarou.

“Please go right away, Reios-sama.”

Next, Fauna called for Koutarou as well. She was standing by the entrance and gazed into the room. She was going to leave everything else to Alaia.

Fauna knew just why Alaia had taken Koutarou to this place. She was in charge of this temple, and at the same time a girl. For those two reasons, she wanted to keep leave Alaia and Koutarou on their own.

“I understand, I will.”

“...Okay.”

Koutarou was gently seen off by Fauna as he approached Alaia. Fauna retreated to the outside of the room and could no longer see Koutarou and Alaia. As such, Koutarou and Alaia were left alone in front of the statue.

“Thank you very much, Koutarou-sama.”

Having been left alone, Alaia used Koutarou's real name. Ever since Koutarou had told her the truth, she had used that name when they were alone.

“No... so what is this place, your highness? And why did we come here?”

Koutarou was full of questions. Since his own memories were so vague, he wanted to know more about this place.

“This is a special place to the royal family of Forthorthe. This country's treasure is being held here.”

“Country's, treasure...?”

Hearing Koutarou repeat her words, Alaia smiled and turned towards the statue's stand. She then placed her hand on the silver place installed in the stand. The following words were engraved in that plate.

'At the time of a true national crisis, recite thine true name'

They were characters Koutarou couldn't read, but the armor's system quickly translated them for him. They were from the ancient language that priests and magicians used.

“My name is Alaia. I am the silvery white snow of Mastir. The crown princess of Forthorthe, Alaia Kua Mastir Signaria Tia Forthorthe.”

The moment Alaia spoke her name, white light began shooting out from the plate. Eventually, it spread throughout the entire statue and lit up the goddess. As it did, the plate slid down and revealed what was behind it.

“This is... a sword...?”

Inside the stand was an old sword. The sword was stuck in the stand itself and it, along with the stand, began to slide out towards Koutarou and Alaia.

When the sword had first been placed in the stand, it had a beautiful polish and sparkle, but now the blade and handle were all rusty. It had lost its original splendor and now only looked like a piece of junk.

“Yes. It has been passed down the royal family for generations. It's been told it was given to the royal family by the goddess of dawn herself. The very existence of this sword is proof of the legitimacy of the Forthorthe royal family, and at the same time, the power of this sword has protected the country from its enemies.”

Alaia explained herself proudly up until this point, but then her expression turned darker.

“However... this sword itself was often the cause of conflict, and 200 years ago it was sealed away here.”

The owner of this sword was seen as the emperor of Forthorthe. Because of that, a lot of fights broke out for this sword, and a lot of blood was spilled.

That was when the emperor several generations ago hid the sword. At the same time, the court magicians were mobilized and tasked with creating a powerful seal to keep the sword from falling into the wrong hands. The only ones who could break this seal were those of the royal bloodline. On top of that, not even royalty was allowed to touch the sword outside of a true national crisis.

“So that's what you meant by the country's treasure... but, pardon my words, it doesn't look like it holds that kind of power...”

Koutarou understood Alaia's story, however what was in front of him was just a rusted stick of metal. It didn't look like very special at all.

“Fufufu, I'm sure it does in this state.”

Alaia let out a small laugh and turned towards the sword again. And like the statue in front of her, she clasped her hands, closed her eyes and began praying.

“Past, present and future, oh mother of all things, goddess of dawn.”

Alaia began speaking the ancient language in a sonorous voice.

As she did, a shrill noise, like metal hitting metal filled the room, and Alaia's forehead began shining.

“Your highness... what is...”

Before Koutarou knew it, a sword crest had appeared on Alaia's forehead and light shot out from it.

“A descendant of Forthorthe, your faithful servant asks of thee. Now is the time to break the seal, and give us power to overcome this crisis.”

Alaia was using an incantation to dispel the seal placed on the sword. That incantation and her royal blood were the keys to removing the seal.

“Wind of the heavens. Green of the ground. Water of the sea. Fire of the mountain. Using my life as provision, reveal the power to unify all things!”

The light shining from Alaia slowly filled up the sword. And as the light touched the sword, the touched part regained its appearance from the past.

The rust that had covered the sword vanished, like it had been blown away by the wind, and the once rusted, warped blade regained its former glory. The dirty and scratches vanished and the sword shone silver. The sword had such a beautiful sheen it looked like it had just been forged.

“My name is Alaia! The silvery white snow of Mastir! Oh holy sword of the temple, carve my name into your blade and revive!”

When Alaia loudly declared that, the sword practically exploded with pure-white light. That light was a transformed portion of the sword's power flowing out. That massive power shook the temple.

It continued on for several dozen seconds. Once that time had passed, the swords light slowly weakened, before vanishing, as if it had been absorbed by the sword itself. However, though the light may have vanished, the swords rusted appearance didn't return. The sword still had a beautiful sheen as it was enshrined in front of Koutarou and Alaia.

“Koutarou-sama.”

Alaia grabbed the handle of the sword as if nothing had happened. And after she held up the sword in both hands, she turned back to Koutarou.

“This sword is given the name of the person who dispels the seal.”

The sword crest on Alaia's forehead was still there, and like the sword in her hands, its blade had a silver sheen. That was the proof that she had dispelled the seal. It was a bond that tied her to the sword.

“Because of that, this sword is given my name.”

Alaia then presented the sword to Koutarou. And at the same time she proudly stated the name of the sword.

“This sword's name is Signaltin. It means silvery white sword.”

That was the name of the most famous sword in the legend of the Blue Knight.

“This is... Signaltin...”

Koutarou was surprised. He knew that Signaltin existed, but he didn't think it would appear in front of him at this time. In the manuscript Theia had written, there had been very little mention concerning magic, so the sword had been easily obtained.

“Please take this, Koutarou-sama.”

Alaia was planning on giving the sword to Koutarou. As long as he held this sword, Koutarou would never lose. And as long as Koutarou was alive, Alaia could stay strong. She believed this was the best option for both herself and for Forthorthe.

“N-No, I can't take something so important...”

However, Koutarou couldn't simply accept something like that. He could tell that the sword held immense power after seeing the ritual to dispel the seal. Because of that he couldn't easily accept it. And what's more, this sword was the treasure of the royal family. That fact also stopped Koutarou from accepting it.

“It's okay.”

Since Koutarou had reacted just like she had expected, Alaia smiled and gently shook her head.

As I thought, I should leave this sword to Koutarou-sama...

Convinced that her choice was correct, Alaia revealed her feelings.

“In return, promise me one thing.”

“Eh?”

“Koutarou-sama, when you return to your own world, make sure you bring this sword with you.”

“I-I can't do that, your highness!!”

Since Alaia's request was so unexpected, Koutarou's eyes shot wide open in surprise. His surprise was even greater than when Signaltin had appeared.

“It is best for you to keep it. This sword will become a source of conflict. We know full well what fate a country that relies on an overwhelming power meets. That's why this sword was sealed.”

In contrast to Koutarou, Alaia was calm. She watched over Koutarou with a gentle expression and continued speaking.

“And the safest way would be to take it away from this world. By doing that, this country will never fight over this sword again.”

Just like Alaia was trying to protect Koutarou, she was trying to protect Forthorthe.

The existence of Signaltin had caused several civil wars. Because of its strong power, there were countless people after this sword, aiming to become the emperor. It wasn't very different from terrorists in the current age trying to gain control through the use of powerful weapons.

Though the conflict may have stopped once the sword was sealed in this temple, there was no guarantee that it would stay that way. The ideal would be to place the sword somewhere far away where no one could get their hands on it. However, that kind of opportunity hadn't shown itself until now. That opportunity had appeared in front of Alaia, in the form of Koutarou, who came through time from the world of stars. And he would be sure to do it.

“If Koutarou-sama were to take it, the people of this world would lose the chance to seize hold of this sword. This is the perfect chance for us.”

This sword would protect her loved ones, subjugate the traitors and in the end, by parting with it, it would protect her country. To Alaia, there was no action more meaningful than this.

“I see... so that's why...”

That was the true reason behind why the Silver Princess had given the Blue Knight the sword, and why he had then vanished. It wasn't just because the existence of the ultimate hero, the Blue Knight, was making Forthorthe's political situation unstable. This sword was also one of the causes of instability. That's why the Blue Knight had vanished; to erase the name of the hero and the powerful sword from Forthorthe.

“I understand, your highness. I will humbly accept that role.”

Having realized the situation, Koutarou decided to accept the sword. It was a job he had to do as the replacement for the Blue Knight, and he felt he could do a better a job than the Blue Knight by taking the sword back to Earth.

“Thank you very much, Koutarou-sama!”

Alaia felt an immense joy when Koutarou accepted the sword. With this, everything will go well. That was Alaia's hope, and at the same time her powerful driving force.

“...Koutarou-sama. From now on this sword will protect you. From any enemy and any trial.”

“Then I will use my life and this sword to protect you, princess Alaia...”

Like that, Koutarou got Signaltin, and the gears of fate continued turning.

On the night after Koutarou and Alaia returned to Raustor with Signaltin, Alaia was in her office, suffering from an intense vertigo.

“Kuh, Ummh.”

Almost losing her balance, Alaia leaned her body towards the wall. If she didn't she would fall right away.

“Your highness!”

Fauna who was in the room noticed that and hurriedly ran up to Alaia to hold her. She had been worried that Alaia's body might suffer from ill effects after breaking the seal, and had stayed by her side.

“T-Thank you, Fauna... you're a big help...”

“Please stay still, your highness. I'll heal you right away.”

Fauna sat Alaia down on the sofa, and attempted to treat her using her spiritual energy. Alaia's body had grown horribly weak. However, the spiritual energy being poured into Alaia didn't seem to have much of an effect.

“I feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders. Thank you, Fauna.”

However even then, after a while, color returned to Alaia's face. With the order of her mind and body restored, Alaia smiled and thanked Fauna. Alaia was really lucky to have a friend like Fauna at a time like this.

“Your highness... didn't you give that sword, Signaltin, too much of your life?”

Alaia was growing weaker, like a sick person. That was because she had used more than half of her life as payment to revive Signaltin. When breaking the seal, the more life paid the more power the sword would hold. Because of that, Alaia had poured as much of her life as she could into the sword. The crest on her forehead was proof of that; even now, half of her life resided in Signaltin.

“It's fine that way.”

Alaia's health had deteriorated as a result of the life sacrificed, but her expression had no signs of regret. If anything it was quite the opposite. She felt satisfied having accomplished something important.

“By doing this, I can always stay by Koutarou-sama's side.”

Alaia was fated to never be intertwined with Koutarou. However, with Signaltin by Koutarou's side, her life would forever draw closer to him. As her position wouldn't allow for her to speak it out loud that was the only way Alaia could express her love.

“Princess Alaia...”

Fauna couldn't say anything. When faced with Alaia's deep and calm but intense expression of love, the one word she could speak was Alaia's name.

“Even if... if he were to return to the other side of that endless time and countless distance...”

No matter the time or distance separating Alaia from Koutarou, she would forever be with him.

That was just how satisfied Alaia was.

Share