Published at 17th of August 2019 11:49 am

Volume 22, Chapter 5: Friends

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Wednesday, November 24

The animal-loving soldier had said that the north side of the town was apparently a gathering place for cats. Koutarou and the others assumed that meant that there was an Elfaria faction base there. As he needed to maintain that he had only met a cat due to his position, that was the best he could do. Because of that, Koutarou and the others had come to the northern side of town.

"We managed to get here rather easily"

Fortunately, there had been almost no difficulty getting here from the gates. Compared up until now, it had been almost too easy, and Yurika felt somewhat uneasy.

"It's not like soldiers would be patrolling all over town. This is like a developed country in an advanced nation in Earth terms"

"Besides, most of the soldiers here were sent into the forest"

It was very uncommon to see soldiers patrolling around the middle of a town in a nation that has existed for a long time. That was because of the way wars were fought had changed. Back when swords and spears were used to fight wars, several percent of the population had been used as soldiers, but as time passed and weapons changed, the number of soldiers dropped. Even in Forthorthe where knights and distinguished military services were respected, the number of soldiers didn't exceed 0,2% of the population. Because of that, it was uncommon to come across a soldier when walking around in a town. On top of that, many soldiers stationed in the town had been sent into the forest to capture Theia and the others, leaving the town loosely guarded.

"I got that, but how do we meet with our allies?"

"You weren't listening at all, were you?"

"Ehehehehe~"

"Don't worry, I've been told of how contact representatives come into contact with one another"

As the Elfaria faction was currently being treated as an illegal organization, their base and branches needed to be kept secret. Of course, they'd need to take utmost care when coming into contact. As simply introducing themselves was dangerous, there was a procedure that had been determined beforehand. Theia and the others had been told of that method, so getting a contact wouldn't be difficult.

"Koutarou, how does it look today?"

"It seems like today's sign is belongings and password"

Contact representatives coming from out of town would stand in a decided place at a decided time, with a specific belonging. In response, someone from the local branch would bump into them by coincidence and give them the password. If they could answer that correctly, they would be treated as allies. That was the method for today.

By the way, there were also other methods of contact, which were different every day. That way, even if one method leaked, it wouldn't have an affect on the others.

The method of contact for today was to stand under a pillar with a clock installed on it in the center of the park at 1:40PM holding a yellow bouquet.

"... I just hope everything works out..."

The time was now 1:35PM. Koutarou was standing under the pillar on his own. He was wearing local clothes, and holding a yellow bouquet. Meanwhile, Theia and Yurika were hiding in a different place. Once Koutarou had contacted the Elfaria faction, he would call for them. That was the best they could do to protect Theia.

"It's about time, huh"

Even if they followed the procedure, there was no guarantee that they'd be able to come into contact with the local Elfaria faction. Information might have been leaked or in worst case scenario, the entire branch might have been destroyed. In that situation, it would be the imperial army coming instead. While Koutarou figured that it would probably would be okay, he still felt anxious. As the designated time drew closer, that anxiety grew stronger. As he spent time feeling unsettled, the minute hand finally reached 40 minutes.

That was when a ball intended for sports rolled up to Koutarou's feet. It's size and material made it look very similar to a soccer ball. As Koutarou instinctively picked it up, a girl wearing what appeared to be a sports outfit came chasing after the ball.

"Is this yours?"

"Thank you. 'My, a bouquet? Are you going on a date?'"

Surprisingly, the girl spoke the password. It seemed like she was part of the town's Elfaria faction. Koutarou was somewhat confused as this active girl didn't fit the image of being a member of an underground organization, but someone doing sports probably wouldn't be suspected in the park. Pulling himself back together, Koutarou gave her the answer he had been provided with.

"'That was my intention, but it seems like I've been stood up. I'd be happy if you'd take these off my hand'"

"Ahh... I wish someone would say that to me outside of work"

"I do too"

"Ahaha, welcome to the Goltrack branch"

After confirming the password, the girl showed a welcoming smile. However, Koutarou was still on guard, he wanted an insurance that she was really on his side. Theia's life was on stake after all.

"I know this is sudden, but has my friends left a message for me?"

"Ah yes, just wait a moment"

Adhering to Koutarou's request, the girl pulled out a small piece of paper from her pocket. She then began reading what was written on it.

"Uhm... 'Atlas, Caucasus, Hercules. Kabutonga charge-up' is what it says. What does that mean?"

"It's the sign that they're safe"

After hearing the girl read the text, Koutarou finally let his guard down. The text the girl had read up was one of the codes that they had decided on beforehand. That was a sign that they were safe and that the person in front of him was worthy of trust.

While it was very regrettable, the people in the Elfaria faction couldn't always be trusted. There was always a chance that their family had been taken hostage. There was also a scenario where the enemy had gotten ahead of an ally, and taken their place. In that case, Koutarou and the others would need signs to let each other know if the Elfaria faction people supporting them could be trusted in the case that they were separated. That was the purpose of the code. This was Kiriha's idea, just in case.

If the Elfaria faction person supporting Koutarou and the others knew of the code they had decided between themselves, they were most likely trustable. The contents of the code that the girl had just spoken told them that Theia and the others were doing fine. And since the girl had been the one to speak it, it meant that she was connected to the people by O-hime. In other words, the chances of the method of contact had been leaked and an enemy had taken the place was very small. That was the reason for Koutarou's relaxed guard.

Having safely met up with the local Elfaria faction, Koutarou met up with Theia and Yurika and headed to the secret base. Though it was a secret base, being in the middle of a town, it wasn't all that large. It was not much larger than an office, and barely had any resemblance of a base. The people inside numbered less than ten. It was a plain atmosphere, perfectly fitting the title of branch.

"I'm sorry for it being such a shabby place. I just wish I could have invited you somewhere more comfortable"

The elderly person serving as the head of the branch was aware that this place was not all that good. He especially felt that it was extremely improper for a princess of Forthorthe to be welcomed into.

"It's fine. We are the ones that disregarded your circumstances to come here. Besides, we've been pursued in a forest for several days. Just having a roof over our head is a big improvement"

Theia on the other hand didn't seem to mind, and in fact seemed happy. Looking at her profile, he knew exactly what she was thinking about.

That face... she's definitely comparing this to that movie she saw the other day...

The war movie about a resistance that they had watched the other day had a base that had an atmosphere just like this. Koutarou's intuition told him that Theia was thinking back to that. In fact, Theia gave the entire room a look around before glancing at Koutarou momentarily. She simply couldn't say it out loud because of the situation and her status.

"I am so happy to hear you say that"

The branch chief seemed to think of Theia's words as a sign of her generosity or kindness, and let out a smile of relief. In the end, there were no problem.

If anything's a problem it's...

Koutarou was more concerned about Yurika than Theia. Having been under a lot of pressure for the past few days, her constant use of magic for several days had finally caused her to reach her limit when she entered this room, and she passed out. She was currently sleeping on a sofa in the corner of the room.

Sleep well, Yurika. You did good...

Koutarou imagined that these past few days must have been really hard, mentally, on Yurika as her personality was far from suitable for fighting. Yet, she had fulfilled her job of protecting Theia with magic until the end. There was a lot to praise, and nothing to complain about. Koutarou felt like Yurika had earned her right to sleep.

"That aside, let's move on to the main topic"

"You're right, there's no time to spare"

While Koutarou was looking at Yurika, Theia and the branch chief had finished their greetings and moved on to a new topic.

"This is the fifth day since we landed down in the forest. I want to know what happened during that time"

It had been five days since Koutarou and the others had been separated from O-hime and landed in one of the forests of Alaia. From that point until today, they had been isolated from society. That's why they needed to know what had happened while they were gone before doing anything else.

"... Starting from the conclusion, war has already started"

The branch chief answered in a solemn tone. Very few people could be happy about war starting in their own country. Theia of course felt that same and she kicked away the chair she was sitting on and slammed her hands onto the table.

"Is that true!? Tell me the details!!"

"Of course, actually―"

The branch chief began speaking on Theia's behest, and explained what had happened since the day Koutarou and the others landed in the forest.

At first, O-hime's descent to Alaia was handled as an illegal alien's ship, despite Lord Bandarion hearing from Elexis that Elfaria was onboard. Since this was their chance to capture Elfaria, Lord Bandarion had kept that a secret even from his allies, just so he could get a better position later on. However the situation changed when the army let O-hime escape. Lord Bandarion announced that Elfaria had escaped pursuit from the imperial army and returned home, and he ordered the Elfaria faction to surrender and hand over Elfaria.

As Elfaria had already been accused for embezzling a large amount of public funds and of several murders, the Elfaria faction would normally have no choice but to accept their demands. However, Lord Pardomshiha who led the Elfaria faction bravely refused those demands. He claimed that he wouldn't hand over the empress knowing that she would be framed with false evidence. In other words, he indirectly pointed out that the crimes were actually committed by top brass in the military.

With that, the public opinion was split into those who supported Elfaria, those who supported the military and those who held onto their judgment in a ratio of 4:4:2. Those who held onto judgment believed that right and wrong should be determined in court. Thus the public opinion put Elfaria in a slight disadvantage.

With the public opinion behind them, the army branded the Elfaria faction as an anti-government organization and as terrorists for sheltering Elfaria and obstructing justice, and they began taking military action. The public opinion on using military force was negative, but passively supported it as they felt it was unavoidable in order to get a trial. With that, everything played out as Lord Bandarion had planned.

As the branch chief explained, Theia's expression gradually grew more grim. That was only obvious as her mother was being framed for crimes she hadn't committed, chased off of her throne and was about to have her beloved country of Forthorthe stolen by a villain. By the time the explanation was over, Theia was enraged.

"Curse you, Bandarion! I won't let you do as you please, you bastard!"

Having no place to take out her anger, she slammed her fist into the desk. While her body was small, her punch packed a lot of punch and the table bounced up and down, almost as if it had been surprised.

"P-Please calm down, Your Highness!"

"How could I calm down!?"

Being as enraged as she was, Theia lost sight of herself as she shouted. The voice of the elderly person serving as branch chief didn't reach her ears. Her boiling rage practically threatened to burn down her surroundings.

"Your Highness! Please calm your anger!"

"Do you know how I felt when I protected Forthorthe for so long! And―"

"Calm down, Theia!"

Thud.

What returned Theia to herself was Koutarou's fist hitting her head.

"Ow!?"

The intense impact momentarily extinguished Theia's rage.

"Don't take it out on the branch chief!! Who is your enemy!?"

"Shut up, shut up, you don't even know anything!!"

However, the flames of rage that had been extinguished quickly flared back up. Half of them were now aimed at Koutarou, and Theia's fist was thrust towards Koutarou's cheek.

Koutarou didn't try avoiding the fist as it hit him flat on. Without taking a single step back he stared right at Theia.

"... Are you seriously saying that, Theia?"

Koutarou's next words greatly shook Theia's mind. Thanks to that, she was able to calm down just a little.

"Ah..."

Having calmed down, Theia felt warmth past her cheek. She also recalled what the owner that warmth meant to Forthorthe. There was no way he wouldn't know anything. If anything, he was involved as Theia, if not more so.

"I'm sorry, Koutarou. I formally apologize for my violent language. I'm also sorry for hitting you in my outburst"

Theia finally regained full control of her heart. She also felt embarrassed due to how foolish she had behaved. This failure wasn't something she could cover up with a smile.

"It's fine, I know how you feel. Besides... thinking about it, it's my fault for not settling it properly in the first place. In this case, you have the right to complain about me"

Koutarou smiled wryly. Because Koutarou had been unable to settle the score with Maxfern, the magical kingdom of Folsaria and the People of the Earth had been born. Having obtained the power of both, Lord Bandarion was doing as he pleased, and that gain in power was Koutarou's responsibility. He also had a responsibility after abandoning Forthorthe to return home 2,000 years ago. That's why Koutarou felt like he couldn't blame Theia.

"You idiot, how could I rely on you that much! The Mastir family won't be protected by you forever!"

"... As you wish, My Princess"

"Grr... you are as inflexible as always!"

As a girl, Theia simply wanted to be scolded by the boy she got along with, but Koutarou never forgot about his position, and continued his act as a protector. Theia felt frustration as the girl within her felt sad, but the princess felt happy.

"Make sure you apologize to the branch chief"

"I know!"

Confirming that Theia was back to normal, Koutarou turned his back on her and approached Yurika. With her back in shape, the only worry he had left was Yurika. Seeing him off with dissatisfaction, Theia took a deep breath and faced the branch chief once more.

"... I'm sorry for getting upset. It was a mistake born from my inexperience"

"No, Your Highness is only human, you can't be perfect all the time"

"I appreciate you saying that"

"And as a citizen, it is so reassuring to see you get so angry for the people"

Fortunately, the branch chief wasn't angry. He was well aware that Theia's anger was for her country, Elfaria and the citizens. While he might have been surprised, he truly felt reassured like he had said.

"More importantly, Your Highness, what house is that knight from?"

"You mean Koutarou? Is there something on your mind about him?"

"That type of knight is unusual in this day and age... excuse my impoliteness, but there can't be many knights that would righten the wrongs of a princess right before them in this era. That was what caught my interest"

As far as the branch chief was aware, there weren't many that would scold royalty when they made a mistake. Even five might be a stretch. Lord Pardomshiha was famous for it, and Lord Wenranka might stake his life on it if need be. A few others also came to mind, but none of them were allies in the present situation.

In that case, it would be logical that the knight who scolded Theia, Koutarou, was part of the Pardomshiha or Wenranka band of knights, but the crests on the two swords on his waist didn't match either band. That's why the branch chief was curious about who the knight was.

"Right!? You'd think so!"

The branch chief's question made Theia's eyes sparkle, and she showed a very happy smile. It was as if she herself was being praised.

"He is a knight of knights to a fault! He is an absolute protector of the royal family, and a model knight, but because of that there are times when he won't listen to me! He is a very troublesome man!!"

Theia began explaining what kind of man Koutarou was with large, exaggerated gestures. Once more it was as if she was boasting of herself.

"That makes him even more interesting. If it's not too much to ask for, what house is from?"

"Sadly, I can't tell you yet. He's a man in a difficult position, so I can't reveal his origin yet. I am intending on revealing it later when an opportunity appears though"

Revealing that Koutarou was a descendant of survivors of Forthorthians who survived on Earth, and that he was the Blue Knight himself would send major quakes throughout Forthorthe. That wasn't something that should be done in the middle of a coup d'etat, in fact revealing that then would only bring doubts to any credibility they had. If they were to announce it, Lord Bandarion would need to be defeated and the coup d'etat stopped.

"Is that so. Then I will look forward to when the time comes"

The branch chief was interested in Koutarou's identity, but since the princess was saying that she couldn't tell, he didn't pursue the matter any further. Besides, he had already heard about half of what he wanted to know.

"Fufu, I'm sure you'll be so surprised your eyes will shoot out from your head"

"My, then I fear that my old heart might stop"

"You would do well to prepare a resuscitation kit kit. Fufufu"

"Ahaha, I'll do just that"

The branch chief could imagine that Koutarou was a knight with a very special background after seeing a glimpse of his relationship with Theia, and from the fact that the swords on his swords had Alaia's crest and Theia's crest. He was probably the person Theia loved. So if the branch chief only waited until their wedding, he would automatically figure out who Koutarou was. The riddle would solve itself even if he didn't rush it.

Koutarou and the others were able to get in touch with their friends on O-hime some time after they had arrived at the secret base. An email aside, speaking directly, face to face, would require various safety measures. Because of that, they would talk right away.

"Ruth, how have you been doing?"

"Your Highness! Master!"

The first one to appear was Ruth. She had been with Theia for a long time and they were connected through a master and vassal bond, so her worries were more than just those of a childhood friend. As a result, the moment she saw Theia safe, tears started falling.

"Is that something to cry about?"

Theia smiled at the hologram of Ruth. As the hologram was very precise it showed every single tear staining her cheek.

"It is something to cry about! You are always so reckless!"

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Ruth"

Theia had been told that O-hime had safely arrived beforehand, so she didn't cry as Ruth did. However, seeing the face of her safe childhood friend, Theia felt deep relief. That's why she honestly apologized for causing Ruth to worry.

"I am glad you are safe, Your Highness"

Having calmed down a little, the hologram of Ruth wiped away her tears and smiled. As she removed her hand from her face, Ruth's glance shifted off of Theia for a short moment.

"... Come on, get closer"

"Oh?"

Detecting Ruth's minor movements, Theia pulled on Koutarou's arm and had him stand by the communication device. Now both Theia's and Koutarou's faces should be displayed over at Ruth's side.

"Go on, you say something too"

"Me too?"

Since Ruth seemed to be thinking about Koutarou, Theia wanted them to speak. However, Koutarou felt tightly squeezed having to have two people standing in front of the communications device, and since it was an emergency he wanted to leave the talking to Theia. Because of that, a face practically saying 'Why?' stared at Theia.

"You fool!"

Thud.

"Ouch"

Irritated by Koutarou not understanding the female mind as always, Theia punished him with an iron fist.

"It's not like I'm telling you to casually chat with her! Just show her your energetic face and let her hear your voice!"

"Okay, I get it. You don't have to get so mad"

Realizing that this was probably a problem derived from the female psychology, Koutarou decided to do what he was told. He sat down on the chair in place of Theia and began talking to the holographic Ruth.

"... I'm safe too. Are all of you doing okay, Ruth-san?"

"Yes, Master. Everyone is full of spirit"

"Well, I'd be worried about that too"

"My... fufufu"

A bright smile appeared on Ruth's face. While she might have heard that he was fine, it didn't feel right until she saw his face. It was at this point that Ruth was able to accept that Koutarou was safe.

"Good, that's more like it"

Theia embraced Koutarou from behind and rested her head on his shoulder. She looked like Sanae always did. That was when Sanae's voice came from outside of the projected area.

"Koutarou, Koutarou, look! I caught a strange lizard!"

"Kyaa!?"

A small, unfamiliar reptilian was thrust out before Ruth's nose. Surprised by the sudden event, Ruth leaned back and Sanae entered the holograms projected area.

"Isn't it amazing!?"

""That's a big one, where did you catch it?"

"In the forest outside. There were a bunch of strange ones, but this was the strangest so I caught it"

"I want to see it when I get over there, so make sure you feed it"

"Okay!"

"Gugyaa"

With Sanae's energetic reply and the lizard's cry as their last words, Sanae left the projected area. To replace her were Maki and Nana. The girls from the O-hime side were planning on showing their energetic selves to Koutarou and the others a couple at a time.

"Satomi-kun, how is Yurika?"

"She's exhausted because she's been on edge the entire time and had to continuously use magic for a long time. She's sleeping over there right now"

"Satomi-san, can I get a look at Yurika if possible?"

Being Folsarians, the two were worried about Yurika. They had heard that she was safe, but she had been on their minds ever since they heard that she was asleep.

"Okay... Uhm"

Koutarou understood that the two were worried and wanted to show them Yurika. But not knowing how to operate the communications device, Koutarou stopped for a moment.

"Something like this should do it"

Sensing that Koutarou was having trouble, Theia stretched out her hands and helped him. As she did, an extra camera moved and started filming the sleeping Yurika.

"... Uehehehe, I won't give it to you, this is my baked potato..."

Yurika's mouth was half open, she had kicked away her blanket and was sleeping in a grand posture as she scratched her stomach. She was saying something, but her voice didn't reach the communications device. However, anyone seeing her could easily imagine what it was about.

"... Aaahh, uhm..."

"That's just like Yurika-chan"

Seeing Yurika like that, Maki and Nana smiled wryly. Having heard that she was asleep, they had truly been worried. But her actual appearance was completely different from what they had imagined, so the two weren't sure how to feel. It was clear to anyone that she was just asleep because of exhaustion, and there were no other problems.

"... Anyways, I'm glad to see Yurika-chan is safe too"

"Make sure you come back full of energy"

"Thank you. Be careful"

"I'll let Yurika know too"

Maki and Nana disappeared with a mysterious expression that wasn't quite a smile and wasn't quite a frown. Koutarou and Theia understood how they felt, and for some reason they felt sorry.

"Satomi-kun, Theiamillis-san"

Following Maki and Nana was Harumi.

"Sakuraba-senpai, long time no see"

"I heard that you were wandering a forest for days, were you okay?"

"Theia and I are at least confident in our stamina"

"... Koutarou, I'm confident in more than just my stamina"

"It's just a saying. It doesn't mean that you're ugly or that you're stupid"

"Then that's fine"

"Ahaha, I'm glad to see you are healthy"

"What about you, Sakuraba-senpai? I'm sure you're not used to this kind of life style"

To Koutarou, Harumi was probably the furthest away from fighting. When it came to personalities, Yurika was probably less suited, but when taking health and her lack of combat training, Harumi was the one he worried the most about.

"At times like these, Alaia-sama's memories are a big help"

"I see, no wonder you seem so calm"

But fortunately, Harumi had Alaia's memories. The memories of Alaia who had overcome times like these before came as a big help to Harumi.

"Why don't you calm down already"

"Those words seem almost spiteful!"

"Fufufu"

Harumi laughed happily as she listened to Koutarou's and Theia's back and forth before her hologram vanished. A seemingly ill-humored Clan appeared to take her place.

"... You left me behind right away, didn't you, Bertorion"

"What now, all of a sudden"

"Even though you said you needed me"

"This couldn't be helped"

"I'm sure you'll continue to say that it couldn't be helped from now on too"

Clan saw herself as Koutarou's partner, so she was upset to have been left behind. Her hologram was staring at him with a grudge in her glance. Seeing her like that, Theia smiled wryly.

"Clan, you're better off honestly confessing that you were worried. For your own sake"

"I―"

"You were worried, right?"

"That's not true at all!"

"That's a lie"

That was when Kiriha appeared next to Clan.

"Clan-dono has been restlessly walking back and forth around this communications device these past few days. Just like Koutarou had done when Clan-dono was nowhere to be seen"

Kiriha revealed Clan's true intentions with her usual mischievous smile.

"Kii!? T-T-That's all a lie!!"

Clan complained to Kiriha her face dyed red.

"Really?"

"W-Weren't you always staring at that card of yours too!?"

"Oh... 'too' is it?"

"Ugh"

However, Kiriha was unfazed. She seemed to enjoy herself as she cornered Clan.

"That sounds about right. Koutarou, why don't you say something"

"That girl..."

For better or for worse, Koutarou understood Clan's feelings. He reluctantly broke the stalemate.

"Clan, I'm sorry for worrying you. Everyone's doing fine. I'll bring you with me next time, so cut me some slack"

"... It's a promise"

Clan showed a depressed expression as she left the projection area. However, her feelings weren't as gloomy as her expression. Her outburst towards Koutarou was because of her worry. Kiriha saw Clan off with a smile, and turned to Koutarou.

"By the way, aren't you going to say something to me?"

This time, Kiriha's mischievousness turned towards Koutarou. In the past, Kiriha had said that she would live together with Koutarou. So she too was dissatisfied by having been left behind.

"You want me to say that here and now?"

However, Koutarou knew that Kiriha's mischievousness was ineffective at truly important times. That's why this was just for show and it was just her way of saying that she was happy they were safe. So Koutarou returned her smile without being shaken.

"No, let's save it when it's just the two of us"

"Then I'll save it for later"

"Yeah"

In the end, Koutarou was right, and Kiriha disappeared without much of a fuss. But at the same time, that was a show of her intention to eventually act like a spoilt child and to tease him. That scared Koutarou a little.

"Listen to this, Theia-chan, Satomi-kun!"

That was when Shizuka arrived. For some reason she was on the verge of tears and she looked at Theia and Koutarou with moist eyes.

"Long time no see, landlord-san"

"What happened?"

"When I was helping out by carrying luggage I stepped through a floor board!"

Shizuka's weight was the reason behind her tears. As they were reentering the atmosphere Alunaya had used up a lot of magical power and Shizuka now weighed past 150 kilos. Since she wouldn't be found out unless she stood on a scale, she didn't mind too much this time either, but there was a pitfall. A tragedy occurred as the wood used as a floorboard couldn't withstand the combined weight of her and the luggage, and she fell down to the next floor.

"Ever since then, everyone on this base seems to think I'm a heavy woman~"

Everyone else that was carrying luggage had been fine, and only Shizuka had fallen. When they helped her back up she had been heavy too. So because of that, rumors about her weight began being spread. Rumors of a girl who weighed 100 times more than she looked. To Shizuka, that situation was like a nightmare.

"I can't get married anymoreeee!!"

"Now, now, calm down landlord-san. It's not like you really are heavy"

"The people here don't know thatttt!! I just want to die!!"

"Well, the other party will always have their own ideal weight"

"I told her the same thing but... she's been like this ever since"

"I don't want to be popular with Uncle and your kind!"

"Aha, ahahaha"

Koutarou found himself unable to do anything but cover it up with a fake laugh. He had spent over a year and learned that women are extremely dangerous creatures when they are like this.

"Now that this has happened, you'll have to take me as your bride, Satomi-kun!!"

"You don't have to worry, everything will be fine when you return to Earth, landlord-san"

"Really?"

"Yeah"

"Will you look after me if it's no good?"

"If you're fine with that"

"Okay, then it's a promise"

"Yeah"

With that, Shizuka was finally able to regain her cool. Meanwhile, Koutarou let out a sigh of relief. He wanted her to always been bright and cheerful.

"Well then, make sure you get over here quick, okay? Everyone's waiting"

"Yeah, see you later"

"See you"

Shizuka left the communications device with a smile. After seeing her off, Theia silently stared at Koutarou's face.

"..."

"What?"

"No, it's nothing"

If Shizuka were to intentionally keep other men away when she returned to Earth, just what would happen?

Theia had noticed that the promise Koutarou and Shizuka had so casually made was very meaningful, but she didn't try to let Koutarou know, since it wasn't something that anyone would lose anything on.

"Theia, Reios-sama"

"Finally, the last one to appear was Theia's mother, Elfaria. In her case she didn't just want to rejoice in their reunion, but also to discuss the future. That was why she had come at this timing.

"Mother! It's been so long!"

"I'm glad you're safe too, Elle. So this is to the point, but... are you okay?"

Leaving the greetings short, Koutarou got down to business. The bright expression on his face he had shown when talking to the girls vanished. He now had the expression of the legendary hero, the Blue Knight.

I tried my best to keep him from showing this kind of expression... in that case...!

Elfaria's expression also returned to that of an empress, and began explaining the situation at Koutarou's behest. They needed to resolve this problem as quickly as possible.

"Sadly, the situation is not something you can call okay. I'm not losing when it comes to support, but because of those who are indecisive, there are more voices in support of the military's actions"

Koutarou had been told about this part as well. It was included in what he heard from the elderly branch chief. The Elfaria faction and the military had a practically equal support. However as those who are undecided believe that this should resolved in court. As a result, as the Elfaria faction doesn't want the matter to go to trial were at a disadvantage.

"If we go to court, I will lose because of false evidence. If we don't, the military's use of force will be justified"

"There are already skirmishes breaking out in various places"

The military had taken action after forging sufficient evidence. Because of that, the military was practically guaranteed a victory in a trial. The military had created a scenario where Elfaria couldn't go to court just so they could attack. Everything was going as they had planned. Battles had broken out all over. These places are mostly outside of the main solar system where the military has a small presence, but there were even a few in the Forthorthe solar system as well. Amongst the planets, Alaia had the most resistance.

"I think you said you had something you could do if you returned here?"

"Yes. This is where the military made the evidence that keeps me from trial. Since I've got a lead on that, we'll bring it all down"

"But won't they be on guard for that?"

"They should. They'll probably go on a large offensive to seal our movements. We need to appeal to the citizens and gather support to stop the military from doing that"

In the past when Elfaria had been captured, the military had fallen into confusion. They couldn't manage military gains as large as Elfaria. During that time, the Elfaria faction had gathered information, some of which contained fragments of the military's forging of evidence. The Elfaria faction was analyzing that information and slowly but surely got closer to the truth. However, the military would surely send in their forces before the Elfaria faction had any clear evidence.

In other to counteract that, Elfaria needed to return home. By having Elfaria herself appeal to the citizens and gathering support, they could restrain the military's movements. By doing that, they would make the confrontation between them and the military, who insisted that their cause was valid, clear, and they would probably get more allies, and more time to reach the core of the conspiracy. That was something Elfaria wouldn't be able to do from Earth.

"I will probably hold a speech to the citizens before long. We're currently making preparations for that"

"That's a difficult fight. Thinking back to it, the fight against Maxfern was simple. He was an easy to understand villain"

Koutarou crossed his arms and went deep into thought. In the battle 2,000 years ago, had staged a coup d'etat that anyone could understand. That's why if Maxfern was defeated, the problem would be resolved. However, this battle was different. It was a coup d'etat silently making progress under the surface, and the citizens didn't know who the mastermind was. Nothing would resolve from just defeating Bandarion. It was a battle completely different from the past.

"Reios-sama only needed to be a hero after all"

"This time I'm only a stagehand... Leave Theia to me. I'll bring her over to you safely"

"Please do"

Elfaria's Achilles' heel was her daughter, Theia. Elfaria had challenged it all with indomitable resolve, but if her daughter's life was in danger, she didn't know if she could make calm judgments. Whether Koutarou could protect Theia or not would greatly affect the outcome.

"And what happens when I get over there?"

"Most likely, it will turn into a showdown with the imperial army sent by Lord Bandarion"

The best means of victory for the Bandarion side was most likely to suppress Elfaria before she could appeal to the people. Even if they couldn't stop Elfaria's speech, it would still take some time before the public opinion shifted and the band of knights turned to Elfaria's side. If they settled it before then, the results would be the same. Lord Bandarion would surely go on the offensive.

"... Okay. Have everyone over there prepare for that as well"

His resolution weighed heavy on Koutarou as he spoke those words. He was telling the people he wanted as far away from battle as possible to get ready to fight. Ultimately, that was the best way to secure the peace for all of them, but despite knowing that, it wouldn't work as an excuse. Koutarou would use the girls' lives in order to win this battle. Koutarou felt it would be necessary to take responsibility for that after everything was over.

That was when Theia, clinging onto Koutarou from behind, increased the strength of her embrace, and she whispered into Koutarou's ears.

"Mother and I will share that responsibility. You don't need to carry it alone"

Theia's whispers were filled with an adamant will and deep kindness.

They would be together, win or lose.

That was what Theia had steeled herself for.

"... Yeah, you're right"

And Koutarou resolved himself as well, to win this battle alongside Theia, Elfaria and his many friends.

Elfaria's story moved on from that to a more practical one. With that, Theia and the branch chief were more useful. They went on how to safely transport Theia and the likes. Apart from battles and rough strategy, Koutarou wasn't all that knowledgeable of modern Forthorthe's situation. Apart from answering questions coming his way, all he did was listen to the discussion and take care of the sleeping Yurika.

"Uefuefuefue~"

"... You know, you're accompanying a princess, so could you keep it together a little more..."

Koutarou wiped Yurika's mouth with a handkerchief. She seemed to be having a dream about food, and based on Koutarou's experience she would demand something to eat when waking up. So he had already prepared food and a bottle and left them at her bedside. This was a form of care that only Koutarou, who knew everything about Yurika, could do.

"Mother, we're already resupplied, so wouldn't it be best to head your way on our own strength? If we attach a guard, the forces here will decrease"

"Theia, I know how you feel... but it will be dangerous if Bandarion finds out that you're travelling on your own. You three alone will stand out too much. So if a fight breaks out, there will be no point in not having a guard"

"Princess, please use our vehicle. I believe that would be the best for everyone"

"... Okay, we'll do just that"

It was decided that Koutarou and the others would use a vehicle prepared by the Elfaria faction to group up with the rest from O-hime. Koutarou's armor and Theia's Combat Dress had already been resupplied, so it was possible for them to move on their own, but from a wider point of view, it was decided that the Elfaria faction people would help them. One\s movement becoming a problem was one of many difficulties in a war.

"Phuee... Sha...tomi-shan...?"

"Oh, you awake, Yurika?"

"Huh? This is...?"

As the discussion was reaching its end, Yurika who had been asleep ever since reaching the branch office finally woke up. Having been asleep, she had no understanding of the situation, and she looked at her surroundings in confusion.

"This is one of the Elfaria faction's bases. You collapsed out of relief when you stepped foot in her. Remember?"

"Uhm... ah, I think I remember something like that happening"

Koutarou's words helped clear up Yurika's foggy memories and got her mind running. She barely had her memories of getting to the place. With her head working again, she remembered that she had one thing she was worried about.

"Satomi-san, is everyone okay!?"

"Relax, we got in touch with the others. They're safe"

"Really?"

"Look over there, Theia is talking to her mom, right?"

"Ah, thank god~"

Yurika had always been worried about the others. That's why just hearing that they were fine wasn't enough to allow her to rejoice right away, but seeing Theia and Elfaria speaking let her get an actual feel for it. Thanks to that, Yurika let out a sigh of relief and her usual smile appeared.

Grrr.

At the same time, it seemed Yurika's stomach required relief as well.

"Ehe, ehehehehe"

"You're the same old Yurika no matter where you go. Go on, eat"

"Thank you very much, ehehehe"

Even Yurika felt embarrassed by having her stomach growl at this timing, so she tried to laugh it off after receiving the food from Koutarou. However, unable to resist the temptation of food, she began eating before long.

"Thank you for the food! Munch"

Bang.

"Grandpa!"

Just as Yurika took a bit of the Forthorthe-style sandwich, the door to the secret base swung open and a girl jumped in. It was the girl that head guided Koutarou and the others here.

"Hmgh!? Mnnmnm!!"

Surprised, Yurika choked on the sandwich and began struggling.

"Here, drink this"

But Koutarou was used to it. He felt like she was going to choke on her food, so he didn't panic and simply handed her the drink already in his hand.

"Gulp gulp... Ahh~ I thought I was going to die~"

Thanks to that, everything was resolved without trouble. As Yurika got back to her food, she began watching the girl that had just jumped in. Koutarou did the same.

"This is terrible, uncle!!"

"Settle down. You are before Her Majesty and Her Highness"

"B-But it's really important!"

"It's fine, speak"

Normally a greeting to Theia and Elfaria would be required. The girl being the granddaughter of the branch chief meant that she had been properly taught manners. Yet there was a situation so urgent that the girl had forgotten her greetings. Theia sensed that this was something important, and urged her on, skipping over the usual procedures.

"The imperial army, I mean the coup d'etat army are apparently transporting weapons using a trailer! They seem to be weapons to fight against us, but they haven't been assembled yet! We got a message from the other branches that we should attack the trailer now!"

The girl had come with information about the coup d'etat army's new weapon. A secretly developed mobile weapon that was being carried in block components to be assembled in secret and used for a surprise attack on the Elfaria faction's base. It was a good thing the Elfaria faction found out, or they would have found themselves ambushed by a new weapon.

"Theia!"

"It's possible! If we don't make the first move, something terrible will happen!"

Hearing the words new weapon, Elexis was the first person to pop up in Koutarou's and Theia's minds.

If it's that Warlord and improved Motor Knights... the Elfaria faction will be destroyed if they're not prepared!

The mobile weapons made by Elexis had put Koutarou and the others in danger several times. Just having those alone on the battlefield was dangerous, but Elexis now had access to magic and spiritual energy technology. Who knew what kind of improvements could be made to the machines. Just thinking about it made chills run down their spines.

"Mother, it's DKI's new weapon! We have to attack now! It will be dangerous to leave them alone!"

"DKI... I understand, let's send out soldiers"

"Koutarou and I will go too!"

"Wait, Theia. You come over here as planned"

"But!"

"If they're still disassembled then there's no reason for you two to go. In fact, it might even be a trap to lure you in"

"But we're going up against―"

"Please calm down,. Princess Theiamillis. Her Majesty is correct"

"Koutarou..."

With Koutarou speaking formally, Theia calmed down a little. She couldn't disregard the judgement of the Blue Knight. Koutarou walked up to Theia and began explaining the reason for his judgement.

"The timing is too good. It's information that leaked while we still haven't been caught"

Koutarou and Elfaria both feared that this was a trap to capture the three that had descended to the forest. Whether the Bandarion side knew if Theia was included in the three, they should at least know that they were important allies to her. In other words, they were strong cards to play against Elfaria and Theia if they could be captured. With that in mind, there was a decent chance of the rumors of a weapons transport being a trap. With Koutarou and the others being exceptionally strong, they might show up after hearing those rumors.

"A long range attack will do fine if it's just about attacking a transport trailer. If they could block that, then it would have been trap. In that case, I'll give the order to retreat right away"

It wasn't like they were attacking the military. They would simply attack a trailer disguised as a civilian vehicle carrying new weapons, so cannons, missiles or unmanned craft should be enough. If the trailer had prepared countermeasures for that, then there was a high chance of it being a trap, and a retreat order would be given. In Koutarou's mind, there was no need for them to go either way. If anything, them going would only increase the risk.

"... Okay. Koutarou, you are probably right. We should prioritize grouping up with Mother and the others"

Koutarou's thinking made sense, so Theia decided to hold in her urge to go herself, and meet up with Elfaria and the others. Koutarou smiled slightly, put his hand on Theia's shoulder and whispered so only she could hear.

"... I understand how you feel. You don't want to expose the soldiers, the citizens to danger, do you?"

"... Yeah"

"... Then let's hurry up to Elle's place. If not, Bandarion and the others will do stuff like this over and over"

If they got caught up on what was in front of them, the victims would only increase. If they didn't want the citizens to get hurt, they needed to leave this region as soon as they could.

"I'm sorry, I'm just a foolish princess who can only look at what's in front of her"

Having finally recollected herself thanks to Koutarou, Theia flashed a smile. It was an embarrassed and self-ridiculing smile. Seeing that smile, Koutarou moved away from Theia and his expression returned to that of the Blue Knight.

"It must be in the blood. The people of the Mastir family have been like that since long ago"

Alaia, Charl, Elfaria, Theia. As far as Koutarou knew, all of them desperately thought of how to protect the citizens. They also shed tears when facing citizens they couldn't save.

"But, that is why us knights can take pride in being vassals of the Mastir family. I'm sure the citizens feel the same way"

Because these royals felt for the lives of each and every one of their citizens, there was meaning in staking their lives to protect them. So many citizens rose to protect them 2,000 years ago because of that. Both knights and commoners were the same in that regard. Koutarou believed that the same would hold true today too.

"Thank you, Koutarou"

"You should tell your citizens that once this is over"

"You're right"

Theia's smile changed into something as beautiful as a flower. So beautiful to the point that all Elfaria faction members in the branch were happy to be the vassals of this princess.

Just who is this youth? Just what kind of experience does one have to go through to turn into as splendid a knight as this?

At the same time, everyone wondered who the knight, that protected the princess both physically and mentally, really was.

Share