Basement inăLabyrinthăwhich the day after the night, suppression operation ended.
In the presence of the consular officials including Milmiet, Lux officially signed a contract to become one of theăSeven Dragon Paladină.
It would usually take time to be approved by every country, however, there is no turning back.
But it might cause any trouble in New Kingdom of Atismata if the admission for theăSeven Dragon Paladină is refused.
Just as Lux was thinking, Celes called out.
âWell then Lux, please allow me to handle this. You, who refused my recommendation were detained. You decided to give in that strong argument.â
Celesâ expression is unusually happy.
âBut I donât want to trouble Celes-senpai.â
âThere is no trouble. As far as the Ralgris house is concerned, you become one of the ăSeven Dragon Paladină. I will be praised and face proudly in front of my father. Thatâs why I want to help you. â
â⊠Then I will rely on you, senpai.â
When Lux nodded in agreement, Celes was relieved and said,
âYes. However, there is one condition. Each of the ăSeven Dragon Paladină must have an aide. Please let me help you in this too. â
Aide of aăSeven Dragon Paladină.
Greif had taken Coral, and Singlen brought old knight Zwei
He didnât waver.
If Celes, who was the strongest in the academy and well-known in the history of all member country and the political affairs of their aristocracy supports him during negotiation, there would be no greater help than her.
Lux agreed and finally settled.
âAfter the end of inspection and some treatment in infirmary, I decide to go in room where Airi and the Triad gathered.â
âAre you sure you want us here? Isnât it more convenient to talk among family?â
Just as Lux sat on a bed in the room, Celes asked, but Airi quietly shook her head.
It appears that Celes is thankful in Lux and Airi for risking their lives in this fight.
âIs your body okay? You arenât hurt, are you?â
âI ask a same question to you nii-san, are you okay?â
ââŠâŠâ
For Airi who already returned to her usual self, Lux smiled nervously.
At that moment, Airi suddenly sat on Luxâs lap.
âWaâŠ!?â
Lux didnât feel much weight in his legs because Airi is much lighter than him.
Being puzzled by this rare behaviour of Airi, Lux froze in the place.
â⊠Donât be shy now. I have some complaints towards nii-san.â
âComplaints⊠on me? What did I do?â
âBecause of nii-san, I have terrible memories from yesterday. Iâm embarrassed to death from crying in front of all those people. How are you going to repay me?â
While blushing, Airi sat on Luxâs lap and stared at him.
âSo, sorry. But, that⊠Iâââ
âNii-san is truly selfish. Itâs aggravating so I gave up on stopping you.â
âââEh?â
âNii-san, as the ăSeven Dragon Paladină, please stop that Singlen. Nii-sanâs goals and plans are largely decided on that. I will also assist you as much as possible, such as deciphering an ancient document, and aiding Her Majesty the Queen.â
Drag Knight world rankings.
As Singlen served as vice captain, it is the world-wide rankings showing the capabilities of Drag Knights.
The world rankings of Drag Knights are decided on various achievements such as Abyss subjugation, simulated warfare and strategy carried out at various places.
As a ăSeven Dragon Paladină representing the New Kingdom of Atismata to stop Singlen. Fugil needs to be tracked at once.
ââŠMay I?â
âI admit defeat. From the start, I donât have any hostility towards nii-san. I knew, I already became aware of my feelingsâââ
Being embarrassed, with a glare in her eyes, Airi stared at Lux.
Upon seeing this, Lux responded with a smile.
âOh, wow. These two are letting us watch something good.â
âForbidden loveââ Ah, I wonât loseâââ
âYes, I support Airi.â
âââHa!? Are you serious!?â
When Triad said it while watching, Luxâs face became red with embarrassment.
But, Celes stood face-to-face with Lux and coughing purposely to gain attention as she straightened her chest.
âThen, can you give me more time? Thanks to you, we have been appraised highly in this campaign and got qualifications to get into upper classââbut, I decided to decline the offer this time.â
âEhâŠ?â
âThis is what we three decided after discussion. It is still early for us now, right. Even when I fight as ăBlack Heroă, I was trying very hard and you reminded me of my lack of strength and naivety.â
âSuch a thingâââ
âOf course, Iâm aware of the gap between our talent and aptitude. However, I want to try again with you all three from the beginning. Therefore when we hit the wall, will you lend me your power as a friend?â
To Celesâ words, Tillfarr and Noct looked at her with determination.
After hearing those words, Lux showed a warm smile.
âââYes, if you are ok with me, Iâm glad to help.â
To Luxâs reply, the Triad replied with a smile and with Celesâ proposal, Airi also participated in the celebration.
After all, the hidden sake was brought out by Pare, everyone who used to be on good terms with him had now become angry at Professor Raigree.
But now, there are many friends who support Lux and Airi.
This became the happiest and the greatest achievement so far.
From now on as a ăSeven Dragon Paladină, the pursuit of a new dream finally begin.
In the meantime, Lux cherish his life filled with laughter and warmth, and with a great determination to protect it.
***
The next afternoon, in the room where Coralâs presence is not there, Lux was gathering his luggage to return home. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.
When he got up and opened the door, Krulcifer was standing in front of him.
âCongratulations on your promotion.ââand great job. Also this time, it seems a lot of things had happened.â
âThank you. Also, congratulations to Krulcifer-san. ââBut, whatâs the matter? We have to leave the city soon and laterâŠâ
ââŠâŠâ
Ignoring Luxâs question, Krulcifer entered the room.
And quietly sat on the bed where Lux was packing.
ââŠâŠ?â
Lux was slightly confused and sat next to her.
âSo a ăSeven Dragon Paladină. Lux-kun, youâve become a big deal. When I first met you, you were just a molester and an underwear thief. â
âNo, well⊠ââthat was an unfortunate accident wasnât it!? It was a misunderstanding!â
While panicking, Krulcifer smiled and said.
âBut you decided, right? You wonât hesitate anymore.â
ââŠUn. Actually, I cannot suppress my feelings anymore. â
Five years ago, that day.
Due to Fugilâs betrayal, the future which Lux wanted during the revolution ended in failure.
Lux took action because of the atrocities the royal family was committing.
He understood, he could no longer hesitate.
The ăSeven Dragon Paladinsăwhich is not bound to international treaties and using the power to protect those dear to him.
Stop Singlenâs tyranny who rules like the Old Empire and find the truth regarding the incident five years ago.
The criminal living in the New Kingdom⊠as the prince of the Old Empire, what can he do?
He realized that he needs to find a way to walk towards his desires.
Since you seem to be determined, can I say one thing?
Sitting closely to Lux, Krulcifer whispered.
âLux-kun. Are you interested in the mystery of the ruins?â
âââEh?â
Those unexpected words made Lux flinch.
âIt is better to say that after returning to the new kingdom, I may return to Ymir once again.â
âWell, maybeâââ
In the past, Lux involved in engagement of Krulcifer and was reminded of something.
âWell, itâs where I came from. I had an urgent call from Einfolk family. Obviously, itâs regarding the political marriage to make connections with upper echelons of the New Kingdom. Hence, I do not know what kind of wind is blowing back home.â
She smiled nervously.
Krulcifer always talks indifferently about her family and home, it seems she had complex feelings about them.
Krulcifer who came from ruins, still somewhere which it seems to have a wall between her and her family.
âCould that mean, it is related to ruinsâŠ?â
âI think that the possibility is high. There was a big event in the ruins. So, my presence is needed.â
ââŠâŠâ
Orders were sent to return home immediately due to the changes in Ymirâs ruin and increasing vigilance.
This is a reasonable decision even if the issue was not related to Krulcifer.
âSo, thatâs whyââ I came to consult with youâŠâ
âââOkay, I will go.â
Just as Krulcifer said that, Lux replied.
âEhâŠâŠ?â
With round eyes, Krulcifer stared into Luxâs face.
âAlthough I am Lishaâs knight, I will go with you, I think she will allow us to go together.â
âY, yes, thank youâŠâ
Towards Krulcifer who looked relieved, Lux looked curiously.
ââŠIâm surprised that you agreed immediately. Is it ok?â
With blushed cheeks, she whispered to Lux with a tone only she can hear.
âEh? Did you say something Krulcifer-san. Ah, What?â
In the moment of confusion, Krulcifer further pressed her body against Lux.
When Lux turned his face, Krulcifer whispered with a subtle expression.
âââI have a favour to ask. If Iâm forced to explore the ruins, you will have to find something that connects to the Arcadia Empire.â
Airi had already shared the information about the ancient document to Luxâs close friends, Relie and Lisha.
On top of that, Krulcifer was concerned about his relationship with Lux. His blood line called âkey managerâ and the hazeâs blood line which he called himself âCreatorâ.
We may know what kind of mystery lies within when it is revealed.
âHowever, I just want you to promise me that no matter what I do, donât abandon me and be there for meâââ
Krulcifer who was always calm said in a weak tone.
She was afraid that when the mystery in the ruins is revealed, her relationships with the people around might change.
Lux held the girlâs hand and smiled gently.
âNo matter what happens, Krulcifer-san will always be my friend. I promise.â
âââ Thank you.â
Shortly after silence filled the room, Krulcifer gently stroked Luxâs cheek.
Then, as Lux blushed and diverted his eyes, Krulcifer brought her lips close to Luxâs face.
âKu, Krulciferââ⊠san?â
âDonât worry. This is the advance payment for coming to country of Ymirâââ
While feeling the sweet moments with the girl close to him, a knock came on the door.
ââŠâŠ!?â
âLux-kun. Itâs time to say goodbye to everyone in the New Kingdom whom are about to departâââ
When the coarse voice came beyond the door, the two separated in panic.
âJust as we are in our sweet moments, someone came to disturb us.â
While blushing, Krulcifer slowly stood up.
While somewhat relieved, Lux had an awkward expression.