Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Volume 5 Chapter 2

Episode 2: The Night Before All-Dragon Battle Part 1

It was the morning two days later after Yoruka appeared in front of Lux and caused a disturbance.

Finally Lux and others departed to the capital for the sake of the international tournament──the All-Dragon Battle.

Using horse carriage, they pa.s.sed through four checking stations for three whole days before they finally arrived there.

The royal capital Lordgalia.

After the old empire perished, it was rebuilt. Its name and also townscape were greatly changed and now it was the biggest city of the new kingdom.

The castle town, a metropolis that continued toward the enormous palace was separated into seventeen blocks, far more than Cross Field. Its population density was also high.

So that it was possible for the city to be self-sufficient, industry, agriculture, commerce──and then army's base were scrupulously laid out, lining up with regularity that was a marvel.

Arcadia Empire that possessed several hundred years of history, all of its technology and a.s.sets were ma.s.sed to build up the workings of this city, even now after five years since the empire turned into the new kingdom, it still remained as scenery.

「It has also been really long since I'm here.」

Entering the high cla.s.s inn of the capital that they reserved, Lisha sat down on the sofa at the entrance and muttered so.

Perhaps because of the long travel, the other selection members entered their allotted room to take some rest it seemed.

「During the summer vacation, it seems there are also a lot of students returning back to their home in the capital(here) you know? It seems they will also come to cheer for us in the All-Dragon Battle, if you're lucky you might cross each other in the city somewhere.」

Headmaster Relie who went out of her room stretched her back while saying that. Hearing that, Lux's little sister who was nearby──Airi was showing a complicated expression.

「Rather than talking about that, it's a wonder that the government people is allowing headmaster to still lead this group.」

「……Well, it was just barely. At any rate, on top of getting a scolding of a lifetime's worth, I was also paying quiet a lot of fine. Currently I'm not behind the bar is solely thanks to my current position and money.」

「It's not really something that can be joked about though……」

After Lux retorted at Relie who was showing a complicated smile, an awkward atmosphere flowed.

The training camp at Ries Island that was carried out two weeks ago.

There the headmaster Relie performed Ruin investigation without permission from the government in the capital in order to save her little sister Philuffy.

It seemed that her responsibility for that illegal act was questioned and there was a really intense exchange between her and the capital's government.

But, in order to avoid mayhem that could affect the All-Dragon Battle that was approaching close, currently her punishment was put on hold.

For the time being Relie avoided jail with only stern warning given to her temporarily.

「Well, because of that I was made to transport 『that』 which was hidden in the academy to here but──, it's relieving instead that I don't need to manage it more than this.」

「──『That』?」

Lux reacted to Relie's whisper.

「……Ahaha, it's nothing. Just forget it.」

Relie said that with a fl.u.s.tered look along with a stiff wry smile.

Now that she mentioned it──Saina who came to the academy as a spy from Heiburg was looking for something in the academy. He heard about it from Airi, but was this about that?

But, Airi didn't move her gaze from the book she opened. Seeing her behaving that it wasn't any concern of her, Lux too didn't pursue any further.

Then, Relie began to talk to varnish over the awkwardness.

「Rather than that, we're finally in the capital, so how about everyone have fun in this city? There is also a festival that will start soon.」

「It's the festival for the new kingdom's nation founding anniversary isn't it?」

When Relie muttered that, Celis who exited from the hotel room interjected lightly.

「It seemed that five years ago it was called the empire's holy birthday festival, but right now various things has changed. Not just that name──but also the festival's content.」

As expected from the daughter of a duke of one of the four great n.o.bles, Celis was knowledgeable in various subjects.

「Actually I should also come along with you kids as the one leading this group, but I'm a bit tired. And so, kids who is still energetic can go for a relaxation before the tournament.」

Saying that, Relie took out a whole bundle of paper money from her wallet and put it on Lux's hand.

「Tha, thank you very much. ──Wait, this is too much you know!? We don't need this much!」

「My, is that so? Well, you can just return it later if there is leftover.」

As expected from the heiress of Aingram family that was a prominent conglomerate even in the new kingdom.

That sense of money was completely different from Lux who was doing odd jobs for these five years.

(Or rather, it will be dangerous instead if we are walking around carrying this much money though……)

「Come to think of it, this is my first time coming to the capital. Lux-kun, can I ask you to guide me through the city for a bit?」

While Lux was thinking of such thing, Krulcifer who arrived at the entrance asked him that.

「Ah, okay. I don't mind though──」

When Lux was about to agree readily like that,

「Oi! Don't decide that as you please! I also have plan to borrow Lux after this!」

Lisha cut in and the usual quarrel began.

「There are also some of you who is tired and don't feel like going out, I'll leave that for you to decide among yourself. But──it will be standing out if you kids are moving in group, so split yourselves into group with four people at most per group, okay?」

With Relie's suggestion, they made groups using lottery and it was immediately decided.

One group was made of Lux, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Airi.

The other group consisted of Celis, Philuffy, Noct, and Sharis.

Tillfur who usually took initiative in going outside couldn't partic.i.p.ate because her condition broke down from the long travel. Saying 「Heartless people─!」 she glared resentfully at the other two Triad members.

「We will buy a lot of souvenirs for you.」

「Uuu……, don't forget okay?」

Lux consoled his dejected cla.s.smate before sallying forth into the capital's city.

Because the time was still afternoon, it seemed there wouldn't be a problem if they didn't go far away.

「……A, right right. The selection members from other country has also come it seems, so do your best to not cause any trouble before the tournament.」

Relie said that at the end. Lux and others nodded and exited the inn.

「──Then, where should we go first? The place that I want to go first is the Drag-Ride museum at the capital though.」

「As always, you don't change at all aren't you……. Don't you have other interest in this rare chance that we have gone as far until the capital?」

「Muu……. Then try saying what do you want to do!? What do you know when it's your first time here!?」

「Let's see. First there are several tailors that are famous even in the capital nearby from here. There are many other shops too, so just looking around is also not bad. Besides, it will be a bit far but if we go to the national park, there will be a small stream there, it feels like it will be refres.h.i.+ng there. If you feel a little hungry, there is also a street lined up with stalls right there──the district of craftsman are making and selling things like watch accessories or special handicraft──」

「Wai, wait a second Krulcifer! Isn't this your first time coming to the capital!?」

Lisha yelled fl.u.s.teredly toward the girl who was talking continuously without pause.

「What I said just now are courses that are comparatively common when sightseeing in the capital you know? How about you also do a little investigation so that you have something to talk with the other n.o.bles too?」

「Kuh……!? Back at you, you actually don't need any guide right from the start right!? You vulgar girl, that was just your excuse to invite Lux!」

Lisha spontaneously yelled when she saw Krulcifer telling her like that with a cool tone.

She was inadvertently more knowledgeable than Lux who was supposedly living in the capital at the past.

「Then for now, should we leave it to Krulcifer-san?」

As expected, even Airi too didn't seem to be that knowledgeable about the capital's layout. In the end they had fun in the capital's street following Krulcifer's escort.

Part 2

A few hours later.

They went around a lot more places than they expected and by this time the sun had already went down completely.

Lux and others, the four people were taking dinner in a large eatery nearby the main street.

As expected from an eating place that had existed for many years in the capital, the meal was delicious without anything to complain about. The four were reminiscing about their day but──.

「Oi oi, I beg you lad. Don't sleep in this kind of place! Also you're drinking too much.」

When they were thinking to leave soon, they could hear the troubled voice of the owner from the corner.

「Ain't no one is slee─ping here……. Just shut up and bring more sake here─. Munya……」

A male was lifting up a wooden beer mug while speaking with a tone that was obviously dead drunk from anyone's point of view.

His age was still young. The young man's trait was his dull blonde forelock that was bristled up as though frayed, and his sanpaku eyes. (TN: Eyes with visible white between the iris and the lower eyelid)

He was wearing durable looking black s.h.i.+rt and trouser.

Within that simple appearance, it was only the rustic silver sword belt on his waist that was standing out.

Looking only from his looks, he looked like a rude thug, but perhaps because of his child-face that had no ill-will in it, he didn't give that bad of an impression.

「To begin with, are you in the age that can drink alcohol huh lad? You look really young.」

「It's oka─y. My principle is 『reckless challenge』 yeah……. Being reckless without conservativeness is what gonna open the new path──uppuh」

「You're over your limit there!? By the way lad, you look like a traveler, but where are you come from?」

「Who care─s, just pour more drink. After all I cannot drink back home see─……. I'm told today is a rare festival in the capital yea─? Don't be so stingy─」

「The nation founding anniversary is still two more days. ……Rather than that, you look young but do you got money on you?」

When the young man grumbled with bright red face, the owner sighed and asked.

Lisha beside Lux whispered in exasperation while watching that scene from distance.

「I thought that only n.o.bles came to the capital, but there are also quite a lot of country b.u.mpkin huh.」

「Your voice is loud you know, princess.」

When Krulcifer chided curtly like that, an incident occurred.

「Look here, even like this I got money y'know─. I earned a lot from my work──」

The young man took out a wallet from his trouser's pocket. The moment he put it on the table, a middle-aged man drinking alcohol behind him stood up and moved suddenly.

Drunkenness reflexively vanished from the young man's expression and his hand reached at his sword's handle.

But, when the middle-aged man reached out at the wallet, the man s.n.a.t.c.hed it in the blink of eye and vanished to outside the restaurant.

After a tense moment, a small commotion filled the restaurant.

「Aah-ah, he got you there lad. That kind of fellow ain't someone you usually find in the capital, but robber who came here in this kind of time from various place y'know.」

With a complicated look, the restaurant owner told so to the young man whose wallet was stolen.

Lux who had experience doing odd jobs many times at the capital had recollection of it.

Before and after the country founding anniversary or the tournaments including All-Dragon Battle, the population of the capital that was already a lot even under normal circ.u.mstances would increase explosively.

n.o.bles and travelers would gather to watch the event from various places of new kingdom──or even from the foreign countries.

And then, the robbers would also gather into the capital, aiming for their wallet.

But, the capital was different from Cross Field. Although its size was vast but there was unexpectedly few hiding place there.

The streets were systematic due to the wisdom from the past in order to be able to corner hostile individual and captured them.

「……I'll go for a bit.」

Lux pulled back his chair with a clatter and stood up.

「Oi wait, where are you going Lux!? Don't tell me──」

When Lisha called out in surprise, Lux was rus.h.i.+ng out of the restaurant.

「I can predict where the thief will escape in general, so everyone go back first to the inn!」

Lux only said that and then ran out without giving the girls any time to stop him.

Chasing after the man's footsteps and presence, Lux moved from the main street into a complicated back alley.

When he arrived at the end of a gloomy alley some distance away from the bar, he found an unexpected sight there.

「Chih! Someone caught up already, but──」

The man just now who Lux thought as a mere thief summoned a Wyvern Drag-Ride and wore it.

Because using Drag-Ride in the capital would stand out, this was something that took Lux by surprise.

However, if the thief could escape for the moment to the sky, it would be hard to catch him when he went away from the capital.

「──Come, the symbol of power the winged dragon of crest. Obey my sword and take flight, Wyvern」

This is the first time Lux summoned Drag-Ride since he used Over Limit.

His use of Wyvern also doubled as light rehabilitation, but physically it was as though there was no problem at all.

(……I can do this!)

Lux ascertained the sensation of wearing Drag-Ride while flying in pursuit of the thief's flying Wyvern.

The thief held his breath for an instant in order to further accelerate his Drag-Ride.

Lux didn't overlook that opening and he lifted up his Scale Blade, it was then,

「──Oi prince, I'll be first okay?」

A voice with a tone that had peculiar mannerism in it came. Along with it, the thief's Wyvern in front of him was struck down.

There an unfamiliar Drag-Ride──a Drag-Ride with countless scale-like armor attached on it was taking stance with a Blade that was strangely curved.

(This is──!)

It was a male Divine Drag-Ride user that was rarely seen other than Lux himself.

Because female's apt.i.tude with Drag-Ride was far higher than male, Drag-Knight that could skillfully use Divine Drag-Ride that was difficult to control and consumed energy intensely was few in number even throughout the world, but──this young man, even in his completely drunken state, he controlled his Drag-Ride with precision and knocked down the enemy in an instant.

「Gu, gahah……a!」

The knocked down thief writhed from the impact and he didn't look like he could take anymore action.

The blonde young man who saw that was about to deal additional attack below him.

「I'm not gonna kill you cause it'll be troublesome, but I'll at least take both your arms.」

The large Blade with strange curve was going to sever the thief's arms from the elbow just as the young man proclaimed, but then──,

*GIIN!*

The blade was deflected along with a high-pitched metallic sound.

Lux's Scale Blade blocked the Blade that they young man swung down.

「──Stop. This person cannot move anymore. More than this is meaningless.」

The young man's eyes opened wide for a moment in surprise, but he soon stared at Lux with an ironic wry smile.

「That's really naïve, prince. That line is really unthinkable coming from the survivor of that Arcadia Empire's imperial family that was extolled as inhuman yeah.」

Contrary to his words, the young man obediently dispelled his armor and sheathed back his Sword Device into his sword belt.

Because the thief had already fainted, Lux also dispelled his armor next after checking the surrounding vigilantly.

And then, once more Lux faced the young man confronting him still with a smile on his face.

「You know? About me──」

「You're a bit of celebrity at the neighboring country y'know? Even a slacking guy like me know that much.」

The young man's sharp gaze caused Lux to tense up his expression too.

Arcadia Empire reached out its hand not only within its vast territory, but also to the surrounding territorial water and island. At the time various skirmishes happened repeatedly with many countries at the surrounding.

There were still many foreign countries that held grudge against the imperial family that was the main culprit of that.

When strange silence and strained atmosphere were flowing between the two──,

「Oooi! What are you doing, Greifer!」

A bit high soprano voice resounded in the back alley the two were at.

The one who arrived was a young man that was his same age with an androgynous face.

「Aaa-aa. The troublesome guy came……. I'll introduce him, he is my staff officer and also the one tasked wiping my a.s.s, the great Coral-sama.」

「What stupid thing you're saying! Just how many times I told you already not to draw your Sword Device inside the capital!?」

The young man who was called Coral yelled angrily at Greifer before turning toward Lux.

「Are you all right Lux!? You are weak right now, that's why forcing yourself is──」

Lisha and others came running slightly behind, but they stiffened when seeing the duo facing Lux.

「What do we have here, the selection members of the new kingdom is also coming eh. Hey there.」

「You two, who are you……」

When Lisha questioned with a slightly tense voice, Greifer showed a sarcastic smile.

「Ain't introducing from yourself the polite thing to do? But yeah certainly, I ain't this country's person……gofuh!」

*Bam*, Greifer pitched forward due to the strong hit from Coral on his back.

As though to replace him, the young man called Coral moved to stand before Lux and others.

「Please forgive my colleague's rudeness. We are the selection members of Vanheim Dukedom. Nice to meet all of you.」

The young man greeted with a refined voice and gesture. Lux and others faltered for a moment.

「He is our leader, Greifer. My name is Coral. We has only arrived the other day but──forgive us for causing a ruckus.」

It seemed that different from Greifer who had a peculiar personality, this young man named Coral was really amicable.

「We don't need to apologize here Coral. In the first place, I'm just trying to catch the thief stealing my wallet──」

「It's forbidden to drink alcohol at our expedition destination isn't it, Greifer? I'll tell about this matter to the instructor later. I think that this time won't end up with only training as your punishment, so you better prepare yourself.」

「Uwaa!? What are you gonna do if we lose the All-Dragon Battle because of this huh!? Oi Coral! Think again about it──」

Coral shut the fussing Greifer's mouth with his hand while facing Lux and others once more.

「I'm sorry to bother you, but can I ask everyone to take care of the thief sleeping there?」

Lux took a step forward toward the awkwardly smiling Coral and replied.

「Yes. We will hand him over to the guards. Perhaps that way will be less troublesome in various things.」

「Thank you. Well then, we will have to trouble you with that.」

「Ah, the wallet……. It was falling there.」

「Ah, I'm sorry. But, we've been a bother to everyone, so──please, I hope everyone can have a nice dinner with this.」

Coral said that while taking out several piece of paper money from Greifer's wallet.

「Oi! Don't take out other's money as you please! I didn't say anything about giving──」

Coral ignored the protesting voice from behind him and offered the money to Lux with a smile, but,

「We didn't do anything, so it's fine. Rather than that, something like this happened out of nowhere, but if you could please not hate the new kingdom because of it……it will make me glad.」

Coral's eyes instantly opened wide after hearing Lux's words that were said with a wry smile.

「……It's surprising.」

Coral whispered that accompanied with a small admiration.

「Eh……?」

「You are completely different from the imperial family of the old empire that I've been hearing.」

Coral said that with a smile. He then held out his right hand toward Lux quietly.

For a moment Lux didn't understand his gesture, but when he understood that it was for handshake, Lux responded. Coral grasped his hand back smilingly.

His androgynous handsome look looked like a girl. Lux felt his heart throbbed slightly.

Instantly, heat flickered and burned his brain, as though electricity was flowing behind his yes.

His consciousness was getting farther away, as though he was suddenly entering inside a sandstorm.

「……Is something wrong?」

「Ah, no. It's nothing──」

Lux immediately separated his hand from Coral's right after he spoke to him, and the pain settled down.

Lux wondered just what in the world that was just now.

「Then, let's meet again at the All-Dragon Battle.」

Coral brought the talk to finish like that and he took away Greifer from the back alley.

Lux finally breathed out in relieve. At that moment, Lisha who had handed over the fainted thief to the guards quietly arrived in front oh him.

「Oi Lux. You were holding that guy's hand for really long there……I'll say this just in case, that guy just now is a man you know?」

Lisha said that to him with twitching gaze that looked doubtful.

「I, I know that. That much is──」

「It's unexpected that Lux-kun has interest in that direction. It's no wonder that your reaction is weak against my advance.」

「Wai-!? Even Krulcifer-san, just what are you saying!?」

「You're panicking like that make it even more suspicious. Well, putting aside the joke──they are formidable enemy aren't they?」

Airi concluded like that while taking a final shot at Lux while she was at it.

Lux was also in agreement regarding that.

「Especially that one who was called Greifer, if I remember correctly he is the candidate for 『Seven Dragon Paladin』 of Vanheim Dukedom.」

「……Seven Dragon Paladin?」

「That kind of talk was suddenly announced while Lux-kun was forced to bed.」

When Lux tilted his head in puzzlement hearing those unfamiliar words, Krulcifer quietly taught him what it was about.

「The talk is about forming an organization where every country is cooperating to oppose the threat of Abyss that is increasing every year. About the Seven Dragon Paladin, they are the Drag-Knights where each country will select one person as their representation in that organization.」

After hearing the further detail from Airi, it seemed that there was still time until the Seven Dragon Paladin was selected, but there were already several countries that put out their candidate's name.

「That guy's personality is a bit like that but, he looks troublesome huh. ……Rather than that let's go back, I'm sleepy.」

「You're right.」

Lisha yawned 'fua' with a cute gesture. Lux smiled wryly to that and nodded in agreement.

After that they went back straight to the inn without stopping anywhere and retired to bed.

Part 3

At the territorial waters slight distance away from the new kingdom.

At that place that had a lot of reef and even fis.h.i.+ng boat couldn't approach, a huge building was hidden within the cover of fog.

Inside──countless metal objects were lining up in a s.p.a.cious s.p.a.ce. Several silhouettes were there.

One was a silver haired girl wearing jet black robe──Hayes.

A blue haired maid was standing at her side, Mis.h.i.+s.

The last was a tall and slender man looking at everything with a distant look, Fugil.

「The entire plan is progressing favorably, but can I ask you to rethink it again, your highness Hayes?」

「……What is?」

When the maid called Mis.h.i.+s addressed her, Hayes responded while still lying prostrated on the round table at the center.

「Certainly its necessary to offer your blood and mind to control the Artifact(Transforming Weapon), but as I thought it's too reckless. Even if bring them down thoroughly until the root, but if your life is──」

「So what?」

When Hayes responded with a displeased look, Fugil who was standing while leaning on the wall until now walked toward the table at the center.

「She is merely worrying about your highness the imperial princess. At the previous battle, our greatest p.a.w.n that is necessary for the 『imperial capital recapture plan』──the Yggdrasil was defeated. Of course, if we invest our whole war potential, it'll be possible to defeat them even then. But, your highness will be forced to lose a lot of your time as the compensation of that.」

「……Oi Fugil. When your parent's enemy die from sickness, can you then laughed it off and get happy with that?」

「Unfortunately, I'm someone without a single relative.」

Fugil smoothly answered Hayes's question that was mixed with irritation inside.

But, Hayes ignored that and showed a distorted wicked smile on her lips.

「A low-life like you won't get it, but if it's me that's impossible. What you call revenge has worth only if you do it by your own hand and n.o.body else. Hiring a hit man to do it? Waiting for chance until he is killed by someone? ──That's not it, something like that has no value at all. If I don't drag out those guys in front of me by these hands and kill them myself, then it ain't got any meaning at all!」

Hayes's asymmetrically colored eyes snapped wide open and she yelled.

「That's──」

「Stop there, don't give me any pointless talk. It's a story you cannot possibly understand. For the lowest and worst traitor who cut down all those bunches who can even be called as your blood relative──」

Fugil returned a fearless smile at the words that Hayes spat out.

「……Get it? I won't borrow your hand in my revenge. You just work like slave until you die like usual for the sake of our empire, that's the only compa.s.sion that can be given to you who is of that family.」

「By your will. Without any doubt, I am an ally of all of you.」

Hayes scowled seeing the humble Fugil.

Almost at the same time, the metallic door at the back automatically opened and a girl came in.

It was a girl with ears that looked like bird feather, wearing an unfamiliar outfit.

「The Artifact's activation as well as the tuning of the Divine Drag-Ride is completed, my lord(creator).」

The girl informed with no pause between her words and robotic voice that didn't contain emotion.

「──Can it work? Gear Leader El Fajura. That's including the two original special functions that you have.」

「It's possible to execute as planned.」

After the girl called El Fajura nodded, Hayes's lips crooked into a smile and she stood up.

「I see, then we're moving. In order to accomplish our longstanding desire and retake that.」

Hayes reached her hand toward the small half-sphere object at the middle of the round table.

Instantly that half-sphere was tinged with faint light. Lines of light were circulating along the floor and wall like spider web that was spreading from the center.

Right after that, the wall itself fiercely shook and the exterior started moving on the whole.

Part 4

On the other side, the capital at night.

After Lux and co returned to the high cla.s.s hotel they reserved, the reunited selection members and Airi were called by Relie and everyone gathered at the entrance.

Perhaps because she had received a lot of souvenir, or perhaps because she had rested properly, Tillfur had recovered her liveliness. That was something good but──.

「Then without delay, let's have Lux-kun announce who is the girls who has worked hard at the training camp the other day and will receive the prize.」

「──Eh!?」

The very first sentence that Relie spoke out caused Lux's mouth to drop wide open without closing.

It seemed that it was also unexpected for the other girls too, because everyone stiffened simultaneously.

「My, everyone is cold isn't it? Didn't you all work hard at the training camp for this?」

「N, no……, that's, well it's true but」

Even Tillfur who would normally play along with the mood was replying with a somewhat bewildered feeling.

Lux too had completely forgotten about it until now, but certainly there was such promise between him and everyone.

It was a compet.i.tion between the members who received Lux's individual guidance at the training camp in Ries Island, about who would be the one who could safely complete the a.s.signment given to them.

The first three name who could complete their a.s.signment first would be able to specially make individual request to Lux as their reward, that was the promise (that Relie arbitrarily decided), but──.

「Actually, the plan was to immediately decide it right after we returned from the training camp, but then Lux-kun was really tired, and the situation also didn't allow it. And so, can I ask you to announce the result here.」

「Uu……」

Everyone's gaze gathered on Lux after Relie's words. Lux hesitated to speak.

He reflexively wanted to say 「Can I say it later?」, but seeing the eyes of the members around him that were filled with expectation and nervousness, it didn't look like he could escape.

He took a deep breath, then he recalled the training scene at the training camp──and the activity of the girls after they returned to Cross Field.

「Then──eerr, first is……」

And then he announced the three names after hesitating about it.

Part 5

「──Even so, I wonder what kind of business Lux-chi is called for? What's more it's this late at night~.」

「Who knows. Well, it's a summon from the government, so it's not something strange I think.」

Inside one room in the inn where the members were staying, Tillfur's muttering was answered by Sharis.

The three members of Triad were sitting down together on the bed inside the room that they were sharing while Tillfur who was wearing her sleepwear was tilting her head in puzzlement.

Only a few minutes ago, right after Lux announced the three names who accomplished their a.s.signment, a messenger from the castle arrived at the inn that the selection members were reserving.

Lux and Airi were the ones summoned. The government had an important talk with them.

「However it's unfortunate isn't it? For Tillfur too, even though you worked that hard, you weren't selected as one of the three.」

「Uwaaa……don't say it please, it makes me down. The rivals are just too strong……」

Tillfur's expression was clouded from Sharis's consolation and she sighed.

「Yes. ──But, I did everything I could, Sharis and Tillfur too. I judged that there is nothing for us to feel shame about.」

Noct who was reading book quietly whispered that with her expressionless look unchanging.

「This is pretty much concerning my dignity as a third year though. After all I'm setting a bad example that I lost to my junior in completing the a.s.signment. ──I lost completely. But rather than that, it's unexpected that even Noct also wanted the prize.」

「No. I don't really have any request that I want to ask from Lux-san. But, I wanted to proof my effort, in that meaning it's unfortunate. Because Lux-san's instruction and a.s.signment were accurate.」

「It doesn't matter anymore~. It's over anyway for use──」

When Tillfur rolled around sulkily, Noct sent her an exasperated gaze.

「No. ──The crucial moment will be from tomorrow. The All-Dragon Battle in the capital──it will be great if nothing happen.」

「You're right. Let us do what we can do. Also, don't complain at Lux-kun okay? After all the one who is always working the hardest is none other than him.」

After the leader Sharis concluded like that in the end, Tillfur and Noct didn't raise anymore voice of complain.

「Oh, even though it's already this time, it looks like it's going to rain isn't it?」

Sharis suddenly muttered so when she stared at the window outside.

Ahead of her gaze were the lamps of the people living in the capital that were numbered far more compared to Cross Field.

Part 6

「──And, to start off. To congratulate this critical juncture that is the fifth year since the founding of the new kingdom, I……haa, I'm tired.」

On the other hand, inside another individual room in the inn, Lisha was reading a doc.u.ment.

Because they reserved the inn, they could choose to share room with someone, but Lisha wanted to spend her time alone just for today.

The largish note in Lisha's hand contained the writing for her greeting at the new kingdom's founding anniversary.

Until now LIsha avoided her work as a princess as much as possible, but this time she couldn't do that and she reluctantly consented.

「Even so, just why didn't Lux choose me!? Even though everyday I'm working hard until late at night in order to improve that guy's Bahamut……geez.」

She was dissatisfied that she wasn't chosen among the three names who accomplished Lux's a.s.signment and received the reward to make request, but because Lux had already complied with her selfishness, she also thought that it couldn't be helped.

'Fuu', Lisha leaked out a small sigh and threw herself on the bed wearing her sleepwear.

「It's depressing doing this public greeting. From the start I don't have the awareness as a princess, and yet──」

Even so, she could run away from the matter and responsibility before her.

「We, well but……to announce about that thing with Lux, as expected, I have to do this greeting huh.」

Lisha imagined about that with faintly blus.h.i.+ng cheeks before she muttered somewhat brusquely.

She had already received the consent from her stepmother Queen Raffi too.

She heard that half of the capital's consuls were in opposition, but it seemed that it was somehow accepted.

If it went as planned, the founding anniversary the day after tomorrow would become the day where she would officially announce it.

「──I can't wait. With this Lux will become my knight.」

She whispered as though to test how it sounded and she ruminated the words.

The hapless fate where the existence of old empire stole her position before she was then placed on the seat of the princess of the new kingdom.

Because of that chronology and upbringing, she was unable to familiarize herself with the position as the new kingdom's princess.

The one who saved her from that was none other than a 『man』 who she thought as her enemy, the prince of the old empire Lux. That was why it was a mysterious fate at work.

「Besides, he was also considerate to me at the training camp before. He is really kind.」

Lisha's lips slackened abruptly. She laid down on the feathers bed and looked up to the ceiling.

「……But that man, he look sincere from a glance, but he is really a pervert. It's a bit uneasy with him only becoming my knight.」

Lisha whispered such thing while lightly closing her eyes and thought about Lux.

If she showed some understanding in that area as a 『woman』, Lux would surely feel satisfied wouldn't he?

『Tha, that's──. Lisha-sama's body, even though it's small statured, but it's feminine and really s.e.xy but still cute, honestly speaking it excited me……』

「……Uwah!? Am I an idiot!? Ju, just what am I thinking, geez!」

After Lisha recalled a past conversation, she yelled with a bright red face and she came back to her senses.

「──Come back quickly already, Lux.」

Lisha slowly put her hand on her chest while she whispered with her eyes closing.

Part 7

In another different room──.

Inside that room that was extravagantly decorated typical of a high cla.s.s hotel, Krulcifer was changing into her sleepwear while combing her hair in front of a mirror.

Because Krulcifer's homeland, the religious country Ymir also partic.i.p.ated in the All-Dragon Battle, the maid of Einfolk family, Alterize would also come to this inn. She was already notified of that through a letter.

At the training camp in Ries island, she was instructed by Lux about overcoming her decisive blow insufficiency.

Her highly accurate marksmans.h.i.+p using long distance Rifle, and her offense and defense that was making use of Fafnir's armament and mobility produced a battle style that left no opening.

She was strong enough with just that. Even in the capital's tournament, it could be a.s.serted that there was almost no one who could best Krulcifer.

But, she had a weak point. Her attack was light.

She would be fairly in advantage if she could attack the Force Core of enemy's Drag-Ride with her accurate shot, but in real battle it wouldn't go that conveniently.

If she was facing against Drag-Ride that possessed powerful barrier like Azi Dahaka──or an Abyss that was resistance against ice ability appeared, her offensive option would be severely limited.

She also could handle other weapon like Blade more or less, but that couldn't become her finis.h.i.+ng move.

After they returned to the academy, she directly showed Lux the answer to the a.s.signment he gave her. With that she splendidly won the right to make a special request to Lux.

If it was seen just from that, then it was a really good result, but──,

「This situation, it's not something that I can really be happy about without reserve.」

She let out a small sigh and laid down on the bed face up.

She was looking up to the ceiling that was still new without a single stain on it while recalling Lux's statement.

He said that he would become the exclusive knight of the new kingdom's princess, Lizsharte.

「Perhaps, I'm looking at this a bit too naively.」

If Lux was formally appointed as Lisha's exclusive knight, he would be repeatedly recruited to Lisha's official business. And depending on the situation, he would be attending Lisha constantly.

Of course, while they were still military cadet who weren't burdened with that much official business, there wouldn't be that much turn for that.

But, she couldn't erase the feeling that the other side had overtaken her by a step.

「──I wonder if I too has become bad at keeping up appearances.」

Krulcifer smiled wryly while questioning herself.

Lux himself had a complicated circ.u.mstance and past that connected the new kingdom and the old empire. Most likely he himself had an objective that he was trying to accomplish.

Just like Krulcifer who wished to know about the true ident.i.ty of herself who came from the Ruin.

Because of that she was thinking to deepen her relations.h.i.+p with Lux by respecting his will that wanted to become the new kingdom's strength at the present, but──.

「To be unable to say what I want to do if there is no reason. I too haven't changed.」

Krulcifer was deriding herself like that with a cool smile before she woke up.

She was the only human that was discovered inside a Ruin.

She was taken and raised inside other people's family. She was an outsider that was shunned by that family.

That was why she worked hard to be recognized. After that effort ended in vain, she tried to live without relying on anyone, but,

「Perhaps, this is the first time I was able to feel wanting to rely on a person.」

She silently whispered so and spread the map of the capital on her desk.

The diligent Krulcifer had already memorized the simple sketch of the area around the block they were currently at, but she was jotting down even more detailed information by hand.

Yesterday she was able to escort Lux and others without hesitation was also the fruit of her hard work of properly doing the preliminary investigation.

「I'm looking forward to the anniversary the day after tomorrow.」

She whispered with a voice that no one could hear.

She had already decided the content of the special request she would make to Lux.

Part 8

And then, in further another room, where Philuffy, Celis, and Relie, the three people were sharing room.

There was still empty room in the hotel, but Celis didn't choose a private room and stayed at the same room with Philuffy and Relie. There were several reasons for this.

One, she was asked by Relie herself to be her observer because she had caused trouble last time.

The other reason because Relie was worried about the Abyss factor residing inside Philuffy's body.

About that itself there wasn't any particular problem, but now there was a bigger problem than that.

「This is……a bit troubling.」

Celis whispered after opening the letter that was handed from the messenger who arrived just now and confirmed the content.

It was a secret message sent by one of the four great n.o.bles, Celis's father──Dist Ralgris.

「My, it's rare for someone of your level to be worried? If you're alright with us, then please let us take part in consultation but──」

Philuffy at the neighboring bed also nodded in response to Relie's statement.

The gaze of Philuffy who lifted up her upper body on the bed was directed on a book page regarding business company.

「N, no, this is, that's……it's about something that I should resolve myself.」

Celis answered in panic before her gaze returned to the letter from her father on her bed.

The content of the letter talked about Ralgris house wanting to invite the criminal Lux to their house for once in order to protect his position.

Further than that, the letter also commanded Celis to make use of her relation with Lux in Syvalles to make him a.s.sociate with Ralgris house in the meeting they would partic.i.p.ate in, and also for Celis herself to proactively give Lux guidance.

「Wha, what could this be about? As expected, for me to bring Lux to Ralgris's house is──, it make my heart beat fast for some reason.」

When Celis unconsciously raised her voice in reaction to that description, Rleie who was sleeping inside the same room twitched in reaction and her complexion changed.

「N, no……. It's nothing at all so……!」

Celis was making excuse with awkward fast-talking while thinking.

(Really, just what could Chichi-ue possibly think……) (TN: Chichi-ue = a more archaic way to call father)

She talked to her father about the case of Lux becoming the member of the academy's raid unit, Syvalles, but this letter's content was slightly strange.

For a n.o.ble to invite outsider into their house had quite the meaning.

Especially if the one doing it was one of the four great n.o.bles, for Dist who had brought to her several talk about engagement or marriage interview, to purposefully tell her to bring Lux to their house, it was something unlikely under usual circ.u.mstances.

Was he trying to involve Lux into some kind of big trouble?

Or else, could it possibly be──.

「Tha, that's something that I still cannot permit! Lux still, hasn't taught me a lot about male……. Ce, certainly he is a male that is closest to me but, something like be, betrothal, as expected it's still too──」

*gata-!* At that moment Relie stood up from her bed with a pale expression.

「That talk──can you tell me about it in more detail, Celis-san?」

「N, no! Just now is my misunderstanding, so it will help if you can forget about it for me!」

Celis made excuse in panic, but Relie showed a twitching smile and sighed deeply.

「……I see. No matter how dull Celis-san is in regard of love, but I've been a bit careless. And, what are you going to do about your request toward Lux-kun?」

Relie suddenly questioned like that. In respond Celis was,

「Fo, for now, I have to consult about a certain matter to Lux so, that's──I'm thinking to ask him to make some time at the recess day of the All-Dragon Battle.」

「I see──the All-Dragon Battle's recess, that means the new kingdom's founding anniversary. At that day, you will go in a date with Lux while progressing the talk until betrothal. What a really terrifying plan……!」

「Just what are you talking about headmaster!? It's not like I──」

Relie whose thought was heated up even more from hearing Celis's plan was walking to the front of Philuffy who was already looking sleepy.

「Phi. Until now I was preparing an environment that was like in the past for you and Lux-kun so that you two can slowly deepen your relations.h.i.+p while expecting Lux-kun to commit a mistake, but──now that it has come to this there is no other way.」

「Headmaster, just now, it feels like I was hearing strange words that are terribly unwholesome though……?」

Celis retorted with a complicated look, but Relie didn't pay it any mind and called out to Philuffy.

「I wonder what should you ask Lux-kun for with the special request? Preparing an environment where you can approach him more proactively is──」

「Onee-chan. Noisy.」

Relie stiffened into a statue hearing the sudden word that Philuffy whispered with her unchanging serious look.

Philuffy's tone was indifferent like usual, so it didn't sound like she was particularly angry, but as expected Relie still received a shock.

「I, I'm sorry Phi. But, it's not like I want to trouble you and Lux-kun. Rather it's, I want to help just for a bit, for the sake of the future of you two──」

「I, already decided, my request to Lu-chan.」

Her expression and tone were absentminded like usual.

However, she a.s.serted so without any hesitation. After that Philuffy's gaze dropped to the book once more.

「Phi. You've grown……」

Perhaps sensing something from Philuffy's att.i.tude, Relie stared at Philuffy deeply moved.

「How should I say it, I wish to be permitted to move to another room tomorrow……」

Celis also took a deep breath after watching that scene with a complicated expression.

「Date, is it……. That, I heard that it is something man and woman will do before marriage but……. Walking with a man just the two of us in the city, as I thought, that will make me nervous.」

Celis averted her face from Relie and Philuffy and whispered softly so that she wouldn't be heard.

The young man who saved her by removing the shackle that was the sin and righteousness she was burdened with.

Because of Relie's misunderstanding, the thinking of 'what if' was accelerating inside her mind on its own accord.

(A, as I thought this thinking isn't wholesome──it's not permitted.)

Imagining herself having a date with Lux, Celis covered her own lips in panic with her sheet.

Part 9

Around the same time.

While the girls were thinking about what they should do with the reward of special request──Lux and Airi pa.s.sed through the castle gate and stepped inside the castle.

The hustle and bustle of people remained in the night air in preparation for the All-Dragon Battle that would start tomorrow and the new kingdom's founding anniversary the day after that.

Lux was wrapped with strange nervousness when he entered inside the castle after almost five years.

The chalk white structure that were inherited from the building since the era of old empire was this country's government office.

Inside the s.p.a.cious a.s.sembly hall that was illuminated by lamp's lighting, a great number of consuls were already a.s.sembled.

The seating was placed to left and right in stair shape. A red carpet was laid down on the pathway.

Lux and Airi were standing on a platform at the lowest level──where they were stared down from the stair model seating facing them.

「You must be tired from the long travel, former Arcadia Empire's seventh imperial prince Lux Arcadia. And then his little sister Airi Arcadia.」

「We have arrived in accordance to the invitation.」

Lux responded like that to the consuls addressing him and bowed.

Their seating was enveloped in ultramarine colored darkness. From where Lux was standing, he couldn't see the face of everyone there.

Originally their face should be visible. But for Lux who was completely distant from the capital after the founding of the new kingdom, he didn't even know most of their face and name.

「So, what business do you have with us?」

Airi who was behind Lux asked the question with a voice that was slightly tinged with nervousness.

The messenger who came to their inn before this only told them 『It's an important talk』.

At that point it was undeniable that it was suspicious, but seeing this many consuls gathering like this, that suspicion turned into conviction.

「What a hasty young lady. ──Well, certainly it's the night before the All-Dragon Battle, it will be pitiful to make you accompany us for a long talk. Oi, prime minister-dono.」

The one who urged on with such large voice was a big man with red hair, one of the four great n.o.bles, a man called Bugriser.

Even Lux who wasn't that knowledgeable about the politic in the new kingdom recognized the four great n.o.bles' feudal lords who controlled the vast territory in the four directions since the era of the old empire.

Even their personality and their way of doing thing.

「Do you remember my face? I'm the prime minister who serves as the aide of her majesty the queen, Nulph. We are expressly summoning the two of you here like this is just as you suspected, because we wish you to listen to an important matter that still cannot be disclosed to the people of this country. 『Imperial capital recapture plan』──it's the plot of Heiburg Republic.」

Lux and Airi's expression changed from Prime Minister Nulph's words.

「A notice has come from the spy we sent to Heiburg, we understand the specific of the plan. It seems that the enlarged military division of Heiburg will enforce it. The plan will be carried out before long──perhaps even right after the end of this All-Dragon Battle. They will take advantage of the opening when the security of the new kingdom will be short of hand.」

Nulph was reading from the doc.u.ment on his hand dispa.s.sionately.

「But, Heiburg's troops won't attack directly. The remnants who sought asylum there and wished for the restoration of Arcadia Empire──the rebel army will become the ringleader at the surface.」

「The rebel army that escaped to Heiburg will come attacking the new kingdom. So that means, don't tell me……」

Airi whispered with a trembling voice. Prime Minister Nulph nodded silently to that.

「It's just as you surmised. If Heiburg's pet, the rebel army take down the capital, it will become the start of the indirect rule of Heiburg's military division. That's the only thing that we have to avoid at all cost.」

──The remnants of the old empire.

In other words this was the rebel army's imperial capital recapture plan against the new kingdom.

Their objective was to destroy the pillar of the new kingdom and then bloomed a second time as ruler once more, but they were actually being used by Heiburg Republic's military division to invade the new kingdom.

Furthermore it was obvious that the Black Marketer Hayes was deeply involved in this.

「The supreme commander of the rebel army that became Heiburg's p.a.w.n is, a man called Ragreed Forus I believe?」

「──Eh?」

A hoa.r.s.e voice abruptly came from the edge of the parliamentary seat.

The owner of that voice was one of the four great n.o.bles, Zagha Schultzed. Lux reacted to the words he said.

Ragreed Forus.

He was once a high n.o.ble that was in the empire faction, a man who was the best friend of Lux's older brother Abel.

And then, he was also the man who once attempted to make Philuffy into a scapegoat at the imperial court.

Five years ago when the old empire perished, his whereabouts became unknown, but to think he was escaping to Heiburg──.

「Oo, come to think of it, Lux-dono, if I remember correctly──you were acquainted with him I believe? At the surface he is the leader of the rebel army, but it seems he is the one leading the whole army to attack here you know?」

The destiny between him with Ragreed Forus from their childhood.

The man who inherited the ideology of the old empire markedly appeared leading the rebel army as the supreme commander of the imperial capital recapture plan.

But rather than that information itself, it was the fact that this information was told to him right now in this place that made him sensed a certain omen.

「And……what do you want me to do?」

「Hohou. As expected from a former prince, although you were estranged from politic for five years already, but you possess a profound discernment. Have you predicted it from what we said just now?」

「You ought to stop with the foolish preface, Lord Zagha.」

The voice of a gentleman in the prime of his life interrupted Zagha who was letting out admiration while continuing.

One of the four great n.o.bles, Dist Ralgris.

He is the father of Syvalles's captain, Celis.

「Just as we explained, this country is in the verge of unprecedented danger. In order to prevent that, we wish to borrow your strength, as the trump card against the imperial capital recapture plan.」

「What kind of role I'll have more specifically?」

Lux replied shortly and waited for the answer. Dist paused shortly before continuing the talk.

「I have heard about your true strength and deeds of arms from my daughter. Yes, of course I knew about the rumor from the royal capital's tournament(official mock battle), but I never thought that your strength is to the degree of being able to repulse Ragnarok.」

Lux responded to that with silence.

At first glance it was a compliment to him, but he couldn't get carried away and said anything unnecessary.

The matter of a seed of Abyss was inserted into Philuffy's body and that the seed's host, Yggdrasil had been defeated were significant secrets that were only know to Lux and co.

Abyss was subjugation target by law. That law applied not just in the new kingdom, but anywhere.

Therefore, he absolutely had to avoid from saying anything careless and caused the secret to become known.

「Other than that, I also heard the report that you saved the students many times from Abyss's a.s.sault to the academy, and you were victorious against Lord Barzeride in an one-on-one duel. There is already no doubt that you are a prominent Drag-Knight even among the men of the new kingdom. ──Therefore, we judged that it is possible if it's you.」

Dist stopped his calm praising words and changed his tone into a strict one.

「From the scout's report, a hundred Abyss that appears to be the battle strength for the sake of this imperial capital recapture plan are already hiding in an abandoned village northwest from this royal capital.」

「……Wha-!?」

That terrifying information that was said really naturally caused Lux and Airi's body to tremble in shock.

Even just several Abyss were hiding strength that could easily destroy a single village without Drag-Ride to oppose them.

If several dozen Abyss were rampaging in the capital unchecked, it would brought danger of destruction in one night just from that.

「Is that information──true?」

「For the Abysses to quietly lurking in an abandoned village, there is no doubt that the treasure called 『horn flute』 that was used by a rebel army's commanding officer you once brought down is in use here. The execution day of the imperial capital recapture plan will be the next day after the end of the All-Dragon Battle. It's necessary for us to be a step ahead of the rebel army and exterminated the Abysses before they can be used to attack here. Therefore──」

Dist cut off his words for a moment and gazed at Lux, then, he told him.

「Lux Arcadia. We will have you to take on the role as the decoy to lure all one hundred Abyss.」

「Ple, please stop with the joke Lord Dist! That's impossible! No matter how, for my brother alone to face such large army is──」

Airi pleaded in panic right after Lux held his breath.

But, all the consuls including Dist resumed the talk as though nothing happened.

「We have sent a scout to the abandoned village and confirmed that fact. This role can only be carried out by you, the Weakest Undefeated──the one who excelled in defense more than any Drag-Knight. And then of course, we don't intent to leave it to you to annihilate all of the Abysses. You will lure the Abysses until a hidden fortress located at the north of the new kingdom, then the army unit standing by there will strike down the Abysses with concentrated fire. That's the plan.」

「This plan didn't come from my own discretion. It's a conclusion that was hammered in a war council that reflected the opinion of her majesty the queen and all the consuls here. The execution of this mission will be the next morning after the founding anniversary. We will crush the Abyss swarm that is the keystone of the rebel army's tactic beforehand. Also in order to avoid chaos from the foreign countries and the people, refrain from saying a word of this to other people.」

'I see', Lux comprehended inside his heart.

It was unclear whether these people had grasped as far until the matter of 『Black Hero』, but Lux understood several things.

Putting aside the intention of the four great n.o.bles, the consuls of the new kingdom were putting their utmost trust in Lux's strength, on top of that──they wished to make the annihilation of the Abysses as the achievement of the new kingdom's army, that was their thinking.

Lux was selected to take the decoy role for that reason.

Arcadia Empire lost the majority of their Drag-Knight's war potential from the coup d'etat five years ago and their military strength was greatly weakened.

The new kingdom was hastening the nurture of the Drag-Knight, but as expected, looking at the whole, it was the fact that there was a large gap opened between the new kingdom's force and the surrounding large countries.

There, they wanted to use this chance where many important people from various neighboring countries were gathering to demonstrate the new kingdom's strength to the people and all other countries.

However, skilled Drag-Knight whou could carry out the decoy role was few in number in the new kingdom, and no one wanted to lose their own superior p.a.w.n.

They were trying to use Lux was most likely because of such reason.

「If you cooperate with us, the matter of the other day──the unauthorized Ruin investigation by the arbitrary judgment of the headmaster of the royal officer academy you are attending, Relie Aingram, as well as the indiscretion of all of you Syvalles who was going along with it in order to save her. We won't question those any further. I think that this is not a bad deal, but what do you think?」

「That's reckless Lord Dist! My brother's wound is still not fully healed for battle. Carrying out that mission by himself is──」

Airi raised her objection against Dist's offer.

But,

「──I understand. I'll do it.」

Lux calmed his breathing in only a moment and clearly answered like that.

「Nii-san!?」

「It's fine Airi.」

Lux smiled gently in order to calm the worried Airi.

「In the end, this is something that someone has to do. Even the current me will manage somehow, surely.」

Airi faltered to say further from working her thought to think of various things. Then more voice came from the parliamentary seat.

「Looks like the talk is finished. Then, I'll speak another demand from us.」

「Eh……?」

The words of one of the four great n.o.bles Zagha that suddenly came caused Airi to knit her eyebrows. The aged man then grinned smugly and raised four of his fingers.

「Four win──. In order to obtain enough Ruin investigation right, we want you to get at least four win. Of course, carrying out the aforementioned decoy role is your top priority still.」

「……What could you mean by that?」

When Airi made a dubious face, Zagha's narrow eyes narrowed further and he chuckled with a stifled voice.

At the All-Dragon Battle, it would be a round-robin event against each country. This time a total of six battles would be carried out.

In the recent years, the military cadet of each country had grown in strength quite much. Obtaining four victories there was next to impossible.

Nothing could be done about it with just Lux's strength alone but──.

「It means exactly like how the words sound. It will take some effort to not question the incident we mentioned just now. There is also no way we can just not question the incident of using the Ruin investigation right without authorization itself. Don't worry, I heard that all of you the selection members of Syvalles are a gathering of powerful people. It will be easy to raise four win in the All-Dragon Battle I'm sure. If needs be, you the Weakest Undefeated can just fight hard for the sake of victory.」

「That's, no matter what it's too high-handed──……-!?」

Airi moaned and she prepared to protest further, but her mouth closed against the cold gaze from the consuls that were looking down from the surrounding seat.

The demand of firm promise for obtaining four win in the All-Dragon Battles following the matter of the decoy role.

Lux who had seen the way the old empire did thing in the past could easily read their intention of intentionally forcing difficult tasks to him.

They were preparing a difficult problem that was hard to accomplish in addition of the decoy role matter was so that in the case he was unable to accomplish one of the tasks, they intended to force another troublesome request to him again someday in the future.

They would use this chance to ascertain whether Lux was an existence that was easy to control for the new kingdom or not, and whether he was a beneficial personnel or not. If possible they would want to put a collar on him.

Not a shred of guilt could be seen from such people was beca