Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - Veronica and Silvia

Part 1

As the magicship Silvanus arrived at Ansarivan-

Milgauss's, the Necromacia’s summoner, right-hand person, Anya was stranded in Danebury. It was a commercial city just west of Ansarivan itself. At this time she was alone in one of the many buildings thinking deeply to herself. Despite the words "Rosetta’s Business Firm” hanging on the door… it was actually the name of a fictional company. In other words… This was a secret base operated by Milgauss and the Zepharos Empire’s Intelligence Agency. Basically, the interior had the taste of a business firm, the tables, chairs and bookcase being very neat and organised. But presently there was only Anya in the room.

“'Silver Knight' ...?"

While browsing the data in her hand, Anya murmured and muttered. Recently she had been diligently investigating the hero called 'Silver Knight'.

For Milgauss and Anya, the hero who defeated the Necromancia had turned into a threat. The problem was that, surprisingly, there were only a few sightings and reports which caused the investigations to run into a bottleneck. So far, the information related to the true identity of the 'Silver Knight' was still not yet known. After all, as the people who happened to be there were in chaos, such a result was not surprising. The ones who had the most precise grasp of the situation, perhaps, were none other than Milgauss and Anya who were witnesses to the scene of the incident.

As a result… What was presently and widely spoken were just rumors and thus they couldn't find any valuable clues. No. There was valuable information in Anya’s memories .

"That guy...... Since he participated in the dragon riding festival… This means that he is a student of the Academy. Right?"

It so happened that, because of some difficulties, Anya was afraid to inform Milgauss of this. If she did report this to him, it would be like admitting her own mistake. If the guy, whom she didn't kill, turned out to be the 'Silver Knight'....... This incident… No matter what, Anya would never tell anyone. Anya stepped towards the window, staring blankly at the sky.

"Milgauss-sama..."

A few days before, Milgauss received a confidential letter issued by the Ministry of The Empire’s Intelligence.

Recorded in the letter was an order for him to return to the Empire. The Intelligence Department should be very interested in the Necromancia.

"Oh yeah, I have to finish the report before Milgauss-sama comes back......"

Anya stepped towards the window… Staring blankly at the sky.

"It's not good! Something is very wrong, Shamara!"

One of the men suddenly broke into the room.

He had wheat-coloured skin and dark hair. He was a typical Tantalos guy.

"How many times do you want me to remind you? I’m Now called Anya! Don't use that name to call me!"

“S-Sorry...... Anya.”

"It's Anya-sama."

"Yes,.. Anya-sama."

The teenager knelt for quite a while. On matters of what happened in the past, Anya was the leader of a Tantalos tribe. No matter how familiar he was to her, there would still be hierarchy, otherwise it would be impossible to rule the others.

"So then what happened that is wrong?"

"Th-That is the 'Ironblood Valkyrie' just came to visit Ansarivan, has caused quite a stir."

"What?!"

Anya’s eyes widened.

'Ironblood Valkyrie'- The Lautreamont Knight Country’s first Princess. Princess Veronica. Her reputation had shaken the whole continent. Veronica intervened in many ethnic strifes around the continent thus increasing the loss of various guerrilla forces. This also included many Tantalos fighters. It was not exaggerating to say she was an enemy to all Tantalos.

"How long is Veronica expected to stay?"

"According to official sources. Five days......"

If she rushed there non-stop she would arrive at Ansarivan in three days. For Anya, who trained in the mountainous areas, it was but a slight distance. It has long been known that Ansarivan's defence was very weak and vulnerable. If she took a gamble… She might even have the opportunity to assassinate Veronica herself. But… Anya quickly dispelled any such ideas. Because she remembered Milgauss' command before he returned to the Empire.

"- During the period when I am gone, you are to investigate clearly the ins and outs of the Ark-Dragner who defeated the Necromancia."

Not just for Anya but for the Tantalos tribe too. It wa all the same… Milgauss' command was supreme and not to be defied. Milgauss had only ordered them to spy. Even if it was a godsend opportunity Anya must not recklessly attack Veronica.

“Uh... That... "

"What happened?"

Looking at the hesitant look of the teenager, Anya sensed something bad.

"The thing is...... Uh...... After hearing the name 'Ironblood Valkyrie'… The rest have left for Ansarivan.”

"What did you say?!"

Anya swung her long hair, knocking over the chair.

"The rest", that the guy was talking about, were the Tantalos who had followed Anya down from the mountains to assist Milgauss. They were also Anya’s subordinates.

"I, I tried to stop them! But Valery, Micha, Sergi...... They didn’t listen to my advice."

"They are just too reckless!"

Since Milgauss returned to the Empire Anya let Valery rest. This was because she knew that those who were always careless were not fit for spying activities. The rest, since they heard the name 'Veronica', got carried away by their emotions, Anya understood this. The problem was that blindly provoking the Knight country was not a wise move.

The Zepharos Empire, even with their advanced Mechanical engineering and non-stop expansion of their armies over the past 50 years, did not have the strength that was on an equal footing with the Dragons. They still had to bear with it.

At least untill the Necromancia had officially come in handy––

"I will immediately leave for Ansarivan!"

"Ehhh?! Anya... -sama also wants to join the assassination?"

"It is just the opposite. I have to stop those guys!"

Anya raised her head resolutely and rushed out of the room.

Part 2

"It is not suitable for me...... is what I should say, unfortunately, it does suit me."

Ash, who was forcibly taken to the airship Silvanus, had put on the attire of a butler for the first time in his life. His black tuxedo gave out an extra formal feeling, and there was a white bow tied at his neckline. With the exception of his left hand which was wrapped up in bandages like usual, it was better to say that he used it as a small protest against Veronica. Rather than show her his 'Seikoku'.

“Ash-kun. Have you finished changing?"

A cheerful voice emerged from behind the door. When Ash who was frozen in front of the mirror turned around, the owner of the voice opened the door and walked into the dressing room. She was dressed in a maid attire. Right after Veronica returned to the magicship she was given the responsibility of taking care of Ash. Once he saw the maid’s cheerful smile Ash suddenly got an unbelievable feeling of Deja Vu.

"Ah yeah! Ash-kun! This attire suits you very well!"

"Even with such praise. I don’t know what’s so nice about it."

"Hu ~? Why? You are really handsome!"

The maid somehow let her foot slip and she fell.

"Careful!"

Ash rushed over, and even stretched out of his hand, but the helpless maid fell forward with greater force than expected and even Ash lost his balance.

"Ouch!"

While being stimulated by the maid’s soft body parts, to the point he started blushing, the two of them fell to the ground together.

"It hurts...... It hurts....."

Ash, who was trying to get up from the ground, found out that his left hand was grabbing the maid's breast. He was shocked, because her breast was not only soft, but also too big for him to hold it with one hand.

At the same time, a fragrant fruity smell entered his nose, Ash's cheeks suddenly became hot.

"S-Sorry!"

"No. No... It's entirely my fault..."

Ash quickly recovered from the ground and reached out his hand to give the maid a lift. The maid, somehow quite adorably, blushed while she held his hand. Only then, again, did Ash face the maid.

"Uhh. May I ask your name...?"

"I am Primrose Shelley. The servant of Silvanus. Please call me Prim… It sounds cuter."

The surname Shelley sounded familiar to Ash.

"I would like to ask...... Are you a relative of Cosette Shirley-san?"

"Ah!"

Prim suddenly exposed a cheerful smile. The two huge lumps of meat, with a "plop, plop", shook twice.

"Do you know Cosette-chan? She is my younger sister!"

"I see... You really look alike."

No wonder he previously had the feeling of a deja Vu. The only thing was… Prim gave off a more matured feeling than Cosette. Especially her body, as he remembered the feeling in his palm just now, Ash’s mood became impetuous.

"Yeah, everybody says that, but...... I am not like Cosette-chan with her good working ability. I’m always clumsy."

After Prim blew her nose, with the hem of her apron, she wiped her tears.

"However, Ash-kun, you are my first kohai! I will make every effort to teach you!"

Seeing Prim’s fists full of fighting spirit, Ash awkwardly explained:

"You have misunderstood. I did not come here to work!"

"Err. Is that so?"

Prim was surprised for a moment.

"I am a student of the Dragon Riding Academy! It's just that the rude and unreasonable Princess brought me here by force......."

"So to say, are you by any chance...... A breeder?"

"Uuh... Basically I am."

As an irregular. Ash didn't dare to admit it out loud.

"My God! I’ve been calling you 'Ash-kun'…… This is unforgivable! Please allow me to address you as 'Ash-sama' in the future! If you refuse my apology I will immediately commit suicide! "

"Ehhhhh!? Just call me whatever you want! Just don’t die!"

Ash desperately tried to appease her mood.

"... I had made a laughing stock of myself in front of you. Anyway. Why did Ash-sama become a butler in this airship?"

Ash couldn't help but sigh at Prim’s simple question.

"I would also like to ask why..."

“––If you want to know… Then I'll generously tell you. "

The owner of the solemn voice from the doorway was none other than the culprit, Veronica! As usual she was in her suit of armour, majestically standing in the doorway.

"Princess!"

Prim was shocked, but still respectfully bowed. In contrast. Ash couldn't help but burst out roaring:

"Not bad. I really wish that you will immediately tell me!"

"I'll tell you why–– Because it's fun."

Ash doubted his ears.

"I remember that I heard the word 'fun'...?"

“Otherwise I can also replace it with 'to pass time' if you don’t like it.”

Ash collapsed.

"B-Because of this reason...... the situation turned out this way?"

"Exactly."

After replying coldly, Veronica looked at Prim.

“Prim, for the time being, make this kid your subordinate and educate him well. Understood?”

"Yes Princess!"

Turing her back against Prim, as if purposely creating some clashing sounds with her armour, Veronica left without even looking back.

“Wh-What is going to happen?”

While ignoring Ash's feelings Prim grabbed and held his hand and said

"Alright, Ash-sama, let’s get to work!"

Triumphantly putting on a pose and running ahead of him––

"Hold on! That side has a wall!!"

"Huh?"

Turning a deaf ear to Ash’s warning Prim ran right into the wall.

Part 3

Sweeping, cleaning, cooking...... Ash, who followed Prim the whole time, reluctantly helped with the various chores within the ship. Only that Prim was a lot clumsier than Ash thought. For example, she would even stumble and fall in an area without any obstacles, break a whole pile of plates, tip a bucket of water over in the corridor...... and many other embarrassing things.

Unconsciously, whenever Prim wanted to do anything––

"I’ll do it!" Ash would say and complete it on her behalf. This confused many people regarding who was the real senpai. There was a huge mountain of work that needed to be done. So much so that Ash realised it was already nightfall only after the sky had turned dark. According to Prim the ship was now in its rest state so typically, strictly speaking, there was less work. The workload during flight increased drastically. This gigantic machine can actually carry dozens of crew and cargo during flight–– Even now it was still difficult for Ash to believe it.

Part 4

Only after Veronica finished her dinner was Ash allowed to rest. After receiving his meal in the kitchen, he entered the servant’s lounge. The unoccupied room surprised Ash a little bit.

"Well. It's also alright this way."

Ash found a place to sit down and started his meal. The menu tonight was walnut bread, vegetable stewed duck, cabbage and corn salad. There was not much difference in eating this compared to the students’ restaurant. The taste was not too bad, but it was not so good that someone will shed tears in appreciation. Ash suddenly remembered an image of Veronica's dinner. The dishes that Veronica ate were similar to his. It seemed that, rather than the taste, she paid more attention to nutritional balance.

––The thought of eating made Ash miss Eco.

"Did Eco obediently eat...?"

Dragons basically eat five meals per day. Even though Eco was born in the form of a delicate and charming girl she was no exception. For now Ash didn't have any spare energy to take care of Eco, so he could only look forward to Cosette’s and Rebecca's help. After eating Ash looked around the lounge. The bookshelf placed beside the wall had novels and manuals. Anyway, there was still time to rest, so Ash walked towards the bookshelf to look for books that he was interested in. In the end he found a title that aroused his curiosity.

"This is... 'The Sky Dragon Knight Chronicles'?"

The bookshelf had volumes one to nine of the series. The books seemed to be very popular. and came in sizes that can be put into a bag and easily carried around. The cover illustration seemed to depict girls who were in their teens. So… The handsome Dragon Knight on the illustration of the cover is that famous Silver Knight.

"Damn. It's all because of this novel."

Even though he was angry and had complained… Ash decided to read this one. Since he couldn't find any other more interesting books, and at least it was better than nothing. The protagonist Kane was an ordinary humble student in school, but after nightfall he becomes the Silver Knight to fight off evil. Alisha the heroine, on the other hand, is Kane's childhood friend and usually thinks that the useless Kane is a good-for-nothing. In the beginning of the story; The unfortunate Alisha is caught in a kidnapping case, later the heroic 'Silver Knight' appeared and successfully saved her out of the woods and also captivated her thoughts. Of course, she never knew that Kane was actually the same person as the 'Silver Knight'-

"Hmm ... I didn’t expect it to be this interesting."

In the story, the efforts that Kane made in order to avoid his true identity from being revealed would make people cry. This made Ash think about himself. In the second half of the story; Kane was in a bitter struggle with a mysterious dragon. The results were shocking, it seems that the dragon had been modified from its original physical body into a mechanical dragon with the Empire’s technology. Facing such an abnormally strong enemy, how was Kane going to fight against it? ––Ash was attracted to the exciting plot and quickly flipped the page. Later… Kane used ice magic to freeze the dragon's control device, reducing the temperature low enough until its power supply malfunctioned, forcing the device to cease functioning.

Therefore, the story ended happily.

"Well... It's also good to read some books occasionally."

Just when Ash intended to continue reading with the second volume–– "Ash-sama! It turns out that you are here!"

The badly bruised Prim rushed into the lounge.

"Prim-san? Is something wrong? Why are you panicking like that?"

"Th-Th-The..... Her Royal Highness Princess has asked for you!"

Ash, with a surprised face, stood up.

"I just thought that I was finally free! So ... Where shall I go to?"

"That....." Prim seemed hesitant.

"That.....?"

“The location is the bathroom! I'll lead you there! "

"Hold on!...... What’s happening!?"

Why did he need to go to the bathroom? Ash sensed something bad.

"Come on, Ash-sama. The princess's command is not to be defied! Let’s depart!"

Prim pulled Ash’s arm and ran.

"Wait a minute, there's a wall!!"

"Uwa......"

A sound of "Bang" was heard, and there was now an additional wound on Prim’s body.

Part 5

"Come in, Ash."

Veronica’s grim voice came from the other side of the frosted glass.

"Her Royal Highness Princess has already allowed it, so just walk in boldly."

Even though Prim gave him a nudge while smiling, Ash, no matter what, stood still. Veronica was in the bathroom with her armour off. This was most clearly evident by the outline of her body, shown on the frosted glass that separated the bathroom and the dressing room. Needless to say… That outline was obviously naked.

"But... I'm a guy..."

"What are you procrastinating for? Do you want to be beheaded?"

Veronica’s voice came from behind the frosted glass. It would be no joke if he was arrested and beheaded in a place like this.

"Come this way, please."

There were already four maids waiting in the changing room.

"Hurry, hurry, Ash-sama! Quickly take off your clothes!"

Prim said to Ash from behind.

"Just wait for a moment! I'm not mentally prepared..."

“Ash-sama you are too naive! Once I resort to the art of stripping, anyone will instantly become naked! Now-!"

"Uwaa! Prim-san why do you take off your clothes!"

With a busty breast in front, Ash’s body cannot help but stiffen.

"Ah. I made a mistake... Tee hee."

"How do you mistake your own clothes with another's?"

Even when Ash moved his sight away, he still could not help but comment.

"Hey! Prim, could you please not intervene!"

The four maids pushed Prim aside and surrounded Ash.

“Sorry, Ash-sama, we are merely acting upon Her Royal Highness Princess’s orders!"

"Err... Can I take it off myself...?"

"Please submit obediently!"

Hands from all directions stretched out to seize Ash’s clothes. Because they were all women, even if Ash tried to resist, he couldn't do so too roughly... Before Ash could make up his mind his tuxedo and shirt were stripped off and even his undergarments were cast aside.

"Urgh..."

After the bandage on his left hand is also removed mercilessly by the maids, Ash, completely naked, was taken into the bathroom.

Part 6

"Haa…"

Nestling in a corner of the wide bathtub, Ash sighed with a long deep breath. Fortunately the royal’s special bathing agent turned the warm water from clear to a cloudy white. Although the bathroom was saturated with the fragrance of flowers so comfortable that you might fall asleep without realizing it, soaking in the warm water with Veronica only made the situation tense. The only good news was that because of the big bathtub, he was able to keep a safe distance from Veronica. If they were too close it would be difficult not to pay attention to Veronica’s nude body. Veronica, who could not understand Ash’s thoughts, started the conversation.

"Is something wrong? You seem unhappy."

"Who do you think the culprit is..." accused Ash.

"This is the bathroom, can’t you relax?"

"How can I!? Anyway, why are you so carefree? I heard that the 'Ironblood Valkyrie' made many enemies."

Even after hearing Ash’s teasing, Veronica didn't even budge one bit.

"Foolish question. Do you still not yet realise that you are in Ansarivan’s most secure place?"

"Ah... I see."

The magicship Silvanus.

Equipped with cannons, thick armour, and the ability to take off as a refuge if it encounters danger. Not only that. The ship is also surrounded by seven dragner escorts. The guard captain Glenn is even an Ark-Dragner. The real reason Veronica didn't stay in a downtown high class hotel is because she believed that there is no place safer than this ship. At this time, through the frosted glass, a maid reported to Veronica:

“The Fourth Princess has just arrived.”

"The messenger has been gone for a long time...... Forget about it. Tell her to immediately come aboard to report in the bathroom. "

"Yes, Princess."

Upon receiving Veronica's instructions, the maid quickly disappeared.

“The fourth…”

Ash confusedly twisted his neck to one side. Although he seems to have heard this wording before, but for the moment he couldn't remember who that was. Just when he started to get a bad feeling about it the glass door slides open, and the identity of the third person is revealed.

“E-Excuse me...... Anee-ue."

After hearing that voice Ash was dumbfounded.

"Princess?"

Silvia was standing in the doorway of the bathroom… Naked! The phrase "The Fourth Princess” and Silvia's face finally connected. Even though his vision was blurred because of water vapor… The dazzling beauty of Silvia couldn't be disguised or hidden merely by misty air.

Even though his vision is blurred because of water vapor… The dazzling beauty of Silvia cannot be disguised or hidden merely by misty air.

"Wha...! That voice...... Is it Ash!?"

It appeared that Silvia hadn't been notified that Ash was also present. Of course, this was also because she firmly believed that there are only women present in the bathroom.

Silvia’s body was not even covered with a towel.

"Wh-Why would you be in a place like this!?"

Quickly, after learning of Ash's presence, Silvia squatted down and huddled to herself.

"Well, well, Ash-sama. What a coincidence." Cosette appeared immediately after Silvia.

Obviously the situation was not right, but she looked calm and helped cover Silvia with a towel.

After Prim saw Cosette’s face she became happy.

"Ahh. Cosette!"

"Ah. Prim?"

Ash ignored the two sisters who are hugging each other without realizing the situation, and asked Veronica:

"How come…? Why is the Princess here?"

"Is there anything to be surprised about? Is 'sisters bathing together' so illogical?"

“Uh...... There's nothing strange for sisters to bathe together. So, I shouldn't bother the reunion of you two sisters. Now please excuse-”

"Don’t answer yourself so quickly. I'm allowing you to join."

Although it is said "allowed" verbally, but in truth it has the same meaning as an order "forbidden to leave". Ash felt that an invisible force had bound him hand and foot.

"Silvia. What are you so shy about? I don’t mind if you still haven't washed. Quickly come and soak in this nice warm bath."

"I-I...... Understand."

Silvia wrapped a bath towel around her body and gingerly sat in the bathtub. Probably she was very much aware of Veronica because Silvia maintained a fairly wide distance. On the other hand she was sitting closer towards Ash.

"What are you afraid about? Sit a little closer." Prodded Veronica.

"Y-Yes ..."

Silvia moved slightly closer. Even so, she was still three meters away from Veronica. She was now almost in the middle, position wise, of Veronica and Ash. Veronica, looked unhappy, but did not pester Silvia further, changed the subject and got straight to the point:

"Silvia. I called you here to introduce you to a marriage."

"... What?" Silvia seemed to not understand what she just heard.

All of a sudden, Ash also did not grasp the meaning of the word "marriage".

"You are already 16-years-old. In our country it's normal to be married at this age."

"T-The question is... According to this logic, Anee-ue you......”

"What did you say?"

"Eek……!"

Being stared at by Veronica's pair of eagle’s eyes, Silvia’s body trembled endlessly.

"I'm busy dealing with military affairs. But more than anyone else… I worry about the Knight’s Royal family. Do you realise that? Since our brother Julius’s sentence, the royal family’s future has been hazy. Although I’m first in the line for the throne I am only interested in leading troops for war. I’m not fit to be the king of a country."

"Anee-ue is not unsuitable..."

"I say this my own self, there couldn't be anything that is wrong."

"However, besides you, there is Mirabel and Cassandra Anee-ue!" Silvia countered.

"Silvia. We're talking about you. This has nothing to do with either Mirabel or Cassandra."

"How come..."

"Listen carefully Silvia; You need to give birth to a healthy child as soon as possible. You must not let the Royal family continue on without an heir."

"......!"

This type of talk made Silvia suddenly burst out red in the face. Although he was only listening, Ash also couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

"What are you talking about, Anee-ue!"

"If you have any dissatisfactions… You should go to Julius’s grave and complain...... Wait. That guy doesn't even have his own grave. To think that he had actually lost his life for things that don’t make sense. If he was still alive......"

By mention of the name 'Prince Julius', Silvia couldn’t stop herself to argue on his behalf.

"Please do not say anything bad about onii-sama! He must've had his own reasons!"

Veronica looked pitifully towards Silvia.

"Hmm...... So to speak, I remember you used to be very close to Julius. Oh yeah, I want to help introduce you to a marriage, the person was Julius’s best friend."

Silvia’s eyes widen.

"Could it be...?"

"Yes, he's Glenn McGuire of our knights."

After hearing that name even Ash was shocked.

"What are you kidding about?"

Ash, who can no longer tolerate it, stood up suddenly with a splash.

"How can it be that, because he is an Ark-Dragner, you choose some guy whose identity is unknown for the marriage of Her Royal Highness Princess... Stop kidding around!"

Even though Ash was furious; Veronica was not only unshaken, she even glowered at him.

"Brat. What qualifications do you have to comment on what I’m doing?"

"That, I..."

“Or...... Do you have some unspeakable relationship with Silvia?”

Veronica's eyes are even more focus.

"Th-There is no such thing!"

Ash quickly denied it but Veronica sneered coldly.

“If that being the case, you are not qualified to interrupt.”

"Err ..."

“Moreover, can you cover up your front? You're troubling Silvia in regards of where to look."

Veronica was right as Silvia’s eyes were wandering. Moreover, even though Veronica had been soaking in the water for a longer time, Silvia's face was redder.

“-Uwaa!”

Only then did Ash remember that he was naked and immediately sank his body in the water.

Part 7

The Imperial game began the next day which was organised by the students. This so-called Imperial game, to put it bluntly, was performed by the advanced course students demonstrating their skills in front of Princess Veronica. When being visited by Royals or Nobles… Performing these types of athletic activities was a well-established tradition of the dragon riding Academy. Even during the time Ash was away to serve Veronica, the preparations for the Imperial game were still running normally in the arena. Even Veronica, who had always been rigorous and comprehensive, did not reject this tradition and promised to attend the match.

The game event was–– Dragon riding Cricket. A very special dragon riding game: Maestro, Strada, Asia and Hydra…… Four different types of dragons with each fielding a different position in the same game. Veronica was looking on from the arena’s VIP seats, and today she was also dressed in heavy armour. Captain Glenn McGuire, still equipping his own Ark, was like a shadow and remained by her side. The remaining six escorts had Veronica surrounded in a circle like shape. The auditorium stands had long been packed with students and included many citizens of Ansarivan. If anyone attempted to assassinate Veronica it would be easy to mix in a malicious group within this audience. The reason Glenn and the others were sporting a murderous look was probably caused by this.

"Eh ..."

This morning Ash also stayed beside Veronica, attending as her butler. After only one night Veronica was still reluctant to exempt him from his new duties. Besides that, last night Ash spent his night in the ship's lounge. It has been a long time since he had not spent the night with Eco.

"Something wrong? Worrying about your Pal?"

Veronica chatted openly with Ash, having keenly seen through his mood. Even when the audiences' cheers reached up into the sky her voice was still loud and clear.

"Well... In a way."

"What’s to worry about? Won’t the staff of the Dragon Scotia help to take care of dragons?"

"No. Eco must be taken care of by me––"

While Ash was halfway through explaining…..

"Found you!" yelled Eco while rushing to him.

Although the escorts led by Glenn immediately put on an alert posture, it was also clear to them the incoming person was someone who could be excluded from the use of force. Veronica also lifted her hand and waved for them to stop.

"What are you messing around… Right here?!"

When Eco closed the distance she immediately leaped, doing a somersault, drawing a beautiful arc in mid-air to perform a jumping kick attack.

"Ka Poof!"

His stomach was severely kicked, and Ash painfully moaned out loud while kneeling down on the spot. Eco glared angrily at Ash who was suffering without any reason.

“You better get ready… Hurry up! How am I able to play this game if you aren't present! "

Ash was surprised for a moment, and looked upwards towards Eco.

“Play...... You intend to participate in this competition?”

"Of course! Anyway, it feels very interesting!"

"The question is... How are you going to participate?"

"Hu?"

This time it's Eco’s turn to be dumbstruck.

"You must ride a dragon to receive the qualification...... How am I to ride you?"

Veronica who was listening to the two’s conversation smiled.

"Oh. To think that there is a time that the 'Boy who can ride any dragon' was unable show his own ability."

"That's because there exist some problems that cannot be solved by the use of physics!"

"Are you looking down on me? Who says that you are riding me? It's also ok for me to ride you! Quick, lay on the ground!"

Ash, who became frightened, shouted:

"No matter who is riding there is no way for us to play! How can I, a mere Human compete with the other's dragons? In a blink of an eye I will be stepped on and get smashed up!"

"Err...... or else I will let you try by putting on the Ark––"

"I have not heard of an Ark-Dragner crawling while lying on the ground. Moreover, the rules prohibit the use of magic!"

The two of them were having a argument. At last… Eco gave in. She seemed disappointed and dejected.

"Haa...... Why was I born in this form?"

"Eco."

"Do not be discouraged, the one who is called 'Eco' or whatever."

Surprisingly, Veronica tried to cheer up Eco.

"Why... I do not need any people to comfort me."

"You listen to me first. Dragons are a very wise race and their cumulative history is much longer than humans." lectured Veronica.

"... What are you trying to express?"

"In other words 'you', who are born with a human form, must have a reason. Even if the reason remains unclear for now, there will come a day that the truth will be revealed."

"You..."

While Eco was staring at Veronica, the whistle signifying the start of the game was blown. Riders dressed in dragonsuit, each on their respective Pal, quickly spread out.

"Oh. Even Silvia took part! Oh... and the opponent is actually Rebecca's team? This is worth seeing."

Veronica muttered showing an unusual rare happy expression––

"Kyaa!"

Silvia and Lancelot were knocked out from the ring by Cú Chulainn who was ridden by Rebecca.

Part 8

"Princess!"

As Ash saw that Silvia was thrown off Lancelot and had fallen heavily on the ground, he immediately rushed out. He jumped over the auditorium straight towards the arena. Swiftly passing through the crowds of dragons towards the place where Silvia fell. The game was suspended because Silvia temporarily lost consciousness. Veronica, looked at the running Ash and muttered:

"That kid... He didn't even hesitate to run towards a group of dragons. He sure has some guts."

"Hmm. What’s so strange about that?"

Eco snapped at Veronica.

“But it seems that he isn't used to women." laughed Veronica cheekily.

Eco continued questioning her without giving up:

"What do you mean by that? It is best for you to explain clearly!"

"What?"

“That guy lives with me all day long. How can he be not used to women!"

"Hmph...... While staying with a little girl like you, how can he be immune to women? When he saw me naked, he was embarrassed until the point 'that' extended."

Eco who was red in her face clenched her teeth.

"Wh-What did you say?! Why were you naked?"

"Due to some adult circumstances… A kid like you has no reason to know."

"You really know how to make people angry just by having them look at you!” yelled Eco.

While Eco was angrily stomping around… Glenn quietly whispered to Veronica.

"The boy seems intent on sending Princess Silvia-sama to the school building...... Are we going to sit here idly? Silvanus also is in no shortage of excellent doctors."

"Let him be."

Veronica briskly stood up, looking around at the crowd.

"Everyone listen carefully!"

The strong-willed voice echoed about the arena, and in the same moment the crowd was silenced. Just like a script in a play, everyone in sight is focused on Veronica.

"Cú Chulainn’s collision is allowed according to the rules. Everything has to be blamed on my sister's immaturity. The game is not over, please proceed!"

The audience suddenly gave a thunderous applause as the game was resumed.

Part 9

"Err ..."

The instant she opened her eyes... she was greeted by the familiar chandeliers. This was the girl’s dormitory––The top floor of Epona, inside the royal family’s room–– and also Silvia's personal room. A cool breeze is blowing in slowly from the opened windows. The sun in the sky is slowly setting.

"How did I ...?"

Silvia was quite startled. Not long after the game started, Cú Chulainn collided with me, the impact was so great it caused me to fall from Lancelot––

Silvia still remembered the incident that happened, but after that she completely failed to recall anything.

“- Ow!”

She looked on her body, and found out that she was not wearing a dragonsuit, but pajamas. When did someone help me put it on?

"Are you alright… Princess Highness?"

When she suddenly heard a man's voice Silvia could not help but move her body backwards.

"... Why are you here?"

Silvia simply did not even expect the smiling person at the bedside to actually be Ash. Although he was now wearing the uniform of a butler the sleeve on his left hand reveals a small portion of bandage. He really does insist on covering up his 'Seikoku'...... but right now, those things aren't important. Why would a guy be in the girl's dormitory where men are forbidden from entering? Let alone Silvia Lautreamont’s boudoir!

“Oh, you have woken up, Princess?"

At this time, Cosette stuck her face out from the kitchen and Silvia immediately asked her to explain.

"Cosette. What is this about?! Why is Ash in my room?!"

“It would be rude if you use those words you know. Ash-sama took the trouble to carry you back to your room."

"What did you say? Ash... Carried me?"

Being stared at by an irate Silvia... Ash started to shrink.

"Don’t be so angry with me. Initially… I brought you to the nurse's office, but because the imperial game was in progress... There were also many others who were injured..."

"Today's nurse office is simply no different from a field hospital." added Cosette with a wry smile.

"Once the doctors found out that Princess had only a slight bruise, they kicked you out of the nurse's office. They also said that even if you were the princess, right now, there is no time to give you special treatment."

They finally managed to clarify the situation, but even then Silvia still wasn't satisfied.

"Even if what you say is true… What is your obligation to carry me?"

"Of course it is because that I’m concerned about Princess Highness!"

Listening to Ash who spoke so confidently–– Silvia's heart could not help but feel moved and beat heavily.

"Haha ......"

Without realizing Silvia's mood… Ash suddenly burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. I’m just thinking, no matter how good Lancelot is, to clash directly with Cú Chulainn is just too much."

What Ash said was indeed the truth. Maestro Cú Chulainn was undoubtedly the strongest Dragon in the entire Academy. Silvia's order, to face Cú Chulainn head-on, was not only bad judgment, but also caused Lancelot to become injured.

"He he. It is because Princess wanted to show her best in front of Veronica-sama."

Hearing Cosette bring up the one thing that she was most concerned about… Silvia immediately blushed.

"S-Shut up! Things aren't exactly like what you said!" Although Silvia denied it, Ash and Cosette still just smiled.

Her thoughts were seen through completely.

"Haa... I am simply unworthy of becoming Lancelot's master."

Silvia became ashamed and couldn't help but say some discouraging words.

"You don't have to belittle yourself!..."

Ash, even though puzzled, tried to comfort her but she became even more emotional.

"You shut the hell up! I really can’t become Lancelot’s master! Lancelot should have been entrusted to him and not me!"

Guest? ...... Who is it?

"Hey ... What do you mean by that?" Ash with a surprised look peeped at Silvia's face.

Silvia suddenly realized that her tongue slipped. She carelessly leaked out a long time secret.

"N-Nothing! There’s no big deal! Forget what I just said!"

At this time there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Princess Silvia. You have a guest."

The voice from across the door is that of an elder lady. The Epona dormitory’s warden.

It is rare that the warden would personally bring a guest.

“Guest? ...... Who is it? "

Shouldn’t be Anee-ue ... Silvia was terribly frightened, but the name from the warden mouth was not what she expected.

"Glenn McGuire-sama."

"What-!"

"Glenn.... That poker faced guy?" Ash shouted as he sprang up from the chair.

"Sorry to interrupt. Princess Silvia." Glenn said as he entered the room.

He then knelt down and respectfully saluted.

"...... Glenn-dono, Why are you here?" Silvia said, putting on a calm front.

She looked downward from her bed towards Glenn. When Silvia was still small… Glenn and her brother––Prince Julius––often accompanied her and played together. Julius and Glenn were not only close friends… they were also rivals. It was said that, during the time the two were studying in Ansarivan, they were always competing for the top position. At that time Glenn was a good hearted and lovable guy–– but now he felt like a different person. His beauty still remained, but people could not feel any change in his expressions. The feeling one got, while looking at his face, was not any different than staring at some ice carvings.

Perhaps his expression had been frozen since the day Julius committed the dragon slaying crime. Whenever she saw Glenn’s face… Silvia felt depressed.

"Glenn-dono... If Anee-ue sent you here. Please make the long story short."

"Veronica-sama asked me to visit you and check out your condition.”

"If that is so, as you can see, I do not have any serious problems. Are you satisfied?"

She obviously doesn't want to say this, but Silvia still blurted out words fully soaked in a spicy tone.

"....Understood. I will report clearly to Veronica-sama. Next, I also brought a message from Veronica-sama."

"You may say it."

Feeling a heavy pressure on her stomach, at the same time, Silvia urged him to speak.

A message from Veronica is definitely never a good thing.

"Tomorrow at noon; Veronica-sama is scheduled to pay a visit of condolences on the streets."

"Is that so......"

Originally the official reason of Veronica's visit to Ansrivan is to give condolences to the people involved in the rebuilding of St. Durham Square. It's just that the trouble Silvia had just faced caused her to forget about it completely.

"So I need to accompany Anee-ue to give condolences to the affected people. Is that right?"

"No. You don’t need to accompany."

"What did you say?"

The unexpected answer stunned Silvia.

"Veronica-sama’s orders are; "Tomorrow you must go to the St Valleria church to seek for repentance"."

"Repentance? Why?"

"Please forgive me for saying it bluntly... Veronica-sama was angered by your disgrace."

The so-called disgrace should be referring to the fall from the dragon’s back during the Imperial game. At the end of the day… Veronica thought that Silvia's performance was simply foolhardy. As if that wasn't enough, just like rubbing salt on the wound, Glenn continued:

"In addition, during the prayers, you’re not allowed to be accompanied by a maid."

"... Is that so? So when the streets are full of rejoicing because of anee-ue’s condolences, I must act like a nun praying alone. This is what anee-ue means right?"

Glenn, without looking at the self-mocking Silvia, officially responded:

"I’m nothing but a carrier pigeon. Then, I will be taking my leave."

Silvia impulsively stopped Glenn, who was about ready to leave.

"Wait a moment, Glenn-dono!"

".. May I ask what's the problem?"

Just like ice, his eyes stare straight towards Silvia.

"Glenn-dono... That is... Have you heard from anee-ue about the marriage? "

"I have heard slightly about it."

Glenn replied coldly without blinking an eye.

"Is that so?"

Even though marriage was a lifetime event… Glenn's attitude was cold, and almost without feeling.

"...... There is nothing more. You may leave."

Glenn respectfully bowed and got ready to leave the room, but––

"This is the first time I've seen such a detestable carrier pigeon."

Unexpectedly, from the side, Ash called out loud to retain Glenn.

"Anyway. Your attitude, isn't it a bit too much? You're going to be married to the princess… Don’t you have your own will?"

Ash simply threw out the question that Silvia had sealed within her heart. Silvia was so surprised that she even forgot to stop him. Glenn paused to stare back at Ash.

"I’m Princess Veronica’s knight. I must obey the command of Her Highness."

Even as Silvia realized, she gave Ash a surprised look and gasped.

"What did you say? So you are saying that you are loyal to her? If she ordered you to die… You would have no objection against dying?"

"Absolutely!"

Glenn readily replied, and so made the others feel no hint of hesitation.

"You are just like a puppet...... Don’t you have your own will?"

Originally Glenn took the comments about him dying as no big deal, but now his change in attitude was obviously caused by Ash’s criticism. This time he turned his whole body around and strode towards Ash.

“……You are called Ash Blake, am I right? Perhaps you have the credit for saving this city, but don’t you get carried away because in the end you will only play a small role."

Ash frowned because of Glenn’s criticism.

"What do you mean? Are you trying to negate the efforts of Eco and me?"

"I will not deny it. Luck is part of strength. But––"

At the moment Glenn’s eyes emit a breath-taking aura.

"Remember your own place."

Leaving behind words that weighed as heavy as iron, Glenn turned around and left the room.

"That bastard..."

Ash exposed an angry expression staring at the closed door. Even while being stared at by everyone's eyes, Ash showed no hint of fear. On the other hand he looked more like a raging pillar of fire. But in contrast to Ash, Silvia was not being stared at her, yet her whole body was trembling, and her fingers and knees were shaking. That the gentle and kind Glenn in the past could emit such mournful eyes. This not only caused her to feel more pressure but also couldn't believe it.

Part 10

"Damn... Who the hell does he think he is."

While complaining angrily, Ash walked around the room. Presumably… He was annoyed at Glenn for not being able to talk it over with him. It seemed that it never occurred to Ash that "his own strength is never weaker than Glenn's".

Seeing Ash’s angry expression Silvia's mood turned a little bit more relaxed.

"You might as well take a seat. Look at you, moving around like a monkey, it even makes me feel impatient."

"Sorry..."

Even though Ash sat down obediently on the chair beside the bed, it was still difficult to banish the feeling of hatred.

"Princess… Aren't you angry? In any case. His attitude is a little too cold!" rambled Ash, a bit incoherently.

"Right. It is cold...... But. He was not such a person years ago."

"How?"

"In the past he was like my other brother. At that time Glenn-dono was as warm as spring... He was also cheerful and a gentleman… He treated me with love like his own sister."

"When did this happen?"

"Anii-ue was sentenced a decade ago. This happened before that…... When I was about four or five years old. Even though my childhood memory is something of a blur, but so far, I still remember clearly that Anii-ue and Glenn-dono loved me very much."

"I see..."

Ash showed an embarrassed expression. As a result of the felony Anii-ue committed not only hurt Lautreamont Royal Family but also caused a great impact on his best friend.

"If not because Anee-ue stopped him, I’m afraid that Glenn-dono would have already left Knight’s country...... I heard that, when Anii-ue was sentenced, Glenn-dono became dissolute."

"Really?"

"Judging from this… We could say that Anee-ue is the one who saved Glenn-dono. At the same time, it also proves that Anee-ue had a large enough emotional strength to save a strong knight such as Glenn-dono."

Silvia's eyes drift out of the window, watching the evening and deep sky, as she muttered:

“Her strength is so enormous that I do not have any hope of beating her...... "

"Princess Highness."

Just then, there was sudden knock on the door. Silvia, who was traumatized by recent events, shrank in to a ball. At first they thought Glenn came back, but the truth was......

"I’m entering."

The one swinging open the door was actually Rebecca.

"President!"

Rebecca moved towards the bedside and looked at Silvia's face, beginning an explanation...

"Just then, I didn’t hold back. Looking at you with a murderous aura while rushing over, I couldn't help but show my real ability. I have reflected on my immaturity."

Silvia was terrified and anxiously pulled up the quilt to cover her head.

"If anyone wanted to find out whose responsibility it is... I was in the wrong. I am to blame because I was too concerned about Veronica’s attention, and ordered Lancelot to rush out head-on......"

"You do not need to apologise to me… That is but an accident of the game, and I did not have any serious injuries."

"Is it? Then I'm relieved."

Seeing Rebecca's cheeky soft smile… Silvia breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anyway... Why did you purposely come here?"

"Ahh!! Yes, in fact, I was looking for Ash."

"Me?"

Ash was shocked while looking at Rebecca.

"Well, at 7:00 AM tomorrow morning, there is expected to be an emergency meeting, naturally regarding issues about Princess Veronica’s upcoming condolences."

"Understood, but I cannot guarantee that Princess Veronica promised to allow me to..."

Ash answered without any confidence, but Rebecca interupted while revealing a playful smile.

"I had already forgotten that you are the attendant of Princess Veronica, and now you really look a lot more like one”

Ash, while looking down at his own clothing, wore a suffering expression.

"I can’t wait to take it off and throw it away... and I’m really worried about Eco."

To reduce Ash’s worry Rebecca stated with a smile:

"Don’t worry so much about it, about Eco’s daily life, the student’s council will give her our full support. Initially I had hoped to let Cosette deal with her but......"

"I'm sorry, but now, Princess’s problem alone has already caused me a lot of problem."

Standing against the wall, Cosette bowed and apologized from the bottom of her heart.

Ash looked puzzled.

"Huh? Who is the one responsible for taking care of Eco?"

"For now we made an exception of letting Angela-sensei help take care of her."

Hearing Rebecca's answer… Ash suddenly turned pale and stood up.

"Why is she given over to the number one most dangerous person?! What if Eco was to be dissected by her!"

"Don’t worry. I think Angela-sensei seems to have changed her ways."

"Are you sure ...?"

“No problem. If Eco encounters any crisis your 'Seikoku' will notify you."

"Y-Your words are true..."

"M-May I ask."

The restless Silvia interrupted from beside. In fact, she was concerned about a problem for a long time.

"Why did the president not ask me to attend tomorrow’s meeting?"

After a long silence, Rebecca said flatly:

"Princess Veronica already told me. Tomorrow you were ordered to go to the church for repentance, is this not so? How can I appoint any work of the Student Council to you?"

"How come…..."

"If there is any dissatisfaction… Show that your strength is beyond Princess Veronica's."

Rebecca, stated the impossible conditions like she was gloating, . Then she took Ash and left.

"Princess VS Princess ~ A.B.S.1365.5 ~" is closed

References and Translation Notes

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