Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2

Novel Illustrations

These are novel illustrations that were included in volume 2.

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Prologue

Lautreamont Knight Country - the people called it the country of Dragon Breeders.To its north was the Zepharos Empire while to its south was the Chevron Kingdom.

Sandwiched between these two major powers a small country, with a population of no more than five million, had a special academy - Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy which educated and guided teenage boys and girls, who formed a contract with dragons, -- an academy for Dragon Breeders.

Part 1

"Well… We would like to introduce the new members of the Student Council to all of you students."

Rebecca declared in a loud voice to all the students gathered in the lecture hall. The Student Council president, Rebecca Randall, with the prestigious nickname "Scarlet Empress", looking like a marble statue, glorious and splendid, attracted the attention of all students.

"First of all, in charge of Disciplinary Affairs, Silvia."

"Yes!"

After Silvia solemnly answered she took a step forward from the stage's side curtain.

"Blue Ice Princess",

Just like the impression given through that name, Silvia's blue eyes were as cold as ice with bright blond hair that embellished her white beauty.

"I am Silvia Lautreamont and this is the first time I have joined the Student Council. Although I'm still young, inexperienced and have much to learn, I swear I will make every effort to maintain the discipline of Ansarivan Dragon Rider Academy. I hope that every student will take care of me in the future."

Her modest way of speaking caused many whispers among the students. The overbearing aura of arrogance that previously surrounded Silvia had suddenly disappeared. She gracefully took a bow and the audience burst into thunderous applause, however, because of the enthusiastic applause, Silvia herself couldn't help but feel somewhat confused. Maybe it was because she felt embarrassed, she quickly dashed toward to the side of the stage behind the curtains.

"Your speech was great." said Ash.

Ash, who also became a Student Council member at the same time, was standing by the stage smiling cheekily towards Silvia, who just ran off the stage because of her shyness.

"What's so great about that..."

Perhaps because she wasn't accustomed to being praised, Silvia blushed in embarrassment and looked down at the ground. After a while her swollen face suddenly stiffened, and she snappily asked Ash:

"That's none of your concern! Why don't you mind your own business! You're going up on the stage next. Are you sure you'll be all right?"

"Th...That's..."

For the infamous Ash, who was the school's most problematic student, naturally, this would be his first time on stage in this situation. He would be lying if he said that he was not nervous.

"...I envy you, Princess. You don't have anything to do with the word 'tense'."

"Don't be silly. I also felt tense!"

Ash, shocked by Silvia's aggressive manner, couldn't help but shrink back.

"Ah, sorry. Because you didn't seem nervous, I couldn't help but ..."

"As the king's daughter, I was raised to be able to participate in many ceremonies, so I do not have stage fright, however, it's also impossible not to feel nervous."

"Is it? Then, I feel a little better."

After seeing Ash laughing out of the blue, Silvia looked surprised.

"So even Her Royal Highness can be nervous. Ah... then it is quite okay for ordinary people like me to feel nervous too. After knowing about this, I suddenly feel relieved. Thank you!"

"I-It's nothing, there's no need to thank me, for something so small."

Silvia embarrassingly turned her face to the side.

"Well, now, I'll introduce the next member. The school's 'Number One Problem Child', who is now turning a new leaf, in charge of General Affairs, Ash Blake."

A noisy boiling atmosphere emerged in the hall right after Rebecca's sentence.

"To put it another way, 'General Affairs' means to help with anything. So no matter what difficulties we run into feel free to discuss it with Ash."

Seeing the increasingly boiling atmosphere Ash could not help but feel distressed.

Looking from the center of the stage out into the entire hall, a total of four hundred students, from basic to advanced courses filled his entire field of vision.

"Shit..."

Obviously, just before this moment, he could relax thanks to Silvia's help, but after he stood on stage, the feeling of nervousness emerged without his knowledge.

"..."

Ash suddenly worried about the bandage covering his left arm. On Ash's left arm, the 'Seikoku' pattern was imprinted. Any Breeder must have an imprint trace, but Ash's 'Seikoku' area was extremely large, in which it covered almost all of his left arm. Because of this, Ash's everyday life had always been with a bandage-covered 'Seikoku' to avoid it from being seen. This morning, he had been even more careful than usual while wrapping his bandage. Even so, in the view of the audience, there was a feeling of uneasiness - fearing that his 'Seikoku' will be seen by the audience through the clothing and bandages.

"Hey... You better stay strong."

At that moment, Silvia's soft voice could be heard whispering in his ears. Ash pretended to turn his head around casually and found out that Silvia is staring directly at him.

"...Princess?"

Silvia, who held her fist towards her chest, forcefully nodded.

- To think Princess would actually cheer for me ...!

Even though it was a small action, Ash suddenly felt a lot more at ease. He turned his gaze back to the students.

"Uh ... I have just become a member of the Student Council. My name is Ash Blake. To be honest, I don't know what to do...... Wha... Whatever it is, I will do my job with all my might, so please take care of me!"

After he truthfully expressed his feelings… Ash gave a deep bow. While maintaining his posture, one second passed, two seconds later. The hall remained stone silent!

--Is it me, this infamous guy, no matter how much I express myself, I couldn't make myself be acknowledged by others?...

Just as he started to regret-

A loud clapping sound could be heard by Ash.

"Princess ...?"

That's right. Silvia, standing on the stage side curtain, took the lead by starting to applaud. Rebecca also started clapping along. Driven by the two… The sound of applause slowly spread to every corner of the venue. Ash looked around the hall. His best friends, Raymond and Max, were smiling at him while clapping and cheering.

"Everyone!"

In a blink of an eye… The enthusiastic applause grew similar to that from Silvia's speech.

Part 2

The relieved Ash returned to the stage's side curtain.

"Hmm... Pretty much so-so."

In just a moment, Silvia immediately resumed her usually chilly attitude. However, Ash decided to take it as a praise.

"It's all thanks to you, Princess... Is Eco not present yet?"

Ash's pal, Eco, had yet to show up, which made him worry. The main character of this office ceremony was by no means only for Ash and Silvia. Some time ago, during the celebration of the birth of young dragon Eco, the 'Pal Party', Rebecca kissed Ash, Silvia, and Eco's cheek, in the name of the initiation ceremony. Since she accepted Rebecca's kiss… Eco became a member of the Student Council. So right after Silvia and Ash had their speech, it should be Eco who should be getting ready by the stage side curtain... However, She had disappeared without a trace.

"Indeed, She was too late. Hopefully Cosette will not perform any tricks... "

Silvia frowned. Cosette was dispatched, to Ansarivan from the palace, to serve as Silvia's maid. While Ash was busy he asked her to help take care of Eco.

"I'll take care of her clothing." After she learned that Eco will be going on stage, Cosette excitedly volunteered.

But that was two hours ago.

"Does picking clothes have to take so much time?"

"Cosette will certainly lose herself while dressing up Eco as a doll. I can't help but pity her."

"You say it as if you have been a victim."

"Please don't make me remember it..."

Silvia looked very funny when she plunged her head under her arms.

Part 3

While Ash and Silvia are chattering… Rebecca was giving a speech in order to buy some time.

"... That day, Silvia with soulful eyes said to me, 'I will certainly do my best. Also… Please call me by my name, at least in the Student Council, and do not take me as the Royal Princess of the Knight Country.'"

Rebecca vividly described to the students the actual scenes of the 'Pal Party'.

"... At that time, I felt as if someone had confessed to me. By the way, my fellow students, even though Silvia looks like an old fogey, in fact she has one or two men to her liking-"

"President! That’s enough!"

Silvia raised her fist in anger, cursing from the side curtain offstage. Suddenly laughter enveloped the school hall. At that moment…

-Bang!

The hall main door was slammed open by someone. Everyone turned their head back to look behind the door. The excited Rebecca proudly announced:

"Dear students, our third new member, Eco, has finally appeared!"

Eco walked majestically and the students separated into two parts to clear a path for her. Following her steps, "Knock, knock" a chilled sound echoed in the hall. Cosette followed behind Eco, dressed in her usual maid attire and was acting as Eco's retinue.

"Wh-what’s that?"

Ash stuck his head out from the stage side curtain, shocked. Silvia was also stunned. Rebecca, from the side, looked proudly at Eco as she progressed towards the stage, began her introduction:

"As all of you had heard, Eco, Ash's partner, was born last month. I do not know why, but she has the appearance of a human even though she’s a Dragon, so we can communicate with her. Therefore, we decided to let Eco become the mascot of the Student Council and sincerely welcome her to join it!"

The audience clearly felt the strong will behind her bright, ruby-coloured, eyes as Eco gazed around the whole school from the stage. Her silvery-pink hair was light and elegant. On the sides of her head are the symbol of the dragon tribe… Which are her horns. But because Eco was still a young dragon the shape of her horns didn't look pointy but more like ‘circular stubs’. She was dressed in a luxurious black dress despite her petite body.

"Is that… Eco?"

Ash unconsciously murmured and muttered. Eco's appearance was not only beautiful but her whole body radiated with an elegant atmosphere. Even if anyone said that she is a princess there was no reason not to believe it. In fact the students seemed to be subdued by Eco's beauty.

"Just say hello to everyone Eco! Just do exactly as I taught you to do and there won’t be any problems."

The words Cosette whispered to Eco were overheard by Ash.

"Ar… Are you sure?"

Eco asked innocently.

"Of course. I, Cosette, promise you that this will be a great opportunity to immediately win everyone's hearts."

Cosette smiled. Ash, confused by her words, felt a bad omen.

"Alright."

Eco, not bothered by Ash’s worries, obediently nodded, "huff ..." she inhaled deeply. Everyone, without exception, became breathless and focused their attention on Eco's every move. Eco posed with her hands high in the air, as if to intimidate...

"Gaoo!”

She let out a roar in front of the students... in front of the whole school. To say she was roaring isn't right; The correct context might be more like reading directly from a script. There was a brief moment of silence, and the hall was soon filled with laughter.

"Wh... Why is everyone laughing?"

The students’ response stunned her.

Part 4

Apollo House was the student dormitory where the male upperclassmen lived. Ash's personal room was located on the third floor and Eco had settled here for about a month. Although she was a dragon… A beautiful girl admitted to the male dormitory had set off a momentary uproar in the Apollo House. However, since she had been already living there a month, many had become accustomed to it.

Just right after she stepped into the room… Eco angrily stomped around.

"This is too outrageous! They actually dare to make fun of such a noble Dragon... This is a sin that cannot be forgiven! This is why I hate those stupid and ignorant humans!"

"You can't blame them... Your greeting was just too different. A dragon will never roar with "Gaoo". Right?”

When the fact of Ash’s simmering smile was revealed Eco glared angrily at him.

"It's all Cosette's fault! She lied to me! She told me that a dragon must capture the hearts of everyone and that would be the most effective way!"

"Okay... I got it."

"What do you know?"

"Simply put. Cosette saw that you usually act high and mighty so she kindly helped you think out this plan. If it weren't for her advice... I‘m pretty sure that there would be about an eighty percent chance of you going up to the stage with your proud attitude and shout "You bunch of stupid and ignorant humans…!" That sort of nonsense."

"Well..."

With Ash's deduction seeming entirely correct… Eco suddenly became speechless.

"So in order to avoid those awkward scenes. Cosette helped you in her own way. And the result is?"

"The result is that I just become the laughing stock for humans!"

"No, you're wrong, everyone doesn't take you as a joke to laugh at."

"So why were they laughing?"

"No, you're still, wrong. Everyone thinks that it was very interesting and feels friendly towards you. On the other hand… That dress suits you."

"Huh ...?"

Eco's cheeks quickly turned red as if there was a wild fire burning.

"Are… Are you alright?"

"No. It's nothing!"

Eco angrily shook her face to the side but Ash could not help but smile. All of a sudden he got carried away and reached out to pat Eco's head.

"Are you shy? Haha. It seems that you too, have a cute side."

Her soft hair felt really comfortable and Ash became addicted and couldn't stop himself.

"You......"

While facing one's own intoxicated and heavenly atmosphere… Eco's eyes suddenly burst out with a dangerous flare. Looking closely you'll notice that she was frequently shaking her little fist.

"It appears that... You still don’t know your place."

"Hey, calm down, Eco......"

"I warned you. Didn't I? Instead of you keeping me as a pet-"

Eco took a murderous step forward.

"I'm your owner! Now quickly kneel on the ground!"

"Uwa!"

In the instant he collided with Eco… He suddenly felt dizzy. In the blink of an eye Ash is facing down on the floor. Eco pulled up her skirt and lifted her foot high up in the air. Despite it's small and exquisite size that small foot contained a power which was undoubtedly no different from a dragon. Ash’s spine suddenly felt a chill.

"Wait a minute! By the way. Are you hungry?"

"Don’t you worry. Before the ceremony, Cosette had given me something to eat."

The strategy, with the food temptations, was ineffective.

"Since you’re full... Then you have to hurry and return the dress! Wearing such a dress while acting wild will crumple the clothes!”

"You don't need to worry so much. Besides this dress is mine."

"No way! You can't take someone else’s things and claim them as your own!"

"Cosette presented it to me. I heard that this dress was originally Silvia's but she had outgrown it."

"Why is it Cosette again...? Before Ash could finish his sentence… Eco stepped on his back.

'Crack'!"

"Shut up! I want you crushed!"

"You already crushed it... A while ago."

The force was so strong it's hard to imagine the one standing on his back was just the girl's tiny feet.

An uncomfortable amount of sweat flowed out from his forehead to the neck area.

"What did you just say?"

"Huff!"

Eco started to turn and twist her feet to draw a circle on Ash’s back.

Ash clearly heard the screams of his spine.

"My spine! My spine! Ah! Ah! Ah......!"

"How is it? Now do you know where your place is?"

While he is gradually losing consciousness, Ash thought he saw an illusion of a sea of flowers.

Part 5

In the year of the Saint, 1365, half a month has already passed by in the month of Taurus.

After the Necromancia attack… Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy was finally getting ready for the school's reopening.

"Initiation ~A.S.B.1365.5~" is closed.

Chapter 1 - Silver Knight

Part 1

Have you heard of it before?

Recently… A hero succeeded in preventing the monster called Necromancia from destroying the city of Ansarivan. According to witnesses, the hero seemed to be dressed in a silver-coloured Ark. If not for this hero… The city probably would have already been in ruins. The worst possible situation is maybe the whole district… Err no. It would have not been surprising if the whole Ansarivan city were razed to the ground.

However, so far no one there knows the hero’s true identity. As he was dressed in an Ark, he must have been an Ark-Dragner. His purpose was not to show off his skills and he did not ask for anything as a reward. Ahh!!! He is such an honourable and noble person! The Knight of all Knights can’t be anyone apart from him!

So let's call him 'Silver Knight'. From here on… We gradually announce the establishment of the SKFC (Silver Knight Fan Club)! Anyone interested in becoming a member will be welcomed!

SKFC President Jessica Valentine (Advanced Course first year).

Part 2

"... So this is your first errand?"

Ash felt Eco looking at him from behind, so he turned around and nodded in response.

"Yeah, since I’m in charge of General Affairs."

There was a big bulletin board facing the staff room on the ground floor corridor of the campus. The surface of the board was completely disorganized and there were also some unauthorized posters. Ash felt dizzy just by looking at it. Right after the official ceremony had ended Ash immediately received an order from Rebecca. During the school’s free time… The girls’ dormitory seemed to have established an organization named SKFC. There was a rumor that the posters used for recruiting members, were plastered everywhere on campus.

Any absurd acts like this which were not recognized by the Student Council could not be left alone. And so Ash's first errand as the Student Council’s General Affairs chief was to remove all the unauthorized posters. The afternoon courses were going to start in thirty minutes. To make time for the precious lunch break, Ash angrily tore off the posters.

"You're hopeless! Who does the Student Council think they are! First of all… I’m your rightful owner. No? So who allowed you to take orders from outsiders other than me?!"

"I think you've switched our standpoints around. I'm your owner... Anyway. Why are you here?!"

Only by then, did the dense Ash ask in amazement. There were classes to be attended after the ceremony so they separated when leaving the boys' dormitory. Eco was just talking in her usual tone so Ash, without any hesitation, started chatting with her.

"Where is Cosette? Didn't I remind you, that during my lesson time, you have to look for her?"

"You-u...... You still haven't figured it out yet? You really are dense to the extreme!"

Eco puffed her cheeks and turned around in front of Ash. Her skirt flipped up in midair and revealed a pinkish white thigh. Looking at Eco’s delicate and charming appearance Ash’s heart skipped a beat. Then, he finally noticed the difference. Eco was not wearing her usual casual wear, but a school uniform.

"Just a moment! Why are you wearing our school uniform?"

"Cosette knew I wanted to look around the school… So she lent it to me."

"Oh, what a nice person Cosette is… WAIT! This school is for dragon breeders! Why are you, a dragon, here?!"

"I'm just very interested and wanted to know what things you are doing in this school. Cosette told me that I won’t need to worry about being found out while I am wearing this dress."

Cosette's devilish smile vividly emerged in Ash’s mind.

"Then… When is the lesson going to begin?”

"You also intend to attend class!?"

"Hmph. I just want to attend class! And you are not allowed to give opinions!"

"Thunk!" She stomped with a menacing manner and she straightened her chest.

"...... Alas."

It seemed that Eco had already made up her mind and nothing made her think twice. Miserably, Ash could only continue to tear up those 'eyesore' posters.

Part 3

When the bell rang, Ash and Eco were still in the corridor on the ground floor.

“Damn! Now we need to rush to class!”

Ash ran while dragging Eco behind him.

"You shouldn't be hasty in front of a noble Dragon!"

This afternoon there was a scheduled lesson on Oracle. This course was a compulsory subject specified by the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy. Dragons regularly secreted a type of crystal, with magic, called Bright Dragon Crystals. Through the Bright Dragon Crystal the Oracle could be activated. Nowadays it was widely used in daily life by humans who did not have magic as a source of light and heat.

"Anyway... I have not seen you secrete a Bright Dragon Crystal."

There were many breeders who brought their pal’s Bright Dragon Crystal with them. That was not only proof of their good relationship with their pal, but also acted as a talisman. When they ran into a dangerous situation… It could be used as a medium to activate their oracle.

Unexpectedly. Ash inadvertently made Eco blush.

"Tsk!... You better be careful or I will crush you! How can I casually expose those shameful things in front of others!"

Ash couldn't help but be surprised for a moment.

"Shameful? How shameful can it be?"

"Th-Those downright low things... How can I even be speaking of it!"

"Low? Bright Dragon Crystals are formed when excess magic is being crystallized. Even when seen… I think it is no big deal…!!! "

"You haven’t seen other dragons secrete their Bright Dragon Crystal before, right?"

"Who says so!? I have seen!"

Ash calmly replied.

"What!"

Eco looked like she felt a heavy blow, just like a thunderstrike.

"How could there be such shameless dragons!"

"Anyhow. This is a Dragon Riding Academy. Those incidents are quite common."

Eco stood still in disbelief.

"What you said... Is it really the truth?"

"Mmm. It's the truth. For some dragons, as long as you ask them, they would generously secrete it for you. Or else, after the practical skill lessons, you can see that it is all over the field."

"Could su-such a thing even be happening! The blame should be put on the stupid and ignorant humans who tame dragons. Now the moral standards of a dragon have dropped this low. This situation is really serious... We dragons have undergone degradation."

"You might have had overestimated this problem! Is it really that serious?”

"The secretion of it, from a human request, or to secrete it anywhere... It's pretty outrageous! Although I don't deny that I inevitably will run into this kind of really intolerable situation… At least carelessly become incontinent..."

"Incontinent? Why do you use that word to describe it? In the end, is Bright Dragon Crystals actually...? "

Ash felt a chill in his heart. Because Eco accidentally let it slip from her mouth… Ash would have been happier had he not heard the facts that he didn't need to.

-- Can I calmly face Bright Dragon Crystals in the future......?

Ash stared blankly at Eco. Perhaps she had misunderstood and so she angrily shouted:

"I… I will not be incontinent!"

Part 4

Both of them hastily rushed to the second magic lecture room only to find out that Angela-sensei had not yet arrived. Students in the classroom were chit-chatting excitingly. Ash had suddenly lost all his strength, but this was a lucky outcome for him. Dr. Angela Cornwell, who had the authority to research all dragons, had shown a strong interest in the young dragon Eco. Recently Angela had made Ash and Eco suffer quite a lot.

If they were carelessly late for class... She might take the opportunity to cause them trouble and sternly order them to go directly to the dissection room. Ash looked around intending to look for his friends. At that moment, his eyes had fallen upon Silvia who was sitting alone beside the wall. She was unable to make friends due to her royal family background and otherwise difficult personality. Although she had received the warm applause from all the students at the morning ceremony, which was a rare sight, but to be able to blend into the life of other students… Things like that did not happen overnight. Ash felt his relationship with Silvia had become closer in the last month because of various unpredictable events.

-- I should try to sit beside her...

Just as Ash tried to do this brave act.

"Hei!”

Someone suddenly pulled his sleeve. He was surprised and his thoughts returned to reality.

"Eco... Is there something wrong??"

"That's my line! What are you doing staring blankly?"

"No- Nothing... I wasn't in a daze.”

Ash quickly removed his gaze from Silvia. Eco immediately showed an unhappy expression. It's probably because she had seen his attention drawn towards Silvia just now. However, what reason was there for her to be upset? Just when Ash was confused, his good-for-nothing friend Raymond Kirkland raised his hand.

"Yo, Ash, this way!"

Raymond had occupied the seat, in the last row beside the window, which was the best place to avoid the teacher’s sight.

"Angela-sensei hasn't arrived yet."

"This period was changed to homeroom! Looks like the staff meeting for this afternoon has been extended... Well, that's not important."

For Raymond, whenever he saw beautiful girls such as Eco, he instantly had a shortness of breath.

"Eco is here too! You were really cute at this morning’s ceremony. ……Urgh."

Having already suffered a straight punch from Eco, Raymond's face looked like he was going to heave. Ash quickly stopped her from behind.

"Hey… Hey… What are you doing? Hitting people randomly!"

"... I don't know why? I just get mad when I see him."

In the end… Ash had to separate both of them by sitting between Raymond and Eco.

"Hey. Ash...... What’s the situation right now?"

Even after enduring an iron fist, Raymond immediately sprang back to life and questioned Ash.

"Can't you see this with your own eyes? Of course she came here by force."

"She also looks nice in a uniform.... Are you really sure you don't want to have an exchange with my Brigid?"

Seeing Raymond’s perverted expression Ash could only shake his head and sigh.

"Do you want to be squashed to death by Brigid? Say, how come I don't see Max?"

Ash only then noticed that Maximillian Russell, who was supposed to sit beside Raymond, was gone.

"Ohh. Max should be busy tearing down the posters, right?"

"Ehh-Eh?”

Max was in charge of the accounts and a proud member of the Student Council. But, to be removing illegal posters, it was fair to say that that was not a part of his job.

"You also know his personality. right?"

"Ha ha... It's hard not to imagine it."

Ash finally figured it out. Max was very serious about hygiene. For example; When he saw someone appear even slightly messy he would very much like to clean them up. He had a personality where ‘his eyes that can't tolerate even a single speck of dust’ caused others headaches. So, naturally, he had to interfere with the business of those illegal posters.

"Also, Raymond, there is something I've wanted to ask you."

"Something?"

Ash, staring at Raymond's confused face, threw him a question that he had mulled since that morning:

"The ‘Silver Knight’. What is it, actually?"

"What? Are you kidding me?"

Raymond, suddenly raising his voice, shocked Ash. The students around them glanced at them curiously. Raymond, after an unnatural cough to clear his throat, whispered into Ash’s ear.

"You-u... The poster had stated clearly, didn't it? The ‘Silver Knight’ is the hero who protected this town and prevented it from being destroyed by Necromancia's attack. To summarize it……"

Raymond lowered his tone and said the decisive words:

"It's you!"

"Eeh…… Me!? It's me? Why!?"

Ash stared dumbstruck at Raymond who had a displeased look on his face.

"Because you're the one who actually beat the Necromancia!"

"The problem is… Am I suitable to have a stylish name such as the ‘Silver Knight’? Anyway… Who is the one responsible for creating this title?!"

"This name is adapted from a novel. A shoujo novel called The Sky Dragon Knight Chronicles, the protagonist is also known as the ‘Silver Knight’. It is really popular among the girls."

"Oh......"

"From the eyewitnesses' testimony, at St. Durham Square, the Dragner who rode Necromancia had an Ark. His coolness seems to be identical to the ‘Silver Knight’ in the story."

"That time the armour Eco manifested was indeed silver in colour..."

"No need to worry, fortunately, the academy has suppressed this information, only a few people know that the knight was you."

Raymond strangely felt a bit jaunty.

"If the secret is exposed... I don't know what will happen."

Raymond nonchalantly replied to Ash's question.

"Perhaps you'll run into your first and at the same time your last romantic encounter. I heard that during the school holidays the SKFC members exceeded a hundred people!"

"Is that true?!"

Of which Ash could not help but shout out loud...

"What Raymond said may not be a joke!"

The owner of that voice behind Ash was Max. Max, with his nervous appearance, was the same as always. Compared to Ash and others, who appeared to look slightly untidy even when wearing their uniforms, he always tidied himself up just like a newly-enrolled student. Underneath Max’s armpit was a stack of posters. Judging from the thickness… There were at least one hundred.

"I can't stand this any longer. These people really know how to create trouble."

Max sighed deeply as he somehow suddenly stood between Ash and Raymond.

"However, since the SKFC has been locked on to by Rebecca, they better be careful. Things like this will soon come to an end, right? Moreover, this type of activity is impossible to maintain after a while."

After Ash had optimistically expressed his opinion… Max immediately stared sharply at him through his glasses.

"Wh-Why are you looking at me?"

"It appears that you still don't know the situation you're in. Listen, currently, it has been confirmed that there is a large chance that the ability of being a Breeder will be passed on to the next generation. The ‘Silver Knight’ was powerful enough to defeat that Necromancia. Moreover, he was also equipped with an Ark, which also proved that he is an Ark-Dragner."

"…... So?"

Max, just like Raymond, lowered his tone.

"Just in case someone knew that you are the ‘Silver Knight’…... the SKFC will do everything in their might to win your sperm."

"Since when did I become breeding stock?"

"Stay cool. The SKFC members are originally Breeders. If they bear the child of the Silver Knight, there will be a great chance that the child will become an Ark-Dragner like his father. Though because of Xenoglavia’sWar, the young people who intend to become a Dragner are decreasing...... but when it comes to an Ark-Dragner it's at a whole new level."

It sounded like a joke, for others who listened in, but Max spoke with a serious expression.

"With that being the case, I'll help you no matter what the reason is. I can't stand the Ash who has luck with the girls!"

"Raymond. It seems that we need to have a talk."

"No. I agree with what Raymond is saying."

"Not you too… Max!"

"Otherwise, you don't mind the SKFC knowing your secret?"

Ash was left speechless.

"Well. I…… Of course I don’t want them to know. Becoming popular with girls, with those impure motives, is nothing to be happy about."

"Hmm. I'm not really satisfied."

Eco suddenly snappily grumbled.

"To be honest… The reason you defeated Necromancia is only because of the Ark I created? But the one in the spotlight is only the knight…… That's why I always say humans are stupid and ignorant beings!"

"What Eco said is absolutely right."

Just when they were busy chit chatting with Max……

"Sorry for the interruption my fellow students!"

The classroom door suddenly opened with a "Bang!" A group of girls, dressed in the academy's uniforms, started to fill the classroom. Their sudden entrance left the students speechless with everyone’s attention focused on the suspicious group which had a total of about twenty people. The suspected leader of the group of girls stepped up to the lectern and her eyes swept over the classroom. Ash couldn't help but stare at her. The girl’s posture had a temperament of nobility in it and her orange-yellow elegant curly hair rested in front of her chest. Her slender eyes emitted rays of sparks as if an emerging raging fire.

"I'm the President of the SKFC, Jessica Valentine!"

Having just announced her name… Jessica surveyed at the students around her with an elegant aura.

"Those who have seen our posters, I think you already know of our aim, right? That's right; We're looking for ‘Silver Knight’-sama. That day during the Necromancia's attack, during the school’s off days, we deduced that there should be a lot of students who happened to be wandering by St. Durham Square, the combat scene. Now this classroom may have one or two witnesses……"

"Don’t you think you're asking too much?"

Silvia interrupted Jessica’s speech with a courageous and serious voice.

"Oh my, I wondered who it might be, and it turned out to be Oujo-sama."

Jessica's response made Silvia’s face turn black.

"I'm not speaking to you as the Princess, but as the Student Council’s disciplinary affairs member who is now giving you a warning! Do you not realise that you are destroying the school's discipline?!"

"Ha! Since you're not talking to me as a Princess then I won’t be branded as disrespectful when I argue with you, right?

Jessica's decision that she did not intend to make any concessions surprised others.

"Do you think your behavior is acceptable?"

"The school’s discipline compared to my ‘desire’ is simply nothing!"

"Well, if that's the case, might you speak out your ambition? I'm all ears."

Jessica immediately raised her head and announced as though she had already prepared for this:

"I want to give birth to ‘Silver Knight’-sama’s children!"

An awkward silence suddenly enveloped the entire classroom. Obviously everyone was feeling disgusted with her direct declaration. Even Silvia was stunned speechless. A low profile student who was one of the followers finally broke the silence.

"President! Your speech violated club regulation article one hundred and twenty-seven!"

"Hmm…... As expected of Vice-President Lynette-san. Good job noticing it. Please allow me to withdraw my previous declaration."

"Withdrawal of declaration has been confirmed!"

After he had listened to Jessica and Lynette, who spoke annoyingly rhythmically, Ash muttered:

"Th-That rumor......"

Raymond tried to pacify his concern for Ash:

"Carelessly resisting is suicidal… Ash. I heard that the Valentine Family is a traditional noble family."

Facing Raymond’s smile. Eco started to speak out loud:

"Oh. I really can’t stand those people any longer. The true face behind 'Silver Knight' is……"

"W-Wa-Wait! Eco!"

Ash quickly covered her mouth from behind.

"Mmm -!"

Eco struggled with all her limbs. In the eyes of others it looked like Ash was, hugging her from behind, not wanting to let go. Her body's tenderness and lovely feel made Ash blush, but, still, he must not let go. Was it rare that the school was helping me to control the information? If my identity were revealed, in a place like this, all their hard work would go to waste.

"Back to the topic, Princess Silvia, it is true that we are making a list of people who were present at the incident."

"So……?"

"Princess. Your name is also on top of our list. Maybe you already know the true identity of ‘Silver Knight’-sama. Am I right?"

"Y-You. What are you talking about?!"

It seemed that the straightforward character of Silvia was not good at lying. She was obviously shaken when Jessica hit the bull’s eye. It would be a lie if she said she didn't know, because at that time the one riding with her on Lancelot was actually the ‘Silver Knight’.

"Hey…... Ash? It seems the situation has gotten worse."

Ash had already stood up and was coming to Silvia’s rescue when Raymond warned him.

"Miss. I’m sorry, but currently, its still school hours."

The crowd’s attention immediately turned to Ash.

Silvia also looked at Ash with a surprised expression. Perhaps this was an illusion but it seemed that she had breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey. I remember that you are the Student Council’s……"

Ash mercilessly interrupted Jessica.

"Can you please leave the classroom immediately? Don't interrupt us in our lesson time."

The classroom fell silent as Ash's determination caused the entire student body to gasp. Unexpectedly. Jessica didn't back down. On the contrary… She was also smiling. Compared with an undisguised expression that kind of smile was even scarier.

"Your name is Ash, right? A guy with no obvious achievements but still allowed to join the Student Council…... Hey, Vice-President Lynette? His name is on the list of people who were at St. Durham Square, isn’t it?"

Lynette, as though she had memorised the whole list, answered immediately without any hesitation:

"......Ash Blake, advanced course first year. Someone actually confirmed that he showed up near St. Durham Square!"

After hearing Lynette’s report, Ash broke out in a cold sweat.

"Speaking of this, people call you 'The Boy who can Ride any Dragon'. Could it be….... that you had possibly managed to ride the Necromancia?”

"……!"

A sudden hit at the bull’s eye left Ash speechless.

"It's just that ‘Silver Knight’-sama is a noble Ark-Dragner, and you…... are nothing more but a Breeder who is a nobody. People like you simply cannot be compared to ‘Silver Knight’-sama! Oh Hohoho!"

Fortunately Jessica just laughed at that thought. She would never have expected she was at the cusp of the truth.

"Not to mention your Pal ...... hee hee, it's funny just by thinking at it. She turned out to be a child. Even this morning's ceremony had a really fantastic finish."

"Wh-What did you say……!"

Upon hearing this Eco naturally became angry and tried to stand up to refute but……

"You!!! Don’t interrupt."

Ash immediately reached out and stopped her.

"Who do you think you are......"

Although she felt reluctant, Eco shut her mouth. All the SKFC members were trembling under the pressure of Ash’s aura. Although Ash was now a member of the Student Council… In the past he was none other than the infamous 'Number One Problem Child’. And it was not a name given for nothing. Jessica was no different; She was the only one showing no signs of fear.

"Ash, stay calm! She's a noble!"

Raymond gave a out loud warning but Ash was not bothered by it.

"What is a noble to me when I even challenged a Princess!!!!!!"

"Ahh... You're right. I had totally forgotten all about it..."

Raymond looked into the distance with a crestfallen expression.

"How dare you insult my Pal...? What is the meaning of this? If you want to apologize… It's better that you do it right now!"

"Hah! You are but a commoner and you dare to order me around!"

Ash and Jessica, both of them refused to back down and stared intently at each other. Just when the tension reached its climax…… The classroom door was suddenly slammed open.

"So…... I see that you have been wandering around here. Jessica."

All the people in the classroom were attracted to the overwhelming presence everybody remained silent. The one and only exception was Jessica.

"Rebecca! Y-Y…… You stay out of my way!"

Jessica unexpectedly kept her composure even when the opponent was Rebecca.

"He-Hey, that girl called Jessica... She really has some nerve! She actually dared to address Rebecca by her first name."

Raymond, opposite of the speechless Ash, calmly pulled out his notepad and made a quick flip.

"According to my information network…... Both of them seem to be childhood friends who grew up in the same hometown."

"You're still the same. Never missing out on any girl's information."

"Hmm…... You're wrong, Ash. It's limited to 'cute girls' only, okay?"

Raymond laughed proudly at his own work while Rebecca and Jessica's argument still continued.

"I would like to throw the question back to you, Rebecca, why are you here at 'this place'?"

"I came here to find the members of the Student Council…... It seems that you still continue with the same stupidity, Jessica."

"You've come at just the right time! Everyone listen carefully!!! We have confirmation that the Student Council is controlling information about the St. Durham Square attacks! The Student Council went to all that trouble to cover up what? Does it imply that the Student Council has known ‘Silver Knight’-sama’s identity from the very beginning?"

"Even if it is the truth I am not obligated to tell you at all. I suggest you remember your duty as a student?"

"I have no intention of disturbing the class. I just simply urge everyone here to help us collect ‘Silver Knight’-sama’s information!"

"You're still the same. full of nonsensical reasoning......"

"I, the representative of the SKFC, request the Student Council to reveal that information to the public!"

After Jessica’s tenacious declaration. Rebecca gave a frightening expression.

"......In the beginning I didn’t want to cause you trouble, because you are my childhood friend, but it seems that I need to deal with this another way."

Under the gaze of her fierce-looking eyes Jessica felt that she was going to surrender and back off. In the eyes of Ash, it seemed that, Rebecca's back was full of red glowing aura.

"Wha-What…... the Student Council President even tried to use force to solve problems……"

Jessica could not help but shrink and take a few steps backwards.

"Too bad. To think that I even bothered to treat you nicely."

Rebecca, with a graceful smile, whispered into the ears of Jessica.

"Yikes!"

Jessica immediately started sweating, her back unnaturally bent. Jessica headed down and rushed out of the classroom. The Vice-President, Lynette, and the other SKFC members quickly followed.

"Right. Silvia of Disciplinary Affairs, Accounts Max, and Ash of General Affairs. The three people mentioned please report to the Student Council’s office immediately. An emergency meeting is to be held. That is all."

Rebecca left after she had informed the others.

"An emergency meeting... Is something wrong?"

Ash asked, but Max was equally confused.

"The President came personally to inform you, but she also chose to do it during lesson time...... certainly it is no simple matter."

Seated, between Ash and Max, Raymond gave a rare worrisome look and murmured and grumbled.

"I’m so lonely. I didn't expect that even Ash would join the Student Council…... Damn. Why am I the only one left out?"

"Raymond ......"

"Fortunately, I still have Eco! Hey Eco, why don’t the two of us go have a cup of tea……? Urgh!"

With her superhuman strength, her iron fist knocked Raymond away.

"You shut up! Obviously I'm a member of the Student Council…... That woman dared to not mention my name and choose to ignore a noble Dragon? I will not forgive her!"

After Ash glanced at Raymond, who was stuck on the wall, he spoke a few words to calm Eco down:

"You are their 'mascot'. So you don't have to attend any meetings."

"Nothing to do with me?! Since you all wounded the pride of a Dragon… I will attend no matter what!" cried Eco.

Part 5

The Student Council office was located at the top of the school premises in the central tower. Ash, Silvia, Max, and Eco were all walking towards the Student Council office. Max who walked at a quick pace lead the way while the trio of Silvia, Ash and Eco walked together. The formation was purely coincidental, but sandwiched in between Eco and Silvia, Ash didn't need any more reason to feel nervous.

"Why are we not there yet......?" Ash even had such thoughts.

Since it was still class time there were no other students in the corridor. But since the staff meeting had yet to end, every classroom was changed into homeroom. Even though the students of Ansarivan possesed high self-imposed standards , homeroom was still inevitably noisy, even the corridors were full of the sounds of laughter.

"By the way… There are two members we haven’t met yet."

While climbing stairs. Ash asked while facing Max’s back.

"Ahh…… The vice president and the secretary? I think both of them will not be attending this meeting."

After hearing Max’s answer, Silvia responded to it.

"I cannot turn a deaf ear in this case. Do both of them have any consciousness of being in the student council? Any job related to the social welfare of people need to be completed with full effort…… These are the family rules of the Lautreamont family!!!! Who do the vice president and the secretary think they are? "

"Plea- Please allow your humble servant to explain to thee...... Ahem! "

Max, who wasn't used to being with Silvia, spoke in the polite form so that’s why he couldn't help but give an unnatural cough. Max found out that conversation using the polite form didn't seem natural even though he was addressing the princess, after all both of them were members of the student council, and they were students of the same grade.

"The vice president is famous as one who only knows how to fool around, but that person's ability as a Dragner is obvious to all. That’s why the president will turn a blind eye. It's understandable."

Sure enough. Silvia was dissatisfied.

"How come there is such lax and insolent person! Since that person has an ability that the president acknowledges, but why is the vice president fooling around?"

"OK, OK, in this case since the president has acquiesced to it, complaining to Max will be useless."

Ash gently calmed Silvia down, but on the other hand he also agreed with her point of view.

"What kind of person is the secretary?"

Right after Ash asked Max answer with a mumbling tone.

"The secretary…... In short, is no ordinary pushover. Anyway, you'll meet sooner or later."

Speaking of which. They had arrived at the Student Council’s office. The topic regarding the vice president and the secretary came to a stop.

Part 6

"So let us begin our meeting." said Rebecca and started the emergency meeting.

Ash was initially nervous, fearing that Rebecca would be unhappy with Eco who came without being invited, but in the end Rebecca didn't do or complain about anything. Looking around, as Max had said, the vice president and the secretary seats were empty. So the secretary’s work was handed over to Max. Although Ash was curious about the vice president and secretary, he decided in the end that it was clearly not the right time to ask such questions. The staff meeting had been extended and all classes were changed into homeroom, in this situation, it was not hard to figure out that something important had happened.

It seemed that it was really related to the attacks of the Necromancia. Although he wasn't willing to make any assumptions...... but this still did not rule out the occurrence of more serious incidents.

"I believe everyone had also heard about the rumor……"

The members present held their breath to listen to Rebecca's announcement.

"Recently, with the girl’s dormitory as their base, the organization named SKFC is highly active in the shadows."

"I beg your pardon?"

An unexpected answer caused Ash to almost fall off his chair. At first he wondered what emergency or urgent event it was but he didn't think for one moment that it would be the SKFC…… While observing other's reactions Silvia and Eco looked on blankly. Max alone seemed to have become accustomed to it while Rebecca continued with her speech.

"What is the problem?"

Under Rebecca's glare Ash hurriedly corrected his sitting posture.

"Uh…... Because you said it was an emergency meeting… I thought it would be a more intractable problem."

"Take it easy, we are not at the main topic yet. SKFC is just a side problem to be discussed."

"I see…..."

Ash nodded to indicate his understanding. At this time Silvia suddenly raised her hand.

"What is the problem. Silvia?"

"I have something that I don’t understand. When president sent Jessica Valentine running off…..."

"Oh. I'd like to hear too."

Ash echoed Silvia’s question.

Rebecca took only a few words to send off that arrogant Jessica which made everyone curious what she whispered into Jessica’s ears.

"Oh, that thing."

Rebecca shrugged with a wry smile.

"As you know… She and I are childhood playmates. No, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I say we are family. Since childhood she sees me as her rival…... In short, she hates to admit defeat."

"Just like family......? I have heard of the Valentines being a traditional noble family."

After Ash stated the information acquired from Raymond, Rebecca could not help but burst out laughing.

"Oh... This is really an interesting rumor. Their family has been serving the family of Randall as house maids for generations. Just like the house of Shirley who serves the royal family of the Paladin." Rebecca, with her eyes staring into a distance, murmured.

"That girl...... A maid?"

Jessica's glamorous figure and the word maid could not completely be combined. Ash was shocked.

"So. I threatened her…… 'If you continue to stir up trouble… Do not blame me if I announce the Valentine family’s background to the public.'"

From the look in her eyes it was like she was lecturing her useless little sister.

"But why did she lie that the Valentine family is of nobility?"

Silvia seemed completely unable to understand Jessica’s thinking.

"Jessica from time to time likes to daydream, she has a particularly strong sense for nobility, and even now she seriously believes her family is from a royal linage...... you just need to take it as a disease that can be commonly seen in the adolescence years."

"So that's how it is......"

With the misunderstanding cleared up Ash felt relieved.

At the same time after learning that the Valentine’s were maids, Ash subconsciously began to imagine Jessica wearing a maid costume. That insufferably arrogant girl with a feel of nobility… When putting on maid attire to serve her master, somehow it doesn't feel bad…… Ash cannot help but fantasizing Jessica’s graceful appearance.

"Hey…... What are you thinking?"

When he returned back to consciousness… He felt a painful sting on side of his cheek. Eco, somewhat forcefully, had slapped Ash’s face.

"No, nothing, I am not thinking of anything…..."

Ash face was full of embarrassment.

"Are you're thinking of some improper image?"

"Urgh. I'm also thinking the same thing."

Even Silvia, also supporting Eco's viewpoint, questioned Ash.

"I think there is an eighty percent chance that he most likely imagined Jessica wearing a maid attire."

After Rebecca cheekily spoke of her own view… Ash suddenly turned pale.

"Ho-How do you know?"

"Oh. I managed to guess it? I am just speaking from my woman's intuition…"

Rebecca seems happily laughing.

Ash feels a murderous intend behind and quickly turns around to look back.

"Have you forgotten that I am rearing you……? And yet you still dare to have fantasies of those females...... You cannot be forgiven! Don’t you think you lack self-consciousness?"

Eco’s fist is shaking.

"How dare you have any perverted thoughts of the other students attending school…... How shameless! All enemies of women must taste the iron hammer of death!"

Silvia was flushed with anger.

"Wa-Wait! It is just that I was distracted for a moment! Besides. Why do you need to be angry with me because of these things?"

"I'm gonna trample you!"

"The inviolable family rules!"

Eco's kick and Silvia's punch hit Ash at the same time.

"……”

After Ash stumbled back to his seat, the meeting continued to proceed as usual, like nothing had happened.

"President…... I would like to ask. "

Silvia asked.

"What is the problem. Silvia?"

"Just now you say that Jessica has taken you as her rival...... Is her ability that amazing? Jessica Valentine, this is the first time I heard her name…..."

Silvia had a good reason to doubt. Rebecca was not only an Ark Dragner but was also the president of the school’s student council. She was undoubtedly the strongest Dragner in the whole Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy. Even the Professors or the practical skill instructors can only admit defeat when it came to her. To take Rebecca as her rival. No matter how you think of it, it was not normal.

"Jessica ...... in fact, she is very motivated for her own self improvement, but it is always futile or she is very persistent in doing things that are meaningless. I cannot deny that she is one of those who think 'they are able to overcome all kinds of hardships if you just put in effort' ...... "

To be able to be praised by Rebecca, regardless of her written performance, maybe she is someone who really had some skill.

"In conclusion. The SKFC, that Jessica leads, wants to expose the true identity of the 'Silver Knight'. If their objective was only that we can leave them be. But what they desire is not just this -- when given the opportunity, they would like to obtain the sperm of the ‘Silver Knight’."

"Spe-Spe……!"

Silvia suddenly blushed. Her movement become very unnatural. Seeing her being so shy, Ash also cannot help but feel embarrassed.

"What is it that they want? Is it delicious?"

Unlike Silvia… Eco is only confused.

"Nothing. You need not know such a thing." Ash said.

"Even you know, as your owner, is it not logical that I don't know!"

"What sort of reasoning is that?!!!!"

"Hmph, even if you do not want to tell me, I still have the Dragweiss!"

Eco, suddenly closes her eyes as if she entered a trance.

Since dragons had a longer history than the human race, it was possible for them to search for information dating back centuries.

"Wha...What!"

After just a few seconds…Eco’s entire face blushed bright red, and felt hot like the lick of a flame.

At the same time, she also became furious.

"Are you kidding!? T-There are actually such a large number of female animals trying to access…...this guy’s…...s-spe......? That’s why I said…humans are stupid and ignorant fools!"

Eco seemed too ashamed and embarrassed to enunciate that word. It was rare for Eco to blush just like Silvia.

"Hmph…... it seems that the word 'obscene' needs to be added to the end of 'stupid and ignorant'. "This human sounds really nasty!"

"Stupid, ignorant and obscene humans!"

"You do not need to repeat it! It is hard to pronounce!"

"Then you should kneel down and apologise. I will remove the word 'obscene'. I’ll let you represent all mankind. This opportunity is not easy to get you know!?"

Stupid, ignorant and obscene humans!

"I will not represent that!"

Ash angrily complained, but Rebecca coughed loudly with "Ahem".

Suddenly brought back to reality, cold beads of sweat formed on Ash.

Disregarding the meeting, both Ash and Eco had their own argument.

"S-Sorry ...... Hey, come and sit down."

"Hmph. Don’t you order me around......!"

Eco wanted to sternly reject his request, but she closed her mouth halfway. As she stared at Rebecca's face…her expression looked like she had seen a wild bear in the forest. Followed by Eco, Ash's sight drifted towards Rebecca. Facing her, Ash felt the same chill in his spine.

"Are you satisfied?"

Even while Rebecca was smiling… Her eyes definitely were not smiling in the slightest.

"I-I understand ......"

Eco was reluctant to sit down on her seat. Perhaps her animal instinct made her detect Rebecca's unfathomable terror.

"Back to the main point, about SKFC, in all cases, we will be focusing and paying more attention to prevent them from finding out the identity of the ‘Silver Knight’."

Under Rebecca’s glare everyone nodded.

"But fortunately they thought ‘Silver Knight’ was an Ark Dragner, which Eco needs to be thanked for in making the Ark. So SKFC should be less likely to target Ash, who has not become a Dragner. Even I, until now, failed to fully understand how Eco managed that."

"Hmmm. Manage? It is good that you understand how great that is!"

As her previous fear disappeared… Eco started to act arrogant again.

"In short… Jessica is not the kind of person who would easily give up, so you should be careful in this case. Anyway, the secret of the Valentine family, please do not expose it. After all that’s been her secret since her enrolment in this academy. It would be harsh on her if it were to be exposed…… Now on to the main topic."

Rebecca placed her elbows on the table with her fingers overlapping, then she gently lifted her beautiful chin. Ash noticed that Rebecca was worrying about something. How tough was the problem that she was facing?

"The thing is… I received a message… The first princess of Lautreamont, Veronica Lautreamont, will be coming to Ansarivan to visit for a week."

After they heard this news, everyone knew the seriousness of this situation. They all suddenly turned solemn and silent, but right at the next second……

"Noooooo……!"

Silvia was moaning abnormally.

"What's wrong, Silvia?"

Rebecca was concerned about Silvia, but she did not answer.

"An-Anee-ue sh-she’s...... A tyrant...... "

The change in Silvia startled the others.

"Is she really coming to Ansarivan?"

Silvia was trembling and turned pale as if the end of the world was coming. She huddled up and hid under the table. She was shaking with her hands protecting her head. Silvia, who was usually always energetic, actually had a timid side–– Even when Ash had already known this fact, it was still hard to imagine that Silvia would act like this.

"Are you alright, princess?"

As he was looking under the table, Ash remembered First Princess Veronica Lautreamont's moniker…

She was called the ‘Ironblood Valkyrie’.

"The Legend of Silver Knight ~A.S.B.1365.5~" closed.

Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie

Part 1

The following morning, Ash was having his ecology class.

Eco, as usual, was also attending class in her uniform. But since the lecture was too abstruse…

"Huff… Puff…"

She was fast asleep on the table.

"…In other words; Stradas' element is wind, Asias' element is wind/earth and Hydras' element is water."

The one standing on the lectern, lecturing all the students, was Professor Angela. She had an unusual concern for Eco as a researcher, so Ash did not wish to let her gain opportunities to approach Eco…

"Well, then what is a Maestro’s element?"

Angela questioned with a stern tone as her eyes fell on the class register.

"This question… Let's have Princess Silvia answer it."

Even after she had been called out by Angela, Silvia just gazed blankly outside the window.

"Princess? What’s the problem?"

Angela continued to question her, but Silvia remained silent.

"Geez… Jessica Valentine. Please answer."

"Yes!"

Jessica, who was just named, stood up from her seat energetically.

"A Maestro’s element is light."

Jessica proudly replied, but Angela sneered back.

"Right… is what I would like to say, but unfortunately you were only half-right. A Maestro’s element is light, but it's not just that. Maestros also completely inherit the element that it was born with. In other words… A Maestro who was once a Strada has both light and wind elements…”

"Hey, Ash. Is something wrong with the Princess?"

Raymond, who was not paying attention to Angela’s explanation, asked Ash.

Ash sighed.

"She… she has been out of it since she heard that the Ironblood Valkyrie was coming to Ansarivan. It looks like she has received a great and devastating blow…"

Raymond seemed confused.

"‘Ironblood Valkyrie’ is the princess’s elder blood sister, right? What possible impact could she receive from that message?"

"About that… I’m not sure…"

"Do the two of you need my explanations?"

Suddenly someone interrupted their conversation. Ash was shocked.

“Cosette? Why are you here?"

Cosette, sitting obediently in an empty seat, was also wearing the standard uniform for maids who were serving the royals. It was hard not to notice her.

"Hehehe. Since Her Royal Highness The Princess is dispirited, I must guard her quietly from the shadows. I have also received the permission of Angela-sensei."

"You call this 'quietly from the shadows'? Anyways, I'm concerned about the reason she is suffering."

"Are you concerned for her as her classmate or as a man?"

Ash suddenly felt his cheeks turn hot.

"Y-You… What are you talking about!? The princess and I have fought alongside each other as comrades and we are both members of the Student Council. It's normal that I’m concerned about her."

"Are you sure? Then let's leave it at that. Hehe."

Cosette, after a mischievous smile, jumped back into the topic.

"Her Royal Highness Veronica is a well-known warrior. She has a militant-like attitude, which is also the reason that the princess was forced to do a lot of training when she was young."

“The training… was it tough?"

"In fact… I’m not exaggerating when I say she was living in hell every day. The princess had not only been pushed into lakes, she was also sent into ruins to do explorations, climbed the city walls and was brought to well-known haunted forests to learn to survive in the wild… "

Ash was dumbfounded.

"I think that is plain bullying…"

"Incidentally, I played the role of the ghost in the forest."

"Come on! How come you are also one of the culprits!?"

"Perhaps Silvia's timid side is because of Veronica (and Cosette)…", Ash thought.

"Because of the shadow of her childhood, Her Royal Highness Veronica has become a symbol of terror in the eyes of the princess…”

"I see…"

Her violent attitude aside, it seemed that Veronica had a lot of personality problems. Ash, as one of the Student Council members, must greet this 'difficult' princess. He had a headache just from imagining it.

"The title ‘Ironblood’ is not just for show. However, Ash… I also like women who are strong." muttered Raymond with a grin.

"Don’t you worry. I won’t ever care what kind of girl you like…"

"…Strada, Asia and Hydra… What conditions do they require in order to become a Maestro?"

Even though Ash was troubled… Angela’s lesson, of course, would not be interrupted.

"Ash. Please answer this question."

"What? Me?"

Called rather abruptly, Ash appeared to have felt embarrassed. Angela's sight was as sharp as a scalpel. Just being stared at by her made you feel like you were lying on the operation table waiting to be butchered. On the other hand, that dangerous glare, at the same time, seemed to fall on the sleeping Eco. Ash's spine shuddered as he silently stood up from his seat.

“Uh-h… I don’t know."

"Correct."

"I'm sorry… What? Correct?"

Angela revealed a playful smile.

"That’s right. About the reasons the dragons transform into a Maestro, there are different opinions among scholars; the truth is yet to be found out."

Angela closed the textbook and looked around the students.

"Old records show that all dragons will eventually become a Maestro naturally. However, since recovering from the verge of extinction, the conversion rate of regular dragons to Maestros has dropped significantly. Though, logically, each dragon should qualify to become a Maestro."

The students immediately turned into quite a storm. It was also the first time that Ash heard about this.

"That is why the existence of breeders has been called into question. Why is it that now, in modern times, dragons that die before they become a Maestro have become the majority…? Perhaps the key factor to becoming a Maestro is in the hands of a breeder."

The school bell, that announced the class's dismissal, sounded at that time. Silvia, with Cosette's assistance, shakily left the classroom. Meanwhile, Ash had this uneasy feeling.

"The Princess is alright, right…?"

There were six more days before Princess Veronica’s visit… Even though Silvia still couldn't calm down, the day of Princess Veronica’s visit was nearing. Why did Veronica choose this time to visit Ansarivan?

"Officially, this visit is being made 'to inspect the City of Ansarivan, which was under attack'. But according to rumours, Veronica is coming as a representative of the Royal Knight’s Hawks."

The inspection was probably a cover. The true reason was to investigate the condition of the city and the strength of the Necromancia – this was Rebecca's view on the matter. In fact, Veronica had been involved in the strife between races all across the continent and she even had the experience of stopping a war. It was said that she was only twelve years old during her first expedition. Even though she was not selected to become a breeder; Veronica, who needed to overcome her congenital condition which put her at a disadvantage, was extremely powerful and also braver than anyone on the battlefield. She led the way and charged forward, chopping down the enemy mercilessly one by one. There was a rumour that whenever Veronica swung her sword, three heads were sent flying through the air at the same time.

Wise and strong. Victorious and has never been at a disadvantage. There was no swordsman whose skills were on par with her. Veronica became famous after she killed a basilisk with just her sword alone. Even poet laureates turned her achievements into poetry. Basilisks were big violent lizards. Some saw them as a close relative of the Asia.

This famous Veronica was given the nickname ‘Ironblood Valkyrie’ by the people. According to Rebecca, once people heard that Veronica was coming to Ansarivan, they suddenly frowned. Veronica, in order to extinguish the flames of war on the continent, heroically fought in a war in her teens. However she had also indirectly become the cause of problems. Veronica unconsciously made a lot of enemies. The remnants of the rebels still wanted to take Veronica’s life. It was not surprising that she could be assassinated at any given time.

Just right after the attack of the Necromancia, another difficult task was received. Anyone could tell that the chief of Ansarivan was in trouble.

Part 2

The midday bell rang loudly. Led by the mayor and the principal, the important figures of the City Council, the Academy Council and also members of the Student Council… A welcoming group of more than 20 people were lining up at the entrance of the school’s first block waiting for the arrival of Veronica.

"For Princess Veronica to visit the city personally… How long has passed since her previous visit?"

Dr Angela Cornwell, who changed her usual white lab coat for her rarely seen formal dress, also joined the welcoming party. Angela, who unexpectedly became a lecturer recently, was in fact a national treasure who was given much authority to do research. Although all the representatives of Ansarivan were gathered together; for the occasion of welcoming a princess, such numbers were regarded to be on a very small scale. Usually, even the mobilisation of all the members of the public to hold a grand welcoming ceremony would not be unexpected.

However, Veronica was well-known for her preference to keep things simple. They even received prior notice to dispense with all complicated ceremonies, so even the school was operating as usual. The Student Council was represented by Rebecca, Max, Ash, as well as Eco. Not only that, but the figures of Maestro Cú Chulainn and Maestro Arianrhod could also be seen.

Cú Chulainn was Rebecca's Pal and was also truly the Academy’s strongest Maestro. His silver fur was really dazzling and his unbelievable growth made it unable to put on any mounting gear on his mammoth like body. It made anyone who saw him stare, dumbfounded. Arianrhod was Max's Pal, and although already a noble Maestro, his age is still that of a child. Different from the imposing Cú Chulainn, he was filled with an atmosphere that made people to pamper him.

"Hey, Eco, are you really… Are you, too, going to welcome Princess Veronica?"

"What? Do you have something against it?"

Eco joined the welcome party as the mascot of the student council and was wearing the same black dress that she wore during the ceremony before. It seemed she had taken quite a liking to it. That aside, it was the problem with Silvia that made people a lot more worried.

"The Princess, is she really not coming?"

After hearing Ash’s question, Rebecca shrugged her shoulders and sighed.

"Look, if she was scared to that extent, we can't possibly force her to participate in this. Right? She seems to have some trauma regarding Veronica."

"It's really hard to believe that she turned out to be so afraid of her own sister…"

"Who's afraid of what?"

The person who interrupted Ash was precisely Silvia herself.

"Princess…!"

The City Council and the School Council immediately bowed respectfully upon the appearance of Silvia.

The Silvia with her status as Princess generously replied "Thanks for your hard work" and approached them.

"Are you all right now?"

Immediately after Ash spoke to her, Silvia exposed a smile brimming with confidence.

Not only did she look pumped up, but her hair was also glossier than ever. Despite wearing her uniform she looked a lot more dashing than her usual self.

"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm Silvia Lautreamont! Even though I had displayed an unbecoming side of mine before, but now I’m alright."

"Is that so?… Then I’m relieved."

Although it was surprising that she looked a bit too well… For now, it was enough to be reassuring. While Ash was thinking that to himself… Rebecca was lecturing her in a stern tone.

"How can you be so insouciant? Silvia, as a Dragner, how can you meet your sister without Lancelot?"

Lancelot was also a Maestro, Silvia's Pal. Because of the Necromancia's attacks from a few days ago Ash has become quite familiar with the dragon.

"Sorry that there was no prior notice… Anee-ue, she doesn't really like Lancelot."

Silvia’s answer made Rebecca frown.

"Is this related to Veronica not having been chosen as a Breeder?"

"Well… It should be something like that."

After throwing a glance at Silvia, who gave such strangely ambiguous answer, for some reason Rebecca revealed a merciful smile.

"Is that so? Well, let's leave it like that."

"…?"

Ash couldn't understand what Rebecca was thinking.

At that moment, all the adults began muttering amongst themselves…

“I can see it!”

"Oooh! That is Princess Veronica's…!"

"They were even able to make such a vehicle!"

"It seems similar to an Empire-made airship …!"

Ash, too, couldn't help but curiously look up into the blue skies. A foreign body that could not be natural appeared near the edge of the cobalt blue sky. As the minutes ticked past it grew, from the black dot of that foreign body, as its outlines were gradually revealed. That flying body was escorted by seven Dragners.

"… It couldn't be!"

To Ash’s dismay he couldn't help shouting out loud.

By comparing it to the dragons flying alongside it, one could immediately get a feel of the actual size of the gigantic ship. In contrast to the huge flying object, even the dragons, that served as the guard, looked just like beans in comparison. Rebecca, while standing beside Ash, looking sternly and said:

"That is Princess Veronica’s personal plane–– The magicship ‘Silvanus’."

Part 3

—Silvanus.

This was done by Princess Veronica as she had gathered many exiled scientists of the Zepharos Empire who successfully developed the beta version of the ship. Silvanus, which looked like it was going to occupy the entire open space, slowly landed in front of the school’s block. Like a bird that lands on a lake, the landing was very stable. The magicship design was based on a streamlined shape, which often made people think that it was a Maestro with outspread wings. The red lines together with the white colored armour produced a stunning appearance. Attached at many locations across the body of the magicship were the cannons’ trapdoors.

Ash stared at the magnificent magicship dumbly. He had heard so much about Silvanus but this was the first time he witnessed it with his own eyes.

"This thing is just too big… How can it fly?"

Seeing that Ash was transfixed in his place, Silvia explained:

"This magicship uses Bright-Dragon-Crystal as fuel. Anee-ue, even though she didn't become a breeder, used the combination of Dragon magic and Mechanical Engineering technology from the Empire to construct the Silvanus."

"So, literally, it is the Oracle’s power that allows it to fly…!"

"That is the way it is. But the only thing that can be used as fuel is a special type of Bright-Dragon-Crystal called Millennium, so there is no method of mass production."

“Millennium?"

"The dragon fossils in the ground, after a thousand years, may produce crystals with massive power.

"I don’t even know about this…"

"It's just that, Silvanus, compared to an Empire made aviation ship, not only does it have a smaller size, but it also has defensive problems. The places where the armour is weak can only be reinforced with a Dragner. You have already seen them right?'

Silvia was right. Because just now, the seven Dragner serving as escorts precisely landed each of their dragons on the ground. Out of the seven Dragners, only the leading one had an Ark. He was likely the escort’s captain.

"Veronica is going to alight the ship so please do not whisper." scolded Rebecca, with a low voice.

Ash and Silvia had no choice but to keep their mouths shut. As the crowd watched Silvanus' door slowly open accompanied by the operating noise of it's gears, the boarding ladder lowered automatically. Under the gaze of everyone––

The Ironblood Valkyrie, escorted only by the sound of her footsteps, which sounded just like iron being hit with a hammer, landed on the ground.Ash gasped, his eyes fixed on Veronica’s figure.

Even though called a princess, she looked more like a Valkyrie… thought Ash.

It is not surprising that she is Silvia’s sister, the two of them looked identical. Their dazzling blond hair and white skin was their common feature. However, the aura of command, emitted by the tall slender figure, outshone Silvia's. The important thing was her eyes -- Like an eagle that fixed on its prey from up high. Her eyes were as sharp as blade. Just by being stared at by her, it would feel like the heart had been thoroughly pierced through. Flipping over her red cloak, Veronica with a loud voice said:

"Thanks to everyone who is here to welcome me. Sorry for the trouble!"

Her voice was powerful like a highly resilient whip. When the cloak was flipped up, the armour adorning Veronica’s limbs became instantly exposed. Obviously they were crafted with steel, heavy and dazzling. Only then did Ash realize that the unusual sounds of footsteps were the sounds of her sabatons striking the ground. She wore a broad sword which required both hands to wield. Presumably that sword was the weapon that drew the blood of numerous rebels and the basilisk. Veronica, leading the seven escorts, began marching their way.

A group led by the mayor panicked and wanted to kneel down and salute, but Veronica with a disgusted look on her face waved them off.

"Please forget about those unnecessary and over-elaborate formalities. More importantly… Where is Silvia?"

With the speed of a hawk’s eye she quickly scanned the faces of the crowd.

“We haven’t meet for a long time. Anee-ue. "

Silvia answered Veronica’s call by stepping forward.

"We haven’t met each other in four years, two months and twelve days, my dear sister."

"From the day I left the palace, and came to Ansarivan for my school enrollment… We haven’t met each other since."

The way Silvia spoke with such fluency was calmer than what he had expected. Ash quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

However-

The next instant, Ironblood Valkyrie revealed her true nature that matched her nickname.

"I'm really disappointed, Silvia!"

Veronica raised her right hand. Just when he thought that Silvia was going to be slapped, the next second Ash witnessed an incredible scenario. Silvia easily avoided Veronica’s palm, and easily jumped five meters off. She even did a somersault in mid-air, and gorgeously landed on the ground.

No matter what… That doesn't look like a skill of a normal human.

"Are you mad, Anee-ue?"

Silvia smiled haughtily.

For Ash at least, that was the first time seeing Silvia laugh that way.

"How dare you make fun of me… It seems like you had borrowed some guts from heaven, faker!"

After a moment of silence… Ash cried out in dismay.

"Fake!?"

"Whew… I already knew of such thing." muttered Rebecca softly, standing beside Ash.

It seemed that Rebecca, since long ago, had known the truth.

"Tee hee. This action is worthy of Veronica Her Royal Highness."

Originally he thought that Silvia was making some tearing sound but she then ripped off her mask, together with her blond-hair wig, from her face.

And the true face behind the mask was––

"Cosette?"

Ash was dumbfounded.

The 20 people from the welcome party led by the mayor also became speechless by this unexpected change of events.

"I regret that a woman like you is not able to come under my command. How about it Cosette? It is still not too late. Come and follow me!"

"Sure enough, there's no hiding from the eyes of Veronica Her Royal Highness."

Cosette, facing the Ironblood Valkyrie face to face, not only didn’t she act timid she even exposed a happy smile.

"That is obvious because I didn’t feel any fear from within you! The Silvia who is not afraid of me is not Silvia!"

"Hehe… I will use that as a future reference."

Her insolent answer made Veronica frown.

"I regret that a woman like you is not able to come under my command. How about it Cosette? It is still never too late. Come and follow me!"

Cosette with a resolute attitude answer.

"The person I serve–– is only Princess Silvia-sama."

"That kind of timid blond girl? What are her good points?

"Everything about her are her good points. "

Cosette answered without a hint of confusion, and at the same time giving everyone beside her the shock of their life.

"Tsk… All this nonsense will stop here. You better quickly tell me… Where is Silvia?"

"Princess…"

While Cosette stiffened her face, trying to wriggle out––

"I… I'm here!"

Silvia in her uniform appeared behind the welcome party.

This time should be the real Silvia. The best evidence, was that she was making the others dismay with her trembling legs.

"Will Her Royal Highness Princess be alright…?"

Ash muttered nervously.

"Rest assured, at least her life is safe."

Rebecca said those terrifying words with an alarmingly calm expression.

"You… You are dismissed. Cosette."

"I will. Princess."

After receiving Silvia’s command, Cosette left with a serious expression on her face.

Part 4

Under the gaze of the welcome party and guard escort, the first Princess and the fourth Princess officially met.

"Anything not alright, my dear sister? Look at your knees, shaking like that?"

"I-I am not… trembling. Silvia Lautreamont herself wholeheartedly… Welcomes Anee-ue’s arrival."

"Tsk. Seems to me, that apart from your breast and your butt, you haven't grown at all."

Clink… With the sound of her sabatons, Veronica steps forward.

"I’ll say again. Silvia, you disappoint me!"

- WHACK!

A hard and dry sound echoed in all four corners.

Veronica's iron-fisted swung toward Silvia which ended as a slap in the face.

"Sob …!"

Silvia cannot help but stagger, but she eventually stood firm, however the place that was slapped became swollen.

Veronica coldly stared at Silvia and with a plain tone she said:

"… I had already heard the report of the attacks. Rebecca Randall courageously protected the city and also the mysterious person who cleverly drove out the Necromancia are worthy to be praised."

Ash was surprised. Because the one who drove out the Necromancia was no other than Ash himself!

"But what did you do? Even though there was someone who witnessed Lancelot flying in the sky, but… you were helplessly circling aimlessly in the sky, right?"

Silvia became speechless and just kept on trembling. Ash annoyingly clenched his fists. The information seems like it wasn't properly conveyed to Veronica. Perhaps the focus was placed on the fact that Ash drove off the Necromancia, instead of details about the middle part of the fight which had obviously been omitted. The problem was the unrecognized fact, that Silvia and Ash actually fought side by side. Without the assistance of Silvia, Ash could not have single-handedly defeated the Necromancia. Ash was anxious, but Veronica naturally didn't not know about this, and thus she declared:

"Accept the punishment, Silvia."

Among those watching… there was no one who wasn't looking pale.

Veronica pulled out a the broad-sword hanging around her waist and before there was any chance to respond there was a silver flash in front of everyones’ eyes. Even though it seemed like a gigantic two-handed sword Veronica easily wielded it with one hand. The sound of the wind whizzing.

Without knowing how much blood it drew in the past… the broad sword, shining with a glaring light, rushed towards Silvia.

"-!"

The sword glazed Silvia's chest pitifully.

"Princess!"

Ash was scared and he screamed.

“Silvia-sama! "

"Veronica-sama has lost her mind!"

"How could such absurd thing occur!"

there is a silver flash. The sound of the wind whizzing. Without knowing how much blood it drew in the past the broad sword, shining with a glaring light, rushed towards Silvia.

"Doctor, quickly call for a doctor!"

The welcome party members moaned one after another. From the beginning of the incident; the only ones who weren't yelling at all and kept their cool were Rebecca, Cosette, and Angela. Silvia, who was glazed on her chest hobbled, and in the end fell to the ground on her butt. Unbelievably, there was no blood.

And then her uniform suddenly fragmented further, turning into pieces of of cloth, together with her underclothes which fell off gently–– As if the clothing suddenly remembered the fact that they had just been Slashed.

"Huh …?"

Silvia froze a moment looking downward feeling puzzled.

It turned out that Veronica’s slash only cut off the clothes that wrapped around Silvia’s upper body.

Her shoulder is as white as snow, her busty breast, and the contract imprinted on her chest–– 'Seikoku'––all of them were exposed in broad daylight.

"Kyaa…!"

Silvia red in the face scream at the top of her voice, with both her hands, covered her chest.

"Princess!"

Ash could stand it no longer and rushed forward. He quickly took off his jacket and draped it over Silvia's body.

"…?"

The moment he witnessed Silvia’s <Seikoku> Ash suddenly sensed something strange, although confused, but now was not the time to be concerned about such problems. Veronica looked coldly at Ash’s action and then put back her broad-sword back in its sheath.

"Anything wrong Silvia? If you encountered the same situation on the battlefield… Will you only scream to hide your embarrassment?"

Silvia could not talk back as there were tears filling her eyes.

"Look, this is your nature. Even when you wear the aura of a Dragner, you are just a good for nothing blonde. It is better for you to pursue the so-called woman's happiness!"

"… What do you mean by this?"

Veronica’s behaviour of scolding Silvia, made Ash furious. The anger that he was holding back for a long time suddenly exploded. Even though he faced the first Princess, he couldn't just sit by and watch any longer.

"Hey–Hey… Ash?"

Ash's menacing walk forward made Max quickly whisper from behind to stop him, however Ash naturally turned a deaf ear. Logically speaking the one who should be the first to stop Ash ought to be Rebecca but without knowing what she was thinking or maybe she was just waiting for a nice show… She didn't comment on anything.

Ash sternly talked to Veronica.

"I do not know how great the first princess is… However, since you were not there when the incident took place, what is this nonsense that you are now talking about just now based on!"

The moment he blurted it out a sharp sword was pointed at Ash’s neck.

“Uhh…!”

Ash was caught by surprise. The one who pointed the sword at him was the Dragner who he suspected was the captain of the escort. The man had a beautiful face, and there was nothing wrong in calling him good-looking. Just that his pair of eyes hidden under his Ark had a cold glare, hard to feel a single trace of emotion. Ash felt like he was being stared down by a ghost.

"Glenn! Whatever happens next.. The opposite party is just an ordinary student.”

"Sorry. Your Royal Highness Princess."

Ordered by Veronica, the Ark-Dragner called Glenn obediently stepped aside. The moment Ash felt free from the sword he broke out into a cold sweat. It was lucky that the sword pointing at him was just a normal sword. If at that time what he had pulled out was the Ark-Dragner's personal Ark-weapon, maybe even with just magic fluctuations alone, it might have been enough to remove his head.

"Long time no see Princess Veronica-sama."

Waiting until now, Rebecca finally made her move. She stood in front of Ash and respectfully gave a bow.

"Oh. Aren't you Rebecca? Why are you still staying in this school fooling around? I would like to advise you to hurry up and quit school to join our Dragners…".

Rebecca replied with her elegant response to resolve Veronica’s pressure.

"I had for many a time declined the invitation to join the Dragners, and now I just want to enjoy my identity as a student."

"Hmm. You obviously haven’t been able to learn anything new from this school for some time… I really don't understand you. Having said that, is this guy also from the student council?"

Veronica's sudden stare at him made Ash’s hair stand.

“Yes, that's right."

"It seems that you have recruited a subordinate who's full of energy."

"… May I tell you something?"

Veronica generously nodded regarding Rebecca request, indicating that she didn't seem particularly displeased. Leaning towards Veronica’s ear, Rebecca softly whispered something. Veronica’s eyes suddenly shined brightly. The gaze from her eyes made even Cú Chulainn, Arianrhod, Eco and the other Dragons feel fear.

There was a rumour in the society–– It is said that the reason that Veronica was not chosen as a breeder during the 'Orphan Ceremony', was that the Mother Of Dragons thought that the eyes of the seven year old Veronica were much too frightening––

"Hmm… Seems like I don’t even need to waste any effort. It saves me from the trouble of finding him. Glenn, arrest that guy for me!"

"Yes, Princess."

With Veronica’s order Glenn immediately took action.

"Wh-What are you doing!"

But in a blink of an eye, Ash was caught by Glenn and he was place under his armpit.

"Hey…. Let me down!"

While feeling the cold temperature from the Ark at the same time, Ash was swinging his limbs and struggling. But the more Ash struggled… Glenn’s hands, holding his body, became tighter and tighter. That kind of strength surprised everyone and maybe it was the Ark that enhanced his arm’s strength .

"I have a mountain of problems, and I want to question you."

Veronica calmly left the welcoming party as they stood there, mostly frightened. She lifted her cloak and walked towards the school building.

Part 5

Veronica did not appear to be visiting Ansarivan for the first time, as she was familiar with the environment, she headed directly to and opened the door of the guest room.

––In the beginning, there were only the three of them in the room. Veronica, Glenn, and Ash.

"You all go and 'wash' the school premises."

After being given orders by their captain Glenn, the other six escorts salute and split up.

The 'Wash' was not as simple as its literal meaning, but to find and to remove suspicious persons and or items which acted as a cypher. Even Ash understood this. This was Ash's first time in the guest room. Anyhow, since Ansarivan was a special Academy for dragon breeders, naturally there were always a lot of domestic and foreign nobles who came to visit. For the guest room; only the word 'gorgeous' can be used to describe its design. Even the furniture, such as sofas, tables, carpets, and bookshelves, were all imported from the Chevron Kingdom.

Unfortunately, Ash couldn't enjoy such a classy atmosphere.

"Glenn, put that kid on the chair."

"Yes, Princess." answered Glenn, without any expression.

Ash was dragged to then nearby chair and was made to sit on it.

"By the way, tie him up."

"Yes, Princess."

"The ass who keeps on 'Yes, Princess-ing!' St-Stop right now-"

Although Ash made his best effort to resist his opponent, being the Captain of the escort and all, he was, without a doubt no match for him. With some rope and binding tools, Ash was easily tied onto the chair, and he even lost his own ability to stand up.

"What do you want!?"

A cold white sword is at the back of Ash’s neck

"Little devil, the one you’re speaking to is Princess Veronica Lautreamont, Her Royal Highness, you should not make any rude remarks."

Veronica scolded Glenn:

"Don’t make things any more difficult for him, according to Rebecca, he seems to be the one who drove away the Necromancia, the hero who saved Ansarivan, we must thank him properly with courtesy."

"Is this what you call courtesy?!"

Ash was so agitated that he almost fell to the ground with the chair. Being tied up indiscriminately, they even dared to talk about courtesy. Unfortunately, Ash’s complaints were completely ignored.

"But, Veronica-sama, this student is way too savage and rude."

"Glenn, in this world, only achievement and result mean anything, why do we care about that rude point?"

"The problem is––"

"Do you have any opinions regarding what I just said?"

Veronica's eyes suddenly release a murderous intent. Even an amazing man like the captain kept his silence.

"I beg your forgiveness. A small slip of my tongue."

At the moment Glenn was apologizing––

The door was suddenly hit, and it flew open followed by some noisy sound.

"Hold on! You. What are you doing to my slave?!"

Unexpectedly, Eco actually rushed in. Perhaps she ran all her way here because her cheeks are bright red.

"… Eco?"

"Huu? Hey brat don’t tell me you are this child’s slave?"

When he heard Veronica emphasis on the word "slave" Ash shook his head and rejected it.

"I-I am not her slave!"

"Hmm. It seems things are not as simple as it seems …"

"About the relationship between the two of them… I will explain it to you later."

The person who appeared from behind Eco was Angela.

Beside Angela was Rebecca with a bitter smile.

"You still cause a lot of trouble. Ash. "

So-

The meeting with Veronica was going to start with the absence of the mayor, the council and the principal.

Part 6

Even though she was in the guest room, Veronica refused to take off her armour. This made Ash remember about the Valkyries in fairy tales.

"That armour… isn’t it heavy?"

Ash casually asked but Veronica threw him a cold glare.

"A silly question. Armour is beauty! Apart from bathing and sleeping, I always remind myself to wear my armour as much as possible."

"Really…"

While ignoring Ash, who was stunned, Veronica looked around the crowd.

"We will sit right there."

Following Veronica’s proposal everyone moved towards the sofa. Angela, Rebecca, and Eco followed in sequence until they were sitting opposite to Veronica.

"Uh … What about me?"

Seeing that the sofa seemed fluffy, which should be very comfortable to sit on, but Ash was the only one to be tied to the chair.

Ash felt baffled because he was tied up like a prisoner.

"Oops. I had already forgotten your presence. Glenn, go carry him over.

"Yes, Princess."

Glenn lifted Ash up altogether with the chair, and moved them both next to the sofa. Then he silently moved to the door and stood up straight.

"Well… I think you should have known that my purpose for coming to Ansarivan is not just for condolences."

"Is the purpose of your trip really to investigate the Necromancia’s incident?"

Angela's eyes were bursting out with a light of intellectual interest through their lens's.

"Ermm. I must be at the place of the incident to find out the truth that cannot be written in the report. Now please do not waste any more time. Can I trouble one of you to describe the attacks that occurred?"

"Then I will say it."

Rebecca who was actually involved in the fight began to talk about the situation of that time.

Part 7

After listening to Rebecca's explanation, Veronica sighed.

"Well… Does it mean that at present we still don't know the identity of the culprit? Only that, if what is recorded in the report regarding Eco’s Dragweiss is true, the Necromancia is magic engineering. To put it bluntly, it should be the product of magic and engineering. Engineering has always been the Zepharos Empire's pride, maybe the mastermind is in the Empire’s army… Rebecca, what’s your opinion?"

"I also think that the Empire is the greatest suspect, but… I do not know whether it should be counted as fortunately or unfortunately, but the Empire’s territory doesn't include the dragons’ habitat."

"Then what is the problem?"

"The problem is that this attack originated from a 'dragon'. Unless we find some definite evidence, even if we investigate the Empire on diplomatic reasons, I'm afraid it will be futile. The other side will certainly point out, to forestall any accusations, that ‘problems of dealing with dragons are the Knights of Lautreamont's business'."

"Hmm. What Rebecca says's is not unreasonable…. It seems like the search for evidence must go on, but, then again-"

Veronica stared at Ash without warning.

"So the hero who successfully resolved the severe crisis… Is this kid?"

"…"

Since he was tied to a chair it made him impossible to hide. Ash took a grip on himself, put on some courage, and stared back into Veronica’s eyes.

"Hmm. Very manly."

Veronica grinned while admiring him.

"Thank you for your praise."

"Well. I want to hear it from you. The most confusing spot on the report is how you defeated the monster.

"Th- That is…"

Ash didn't know where he was going to start from, but Eco suddenly shouted:

"If you want to ask that question… How can you forget about me!?"

"Hmm… Then I will listen to you. Little bean."

"My name is Eco, Eco!"

"For a shorty like you, little bean is enough for you, if you are not satisfied I don’t mind calling you daphnia!"

"Y-You really have a foul mouth! How dare you call a noble Dragon a daphnia!"

Eco was jumping around angrily, which completely spoiled the nice dress she had put on.

"Please forgive me for interrupting, Princess Veronica. She is Ash Blake’s Pal and at the same time she is also the reason that the Necromancia was repelled––Young Dragon Eco."

To help Eco to get rid of her embarrassment, Angela respectfully explained.

"Oh. This shorty?… I see, when you look closely, there are horns on her head."

Veronica's eyes suddenly shined.

"Then you must quickly transform and show it to me."

"Huh? What am I going to transform?" Eco impetuously looked at Veronica.

“Do you even need to ask, of course the Ark. I heard that it is because you presented the Ark to this kid… that he was able to defeat the Necromancia."

"What!… P-P-Presented?"

Eco jumped up on the spot. Her whole face including her ears are flushed.

"Ple-Please stop joking! That was just an emergency makeshift. W-Why must I present the Ark to this guy!"

"Your reaction is really interesting. Why would you strongly deny him to this extent?"

Veronica, was curiously and wildly interested, seemingly from the depths of her heart. She intended to scrutinize Eco. Angela then explained with a bitter smile:

“For dragons, to present the Ark is a proof of loyalty to their master, the meaning is no different when compared to marriage. Having said that, Eco has not yet recognized Ash as her master. Besides that personality of hers is…"

"That said… She just called her owner 'slave'. It's really disappointing to hear that the great hero who saved the city, who made me think him as a great man… But in the end, you who are called Ash, couldn’t even tame your own Pal?"

"Err …"

When he was looked down upon, Ash felt bitterness in his heart. When he was seen as a worthless thing by the beauty of the century, naturally he experienced an extraordinary degree of suffering.

"Forget about that, I hereby re-order to you instantly show the Ark you wore when defeating the Necromancia. And also, not letting the others help you, show me how you got loose from being tied."

After hearing that, Ash understood why Veronica wanted him to be tied up. All of that was for this moment. Perhaps she thinks that, when Ash is in the ark, it would be child's play for him to break himself free from those ropes! Veronica even gave her orders as Princess.

The situation did not easily allow either Eco or Ash to refuse.

"Are you able to do it, Eco?" asked Ash nervously.

But Eco replied with confidence:

"Why, sure I can! That Ark that has already been completed. I can re-summon it for you anytime!"

Part 8

Eco stood still in the centre of the room and like a nun closed her eyes while beginning to chant incantations.

"Almete, Gorjal, Peto, Espaldar…"

Even this was Ash’s first time witnessing the process of Eco constructing the Ark.

"Brafoneras, Faldaje, Escarcelas …"

Veronica, who always looked calm before, was witnessing the whole process with a nervous expression. Rebecca, was also observing Eco with a keen look. Even Glenn, who was normally emotionless, unconsciously glanced at Eco.

“Bufetas, Hombreras, Brazales, Codales, Antebrazos, Manoplas… "

As for Angela, she quickly took out a pen and paper and recorded the detail of the situation.

"Quijotes, Guardas, Grebas, Escarpes…"

The only thing was, although it was a very solemn ceremony, since Ash was the only one to be tied to a chair, he had no feeling of nervousness.

“-Espolón!".

After Eco shouted the last word, a shining white light enveloped in the room, a thunder-like rumble can be heard. At the same time Ash felt his own body coated by powerful magic.

––Similar to that time…!

Ash remembered the fight with the Necromancia. The <Seikoku> on his left arm glowed and became painful. When the pain reach its maximum point… Ash’s body wrapped itself in a silver Ark. It was a completely weightless, magically constructed Ark. Perhaps they couldn't withstand the magic released by the Ark, the binding tools, ropes and chair all exploded.

"Oh … there is a proverb in the east that said 'The Buddha has to be covered with golden cloth, and man must be covered with cloth”, and the Ark really suits you. Glenn, what are your opinions? In your eyes does that look like an Ark?"

Glenn respectfully answered the Veronica’s question:

"Yes, I can’t be wrong. I sensed the unique magic that only an Ark possesses, and its element should be light. It's just that…"

"It's just that?"

"It is not exaggerating to say that it is an armour which doesn't have the feel of its creator at all."

As worthy of the captain of the escort, Glenn’s opinion directly hit the point.

"You cannot blame me for this!"

Eco declare to Glenn. It was undeniable that Eco was still a young dragon and did not have the power to create a true Ark on her own. On the other hand she was able to take the individual armour body parts, which were particularly suitable to Ash's body, from the massive blueprint stored in the Dragweiss, and then reassemble them. Thus, this present Ark was created.

"But… I don’t understand, even if this is not a complete Ark, what good does it do?"

Angela answered Veronica’s simple question.

"To tell the truth… He has a special talent. Although I have not yet identified the reason… He has a nickname of ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’ in this school. As far as I know, he is the only person who can ride other people's pal and his own. "

"I see. So that rare talent and the incomplete Ark enabled him to successfully defeat the Necromancia?"

Upon seeing Veronica’s happy facial expression Ash becomes angry.

"The facts are not like what you say! If not because of Princess-sama leading Lancelot to assist me, it would have never been possible for me to jump on to the Necromancia! But you… How you treat Princess!"

However Veronica, even after listening to Ash’s claims, remained unmoved.

"In other words… Silvia only played the role of a 'driver'."

Veronica’s comments towards Silvia are still bitter as ever. Just at that time the Ark turned into light particles and vanished. Upon seeing this, Veronica curls her lip to expose a harsh sneer.

"There is a time limit? Because of that it cannot be called a weapon, but it looks like it can be a tool used for an entertainment sideshow."

Veronica’s tone angered Ash.

"This is not a sideshow! Although it is just temporarily assembled. It is still an Ark that Eco created!"

“Are you Dumb? Weapons that only last a few minutes, if it is not a sideshow, what is it?"

"Err …"

"Also… Your relationship with Silvia is quite close. Are you a couple?"

At the very start to be asked such blatant questions made Ash blush. What’s more, hearing the word "couple" coming from Veronica’s mouth was also unexpected.

"I-I. How are we a couple?!"

"Hmm. A weird reaction, which makes people unsatisfied… I am really very dissatisfied!"

Veronica got up from the couch and stood before Ash.

"Well, I have decided! Ash, or whatever, I command you to temporarily serve as my servant! Glenn. Catch this kid for me!"

"Yes, Princess."

"What? Your nonsense… Are you even–– Ouch, owow!"

Glenn didn't give Ash any chance to raise any objections and carried him under his armpit.

"Glenn, prepare to head back to the Silvanus.”

Veronica flipped back her cloak and left the room with Glenn, carrying the resisting Ash, following her.

"Ironblood Valkyrie ~A.B.S.1365.5~" is closed.

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

Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted

Part 1

Early in the morning, Ash put on his uniform and rushed out of the magicship Silvanus straight to school. Since he had obtained Veronica’s permission last night the guards in charge did not stop Ash. On the way there Ash didn't encounter Captain Glenn. Of course, Ash also simply did not want to meet him. By quickly running up the stairs he finally arrived at the Student’s Council’s office.

"I’m entering."

He opened the door without hesitation but just as he did so… An object, like a cannon, flew into his arms.

"Oh! ......Eco?"

Eco’s body was soft. Yesterday she probably went to stay in Rebecca's room for the night. She smelled a sweet scent. One that did not tire you of it and yet made you feel refreshed.

"Something wrong?"

Eco’s attitude made Ash feel troubled. The feeling was like that between a pet and its owner that have been separated for a long time, and it leaped at its owner when they were reunited. The thing that he doesn't understand is… Does Eco have those kind of feelings? They didn't see each other for only one night... And yet. Her personality has become so docile?

"It's annoying that you are so slow…..."

Eco buried her face in Ash’s chest and was reluctant to let go. Not only did she not let go, but there were also signs that she was hugging him a lot more tightly. The heat from her was transferring to Ash's body. If it was only just that… Then he could have let it be. Right after that thought, Eco grabbed Ash’s tie and pulled him right into the front of her face.

"S-Slow down. Wait... My neck is going to break ...!"

Ash quickly put his hand into the gap between tie and neck, which barely enabled him to breathe again. At least he was now free from the danger of suffocating. What was wrong with Eco so early in the morning? Her cheeks were bright pink and her eyes were watery. Ash was struggling but Eco continues to attack.

"Huff......"

After making that cute sound… Eco’s feet began to wrap around his leg.

Her legs in knee socks, one of them sliding in between Ash thighs. The moment her soft thigh came into contact with his crotch his whole body shivered.

"No...... My body is so hot... I can’t stand it any longer." Eco gasped.

As she kept tugging at Ash’s tie while lifting her body up.

Her half opened lips moved towards Ash’s cheek––

"Uwaa!"

Extending her tongue she gently licked Ash’s cheek. Like a dragon who wants to be spoiled by its master.

"...... Ah?"

At this moment… Ash spotted something–– from Eco's mouth there came a rose like smell.

"You...... Show me the inside!"

Is this...... alright!

"Is this......alright?" Eco says after she jumps down.

The usual Eco would ignore Ash’s order. However this morning, it was now like she was a different person. Her cheeks were getting redder and she stared at Ash’s face.

Being flirted with by her eyes… Ash saw Eco actually gently lift her miniskirt.

"... Huh?" Obviously Eco was confused about what 'inside' meant.

For the moment Ash just couldn't understand what was happening right in front of him.

"You...!"

Ash almost fell backwards.

The thing clinging to Eco’s pure white skin almost caused his awareness to be swept away. That underwear, embellished with lots of lace, was designed for adults! Suddenly he came back to his senses… Ash obstinately held Eco’s hands.

"What are you doing you fool! I'm not talking about the skirt. It's what's inside your mouth!"

"Umm... I know..."

Eco with a flushed face opened her mouth halfway. Behind her pearl white teeth, a pink tongue was seen.

"So this stuff is the culprit!"

On Eco’s tongue was a piece of round candy. A strong Ansal smell went into his nostrils. Even though Ansal was harmless to humans, it brought a strong intoxicating effect to the dragons. Like alcohol was to humans… Ansal's smell brought pleasure to dragons. The problem was that Eco was only a young dragon. Even with only a small amount of Ansal the result it brought was hard to predict.

"Come on. Quickly spit it out!"

"Nn....”

Eco exhaled a mouthful of heat, and firmly grasped Ash’s tie. Even though Eco was a petite girl, her strength was still like a dragon. Ash, unable to do anything, could only let her pull him–– Eco, with Ash immobilised, and whose mouth was half-opened with her lips...

At the same time, Eco’s tongue broke past the barrier.

"...!"

The two sticky and slippery tongues entangled. The unimaginable shock made Ash’s mind go blank and transfixed in place.

"Tee hee..."

During that time of contact, the candy was rolled into Ash’s mouth. Through his mouth, Ash could still feel Eco’s body radiating from the mouth-fed candy, which was melted into half of its original volume. Ash was utterly entranced.

"You… Just now..."

His face felt so hot that it seemed as though flames were about to burst from it. Before, Ash was wholly concentrated on the mouth-fed candy. That was why it was only now that Ash found their lips tightly pressed together. Eco then slowly averted her face, revealing a devilish smile. Thinking hard of what had just happened… Wasn't that his first kiss with Eco?

"Nn....”

Suddenly, like a puppet whose strings were cut, Eco fell limp. She buried her face in Ash’s arms and fell into a deep sleep. Seems like the drunken Eco had finally fallen asleep.

"Really... She only knows how to give people headaches."

Just as Ash breathed a sigh of relief–– A new voice is heard...

"..... From the position between a human and a dragon, your behaviour just does not sound healthy."

"Uwaaa!"

Hearing a surprisingly calm voice, Ash was shocked.

- Glup!

The candy in his mouth was accidentally swallowed.

"....Rebecca! Since when have you been here?"

Rebecca leisurely crossed her arms in front of her chest, as she stood in the doorway. Her face was wearing a snappish smile.

Rebecca leisurely crosses her arms in front of her chest, as she stood in the doorway. Her face is wearing a snappish smile.

"Do you even need to ask? Of course… When Eco ran out of the room."

"Isn't it that you were here from the beginning to end? Why did you stand on the side-lines and not come to my aid!"

"Well that scene was very exciting! Oh, Ash, by the way, that underwear Eco is wearing belongs to me."

"Yikes...!"

After hearing that, Ash cannot help but think about Eco’s exposed underwear...

Those laces flooded his whole mind, the material should be silk, right? He remembers the top has a unique gloss. It turns out that Rebecca usually wore those kind of underwear–– After getting lost in his imagination Ash returned to his senses.

"Hey! That's not the point! I would like to know why Eco’s mouth was stuffed with that candy."

"Ahh. You mean that? That is my self-prepared, personal snack. When she saw me licking it on my palm, Eco came and begged for one. When I saw her eager face… How could I heartlessly refuse? "

"Rebecca, even when you knew the Ansal herb will have a bad effect on Eco, why did you continue to let her eat it?"

"Huu? ... I do not understand what you mean by that."

Rebecca exposed a playful smile and hid inside her room.

Part 2

Rebecca looked at the faces of all those who were present.

"Then let the meeting begin. Silvia will not be present for today’s meeting... So there are only three people left?"

She was correct. Right now. The ones who are sitting around the table are Rebecca, Max and Ash, the trio. By the way… Eco was lying on the couch. The Vice President and the Secretary didn't seem like they intended to attend this morning either.

"Right... Doesn't it feel a little lonely?”

After Ash stated this Rebecca looked at him ridiculously.

"Any problem with it Ash? Are you so lonely when Silvia is not here? Is Rebecca onee-san not enough to satisfy you?"

"How could I dare to think so?!!"

Ash was too nervous to know what to do next. Max, right beside him, was also shocked but he interrupts:

"President. We don't have the time. Please don't tease Ash anymore and quickly begin the meeting."

"Hmm. You’re right. Every time I see Ash… I just want to make fun of him."

Rebecca, with a bitter smile, returns back to the topic.

"As you have heard, Princess Veronica's condolence trip is going to be held this afternoon. Actually... We must represent the academy’s students by accompanying the Princess."

Ash sensed something bad.

"The people who are going to accompany the Princess must be Max, Ash, Eco and I. This is Princess Veronica’s orders. We do not have the right to refuse."

Just like what he sensed… His bad feeling was correct.

"Princess Veronica has many enemies. If someone wants to assassinate the Princess they certainly will not miss this great opportunity. Even though there are the seven escorts who are in charge of the security, we still should not neglect precautionary measures. We, as mere Dragner's, must also be mentally prepared to be able to protect the Princess when there is danger."

"Please. May I ask ..."

Ash timidly raised his hand.

"Is there a problem Ash?"

“Rebecca-san. You're not a 'mere' but a dignified Ark-Dragner. Max, also, is an outstanding Dragner but I'm just a humble breeder.”

"What nonsense are you talking about? Didn't you also have the famous title 'Silver Knight'?"

"... That's not the kind of title I want. Even if you give it to me for free."

"But I think that it's suitable for you. Back to the topic... The next thing is the main point."

After changing the topic… Rebecca showed a serious expression and passed the information in her hands to Ash and Max. That was commonly known as a 'Wanted Poster'. The entire sheet of paper was full of the details of the criminal’s characteristics and looks. The reward offered actually reached up to one million Eccles. Compared to a normal reward this amount was excessively large.

"We received some information from a certain party that 'Avdocha the Convicted' has infiltrated Ansarivan. Everyone please be very careful."

Part 3

The Ansarivan revival operations were well underway. The noise, hustle and bustle of construction and repair sounded off in St Durham’s Square one after another;

The sound of the roaring man supervisor. The sturdy frame operator’s loud cry. The knocking sounds of the hammers. The Necromancia’s attack had happened a full two weeks ago. The Square had been razed to ruins, and yet today the revival operation was going on smoothly. Magicship Silvanus landed slowly from above the square. Right after she safely alighted from the magicship… Veronica immediately, with a loud voice, announced to the public:

"Dear countrymen! Thank you for your hard work!"

On recognizing the heroic Veronica… The scene suddenly changed into full of cheers.

"Wow. It's the Princess Veronica Her Royal Highness!"

"To even think that Her Royal Highness would actually come to a place like this..."

"That armour really looks valiant!"

Every worker stopped doing their work as they were all moved and full of tears. However, Veronica just stared at them fiercely and...

"Who allowed you to rest?! Why are you bothering with my existence. Immediately continue with your work!"

At Veronica's loud voice, even the earth would shake! Furthermore, the Asias that were brought to the construction site were also shivering.

"Yes. Princess!"

Even though all the workers were burly, self-confident and brawny, they were all now feeling particularly vulnerable and hurried to resume their own work. The sense was more like a strict supervisor who came rather than a condolence visit. Ash, standing beside Veronica, couldn't help but laugh bitterly. Rebecca, Max, Ash and Eco, the four of them followed along with the arrangements made in the meeting this early morning. They are accompanying Veronica as the student representatives.

"Hmm... There is something strange."

Eco from the start was looking around aimlessly.

Did she find out something unusual using her dragon’s intuition? If that was so, the situation they were in will be a serious one, it was most likely an enemy of Veronica.

"Eco? Is there anything suspicious?"

Ash asked Eco with a nervous voice, but she then revealed an extremely unhappy expression.

"The crepe stall is gone."

"... Hu?"

"I said, I can’t find the stall selling crepes!"

Ash was dumbstruck. What Eco liked to eat the most was none-other than the crepes sold in the stall in St Durham Square.

"You tell me... What Crepe seller will do business in this construction site?"

"Wuhu...... My crepes..."

Eco was so disappointed that she showed a dejected expression and there were tears whirling in her eyes.

"Really.. I can’t stand you any longer. The owner must have moved his stall to some other part of the streets. Later we will look for it together… Alright?"

"Really?"

Once she heard this, Eco immediately smiled dazzlingly.

"...!"

Her smile was like a full blooming rose of which Ash could not help but stare at her deeply.

"Is something wrong?" Eco asked when noticing Ash's stare.

Right after Eco confusedly asked… Only then did Ash come back to his senses and, with a pumped up attitude, cleared his throat.

"Ahem. No. Nothing......"

In short. His bribery had been successful and Eco will, temporarily, quiet down. After all, he was now playing the role of Veronica’s guard with a heavy responsibility. Just in case this job was messed up by Eco, it would be hard for him to make sure that his head stays on his neck. Using crepes in exchange for the safety of his head… This price was nothing.

"Hmm. Using the strength of an Asia? A breeder who chooses to be a civil engineer is really rare."

"Y- Yes. I’m just lucky!"

At the same time Ash was trying to keep Eco calmed down, Veronica’s condolence trip was smoothly being carried out. Apart from the square, the surrounding buildings had also been damaged by the Necromancia. Which was why there were many carpenters working there right now. The carpenter Veronica was talking to seemed to be a breeder and at the side an Asia can be seen pulling a trolley. The fierce looking carpenter, due to excessive fear when facing Veronica, looked very nervous. Somehow, this scene was really amusing. Looking at that the kind of laid-back scene Ash suddenly remembered the name that Rebecca brought up at the morning meeting.

--‘Avdocha the Convicted'

According to the report; She had the blood of a Tantalos. From a young age she had been doing guerrilla activities in the mountains. Later on she spread out from the mountains and was involved in terrorist attacks across the continent. She was very famous for her anti-establishment activity. But five years ago, in the capital City of Fontaine, after Veronica’s assassination ended in failure… She was never seen again. Some reports stated that such an activist is likely to stage a comeback for Veronica. Of course, the credibility of those reports were yet to be verified but they still must be prepared for the worst. Ash gathered his nerve and whispered in Eco’s ears.

"Hey, Eco."

"... What’s the problem?"

"In case that I ran into a dangerous situation… Could you make me the Ark?"

"Well. Do you even want that kind of patch up work? I don’t mind, but there will be conditions-"

"Alright, alright, no matter how many crepes you want to eat... I’ll buy them for you."

Except for the ansal flavor crepes... Ash, in his heart, silently added just as the nearby church bell rang. That was the bell to indicate one o’clock in the afternoon.

"It is already this late...?"

Listening to the solemn bell, Silvia's face suddenly emerged in Ash's mind. The building around St Durham Square had more than one church. At this time Silvia should be complying with Veronica's command by offering her prayers in the St Valeria’s church for repentance. Just when Ash took Silvia’s feelings into account, and his mood was subsequently depressed, something happened.

Suddenly. -Boom!

The sound of an explosion was heard.

"W-What happened?"

Ash, surprised, looked toward the other end of the town square.

A thick black smoke is seen rising into the sky.

"It can’t be ...!"

The worst thought came up in Ash mind. The location where the black smoke arose were St Valeria’s clock tower. At the same time the explosion occurred, the public presently gathered in the square started screaming and the crowded site degraded into a mess. After all, only a few days ago they were subjected to the Necromancia's attack. Because of that, the present reaction of the town citizens were particularly extreme.

“-Princess please return to Silvanus.”

Glenn’s voice was heard at this time.

"You’re right." Said Veronica, as she just calmly nodded without blinking an eye.

Ash who could not help but angrily interrupt said:

"Didn't you see that church? Princess may be right inside there -"

However, Veronica coldly interruptted Ash:

"Don’t worry. From this moment, I declare that Silvanus will become the strategic headquarters of this Operation. All of you, please return together."

Even when her biological sister might be caught up in the bombing, Veronica’s calm attitude really pissed people off.

Part 4

Silvia arrived at the St Valeria’s Church under Veronica’s order and she did not even bring her maid Cosette with her. St Valeria’s statue was positioned on the altar and was one of the Twelve Apostles who served St Rosa Maria. In the denomination of Rosa Maria's bible; St Valeria was not only portrayed as a woman full of compassion, but also the protector of law. In addition to Silvia, there were also many people who patronised the church. Most of them looked like tourists though. So, those who were like Silvia––who had their own troubles––were of the minority.

“St Valeria. Please forgive my imprudent actions."

Silvia knelt in front of the altar and began to pray.

"St Valeria..."

At this time, someone else right beside Silvia was non-stop praying. That voice felt very familiar.

"Please bless me so that I will get pregnant with 'Silver Knight'-sama's child......"

"What are you praying for?!!"

"Kyaa!"

THUND. That person was so shocked by the other roaring voice that she screamed and fell backwards. Silvia carefully looked at her face.

"...I knew it was you, Jessica Valentine!"

Jessica stood up straight and stared back at Silvia.

"Oops. Look at you… You're not with the Princess? I thought you were to accompany Princess Veronica for her condolence trip today."

"Err... Sorry to tell you that I did not accompany her!"

"Y-You. What are you getting angry about?"

"Give me a break! That is not the point… How come you're here?"

Jessica obviously did not understand the reason Silvia was so angry.

"Well. I just wanted to beg St Valeria to bless me for an easy childbirth..."

"St Valeria is a protector of law! You have looked for the wrong Saint! "

"Hmm. I’m not like the rest, I won’t even bother such a small detail."

"What type of small detail is this?”

"Hm... If you keep on clinging to petty things like this… You will never be on equal footing with the Princess!"

Silvia, who felt her weakness exposed, suddenly became furious.

“What did you say? Outsiders like you will never understand!"

“It's obvious at a glance–– There's too much difference in both of your open-mindedness."

"Ugh! How shameless are you... to talk about someone else's pain!"

"Oops. It is your pain? Oh… As a royal you are far behind Veronica-sama. In your open-mindedness and as a Dragner your strength is far less than 'Silver Knight'-sama; I advise you to learn how to be a woman, you can take this noble’s daughter as an example."

"What did you say......?"

Silvia couldn't bear with it any longer and her rational thinking snapped. She felt that what Jessica implied was as if she is trying to persuade her to hurriedly marry Glenn. Although logically it is impossible for Jessica to know of her arranged marriage with Glenn, but Silvia could’t care about the details so much.

"Ha! A mere Randall family’s servant even has the nerve to ask me to take her as an example? Even my toes are laughing!"

Jessica's face turned from red to white and back to red.

"Can it be Rebecca had told you...?"

"Don’t worry, under the president’s order, I will not spread this to the public. But, I would like to advise you to have a little restraint and stop falsifying your status."

Lips trembling, Jessica fiercely glared at Silvia.

"Then I’ll ask you... Can you guarantee that your actions are never related to falsehood?"

"I-I..."

Silvia was also afraid that someone will see through her timid side, which was why she was always pretending to be strong. As one of the Lautreamont Knight Country’s Princess' she was trying her hardest to play the ideal image of ‘This is what a princess should do’. Isn't such behaviour also taken as falsehood?

"Oops. Could it be that I hit the bull’s eye?"

"N-No. That's not it...”

Just while Silvia intended to voice a rebuttal-

-Boom!

The sound of explosion came from above.

The floor shook due of the impact, while dust, sand and stones fell from the ceiling. Judging from this evidence… There seemed to have been an explosion upstairs.

"Kyaa!"

Silvia was so frightened she inadvertently clung to Jessica. Maybe Jessica was equally caught up in the panic she wrapped her arms around Silvia and hugged her hard. Silvia and Jessica’s screams were like a trigger which made the other visitors cry. It was only one explosion but compared to the original sacred atmosphere of the Church, it instantly turned into a living hell. At this time… A condescending shadow was cast over the apalling scene.

"Who’s that person?"

Silvia's eyes widened. Black hair, with gimmering eyes full of evil. Wearing a native folk costume, with a high degree of exposure, an almost tanned coloured skin can be seen. Like in a drama, the woman began to speak:

"‘Blame the sin, rather than the sinner!’ What a joke! The fragile mind of a human is the root of all evil, and all who are sinners will never escape death!"

WHACK! The woman snapped a toss of the whip in her hand––

"I am called "Avdocha the Convicted’"!" The woman said in a high and mighty manner.

Silvia became dumbstruck. She remembered that name.

"How come... this person is 'Avdocha the Convicted’?"

Silvia knew about the existence of this anti-establishment activist. Long ago… She had also seen her 'wanted order' several times. Her reward amount is up to one million Eccles. However, the woman in front of her had the face of a child, a petite body, and a childlike appearance, which caused others to disbelieve she was a battle-hardened terrorist. She was totally different from the picture in the wanted poster. But the woman looked at the visitor with a calm expression.

Even while her body looked petite, she was still able to look down from up high. That was because she was standing on the back of a basilisk! Under the sight of the big rolling eyes that only a basilisk has––

"Eek...!"

Both Silvia and Jessica trembled. The extreme fear caused them to not release each other’s hands.

––––Basilisk!

Even though they bear a striking resemblance to lizards, their size is nowhere near that of a normal lizard. Although they were well known as close relatives of an Asia, judging from the body's appearance, there was not even a slightest hint that they had a Dragon's intellect. After capturing it... To tame such monster and ride it like a horse, no matter what, it could never be done by an ordinary person. So the only explanation is… The woman in front is none-other than 'Avdocha the Convicted’––

"From now on, you are all hostages! Just don’t act rashly and I will not take your life! On the other hand... If someone dares to fight back… Don’t blame me if we use you to feed him!"

Following Avdocha’s order, the basilisk made an earth-shattering roar.

Part 5

The atmosphere of the airship Silvanus’s navigation room was very tense. The crew, led by the helmsman, were at their posts; They were ready to take off at any time.

"Huhu... It's hard even for me to tolerate this, Glenn." said Veronica who was smiling while sitting on the captain seat.

"Yes. Veronica-sama." nodded Glenn seriously in agreement.

Apart from the escort’s captain Glenn who was by Veronica’s side, the other six escorts were on their dragons responsible for the protection of Silvanus.

Under Veronica’s order Rebecca, Max, Ash and Eco ––members of the student’s council–– also gathered in the navigation room.

"Hey.... How can you be so calm? The church that Princess is in was attacked!"

Ash, unable to restrain his emotions, questioned. Veronica, on the captain’s seat, comfortably crossed her legs and teased:

"You're too inexperienced Ash. During the Necromancia's attack, were your emotions this unstable? If it is so, then you were just lucky the last time–– You'd better give some deep thought about it or else you cannot guarantee even your own life."

"What did you say?"

"Veronica-sama!"

At this moment the communication sergeant, while looking back at Veronica, interrupts Ash.

"There is a signal from St Valeria’s Church!"

Beside the communication sergeant’s hand, the Bright-Dragon-Crystal next to the magic communicator was shining.

"Connect to it."

"Understood!"

The magic communicator continued to flash for a while then a projection appeared in mid-air.

"––!"

Ash gasped. Even though he knew that this is a type of oracle, he had never seen such method. The technology must have been imported from the Empire. Although there was a lot of static noise, the scene shown on the screen looked like the interior of the St Valeria’s church–– St Valeria’s statue set on the altar statue proved this fact. The only thing was, the screen didn't show the hostages. Of course, that didn't rule out that Silvia could have been abducted.... which made Ash anxiously clench his fists.

At this moment… The projection screen suddenly showed a woman's face.

『 "I am called 'Avdocha the Convicted’. Wait, since we are already familiar with each other, I don’t need to announce my name… Right Veronica?"』 She again spoke with a haughty and powerful voice.

"You're right. So could you quickly tell me what your demand is?"

Veronica showed the calm demeanor of a royal family.

"She is...'Avdocha the Convicted’?"

Ash's eyes widened and he turned speechless. Seeing her childlike face Rebecca, Max and Eco seem to feel the same way as Ash. All of their faces looked stunned and skeptical. Because comparing between her looks and the arrest warrant they received earlier… They were apparently two completely different characters.

The portrait in the arrest warrant looks like a 24-year-old she-leopard with a sharp look, which gave the feeling of a veteran guerrilla soldier......

『 "I’ll let you have a look at this first!"』

The screen suddenly focuses at another person’s body.

The altar of the Rosa Maria’s religion was magnificently decorated with its symbolic totem wing like crucifix. However, there is a person tied to the winged cross.

Ash and the others turned speechless and not just because of Avdocha's fetishes.

"Jessica...?"

Rebecca, who knew her since childhood, muttered blankly.

She was not wrong, the one tied on the winged cross was––the president of the SKFC––Jessica Valentine, of all people. Evidently she seemed to have inadvertently become a hostage.

"That’s t-too much!"

Ash's lips were trembling. Jessica was actually only wearing her underwear. Apart from her underwear and knee socks the rest of her clothing were mercilessly stripped away. The humiliated Jessica was desperately struggling to hold back her tears. Not only that, there are also squiggles on top of her bare belly that read:

The humiliated Jessica was desperately struggling to hold back her tears.

- The Head of Valkyrie!

"That. Is that text in blood...?"

"No. That does not look like blood. It should be something like lipstick.”

Rebecca swept away Ash’s worry.

"Hmm... To even use hostages as a meat shield to make me offer my head. She is really an insatiable woman." Veronica calmly remarked. Even after witnessing Jessica’s inhumane treatment, Veronica was still so easy going. At this time, the screen slowly moves downwards, and the altar was shown.

"...What is that?"

Ash frowns.

Around the altar, there were black objects that give the impression of a "machine". Although it was an extremely strange and rarely seen thing, they were filled with a dangerous atmosphere that can never be found coming from equipment within the church.

From the screen Avdocha's voice was heard again:

『 "As you can see we have a bomb set up in the church. This is an Empire made mechanical bomb. Once detonated, the church will immediately be blown to pieces. Also, I am a person who has no patience. Every time the bell rings... I’ll kill a hostage."』

"What did you say...?!"

Ash excitedly clenched his fists. She was threatening that every hour there will be someone who will lose their life. Until the next time the bell rings… there was only around fifty minutes.

『 "Hehe... I can’t wait to see your head when it is off your neck Veronica."』

Once finished with these words the communication was terminated. It seems that Avdocha stopped it herself.

"Your Highness. What should we do now?"

Rebecca asked, but a sneer is shown on Veronica’s mouth. The coldness of her sneer, caused Ash’s hair to stand up straight.

"I’ll never compromise with terrorists. If we face an emergency situation we’ll use the main canon of Silvanus to blow up the whole church."

"What ..."

After hearing this emotionless declaration, Ash felt as if he was punched at the back of his head.

Even when she knew that Silvia may also be inside the church. But...

"You are really...!"

Ash finally understands the reason Veronica is given the title 'Ironblood Valkyrie'.

Part 6

---Moving backwards slightly in time---

Nearly a hundred worshipers were taken hostage along with Silvia. Of course, due to unexpected events, they were trembling endlessly while still trying to grasp the situation that they were in. The terrorist’s mastermind was 'Avdocha the Convicted’. There were nine soldiers surrounding them.

The nine soldiers give off the feeling that they were from the mountains and were large, muscular men. They were dressed in their folk costumes; With an eagle looking mask on their face they were equipped with the mountain people's usual whip and shamshir dagger among others. The nine men seemed to be loyal to Avdocha. In contrast to their savage like looks, they accepted orders just like any regular army soldiers. Avdocha's objective was to defeat Veronica and she probably wanted to take advantage of the 100 hostages to achieve her goal.

"is there nothing that we can do?"

As the Knight’s Royal Princess… What can I do? Just as Silvia was thinking this, her first thought is the intention to expose her identity as the princess.

"As long as I identify myself, we could ask them to release the hostages......"

It was not an exaggeration to have this idea, because she could use her own value as the princess.

If she can use a person's freedom in exchange for the safety of the public… Isn't this a very good bargain?

"I will never allow you to do this!"

Surprisingly, Jessica actually tried to stop Silvia. When she heard Silvia talking to herself, with a low voice, she advised her to give up on the idea.

"Once they know that you are Princess Veronica’s sister there’s no one who can guarantee your safety."

"The problem is... If I am the only person who will be sacrificed and these people can be saved––"

"Do not look down on others! I never had the intention to sell you out for my freedom! For I'm Jessica Valentine!"

At this time, Avdocha, who was originally busy giving orders to the men, suddenly turned around and look back at Silvia and Jessica.

"Well, well, well.... There is someone who has the leisure to whisper around even when they are in danger. You really have guts to be doing that."

She took the reins of the basilisk and moved closer to the two. The basilisk with its heavy steps gives off a pressuring feeling; Silvia was almost scared out of her wits. However. Jessica was the opposite. She stood up from the spot.

"I am Jessica Valentine!"

"So?"

"Don’t look at me like that. I'm a well-known noble! Out of respect for me… Can you promise that you would never harm the other hostages?"

The heroic act gave Silvia a hard hit. In such a situation… She actually had the courage to claim herself as a noble...!

Avdocha sitting on the basilisk’s back, her eyes narrowed into a crack.

“Noble? I've never heard of the Valentine house... Anyway. We appreciate your foolhardiness; I’ll now give you an important task! Arrest her!"

Two of Avdocha's men came forward without a word and held Jessica from both sides. Without any explanation they dragged her to Avdocha. Like a comforting thought Silvia imagined that there is nothing that needs to be worried about. However what unfolded in front of all hostages was a tragic scene.

First, Jessica's clothes were torn and stripped off. Then, Avdocha personally took a lipstick and wrote on her belly 'The Head of Valkyrie!’

Jessica from the start to the finish didn't moan once and not even a drop of tears flowed out from her eyes. She just gritted her teeth and bore all this, but it was not difficult to tell what she was experiencing. Finally, Jessica was taken to the altar and tied to the cross.

"Jessica... I've misunderstood you. In fact. You are a lot nobler than a true noble."

-Compared to me. I-I’m...... Actually weak and incompetent.

She could use her identity as a Dragner and fight back...... It was not that Silvia didn't have this idea; the problem was, as long there were hostages, there was no way to summon Lancelot while in the church. This space in the church was too small for Lancelot to use its skills.

"Damn... Why am I... this useless?!"

Apart from sitting down together timidly with the other hostages, in addition to unable to do anything, Silvia deeply hated herself.

Part 7

"'Avdocha the Convict'? How can this be possible ...!" Anya murmured.

Anya, who was disguised as a flower girl, was mixed amidst about a hundred hostages inside the church.

In order to prevent her men, who deeply hated Veronica, from taking any actions Anya also infiltrated Ansarivan. She only went to the St Valeria’s Church to gather information but was unfortunately drawn into Avdocha's terrorist act. 'Avdocha the Convict' was a legend in the mountains. Since she was lost in a military operation there were no more rumors about her anymore. So many thought that she had died...

Anya since her childhood had already heard her name and looked up to her. Avdocha had left her village with numerous heroic legends. Of course, this was the first time Anya saw her. She had only seen her portrait in the wanted poster in the past at best. The beauty on the wanted poster was a perfect match with the title 'Avdocha the Convicted'. The record breaking reward amount, one million Eccles, was also a stunner. Anyway, the person herself was not the same.

-I actually didn't expect that she had such a petite body... Logically speaking… Her actual age should be around the twenties. Anya thought to herself.

That aggressive basilisk who was tamed and obeyed her, was the best evidence that she was likely Avdocha. Because in Avdocha's heroic legend, the basilisk didn't just play a small role. However, from Anya’s point of view, there were too many things that didn’t fit.

- Such a terrorist act... is nothing but foolhardy.

In this world… There were plenty of rebels who recklessly sacrificed their own lives. The Tantalos tribe, since a long time ago, seemed to be popular with suicide attackers. However, judging from the rumors spread on many parts of the mountains, at the very least Avdocha was not that kind of reckless person. She not only led successful fights one after another, in the end she always survived–– Because of this, Avdocha had become a legend. Even after the ‘killed in action’ message was well known, people still think that "maybe she is still alive somewhere in the world". That was the part that made Avdocha so scary and also added some style to her legend. Against such legendary exploits, it was impossible for her to do such a foolhardy act as this......

Anya felt that instead of thinking about these problems she should worry about her own safety.

––Yes... In fact, what's she going to do next?

Since Avdocha had already set the time limit, they will die if they just sit still. Not to forget each time the bell rang… One of the hostages will be killed... How about if she revealed that she is also from the Tantalos tribe–– Even she did think that… Anya quickly waved off this idea. She is a veteran.

Such people will not take Anya in as her companion just because of the same skin colour. To act rashly will probably end up with a harsh lesson like that of Jessica Valentine. Although under Milgauss' help, the mountainous people's dispute was finally able to calm down, but there were a lot of Tantalos family who gave up their home and choose to come out from the mountains. That trend resulted in many people, who were not mountain emigrants, that had the same tanned skin colour as Anya's increasing.

Moreover. There were rumors:

Princess Veronica established a force consisting of foreigners. She also intended to use a different army system for them than from the Knight's army. They were also for other uses. Also, there seemed to be many mountain people who were included in the group.

––I shouldn't act rashly or else I’ll be suspected as a soldier from the foreign force......

Even though Anya was disguised as a flower girl… But that woman was still Avdocha. Perhaps she may recognize that Anya had once undertaken military training at a glance.

––If that's so… Then the smart move is to temporarily blend in with the hostages and see what’s going to happen next.

After concluding all that, Anya was hugging her knees with her hands and her head was buried in between them. This way she did not need to face Avdocha directly. If she can just avoid doing any unsightly behaviour, no matter how many times the bell sounded, Anya will never be so unlucky and be killed? After all, the number of hostages are as many as 100 people......

But God is never gonna let her get off so easily. Beside Anya there was a mother shaking while holding her baby. Maybe the baby sensed her mother’s anxiety, the look on it's face was as if it's going into burst into tears anytime.

- Please be good...!

Anya immediately pulls her cheeks and began to coax the baby.

"Chaa...♪"

It was probably that her act was funny but fortunately the baby also gave a happy grin.

She silently felt relieved within her heart, but at the same time she started to hate herself.

- What am I actually doing...?

Part 8

Rebecca suddenly speaks to Veronica.

"Are you going to send someone to negotiate?"

Veronica seems like she is interested in this proposal, and looks to Rebecca. Even when the person she was speaking to is Veronica, Rebecca was still without fear, and gracefully stated her views:

"We must not use the main cannon of the Silvanus until the very end. I think we should make this our trump card and only use it when we are left with no other choice."

"Alright, we’ll follow to according what you had said."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"The question is who will become the negotiator?"

Rebecca responded with a confident smile to Veronica.

"Public order of Ansarivan, since ancient times, has been maintained by the Student Council, so I think we should send someone from the council. If it's just a regular student I think they'll let their guard down."

Hearing Rebecca's rhetoric, Ash felt anxious. Since Silvia was taken as hostage, and the vice president and secretary were nowhere in sight as usual, the candidates left behind were the trio of Rebecca, Max, and Ash.

Of course, everyone knew that Rebecca was the most suitable person for this task, but -

"I recommend Ash Blake as negotiator."

Rebecca made a very surprising recommendation.

"Huh?"

Ash suspected he'd heard it wrongly.

"That... Rebecca-san, you're serious about it?"

Just when Ash was at loss, Eco interrupted Rebecca.

"Are you kidding? Do you want to let this guy go alone into such dangerous place?"

Facing Eco's fury, Rebecca replied her with a playful smile.

"Could it be that you are worried about Ash?"

Eco suddenly blushed.

"T-Th-That… How is that possible? What I’m protesting about is that you don’t have the rights to order my meat slave!"

Once those words were blurted out… The atmosphere in the navigation room immediately froze. Even the officers who were in charge of the steering and the communication secretly peeped at Ash as if he was a suspicious person.

"Wait! Don’t talk any nonsense that’ll make people misunderstand!"

The ‘meat slave’ that Eco means was someone who will present their own flesh to their owners when they are hungry. But, by no means, were those officers imagining that kind of meaning. But the situation right now did not allow Ash to explain himself just because everyone threw him a suspicious glance. Finally, Veronica broke the silence.

"Well... I didn't think that you were actually Eco’s ‘meat slave‘. I admire you have some backbone."

"That’s why I say it is a misunderstanding!"

Veronica looked at Ash who was desperately denying.

"Is there anything to be shy about? Isn't it that ‘meat slaves‘ are those who give their own flesh for their lord when they are aware that their lord is at the risk of starvation?"

"That’s why I say it is a misunderstanding... Huh?!"

Ash was stunned.

"You are really strange. If there is any other meaning… Why don’t you speak it out loud?"

Veronica replied with a serious expression. As if she only knew this meaning. Eco and Veronica's thinking seemed to have something in common.

"Yes, you're right! That’s what Eco’s ‘meat slave‘ means!"

After Ash grasped the opportunity to explain… The atmosphere of the navigation room finally calmed down. Finally, Ash escaped from those sharp glares and he let out a sigh of relief, but the most fundamental problem was not yet solved.

"In short, without my permission, you'll never be going to send him there!"

Eco, who was stubborn, refused to back down. Similarly, like her, Rebecca looked like she wasn't in a hurry either.

"Logically speaking, it's supposed to be my duty as president to go there––“

"Then you just only need to go to solve this problem!"

"The problem is that I cannot go because the terrorists should know that Rebecca Randall is an Ark-Dragner. If I was chosen as a negotiator it's likely that I’ll be ignored."

What Rebecca said was not unreasonable. If Ash was with the terrorists he would not greet Rebecca with open arms either.

"So Ash, do you think that you can do it? There is a time limit, but you still have an equal strength as an Ark-Dragner. Nevertheless. You are also the ‘Silver Knight’."

"Don’t joke around! This burden is really too heavy for me!! No matter what… I’m just an ordinary student!"

"That’s right. It can be presumed that the other party also sees you as an ordinary student. So this is the advantage."

"The problem is..."

"Don’t be afraid. Even if it is dangerous, Eco will defend you. Am I right, Eco?"

"Don’t you just simply speak in place of others!"

"Oh! So you mean to say that you cannot protect Ash? Is the Ark you made so fragile?"

"I, I didn't say that! Don’t you dare look down on my Ark!"

"Then, can you protect Ash?"

"Of course!"

Eco confidently lifted her chest.

Ash could only smile. Rebecca's technique was really amazing. He didn't know whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, but Eco did not even notice that she had fallen into Rebecca's trap.

“Don’t worry, Ash. Even when is Eco protecting you, I will not be bold enough to send you into the enemies’ den alone."

Rebecca, suddenly with a gentle smile, stretched out her hands and gently rests them on Ash’s shoulders.

"Huh?"

The distance between the two was so close that they could sense each other's breath. Even when it was an emergency situation, Ash still could not help but blush. A fragrant aroma could be smelled.

"I will wait for an opportunity to attack the church. It is just that I’ll not be doing the same thing as you. With the Ark, it's child’s play to break into the church through the foundation."

"Foundation?"

Ash at that time didn't understand what she meant.

"So. This is it!"

However. He then realised Rebecca's intentions.

The first thing was to stall for time by sending Ash into the church acting as a negotiator. Rebecca, on the other hand, was using the tunnels below to gain access to the church. Next they’ll use the oracle to blast through the foundation and surprise Avdocha.

"President! Please let me participate in your plan!"

Max shouted. When the Necromancia attacked the city Max was good for nothing and became a burden. He probably would like to take this opportunity to clear his name. Rebecca immediately rejected.

"Sorry Max. This time you won’t come in handy."

"... What?!"

Max, burnt out like a candle in the wind, stood motionless. Ash understood Rebecca's intentions; he knew she did not mean to ill treat him. Max, who still remained in the stage of a Dragner, can only show his true colours when he was riding his dragon. However this battle must be done in small scale and the large body of the dragon will only be in the way. The Ark-Dragner who can use the oracle specially for the Ark was very suitable for this kind of combat. Rebecca was right, despite the time constraints, Ash had that ability and thanks to Eco’s power Ash can give it a try. Since he has this ability, what should he do to fulfill his responsibility - Ash made up his mind.

"I’ll go. After all… Princess is waiting for us to save her."

"Well then. That's more like it." Rebecca said with a smile of appreciation.

She then turned back to face Veronica.

"Do you think this strategy is practical, Your Highness?"

Veronica on the captain’s seat shaking her other leg, gave a satisfied smile.

"Very well, Rebecca. We will make use of your combat strategy, but I do not want to let talented people like you to go on an adventure alone, I’ll let Glenn go with you."

"Captain Glenn’s combat power is what I sought for." Rebecca agreed immediately.

But Glenn opposed it.

"Veronica-sama, I’m the escort’s captain, is it really appropriate for me not to be beside you -"

"What are you talking about? Glenn?"

Veronica whispers in Glenn’s ear.

She is most probably asking him to personally rescue Silvia who is bound to be married to him- Ash thought.

Like a confirmation, to Ash’s prediction, Glenn for a moment exposed an unpleasant expression. Glenn, ever since he came to Ansarivan, has always maintained expression #1. So such changes must be really rare. Anyway, Glenn after all is a loyal servant to the king.

"...Yes. Princess."

After he respectfully bowed… His normal poker face returned. Ash of course did not agree with that absurd marriage but now is not the time to protest.

"Hey, Eco, can we make a deal?"

"Why?"

Ash stood next to Eco and quietly whispered.

Since the other party possessed Empire made bombs then countermeasures must be prepared in advance.

"...Can you do it Eco?"

Just as Ash expected, after listening to his combat strategy, Eco was puzzled.

"Huh? How do I know whether I can do it or not?"

"No. You can do it." smiled Ash with confidence at Eco.

"...?"

Eco simply did not expect that Ash would smile at this time and she fell into a confused silence.

"Remember the last time we fought the Necromancia? At least this opponent is a human. No matter what, it won’t be as difficult as last time."

"Well... perhaps it is like that this time."

"I’ll be looking forward to your performance. Eco."

Then, Ash placed his hand lightly on Eco’s shoulder.

"I-I know. But I’ve a condition––

“Crepes right? After everything is dealt with… I’ll bring you back to look for the stall."

Eco slightly lift her neck and looked up at Ash.

"...You still remember?"

"Of course I remember. Because you're my Pal."

"W- Why does Ash even have this type of aura around him...!"

Even when Eco angrily turned her face to the side… Her ears were still all red.

Part 9

After alighting from Silvanus Ash passed through the evacuated St Durham Square and moved towards St Valeria’s Church. On the way there, Ash suddenly remembered the tie clip. This was given to him by the communication officer before departing. Inside The tie clip, even though it looked ordinary, a small piece of Bright-Dragon-Crystal was inside and it sent any sound it received back to the Silvanus' navigation room. To put it bluntly. It was an ultra-micro magic communication tool. Only then Ash realise that this type of machinery existed in this world.

Who would think that he would actually take on such a chore? Ash couldn't help but secretly cry. But Rebecca's analysis was very reasonable; He couldn't deny that he was the most suitable person to play this role. After all Ash as a student, was unknown to the public but at the same time he had the same combat ability as an Ark-Dragner.

"Forget it. Anyway. Boats eventually straighten when they reach the docks."

After he finished thinking, he thrust his hands into the pockets of his trousers. He then maintained his speed and continued to walk forward. Rebecca and Glenn should now have departed towards the church through the underground tunnels. Just when Ash was 20 meters from the main entrance of the church––

-Shoo!

Beside his ears, a whizzing sharp sound was heard and the stone on the ground was followed by a "pop!" strange sound.

"...?"

Only after a full few seconds does Ash realised that someone was shooting at him!

"Are they the ones who fired the shot...!"

At the second floor church window the are two snipers. They were both armed with weapons that he suspected to be Empire-made sniper rifles.

Is Avdocha working with the Empire’s army? Or, are they using what they recover from their fights with the Empire...?

Let's put the origin of the weapons aside; the shooting just now was clearly a warning. If the sniper had the intention to kill, that shot probably would have killed Ash. After realizing he was one step away from death, Ash had a cold sweat. But he can't retreat at a time like this. Because Silvia was a hostage held inside the church––

"Do not be afraid...Eco is protecting me."

After Ash pumped himself up, he shouted toward the sniper:

"I’m Ash Blake and I’m here on behalf of the Student Council! Please let me in to negotiate with you!"

Even Ash did not think he sounded convincing but the ‘Student Council’ in this academy town held a great position. Since Avdocha was one of the leading activists she should know about this background knowledge.

"......"

They didn't respond. However. One of the snipers disappeared from the window. From a positive perspective Ash hoped that they are afraid of the student council.

"Well... How are they going to make their move?"

Ash, hands in his pocket, patiently waited for the outcome.

After a few minutes a heavy sound is heard–– "Crack..." The door slowly opened.

Part 10

Once he passed through the door, Ash was soon surrounded by three masked soldiers. After checking his items he was led to the altar. Fortunately. the soldiers didn't notice the tie clip and Ash was secretly relieved.

"Oh... So, kid, you're the negotiator?"

In front of the altar Avdocha, riding on the back of the basilisk, looked down at Ash. Although Avdocha called him a kid… Doesn't she think that her appearance looks a lot more childish? But, at this time, Ash shouldn't correct her.

"I am the student council representative for General Affairs. Ash Blake."

While declaring his name, at the same time, Ash quietly observed the entire scene. A half-naked Jessica was still tied to the altar’s wing cross. Because she was not moving Ash thought that she was dead. However. With a closer look there was still a sign of breathing in her chest. It seems that she just lost consciousness. The red text written on her belly was more shocking than seen through the screen. On the other hand… The hostages lined along the side walls were quiet. Ash found Silvia in a corner, thanks to the eye-catching academy uniform, Ash was able to find her.

"...!"

With a stunned look Silvia stared at Ash. Ash nodded slightly for Silvia to be at ease and moved his sight back to Avdocha.

"General affairs? It seems that I’m looked down upon."

"Even if our president personally came to negotiate… would you even let her in? You should already know that our president is an Ark-Dragner?"

Avdocha laughed.

“Hehe... You talk too much. Say… What you want to negotiate about? Our request is only a simple one; It's Veronica’s head. As long as you obediently hand over her head I’ll immediately release all the hostages. If not we will blow up the church. Things are just that simple. Are they not?"

"You really think we will accept such a request? She is the 'Ironblood Valkyrie'. If desperate enough that person would not hesitate to use the main cannon of Silvanus to blow this church, together with all the hostages, into ashes."

Once Ash blurted that out the hostages immediately began to become restless.

"What did you say?"

"Does Veronica-sama intend to do nothing about us...!"

"Disregard for human life!"

Avdocha cold sight shot through the panicked hostages.

"Silence!" With a sound loud enough to shake the earth.

Everyone kept quiet instantly.

"Is the purpose of this trip is to make the hostages panic? I’ve never seen such a foolish negotiator."

"I was just declaring the truth. If you continue to delay… you will all lose your lives in vain!"

"Do you think this threat will be effective?"

"I don't think so. I've heard a lot about what you have done... That’s why I do not understand why would you do such things?"

Avdocha did not directly answer the questions. She just change the subject.

"So be it... I’ll tell you about my past."

"What did you say?"

The unexpectedly development cause Ash to be caught unprepared.

"In fact. We have been looking for my sister that has disappeared for quite a long time."

"Sister?"

"Yeah, but, I still do not know whether she is alive or not. It's because of the mountain disputes that caused our separation."

Is she trying to arouse the sympathy of the people? Or that she has some other purposes?

"... What happened after that?"

Ash tried to maintain a sound-calm-look while silently urging her to continue.

"What I want to say is this. Talking about this... I heard that Veronica has three sisters. I would like to let her feel the pain of being separated from her sisters."

Ash feels that he has goosebumps. Damn. This situation is very bad. Ash finally understood why Avdocha deliberately brought up the sister topic. Because she wanted Veronica to also taste the same bitter feeling. Avdocha was not likely to let Silvia off lightly once she was exposed. Unfortunately, there were no signs that Rebecca and Glenn were about to break into the church.

- Are you alright Eco...?

With a desperate feeling Ash focused his attention on his left arm’s ‘Seikoku’. Through this 'Seikoku' Eco and Ash were able to communicate.

- Eco... Can you hear me?

But Eco did not respond.

Part 11

--- Dragon Workshop ---

This is but a space used by dragons to create their works. Even though Eco only had some knowledge about this space there was no doubt that this place was different from the real world. If the real world was defined as the physical world, then this can be compared to the spiritual world. Since they were not bound to the body anymore they can imagine freely. With some effort, flying to the sky is not a problem- Once Ash entered the church, Eco sent her spirit to the Dragon Workshop. Her true body was protected in Silvanus's navigation room so she didn't need to worry about the safety of her body. The floor was paved with checkerboard like white and black square tiles. On the wall, there were many works left behind by her ancestors and were hanging there without any order. Just like a museum of black and white.

"Welcome to the Dragon Workshop."

As usual. The woman called Navi comes forward to meet Eco.

"You again..."

Eco with a bored look stared at Navi. Frankly. Eco was not good at dealing with her. Today Navi was wearing a dark red dress and was sitting on an antique chair. When I grow up, will I become like her? Eco hated to look at her. Even her horns were different from Eco's as both of them are sharp and pointed.

"Isn't this only the second time we've met? How could that slow pace, of the two of us meeting, make you feel tired?"

"Hmph! I don't even want to come to this place!"

Eco impatiently talked back to Navi's teasing.

Sure enough. I have this headache whenever I meet this woman. Eco fretted.

"Do you not have even a little desire to create? As I have told you; Dragons are born craftsman. Do you really not want to help him––Ash Blake––create an original Ark? "

Eco’s cheeks suddenly felt hot.

"D-Don’t joke around, why would I want to help that guy...!"

"Well… I think he is a very great guy! Since 'every dragon would surrender to him' he is also very mysterious. You too… Quickly grow into your 'true form' and let him ride on you...Then you may be addicted to that feeling."

“'True Form'?”

Eco suddenly feel uneasy.

"What do you mean? In other words… My current form... Is just a deception? In the end… Why was I born in the human form?"

A flirtatious smile emerged on Navi’s face.

"Because the human form is also the real you."

"...?"

"But you are eventually a dragon and also Ash Blake’s Pal. I hope that you can soon be 'awakened' ."

"Weird. Somehow every time you talk… I feel a fire emerging in my belly!"

"Hehe... Sorry. I seem to like to tease you. Back to the topic. You are here in order to complete your mission… Are you not?"

"Hmm... Yeah. That guy asked me to prepare a suitable Ark against the Empire-made bomb."

"He intends to use the power of magic against machinery? Well… Here we go."

Although she was very unhappy with Navi's long-winded behaviour… Conditions did not allow her to continue to waste time in useless dialogue. So Eco closed her eyes and summoned the large number of designs left behind by her ancestors. The total number of these designs were well over a thousand. What Eco can do now, was to extract the parts which were suitable for Ash and re-build it into a new Ark suitable to go against the Empire-made bomb. Although it is only an 'extract and re-build' it will still consume a huge amount of magic. It will cause a huge burden on the young dragon Eco.

Even so. For Ash, who was in the enemy’s den, and also for her favorite crepes, Eco could only try… -

Part 12

Anya, who was mixed into the crowd, noticed something uniqe and her eyes widened while her thoughts went rambling on.

- That guy-!

The ‘Silver Knight’ who successfully controlled the Necromancia-

The one who has potential to become Milgauss' enemy in the future-

This guy not only came into the church as a negotiator but he also revealed his own name.

"The student’s Council’s representative for General Affairs-Ash Blake is it...? I’ll remember your name."

Even when out of nowhere she was caught in Avdocha's terrorist act, which caused her to fall into despair, but it was also a blessing in disguise because now she knew Ash’s name without putting in any effort. The only thing is, she had to leave this church alive, otherwise there was no meaning behind this. Not only each time the bell rings, they will kill a hostage… Veronica was also outside aiming the Silvanus' main cannon here.

So the first task is to get out of this dangerous place alive. Once any event that is not expected by Avdocha happens it's simple for her to escape. In order to grasp this opportunity she must make herself ready......

"Chaa... ♪"

The thing was… Anya was now carrying a baby.

––She's the ‘Ironblood Valkyrie’. If desperate enough she wouldn't hesitate to use the Silvanus' main cannon and turn this whole church together with the hostages into ashes. After hearing Ash’s announcement the mother, now laying beside her, was so scared that she lost consciousness.

Fortunately Anya had good reflexes and she managed to grab the baby, and narrowly avoided the disaster of the baby bursting into tears. The problem now was that the situation was still at a critical point.

"What can I do......"

After Anya muttered with a sigh, her chest suddenly felt numb and almost straightened her body.

It turned out that the baby stretched its arms to reach out and touched Anya's breast.

––M-My breast. Even Milgauss-sama had never touched them before!

The baby is probably hungry and wants to drink milk. Anya naturally couldn't produce any milk, and the baby's mother was still unconscious.

- What is your mom doing! How could this be possible just because she lived in the peaceful days for too long!

At the same time Anya was cursing in the bottom of her heart, the baby started to fondle her breast. All of a sudden it squeezed it with its hands, and the next moment it rubbed them with its face. Compare to its mother’s breasts Anya’s were a lot smaller. Maybe the baby is troubled with the difference between the two?

Finally, through the clothing, the baby actually bit Anya’s nipples.

"...... Ah!"

Under the strange sensation… Anya let out a weird noise. That caused her to blush with shame.

"Don’t you dare ask for too much!"

Anya quietly scolded it and forces the baby away from her chest.

Unexpectedly, the baby turned sour...

"Woo Woo ... hick… ... Waaaaaa!"

It suddenly burst into tears. Anya looks ashed, even when she tried to please the baby, but it was a complete failure. She couldn't be blamed for this because she had never taken care of a child

- Damn...... if Avdocha......

However, in only five seconds, Anya’s worries become reality.

"So noisy...... Can’t a mother of the Knight country discipline her child properly?"

Anya, still hidden in the crowd, felt her whole body stiffening instantly.

"Since it's too noisy… why don’t you release the women and children?"

The boy named Ash steps forward to help, but Avdocha just laughed him off.

"How can I? Moreover. The first bell is going to ring soon. I have been always punctual; so let’s just choose the baby as a sacrifice."

"Are you kidding? Are you even human? It is just an innocent baby!"

"Do you think there is time to care about the age of every opponent on the battlefield? If you are careless, it isn't surprising, there will be a day that you will be killed by a five year old kid!"

"Even if it is like that––”

As if to prevent Ash from saying anything the basilisk gave a ferocious deep rumbling growl.

"Grrrr......"

Once Avdocha heard the growl she laughs, and as if answering back…

"Hmm. Is it so…."

"What's so funny?"

"Hehe... It says that baby is just enough to wet the teeth. Well then… Bring me the mother and her child!"

After Avdocha gave the order two masks soldiers immediately took action.

––I-It can’t be! Anya was horrified.

Avdocha actually wanted to feed the winged lizard with her and the baby......

One step, two steps. The soldiers moved through the crowd and were coming nearer. Since their expressions couldn't be seen under the mask, many people shuddered.

“Uuu..." The crowd moaned. Anya was scared and begins to shed tears. Even though Anya has cheated death a few times, and was a veteran, she still couldn't withstand Avdocha's heavy pressure and her mind instantly turned blank. The soldiers were now closer.

"I can’t be saved anymore...!"

Just when Anya gave up hope––

"Hold on!"

A loud voice echoed in the church and someone came forward to stand in front of Anya. The first thing that emerged in Anya’s eyes was a dazzling golden hair. The person in the dragon riding academy’s uniform protected Anya and the baby and declared to Avdocha:

"I am Lautreamont Royal Knight’s family fourth Princes-Silvia. I request, as a member of the royal family, for you to immediately release the mother and her child!"

Part 13

The voice in the church, through the magic communicator in Max’s hand, was heard in the airship Silvanus' navigation room

『 "I am Lautreamont Royal Knight’s family fourth Princes-Silvia. I request as a member of the royal family for you to immediately release the mother and its child!"』

The moment Silvia exposed her own identity… Max became dumbstruck.

"What the hell is Her Royal Highness doing...?!"

Isn't she inverting the root and branch? As a result, it was essentially giving Avdocha the trump card.

"Hmph. That idiot..."

Veronica muttered, but she didn't show an unhappy expression. On the other hand, it looks like she was smiling.

Part 14

"That's our country’s Princess for you!" Silvia, who took the initiative to expose her own name, of course surprised Ash. Though in his heart he had other thoughts.

Because in this case, in order to save the mother and her child, unless Silvia came forward, there would be no other way.

"Hmm... Why bother? If you had kept quiet… Then you might not have been noticed."

Avdocha controlled the basilisk’s reins and approached Silvia.

"I-I am a Princess! How can I sit quietly and watch my people be killed!"

"Hehe...... How appealing, but how come your body is shaking like that?"

"This is because my fighting spirit is trembling!"

Even when she verbally didn't admit defeat, Ash could see that Silvia is obviously trying to be brave.

"Is that so. Let me see how brave you are?"

Avdocha's face gave a dark smile while her hand stretched out signaling her underlings to act. The underling pulled out a shamshir and respectfully handed it to Avdocha.

"Stop!"

Ash wanted to rush out to protect Sylvia, but was stopped by Avdocha’s underlings and is held from behind.

"You idiots! Let me go!"

No matter how hard Ash struggled, the soldiers didn't give the slightest stir. Even the 'School’s number one problem child' was no match for a veteran soldier.

"Hehe...... You have good luck because your location is just right at the VIP’s seat.”

Avdocha said that with a grin, and rode her basilisk as it slowly moved forward. The distance to Silvia gradually shortened. Finally, in front of Silvia, the basilisk used its tongue to lick at Silva’s face.

"...Eww!" Even Silvia could barely hold back her screams.

Though apparently she has long been scared out of her wits.

“Look this way Silvia!” Avodcha gave a thunderous shout.

Perhaps she was already prepared as Silvia opened her arms to both sides and made a declaration:

"To die like a knight...... is what I wish for!"

"I admire your guts!"

Avdocha lifted the shamshir.

"Stop––!"

Ash’s scream couldn't stop the merciless blade.

-Shaa! As the blade passed through the air. Killed... Silvia was killed.

Ash lost hope.

Part 15

"...?"

Silvia was still standing. There was no blood on her body. The incredible thing was… Silvia did not even feel the pain. The next moment–– Silvia found out that the tight uniform was no longer binding her. Pieces of clothes like snowflakes were dancing in the air. Silvia felt seriously humiliated.

"...Why is it always like this!"

Avdocha didn’t slash at Silva’s flesh nor bones–– but... .

Only her clothes, like an apple skin, were peeled off, and her almost naked body lay exposed. Coincidentally. The same thing was recently done by Veronica. Her body, which was only covered with some clothes and underwear fragments, displays an almost naked type of half-nakedness. Silvia covers her chest with both hands, squatted in place and huddled into a ball. She knew Avdocha's sight was focused right on her bare skin.

"Princess! Didn't you desire to die like a knight? Where is your previous pride? You have just been exposed naked to the public, yet you change back to what ordinary women and children do? I almost threw up! You don’t have the right to become a knight! And. It is not worthy for me to kill you! "

"I... I...!"

Being looked down by Avdocha from the very start, Silvia’s emotions were gradually coming to a boil. At the same time, she was trembling more than ever. But it was not because of fear. She was trembling because she was full of fighting spirit.

"-... This woman was right. What do I have to feel ashamed about? This is no different from any ordinary woman or child? And I even dare to call myself a Knight...... It will just make people laugh! Although I do feel regret… I just need to admit it. I don’t have sufficient awareness. No wonder anee-ue scolds me......!"

"––Be aware of yourself… Silvia Lautreamont! What’s my aim? An excellent knight? That is indeed one of my goals in the past. But I was asking too little from myself. Have to think quickly. I'm Silvia Lautreamont! What is the only realm that I can reach? To show her the future that only I can have!"

At that moment… Silvia's mind received God's enlightenment and she suddenly found her answer.

"Phew... Avdocha. I'll have to thank you."

Ash was shocked when Silvia's face suddenly reached a happy expression. Even Avdocha, who had already turned her back on Silvia, was surprised.

"Are you mad?"

Avdocha ridiculed and gave a laugh. Silvia covered her chest with her hand and gracefully stood up from the ground.

"Princess ......?"

Ash wants to avert his eyes from Silvia's naked body but they refused to move. It was not because he had any indecent thoughts. Rather, it was because of a bright shining glow that made him reluctant to avert his sight. Avdocha and her subordinates, as well as the rest of the hostages, were like Ash. Everyone's eyes were watching Silvia.

"Avdocha. You are the one who made me aware of how weak I am and what lack of awareness I have."

“So? I’m only speaking based on the truth."

“However. I never before noticed such obvious things. It is a real shame to say so... However. I have been reborn! The past me is already killed by your sword! The new Silvia is now reborn! "

"Oh... I'd like to ask. What can a reborn Silvia do?"

Avdocha look at her fiercely. The basilisk gave a frightening breath. Even so. Silvia did not budge.

"I am the woman who is going to become the Paladin!"

I am the woman who is going to become the Paladin!

Silvia’s declaration echoed in the church loudly.

"Hee… hee… haha! Even I didn’t expect this answer... You want to become the Paladin? What nonsense! So, in order to achieve your goals, you have to try to break through this dilemma. Well. What are you gonna do?"

Unexpectedly, Silvia laughed.

"Nothing. I had said that I’m gonna become the Paladin! There are people supporting me from behind and I also have anee-ue as my family. I just need to believe in them and wait for the 'upcoming moment'!"

"Haha. Don’t you think that before before something like that happens, I can take your life away so easily?"

"If I die at your hands… It only means that I’m just so-so."

Just when Silvia heroically makes the declaration––

There was a terrible shake and just then, in a surge of raging magic, a hole was neatly cut through the floor of the church.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Ash!"

Equipped in their Arks Rebecca and Glenn jumped out from the large, newly created hole in the floor.

“––Enemy ambush!” Avdocha’s men shouted.

In the blink of an eye the soldiers moved into formation and attacked Rebecca and Glenn. The one holding Ash was no exception.

"Appear! The certain hit magic spear! Gáe Bolg!"

Right after Rebecca summoned her magic spear, Glenn followed by summoning his own Ark-Dragner's personal Ark-weapon.

"Appear! The lightning speed magic sword! Caladbolg!"

Ash’s eyes widened.

"That's Glenn’s personal Ark-weapon......!"

The magic sword Caladbolg is a giant sword with its length comparable to Glenn’s height. Glenn, without much effort, swung the sword just like an image of lightning speed. No wonder he was Veronica’s escort’s captain.

"Hmph...... An unsightly person!"

Even as she cursed them Avdocha was still able to smile. Ash couldn't understand how she managed to stay calm. At that time… Avdocha suddenly jumped off the back of the basilisk and rushed toward the back of the altar.

"Is she...!"

Ash, who realised what she was about to do, clenched his teeth. Even when he wanted to continue chasing, the basilisk blocked his way. The basilisk's eyeballs, as it manoeuvred in the way, rotating and continuing to stare at Ash.

"Hehehe. Don’t forget I still have the bombs. It is your loss." laughed Avdocha from back at the altar.

The reinforcements, Rebecca and Glenn, were still fighting the enemy soldiers. As worthy of the people of the mountains they successfully pinned down the Ark-Dragners. Of course,if Rebecca and Glenn showed their true ability, in the blink of an eye they would be the winners. However, if they don’t hold themselves back, they will not only kill their opponents but all the hostages too. Even the whole church will be destroyed!

-What am I going to do? Ash was in a dilemma. If the stalemate continued… Then Avdocha was going to press the button. No, before that, he had to deal with the basilisk or else he can’t get himself closer to the altar. The problem was that, for an unarmed human to win against a basilisk, it was indeed a fantasy.

"Shoo......"

In that instant. The basilisk issued terrible breath and started stomping around. It moved its limbs with high-speed and, like gliding on the ground, it rushed towards Ash.

"Ha…?’’

Its speed surprised Ash. Although he was conscious about it his two legs refused to move. Ash was jinxed to become a statue as his whole body involuntarily stiffened.

"Uwaaaa!"

Ash helplessly screamed. The basilisk was right in front of him opening its mouth. In his mind there was a clear image of him getting bitten into pieces and broken into two main portions.

"My God ...!"

Silvia quickly covered her eyes. She did not have the courage to face the scene of Ash being shredded by the beast.

"I... How could I be so weak? Where did I get the idea of becoming a Paladin......!"

Silvia slumped to her knees.

"Sniff"...... Her tears fell off from her eyes onto the stone floor which was gradually becoming wet.

At that time, "Oh... A divine light...!" A hostage muttered with a praising tone.

And the others around him were also affected.

"...?" Silvia wiped off her tears and raised her head. A pale white light filled her entire field of vision. After a short moment the light was no longer be seen, and there was a hot surge emerging from Silvia’s chest.

“Ash......!”

Equipped in the Ark, Ash, with one hand, held up the basilisk’s upper jaw.

Part 16

Ouch. The ‘Seikoku’ on his left hand was so hot. His consciousness was almost swept away by the powerful magic.

『 "- Sorry for the long wait."』

Eco's voice finally echoed in his mind.

"It's so scary... Do you know that I was nearly eaten by this thing."

Ash, who now felt the Ark’s magic, smiled brashly. He looked down to re-examine his own body and he saw a set of blue colour Ark armour which made him remember Silvia's eyes.

"Thank you. Eco."

『"D-Don’t need to thank me... I'm not doing it in order to help you. It's for the crepes okay!"』

Eco's cheeks were bright red.

"How is this possible? You are also an Ark-Dragner? How did we miss this information-?"

While witnessing the dazzling Ark, Avdocha's almond eyes widened with a look of surprise.

"My Pal is different from the others!" shouted Ash!

At the same time Ash lightly pushed the basilisk’s chin. The basilisk was stunned by Ash as its previous imposing attitude had vanished.

"You are very obedient. Well. The beast seems to be very sensitive to stronger opponents."

While Ash stepped forward, the basilisk obediently stepped back.

"I’m stronger than you! If you are from the Asia’s and if you have some intelligence, Quickly be on your knees!"

Frighten by Ash’s voice, at first it is anxious to know what to do, then letting out a scream it knelt down.

"That's right."

Ash gently sat on its back.

"Ah! What are you going to do with Kuu-chan!" screamed Avdocha.

“Kuu-chan? Even when you look so scary, I didn't think that you had such a cute name."

Ash gave a wry laugh. Kuu seems embarrassed and lightly twisted its body.

"It seems that the situation has reversed. Avdocha. Let’s go Kuu!"

Being kicked by Ash Kuu gave out a roar and starts running towards the altar.

"Hey, Hey, Kuu-chan! I’m your master!"

Avdocha, who panicked, simply looked like a child. While sitting on Kuu's back, Ash was searching for the information regarding his Ark-weapon.

Soon… A strange weapon design spread out in his mind. After checking the properties and the additional effect of the weapon Ash gave a satisfied smile. Eco managed to do what Ash proposed. Kuu, like an Asia, kept on running forward. The distance to the altar quickly narrowed.

Avdocha's face also turned pale.

"Appear!...... The absolute Zero Holy gun––"

Under Ash’s summons, an extremely long gun emerges out of thin air. Its shape was similar to the Empire made sniper rifle and yet also like a spear. Its aim was locked on the altar. While pulling the bolt, 'Kacha' At the same time as the metal sounded off, the magic ammunition was loaded into the chamber.

"Brionac!" Ash yelled while pressing the trigger.

A magic bullet shot out from the muzzle followed by a loud sound. The heavy bullet shell casing ejected with a ‘Clang’. It then hit the ground and rolled.

"Uuu ...!"

The shot created a powerful recoil which almost caused Ash to fall from Kuu's back, but fortunately he was in his blue Ark and stayed firm in the saddle. At the same time the magic bullet shot towards the altar, a pale blue flash was seen.

“Kuu. Retreat!”

Kuu, listening to Ash's order and quickly turned around and ran in the direction opposite of the altar.

"What!"

Avdocha cried out in dismay. After the freezing magic was launched… Shining ice crystals were coalescing and gradually increase in size and quickly engulfed the entire altar together with the bombs.

"A-Avdocha-sama!"

Not only that… Avdocha's men, while being caught up in the effect, are also mercilessly frozen..

"Finally......!"

Ash smiled.

To fight, against Empire made bombs, experts were required. However, even though Knight Country and the Kingdom had many exiled scientists from the Empire, the problem was not enough time to recruit, train and deploy them. If that being the case… It was better to risk trying to use the oracle’s power for freezing the bombs to the point they became disabled. This was Ash's basic strategy. Ash asked Eco to produce an Ark with ice properties.

Needless to say… This idea was obtained when he was in the Silvanus' lounge reading the novel ‘The Sky Dragon Knight Chronicles'. The protagonist in the series ‘Silver Knight’ used the freezing magic to interrupt the operation of the machine.

Of course Ash couldn't guarantee the actual effect in real life. He could only gamble––at least at this stage the bombs that became ice ceased functioning.

"W-Wait a minute! I-......"

Avdocha was barely able to move from the relatively wide range of the ice gun's frozen effect. In the end… She did not escape the inglorious fate of becoming an ice statue. What he needed to be worried about was that before she became completely frozen, Avdocha seemed to have something to say. But, in short, the St Valeria’s church incident ended.

Part 17

Up to a hundred hostages were released. Avdocha and her men, who had become ice statues, were carried out with the help of the civil engineers. Those veteran soldiers, in the end, had become ice and were dragged off by the Asia on a cart. Only the word pitiful can be used to describe them. Since Kuu was Avdocha's pet it was also taken away by the escorts. Ash silently prayed in hope that Veronica will treat it well.

More importantly, he now needs to complete the task that is at hand. Even though he knew his actions were wrong, Ash still climbed up the icy altar and started to rescue Jessica who was tied to the winged cross. Fortunately the freezing magic did not spread to Jessica. Just that, in order to avoid looking at her naked skin while trying to save her, his job became quite difficult. When Ash finally cut the rope and with both hands carried Jessica -

"Nn ..."

Jessica in Ash’s arms slowly opened her eyes. Right after she found out that Ash was carrying her, her eyes widened.

"Y-You...... You are Ash Blake? Why...... Are you in an Ark...?"

"Huh? Err… No, this is..."

Ash regretted his mistake. He simply did not think that Jessica would regain her consciousness so soon.

Ash did not know how to remove the Ark. So before Eco’s magic ran out, he can only continue wearing it. Clearly there was no way to continue hiding the truth anymore, Ash could only give an excuse to explain it.

"... Yeah. The 'Silver Knight' is me. It's just that today my Ark is not silver in colour."

After Ash honestly confessesed, Jessica’s cheeks turn red.

"To use ice attacks against those mechanical bombs is simply ‘Silver Knight’ himself! Waa-wah. Ash-sama!"

"Sama?"

Ash was stunned. Jessica eyes were now watery. Moreover. Jessica was only wearing her underwear. The cleavage made by her breasts were clearly seen. Even under such occasion, Ash couldn't help but being seduced. In front of the beauty that was Jessica, even the blue Ark's strength couldn't come in handy.

"I have dreamed for a long time, that my first time will be at the church altar."

"What lies! It's obvious that you had just thought about it!"

"I beg you, Ash-sama, please give me your sperm now...!"

Somehow, dispite being carried, Jessica really began to take off her underwear on the spot. The first thing she actually took off was her panties instead of her bra.

"Your order of taking off your underwear is too strange, or rather, who even asked you to take them off!"

Ash quickly held Jessica's hands to stop her.

"Do not worry."

Jessica sexy lower abdomen was slowly exposed. Eventually, even the following parts were––

"Stop! This is too casual!"

"I'm ready, Ash-sama... Her goddess St Valeria is also staring at us."

"Her goddess Valeria is a protector of law! We will be arrested!"

"Hee hee... I didn’t think that you were so introverted."

Jessica's sweet smell was disturbing Ash.

"Uuh!"

Ash inexplicably feels dizzy; and almost fell down from the altar together with Jessica. At this time, Rebecca spoke to Ash from behind.

"Hey, Ash! Hand her to me, you go and take care of Silvia."

Rebecca had long removed her Ark and was helping the escorts to do their tasks. She should have been very busy. However she probably saw that Ash was in trouble and could not bear just being a bystander.

“Sorry to trouble you Rebecca-san."

Ash handed Jessica to Rebecca.

"Ah, ahh, Ash-sama, please stay!"

"S-Sorry... See you next time!"

Ash put Jessica’s regretful sounds aside and ran to look for Silvia. Along the way the Ark broke into sparkling fragments.

Part 18

Silvia was standing against the wall. Her body was wrapped in blankets given to her by the escorts. Her naked body, that has been exposed not long ago, was now wrapped up tightly. The thing was, her curves could still be seen. Ash, after putting in some effort to not focus on those curves, spoke to Silvia.

"Yo Princess. Err... Are you okay?"

Ash suddenly became lost and only squeezed out those few words. It was a little embarrassing.

"Ahh. I’m not injured...... You saved me again."

"My performance is nothing much, but rather... Princess you were so cool."

"Y-You... What are you talking about!”

Silvia, who was now blushing, probably lost all her strength, and unsurprisingly stumbled.

"... Careful!"

Ash immediately reached out, and caught Silvia's body. But only after the blanket, wrapped around Silvia’s body, slipped off and fell to the ground.

"A-Are you alright?"

Ash looked at the place above her neck and timidly asked. He instantly thought that he would not escape her iron fist, but for some reason Silvia didn't show her usual angry expression. Ash then set her down on her feet.

"S-Sorry. That…. My waist ... I just suddenly..."

Silvia's eyes filled with tears as she quickly picked up her blanket and wrapped herself. If Ash did not catch her in time she would probably have fallen.

"Otherwise... I’ll give you a piggyback."

"Huh? But..."

"You don’t have to feel shy."

Ash smiled back, turned around, and gently lifted Silvia. Silvia felt embarrassed at the start, but shortly after that she just held onto Ash’s neck. At that moment… Ash felt that Silvia's breasts, pressing on his back were changing their shape.

"...huh!"

"What’s wrong. Ash?"

"N-Nothing ..."

Ash blushed while being unexpectedly stimulated, continued his pace at the same time.

Part 19

On her way to the magicship Silvanus while being piggybacked by Ash.

"...?"

Silvia was suddenly struck with an incredible feeling.

- Why is this? Being piggybacked by Ash… Somehow I miss this feeling... Am I familiar with this back...?

This nostalgic atmosphere was so strong that Silvia barely held back her tears.

The only thing is, the gentleness of Ash’s back is just too comfortable -

Silvia, without realising, dozed off.

"Paladin ~ A. B. S. 1365.5 ~" is closed.

Epilogue

Part 1

Two days later. Ash, who was sleeping soundly on the futon on the floor, suddenly opened his eyes.

"Hey...... Eco? How come you are here again......?"

Eco not only rolled off from her bed but also squeezed into Ash’s futon. And, like always. still sleept naked. The morning light, shining through a slit of the curtain, fell upon her white skin. After he realized that, his heartbeats began to increase… Ash quickly looked aside.

"Myuu..."

Eco did not know that Ash was suffering, like a little baby afraid of loneliness she stuck closely to him. Ash has a bad premonition. Because when Eco acted this way… It meant that she was ready to proceed with 'that' "behavior".

"... Ow!"

Sure enough. Ash's chest started to itch and his body was covered with goose bumps. Eco was nibbling...

"Mmm. Hmm ..."

Her rose like lips and her teeth were constantly nibbling him, and her tongue was also licking him all over. After all, since this was a young dragon’s natural instinct, she couldn't be blamed......

“Eco...... Stop...... If you continue...... Ow!"

When Ash felt that something was wrong, Eco gave a hard bite. That strength has long passed the stage of nibbling, her teeth were now biting into his flesh.

"It hurts! Didn't you hear me saying that my life is at stake if you continue biting?"

Ash, while struggling with the pain, was wrestling with Eco. At that moment… There was a sudden knock.

“Ash! Wake up! Princess Veronica is asking for you!"

Rebecca's serious voice was heard in the room through the door.

Part 2

Ash, led by Rebecca, was brought to the airship Silvanus. Eco, who had not yet woken up, was left in the dormitory.

"......Is Princess and Max not coming?"

"Silvia has long ago arrived at the ship. As for Max...... he is now busy removing the SKFC's new poster, he said he really couldn't stand them."

"The posters again? What do they announce this time?"

"Instead of listening to me.. For your own sake, you should see for yourself."

Rebecca pulled out a folded paper from her pocket. After Ash received it, he flipped it open and read it.

The President’s Handover notification.

I, Jessica Valentine have decided to join the student’s council in charge of the general affairs. From today onwards, I’ll resign from the duties of the President of SKFC.

The new president will be taken over by vice president Lynette (Basic Course Third Year).

Former SKFC President Jessica Valentine (Advanced Course First Year)

"... How come?"

"As you know. If the SKFC knew the true identity of the 'Silver Knight’ things will definitely get out of hand. So I recruited Jessica who knew the truth to prevent further information leakage."

"Sorry... it is my fault for letting Jessica-san know my secret. I didn't realize it meant that I’m going to meet her now and then in the student council... I feel that my future has become dark."

"The way Jessica does things is always unpredictable. You must be careful not to let her push you down on the bed and let her squeeze out some strange things."

"No, no, don’t talk anymore nonsense!"

"Having said that are you having a ruckus with Eco in the bed everyday?"

After hearing that Ash was surprised for a moment.

"W-We do not do it every day!"

Ash was so embarrassed that he quickly denied.

"Being provoked by a girl in that way...... That…… You are still a healthy guy, don’t you feel anything?"

It was rare Rebecca to use such euphemistic tone while questioning.

“It is impossible…… cause Eco is my Pal. She is a dragon! I don't even feel a thing."

“Really?”

“I-It’s true”

"Why are you stuttering?”

Rebecca with a cheeky smile peeped at Ash's face.

“Alright. Please don’t tease me anymore.”

“Sorry. Every time I tease you… I can’t stop myself.”

“Please control yourself a little! I beg you.”

A few moments later. The magicship Silvanus appeared in front of the two.

Part 3

By following the schedule Veronica was to leave Ansarivan today. Even when Ash thought that he wouldn't run into any more trouble this time, once he walked into the navigation room he got a great shock.

"Avdocha the C-Convict!"

Veronica was leisurely sitting in the captain's seat, and the person beside her was actually the convict Avdocha. She remained riding on the back of the basilisk. It seems that she escaped death from being frozen. Even Ash felt relieved because he didn't want to kill anyone, but he still couldn't help but wonder why Avdocha was in the navigation room freely.

"...... Ash. It was all part of Anee-ue's strategy."

Silvia, who arrived earlier, revealed a regretful expression and sighed while talking to Ash. Cosette and Prim were behind Silvia. From their smiling expressions, it's likely they were also informed in advance.

"Strategy...... What on earth is happening?"

"To put it bluntly. This was an arrangement to train this unworthy sister." Veronica confidently answered for Silvia.

From how she spoke there wasn't even the slightest hint of an apology. Captain Glenn was also beside Veronica. He seems displeased, but is it his own thought?

"So the whole incident... is an arranged farce?"

Ash was speechless. He pretended to casually glance at Rebecca from the side but it seems that she didn't feel surprised.

"Don’t tell me that... Rebecca-san you had noticed?"

Rebecca said grimly.

"I did think that this was a little strange, but I’m not that sure. Any way. This particular terrorist act was too low for the 'Avdocha the Convict' standard. Plus the coincidence that Silvia was involved… So it became a little too dramatic."

Ash remembered when he was using the Ark-weapon Brionac, Avdocha seemed to have something to say. It must have been that she was going to admit that this was all Veronica’s plan, and the so-called terrorist act is in fact a farce; but just before she spoke, she was frozen.

"So to say. Could it be... That the bombs were fakes?"

Avdocha straightforwardly answered Ash.

"No, They were real. The other objective of the farce was to train my men."

"What ...!"

Ash was speechless.

"Avdocha. If you don’t mind, please re-introduce yourself."

Under Veronica's urge, Avdocha reluctantly began to introduce herself.

"As you know, in my past, I have been doing revolutionary activities…. But five years ago when I failed to assassinate Veronica, I surrendered to her at that time. Now my job has become the leader of the foreign force that Veronica created. This job is a great humiliation for me..."

"That being the case… Why are you now working under her?"

Ash's curiosity made Avdocha fell annoyed.

“Didn’t I mention this before? I have been looking for a long-lost sister and her name is Shamara. Before I know her whereabouts I must not get killed."

"So you really have a lost sister."

"If she is still alive she should be around 15 this year. Anyway, We were separated when she was four years old, so I can only imagined how she looks grown up. But––"

At this time Veronica mercilessly interrupted this touching conversation.

"To simply put it, this time I’m the reason that you are dragged into the Royal’s problems. Fortunately, Silvia seems to have grown up a little. Communication officer. Play the recordings."

"Understood!"

The communications officer operated the controls. After a few seconds, Silvia's voice with a slight static was played.

『 'I am the woman who is going to become the Paladin!' 』

Silvia blushed.

“D-Don’t play it anymore onee-sama!"

"Hehe...... No matter how many times it is repeated, I’ll never get tired of it."

Ash, for the first time, saw Veronica expose a happy mood. He had been thinking that she was always a very strict and ruthless person.

"Hee, Ash-sama, do you know why this airship was named Silvanus?"

Cosette, without Ash realising, moved closer and whispers in his ear.

"I don’t know."

"Don’t you think the two names Silvanus and Silvia is somewhat similar?"

Ash could not help but smile.

"What the...... In the end, Veronica is actually very kind to her sister?"

Cosette smiles at Ash and moves back to Silvia.

"Huh? Anyway… What will happen to Her Royal Highness Princess' marriage?"

Hearing Ash's question Veronica replies with a "Hmph".

"Since I had seen Silvia’s determination, I’ll forget about it. But as long as your performance does not match that of a knight's––then we will see?"

Under the fierce watchful eye from woman in the captain’s seat Silvia seemed embarrassed, but...

“Just like what I want. Anee-ue.”

Finally, she demonstrated an air which was different from her past, and resolutely answered.

Part 4

The airship Silvanus, as scheduled, departed from Ansarivan. Apart from the mayor and the principal––the student’s council members led by Rebecca, Maestro Cú Chulainn and Maestro Lancelot were all present.

"Ash. Didn't you think that the terrorist attacks launched by Avdocha were in fact as simple as a farce?"

The airship is on its way leaving. Rebecca cast a mischievous sight but Ash was surprised.

"Huh? Are there other reasons?"

"Of course. First of all, knowing Veronica will visiting Ansarivan, many dangerous people are sure to sneak into the city. But since 'Avdocha the Convicted' was first to launch a terrorist attack, those people lost their opportunities."

Ash's eyes widened. Veronica managed to predict this thing so that she considered to arrange that farce?

Ash could not help but smile while staring intently at the floating airship’s shadow that drifted further and further away.

"Not only that, when all of us were focusing on the church, Princess Veronica’s men secretly took action looking out for suspicious people. Which may include those who were involved in the Necromancia's attacks."

"So those who are caught...?"

"They are currently all kept in Silvanus. After returning to the capital they will probably have to face a terrible interrogation."

"What a scary person...!"

He didn't expect Veronica’s tour of Ansarivan to have actually been so carefully planed. This battle alone was enough to run people dry… She even managed to design it to let Silvia grow up. That's totally genius.

This time Silvia unwillingly muttered.

"Anee-ue is gifted; She was capable of doing such things since long ago... I’m still far away from her."

"No. Princess will be able to surpass her."

Ash assured her.

"What…! W-Why do you sound so sure!"

Silvia blushed.

"No real reason––"

Ash could not help but smile while staring intently at the floating airship’s shadow that drifted further and further away. The reason was simple. Because before the airship took flight… What Veronica said to Silvia was still clearly engraved in Ash’s mind––

"Silvia! You have the ability, so try to become the Paladin! Then, try to make me kneel before you!"

"The Knight of ECO II" is closed.

Afterword

Not long after [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi] was published in June, my friend sent me an email to say: ‘Your name is on the news’. Naturally, I wasn’t able to recall having done anything wicked. After opening the web link in trepidation, I discovered that it was an Akihabara-style news site, and there was an article titled ‘[Seikoku] sales rising!’. For a moment, I thought that it was a mistake. But as proof that the report was in fact true, editor Shoji-san informed me that the first volume was urgently being re-printed less than a week after the initial release. They had even begun preparing for the release of overseas translations. Such an achievement is all thanks to the support of the readers. Thank you!

After three months, [Seikoku II] has been successfully published. The content of this volume focuses on Silvia. Please stop to appreciate Silvia’s cover illustration. She’s so beautiful that it’s against the rules…! I can totally understand how Shoji-san couldn’t help but madly yell about ‘her ass’. The design of Lancelot has also been released for the first time. The most fascinating part of Lancelot is undoubtedly its mane and those blue eyes like Silvia’s. Both of those ideas were provided by Shimesaba Kohada-san. If not for Shimesaba Kohada-san’s input, there is no way this story could continue. Regrettably, although the plot of this volume revolves around Silvia, Lancelot barely had the chance to appear. I hope it will have a good chance in the next volume.

The publishing of [Seikoku] also brought with it some surprises to the author’s daily life. For example, Kaitou Reiji-sensei sent me an [Azu-nyan] figure as a gift to congratulate the urgent reprint. Azu-nyan is truly so cute…! I’ve positioned her in the most stylish location of my home studio as a decoration, and I sincerely look forward to sensei’s latest volume of [Unbreakable Machine-Doll] which is to be published in autumn.

Moreover, as soon as [Seikoku] was released, I received a congratulatory call from Matsuno Akinari-san. I was overjoyed and spoke with him on the phone for a long time, so I apologise for that. I am also looking forward to the animated version of [MM!] next month~.

This time, I have once again been in the care of Shoji-san and Shimesaba Kohada-san, as well as all of the other staff. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you.

Let us meet again in the third volume!

September 2010, Shiki Mizuchi

References and Translation Notes

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