Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume3 Chapter8

Chapter 8: Ellis' Determination

Part 1

"Ah..."

As Kamito opened his eyes, he saw the image of Claire's room.

The warmth of the sun slipped through the curtains and brightened the room.

...Ah? I... Why was I sleeping?

His memory was still hazy.

He didn't know when he put on pajamas, or the bandages.

Next to his bed, there was a spirit stone that was cracked after healing.

Just as Kamito was sitting up—

"Hoo... Ah...!"

His flanks felt like they were burning.

Taking a closer look, the roll of bandages that were on his abdomen had formed a hard clot.

That's right—

The pain finally let Kamito remember what happened.

I was pierced by the Spirit...

The mirror spirit that went out of control through the power of the Spell Armament Seal.

The spirit that wounded Kamito was annihilated by Velsaria.

With overwhelming destructive force, it was wiped off the Earth.

The spirit that was completely destroyed could never return back to Astral Zero.

Complete eradication.

"The Academy's strongest Blade dancer— huh?"

That insanely strong fortress was indeed a spirit whose level that was on par with Ellis'.

She was far stronger then she had been at the Spirit Blade Dance Festival 3 years ago.

...As I am now, would I be able to defeat her?

He asked himself, clenching his left hand which used to hold that pitch black blade.

The 3 years of emptiness, and embarking on the journey to find her.

The reasons of defeat, one can have as many as he wants.

That "Kyōdouin"'s orphan — Jio Inzagi also said I've become weak...

That was because Kamito unconsciously protected his companions.

If that is my weakness then—

... I have indeed become weak, heh.

Pushing back the burning pain, he finally sat up on the bed.

Kamito's uniform was hanging on the walls of the room. It had become so tattered that it was unrecognizable.

After judging that even washing it would still be no good, he left it there.

Using his hands to lean on the wall, he started walking wobbly.

He searched through his uniform's front pocket, and took out the present and chocolate.

The chocolate had already been flattened, but because Claire had finally made it successfully, he would gratefully eat it.

After making his resolve and placing it into his mouth, the sweet taste spread through his mouth.

"...Ah? This is surprisingly..."

Although there was a bit of bitterness, it was quite good.

Compared to the coal she cooked before, this was indeed a remarkable progress.

...She, essentially is a very hard working person, isn't she?

While she did have some weak points, like the many times when she had sudden mood swings, as an honor student, her learning speed was extremely fast.

If she were serious, maybe she could become an expert in cooking too.

Part 2

"—Kamito!?"

Suddenly, the room's door slammed open.

The one who came in holding a pile of bandages was Claire.

"Y-You, what are you doing, ah!"

"Nm? Your chocolate, is pretty good. You practiced hard."

"Eh?"

Kamito frankly praised—

Claire's face immediately reddened.

"T-That's obvious isn't it? I-I Practiced a lot... ah, not that. W-Why are you up, isn't your body still unable to move!?"

"Ah, no, just walking should be no problem, look... Ouch!"

Even with the slight movement of his wrist, his sides started hurting again.

"...Haaa. You really are a fool, your wound opened again right? Well, quickly sit there. I'll put some new bandages on you."

"Ahhh, sorry for troubling you..."

Claire started wrapping the bandages awkwardly—

And slowly told Kamito what happened after he fainted.

The two who had the Spell Armament Seals were found unconscious in the forest.

It seemed like after being captured by the Knights, they were sent to jail in the capital. After all, using Spell Armament Seals did not only break the Academy's rules, but they would also probably be tried by the Spirit Investigation Association.

The actions Velsaria took involving the public did not cause any deaths, and since she only destroyed a small area of the street, she did not get any punishment.

Although the one who issued the ruling was Greyworth, this judgement might be what the Alfas Empire decided since they did not want to punish the Academy's strongest Blade Dancer, especially when the Spirit Blade Dance Festival was so near.

Ellis, who helped Claire move Kamito back to the room, stayed in her room and never came out.

Probably because she failed her responsibility as the captain and didn't prevent the streets from getting destroyed nor stop the students from getting associated with the Spell Armament Seals, that she didn't leave her room.

"... How long did I sleep?"

"A whole day. The Valentia Holy Festival ended a long time ago."

"Is that so..."

Kamito glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

"Since last night, it has almost been half a day."

"Claire, although I'm late, I am very sorry."

Kamito handed out the small box, that had just been taken out of his uniform, and gave it to Claire.

"What is this?"

"Ah... That, is your present. Your birthday gift. Although it has already passed hasn't it?"

"...!?"

Claire widened her ruby eyes.

"W-Why, How...?"

"Rinslet told me. Well, for a lady of nobility, this may not be anything of value."

"..."

In the end, Claire carefully untied the ribbons.

Inside the box, was the cat-like silver pendant that was carefully placed.

"T-This, isn't it the one I wanted...?"

"Back then weren't you always looking at it?"

"Ah, ah, but..."

Claire hugged the pendent in her hands like it was a treasure.

"This should be pretty expensive isn't it? You aren't an aristocrat—"

"That's because I made an unreasonable request to Ellis. I asked for an advance of my payment."

"...S-So... It was like that."

Claire tightly clasped the pendent, and looked at Kamito from below—

"...Th-Thank you, Kamito"

And said that shyly.

Seeing an expression that was usually never seen from her, Kamito's heart could not help but beat faster.

...T-This person, putting on this expression, is simply too cute to be true—

"Hmph, as a slave you know some interesting things—" He thought he would hear something like that.

He did not expect she would frankly express her gratitude.

"Sorry, Kamito... I was wrong about that."

"Mn?"

Another line that was hard to believe had also emerged. Kamito could not help but wonder about his ears.

"I-I'm sorry... that I chased you out of the room. This was the reason why you went to work for the Knights, right?"

"Ah, no, that is—"

Just when he was about to say it, Kamito quickly closed his mouth.

Although it wasn't entirely like that— it was better to remain silent.

"And yet I didn't even listen to your explanation and got angry... Sorry."

Her red twin tails dropped down with no energy.

"No, It's my fault, at that time I didn't explain properly. I apologize."

"Kamito..."

Claire looked up with teary eyes and slowly got closer to Kamito.

"—Hey, are you people done?"

"Cough cough!"

"...!?"

The two hurriedly separated.

"Fianna, since when were you here!?"

"Probably from that moment when Kamito-kun said 'It's time for you to become more frank, even though you always say you hate it— you actually want to do more exciting things with me right?'"

"Don't fabricate such an unlikely fact!"

"Y-Yeah! D-Doing more exciting things with... N-No!"

Claire, who was red all over, immediately got angry.

"Hoho, it was just a joke. Really Claire, your face doesn't have to be that red."

"W-Wh-Why did you even come here, Ero-Queen?!"

"Tomorrow's match has already been declared, that's why I came over here to tell you!"

"Who's our enemy for tomorrow?"

"Ah, our enemy is the team that's ranked first— Velsaria Eva's team~"

"...!"

Claire's expression immediately froze.

"...The Silent Fortress', huh?"

"As long as we continue to win, they are an enemy that we knew we would soon encounter."

Claire should have already realized this...

But with a power that can eradicate two strong high level spirits in an instant—

"—There's no problem."

Kamito picked up the Elemental Waffe sword that was placed next to the bed.

"I will defeat Velsaria. I will take her on personally."

"W-What are you saying!"

Claire fiercely glared at Kamito.

"With that kind of injury, how will you be able to join tomorrow's match?"

"That person will not be defeated with just you and the others."

"T-There is always a way... Let's not speak of Velsaria as an individual, their team isn't mature enough. It was just formed by pulling people from the Knights, they haven't even completed their—"

"The Silent Fortress is a tough opponent you know."

"That is..."

Even if Claire had a very straight forward personality, as a Spirit Contractor, she also had the ability to calmly observe the situation.

Even with one reason, she wouldn't miscalculate the power difference between Velsaria and her.

But once the fighting starts, Fianna, who had the ability to do rituals due to being an ex-Princess Maiden from the Divine Ritual Institute, would be no different from any regular person.

While it was true that her knight spirit was strong, once you consider the inability to enter Elemental Waffe, the area of tactical fighting immediately lowers.

Additionally, in order to attack the flying fortress, a spirit that has long-range attacks was necessary.

The only thing that could attack air units in Team Scarlet was Claire's magic. But, it was impossible to only rely on magic to destroy the armor mounted on the fortress.

But, if I were to be a forward, we could at lest adhere to five minutes.

Towards Kamito who was making an attempt to get out of bed—

*Squeeze squeeze*

"Even if Kamito-kun's body is firmer and stronger, participating in tomorrow's match is impossible~"

Fianna used her soft chest to press him back.

Due to Kamito's blushing because of touching something really soft, Claire fiercely glared back.

"That's right~ the injured you would just give us more trouble."

"..."

Although he felt really unwilling, but he couldn't find any words of rebuttal.

Indeed, letting Kamito, who was seriously injured, join the battle would just be a hindrance.

"Then... is Team Scarlet forfeiting?"

"That—"

Kamito, who was asking it also understood that there was no other way.

Once you forfeit a match, as a punishment your ranking would significantly drop.

Knowing that, if they don't defeat the top team, the chance of getting their 6th place team to the top 3 would be almost 0.

Part 3

"..."

A heavy atmosphere filled the room, and at that moment—

"Fuu, I understand what you all are saying~"

An elegant voice came from outside the room.

Accompanied by her wavy blond hair, Rinslet entered the room.

Following closely behind her, was her maid Carol.

"Rinslet why did you come over here!?"

"Seems like my power is needed~"

Disregarding Claire who was actively protesting, Rinslet openly walked over.

After stopping in front of Kamito, who was still sitting on the bed, she elegantly moved her long hair.

"As long as it is me, I can definitely shoot down the flying fortress for you!"

"Ojou-sama is trying to say that she hopes to join Claire-sama's team~"

Carol simultaneously translated what Rinslet had said.

"Is that right, Rinslet?"

"...N-No! It's, just that..."

Rinslet, who was flustered, asked for Carol's help.

"Haha, ojou-sama really isn't good at expressing the truth~"

Using her hands to cover her mouth, Carol gently laughed.

"—Rinslet!"

Suddenly, Kamito stood up and grasped her shoulders.

Those slender shoulders of hers suddenly trembled.

"Ah!, w-what! You are too violent... I'm not ready yet!"

Her voice sharpened as she protested. But, Kamito did not let go.

"..."

"Ah, wha..."

Being stared at by Kamito, Rinslet quickly quieted down.

Blushing, she nervously grabbed the corner of her skirt.

"T-This is troublesome... If I am being stared at like that, I-I will become strange..."

"K-Kamito, what are you doing!?"

"Kamito-kun, no matter how you explain yourself, this is too bold!"

Ignoring the shocked Claire and Fianna—

"Please, Rinslet. Join our team."

"Eh?"

Rinslet stood there, shocked. Claire also widened her eyes.

Rinslet's Elemental Waffe— "Freezing Arrow", was a long range weapon. In the situation where Kamito would be unable to enter tomorrow's match, they would urgently need her to join.

If we left it to Claire, who is always arguing with her, to ask this ojou-sama, she would never put down her pride.

So, Kamito intervened and asked her himself.

Rinslet then—

"A-Alright..."

Like a bride that was getting proposed to, she shyly agreed.

"I-If Kamito-san says so..."

Blushing, she used her fingers to play with her hair.

"Isn't this fine, Claire?"

Claire sighed.

"Well this is, after all, the undefeated "Silent Fortress". And eventually we would need ranged support that has sufficient power."

"W-Wait, don't misunderstand. I only joined your team because Kamito-san requested it."

"Now, now." Carol slowly comforted the furious Rinslet.

In any case, now we will be able to carry out anti-air attacks from the ground.

...Now that she has joined, our power will be more balanced.

Claire seemed to have considered the same thing as Kamito.

"Now if only we could have another person take on the position as forward..."

She said with a troubled expression.

Just then, came knocking from the door.

"...?"

Everyone looked at each other... Having visitors come to this room was very surprising.

Claire went over and opened the door.

The ones who were standing outside the door— were two people who they didn't expect.

"Y-You!?"

Claire, who was holding the door handle, widened her eyes.

"Claire Rouge, there is something we want you to do..."

"Although we do not have the qualifications to ask for something like this."

They were Ellis' teammates who were still supposed to be in the infirmary, Rakka and Reishia from the Sylphid Knights.

Part 4

Inside the dark room where all the curtains were pulled close—

Ellis was crying alone on her bed, not caring for anything.

Staring at the memory that was sealed in the spirit stone.

Inside was a young Ellis, dreaming of Velsaria.

For the first time, she didn't attend the Knight's meeting in the morning.

What she wore wasn't the school uniform, but pajamas that were printed with polka-dots.

Her hair wasn't tied up as well, letting her long hair flow down in all directions on her bed.

—You are not a knight.

Velsaria's words echoed in her head.

It may be just as what onee-sama said...

Amidst the darkness, Ellis had firmly grasped the bed sheet.

...It's the truth, in the end, I couldn't protect anyone.

The people that were happily enjoying the festival.

The students that were transplanted with Spell Armament Seals.

And also— her important partner who was with her.

Kamito, who joined her out of kindness, had sustained serious injuries.

Everything was because of me. If only I was more powerful, then nothing would have happened—

The seniors who agreed to join Velsaria and left the Knights, they were also her fault.

No one would want to be with a captain that has no power, and would only speak of dreams.

"...I do not, have the right to call myself a Knight—"

"Yeah, the current you really doesn't have the right to be called a knight, Ellis."

"...!"

Ellis immediately let go of the bed sheets.

"Claire Rouge?"

"Sorry, but I melted the lock."

After saying that, Claire entered the room.

"W-Why are you here, and what do you mean that I had no right of being a knight!?"

"Heh~ So you still have the strength to get angry. I feel at ease now."

Claire stood next to the bed, hands on her hips, and lowered her head while looking at Ellis.

The normal Ellis would have stared back immediately, but—

She looked as if she was being forced and looked away.

"...H-Has Kamito awakened yet?"

"Yeah, he even said some weird things like he would like to join tomorrow's match."

"What—? With that kind of injury?"

"Yup. And our enemy is the Academy's strongest, 'Silent Fortress'."

"That's crazy, what are all of you thinking!?"

Ellis grabbed Claire and stood up.

"Don't you understand onee-sama's power?"

"Ah, She is a very powerful spirit contractor, but she is not invincible."

"What?"

Ellis frowned.

Velsaria Eva Fahrengart was the strongest in the Academy.

This was a fact everyone knew of.

"Three years ago, Ren Ashbell defeated her."

"But that's because— She is the strongest blade dancer. Their levels are too far apart!"

"True. But, our goal is to defeat Ren Ashbell."

"Wha—?"

To Ellis, who never thought she would hear those words, was speechless.

...defeat Ren Ashbell!?

"How is that possible—?"

"It is possible. More precisely, we will make it possible~"

"..."

Claire was serious.

She was seriously thinking of defeating the strongest blade dancer.

"I will continue to win in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival, then I will make my 'wish'. Whether it is the Silent Fortress or the strongest blade dancer, whoever gets in my way shall be brought down."

Looking straight at Ellis, were a pair of eyes that were burning silently.

A small flame was ignited, inside Ellis' heart.

"M-Me too..."

"Ellis, will you bring that resolve and join the Spirit Blade Dance Festival?"

Claire seized Ellis' collar.

"Your dream of being a knight, is it only to this level?"

"—No!"

Ellis pushed Claire's hands away.

"I am... I am a knight of the Fahrengart!"

*Boom!*

A strong wind was formed in the room.

The bed sheet on the bed was blown away, the items on the desk were sent flying in the air.

The curtains were ripped apart, and strong rays from the sun were fired into the dark room, brightening everything.

"..."

After the wind settled—

"Looks like the wind has started blowing again~"

Claire smiled.

Then, she pointed at Ellis.

With her other hand on her hips—

"Ellis, join our team!"

"...W-What?"

Ellis asked, still shocked.

"Me... join Team Scarlet?"

"Correct. With you, we can win against the Silent Fortress."

Claire spoke with a serious tone.

However, Ellis firmly shook her head.

"Sorry, I cannot accept that. I already have companions to fight with—"

"—Captain!"

"?"

After hearing the noise that echoed in the room, Ellis looked over—

"Y-You guys!?"

Standing there, was a girl with short hair, and another with braided hair.

Her teammates Rekka and Reishia.

"...You escaped from the Infirmary?"

Part 5

They should still be recovering.

They shouldn't have been allowed to come out this far.

"Why...?"

"We hoped that Captain would appear in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival."

Rekka had said while painfully coughing.

Reishia nodded.

"We decided it ourselves. We already knew that we wouldn't heal before the festival... So—"

"You're... disbanding... the party?"

Having a stunned expression, Ellis looked at her two teammates.

"..."

"N-No, I will not allow that!"

"But, Captain—"

"Didn't we already promise! We had decided to appear in the festival together!"

Ellis didn't care about her appearance to others anymore and cried like a child.

"We can't fight anymore. So—"

"We want to be there, side by side... So carry our dreams with you."

"Rekka, Reishia..."

"Please, fight for us too."

"I would like to see Captain's blade dance. A blade dance that cuts everything blocking its path like a gale."

"..."

Ellis—

Firmly bit her lips and clenched her fist.

Both sides refused to give up— A heavy atmosphere quickly filled up the room.

The first person who sighed, was Ellis.

"...I understand. You win."

"Captain!"

The two girls squealed in happiness.

"—Claire Rouge."

Ellis looked back at the quiet Claire.

Not with the past face without any energy.

But with an expression that was filled with pride.

"I, Ellis Fahrengart, request to join Team Scarlet."

"Welcome, Ellis~"

Claire smiled happily and stretched out her right hand.

And Ellis replied by stretching out her left.

"I want to show that person, my honor."

Part 6

The strongest blade dancer— Ren Ashbell.

Three years ago, from the day they exchanged blows with their blades, Velsaria's life had changed drastically.

On that day, her pride was struck and shattered.

Before that day, Velsaria always had the pride of the strongest Knight.

To the girl that appeared in front of her, she didn't underestimate her foe that was two years younger than her.

No matter who it was, as long as it was an enemy, she would try her best to strike it down.

That was her belief as a Knight.

With her full power she had fought— But was defeated.

At that time, in her heart, Velsaria did not feel hatred.

But it was more like a yearning to her.

Velsaria was not an exception, she, like the other girls, was fascinated by Ren Ashbell's blade dance.

But what shattered her pride, was not the defeat itself.

It was the eyes that the strongest girl cast at the loser.

In her pitch black pupils, what was seen—

Was not hostility, nor was it disdain— There was no emotion.

In her eyes, Velsaria was not even recognized.

...Unforgivable. What she had done was unforgivable.

I must defeat the strongest girl, and let her 'acknowledge my existence'.

This was probably— in a sense, an emotion that was similar to love.

Soon, I can fight her again in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival.

As long as I can do that, anything is fine.

Midnight. Deep inside the "Spirit Forest"—

Velsaria was alone in the dark, trying her best to restrain her excitement.

At this moment, the bush behind her moved slightly.

"—You, you are there right?"

"Ha, as expected of you, you were able to detect my presence~"

A vivid laughter rang in the forest.

The one who appeared was— the Corpse Federation merchant, Vivian Melosa.

"You were perfect yesterday, because of you I was able to collect a lot of data~"

"I knew it, it was you who implanted those Spell Armament Seals on them."

Velsaria emitted a strong murderous aura that made the leaves around them fall.

"Yes, but, they were destroyed immediately. Even if it is the famed Areshia Spirit Academy, it is rare to find such a fine specimen like yourself!"

"Disappear. I told you to never appear in front of me again."

"Wah, you're pretty cold. I just came here to find out how the corruption rate of the 'heart' was."

"I have no intentions to support your research. The 'heart' can already be fully controlled."

Vivian Melosa laughed out loud.

"Don't stretch it. A 'spell armament seal engraved on a heart'— the only person who could possibly control it is the Dusk Witch. If you just leave it like that, you will die in a few years~"

"Not a problem. As long as I live till the Spirit Blade Dance Festival two weeks later, it is enough."

"That is troublesome to me though. You are actually a specimen I took a liking to—"

In an instant, Velsaria released her Elemental Waffe towards Vivian Melosa.

With the strength of the compressed Divine power, it blew apart the trees in the forest, and blasted away the dirt in front of her.

After the dust had settled, there was no one there. Only the dense darkness.

"...That damned witch."

Facing the empty space, Velsaria bitterly cursed.

*Thump*—, the 'heart' started painfully throbbing.