Chapter 48

The second attack came immediately.

While still holding me in his left arm, Clifford parried and deflected it with his right sword. Lady Sil, who had lost her balance, was only off guard for a moment. She dodged Clifford's follow-up attack and launched her own. Lady Sil's movements were extraordinary, smooth, and almost like a dance. Most importantly, she wasn't falling behind 'Servant' Clifford.

The swords clashed. A fierce clash of blades.

“...Lady Sil!”

Even as I called out, there was no response. Despite her usually expressive face, Lady Sil now looked like a doll, devoid of all emotion.

This is—.

“Hey, hey, Maki-chan”

The conversation that came to mind was from my previous life. It was a daily conversation with my family, a memory I had subconsciously avoided recalling because I couldn't sublimate the bitter feelings associated with it. A trivial yet important part of my life.

“About this book I borrowed from you, is there a sequel?”

“Sure, which one? Take it—oh, 'The Noble King'? That's a boys' love story? You usually read shoujo manga, what happened?”

“Well, I intended to borrow a regular shoujo manga, but there were so many copies of this one, it caught my attention.”

“Of course, it's 'The Noble King'! You have to buy multiple copies: one for yourself to read over and over, one to lend to others to spread the word, and one to keep in pristine condition for appreciation!”

“Oh, then, good job, Maki-chan! Celebrate, you're the first to successfully spread 'The Noble King'! Boys' love is amazing! It's a whole new world. So, is there no third volume?”

“Seriously... The latest volume I have is the second. The third volume is coming out next month.”

“Ah. So, we have to wait until the next volume to find out why the protagonist survived? Who defeated all the enemies? I'm curious about the ambiguity!”

“It must be Lady Sil awakening!”

“Protagonist? Maki-chan. No, it's Serious, or maybe a new hero who appears later as a setup.”

“Lady Sil!”

“Serious or the new hero, right?”

The first person I successfully converted to 'The Noble King' was my older sister in my previous life. Lady Sil's first clear transformation was depicted in the second volume, but upon rereading, there were hints of it in the first volume as well.

Surrounded by enemies, in a dire situation! Moreover, Lady Sil lost consciousness. The scene went dark. In the next scene, all the enemies were defeated.

Who did it? The story doesn't explicitly say. Furthermore, similar events occur in subsequent volumes.

Serious...? A new character...? I thought at times.

However, in the last volume I read, there was a description that strongly suggested it was Lady Sil. The key was that the original story hadn't reached a conclusion yet.

“Look, look, older sister! Did you read it? The latest volume, the battle scene between Lady Sil and Serious! The heart-wrenching moment of Serious's inner conflict!”

“Too sweet, Maki-chan. We won't know until the next volume comes out. There might be a twist.”

“Older sister, you're too pessimistic!”

I was on Team Lady Sil, while my older sister was on Team Someone Else. Every time a new volume came out, we would passionately discuss it. ...I died without ever getting to read the new volume that was supposed to finally reveal the answer.

But now, I might be witnessing it.

In a situation that shouldn't have existed in the original story.

—It was definitely the Lady Sil awakening pattern! Older sister!

The trigger is unknown. Lady Sil sometimes displays incredible strength, but she has no memory of it. It's always in that state!

“Conclusion reached.”

Yes, the conclusion is—.

The words, strangely synchronized with my inner cry, came from the 'Servant' who had just revealed himself. The leader-like 'Servant' with the pitch-black eyes was suddenly close. He charged straight like a falcon. His target—Lady Sil. Had the priority target changed to Lady Sil?

Because Lady Sil had become like that?

Lady Sil, who had been facing Clifford, reacted to the 'Servant's' movement. Before she could counter, another, younger 'Servant' blocked her, as if protecting her.

Is the younger 'Servant' on Lady Sil's side?

My thoughts spun.

While the battle between the 'Servants' continued, the fight between Clifford and Lady Sil also went on.

“! Clifford!”

“Yes. Please wait a moment.”

Clifford wasn't even out of breath. —Being held, I could tell he still had plenty of energy. He was careful to hold me in a way that didn't burden me.

The battle that had seemed evenly matched at the first clash was now clearly in Clifford's favor. Personally, I thought the awakened Lady Sil could hold her own against the 'Servants'—no, she actually was!

But even with me as a burden, Clifford was overwhelming her. His white outfit, which he had changed into, was completely clean despite the battle.

...Cheater.

Clifford is a cheat character, right?

...

He's about to defeat Lady Sil! In just a few seconds, Clifford had Lady Sil on one knee and was about to strike?

Please wait a moment? Does that mean he's going to physically subdue Lady Sil?

Could it be, when he called her name, he was urging her to be defeated quickly? Ah, that could be interpreted that way!

“N-no, that's not okay, Clifford!”

I pounded on the left arm around my waist. It felt unusually hard. Interrupting during a battle is a matter of life and death, but I couldn't stay silent about this.

Clifford tilted his head at me, looking displeased. His deep blue eyes were sharp.

“Barks is trying to harm the Prince. —Is there a need to keep him alive?”

Of course!

There is a need! A big need!

And—

“...Not for me, specifically.”

I shook my head, denying it.

Thinking with all the knowledge from the original story.

If this is one of the transformations seen in the original story.

Then, Lady Sil currently sees everyone as an enemy! She only identified me as an enemy because I was the closest when she woke up. Even if it had been Derek, the situation would have been the same.

...Because, in the most recent rampage in 'The Noble King' that I could confirm, Lady Sil tried to attack her brother—Serious—too.

Instinctively, she can't stop until she feels safe.

In other words, until she defeats everyone or is defeated herself.

“Lady Sil is not in her right mind. She has lost herself—”

Gyah!

As soon as I said it, Lady Sil's sword flashed.

Since she's not in her right mind, she won't wait during a battle! Yes, she attacks!

Clifford deflected the attack skillfully, but I, who was talking, stumbled and grabbed his neck for support.

At the same time, Clifford adjusted his hold on me.

“I don’t think losing control is a valid reason. Barks is now an enemy who should be defeated to protect the Prince. He is also an enemy to us.”

The deep blue eyes, looking down at me from close up, pressed for a decision.

...I understand. If we don't act, we'll be the ones defeated. Clifford is strong, so I'm unharmed. Without Clifford, I don't know what would have happened.

In the original story, Lady Sil hesitated to attack her brother. I don't know if she would have hesitated with me.

That's right. Lady Sil in her current state can't be reasoned with. She's an enemy. But, if she's no longer an enemy? If she can be brought back to her senses—

I had an idea.

Bring her back to her senses. This is it! The odds are fifty-fifty, but. In the original story, Lady Sil didn't defeat all the enemies but suddenly collapsed and returned to normal.

In this scene, it hit me—this must be Lady Sil's doing! The situation is different, but in the original story, it was Serious who did it. If we can make Lady Sil do it intentionally!

Probably. Most likely. Nine out of ten.

I know the method. But who will do it?

Hmm. Because of the method... and the odds, I should do it myself.

Okay, decided. I'll go with this!

With determination, I looked up at Clifford.

“I want to try something, Clifford.”

For that—

“Please lend me the short sword hidden in your sleeve.”

I need a tool to act decisively. And I realized Clifford had a good one. The hard feel of his left arm earlier. The short sword he mentioned was hidden in his sleeve and boots!

“...My short sword?”

Unusually, Clifford looked puzzled, his brows furrowed.

“Yes. And I need you to get as close to Lady Sil as possible. Close enough for me to touch her. ...Without my actions being obstructed by anyone.”

I don't want to be questioned about why. If I explain, Clifford, as a knight, will likely oppose it.

So—

“—This is an order from the 'Master' to the 'Servant'.”

I whispered in a low voice amidst the sound of clashing swords.

His blue eyes narrowed slightly, and we met each other's gaze for a moment. Clifford nodded slightly.

“As you wish. I will do as the 'Master' desires.”

I removed my hands from around Clifford's neck and firmly gripped the short sword. The sword, though simple, was large in my hand. I drew it from the sheath. The blade glinted. It was well-maintained and looked razor-sharp.

“!”

The young 'Servant' must have sensed we were about to do something to Lady Sil. He left the other 'Servant' he was fighting and swung his sword at Clifford.

—Fast.

The cheat-like Clifford didn't flinch, countering with me as a burden.

There are at least three 'Servants' here, including Clifford.

What I noticed was speed. Everything was fast. The situation flowed like a river. If I tried to grasp the overall picture of the 'Sky Room' turned battlefield, I would be left behind by the inhuman movements. It was impossible to keep a wide view.

What I needed to do was bring Lady Sil back to her senses. I had to push everything else out of my mind.

When I got close enough to Lady Sil, I would—. I repeated the mental simulation.

When the opportunity came, my mind would be ready.

A high metallic sound.

Clifford's strike sent Lady Sil's sword flying. Lady Sil leaped back, looking for another weapon. In the meantime, Clifford closed the distance.

Here it comes! The chance! Close enough to touch Lady Sil.

Okay. I raised the short sword. And... I slashed my left palm deeply. A straight diagonal cut. Ow! I went too far and cut deeper than planned.

—And my right wrist, holding the short sword, was grabbed strongly. The blood from my palm splattered onto the pristine white outfit.

It was Clifford. A wave of emotions. What was in his deep blue eyes? Was he angry because I gave a deceptive order? Sorry! But—

“—You said you would do as I wished, didn't you?”

This is the moment, Clifford!

“I didn’t do this without reason.”

“—Understood.”

Whether he was convinced or not, his grip on my wrist loosened. Clifford deflected the thrown weapons that came flying one after another.

I lowered the short sword and extended my bleeding palm toward Lady Sil. If I wasn't mistaken, Lady Sil's demeanor changed as soon as I cut my palm.

“...!”

Seeing the blood up close, Lady Sil's eyes widened dramatically. A significant change. Oh! The pain from the blood was intense, but this was definitely the right move!

“Lady Sil”

I touched Lady Sil's cheek with my bloodied palm. The agile Lady Sil stood still. Her body suddenly lost its strength and slumped.

The explanation.

In reality, this was a much later event. In the latest volume of the original story, the awakened Lady Sil—now almost certain to be the one behind all the previous incidents!—lost consciousness when Serious, who was protecting her, bled and the blood splattered on her face. A scene packed with both the transformation and boys' love elements!

—In other words, it's the blood! The awakened Lady Sil is weak against blood!

Looking back at each incident Lady Sil was involved in, it turns out the enemies' blood wasn't clearly shown. Lady Sil herself was injured at times, but not the enemies.

The possibility of returning to her senses by seeing and touching someone else's blood up close.

But the usual Lady Sil doesn't faint at the sight of blood. She handles injuries and touches blood normally. So, this must be a phenomenon specific to the awakened Lady Sil. Furthermore—characters in the story speculated that the blood of the royal family might be a key point!

In my previous life, this was a part that made me a bit down. Because the reason it was Serious was more impactful!

...Regardless.

Whether true or not, the Esphera royal family is said to have special blood related to the sky gods.

So, I had to try it myself! I'm a princess! I'm of the royal blood!

I supported Lady Sil's body, which had lost its strength and leaned. ...Wait? In the original story, Lady Sil completely lost consciousness due to the blood, but she's still—.

She lifted her head, her eyes unfocused. No, she was looking at the blood on my palm.

“My... 'Master'... Why...”

She murmured, as if pleading.

...‘Master’? Lady Sil, did you say ‘Master’?

Question marks danced in my head. Why would Lady Sil say that? No, should I consider this as not Lady Sil but still Lady Sil?

“Lady Sil?”

I shook her shoulder, but Lady Sil's eyes were closed. She had lost consciousness again.

But I didn't have time to think. Just because I had neutralized Lady Sil, the situation wasn't resolved. While I was focused on Lady Sil, the sound of clashing swords, which I had temporarily blocked out, continued nonstop.

During Lady Sil's rampage, the leader-like 'Servant' had put me on hold.

But! Now, the atmosphere and gaze were clearly targeting both me and Lady Sil for elimination. The younger 'Servant' was trying to force us apart—no, to attack us!

But, I don't need to fight anymore, right? No need to defeat them!

Lady Sil is safe, so we just need to escape somehow...

Strategic retreat! But I have no idea how to do it!

Instinctively, I looked toward the entrance.

Eh.

—Multiple figures appeared from the corridor side.

The first to enter was the red-haired youth I had judged as an ally, Derek. When did he leave the room? That question was quickly forgotten.

The entrance to the 'Sky Room' was filled with armed soldiers.

The youth seemed to be leading someone.

That someone pushed through the wall of soldiers and stepped forward.

I gasped.

The unmistakable figure. A man I would have surely asked to be my fiancé if I were single.

Overjoyed, I shouted without a care for propriety.

“Uncle...!”

A savior in hell. Uncle! Uncle! It's really you!

I was too happy to call him Duke Knightfellow with any composure! He seemed to have a halo around him!

“Sorry for the delay, Prince.”

Uncle's smile and voice healed me, making me forget the time and place.