Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Only One Way

The Houou Empire was the strongest, largest and richest country in the world. With its vast natural resources and human resources, no one wanted to be its enemy.

In addition to the largest number of Paladins, the Houou Empire had many powerful special forces. Among all of them, there were troops who had special skills of carrying out assassinations and searching for information.

This group is called the Shadow Knight.

Since Kuro was once part of that special forces, he understood how those forces worked and the results they got. In other words, getting information about the enemy and the whereabouts of the Lic is not strange.

"I understand what you mean by not interrupting, but your side should also understand why Laila and I were looking alone. In addition, if your side has already obtained useful information, why didn't you tell us?"

By telling, the search for Lic will be faster and they will not have to fear the upcoming large-scale magic.

"Why should I tell you?"

The answer surprised everyone.

"Maybe Izriva possessed your sword and considered you like his parents, but in our eyes he was just a very dangerous weapon. If you tell you and you manage to get it back, after that, what will you do? You can't treat him as a human, right?"

The atmosphere is becoming tense. They were currently shocked by the huge change that had happened to Riana.

Although it makes sense, when laughing back to Lic smiling and laughing like a little angel, no one thinks Lic is a threat.

But, Riana knew why Lic was like that-

"Right now Izriva still hasn't made a contract and lost most of his memory. Although it is only a fragment of the real Izriva, the power Lic possesses is real. I don't know if it's luck or misfortune."

"Just.na.."

Laila who had always been calm now trembled like fear. Realizing Laila was shaken by Riana's words, Kuro tried to hug Laila to make her a little calmer.

"Don't worry. Everything's gonna be okay." Kuro refocused on Riana. "It seems that he became arrogant from having read the Grimoire of Wisdom, but it seems that he did not understand what wisdom itself meant."

All were shocked after hearing the word Grimoire Of Wisdom. It was natural since it was one of the Grimoire Of Truth. The grimoire is also called the Grimoire of History because it contains actual history.

Riana's eyes narrowed. But that doesn't mean he's angry at Kuro's sarcasm.

"I don't care what you say. I was determined to protect what was his dream. You must understand how I feel, Kuro. After all, you also have reason to continue fighting until now."

Kuro did not argue because it was true. He had reason to fight and fight. That's why he never stopped fighting.

But that's not the only reason he can never stop.

"I understand... What do you really want?"

"I'm just asking you not to bother us."

"Yeah, but what kind of distraction do you mean?"

"At this time we're running the Izriva rescue operation. It takes preparation, but we will do it in the near future. As long as it happens, I ask you not to involve yourself or Laila in battle."

With Kuro's ability, it didn't take long for him to figure out what was going on. That's why Riana can't force her not to interfere.

Only the path of negotiation was the only way for Kuro and Laila to get out of the battle.

It was not a command, but rather a request from a friend.

"In addition I also get additional orders from Uncle Leon. Do I have to say it?" added Riana with a blink of one eye.

Hearing Laila's father being called, Kuro and Laila instantly fell silent and sweat poured down.

Kuro is not afraid of him, but he has reason not to make trouble with Leon. However, he does not want Leon to refuse to marry Laila.

As for Laila, she had another reason not to make her father angry.

"Ha ha ha.. Kuro and Laila are indeed afraid of master Leon We find their weakness, Alvi."

"Un..."

The twins do not seem to understand what kind of situation Kuro and Laila face if they make trouble with Leon.

"Well.. The point is I'm asking you not to interfere. At the very least, don't do anything this week."

"One week.kah..."

Kuro and Laila glanced at each other. A week is not a long time, but at the same time the time is getting closer to the magic rituals that the enemy carries out.

If Riana failed, they would be in a difficult situation, but Riana was the princess. There was no way he was careless in making decisions. Especially decisions that concern the lives of their own people.

"Chelle.."

"I know, don't think I'm stupid for not understanding."

"Then it's decided."

"We're not gonna do anything nasty for a week."

"...what do you mean?"

For some reason, Laila decided something beyond Kuro's thinking. And that's bad news for him.

"As I said... Consider it a punishment for leaving and almost dying."

Kuro was instantly deathly pale. He looked down weakly and immediately turned white. His condition was more miserable when compared to after getting wounds from the enemy.

"Kuro perverted."

"Sister Alva..."

"You know what else, Alvi. They've stepped onto the ladder of maturity before us. Never give up, Alvi. Our turn will surely come."

"Un..."

As usual, there was no sign that the two would give up.

Hearing Alva and Alvi's conversation up close made Riana smile wryly.

"thank you. I can now move freely because nothing bothers me."

"You talk like we're a dangerous virus. I don't want to talk about it anymore, but instead we're asking for any progress on the rescue of Lic."

"I have no obligation to do it, but as a friend I will tell you. Unfortunately I can't guarantee the news I give you is always good news. After all, the ones who want Izriva are not just you."

The atmosphere, which had started to light up, was now back in weight. Riana's words have many meanings, however.

Riana stood.

"That's all I want to say right now. Now excuse me for a lot of business. Everyone let's go."

When saying 'everything' in question is Charlmilia, Alva and Alvi. This surprised Kuro enough.

"Right now they are under my direct command. Don't get me wrong, it's just that right now I need them."

A short and clear explanation. Kuro who had just first heard this glanced towards Laila to confirm.

"Riana.., don't tell me they will..."

Riana did not reply and only fell silent a thousand languages, but that was enough to explain everything.

At that moment, Charlmilia stopped and looked at Kuro and Laila.

"We'll fight, too, Kuro."

"But-but.no. I guess what I have to say right now is.. Don't die. Or no one's gonna make me a cake."

Normally Kuro would stop Charlmilia, but her gaze was the same as Riana's. Someone who is determined and fighting. If it's like that, then there's no reason to stop it.

Hearing about the cake, Charlmilia smiled happily.

"Of course..."

Charlmilia eventually goes after Riana and the twins. Kuro and Laila don't take them because they don't need them. There was a waiter who drove them.

After hearing the door close, Kuro and Laila sighed simultaneously.

"He's really hard to be honest."

"Well.. That's how she is. What else do you want. Riana was like that. He hasn't changed since I've known him. But ..." Laila's gaze turned cold. "..it looks like you're discussing something that's beyond my wits. Or is it just my feeling?"

Not only Laila, Charlmilia and the twins must have felt the same way. But they did not ask directly because the topic that both discussed something sensitive.

Kuro laughed wryly.

"Of course not. Sooner or later, I think you'll find out."

Laila immediately pouted.

"Moohu.. It's always like this. But it seems like they forgot something."

"Yes. I almost forgot about it."

They both look at the floor. There Otome was still fast asleep like a dead man.

"To keep watch, we'd better have Yui check on him."

Laila nodded.

"Oh.. Yeah, where is he now?"

💠💠💠

Kuro and Laila are out of the house. Exactly to the outer courtyard of Laila's house. There they find Yui sitting in a meditative pose under a shady tree growing in the middle of the garden.

Rubya was not far from Yui sleeping.

"He said he wanted to meditate, but I was surprised he did it in the park. Um.. Isn't meditation usually done in a quiet place?"

"Actually the calmer and the more natural the better, but actually anywhere can be done. It's just that a place like this takes longer to recover."

"...hee.."

If you recall, Kuro once did it at school. It was then that he did so to restore the irregular flow of energy.

"Well.. We better think about the next step we take. The princess told us to count on her within a week. We can't let her down."

When Riana said that it was not disturbing, it was actually also related to the current condition of Kuro and Laila. Even if they fight, they will only be a burden.

"Pulse.. You said I'd recover in a few days, but is that all?"

Kuro nodded confirming.

"At least you'll be able to use magic as usual. But never once did you use that magic. Until we find a way to use it, I'll ban it."

Hearing that, Laila immediately pouted.

"Boo.. If I don't use Re; Break, how can I defeat the enemy?"

"We're gonna do something about it. I think this is also a good opportunity to increase our strength."

"Are you going to teach me magic?" laila asked in a curious tone.

"Don't ask for anything weird. You know who I am, but yeah.. It's not that I can't, but I don't think I'm a good fit right now."

Kuro can teach Laila the theory of magic. And because Laila quickly understands and is able to process theories into reality faster than ordinary magicians, Laila will be able to become powerful in no time. This was proven against the Red Crow.

"Whatchu mean? Then if you weren't my teacher, who would?"

Kuro smiled.

"You've seen it..."

Laila turned her head towards Yui who was currently opening her eyes.

And that's how Yui became Laila's teacher.

But before that, there was a problem that they had to solve first, of course it was Otome's problem.

After Yui wakes up, she is willing to become Laila's teacher. And for some reason, he was very excited. But when Laila mentions Otome, she immediately checks Otome's condition which somehow starts to become a zombie.

"...hm... This weird?"

It was the comment he first spoke after checking on Otome's state.

Otome fell asleep, but at the same time was as pale as a corpse. Anyone would say he was sick.

"His body and which stream belongs to him is no problem. You could say he is very healthy. Healthier than you, Laila."

"I know you're not well, but can you not compare. I'm healthier here anyway."

"That's what I mean 'strange'. If there was an abnormality in him, I would know and be able to treat it easily. But..."

"Nothing is abnormal.."

Nothing strange, but that's why it's weird.

"Is there a way to cure it?"

Yui crossed her arms and thought.

"To know if there's no problem outside, it means the problem is somewhere else. In other words, his mind. I didn't know being a teacher can stress like this."

"But that's impossible. I know Bu Otome is the type of person who likes to be ignorant and cruel to us. I don't think he's gonna stress. Besides, it's impossible for Riana to just let Bu Otome be like trash."

"I didn't know you could say such a harsh word."

"Honestly, I was surprised too. Maybe I was influenced by Kuro. But it's not like I'm saying that Ms. Otome is trash, but what I'm trying to say is that Riana can't leave her in this house if there's no way to cure her."

Both of them remained silent for a moment.

Since Yui made a contract with Emera, then she has incredible healing abilities. Even first class.

Even so, Yui was unable to cure him. In other words

"Kurou."

"Sister Kuro?"

The two compactly glanced towards Kuro who was leaning against the wall with his leisure.

"...Oye.. Can you guys not look at me like I'm the one who's always been the source of trouble?"

The two fell silent because of what Kuro said exactly. To his surprise, Kuro seemed to be unaware of it.

"I feel pierced you didn't try to refute him. But to be honest, this time I had nothing to do with Otome. Besides do you think I'm interested in a spinster?"

"I know that, but that doesn't mean you won't make a spinster fall in love with you."

It hurts more than before. Unfortunately, that's also the reality.

"But if Kuro's brother had anything to do, he might not have done it on purpose."

"Don't say anything weird. Do you want me to die soon?"

Laila's gaze had already narrowed sharply like a sword that would cut Kuro if it really happened.

"Of course not. But don't worry, I've learned the magic of the plant just to keep you from getting divine punishment."

"I just heard that for the first time."

Yui just laughed a little full of mystery.

In the end they decided to wait for Otome to come to her senses. It would be difficult to cure him, however, if he did not know about his illness.

But after that, something unexpected happened.

"I'm going to go do something. Yui, I leave Laila to you."

Is correct. After checking on Otome, Kuro said goodbye to the two.

"I don't know where you're going, but if you get caught..."

Although he could not use magic (for a while), but there was a creepy aura from Laila. Yui even stepped back in fear.

"I don't know if you believe me or not, but you should have known.You were my last queen (Queen). Where could I look for another."

"?"

After that, Kuro left with the Crystal Box which stored his two white swords. Although he was said to be leaving, he was more appropriate if flying on Rubya.

As before, Rubya is in charge of escorting Kuro.

It didn't take long for Kuro to move away to become the size of an ant. When she saw that, Laila smiled happily, but the smile instantly disappeared.

"What is he doing now?"

Laila turned around and went back inside the house. Yui followed.

"He's been doing it since he was a kid, so I don't know. But one thing is certain when he returns Kuro's brother becomes stronger."

Rehearses. It was the only thing the two thought of.

"He was trying too. Then there's no reason to relax. For the next week, please help, Yui."

"Don't worry, Laila. I'll soon show you what a real hell is. So prepare. I won't stop even if you cry and worship my nails..."

"I'm looking forward to it, Yui. But just so you know, I've seen what it's called hell."

For a moment, Laila's eyes changed. Not black as before, but blue.

It's getting weird and absurd. But at the same time,-

(It's getting interesting.).

💠💠💠💠

After Riana exited Laila's house, the carriage was already waiting for Riana and the others outside. The four of them without hesitation went up and they returned to the palace.

Since their arrival, Charlmilia, Alva and Alvi are instantly notified of the situation currently faced by Kuro and Laila. To be honest it was not a situation that magic school students could solve.

But in the end they helped. Of course in their own way. For that sake, they even ignored the birthday invitation that was their reason to the capital.

"I hope they understand what I mean."

The train is not only comfortable, but also equipped with soundproof magic that prevents eavesdropping. And although Riana is a holy witch who is able to neutralize magic, but the train is made specifically for magic to still function.

"They're smart. They know what to choose."

"Thank you, Charlmilia. I'm glad you guys are with me. If you're not with me, maybe I'll never make it this far."

"Hm? Why is Princess Riana afraid to talk to Kuro?" ask Alva. "Didn't you know each other well?"

While in the city of Areshia, Riana showed her familiarity with Kuro. Compared to before, Riana is like someone who is traumatized.

"...sister Alva..."

"Ah.. Sorry, princess Riana. I didn't mean to.."

Riana shook her head.

"It's okay. It's just that I can't think of Kuro as he used to. That's all I can say."

Riana's hands were trembling. It is something that a true person shows fear.

It's a strange thing considering Kuro isn't a threat. No, not exactly yet.

"Daughter Riana, I want to know more about Itsuki. I don't want to lose to him anyway."

Charlmilia was aware the atmosphere was getting gloomy. He quickly changed the subject.

"Sure, but remember. You are just supporters. The troops who completed this mission were the duties of the Imperial Knight."

The Imperial Knight was one of the special forces of the Houou empire. They were arguably the strongest of the entire special forces that existed in the empire. Not only that, the army was led by Leon, the strongest paladin.

Given the Imperial Knight deployed, it was also a sign of how important the rescue mission Lic (Izriva) was.

"I know that. But there's no harm in knowing the enemy's abilities, right?"

Riana just went silent.

💠💠💠💠

As everyone was preparing for the battle that was about to take place in the near future, there was a person who casually sipped a warm tea.

Her blue hair like the deep ocean and the clear sky made her look like a goddess, but she was not one of them.

But, right now he's not alone. A woman with blond hair like the light of the sun sat opposite her. The golden fan in her left hand made her like a princess.

"How long haven't we been drinking tea like this, Alice?"

There was no one but the two of them. Not that there were none, but they had already made a powerful shield that made no one come.

That included their closest people like son-in-law and granddaughter who a while ago accompanied one of them chatting.

"It's only been 5 years. Could it be that you're senile because you're too old?"

After all, Scarlet was a person who already had 3 grandchildren. No doubt he was not young anymore, but his appearance made people think twice about guessing his age.

The same goes for Alice.

"Haha.. Thats cute. You even forgot you were twenty times older than me. Looks like you're getting senile here."

"Well.. Might as well. It has been a long time since that day."

"Don't start a topic I don't understand. You've always been like that. How long have we known each other?"

"Oh right. I remember you were a little kid who was still wetting the bed."

"Don't talk about my childhood. You may be my nurse, but that doesn't mean you have the right to discuss someone's topic when they can only cry and... Please stop this conversation."

Alice smiled wryly.

"I thought I hated that smile of yours."

"I see.., I don't really care. All I care about right now is what you're talking to me for. You didn't do any of this just for tea."

Scarlet sighs.

"I should have asked you why you are the leader of *******? You're not the kind of person who likes violence. I still remember the nurse who always smiled and said that war is not good."

Not only know for a long time, but also already know the bad and good nature of each. You could say they are more like close friends and also parents.

"...why are you asking that? Didn't you say that yourself. The past. But now I realize, if I don't fight, maybe I'll regret it for the rest of my life. And you know, it was the worst torture for an immortal like me. You're really lucky, you just don't realize it."

"Don't talk about luck. That's the topic I hate the most. We both know none of us have that."

Alice fell silent and sipped the tea to the end. After that he looked up at the sky.

"...luck... We both don't have that."

"But at least we're alive." Scarlet continued. "As long as the breath is still there, you can get the happiness you seek. That's the path I took. And as you can see, I'm pretty happy with how I am right now. Oye.. Rather than fighting, wouldn't it be better to choose another path?"

"I don't have that road anymore, Scarlet. As you know, my current path is only one."

"If so, that means the next meeting is on the battlefield. Don't think I'm gonna let you hurt someone precious to me."

But Alice showed no concern.

"Maybe you used to be a Queen, but right now you're just a Pawn. Do you think you can stop me?"

"No. But I'm sure my grandson can do it. You know who he really is anyway."

"He is just a. I'll smash it right in front of your eyes."

"You won't be able to do it. As much as you hate him, you'll never win. You know that more than anyone."

"We'll prove it..."

"certain."

Within seconds, Alice's body disappeared like it was on fire. At the same time the shield that kept people away from the two of them began to disappear.

Sipping the final sip of tea, Scarlet sighed.

"You may deserve to be called Immortal Quuen, but you seem to have forgotten the miracle of the bond called love."

Shortly after, a small child and a red-haired woman approached. Lia looked annoyed that Scarlet had suddenly disappeared again.