Chapter 1043 - ....................
And so...
"... Even if you tell us to ask, it's not that easy."
Naturally, the place was filled with confusion. Tora-kichi's mutter was everyone's sentiment.
We thought we were going to the sequel of the Colored raid, but we were sent to a familiar stage. We had lost the power we had polished for the conquest.
We were chased by the familiar Black, and now we were being told about the secrets of the world.
All we understood was a premonition that we were present for an important turning point. How could we do anything but be confused? So naturally...
"... ... ... ..."
"... I'm thinking. Wait."
Her usual expressionless face was tinged with a bit of confusion, just like ours. However, she definitely hadn't stopped thinking. It was natural for us to look toward our leader.
Our reliable Sword Queen.
While it would normally be a problem to rely on someone whenever something happened... the undeniable fact was that Ashe wasn't a normal human being.
And unlike a certain idiot who had only recently started realizing his own self-perception, she understood her own specs, which stood far apart from others.
Therefore, our Princess did not hesitate to wear the crown of the Queen.
... Before I knew her better, it might have been a burden for her.
"... Hmm. Kendy."
But Alicia White, the current Iris, had no weaknesses in her invincible mental state.
"Final confirmation. Is it absolutely safe inside this barrier?"
"In the name of the Thousand Memories, I guarantee it."
"Are there any time constraints?"
"None. This Wedge is different from the imitation you know. It cannot be crushed, and its power will not fade... it is eternal."
"... The power of the Blue point, I see."
In that case, there was no hesitation, cloudiness, or sediment in her thoughts. She began to use the ability that had once left others behind, now using it to lead everyone along.
She was always so cool. I could fall for her.
I must have been staring like a dazed idiot. My cheek and back were pinched at the same time, and I let out a small "Ouch." Tora-kichi looked at us and said, "You're so peaceful, honestly."
Ignoring the two people with staring eyes, she continued.
"I have an immense number of questions, and choosing one is difficult... but first, ultimately, is this the place we were seeking to reach?"
"It is so, in two senses."
"... ..."
The knight gave a meaningful affirmation. Ashe narrowed her eyes slightly and looked the knight in the face.
Kendy-dono remained as calm as ever.
His gaze remained full of affection and respect for us guests.
"... We sought it. It sought us. In two senses... Then, if this is the sequel to the Green Connect conquest we sought..."
Ashe nodded in understanding.
"Who is the one who sought us here? Was it the Grie-sama you mentioned? The Goddess?"
"..."
Kendy-dono didn't answer yet. He was likely waiting for her next words.
"Or was it the Black... [Truthnight Aquamarine]?"
He listened to those words, and the smile on his face deepened.
"... First, let me clear up a misunderstanding. We are not enemies with Niclo-sama. In fact, that person is the most esteemed pillar we revere."
"So that means..."
"Exactly. The Black is black, but it is not the Black. It is the enemy that Niclo-sama, who has hidden away in the distant reaches, sealed by using all of his color and body."
... ... ... ... ... Well, or so they said.
"... Is anyone keeping up with this?"
"No, impossible."
"Not at all..."
"What the hell is going on."
We, listening to the conversation from the side, were completely left behind. We gave up and decided to just have Ashe explain it to us later.
Nia, Sora, and Tora-kichi.
We could only whisper quietly among ourselves, making sure not to disturb the two who were having a stylish exchange that sounded like something out of a story.
"... I see. Next, I want to talk about something more realistic. Assuming this is the conquest we sought, do you know what we are supposed to do?"
"I do. At the very least, I can show you the path."
"Is that a path we can conquer as we are now?"
"Of course. It is a path that cannot be crossed unless it is by you all."
And so, the conversation moved forward.
"For now, beautiful guest. Please put your hand on the Wedge. Touch it."
"... ? Understood."
Not just the talk, but the situation moved as well.
Like me... or rather, even more than me... our Princess had sharp eyes for judging people. She had likely decided to trust Kendy-dono based on his demeanor.
Prompted, she reached out and touched the Wedge that towered beside her without hesitation.
At that moment...
"...!"
A faint light was released from the Wedge and transmitted into Ashe's avatar, spreading through her entire body. She let out a breath of surprise, but...
"Are you okay?"
"... Yes, I'm fine."
She nodded to me as I checked on her. She slowly closed and opened her hand, which she had pulled away from the Wedge.
"... I feel like my power... my Status... has returned a little."
""Are you serious?!""
Tora-kichi and I had the exact same reaction. We looked at each other and then glared at each other for no reason like idiots.
She watched us.
"Truly, only a little. Just enough to feel it."
"I'm sure. It is but a small bridge, a single Wedge that has drawn a tiny bit of connection... It will only be a small, heart-felt thing."
"Connection... I see. ... Kendy."
"Yes."
Our Sword Queen, who never lost her reliability or composure no matter where she was, lowered the hand that had regained a fraction of its power.
"Will there be another chance to talk further ahead?"
"There will be. For it will be a long journey."
She listened, heard, and nodded.
"... I see. Then, let's move forward."
She smiled at the knight and at us, the party she led.
"I'll think of the next question by the next break."
She declared their progress, never stopping even in the unknown.