kscans

Chapter 637 - III ≦ I?

“…Yes, this is—”

“—Helena-chan, I’m so sorry! It’s not like I underestimated him, not one bit, but his monstrousness is on a whole other level!!! We’ll fight with everything we’ve got and we don’t intend to lose, but for now, the three of us are immobilized, so count us out of your strategy! Really, I’m sorry!”

“……”

The instant she answered the call and connected the telepathy, a voice bursting with palpable desperation unleashed a torrent of words. Though the system had filtered it, the sheer force of the onslaught rattled the [Lady-in-Waiting]’s head. She closed her eyes, silent for several seconds.

After struggling with what to say in response, she finally settled on something.

“……Considering who you’re up against, I suppose the unexpected was bound to happen. Still, if that’s the case, focus on delaying him as much as possible. I won’t permit you to fall for nothing.”

“Okay, roger that!”

“Then, I wish you good luck.”

The connection cut off immediately, the lack of composure on the other end glaringly obvious.

Just what kind of hellscape was unfolding in the depths of the labyrinth right now? It was an opening every bit as boisterous as the last one, and she had to swallow the smile that threatened to escape.

And then,

“—…What is it?”

Beside her, the princess who had been dutifully observing the order to wait tilted her head.

“A report from Natsume. She says they’ve engaged Haru-sama in combat.”

“……”

“Even if you make that face, it’s not your turn yet.”

Twitch… It was almost enough to make her laugh. As she chided her master, whose expressionless face was now so clearly colored with emotion, she was met with a hastily composed, placid look.

“…Is Natsume alright?”

“She has Aika and Record with her, making it three-on-one, but… I wonder. Against the him of a little while ago, they wouldn’t have fallen behind, but his growth over the last two months is an unknown variable.”

At the very least, he didn’t sound like he was having an easy time over the telepathic link—when she conveyed this,

“……As the leader of a faction, I’m not sure that’s an appropriate reaction.”

Helena admonished Iris with an exasperated tone as the latter’s expression clearly broke from its stoicism, her cheeks blooming into a faint smile. But she shook her head and said, “That’s not it.”

“If Haru is their opponent, I’m sure the three of them can have fun, too.”

“Yes…?”

“‘Fun’ is a wonderful thing, you know.”

“……”

She gazed toward the labyrinth’s entrance, thinking of the one who was deep inside, her garnet eyes filled to the brim with trust… It was the same as always. To her master, who was so openly doting,

“I suppose it’s not quite ‘love is blind’… but from the outside, it looks pretty similar.”

The [Lady-in-Waiting] let out a heavy sigh.

Before the map detailing the state of the battle, she once again began to solemnly command her faction’s forces.