Hidan no Aria - Volume 19

And we move on…

Shorter chapter, but we do get some character development here.

Still working on the monster that is Chapter 4, and I am sure you will all enjoy that… once I finally reach the end of it…

Enjoy!

[BEGIN TEXT]

Afterwards, Minuet began to go out with a more regular frequency whenever I invited her out.

Even with Lisa here, I would suffocate if cooped up in the mansion around the clock. I’ve come all the way to London for a specific purpose, so I’m looking for a way to earn stars while sightseeing.

With that thought in mind, in addition to Lisa, I called Watson, who was disguised in a boy’s Butei High uniform…

I pushed Miss Minuet down Abbey Road in her wheelchair.

This was the famous road that divides Camden from Westminster and whose picture was used on the cover of a Beatles LP. Following the picture, with my right hand in my pocket, I was John, Minuet was Ringo, barefoot, Watson was Paul, and Lisa was George, following the historical order and having a passing tourist take a commemorative photo for us as we crossed the crosswalk.

In accordance with the current pleasant mood:

「Well, should we go see the Tower Bridge or Big Ben next?」

I proposed, mixing business and pleasure, but just then–

「…?」

A bulletproof Daimler DS420 luxury vehicle appeared nearby and came to a stop.

It has obviously stopped because they were watching us.

I was an unimportant Butei, so it did not particularly surprise me…

However, the person who was driving the vehicle was what shocked me.

They wore an affectatious white suit and sunglasses to conceal their eyes.

–It was Prince Howard.

Exiting the car and using his gloved hand to close the door with a *Ka-chunk!*, he used a handkerchief to cover his face.

Then facing towards us:

「There are certainly a lot of vehicles in this area, and the smell is foul. Oi, you lot, come forth. I do not wish to befoul myself by walking through this place. Come, now. Do not dawdle.」

Using a single crooked finger, he beckoned us.

「Howard…? Ouch!」

「My! What is it that we have here? When summoned by a lord, not responding would be an inexcusable sin. He must certainly be travelling incognito.」

Suddenly called for by the Prince and well on her way in a scheme to become part of the Royal Family, Minuet pinched my hand as she self-propelled her chair toward him.

With goggling eyes bugging out in shock, Watson began to run towards the prince in accordance with the order.

「–Kinji. I have come to speak with you.」

With Lisa hesitantly following me, I came halfway toward the Prince as he addressed me with a haughty attitude.

「There’s nothing to say.」

The Prince and I had been contentious from the start due to Aria, Watson wore an expression of worry, and Minuet directed a small scowl in my direction.

「Kinji. You are Aria’s lover, are you not?」

The Prince said it so bluntly, and it hit me all at once… it appears that he is operating under the same misunderstanding that Minuet was. If a ‘girlfriend’ shoots their ‘boyfriend’ 8 times a day, you’d have to change the definition of ‘lover’ in the dictionary.

I considered denying it, but Howard had gotten me so upset, so–

「And what if we were?」

I answered for some reason. In response, Minuet scowled, Watson blushed in embarrassment, and Lisa grinned with a vein bulging on her forehead in three very distinct responses–

「As I have already informed you the other day, although Aria is presently serving the capacity as a Butei, I intend to eventually make her a part of the Royal Family as my wife. Resign yourself to that fact, give up on Aira, and never let her name pass your lips again. I had MI6 investigate, and if you associate, you are one who will bring dishonour upon Aria.」

「Elementary! It is only natural for my elder sister to become a princess!」

Despite the fact that the result flowed from a place of logic, Minuet feigned happiness.

「However, you and Aria are man and woman. In consideration of the disrupted relationship, I shall bestow due recompense. A sum sufficient to ensure that the common folk never hear of it. On the condition that you never contact Aria again, of course.」

Saying that… the Prince handed me a cheque from Coutts Bank.

Huh? Is he trying to hush up a past scandal by bribing me with money? Even royals use such base tactics.

「Never. Even if you offered me 100 million Yen, I would refuse.」

「What if it were in Pounds? If converted to crisp paper, it is a much greater amount than in Yen.」

「Th-… That’s not the problem! It’s not the money … that isn’t the issue. Aria should be the one who decides for herself who she wants to be with.」

「–Not at all. In this country, the will of the commoners accedes to that of the nobility, and the nobility to that of royalty. It is their social obligation.」

…He stated it clearly. As expected, this Prince operates under different rules.

「Heaven doesn’t place any person above another. You in England are a century behind Japan. That is one thing that applies to Butei more than anyone else. We don’t sell out friends for money.」

「You have a curiously stubborn and rude manner of refusal, do you not?」

I talked the prince through each step, beginning to end, like the steps of a minuet, and, perhaps a bit thick-headed, he was tilting his head to the side.

「I hate you.」

I declared something even the dimmest person could understand. I just spoke bluntly…

Then Minuet, who planned to ride Aria’s coattails into the Royal Family:

「–Please allow me to extend sincere apologies upon his behalf. This man…」

Minuet immediately stepped in to patch things up, but the Prince:

「Ha! Ha! Ha! It is quite alright. It must be some foreign commoner drivel. However, by happenstance– my feelings are quite aligned. I loathe you as well.」

He spoke disparagingly towards me, wearing naked jealousy on his face. In contrast to his measured and polite words, he was furious.

「That’s a good look for you, Prince-y boy.」

「You have courage; for a commoner. Let us cease this talk of money and discuss another boon I shall grant you. A duel.」

Duel…? That’s a pretty anachronistic word.

However, violence was the strong point of my schooling. The day I’m thankful to Butei High might just have come.

「Then let’s do this right here and now. I’ll go bare-handed and give you my gun.」

Cracking and popping my knuckles, I made a primitive threat–but the Prince snorted and laughed.

「Do you really believe that you have me at a disadvantage here? However, seeing that you have presumptively accepted my offer of a duel, you shall face my proxy. –Come.」

However, a few seconds after he puffed out his chest, from a double-decker bus that had already passed a few times previously… The shadow was now cast over us.

It passed us, and in that instant–

「…!」

Beside me, an English boy of approximately the same age appeared.

「Prince. Another one of your games?」

Muttering this in a low, cool manner, the boy approached–

I had not noticed him at all until he suddenly appeared.

Who is this guy…!?

「…Wh-When did you…?」

Watson was shocked as well. Even the one nicknamed ‘The Western Ninja’ hadn’t noticed him.

Lisa and Minuet were wary of the man as well–

「Butei Officer Kinji Tohyama. I am always glad to meet up-and-coming hopefuls.」

Wearing a vest as part of his three-piece, dark grey suit, he addressed me.

I spoke to the pince without looking at him.

「Who is this?」

「Bond.」

The boy with close-shaven grey hair and eye colour somewhere between blue and green gave his name.

「Scion Bond.」

Having already given his last name, he then gave his full name in a pretentious manner–He gave off the impression of a pure-bred English boy. His height was similar to my own as a pure Japanese… and he also smelled like me. The scent of smokeless gunpowder peculiar to those who fire guns everyday.

「MI6?」

「Correct. I am number 7 in the 00 Section.」

–He said it, didn’t he?

The United Kingdom boasts the worlds best foreign intelligence agency, the British secret intelligence service– MI6.

Headquartered in London and under the direct control of the Prime Minister, it is tasked with investigating terroristic threats from radical Islamists, communists, far-left political organisations, and cults.

After being warned by Watson, I did my own research, and MI6 had colluded with MI5 in their fight against the IRA to conduct counter-espionage and prevent a coup. As a result, they were given unfettered access to the British embassies and exercised a heavy-handed violent policy. They were a heavily armed and well-equipped organisation that was feared throughout the world.

And above all else, hosting what were known as the strongest humans, at the top of the MI6 organisation– was the 00 Section.

They are extraterritorial elites that carry a murder permit, a『License to Kill』, that allows them to execute anyone without a trial so long as a single finger is in contact with the United Kingdom.

Their exact number is unknown, but it cannot be more than a few–Is this young man one of them?

Stunned into silence beside me by Scion’s appearance, Watson spoke.

「Hold on just a moment…! Doesn’t that post belong to Mr. Bond…? He is certainly not a young man like yourself!」

Regaining his composure, Watson shouted at Scion.

「It would seem that in your brief time abroad, you information has become out of date, Sir Watson.」

Scion replied in the typical English roundabout manner–

「My father has retired. Although I have never met him, according to the official documents, I am his adopted son.」

「…」

His disinterested declaration in a slightly accented, low voice astonished Watson all the more.

「Scion is the youngest person in history to be selected to join the 00 Section, a natural genius. I am of a mind to employ his services.」

Ignoring the Prince who spoke flippantly about using people like pawns, I said–

「It’s an honour to meet a genuine 00 agent. Even if they’re a rookie.」

I scowled at him, knowing from his age that he was new to his position.

Returning a cool response of his own:

「…You are hiding something, aren’t you?」

He inquired softly.

「…」

I hadn’t said anything–

But he had noticed it in the instant my bloodlust was released.

–Hysteria Mode..

This guy. He picked up on it less than a minute after meeting me. That was faster than Minuet.

And right now…

His bloodlust was like a razor-sharp knife thrust into my chest.

In fact, Scion probably could do just that. And I was completely unable to deal with that.

Right now, I… far from being able to win, I was going to die in tenths of a second.

Even in Hysteria Mode, I would be at a disadvantage. With this person as my opponent.

–The world is vast. But I don’t think that there is a more sharp person of my own age.

「Your Highness. I do not wish to face this man in a duel on your behalf, as you have said.」

Scion faced the Prince and declared tonelessly.

「Oh? Why is that, praytell?」

「The disparity of strength.This man would be a lamb upon the sacrificial altar of the duel.」

「Scion. If you do not fulfill my orders, I shall dismiss you, you bastard, and assign the task to 008! Obey!」

The Prince shouted.

「Yes, sire. As you wish.」

Standing directly beside me and facing the Prince once more–

…He’s coming… to kill me…~!

The 00 Section will do anything for England. And right now, England is the Prince himself. These patriotic demons will do anything for their country and follow any order no matter what–

「–Tooyama, run! You will be killed!」

With a series of clicks, Watson, the full-body weapon, deployed card-shaped knives from his elbows, wrist, and the back of his hands–

Suddenly, he swung her arm like a cane, aimed at Scion’s neck. However:

「Sir Watson. With all due respect, there is no need to involve yourself. Fellow Englishmen should not shed each other’s blood for a foreigner.」

Without moving, Scion struck out.

Or so it appeared. But the reality was something different. I had heard about the theory behind this from my father, but even in Hysteria Mode, I could likely not replicate it. It looked like the Udounte classical style of karate from Ryuku, reserved for use by royalty.1

It is a technique that moves without disturbing the balance of the torso, centre of gravity, and alignment of the body. A classical move that is movement without moving. The movement is beyond human perception, and is a secret technique that is impossible to steal.

That must be what he used to appear instantly…!

As if to prove this theory, there was a *Thump!* from Watson’s temporal region–

And with a *Thud!*, he slumped down.

–P-passed out.

Watson, who had gone toe-to-toe with me in Hysteria Mode Berserk… with a single hit…!

「Master!」

Clinging on to me, Lisa turned her back toward Scion and interposed herself between us.

「Stand aside, woman!」

Hearing Scion, who calculated to intimidate her with a few words–

「NO!」

With her sharp cry, at her feet *Boom!*

A gouge in the concrete appeared.

It was a varnish shot fired into the ground. Scion had done it. I realised it afterwards.

There had been absolutely no signal that he was going to fire. Whenever a human fires a gun, there is always some sign– some indication is given. Something happens every time you shoot a gun, and it is instinctual. Until now, without exception, each enemy I have faced–even Sherlock–has given off their『intent』.

However, with Scion there was nothing.

When he fired, there was no such thing. Like the unconscious breathing that every human is unaware of, Scion shot as easily as breathing.

This special skill…

Only humans that have spent their entire life fighting possess it. But to fight as easily as breathing, only those who have fought and accumulate endless battles can obtain it.

It is not a secret technique that confers an instant increase in fighting power like my Hysteria Mode.

「Although it was a warning shot, you, an English gentleman, used a gun against a woman. Please suit your actions to the circumstances.」

Even here, Minuet admonished the Prince’s soldier, Scion. But Scion was unfazed.

「Miss Minuet Holmes, my use of guns was an adaptation to the circumstances. Or would you rather that I not do so?」

Looking past Lisa, I saw Scion calmly holding a Glock 18C in his left hand on the side of the road–

It was a hammer-less, striker fired, polymer frame gun.

I hadn’t even heard the gun’s report, so it must have had the latest internal suppression mechanism. It’s illegal, but that fact doesn’t seem to apply to him. From the way the asphalt has shattered, the bullets seem to be dum-dum ammunition. It would seem that he can disregard the rules of combat when dealing with terrorists, so it must be『anything goes』for him, isn’t it?

But–the fact that he has shown his weapon does not mean that he is relying on it.

By my reading of the situation, Scion is throwing this fight for some reason.

This time, his line of fire was in Lisa’s direction, so I–

–With a *Whoosh!*, I exchanged places with Lisa, and took the bullet on my watch.

Then starting at my left wrist, with a *Clink!*…

…A pair of handcuffs appeared.

「You are wearing a dirty blazer, and yet you are dissatisfied with a woman in handcuffs?」

Scion asked, tugging slightly on the attached chain that seemed to be cemented carbide… It was 1 metre long.

However, its function does not seem to be to restrain people. It only restricts one hand.

「I have made a promise to protect her.」

Thanks to embracing Lisa, and her soft ampleness and strong maternal scent coming from her chest–I now faced Scion in Hysteria Mode.

Before I could react, Scion opened the distance between us slightly.

「–I see. It has something to do with the regulation of adrenaline, does it not?」

Scion muttered softly, giving me the impression from his words that he had fought someone like me.

「…You have seen this before, someone else?」

I asked about someone else afflicted with my condition in my hysterised state…

「Yes, there was. In Cuba.」

Scion’s reply was in the past tense.

There was, but now there is not, is that what he meant?

But asking why there wasn’t one there anymore would be rude.

As one might expect, Scion holds the ability to kill someone like me.

「Your Highness, please return to your vehicle. It is of utmost importance that your clothing is not soiled by the spray of blood.」

Scion then returned his gun within the chest of his suit, then took out a chain and handcuff–

With a *Click!*, he secured it on his own right wrist to match me.

「This is what you would call a Chain Death Match, is it not? Once upon a time, it was popular in Butei High, but it has lost its popularity.」

「It is still in favour with naughty children here. I should be good enough for the two of us.」

A Chain Deathmatch–it is a traditional method of duelling that had its origins in the Ancient Roman Colosseum.

It was a fight where, besides the chains attached to an arm, the participants had no weapons.

This is his second peculiar quality: it was easily understood that he has a need for fairness to be enforced, and this duel seems to fit that bill– There is no way I can run away. That too is obvious.

「Alright! Alright! But first we both need to say something to each other. Let us talk. After that, we’ll start the duel!」

Without a direct order from the Prince whose agent he was… Will he agree?

At the start, I had no quarrel with Scion and no wish to fight him, however, the recent attacks on Watson and Lisa have given me fresh cause.

「…Allow me to tell you something, Tohyama. My father was undefeated in both the former Soviet Union and the United States, however, he suffered a singular defeat in Cold War era Japan. His enemy– was Konza Tohyama. Your father.」

「That is irrelevant to me. Some people might bring up a grudge that their ancestor holds to start a fight, but, although we are connected by blood, my father and I are separate individuals. Individualism is a Western idea.」

「You may well consider it irrelevant. I have told you something, so now allow me to ask you one thing. I have inherited a task from my father that concerns you. Namely, the return of Excalibur to a British museum.」

「That… I took it from Sherlock, and it is mine. It’s now mine to do with as I please, isn’t it?」

「A Japanese primate cannot be expected to understand its value. Just as there is no need to act bravely when in the presence of a woman. Tell me where it is, quickly.」

「It is a male instinct to act bravely in front of women. I wonder if you are inexperienced in the ways of the world?」

「I have never had a woman.」

「…That is quite a bit different than what I would have expected. Your predecessor was famous for his many love affairs.」

「My predecessor was often burdened by women. Something like Love is a nonessential in my life. Even taken as a hostage, they would hamper me. I love but one thing–England alone.」

Was he a misogynist? It may be for a different reason, but in this we are alike.

Now then, I’ve had some experience with this a few times in my first year at Butei High…

The way to win a Chain Death Match is to take the initiative.

Due to the inability to take damage and regulate your breathing, it is only natural that if you successfully strike first, you should be able to hold on to victory. So:

「Oh, by the way, Scion. This may look like a necktie, but if you look more closely–」

As I was in the middle of speaking, with relatively no pre-motion–

–Ouka!

I struck a blow that was, at its very essence, a straight punch.

With a low, rumbling roar, I moved at a subsonic speed.

With *Bam!*, my first strike hit Scion directly in the face–

The chain reached out and made a *Crack!* sound.

「–Scion-!?」

The Prince shouted in a pathetic voice, while Watson, holding Lisa up, cheered, and Minuet seemed not to know who to support.

Knowing there was no way that he was killed by that… Scion turned back to face me, alive, as expected. Only with a small nosebleed.

The few people milling around Abbey road watched us, puzzled… then with a *Step!* *Step!*… he approached me with a leisurely gait, it being hard to find a way to escape in these surroundings.

Then:

「…Is that how it works?」

Muttering that, with a *Whoosh!* he launched a counterattack– Th-that was Ouka…!?

Scion just launched a subsonic punch that synchronised the movement of his entire skeleto-muscular system.

Dammit! I just put it out there to be seen.

Like a demon reaching out from the darkness to devour, he has the ability to copy any technique he sees.

If he sees it, he is able to do it.

In the opening created as I hesitated over whether or not I could rely on my own techniques– *Pop!* *Pow!*

Scion landed a one-two boxing combo.

And each of his blows were heavy. Due to his footwork and placement, they were unavoidable. It was like being hit by a series of trucks, and the damage piled up. Because I couldn’t grasp his timing, using Kikka was impossible. He gave absolutely no『sign』with any of his attacks.

This is bad… that much is becoming clear…!

Even my chance for a retreat has been blocked. I was unable to roll off my back to my stomach, and despite the fact that I had ignored the rules– I cannot bring enough power to bear. This was because Scion could read my『signs』like a book, and stop me.

「–Master!」

Lisa shrieked, but she sounded awfully far away.

At this rate, he’s really going to kill me… in less than 5 minutes after meeting him on the road… and after a single attack.

Not allowing me to fall, Scion pulled me up by the chain–

「This is checkmate, Tohyama.」

He muttered before delivering the finishing blow. Then taking the opportunity–*Crack!*– I dislocated a bone in my left wrist. It was a passed down Tohyama Family technique of voluntary joint dislocation used to avoid capture and detention.

Then with a *Thud!*, I slumped to the ground.

As I fell, I intentionally thrust my left hand against the ground, returning the bone to its proper place…

「…Tohyama. You have broken the conditions on the duel. His Highness’ duel is spoilt.」

Glaring at me cruelly, Scion sighed.

「…I-…Isn’t the one who prepared the chains responsible if someone is able to escape from them?」

Wiping the blood from my mouth with my sleeve, I staggered to my feet.

I voiced that vague quibble with the terms of the duel–

「–Your Highness, this Japanese primate does not seem to understand what constitutes a duel. Please allow him the time to learn English, then we may reschedule for another day.」

「Hmm. I cannot say that this is an encouraging development. However, Scion, although this man may seem unable to compete in a contest fairly, I am of a mind that you should never again speak ill of Japan. It is a distinct possibility that my future wife will be one-quarter Japanese.」

「As you will.」

「How terribly dull.」

The Prince remarked as he was escorted back to his vehicle by Scion… and as they passed me:

「Concede Aria to the Prince. I have no wish to kill you.」

Scion whispered quietly, lowering his close-shaven head toward me. He spoke rather good Japanese.

「…You don’t want to kill me? What? Don’t you have a licence to kill, Scion?」

「That is exactly the reason why. Butei Regulation 9 is a handicap for you. That is hardly fair, and I am adapting to the situation in order to avoid killing you. Understand your present situation, and concede. This is a warning.  Next time– I shall kill you. I have resigned myself to play the part of a dastard, but I have no active wish to do so.」

…Even against me in Hysteria Mode…he was able to go easy on me?

That was the sum of things. Someone like this exists. I had been completely defeated by Scion Bond.

**************************************************

Weary from the damage received from Scion and my post- Hysteria Mode state, I raggedly staggered back to 221B Baker Street–

「How exhilarating, Kinji! For the first time in my life, I have witnessed two males exchanging blows. Modern day knights and samurai. How exciting! I am eager to see what my dreams will be this night!」

Minuet made this thoughtless comment as Lisa applied the English equivalent of Mercurochrome to my injuries.

「Then give me a star.」

「I have just given you 4 of them. I cannot give more so soon.」

Applying arbitrary rules, she refused to pay her fare for the sightseeing we had done.

For his part, Watson had regained consciousness, and appeared to be very angry, immediately leveraging the resources of Liberty Mason to investigate him.

Being a British national, it seemed that it was fairly easy to wash away his past…

…Early in his childhood he was a survivor of an IRA terrorist bomb attack where he lost both parents and was left an orphan. Recognising his talent, MI6 put him in a training facility where he was raised by his predecessor to serve as his successor– This training lasts 12 years, with no break on weekends or holidays like Christmas. The type of training programme he underwent in those 12 years was unclear, but it can be easily guessed given the fact that no less than 90% of the boys sent to the training facility『vanished』. With a survival rate of 10% or less, it must have been a living hell.

This rigorous training regimen, combined with the brainwashing program, ensured he was a strong warrior, as well as his absolute fidelity to England. Among the members of MI6, many of whom were drawn from the armed forces and police force, he was considered to be a lone wolf.

「That guy isn’t human. He’s a killing machine. Tooyama– Although it is vexing, you mustn’t fight Scion. MI6–we shall file a complaint with that evil organisation for you.」

Even with the bandages wrapped around his head, Watson looked just as exasperated as ever…

Having engaged with him, I was able to understand that.

He probably wasn’t a bad person. He’s probably the type to not consider what is good or evil.

Once given the order to fight, he doesn’t consider what is right, he just fights calmly…

That man is like ice. That is the sense I got of him.

「That much is elementary, but I shall step you through it like the steps of a minuet.」

In a good mood for some reason, Minuet pushed her wheelchair forward–

「Kinji, you cannot defeat Scion. Therefore, he should submit at the outset of the duel. As a result of Scion acting as proxy for the Prince, he shall triumph, and my elder sister Aria will be separated from you. As a consequence, you shall become mine.」

「Elementary or not, I won’t become yours if I don’t want to.」

I responded sullenly.

「No, no, Kinji, you shall enjoy it. Nobles have an obligation to yield to royalty, and commoners to nobility.」

She clung to my hurt body painfully. All aristocrats have got to be selfish.

「Afterwards, I shall become a member of the Royal Family. Such is a supreme honour. That is to say, once Prince Howard becomes a one-time king, however, we shall be unable to continue to live in the palace as royalty indefinitely.」

「…? Why do you say one-time?」

「It came to my attention through an acquaintance of the female physician who attends me. The Prince has a physical defect in a part of his body that renders him entirely incapable of completing the act required to leave behind an heir.」

「Which part?」

「Please reason it out for yourself. It is a part that a lady cannot name.」

Hitting me on my already injured head, Minuet thumped me with her pipe and refused to tell me… Well, that’s fine.

「What is more, if my elder sister remains with you, she shall be possessed by the Scarlet Goddess. If left within the Prince’s care, we can rest easily on that account. The palace is heavily guarded, and a place entirely divorced from any conflict. If I were able to stay there, then I would be able to live out my life by my elder sister’s side.」

As Minuet was speaking…

…*Brrng!*….*Brrng!*…

It was the sound of an old-fashioned metal bell. A traditional landline telephone was ringing

Sachet picked it up and moved over to offer the receiver to Minuet–.

「…Yes? Correct. Elder sister. Kinji has treated me extremely well. He showers me with affection every night, especially when I am fresh from the bath. Pardon? Not at all. We sleep in the same room.」

….Huh…?

Isn’t that dangerous to say on the telephone? Who is the person on the other end of the line?

Did you just say『elder sister』!?

I can’t be Ari-, Ari-…What kinds of trouble are you making, Minuet!?

「Kinji, there is a telephone call for you. It is my elder sister Aria, calling from Buckingham Palace.」

–I knew it!

Forgetting the pain, I jumped at the receiver that the still smiling MInuet held out–

Whoa! The receiver! Even without placing it to my ear, I can hear her angry shouting, and it is vibrating.

Like a fish dancing on a line, it jumped and shifted in my hands. She’s really pissed.

「…Aria?」

The moment I timidly spoke those words, Aria launched into a lecture.

『–Kinji! You picked a fight with Scion! He’s the strongest hitman of all mankind! Do you want to die!? What do you think you’re doing, stupid-Kinji! Actually, are you alright!? Do you still have all of your limbs!? He didn’t put out your eyes or rip out your tongue, did he!?』

All of that painted a picture of Scion as an absolute demon.

「If I lost my tongue, I wouldn’t be able to talk, now would I? Don’t worry, he didn’t steal my soul or anything. And having MI6 oppose me is nothing new. I lost Excalibur in Hong Kong.」

『Tch…! Well, I’m glad you’re alive. But you couldn’t have fought Scion unless you changed again. Who was it this time? If it was Menu, I’m going to open a huge wind-hole in you. Was it her?』

Now Aria knows that Hysteria Mode is caused by sexual arousal.

It’s a pain. But she seems to be in good spirits, and that’s a relief.

「…What about you? How’s the gold-digger project going?」

I managed to divert the conversation by simultaneously provoking her anger.

『G-Gold-digger? Hardly. In the daytime he lazes about the palace, and occasionally in the evening he attends a dinner party, and I serve as his bodyguard. In the evenings, I return to my hotel to complete independent training.』

「Well, lazing about isn’t much different from what you usually do, right?」

『Wind-hole. Well… everything gets messed up when you’re involved. Well, you already know how complicated a situation it is, and that you can’t just force the matter when it comes to irokane. Please just wait for a while. You don’t have enough lives to be associating with Scion and Minuet on a daily basis!』

–With a *Clang!*, Aria slammed down the phone and hung up, likely upset that she had run out of momoman.

Personally, I think that life in London is much slower than that in Tokyo where Riko and Shirayuki were there to spice things up. However…

I have the feeling that things are a bit dangerous here, Aria.

Ever since I’ve arrived in London, the inescapable feeling that something bad was going to happen had proven correct, and it caused me to furrow my eyebrows.

Even Aria herself knows the time limit on her becoming the Scarlet Goddess incarnate, and that worries her. And now with the chance to solve it with the Prince and me hindering that opportunity, she is confused. That’s what her voice told me.

And when that happens–Aria has the habit of acting incomprehensibly and making the situation worse.

The hihiirokane and ruruirokane did not react when Aria and I got close in front of the palace. Aria, Minuet, the Star System, Prince Howard, Scion–

I understand that the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.

Having to deal with all these multiplying factors, it would be easy for someone to fall into a panic. In a panic, you lose track of priorities, or rather you lose the will to do anything.

In such a case… you should not focus on all the things you have to do and should rather put things in order, one at a time.

You can’t fight 10 opponents at once, but you can handle them one at a time. Or at least so my father would say.

And as for me–

Disregarding Aria’s order entirely, I will devote my energies to gathering stars from Minuet who has, until now, shown absolutely no sign of willingness to tell me about irokane.

Two more stars.I’ve already laid my finger upon the solution. I will need to do it, paying careful attention to not spoil her good mood. Building a bridge of stars across London.

[END TEXT]

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1. Kanji say ‘Palace-Fist’: quite a literal name.