63 Princesss last hand (top) (1/2)

--The princess's office in the royal castle.

That day, Futa received a call from Lilac and was enjoying tea and sweets with her sitting on the sofa facing him.

They talked leisurely in a calm space.

It had been a long time since he had been able to relax like this, as he had been in a rush lately, especially until the game a few days ago.

A cup of tea and some sweets were served with it.

Today, there were some cupcakes instead of the usual cookies, and that was the first topic of conversation.

He said that he often ate them when cookies were not enough for him.

There was also the mention of the Colosseum, a state-run project. For her, this is more of a project than anything she's ever done before.

”...... Well. It's going to be a busy time for you, Futa. We're going to have a colosseum in King's Landing. Are you going to try to participate?

”What?　...... me?

Yes, you.

It didn't sound like he was joking.

Lilac nodded and gently brushed her lips thoughtfully.

I know what you're going through. The Colosseum will take some time to complete. Also, this is not my order.

”......

If Lilac wants. The card was crushed, and Futa was troubled.

All he could think about was this match with Prim.

--It had been fun. The most fun he'd ever had.

But Lilac had started this project for the economy.

Futa doesn't know if his participation will really help the economy.

You want to do it or not? I want to know if you are willing to dive back into the world of sword fighting. That's what I'm asking.

Can I ask you a question back at ...... first?

Yes.

It is your intention to revitalize the culture of King's Landing at the Colosseum, is it not, Lilac?

Yes. Yes, I do.

Lilac nodded.

Then she continued.

I don't believe for a moment that these games are part of the traditional culture of the kingdom.

”What?

If it is the culture of the kingdom, then I want to pass it on to the people of the kingdom.

I'm sure it was she herself who said that.

Futa is starting to understand now.

I'm sure she's bluffing, but her true intentions are here.

”Culture?　Tradition?　That's a load of crap. It doesn't matter. All we need is heat. I'm not going to turn a blind eye to the fruit that's slowly rotting away.

It's probably the same as picking up Corona.

”I will destroy this country.

I'm sure that's what he was thinking.

”But, Futa. There's no harm in me joining you. If I don't tell you that first, ...... you're not gonna like it, are you?

”No harm will come to Master Lilac?

Yes.

Huta's eyes widen.

I know who I am best.

I've spent my entire life as an ”unemployed” swordsman, unable to wow an audience.

An incompetent champion who was only a representative of the unpopular, despite being a champion.

I don't think Lilac would ever let Futa play a hundred games with her.

If he did, he would make sure that he would beat Futa himself.

I'm thinking in circles, but I'm not pretending to have a brilliant mind.

Giving up on what he didn't understand completely, Futa bowed to Lilac.

...... I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I can't answer that.

Lilac replied without showing any particular emotion.

”What do you mean?

She must have a reason. I'm a sword fighter.

I don't know if I want to play sword fighting. The battle with Prim was fun, and the match with Lilac-sama was fulfilling, ...... I think. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it again.

Keep going.

I'm going to show you that even though I'm unemployed, I'm still as good as my day job. That was my goal. But I couldn't beat Prim and everyone else because of something other than my skills. Even now, I haven't found a solution. There's a part of me that would like another chance at the swordfight. But there's no concrete way to do that. I don't want to interrupt Master Lilac's big dream in such a half-hearted state.

”It's ......, huh?

She smoothed her lips and lightly wiped her dress gloves.

She wiped her dress gloves lightly.

”Do you remember what I expected from you?

Remember what I expected of you?” ”That you would not be a slave to your profession.

Lilac lowered her eyebrows at Futa's immediate response.

Lilac lowered her eyebrows.

It's already been a few months. I like the fact that you can come up with words so quickly.

”I'm sorry. I want to live up to your expectations. I want to live up to your expectations, but I'm not sure I want to just go along with whatever you want to do when I'm not sure I can.

Good.

She nodded and looked at Futa straight in the eyes.

It is enough for me to hear that you are trying to live up to expectations. You're not backing away from sword fighting, are you?

Yes. --Oh, I see. I'm sorry I didn't notice.

”Yes?

He scratches his cheek, sincerely apologetic.

I'm not sure if I'm making another unnecessary mistake.　Lilac sipped her tea, wondering if she was mistaken again.

You were worried about me, weren't you?

”Gobo-fu.

”Master Lilac!

You've got to learn, me!

Lilac wiped away her tears.

Futa jumped lightly over the table, rubbing Lilac's back and wiping her hands with a handkerchief.

You're worrying too much. I'm just trying to take advantage of you again.

”I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.” ”...... How does an 'unemployed' champion become a real champion? I've been thinking about it a bit. I have an idea.

Oh, really?

I tried it once, and it wasn't too bad, so I think I'll go that way. As long as Futa's okay with it.

Please let me try!

Futa stood up and bowed his head.

I don't know why he tried it, but it was a trivial matter to him.