Chapter 250 — Arc 5 – 63, “The Passion of Liliana Masquerade”

Priscilla: “There seems to be some sort of unrest… not following will certainly bring regret.”

Emilia: “Huh?”

Tugging on Beatrice’s hand, Subaru-sama for some reason left the park in a hurry while muttering something.

The opening words were said by Priscilla-sama who saw them off with her gaze. Because they were so sudden, Emilia-sama too widened her eyes. Beautiful woman and beautiful woman meeting gazes, created a beautiful sight.

Allow us to savor the atmosphere, as we admire the aura they give off with levity.

In their clashing gazes grew sparking petals of flame!

Red eyes slim and elegant, and gently sloped eyes of pale amethyst.

Immersed in Emilia-sama’s gaze, Priscilla-sama’s graceful nose gave a huff, crossing her arms. Her chest, her chest was emphasized. At the sight of that large chest bouncing aggressively, I quietly stroked my own chest. Flat.

Emilia: “What does that mean?”

Priscilla: “Nothing, the meaning is literal. Something inconsequential to this degree you should be able to see though. Or is your intent truly to question? In that case, it’s laughable to the point of hurting one’s sides.”

Emilia: “——”

Priscilla: “Even between master and servant, secrets are natural… to believe so is comedic. Servants need only hands and feet, if something like this is permitted, they will reveal attitudes unbefitting of the desires of their master. Which is precisely the situation you are in.”

Razor tongue lashing out without pause, faced with that Emilia-sama revealed a pensive expression. That dismayed gaze and silver hair swaying with the wind together, inspired a truly indescribable emotion… In truth, although rather shameful, this was beyond comforting.

Liliana: “Ehehe…”

Anyway, Emilia-sama’s thoughts were in accord. She nodded toward Priscilla-sama with ‘understood’ as a response.

Emilia: “Right, though that’s true… although I believe what you’ve said is correct, my thoughts on being a master and servant are a little different.”

Priscilla: “How truly presumptuous to raise objection to mine decree. And dullness and foolishness are of equal demerit. Leisure for disagreement does not remain. With haste, take your leave.”

Emilia: “Thank you. I’ll be after him at one… Though, sorry to leave Liliana behind.”

Liliana: “Hehehe… uwah!?”

In the middle of quietly listening to this story, Emilia-sama gave me an apologetic blink. Pondering what it meant, I raised a fist at Emilia.

Liliana: “Please don’t worry, Emilia-sama. Songstress Liliana here! Believes in Emilia-sama and Subaru-sama’s return, so relax and leave protecting this park from harm to me!”

Although energetically saying words about being a songstress, naming myself in this manner was truly embarrassing! More embarrassing then had been previously expected!

Emilia: “Although unsure of what exactly you mean, but I’ll leave it to you. Priscilla, don’t bully Liliana.”

Priscilla: “Refrain from carelessly calling out mine name. Mine intent is all conveyed. Leave at once, find that clown to play with.”

Emilia: “Really.”

Rather unfriendly terms, but Priscilla-sama seemed unbothered. Right until vanishing from the range of gaze, Emilia-sama continued to watch me with concern.

Ah, farewell, Emilia-sama. Although there were many more words that should have been said, merely being able to survey you from all angles was enough.

Liliana: “A flash. Please listen. — To look up from under your feet.”

Priscilla: “You fool, if there remains time for levity, use it to seek the supreme melody. This world cannot match your talent, but the limit of one’s lifespan is equal amongst everyone… The value of one identical second differs greatly between you and one of the masses. The leisure of squandering as one pleases is the prerogative of wealth. But lacking the discipline to better yourself, is the equivalent of flinging yourself into a sewer.”

Liliana: “Shamed by your praise, my spirits are rising rapidly, falling rapidly, too much for me to keep up with!”

Was it praise? Was it scolding? Smart people are always disorientingly exceedingly incomprehensible when they speak.

I’m a wandering bard, rarely do I feel shame, without education without family and without grave! Wandering without end and without boundary on this earth is my ideal! The path of song!

Priscilla: “Others being incapable of understanding your quirks, living in another world entirely, cannot be helped. Even so, to be ignorant is undeserving of pride. This affects the quality of your beloved song.”

Liliana: “Nonono! Not in the slightest?”

Priscilla: “— Oh?”

Liliana: “Eek!”

At the instinctive retort, Priscilla’s voice lowered in pitch. Her narrowed eyes beautiful and terrifying, either one would have this Liliana immediately yield.

Liliana: “P, please stop, Priscilla-sama… Defying Priscilla-sama wasn’t my intent…”

Priscilla: “Refrain from acting in a deplorable manner unbefitting of your talent. To have your value decrease, would be an insult to mine self who has praised your song. You are forgiven.”

As with lines on one’s palm, paths to happiness are not shared!

Uncertain of why Priscilla-sama would care about something like this, eh… asking a little shouldn’t be such a big deal, right?

Liliana: “So… to Priscilla-sama, wisdom and song are related?”

Priscilla: “Indeed.”

Liliana: “But, what I want to learn is at its root unrelated to song.”

Priscilla: “Oh, and why would you think so?”

Liliana: “- Because in my song, the condition for shaking hearts has not been met.”

Songs, were powerful.

The I who cannot determine the power of my song, is still immature. As of now only height of aim and the rightness of effort had been affirmed, but ahead still lay a long path of struggle.

Immature song, immature performance, but the heart that had been full of passion since youth was mature indeed.

Liliana: “Using song to express joy, doesn’t require much learning, using song to express sorrow, merely a heart is enough, using song to express rage, naked rage is enough… it’s like this.”

The lu-lyre, and this tiny body are more than enough for use in song.

Complicated words were unnecessary. Desire to learn is precious, but being unable enjoy song without it, was not the chosen path of a bard.

A bard lives for song. But the song does not choose an audience. And so, neither should the bard.

Liliana: “To have my song contain my my feelings is enough, I don’t intend for it to express anything complicated. As for what’s left in the heart of audience, is for the audience to determine — that which is called a song, brings joy in such a way. Lingering in the heart, from time to time, unconsciously giving a sudden hum… if something like that were to happen in my song, then this life was not lived for naught.”

Priscilla: “Hmm.”

Liliana: “Hah!”

Pure bard full of energy, king candidate whose aura could strike a flying bird down in midair.

Between them Priscilla-sama was especially famed for her troublesome character. With only a relationship of singing and dancing together, to attempt to get closer to her was too arrogant!

Liliana: “Eh, it’s fine, at this moment today I’ll agree with you… this is an exception, mm, an exception. Hehe, although sorry for intending to ignore…”

Priscilla: “Excellent, you (kisama)… rather, thou (sonata) art truly a good child.”

Liliana: “Huh?”

The legs that had been intending to apologize and run, were caught by Priscilla-sama’s words.

On that note, did Priscilla-sama smile just now? In other words, just Priscilla smiled? A pure smile without hostility, something like this, somehow felt cute.

Priscilla: “Mineself was the unreasonable one, thou merely follow’st thy steps forward. Approach mineself should thou find’st trouble, for you have value enough to receive mine regard.”

Liliana: “Eeeeeeeeeh!?”

For some reason, this was a evaluation far higher than imagined!

Priscilla-sama then unexpectedly and unhesitatingly, sat on the edge of the park’s fountain with leisure. Boldly crossing her legs, and what long legs! Or not.

Liliana: “I, can keep my life?”

Priscilla: “Even should this world come to meet its end, mineself will guarantee thy survival until the very last.”

Liliana: “To live on with confidence even should the world be completely destroyed! Inspirate has come, please listen – The Woman of Utter Despair.”

Priscilla: “If this song is dedicated to mineself, surely it must be noble?”

Liliana: “… Bringing forth, a classic called the [Record of the Evil Dragon Conquest]!”

This refreshing atmosphere of being killed amongst the joyful sounds and laughing words, how lovely it felt.

Priscilla-sama sat before the rushing water, before a fountain that seemed as if it could swallow her up, as I tried my hardest, as if stepping on hot coals. Playing the strings of the lu-lyre, focusing to the extreme of that well memorized piece.

Raising focus to the limit, this feeling of casting the world aside — I call it [Singer’s Realm], come, be immersed in it!

Come, immersion! Forget unrest and terror, along with every trouble!

Hyahya, all those troubles!

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Priscilla: “— Stop the performance.”

Liliana: “Ehehe, can’t be done… Eh? What did you say?”

If there were too many troubles, [Singer’s Realm] could not be relaxedly entered, but just now the immersion had come without issue.

Then, even though the song had been been executed perfectly, Priscilla-sama stood with a serious expression, why? Did the song sound unpolished?

Liliana: “Priscilla-sama?”

Priscilla: “Has’t thou yet to notice? Something about the streets is strange… As mineself relaxed, something malicious began to foolishly stir.”

Liliana: “Eh…”

The words that had left Priscilla-sama’s mouth were confusing.

What exactly, had just happened?

Priscilla: “Seems that Pristella is facing a disaster. If it goes on like this… that clown’s intuition surprisingly accurate. How unpleasant.”

The one called “clown”, was probably Subaru-sama. But what about intuition, what did it have to do with leading Beatrice away, and with Emilia-sama who chased after them…?

Subaru = [Lolimancer]

Beatrice = [Loli]

Emilia = [Amazing Lovely Girl With Magic]

Liliana: “Oh no! What happened to Pristella?”

Priscilla: “Truly, unless thou art in the midst of song, blood isn’t circulating within thy head whatsoever. Unlike mineself who is exceptional in all regards, thou art only exceptional in one. But mineself does find it likable.”

Priscilla-sama who was closed with eyes, with the fan she’d taken out at some point began to fan herself as if she had a headache.

Truly to exchange more words with that Priscilla-sama, but this wasn’t the right time.

Liliana: “Indeed, everyone who was in the park vanished…”

Priscilla: “That was because thou revealed’st an uncouth attitude during thy performance.”

Eh… I do hope you can forgive me for lying on the ground and playing with my teeth.

Liliana: “However, should any incident occur, the magic radio in the city hall should immediately broadcast through the entire city. Kiritaka-san reminded me too, this morning I…”

Priscilla: “Is that that which can spread sound to an exaggerated degree? Indeed, listening to thy song throughout the city is enjoyable… but what about it?”

Liliana: “——?”

A broadcast every morning had become commonplace, Watergate City Pristella contained a large watergate, so it was a place with high attention to safety. Shelters were located all throughout the city, the citizens should have been well aware of this.

So why —

Liliana: “Ah… what’s this?”

Chest, for what did it suddenly start to ache.

How strange. On my chest was nothing so dashing as an old wound.

So, this feeling —

Priscilla: “… Don’t approach.”

My smile tight, I gave an “eh?” of consternation. Priscilla-sama sudden raised her head to look toward the sky.

— Following immediately, was the sound of the of the city’s broadcast.

Capella: “Well then, all you trash rotting meats, please take care to pitiably die off rot away, kyahahaha! Deigning to make this broadcast here, is Witch Cult Sin Archbishop representing [Lust]! Capella Emerada Lugunica-sama! Kyahahaha!”

Sharp piercing voice cutting off all of a sudden, quietness coming afterward. Leaving only the sound of water flowing from the fountain. That appearance of that sound was far too sudden, filled with unreality as if a dream.

Priscilla: “Really now, quite the conceited words.”

Ah, that wasn’t a dream. Seems that wasn’t a dream.

The nearby Priscilla-sama’s tone grew terrifying, scaring me into turning my head to confirm her words. My keen survival instincts were informing me, ‘this turn of events is no good!’.

Liliana: “Um, so, Priscilla-sama… so, perhaps it’s simply just activites… or maybe a malicious prank, that possibility exists as well. That’s what I think, but…”

Priscilla: “Desire and speculation are from their nature different. If this were a malicious prank, who would call upon the infamy of the Witch Cult’s name? And in addition the opponent claims to be a Sin Archbishop. Know that those lunatics a group who give no thought to time, place, or means.”

Liliana: “Uuu…”

Priscilla: “And within this city, is that clown who could kill that lunatic. With that, that they would grow more frantic is a matter of course. Who knows how many people are completely hopeless like thee.”

Priscilla-sama’s words were difficult to comprehend as ever, but right now she seemed to be taking great pains for me to be able to understand.

With that, even someone like me with holes in their brain could understand.

The attack of the Witch Cult led by the Sin Archbishops had already become reality, and in addition the city hall had been captured already.

In that case…

Liliana: “Is, is Kiritaka-san okay?”

Priscilla: “Well, that’s an unknown name. If he’s someone relevant to the city and furthermore dwells in the city hall, there is no way to assure his safety. Seems that now is no longer the time to remain here and enjoy music.”

As soon as Priscilla-sama finished speaking, she took up her fan, marching forward with unflinching will. Eh, but, that was in the opposite direction of the shelter.

Liliana: “Then, then, don’t you want to find a shelter!? Like this, choosing a path differing from what’s expected in an emergency will lead to disaster!”

Priscilla: “Hiding in a shelter with head bowed, waiting for the trouble to pass as if a stream is indeed fine. But the issue this time is a different matter, for if mineself does not act this situation will not come to an end.”

Liliana: “Which is to say, intent to kill an archbishop!?”

This king candidate who intended to slaughter her way into the city hall —!

Looking at it from any angle revealed as a matter of course, to allow her to throw herself into a battlefield like this without calculations of victory would end only in tragedy.

Speaking of which, with Priscilla-sama so full of confidence, could it be that she was capable of engaging in battle?

Responding to my words full of doubt, Priscilla-sama covered her mouth with a fan as she looked back, tilting her head slightly.

Priscilla: “No, first Schult must be retrieved. Al is fine either way, it doesn’t matter what becomes of that fool. But Schult’s adorableness is without substitute. If mineself does not take care to retrieve him, surely he will be crying somewhere.”

Liliana: “Eh? Eh?”

Priscilla: “As for the other one, presumably he followed mine decree of this morning, and is wasting his time at a tavern. A stroll in that area would perhaps locate him. Truly, what a troublesome man.”

As she rambled on, Priscilla-sama strode toward the park’s exit without hesitation. Though clearly occuring before my eyes, dazzling as it was, what to do, was all in a fog.

Then, Priscilla-sama turned back,

Priscilla: “Though mine request was not for thee to follow, if thou stray’st too far, the [Sun Disk]’s range will no longer reach. If wishing to refrain from mingling with frantic fools, thou would do well to follow mineself.”

What is this, it’s terrifying! Just what had happened?

Liliana: “I say, Priscilla-sama, what’s happening after finding the ones that need to be found!? Wait, Priscilla-sama!”

Hurriedly chasing the silent shadow of her back, paying no mind to those who fled for the shelters, with dignity we walked about the city.

The shadow of her back gave off such a sense of security, that perhaps even Sin Archbishops didn’t need to be feared…

— Thinking so was a mistake, was that I realized soon after.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Moving forward through the city according to Priscilla-sama’s words.

What was miraculous was, despite being unaware of where exactly her destination was, at every amongst the canals and streets Priscilla-sama chose her path without hesitation.

Because of those correct choices, the I who should have been guiding her had no chance to give my performance!

Liliana: “Isn’t this Priscilla-sama’s first time in Pristella? Moving with such ease, is startling…”

Priscilla: “No, this is the first time. Because its name is similar to mine own, and the sights of the Capital of Water are famed, mine decree was to visit one day. This development was not expected in the slightest.”

Liliana: “Is that so, this really is a shame. It was supposed to have been a much more tranquil, lovely city, without need to rush like this.”

Watergate City Pristella, was certainly a place worth touring. For a bard, a long stay, a leisurely stroll through the city was happiness.

Even the Muse Company Headquarters that had been built here, the likes of Kiritaka-san were quite inclined in this direction.

Well, rather than to say Kiritaka-san is troubling me, it should rather be said that I’m the troublesome one. Kiritaka-san, please be fine.

Liliana: “Speaking of which, there’s no one! A city where people on the streets, where water dragons visible on every street with a canal, where singing lead to meeting Kiritaka-san, is in such a strange situation!”

Ever since the Witch Cult had first made a broadcast, nothing had stirred. In addition to the people and water dragons all going missing, the only sounds that stirred were the flow of water and wind.

How quiet. But, it felt like more than just quietness. This stillness, wasn’t it too ominous?

Priscilla: “Don’t wander off, it should be a right turn here. Do you understand, follow mine directions.”

Liliana: “Eh, don’t you want to take this path? It’s clearly a shortcut… really, how scatterbrained of Priscilla-sama.”

Priscilla: “Hoh—?”

Liliana: “Eep! Apologies, I misspoke!”

Wanting to decrease the distance by telling her of a shortcut, but it was a failure! Speaking of which that “hoh” was too scary! The gaze of a beast… no, the gaze of a carnivore!”

Priscilla: “Follow mine instructions, and nothing will go wrong.”

Liliana: “Hehe, this lowly one will now completely obey Priscilla-sama!”

Following Priscilla-sama’s directions, after this we took several winding routes. For some reason, during this not a single person was encountered. Time was running out!

Liliana: “Let’s be cheery as we walk and sing?”

Priscilla: “Thou has’t no sense of a stage. Even if thou choosest a partner to listen, that person has the right to choose otherwise.”

Liliana: “——?”

Priscilla: “About time to allow thy throat rest as well… it won’t be long until thy opportunity to sing arrives.”

Liliana: “Haaah.”

Like that, Priscilla-sama’s eyes held a hint of having predicted something. That twisting and turning manner of talking, to the me who took straightforwardness as a duty, felt suffocating, closing my mouth and keeping silent.

And so, this odd and silent tour through the city –

Priscilla: “Here.”

What Priscilla-sama who’d paused her footsteps was regarding, was one of the shelters in the city — the convention center of 2nd Street.

If the city hall at the center served as a place of assembly for the entire city, then the convention center of each numbered street was where each of their standpoints would be discussed.

Kiritaka-san was not only the manager of the 3rd Street convention center, he also had influence in the stirrings of the city hall.

Liliana: “Oh, being unexpectedly taken somewhere safe! Where all the people went, quite honestly, I was even a bit scared!”

Priscilla: “Hm? What sayest thou? Hurry and get inside, scaredy-cat.”

Since this was a convention center, inside were probably several extraordinary people, and was at the same time a shelter close by, so as if the reunion of lovers long separated, this was soothing for the heart —

???: “You, the fuck are you saying, dieee!”

This lovely daydream, dissipated like fog after being met by a cry of rage.

An enraged roar filled with the scent of blood, contained in those sharp words, was a keen sense of killing intent.

Those uncouth men had cast aside their usual frivolity, to exude genuine killing intent – I’d say I was still a bard, having wandered through so many places, taking not only safe paths, but having travelled dangerous ones as well… this was what was known as [rage].

That which could not remain unfaced, the [Wrath] that accompanied violence and murder.

Liliana: “P, Priscilla-sama…? This is…”

Without realizing, I fell onto Priscilla-sama from beside me, but she avoided my outstretched hand, glancing around the convention chamber with an extremely listless gaze.

My kneeling self, with disbelief surveyed the scene that Priscilla-sama had examined.

— The sound, of a scream.

In this convention chamber, the shoving crowd flung insults, making sounds of disgust as they jostled each other.

They must have numbered fifty… no, a hundred? Two hundred?

In summary, a mass of people bowled over those beside them indiscriminately, male and female and old and young together.

Insulting each other… those insults tinged with hostility and malice, violent mannerisms full of intent to wound and kill. Those who had fallen to bleed were many, in the corner of the convention chamber were the quivering forms of children.

What on earth was happening?

Priscilla: “Hmph… in the midst of such a mass of random people, finding just Schult is indeed difficult.”

Casting aside the confused me, Priscilla harrumphed, face calm as ever.

… No, but, this situation was a disaster? Why that unaffectedness?

Priscilla: “Discord to this degree, has certainly permeated the city by now. The slow thee has perhaps not realized, as we did avoid a path of trouble.”

Liliana: “Avoid…!?”

Finally understanding, the meaning of those words.

The reason that Priscilla-sama had gone out of her way to take a winding path — was to avoid any discordant ones.

I alone had failed to notice, leisurely complaining about things like the lack of people…!

Liliana: “Writhing and fighting like this… does this have to do with the Witch Cult?”

Priscilla: “Were this a mere disagreement, to go to this extreme would be utter foolishness, isn’t it. These people… no, the perimeter of this entire city has been overcome by foolishness. This is the result.”

The most important parts of Priscilla-sama’s words were incomprehensible.

But at least it was understood, that the people hurting each other right now, were not doing so of their own intent.

Liliana: “Why, why am I untouched? To uniquely have the ability to fight something like this off… or rather, did I awaken in this moment!?”

Priscilla: “‘Tis the majesty of mine [Sun Disk], but, thee alone should be able to escape it… more importantly,”

Priscilla-sama narrowed her eyes, surveying those who shoved at each other. With the same gaze that she’d given me a “Hoh—?” with. Which was to say it was terrifying. Looking at those two eyes, her next words will presumably be equally terrifying.

Guessed right.

Priscilla: “To find someone in this commotion, is practically the dream of a madman. With a small display, they will shut their mouths.”

Liliana: “…Eh?”

As her words fell, Priscilla-sama casually [drew a sword from the air]. No, to say it like that was wrong.

To be more precise, the light became a sword?

Priscilla: “Fall into the light of mine Yang Blade —”

The sword which Priscilla-sama held aloft, was decorated with a beautiful floral pattern, dyed in red from pommel to blade, a sword of crimson. Radiating sunlight from within Priscilla-sama’s hands, illuminating the entire convention chamber… how dazzling! how wondrous! A degree that regular light was incapable of reaching, scorching the eyes as if the sun. Ky, kyaaaa!

From up close, how damaging to my two eyes!

Ducking away to keep my the distance, planning to make some retort against Priscilla-sama — before noticing it.

The convention center had grown quiet, those fighting people focusing on Priscilla-sama. But of course, if such a blinding light appeared, it was only natural that everyone’s quarrel would end.

And just when that hand fell, and everyone’s voice stopped.

???: “Priscilla-sama!!”

A sobbing boy approached at a run from the wall, with cheeks reddened, as he flew toward Priscilla-sama. Priscilla-sama caught the boy directly from the front, stroking his peach colored hair with gentleness.

Priscilla: “To be so troublesome, only you alone could receive mine attention like this. Schult, have you realized what a fool you’ve been?”

Schult: “I, I… I had thought I wouldn’t make it…! But, Priscilla-sama… Priscilla-sama…”

Priscilla: “Well, crying easily is as expected of children, they shouldn’t be blamed for it.”

The sight of the boy whose hair had so gently been stroked made me jump.

Rather, because Priscilla-sama had come especially for this child, so I’d assumed she cared very much for him, but witnessing this showed that it was not so. The sense of violation was keen. Because Priscilla-sama’s attitude was frigid. Thinking about it nearly made my neck twist.

However, it couldn’t be assumed that with such a spectacle, it would be easy to escape. After all we’d become the target of the attention of this convention center!

The spearhead of the enraged crowd had been directed toward the radiant Priscilla-sama. And in addition it had just been noticed, that the shining blade had disappeared.

Liliana: “Priscilla-sama, where did the sword from just now go?”

Priscilla: “It’s consumption is high. So when not it use it must fade back into sunlight. Hmph.”

Responding to my question, Priscilla-sama looked toward the ones who gazed at her. That gaze was calm as always… which was to say, apathetic.

Priscilla: “What are you lot staring for, you fools without reason. Worshipping mine beauty is human nature, but understand time and place and your own position. First, kneel.”

Liliana: “Why are you provoking them —!?”

Pressing Schult into her chest, with a fierce expression Priscilla-sama pointed at the ground, ordering everyone present to kneel. Although as expected, the crowd who was more irschible than usual moved with violence, and rushed forward.

A ripple of insults echoed together, and I hurriedly dropped my bottom to the ground as I tried to curl up… However, Priscilla-sama remained standing there. No, wait.

“This woman! What kind of joke…”

Priscilla: “First of all is you. At least soar with more grace.”

The large man, in a fit of rage attempted to grab Priscilla-sama, but she immediately dodged aside, shoving his broad chest away.

A man whose weight is double mine, flew away like a leaf. Truly, this ease was without exaggeration.

“——hk!?”

The body of the man that flew away, collided direction with the mass of people, causing a dramatic pitiful sight. One after another, being knocked over, rolling over like dominos.

And so, due to that initial loss, the crowd’s momentum came to a halt. The one lined in front, trembled upon seeing Priscilla-sama’s power.

Priscilla: “As you can see, were it mine will, all of you could be cut down with ease. Although ‘twould be bothersome. If desiring to attacked, approach in turn. Today mineself will spare the time, to thoroughly respond to your desires.”

“——”

Priscilla-sama spoke in a regal voice, glaring at those surrounding her.

That said, there was no one who would approach after hearing those words. The enraged demeanor of before went who knows where… or rather, the rage lingered on in everyone’s hearts. It was merely that its spearhead was not directed toward Priscilla-sama.

Priscilla: “Seems there are none. Where then, there’s no longer meaning in remaining here. Mine attendant has been found safe and sound. You lot are free to enjoy yourselves, once mineself has departed.”

Liliana: “Eh!?”

As soon as Priscilla-sama finished speaking, she took the hand of the crying Schult, striding toward the exterior of the convention center with lavish steps.

Liliana: “Ah, but! Just leaving everyone here like this…”

Priscilla: “After mine departure, the quarrel will start anew… ‘twould be surprising if it became slaughter in the end. However, does minself have reason to terminate it?”

Liliana: “In that case…”

That was so, but was it really fine like this?

No matter how you look at it, just leaving them behind was going too far.

Liliana: “Pr, Priscilla-sama is a candidate for the royal election…”

Priscilla: “Even for mineself, there is that which cannot be accomplished. Without question, mineself is indeed immersed in that annoying position, but to use it as an excuse is too forced.”

Liliana: “Guu…”

Forcibly having my mouth blocked, no longer able to raise voice to any retorts!

But, but, if we left, the quarrel would start. Escaping, could I really do something so ruthless?

Something like this, I —

Priscilla: “Or is that to say, you’ll solve it?”

Liliana: “Eh!?”

Just as I was hesitating, Priscilla-sama murmured in a low voice.

What was that to say, that, rather appealing proposal.

Priscilla: “Thou has’t said to mineself before. To enjoy song requires no qualification. Not selecting place or audience is the essence of what thou call’st song. If so, why does thou not use thy miraculous song to save that lot?”

Liliana: “……”

Priscilla: “Thou art immersed within mineself’s [Sun Disk]. In addition, as previously said, thou art to approach mineself should thou find’st trouble. Although perhaps ‘tis early to play this card… but this is still a pleasure. To be able to hear thy song, remaining here a moment is acceptable.”

As if provoking, Priscilla-sama folded her arms over her chest. Was it a quirk, to raise her chest like this.

That violent cleavage could be seen with ease. Brushing hand over chest. I stared down at the hand that had just touched my chest.

On that palm, lay cold sweat.

Liliana: “Is it… possible?”

Priscilla: “It matters not even if it is done. — If approaching it like this, then it will merely be wasted effort.”

If thinking that songs had no power, such a line of thinking was not wrong.

Although saying that, this was not the case.

Taking up the lu-lyre from my back, gripping it tightly with both hands.

Those had yet to become my audience, who had stored all their rage in their core, were truly without reason! When clearly from now, I would say as I sang!

— To hope that when everyone savored the sound of song together joyously, that they wouldn’t fight!

Priscilla: “Schult, wait for a little. You will see an entertaining sight.”

Schult: “Understood.”

Priscilla-sama and Schult stood behind the back of my figure with the lu-lyre.

With what kind of expressions, ugh, despicable, obvious without looking!

Liliana! Wandering the world with only a lu-lyre, a bard who forever held heroes in her heart!

Liliana: “Inspiration flashes! Please listen — Ripples on the Surface of, the Watergate City!”

Return to your senses, then show me a frenzy!

If this takes away time that would be spent fighting, it’s all the more meaningful!