Resolution
Lux’s Side
After getting out of the bath, since it was about time for Elina-san to head home, Siana and I went to the front of the Rodwell mansion to see her off.
“Lux! Thank you for inviting me to your home today!”
“No, it is I who should thank you for going out of your way to come all the way to the Rodwell residence.”
When I expressed my gratitude, Elina-san leaned close to my ear and whispered sweetly.
“Let’s take a bath together again sometime.”
“…!”
Hearing that, I grew embarrassed as I remembered bathing with Elina-san, and I unconsciously stepped back a little.
Elina-san saw me do that and gave a small laugh, then turned toward Siana and spoke.
“Siana-chan, see you again… As Lux’s attendant, make sure to keep supporting him, okay?”
“Yes. As my master’s maid and the one who stays by his side, I intend to continue supporting my master from now on.”
“…”
“…”
The two of them quietly exchanged gazes for a moment, then Elina-san waved to us both and said.
“I’ll come again before long, so let’s have fun together then too, just like today~!”
“Yes! I’ll be really looking forward to it!”
With those final words, Elina-san smiled, got into the carriage, and departed from the Rodwell residence.
“Well then, let’s go back too, Siana.”
“…Yes.”
After seeing Elina-san off, Siana and I returned to the mansion.
Rezamiliana’s Side
Sitting in the chair of her office, Rezamiliana grasped the hilt of her sword, closed her eyes, and recalled today’s battle with Floria.
“As I thought, Floria Florence is someone with tremendous talent and determination… Just how many in this world could cross swords with me to that degree?”
Murmuring that with a faintly pleased smile, she next recalled Lux’s swordplay as seen from the royal family’s seat today.
“Rodwell’s sword was splendid as well… In terms of skill in handling a blade, Florence does seem superior, but in terms of potential growth during this tournament, Lux will likely surpass her.”
She then pictured Lux in her mind.
“As expected of my destined partner… The look on your face, the spirit in your sword, and the techniques shaped by your daily training were all truly wonderful… So this is what it means to be captivated… The third annual Royal Exchange of the noble academy, postponed because of the tournament, should be approaching soon… In that case… the time has finally come.”
In the tournament’s exhibition match, she had been able to defeat Floria.
However, to Rezamiliana, Floria was not only a rival in the sword. Since Floria had spoken to Lux about engagement, for Rezamiliana, who wished to be united with her destined partner Lux, Floria was also a rival in that regard.
“But whether with the sword, or in destiny with Rodwell, I have no intention of losing to you.”
Declaring this with strength, Rezamiliana opened her eyes, filled with firm resolve.
Violet’s Side
“Violet.”
“I am here.”
When Siana entered her room and called Violet, she appeared at Siana’s side, wearing a black hood.
“Did you hear my conversation with Elizalina-nee-sama in the changing room?”
“Yes, I did.”
“I see, that makes things quicker… then.”
Speaking in a calm tone, Siana immediately closed the distance between herself and Violet and raised her voice.
“Violet, between me and Elizalina-nee-sama, who do you think has progressed further in our relationship with Lux-kun!? Me? It’s me, isn’t it!?”
“That is…”
“Say it’s me, Violet!”
“…It would seem to be you, Ojou-sama.”
“…! That’s right! As expected of you, Violet!”
“…”
After that, Siana continued clinging to Violet like that, while Violet kept gently soothing her.