The flower Hikaru gave her had a clear, immediate effect.

　The disease known as the Chaotic Madness was one that only worsened—it never improved. Two years ago, when it had first struck her younger sister Flora, her body had gradually been consumed. By a year ago, she could no longer stand on her own strength.

　But just two days after taking the medicine,

　she had recovered enough to stand by herself.

　Of course, Flora herself had also worked hard every day to follow the doctor's instructions and maintain her spirit energy circulation.

　But still—only two days.

The doctor had said that even outside of clinic days, he was searching everywhere for that flower, which was only natural given its remarkable effects.

To backtrack slightly, the day after giving Floran the medicine,

I entered the Temple of Light, fulfilling my promise to Hikaru.

The Light Spirit appeared just as she had a year ago—though, as the embodiment of light, her true form cannot be directly seen, so my audience was conducted through a black cloth.

To be officially recognized as a Light Holy Knight, I must master the Light Spirit Art known as "Photon Ray," the Fourth Technique.

Incidentally, I must also be able to fight using weapons, but I passed that test over a year ago, so only the technique remains.

"It's been a while, Refleia Ashbald. You've honed your skills well. You've grown considerably stronger since a year ago."

Unlike the Arch-Spirits of Meltya, who were summoned from elsewhere, the Arch-Spirit of Silthion had always resided in the Natural Temple.

Perhaps that's why this manner of speech, though it might be considered disrespectful, feels so calm and composed.

Though Arch-Spirits are said to be like this by nature, the Arch-Spirits of the Labyrinth Street were forcibly brought here for the sake of city-building, and are constantly surrounded by other Arch-Spirits—so they seem, well... always irritable. I was genuinely surprised at first.

"It has been a long time. Today, I have returned for the Holy Cathedral Knight Examination."

"Ah, so you have come to be tested?"

"I respectfully request your guidance."

The Arch-Spirit placed a hand upon my head.

Just that alone allows the Great Spirits to perceive nearly all of humanity's capabilities.

The Great Spirits never lie. They do not speculate or make assumptions. They simply speak the truth.

At my side is the High Priestess. Together, we listen to the words of the Great Spirits and determine whether I am worthy to become a Sanctuary Knight.

That said, I'm already certain I've met the passing standard, and even if I failed, I no longer intend to become a Sanctuary Knight anyway. If I tell Hikaru I failed the exam, she might even comfort me instead.

So, despite being in a moment of judgment, I remained calm.

"Rank 26. You've mastered spells up to level five. That's more than sufficient for a Sanctuary Knight. Even regular knights rarely reach such a rank."

"Thank you."

The words of the Great Spirit were exactly as I expected. My rank had slightly increased. Perhaps it was because I had delivered the final blow to the Demon King.

Having asked only what was necessary, my priest and I bowed to the Great Spirit and took our leave from the audience chamber.

Stepping outside, familiar regular knights greeted me with applause.

I had always intended to become a Saint Hall Knight, and the Great Temple felt like my own backyard. My mother was a Saint Hall Knight too, and I knew many people here—indeed, practically everyone was a friend.

Everyone was offering their blessings to me.

This truly marked my official entry into the ranks of the Saint Hall Knights.

Just a year ago, I had fled to the labyrinth city in despair, a complete wreck—now this scene felt like a dream.

(Everything… it’s all because of meeting Hikaru…)

If I hadn't met Hikaru, I might have lost my life entirely. Without my

income, my family home would have completely fallen into ruin, and I wouldn't have been able to afford Flora's treatment, leaving our entire family destitute

and without a place to go. (Anyway, that

promise is now fulfilled.) The Holy

Knight—something that seemed like a dream just a year ago—now seems faded, simply because I've come to know

Hikaru, the light. There's no longer any choice within me to stay behind and become a Holy

Knight in Siltyon. I won't wait for Flora's recovery—I'll return

tomorrow, or even sooner, to the

　

light that is

mine alone. ◇◆◆◆◇ There was a time when I, too, believed

this way. "D-damn... who is that girl in armor..

.?" "You don't know her either?"

"Yes... there shouldn't have been anyone around Hikaru except me—no women, not even any friends... yet how...?"

"We'll need to investigate..."

I had to thank Floria for her help, so my mother was accompanying me to the Labyrinth District, Meltya.

And there, something unexpected happened.

By patrolling the labyrinth entrance, we found Hikaru sooner than expected—but he was with a woman.

A delicate, feminine figure, a lovely young woman.

Large, sparkling eyes and slightly curled strawberry blonde hair made her look utterly charming. Though clad in rough armor, her slender, graceful build was evident from her movements and the small glimpses of her form revealed through the armor.

For a moment, I felt as though my vision went completely dark.

I'm... a bit on the stockier side for a woman.

That's why I couldn't look cute like that.

So I couldn't just run off.

I was scared.

Maybe Hikaru actually preferred women like that.

Maybe he only stayed by my side because I saved his life, and he only tolerated me—he probably actually hated me. Maybe that reason for breaking up was just an excuse, and it wasn't even true.

In an instant, these terrible thoughts raced through my mind.

It seems the other person was working with Hikaru, delving into the labyrinth.

When I asked the familiar guild receptionist, she told me, but she avoided giving details. She turned pale when she looked at me—maybe there was some terrible secret.

(Hikaru... he said he wouldn't team up with anyone...)

Still, it wasn't possible not to feel anger at being broken by that promise just ten days later.

Hikaru, who had always seemed so shadowed and reserved, now laughed brightly, chatting easily with a girl in armor as if some demon had been cast out.

—That smile was supposed to be mine alone.

And to make matters worse, Hikaru had actually guided her to the Goujitsu Plate shop I had recommended, even presenting her with an expensive gift.

"A... no way..."

"Hmm. It seems like he's been leading two people on... Still, infidelity is said to be a man's charm, and it's true we owe him a debt. Regardless of how his life turns out now, you must repay that debt."

"I know that. I'm just... a little shocked."

I said that to my mother, but in reality I was utterly stunned—so shocked it felt like the heavens had turned upside down.

Out of the shop, Hikaru was gently placing the Goujitsu Plate onto the armor child’s chest!

In the middle of such a crowded street! Hikaru, of all people! No way!

Perhaps the overwhelming emotion I felt caused the armor child to suddenly glance in my direction.

I barely managed to hide, but I probably should have revealed myself at that moment.

"T-this cheating Hikaru!"

Later, in the night market, I couldn’t hold back anymore and ended up screaming it out and running away.

The way they were affectionately feeding each other food looked exactly like a couple—there was no mistaking it—and I’d completely lost track of who I was.

After recognizing my presence, Hikaru's flustered reaction was nothing short of definitive proof of infidelity, yet what caught my attention was the other party.

Despite being the mistress, she was strangely calm and composed.

It was as if she carried the dignity of a legitimate wife.

In that moment, it felt as though I were the one playing the role of the mistress.

Even when I lost my temper, she boldly claimed ownership over Hikaru.

Hikaru didn’t seem to be acting love-struck at all, but he appeared unable to stand up to her.

(Could it be that she has him completely under her thumb?)

That’s when it clicked.

That must be it. Hikaru is genuinely too kind-hearted. He’s undoubtedly being manipulated by that cunning woman.

Otherwise, there’s no way Hikaru would have disbanded the beloved twin bird duo.But first, I had to get her off, and this woman was claiming ownership over Hikaru—she was, in fact, a thief cat.

A bad thief cat must be driven out.

"I challenge you to a duel!"

I thought she’d surely back down immediately upon hearing that, but surprisingly, she accepted with obvious delight.

The Explorer tag I glimpsed was bronze—she’d only just become an Explorer.

Even if she were bronze, there was no way she could be as strong as Hikaru.

Yet she acted as if defeat was impossible, goading me further.

That only made me angrier. I’d spent a full year in the labyrinth city, living on the edge of death as a dedicated explorer. My rank was far higher than hers.

I couldn’t afford to lose.

There's no way I'll lose.

The armored woman came up with a ridiculous condition, saying, "The loser must do whatever the winner says."

Probably, she plans to tell me to disappear if she wins.

How naive of her to underestimate me.

That very phrase—

I'll win, and then I'll give it right back to her, word for word!