Delamis Cathedral, Divine Emperor’s Kingdom of Delamis
Delamis Cathedral, a sacred place where the shrine maidens of Delamis offer their prayers. The sanctuary is enveloped in silence, exuding a solemn atmosphere even today.
“W-what is this, exactly!?”
However, that silence is broken not by someone else, but by the mistress of this place, Colette. If Colette had no contact with Mel or Kelvin, or if similar events did not occur, she could essentially remain a perfect saintess. It is extremely rare for her to let out such a flustered voice in her saintess mode. Why is Colette so agitated? The cause lies in the telepathic message from Kelvin, which was sent to everyone else as well.
Colette and Kelvin’s wedding ceremony to be held in Delamis. This ceremony is no exception to the “Wait a moment” challenge, with strong contenders who have successfully passed the selection process tasked with this role. That’s all well and good. Naturally, Colette knows this and has agreed to it herself. However, the problem lies in the name of the person who will be issuing the “Wait a moment” challenge.
“N-no, I might be mistaken. Let’s calm down and check again. The person who will be issuing the ‘Wait a moment’ at my ceremony was decided as Mystery Swordsman S— Who is Mystery Swordsman S!?”
That’s right, the name revealed through telepathy was not a real name but a moniker. While everyone else’s opponents were clearly identified by their real names, Colette’s opponent was simply “Mystery Swordsman S.” This renders the information meaningless, and the opponent’s true identity remains unknown.
“Let’s calm down. It’s not as if there are no hints. Mysterious Swordsman, and then S… The first person who comes to mind with those conditions is, of course, Silvia. However, she is scheduled to participate in Shutra-chan’s ceremony. Besides, she isn’t the type to do something so roundabout… If that’s the case, then there’s also…”
After fumbling for a moment, Colette seems to have decided to deduce the opponent based on the currently known elements. The information is extremely limited. However, the number of people capable of reaching the final stage of the “Wait a moment” challenge is also limited in this world. With her intelligent mind, which rivals Shutra’s, it doesn’t take her long to arrive at the answer.
“…No way.”
“Oh? Trouble with something? If you need to talk, I’m here, Colette?”
Suddenly, a voice from behind Colette spoke. What’s more, it was the voice of the very person Colette had just imagined in her mind. The timing was too perfect, and Colette’s suspicion turned into conviction.
“…At this time, when the shrine maiden offers her prayers, access to the Cathedral is prohibited. You know this, don’t you, Serge-sama?”
When Colette turned around, the person she expected was there. Serge Floa, the former “Guardian,” self-proclaimed strongest hero, and a free spirit who truly holds that position.
“Ehh, don’t be so stuffy! I am, after all, a member of Delamis. More importantly, didn’t you have something you wanted to ask me? You look like you do~?”
“Haa, you’re so suspicious I’m starting to think it’s not you. …So, let me ask you directly. The person calling themselves Mystery Swordsman S, who is scheduled to issue the ‘Wait a moment’ at my ceremony— To be frank, isn’t it you?”
Colette points at Serge as if she’s caught the culprit.
“…Hm? Why do you think so?”
“I don’t know why you’re hiding your name, but Serge-sama is one of the world’s foremost, no, the world’s strongest swordswoman. No one would doubt your skill to participate. Also, your initial, Serge, matches the initial S. Furthermore, the unnaturalness of your appearance before me at this timing— You meet all the criteria, don’t you?”
“Ho ho, indeed, indeed, that’s a wonderful and convincing deduction.”
Serge nods repeatedly with a defiant smile, even offering a round of applause as if to say “impressive.” However.
“Hehehe, actually~… Too bad! You got it wrong! It’s not me who will be fighting!”
“Is that so? So you are Mystery Swordsman S— Huh!? You’re not!? After all that build-up?! You’re j-joking, right!?”
“I built it up, but it’s not a joke, it’s really not me. But since you’re here, maybe I’ll give Colette just one hint? Actually—”
***
Pub in the Labyrinth Country, Adventurer Guild Headquarters
“No, no, no! …No, no, no, no! Why is my opponent there!?”
Just as Serge was revealing her hint, Ange’s shriek echoed from the Guild President’s office at the Adventurer Guild Headquarters. It was also around the time she had come to see Shin to refuse the wedding in the pub, causing the atmosphere in the room to freeze for a moment.
“…Hey, what’s with the sudden commotion? Did you foresee the end of the world? That’s bad, what should we do?”
Shin, who was opposite Ange, asked the obvious question while enjoying his cigar.
“U-um, for me, it’s something close to that? Possibly! Please listen, Guild President Shin! My ‘Wait a moment’ opponent has been decided as Maria!”
“Oh, that’s good. You’ve drawn a winning ticket equivalent to Adams’.”
“It’s not a winning ticket, it’s a definite losing ticket! With Maria, who possesses inexplicable immortality, as my opponent, I won’t be able to make full use of my abilities! No matter how many times I take her head, it’ll just regenerate! We have the worst compatibility! She’s definitely not suited to be an assassination target!”
“Well, that monster would do it in seconds. Besides, I can easily imagine her counter-attacking while her head is being severed.”
Shin continued to puff on his cigar as if it were none of his business while listening.
“Hey! Guild President, you’re completely detached!”
“Well, it’s true that it’s none of my business.”
“Hmph hmph!”
“Ah… Alright, alright, stop making such a fuss. If you keep going on like this, I can’t get any work done. Fine, I’ll give you a little advice, since I’ve actually crossed blades with that Maria.”
“Wow, as expected of you, Guild President! You’re so reliable!”
Ange’s expression changed completely, as if she had been waiting for this moment. Thinking, “Did she plan this outburst?”, Shin placed his finished cigar in the ashtray.
“When fighting Maria, the thing to be careful of is… not fighting her!”
“Oh, really! That’s very informative! …So, what’s the real advice, not a joke?”
“…? I don’t intend to joke around at all? Whether it’s a joke or not, it’s best to just give up.”
“That advice itself is not a joke!?”
Ange’s despair intensified.
“Even so, she’s a monster who lives outside common sense. No matter how much damage you inflict, if she recovers instantly and automatically, there’s nothing you can do. Even if you could deplete her HP with a single blow, if even a piece of her flesh is left behind, it’s game over. And I don’t recommend a war of attrition either. Even if you fight for days or weeks, you can’t imagine her stamina and energy running out, can you? Well, I don’t think such methods are suitable for a wedding diversion, though.”
“Ugh…”
“On top of that, if we take even one hit from her, it’s also game over for us. Maria has only shown a fraction of her strength, but even that is terrifying. My proud Zildra goods were broken just by her light tap. If she were to move with her full power, how fast and how terrible would it be… Hmph, just imagining it is gruesome! It’s best to give up!”
“Ugh…”
The more Shin talked, the further the victory in the diversion seemed. Ange was starting to feel like crying in earnest.
“That’s all my advice. So, what do you say? Give up? If you give up gracefully, I’ll give you a cigar as a consolation prize.”
“Uuuuu… Yes, that’s right! I knew it!”
“Hmm?”
However, in the next moment, Ange looked up with a newfound determination. Her eyes were not dead. She even wore a challenging smile.
“As someone skilled in combat analysis, I know better than anyone how dangerous Maria is! But, Kelvin-kun and I will not give up even a little! Rather, we’re fired up to take her on! The ceremony will be even more exciting if we overcome the odds and win!”
“…Heh, Riod certainly has some persistent juniors. Well, as an elder, I’ll cheer you on. Do your best.”
“I will. So then, I need to start planning our countermeasures!”
Saying that, Ange burst out of the Guild President’s office. She was probably in a hurry, as she used her abilities to phase through the wall to exit.
“…I can’t help it. I owe Riod for giving me a favor, so I’ll help Riod’s junior out just a little.”
