Aim for the Skies
Attention, all citizens of NOA. I deliver this message with the permission of the Town Guard.
Everything was a misunderstanding. You cannot marry the Captain just by taking him with you.
The Captain is currently under the BFB's protection.
...
...
...Looks like I got a little too excited.
Perhaps it's not my place anymore to tell Grand Master Charlotte to calm down.
...I could say the same for myself.
The arms dealer made a good point.
You and I are here to protect the Captain.
But if someone stronger, someone free of suspicions were to take up that role...
Shouldn't we be happy?
...Perhaps so.
By the way.
Your ankle. Are you hurt?
...
One more time.
I just need to fly one more time.
I saw it. Its weakness. The back of its head, unprotected by armor.
If only I can use the Hawk's Hunt just one more time...
Are you intending to go to the church?
Doing so only proves him right.
That you are serious about this petty squabble.
...Yes, I know what this looks like.
But this is a practice—a rehearsal, of sorts.
...
...No. No more lies.
...He's right. I am serious.
I despise the idea that somebody else will be standing by the Captain's side at the end of our little story.
Instead, I want that person to be me.
...I see.
This morning, I would've been convinced to quit.
So I am surprised by my own decision I'm making right now.
And you surprise me too, Deputy Master.
I was certain that you would follow the Captain to the end as his chief security officer.
Yet here you are, talking about voluntary retirement.
...Yes. So much for the Shield.
...I have failed.
Well, I must say, your forfeiting of this contest would be a pleasant surprise to me.
But it's outrageous...
Outrageous...? What are you talking about?
Do you not realize why the Captain was determined to reach the church instead of making his escape?
To me, it seemed like he was endeavoring to keep a seemingly casual promise to someone.
...
Not everyone finds it easy to chase after him, let alone grab his attention.
So I wasn't expecting you to back down so quickly.
The more I think, the more it infuriates me...
...
I always thought of you as someone who's taken to putting on airs.
But it seems you can be stubborn too. How unyielding.
Dear Deputy.
My life has always been defined by stubborn defiance.
Sickly, talentless, surrounded by siblings who were stronger than me...
The only option available to me was to stop at nothing to claw at what little opportunities for joy life deigned to offer.
That's how I managed to come this far.
So, Deputy. Unless you intend to be stubborn as well...
Take my words to your heart.
It is only right that you remain here.
...
I will be going.
Thank you for lending your hand. It was rather enjoyable.
He said he was going to the church.
There... there is still time before the bell tolls.
As long as I reach...
Reach the steps to the church...
Oi, missy!
Well, aren't you in a hurry!
...You must be the festival brides.
How intriguing. Instead of fighting the leading competitor, you are blocking my way.
You mean that robot? We have no chance against that thing, so there's no point in fighting it.
So you are not even trying...
Then why have you chosen to obstruct my progress?
Because the tables have turned.
We kissed marriage goodbye. Then again... nobody wants to go back home empty-handed.
But one little gunrunner offered money to guard the church.
The pay didn't sound so bad, and there was little to lose. So we took the job.
Apologies for interruption, but...
Is this the part where you say you chose money over victory?
Heh, wouldn't you? If you're in a losing fight, you might as well make something out of it.
So I suggest you walk away.
Or, you could join us. That bloke offered a lot. Probably one of those folks rolling in it.
I see.
I should thank you then.
Huh? What for?
I was worried that my persistence might make me unbecoming.
But I can rest easy knowing that it is not as unseemly as spineless opportunists in bridal gowns.
...What did you say?
As a token of gratitude, I will let you make the opening move.
En garde.
You talk big for a crippled little runt!
Get her!
Behind us—no! Above!
Eeek!
Just where is she?!
Behind you.
What... Aiieee!
She's already driven us halfway up the stairs!
K-keep your distance!
We can't beat her in close combat!
(*Huff...* *Huff...* How many did I take down...?)
(...Sunset. The tolling is close.)
(Pain in my ankle... Not a welcome sensation.)
(...But it matters not... as long as I can jump. Just once.)
(As long as I can strike the vulnerable point... my ankle won't matter...)
She's not looking! Now!
...?! A cannon?
Fire!
Eeek!
She's falling down. Sixth floor... Fifth... Fourth...
Third... Second... First.
...That definitely sent her flying.
She's probably light.
Do we go in for a confirmed kill? Ugh, we have to walk all the way down though...
Let her be. It's over anyway.
Climbing back up alone will take a good five minutes.
The bell's gonna ring before that.
Urgh...
...I am fine. There... there's still time.
Ahh! My ankle...!
Lady Epindel?
...
How much time do we have until the bell rings?
Three minutes... or four.
...About time you showed up.
And that outfit...
Haha.
When the arms dealer said that only serious enough to stake their all can seize victory, I felt a sting.
That was the moment when I realized a shield wouldn't cut it.
I could no longer be a shield, but a woman who yearns to be wreathed in calla lilies instead.
After all, we're standing in a battlefield that requires a wedding dress. Don't you agree?
...So you've decided.
Yes, much to your inconvenience.
This fire spread to me from you, so I trust you won't be complaining?
Hmph.
Try not to drag me down.
Haha, we'll see.
I bought off the other brides, who have now set up perimeters around this building.
By simple arithmetic alone, it will take more than five minutes to dispatch one bride every second.
Let's see... We have four minutes until the bell rings.
It is physically impossible for those two to make it in time.
I don't know about that...
Urgh...
Ow...
Whose...
...Whose handiwork is this?
Three mounds of fallen brides...
Wait, up there. Look.
...The swordswoman of the Wind Moon Sect.
Along with the Kotodama girl and... the pyromaniac fox.
Oh, you're that obstacle from earlier.
Looks like you're also here to rescue a Captain in distress.
And you too, I presume?
...
I assume all of you heard the giant robot's announcement.
Everything was a misunderstanding, a rumor.
Go ahead into the church, but all that awaits is a wreath of a ruined festival.
Yeah, Petra heard it too.
What that big tin can said came to me loud and clear.
...
No one moved.
Even so, we're here.
That only means no one is willing to step back.
Oh my, but someone has to receive the wreath.
Petra's serious too! Petra's not gonna back down from a fight like this!
Petra's gonna win!
Petra's serious now!
*Mumble...* *Mumble...*
...It appears that before we begin...
No one is willing to back out.
Heiress of Orlan.
Let us say what's in our hearts.
Gladly.
The Captain's bride...
Is me!