Night fell.
After drawing on Hayashi Maki's mana, Beatrice slipped into hibernation inside her spirit crystal. Since forming a contract with Hayashi Maki, Beatrice had not only gained special power—some of the flaws of an artificial spirit had also been altered, giving her a chance to evolve.
Hayashi Maki's mana, and the "mana seed" inside her, were the foundation of that possibility.
Once that seed bloomed and bore fruit, she might even shed her "little-girl" form and awaken into a higher state.
Hayashi Maki was looking forward to it.
With Beatrice resting, Hayashi Maki found himself bored. So, in his pajamas, he left the room, intending to find somewhere quiet to enjoy the moonlight.
Halfway down the corridor, he spotted a figure he hadn't expected.
Crusch.
She wasn't in her usual military uniform. Instead, she wore a violet evening gown. Her green hair, paired with amber eyes, looked striking under the lamplight. Her slender figure carried a distinctly feminine charm—an instant showstopper.
"Evening, Hayashi Maki-sama," Crusch said with a faint, alluring smile. She produced what looked like an expensive bottle and gave it a little shake. "Care to share a drink or two?"
"Gladly. It would be my honor."
Hayashi Maki wasn't about to refuse an invitation from a poised, heroic beauty—especially not when she'd dressed like this.
They went up to a small loft on the second floor. Crusch sat with practiced ease at a little table by the window. After opening the bottle, she poured them both a glass.
With the night view spread out beyond the glass, Crusch raised her cup and clinked it lightly against his. She took a small sip, then exhaled in quiet satisfaction and looked out into the dark.
"The view is lovely tonight," she said. "Don't you agree, Hayashi Maki-sama?"
"It is," Hayashi Maki replied. "But I'd say you're even more captivating than the scenery, Crusch-sama."
He offered the compliment with an appreciative gaze.
Unlike someone like Priscilla, who radiated raw arrogance, Crusch carried herself with a sharp, steadfast resolve—like a blade that had been tempered for years. She was a noble in the truest sense.
"Thank you," Crusch said. After a few more sips, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, making her even more enticing. "But beauty isn't what I've chosen to live for. I have given everything to House Karsten… and to this country."
The pale skin of her arms and the soft glow of her complexion stood out against the gown. Hayashi Maki was a perfectly normal man, so his eyes lingered before he could stop himself.
"Giving everything to your house and your nation—doesn't that exhaust you?" he asked, swirling his drink. "Have you never wanted to find someone… and actually let yourself breathe?"
The wine was excellent—deep, fragrant, slightly bitter at first, then sweet in the aftertaste.
Crusch tilted her head at his bluntness, then let out a quiet laugh.
"I am the head of House Karsten. Suitable partners are not exactly easy to come by."
"And if I were to set aside my position…" She paused, her gaze turning distant. "That would only happen if someone could defeat me—and carry my dream to completion."
"Oh?" Hayashi Maki's eyes brightened. "Then I have to ask. What is your dream, Crusch-sama?"
Crusch took another sip, the wine scent lingering on her lips. Her eyes grew slightly unfocused as she stared up at the starlit sky, then she sighed.
"Since childhood, I've trained my sword without pause. To preserve Karsten's honor, I never allowed myself to be lax."
"I never once planned a life where I would 'be a woman'—to marry, to keep a home, to rely on a man."
"At first, my dream was simple: inherit the ducal seat, bring my house greater glory, and serve the realm."
"But then everything changed too quickly. The death of someone dear to me… and the dragon's utter silence… shattered what I once believed in."
"I no longer think we should wait for some vague, faraway 'dragon's protection.' We must become stronger—grasp what we can with our own hands, and do the work ourselves."
"We should protect this nation… and build it… with our own strength."
Her gaze sharpened as she looked straight at him.
"So my dream is one thing: to take up the place my fallen friend can no longer stand in… and become king."
Then, after a beat, she added quietly:
"Hayashi Maki-sama… you're too mysterious. Too powerful. Even a great spirit chooses to remain at your side."
"Truthfully, I do not want you as my enemy."
Hayashi Maki laughed softly.
"Is that praise? To be seen as your rival, Crusch-sama—I'm honored."
"But we don't have to be enemies. We both want this kingdom to become better. Our beliefs differ, and our paths differ, but the destination isn't so different."
"So… if I could defeat you—fairly—would you give me a chance to pursue you?"
Crusch blinked, clearly caught off guard, then shook her head with a helpless smile.
"I'm not foolish. Reinhard himself considers you dangerous. I have no intention of crossing blades with you."
"However… if you truly admire me, and you wish to pledge yourself to my cause—my door is always open."
So that was it. She was trying to recruit him.
Hayashi Maki had to admit it: the timing, the dress, the moonlit drinks—she was maximizing her advantage. His reputation wasn't exactly hard to investigate.
Still, he smiled and declined.
"It's tempting… but I have to refuse."
"Someone who can switch masters at a whim—someone like that isn't worth trusting. I suspect you'd despise them too."
"So if I'm ever going to win you, Crusch-sama… it won't be by 'joining' you."
He leaned in slightly, eyes bright with confidence.
"It'll be by facing you as an opponent—beating you cleanly—and then taking you with me."
Crusch's eyes flashed, then she nodded once.
"Well said. A true man should speak like that."
"If you truly, openly support Emilia-sama and defeat me—then no matter how it ends, I will accept the result."
"Deal," Hayashi Maki said lightly. "Just don't go crying your eyes out when you lose, Crusch-sama."
Crusch gave a quiet, amused huff.
"I have been underestimated."
"Rest assured. No matter what happens, I will not cry. I am a duchess. To admit defeat with dignity, and to pursue victory with honor—that is Crusch's way."
"I see." Hayashi Maki rose and stepped closer.
He planted both hands on the table and leaned in, his gaze burning as it traced her face at close range.
"Then tell me, Crusch-sama… aren't you afraid I might be the sort of 'bad man' who plays dirty?"
"With power like mine, I could choose the cheap way—force the situation in my favor, and remove a major rival before the real contest even begins."