A Lady of Beauty

Felmina! There you are!

What brings you here in such a rush?

Well, you see...

Really?! But that can't be...

It's the truth. The defensive line has been broken!

Are you saying that this city is under threat?!

No... Not just this city.

The entire kingdom is at risk now...

Really?!

Yes...

Our lady is leaving the city! By herself!

......

Umm... That's all?

What do you mean "That's all"?! This is very serious!

We're talking about Miyu now, right? She goes adventuring with us all the time... I think you're worrying too much.

By the way, when you said "our lady," who did you mean?

By the way, when you said "our lady," who did you mean?

You're correct, but this is the first time she's left the city on her own.

I can't give you the details, but she's very high born. She gets into trouble... I mean... She has an abundance of energy. She tends to overstep her limitations, and so it comes down to us to watch over her.

She is a noble whom I serve. We parted ways so that I was able to defend the kingdom from the shadows. But with the help of an ally, I've watched over her all this time.

I can't just sit on my hands and do nothing. I must go after her.

Last we heard she was headed to the Serena Coast.

Got it. I should be able to catch up to her.

Wait up, Felmina! I'm coming with you!

Today is such a lovely day. It's perfect for a stroll!

So you meant Miyu when you said "our lady"!

Today is such a lovely day. It's perfect for a stroll!

Today is such a lovely day. It's perfect for a stroll!

So that's the noble you were talking about?

I can't believe she's come out this far...

Well... We're still close enough that we can see the city gates from here.

One can never be too careful when it comes to protecting our princess.

And I already have a bad feeling about this.

Hehehe... It looks like the princess is going to Rinde all by herself. How brave she is.

She's gone done us a big favor since we were gonna snatch her up anyway.

Let's get there first and wait for her to arrive...

Just as I thought... Those ruffians are planning to kidnap the princess.

I didn't know something like this could happen...

It's not surprising considering her heritage. Let's take the opportunity to arrest them. They said they were setting a trap for the princess in Rinde.

Wait a second, Felmina. Should we just leave her alone like that?

No, it won't be a problem. Actually, I'm not the only one protecting her.

Correct! Leave her to us!

We'll keep an eye on her while you take care of those other guys!

When did you two get here?!

These ladies also protect the kingdom from the shadows.

We can count on them to protect her while we catch those kidnappers.

That's settled then. Let's hurry to Rinde!

I finished setting the trap. Now all we've got to do is wait!

Hehe... This'll be a piece of cake.

Are you so sure of that?

Wh-Who's there?

You were too quick! I didn't even get to draw my blade!

I figured it was necessary to eliminate all threats as soon as possible.

Well then... It's time you told us why you were intending to kidnap Lady Miyu. I've got all the time in the world.

......

(Remind me to never get on her bad side.)

There's only one rule, okay? You will only speak when answering my questions. Now, why did you try to kidnap Lady Miyu?

M-Mercy! Please! It was just on a whim!

Eek!

I told you not to speak unless you were answering my questions.

O-O-Okay! Someone hired us to do it!

Y-Yeah, that's right! They told us we'd make a fortune if we kidnapped a high priority target in this kingdom!

And what does this someone look like?

Ummm... W-Well, I don't know...

Aaargh!

I'll show no mercy if you try to defend this person.

W-We really don't know! We just received a note with a request written on it.

......

I see... In that case, I want you to pass on a message for me.

Tell them the target is in Rinde. She's going to return to Unigan soon.

Do you understand? Do as I say, or else...

Y-Yes, of course! We'll do as you say!

Are you sure it was a good idea to let them walk away?

There will be no trouble. They're just pawns in all this.

But I don't get it. Why did you tell them to do that? You told them that the target was here in Rinde.

To lure the mastermind out of hiding of course. We must eliminate all the threats we find.

Ladies... You were listening weren't you?

Of course we were!

Whoa! Where the heck did, ?! Are they also working with you, Felmina?

That's correct. These ladies act as commoners while secretly maintaining peace in the kingdom.

What do you ask of us, Ms. Felmina?

I'd like to ask you ladies to come with me.

It's better to have more people around if we're going to pretend to be on guard detail.

But we won't have anyone to guard. Anyone can see that, right?

Just as you say. That's why...

I'll be the target.

Whoa, look at that dress...

It was a gift from Lady Miyu.

Apparently, it was made for her, but the size was wrong.

And just by chance it fit me. So she gave it to me.

It's astonishingly beautiful...

This dress was designed for royalty... That's why it is perfect to draw out our enemy.

I got it. I'll do my best as your bodyguard.

Thank you, Aldo. Let's go to Serena Coast.

Wait please, Aldo...

What's the matter, Felmina?

Should anything happen to me...

What's going on here?

Our carriage wheel broke and now we're stuck.

Do you mind lending me a hand?

Yes, please help the man.

That'd be a big help. By the way, there's something different about you guys.

I heard on the grape vine that someone really important is secretly visiting Rinde. Could that be you?

......

Hey, what's going on?

The fact that you know about us is all we need to know.

That's all the proof we need to know that you are behind all this.

......

Hmm... So those hoodlums decided to betray me, that right?

I am under no obligation to answer that question.

Arrest that man.

Huh?

You...

What...just happened?

Their moves... They resemble those of the ninjas. Clearly, they're not just some pretenders claiming to be ninjas, but...unfortunately...

Your skills are far from the real thing.

Th-Those uniforms...

You're real ninjas from the East, are you not?

Why are you targeting the royals in this kingdom?

Urgh!

Hmph... You should feel honored. I don't allow just anyone to duel me. Do not disappoint me.

Don't give me none of that! Now, it's our turn!

Darn you!

Felmina!

What is this?!

You were careless, were you not? I had hidden weapons under this dress just for this moment.

Oh, is that right? So you were an assassin disguised as a royal this whole time.

Now things have gotten interesting... But can you handle this?

Watch out!

A specter from the East! I did not anticipate this.

We can handle it, no problem! Let's take it down!

Let's teach him what it means to attack our kingdom.

It's over... Do you regret insulting us now?

Hehe... That was most impressive.

You are no mere fake ninja indeed. Your talents are the real thing and I shall withdraw for now.

But I shall return stronger than before from your gracious lesson.

Phew... That settles things, right?

But even if that went according to plan, it was all very risky.

Wait please, Aldo...

What's the matter, Felmina?

Should anything happen to me...

You shouldn't try to save me.

But...

Don't worry about me. This is not just your run-of-the-mill dress.

I know we were sticking to the plan, but you went too far.

I'm sorry, Aldo. Next time, I'll think of a way not to put anyone at risk.

I'm sorry, Felmina... I failed you this time.

Don't blame yourself. There was nothing else you could have done.

To tell the truth... I owe everyone an apology. I taught you all skills other than those of the ninja because I was uncomfortable about it.

I felt that such violent techniques should not be shared with others.

Felmina...

You're wrong!

Do you remember what you said to me?! No skill is too dangerous to be out of our reach!

That's right, Felmina. We want to be strong enough to help you.

We all feel the same way, don't we?

Thank you, everyone.

They all admire you, Felmina.

By the way, you're all here, but where's Miyu?

She returned home after finishing her "grand solo adventure."

Next time, she should stick closer to Unigan.

Hahah. Anyway, we should be happy that everyone is safe.

That's right. Let's head back to Unigan.

I'm glad that no one was seriously hurt. Thank goodness I taught them some moves to protect themselves.

But you're going to keep teaching them what you know, right?

If it's for the good of the kingdom, of course.

I think I'll start with some physical techniques and how to hide weapons in your clothes.

You've got a lot of weapons hidden away in that dress, right?

But it's strange...

What's that?

You said that Lady Miyu had that dress made for herself, but the size was wrong...

But it fits you perfectly.

That's just a coincidence.

Though I have to admit that this dress feels like it was made for me. It is quite comfortable and easy to move in.

I think it might be a bit too fancy for someone like me.

It wouldn't hurt to wear it once in a while.

Welcome! Some fine dresses have just arrived today! Come have a look!

The fabric was made by the tailor of the Miglance Royal family!

No thank you, I...

No thank you, I...

Hey, I know that fabric!

Hey, I know that fabric!

It's like this fabric just soaks in the light. Gorgeous, isn't it?

Tee-hee... You know I have given someone dear to me a dress made from that same fabric.

Tee-hee... You know I have given someone dear to me a dress made from that same fabric.

She's a stubborn person who just won't accept presents. So I told her a little fib about how the dress was originally made for me.

She's a stubborn person who just won't accept presents. So I told her a little fib about how the dress was originally made for me.

I hope she's actually wearing it from time to time...

I hope she's actually wearing it from time to time...

Hahah, I'm sure she's loving it!

I sure hope she is. I'll get a matching one for myself one day.

I sure hope she is. I'll get a matching one for myself one day.