The Sekirei’s Covenant

"Don't think you can escape from my hands with that sluggish speed of yours, Erica Blandelli!"

"You're right, then I'll shake you off with brute force!"

"Same as always, your footwork is terrible!"

"Lily, you still haven't gotten rid of your habit of swearing when you get excited. As knights, we should fight in a more beautiful way."

"Hmph, what beautiful fighting? You'll clearly be using brute force moves like a draft horse any moment now!"

"Hehehe, if you're going to describe it, use 'majestic like a lion'!"

"Then I'll leap high like a falcon! Are you ready?!"

…

Above the tall building, Erica and Liliana fought while talking to each other. This peculiar way of reminiscing was commonplace for the two of them; they would basically have a match like this every time they met before.

As the genius prodigies of the 'Copper-Black Cross' and 'Bronze-Black Cross' respectively, the two girls' fated rivalry began in childhood. Both were very clear about each other's strength and moves, giving their all without any intention of holding back.

Magic power surged, sword energy flew everywhere, and the figures of the two girls continuously intertwined in the air.

Compared to this, Liliana had the advantage in speed and agility. Her figure was nimble, drifting like the wind; often, by the time Erica attacked once, she had already attacked several times. Liliana in battle was like a dancing fairy, which is precisely the origin of her beautiful title, 'Fairy Knight'.

As for Erica, she was superior in terms of strength and defense. Her fair, jade-like arms, seemingly delicate, contained the powerful strength of a lion. Although her speed was considerably slower, each of Erica's attacks would strike the long sword, sending out large sparks, forcing Liliana to continuously retreat and only avoid her edge.

"Yuri, take care of yourself!"

Although their battle wasn't as earth-shattering as the two Demon Kings fighting in the distance, as top existences among humans, the momentum of the two girls' fight was also considerable. To avoid affecting Yuri on the side, Erica used her 'Leap' magic to step into the air and move away while shouting down to Yuri.

"You can't escape, Erica Blandelli!"

Her whole body emitting a water-blue magic aura, Liliana soared into the air, using her signature 'Flying' magic to chase after Erica.

"Erica-san! Liliana-san!"

Watching the two girls continuously fighting and moving away in the air, the Miko-san's face was filled with endless worry and anxiety.

…

BOOM! BOOM BOOM!! BOOM BOOM BOOM!!! CLANG! CLANG CLANG!! CLANG CLANG CLANG!!!

Above the city, a fiery red figure and a pale blue figure continuously collided. The explosive sounds of magic and the trembling resonance of swords belonged to the two girls, Erica and Liliana, who were fighting.

As the most outstanding and excellent knights of the younger generation from the 'Copper-Black Cross' and 'Bronze-Black Cross', the two girls' battle was exceptionally fierce and dazzling, surpassing even films with special effects.

"As expected of Lily, a user of the 'Flying' technique. I'm at a great disadvantage in the air. This isn't good if it continues!"

Stepping on a magic circle to dodge Liliana's attack, Erica thought with a heavy heart.

Fighting in the air, whether attacking or dodging, I have to use the 'Leap' magic once. It's too straightforward and not flexible enough, and it will consume a lot of energy in the long run. But Lily is different; her 'Flying' technique allows her to roam and move freely in the air, giving her a complete advantage.

She couldn't help but feel envious of her opponent. Flying magic is indeed much more advanced and applicable than Leap magic. If possible, Erica would also want to learn it. It's just that she doesn't have that talent, no, to be more precise, she doesn't have that bloodline, right?

Since ancient times, the culture of witches has been rooted in Eastern and Southern Europe. They know how to concoct secret medicines, use magic to control beasts in the forest, and fly freely in the sky. Through bloodline inheritance, these secret arts can only be learned by those born with the aptitude. Erica's talent in this area is far inferior to Liliana's.

Of course, although she couldn't compare to her opponent in these aspects, in return, Erica was far ahead in areas such as manipulating steel and using spell power to strengthen blades and spears, turning them into tools of destruction and annihilation.

So, overall, both girls had their own advantages. From childhood to adulthood, they were evenly matched, and neither could defeat the other.

"Hey, Lily, are you obeying Marquis Voban out of your own will? I know you very well. Blindly obeying the Marquis's tyrannical actions, that's not like you at all!"

Landing on the ground, Erica paused her attack and spoke to Liliana.

The two of them had fought for so many years since childhood without any result. Continuing to fight would only be a waste of time and energy. So, if possible, Erica would rather use her words to persuade the other party.

"Hmph, Erica Blandelli, this is all your fault! It's all your fault for deceiving Kusanagi Kougetsu and seizing the 'Lover's' seat!"

"Because of this, my grandfather's competitive spirit was stimulated!"

Floating in the air, as if recalling some unpleasant memory, Liliana swung her sword and pointed it at Erica, her face full of indignation.

"Eh? Could it be that because of this, you want to send your granddaughter to the King as a lover?"

Showing a hint of astonishment, Erica never expected such a reason!

At the same time, a trace of anger couldn't help but rise in Erica's heart. Although she often teased her, Liliana was a friend she acknowledged. That old geezer of a grandfather of hers would actually sacrifice his granddaughter's happiness for such a reason!

She couldn't help but feel some sympathy for Liliana. She and Sora had gone through countless bonds of mutual affection. Her proud Erica Blandelli would never sell her body and soul for such base reasons!

Of course, Erica also knew this was just Lily's angry words, so she didn't really intend to be angry with her.

"Shut up! I am merely fulfilling my duty as a knight to the King!"

Being called the King's lover by Erica, the simple Liliana felt shame and indignation in her heart, and a faint blush rose on her cheeks. She had no intention of continuing the conversation with Erica, and swinging the long sword in her hand, she prepared to attack again.

However, just then—

"Stop it, that's enough!"

It was the voice of Miko Yuri, her frail body panting, clearly having chased the two girls all the way here.

"Four years ago, because of the Marquis's selfish purpose, we suffered greatly. Now you are doing this again because of someone else's scheme…"

"You no longer have a reason to keep compromising yourself. If it were Sora, he would surely be able to help Liliana-san too…"

With a look of recollection and sadness, Yuri said to Liliana, hoping to make them stop this meaningless fight.

"You want me to rebel? Something like that… Ugh…"

Although she didn't want to do this herself, she had no choice but to. Liliana directly interrupted Yuri.

However, it was at this moment—

BOOM!!!

A monstrous roar came from the direction where Sora and Marquis Voban were fighting not far away. At the same time, a violent blast of air spread out, sweeping across the entire city. The hurricane, mixed with various debris, made the girls instinctively shield their eyes.

"Yuri!!!"

A huge billboard fell from the sky, heading straight towards where Yuri was standing, causing Erica on the side to instantly turn pale with fright.

CRACK!!!

The sound of wood breaking. Looking at the figure that flashed in front of her and saved Yuri, Erica let out a long sigh of relief.

Slowly opening her eyes, Yuri finally realized what had happened. Looking at the silver-haired girl standing in front of her, she immediately murmured:

"Thank you…"

With incredibly sincere and grateful eyes, Yuri knew that if Liliana hadn't saved her just now, her frail body might have already died.

"I didn't do anything worth thanking me for."

Her cheeks slightly red, Liliana turned her head away.

Hmm, she must be a little embarrassed. Although she's said to be ice-cold and intelligent, in reality, this girl is just as simple as Miko Yuri-chan. Otherwise, she wouldn't constantly be the target of Erica's teasing and amusement.

Looking at the unforthcoming Liliana, Yuri wore a knowing smile.

"No, I am a knight with strong pride, rebellion is absolutely impossible! I'm coming!"

Seeing Yuri's expression, Liliana felt even more shy in her heart. Snapping back to reality, she didn't want to continue this. Wielding her beloved sword, Il Maestro, she attacked Erica again.

"In the desk drawer in the bedroom…"

"How beautiful, both sentimental and full of maidenly feelings."

Without any intention of swinging her sword to block or dodge, Erica closed her eyes, a mischievous curve forming on her lips, and suddenly spoke out.

The long sword stopped abruptly right before Erica's forehead. Stunned, Liliana had an expression of utter astonishment, as if she had seen a ghost.

"Could it be…"

Stepping back, looking at Erica's foxy smile, Liliana felt a chill in her heart and a strong premonition of unease rose within her.

"I hate cold people the most! But what is this pounding heart in my chest? Could this be love?!"

"Ah, I… these feelings can't be stopped, no…"

Vividly, striking a dramatic pose, clutching her chest, Erica recited strange words with great emotion while making exaggerated gestures.

"Shut up!!!"

Feeling utterly mortified and indignant, she desperately covered her head, not wanting to listen. Her biggest secret had actually been discovered by this detestable Erica Blandelli, making Liliana feel as if the world was about to collapse!

"Tell me, how do you know about that thing? How do you know about my, my novel…"

Placing her sword against Erica's forehead again, Liliana's pink eyes held a murderous glint, giving off an aura that she would silence the other person permanently if she didn't explain herself today.

"Hehehe, if Lily cherishes our friendship from now on, it's possible for me to forget about that notebook."

Without the slightest worry that the other person would actually strike, Erica smiled wickedly.

Although she really wanted to tell her that she knew these things because she had a mischievous little maid in her house, the scheming Erica felt it was better not to tell her the truth for now, in order to continue teasing Liliana better in the future.

"And there's also the method of killing you and making you shut up forever!"

With a face full of shame and anger, Liliana said through clenched teeth.

"You can't be so short-sighted, you know. If I die, the matter of that novel will be written clearly in the will that is unsealed…"

Cunning glints sparkled in her emerald eyes, and Erica wore a mischievous expression.

Endless struggle and hesitation in her heart. If she were to choose the most detestable person in the world, Liliana would definitely choose Erica! If she were to choose the person she most wanted to cut down, Liliana would definitely choose Erica!

However, if she were asked about the person she felt most helpless against, Liliana would still choose Erica…

Looking at the still hesitant girl, Erica knew it was time to add the final push. She had originally planned to find other little secrets she knew about Lily to bluff her, but when her gaze fell upon the silver-shining ring on the other girl's finger, Erica's eyes suddenly lit up!

"Lily, where did you get this ring? It's really pretty."

As if looking at a delicious little lamb, Erica said with a beaming smile.

"Why are you suddenly asking about this? You… what do you want to do?"

Startled, she quickly pulled the hand wearing the ring closer to her chest. Looking at Erica's ill-intentioned smile, Liliana couldn't help but take two steps back and asked weakly.

The fact that she had accepted something from that Demon King and even deceived the master she pledged loyalty to was already enough to make Liliana feel ashamed. But there was nothing she could do; she really liked this ring, and it had such convenient and useful functions that once she put it on, she couldn't take it off.

As that Demon King's knight, could Erica have seen through something? Liliana couldn't help but think with worry in her heart.

"Th-this… this is something I just bought!"

Although she knew Erica most likely saw through her, Liliana thought to herself, 'Worst case, I'll just deny it to the death. What can you do to me?'

Well, while it seemed a bit shameless to say, this was the best method Liliana had summarized from countless painful experiences to deal with Erica!

Well, of course, it didn't work often, but right now, the girl could only treat a dead horse as if it were alive.

Looking at Liliana, who was still trying to deny it, Erica felt amused. Her pair of large eyes darted around, and an idea immediately formed in her mind.

"Lily, things belonging to my King aren't so easy to take, you know. Don't you want to know the meaning this ring represents?"

Leaning close to the girl's ear, Erica's lips curved into a wicked smile, and she whispered in a seductive tone.

"Meaning? What meaning?"

She had originally made up her mind to deny everything, no matter what the cunning Erica said, but when she heard the other party's voice, Liliana subconsciously asked.

Alright, looking at Erica's smug smile, Liliana felt as if struck by lightning and suddenly snapped back to her senses—

Damn it, damn it, damn it, I fell for it again!!!

"Lily, as long as you cooperate obediently and agree to assist us, I'll tell you the meaning of the ring!"

Raising her left hand, Erica showed off the golden ring on her finger, the same color as her beautiful hair, wearing a foxy smile.

Although the color and aura were completely different – if her own ring was clear and pure, then Erica's ring was noble and magnificent – just by looking at it, Liliana was completely certain that this must also be something King Kusanagi Sora had given to Erica.

"Erica Blandelli!!!"

Gritting her teeth, her tone filled with endless shame, indignation, and frustration, Liliana finally yielded.

She really wanted to know the meaning of the ring.

Moreover, she truly didn't want to continue serving that tyrannical Demon King anymore.

'I'm just being threatened by this hateful Erica!'

Finding an excuse for herself, Liliana thought silently to herself.

Looking at Liliana, who had finally given up, Erica smiled triumphantly. Not only because she had gained a powerful helper, but also because she could bully and tease this simple and cute girl for all eternity!

Just as she said before, things belonging to her King aren't so easy to take…