Aim for the Skies

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.

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?

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...

Doing so only proves him right.

That you are serious about this petty squabble.

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.

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.

...I have failed.

But it's outrageous...

To me, it seemed like he was endeavoring to keep a seemingly casual promise to someone.

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.

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.

Thank you for lending your hand. It was rather enjoyable.

There... there is still time before the bell tolls.

As long as I reach...

Well, aren't you in a hurry!

How intriguing. Instead of fighting the leading competitor, you are blocking my way.

Then why have you chosen to obstruct my progress?

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.

Is this the part where you say you chose money over victory?

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 should thank you then.

But I can rest easy knowing that it is not as unseemly as spineless opportunists in bridal gowns.

En garde.

Get her!

Behind us—no! Above!

Eeek!

K-keep your distance!

We can't beat her in close combat!

(...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...)

Third... Second... First.

...That definitely sent her flying.

Climbing back up alone will take a good five minutes.

The bell's gonna ring before that.

...I am fine. There... there's still time.

Ahh! My ankle...!

...About time you showed up.

And that outfit...

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?

This fire spread to me from you, so I trust you won't be complaining?

Try not to drag me down.

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.

Ow...

...Whose handiwork is this?

Looks like you're also here to rescue a Captain in distress.

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.

What that big tin can said came to me loud and clear.

That only means no one is willing to step back.

Petra's gonna win!

Petra's serious now!

No one is willing to back out.

Heiress of Orlan.

Let us say what's in our hearts.

Is me!

If you're talking about my outfit... Let's just say I decided to be honest with myself.

Have at you, competitor! Let us decide who will be his partner!

Very well. Let us dance.

But you know what? Epindelly is a cutiepie too.

Reminds me of a strongman who's about to break a slab of marble with his skull.

...But I get it. You are serious.

Okay! Petra will be serious too!

...I hope they die...

*Mumble...*

...Oh, but Captain might become angry if I go too far...

Then I will... no. Instead, I will...

N-no more waiting! En garde!

So why did we lose...?!

Petra... wanted to wear one too...

We still have those metal doors between us and the Captain.

Into the heart of the festival.