Three enemies step onto the stage. It's not just Rishe and the others who understand that this is the final showdown. The remaining enemies are prepared to risk it all. They possess a strong will to fulfill their mission even if it costs them their lives. Their intense murderous intent sends shivers down the skin.
(These three are willing to sacrifice their lives, determined to kill us no matter what. They possess a stubborn resolve unlike any other enemy we've encountered. ...But)
Rishe adjusts her grip on her sword and calmly assesses their openings. And then, she understands what Arnold meant.
(...I can easily defeat them more than any other enemy here.)
Because they don't consider their own lives at all. Surprisingly, just by committing to actions that risk their lives, their movements change drastically. While they have momentum, their individual actions lack finesse.
Behind their formidable swordsmanship aimed at slashing us no matter what, there are glaring vulnerabilities created under these circumstances. Rishe exploits one of those vulnerabilities, stepping in and creating a shallow cut on the enemy's cheek. That single attack is enough, and she immediately dodges away.
The fallen enemy is joined by another whom Arnold similarly wounded. The remaining one, targeting Rishe in her "Songstress" guise, rushes to strike.
But Arnold swiftly intervenes, cutting down the enemy with a brilliant flash.
The defeated enemy doesn't even manage to let out a scream. As the music swells, the audience watches in rapt attention. Arnold exhales shortly, flicking the blood off his sword almost disdainfully before sheathing the black blade.
White petals softly fall like snow.
And then, after a beat...
"...Splendid!!"
One voice prompts the entire audience to rise to their feet, applauding enthusiastically.
"What a fascinating performance...!! Despite having no dialogue or song, to be so captivated by swordsmanship alone!!"
"I couldn't even blink! I was so engrossed, I lost track of time!"
"Who is the male actor? I've never seen such a beautiful man before!"
Arnold furrows his brow, looking genuinely annoyed. As Rishe sheaths her sword as well, she tugs at Arnold's sleeve by his side.
"Prince Arnold, it seems the audience believes this is part of the show."
"In this situation? Ridiculous."
"If they're convinced it's a play from the start, whatever happens can be seen as part of the performance. We anticipated the audience might get unsettled, so the plan was to explain everything after it's all over..."
Not a single audience member shows any signs of fear from the battle. They stand up, applauding excitedly.
"If we continue as if it's part of the performance, we might be able to cover it up. So, let's keep acting."
"Acting?"
"Yes. If we behave as if it's the end of the performance, we can naturally exit the stage."
After the lights dim, it's arranged for the knights to retrieve the fallen enemies. In theater and opera, it's common for slain characters to exit into the darkness, away from the stage.
"For the climax, indeed... For example, if the protagonists embrace each other and vow eternal love... We can't quite do that, can we?"
(Would it be best for them to simply hold hands and bow to the audience?) Before Rishe can suggest such a thing, Arnold sighs.
"...Understood."
"Huh?"
And then Arnold grabs Rishe's waist with both hands.
Before she knows it, Rishe's body floats up lightly. Arnold lifts her up as if to carry her.
In that moment of realization, Rishe's cheeks flush hotly.
"Ahhh, our Highness...!!"
Though she tries to protest, any sudden movement might throw off their balance. Instinctively reaching out, her hand ends up on Arnold's shoulder.
The sight of Rishe being lifted up by Arnold earns thunderous applause from the audience. It's good that they're sticking to the "performance," but this situation is embarrassing beyond belief.
Arnold looks up at Rishe and smiles, as if seeing through her embarrassment.
"...You were holding a sword with such dignity just a moment ago. It's hard to believe you're the same person."
"Ughhh!!"
Thankfully, her face, now surely bright red, is hidden by her veil. After setting Rishe back down on the stage, Arnold takes her hand and presses a kiss to the back of it.
The audience erupts again, but Arnold remains composed, holding hands with Rishe.
"Let's go. ...We've done enough."
Frustrated but deciding not to argue, Rishe squeezes Arnold's hand back, and the applause swells once more.
Hand in hand with Arnold, they finally leave the stage after much effort.
White petals scattered on the stage sway like a storm of flowers. Even after the lights go out, the applause continues for a while, making the awkwardness linger.
(...But somehow, everything worked out. And it's all thanks to Prince Arnold...)
Thinking so, Rishe descends the stairs of the darkened stage. And as Arnold guides her to safety, Rishe gazes at him intently.