Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Viviana let out a chuckle slightly tinged with disbelief; it’s clear to see that she has conflicted feelings. Still, she doesn’t seem negative about it, so my explanation wasn’t a mistake.

「As her mistress, she seems to be giving her best effort. I’m a bit surprised that she’s not that conflicted about her current position.」
「That’s―that’s because we were born of affluent status. Even in other nation, it’s common for a high noble’s servants be relatives of lower-status nobles.
「Ahh―I do remember hearing something similar in the past.」
『Oh? I don’t remember, though? Why is that?』
『It’s from my old world. Since you don’t know about this, I was conflicted on how to answer.』

I respond to Ciel’s inquisitive voice echoing in my head. I know it from the knowledge I have in my old world, or rather from books that mention those scenarios; I don’t know if it’s actually true. After all, I lived trying not to get involved with the upper class―and I never had the opportunity to interact with them to begin with.
In that sense, Palra, who is currently in Ausente, probably has a similar perception as Ciel.

「But if that’s the case, I can understand Mia’s attitude a bit better.」
「Being the attendant of Mistress Fiiyanamia’s daughter is a great honor in life. Anyhow, I’m glad to know how my sister is doing.」

With Viviana seemingly satisfied, my work was done, so I switched back with Ciel. Before we switched, Ciel said, 『We can just stay this way, you know?』 but I’d have to continue mimicking Ciel if we don’t switch, so I refused.
It’s a different story if there was only Viviana, but with Friere present, I don’t want to change my speech pattern.

「So your conversation is done now, right Viviana?」
「That’s right. But Master, why are you so restless?」
「That’s naturally because I have business with her, as well!」

After the short exchange with Viviana, Friere turned to Ciel as though she had found her prey.

「With that said, I challenge you to a mock battle!」
『Didn’t we fight her once before?』
『That’s right.』
『Should we accept this?』
『I’ll leave the choice to you. Personally, I think it’ll be fine to refuse her.』

We’ve already fought once before, and it hasn’t even been a year since.
That’s why there probably wouldn’t be much difference, meaning there’s not much merit for us.
Still, despite that, I do think that the opportunity to fight someone at Friere’s level multiple times isn’t a bad thing either.

Ciel mulled over my response for some time before replying, 『There’s something I want to try, so I’ll accept.』
My response was more on the dismissive side, and yet Ciel decided to accept; honestly, it makes me a bit happy.

「I accept.」
「You have my gratitude.」
「Master, do you hear what you’re saying? Do you know who you’re talking to?」
「Of course, an extraordinary hunter who broke the record for reaching A-rank.」
「That’s not wrong…―but that’s not what I mean!」
「It’s fine; I’ve fought with her before, you see.」
「As a request.」
「Yes, and I’ll also formalize this as a request as well.」

Viviana wanted to argue, but she couldn’t say anything. In a different country, this would be the equivalent of challenging royalty to battle, which at worst could be seen as treason.
Regardless of the circumstances, there are probably countries where this would be a crime. However, this is Central. The top, Mother Fiiyanamia, basically welcomes anyone challenging her as well, so as long as you go through the proper procedure, it wouldn’t be a crime.

「With that settled, let’s change locations. Let’s go, Viviana!」

In contrast to the giddy Friere, Viviana was shaking her head as we followed Friere’s lead to reach the location of our mock battle.

◇

This was the place we previously guided Friere to, but this time she was leading the pack.
It was formerly a normal grassland, but now it’s basically a burnt field. Not only are there traces of burnt grass, there are even some portions of the ground that have turned into glass here and there.

「As always, this is the best. No need to worry about the surroundings here.」
「Shall we start?」
「Right. Viviana, move a healthy distance away from us.」

Heeding Friere’s warning, Viviana took distance.
Confirming this, she pulls out a branch from out of nowhere―likely a magic pouch.

「I’ll throw this up, and once it lands, we’ll start.」
「Understood.」

I understand the branch will be our starting signal, but why did she specifically procure that one from her magic pouch?
It’s not really major enough to point out, and I don’t feel like stirring up a hornet’s nest, so I’ll just keep to myself.

『Shall I sing?』
『Ain can just sleep, alright?』
『Understood.』

With this short exchange, I understand Ciel’s intention.
It’s not that she literally wants me to sleep; she wants me to only provide minimal support. Specifically, other than the barrier on the surface of Ciel’s skin, I don’t need to do anything. In other words, Ciel wants to test how much she can fight right now on her own.

The reason why the last barrier still remains is as a precaution in case anything ever happens.
This is something I’ll never concede on, and Ciel didn’t tell me to turn it off anyway.

「Let’s go.」

With that, Friere throws the branch high in the sky. Simultaneously, a strong magic power response surged around her. I know this.
Blue Purgatory. The big spell she also used at the start of our previous battle. I don’t know if Ciel has recognized it as well, but since she doesn’t want support today, I’ll keep it to myself.
I suspect the reason she threw the branch hard like a spear was so she would have time to prepare the spell. Considering our last battle, that spell should require a long preparation time.

On the other hand, this also gives Ciel time to make her own preparations, so the instant Friere started casting her Blue Purgatory, Ciel shuffled her feet and began to dance. It was a calm dance yet attracted the eye. The slowness only serves to give emphasis to every subtle detail in Ciel’s movements.

And then the sky began to darken.

Before rain could fall from the dark clouds above, the branch Friere threw landed on the ground.
Friere’s flames rushed towards Ciel.