"What's going on with Stella? She still hadn't come for such an important match of my brother's."
On the day of the Seven Star Sword Dance Festival, after the Group A matches had already begun, Shizuku Kurogane saw that Stella had yet to appear and could not help feeling dissatisfied. This was Kurogane Ikki's first match, yet his girlfriend had not even shown up. Even setting that aside, Stella's own match was scheduled after Ikki's, and as a contestant, she still had not arrived. That was rather inexcusable. In theory, contestants were supposed to arrive within the two days before the competition began.
"She probably had something she needed to do, but I believe she'll definitely make it." Kurogane Ikki had complete faith in Stella, though he had been unable to contact her either. After Saikyo Nene had taken Stella away, Ikki had lost contact with her. It was probably so Stella could focus on training, but now that the tournament had officially begun and she still had not appeared, something had likely happened over there. He could only hope she would not miss the Seven Star Sword Dance Festival because of it.
"Shizuku, there's no need to worry. I'm sure she won't miss the tournament. Ikki, on the other hand, you should head to the waiting room. It'll be your turn soon." Nagi Arisuin comforted Shizuku Kurogane, then reminded Ikki that his match was approaching.
There were thirty-two contestants in this Seven Star Sword Dance Festival, and the matches would be held over three days. There were especially many matches on the first day, since the final eight had to be decided then. The second day would determine the finalists among those eight, and the last day would be the battle for champion and runner-up.
The schedule was packed.