After the audience with Admiral Erynphin Jurgus, Chamille’s schedule duties ended for the time being. She and her escorting martial officers left the Deep Green Hall, and headed to a grand building deeper within the restricted grounds ── the harem famous for being the residence of the Emperor’s concubines.
「── I will visit the harem for a while. Maintain the security within the palace.」
「Yes, my liege.」
The leader of the royal guard, Captain Lucanti Hargunska answered immediately. She started escorting her monarch back to her chambers and took charge of the security.
They reached the entrance of the harem after passing through the corridors of the restricted zone, and the royal guards stopped. Aside from those residing here or assigned to take care of chores inside, only the Empress was permitted to enter. Lucanti, who would escort the Empress back to her room, was the only exception.
With the sounds of the heavy doors closing behind them, the Empress and her knight walked down the passageway of the harem. The carvings on the walls were extravagant and delicate, but there weren’t any other art pieces here. The artwork that used to decorate the halls in the past had been sold by the new Empress to secure funds.
Not just the artwork. There weren’t any concubines in the harem at all. The beautiful women gathered from all over the Empire by the previous Emperor had been dismissed. In their place, one man moved in ── that man was in no way handsome or the male version of a concubine, but he was special to Chamille Kitra Katjvanmaninik.
「Lucanti.」
「Yes.」
As they walked along the corridor that offered a wide field of vision, the Empress suddenly spoke. Her knight Lucanti straightened her back and listened.
「Are you regretting it?」
The unexpected question made her open her eyes wide. Seeing that she was confused, Chamille added:
「I mean following me two years ago. Ever since I appointed you as my personal escort, I have ordered you to perform all sorts of filthy acts. Tasks that are shameful compared to your proud late brother.」
The Empress said plainly and stopped to turn to her knight. She had a cruel smile that seemed to be mocking Lucanti’s loyalty.
「Recently… There are even people calling you the 『Decapitating Knight』.」
That ominous title entered her ears. Lucanti thought about that and shook her head firmly.
「My movements had gotten more practiced, but I don’t think I have been forced to do anything I detest.」
The smile was gone from the Empress’ lips. Her golden eyes stared right into the knight’s face.
「... Interesting, tell me what you think.」
「When I decapitate someone, the blood would spill onto my body. However, the responsibility for the bloodshed had all been borne by Your Majesty.」
Lucanti wasn’t fazed by the oppressive aura and spoke her mind. There were few who could speak to the Empress so freely without forcing themselves.
「There’s only one thing I’m sure of. Your Majesty Chamille is doing everything you can to protect the citizens of the Empire. Your Majesty used methods that would be harsh and painful for anyone, and achieve your goals even if you get detested by the masses.」
Despite Chamille’s sharp gaze, Lucanti was still smiling confidently. In contrast to the Empress, her smile was pure and innocent, without any hidden agenda.
「Since this hasn’t changed since two years ago, there’s nothing for me to regret.」
I see. Chamille was impressed and continued walking ── no matter how she tried to shake her, the female knight remained steadfast. For the past two years, the Empress had felt plenty of times that Yatorishino Igsem assigning Lucanti to her seemed to be an inevitable conclusion.
When they reached a door deep inside the harem, the girl told the Knight without turning back:
「... Here will be fine. Don’t let anyone pass this door.」
Lucanti readily acknowledged her monarch’s usual request.
「Leave it to me, my liege. To be frank, instead of executions, I’m better at chasing away a fox.」
The female Knight said with strong conviction. Envious of her forthrightness, the Empress concealed her thoughts and disappeared behind the door.
In all the rooms prepared for the concubines, there would be a waiting room between the entrance and the living quarters. This arrangement was made for the Emperor and his concubines ── so they wouldn’t meet before the concubine’s make up was done.
「── Phew.」
There was no meaning in this routine, but the girl still appreciated the chance to ready herself mentally. Her heart would always be pounding whenever she visits him.
「── I’m coming in, Solork.」
Once she had calmed down, she called out and stepped into the room. The unchanging scene she had seen several times appeared before her.
The room wasn’t big, but it was still larger than a commoner’s bedroom. The furniture was plain so the occupant could feel at peace.
There was a window deep in the room, but it didn’t lead outside, and only to the courtyard. The windows couldn’t offer a wide view due to safety concerns, and there was a garden with a variety of colours instead. During the day, the birds would fly into the courtyard and sing their songs.
The only resident of the harem was sitting on a bed by the window. His head was hanging down and his dark eyes looked at the courtyard blankly. He didn’t react when the girl entered the room.
That was how Ikuta Solork had been for the past two years.
「Good Afternoon, Chamille, Shia. So you are here to visit him today too.」
The Luminous Sprite Kusu greeted the visitors on behalf of its master from the chair by the bed. Chamille smiled gently. This was the only place she would show her true feelings.
「Kusu, how’s Solork?」
She said as she walked to the bed and sat on a chair too. Kusu shook its head quietly.
「He has been as quiet as yesterday. I can’t talk to him today too.」
Is that so? The girl quietly accepted the report repeated to her every time she visited. The friendly Luminous Sprite would always add a few more lines:
「But he ate today. Iced yogurt and fresh fruits are easier to swallow. Thanks to your repeated attempts, he isn’t getting thinner.」
「Great, I can’t let Solork keep eating cold food that had gone through multiple round of testing for poison.」
Thinking back to her days in the palace, Chamille said with an awkward smile. With a sideway glance at her, Kusu called out to the other three Sprites in the room.
「Shia, Fune, Fio, come here too.」
「Understood.」
The Fire Sprite Shia crawled out of the girl’s pouch in response to Kusu’s call and walked across the floor. The water and wind sprite staying by the bed did the same. Aside from Shia, the rest of the Sprites were left here by the harem’s servant for Ikuta’s convenience.
「We will be in the waiting room like usual. Call us if you need some light.」
The Sprites moved to the waiting room to give them time alone. The room was quiet after they left, and Chamille thought about what to say for a while before speaking:
「... Does your leg hurt? Solork, I think it’s a great weather to take a stroll in the courtyard.」 There was no answer. As usual, the girl changed topic and continued:
「Today, Nanak Dar and Suya Mittokarifu came to seek an audience to meet you, but I turned them down. Well… Would you like to meet either of them...?」
She said the news she was better off not saying out of guilt. Ikuta’s face didn’t change when he heard that.
「... What a stupid question. Let’s talk about something else...」
Feeling disgusted that she felt relieved from that, the girl continued.
「── A few days ago, I returned after suppressing the revolt by Colonel Naian Mitokazuruku. Since the coup two years ago, this is the 5th major rebellion. He was holed up behind the solid defences of the Fortress City Garurujan and I had to resort to a brutal method to capture the fort early… I was admonished by General Shiba. He even compared me to the infamous『Lord Executioner』.」
Chamille made a face of self-mockery, then placed her hand on her knees with a deep sigh.
「Maybe he’s right. To be honest, unlike that fearless general, Matthew is starting to fear me. Recently, there will be fear in his eyes when he looks at me… Although there is a part of him that is trying desperately to understand me.」
Chamille told him guiltily. All the depressing words she couldn’t say when she was showing the face of an Empress.
「On the other hand, Torway seemed determined to follow me to the bitter end... He is definitely the one who changed the most over the past two years. His determination and attitude even reminded me of the Igsem from the past.」
Ikuta didn’t say anything, and the girl continued speaking in spite of his silence:
「Right now, Haro is the one connecting them and the last reason they are staying with me. If I lose her... the 『Knights Corp』 might fall apart.」
She voiced her concerns with a hoarse voice. Her shoulders kept shaking when she spoke.
「Before I can defeat the enemy, I’m afraid of losing my own people. Isn’t that funny, Solork? But that’s only natural── for a foolish monarch who chose a reign of terror to rebuild the wobbling order.」
She looked at the hands on her knee and saw the illusion that it was stained with blood.
「I already fell a lot of heads. Soldiers trying to revolt and nobles who are still refusing to let go of their privileges… Even the civilians who decided that things don’t involve them. They are the subjects involved. Because they are the ones who need to take the lead and decide the future of this country.」
As if she was giving a confession, she kept speaking nonstop to no one in particular, then suddenly looked up at the youth with a weak smile.
「But, Solork... All these doesn’t concern you anymore.」
Chamille’s eyes were filled with despair. She knew better than anyone that he would be silent. She knew the gap would never be filled. That was why...
「I won’t ask you for anything again. And so... you just need to stay here. You just need to witness my failures and struggles from behind ── that will be enough. That’s all I need.」
She got up from the chair and walked to the bed. Chamille stood before the man she locked into the cage and couldn’t stop the trembling in her voice.
「Nanak Dar asked me what I’m planning to do by imprisoning you here. I have to suppress my urge to ask in return ── what can I do? W-What can I...」
She leaned towards the bed and gently touched his face with the fingers on her right hand.
「Your heart will always belong to Yatori. So, I can at least have your body?」
She felt a strong urge to hold him in her arms, but the girl bit her lips to suppress that feelings of wild abandon.
「I can’t do it. If I did── my unsightliness will make me crumble.」
She had to pull each of her fingers on his cheek and held the right hand of the youth to her chest with both arms.
「So... I just need one palm.」
The warmth from the palm had saved her life in the past. It swept away the darkness in her heart and gave her a glimpse of redemption in her future. For Chamille, this was a salvation just for her alone.
「Will you forgive me just for that? Forgive me for relying on your gentleness...」
A tear rolled down her cheeks and dropped onto the youth’s arm.
No one answered the girl’s pleas── time passed slowly within this cage.
Two days after the audience with Nanak Dar, 9pm.
At this moment, the person which the Empress hated the most had come to meet her. The Empress was seated on the Throne in the Jade Green Hall with murderous intent.
「── I never thought I would need to see your face so late at night.」
She showed her scorn for the man in front of her with her first words. But his smile didn’t waver when he heard that.
「How strict, have I earn Your Majesty’s wrath without realizing it?」
「What a joke. The only way you can please me is by writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.」
As his monarch cursed him, the Imperial Chancellor Trisnai Izanma continued smiling cheerfully. From the coup two years ago until today ── only this man didn’t change the slightest as he continued to spread madness.
「......」
A killing intent as scorching as lava laid inside the Empress’ eyes. She wanted to tear him to pieces and feed him to the dogs ── For the next three years, she would need to suppress that urge whenever she met him. She had thought of many ways to get rid of that monster but had failed every time.
There are some who think that Chancellor Trisnai Izanma who abused his position as the caretaker of the previous Emperor would fall from power with the ascension of the Third Princess Chamille. After Chamille took the throne, she would officially gain the power and authority ── but shortly after she took the throne, they realized that was too optimistic.
「──『To ensure a smooth political transition, the Imperial Chancellor may not be dismissed for 5 years after the passing of the late Emperor』. No matter how many times I think about this, it is all bull shit. The constitution of this country had become your scribbling book without me noticing.」
「Fufufu, please don’t say that… In the first place, the reigning Emperor isn’t allowed to change the laws set within five years of the previous Emperor’s passing. This is a tradition to avoid any political chaos when power is passed to the next monarch, what’s so strange about that?」 The fox said gleefully. And the truth was, this was the only authority that the previous Emperor could hold over Chamille. If she overturned the decision of the late Emperor, that would mean she was refuting her inheritance of the throne. For the Sprites watching the movement of the royals closely, that would be interpreted as a rebellious action.
「... What a joke. Is the existence of two Royal Sprites natural to you?」
「That’s only natural. Like I said, part of the authority entrusted to me by the late Emperor is still in effect. The existence of the Royal Sprite is physical proof of that. Isn’t it only logical for Your Majesty and I to both possess a Sprite?」 Chamille, the reigning Empress, and Trisnai, the caretaker who retained a part of the late Emperor’s authority. In order to accept this unprecedented situation, they needed to discard the assumption that there would only be one Royal Sprite. The reigning Empress’ partner── was the Fire Sprite Shia she inherited from the vermillion-haired girl, which had gained the powers of a Royal Sprite. At the same time, the old Royal Sprite with Trisnai still retained part of its functions.
「As long as your authority as the Chancellor remains intact, the insurance guaranteeing your life will still stand… It’s incredibly annoying. You pulled out all the stops to save your own hide.」
The insurance referred to how the death of Trisnai Izanma, who served the dual role of Imperial Chancellor and Archbishop, would result in 「all Sprites in the Empire to cease activity」.
It was still not clear if this was a bluff and Chamille thought of many ways to assassinate him. She didn’t put her plans into action because Royal Sprite had a wide standard of what counted as 「killing Trisnai」 and 「equivalent to killing him」.
From snatching Trisnai’s Royal Sprite, covering his lips to stop him from speaking to the Royal Sprite, forcing him to act or speak involuntarily to restricting his freedom of movement, the Royal Sprite would deem all this as 「equivalent to killing him」 and give a warnings.
… Actually, Chamille didn’t have to try these methods since Ikuta tested them all two years ago. He couldn’t do anything about this, which was why he couldn’t stop Trisnai from disrupting the war in the end. In the past two years, the Empress had yet to discover a loophole in the fox’s defences. On top of that, she had to grant him extra protection to prevent the Empire from dying along if he died by accident.
「I’m not doing this to save myself. As long as I draw breath, I will do my best to assist Your Majesty with your holy duties. That’s why I’m still alive today.」
「You want to help me with my administrative duties? But I’m the one who wants to turn you into minced meat.」
The golden eyes were filled with killing intent. The fox swayed, enjoying that intimidating aura.
「Fufufu...! I’m not against showing my fealty to you, but that will have to wait. I have an urgent matter to report.」
「... Speak. I will only tolerate the unpleasantness of breathing the same air as you during your report.」
After the usual rant, Chamille urged his retainer to be quick, so Trisnai raised his head and said:
「I will make it short── we are almost at our limit in stalling for time.」
The corners of the Empress’ eyes twitched. Trisnai raised his hands up before she said anything.
「Allow me to explain before any misunderstanding sets in. Our agents in Kioka is working hard and have incited several riots, causing severe political and military unrest in their nation.」
「That suits me just fine. Why not continue?」
Fighting poison with poison, the Empress wanted Trisnai to take part in the espionage activities against Kioka. Part of the agents on the ground worked under the fox two years ago. Aside from the agents’ main objective, she arranged it this way to weaken Tristan’s formidable influence within the Empire.
「I would very much like to, but I’m out of materials. Other than my spies, the agents sent by General Remeon and Field Marshal Igsem have all been committed to this, but two years in the limit. Their work will continue── but it will be difficult to incite an organized revolt. The most they can do now is to collect intel.」
「That’s your report? You are here to disappoint me?」
The Empress’ eyes were filled with contempt. At this moment, the fox spreaded out his arms dramatically.
「I wouldn’t dare! Or rather, I’m here to report a great accomplishment.」
「── What?」 「For the past two years, Your Majesty has performed splendidly. First, you reunited the military that has split in three, using your strict authority to steady the army that was wavering from the fall of the Igsem. Whenever a soldier shows signs of ambition, you will display your might personally on the battlefield── exactly how a ruler should act. How can I not find joy in this? The mysterious bloodline of the Katjvarna has finally revived in you!」
Trisnai suddenly started a monologue, looking at the Empress with fervoured eyes and continued with glee:
「You handled domestic affairs wonderfully too. You mended the crippled government which has lost most of its cabinet ministers in such a short period of time. Promoting talented officials from the ranks, reorganizing the cabinet and putting in a policy to train future leaders── One misstep would have serious repercussions, but you managed to pull it off. This proves that you understand the structure and flaws of this nation as a whole.」
Fear ran down Chamille’s spine. She understood he wasn’t just offering compliments out of pleasantries, which made it even more unbearable and unpleasant.
「I met this monster’s expectation.」
Just that thought made her wish she could undo her work from the past two years.
「You went all out to procure funds too. Aside from confiscating the wealth of corrupt nobles, you also sold most of the royal family’s treasures too. The money was used to reorganize the government and the military, and given out generously to the kin of fallen soldiers. Your Majesty has a great sense of priority! The world runs on money── all the more reason to keep a tight leash on the troops!」
Trisnai gave lavish praise to the Empress with no regards for her feelings. He was evaluating her with his compliments, stating how well the girl had fulfilled the role of the ideal ruler in his mind.
「Changing Governors who made embezzlement a norm, increasing the efficiency in tax collection. The draconian law of executing those who criticize Your Majesty served two purposes, restoring discipline and making it clear who the ruler is.」
「── Shut up, fox! All these measures only cure the symptoms but not the cause!」
Tired of his speech, the Empress shouted:
「The prosperity right now is just the effect of the reign of terror. Just a temporary calm held together by my threats. That’s only natural since the structure of the nation remained unchanged. The military and political stability are maintained by my own prowess── don’t you understand how unstable this situation is? For example, imagine me pressing down the covers of two pots of water. The boiling water will spill out if I relax my hands, but even if I don’t, the pressure will still build up over time. If we keep doing the same thing without thinking about it, it won’t be long before we get scalded all over!」
The girl shouted through ragged breath. She never thought she was a good ruler, and thought of herself as the tyrannical and foolish type. So there was nothing that displeased her more than getting complimented for her actions. In contrast to the agitated monarch, Trisnai had a calm smile that was almost detestable. There was even a hint of warmth when he said:
「It can’t be helped that Your Majesty is worried at this stage as you try to force compliances through fear. But this is just the beginning of your royal path, one day, you will get the masses to submit to you through means beyond terror. Which is why I’m not worried about your fate.」「It’s so easy to be a madman, you just need to keep deluding yourself──」
The Empress restrained herself despite her anxiety. There was no point in this conversation since they were talking past each other── she convinced herself with that and finally returned to her responsibility as an Empress.
「...Back to the topic, you say we have reached the limit to the time we managed to buy… So we need to prepare for war?」
「Yes, Your Majesty, it’s only a matter of time before the Kioka invades again.」
「I will strengthen the border defences.」
She ended the useless conversation and stated the conclusion. But Trisnai refused to budge.
「That’s good, but not good enough── Does Your Majesty recall the basic strategy the Kioka will use against a foreign nation?」
Chamille stopped in her tracks. Unlike the previous drivel, she could sense the intent behind this question.
「──『The enemy of your enemy is your friend』, just like how they incite the Shinnack Tribe unrest.」
As if to praise her for the great answer, the fox calmly said the right answer with a brilliant smile.
「That’s right, we need to be wary of traitors. If Your Majesty surveys our nation, you will find a group with a position even more unstable than the Shinnack Tribe.」
一Understanding what he was trying to say, the Empress bit her thumbnail and lowered her gaze.
「...Church of Aldera, huh?」
「──Organizations affiliated with the Church of Aldera that is trying to sow discord in the Empire will be making a big move.」
This was the centre of the Kioka Republic Capital Norandot. In the middle of the orderly streets was the Parliament House erect from pure white marble. The Insomniac Brilliant General and his two trusted aides had been summoned to the Prime Minister’s office once again.
「Ever since the Ra-Saia-Alderamin Holy Army traversed the mountains to invade the Empire, it should be clear that the devout followers of the Church of Aldera will feel uneasy. This was only natural since their religion had clashes with their country. The clergy are the most affected. Devout followers would be caught between their religious teachings and the reality of the situation and feel uneasiness about separating from the country where their citizenship is recognized. There is a good chance we can use this to make them take action.」
The Prime Minister fidgeted with the puzzle rings in his hand as he laid out the foundation of his strategy. Today, it was three twisted metal wires, which gave the impression that it was more difficult than usual.
「There are several goals we want to achieve. To disrupt the national sentiment in the Empire to weaken their war potential ── Well, this part is the same as our strategy of inciting civil wars. Before the time for the decisive battle, we will keep using this method.」
Although we missed a crucial chance in the past. Ario joked with a relaxed tone. On the surface, Jean only took it as a joke, but he was burning with rage inside.
「But this time, there will be another objective. When the enemy camp is in disarray, we will use this chance to rescue the 『Great Mother of White Wings』 Elulufay Tenerexilla.」
When they heard the name of their good friend who got taken prisoner, their expressions turned serious. Morale would be higher during a mission to rescue allies. Ario smiled, this was the reflex burned into the body of soldiers and that included the three of them.
「As you know, I’m very invested in talents that I uncovered myself. She is the same as you, an irreplaceable talent of Kioka, It’s about time for her to end her vacation and return to us.」
「Yah*. Without her, the new 4th Fleet will be drastically weaker.」
「That’s one aspect, at the same time, she has political significance. Kioka isn’t completely united yet, she’s a bit too liberal, but there’s no one else who can show unconditional love than her. Considering the borders after the war, I want people like her to hold a high position in the military right now.」
Soldiers who performed splendidly in war would retain their influence after they retired from the front lines. Ario was planning for the future with this in mind, which made Harrah cross his arm in awe.
「Prime Minister Sir, you are so far sighted, and is already considering the situation after the war?」
「If possible, I want to keep considering things after the war. I love peace and often sigh in my heart that I’m born in an era of war.」 The Prime Minister made a show of sighing. He didn’t miss Miara moving her brows slightly.
「... That sounds so fake～ That’s what your face is telling me, Miara.」
「Huh?── I-I’m not thinking about that!」
Miara denied that in a panic. Knowing very well what she was thinking, Jean said with a wry smile.
「That’s right, Sir. Even if that’s what she thinks, her choice of words won’t be so uncouth. 『It’s difficult to determine what the Prime Minister is really thinking, but his action definitely won’t match his words』... That’s what she will say if she’s unhappy.」
「Jean too...! Don’t tease me!」
Miara who was the target of their teasing averted her face angrily. Ario shrugged.
「Not being literal with our words is the pitiful fate of politicians. Sigh, leaving that aside── like that time with the Shinnack Tribe, we will need people to guide them in the Empire. The Remeon faction had weeded out many of our spies, so the mission difficulty will be higher than last time. As a member of the Phantom, what are your views on this, Miara?」
He asked for her opinion with serious eyes, which made her stand up straight and answer.
「...The enemy has strengthened their security and our interference has been weakened. If we want to win under such conditions, we will need to wake the 『Dreamer』.」
Miara suggested with the code word of the Phantoms. After considering that, Ario raised the corners of his lips.
「Indeed, it’s a good idea to use our trump card. So, we are going to pick her?」
「Yes, if it’s her, it will work.」 Miara promised confidently. Jean also nodded in agreement.
「──Major, sorry for intruding so early in the morning, there’s a letter for you!」
She was brushing her teeth after tidying her clothes when knocking came from the door. She quickly rinsed her mouth and walked briskly to open the door.
「A letter? Thank you, sorry for troubling you to send it to my room.」
Haro chatted warmly to the courier she was acquainted with, and he returned the kind smile.
「Don’t worry, this is a privilege accorded to all field-grade officers, and Major Becker fits the bill. Please don’t hesitate to call us for anything.」
「Haha, I’m still not used to it.」
Bidding him farewell after a brief chat at the entrance, Haro took the few letters she received and turned back. As she walked back to her room, she checked the sender and contents of each letter.
「The duty roster for next month and my salary slip… Oh, a letter from Aunt Hanna. How nostalgic～ Is everyone in the Yunakura province doing well～?」
As Haro opened and checked each letter, she suddenly stopped.
「... From my hometown?」
Sent by the Becker family. Haro opened the envelope marked as such and read the letter inside.
「......」
At a glance, it was a normal letter from a father to his daughter. Aside from telling her about how the family was doing, he was worried about her and gave her strong encouragement.
「... Hah!... Hah!...」
Haro’s breathing became ragged as she read that unassuming passage. The codes cleverly weaved between the lines sent subliminal messages beyond the consciousness level.
「...Hah!...Hah!...Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah──!」
Soon, her entire body started to shake, and a voice echoed directly in her skull.
──「It’s time to wake up, Patrenshina」.
「Hah────────!」
Her lungs contracted to the limit. When her breathing went over the limit, her consciousness turned white and snapped.
「──Excuse me, Major, you have another letter! It got mixed with the other mail, so I left it out by mistake!」
The mailroom soldier who realized his mistake returned to the room to find Haro standing in her room with her usual calm smile.「──Okay, thank you.」
「No, I just said you can call me for anything, and I made a mistake right after that, sorry── Hmm? Is that… a letter from home?」 He proffered the envelope he missed out and said with a glance at the letter in her hand. It looked crumpled from being grasped too hard, so it looked a little weird.
「── That’s right. My younger brother sends me letters often, not too much from my parents though. It has been a while since I last got their letter.」
「Is that so? I’m envious that you have a good brother. I have a younger sister back at home too, but she hates to write. She didn’t even send me a new year’s greeting in recent years.」
The soldier said with a smile, and haro giggled with a hand on her mouth.
「Fufu── but my family is really strict, the letter this time said harshly: 『You must be sleeping instead of working, so wake up and get to work!』」
「That’s tough. The Major is very hardworking to me though… ──Oh, I started blabbering without realizing it 一 I will take my leave, please take your time with your letter.」
The soldier kindly ended the conversation and left. Sigh～～ Haro watched him leave blankly and sighed melancholically.
「── Really… It will be great if I can keep on sleeping～」
Her tone changed slightly and her face and movement looked childish.
「Good night, Haroma Becker. And in your place, Good Morning, Patrenshina. Oh, I remembered── That’s right, I’m the worst kind of people, I can’t keep staying here.」
Hmm～ Haro walked briskly to the window and basked in the sunlight. She stretched her back like a cat as she moaned.
「── Did you have fun? Were you sad? Have you laughed and cried with your friends? But, that’s over now. Dream time is over.」
As if she was mumbling to someone beside her, Haro kept mumbling to herself in the bright room.
「After I wake up, everything, be it good or bad, will be destroyed by me. This is 『our』 fate, remember? Here── time to go. The weather is really great!」
Her voice was innocent, eyes were pure, smile incredibly hollow, she looked completely different. The air about the girl, who used to be Haroma Becker, wasn’t something a living person would have.
「Let’s start our wonderful work, and get to the task on hand──」
Her steps were as light as the cloud and she hummed a song more cheerful than the birds.
The most wicked Phantom had awoken from her slumber and was unleashed onto the world this morning without anyone realizing.
Translator’s note:
There’s a two-year time skip in the story, and a one-year time skip for me. The wounds have healed a little. The author had to update the readers on what every character has been up to, and that drags on for quite a bit. Here’s an obvious spoiler for the next volume: niaga esir lliw atukI
Will translate Death after Vol 9.
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