Cinia Pacifica Posts

At the crack of dawn the Magic Train returned, the streets were yet to see the lively day that was to take place hours later.

The New Amner Hall was the abode where Isabelle was supposed to be living with her sister. The older sister was supposedly out for about three days now in Russia. It was much too early and even the little sister was not awake.

A sleepy maid finally opened the door, and Svetlana burst inside with a crazed expression—looking around to find the only remaining person close to her in the entire world, but she wasn’t there. Nancy ran up from outside the house and helped Svetlana calm down.

The maids were not sure what was going on. To add, they were only getting up about now due to the commotion their Mistress seemed to be raising out of what seemed like an emergency? Nancy swiftly gestured for them to be dismissed. She escorted her Mistress to the room of her sister with haste.

Svetlana did not even bother to knock or even bring to mind any of the mannerisms she was told to remember when she opened the doors and ran up Isabelle’s bed. The diligent girl didn’t even woke up after a groan when she found Svetlana crying, wetting her blanker.

“W-What is going on?!” Isabelle barely managed to enquire. “What happened, sister? Tell me, and stop crying already!”

The younger sister pulled herself up immediately and Svetlana hugged her.

“M-Mama, m-mama…” It was all Svetlana could muster to say, she was unable to halt her wailing.

Nancy closed the door behind herself, and approached Isabelle with a grave face, not looking at Isabelle or Svetlana, but instead she looked down.

“Mistress’ mother… is no longer who she should be,” the maid stated.

“That… that does not quite explain what happened, Miss Nancy.”

Nancy narrated the story behind what happened in Russia, including what she and her Mistress witnessed, and how Svetlana was told to learn a different set of spells to free her mother from the †˜prison.’

“Are you… really going to Saudi Arabia?” Isabelle asked with shock to her sister who was still hugging and crying, letting her let all her tears out. “Somehow, all of this worries me…”

“I-If it means saving m-mama, I will.”

“Had she mentioned how long you will have to stay there?”

“No…”

“Very well, sister, I will take care of things here. You go do what you must—save your mother, it is the least that can be done.”

“I-I will.”

“Make the preparations for the trip,” Isabelle commanded. “Take my sister to her room… she needs rest, for reasons more than one, I believe.”

“Understood.” Nancy complied, the sisters separated for the time being and a new adventure was yet to begin for Svetlana.

Svetlana woke up. The first thing her mind registered was a green hue all around her. For some moments she pondered what took place and how she was where she ended up in. When she tried to move to yawn, she found that her arms and legs were unable to move, as if she was paralyzed. Slowly moving around her eyes, she soon realized that there were many green cubes just outside wherever she was. Each of the orbs held within themselves a black object… no, people. Apparently, she was inside one herself, due to the green light illuminating her body. Looking down, there were steam robots walking around and operating strange machines she had no idea what they were for.

…Where am I? What kind of a place is this. Svetlana thought, utterly confused. “Nancy… are you there…?” Svetlana tried shouting, unsure what to do, but her voice barely carried far and bubbles climbed up to the surface above, and she only now realized that she was inside a water cube.

She looked around again, this time facing different directions, and it seemed like Nancy was in a cube just beside her.

What’s going on? ...Who would do this?

Svetlana decided to build up her demonic mana to see if it would help her escape. Building up her Infernal powers, a black aura began to form, which fully surrounded her body. Her eyes turned black as a result. Two spikes seemed to extend thanks to this blackness and her wings were magically longer now. The bubble she was trapped under suddenly blew open, water splashing in every directions and her feet landed on cold wet steel. She flew up to the bubble where Nancy was in, and placed her hand onto the glass—transferring her Infernal mana into it, causing it to burst too.

She caught Nancy and went back down to the floor. Of course, both of them were naked.

“Nancy! Wake up!” Svetlana shook the maid’s body.

“Mn… a good coat and a good man makes the life…” Nancy was mumbling in her sleep.

“Nancy!” Svetlana raised her voice as she shook Nancy again.

“Oh… uh, Mistress? Where am I? This smell is terrible… for the health I would think…” Nancy said, rubbing her eyes, and barely moving.

“I wish I could answer that, but I have no clue. I’ve never been here before,” Svetlana said, looking around. “I’ll fly around for a bit so just look around to see if anything catches your eye.”

“I… cannot really move,” Nancy said, finally opening her eyes. “Oh dear Lord, Mistress, what happened to you?!”

“You can say I’m in the demonic form right now. Before, it’d have been the demon using my body, but it seems I have full control for now. Enough of that though, we must figure out where we are, so just look to see if anything catches your eye,” Svetlana said, flying around slowly, examining the place.

She wanted to point out to Svetlana that the first thing she noticed was that they lacked their clothings, but stopped.

“M...Mistress… we should leave somehow.” Nancy looked down. “They are aiming at us!”

When Svetlana looked down, there were steam robots aiming guns at her; round robots with round heads with red round eyes. She fluttered in the air as they shot. She wasn’t used to flying just yet. Trying to ran away, a burning stream of steam struck against her wing and she fell down to the icy cold iron floor, while Nancy fell atop one of the cubes, which broke from the force and the water leaked out. When Nancy looked up, she found a body on top of herself.

Angered, Svetlana stood up and a black sphere formed atop her right hand, electricity surrounding it. “Damn you stupid machines! Just die!” Svetlana shouted as she shot her sphere at the machine dolls. All of the bots were destroyed in an instant. She quickly shifted her attention to Nancy. “Are you okay, Nancy?” she walked over to her.

Svetlana froze as she recognized the body on top of Nancy. To her, the shape was unmistakable as well as the long silver hair, much like her previous form. The black aura around her body vanished at the moment as Svetlana fell to her knees.

“M-M-Mama!” Svetlana said as she broke into tears.

Her mother’s body twitched, and seemed to stir to life, reigniting Svetlana’s hope.

“Mama!”

“Svetlana… is that you?” somehow, her mother knew it was Svetlana, despite the differing voice and appearance. Was this the result of the strong bond she shared with her child?

“Yes, Mama it’s me.” Svetlana was shocked to see her mother move, yet she was equally glad.

Nancy smiled, moving herself out from under Svetlana’s mother somehow. It was still hard for her to move. “See? She is alive, Mistress! I told you not to assume the worst!”

“Yes, but we must hurry and get out of here. We don’t know what else will come,” Svetlana said, wiping her tears away, before helping to two stand up.

Before she touched her mother, she looked up to her with a smile.

“So it is really you.”

The red large dot on her face and the curved red line that was her mouth made Svetlana scream in utter terror. A completely black face with the red figures stood up on its own, and her mother started giving an eerie laugh. Nancy herself somehow pushed herself away on the floor in pure fear from seeing this kind of a face.

“W-What… is this?!” Nancy screamed.

Svetlana couldn’t believe her eyes, speechless after her scream subsided. Her mother face was completely gone. She couldn’t muster any words as all, looking up to her blank black face with the red ball-like mouth in horror.

The mother looked at Svetlana, and her body soon started to break apart, changing to something she could not even imagine her entire life. Black horns grew out from her head, the hair turned black, and she grew taller. From her back tore out legs made of metal and a demonic yell was heard. It sounded so much like Svetlana herself when she used to lose control of herself.

Svetlana’s mother was similar to a spider, standing up with the metallic legs that spawned off her back. Wings like that of insects grew at last, and she kept laughing maniacally—none of which made sense to either Svetlana or Nancy.

“NOOOOOooooooooo!! You’re not Mama!” Svetlana shouted out of fear, as she shot at a Flame Spear spell, but missed, not being able to aim properly due to her state of mind.

“M…Mistress, we must run!” Nancy hurriedly suggested, she could barely regain control of her body just yet. Something strong was indeed injected into both of them. While it seemed like Svetlana fought it off with her Infernal mana, Nancy couldn’t despite collecting mana into her body. Hence, she could barely reach up to her Mistress; hardly able to even walk.

“May the sinners be purged!”

A blinding light fell on Svetlana’s twisted mother—or creature—and she writhed in agony, sending a bloodcurdling cry echo against the steel walls of the room.

Svetlana could barely recognize the voice she heard—the voice of someone who served her sworn enemy. How could she forget?

The shining figure of Judgement Summoner could be seen in the distance behind her. Energies spiraled before her and lights gathered, the Life Buster Commandment was being prepared, and it was all too familiar—as if she saw it only yesterday.

“No! Please stop!” Svetlana shouted as tears flood down her eyes yet again.

The gathering of the spiritual energies stopped as Judgement Summoner noticed Svetlana and Nancy on the floor, just before the creature. With a bright flash she sped up to Svetlana, and shot a blinding beam of light at her supposed mother, before the monster used one of her legs to crush Svetlana.

The Representative immediately took up Svetlana and Nancy on her arms with ease, displaying abnormal strength before she jumped. As soon as her foot landed, she streaked across the iron clad floor and vanished—literally dashing in the speed of light.







Just outside on top of a building that was close to the ground floor of the iron layers stood Judgement Summoner. Beside her, two were dropped on the cold and snowy floor. Svetlana and Nancy were both battered and tired in more ways than one. The blizzard continued to take place, and it only seemed to have gotten stronger. As they were out in the air nude like this, the cold was extremely chilling to the skin and bones and they instinctively hugged themselves.

As the feeling of immediately thread was over, the feeling of cold started to feel like a slow-death for them. Nancy barely looked up to their savior, a woman wearing white exotic clothes. Svetlana seemed to be familiar with this person, but it seemed like she was in no proper state of mind to react to her presence now.

Svetlana was still speechless. She didn’t know what to say, or what could be said at all, now that the image of her mother’s new and grotesque form returned to her mind. She was still crying.

“M-Mama…”

“Mistress…” Nancy hugged Svetlana tight. “Let us… let us go back. This is a dangerous land for you to stay in.”

“This is the filth that we strive to remove from this world.” Judgement Summoner faced Svetlana, not looking up to the iron pillar anymore. “You saw only a small portion of it.”

“Why are you even here, Judgement Summoner?” Svetlana asked as clearly as she possibly could. Deep down, she felt that needed to get answers from her, but she couldn’t ask anything about Virgo at the current moment. All she thought about was her dead mother at the moment.

“To purge the darkness.”

“…Whatever. I just want to get away from here now,” Svetlana said as she gestured to Nancy. “I’ll deal with you another time, Virgo’s servant.”

“Do you wish to save her? Unless the holy light has been harnessed—your mother cannot be saved.”

“How could I save my mother?! You saw what she was turned into! You even killed her! How could I even save her now?!” Svetlana lashed out with teary eyes.

Judgement Summoner shook her head at these words.

“I am the Judge of Light. I could still sense it; her life yet lives and wanders the earth—her soul trapped in this world. I could not free her… thanks to your interruption.”

“How do I save her then? I don’t wish for Mama to suffer.”

“Put an end to her yourself. If you learn to wield the light of the stars, she shall be freed from this prison.”

Svetlana froze for some moments after hearing this response from Judgement Summoner. Put an end to her mother? By herself? It took some moments for her to process these words in mind.

“Then show me how to wield the light of the stars. For Mama, I shall learn whatever it takes to free her.”

“But don’t you loathe me, as I serve Virgo?”

“I hate Virgo. I despise her, that is for sure, but I want to free Mama. I can ignore the hate I feel for you—for now, if you can help me free Mama. But if it involves serving that wench, I’ll find another way to free her.”

Judgement Summoner shook her head.

“You’d not have to serve her, and I doubt she cares enough to make you. Follow me. Come to Saudi Arabia—become my apprentice—and I shall teach you to harness the light of the stars.”

“Fine. I will do it if it will allow me to save Mama,” Svetlana said resolutely, wiping away her tears.

“It is Saudi Arabia, though…” Nancy said. “I do not think we came here prepared for such a trip, Mistress.”

“Just tell us where to meet you, and we’ll head there when we’re ready.”

“Come to the Royal Palace of King Abdullah in the capital city of Riyadh. Tell the guards that the †˜Princess’ gave you permission.”

“Princess? Couldn’t anyone just say that and get in…”

Judgement Summoner smiled for the first time.

“The guards can read the truth.”

Breaking down into tiny blue particles, the form of the Representative broke and dispersed, falling into the floor and vanishing.

“Nancy, let us head back to my house first, and rest...I don’t think I can face Isabelle right away yet…”

Soviet Union’s base was a large structure that seemed to stem from below the ground. There were an iron pillar, and as it rose very up, reaching close to the sky’s clouds. There were several large iron circulat layers, each host to residential areas.

There were countless shops and a large crowd across the road as they approached the office on the ground floor of the massive tower. Nancy was almost lost and some Raider men seemed to take interest due to her beauty, but Svetlana made sure to keep her close as they grasped each other’s hands.

“This… this is a very dangerous place. I almost thought I was going to be kidnapped,” Nancy stated between her steam-like breaths, looking around herself in fear.

The two Machine Knights stood beside the door to the office, something Svetlana found familiar. They were completely motionless, but she could still feel their gaze.

“Just don’t show weakness if you show up here. Otherwise, consider yourself a goner. I just hope I can get good news from this office,” Svetlana said as she headed in with her maid.

Svetlana found the same man who handed her the S rank mission the last time they spoke. They found themselves behind a cue of at least ten big men, some of whom were very strange. One of them had the head of a pigeon and Nancy couldn’t quite tell why the people of this land were like this around this area. It took some time before they could speak face to face.

“Oh †˜ey, lass, †˜hatcha need from this †˜ol office?” the officer questioned.

“I need info about my Mama, mister. My name is Svetlana Astakhova.”

“†˜Ya ain’t that scrumpy †˜rat! …What is this sissy talk?!” the officer spat, disbelieving her without even taking a moment to think.

“Fine. Just give me a sec,” Svetlana said, taking a deep breath. “Hi, hi, mister! Last time we talked it involved that b—”

“AAAHHH!! No! Not that again! Can’t †˜ear †˜nymore †˜o that! Yer gonna kill me †˜ith it! The dreaded †˜hi hi’s,’ how the hell do you copy et so perfectly?!”

“†˜Cause that’s me, and they are not dreaded! It’s called being †˜cute’ in this cold land. Like I was saying, last we spoke, it involved an S ranked mission, about stopping slave traders. I even called you from the broom broom.”

“Me †˜ars would soon fall off than †˜ye get to sayin’ that again. So I’d just pretend that †˜ya came †˜utta the cold tomb with the corpse of a femme fatale! Uhh, †˜nyroad, you need ta find †˜ye mum?”

“Bingo!” Svetlana said as to continue her previous behaviour, not sure if he would believe her if she suddenly stopped.

“D...Dun make that face, or that tone. Be the femme fatale!”

“Well, if you believe it’s me now, then I’ll stop. I still think it’s cute, though. Anyway, mister, what can you tell about my Mama? I went to our house, and it seem like she hasn’t been there for a few days, and she’s in no condition to travel as far as I know.”

“I… I dunno kiddo. I †˜aven’t seen †˜er in days. Rather, she hardly †˜ver visited in the first place.”

“But if something happens in town, I’m certain news would come here! It’s the way it’s always been, I know that for sure. There has to be some kind of rumor or something,” Svetlana said as her eyes became teary.

“W-Wait missy, lemme ask the main central info block, †˜kay? Someone else might’ve heard somethin’. Don’t try cryin’ on me, †˜ya hear?”

The officer took up the telephone from his desk, and dialed some numbers before calling to another office on a different section. It took some time; the more he took to speak with the other officers, the grimer his voice got. When he finally dropped the phone, he simply looked at Svetlana with a cold look.

“I’ma write an address for †˜ya.” The officer wrote on a slip of paper and handed it to her. “I dunno what’s in there, but †˜ya might find somethin’.”

“Alright, thank you, mister.”







“What… would we find here?” Nancy spoke quizzically.

The two found themselves inside a storage house in the corner of the iron disc, more particularly, the third layer. In the Soviet base, these storage houses were notorious for keeping banned and confiscated goods, among other dangerous things.

“I hate to say it, but maybe my Mama…” Svetlana’s voice trailed away in a dreaded tone.

“Do not assume the worst just yet, Mistress! Let us look through these boxes and… coffins… um, pardon me but they are rather scary now that I look at them.”

“Yes…”

It seemed like Nancy was about to speak as Svetlana turned to check out one of the coffins. A moment later, she turned and found Nancy lying on the floor, her blood leaking from her hair. Svetlana looked up at a Machine Knight whose eyes seemed to glimmer with a much brighter shade of red than usual. Before she could act, the Machine Knight roared—which was unthinkable as Machine Knights were thought to lack a voice—and its blunt side of the blade bashed against her head with a loud thud. Svetlana fell down just like her maid.

“Damn it…” Svetlana’s vision started to sink into darkness as she muttered.

In the timeless world that was Russia, the sky was as dark as ever and the clouds were as cold as Svetlana remembered. There was a blizzard when they exited the Magic Train’s station and now they were on their way to her house.

Nancy researched about Russia extensively before their trip began, so she had warm clothes prepared for both of them, hence the pair were wearing jackets as they traversed through the streets. It was undeniable that she was unable to speak the language of the region and was thus helpless without Svetlana.

Svetlana and Nancy wore their normal clothes from England—a red dress and a maid uniform, respectively—but were covered thick jackets. Of course, the maid carried a bag of clothes and necessities in case of danger. Originally, Nancy was going to bring along more luggages with the †˜just in case’ excuse for cases of emergencies, but Svetlana stopped her as it would be too much to carry.

“Is Russia always going through these rough blizzards?” Nancy asked, holding her body tight with her arms. “It is colder than I had expected… despite my preparations.”

“Does it really feel that cold? It’s pretty warm today honestly. But yeah, these blizzards happen now and then. They don’t last forever. Luckily, today’s blizzard is pretty tame. It sure does feel nice being back home for some reason.”

“W-Warm? Lucky? This?!” Nancy shouted the words of confusion as the wind carried most of her voice away. “I do not mean any offense, but you must have a skin of a polar bear or something similar, Mistress.”

“Don’t worry, none taken. I did used to walk around in just a dress before during a weather like this, you know? It’s not recommended to sleep outside.” The last bit was added as she reminded herself of Lily and the other poor people in the country. “But I suppose for people who did not grow up in this condition, this is pretty cold. I bet Isabelle would want to be covered upon layers of warm clothing.” Svetlana laughed, thinking out loud.

“The young lady would not even tolerate this weather, I would think. I am surprised that you are so resistant on the other hand, Mistress.”

“I had to be, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do my job as a mercenary properly. Those times sure were fun, even if they were dangerous.”

“You used to work as a mercenary? In these conditions?” Nancy asked, clearly impressed.

“Yep. Should’ve seen some of those jobs; they had me wait in a location for hours before the target would even showed up, and in blizzards at times, of course. I couldn’t have anything on that would slow me down, since it was either them or me.”

“That sounds terrible, Mistress. Thankfully, you have properties that holds potential for good businesses, which may in turn fund a peaceful lifetime.”

“Yeah, though in all honesty, I probably will miss the action. Spending time with you and Isabelle does sure seem more fun.”

“It is a safer form of’ fun’ indeed, and I would always recommend it. To keep my job,” Nancy said with a big smile.

“Well, let’s hurry up, even if I said this current blizzard is tame; we never know when it’d pick up and actually get much colder. Unless you’re gonna want me to keep you warm,” Svetlana said jokingly.







After an hour of walking, Svetlana and Nancy finally entered a house. It felt as though it took an eternity for Svetlana to open the door from Nancy’s perspective as she heard the tinkling noises of the key being used, while expectantly awaiting a hot atmosphere inside.

Her expectations, of course, were triumphantly betrayed, the house was dark and no one was at home. The fireplace had some wood on it, but it hadn’t been used for some days as Svetlana inspected after creating a small ball of fire atop her hand.

“Why is the house vacant, Mistress?” Nancy inquired confusedly. “Is your mother outside on an errand perhaps…?”

“It shouldn’t be… Mama always made sure to clean it everyday. She didn’t enjoy a spec of dust accumulate at all. She should’ve been here, especially considering I only left enough money for her to be on her own for a year, and there’s really nowhere to go in Russia, honestly besides here at Moscow…”

“Nowhere to go in Russia…?” Nancy questioned. “Are all the other places restricted?”

“Not really. There are small villages at best. The other big city close to here would be Saint Petersburg, but the terrain to get there is a harsh one, and the cost would be extremely high. Mama was also not in the best condition to travel last I remember,” Svetlana said as she began to fear something terrible might’ve happened to her mother.

“Perhaps go to the constables? Clearly your mother is missing. We can only hope for her to found shortly.”

“Yes. let’s head quickly.”

The next day, Svetlana called Isabelle over to her own room, after ordering Nancy to bring her sister over. Apparently she wanted to talk.

When Isabelle came over, she noted the snow white walls and its intricate designs. There were some red sofas surrounding a round small table with some chairs. Furnitures aside, Svetlana’s bed seemed almost twice as large. Everyone insisted on her to have a “proper” bed as the Lady of the house. The maids also vouched for it, but Svetlana did not know that they were taking her future husband into consideration.

“Good morning, Isabelle. You slept soundly?” Svetlana asked, yawning.

“Yes, sister. Until a certain maid required my presence. Did you wished to speak with me about something?” Isabelle replied, scowling at the careless yawn, she gestured for Nancy to open the curtain just beside Svetlana, and the Personal Maid complied. Svetlana winced at the light falling onto her face. Even if it wasn’t sunlight, it was still bright.

“Could have done that afterwards,” Svetlana complained. “Anyways Nancy, make sure the door is locked. I don’t want anyone else coming in since it involves about my current appearance.”

Before Nancy moved, she saw another gesture from Isabelle, and thus the maid also pulled off Svetlana’s blanket before going to check the door.

“I believe we have privacy here, Mistress. Shall I place a magical ward just in case?” Nancy enquired.

“Yes.” Svetlana pouted.

While Nancy casted her magic, Isabelle crossed her arms.

“Why is it that you call me and lie on bed still? You should be a proper lady waiting for me by the table—fully dressed and prepared to face the day before I even greet you, sister.”

“Really? Sorry, I just woke up and the first thing that came to mind was to call you,” Svetlana said laughing.

“You are so… well,” her sister resisted the urge to sigh. “Freshen up, would you?”

“Fine, fine,” Svetlana said, stretching as she stood up. She seemed to only be wearing a red semi-transparent babydoll top. Her back wings fluttered while her tail began moving around as if they were stretching with her as well. Svetlana headed her makeup table. Nancy came along and helped Svetlana freshen up, after which she finally put on a dark blue sleeveless dress, never mind all the painful screams from putting on a corset.

“That should be better now, no?”

Isabelle looked up to Nancy, who was still combing the Lady of the house’s hair and looked down at Svetlana who asked the question.

“I guess,” she finally said, having admitted that her sister came a long way. A long way—how pitiful—but she stopped the thought. Being forgiving was part of the concept that was virtue. She sat down on a sofa beside the table. “Let us hear what it is that you have to say.”

“So, back in America I was able to meet Hades. the King of the Infernal Realm.”

“You what?” Isabelle questioned. It became apparent to Isabelle that Svetlana was not a great storyteller, seeing as she started with King Hades out of nowhere. “Sister, if you called me for a joke, I would rather have breakfast again.”

“I am sure she is not feeling well, having just woken up now. Perhaps I should prepare some medicine?” Nancy enquired.

“Please. She needs every bit of it. Maybe they will take out those wings and that tail which has a mind of its own.”

“Ah, or perhaps the Mistress simply had a nightmare.”

“Sheesh, that’s just mean you two, I’m being serious here,” Svetlana pouted, complaining at her listeners. “I really did meet King Hades. How else would you explain my complete body transformation? I’ve never heard of a spell from our Realm capable of such thing.”

“So you mean to say that the King of the Underworld actually exists?” Isabelle asked with an incredulous voice. “The real one? Or were you really dreaming in that Realm?”

“If I was dreaming I really don’t know how my body changed or even received some of the items he personally gave me.”

“What is the story anyway? How did you get there?”

“Well, I first met someone by the name Aramus, he had mentioned to me that he had met Hades. It was through him that I met someone else who took me directly to King Hades.”

“Just what kind of people are we speaking of? Only really bad people could have access to such a… bad place, right?”

“No, they were actually kind people from my experience and King Hades himself was surprisingly really kind.”

“Kind? The demons? The King of demons?” Isabelle was completely speechless. After all that she had been through, it was hard to believe that there was any Infernal creature with a spec of kindness in them. “It is not as though I do not trust you, sister. I… I just do not know what to say.”

“I could take you there, but I don’t think he would like it if I don’t have anymore stories to tell him. Granddad really seems to enjoy stories about people’s lives.”

Isabelle’s awestruck expression changed not. “And you made a family of him,” she said with her mouth still agape.

“And a demonic contract resulting in the new body,” Nancy added, her hands stuck from shock instead of combing her Mistress’ hair.

“Actually there was no contract for the body. After telling him my story, he granted how would you say five wishes, I suppose? Though, of course there were limits on things I could have asked.”

“It was not a contract, Nancy, the contract was made before she met him,” Isabelle corrected. “So, you told him everything? Even… what Virgo did?”

“Yes, since I wanted to get as many wishes as I could from him. Considering I believed what he had to give me would help me a lot in fighting in Virgo.”

“What did you wish for, sister? I assume the body was one… for whatever reasons—I am grateful to the King now otherwise everyone would make fun of a tiny Duchess.” Isabelle nodded to herself, indeed, this granddad Hades was truly a good man, hopefully.

“Tiny?” Nancy questioned.

“Her height was almost about mine.” Isabelle’s face showed disdain as she pictured Svetlana’s previous form.

“I… I cannot even imagine!” To a chaste and relatively studious maid who was a scholar dedicated to learning magic rather than reading horror stories, this was the appropriate horror story equivalent to her.

“Give me a second,” Svetlana said as she went to her closet and took out a suitcase and began to search it. She took out what seemed like a picture. “Here you go.”

“I would think it was your little sister, or a young friend, if not for the facts being told earlier,” Nancy responded from bearing witness to the photo, barely believing the statement even now. It all made sense why Svetlana wasn’t accustomed to having large breasts, or didn’t really wear undergarments before, but it still felt odd. Whoever that †˜Big Sis’ was, she was very careless for a guardian.

“Yeah. I wasn’t always this big till recently. Well, for the wishes, one wish was for knowledge, two of the wishes were for Supreme spells, third was for a stronger weapon and the final wish was for fusing with the demon I had made a contract with.”

“Supreme spells… what were you taught?” Isabelle asked with a great hint of interest in her voice.

“Well, one was like self-healing. It seemed like the other one was like a counter spell. I still need to practice them to have full mastery.”

“For a few years I am guessing… why did you do the fusion? Rather, what was fused exactly, the demon’s very… soul?”


“That would explain the wings and the tail,” Nancy added.

“You can say appearance-wise, the demon won as I took a bit more of a demonic appearance. Though it seems as though she took away anything human from me as well. So you can say I’m only part Faerie and demon now,” Svetlana said as she took a quick look at her body. “I decided to fuse with her once granddad told me I would have better access to her powers like that.”

“I see… I suppose she stopped bugging your mind too. It is strange, though. I am technically speaking to the demon that tortured me all my life and she is speaking rather normally—however regretful I am that she lacks proper manners or the knowledge to speak in proper English.”

“Hey, that wasn’t me. Plus, you don’t learn a new language in two weeks! You try learning Russian and Japanese and learn to speak with them formally.

Nancy chuckled at the exchange between the two sisters. “I suppose we are both accomplices of this little diabolic person now.”

“Tell me about it.” Isabelle looked at Svetlana’s tail and shook her head. “This will be a nightmare if people finds out, and whoever in this world actually lives without learning English? A thousand pities from me they shall have.”

“Not everyone has the luxury to learn new languages. The only reason I even learned Japanese was thanks to my big sister.”

“Speaking of which, one wish for knowledge? What knowledge?”

“I wish to speak of that matter much later if that’s okay.”

“Why?”

“It’s a matter which I believe you’re still too young to know about, but I learned that you have an older brother named Thomas.”

“I am not too young for—what?!! You mean my big brother is yet lives?”

“Oh, you still remember him. From what granddad told me, you were rather small when it happened. But yes, he’s still alive. Finding him won’t be easy, though.”

“I am small. Anyway, I sort of remember playing with him around this mansion… I almost forgot, to be honest. If I grew up a few years more without any mention of him—I would likely forget.”

“Isn’t it nice that you still have a brother to look forward to reunite with?” Svetlana asked happily.

“I do not know… I am rather afraid of finding out what type of a person he has become.”

“We can only hope that he is a good person.”

“When would you leave for Russia, Mistress?” Nancy asked. “I shall prepare myself for the trip and the tickets for the Magic Train soon. I must calculate the costs and the amount of money required to be taken for the trip as well.”

“I was hoping to depart early next week, if possible. I believe I had my mother waiting far too long already. Though, she’s gonna have a hard time believing it’s me, even though she already had a hard time believing I was her daughter before.”

“I will prepare the jokes for her at least,” Nancy said with a giggle.

“It better be nothing mean.” Svetlana said pouting.

“I am not sure if I can make guarantees about that, Mistress.”

“So, what is your impression of the ball at the end?” Duchess Frederica asked Svetlana.

An hour had passed and they witnessed many more dances. Princess Louise had danced non-stop so far, including Prince Leopold. Princess Beatrice was only seen once, which was apparently a rarity according to the Duchess. Eventually, Svetlana found Isabelle and Frederica only to learn that Duchess Caroline had retired for the evening. When Svetlana considered leaving herself, Isabelle refused.

Now she knew why, Isabelle’s eyes were sparkling, watching the Prince engage in a passionate waltz with a Viscountess. It seemed like Isabelle wanted to stay till the very end.

“Oh well, guess it can’t be helped,” Svetlana said while looking at Isabelle. “Shouldn’t you go up there and see if you can ask him to dance.?” Svetlana said jokingly at Isabelle.

“I am too unworthy, my skills are nothing like the other noblewomen here,” Isabelle calmly said, shaking her head. She wasn’t tall enough, but she didn’t wanted to admit that she was a child to her sister, who’d use her own words as a weapon for the exchange of jests to come.

“So is simply watching just enough? I was sorta dragged out there without knowing what I was doing, you know?”

“I cannot tell if you were lucky or not with that… someone almost tore their handkerchief off just looking at you. I think it was nice, though. Enough for me to tear mine off, too.”

“Don’t remind me… I felt like people were putting nails through my back.” Svetlana said feeling shivers just remembering that feeling.

“You need some dancing lessons… like, really, sister.”

“How was I supposed to know the Prince of this country was gonna be the first one to ask me to dance? I was sorta hoping no one would ask me out…”

“Why would you want that?”

“Because I still have much to learn, okay? As if I wanted to embarrass myself out there,” Svetlana said as she began twirling her fingers.

“Thank God you did embarrassed yourself, huh?” Isabelle smirked. Everyone knows you liked it, hehe. I think this will be a good motivational factor to finally learn too…

“I think my mind was more blank than anything when he took me out there. I couldn’t think straight all.”

“Huhuhu, the sign of you growing up is all,” the Duchess commented.

“The sign of… growing up?” Isabelle questioned with wide eyes.

“Yes, I am sure that this is just the beginning of a tale you would speak to your future peers one day,” the Duchess replied, nodding to herself.

“Well, I just hope it doesn’t create problems instead,” Svetlana added.

“A maiden’s life is full of problems, dear.”

“I just hope it’s not one of rumours.”

“I can confirm that it is no rumour, Duchess Alicia.” Just like that, the Queen of the country was behind Svetlana.

Svetlana turned around, and to her surprise the Queen was standing right behind her.

“G-Good e-evening, Your Majesty,” Svetlana said, before giving a curtsy. It was a little too sudden to find the ruler of the Magic World like this.

“Good evening, Your Majesty.” Frederica gave a graceful curtsy and smiled. “Gorgeous as ever.”

The Queen wore shimmering gold jewelry and a bright red dress. Her earrings, rings, necklace and all the gold items were known to be vis that made her fearsome in the Magic World, for she could literally burn anyone with them without coming close to expending all of said vis.

“G-Good evening, Y-Your Majesty.” Isabelle found herself extremely nervous. It wasn’t exactly her first time meeting Queen Victoria, yet she was still mesmerised by the appearance of such a person.

“How do you do tonight?” The Queen gave a radiant smile. If one were to compare with distance, they would say the Queen’s smile surpassed Leopold’s by a few light years. “I had spent the last few hours getting prepared. I wish some of the makeup sessions could be skipped. They do not really seem to make a difference…”

“O-Oh my, Your Majesty… pardon me but that would be being like my sister. I-I think all of it really helps to make you look stunning,” Isabelle remarked.

“Oh, but I am very confident about my natural charm!” The Queen chuckled.

“Perhaps a bit too confident, Your Majesty. Makeups seems to be worth only a fraction of your time,” Frederica joked.

“We are doing fine. How is Your Majesty?” Svetlana enquired.

“I am doing well, thank you. Seeing a battle resolved and now celebrating the return of peace heartens me. I hope you are doing well as a Duchess now, there are many duties and we expect you to work hard,” the Queen stated. “If there are some confusions, however, feel free to let me know.”

“Well, if I may ask then, what are my duties? I don’t believe I have heard of them before,” Svetlana asked, laughing.

“To protect the country, of course,” Duchess Frederica said in a matter-of-factly fashion. It came as a surprise to her that Svetlana didn’t think it was obvious.

“I suppose that is a given. There are other duties that involves keeping up appearances, answering to the calls, defeating enemy Descendants, fighting for the country against Japan… I suppose the list goes on,” Queen Victoria responded.

“I see,” Svetlana simply said as she did not feel comfortable about the last part the Queen mentioned.

“That is harsh, but I suppose we need all the help we can get for the war,” Frederica added.

“We lost another Descendant to Japan after all, it would only get worse from here on,” the Queen stated.

“I see. Well, I would say Virgo should be our biggest worry as of now,” Svetlana stated.

“There are more than Virgo on our plate,” Frederica mentioned. “Countess, Pisces, Gemini, and now Sagittarius…”

“Who was lost to Japan?” Isabelle questioned.

“This is to remain confidential, but Taurus wants to join them,” the Queen said.

“Well it’s not really a big surprise to see another join them, considering how open Japan is to Descendants.”

“They are too welcoming, I suppose,” Frederica replied. “The next battle will get tougher.”

“The next battle…?” Isabelle’s voice trailed away.

“In about a year or two…” the Queen claimed.

Svetlana simply stayed quiet upon hearing this as she herself couldn’t see herself going to war against Japan considering that Japan to her was her second home.

“And… is it true that Virgo might join them?” Frederica asked, with a grave face.

“Yes, I had confirmed it recently through my sources,” the Queen answered.

“Why would they allow a wench like her to join?!” Svetlana asked angrily. She soon realized that she lost control of herself for a bit. “Please pardon me… I didn’t mean to lose it there.”

Isabelle was startled at hearing her sister like that, while Frederica only gazed at her for half a moment, considering she already saw this side of hers in the previous fight.

“I see you are still affected by what happened. Forgive me, Margaret Alicia may have yet been with us if not for her getting exiled,” the Queen stated.

“Maybe… I must say, in a way I am grateful since I was able to meet mother and Isabelle.”

“Yes, and I am glad that you are at our side now.” Not so glad, but glad all the same…

“I suppose I would never have met my sister if not for it, but… if it is anyone, I cannot forgive Virgo,” Isabelle stated with some bitterness in her voice.

“Well, I’ll do anything in our power to stop Virgo. She’s one we can never forgive. Though, I hope I can have a private conversation with you one day.”

“You wish for a private audience?”

“If possible one day. No rush really, considering Your Majesty must have a busy schedule.”

“Considering I was mostly busy preparing today…” the Queen’s voice trailed away as she chuckled.

“She will be fully slumped with paperworks for at least the next three days,” Frederica supplemented. “That said, why not have a tea party soon? Too bad Mister Aramus is not around, I would have invite him.”

“There’s no rush really, when Your Majesty is free, it would fine.”

“Simply contact me via correspondence, and we shall discuss the time of the appointment.” The Queen soon turned to Frederica. “I agree with this tea party idea, however. I would visit your house in some days, Frederica. Would you two like to come?” she asked Svetlana and Isabelle.

“I would love to if time permits,” Svetlana said as she looked at Isabelle.

“If it is the Queen’s invitation, I would love to make some time with my sister,” Isabelle replied.

“Then it is settled,” Frederica said with a big smile. “I shall prepare some good sweets, rest assured.”

Aleksander had eaten enough food to be polite, but he’d even struggled to eat that much. He politely kept his silence, and waited for Constance to finish his food as he drank from the sweet wine that was at the table.

When Constance finished his meal, he got up and found Aleksander waiting for him. Having known the friend for years now, it seemed like he was not feeling well, and Constance knew it from a glance.

The old friend approached Aleksander and asked, “What is the long face about? Something happened?”

“I made a complete and utter fool of myself. I did the one thing you never do, Constance. I did the ONLY thing you never do… How is your night going through?” He tried to change the subject somewhat obviously.

“I felt as though I almost had her, but I suppose this just was not my night,” Constance said, still smiling, just not as confidently as usual. “There is always next time.”


“A Princess is pretty difficult to woo, even for someone of our status…” Aleksander pointed out. “I’m sure you did fine, and I’ve come to realise that it’s foolish to expect to win over a maiden’s heart right away. Constance? I know that we’ve been hitting on pretty girls since we were old enough to know girls didn’t have weird diseases… but… what do you think you’d do if you wanted to go further than that? I don’t mean just taking her home to do whatever, I mean like… if you wanted to seriously court someone… how do you do that? It would seem you can’t just ask them about it directly… “

“Of course you cannot ask about them directly. You should know after all this time that ladies are delicate people, and simply gunning for the flag and falling into the landmines would never do you good. When we went for the girls from our younger ages, we ignored those things. They also playfully took us up, but had they not stopped playing in tune with us—just as we did? There are only a few who understands, and some who cares not… Mayhap you landed yourself on a landmine? I believe you may have experienced such a thing?”

“I just… there’s gotta be more to life than this, you know? Did I really struggle to get my name cleared just to hit on noblewomen? I sort of feel like I wanna toss that all to the wind and just focus on doing something meaningful. Is it weird that I feel that way?”

Constance shrugged. “You already know how all of this works. What is new after all this time, friend? You cannot possibly use the same old approach at women if you are serious… yes? I would recommend focusing on something else. Not women, not noblewomen, not anyone, maybe the Magister thing. You asked Lady Violet to be your date… right? What would do about it?”

“Mmmh… I’ve already invited her, so I cannot very well back out of it. I’ll go as friends with her, and try to make sure that we both have fun. Maybe she can find time to help me catch up with the studies I missed, so I can do better on the Magister test. Plenty of time for women after I’ve graduated, I guess.”

“Good luck. The trick is to move on.”

“Yeah, I understand you, brother. I did manage to invite Sir Aberdeen to watch a horse race with me in a couple of days where one of my horses is the front runner. If Thunderhoof makes a good showing of it, maybe he’ll invest in the business. That’s probably the next big thing I’ve got going on until our ball.”

“Sir Aberdeen… that sounds nice. He is quite famous around those businesses.”

“It’ll be a good name to have for an investor, and hopefully it’ll allow me to gain more standing in society if I get into his good graces, since he’s already established. Now what do you say we get back out there and get our groove on, as the Americans I met would say?” Alek asked with a smile that’s a little less pained than it was before.

“I shall leave you to it, unfortunately I have some promises to keep despite failing of the main course.” Constance gave an apologetic smile. “Some other time, definitely.”

“Ahh, I see. I wish you luck then, and may the odds be ever in your favour.” He waved at Constance as he leaved, standing from the table he’d been seated at and looking around the dance floor for a likely looking candidate to hopefully alleviate some of his bad mood with good company and a pleasant dance.

As he looked around at the noblewomen in attendance, he saw Louise dancing with someone he didn’t recognise at first, and felt a pang of jealousy and longing at seeing his crush dancing so elegantly with another man.

What I wouldn’t give to be in his shoes right now… Alek thought to himself, before resolving that there was no reason he should shy away from at least asking for a dance, if she’d care to.

With this in mind, he angled his way through the crowd to get closer, and bided his time for the current song to be over so he might ask for the next dance. He noticed as he got closer that there were more than a few noblemen entranced by the pair’s performance, and some of them showed the exertion of having just danced, and almost seemed to be sticking around in hopes of a second dance.

There was another pair that seemed to carry the essence of the atmosphere and the mood of the passionate dances on the floor. Alek noticed Constance and a beauty in his arms aside from Louise and her partner. Based on what little bits of conversation he heard from the peers around him, this partner of his old friend was in fact the Royal Princess Beatrice.

Alek was too polite to stop and stare, but he definitely took note of the grace and composure that Constance and Beatrice displayed, noting that his own style wasn’t quite on their level yet. Alek wondered how exactly he planned to keep up with Louise then, if he was given pause by the otherworldly performance one of his best friends was giving.

Lost in watching his friend, he soon realised that Louise’s pair was done. The noble men approached her to be the next. Alek good-naturedly slipped between the advancing ranks of noblemen with an agility borne of years of dedication, and a strong desire to be the one she picked, somehow making it all the way up to the front of the crowd, and trying to catch her eye with a smile that did little to give away his nerves.

The Princess gave a glance at all the potential partners, rather lost due to the sheer amount of participants when a familiar face popped up in the gallery. Someone who felt as though he would always be a thorn in the path, somehow. It was a mysterious thought, but she chanced to entertain him once more, turning to him in expectation. She noted how he used his agility to come up to her. What a desperate man. She was sure that some was cursing Aleksander in their hearts about now.

Alek’s smile got just a tiny bit more genuine as he stepped forth from the crowd, and took her hand gently. “Do you have a preference for style of dance, M’lady? Or might I surprise you?”

“I shall leave that to you,” Princess Louise answered. It felt as though he spoke to her only yesterday. The same cold tone was almost nostalgic, even if she was smiling. This was indeed Louise. At least have some manners for the Princess… but what am I to expect?

He nodded once, bowing his head in respect to her. “Then I shall do my best, Miss Louise.” He walked her onto the floor once more, still holding her hand in his, before stopping as close to the center as he could get without interrupting other dancers.

Louise gave a graceful curtsy befitting of a Princess before they started while the men stared, rather confused at how it was being done. One was extremely formal while the other wasn’t.

With steady hands, Aleksander rested an arm across her back, slightly above the waist as the hand he was using to hold hers was raised into the air just above her head, his breathing smooth for the moment and his smile easy as he looked into her eyes.

“Does the tango suit M’lady?” He asked, before smoothly transitioning into the first steps of it—after Louise gave a small nod and a smile—the arm around her back holding her close to his body as he lead fluidly, but with a firm presence that communicated clearly what steps he was about to take.

(GM’s Comment: I honestly don’t know about Tango and Alek, especially because he had no Music Ability—which conferred dancing—but he could apparently do a dance that didn’t even exist in that era. Granted, he could’ve known of it from the modern world, but being actually able to do it when the Ability section of his profile betrayed him? I don’t even. I just let him do whatever at this point. Even the player thinks it may not have been the best idea because of Louise’s dress.)

Aleksander is pleased that so far it seemed to be going fairly well, and rather than think on it overmuch, he decided to simply put his heart and soul into it, harnessing the still raw emotions of his still-smouldering crush on Louise and spelling out these feelings with each step he took as part of the dance, matching the music as much as he could, he practically cradled the Princess in his arms. He knew she was an able dancer, but wanted her to be able to simply focus on the fluent motion of the dance and the feel of his body while he worried about steering them away from other dancing couples whenever they got too close.

“You’re every bit as good at this as I thought you would be.. how come you never said you liked to dance?” he asked in a low voice meant only for her ears, not actually expecting much of an answer.

“So, why do you want to learn the Lost Form I know?”

The ignorance to the small talk was clear. Princess Louise had not forgotten, nor had she forgiven Aleksander for his past insolences. No Princess with a sane mind would, Louise believed. She was dancing him for the sake of what little business she felt that she had with him.

“Do you remember the Void beast I fought? I wanted to be able to fight back against it if I ever find it again, I want to be strong enough to repay the favour done to me by Bjornaer. And I want to be strong enough to help others… “ he said in a near whisper, enjoying their current closeness.

“I do not think you would ever meet the Void Monster or the Bjornaer magus again. So long as you are not taken to the Void Realm. I do not have any such intention, either.”

“It would not be untruthful to say that I admired the ferocity with which you fought in that last fight either, and would like to harness that self-same power to my own ends.” Aleksander admited, as he lead her through a brisk spin, catching her with perfect precision at the completion of it.

“Truthfully, I do not want to,” Louise blatantly stated. “This is the type of power that may eat alive a man who is full of insecurities.”


“You consider me to be one-such type of man?” he enquired, more curious than offended. “I suppose that I appreciate the consideration nonetheless. I was rather certain you didn’t care…” He smiled wickedly, teasing.

“Before moving the conversation further, allow me to congratulate you for winning back your rightful title.”

“Thank you, it is good to be back under her Majesty’s purvey. If I’d known the price of it, I may have been less eager, but what’s done is done. All that remains is to make the best of what I have.”

He delicately leaned her back, supporting her body well past the point she would have fallen without his strong arms, holding her off the ground before bringing her back upright with a smile.

“The price?”

“I was rather enjoying being your guard you know. I made more than my share of mistakes I’m sure, but it was still far more exciting and enjoyable than anything I’d done before. And it was the chance of a lifetime to get to know a Princess, as I’m sure you’re well-aware. Perhaps the pressure of that fact got to me.”

“I shall give my thanks for your efforts.” Not really, you were the most detestable guard I had met. “However, the feeling was not mutual, as you may have known. Perchance you are better suited to serve this… boring country.” I do not understand why he would want to be with me more after the rejection, either. Men are at times strange people.

“Perhaps. Regardless, this matter is neither here nor there, and I’m sorry for spoiling the pleasantness of this evening with such droll conversation.” He smiled. “I have been enjoying the ball quite a lot, your family has done an excellent job in preparing this event.”

“I somewhat loathe this… perhaps I can tell you since you know a bit of my nature. We never really succeeded, the celebration of peace is a farce, even if it is a good event.”


“Perhaps, but it is important in times of distress for the peasantry to see their nobles dancing and laughing, and making merry. No matter how dire the matters may actually be, as long as we craft the illusion of tranquility, the commonwealth may live in peace, and without fear. It does feel somewhat… wrong to be part of such a sham however, you are correct.”

“My smile is good enough for the masses, do you not agree?” Louise mockingly questioned. What peasantry do you even speak of?

“It is a rare treat to behold, to be sure, and certainly worth treasuring.” he replied, partially in jest, partially truthfully.

“But are you content serving a country like this?”

“I have few people who are precious to me, and I suppose that if I had to choose, I’d rather protect them. As long as they live in this country, I will do my best to protect them, and by extent the rest of the country. But I would be hard-pressed to say that I have any special affection for our country just because.”

“A dull answer befitting of you, as expected. Do you not want to break out of that cage that makes you so… ordinary?”

“Hmmph, of course I do. What kind of soft-willed weakling would I be, if I was content with where I was and had no desire to grow, to become something more?”

“I hear you aim to become a Magic Magister. Is this true?”

“It is. Something about meeting Aramus inspired me to strive to become even stronger. Though I hope my career as Magister doesn’t end the same as his did,” Alek responded.

Alek rotated around Louise to be behind her, arm now around her abdomen as he lead from behind in the style known as “doble frente,” arms maintaining a firm grip, but not so hard as to be uncomfortable, and making sure to keep them above the waist.


“He had never lost his title.”

“I meant when he was arrested by the Queen. I would not enjoy being in his shoes, not at all…” Alek admitted. “Is it truly so strange that I believe I have the potential to become one of the leading mages in our country?”

“What if I told you to do something as daring as him that may endanger everything you worked for?” This dark smile was something he had not seen before, something that reached even deeper than Virgo in some way, but not in every way.

“I would be… supremely interested. Truth be told, I’ve no serious plans for after graduation except for the family business of thoroughbreds, and doing as the Council asks, so I’m definitely interested in hearing what you have to say…”

“You are not very ambitious, are you?”

“And what do you mean by that? Did I say I wanted to simply do the Council’s bidding? I want to get out into the world and do things, meet new people. Being in America for a mere few weeks showed me a whole other side of things besides just this stale existence we have here.” Alek refuted her conclusion. “If you’re offering a chance for me to do so, I’d jump at it.”

“Mister Fane… even if you say these word. I sense a particular substance amiss, but very well, if you so wish to impress—try and win the position of a Magister. We may speak again about the Void after you do so.”


“I’d planned to do so anyway. I suppose it’d be too much to ask for you to root for me in the upcoming trials I’m sure to face?” Alek asked.

“Rooting are for the insecure. Why would you need it if you were confident?”

“It was rhetorical, I doubt you have enough of an interest in something like that to do that for anyone participating. Speaking of which, have you thought about entering?”

“Enter?”

“To become a Magister?” Alek was confused as to what about his question was confusing to her.

The Princess chuckled for the first time. “I do not need a title like that. I am a Princess.”

“Hmm… I suppose you wouldn’t, would you? Sometimes I wonder what the futures hides from our eyes, but I know that no matter what may come, I will prevail. I sincerely hope that you do as well, for what that is worth, M’lady.” He smiled slightly, with a bit of a steely glint to his eye.

You are still too dull.

Alek released her into another twirl, raising their connected hands to the pinnacle of their range of motion to spin her like a top, before bring her back in, putting them face-to-face with maybe half a foot between them, before Alek released her hand, and dropped into a short bow to her, offering her a flower from seemingly nowhere. “Your prowess on the dance floor is unmatched, Princess Louise. I was actually holding a ball this next week, and would be honored if you would consider attending it.

What is this…? And you are—I give up on this man. “Thank you. If you send a letter, I shall consider attending.” The Princess accepted the rose, for the sake of pleasantry perhaps, before walking out of the dancing floor. The men started to approach her yet again.

He smiled and backed away to let another young suitor test his mettle with the Princess, and looked over to see if Constance was still dancing with Beatrice. Seeing that he was chatting with the Princess on the other side of the hall, he smiled, happy for his friend’s success thus far, and returned to enjoying the festivities, rubbing elbows and socializing with many of the other well-to-do socialites in attendance, taking particular attentions to seek out and secure a dance with the young Viscountess Gracie he’d met earlier, remembering how pleasant her demeanour had been, and reckoning that Katya would come get him when she was ready to leave.

“What a farce, all of it,” Princess Louise commented, the rose melting with darkness under her palm. “Soon, mother, soon all of it shall change.” With these words she returned from her brief respite to resume dancing with the nobles yet again. The challenge was yet to be over. As expected of my brother, he is quite the challenge.

“Soon indeed,” the Princess’ new dancing partner said a minute or so later, having now decided, they entered the fray that was the dance floor and the crowd was following the happenstance with even more attention now. For Prince Albert and his daughter were dancing, they were extremely good at it and even the spotlight fell onto them.

Alek happened to notice them dancing, and fell into somewhat of a trance, content to watch in silence for now, as he admired the grace and form of the dancers. “I’ve got quite a lot of practice ahead of me if I wish to be that good… no wonder she barely batted an eyelash when I was dancing with her…” He somehow felt emasculated at being so thoroughly shown up.

Aleksander continued to search for a dance, feeling like one last dance before he’d retired to chat with friends some more. Spotting a fairly high-level beauty before him, Alek approached, all smiled.

“Good evening Miss, did you lose your escort?” Aleksander asked with some amount of legitimate concern for her well-being.

Svetlana was surprised, since she wasn’t expecting someone would approach her. “I suppose you can say that,” Svetlana said as she took a closer look at the man and noticed who it was. In truth, it was the other way around regarding the escort.

“If you’d like, I could keep you company for some small while… I was looking for another dance partner and I don’t think that I’ve met you before, so it’s only proper for me to introduce myself properly… My name is Aleksander Fane, Duke of her Majesty’s court. Might I ask for yours, my fair lady?”

“I’m Duchess Alicia.” Svetlana simply said as she didn’t wanted to reveal her full name to him, since last she saw him, she still in her original appearance and wasn’t sure if he would cause a commotion.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Alicia, Have you been enjoying the ball so far?” He asked politely with a small smile.

“I guess I have,” Svetlana said giving an odd laugh. Why did I run into him from all people?!

“I’m happy to hear it… that’s what these are for, anyways. To eat, drink, talk to interesting people and be merry.” He smiled kindly. “Might I ask for your hand in a dance, Miss Alicia?”

“I don’t mind, but I’m not a very good dancer,” Svetlana said, still recalling her dance with the Prince.

“You will be fine, I assure you that you are in capable hands, Duchess.” He held out his hand, offering to take hers, and lead her onto the dance floor. “I saw you dancing with the Prince earlier, and you did a wonderful job of it.”

“Please don’t remind me, that happened so suddenly.” She took Aleksander’s hand, wondering how she even got to dance the Prince herself.

“Ahh… apologies. Dancing with him is quite the accomplishment for many of the ladies here right now, I was actually worried about how I’d fare against his experience…” Alek smiled a little, showing slight nerves. “But I digress, let us dance.” He lead her out onto the floor, making sure to be close enough to Constance for him to possibly take note of Alek’s new partner. “So are you a new Duchess? I cannot say that I’d heard of your name before this evening.” Alek queried, leading Alicia into a relatively simple dance, mindful of her skills and not wanting to push her too hard.

Constance was no longer dancing with the Princess, but Aleksander did not notice that the Princess was dancing with someone else relatively close to them regardless. Of course, the eyes of the people fell upon them.

“Yes, I only just became one. So I didn’t have much time to prepare for today,” Svetlana said as she followed his lead.

“I must say, you did an excellent job of preparing on such short notice then. Might I have the name of your tailor? I was looking to have a dress commissioned and your tailor did an excellent job on yours…” he complimented her indirectly as they danced at a sedate pace, taking time to enjoy the conversation.

“I wouldn't know. My maid handled it all for me. Aside from being a new Duchess. I am new to this country as well,” Svetlana said as she tried watching her step.

“She has a good eye then, since your dress suits you nearly perfectly… If you’d like, perhaps I could show you around sometime? I know of a few interesting sights to see around town.”

“I would have to see. I currently have a busy schedule considering all that I must learn and the things I must prepare for my family,” Svetlana said. She stepped on Alek’s foot by accident and quickly apologised.

“If you were looking to learn etiquette, I could help you with that, having received quite a lot of training myself.”

“Well, my sister already set up an entire schedule for me. I believe she would get angry if I do not follow it.”

“Alright, no worries.” Alek smiled. “Would you like some help trying to find your escort? I can at least walk with you while you do so, to make sure that you find her okay?”

“It’s fine. I believe we are safe here are we not? I should be fine.”

“It would be impolite of me to leave you here by yourself, and quite unseemly. Regardless of there being no danger here, I still wish to accompany you to watch out for your best interests…”

“Please don’t mind me. I’m certain your own company would be worried,” Svetlana said, thinking he may have come with someone, just as she did with Isabelle, and just as many of the pairs came, one an escort for a man and the other a lady.

“I… I don’t think so. I did come here with a lady, but she’s spending time with her friends right now… I… may have done something foolish to irritate her, I fear.”

“Then shouldn’t you apologise? I believe that should be your top priority would it not?”

“Yes… but I fear I did something very rude, and I don’t believe making a scene by apologising profusely would be something she would want…” Alek sighed, “I suppose I could try once more, if you really think it would help.” Alek’s smile took on a tinge of sadness. “Do you have plans to attend the Academy at all?”

“I would believe it would help somewhat at least. There’s no need for me to go, I have already finished all my studies. I would wish you luck with her,” Svetlana said as she gave a curtsy. “Thank you for the dance I suppose. I’ll see around.”

“I suppose I will. Would you be opposed to me calling on you in the future to take tea and discuss further? I am also fairly new to being a Duke, and perhaps we could learn together…” He asked, wanting to be able to spend more time with this mysterious woman, but sort of getting the feeling that she was being vague for some reason.

“Well you can contact my place I suppose, if any free time occurs I would let you know,” Svetlana said, smiling.

“I don’t believe that I have your last name, so who would I address the letter too?”

“Alicia. I’m certain that would be enough,” Svetlana simply said.

“If you say so.” Alek shrugged, and ended the dance. “I guess that was… fun?” Alekwalked away to go find Katya again.

Svetlana was a bit relieved that he didn’t ask too much about her. But still found it hard to believe he could just offer to teach someone he just met.

“I have to wonder if he wanted something else.” She wondered, and then recalled that she had to find Isabelle.

“I cannot believe you are such a slacker at an important day,” Isabelle complained.

She held Svetlana’s hand, and it seemed like she was just ahead of her older sister as if she was pulling her ahead. Wearing a sleeveless ball gown of a darker shade of blue, a very frilly dress with some compartments of black layers included; it was a fashionable dress.

Meanwhile, Svetlana fancied a dark crimson red satin ball gown for the big event. It was littered with black linings, had long sleeves, and seemed to mimic a classical fashion of Marie Antoinette’s old dresses, a style that would live on for a long time.

They were a good hour late after the event had started. Svetlana underestimated the amount of time they would need to prepare, and thus the crisis took place. Right now, Svetlana was equipped with proper makeup as befitting of a noble, her Personal Maid Nancy made full sure of it. However, the quality of work required took the time.

In this ballroom, they felt like very insignificant existences when they actually entered the halls. The level of grandeur was beyond their wildest imaginations. This was the type of “fun” the nobles loved, and this was the type of “fun” Svetlana met for the first time—a large gathering of magicians, who were otherwise the majority of the aristocrats of the country. It was not strange for the Royal Council to take special measures to make sure no mundanes would ever make it to such occasions when the Magic World would have a celebration.

“This is much bigger than I had imagine,” Svetlana said as she kept looking around, amazed. There were no limit to the amount of people wherever she looked. “I think I’m getting more nervous than I should.”

“I am not surprised.”

Isabelle seemed quite amazed herself. She could keep her composure over many things recently. While she was not the best to do many things—such as managing or giving directions to servants as a child—when Svetlana met her first, they both came a long way after the passing of their mother. One’s real, and one’s foster, but they shared the sentiment to an extent.

“This place sure is amazing,” Svetlana said as she still felt completely out of place.

“Remember the few dance lessons you took, okay?” Isabelle reminded. This was the third time she said so today. “Keep those etiquettes I taught you in mind.” Also the third time. “And make sure to keep your conducts straight… as much as you can.” The fourth time.

“Yes, I know. I’ll do my best, but I sorta doubt anyone would invite me to dance since no one has ever really taken an interest in me before. By the way where are we to sit?”

“Sit? Why?” Isabelle questioned. “I am sure someone will take an interest, sister. You have to look more confident about yourself, you have everything going for you—even the dress.”

“We’ll see. Though, are we to just stand around? I would imagine we have a table of some sorts to take a sit.”

“If you would wish to rest for some tea or coffee, have dinner, or want to change… do not any of that so early. We are to stand and immerse in conversations… I hope. We just got in.”

“I see. I would think that would be difficult for us unless you have met other nobles already without my knowing. Since I sure haven’t aside from your Aunt.”

Speaking of the devil, Duchess Caroline was already found, as Isabelle faced her way instead of pointing for her sister. “Oh, our—ahem, my Aunt is here already it seems.”

“Well I think I would be more comfortable around her than being approached by complete strangers at the start. So let’s be with her.”

“I agree.”

The two approached Duchess Caroline Cavendish Bentinck. Isabelle curtsied, Svetlana did it almost a moment later as if she forgot to. Isabelle was sure that she did, sighing in her mind. The Duchess only gave a bow in return to the two.

“Good evening, Aunt,” Isabelle greeted.

“Good evening, sweetheart.” the Duchess greeted in return with a radiant smile. Her dress was a wonder to look at, a flowing long silk of light-blue with intricate pattern of red blended perfectly. Her jewelry was abundant and it added an exotic feature to herself.

“Good evening, Lady Cavendish Bentinck.” Svetlana greeted.

“Good evening, Alicia, how had you been faring?” the Duchess asked. “All going well with the new life?”

Svetlana was certainly not used to being called by the new surname. “I suppose things have been moving along better. There are, of course, many things I still must get used to,” she said as she tried to be careful how she worded things. “How have you been Lady, Cavendish Bentinck, these past few days?”

“I had been fine, thank you. I only wish that my daughter would have woken up by now, it is unfortunate that she fought for the world, but is now unable to participate in the celebration of peace,” the Duchess said, a distant look as she gave the ballroom a stare. “And my husband…” she muttered under her breath, and it was drowned by the music.

“I’m really sorry. I really I wish I could have done a better a job back then, but we underestimated her…” Svetlana said as she couldn’t think of anything else to tell her about that situation.

“It is alright. I did not expected Virgo to be… so strong, either. I fought and defeated Sagittarius myself, I thought hundreds of people together would win this.”

“Aunt…” Isabelle looked up to the once-peerless Duchess now jaded by her emotions. Somehow, it was reminding her of her own mother.

“You defeated Sagittarius?” Svetlana said, surprised upon hearing this news. “I would never have imagine considering how powerful I’ve seen Time Warriors to be.”

“Aunt is famous for that reason. She fought Sagittarius’ previous host when she was in her twenties,” Isabelle supplemented.

“Haha, I still consider it a stroke of luck. Not because of circumstances of the battlefield, but because Sagittarius’ host was not used to her own strength. I almost had the current Sagittarius—if you read the news—but it was interrupted at the very end,” the Duchess stated.

“Oh, I know the current Sagittarius. She was one of my students,” Svetlana said, surprised that she almost defeated Natsu too.

“Sagittarius herself is strong, but she is powerless if her host has not unlocked most of her powers… in all honesty, I had never loathed Sagittarius before. It was simply duty that compelled me to do what I did,” Duchess Caroline stated. “Sagittarius herself… is a good person.”

“Well, in the short time I spent with her she did seemed like one. But overall I don’t know what to think of Descendants, especially considering how Virgo has used her power.”

“Virgo’s powers seems to be in a completely different scale. She was a passing storm for sure,” Caroline claimed.

“Oh, Caroline, that was where you were.”

An unfamiliar person walked up to Duchess Caroline and the two. Her hair was longer than any of them in the group, a bright chestnut colour that gleamed with the Engine lights. Her dress was a glistening silver, long and elegant. The Silver Wanderer, Duchess Frederica of Edinburgh, made her appearance, and it wasn’t a surprise that the two Duchesses drew some stares due to their overwhelming beauty and elegance. It was now a trinity of Duchesses, with Svetlana quite obviously losing to the contest of fame.

“Frederica, I did not know you were back. It is a pleasant surprise. Might I introduce you to my old friend’s daughters? Please meet Svetlana Astakhov Alicia, and her younger sister, Isabelle Alicia.”

Isabelle gave a curtsy. “Good evening, Lady Frederica, you look simply gorgeous.”

“Good evening, Lady Frederica, as my younger sister said you do indeed look gorgeous.” Svetlana said as she curtsy.

“Thank you.” Frederica smiled and gave a curtsy as well. “I hear you’re the talk of the town now, being the new Duchess and all.”

“I am? Why would I be, though? It’s not like I’ve done anything,” Svetlana said as she was slightly confused why people would talk about her.

“You have done one thing, claim a powerful title at this age. You and that Aleksander Fane had made great strides.”

“I see. Aleksander? That name sounds familiar to me,” Svetlana said giving it some thought.

“He was accepted as a Duke right before you I hear?” Duchess Frederica seemed a little dumbfounded.

“It’s just that his name sounded familiar to me I feel like I heard it somewhere before.”

The Duchess shrugged. “Well, you two fought together against Virgo… even I was there.”

“Oh sorry about that. I can’t recall everyone’s name. So many things happened. It’s hard to recall everyone.”

“It is fine. Things happens. I would advise you to keep names in mind however… some take offense these days.”

“Understood. But enough about me. How goes your day, Lady Frederica?”

“I… ahaha, I got back from a long expedition, and then found my letter last night,” the Duchess said, feeling a little ashamed. “It was a long trip, and then the Queen decides to spring this up on me.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of expedition did you take, Lady Frederica?” Svetlana asked curiously.

“I made a trip to the Faerie Realm, with a bright young researcher who was full of curiosity. It was a bit bumpy, but we made it back.”

“That seems really interesting. I had always been curious about the Faerie Realm, considering I’m part Faerie.”

“Ah, I see,” Frederica smiled wryly. “We met a lot of your kind, and they were not necessarily kind.” She laughed at her own little joke. “I had to stop my little researcher from going amok.”

“I would imagined from what I read about the Faeries in the Faerie Realm. Though, I suppose I myself displayed a prankster type of personality.”

“Really?” The Duchess looked at her in marvel. “That is interesting.”

“Yep. I suppose I have to control those urges better now.”

“Oh you would, they know you by your horns… albeit you hid them now apparently.”


“Yeah. I didn’t know how to hide them at first once I got here, but thanks to my maid I was finally able to hide them.”

“I am going to assume she bought those invisible rings.”

“Yes, that’s what she did, considering I didn’t know where to buy them.”

Isabelle sighed internally. Her sister’s lack of a choice of words was glaringly clear. Thankfully, the Duchesses were nice people.

“Are they not rare?” Duchess Caroline asked. “I hear you may hardly find them anymore.”

“Really? I suppose she’s good at finding these kind of the thing.”

“You must have a skilled maid then,” Caroline stated, and Isabelle gave a proud nod, even if she didn’t actively claimed to have commissioned her.

“Yeah, I’m proud of her and plus it’s fun being around her.”

“That is good. It is hard to find good Personal Maids these days,” Duchess Caroline said.

“Yeah so I hope I always have her around.”

“You will if you do not have her as a vanguard in combat all the time,” Duchess Frederica stated.

“Well, she already told me that she’s more of a supporter, so I’d rather keep her at that role.”

“Now this is a rare sight to see this early in the evening.”

Svetlana saw a tall man approach them. His hair was long and grey, reaching down to his back, and his deep blue suit, with a white shirt, lace cravat, a deep blue vest, trousers, and jet black boots, giving an air of coldness that betrayed his cheerful demeanour. His eyes were like sapphire gems. There was a scar around his right cheek, but it didn’t seemed to make him any less handsome.

“Prince Leopold, I thought you would be at the conference?” Duchess Frederica asked with wide eyes. She gave a bow after clearing her mind immediately.

“I came back as soon as I had heard the news. I wish my mother would let me know of her plans more often.” The Prince laughed. Now the group drew even more attention than before as the Prince joined them.

At the sight of the Prince, Isabelle turned extremely nervous, at the same time blushed and looked down. How could such a handsome man exist on earth despite that scar? This was the first thought she had.

Svetlana became even more nervous upon hearing he was the Prince. Noticing that almost everyone’s eyes was upon the group caused Svetlana to grow even more nervous that she didn’t know what to say.

Thawing out of the surprise, Duchess Caroline calmly began, “Prince, allow me to introduce you to Duchess Svetlana Astakhov Alicia and Isabelle Alicia. They had just recently regained their nobility.”

“G-Good evening, Prince,” Isabelle curtsied but she was fidgeting.

“G-G-Good e-e-evening, P-Prince,” Svetlana said as she clumsily curtsy.

Duchess Frederica gave the pair a curious glance while Caroline snickered, finding it natural. She expected Svetlana to do better with the nervously but she was proven wrong rather fast.

“Good evening, good evening!” The Prince grasped the hand of Svetlana and shook it happily. “My mother seemed to be stressing so much about the Duchess of Norfolk’s case, I am so glad that it is resolved.”

Isabelle looked frozen. What a lucky girl her sister was tonight.

“T-T-Thank y-you f-for y-your c-concern.” Svetlana could barely manage her words again, continuing to stutter nervously, having never expected that the Prince would hold her hands.

“I also hear you did a fine job against Virgo. I commend your hard work. Of course, the same goes for you too, Miss Frederica,” Prince Leopold said, with his seemingly-innocent smile.

“While I would like to thank you, Prince, for your commendation, I had failed in the end and fell.” The Duchess looked full of despair. Somewhere inside, she was also blaming herself for being careless, especially the loss of Duke Cavendish Bentinck, Elizabeth, and the rest whom died.

“I-I-It w-wasn’t m-much, e-everyone d-did t-their b-best,” Svetlana’s face turned slightly red as she never had a man hold her hand for this long before.

Leopold finally released her hand when another figure walked up to them. The crowd were simply watching them now.

“Good evening. I see you are quite popular now,” Princess Louise greeted. Coupled with her flowing long blonde hair, porcelain face, prominent figure that could surpass a sculpture considered a masterpiece, and her shimmering pink and black dress—she was quite literally the most charming jewel next to her mother in the country. “How does it feel to have your nobility secured?” she asked Svetlana.

“I-I’m not c-certain really, considering I n-never h-held a noble position b-before,” Svetlana said, a litte bit calmer now.

Princess Louise tilted her head quizzically and raised her eyebrows. Was she always like this? She thought back to the last time they spoke, Svetlana was icy cold and full of evil powers inside.

“Are you well, Duchess Alicia? I remember you being much more composed last I met you.” She almost mentioned “aside from that kiss on the helicopter” but that would simply be inappropriate in the public, almost.

“I’m f-fine, just not u-used to s-so much attention,” Svetlana said as she could still feel everyone’s eyes upon them.

“You will get used to it over time,” the Royal Princess replied. “That said, the news states that Virgo’s presence could not be confirmed anymore in this world, so for now the situations will slowly go back to normal.”

“That is… good news?” Prince Leopold looked bewildered. The state of emergency would cease, but it didn’t exactly make him feel at peace.

“It is not, except the governments of the mundanes,” Duchess Caroline stated. “Those people do not understand the extent of the threat of the monsters. They blame us for everything instead.”

“R...Right,” Frederica said, being the only one knowing about the Queen’s identity.

Prince Leopold remade his smile. “As long as the peace has returned I do not see what is wrong with it. We would just have to double our search behind the scenes.”

“Indeed, I shall join the search soon myself,” Duchess Caroline stated with conviction.

“I would suggest that you rest easy for a bit more,” the Prince suggested.

“How could—yes, I understand…” the Duchess almost raised her voice in defiance but controlled herself. “Please excuse me.”

“I apologise, Miss Caroline…” the Prince said, but the lady had already walked away, giving a terse bow.

Seeing the old friend leave, Frederica could only looked as Caroline wallowed in despair and feelings of revenge. “Give her some time. I can sort of sympathise.”

“Aunt…” Isabelle knit her brows. “Please excuse me as well.” She followed after the Duchess and left the group.

Princess Louise shrugged. “So, what do you plan to do tonight, dear brother?”

“Now that I am here… I might as well have some fun.”

“You up for a challenge?”

“Oh, you bet I am, dear sister.”

“With that said, it is settled.” The Prince took the hand of Svetlana yet again, and kissed the back of it. “May I have the honour of dancing with you, Duchess Svetlana?”

Svetlana’s face bright red and she grew even more nervous, suddenly feeling eyes full of jealousy towards staring her down like needles on her back.

“Y-Yes,” Svetlana consented as she felt she had no way to escape this situation any longer.

“Take a deep breath now,” the Duchess whispered to Svetlana with a smile.

“Hm?” the Prince tilted his his head with curiosity and gave an even more innocent expression, looking up to the Duchess. “Pardon?”

“Do not worry, Prince. This is reserved for us ladies to speak for,” the Duchess replied.

“I see.” The Prince stood up, giving a nod. “Shall we go?”

“Yes.” Svetlana could feel her heart racing faster than usual, having never felt like this before.

“Let us have a good time. Shall we, now?” The Prince happily dragged Svetlana into the dance floor.

With the Prince noted, the musicians started playing with more vigour and joy, finding a pair interesting rather than heart-warming. Svetlana’s figure was not only the target of admiration, but also envy. Especially the latter. While Duchess Frederica was reminding herself of the good days, she hardly noted the air of jealousy afloat from the younger girls across the halls. The Prince gave a bow, and Svetlana gave a rather robotic bow, which was not exactly the correct conduct. The eyes of the women behind her seemed to intensify but the Prince seemed to only chuckle at this.

“It is an honour to dance with you tonight, Lady Alicia. Are you new to this?” Leopold enquired, placing a hand gently on her waist and deftly clasping her other hand.

“Y-Yes. I-It’s my f-first time to a b-ball like this.” Her face was an even brighter shade of red now that the Prince placed his hand on her waist.

“Place your free hand on my shoulder, and follow my lead. You do not need to worry about the little details. Just have fun! That is why we are here.”

Svetlana simply nodded as she followed the Prince’s lead. As of this moment she felt as if she was in a different world.

The two started with the harmonic tone of the music, when it actually started however, Svetlana was a little late to react, but the Prince led her along with the flow. It was clumsy on her part, the clacking noises of the heels resounded more than the music for some reason and it seemed like this was something she would remember for a long time to come. At the same time, she felt stupid for thinking about these small things more than the handsome man who held her.

She awoke from her reverie as her foot dug against the Prince’s feet. Leopold only gave a pained chuckle while Svetlana apologised quietly. She could imagine the jealous nobles wanting to burn her to shreds due to this.

He almost wanted to have her pivot, but seeing as it wouldn’t work out, he didn’t wanted to ask. However, it didn’t stop the bold Prince of Britain regardless, as his habits won over him. His love for his “fun” was strong.

“Say, shall we take it up a notch?”

“Take it up a notch?” Svetlana asked confused.

“Like this!” With a sway Svetlana was released, Svetlana could barely take in what happened and spun without even knowing how. What was this sorcery? Before she knew it, she was back to his hands where it felt as though she had made a grand return to a sanctuary.

“I would like to thank you for the honour of letting me dance with you.”

“I-I-It w-was my pleasure.”

The chorus finally ended and the Prince gave her a charming smile, while appearing to be very joyous as she was escorted out of the centre of attention. To Svetlana, it felt as though she had just exited the epicentre of the storm.

Svetlana found herself tumbling out of the crowd that surrounded the Prince eventually, as many women wanted to be his next dancing partner.

It ended all too fast somehow. Like a dream, it just felt as though she woke up now.

“What just happened?” Svetlana told herself as she walked away from the dance floor with ungraceful steps. She had to pinch herself on the cheek to really check to see if she really wasn’t dreaming or hallucinating.

“Youth, I suppose?” the Duchess Frederica guessed from behind her.

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and it just happened so suddenly.”

“I know how that feels. It is almost always like this for every maidens.”

“I don’t believe every maiden's first dance partner is a Prince either, which is still hard for me to believe.”

“Everyone meets their own Prince at some point in life. Some early, some late.”

“I suppose so. But this sure does feel hard to believe, especially for one who just became a noble.”

“You simply happened to have an explosive start. It will either be a great rise or a great fall. Well, you watch your toes now, but I would still wager that it was worth it if I was you.”

“Well I would hope it is a great rise then. I can’t afford a great fall at all. Though, yeah, I’ll have to watch where I step.”

“Plenty of time to learn or catch up if you ever feel the motivation. I am going to excuse myself as well now. Have fun,” the Duchess said, waving as she left.

I’d rather just rest after an experience like that right now. Svetlana thought as she was still processing what happened.

The music again rang strongly and fiercely, and the newly appointed Duchess that was Svetlana was instinctively looking back to the dance floor—her senses and attention still glued to that special place against her will. Princess Louise danced with a man in perfect tune. They were a perfect pair. They were seemingly made for each other, as if from a fairy tale, it was such an epic scene to her eyes now. This was how it seemed, anyway. She performed her steps flawlessly as she dabbled across the floor. She eventually performed the pivot perfectly too—more than one times. When the show ended, she was gracefully held under the arm of the gentleman and her beautiful blonde hair dangled. She was like the fairy itself that danced merrily. It was truly wondrous.

Maybe one day I’ll be to dance like that, Svetlana thought as she watched the danced till the end. After they were done Svetlana decided to look for Isabelle.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csZj-jRds38)

Aleksander strolled atop a rich red carpet. He could see people on both sides, all conversing. This was the first grand social event he had been to in a long time since childhood. His arm was linked with that of a frail, and usually introverted yet hard-working young lady—a secret housekeeper—and a member of the Aberdeen household that was famous for having an Earl with the position of Prime Minister at one point of time.

When the two finally passed through the gates to the hall, a completely different world unfolded before them, a smile naturally made it to their faces. There were Engine Lights on every corners—a testament to the improvement of technology—burning brilliantly in place of candles, illuminating the ballroom, under which many pairs could be seen dancing to the tune of the music. Speaking of the music, there were brass bands playing brass instruments.

Aleksander could see many guests, and even noted his friend Constance early. It seemed like his friend came even earlier than him. Despite being five minutes late, the halls were already seemingly full of extravagant individuals.

“It’s almost overwhelming, all these important people in one place… but I suppose we must simply find our own little niche in the grander event, and try to have fun. What say you to that, Miss Katya?” He favored her with a dazzling smile, taking advantage of the improved lighting as compared to the carriage ride, to properly take in the stunning dress that she was wearing, feeling immensely justified for dressing up to match.

Katya’s dress was a long black dress that shined with the lights of the halls. The few silver linings gleamed, showing a very skillfully applied embroidery on the dress.

She lightly smiled. “Yes, but I do not know if there is such a convenient niche group in such an event, though.”

“Well, if nothing else, my good friend Mister Constance is right over there, and I believe that it may not be a bad idea to say hello to him, and meet the ladies and gentleman he is with as well, while we scope the lay of the land.”

The pair approached Constance. With him were two ladies and another man. Aleksander realised that one was Xenia, and the other was a woman he knew not, but she was quite charming, as expected of Constance. The man was a classmate from the Royal Academy they both knew, another noble, and a Viscount.

Alek politely waited for a lull in the conversation before approaching.

“Good evening Constance, Xenia, David, and who is this vision of beauty you’ve made such fast friends with?” He directed this question at Constance, fishing for an introduction.

“Good evening, Aleksander, and Miss Katya,” Constance said, beaming at the two. “Allow me to introduce you two to Gracie Frederica of Wiltshire.”

“Good evening.” Gracie gave a respectable bow, also wearing a black dress, she seemed to appreciate Katya’s preference.


“I see you have a beauty yourself with us tonight, Aleksander,” David said. “Speak for yourself.”

Xenia’s expression was full of smugness rather than radiance or innocence. She was a very confident person, even in an event like this. Her purple hair seemed to catch the eyes of many, and she took the gazes in stride.

“Good †˜vening. It’s nice to meet you, Aleksander, been hearing about you a lot,” she said, not exactly sounding respectful but more casual unlike the nobles. It was a wonder that she was invited to this ball. Perhaps she was an affiliate of an important Magic Organization.

“A pleasure, I assure you, m’lady.” He nodded, giving a friendly, genuine smile to back up his words. “As Constance said, I recently met Lady Katya at the Academy, and we’ve been good acquaintances since. I am only all too happy to be here with her on this wondrous evening to enjoy the spectacle of a ball thrown by the Royal Family. Perhaps I may learn a thing or two for my own that I plan to throw next week? Regardless, it is, of course good to finally meet you, Miss Xenia.”He smoothly pronounced the name with no mistakes, having practiced it for just this occasion.

(GM Comment: Practiced? Seriously, Alek?)

“David Lloyd-George, otherwise known as Viscount Gwynedd,” the other man introduced himself.

Katya gave a courteous bow. “Katya Alberta of the Aberdeen. Good evening.” She was as terse as usual. It was a wonder that she could be so composed and reserved even in such an occasion.

“How goes the preparation of that ball, my friend?” Constance questioned.

“It goes well, I have my best people working on the arrangements even as we speak. I’ve already invited a goodly two-thirds of the people that I’d had in mind, with the thought that I might meet new, interesting people here this evening to liven up the atmosphere. So far, I can say that I’ve not been disappointed.” He nodded politely to David, Xenia, and finally Gracie in turn. “I think that it will be quite the to-do, but I might simply be a touch optimistic.” He smiled easily, trying to be as outgoing as he could.

“Do not fret,” David began. “Everyone has some turbulent happenings for their first times in things.”

“I am sure that it will go well, and look forward to it.” Constance laughed. “At least I hope so.”

“Oooh, more balls. Can I go?” Xenia blatantly enquired. For someone who was not a native, balls were new to her and interesting.

“Perhaps, I wish to speak with you at some greater length at another time, when it is more possible. We can discuss it at that then?” Alek offered, still unsure what to make of her yet, but trying to avoid hurt feelings. “If you’ll excuse me, I believe that I owe my partner a dance…” He bowed slightly to the assembled group. “May I have this dance, Lady Katya?” He turned to her with a smiled, finding himself oddly nervous.

Katya smiled back. “Yes, my Lor—Mister Aleksander.” Aleksander couldn’t tell if it was genuine or because she worked under him.

“Of course, my fair lady.” He agreed readily, content for the moment with good company, turning to Constance. “So, is there anybody at this ball in particular that is noteworthy beyond the norm of those who would attend a Royal Ball?”

(GM Comment: What in the name of flying bollocks? You just asked her to dance with you, and then return to converse with your peers?)

“My friend, there are too many noteworthy individuals to count. Rumours of some of the Royal family members coming here this evening is a deal big enough. I have not seen any of them yet. Alas, I am most eager.”

“I hear Duchess Cavendish Bentinck and Duchess of Edinburgh are coming.” David eyed the hall, and it felt as though he was disappoint to not have found them. “At least I hear, no sight of them so far.”

“Ahh… I wonder if Lady Edinburgh will recognise me.. I’ve actually met her once before, under less than favourable circumstances, I will admit… Still though, if that’s the kind of person in attendance this evening, we are truly among the elite of our world tonight… it’s enough to make me feel almost like a commoner.” He laughed. “I’m sure that once I’m better established that will change, but for the moment it’s still disorienting, to say the least.”

“You are a Duke now,” Constance said. “Not as old as them, but perhaps a little more backbone would take you a long way?”

“Agreed,” David added. “I am but a Viscount and to see a Duke around my age is a wonder already.”

“Of course, by the same token it would not be proper to be too brash and headstrong. Some caution is still important when it comes to these things.” He refuted. “Anyways, I must excuse myself, I’ve spent enough of your time now, and there are still countless new faces to make an acquaintance of.” He smiled slightly, and stepped away slightly.

“See you soon.”

Constance waved, while the others simply returned to their previous conversation before the pair visited them.

“Who shall we approach now?” Katya asked. “I thought we were sticking to a niche group?” she added in jest. “Anyway, we should—” she almost said but Aleksander seemed to start responding.

“I wouldn’t mind meeting some of your friends, especially if they’re half as well-mannered and beautiful…” He complimented her, already feeling that she’d just brush it off as insincere, despite the fact that the opposite was true.

(GM Comments: Thanks Alek, for telling Katya that she probably has shit-tier friends. I’m sure she takes this as a compliment.)

“I do not have many friends, unfortunately. However, I believe we should get into the dancing floor. Shall we, Mister Aleksander?”

“I think that that is a lovely idea.” He agreed, taking her hand in his, and cradling it with an incredible amount of care as he lead her to a somewhat less-packed portion of the dance floor, “What dance would you prefer to do? I’ve heard that the Viennese waltz is quite enjoyable, if somewhat overdone at these…” He suggested with a twinkle in his eye.

“I shall leave the choice to you, Mister Aleksander. I have no particular taste in dancing, in all honesty. I simply do it for fun here and there. I think I have not danced this year at all.”

“Well, hopefully I’ll be an enjoyable dancing partner, Miss Katya.” He smiled, and drew closer to her, one arm draping gently around her small back, just above the waist, and the other hand still holding her hand as he raised it slightly into the air, mindful of her comfort and shorter stature as he lead her smoothly into the first steps of the dance, proving to be an admirable partner for dancing, due to his lithe build, and well-toned muscles.

Katya placed her hand on Aleksander’s shoulder while the fingers of the other were intertwined with his.

They danced away to the melody, slowly picking up their pace with the music, the noises of the clattering of heels and shoes intensified throughout the hall and the chorus soon shifted, returning to a more relaxed pace.

“Say…” Katya began. “Do you loathe me for not speaking of my private circumstances, Mister Aleksander?”

“Of course not. I’m sure you have your reasons for keeping it to yourself. If you change your mind and want to tell me at some point, you are welcome to do so, and I’ll lend an ear and a helping hand however I can. If you prefer to keep it to yourself, I understand that it is improper for me to push matters, and I apologise for doing so as much as I have…”

“I apologise too, I might have placed you in an improper position by applying to work in your estate with my status appearing to be questionable.”

“Do not worry about it, Miss Katya. Truthfully, I may not know what’s going on with your situation, but if you need to get away from it, I’d rather have you at my estate, than somewhere else where someone of questionable ethics might take advantage of your beauty and social standing by not observing propriety.”

Katya almost found herself tilting her head quizzically. “Oh no, I was living alone before working under your estate. I do not think anyone would take advantage of me in any way,” Katya stated with assurance, finding herself chuckling at what sounded like an overstatement coming from a worried mother.

“If you’re trying to assuage my curiosity, you’re doing a terrible job of it…” Alek joked. “Nonetheless, I’m glad to have you around, and I hope that I get to see you in your uniform for some time to come…” He smiled a little, just for her as he teased her. “Though I can admit that the dress is nice as well… I hope that my ensemble is as pleasing to your eye as yours is to mine.”

“I suppose there shall be no need to prepare the alternative dress for me back in the estate, I shall do what was provided to minimise the financial burden.” She completely ignored the teasing. She did not smile as she responded, either. Instead, she held a more professional air for the moment.

Aleksander released her arm and Katya gave a pivot and came back to him as the music got dramatic and returned to its lax pace.

“Nice… I think that you’re better at dancing than I am!” He smiled. “And money isn’t as much of an issue as I made it out to be, honestly. I’ve got more of it than I honestly know what to do with, though I suspect the ball will put a dent in it for sure. If you wanted me to have a customized dress made for you, I’d be more than happy to do so, as long as you make sure to show it off for me, okay?” his grin grows a little wider.

“Oh, no no, why would you do that? I would rather buy my own dress than have my employer make one specifically for me.” So he was lying about the uniforms. He just wants the maids to wear shorter skirts…

“I suppose you could consider it a gift if you would. Is it really so unthinkable for me to buy something nice for someone I care about?” he asked with an arched eyebrow.

“I… I suppose not.”

“Did you not want me to get you a gift, perhaps?” He asked. “It might be somewhat improper for me to do so… I suppose, but I’d like to get to know you better if I can. Like, more than as a maid and her master… is that an agreeable idea for you?”

“I am not sure if I follow the idea.”

“I… I think you are very pretty, but I think you already picked up on that.” At this he had the grace to color slightly. “I guess I was asking you to be yourself around me, and I’ll do the same… if we get along, then I would like to be your friend, rather than just your employer.”

“For now, I think it is appropriate to start as an employer and employee.”

“I… see…” He nodded. “I will not press the matter then… I understand that it is easy to see me flatter other ladies, and mistake it for wanting to become involved with each of them… I guess I just have troubles with trying to commit to one person, when so far I seem to have questionable luck every time I think I’ve found someone I like. I’ll tell you a story later, if you’d like to hear it, but now is not the time for it.”

(GM’s Reaction.)

As if his time was up, the music ended and the two stopped dancing. They soon left the dance floor and walked out of it.

“If you do have issues committing to a person, I think that is fine. However, the opposite could also be very much possible.” Katya looked down as they stopped just outside the dancing stage.

“I mean… it seems like every time I get interested in trying to court someone, it seems like it turns out poorly. Admittedly it’s only happened once before now, and I don’t think she was interested in being courted in the first place. I seem to be the best I know at finding those sort of ladies. I mean, my best friend is sort of trying to woo a Princess, and seems to be having at least some success with it… and I can’t even do that much…”

“I am sorry to hear that, and I apologise if I had hurt you without knowing.”

“No, no, you’re fine. I apologise actually, since it is quite rude of me to say that much… I understand if you want me to leave now…”

“It is alright. No man should be leaving me now after coming so far,” Katya said with a chuckle. She almost sounded nervous.

“I see… so what would you like to do now? The first dance and asking if you wanted to do this again some time was about as far as my mental plan got… ehehe…”

“We came together, it would not be proper to leave unless… I go back to Constance’s group I suppose.”

Alek’s nerves suddenly became steely hard as he gained a fierce look. “Never. At least, I wouldn’t leave you alone there… I might be best friends with him… but he wouldn’t hesitate for a moment if an opportunity presented itself.”

“That is harsh. I think Constance is not that heartless and valueless?”

“Perhaps not, but it’s still an unnecessary risk that I don’t want to put you through… I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn…” He looked down at the ground.

“A risk…? With all due respect—never mind.”

He face-palmed. “Sorry… my choice of words might be not great… please forgive me.”

“It is okay, let us take a break. I do not think—”

“Oh, what a familiar face. I thought I would have mistaken. Good evening.”

Alekander looked up to a man slightly taller than him, wearing a suit that seemed more expensive than his own. His hair was blonde and his eyes a deep shade of crimson. He somehow appeared rather compelling and overwhelming to him.

“Good evening… father,” Katya greeted nervously. She appeared to be shaken by the sudden appearance of her parent.

“Good evening, Sir.” Aleksander bowed to the older man, but said nothing else, not wanting to interrupt their conversation without something important to say.

“Good evening… Mister Aleksander Fane, I assume?”

“Ahh… I’m pleased that you know of me. Sir Aberdeen, is it?” Aleksander asked. “It is good to meet you.” Aleksander extended his hand in an offer to shake Katya’s father’s hand.

The father shook his hand politely, but not with a smile. Aleksander seemed to miss a fact that people do not handshake in an event like this.

“A pleasure to meet you too, young Duke. I had heard much of you.”

Katya sighed internally after witnessing this.

“I’m glad to hear it, though I’m not in any rush to repeat such a dangerous feat. I can’t say that I’ve heard much about you from Katya, but I’m sure that she simply hasn’t had a chance to say much yet. I’d be very interested in maybe catching a horse race with you some time if you’d like…” He offered with a smile. “I was just dancing with Miss Katya, and she was simply fabulous at it.”

The Earl looked at Katya and then back to Aleksander after hearing the statement about dancing. “A dangerous feat? Anyway, I could catch a race or two. Do you enjoy jousting?”

“I’ve seen a few jousting tourneys. It’s always tough to see the horses get hurt though, since I’ve been breeding horses since I was a boy… Which I guess wasn’t that long ago.” He laughed a little.

“I happened to be active in the sport when I was young,” Aberdeen proudly stated with a laugh. “Now I run the tournaments.”

“Hmm? You might have ridden on a few of my family’s horses then!” He smiled “Do you mind if I ask you a question, sir?” Alek asked.

I do not think so… “That was a long time ago, but perhaps.” Aberdeen paused, becoming curious. “A question? I am all ears, Mistre Fane.”

“I’m not sure what’s going on, but it’s quite unusual for a young lady of high birth such as your daughter to seek work as a housekeeper… Is there something that I should be aware of?” Alek spoke quietly to avoid eavesdropping.

“I see you have grown curious. Are you her current employer now?” Aberdeen made a smirk, noting his daughter’s expression..

“Yes…?”

“I see. Currently, my daughter has done something that has caused her great disgrace. To redeem herself, the condition is for her to learn to face the hardships of life without the gifts of nobility in secrecy.”

As her father explained, Katya looked down in silence, clearly feeling ashamed.

“I see. Is it a problem for you that she is currently under my employ?” Alek asked.

“Not quite,” Aberdeen answered casually. “For her sake, however, I would recommend not letting the news get out. For your sake, too. It may generate unnecessary gossip.”

“Father, please…” Katya uttered just barely, but the sounds of the musicals drowned it out as she was full of hesitations.

“I see. What are the terms of her acceptance back into the house? I said that I’d do everything I could to help, and I don’t intend to gain a reputation as a liar.”

Aberdeen laughed. “Sure you may know. She simply has to keep living the life of a worker for some years is all. Until her engagement is settled.”

“I think I understand. So the only thing I can reasonably do is to provide a place for her to work that is relatively free of miscreants…” He thought about it, obviously seeing the other possibility, but knowing that it was unlikely, given that he was just rejected. “I think it best to change the subject before she sinks through the seams of the floorboards…” He nodded to Katya, and then addressed her directly. “Would you like to step outside to get some air, Katya?”

“It is fine…” Katya answered.

“I shall now take my leave,” Katya’s father said, giving his daughter a glance. “Take care of her.”

“Of course, Sir.” Turning to Katya, “It’s as much for my benefit as yours. I’d like to speak with more freedom than present circumstances allow..” He explained with a hint of vagueness.

“Do you wish to speak outside?”

“I do… but at the same time I’m not sure what exactly I want to say. I want to help you, but you’ve not made it easy for me to do so, so I can only assume that you must not wish for me to…”

“Can we stop obsessing over this? Please. You know all there is to know about it.”

(GM’s Reaction.)

“Fine. Did you want me to take you home then? Or did you still want to stay here?”

“It is your decision, Mister Aleksander. You are the one who wanted to come with you.”

Aleksander flinched almost imperceptibly. “I think it best that I not say anything else to get myself in further trouble… I’m sorry that I was insensitive, okay? I… I knew it was important for you, and I didn’t mean to upset you this much. Seems silly that I thought it wouldn’t I guess. I was worried about what was going on, and I guess that I just let it get the better of my common sense. If you want to go home and forget that tonight happened, I understand… I just wanted to at least try to apologise to you for my indiscretion…”

“I apologise if I had been the cause to upset you. Let us set this matter aside and relax, shall we?”

“I think that’s a good idea… Would you like me to get something to drink for you?” He offered, deciding to be as polite as possible and not waste this apparent olive branch.

“Perhaps we should simply have dinner.”

“...Yes.” He agreed, and offered his arm once more for her, uncertain if she’ll take it.

She accepted the hand and they left to have dinner.

“Where would you like to go to eat?”

“They serve dinner here.”

“Right…” He nodded. “Umm… yeah…”

Anna and Kazimir entered a cheap hotel in Akasaka. The two looked around the area for some time and finally found one that seemed to have really cheap prices for some reason.

“H-Hey… isn’t this what they call… a l-l-love hotel?”

Anna’s voice was very meek as she faintly whispered to Kazimir after looking at all the pink lights and decorations in the lobby. There seemed to be other couples entering too, which made her even more nervous.

“Love hotel?” Kazimir raised a brow as he observed the decorations. The concept was certainly sound though he questioned what need was there for such a thing. “A bed is a bed. Don’t let it get to you.” Kazimir tried to reassure Anna with a stoic expression.

“Y-Yes, but we have to share it,” Anna replied, her face beet red.

Kazimir sighed. “If it bothers you that much, you can take the bed for yourself,” he offered, “I’ll just sleep on the floor or something.”

“No, y-you can sleep with me if you want.” Anna herself didn’t seemed to be sure about what she was blurting out.

Kazimir let out a sigh once more. “As you wish,” he grumbled, How indecisive… he thought to himself.

When the two entered the elevator after making the decision and speaking with the receptionist, a girl walked into the counter. Her hair was as black as her eyes. The Asian paid the man a huge sum of money before making a smirk.

“Thank you.”










Kazimir and Anna entered their room and the Descendant relaxed inside, while the Princess of the exiled nobles sat at the corner of the bed all—nervous still—but eventually, she let out most of her tension with a sigh.

The room was intoxicating; the waft of perfume and the extravagant decorations made her feel slightly dizzy. Her thoughts didn’t help her feel better.

Kazimir’s nose wrinkled as he reacted badly to the smell. “It certainly will be hard to sleep like this,” he remarked as he looked over to the window.

“I… I’m going to go take a shower.”

Anna hurried to the bathroom, thinking that a good bath could calm her heart down, which was beating rather fast.

As Anna shut the bathroom door, Kazimir made his way to the single window of their room, sliding it open and embracing the crisp fresh air. He sighed in relief as he cleared his sinuses of the strong scents and stared down to the bustling, well-lit streets below him. The air of Japan was much cleaner than in Russia and he wished his country would have something like this too, one day. “I’m finally here…” he muttered to himself, contemplating on his next course of action. “I’ll need to familiarize myself with the area, perhaps tomorrow should be spent exploring.”

While contemplating, he noted the noise of the door opening. Ten minutes had flied by so fast. He looked up to Anna, who seemed have nothing but a bathrobe rolled up to cover her frail-looking body.

It may have been because he was so preoccupied with his thoughts, but the half-naked appearance of Anna took him by surprise as he turned his head back out towards the window, taking deep breaths as he tried to collect himself.

“Shouldn’t you get dressed?” he muttered in a less confident than usual tone, still keeping his eyes towards the outdoors.

“Well… I realize that I lack a change of clothes now,” she scratched the back of her head. “Been using the same thing for so long. We didn’t really end up buying anything back in London.”

“I… see.” Kazimir sighed. “Then tomorrow,” he added. “We’ll be exploring the city, we can also get you a new set of clothes then.” He cleared his throat as he distracted himself with whatever he could spot outside.

“K-Kaz… how do I look?”

Anna looked down as she squeezed the words out of her throat, just barely, her face redder than before, but Kazimir couldn’t see it. She was already just behind him and he could hear her breaths, and the fast beating heart. She couldn’t tell what this feeling she was experiencing was, and blamed herself for asking stupid things.

“How… do you look?” Kazimir said, perplexed. “You only just finished bathing, do you really need to be concerned with your appearance?” he asked, trying to dodge the question.

“Sorry… I asked a strange question.”

“It’s… fine.” He sighed, looking up at the night sky, also cloudy in this country. “Go get some rest, you must be tired from the trip.”

Someone knocked on the door just as Anna was about to speak.

Who would that be? Hotel service or… Kazimir was on alert as he approached the door, keeping to the side of it as he called out. “Who is it?”

“We’re here to clean up a bit. Are you two done †˜doing it’?” an energetic female voice asked from outside.

Anna’s heart almost skipped a beat at this question.

Kazimir’s brow twitched at her question but he restrained himself as there was no helping considering where they were. He rubbed his temples as he took a deep breath.

“We were just about to sleep,” he explained. “Sorry, but could you come back tomorrow?” he tried to sound as polite as he could though the roughness in his voice still showed.

“Ah, but we really need to clean up soon. My shift duties demand that I clean the rooms before I go home… I will leave the bed untouched, no worries.”

“Tch,” Kazimir frowned, the girl was persistent.

He gave a look to Anna as if for her to be cautious as he slowly opened the door ajar and peeked out to the person outside. Kazimir found a cannon leveled up to his face.

A laser beamed into the room and plunged into the wall as Kazimir reflexively stepped back to save his face. An explosion followed from the laser and the room was completely torn apart. The door fell flat soon and it revealed a girl equipped with countless barrels and cannons, the †˜cleaner’ herself dressed in a black tight uniform.

“I am Guardian Rika. It’s too early to sleep. Party time is only getting started.”

Kazimir pushed Anna behind him as he assumed a stance, notably annoyed by the situation.

“Looks like I’m going to have to beat some manners into you, girl.”

“Try it.”

Four of the cannons flashed and the beams raided again. Kazimir side-stepped it, but even he could tell that it would’ve melted them both if they were a second late.

The situation was dire. Unarmed against a ranged opponent, the only thing Kazimir could do was try and close the distance between them. However as much as he wanted, he couldn’t find an opening between the girl’s shots as all he could do was try to dodge them with Anna behind him.

“Come along quietly or you’re both toast, filthy foreigners!” she shouted as she fired another barrage. “Oh, should’ve said that first, huh?”

Kazimir didn’t like it but the situation was something out of his capability.

“What do you intend to do if we comply?” he asked, for all he knew this person could’ve been one of Catherine’s agents.

“Well, you’d have to stay in the jail for some time. We don’t let unauthorized foreigners stay here. Seeing your spiritual energy response, however… nah, it can’t be.”

“Tch,” He frowned again. So its the authorities, is it?” He looked back at Anna before turning to the girl, he wouldn’t have a chance of completing his objective running like a fugitive. If they were already aware of his presence here then he was better off with a direct confrontation. “Very well, I’ll comply with you.” He begrudgingly conceded as he stood back up, still keeping Anna behind him.

From outside the window apparently someone was flying and pointing a gun at Anna too. Kazimir was so focused on Rika that he didn’t notice till the time he gave up.

“Alright, come with us.”

“At least let me dress up…” Anna meekly requested.

“Bet you’re gonna try something funny.”

“I won’t…”

“Let her go, Rika,” the other girl said as she came down. “I’ll look after her.”







Kazimir found himself in a lounge rather than a prison. The one the girls arrested for illegal entry into the country turned out to be something more than just human.

“So, according to our detector,” a man in black said, who sat on the other side on a sofa. “You are a †˜Descendant’ as the Europeans would call it. Why have you come to our country, may I know?”

Kazimir leered at the man, contemplating to himself. That they have machines that can †˜detect’ that I’m a Descendant is astounding, if their technology can understand our power, they could possibly have some other goods, he thought this as he unknowingly glared the man with intimidation. Sighing, he shrugged. “Simply put, tourism.”

“Surely there are many other countries out there for you to have a tour, Mister… Kazimir? The odds do not seem to say the same. I think it would benefit both of us if you would come clean?”


Kazimir chuckled. “I had heard you Japonskies were a modest folk. The brief time I spent in your country before being violently apprehended, I can say for sure that no other country has what you offer.” He leaned forward towards the man as he gave him a purposeful glare. “I can understand you would have concerns that I may be here for espionage but I assure you that I do not answer to my nation’s government.”

“I have heard of the Zayats, your company that was recently taken down.” The man narrowed his eyes. “Is it connected to the purpose you came for? I’d think that you’d go back to Russia to deal with the issue instead.”

“Tch,” Kazimir twitched at the mention, showing a visibly unpleasant expression before taking a breath. “If I went rushing back, I’d only succeed in getting caught in the downfall myself,” he explained. “My government saw my business as a threat so for the time being, I’ve decided to lay low until I can safely return. That is all.”

“I am willing to guess that you’d want to raise back your company in the near future?”

“As any determined entrepreneur would.”

“Would you be interested in us lending a helping hand? Assuming that is what your intention was.”

“Depending on what conditions would be given. I don’t intend to become a lap dog.”

“That is fine. If you do not like the conditions, we would simply have you leave the country.”

“Heh, I would have figured.” Kazimir leaned back on the sofa. “Pretty much you’re saying this is my only choice?”

“It is unfortunate but we do need Descendants for the wars and battles to come, and it can only look like becoming a lap dog to some.”

Kazimir contemplated on the recent events and sighed. “I will admit, this is not how I would like it but it is the better of two choices.” He consigned. “Just know that this conflict will not end well for any of us.”

“It will probably not, but we have to protect ourselves too. In return for your services, what would you be seeking from us specifically?”

“That’ll be something I will discover as we continue,” he answered. “I have yet to witness everything your country has to offer, to decide now would be like committing to the first dish at a buffet table.”

“I suppose that is true. We look forward to working you.” He extended his hand. “For now, shall we have you registered as a civilian?”

Kazimir glared at his hand for a moment as he pondered about his decision. “Will there be any provisions for living expenses?” he asked.


“We will provide a monthly allowance.”

“And Anna?”

“She may assist you. The money will be given to you and you may take care of her needs with it.”

Kazimir hummed to himself before taking the man’s hand for a shake. “Well then, I can’t say the enthusiasm is shared but, hope that this goes well,” he bluntly let out with a firm grip.

After the handshake was done and the deal was set for now, the door was opened and a woman walked in. Her hair blonde and her dress flashy. Somehow she seemed familiar. It didn’t take very long for Kazimir to realize that she was present in many of the advertisements around the city. A celebrity, basically.

“Good morning,” she greeted, giving a courteous bow as expected of a Japanese. “My name is Alice.”

“Kazimir,” he replied as he stood up. “What might be the honor?”

“I am here to identify your DNA pattern, and thus register you to the country’s network. I am a fellow Time Warrior—Pisces.”

“I… see.” A slight cringe ran past his face at the name but he shrugged it aside as he walked over to her. “Then how does this work?”

“Simply relax in your seat and close your eyes. It will be over shortly.”

Kazimir complied as he sat back down again, shutting his eyes as he calmed himself taking deep breaths. Alice simply placed her hand on his forehead.

“System.” Alice’s eyes flashed blue. Kazimir’s body felt heavy for a moment. The unsettling feeling, however, lasted only for that moment. “Accessing data… information confirmed. Recording genetical information received from the analysis.” Kazimir was unable to move properly for some seconds, his body heavier than before. “It is done now.”

“Huh, that was… simpler… than I expected.” Kazimir felt underwhelmed, expecting to see more interesting machinery.

When he looked up, he saw that the eyes of the idol was still shining blue. There were small texts and numbers fluttering about repeatedly. The data could be seen on her eyes apparently, she was likely more than just a Descendant.

“You’re a rather peculiar one,” he remarked while he took his time to recover.

“Is that so?” the Time Warrior didn’t seemed to expect an answer. “And you are not?”

“Fair point.” He sighed. “Still, that there isn’t an ability granted by your Spirit, is it?”

“No, I suppose it isn’t. Why do you ask?”


“I’ve encountered other Descendants with latent abilities outside of their Spirits is all.” He shrugged.

“Japan has the technology to modify the body with machines… that has no actual drawbacks unlike the androids.”

“I see.” Kazimir hummed, “I suppose you won’t have trouble dealing with Sagittarius then,” he remarked half-heartedly.

“She is already undergoing surgery.”

“Already?” Kazimir narrowed his eyes as if not understanding what or why she would know such a thing.

“Yes.”

For the first time Kazimir saw what Katarina might’ve seen some years ago. Neon lights extremely pleasing to the eyes; vehicles levitating, and flying past the transparent roads in the skies, long skyscrapers and high-rise buildings; and streets moving for the ease of travel for people. Speaking of people, the fashion was completely different from anything he ever saw before. The air was very clean and neither Russia nor England could hope to compete in terms of fresh atmosphere.

This was the bustling city of Tokyo in Japan, where Kazimir hoped to do much more than merely gazing at its technological majesty.

“This… this is out of the world. You really want to †˜borrow’ their strength, Kaz?” Anna asked, mouth agape from seeing the city after exiting the Magic Train.

A mad smile was on Kazímir’s face as he inspected every single aspect with his eyes.

“Beyond expectation…” he simply remarked, wondering what other marvels he might uncover as he ventured forth.

A robot stopped in front of them.

“Sweets… want?” it said in Japanese.

The two looked at it confusedly while the robot looked down at them expectantly, somehow. On its belly were an extraordinary amount of chocolates, candies, and all kinds of confectionaries enclosed behind a window and some buttons just inside it.

“Is this a vending machine like in America?” Anna questioned. “It’s nothing like the ones we saw before.”

“That’s certainly true,” Kazimir agreed, sizing up the machine. “It’d be no surprise that Japan would be more advanced than even America. I wonder what other automations exist here.”

Anna looked around. “This is for sweets so… that one over there on the corner of the streets is for drinks I think,” she reported.

Scanning around, Kazimir could also see several smaller machines patrolling the streets. “Automatic sweepers to keep the streets clean…” He observed with a intrigued hum. “Almost fearful for Russia’s fate at the hand of such an advanced nation.”

“Fearful? They seem so much more… effective with things.”

“Indeed, is a wonder why they haven’t destroyed us already.”

“Considering we lived thanks to the alliance… I think. They’re still up against many countries. You’re right, though. If the twenty-third century has such technology for convenience, I can only imagine the kind of things they have in the army. You saw some of it in the war, right?”

“That is correct,” Kazimir answered as he pondered further. “That was already quite a while back, I’m curious as to how much further they’ve advanced from when I faced them.”

“Katarina mentioned the Japanese almost destroying London, right? There were so many wreckage sites back there now that I think about it.”

“I had heard.” Kazimir thought deeply. “I don’t wish for collateral damage, hopefully we can find something that can deal more precise strikes.”

“By the way, why do I feel like we’re always under watch? Or is that just me?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” he answered, keeping his eye on the surroundings. “Whether it be the Queen, making sure we don’t defect or even the Japanese government monitoring our actions, we should tread wisely here.”

“We should find a place to stay in first. The prices of things are looking mighty intimidating, though.”

“Agreed.” Kazimir sighed, he caught in his view an idle standing robot and approached it.

“Oy robotnik,” he called out to the machine. “Where is the most cost-effective hotel around here?”

The robot seemed to take a moment after listening. “Cost-effective? Cost-effective…” it spoke in English with a mechanical voice, after noting Kazimir’s language. “There are one-hundred-and-eight results based on average citizen incomes. May I know your Citizen I.D. please for proper analysis?”

“I.D.?” Kazimir questioned before showing a grim expression. “Ah, I must’ve left it in my other wallet…” He sighed, anxious of the machine’s reaction.

“Cheapest you may find in the area is to your right, then take another turn to the left. Alternatively, many hotels in Akasaka are also cheap.”

“Hmm,” Kazimir hummed in contemplation.

Suppose I’m being too paranoid about this, he remarked to himself before turning to Anna. “What do you think? Hotel nearby or A-ka-sa-ka?” he asked, somewhat tongue-tied in pronouncing the name.

“First one is cheapest here and the other one is cheapest hotels in the area. Maybe the latter one may save more money?”

“Very well.” Kazimir nodded. “Having more variety should also help us find something adequate.”

A few months had passed and Michael was almost grasping the key to his future.

Many days were spent training with the bow and arrows. Normal bow and arrows. Michael couldn’t summon the weapon no matter how hard he tried. The Saint revealed that the weapon required a spell to be invoked in the heart before it is summoned.

Today, he almost summoned the weapon, but the spell broke at the end.

“You know,” the nun began. “It’s like you forgot how spells work, too.”

“What do you mean?” Michael replied. To use a bow, he had re-trained his body in order to have enough strength to draw and quickly got the hang of the weapon. However, it seemed that he had forgotten how to use spells aside from the ones she was teaching him, and the others he knew by instinct.

“You seemed to forget how to draw Vim mana from the Dominion Realm. Are you afraid of Heaven or something?”

“No… It’s more similar to... anger I think. I have no idea why.” He did recover a mountain of useful information, even techniques and training. But he couldn’t recall why he felt like he was furious at something, but he could feel it. This anger which he tried to reject through meditation and keeping himself busy. Who was he, exactly? “It’s not like I cannot draw the mana, but a part of me just rejects it.”

“I’m saying based on what you’re doing is all. No Vim mana comes to you from the Realm. Whatever the reason, you’re going to have to break through that wall if you want to be able to summon the bow. Perhaps try visualizing the angel? You couldn’t have forgotten someone as beautiful as her, right?”

“I think it would take a different breed of man to forget such a beauty.” Michael concentrated on the angel. He recalled her soothing voice, her graceful presence, and her otherworldly beauty. And finally, he recalled his vow to her; if he could not channel from the Dominion Realm anymore then, he’d plead to her. May she’d grant him the means to do good, to protect the good and judge the evil.

At last, with a brilliant silver flash the bow was formed.

“I see a beauty gets you going just fine. That somehow makes me jealous,” the Saint said in jest.

“Well, she’s a Divine being. You two are both very beautiful women, just in different categories—species, even.” He paused when he felt a chill run down his spine, “However, the Mistress is still the most desirable woman of all.” He grabbed the silver bow in his hand, noticing it didn’t come with a quiver.

The Saint shrugged. “Find a target and test it. If you supply mana and imagine an arrow, and nock—it will form.”

He nodded, assumed his stance. The bow resembled a recurve bow similar to the one he used to practice, but its design reminded him of the moon with its silver color and intricate patterns. He controlled his breathing as he assumed a stance, drawing the bowstring with his thumb while he imagined where the arrow should be. He faced a tree about a hundred yards away and started channeling his mana, using his rhythmic breathing as a way to concentrate. Finally, he let loose and with a loud thunk, he saw a silver arrow embedded in the tree’s trunk which disappeared moments later.

“Not bad, but I will show you what you should be striving for throughout this year’s practice.” The Saint turned and faced the same tree that Michael aimed for. She made a stance as would any archer and a silver light started to form. She nocked and the mana took shape to that of an arrow. It shined bright as she held it before releasing said arrow. The size of the projectile was completely different, and Michael realized that it was leagues above his own. The bright flash burned through the ground beneath it despite not touching it and finally destroyed the tree and the wall both.

“Oops, I went too far I see.”

He clapped his hands, highly impressed by his mentor’s ability.

“Wonderful. Truly! it was a sight to see! I hope that I come close to that level soon, before we completely destroy the walls of this estate.” He made a mental note to fix that wall before the day passed.

“Well, we came this far so I might as well tell you more about the story now,” the Saint began. It seemed as though she really didn’t wanted to talk, but was doing so out of responsibility. “Well, if you like some lore, that is.”

“How could I refuse a lady’s offer for companionship? Shall I prepare us some tea?” he joked.

“I suppose you haven’t heard of the Witch Hunt?”

“Which one? The Church loves its hunts.”

“I see you remember. Pretty much all of them were the Church killing its Saints—the real Saints.”

“For what purpose? Doesn’t that seem a bit counterproductive?” He faced her and released the bow. It disintegrated into silvery particles of light immediately after he let go of it. “You’d think they’d gather them... maybe increase their numbers even.”

The Saint’s bow also vanished into particles. “The Saints were not appreciated in reality, for they knew the truth.”

“Archangel Zophiel mentioned a bit about you being the last Saint. What happened?”

“They killed the rest off. The Pope did not like what the Saints knew… that the religion was a big fat farce.” The Saint scoffed.

“So what is it then? This truth. I… need to know.” Something was compelling him to search for the truth, as he unconsciously scratched the ring on his finger. Hearing the mention of the Pope evoked another darker feeling from him, which he subsequently shelved aside.

“I just told you. The Church lied about its religion, about God, about everything, the beacons of truth that were passed on were about the angels that was thanks to the hard work of the Saints.”


“But if what they taught was a lie… Who rules over Heaven?” He did notice she didn’t say Heaven was a lie.

“You know about the Descendants, yes?”

“I believe so.” At least, he knew about the Blood Countess. “Well, I know they are absurdly powerful and supposedly immortal at the very least. What about them?”

“Well, they are the Gods and Goddesses of the world, and also the universe as a whole. Each of their existence makes sure something in the grand scope of existence does not fall apart. The energy for all of this maintenance comes from the stars in their constellations. Crazy story, right? But any angel would give you this answer, and consequently, any Saint. There is a reason why they are absurdly powerful and why they have the right to kill, judge, have fun, or do whatever. It doesn’t matter—they are the Gods. All of this changes when you join someone’s side, however.” The Saint paused. “When someone you join has her agenda, I suppose it also becomes your own… back to the point though, there is a Descendant out there who rules over the Heavens, and her existence allows it to exist to begin with.”

“If I am to be honest with you, I find this hard to believe. But I cannot dismiss it either.” Michael racked his brain for things to ask, but there were so many, and he didn’t know where to begin. He considered that she could just be pulling his leg, but she sounded like she truly believed what she said. “You mentioned… joining them and their agenda. Have you joined one of them?”

“Yeah. I happen to be a Representative.”

“Which one? Why? Who is it? What does that Descendant want to do?” No wonder she was powerful. If the Descendants had even a sliver of the power she described, then as a Representative she really must be a powerful being. His heart beat rapidly as he giddily bombarded her with questions. Imagine how his Mistress would think of him with all that power. No, imagine if he had that kind of power. He felt the sinking feeling in his stomach again, but as always, he had ignored it.

“Now, now, that is drifting apart from the topic. We were talking about the Saint—what you are training to become now. You have a really bad habit of drifting away from the subject, just like your moth—” The Saint cleared her throat. “Never mind that last one.”

“I remember my mother, she wasn’t related to the Magic World at all. But you are right, we should focus on mastering the control of what I have first. So what happened, after the hunts? Are you truly the only one left?”

“So you don’t remember after all. Anyway, I am the only one left… but I wanted to tell you about the kind of feats they did. You remember the Crusades, yes?”

“Quite.” He decided to ask her about his mother later on. If there was something important he should remember, then he needed her help.

“The Crusades were actually all under a fake context, a misunderstanding by the mundanes. They misheard mages speaking… anyway, this was the first problem the Pope faced when the Church became quite big. So, they went to reclaim a holy place that was, in reality, King Solomon’s domain. This ensued in a massive battle.”

“Wait, King Solomon’s domain? He’s a Descendant too?”

“No, King Solomon was a legendary mage who could fight on par with the Descendants. He was notable for having seventy-two relic weapons, and having a Descendant for a wife.”

Michael’s ears perked up once more. “A mage with the prowess of a Descendant. Can something like that truly be possible?”

“Who knows, but they say it happened. He now rules over the Faerie Realm… he stopped my Mistress’ Commandment this one time. My Mistress was very angry… I have a feeling that King Solomon will not live too long.”

“If that is so, I hope the Mistress allows me to come with. Just to observe, of course,” he said wistfully, knowing the his Mistress would probably just be angry with the idea in general. “In any case, the Saints in the Crusades. I believe you were going to tell me about their feats?”

“Yes, there was this time when the Saints spilled the blood of innocents for no justifiable reason in the Crusades. Saint George was the only commendable person who fought the Blood Countess in the war. I still do not know why the Countess was there back then. Anyway, the Saints were all tainted by sins. They not only killed but also purged the lands that they were meant to love and cleanse.”

“Who should I thank for wiping them out, then? I probably would’ve done the same to them, given the chance.” He shrugged. “Saints or not, the punishment’s the same if judged guilty of those atrocious acts.”

“The angels themselves banished the Saints… this was the story told, but it was actually I who killed them, by my Mistress’ orders. My Mistress loves the world rather than the people, as the people are lost to their sins.”

“Not all of them, I hope. But to be able to wipe them all out. Are you and your Mistress really that powerful?”

“Well, all of them were not very great warriors. For example, Saint George held himself off against the great Countess… for a while. Anyway, my Mistress is strong. That is why I work for her, albeit sometimes she can be a bit too whimsical, and I have to step up and remind her of the right direction. The Representatives have to take care of their Masters in one way or the other.”

“Funny, I imagined God in a different manner. So that massive terror attack that wiped New York… did that involve Descendants too?”

“And what if I said yes?”

“Then nothing. Terrible thing, the whole affair.”

“You’re welcome.”

“For what?”

“For everything.”

“What, you’re going away or something?” He raised his brows, curious. She did say he had a lot to learn still.

“I guess?”

“To where? We aren’t done still, right? There is so much I wish to ask, to learn!”

“Next month… maybe. I feel lazy. Keep practicing with your bow.”

“Then I shall,” He outstretched his left arm and channeled mana from the Dominion Realms. Using his vow to the Angel Zophiel again as a focus of concentration he chanted, “O radiant angel of purity… Let evil be judged by your light.” Silver light started to converge on his hand, until it formed a crescent silhouette. Michael grasped the light and the bow took its form, the light scattering around him like silver drops of snow.

Michael opened his eyes. A sky painted gold awaited his vision. There were ancient pillars and monuments. A floor made out of old bricks. He found himself in a new world.

“Huh.” He looked around, searching for the nun, for the estate, or anything really. He was alone here it seemed.

When he turned, there was a twilight. This gorgeous scene somehow made him feel at ease. From the sky, a being shining with the same lustre of the twilight descended.

“It has been long since a human wandered here in Heaven,” the angel’s voice echoed. It was serene and soothing, an unforgettable voice. “What would you like from me?”

“Honestly, I was just expecting a bow in an altar—” he turned around and saw the owner of the voice.

It was a woman, albeit there were two wings sprouting from her back, no—four. She had an exotic looking headdress that covered half her face, and what an incredibly beautiful face it was. He was completely smitten at first glance. She was so beautiful that it felt unreal, unnatural. Her pale white skin contained no flaws, lips so supple and pink, and her eyes—her eyes, those mesmerizing orbs of jade knocked the wind out of him as they pierced through his very being. He was disarmed. He felt vulnerable, scared even. There was no way a creature like this could naturally exist. It just wasn’t possible at all.

“I would never keep one of my armaments in an alter, young boy.” The angel gave a warm smile.

“S-So it seems.” He cleared his throat as he regained his composure. “Are you an angel?” Once more, his mouth moved faster than his thoughts. Of course she is, what kind of question was that?! he mentally berated himself.

“Yes, I am one of the Archangels, Zophiel. I am one of those who lives for a holy purpose.”

“Holy purpose? By that do you mean… Salvation? Am I dead?”

“Yes, we have an inclination to watch over certain kinds of beings, be it animal or human beings. My duty is to watch over the artful, beautiful, and the most purest of beings. I do not believe you are dead, however. You sang my song and came here, did you not?”

“The singing part, yes. The part where I appeared before you was quite a shock.”

The angel chuckled, finding the man endearing. “Well, you are the pupil of Saint Teresa, yes?”

“I believe so.” He was starting to be more composed now. Partly due to the angel’s soothing voice.

“I think she was the last Saint on Earth. It heartens me to know that you chose me to become a prospective Saint.”

“I… wouldn’t go that far.” He had recovered some of his memories. He was an assassin for hire it seemed. He could not remember who he worked for, and for what cause. But he knew… his hands were stained by blood.

“Is that so?”

“It is. My hands are stained by blood. I cannot even recall the faces of those I’ve killed, or why.”

“I can tell that your past is vaguely, but it seems like something powerful is keeping it sealed.”

“What? My Mistress told me I had an accident.”

“She may be trying to protect you from something tragic.”

“Tragic? Is it possible to remove this seal?” He was sick of not knowing, and this would get worse over time.

“I could, but I think it is not right for me to do so.”


“And it would be inappropriate for me to ask such a thing. What I wish to obtain is your help, Archangel Zophiel.”

“How would you wish for me to help?”

“Lend me your power. Please.”

“Very well, I grant upon you my bow of the moon.”

From above a sparkling object landed on Michael’s palms. A silver bow was found. It was a beautifully crafted bow, decorated with what seemed like wings.

“That was easy. Are you sure you don’t want to test me, or maybe make some restrictions?” he asked in disbelief.

“The fact that you came here is good enough. However, I will take away your power if you do not use it to do good for the world.”

“Then that shall be my vow,” Michael genuflected as he bowed in gratitude towards the angel.

“I shall be watching you. Good luck. As you go through the trials, we will likely meet more in the future.”

“And I shall be looking forward to it every time.”

Michael was enveloped by the same light that brought him to the Heavens, and he vanished.

“Soon…” was the last word he heard.

After an entire week, Michael was still stuck practicing to sing the hymn. He’d sometimes see the nun and sometimes she wouldn’t even visit. Her only instruction for him was to keep practicing, and find out what was important other than just his Mistress and the surroundings he knew. This put him in a difficult position as he knew not the world outside the mansion, or the shops he’d seldom buy cakes or supplies from. Basically, his scope and perspective of the world was small.

However, the more he practiced the hymn, small fragments of what he believed were his lost memories started to surface. After the second day of practice, he dreamt of his mother: what she looked like, how warm her embrace felt, how she’d sing every stormy night to help him fall asleep, and how happy her voice sounded when she called his name—Michael. Yes he finally remembered, it should’ve been obvious when his Mistress’ guest referred to him as such.

“...Sinful and lonely— my guardian to be...”

Remember, Michael. He does not want us to suffer, but it is due to our sins that we experience pain. It is through Him that we draw our strength, in His eternal and everlasting love for us we find the courage to go on. A man in his twilight years hugged him as tears fogged up his vision. He was wearing plain black clothes, something that reminded him of the nun’s habit. The man himself had a solemn, grieving look in his face as he let go of him and squeezed out a smile. Let us go. After your mother’s funeral… I will teach you about Him. Maybe, you’ll meet your mother again.

Michael opened his eyes as he finished the hymn. He used his gloved-hand to wipe his moistened cheeks and sighed. It was raining, he couldn’t tell apart his tears from the water, but he stood there, unable to go find shelter under the roof of the mansion of the hallways beside the yard field, for the nun was drenched some distance from him, gazing at him with a cold smile.

“You are close. Try again. Feel everything… even more of it all.”

“Could use a hug.” He smirked at her and closed his eyes.

What kind of salvation does a mountain of bodies bring?! It was his voice. He was angry at something? What was it again?

Sacrifices. In the end, the young mage still died. He wasted his effort for nothing. He let her run amok. His companions couldn’t understand that, he left the young girl’s teacher and now they were nowhere to be found.

Remember Michael, tomorrow this… everything would be better! His eyes snapped open. For some reason, he couldn’t concentrate at all this time. Before this, he had no problems with the memories he was receiving but now it felt cloudy, like something was wrong. He took a deep breath and looked at the nun who seemed like she was commanding him to continue. He closed his eyes and concentrated on what he could recall about Him. The teachings, the Gospels… all of it.

Good day to you, my name is Mary Shelley.

Do you wish to be away from me that badly?

“You decided on a sword and shield, spear, or bow, by the way?” the nun asked.

“A bow, I think.”

“Alright, sing the hymn again.”

“Guardian Angel from Heaven so bright, watching beside me to lead me aright, fold thy wings round me, O guard me with love. Softly sing songs to me of Heaven above.” A faint light started to descend upon him, but he did not notice it at all.

“Beautiful Angel, my guardian so mild, tenderly guide me, for I am thy child. Angel so holy whom God sends to me—sinful and lowly—my guardian to be, wilt thou not cherish the child of thy care? Let me not perish—my trust is thy care.”

“Beautiful angel… O may I never forget thou art near; but keep me ever, in love and in fear. Waking and sleeping, in labour or rest, in thy sweet keeping my life shall be blessed.”

Heh. Terrible singing, but the feelings were there at least… the nun thought, watching the light embrace Michael. It was nothing compared to hers, but it was a start. A good start.

Weiss was back home with Charlotte, her daughter.

The walls, the mansion, and the fields were always plain no matter how many times she saw it. There were no gardens or greenery here. In truth, there were hardly any greenery anywhere in London except a few gardens painstakingly kept by nobles, and one famed park.

“Welcome home, Mistress Charlotte, and Miss Weiss,” the only maid of the house greeted as the two ladies entered past the main door.

“Jane, I wish you would address my mother with a bit more respect.”

“I apologise, Mistress Charlotte.”

Jane was clearly unable to accept the explanation about her biological mother. The fact that she knew Charlotte’s apparent foster parent baffled her to no end, and she couldn’t really find similarities in appearance between the so-called mother and daughter pair here.

Do I really appear that young? Weiss thought as she touched her cheeks and chin and sighed. I never really got to see myself in a mirror lately. Last time was… decades ago. Weiss sighed again.

(GM Comment: She is such a sigh lord and I’m only realizing this now. I wonder if she lets out real steam due to being an android, huhu.)

“Do not mind her,” Charlotte whispered. “She probably does not take a liking to all those metallic modifications.”

“But do I really look young? How old are you right now, my dear?” Weiss asked her daughter.

“Around two-hundred?”

“Without counting the hundred, Just the last two numbers.”

“Zero and five I would say.”

“Hmmm. . .so that means I gave birth to you in the twenty thirds.” Weiss sighed again. “No wonder your maid doesn’t think that I look like the mom type.”

“My maid was only hired about ten years ago, and my foster parent kept changing over the years. My sisters would grew up and replaced the role.” I think most women would be proud of looking young forever though, mother.

“Ahhh. . . I see.”

“I shall go and be refreshed, mother. You may use one of the other bathrooms in the house too.” She walked up the stairs and to her room.

“Alright, I’ll do that.” Weiss watched her daughter walked up to her room. Now then, I should walk go for a walk around the house… Weiss thought.







A few minutes later Weiss stopped and fell down on her knees.

Oh no not now…!

She immediately ran to her room and searched for her bullet crafting kit in her weapons bag. “Oh shi—I forgot to bring it with me.” She walked around her room. Figuratively, a bulb lit up from above her head.

Weiss used her Commandment, and walked through the walls to her daughter’s room.

The room of Charlotte Brontë was very clean and organized. At the same time, the room was relatively empty. There was only a bed and a desk, and a closet. The room was too big for one lady, but Weiss realized that there were different standards here.

Weiss heard the noises of running water from her bathroom some distance away due to her trained senses. A jarring sound of a machine was heard too, the steam machine running and producing hot water for her tub.

Perfect. Weiss removed her clothes and underwear. Some moments later, Weiss casually walked through the walls and visited the large bathroom of her daughter.

“I-I need your help.”

The bathroom had clean and shiny tile floor. There were a few Engine Lights to illuminate the big place. A tub was seen by the android in the middle where the hot water was still filling up. It wasn’t very spacious, which was unexpected of a seemingly rich lady like her daughter.

Charlotte sat on the corner away from the tub. Humming, she gently massaged hair and scalp with her fingers after applying some shampoo. Items like shampoos were very rare at the time but Charlotte managed to get some imported through her connections.

She didn’t notice?

Obviously, Charlotte didn’t hear Weiss at all despite her extraordinary hearing.

Weiss’ Commandment was meant for one to act discreet. To add, she was still passing through the wall while speaking. The android who was Charlotte’s biological mother was a clumsy person sometimes. Thankfully, Charlotte didn’t seemed to pick up this trait. She was more dextrous like her late father.

Weiss sneaked behind her daughter, crouching down before she blew lightly on her daughter’s left ear.

“I’ll clean your back.” Weiss whispered gently in Charlotte’s ear as she took the soap up.

“M-Mother?!” Charlotte was startled, quirking her head to find Weiss behind herself.

Weiss gently rubbed her hands to create bubbles with said soap and placed them on Charlotte’s back.

“My Commandment’s side effect. I must focus on something in order for it to leave. I forgot to bring my bullet crafting kit so I had to find an alternative.”

“A...A side-effect? Well, thank you.” Charlotte smiled, still rubbing her scalp. “You should have told me if you wanted to join me earlier.”

“No, thank you.” Weiss’ hands started to move to Charlotte’s stomach. She pressed her chest on Charlotte’s back as she start tapping on her daughter’s stomach.

“W-What are you doing, Mother?”

“Skinship?” Weiss’ hand moved up again to Charlotte’s breasts. “Mnnn… soft.”

“I-Is that a modern thing? That tickles!” Despite her words, she moaned instead.

“No one has ever touched you before?” Weiss was surprised with her response and continued to caress her breasts.

“O-Of course not! I had never been courted before by a gentleman.”

Someone was pretty as Charlotte was of course courted by men before, she just happened refused. For she had Mary.

“…For hundreds of years you’ve never been touched by a gentleman.” Weiss softly pinched her sensitive parts. “I shall teach you a few my poor daughter.”

Weiss made her daughter moan and pant. She could feel Charlotte’s body trembling. The daughter’s cheeks were flushed full of blood from the newfound excitement she felt and couldn’t stop this new sensation from overwhelming her.

“Nghh… ! T-Teach me what?!”

“On how.” Weiss gently rubbed her breasts. “To be.” She gently licked the nape of Charlotte’s neck, “A woman.”

“I-I do not need such a thin—ahn!! You should really not lick there, mother…” She trembling seemed to intensify from being licked on the back of her neck, apparently it was a sensitive spot.

“Someday you will,” Weiss continued to lick the back of Charlotte’s neck and moved one hand down to her crotch and caressed gently.

“This is absolutely sexual harassment!”

Charlotte simply couldn’t understand why she was panting from being touched like this, nor why her body was feeling tired. The heavy breathing seemed to be completely unjustified. To think there was such a weakness in a woman’s body.

“It’s not, my dear.” Weiss put her other hand on Charlotte’s lips. “Suck on my finger.”

“Suck… why?”

“Because its erotic.” Weiss realised that the effects were gone. “Oh, thank god it’s gone now.” Weiss finally released her daughter. “Come on, let’s go to the tub.”

Charlotte only gave a terse nod, relieved that she was finally over. She was still embarrassed and unsettled from Weiss’ actions before she heaved a sigh. She stood up and lowered her body into the steamy hot water alongside her mother. As the tub wasn’t very spacious, she and Weiss had to somehow squeeze in together and make do.

“I apologise that it is so small. It was meant for one person.”

“It’s alright. Besides I never showered you before so there’s that.” Weiss patted her daughter.

“I sometimes wonder how I came to be in the Brontë household,” Charlotte said, looking down at her own reflection on the steamy water.

Weiss reached her daughter’s chin and raised it up. “Don’t think about it too much, what’s done in the past is done. All that we can do is move forward.”

“Mn…” Her face was a mix of seriousness and dazedness. “All I can do is look for Mary now.”

“Then focus on that objective. I have your back, you know? We’re both looking for someone we love.”

“Mhm. Thanks, mother.”

The pair consisting of Svetlana and her maid, Nancy, saw Weiss and Charlotte walking side by side for some time, entering the crowd of people in the cobblestone streets. The maid and the Mistress kept vigilance of their surroundings, and didn’t let them out of sight even for a second.

Some minutes later, however, Weiss was gone and Charlotte was still ahead of them.

“What the heck?! Where did the other one go?” Svetlana said angrily. Unable to believe she lost sight of one of them. “Nancy, make sure to check behind us.”

“I think I saw her hair on that alleyway, Mistress,” Nancy informed.

“Damn it! Let’s go after her. They’re rather strong. If we come into conflict, I’d rather it be one versus two instead one on one. Just keep an eye out for the other one if she decides to follow.” Svetlana started to walk towards the alleyway.

“I feel like… the other one is about to use magic, at least based on my sensitivity. What shall we do? It is risky to leave either of them be.”

“Damn it. We can’t outright fight in the city. As much as I want to find Virgo, I don’t want to ruin the new life I’m starting with Isabelle here.” Svetlana was frustrated, despite the fact that she just wanted to rush after her. “Fine. Whatever, I’ll hold back for now. If she attacks us, we’ll retaliate. As much as I want to find her, it’s not worth it if I get kicked out of the country with Isabelle as we only just got here.”

“Simply go to the alleyway, Mistress? We could split up, however risky it sounds. I would not condone you, Mistress, for pursuing your enemies. I shall do what I can to hold back that person… she is a student from Royal Academy if I remember correctly. Perhaps she is not as strong as the enemy you recognise.”

“Okay then, just don’t do anything that would get you killed,” Svetlana said as she ran into the alleyway.

“Yes, please be careful too, Mistress.” Albeit I would like to say the same to her too. Nancy and Svetlana thus splited up.

Just as planned, Weiss thought as she faced her pursuer in an empty alleyway with her hands crossed.

“Where’s Virgo? If you tell me now I might just let you off easy!” Svetlana questioned angrily.

“Whoa! So fiesty.” Weiss sighed. “Look, I came here for a holiday and I don’t want any trouble. Besides, I don’t know who you are and what you want with this so-called †˜Virgo’,” she continued and shook her head.

“Don’t play dumb, you idiot. I saw you with my own eyes when you shielded her back at the Lunar Temple. Now tell me where the heck that wench is!”

“It was a job, ma’am. I work for the highest bidder. After I escaped the battle I didn’t know where she went. Hell, I didn’t even know what happened after I ran away,” Weiss calmly answered.

“I see. So, you’re gonna keep playing the role of an idiot.” Svetlana clapped her hands twice soon after a ball of fire formed in her hand. “I’ll give you one more chance. Where is that stupid wench Virgo?!”

Weiss sighed and realised that she couldn’t be reasoned with. “Look, like I told you. I don’t know where Virgo went after the fight. Hell, I don’t even know if she’s alive. Now ,will you please calm dow—” Weiss was cut midway as a Flame Spear flew right beside her head, hitting the wall behind her.

“Didn’t I say to stop playing stupid, and tell me where Virgo is?!” Svetlana said, with pure hatred this time. “The next one will land right on your forehead.”

“Like I said, I don’t know where Virgo is.”

Svetlana conjured another Flame Spear and aimed it at Weiss’ forehead. The spear went right into Weiss’ forehead, but it went through as if Weiss was made of smoke. Her eyes held a light shine and Svetlana saw the constellation marks of Cancer.

“Good job, you did managed to aim at my forehead.”

Svetlana found herself surprised at meeting another Descendant. She was so focused in her previous fight with Virgo that she only noted her face and fought with Virgo only, ignoring Weiss who was dealt with by others.

You’re Cancer? Just my rotten luck, isn’t it another Time Warrior.”

“How did you—” Weiss facepalm as she remembered that her previous move was one of her Commandments that she activated. “I’m sorry for doing this.” Weiss dashed in before Svetlana could even react, delivering three blows to Svetlana’s stomach and chest.

Svetlana winced from the pain. She may have been experienced in fights, but taking direct blows wasn’t her strong suit, especially because she wasn’t a close-ranged fighter.

“Damn it! Are you some kind of perverted a Time Warrior?!” Svetlana placed her hand on her stomach, but could feel the sting on her breast as well.

“Not really, like I said, I’m on a holiday now. Besides, I blame your huge milk jugs!” Weiss pointed at Svetlana’s rather big breasts.

“Well, sorry for suddenly getting big, you idiot.”

Svetlana clapped her hands twice, spread her legs wide, and a little portal appeared below her, she followed it by placing her hand near it, casting a bolt of lighting which soon appeared above Weiss’ head. The bolt struck at the android directly, electrocuting her body. Due to her metallic frame, the electrocution last a little bit longer.

“That’s just rude.” Weiss dashed in once more, and used her Commandment to go through the ground and pop back out behind svetlana. “You also have a great ass-et right here.” Weiss spanked her twice before sinking back into the ground, escaping the battle field.

Svetlana yet again winced from the pain and tried to turn around to land her own punch only to watch Weiss disappear to the ground below. “Damn you, pervert!” Svetlana fell on the ground subsequently, feeling the stingy pain on her body.

“Here use this,” Weiss’ hand popped out of the ground again, throwing Svetlana some special band aids and painkillers. “Sorry for hitting you too hard!”

Weiss waved and ran off below ground. Now where did my daughter go?

Svetlana stood up, still feeling the sting on her body, but wasn’t sure of what to do with what Weiss left behind. “Whatever, I guess I’ll just take it and find what this really is later.” She said picking up the stuff as she began to walk away to look for Nancy.

Later in the day, Svetlana found Nancy on an alley on the other side of the road but she didn’t seemed to be injured. They found themselves returning home in the end.

“It seems like we found ourselves back here again, Mistress,” Nancy said. She sat down across the table of the café they last visited with her Mistress. Finding the attendant waiting for them, she enquired, “What would you like to have today?”

“I think I’ll have a coffee with some cookies. How about you, Nancy?”

“A cup of tea will be enough for me, Mistress.”

“Noted, noted,” Layla said with her booming voice before she ran into the café to get the items.

“You know Nancy, these past days I feel like you enjoyed putting these monstrosities that are corsets on me. I still can’t get used to it.”

“Oh, I love dressing people up, and sometimes myself, of course. When your body adjusts to a better figure, the corset will start to fit in properly. It would take time, however. Have I told you before that there are corsets out there that may protect you from bullets?”

“No, but I can only imagine how painful it would be to put that one on if it protects you from bullets,” Svetlana said as she shivered at the thought of such corsets. “By the way, Nancy do the maids have to wear one? Or do you just wear undergarments underneath?”

“Yes, yes I do. In fact, it is paid for by nobles usually. I do not have a cloth corset for homewear, though. I suppose I do not really need it.”


“We should get you one for when we just stay at home then. It’s nice to go shopping, I get to see more of the city.”

“Shall we be off after we rest here, my Lady? I would like to commission a custom dress for you from a tailor, in fact,” Nancy said as she clapped her hand in agreement.

“That's fine with me. Though, now that you mentioned that, I feel like doing the same for Isabelle and for her maid. They're both so adorable,” Svetlana said as her eyes sparkled at the thoughts of dresses coming to her head.

“Ah, custom dresses cost a little more, but I was intending to have a costume made that would be suitable for use in combat, Mistress.”

“I see. Well, I probably should hold off then. By the way, Nancy you know anything about sewing?”

“Yes. Why, Mistress?”

“All my previous clothing doesn’t fit me anymore, so I was thinking of trying to adjust them to Isabelle and Rosalie’s size. I’m certain that it’d look adorable on them.”

“Why not just discard those shameful things instead?”

“Ehh?! I would not. Those were given to me by my mother.”

“Shall we use them as decorations in the trophy room?”

“I’d rather see them worn by someone than see them as display.”

“I was joking, my Lady, we do have an armoury room however, where clothes may also be kept safely inside decorative setups.”

While the two were speaking, Charlotte and Weiss entered and sat on the other table.

“So, mother, how do you like the book so far?” Charlotte asked.

“It’s good. I’ve been reading it for the past three days now,” Weiss answered and continued to read the book.

“Do you prefer more stranger or explicit works? My sisters have quite the unique tastes.”

“Actually no, I find fiction books are much more enjoyable.”

“I shall share another work soon enough. Ah, but definitely never read that… Fifty Shades of Grey.”

“Isn’t that the fanfiction of a badly written book that was… so bad it even made people hate the source material more?”

“It did? Claudia made me read it and I had no idea what it may have been based on, but I did not find it very enjoyable.”

“I’ll give you a little teaser, it’s a story about sparkling vampires having a relationship with a wolf girl.”

“That makes no sense whatsoever, mother.”

“I know right? The person who wrote it must be on some kind of medication.” Weiss shivered.

Charlotte chuckled. “I hope not. That sounds like a very strange story indeed. Shall we order the usual?” she asked when Layla started to approach them.

Weiss nodded and smiled. “Sure.”

Charlotte only made a gesture and Layla noted it before walking away. It seemed like she just placed the food on another table before they arrived. Charlotte noted the people on the other table from the corner of her eyes but chose to ignore them.

“So, what did you and father do during your married life? Surely you shared a hobby or two with him.”

“Well, he did brought me to camp with him. Taught me how to survive in the wilds and all.”

“Camping? Is that another modern sport I am ignorant about? I feel like I have heard of it before but I cannot place a finger on it.”

“Basically, you spend the night outside of your house. Usually it takes place in an open field near a forest or a river.”

“Sounds really adventurous. I have never found much time to venture out in the wilderness like that before. It seemed like the society here looks down on such things, too.”

“Ahaha, we should do it sometime. Some fresh air is good for your health you know.”

“Like the ones in America?” Charlotte asked. “I think that is too good a luxury, but I do not think I want to skip classes more than I did already.”

“Any place that’s away from technology. I don’t think the old park is still here though. Me and your father often camped there.”

On the other hand, the new Duchess was drinking her coffee.

“This coffee sure tastes good.” Svetlana said, taking another sip. “Though I think it’ll be bad to make it a habit to have it oft—” Svetlana soon stopped what she was saying as she noticed a familiar face right in front of her. She pulled Nancy closer to her. “Listen to me carefully, you see the one in front of us the with two different eye colors eyes? She works for Virgo. I want to attack her right now to find out everything she knows, but even I know that is foolish. So I need you to help me come up with something,” Svetlana whispered into Nancy’s ear.

It seemed like Svetlana didn’t recognise Charlotte from the previous battle with Virgo, who was witnessed alongside her great enemy as a Representative. Perhaps she way too focused on Virgo? Likely, the only reason she realized the face of Weiss was due to having seen her even before meeting Virgo back in Russia.

“That is… rather sudden. Mistress, even if you say it, we do not have a favorable battlefield around here.” …She wants to learn everything that lady knows by attacking her?

“I know that, but how am I supposed to take it, when the one she serves someone that killed my mother and my best friend is right in front of me?” Svetlana tried to restrain herself from raising her voice.

“Have some patience? We could follow them after they leave the café.”

“Fine.”

Weiss gestured her finger, pointing at her ear, wanting Charlotte to get closer so that she can speak with her.

“Yes?” Charlotte did not lean forward. “I can hear, go on,” she spoke in a hushed tone.

“I think those two behind me might’ve realised that I work for the Boss Lady. That one behind you has been staring at me for several minutes now without blinking,” Weiss whispered. “And I can feel her obvious bloodlust.”

“That maid too? I do not remember her from our previous conflict.”

“No, I don’t think she was on our previous conflict. I think she’s her maid. Of course she shared her findings with her maid. Here’s what we’re going to do.”

“I have somewhat noticed who that blonde lady is, but I suppose I wanted to ignore her… go on.”

The two abruptly got up from their chairs. Charlotte gave an apologetic smile to Layla before she and Weiss walked out. Layla seemed to say something but they couldn’t hear it due to the noise of the padestrians.

“So, shall we follow them now?” Svetlana wanted to sprint out and follow behind them quickly.

“...Yes?” Nancy barely spoke as she was getting off the chair—having just gestured to Layla to cancel the order—and Svetlana was already going out of sight. “Please wait, Mistress!” Nancy ran after Svetlana.

Roland and Frederica slumped themselves to the mansion after Sherry used her spell to bring them back to the Human World.

“Finally, we are back…” Frederica huffed, while the maidservants watched in surprise as their Mistress finally came back home, only to find that she had another guest for them.

The three sat down on the sofas and allowed the tension escape their tired bodies.

“Mistress, you have…”

Frederica was almost falling asleep. “Not now, Bertha, we’re so—”

“You have a letter from Her Royal Majesty.”

“What?!” Frederica jolted herself up from the sofa after hearing those words, taking the letter from the maid. She read the letter within a minute. “A… A ball held by the Royalty…?!”

“It sounds as though you will be busy. I am sorry from the sudden goodbye, but I must be off. I cannot sit still without knowing the truth of the past of my parent,” Roland said gathering his things. “Once again, I am truly sorry for what you went through on my behalf.”

“Well, I hope you come back in due time for my research project.”

“I will do what I can as I search and send you my findings, but I cannot promise when I will return.” Roland took out the ancient book on Descendants and handed it to the Duchess, “I will leave this with you, it will do me no good while I search, but with Sherry you can decipher it.”

What a stubborn child. Duchess Frederica sighed internally. “Then I shall deduct appropriately from the funds I would allot. By the by, if you wish to get stronger, I have a suggestion for you.”

“Strength, power, what good is any of it?” Roland scoffed, uncharacteristic of him. “Can it change the past? Can it answer the questions burning within me? What… what worth is there in pursuing it now after learning what I strove to be is a lie?” His voice cracked as he finished. “I am sorry. I know you are only trying to help, I just need to be on my own for a while.” Hurriedly, he grabbed his belonging and moved to leave.

“Very well. If you feel that you want to be how you are, feel free to go. If you ever feel the jolt of researching again, I may be here.”

With a choked “Thank you,” Roland bowed respectfully to the Duchess and left the mansion.







Roland was eerily still as he entered his family’s tavern. Walking behind the bar to where his mother had
stood all those years he leaned against the wall, his forehead pressing against the cold finished wood.

Thud.

His fist struck the wall with a dull sound.

Thud.

Again he struck it, the paneling splintered at the force.

Thud.

What memories?

Thud.

What ideals?

Thud.

What dreams?

Thud.

He struck the wall again and again, an unchanging tempo as tears streamed down his face.

Thud.

He did not stop as splinters drove into his fist.

Thud.

Nor as his blood dripped to the floor.

Thud.

Nor as his bones fractured and split.

Thud.

It was finally the wood of the wall giving way that brought an end to his incessant pounding. He lowered his fist, now a nearly unrecognizable mess of blood and bone fragments. For several minutes he stood there motionless, the only sound in the tavern was the dripping of blood from his mangled hand.

Without warning, the last vestige of reason that had been holding Roland together in the wake of the recent events finally vanished letting forth a primal rage. With a burst of savage strength he ripped the bar from floor, upending it, sending glasses and bottles flying. Smashing tables, splintering chairs, he lashed out at anything and everything around him in a whirlwind of self-loathing. Anger at himself for denying the spirit in ignorance. Anger at himself for dragging Frederica and Sherry into his mess. Anger at himself for lashing out at Frederica. And anger at himself for being unable to bring himself to hate his mother despite her crimes.

Panting, exhausted from his rampage he collapsed in the middle of the wreckage, broken glass and wood debris surrounding him. Grabbing one of the scattered bottles of spirits he drank deep, seeking escape, ignoring, as the strong liquor burned his throat. The alcohol numbed the pain, if only slightly. He crawled into a corner as he drank himself into a fitful sleep.

Roland only came to his senses when Frederica’s palm slapped him hard.

“You idiot!” the Duchess yelled. “Did you really want us all dead?”

In a Realm neither of them could recognise, they were standing in a kind of space they could not quite comprehend. Sherry seemed to be kneeling on the floor, praying as the Duchess grabbed the young man by his collar.

“I am truly sorry I dragged both of you two into this. I did not think Solomon would be so indiscriminate,” Roland apologised with a sincere look of regret on his face. “However I stand by my words.” So much for the wise king, Roland thought, anger rising in him once again as he remembered the exchange. “I may have become heated back there, but I will not bow to a King who cannot understand the emotions of his subjects.”

“You think your words are more important than our lives? Grow up would you? You do not need to be so heated with a King,” Frederica replied, ironically heated herself. His subjects? Of course he understood his subject—Forneus.

“I did not mean to risk your lives. I was only speaking for myself, and I am deeply sorry for the consequence it brought upon you two, but to let the memory of my parent be trampled without resistance just to save myself would be the death of my spirit.”

“You do know that the Faerie spirits do not lie, yes?”

“I have heard the voice of Forneus, so King Solomon was not lying either…” Sherry informed, getting up from her prayer posture.

“I… was not aware,” Roland said in shock. He still could not truly say he believed what the spirit had said about his mother, but hearing the two he trusted support the claim was enough to shake him. “But even if she did commit the act the spirit spoke of, there must have been a reason. I cannot imagine the woman who raised me who valued honesty and justice committing such a heinous act,” he said, his voice trembling.

“Well, this is not something we can find out about anymore,” Frederica said, sighing. “I am just glad that we made it out alive. I thank you, Miss Sherry.”

“I am glad to be of help.” Sherry smiled. “It didn’t seem like it’d go well from the tone of the two anyway…”

“I honestly was trying to be polite as I could until the accusation against my mother.” Though even with credibility in the claims, I want nothing to do with an individual who could not find redemption in the character of the person she became. “What did you do as he attacked us?”

“I took us to the Dominion Realm so… we should be safe?” Sherry answered.

“Do you know how we might return to the Human Realm from here?”

“I… I could try. I apologise, I did it in a hurry.” Sherry returned to her praying posture again.

“I am not faulting you. Without your aid our lives likely would have been lost. But if there was credence to the spirit’s claim, I must find the truth for myself.”

“For now I would like to sleep.” Frederica pinched her nose bridge. “Thinking about all this will not help us now.”

“Very well,” Roland consented. As determined as he was it had been an undeniably long day for all of them.

“So, why did you not let us know that your son was hiding inside that pit?” the Duchess shouted. The wind was carrying away most of her voice as they resumed their journey, this time with an added passenger who was Sherry. The storm was not quite over just yet, but it wasn’t raining. The winds were like the usual but there was still thunder here and there.

“It is embarrassing to say, but I completely forgot that my son was kept there to guard me,” Sherry answered. “It doesn't seem like he retained any of his sanity after all this time, however.”

“Was something done to cause him to lose his mind or was he also locked away there?” Roland asked. “He did not seem like a willing jailor, rather that he was acting on pure rage.”

“I do not really know…” Sherry said. “All I know was that he was there to guard me.”

“Were you two always kept separately during your time there?”

“Seeing as I spoke to no one for centuries…”

“Well, in his current state he would not really make for much conversation even if you could’ve met him. I was wondering whether his mind had been broken from the start or if it happened later.”

“He used to speak and have sanity. Most titans were not very stable mentally, however.”

“I guess to know what happened for sure, we would have to ask Zeus,” Roland said. “But enough of such glum topics! You have your freedom now and can go where you wish. Do you want to keep accompanying us?”

“Well, I do not really know where to go…” Sherry gave a nervous laugh but it couldn’t really be heard.

“I would be happy to have you however I am also a freelo—I mean I do research with a budget from the Duchess so my say in the matter is limited.” Roland looked towards the Duchess to see how she would respond.

The Duchess wanted to shrug after giving Roland a look, but her hands were tied against the broomstick.

“I suppose I could take you in. If anything, my daughter would be happy to have you around,” she said. Hopefully.

“It is settled then, welcome aboard,” Roland said with a smile. “Currently we are on our way to seek an audience with King Solomon.”

“King Solomon? Who’s that?” Sherry asked.

“A King of legend who commands a vast collection of relics. The Duchess may be able to explain further, having met him in person before.”

“I suppose the towers only have ancient information,” Frederica said. “King Solomon was the legendary magus who could fight a Descendant on an almost equal ground apparently. I do not know how. All I know is that he later became the ruler of this Realm after he died.”

“The ruler of the Faerie Realm… was that not Alexandrina the Great?” Sherry enquired.

“Alexandrina the Great… you mean Virgo?” Frederica sighed again. “To think she was the original ruler. No wonder she swore to take him down… Now that I think about it, I wonder if King Solomon yet lives.”

“Leanan Sidhe seemed to think so, and it sounded like she had relatively recent information,” Roland said.

“I wonder what constitutes as recent in this case, Roland.”

“It was recent enough to include his mood as a factor so I would think it would be recent by our standards unless his moods last unusually long.”

“We could not defeat Virgo after all.” Frederica cringed. “That woman is beyond the capabilities of humans in spades.”

“Is there any more you could tell us of Virgo, Sherry?”

“Well, she is the person who loves the world, yes? I remember that she was one of the last guidance for the humans.”

“Is that the same Virgo?” Roland was surprised to hear her spoken of positively. “While I have not encountered her myself, I heard she wiped out one of the largest cities on earth and destroyed half a continent recently.”

“She hated us quite a lot atop of all that…” Frederica said in a mocking tone. “She was stomping people. Not quite literally, but she did.”

“Huh? Is that so? Perhaps she isn’t. Then again, Virgo cares more about the world than its people sometimes.”

“Speaking as one of those people, I wish she would care a bit more. If it is true that her motivation is her care for the world I feel we should be on the same side, but genocide is inexcusable.”

“I do not think so too.” Sherry nodded. “The probability of Virgo’s thinking simply changing for the worse seems high, however.”

Taking in what he learned from each, Roland fell into silent contemplation of the great foe of humanity.







“I feel like we have been doing this forever…” Frederica began.

After two days, and collectively an entire week—and perhaps including the few days spent to get to the entrance of the Realm—the Duchess was finally tired.

“How long have you two been in this Realm?” Sherry asked. Unlike Roland or the Duchess, this person here was full of energy.

“Counting today it has been a full week,” Roland replied.

“I want to sleep and to hug Sophia and want to burn Virgo’s and face… and… oh, wait, we are still flying,” the Duchess’ voice trailed away. “I would like to go drinking some time.”

“A bed would be nice,” Roland said absentmindedly, picking up on just a bit of what she said. “A fluffy bed with tons of down pillows to sink into.” He rocked back and forth slightly on the broom.

“By the way, what’s that statue for over there?” Sherry asked curiously.

“What is there?” Roland looked up out of his daze.

Frederica almost woke up from looking to the left. “King Solomon…”

“Himself?” Roland asked still half-asleep.

“One and only.” Frederica changed course, and they finally had a proper aerial view.

The were several small planets around the scene, among many broken small shards of rocks floating in the air. There was a bridge connected to the planet from a floating platform. Apparently, some people probably came into that place from a portal.

King Solomon himself could be seen standing straight, however, his eyes closed. There were birds sitting around his body, chirping and singing. There were clouds blanketing him in some parts, and his hands rested against the back of a hilt of a gigantic sword.

“He is… big,” Roland commented.

The three landed on the planet of the King. It now seemed that the entire planet was just the seat of the King. Half of it seemed to have lost its mass, and was more suited to be a standing-place for him. It was peculiar how it even remained stable.

“How do we go about seeking an audience with him?” Roland asked as he craned his neck trying to look at Solomon’s face. “Or even be noticed by him?”

“You—” Before Frederica could answer, the chirps of the birds sounded much louder.

“Humans.”

“Humans?”

“Humans. Not again.”

“Too many of them.”

“Indeed, too many of them.”

“That brat and the Queen, now the brat and the beauty… and some kid.”

The birds started chattering. They looked down at the visitors with scorn.

“I hope Solomon does not share their sentiments. Could you repeat what you were going to say?” Roland asked Frederica.

“This is the only proper way I know to grab his attention.” Frederica drew out her arm and with a flash, a blade formed before her hand which she grasped and pulled up to face the sky.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKxNYhFlS18)

The clouds and the birds stirred. The world seemed to shake and roar like never before. Cronus’ strength was nothing compared to this intensity and Roland was quick to accept this fact, especially when the King was simply waking up. The birds flew away in fear and the rocks all surrounded King Solomon as if they were attracted to him. He finally opened his blood red eyes and looked down at the visitors with a cold gaze.

“Greetings King Solomon, I have come today to seek an audience with you. My name is Roland Arcus,” Roland shouted up to Solomon, and gave a deep bow.

“I see that you came not with the Queen… journeyed long have you?” the King said, looking down not at Roland, but his bracelets.

“We have come a long way to have an audience with you, Your Majesty,” Frederica said, giving a graceful bow as befitting of an aristocrat. “I am Duchess Frederica, servant of the Queen you speak of, and have had a contract with you before regarding a relic. I have brought here Roland for a similar reason.”

“I see the relic of mine own on this child. Have ye committed theft, too?” the King asked, remembering the case of Aramus Valmark.

“I have committed no crime I know of. This relic was bequeathed unto me by my late mother who told me that it was a family heirloom. However the relic does not recognise me as its master so I have come before Your Majesty today to seek the truth.”

“I see the Jewels of Forneus tied to your arms. The relic I gave no permission for, at least for three centuries. Your mother—I would wager—had perhaps come across it.”

“I know not the origin for it had been in her possession as far back as I can remember. But now I petition you to form a contract so I might be recognised as the master of the relic.”

Frederica tried to stop Roland from this speech, but it was too late.

“You would dare claim my creation to be the heirloom of your family, use my weapon without permission, and petition for a contract?” With each of the King’s words the ground shook and Roland fell on his back.

Frederica palmed her forehead while Sherry hid herself behind the Duchess in fear.

“I will not deny my actions made in ignorance, but I am firm in my desire to be recognised as the master of the relic. The relic may be Your Majesty’s creation, but it later also became recognised as my family’s heirloom and is an important memento of my mother. I will not pretend to have a more legitimate claim to the relic but neither will I back down in my request.”

“Recognised as your family’s heirloom? How does it have to do… with my permission? There is no reason for me to grant the Jewels of Forneus, nor do you have a proper claim. This is travesty.”

“Both of those are true which is why all I can do is plead my case before Your Majesty. I neither wish to give up the relic nor become a thief which is why I have journeyed here to seek Your Majesty’s acceptance.”

“The Djinn of the Jewels speaks to me… your mother was… a thief. Killing the son of the father who rightfully passed the relic along. The odds are against you, son of the thief.”

“I… cannot believe that. I knew the woman who raised me to be a kind and gentle soul. I will not suffer her honour to be impuned even from Your Majesty. If the Djinn truly watched her life, it knows the strength of her character,” Roland shouted, some of the rage he was feeling entering his voice.

“Please understand, Your Majesty, Roland here is but a child and is very inexperienced. I would urge Your Majesty to reconsider and give him a chance,” Frederica pleaded.

“The child hath clearly insulted me and the spirit of the relic. I do not see the merit in such an insolent behaviour to lend my armament,” the King blatantly stated.

“Your Majesty has his pride and so do I,” Roland state. “I will suffer any attack against myself. If I myself did something to offend, I will apologise and grovel for forgiveness. But to impugn the honour of the one who raised me single-handedly from birth I will not abide, no matter from a King or a pauper. It is true I do not know what kind of person my mother was before my birth, however I did watch her, learn from her, for the sixteen years she was in my life. If the Djinn were also watching, they saw the same person I did.”

Roland looked down, trying to calm himself when he noticed the Jewels of Forneus had undergone a change. The previously brilliantly blue pearls were now jet black. This may be where my dream dies, he thought as he took a guess as to what it might mean, but better to live true to my convictions than play in the hand of a tyrant who has forgotten how to understand human emotions. Raising his head again he stared down Solomon unflinchingly as he awaited his response.

“The spirit revolts against your words now… the once cherished child who was innocent and pure now denied the claims and honesty of the spirit. Your words hath fallen on deaf ears. My decree is for the Jewels of Forneus to be granted their wish and come back to my possession.”

Frederica’s shoulders slumped. She patted Roland’s shoulder. “You had your chance, but I suppose conviction and honesty was your only path.”

“If I deny the one who made me everything I am, then I am nothing. I’d rather honour the one who gave me everything than forsake them for a borrowed power.” Roland took off his bracers and left them at Solomon’s feet. Speaking to the jewels he said, “Despite how we are parting I will not forget how you kept me safe and be forever grateful.” Turning away from Solomon he said, “There will be other paths to my dream but the one who raised me will never change.”

“I would punish you here and now and plunge you to the depths of the Void, but in honour of the Queen’s servant, I shall spare you.”

“I need no mercy from one who cannot understand the bond between child and parent. If my punishment for the sin of refusing to forsake the memory of my mother be that I shall be cast into the Void then I shall accept that punishment with pride. I will claw my way out and continue to live straightforward with honesty and conviction as I was taught by her.”

“Very well, if you would continue the insults then I see no reason to let you live, much less crawl in the Void.” King Solomon grasped the hilt of his colossal blade tightly after who knew how many years. The clouds started turning darker again, and with growls the King sent waves of air away. Adding to the intensity of the wind that usually blowed, this already pulled Roland off the ground of the planet.

The King’s blade drew an arc and a massive explosion took place as if a star had burst, destroying many planets of the Realm in the process, and all three of his visitors were lost.