Shotty Too Hotty Posts

With the can of iced green tea somehow balanced on Hare’s head, the two arrived at the cafeteria. Michael could see some strands of icy cold water going down her face due to the sweating can, but she seemed much calmer than her lazy and wobbly-self for some reason as a result of placing the can on her head… and she seemed pleased. Really pleased.

“Here, biscuits, you owe big sister here much more now!” she said, placing the can down before Michael on the table they shared now after placing a pack of sweet biscuits.

“Thank you very much. Although, I am older than you so if anything, I’m the big brother here.” He opened the pack of biscuits, which he had paid for, and took a piece. “I like sweet things,” He commented.

“Hush, I am the older sister by default,” Hare huffed, drinking her tomato juice. She then took the piece of biscuit Michael was about to eat. “That’s not how you eat,” she said with a smirk. “With an older sister around, this is how it goes! Say †˜aaah.’” Hare brought the biscuit closer to Michael’s mouth, trying to feed him.

Michael tilted his head for a second, wondering why the girl felt compelled to feed him. However, if he decided to argue with her, he felt like it would take longer before he could eat. Sighing in his mind in defeat, he took the whole biscuit Hare was holding into his mouth. “Thfiss is goofd,” he said while having a mouth filled with biscuit.

“Jeez, don’t chew while talking,” Hare said, while chewing down a biscuit as she spoke herself.

“My bad,” Michael said after he swallowed his food. “It was good, the biscuit,” he said as he took his can of now lukewarm tea and opening it.

“So how is it?” Hare questioned, putting her head over the backs of her hands.

“Well, it’s too warm to be iced, and too cold to be hot. It didn’t reach the proper temperature after all,” Michael commented, looking at the can.

“I told you. It’d not reach the kind of hotness you wanted. Like, I warned you earlier! Really!”

“What did you get?” Michael asked, pointing at the food.

“Nothing really. I didn’t really feel like getting anything in particular. So I just stuck with this drink,” she said, slurping on her tomato juice.

Michael took a biscuit and brought it closer to Hare. “Here.”

“Oh, good pet, you. Aaaah.”

After feeding Hare the biscuit—who savored it and enjoyed the cream filling like it was addictive— Michael took a sip of the tea, not seeing how lewdly Hare ate the food. “So how is i-” He choked on tea as he saw her chewing.

“Hm? Something the matter?” Hare asked, finally gulping down the biscuit. “You seem stumped about something.”

“Stop eating like that,” Michael commented, biting another piece of biscuit. “It’s distracting,” he finished.

“But I like to enjoy my food,” Hare earnest stated, “Or do you just like how I eat?” She smirked.

“Eat and savor your food properly!” he said, lightly chopping her head.

“Like this?” Hare parted the biscuits and revealed the layer of cream before slowly licking the cream off with an erotic look at Michael. She then ate the cream. “Mnm, it’s so good.”

Michael just averted his gaze and continued sipping tea. “So, what is it that you wanted to learn about the West?”

“I don’t think there is much to learn when I think about it—I sorta got lazier after I came here—as far as my interests are concerned anyway,” Hare said, with a yawn, apparently growing bored from the change of subjects. “But the elders think there is much for us to learn… well, I guess I sorta learned, and sorta didn’t… sorta.”

“Well then, what are you interested in?”

“Do you really want to know?”

“I… think.”

Hare smiled, but somehow there was a bit of melancholy mixed in it.

“The Descendants.”

“Ah, it’s so cold!” Hare held a can of a tomato juice. An iced tomato juice. She then handed Michael an iced coffee can from the vending machine, before pressing her own drink can against her cheek. “Feels good if you do that, especially when it’s hot. C’mon, priest, try it.”

“Why is this coffee cold?” Michael asked, observing the can rather than copying what Hare told him.

“Because it can be great that way. Try it. It’s good,” Hare replied in a matter-of-factly manner.

“What’s next, cold tea?” Michael joked, opening the can. “Hm, this is good indeed,” he said after gulping it down.

“Hm? We do have iced tea though? What about it?” Hare inquired, tilting her head.

“Huh. Do you have sweet biscuits?” Michael asked, not entirely believing what Hare said. But she gave no reason for him to distrust her, and she just gave him cold coffee. Even if he paid for it.

“I could grab some if you’re that hungry,” Hare said with indifference. “They’re out of the world, if you haven’t tried them already.”

“Eh, I’ll go with you, then. Let’s finish our snacks there,” Michael said as he stood up and drank the rest of his coffee. “Also, let’s try that cold tea.”

“Try get it yourself this time. I mean, practice makes perfect; since I hear a lot of Brit-gents fail to get their drinks from vending machines,” Hare lazily said, pointing at the buttons and the slit where the money was supposed to be inserted. “That said, if you’re picky about your tea, make sure you check which you’re getting… I mean, there’s iced green tea, iced ginger tea… and whatnot.”

“On the other hand, this coffee is pretty good, I think I’ll get this again instead. Also, that’s a dumb rumour,” he replied, taking money out of his pocket. He walked to the machine and followed Hare’s instructions. After he had chosen the can of coffee, he waited for it to drop and picked it up—in his hand was a can of iced tea.

“Hahaha! I didn’t really believe it when I heard it, but this is awesome. Seeing rumors come true is a spectacular thing to see,” Hare remarked while laughing and holding her stomach. “Well, at least you didn’t get one of those chilli drinks.”

“So… I guess this is the fabled Iced Tea,” he said as he put the can on top of Hare’s head.

“An iced green tea, yes—hey, my head isn’t your can stand!”

“It’s cold, though. Isn’t it?”

“W-Well… can’t argue with that,” Hare said, already seemingly pleased from the coolness spreading about on her scalp.

“I wonder how long it will take till it gets hot enough,” Michael mumbled to himself.

“It won’t be hot enough!”

The library appeared to be quaint. The familiar scent of books danced across the place. Michael came across countless shelves of books. Some scholars seemed to be studying there, despite the classes being in session. In fact, some seemingly from the staff were also researching with books. There seemed to be someone who was like a young caretaker, using magic to sort books out in the corner; making books fly across the air.

Hare sat down, finding unoccupied chairs across a table.

“So, what are you looking for here?”

“Not really sure, you could say I have quite a bit of time to waste,” Michael replied, sitting across Hare. “What were you supposed to do if you didn’t bump to me?” He rested his cheek on his left hand, unsure on what topic he wanted to read about.

Hare slumped her head down on the desk. “Dunno. Wander? I’m bored. You have any amusing ideas?”

“Well, I don’t really wanna get kicked out by doing something troubling...” Michael said, sighing. “I’m here for a certain matter, and right now I’m basically waiting for things to happen.”

“Then let’s talk. Why is a priest of the Church here in this Academy?” Hare asked, smirking. “Surely something interesting is going ooooon… riiight?”

Michael’s hand slipped from surprise and his face almost hit the table. “You knew, huh?”

“With the cross, the scent around you, and your facial features… well, it isn’t exactly hard to tell from how you speak, too. You didn’t find it strange that I could speak in English, being a Shrine Maiden?”

“My smell? I made sure I took a bath though…” Michael frowned. “I figured some of you scholars are able to talk in English so I wasn’t that surprised anymore…”

“Among the Hime Mikos, I was one of the few who was taught about the Western world early… so yeah. I have a sensitive nose, by the way. So I can telllll,” Hare said, smiling wider after hearing about the bath Michael took. The length of her nose certainly rose in her mind.

“You said you’re a Shrine Maiden? I thought your dress was something of a fashion statement in Japan, to be honest.”

“Hahah! Of course not, we Mikos simply wear that stuff to… uh, why was it again? Dunno, we just do, but man, it sure is hot here. How are you able to run around in that stuffy-looking suit?”

“Your clothes look cool to me, though,” Michael replied. The girl’s smile was causing him to smile too. “I guess I just got used to it? I’m actually wearing less stuff than when I am in London. Are you sure you don’t have some sort of seasonal sickness or something of the sort?”

“Mnm… well I am attuned to heat and fire in a way no one else is, so I guess it’s just annoyingly hot for me sometimes,” Hare replied, sighing. “I get a lot of fevers too… ugh. So, anyway, how’s it here in Japan compared to London?”

“Haven’t really had a chance to go out. Can’t speak Japanese, remember? My partner is too strict to take time and walk leisurely, anyway.” Michael took note of the strange feeling he sensed from the girl, strange due to the fact that it wasn’t anything he had encountered so far.

“Mnm… I see. You didn’t come prepared, eh? Heh. What are you after here? If you wanted to label the Buddhists as heretics you’d be killing left and right by now. So that means… ahh, I see, vampires, right?”

“My mother said a gentleman should be filled with mysteries,” Michael teased.

“That doesn’t include ladies, smarty-pants.”

“I guess so. I didn’t think she was serious when she told me that, to be completely honest.” Michael shrugged. “What’s a Buddhist Meko doing in the Academy anyway?”

“It’s †˜Mi-ko.’ Anyway, we weren’t supposed to be enrolled in the past, but our elders finally decided that we should uhh… what was it agaaaaaain? Riiiiight. Something about learning more and uhh… learning more about the western world… man all of that sounded boring at first. Though, now I think it’s interesting with all the western stuff here . It’s less hotter here too.”

“Wouldn't it be better to learn in London? They do not wish to be that far from you, huh?”

“What kinda person would go to the enemy’s territory for academic studies? The Japanese and the westerners are at war for the most part, right?”

“Oh. Right. Well, as you've guessed, we don't really care about that. The Church, I mean.”

“That can’t be true when the Church did supply some of their knights, priests, and nuns in the last Great Mages’ War, but to each their own. Meh. Not like everyone likes wars. I just like to laze around anyway.”

“Well, they did send me here.” Michael thought about it for a moment and realized he was in the lower ranks in terms of importance. “Huh. Well. I think you should try to learn what you can here. It would be a waste not to.”

“Maybe! One day! Certainly… later!” And that was how his encouragements were immediately dismissed by Hare. “Hey, treat me to something. You’re older, right? I want to drink something cold.”

Michael’s eyebrow twitched at the girl’s attitude. He sighed, “I'll treat you with something nice and cold if you promise to study well.”

“A thing like studying is not motivated by others, but themselves! But reaaaaallly? You wouldn’t even pay back the big girl who showed you to the library? So ungratefuuuul. Hasn’t someone taught a priest to be a kind gentleman?”

“Haaaa... Fine. Let's get you something cold. You’re staying with me though, we'll be studying together. But first.” He stood up and lightly chopped the girl’s head.

“Study together? You mean like all those boys who stare at my chest? Mister, are you a pervert posing as a priest?” Hare questioned with a smirk. “Kyaa.” She pretended to be embarrassed. “That’s not good, you know? You can’t concentrate on studying if you do that.”

“Stare at your che—” Michael palmed his face. “Let's just... Do you want the drink or not?”

“Haha! Your face is red. You’re amusing… alright, alright, I’ll drop the joke,” Hare said, putting her smile down and getting up. “After you, gentleman.”

“Heh. After you, vixen,” the priest gestured towards the exit.

“And that’s the second time I have to lead you around. Another favor right there!”

Michael thought of himself as a responsible person. Ever since he was a young child, he had been taught that every person had certain responsibilities to carry in life, and that it differed from person to person. It took him a while to understand but he did learn the meaning behind it, for it was hard to ignore the realities staring one in the face, even if it was for just a young child. As he grew up, he never forgot the lessons he learned, and although sometimes it took some time, he’d always finished what was assigned to him. It became some sort of a habit, and eventually he slowly forgot to ask why. Was it because he inherently trusted these decisions?

He did not know.

Today started like any other. When he woke up he saw Lily’s bed neatly arranged. “As strict as always, Lily,” he spoke to no one in particular. Sighing to himself, he started arranging his own bed before going on his daily exercises. He was staying at a room thousands of kilometers away from home, yet his routine remained the same. Wake up, exercise, and eat breakfast. It had been a few days since he had arrived in this foreign land, and his first few days had been very productive, and he congratulated himself and his partner for that. However, as smoothly as these first few days went, he realized a glaring flaw in the decision-making about sending him into Japan.

He did not speak a word of its language.

It did not present itself that huge a problem at the start, for his partner was fluent in the language. He did not really understand the signs in the Academy, but he eventually memorized where the important areas were: where to eat, where to bathe, where to sleep. All the people he had talked to regarding his mission spoke English, and to be completely honest, some spoke English better than him. But now, he was just waiting, like a hunter who had set his trap. However, this inherently created a flaw he had noticed.

He had nothing to do.

Sighing for the second time that morning, he decided that he might as well continue his tour of the Academy, maybe this time in search of a library to read some books there. He couldn’t really do much else until his partner returned, and he swore to not cause any disturbance to the scholars, after all. “The library it is then. Wherever it may lie.” He decided as he tightened the buckle of his sword belt. After sliding the sheath into the belt, he walked out of the room, locking the door as he left.

He proceeded to the main corridors connecting the various rooms of the Academy’s main building, his head deep in thought as he walked. The classes were in session, so he was sure he wouldn’t be causing trouble as he walked around. He bit into the apple he had nicked from the kitchens as he turned on a corner, but suddenly he felt something bump into him.

“Ah…! Sorry about that…” an unfamiliar voice apologized.

Michael looked down to a head of scarlet. The woman stepped back, rubbing her eyes.

“No, no I wasn’t paying attention, I am sorry. Are you hurt?”

“No… not really,” she answered, yawning. “I was being careless, so don’t apologize.”

“No one is at fault then, Miss…?” Michael said as he looked at the girl he had bumped into. Scarlet hair accentuated by her pale white skin, and she was roughly as tall as Laura. Maybe Lily’s height? “Seems to me like you just woke up,” he observed.

“Not quite… it’s just so hot here that I got light-headed.” She continued to rub her eyes. “You don’t seem like you’re from around here, Mister… why are you coming towards the female toilet?”

“Huh, this isn’t the way to the library?” Michael asked, his curiosity piqued by the girl. “Aren’t the scholars supposed to be at class?”

“Our teacher is out for something, so we’re free to do self-studies… mnm, I guess I’m skipping, ehehe…” she answered, giving a rather mischievous smile. “I can take you to the library if you want, by the way.”

Michael grinned at the girl. “Well then, I’ll be in your care Miss. I am Michael Kallweit, by the way. What should I call the generous soul who would guide me?”

“Hm? Ah… my name is Hare Matsurika. Nice to meet you,” she introduced, giving a terse bow before passing by Michael and leading the way.

Natsu was finished with classes for the day. It was the third day in the Academy for her. She was slowly getting used to her new life. Balancing her idol career and studying was still quite the task to surmount, but she was starting to accept it bit by bit. If anything, it still scared her that some of the scholars here would want her life taken.

On her way to the dormitory, there was an exotic man in a suit who seemed to be looking around, and upon chancing a glance at Natsu, he approached her.

“Good day, little miss,” he greeted. “Do you understand English?”

“Huh...?” Natsu didn't expect to be approached by the man. “Ah, hai... I mean, yes,” Natsu responded in English to assure the man that she could. “Did you need something?” Natsu asked politely.

“Erm, yes. I am looking for Kaze—Kazehaya Natsu’s class. Are you her classmate?” Michael replied, relieved that the student was able to understand him.

“Ah, that's my name,” Natsu said with a small giggle and a smile. "So, you were looking for me?"

Michael returned the girl’s smile. “In fact, I am. I apologize for not introducing myself, my name is Michael, Michael Kallweit. You could say I wanted to meet you, miss,” he said, offering his hand for a handshake.

“Michael Kallweit-san?” Natsu repeated his name in order to make sure she remembered it correctly. She returned his handshake, and said, “It's nice to meet you!” It had been ages since Natsu had greeted someone in such a manner, outside of her idol work. Shaking hands wasn't a prevalent tradition in Japan.

“I did not expect for you to speak English so well, Miss Kazehaya.” Her cheerfulness reminded him of the times he was with Iris. He imagined that Iris would love to be friends with this girl. Well, at least before she got healed. I think. “Do you have time or are you in a hurry? I would not wish to intrude on your schedule,” he inquired.

“I should have some time…” Natsu informed Michael, glancing at her phone to check the clock. She needed to check into her production office later today, but there were a couple of hours between the end of her classes and that. “Is there something you needed me for?”

Michael scratched the back of his head, remembering that he was explicitly told that he was to guard the girl without her noticing. “Erm, well… Not exactly? You could say I am… an interviewer… of sorts, Hahaha.” He had realized he was unaccustomed to talking to young girls after all.

“Hmm?” Natsu tilted her head, not understanding his meaning. “So, you're like a reporter?” she asked, with a confused look on her face. “Wait, that can't be, this Academy is in the Magic Realm…” Natsu murmured to herself, growing a bit suspicious of the man. She looked the man straight in the eye and questioned him warily. “Who exactly are you, Michael-san?”

Michael sighed, recalling how Mary mocked his ability to lie. He pulled out the crucifix pendant he was wearing inside of his clothes then spoke, “To be completely honest, I was sent here by a party of interest and was tasked to help defend you, just in case.” Well, something like that. Michael returned the pendant to his shirt and then made an apologetic smile towards her. “Forgive me for lying, but I forgot I was told by the Headmistress to not approach you. But by the time I remembered, it was too late…”

“Huh, is that so...?” Natsu said, her voice trailing off. It seemed more believable when the Headmistress was mentioned. She did promise that people would protect Natsu, but even those from outside the country? Natsu was surprised at the lengths they were going to in order to assure her safety. “In that case, thank you! I really appreciate it!” Natsu said gratefully, her mood returning to a happy state. “But, why didn't they want you to speak with me...? I would feel more comfortable knowing what kind of people are keeping an eye on me. You seem like a kind man, Michael-san,” she stated earnestly.

Michael was surprised by the girl’s positive response towards him. “My organization doesn’t exactly play nice with others, to be completely honest. Are you perhaps new to the community of the Magic World?” he asked her with a smile. He had assumed so when he considered her response to him, for if she knew he was from the Church, she might’ve feared or at least found a way to end their conversation. Especially considering that she was a Descendant and he was an Executor.

Natsu laughed awkwardly. “Yes...I only learned of the existence of magic a couple months ago…” she admitted with an embarrassed look. “I enrolled here so that I could understand everything that's happening around me,” Natsu added while nodding her head. She seemed determined.

“How do you find it so far? I hope your experience with the Magic World has been mostly enjoyable,” he said. The girl’s attitude in general filled him with hope, and a question. Was this the same girl that did that slaughter months ago? I find it hard to believe.

“It’s been... unpleasant, to say the least…” Natsu said in a soft mumble. “Lots of things happened before I enrolled here…”

Michael sensed the uneasiness of the girl and patted her head without a second thought. “Please try to see instead the beautiful things magic can do. Admittedly, we are living in troubled times, but we are doing our best so that these times end quickly. Tomorrow—the future will be better, I promise.”

“I really hope so…” Natsu said somewhat dejectedly. It had been months, and still, it had been stressful. However, she took his words to heart and gave a small smile, telling him, “Thank you, Michael-san.”

“Good morning, Mister Kallweit. How may I help you?” the Headmistress inquired as Michael stood behind her desk.

Lily was out to investigate in the city, and it was Michael’s job to try and get as much information as possible in the Academy. However, before that he had one thing he absolutely needed to do, and that was speak with the Headmistress.

“Good morning, Miss Headmistress. I wish to be part of the Descendant’s security detail,” Michael replied.

“I am not sure I can allow non-staff members to participate in such an important affair,” the Headmistress replied, not looking up to the priest and still working with her documents.

“We have reason to believe that our target will come in contact with the Descendant, and soon,” Michael stated.

“And that reason would be?”

“Because they have done so before, with Pisces, and recently, Her Majesty the Queen. After their attempt was thwarted however, intelligence reports that they have entered Japan,” Michael replied, taking a step forward. “If we consider the location of the latest vampire attacks, there could only be a few things of interest within the immediate vicinity. The Academy...” He raised his thumb like he was counting. “... And the Descendant. I doubt they have any other reason to attack the Academy at this moment.”

“I do not know where you learned of this attack on Pisces, but I am aware of the assassination attempt of Her Majesty the Queen… but how does that prove your point? The Queen is a powerful Archmage as far as I know. I sense the ramblings of an over-thinking man. It is too big a conclusion to reach that the Academy will be raided.”

“We do not wish to be rude, especially since you have been an hospitable host, but this matter is not to be taken lightly. I would rather act before another tragedy happens,” Michael replied. “One would only need to take the Descendant’s schedule to mount an attack when she is vulnerable outside the Academy.”

“That does not answer the question,” the Headmistress responded. “Or are you going to ignore me while making a request?”

“It stands to reason that in no way would the Academy be attacked soon, but aside from the two, there seems to be no logical reason for BLoodluSt to be here in Japan. If BLoodLuSt wanted the Queen dead, they would try again, but they didn’t,” Michael reasoned out. “They went to Japan as the news about the tragic attack on a Descendant spread.”

“Hmm… but there was an entire month between the attack on Sagittarius and the Queen’s Meeting… to be specific, there was two weeks more as well. If they wanted, they could’ve targeted Sagittarius when she was still not under the protection of our Academy.”

“It could be that they had not yet identified her before that. The attack on the Queen was something that was planned beforehand too, and they likely took a lot of preparations.” Michael paused, recalling once more the moment Marco bursted out of Laura. He calmed himself down before continuing, “...They almost managed to succeed, too. So I argue that Sagittarius wasn’t part of the plan then, but now she is.”

“However, The Times published the news of Sagittarius in less than three days after the big battle quite literally. It should have come to their attention that Sagittarius lies here in Tokyo.”

“And now they are in Tokyo.”

“They are still known for attacking politicians and other bigwigs—much more than Descendants.”

“It doesn’t seem that those warrant the Countess herself to appear in Japan. I believe it still is reasonable to take the precaution of increasing the Descendant’s security detail.”

“But she has, though…” Lumiere wasn’t sure if Michael was misleaded or not. Eventually, she sighed. “Alright, have it your way. We wouldn’t want her to find harm after transferring to our academy anyway. However, you and your partner will not directly accompany her. Follow her if you will.”

“Thank you for understanding.” Michael bowed and exited the room.

Lumiere started coughing as soon as Michael left, palming her mouth before looking at it. “I suppose I do not have long. Damn you…” she spoke to herself, looking down at her bloodied hand.

“Are you alright, ma’am!?” Weiss came through the solid-glass window and quickly held Lumiere’s hand and wiped off the blood. She had been hiding behind a large mirror, listening to the conversation the whole time.

“Do you think I am?” the Headmistress said, giving a dry laugh before coughing again. “My body is reaching its limit its all.”

“I see. I guess we can’t transfer your consciousness to another body. You need to rest, ma’am… you know what, I’ll just carry you, it’ll be faster that way. Hold on.”

Weiss then picked up the Headmistress on her arms and gave her a bridal carry, and dashed through the window with her Commandment and made way for the dormitory. The dormitory for the teachers had a special room made for the Headmistress. Before long, they arrived to said room. Weiss then carefully placed Lumiere on her bed and covered her with a blanket.

“Even if you do this, nothing will change. Eventually, my life is to be extinguished,” Lumiere mumbled, but she took to resting regardless.

“Everyone will die eventually, ma’am. All we can do is delay said death.” She stood guard in case would anyone try to enter the room.

“Oh? Are you saying that an immortal like you even expects death?”

“Of course. There will always be someone that can take my life away eventually. I need to get stronger before that happens.”

“I see. You are strong already if you ask me…”

“Not enough, I still need to kill that geared sword person that killed my husband.”

“William John Frederick Powlett, is it? He is dangerous even to you.”

“So that’s his name. The things that I remember are shadows of his face and the screeching sound of his sword. I think I saw him at the Meeting, but I’m not sure.”

“He was at the Meeting, but I suppose you were simply doing your job.”

“Yes. I tend to keep my personal life away from work.”

“Well, that’s what it means to be a professional.”

“Indeed.” She paused. “Which reminds me, the idol that you asked me to investigate is related to something called the Genesis Project, and she got a Level Two authority over the marionettes and Guardians.”

“...What?!” Lumiere snapped. “So it came down to that after all. I suppose it was inescapable destiny. Regardless, Weiss, good work, perhaps you should take some rest too.”

“I’ll rest once my work here is done, for now I’ll protect you, ma’am.” She nodded.

“Sheesh… you are too hardworking.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Weiss woke up. There were bars made out of iron and walls looking green and blue, which made them appear to be more like solid crystals. This was a jail unlike any other. She could hardly hear anything, nor could she find a security camera, or a passing warden.

“Rather dead prison.” She poked the bars and walls. She felt an electrical sensation when she touched the walls. “Iron bars, and crystal walls? Not bad. With electricity running through the walls too.” She crossed her arms, and thought, I guess I can go through the walls. The electricity ain’t that bad.

As she activated her power with a small bit of spiritual energy, the electricity was no longer able to do any damage, and she easily went through.

What she didn’t expect was a complete layer made of some form of different energy, and this pushed her back into her cell in such a way that she was rather confused with her head spinning. How on earth was she back here? Why couldn’t she just cross through like always?

Laser coated too? This just keeps getting better and better. She crouched down to feel the floor. Same material. So the only way to get out is through. . . . She looked at the bars. Once I step out, the alarm is bound to ring. Weiss moved to each corner of the bars and looked across the empty hallways. The path seemed long and she couldn’t see any wall or other pathways extending from where she was.

Bracing herself, she walked past the bars with her power, but the alarms did not sound as she guessed they would. Perhaps it was thanks to her power; it allowed her to avoid touching the bars altogether. So maybe they couldn’t detect what they couldn’t touch. Then how did the electricity block her Commandment earlier?

Regardless, Weiss ran and looked for a way out. It seemed like every cells had strange-looking beings locked up. Some seemed foreign indeed. As she thought about all these locked up people staring at her with jealousy of her freedom—ignorant to the fact that she was still a prisoner like them—she heard footsteps. Someone was coming from the intersection of a different corridor straight before her.

By reflex, she crouched down at the corner and activated her suit’s invisibility feature as the person’s footsteps got louder.

“Wha- she turned invisible,” someone mumbled before the warden came into view.

It was a marionette. No one special like a Guardian such as Mio. The marionette surveyed the surroundings, and gave every cells a glance. It only felt like something was outside in the corridor for a moment but she treated it as an imagination of her own. She passed by Weiss without seeing her but when she came to Weiss’ cell; she realized that the prisoner had escaped.

Seeing this opportunity, Weiss ran ahead and crossed the intersection while the alarms started to sound audibly all over the prison facility. She sensed some people, possibly armed forces, coming from straight ahead. The pathway was so long and was already in the middle of it to simply turn back to escape attention. Who know if the others could see her or not. If someone like a Guardian could see her and came to pursue her, it’d be bad for her.

Weiss looked about, and saw that there was a door some meters behind her. So as not to make any sound or leave a hint; the android chose to cross through the door with her Commandment.

Inside, there was a table and some chairs. There was no people. However, she found a robot gazing intently outside through a window. On the table Weiss saw some papers, and as she tiptoed, she realized that a photo was pinned on the front.

A photo of Natsu Kazehaya.

Doing something about the robot may alert the others searching for her. Thus, Weiss chose to go through the documents instead. She could remember the contents after reading once so it was a better choice. Such was the brain of an android, her memory couldn’t be underestimated.

There were incidents detailed regarding Natsu Kazehaya. An attack by the European Alliance that took place in Tokyo when she was on her way to her agency’s office in the morning three months ago. Following the incident, the next day they attacked again. This time, with younger individuals helping the case to take her down. It was specifically mentioned that Natsu Kazehaya should not be arrested or charged by the marionettes and the Guardians no matter what, and that they should follow her commands if they were ever given any. Her level of command was apparently labeled †˜Command level 2’, but Weiss wasn’t sure what this meant. Perhaps there was an order of commanding individuals in the country, so maybe a politician or the Prime Minister would have higher levels?

The reasoning given behind Natsu’s level of authority was simply stated as †˜because Kazehaya Natsu will later become a part of the Genesis Project.’

Genesis Project? To think that some idol got strings attached like this. Weiss thought after imprinting the information in her head. Now I must escape. She managed to take a glimpse of the outside world from the window where the bot was standing. She sneaked to the corner of the room and used her Commandment to get through the wall. Just when she was about to scale down the outer wall, the bot that was in the room spotted her, but it was too late.

Weiss was already out of sight.

“Attention to the marionettes in the area,” Mio began. “A foreigner was found. Not registered with our country. Apprehend her.”

Weiss ran across the alleys of the area of Akihabara.

Mio could hardly keep up. “Stop in the name of the law,” she shouted, but Weiss only turned to check the distance. “You have nowhere to run,” she soon declared as Weiss found herself at a dead end.

“Do I?” She looked up and jumped from wall to wall to go up. “Bye!” she teasingly said and ran on the roofs. This is too open.

Weiss then jumped down from the roof and onto another alleyway. She kept running to give her more distance from her chaser, but immediately there were gunshots. Before Weiss were marionettes looking like completely ordinary women holding guns. She turned, and the other side was blocked as well.

So these are those so-called Marionettes. Looks like I have to use that one move, she thought before running into a wall and going through it. Can’t stop here. She kept running past walls and avoided the alleys and roads. If only I knew the general places of tokyo, I could find the blindspots of the security here.

However, she couldn’t stay inside the walls for long when lasers burnt them down and her form was revealed.

The android was surrounded.

Marionettes all pointed guns while Mio was in the air donning an armor of white and black, pointing a cannon toward her that was charging with energy.

“Surrender, or I’m going to blow you to bits. Literally.”

“Oh, so that’s what that armor that you told me before looks like,” she yelled at Mio from below.

“Well, aren’t you lucky, to be able to see it in all its glory? Not many sees it nowadays,” Mio said. The laser shot down at her.

Weiss put up her guard with her arms up as the beam of light rained down on her. After the ordeal, she looked up, and her arms were burnt with the left arm having a hole on it.

“Oh, tough, aren’t you? Normal people would be dead meat by now.”

“Too bad I’m not one of those normal people.” Weiss then jumped up on the roof. She charged her legs and jumped straight to the armored woman. She extended her hand forward, trying to deliver a punch. Mio saw this and fired a laser onto Weiss. Weiss’ punch cut right through the laser and managed to hit Mio hard on her armored chest. Weiss fell down and landed on her feet directly below Mio’s flying armor, covered in smoke, but was shot down by the marionettes subsequently.

“Too bad, I felt nothing.” Mio descended slowly as she looked down at the fallen android, hit with suppressors all over her body. Weiss started to lose her consciousness as she couldn’t move anymore. “Take her away and put her in jail.”

From Shinjuku to Shibuya, to Chiyoda to Akihabara. Weiss had been roaming across Tokyo the whole morning while attempting to avoid appearing on cameras. Thus, she realized that the security cameras were unlike any in Russia when they turned to her deliberately as she tried to escape them.

Regardless, this was the second time she had been to the city of Tokyo.

The first time, she could scarce believe the transparent roads upon which levitating cars could almost literally fly. The lightings, the designs, shields against rain and lightning, everything here was so distinctive from Russia that she almost thought what she visited was paradise. In time, time was actually a thing which appeared odd to her. The weather still changed despite the sky being cloudy all the time too like Russia. Russia’s weather was always winter no matter what.

It was also where she saw some ads of Natsukaze playing on open televisions sets across certain buildings, and some large posters advertising a concert to be held. She saw the same poster today too. The date of the live concert was the day after tomorrow, she noted. Of course, she’d have no reason to be there as it wouldn’t help with her mission, yet it was one of those useless pieces of information anyone would pick up from advertisements.

Without having realized it herself, Weiss had been pleasantly surprised by the architecture of the city. The shininess; the cleanliness; and the lack of poverty all delighted her in some manner. Even the air was very clean, and there was a scent which made her consider whether or not the city was quite literally perfumed. She hung around looking for maps and information about the government offices with a can of iced tea. Indeed, she chose to have a beverage. Despite being an android, there were times when having nourishment was simply a pleasure to engage in.

Funnily enough, she had obtained the beverage not from a vending machine, but a vending machine bot.

A vending machine bot.

Robots going around the city; patrolling across set distances to find people with parched throats wanting hot or cold drinks across the pavements. They had arms and legs but otherwise looked like normal vending machines with drinks on display. These robots would accept payment and in return would provide whatever drink was requested, granted they’d have them in store. Weiss was having a rather hard time believing that she conversed with one such robot almost as normally as she’d speak with a fellow android.

Speaking of robots, she found cleaning bots around, ones that were actually more advanced than Steel Princess’. There were also †˜sweet’ bots carrying around all kinds of sweet foods and confectionaries. She even witnessed some women who was apparently much like her, but they were called marionettes. To say the least, she was surprised in more ways than one.

Surprise was an emotion she indeed possessed, and so were the rest of the emotions other ordinary humans did. In actual fact Weiss never lost her emotions. Her emotion circuit—not quite a module as she would state—had always worked passively, and never really required an activation process. She seemed to be under a delusion that her †˜past self’ was locked in some form of an activation, while her own personality caused her to simply change things. Her own personality valued professionalism and stoicness it seemed, and when she mixed her own form of thinking with that of the side-effects of being an android, she came to a natural misunderstanding.

As one would know, an android possessed two-fifths of the emotions humans had. However, they did not lack a specific type of emotion: they were simply toned down due to slight modifications to the brain for them to be more effective for work.

Eventually, Weiss was more roused by curiosity and was rather lost as she arrived in Akihabara. Electronic stores appeared all over the place before her. Some people were wearing ancient-looking clothes as if they were medieval, others wearing futuristic, a few wearing modern day clothes like from America or Europe—just as they would outside this country. This concept of cosplaying was foreign to the android. She could also see maids running about handing fliers, advertising their maid cafés.

A maid soon handed Weiss one, too. Now she really had no idea what she should do, but she felt extremely tempted to indulge herself in this thriving electronic city.

However, something strange visited her ears… a song by a metal rock band. It reminded her of the sounds she heard when her husband died… It brought a most human feeling to her; fear. A café or a store would be perfect for an escape from that horrid noise now.

She ran into the café from the aforementioned flier near her while covering her ears, trying not to hear the horrible sounds from the metal rock band. She took a deep breath as the door closed behind to calm herself down.

“Welcome, Mistress,” the maids greeted her.

Ignoring the welcome phrase, Weiss walked awkwardly to the farthest table in the corner which seemed to be empty, and sat down, holding herself tight.

“At least ask for permission before you join me,” an unfamiliar voice spoke.

She was so hasty that she did not notice that there was someone on the other side of the table when she sat down. Due to the noise, she had been completely careless. The girl was a native Japanese from what it seemed; beautiful black eyes and black shiny hair with pale white skin. She was slender and seemed to have a rather trained build under the black tight-fit dress she donned. She slurped at her espresso.

“Are you even listening?”

“Huh?” She looked at the source of the voice. “I-I’m s-sorry. I d-didn’t not-tice that ther-re was someone he-ere.” She took another deep breath, but was still shivering.

The girl narrowed her eyes and watched Weiss shake, so much that she’d likely cause tea to pour out of a cup if she held one. “Well, I don’t mind, but you should calm down,” she said, handing her a bottle of mineral water.

“Thank you.” She slowly held the bottle and drank half of it. “ ...I feel somewhat better now,” she said while fixing her seating and posture. She then closed her eyes and counted to three, something that her husband taught her in the past. When she opened her eyes, she was back to her emotionless self. “Thank you, miss. I am in your debt.” She bowed.

“You’re in my debt for a bottle you may find anywhere…?” The girl questioned but was eventually curious. “Did something happened? Is someone chasing you perhaps?”

“No, nothing is after me. Only an event that happened in the past and has been haunting me ever since.” She paused. “How rude of me, my name is Weiss.” She bowed once more. “And you are?”

“Katori Mio, a pleasure to meet you.” Despite Mio’s words of formality she seemed rather cold. “You’re being haunted by your past?”

“Likewise, and yes, every time I hear a certain sound, it makes me remember. The result was what you saw before.”

“I see. Well, no one would want to talk about their trauma with a stranger.” The girl nonchalantly slurped at her beverage again. “However, if it’s a man or a woman in this nation, I may do something about it. Granted that it’s someone in this country who committed a crime to give you this problem.”

“I doubt that he’s from this country. I mean, from his name alone I can see that he’s not from Japan, but he may be visiting here for some reason I know nothing about. Then again, I should be the one who takes his life away.” She leaned back on the chair.

“Even if you say that, I cannot allow you to do such an act in our nation,” the girl replied, giving a cold glare. “I’d have to arrest you.”

“Alright, then I won’t. Well, it’s not like I can’t, but I know that he’s way stronger than me. So for now I won’t lift a finger on him,” she said calmly. It’s not like you guys can handle him anyway. She thought. “Anyway, I guess you’re one of the authorities here, right?” She tried to change the subject.

“Indeed, I am a member of the Guardians of Japan,” Mio admitted.

“I knew it, you got the looks.” She nodded while rubbing her chin. “Firm arms, tight abs, fit for a soldier.” She remembered what Lumiere said about showing a bit of expression just to make things more interesting. It’s all for blending in, yes.

“I see you have keen observation,” Mio said. She seemed rather indifferent. “Even though we have the Advent’s Armor, we still need to be fit for combat, after all.”

“Armor, huh? I guess one should fit the physique in order to operate them, no?”

“Something like that,” Mio answered vaguely. “Each are very different, though.”

“Such as?”

“Different weapons, sizes, whatnot.”

“I see, I wouldn’t mind touching one if I get the chance. I’d be really thrilled to ride one too!” Weiss giggled.

“I do not think many earn such opportunities, considering we do not bring them out until they are truly necessary… unless you’re a criminal,” Mio said with a smirk before she leaned a little closer to Weiss. “Say, you don’t look like an Asian. Do you have proper documents as an Outsider?

“Yes, but it’s back at an apartment that I’m currently staying in. The key is with my roommate so I can’t really go back until she’s home.”

“I see. Then, were you at least properly registered in the country?”

“Yes.”

“Let us see then.” The Guardian’s pupils gave away a scanning laser which analyzed Weiss’ entire body repeatedly from top to bottom. The resident maids and other customers all looked, and they seemed to be overjoyed at her presence… or so it seemed. “You are definitely not registered. May I kindly ask you to come with me to a security check station?”

“Erm. . . No?” Weiss quickly dashed out of her chair and to the outside. First, get out of the open and to the alleys

“Hey, wait!”

After talking to Margaret Alicia, Michael unpacked his luggage while waiting for Lily. By the time she arrived, night had already fallen, and he invited her to train in one of the training rooms he rented from the Headmistress. He resolved not to tell Lily that he put it on the Church’s bill.

Now, they were standing across each other in a wide arena, surrounded with white walls and a high ceiling.

He tapped the polished wooden floor with his foot, not entirely believing what the Headmistress said about it being magically fortified.

“So, I have talked to Margaret Alicia, and I may have a good lead on their motives on coming to Japan,” he spoke as he brandished a wooden sword.

At first they dueled as mages with their weapons in which his gunblade broke. After that, he bought an enchanted longsword that had a rather unique mechanic. Now it was easier to train knowing his wooden sword was more or less similar to his real sword aside from the weight.

“And that motive would be?”

With one hand, Lily took up a wooden sword too before holding the hilt with both hands even if it wasn’t heavy like her main broadsword. It felt rather uncomfortable using a wooden sword for some reason.

“It seems that they are trying to target a Descendant. Specifically, one who’s currently residing here at the Academy.”

Michael held his sword with both hands, positioned it at the side of his body, and waited for Lily to attack.

“A Descendant in this very Academy…? That is a surprising revelation, but it doesn’t make sense why the terrorists would target a Descendant. You’d think that’s the job of officially recognized magicians.”

Noting the priest’s readiness; Lily dashed in straight to Michael, and their swords clash. Her weight and the heaviness of the sword pushed the priest at least several meters in an instant.

“Apparently, it has happened once with Pisces. Although this time, Sagittarius—Miss Kazehaya Natsu—is a very plausible target.”

Michael changed his stance and charged at Lily as he made a downwards diagonal stroke, preparing for his attack to be parried. When his attack was parried by Lily, he slid his wooden shaft along Lily’s makeshift sword, he squinted his eyes as her weapon grazed him; but he continued and stepped in her guard and struck her in her stomach with the pommel of his wooden sword.

“Hm, so Pisces and Sagittarius are both candidates for their raids… I still cannot imagine the motive, however.”

Lily only grunted a little from the thrust, while Michael could hardly feel the difference between grunting and not grunting at all. The blade that slipped past the priest was used to push him aside, for which he found himself crashing against the wall.

“That’s the only part I haven’t had a clue about. What did your guy say?”

Once again, Michael charged at Lily. He dodged her blow as he ran a step past her. He quickly spun around as he made a sideward slice, utilizing his momentum to amplify his stroke.

Lily stumbled after receiving the strike, but used her wooden shaft as a means of support to prevent herself from falling.

“He was attacked by two… both were blonde, presumably late teens,” she reported composedly, turning and swinging her sword in the air, generating wind that was blocked by the priest. It would be an unbelievable move to a mundane, certainly, but among fantastical individuals it wasn’t anything new. “One of the two beat them all up except the informer, who in turn fled from fear. He was pursued, and taken out soon after.”

Right when the wind cleared, Lily’s wooden blade was already facing the priest’s.

“I’d assume that one of them was Claudia, but just having blonde as a description doesn’t really make it conclusive. Did both of them feed on the men? Did he say anything else?” Michael raised his guard and prepared to parry. Lily was too close, and he intended to create distance with her next blow.

“Since he ran away he doesn’t know any such things. However, one of them was dressed with Victorian era dress from what he could surmise, while the other seemed fashionable like any normal woman,” Lily answered.

She opted to kick at Michael’s abdomen instead of combating him with her weapon. She then attempted to thrust at him on the wooden floor immediately.

Michael didn’t expect Lily to kick him, and was caught completely off-guard when she did. When he saw how Lily was about to stab him; he pushed himself downwards with his arms and slid past her legs. He quickly rolled to face the floor and pulled her feet from behind, which made her stumble forwards.

“That could be them. Feeding in the middle of the day seems like something she’d do,” he said as he stood up and offered his hand to Lily.

Disregarding the offer; Lily sliced through the air horizontally with a turn from the floor and Michael felt his knees felt burning pain.

“No enemy on the battlefield would accept your hand, Michael.”

She picked herself up and responded to the topic at hand. “To add to the subject, if one of them brought down the rest then it is likely to serve the other… and if there is such a major difference in position, then it can only mean that the Representative is indeed…”

“In Japan,” Michael finished her sentence while sitting down. “As strict as always, Lily,” he commented while he raised his hands in defeat. His wooden sword was behind her and he lost his only advantage over her when she struck both his knees. It was nothing time couldn’t heal, but as of the moment, he could barely stand up.

Lily tossed Michael’s weapon at him. “As what should be expected of me—an enemy in combat,” she coldly replied. “With what we know I am not sure if there is any more need to search for information. All we need to know is where she is.”

“We could start from the area around where the incidents happened. We could create a rough area where they could be hiding.” Michael wanted to put the wooden sword back where he got it from immediately after catching it, but only kept holding it for now. “Considering they might’ve bought clothes from the shops, they might be trying to blend in with the community. Let us also not forget they might be planning to take on the Descendant; it would make sense to make their base near the Academy.”

“I do not think distance is an issue to the vampires, however. Considering traveling is extremely easy. Assuming they are well-financed—like most terrorists are—they should be able to afford the levitating taxis any day. Of course, having the base near the Academy would still make sense.”

“The second reason being, they had a base near a church in England. I just assumed that’s how they operate.”

“They did? I do not remember such information being publicized,” Lily stated, bewildered.

“It wasn’t. That would have been a huge scandal, even if it weren’t true,” he replied matter-of-factly.

“So where did that information come from? Is it even reliable?” Lily questioned.

“I am one hundred percent sure that it was reliable. However, I cannot state my sources,” he replied, as he recalled the scene in one of Mary’s Boundaries. That day when Laura got bitten. He unknowingly clenched his fists in anger.

Lily looked down at his shaking fists and decided to not inquire any further.

After classes were over, Aramus decided to visit Margaret Alicia’s office. The Duchess who was apparently banished from England for learning Supreme Spells. He couldn’t disturb her during the school periods, so this was the only good time he could think of. Luckily, Alicia was still behind her desk looking at her students’ papers when he entered. Likely homework submissions. He feared that she’d have leaf the Academy’s main building early like the rumors said.

“Duchess, do you have a moment?” Aramus asked after he was given permission to enter, standing a respectable distance from her.

“Well, I do… as you can see,” the Duchess said despite reading the materials before her, not willing to drop work on either side.

“Then I will make it quick for you. Her Majesty asks if you would be willing to lend your power in the upcoming fight against Virgo,” Aramus said tersely.

“I shall keep it terse myself then: I refuse.”

Aramus frowned, expecting such an answer if Her Majesty had bid him as she did. “Why Duchess? A Descendant seeks to take our country from us and you would not participate?”

“At the moment, I am affiliated with none other than the Eastern Magic Academy,” the Duchess answered, placing her materials down to face Aramus at last. “I see no other purpose than to do my duty as a teacher; teach, help the children grow, observe, and protect them. Is that not the most ideal purpose of a teacher?”

“And when Virgo turns her attention here? What then, Duchess? America is merely the start of her ambition. Your ideals are not wrong but we must look beyond the school if we are to let the children grow. I would not have my future charges grow up in a world torn apart by war,” Aramus stated.

The Duchess laughed. “Then allow me to put it this way, Magister Aramus Valmark. What if for some reason Virgo came here instead of America? What if the terrorists appeared here for Sagittarius while most were away for this operation? Who’d protect the children? Do you think you can? Can Your Majesty protect my daughter who is sheltered in this Realm?”

“I would fight for them, for Her Majesty and my students. As you say, there is no greater purpose than to help the children. My life is irrelevant in the greater scheme of things but if it can make a difference to the younger ones or in the upcoming conflict. Of course, I have full confidence in Her Majesty's ability to protect people but the issue is, if she can’t then perhaps none of us can.”

“Your answer is wrong, considering you’d be in America having candy or hamburgers while waiting for Virgo while your students are dying here,” Margaret replied, shaking her head. “You cannot even begin to try to do any of it alone. Hence someone has to stay behind. Besides, it is in our best interest to not bring a person like me who was exiled among the main forces.”

“When the cat's away, the mice will play, so to speak? I have more important things to do in the New World than to waste time on that right now, and it is simply because I cannot do it alone that I have to look to other people, namely you, for support. I am sure many of the people participating would be instead relieved to know you would be joining. Your mere presence would be a great morale booster,” Aramus added. ”The academies have always been neutral in the conflict between nations, but I fear that will all change should we fail.”

“It is as though you are deaf to reason. There is no true guarantee that Virgo will appear in America even if she claims that she will,” the Duchess said, displaying calmness unlike Aramus’ tone. “To be honest, even if I boost morale unexpectedly, it hardly changes things for me. I will remain here for the sake of my daughter, and I do not think you will have an adequate reason to sway my decision more than what was heard already. After all, if Her Majesty’s precious forces cannot, then my own presence will not amount to much. I would simply run away with my daughter, or something.”

“Virgo appeared and made the declaration after a very close attempt on my life, I might add. Perhaps she doesn’t appear in America but what if she does as per her words? If we are not there when it happens, the country will fall. As of now, we cannot even begin to estimate the strength of Virgo or whatever she might have ready, thus the need to gather as much manpower as possible,” Aramus said. “You are also a part of it and I would rather we fight together then split our strengths. There will be no place left to run if we fail, Duchess. The world will burn.”

“Even if Virgo appears in America, Her Majesty will do something about it,” the Duchess said rather nonchalantly. “I was once like you, caring about the world like a righteous man, but all dreams and glory end in time. I’d like to think I have retired from being a part of the army to fight an apparently large mammoth. Suffice it to say, this should be taken care of by the younger generation. Besides, they have Duchess Frederica, Duke Cavendish Bentinck, and that Powlett scum. If the crown wanted to concentrate the forces, she’d send much more than that, and we all know there’s more Dukes and Duchesses in London than these three,” Alicia stated, smirking. “I’d think Her Majesty’s line of thought is more similar to mine, but she is still being so uptight with her outlook of kindness and whatnot.”

Aramus resisted the urge to snicker upon hearing the way she addressed Powlett, not too far off from his own view. “I cannot speak for Her Majesty but if she thought it sufficient, I would not have been tasked to request your aid, Duchess. My views about the world are not so noble as you think they are either. I would just rather face the problem sooner than later, in this case Virgo’s threat to the world and by extension, the school and my students. Nothing as glorious as what you make it out to be.”

“Ah, got it. Then you go and deal with playing heroes against Virgo—even if you don’t find it noble—but leave me out of it. I’d like no part in such an operation after what Her Majesty’s people put me through.”

“It’s not heroics if you fight to survive. I believe there would be no reason to try and convince you further, Duchess. Thank you for your time, I will relay your intentions to Her Majesty. Good day,” Aramus said, putting an end to their conversation. He bowed to Duchess Margaret and turned on his heel, going to do as he had just said.

Thanks for wasting my tim— “Nghh…” as Aramus left and closed the door, Alicia clutched her heart in pain. “...Not yet… I have to make sure she—nghhhh, grows up properly.”

The next day, Svetlana was in her classroom like yesterday. It was to be her second day as a teacher in the Academy. There was an hour till the break period, and it was now time for her Faerie Lore class to take place. The door opened, and this time she had seven students instead of six. The new addition was a person who was surprising popular among the scholars in more ways than one right now.

Natsu looked around the class. It wasn’t exactly big like the other classes in the main building, but it had more than enough seats. Yesterday, she’d have joined the class, but she had to deal with an emergency call from work. Even if they had reworked the schedules, she was still in irregular demand for now, so it seemed that she’d have to leave the Academy for work from time to time. Albeit, the condition was that at least two staff members have to accompany her every single time she’d take leave.

“Hi hi, who might you be?” Svetlana asked, as she was not expecting another student.

Natsu bowed toward the girl respectfully, and responded, “I’m Kazehaya Natsu.” She bowed once more, then politely asked, “This is the classroom for Faerie Lore, right? Sorry, I'm still new to this school…” Natsu gave an embarrassed laugh. The school still seemed so vast; she still had trouble finding everything. “Where's the teacher, though? Isn't class starting soon?” Natsu asked quizzically, looking around the room at the other students. Everyone looked to be about her age, save for the girl in front of her, who looked even younger.

“Fu fu fu, believe it or not, I’m your teacher,” Svetlana said, puffing her flat chest out with pride. “But yes, this is the Faerie Lore class.”

“Eeeeeeeeeh!? Really!?” Natsu cried out in shock. She was impressed. “Becoming a teacher at such a young age... You must be a genius!” Her eyes sparkled with intrigue.

“Fu, fu, of course, anything is possible for me,” Svetlana said proudly with a smirk on her face. “But now, take your seat. Class is starting.”

“O-Oh, of course! Sorry Sensei!” The other students had already sat down, so Natsu found an open desk and chair to sit on as well. She nearly tripped on her way, but caught herself by grabbing the desk before she fell down completely. It caused a bit of noise, but she managed to sit down without causing a huge commotion.

“Now then, I’ll do a quick recap about yesterday’s lesson for Natsu here. I hope one of you can later give her more detailed notes about yesterday’s lesson, okay?”

“I will,” Aozora Linfield answered, raising a hand. “I’ve only written summarized versions of the speeches though. I hope that’s fine for now, Kazehaya-san.”

“Oh, thank you very much!” Natsu told the girl who offered her her notes.

“Alright, so taking off from where we last stopped yesterday, I mentioned that there are many small planets in the Faerie Realm,” Svetlana began. “They are kept afloat in the sky by the air, and the flow of mana there is so strong in the cores of said planets that they have more stability in their position in the sky.”

“Is it true that all these planets are really small, though?” Aozora questioned.

“Yes, this is true, but there are some big ones that roughly cover a surface area comparable to a continent. Which is where each of the Faerie tribes live. Each have their own customs and traditions of course.”

“I’ve wondered before though,” one of the other students said, “What’s the point of knowing all of that? I mean, it’s not like we can actually find a Faerie forest right?”

“Questionable,” Svetlana responded. “You just have to find them!”

“Ahaha… and then die from a prank…”

“So anyway, one of the biggest tribes is the Sidhe tribe, and you might be reminded of some famous deities with Sidhe names. For example, Leanan Sidhe, or the Aes Sidhe. Not all of them got the †˜Sidhe’ name on them though. There’s also Dullahan or Banshee. If you’ve learned the Lightning Blade spell before, the incantation calls out for Dullahan’s aid. So, as I mentioned yesterday, this is the reason why people could borrow mana from the Faerie Realm despite not discovering its existence in the past. Well, any questions?”

“Why do the Faeries play deadly pranks on people that go inside their forests anyway?

“Well, from what I know, the fairies likes scaring them, and after luring them somewhere with no exit they slowly like to multiply themselves. Their bodies begin to become disfigured from the constant multiplication till finally they surround the victim, and devour them alive by little bites.”

“Yikes… ” Aozora thoughtlessly said, gulping. “I do not think I’m going in one any time soon.”

"How was the Faerie World discovered if they're all so elusive?" Natsu asked curiously. It was odd how much knowledge was available about them despite how hard they were to find, and what happens when they are discovered.

“The answer to that should be in Aozora’s notes. By the way, class, do you all know how to tell fairies apart from humans?”

“Uh, no?” Aozora answered first. “They look like humans as far as I know.”

“Isn’t it because they have the Second Sight?” someone else guessed.

"Second Sight?" Natsu asked, still somewhat ignorant of the Magic World's terminology.

“To be frank, I don’t wanna know how. They’re so scary.”

“Yeah… scary.”

“So, listen carefully,” Svetlana said, sounding secretive as the other scholars perked up their ears. “Faeries are normally completely fantastical beings. Their body in general has human shape but otherwise, you’d immediately notice horns or full blue eyes or something like marks on the skin. But did you know that there are also demi-faeries in this world? There are many kinds of half-faeries. Those with lesser Faerie blood are harder to identity. But basically, they are all commonly set apart by their sub-race tribe origins: Dwarf, Goblin, Satyr, Sidhe, and Undine. These are all the tribes in the Faerie Realm by the way. But anyway, each of these gives the Faeries different kinds of features and looks. But above that, the biggest features you’d notice are mostly on the ones with stronger blood. They may have either a pair of horns, blue blood, or bright, eye-catching pupils.” Svetlana then turned to Natsu. “As for the Second Sight. it is a supernatural ability people have that allows them to look through illusions in general, including gateway to Realms and ghosts. Anymore questions?”

“I see…” Natsu pressed her pencil to her chin. She had written down a shorthand of what was said, but it was quite different from what she imagined. “I thought Faeries were petite, and had wings and whatnot…” She voiced her thoughts. “I didn't realize even things like Goblins and Satyrs had Faerie blood…” Her mental image of a faerie before this class was that similar to those in fantasy movies. Something akin to a pixie. This was far different.

“You’d be surprised by how this whole world can bring about a surprise to someone. By the way, Aozora, can you please come up here.”

“Yes,” Aozora answered, and left her desk for the teacher.

“I want you to write on the board what you think are the most important details of today’s lesson.”

“Very well.” Aozora did as requested, took up the chalk and started scribbling on the green board behind them. “Let’s see… tiny planets and the forces keeping them stably afloat in the air… the features of the Faeries who are half-human, and… I think those are the most major parts.”

As Aozora was writing, Svetlana went up front and then removed the hair bands. Two small horns could be seen on the top of her head. She simply waved at the class. A clone of Svetlana seemed to have popped up out nowhere, and it continued till there were at least ten of her standing there—half of them facing the rest of the class while the others faced Aozora. Of course, being conjured of water due to an application of the Aquam form, the clones looked a little strange aside from being mostly transparent and colorless.

With them waving that way, the students all got up from not only surprise but also fear. Natsu herself nearly fell out of her seat. The story Svetlana said had come true in but moments. Aozora heard something like yelps and turned curiously to find a bunch of Svetlanas staring at her with colorless eyes.

“W...What are these?!” Aozora exclaimed, putting her arms up in exasperation.

“Horns?!”

“It’s a demon…! No wait… a Faerie?!”

Moments later, Svetlana could hear mild screams and yells while she continued to laugh. The clones soon expired and turned to patches of water that fell down and wetted the floor, falling prey to gravity’s pull.

“There, there, nothing to fear! I was just pulling you guys’ legs,” Svetlana said as she continued to laugh, holding her stomach at the same time. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it after you guys actually believed me about what faeries could do to their victims with deadly pranks.”

One could say that it was in Svetlana’s blood to play pranks on people around her. Truly befitting of a faerie.

“Geez, that scared me… ” Natsu said first, with a sigh. She straightened herself back up on her desk.

“Teacher…”

“You didn’t have to go that far…”

“I-I always knew it was a joke anyway!”

“Pff… ahahahaha!” Aozora laughed.

Soon, everyone laughed.

Someone said, “We kinda drifted off-topic guys.”

“Alrighty, now back to your seats everyone. As for what deadly pranks some Faeries actually play—I myself wouldn’t know honestly. I myself just enjoy pranks for fun in which no one gets hurt.”

“So Teacher, you were a Faerie all along. Haha! To think a Faerie would be teaching us Faerie Lore. Did you really go into the Realm? You seem to know by heart how the place looks.”

“Well I might be a Faerie, but I’m only still a half-Faerie. It just so happens that the Faerie blood is stronger in me. I’ve actually never been to the Faerie Realm either. It was just one of my main course back when I was a studying scholar here, and of course, being a Faerie, I was interested in learning as much as possible about my supposed race’s home.”

“Ah… I see, that makes sense. So does that mean your parents were from the Faerie Realm, Teacher?” Aozora asked.

“Well honestly I’m not sure…” Svetlana said with a sad tone.

“I guess it really is a mystery then.”

“I see…”

“Teacher…” Natsu looked upon the teacher. This whole time, the teacher had been bright and cheery, but now she looked gloomy. Natsu wanted to do something to cheer her up, but couldn't think of a way to do so.

How should I say this... your work is way too spread out with all the jam-packed references. I'm not really complimenting, though. Mind you, I love to be under the rock and (don't) take pride in not knowing. So you could say that I read through it for the sake of it. Not all the sentences are overly clear to read, and I can see why D found this entry dense. Albeit, I did not find it particularly difficult to read through.

Your work with making the narrator's point very apparent for the readers about the human nature was commendable, but perhaps it was over-stated, as you may have admitted yourself. We often have conflicts among ourselves as history taught us, and it seems like people will always be repeating these mistakes for a long time to come. A vicious cycle.

I can see why'd ward potential readers away due to the possibilities of them taking offense. I mean, I am a Muslim and I read something like "nobody likes Islam" (though, the joke's on the narrator, because they "like" themselves, so "nobody" is rather invalid).

Anyway, good job with entering the contest for the fifth time.

Nice choice of music--by the by--I really enjoyed listening while reading. I like these kinds of things even if I don't actively search for them and listen to them (cons of being too weeb).

Cosette had more or less resumed working as usual. She’d dress Claudia up, tie her laces, and whatnot. However Claudia could see the unmistakable look of gloom rather than cold every time she’d see her. Thanks to her today, she felt fully prepared as Marco and Rose stood opposite to her on the same rooftop where her relationship with her slave was nearly broken.

The Countess suggested another practice battle so that Claudia would be more used to her scythe. This time Claudia was outnumbered, but the Countess believed that her latent abilities as a Representative could make up for it. If she’d lose it’d mean that her abilities were still yet to be mastered entirely. They had a similar gallery like the last time, except Cosette was in there now, and Rose wasn’t.

“Are you ready, fair Lady?” Marco asked. He didn’t take a stance or draw a weapon, and was completely casual.

“As always,” Claudia affirmed, twirling her scythe in one hand, smirking. She glanced back to Cosette and dropped her smirk for a moment, appearing sincere. I’ll try to compose myself for you this time, mon cherie.

Cosette, on the other hand, seemed to be looking at Rose and Marco, so she didn’t notice the intended smirk at all.

“Alright, let us begin. Come at us, Representative,” Rose declared, her rose-wand taken up, yet she didn’t seem to be on guard at all.

Claudia charged up to the two, leapt and opted for an aerial attack. As she came down and landed with her gigantic scythe, it arched, the area covering enough to rip both opponents into pieces.

The scythe was stopped by the wand of Rose, who seemed tougher than she appeared, while Marco backed away—taking more distance from her—Claudia’s scythe clashed multiple times with the rose-tipped wand afterwards.

Thus, Rose danced with Claudia, a content look on her face as she took on the repetitive strikes with ease.

Claudia soon realized that magic was being casted. Performing a backflip in response, the previous spot she stood on exploded with a loud noise. Apparently the explosion took place in the air and the floor was undamaged. Who’d think the vampires were considerate of the hotel?

From behind, a large lifeless coat hummed, and the Representative turned to find a monster unlike any other.

A black coat was one of her opponents? Blue searing chains of flame erupted from the coat and it was too late for Claudia who was caught and trapped.

Marco clapped momentarily. “Perfect!”

Claudia sighed, appearing composed, albeit bored. “Do you really believe something like this could hold me?” With a sudden jerk of her arms, she broke free of the coat and chain, dusting herself off with a chuckle.

Gripping her scythe tightly, Claudia made a beeline for Marco, intending to try the mind control ability once again, wondering if it would have the same effect as last time. She dashed forth, attempting a frontal attack, slashing at Marco’s side and was almost sure she would connect it. Claudia grunted with irritation once the coat jumped in front of her and deflected her strike. For a coat, it was rather tough and almost felt harder than steel.

“So a familiar cannot be controlled?” Catherine questioned.

Iris gave a nod. “So it seems. We could not augment it to the point that even spiritual beings’ would be subject to the ability. However, I do not know if it will make a difference if your Representative augments it with her spiritual energy.”

An explosion struck and Claudia was blown away from Marco. She looked up and found Rose’s wand aimed at her.

To make it worse, above the Coat—Marco’s familiar—was a blue ball of flame congregating with heat.

Claudia regained her footing and stared at the Coat with a sudden frown once she realized that her shirt was torn from the shoulder and tattered with soot. “Oh, for fuck’s sake…” she grieved. Well that outfit was short-lived. “I’m starting to think none of my outfits will live to be hand-me-downs with you all around.”

“Then get your outfit weaved with magic or something,” Marco remarked, laughing at her small problems. The blue flames were sent down crashing at Claudia momentarily. More of her clothes burned and the floor was undoubtedly charred black.

“Disappointing,” the scythe spoke, finding Claudia’s performance lamentable.

“Pathetic,” her scythe sighed and declared.

“Weak,” Lachesis whispered in conclusion. “You have more than this to show, do you not? Stand up, Infernal.”

Climbing to her feet, using the scythe as a cane, Claudia looked into the ground for a moment and dry heaved smoke and soot. She said that she was going to keep herself composed, but the moment she did, things weren’t well. It was as if she was at her best when she acted like a deranged sociopath.

“I’m not weak… fucking scythe… you’re damn right I have more than that.” With an audible crack of her neck, Claudia looked back up to Rose and Marco, smirking. “I’ll admit. That was a good one,” she said. Her smile grew darker by the moment with every word, causing her to tilt her head to the side. “I’ll even go as far to say that hurt…”

“...Show me your power if you wish to overturn my opinion.”

Taking that to heart, Claudia hung the scythe over her shoulder and charged at Rose, intending to get in at least one attack on these two because so far, she was the only one getting hurt in this bout so far. Slashing her weapon at Rose, she ended up missing, cursing under her breath. As a result, she became more irritated that she couldn’t land a single attack on neither one.

“Do I seriously have to guide you? Use your powers or something for Zeus’ sake. Anything ranged works. Just swinging me isn’t going to solve the problem since they’re all ranged attackers.”

Scoffing, Claudia actually took that into consideration. The Forbidden Spell wasn’t liable for allies, so she had to use the next best thing. Then again, that was just as forbidden as Heart Shatter. Oh well, at least this one didn’t kill so quickly. Spiritual energy welled up in Claudia’s body as her shadow detached from her person, splitting itself in two and multiplying. They shifted into beasts of claws and blades and rose from the ground, gaining volume.

“Go.”

With that said, the beasts charged at both Rose and Marco, tearing into both of them with their fangs and claws the moment they reached them. Rose attempted to ward off the black beasts with her explosions, but it didn’t even make them flinch. Marco was protected by the Coat, but it was torn down and Marco was bitten. One was pushed down to the floor and the other kneeled down.

“As expected, the power she gained from me may easily defeat magicians,” the Countess concluded, smiling pleasantly at Claudia. “My dear, you are hereby declared victorious.” However, that means you cannot win without relying on it. It seems like more work with the weapon’s usage is in need.

Coughing up excess soot, Claudia appeared disappointed. As much as those two were dishing out, they fell when the first attack hit.

“Lovely…” Claudia managed, in an attempt to compose herself from her darkened state. “Good fight you two… I hope I did not harm you too much.”

“See, fair Lady, that is the power of a Descendant,” Marco said, getting up, his hand on his wound. “You only received one, and they have many more at their disposal, and much more stronger… well, keep what I say in mind,” he smirked as he spoke. “But †˜twas a good fight either way.”

“To think you inherited that power of all things,” Rose said, grunting. “Congratulations on your victory.”

“Thank you. Hopefully this much will be enough to kill a Descendant. But then again… I couldn’t even hit you two at first. I need to get better used to this scythe, and soon,” Claudia said, glaring at her weapon.

“It seems like you are nothing without your so-called Countess. Hmph.”

“And you would be nothing without me, you heavy piece of shit,” Claudia retaliated.

“I would be everything in the hands of a better warrior, cheeky bitch. I wonder how it’d feel if the Countess wielded me… ahh, I already feel tingly just thinking about it.”

“That’s a shame, for she is already wielding me. I suggest you get in line.”

“Too bad—”

The Countess placed a palm on the scythe, putting it out of commission for now, and then sighed. “Shall we be off, my dear? You seem tired.”

Throwing herself into a stretch, Claudia sighed. “Yes. I seem to have tired myself out in the battle. All was well, though. But alas…” Claudia tugged at the rags that were formerly her shirt and skirt, lamenting over how easily they were reduced to nothing. At least her garters survived. “We hardly even got acquainted…”

The Countess didn’t know what Claudia valued more, battle experiences or articles of cheap fabrics. “Buy new clothes if you wish. Albeit I did not expect them to be burned out so fast.”

“Perhaps I should take Marco’s suggestion into consideration and get them weaved through a magical method,” Claudia replied, attempting to futily hide her underwear which appeared ajar through her torn garments.

“You do not seem well, my dear. What makes your countenance dreary?” the Countess asked, as Claudia came to visit the Mistress some time after speaking with Cosette. “You didn’t make up with Cosette yet?”


“I did, but it was rocky, no doubt…” Claudia replied, appearing more sluggish than usual.

“Emotional people will always cause †˜rocky’ issues, I suppose. What do you intend to do about this? I do not think you should let it stay the way it is.”

“I suppose not treating Cosette as if she were some random prey is a good start. I will be a better master to her. It’s a shame she was sold to someone like me, who would do such things like that,” Claudia said. “I want your opinion, Countess. Do you think that I’m… awful?”

“Well, it was your request, after all, but… mnm, I think you are absolutely insane, and likely awful, but,” she arched down to Claudia’s ear, and continued, “I don’t hate any of it.”

Claudia shivered and squirmed about from the Countess’ words. “I… I’m not sure how to respond to that, I’m sorry. I’m glad you don’t hate any of my… ahem, mannerisms, too. However, Cosette didn’t seem to take it too well.”

“From my impression, you’re a young Lady who strives to keep up your conduct with manners, but your… darker aspects make the efforts crumble ever so delightfully. Suffice it to say I observe opposing extremities colliding throughout your life, and it is amusing to say the least. However, Cosette is a tender-hearted person to the core. She is cold and rigid on the surface but is vulnerable inside. Like most girls, but it is ten-folds greater in her case. I’d color myself surprised since she only broke down now rather than earlier from how you treated her.”

“Huh, I never considered that at all… I had gotten so emasculated with her dry-as-ice personality, not caring to delve into what was inside, past that exterior. It feels strange even envisioning Cosette as tender-hearted. What a fool I turned out to be these months past.”

“Well, it is clear as day that you are not very well educated about psychology,” Catherine said, humming to herself. “Being a fool isn’t so bad, however. The first step is to admit it. You learn all these important values from experiences while you are a fool, and later learn to be smart.”

Claudia sighed. “This much is true. I just need to learn how to… control myself a bit more when it comes to my allies.” She ran a hand through her hair to straighten it out with a downcasted sigh. “I’m already a lost cause when controlling my… darker aspects generally.”

“Indeed, you are extremely easy to provoke but… well, that makes you all the more endearing to me. I do not know if control is simply an impossibility or not in your case… but, I do not think Cosette necessarily hates every bit of you as you imagine. She tried to devote herself to you despite knowing what you are. I wonder why.”

“Yes, that is a wonder…” Claudia said, taking that down in her mental notepad to investigate later. “I could possibly talk to her on this sometime. Later, though. She’s surprisingly still in a frail state.”

“Likely. I have a feeling that she will be your stoutest ally in the roughest of times, dear. Do not give up on her easily. After all, I will not be there to safeguard you from the greatest of storms that are yet to come.”

“Oh great… Well, then again, I will not always need you, as I am able to attend to most tasks on my own. Perhaps in the future, you could provide for moral support when I need it.” Claudia chuckled weakly at her own joke. At least she was making any at all with the mood she was in.

“If you say so.” The Countess shrugged with a giggle. “Do not blame me from the sea of the dead.” Perhaps she’d really just let Claudia die one day because of her joke, or was her playing along with just an extension of the joke?

“...Were… were you joking?” Claudia asked out of spite, a little taken aback.

“Who knows.”

“And you yet remain a prodigy at leaving me boggled…” Claudia chuckled nervously.

“With such a guard like Cosette, however, you’d doubtless not require my assistance.”

“True... Speaking of any up and coming storms of the sort, I don’t suppose you know the soonest we’ll encounter Sagittarius?”

“In about three days,” Catherine answered. “She has a live to attend to, according to her schedules.”

Claudia hummed with acknowledgement. “I see. So what's the plan for this shebang? Will it involve Marco jumping out of a woman's stomach again?”

“We’d love to try that but Marco has not bitten this †˜shebang’ for it to be a plausible idea.” Catherine giggled yet again due to Claudia’s choice of words regardless. “Anyway, we’ve decided on how to deal with her right in front of you, if I remember correctly.”

“How exciting. To witness Sagittarius’ abilities first-hand… I’m simply overjoyed. Moreover, I can’t wait to try my scythe on her,” Claudia said, pausing to giggle a little. “I’ll rip her in half…”

“Do remember to be cautious, dear. Even if you are my Representative, she may scathe you far more sharply than you initially think… Then again, the only way to learn to dance with fire—is to simply play with it, and gain experience.”

“And that fire shall soon be tamed…”

“Not killed yet tamed?”

“Whichever is to your preference. Though, I am all about taking prisoners and making them… ngh… toys.”

“The risk is far too great. I cannot allow that,” the Countess said, and immediately a light in the room shattered as she stared her down. “A Descendant’s power is no toy.”

Not even minding how spontaneous that was, Claudia shrugged. She supposed she would have to let this one go. “If you say so. After all, there are so much more—how you say—fish in the sea.”

“Good, as long as you understand.”

“It won’t do if you get a little too greedy, fair Lady,” a familiar voice said as Claudia turned to find Marco. “You just haven’t seen what they can really do. I’d personally want to stay away, but at the same time I wonder how their blood would taste… ”

“That’s a curiosity I would like to find out for myself too. But at the same time, they are extremely dangerous, to the Countess’ words,” Claudia said. “Then again, the Countess’ blood is far more copious compared to a human’s. Perhaps the other Descendants’ blood would be the same?”

“As someone who tasted the blood of various Descendants, I think it depends on the person,” the Countess answered. “Their blood may be exceptionally different if they are very old, however.”

“Well, Mi’lady didn’t say that you cannot taste them, she only said that you cannot keep them like a †˜toy’ or a slave, for that matter,” Marco replied. “I have not told you about it, but I almost died from a Descendant before… and that is why I refuse to partake in the operation to kill Sagittarius.”

“Oh, my. Well, that is understandable,” Claudia supposed. “May I ask who it was who attempted to kill you?”

“Ahh… well, about seventy years ago… there was a man undefeated in the United States of America. Aries—he had the power to isolate his targets… and, however confident a man I am in my skills, I could simply do nothing that night.” Marco looked down.

The Countess only gave Marco a single glance and was certain that he was still blaming himself for his failure, yet there were simply no words for her to offer. As his failure was fact, she’d not delude him with meaningless encouragements or pacification.

“I see… is this Descendant still with us today?” Claudia asked, wondering in the back of her head if she could release some pent up stress with this one in the near future, and of course, avenge Marco’s sense of pride in that regard.

“In America we hear, yes.” Marco gave a nod.

“And that would be our next target regardless of whether we succeed or fail with Sagittarius. Then there is Russia on the list…” the Countess stated.

“And I will be looking forward to it all. On top of that, traveling and sightseeing could do one’s heart good.”

“That is indeed a pleasant experience,” the Countess agreed. “Seeing the world is in itself a wonder.”

“Aaah, standing on a garden of roses beside my fair Lady… I could well dream of that,” Marco said, already daydreaming.

Ahhh, shit… Claudia thought, thinking back. If she hadn’t already thought of it now, she realized that two of the people she had relations with were right in front of her. She subtly darted her eyes to Catherine, then back to Marco, putting up a forced smile. “I would like that very much, Marco…” she said with a nervous chuckle.

The Countess snickered ever so maliciously as Marco kept on thinking different things while Claudia felt tensed. This tension was exactly what Catherine found funny. “Now, Marco, about what you wish to do in Japan…”

“Ah, right. I am going to pick up a comrade or two for our venture in America, and also attempt to gain information about the Shrine and the government. Do forgive me for pulling out from the Sagittarius Extermination Operation, but I will attempt to make up for it,” Marco answered.

“Forgiven. Do your best. I look forward to the results,” Catherine leisurely answered. It seemed like the Countess didn’t wanted Marco’s participation in this operation in the first place.

“Indeed. I wish you luck, Marco,” Claudia added.

“Thanks, ladies. I will now retire for the day; I’m way too tired.”

With that, Marco was gone for his own room.

“Your expression from the realization of both of our presences in the same room was priceless. I almost burst out with laughter back there,” the Countess admitted, ending up laughing now instead of before.

Claudia groaned, forgetting completely that Marco didn't even know of their relationship. “Oh, I could tell... you knew that was going to happen, didn't you?” she asked, furrowing her brows.

“Of course, how else would I get a good laugh?”

That led to Claudia groaning again. “Poor thing would be heartbroken if he found out…”

“It’s alright,” the Countess sweetly spoke with one of her seductive smiles, pressing a finger against her Representative’s lips. “Because it’s a secret only we share.”

Claudia blushed. Even though she felt guilty about such a thing, the Countess truly was amazing to her. “A-Alright, I have no issue with that…” she said, looking away from her employer, smiling. It would have to anyways. Lord knows what would happen if everyone knew I was fucked by the Countess’... appendage...

When Claudia returned to her room, she found Cosette in the corner on the floor against the wall, her head placed upon her knees. She could hear her sobs.

As she approached, her scythe still in her hand, however. She was starting to change her mind.

“Why? There is no need to treat her nicely.” A voice rang across Claudia’s head.

“She is just a slave. A slave! Hurt her more. Amuse yourself more,” the bloodthirsty scythe spoke to her.

“The hell?” Claudia started, holding her scythe with a raised guard. “An intruder? Someone who has enough gall to tell me how to treat those who serve me? That’s strike two. Show yourself or I’ll count refusal to follow an order as strike three.”

“I’m right here, you cheeky bitch. Right in your grip,” the scythe spoke, drawing Claudia’s attention to her right hand.

“You sure feel like you’re on cloud nine for someone who loved staring at me. Hahaha!”

Furrowing her brows once more in annoyance, Claudia stared at her scythe with ire. “Oh… you talk. Now that’s disappointing. Yeeeaaah, I like my weapons, I don’t know—not running their mouth while I’m ripping someone’s innards out.”

“Well, I have manners, like every good weapon. I enjoy feeling the wave of the soul and the blood flickering out of the wound. Granted I was born recently, but this was engraved into me… who knows how. A kind of pleasure, so to say. Why would I speak to a numbskull at such a moment?”

“Numbskull…? You fucking…” Claudia tightened her grip around her scythe and grit her teeth at the insults. Sighing, Claudia dropped it. “I don’t have time to bicker with you. I have someone to apologize to.” She moved on, towards Cosette.

“Says the cheeky bitch who bickered with me anyway. Pfft, hahaha!”

Claudia groaned, ignoring the scythe’s words. How does one even argue with a scythe anyway? Approaching Cosette, Claudia stammered for a moment, looking apologetic and stricken with guilt. She didn’t even know how to begin.

†˜Hey, I’m sorry for kissing you’ isn’t really a good apology at all, Claudia thought.

She sat down next to Cosette along the wall, setting down her scythe and making sure it wouldn’t talk again. “Cosette, err… I just… I don’t know what… Look, this is hard for me. What could I say for something like that?”

“...I don’t know,” Cosette said, unmoving, her voice sounding muffled.

“W-Well… I’ll begin with… I’m s-sorry. Uhh, I don’t know what came over me and— okay, let me start fresh. By the by, even as your master, I shouldn’t have abused my authority to do such a thing to you. I realize I was wrong, and Gods damn it, I feel horrible for the first time in my life.”

“Whatever, I don’t care anymore. Do whatever you want.”

“Oh, don’t be like that. I don’t want this type of relationship with you, Cosette. Despite the things I’ve done, I meant it when I said that I cared about you before the fight.”

“...Hmph, you always… always sweet talk after you do your worst.”

Well, that hurts. Plus, that’s hardly even my worst, Claudia thought. “What do you think I should do, then? Could you please—how you say—throw me a bone? That was no sweet talk before.”

“Go fucking kill yourself then.”

Claudia cringed from that, feeling rather disheartened from those words. Was that truly how she felt? “How about this; I give you the opportunity to get a free hit on me. With a weapon or not, I don’t care. No holds barred. No questions asked.”

“That isn’t… going to solve anything. Leave me be.”

Wordlessly, Claudia bit her lip and looked down into the ground she sat on. With a sudden lapse of adrenaline and courage, she leaned over and reached out to Cosette, embracing her into a tight hug. “I will not. I will never leave you be…” Claudia said into Cosette’s ear. She felt the girl’s body convulsing as she held her, and when she finally pulled her head out, Cosette lifted her face from her thighs.

A face full of tears was seen.

It was something Claudia had never seen before.

“...Why? I did… so much to please you… and yet you… decide to punish me in the public like this. It’s not fair… being sold to a person like this.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry. It was unjust of me to do such a thing, and I’m a fool. A lecherous, perverted, fucking fool. The things you do for me are acceptable. I’m pleased, Cosette. I’m pleased.”

On the rooftop, surrounded by their comrades and the alchemist who crafted the scythe itself, Claudia and Cosette broke out in an intense battle to test the new relic weapon.

Claudia dashed forward, brandishing her scythe and colliding with Cosette’s sword with an audible clang. The weapon seemed heavier than any sword she used. It would have to take some getting used to in the future. She jumped backwards and landed at her previous spot to avoid being hit by Cosette, all with a nonchalant hum.

Using her speed a few times more, Claudia attempted several blitzes against Cosette; swinging her scythe at her multiple times, but she was eventually pushed back as the woman after she put up her sword and blocking the blows.

“This isn’t progress, Lady Claudia,” Cosette taunted. I knew it. She got cocky but that doesn’t mean she knows how to use it.

With a loud and resounding noise, the bodies of steel colliding once more, both wanted to prove their strength evermore. Cosette took off and used the scythe as a stepping stone before swinging her blade horizontally. Unfortunately, it was evaded. The two’s weapons soon struck each other for some time as sparks flew in every direction resulting from the friction. Eventually, Claudia felt her blood rush up from her slave’s words, beginning to display her true worth. Thus, her opponent was thrown to the railing behind her with pure force. Even if it was a result of a clash of weapons, this showed the difference is strength between a Representative and a pseudo vampire.

Cosette, however, used her boots to push against said railing and used the momentum to propel herself back at her lady.

The Representative could feel her shoes friction violently against the floor as her adversary pushed against her with brute force, and used her free hand to launch a pulsing wave of watery projectiles. Her magic resistence didn’t work in time and she felt a brushing aquatic impact before Cosette performed a roundhouse kick.

Cosette felt fear for a moment when all her efforts were in vain, and Claudia was hardly out of energy or hurt, for that matter. Her mouth was agape seeing her come down at her from the sky. With the weight of her lady’s body and her newly-crafted scythe both pushed down on her, Cosette was on the losing-end, crushed down to the floor.

Ruthlessly, Claudia attacked again as soon as she picked herself up afterwards. Not having the strength to block with her sword, she merely fortified herself with her vambraces, one of which shattered to her surprise from the strength that Claudia applied. A prickling pain was felt as Cosette cringed and blood trickled down.

Cosette’s eye color changed to purple, and she stopped moving, only looking at Claudia listlessly.

“She is under your control for now, Lady Claudia,” Iris explained, who noticed the scythe’s effect activating upon making a clear strike at the opponent.

Claudia looked on, captivated by the effects of her new weapon with widened eyes. There were a few things revolving around her head, one of them being what she would make Cosette do while she was under her bidding. “Now that, is one nifty ability,” Claudia said, propping her scythe against the ground and leaning on it. “So, my dear, what shall we do with you?”

“You should be feeling a mental connection with her,” Iris stated informatively, “It should be possible to command her with your thoughts. Why not test it?”

A curved, depraved smile graced Claudia’s features, the same one she’d get for when she get a rather wicked idea. She didn’t even hesitate once after getting the idea. Well, love. Why not come here and give Lady Claudia a kiss? she thought.

Cosette pulled herself up, and walked towards Claudia against her will. The walking almost made her look like a zombie from a cinema considered old-fashioned in Japan. She hesitatingly wrapped her hands around her lady’s neck and gave a fake smile. Claudia could see that her slave was resisting with a strong will with her body fidgeting.

Cosette, regardless of her will, French kissed Claudia all the way momentarily. Something that was even beyond Claudia’s expectations. Perhaps somewhere in Claudia’s mind she demanded a French kiss, or perhaps Cosette knew how to kiss like this in general.

Whatever the case, Claudia couldn’t resist such a fierce tongue and they partook in this act publicly before the members of BLoodLuSt, Iris, and her maid.

Ohh… I’m going to love this scythe, Claudia thought.

The light of enchantment from Cosette’s eyes ceased subsequently.

This faded much faster than anticipated, Iris concluded. So the deeper the wound is—the stronger the manipulation would be…

In the servant’s eyes were tears welling up, both from humiliation and the depraved order.

For this to be done in public.

Public.

Her head entered a state of turmoil.

She was trying so hard to accept the new conditions of her life ever since the Countess bought her for Claudia. She did whatever she could for her, despite not liking her; she tried to please her, and tried to make things convenient for her. She even took some of her free time to learn how to act like an ideal maid.

She even beared with the act of rape that Claudia committed upon her shortly after she was introduced to her so-called Lady. Who was she doing all this for? This person? Really? Was she to be toyed like this forever…?

“Tu es le pire!” Cosette shouted, tightly slapping Claudia—so hard that she couldn’t keep her face still towards the girl—before she ran away.

Claudia, completely bewildered from the sudden outshout from Cosette, only stood there, at a loss for words. “Uhh,” she droned, rubbing her cheek which was red from the slap. “That’s… new? More importantly, I’m… the worst?”

“Claudia dear,” the Countess said, sighing after she walked over to her. “That was a blatant zero out of ten for you. You probably crushed her heart with this, and she has been working so hard to get used to you. She had been trying to be more trustworthy to you as well.”

“Really? Huh… I feel weird. Not good-weird. I feel horrible, actually. God, is this what guilt feels like?” Claudia asked, instantly feeling bad for doing something like that. If it was enough to phase Cosette, she really must have done bad. The part that got to Claudia more was that this feeling was completely alien to her. “Ah, damn it. I guess I should apologize then…”

“Either way… it is up to you how you wish to deal with her, but an apology does seem to be in order.”

Letting out a huff, Claudia twirled her scythe into her hands, propping it along her shoulder. She was having too much fun with that scythe. “I guess that was… ngh… wrong. One moment, then. I’ll return after speaking to her… uhh, don’t wait up. Just in case.”

“We’re going to get some drinks, silly. No way are we staying in this scorching heat any longer. Go do what you must,” the Countess said, chuckling as she walked away.

The scholars all leisurely enjoyed their food in the lunch period, and the teachers, of course, had a lounge to specifically enjoy this period of time. When Svetlana entered with her lunch in hand, Margaret Alicia and Mathilde were already inside.

“Hey, Sevvy-chan!” Mathilde greeted energetically from her couch. She seemed to be having bread as if it was the time to have breakfast, for some reason, and beside her was a bottle of alcohol as usual.

“Big Sis!” Svetlana said as she ran up to her and sat beside her. “Though Big Sis, haven’t I told you before you need to eat healthier?” Svetlana said as she then stared at what Mathilde was eating and drinking.

“You did?” Mathilde’s voice was muffled as she munched. “This is just fiiiiine.”

“No it’s not, but since I figured this was gonna happen,” Svetlana said, opening a bag before continuing, “here take this.” She then handed Mathilde a bento.

Mathilde gulped. “N-No, I’m fine, thank you! You’re still growing, so you should eat that instead!”

“This is yours, I have another one for myself. So take it.”

“But I don’t want to get fat…”

“Big Sis… You do know what alcohol does to you right? Plus I only make healthy food just the way mama taught me!” Svetlana said with a pout.

“I know!” Mathilde said, pumping out her chest with pride. “That’s why I’ll limit my other food intake, so that I can drink as much as possible! So, Sevvy-chan, I cannot accept that for the sake of my love right here,” she said, drinking greedily from the bottle to sate her apparently parched throat.

“Big Sis…” Svetlana was astounded, her pupils turning listless; she reached a point where she was so disappointed that she was too speechless to actually make a proper comment regarding her enthusiasm at such a strange new habit.

“Hm?” Mathilde tilted her head with an innocent look.

Alicia, on the other hand, laughed as she watched their exchange. “So, Sevvy-chan, how was your first day as a teacher so far?”

“I believe it’s going well so far. No trouble at all,” Svetlana said with a cheerful smile. “Though I think I’ll go destroy some bottles later if this food isn’t gone by the end of lunch,” Svetlana said in a serious tone.

As Mathilde picked up the lunch box with tears at the corner of her eyes after a groan, Alicia said, “I see, that is good to hear. How many scholars did you get for the Faerie Lore class?”

“Well, I only got six, but I think that’s a good number for a beginner like me for now,” Svetlana said happily as she patted Mathilde’s head.

“That does seem rather low this year from the first years,” Alicia commented, “but I suppose it is indeed good for a beginner. How is your own studying coming along?”

“It’s going well. I even managed to learn a new spell myself,” Svetlana said joyfully.

“I see. Congratulations. That said, Mathilde…” Alicia said, solemn, “how is your schedule in three days from now?”

“Hm? The usual. Class, booze, class, booze, booze… uhhh…” Mathilde responded. The usual indeed.

Alicia sighed. “We have an official request to let Kazehaya-san take classes off the Academy…” she stated. “At the school hour. At the school hour, for God’s sake,” she said, repeating her words with frustration. “Even if she is an idol, they do realize that she is a student, right?”

“They do?” Mathilde said, tilting her head. Perhaps she was already drunk.

“Either way, the Headmistress urged that at least two staff members have to accompany her for safety.”

“There’s an idol in this school?” Svetlana said, surprised at hearing the news. “Big Sis, we are cutting back on your booze as long as I’m here!”

“Oh, you did not know? I suppose I should let you know for safety purposes, then,” Alicia begun. “Some days ago Kazehaya Natsu-san transferred. She is a young Descendant of Time who is eager to learn about the Magic World. Unfortunately for her, it won’t be so easy with half the student body recognizing her as an enemy while the rest are either fans or simply the Japanese that don’t quite loathe the Descendants. Since this Boundary Realm is a neutral zone we cannot let students break out into unofficial fights or attempt murder, and I mean it for both the Descendant and the students. Just keep an eye out for trouble, I guess.”

“No we’re not! My booze is my life! Are you saying you’d cut my life-line?!” Mathilde said in defense, hugging her bottle of alcohol.

“I’ve never seen a Descendant before as far as I know, and to think she’s an idol as well,” Svetlana said as she then faced Mathilde. “Big Sis, your drinking is why you can’t find a husband, and too much booze is bad for your body!”

“Hush! I don’t need a man!” Mathilde protested.

“Yes, this is a first for the Academy too,” Alicia said. “We’ve never had a Descendant here before… but our sly Headmistress, as you may know, would accept money to allow the unbelievable to take place.” She smiled wryly.

“I suppose,” Svetlana said as she took a bite from her food. “Big Sis, have you finished the entire bento?”

Mathilde returned an empty bento wordlessly as Alicia spoke again, “What say you, Sevvy-chan? Want to accompany Kazehaya-san to her event? ...Considering Mathilde is going to be drunk I suppose I will have to be the other one to go.”

“I suppose I can, and it can be a little break after all the training I’ve been doing.”

“Excellent, I shall let you know when we depart,” Alicia said, and stood up. “I shall go back. The break is almost over.”

“Alrighty. Oh, and Big Sis, prepare to eat my lunches everyday now,” Svetlana said with a big smile. “Or prepare to have all your bottles disappear,” she said, her said smile turning rather scary.

“Waaah! You bully! I can’t believe you’re treating an elder this way!” Mathilde wailed.

“It’s for your own good,” Svetlana said happily. “You’ll thank me later.”

“Riiiight…” was all Mathilde could say darkly.

You're welcome.

Most of what I found were not grammar errors.

For instance, you wrote "should" instead of "shoulder" I believe.

I can see why this entry appears the way it is, but you should've taken some time improve it rather than devolve it since you are a more grown and smarter person than you used to be in the past.

Good luck.

BEHOLD MY EXCALIB- well, good luck. I'm yet to read it but I'll comment when I do. I'm very really sure about my chances either.