《Alice》


 Prologue - Girl

    I''ll put this in the beginning.

    Please understand. I AM Mimulus.

    If you didn''t already realize, Mimulus is a flower.

    Part 1

    What do the angels see?

    What do the angels see?

    Peeking from Heaven~

    Do they seek me?

    What do the angels feel?

    Hearts of courageous steel~

    Parting the ravens~

    What could it mean?

    A beautiful voice was echoing in the night.

    Without noticing, I followed this enchanting sound.

    I had recently left the "Royal Crown," a high-class hotel where a party for a certain couple''s engagement party was held.

    After finishing up the business I had there, I left the hotel after drinking and chatting a little bit to avoid suspicion.

    I left through the front door, after all. Of course, there was no way people would notice the gun hidden under my coat.

    I think.

    I weaved through the seemingly endless alleys.

    Homeless people were warming up their hands through a fire and stray animals rummaged through trashbins looking for food.

    A normal sight around these areas.

    With such a blank thought, I kept on moving.

    Moving.

    Moving.

    Until finally... I found its source.

    She had long, flowing hair that reached down to her waist.

    For some reason, it had a peculiar color of silver. It wasn''t uncomfortable to look at, too.

    Was it natural?

    Weird, that''s impossible, right?

    She looks Caucasian, I think?

    I can''t really tell with her back facing me.

    As she continued to sing, her soft and pristine hands turned along with her wrists bending as she reached for a high note, executing it perfectly.

    Seeming to have reached the final chorus, she went for a crescendo and her beautiful white dress fluttered as she twirled once, letting me have a peek at her beautiful, pearl-like purple eyes and flawless pink lips.

    She stopped singing as she saw me.

    With wide eyes, she took a step back and let a light "Ah..." leak from her mouth.

    "~~!"

    With a nervous smile, she looked towards me.

    Unfortunately, my current state is similar to that of a man in a drunken stupor and I reacted a moment late,

    "A-Ah. Sorry, the song was truly so wonderful that I couldn''t help but be drawn here."

    I answered honestly as I looked straight at the girl.

    Hearing my uncovered praise, the girl frowned in a cute way as she looked downwards,

    "..."

    At this moment, I felt I had been instantly blown away.

    Even though she had nothing to say.

    T-This girl is too adorable!

    Amazing destructive power!

    If I had been an ordinary man, perhaps I would have fallen for her looks.

    But not me-- for I am different from other men!

    Ohoho... That is correct!

    I, Dylon, am special!

    Her looks have no effect on me!

    For I...

    I have fallen for her voice!

    Yeeees!

    It was precisely that!

    Love at first hear, I say!

    W-What?

    Pervert?

    What are you talking about?!

    More important than that, I didn''t understand a single word that song contained.

    Divine, truly, but could it be that she''s a foreigner?

    Oh? Maybe she looked down and didn''t respond because she can''t understand a word I''m saying.

    Ah, well.

    First, I''ll introduce myself.

    "I am Dylon Milodius. Can you understand me?"

    I put my hand on my chest and bowed lightly with my head.

    After making sure she understood that it was a greeting, I pointed to myself as I said my name.

    "Ah!" she gasped as she understood.

    She curtsied with a small smile, too.

    That''s good, she understood my introduction.

    She ignored the rest, though.

    So we must not speak the same language.

    "Alice. Alice Icelance."

    She must''ve understood at least my introduction as she only spoke of her name.

    But Icelance, huh?

    A pseudonym?

    Most likely, I have never heard of a name such as "Icelance" before.

    Maybe she''s a writer?

    How troublesome, she seems a bit lost.

    No, it''s correct to say she is lost.

    She doesn''t seem to understand a single word of what I say.

    Icelance... Icelance... Could she be... Could she be that?

    They say that children with exceedingly strong imaginations begin to be illusioned that they are the fated heroes of the world or other such stories of grandiose odyssey.

    What a waste.

    If anything, she''s the prettiest girl I have ever met.

    She seems only about 2 years younger than me, too.(I''m eighteen this year.) 5th grade syndrome?

    I''m pretty sure I saw a story about one like that in one of those comic books named after a fruit... Where was it from again?

    China or Japan?

    Well whatever.

    "Pariyo?" Alice called out to me with a wondering expression as she tilted her head slightly to the side.

    Urgh! I can''t deny, though.

    This girl is truly adorable.

    Pariyo? Pariyo?! What does it mean?!

    It seems I have worried her as I had suddenly sunken into a contemplative silence when she introduced herself.

    Ah, my bad habits are showing.

    Alright, if she''s lost, I can at least take her to the police station.

    Yep, I''ve decided.

    I walk towards her, nonchalantly grab her hand and head out of this maze-like alley.

    I seem to have caught her unprepared as she flinched at first, but I told her,

    "Don''t worry, I''ll help you since you''re lost."

    She didn''t understand me, but she must''ve figured I''m not that kind of person, since she didn''t really resist and followed along.

    "...! Ah... Wah..."

    For some strange reason, Alice was red in the face.

    Whoops.

    I think I probably still smell of alcohol.

    Maybe that''s the case, she''s covering her face with her free hand.

    Sorry, sorry.

    I must stink like hell, huh?

    Part 2

    As we passed the dark alleys, we soon reached a more populated area.

    I was going to bring her to the police station via car, but she seemed to dislike the idea as she silently pulled me away from it, whispering, "Asurova''l! Asurova''l...!" before we even reached it.

    Is she perhaps car sick?

    Oh well, alright then, let''s take the long way.

    I left my gun behind, tossing it inside the car before locking it and leaving.

    I won''t need it~

    They''ll probably search me for one in the station anyway, so just to be safe...

    We left my car and went on our way.

    Alice looked on with curiosity towards the fully lit paved road as if it was the first time for her to see it.

    Maybe she lived in a slighty more dirty country?

    Well, we do take pride in our clean city, but her reaction seems a little bit strange.

    "Dude. Look at that. That girl... isn''t she cute?"

    "Yeah, but look. She''s got a guy already."

    "Maybe they''re just friends? C''mooon, you might as well introduce yourself..."

    "Oh~ Is that girl one of those? A cosplayer...? Wow, she''s pretty cute. I''ve never seen that character before, though."

    "Eh. White haired characters are quite generic these days."

    -Rest omitted-

    Other people traded glances before leaving.

    Hmm... Looks like I''ll be busy later.

    Oh god, I should''ve picked a less populated area.

    How annoying.

    I found her first!

    No, wait... that''s wrong.

    Alice''s gaze was filled with curiosity, her eyes darted left and right, looking at all of the lights and tall buildings in the city.

    I could clearly hear her murmur something under her breath when cars passed by us.

    For obvious reasons, nothing happened because we were on the sidewalk.

    "Shirastiva...!" she says nervously. I wonder what it means?

    Foreigners sure are weird... She''s still cute though so it''s not a big deal.

    We were already halfway towards the police station, the street we walked on was no longer populated.

    ...

    I immediately stop walking.

    Alice walks a few steps further but then notices that I have stopped.

    She turned around,

    "Daielon?"

    It''s Dylon. But you''re cute, so I''ll let it slide.

    My eyes narrowed and my eyebrows dropped as I surveyed the surroundings,

    "...Daielon? Storeshi?"

    I have no idea whatever the heck you''re saying, but I''m assuming you don''t know what''s going on.

    Well, to tell you the truth, we''re being surrounded right now.

    Some people probably saw you in that street earlier, noticed your impossibly beautiful appearance and now decided to take you.

    Maybe to sell you, maybe to keep you.

    ...As if I can say that.

    Well, she wouldn''t understand me even if I did

    Four people?

    No, five of them.

    No problem, no problem~

    How should I deal with this?

    I can''t do this like usual since Alice is with me.

    Ah... I left my gun.

    I don''t really want her to see me like that anyway.

    Hmm... maybe just beat them up?

    Ah, but first I have to establish they''re bad guys first...

    Wouldn''t want Alice to think I beat people up on a whim.

    As I was thinking of such, a bald man appeared out of the shadows.

    Well, this just makes things easier.

    He''s probably their leader or something, right?

    "Goodevening," baldie said in an odd accent.

    He looks like he''s from the East.

    Well, verily, this man is Asian.

    I don''t really care, though.

    "I couldn''t help but notice the girl with you.

    Well then, good sir. I have a proposition for you."

    Baldie talked to me in a rather condescending tone, as if he''s already used to this sort of exchange.

    It ticked me off, but not to the extent of making me attack him immediately.

    Let''s hear what he has to say first.

    "Gooyiv...Ning...? Akoi?" Ah, yes, dear Alice.

    Truly you are adorable but please notice that you are in serious trouble right about now.

    Skinhead here wants to kidnap you... I think.

    "Hand over the lady and you will live. If you don''t, we''ll kill you then we''ll take her.

    Simple, right?

    To make it short, beat it."

    Oooohhh. Scary. Alright, I''ve decided.

    I turn to look at Alice,

    "..."

    She was facing a dark alley where one of the other men are hiding, her hands on her chest and her eyebrows furrowed.

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    Hooh, she''s quite sharp.

    "Hey, Alice." I tap her shoulder twice.

    "Mm...?" she turns to me, tilts her head and smiles with a huge question mark on top of her head.

    This girl''s... dense after all.

    Well, whatever.

    Baldie takes one step forward with a disgusting smile on his face.

    Ah~ I want to break it~ I want to break it so bad~

    "...!"

    Feeling threatened, Alice takes a step back with a worried face.

    It''s good that you finally notice the situation.

    That moment, four other men step out from the darkness, completely surrounding Alice and I.

    Alice looks around worriedly, with a "W-What''s going on? What should I do??" look on her face.

    I glance around.

    Huh?

    Aren''t these guys just normal thugs?

    Seeing that I''m not leaving, baldie frowns a little as if he''s tired, but mixed in his expression is one of admiration, surprised that I didn''t leave Alice behind.

    Baldie then commanded,

    "Take him down and get the girl!"

    I smile makes its way to my lips.

    Here we go.

    I stood in front of Alice as if to protect her from Baldie his goons.

    Baldie runs up to me with his fist raised.

    I catch his hand easily and with a saint-like smile-- plant my other fist firmly in his face.

    Woaaaah.

    He flew quite the distance.

    Baldie''s unexpectedly light, isn''t he?

    Baldie''s goons became vigilant when they saw me send their leader flying.

    Part 3, Alice''s point of view

    W-What is going on?

    Mr. Dylon was showing me around the area earlier, but then out of nowhere a group of men showed up.

    The first one to show himself was a bald gentleman.

    He introduced himself as "Gooyiv Ning".

    Do the people here state their name the moment they meet someone they don''t know?

    What an odd custom.

    But this seems strange.

    Mr. Gooyiv attacked Mr. Dylon, but Mr. Dylon retaliated without getting hit.

    Was that magic just now?

    More importantly,

    Why are they hurting each other?

    Even though I asked, I already realized.

    These gentlemen were hoodlums and Mr. Dylon was trying to protect me from them.

    Yes, yes.

    That must be it.

    Can Mr. Dylon deal with all of them?

    No, of course not.

    There''s only one of Mr. Dylon.

    I must help him!

    B-But... how could I assist Mr. Dylon?

    Should I use that against these hoodlums?

    I... I don''t think I have the courage to.

    Five people are charging towards Mr. Dylon at once.

    What should I do?!

    Just as I was thinking of such things--

    He then, while humming, continued to do battle with the other hoodlums.

    He jumped and threw punches, occasionally landing kicks, defeating them.

    It wasn''t that troublesome.

    To be perfectly truthful, it ended quite quickly with the four of them on the ground groaning and Mr. Gooyiv the only one among the hoodlums that remained standing.

    Truly, it was exciting but I couldn''t help but think it was anticlimactic.

    It almost felt like I was simply watching a play.

    I''ve never seen a real play, though...

    Ah... but it''s good it turned out this way, it would be terrible if Mr. Dylon had gotten hurt.

    Mr. Dylon sure fights gallantly... ah, but he is a man.

    I''m not really compatible with men...

    Or perhaps I just lack experience with them?

    The only person my age that I''ve talked to is Mira...

    Hmm... I-If he were to propose to me right now, I''d probably say yes.

    But would he even understand me if I said "Yes!"?

    But of course, I only jest.

    There is no way that a gentleman who fights with such spectacular magic is not already married.

    Truly, he must have a wife who is waiting for him back home.

    M-M-Maybe they''ve even already... h-held hands...! H,Heavens!

    B-But... he held my hand earlier... p-pervert...!?

    ...W-What am I even saying...?

    I sure am o,odd today, thinking such obscene thoughts...

    Where am I anyway?

    How did I get here?

    Maybe I got transported to another continent.

    As I was daydreaming by myself, Mr. Gooyiv suddenly took out a strange item.

    What is that...?

    It was a black colored thing.

    I don''t really know what it is, but I understand that it''s being pointed towards Mr. Dylon.

    Mr. Gooyiv then began talking again.

    They''ve been talking all this time, but unfortunately, I do not understand what they are saying so I didn''t bother.

    "You sh*tty little brat!"

    Mr. Gooyiv shouted in anger.

    I''ve never seen such an object, what could it be?

    Can Mr. Dylon handle it?

    He can, can''t he?

    Such a small wand couldn''t possibly harm him...

    Then maybe it''s not a wand?

    A tool for fighting?

    I look at Mr. Dylon.

    His back is facing me, protecting me.

    He turned his head to look at me once.

    He is frowning and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

    What is this... strange sensation of foreboding...

    As if something terrible is about to happen.

    My body was screaming danger at me.

    What is it, what is it...?

    Mr. Gooyiv smiled cruelly, then he squeezed a part of the black thing with his finger.

    Mr. Dylon turned around, pushing me towards the ground while he jumped.

    Bang!

    The tool roared, as if it was a beast.

    For a second, I was too frightened to even move.

    Was it that...? Terrifying--!

    "Ah! Crap...!"

    *Thud*

    "Daielon...?"

    Mr. Dylon collapsed.

    My mind immediately went blank.

    Could it be?

    Mr. Gooyiv-- no.

    This hoodlum, Gooyiv harmed my first male friend?

    How could he?

    No... How dare he?!

    All this time, I thought Mr. Dylon could handle everything.

    It was selfish of me, thinking he could do it all.

    Deep in my heart, I was still afraid of people like Gooyiv.

    My brain was trying to tell me to just run away.

    And so, I acted without thinking.

    I invoked magic to attack a rovietal.

    Part 4

    "...It''s over, boy."

    Baldie said as he looked down at me.

    He looks tired. Heh...

    Tch... I didn''t expect the bastard to pull out a gun.

    I shouldn''t have left mine in the car... Ah sh*t!

    It hurts, dammit...!

    I''ve lost a lot of blood, cold sweat drenched my back and forehead.

    I couldn''t move neither.

    Tch... Unexpectedly, Baldie''s got a good aim.

    Alice... Where is Alice...?

    She was watching the whole time... Hah... Sorry, but...

    Looks like I showed you my uncool side, getting injured like this...

    Ah... She was behind me... at least... she''s unharmed...

    "Grahah!"

    I clutch my abdomen with a pained face.

    I was about to pass out, but I couldn''t help but think like this.

    She''s the kind of beauty that causes such thoughts.

    Agh, damn. I''ve lost too much blood.

    Just as my vision was about to melt into the darkness, I saw a beautiful light the color of vermillion.

    A beautiful color, the fire of sunset.

    Fire...? We...ird...

    The next moment, I couldn''t see anymore.

    Part 5, Alice''s point of view

    "..."

    I... I did it. I cast magic on a man... and took his life.

    Manslayer

    Such a name entered my thoughts.

    Murderer. I''m a murderer.

    I took somebody''s life.

    The life that was gifted to us by the goddess was taken by a mere person.

    To me, though that didn''t really matter.

    But why?

    All for the sake of a man I haven''t met before tonight.

    Dylon, my first friend outside of family.

    "Daielon...? Daielon!!"

    I screamed.

    Was that even his name?

    I wasn''t so sure.

    Maybe I confused his name with one of the words he used to speak with me before, but that didn''t matter to me at all.

    I shouted the word which I thought to be his name again and again, but he wouldn''t wake up.

    This gentleman had fought for me, but what did I do?

    I just stood there, watched as he protected me.

    Watched as he fell by himself.

    Why?

    Because I hesitated.

    Because I was scared.

    Even now, I might be misunderstanding this.

    Mr. Dylon could''ve been the bad person and those gentlemen were trying to rescue me from his vile clutches.

    It''s a possibility.

    But such thoughts were immediately discarded.

    Sitting down next to him, I held him close to my chest.

    His hands were cold, he had lost too much blood.

    This is bad... What should I do?

    What can I do?!

    I''m scared... Please don''t die, friend!

    As I was thinking hard, my eyes suddenly drifted to Mr. Gooyiv''s charred corpse.

    "Salrischet!"

    I got it!

    I have never tried this before in my life.

    That is, both the act and the magic, but since Mr. Dylon is my friend,

    I have to be willing to do at least this much, right?

    T-This is my first time... I wonder if he''ll think I''m an easy lady when he wakes up and finds out...

    I''ve never even held hands before... I wonder what his wife will think?

    Wait, I don''t even know if Mr. Dylon has a wife!

    How does the incantation go again?

    Ah, this is bad! For the first time in her life, this Alice has been stricken by panic...

    Why does healing magic have to be so complicated...?

    I hate this...

    Oh Lady Shirastiva! Are you testing me?

    Is this perhaps a trial to see if this Alice is loyal to you?

    Worry not, your highness!

    I shall offer up everything to you, for you are the one true goddess!

    I got into a kneeling position and placed my hands over my chest, praying to the goddess.

    If she wished for Mr. Dylon to be healed, then he shall!

    I have to do this!

    Resolving myself, I-- my face drew closer to his lips.

    I don''t know when, but my eyes had already been closed.

    ...Mr. Dylon smelled of alcohol.

    How... charming.

    Without another word--

    I overlapped my lips with his.

 Chapter 1 - Wonderland

    Part 1

    "Huh?!"

    A hoarse voice escaped my lips.

    My eyes shot open and my upper body violently sat up as I gasped sharply from pain.

    Realizing the pain was an illusion, my eyes cleared.

    Feeling the cold sweat on my back, I heaved a sigh of relief.

    "Urgh..." Quick with recognizing the feeling of my consciousness swimming in mud, I shook my head to wake myself up.

    I felt that I had a dream just now. Was it a nightmare...? I''ve already forgotten, it seems. Oh well.

    I look around me and only then did I realize that I was in an unfamiliar room. Huh? No... it seems familiar, but... strange.

    What''s going on...?

    Feeling a sense of dissonance, I try to stand up.

    "W-What...?" I grasp my throat gently in worry.

    To the right of the bed is a wardrobe-sized mirror.

    The problem lies there.

    "Who... am I?"

    In front of me--

    Reflected in the mirror is the most beautiful girl I''ve ever seen in my entire life.

    Exquisite purple eyes with a hue nearer to pink than violet

    Glossy silver hair that reached her waist

    Adorable lips that fit quite nicely on her face

    Pristine skin that was milky and flawless.

    And lastly, hands that were so soft it was obvious she had never touched dishes aside from eating.

    But more important than that--

    "What happened to my body?!"

    The girl''s eyes widened.

    Rather, my eyes widened as my throat quivered,

    "M-My voice...!"

    Without even trying, a high pitched voice escaped my lips.

    Impossible!

    Realizing this, I quickly had an idea--

    "What...!?"

    Her(my) visage still looked absolutely stunning despite the look of worry across her face.

    The reason she was worried was because--

    "Boobs!"

    Whispered screams came out of my mouth.

    Not too big but not too small neither.

    Considering her body height, this is perf--

    W-What am I thinking?!

    I quickly shake my head to clear my mind from such thoughts and I immediately reached out to make another confirmation--

    "...! N-No..."

    I sank into despair.

    "My manhood... is...gone."

    The feeling of emptiness between my legs.

    There was nothing there.

    For the first time in years--

    I shed real (wo)manly tears.

    Part 2

    After about ten minutes (it was actually thirty), I stopped crying and calmed myself down.

    I should give this some thought...

    I scanned my memories and immediately realized why I felt odd.

    This body''s limbs are much shorter than what I''m used to.

    This body is about fifty cm shorter than my own.

    The memories of my previous body were retained. I seem to also have a basic understanding of who this girl is.

    Basically, I''ve inherited her memories.

    Quickly skimming through her memories, I learn that her life was fully uneventful.

    Growing up as a sheltered young lady, she knew nothing of the world.

    She was going to attend a special school a few months from now.

    I don''t know why, but she had received some sort of special training. Was it so that she could be ahead of everyone at school? Huh.

    This house overlooks a mountain.

    Below this building is a large town.

    Rather, this isn''t a house.

    It''s a castle, isn''t it?

    Ah. What the hell is going on?

    But there was something else, too--

    "...It seems I have landed on a fantasy world."

    I saw it clearly as I peeked out the window,

    For some reason, there weren''t many people found outside.

    The reason is clear to me. I see them circling above the town. They then left, heading towards one direction, wings flapping.

    "Angels."

    Part 3

    The sun was not yet at its zenith when I had woken up.

    After I saw those winged humans outside, I sat down on the side of the bed and spent several minutes in a daze.

    Angels? No way. Was it a trick of the light?

    No... I saw them clearly and according to this girl''s memories, these are seen around here sometimes.

    Her father is a rich noble who lives in the north of the Mistlehein continent, the Bravis Empire.

    He dotes on her plenty and because of this, she doesn''t go out much and as a result, doesn''t have much friends.

    Our memories seem to have merged at one point and recalling a particular day would cause me to remember two instances of the same day.

    One as Dylon, one as her.

    No good... What was it again...? The mission was in the Royal Crown or something. I... eliminated the target, right? And... then...

    "...Urgh!"

    I felt a sharp pain on my head.

    "Darn..."

    I heard a voice. An enchanting voice. My voice. Easily ten out of ten. But I don''t know yet, maybe the people of this world are all unbelievably beautiful and handsome.

    While thinking that, I once again try to remember.

    "Blank. No good, I don''t remember. What happened?

    Why am I a woman?!"

    I complain while rubbing my chest--

    Yup, I''m amazing.

    This isn''t some gameshow, is it? It better not be~ I''ll commit murder, y''know? I swear, the moment I find a hidden camera, something bad will happen.

    Though that''s impossible. This is way too convoluted.

    As I was talking to myself, I heard a knock come from the door.

    "Lady Alice, are you alright?"

    A soft, slightly worried voice called out to me from the other side of the door.

    Alice? That''s me, right?

    "Lady Alice? Did you perhaps have nightmares?"

    The door opened and a young lady dressed as a maid stepped inside the room.

    She curtsied as soon as she entered, her smile melting into a worried look the moment she saw my face.

    "Milady, you look terrible! H-Have you been crying? One second, I shall fetch you some water."

    And with that, the maid had left as soon as she had arrived.

    Quite young. All of the ones in my house already have a bit of age. She looks like she''s the same age as my old body, though.

    The maid quickly returned, glass in hand,

    "Your Grace, please drink."

    Your Grace? Ah, that won''t do. Alice is only the daughter of a duke.

    I politely ignore that slight error, though. I don''t really mind.

    She handed me the glass gently and with practiced hands.

    "Thank you, Mira."

    I smiled warmly as I took the glass from her.

    Whew... Good thing her name is among Alice''s memories.

    The maid''s-- Mira''s eyes widened as she stared at me with emotion.

    Huh? Did I do something wrong? She looks about ready to cry.

    Her eyes became misty and she placed her hand on her mouth,

    "Lady Alice... It''s been many years since you called me by my name..."

    Crap. Did I make a mistake?

    I guess to this maid, it was as if I was giving her face.

    "C-Calm down, Mira."

    I hurriedly spoke.

    A girl crying right in front of me--

    As a man, I can''t have that! (I''m a woman right now, though)

    "B-But... milady, did your father, His Grace permit you?

    I thought that you were forbidden from speaking to the likes of us with such... courtesy..."

    Oh? Strange. Alice''s body had no memories of such an agreement. There can only be one explanation, right?

    "Who cares?"

    I say it like it was a matter of fact.

    The main reason it was not in her memories was because she paid it no heed and had forgotten long ago.

    Mira the maid clutched her chest with both hands,

    "Milady...! Thank you."

    Then showed me a charming smile.

    Woah. If I hadn''t seen myself earlier, I''d have to say she''s in the top ten of the most beautiful in my head.

    Number 6, probably. I''m still number 1, though.

    Alright! Good, I still think like a man! But... what about my body...? Is the ''Alice'' of this world in Dylon''s body in the other world?

    Sigh... I''ll think about this another day.

    For now, I should make some preparations so I can confirm the current situation.

    The sooner I know what''s going on, the sooner I can return to my own body.

    Hopefully.

    It seems Mira was mystified as I grew silent with a pondering expression.

    "Say, Mira."

    "Y-Yes, milady!"

    I must''ve surprised her, calling so suddenly as her response was a bit slow, but I didn''t mind at all.

    With the most charming smile I could make, I made a request,

    "Let''s go for a walk."

    Part 4

    "Lady Alice! P-Please wait!"

    Slowing down my pace so she could catch up with me, I turn to the maid currently dressed in simple clothing.

    Hm... the current era of this world is similar to my own world''s medieval age. No cars, all wars.

    "I finally... caught up... I didn''t... know you were...*gasp* so fast... lady Alice..."

    Seeing the easily tired Mira, I get an idea.

    I suppress the teasing smile hanging on my face.

    "Hmm~? What''s this? Could it be that Mira is so incompetent that she can''t even keep up with the frail me?"

    I say with my back still turned to her.

    She can''t see me snickering, right?

    The same way for me, I couldn''t see her face.

    I didn''t expect that her reaction would be--

    "I-I''m s-so-sorry... Your Grace... I promise I''ll keep up... I-I won''t be a burden, s-so--"

    Getting on her knees with tears straining her face, she begged me,

    "--please don''t throw me away...!"

    After that, Mira deserved a serious hug and a little lecture about why jokes are jokes.

    She started making her own along our stroll.

    They weren''t very funny, but that is a story for another time.

    As we walked around the castletown, I heard several whispers from the surroundings.

    I blatantly ignored them after hearing the words "Wow", "Pretty", "Beautiful" and "Gorgeous," I couldn''t help but get embarrassed.

    Please stop staring at me, I''ll cut you~

    There were other people who approached as well and they seemed to know Mira. None of them talked to me, though.

    Hey, hey~ Talk to me, will you~ Feeling shy? Ohohohoho~

    Oh forget it.

    Mira and I continued on, the town, unlike earlier was now filled with people. It seems we have arrived at the market.

    Ladies wearing hempen clothes were selling fruits and vegetables in stalls, a bald brother with big arms was selling weapons and armor in his shop, people in black clothing with weird masks selling potions. To me, it was a strange sight. But it feels like... I''ve seen it before.

    That shouldn''t be, right? Alice is forbidden from leaving the castle. Urgh... my head...

    "Ah, Miss Mira! Look at this! I caught something big this morning!"

    "Mira, dear~ Won''t you please help out at the orphanage again~?"

    "Look, look! It''s miss Mira! ...Who''s that pretty lady with you?"

    Besides the burly man, the nun and the children, the other people weren''t very memorable.

    Ah, I just wanted a peaceful stroll. Well, this is fine, too. I''m getting to know the situation of the city.

    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.But it''s not like it''s my business, is it?

    Mira greets them but then tells them that she has business with me and ends the discussion early.

    I then notice something.

    "Mira."

    I stop walking and turn my head to look at Mira.

    "Yes, milady?"

    She bowed respectfully as she spoke,

    I signaled with my index finger, "Come closer."

    With a wondering gaze, she did as instructed.

    I then spoke in a light manner,

    "Don''t walk behind. Walk next to me."

    At my words, Mira''s face becomes painted by surprise, then quickly changes into an apologetic one,

    "O-Oh no, I couldn''t possibly! A-After all, we, we are not equal, milady. Mira will quietly follow you."

    At her words, I show a (fake) solemn smile,

    "You know..."

    Ah. If only I could fake tears.

    I pretend to sigh as I look up at the sky,

    "It''s lonely on top."

    Mira turned slightly flustered by my sad expression,

    "I-- Milady, I''m sorry. So sorry, lady Alice. I didn''t... I didn''t think, I--"

    Bowing my head slightly and looking at her with upturned eyes as I clasped my hands in front of my chest as if praying.

    Mm... soft.

    "Oh Mira, my only friend. Won''t you please listen to this lonely Alice''s selfish wish?"

    Adding a "Please~" would probably make it powerful. Or maybe it would make it seem painfully obvious?

    Truthfully, I am only testing this body''s destructive power. Just now, I must have been adorable as to have been completely undefiable. I hope.

    Waiting for her reaction to see if it worked, I closed my eyes.

    Sparkle~

    Sparkle~

    Sparkle...

    Sparkle...?

    Hmm? It didn''t work? What? Weird.

    I peeked slightly with my left eye and see--

    "Uuu~ I''m so sorry, lady Alice~ I d-didn''t know you were so lonely, I--I was insensitive...!"

    A crying maid.

    Wow, Mira~ You sure are a crybaby~

    Heh... heh heh... this girl is too easy. No, it couldn''t be. This body is simply too strong.

    I move closer to Mira and held her hands,

    "Mira, please don''t cry."

    The moment I said this, dust got into my eye.

    Ow, owwie~ It hurts! Gotta keep going, though. Don''t want to waste my effort...

    Don''t scratch it. Don''t touch it. It hurts~

    Ah~ Feels good. Ah crap I rubbed my eye.

    Contrary to my words, Mira''s crying didn''t stop.

    She probably thought that I was crying, too.

    Ah, this is troublesome now. Just plain comical it''s almost stupid.

    Better finish this up soon.

    At least now, I know for sure.

    Alice''s body--

    With crushing certainty, can make any (normal) man''s heart tremble.

    That should be so. Even women crumble before Alice''s charm if I tried. Or perhaps it''s only Mira?

    Hm... further testing is required.

    With this development, I decided to give Mira some service.

    "Mira, from now on, call me Alice when we''re alone."

    Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands, Mira nodded repeatedly as she cried.

    Girls sure are sensitive. I don''t get it.

    This ''heart-warming event'' unfortunately happened in public and the general onlookers saw a situation where

    Mira had done something wrong and started to cry while apologizing while Alice forgave her while crying as well.

    The rumors weren''t that troublesome and I don''t really care for misunderstandings, so it''ll probably disappear with time.

    If only I knew it would be remembered as an event similar to a certain Messiah forgiving a man who has gravely sinned, I would have immediately stopped it myself.

    Part 5

    We passed through the marketplace and now we''re in a less populated area.

    I remember the demons earlier. They weren''t angels, after all. Simply humanoid winged monsters that took the shape of a man.

    Or something...

    I then notice something is amiss.

    Too little people were here.

    All men...

    Aren''t Mira and I surrounded?

    For some reason, I have a feeling of d��j�� vu.

    I swear this already happened before, but neither mine nor Alice''s memories hold such an event.

    Hoh... I wonder.

    It''s because I''m gorgeous, isn''t it?

    Or is this about Mira? Ah, she''s cute as well so it''s not impossible.

    Will they try their luck with me?

    Or will they try to ask Mira?

    Hey, they don''t have things like guns here, do they?

    If they do, I might actually get defeated, then violated?

    It''s probably fine. I still know how to fight thanks to my past experiences as Dylon.

    Alice also knows some elementary magic. ...I don''t know how to invoke it, though. I''ll study her memories later.

    Just as I was thinking that,

    "Hey there~"

    A burly (and smelly) man grabbed Mira''s shoulder from behind.

    Mira seemed troubled and was about to politely ask him to let go.

    Turning my head, I show a calm smile.

    The fact that my smile was "bewitching" was something unknown to me.

    "It''s alright, Mira. Yes, dear sir? What do you need from this Alice Icelance? How can I help you?"

    Of course, depending on your answer, I''ll decide whether you live or die.

    Stinky showed a disgusting smile and jeered as he peeked at my breasts,

    "Say, lady Alice! I am no knight so I don''t deserve to be called sir, but... heh! Won''t you accompany me and my friends a bit? We''ll have lots of fun!"

    At those words, I immediately made a decision.

    Good bye. Rest in peace. Thank you for your company.

    Part 6 - Mira''s Point of View

    A man was talking to lady Alice.

    What should I do...?

    But lady Alice looks calm.

    Could it be... perhaps she wanted to come with him?

    That''s impossible, right?

    Just as I was thinking that,

    "Guahh!"

    The man was sent flying.

    Eh...? What happened?

    "Hm..." lady Alice looked like she was pondering as she retracted her fist with a frown.

    What?! Was the one that sent the man flying lady Alice?!

    With this scene unfolding, the men came closer while laughing,

    "What''s this, Paslo? Getting blown away by the frail daughter of a noble? Che!"

    The man who said this spat at the other man who was blown away just now.

    O-Oh no... are they going to kill us? No, I must protect Lady Alice! Maybe if I offer myself willingly, they will spare her...

    Just as I was having such naive thoughts, lady Alice walked forward to face the men, her calm smile unchanging.

    No, her hand is shaking. Her Grace must be very scared right now.

    I must protect her...!

    B-But... I only know magic up to the elementary level... Not only that, it''s not offensive at all...

    I didn''t notice how the situation escalated.

    The men spoke with lady Alice, but I didn''t understand the conversation''s flow anymore.

    Lady Alice stood still, her eyes were shining with a dangerous light as she smiled.

    "Beautiful..."

    I couldn''t help but let a murmur escape from my lips.

    Then the skirmish began.

    The man called Paslo who was blown away earlier came charging again, seemingly bent on making lady Alice kneel.

    Lady Alice only moved slightly, perfectly dodging the body blow.

    After which, another man came charging. He must''ve been a pervert, targeting milady''s chest--

    Milady then smiled beautifully, letting out an "Oh my~ Oh my~" as she caught the man''s wrist with her left hand. Then, with his arm stuck out, without letting go she then sent a strike with her palm towards his elbow.

    Crack

    "Ahhhhrrgghhh!!"

    The man howled in pain as his arm bent in an impossible direction, clearly broken.

    As he clutched his injured arm, lady Alice gently pushed him in the chest with her hand.

    He fell down without much trouble.

    Three men were left, they must''ve been as flabbergasted as I was.

    Quickly breaking free from surprise, the man called Paslo drew his sword and was clearly emitting bloodlust.

    He... He wants to kill her!

    Should I call for help?

    I look towards lady Alice.

    She had easily understood my thoughts with just a glance,

    "No need."

    She said carelessly as she walked towards the men.

    The atmosphere instantly changed.

    Following that was no longer a fight--

    It was one-sided slaughter.

    It ended soon enough. Lady Alice had not ended their lives, they were simply on the ground, groaning from pain.

    Lady Alice turned to me then walked towards my direction.

    I unconsciously take a step back from fear. I''m sorry, I...

    Strangely enough, the first thing lady Alice did when she was in front of me--

    "Wahh~!"

    Was cry.

    Part 7

    "Wahh~!"

    It hurts! IT HURTS! DAMN!

    I noticed it in the beginning when I punched Stinky, but Alice''s body is frail.

    Each counter I did, it all returned back to me.

    Of course, I''m not an idiot and limited most of my actions, using only my left arm to retaliate to minimize the damage.

    But urgh! This hurrrts!

    Without question, the left arm was broken. I''m crying, too. This body functions too ridiculously.

    Alice lacks exercise and her body is too soft.

    Mira looked at me strangely, but then quickly told me to be still, regaining her calm.

    She can use healing magic, right? Ah, but this is probably too severe for elementary healing magic. It''d take months to heal, too...

    Mira looked as if she was praying. Later, a bright light shone on my arm. It felt good and it was warm like a comforting pat on the back.

    Before even a minute, my arm had been completely healed. I underestimated magic... I figured elementary magic would be for small bruises and scratches, but Mira informed me that it could heal even a severed limb. Well, that is, as long as you attach it back then apply the magic. Or something like that.

    As for the people I beat up, it soon circulated in town that the Icelance family''s daughter, Ris(Alice) had an extraordinarily tough bodyguard and he singlehandedly defeated the ruffians. The ruffians, in turn, not wanting the truth that they were devastated by a fragile young lady to be brought to light, kept quiet about the matter.

    Ris? It''s Alice! Rumors sure are ridiculous. What kind of ears do these people have...? Urgh.

    Mira was severely scolded when we got home, but I tested out Alice''s Divine Powers(charm) on Duke Icelance (her father).

    For some reason, he wept tears of joy as he forgave Mira.

    <del>You bearded old pervert. I''ll cut you.</del>

    Of course, that is... a story for another time.

 Chapter 2 - Calm

    Part 1

    "Thank you for accompanying me again today, sir Luke."

    I turned my head to the knight walking behind me.

    He had a cool, handsome face, sharp green eyes and black hair.

    He had a permanent glaring look plastered on his face so it could be said that his angry look is his normal look.

    He only nodded with a thin smile on his face. What are you smiling about, punk? Glad you get to go on a date with me?

    Needless to say, I hate him.

    Who would want to be followed around by a handsome?

    Die, handsome!

    As it turns out, Handsome here is Alice''s childhood and only male friend.

    To her, he didn''t even register as a "male" so it could be said that she sees him only as a reliable older brother.

    The same goes for Luke as he has a professional personality where when we are alone, he treats me like a little sister and treats me like a princess when outside.

    Curse you.

    "Ufufu~ Lady Alice sure is cheerful when Captain Luke is with us!"

    The girl with brown, braided hair and gentle, brown eyes who was walking next to Luke spoke.

    An annoying maid.

    She began talking by herself happily. Something about marriage?

    I wasn''t listening, though.

    Neither was Luke.

    The reason Luke was with us was because of the Duke, Alice''s father. My(?) father, Jorgan Icelance.

    Speaking of Jorgan, he was tall and solidly built with blonde hair and blue eyes.

    Say, are we even related?

    We look nothing alike, mister.

    He looked a little lost when I pleaded that I wanted to go out of the castle with Mira, but when he saw that I was about to cry, he immediately compromised with an expression saying he didn''t want to displease me.

    Hoh.

    Sorry, Alice''s dad.

    The compromise was to bring a guard.

    Either one elite or four standard ones.

    I didn''t want to stand out when walking around town so I decided to pick the former. With Mira, of course.

    Though that was the case, I still end up gathering attention even if I don''t want to.

    It can''t be helped, my Divine Powers are too strong, after all.

    It''s been a week since I woke up as Alice. Walking around the large city, there were many instances where gentlemen proposed to me.

    That''s right. Proposed.

    They asked for my hand in marriage. Some even consulted with my father, the duke first.

    Of course, every single one of them were declined by my father.

    Even if my father approved of you, I won''t. Sorry, guys.

    But I''m a dude.

    My beauty is otherworldly so I feel for you, though.

    Enough about that. Regarding the language and culture, they''re obviously different.

    The language is called [Roviety] and the humans are called [Rovietal] in turn.

    To me, the language still sounded a bit like random sounds slapped together, but I understand them easily thanks to Alice''s memories.

    Other than that, there aren''t any real issues.

    Well, besides the fact that the culture here would allow a 16-year-old to be married off to a 30-year-old. If it was in my world, they''d at least wait two more years.

    Not a problem. I won''t be married off.

    No thank you.

    Well, not unless I start seeing men in a different light.

    Probably never.

    I learned several other things as well.

    I learned that prior to me first waking up as Alice, she had disappeared for half a day which is strange considering she never left the castle, she slept for the other half of the day.

    After that is all me. More pressing than that is the fact that Alice doesn''t seem to hold any memories on where she disappeared to and how she got back.

    Simply, she disappeared and appeared again, easy to say that she was spirited away.

    It was probably during that interval that we switched bodies. The fact that she was gone for that many hours means where she went to wasn''t very far away considering how she went and got back within half a day.

    I''ll pass this bridge when I get there, though as currently I don''t have any leads.

    The only thing left to do is strengthen this body girly body.

    During mornings, I decided to train this body so I can withstand my own reflexes and not break my own limbs whenever I act rashly, just in case. ...I''ll make sure to maintain her skin, though.

    In the afternoon, Mira, Luke and I would just play around in town. Luke doesn''t speak much and just follows us silently but he doesn''t look like he really minds.

    Almost as if he''s dealing with the wishes of a spoiled child. It pains me how mature Handsome can be.

    In the evening, I read books about this world.

    I discovered that there are such things such as "chantless magic". At first, I figured magic to be inconvenient in battle for it would take at least 15 seconds to finish a long chant if you''re slow, half that if you''re fast. That is just enough time to pull a trigger and instantly kill you. Though fortunately, there are no such things as firearms in this world.

    Unfortunately, "chantless magic" is a skill that is more of a legend than knowledge.

    The only ones recorded that have been able to use it are known as demon lords and heroes... yeah right.

    Although there were some exceptions, a sage living somewhere on a frozen continent said to be able to use chantless magic or something alike.

    The books I read also described the characteristics of the magic that are cast through chantless magic.

    The magic, no matter what element will appear in the color of the caster''s eye color.

    The common eye color for people here are generally blue and brown with green as rare cases.

    Yellow eyes are the ones belonging to every species of demons and a few species of dragons.

    As it turns out, there are dragons here too.

    Hmm... Maybe I should go and make a name for myself.

    Dragonslayer Alice?

    Not bad.

    As for black eyes, which were pretty common back in my old world, the only ones who have them here are apparently the Demon Lords and their descendants who are feared by all.

    Red eyes are the rarest, the only ones who have them are dragons and the Nehorune race that is almost extinct.

    In that case, what about my pink-like purple eyes? A genetic mutation? It doesn''t really matter. Things like these happen in my world.

    Anyway, chantless is also relatively stronger than chanted magic and it explains that chanted magic borrows the concept of understanding of gods to cause phenomena but since it''s not their own understanding, the power becomes relatively weaker if compared.

    Since chantless magic uses the concept of understanding of the caster and not the gods'', the power is far stronger.

    If I were to make an analogy, it''s like this:

    Magic is like reading a book and the author of that book is a god. The more you understand about it, the stronger the magic. Naturally, the author of that book understands it more than anyone else does.

    If you can use chantless magic, it is like you wrote your own book. Since you understand the contents fully, you don''t need to read it to get it.

    As I read on, I realize something important:

    I don''t get it.

    Even if I knew all this information, it''s useless since I won''t understand magic unless I try it for myself.

    I also asked Mira if she can cast offensive magic to see if she can teach me anything. It turns out she didn''t and she apologized while looking really sad, saying that she only knew a little bit of healing to which I smiled and replied that it''s okay.

    And that is why we went outside of the city today.

    Luke knew a bit of offensive fire magic and I had asked him to teach me a bit.

    Even though I hate him.

    Though when I first asked, he showed a troubled face and said,

    "If I remember correctly, lady Alice is better in magic than I am."

    He spoke with a hint of worship in his tone,

    "Really? That''s amazing, lady Alice!"

    and Mira, who was behind me said with genuine praise. Agh! Please don''t look at me with such eyes. I don''t even know if I can cast magic!

    Luke smiled and then spoke as if boasting,

    "Lady Alice had memorized the chant 2 months before I had first successfully cast it."

    Ah... Too much expectations. I''m sorry.

    "Uh... Erm... Terribly sorry, but I... uhm... seem to have forgotten?"

    Oh no... my mouth''s chattering. Will they be disappointed in me?

    I hope not... I''ll cry, y''know?

    "Ah, of course. Even lady Alice isn''t perfect."

    "It couldn''t be helped because you''re cooped up in the castle all the time."

    Contrary to my expectations, the two of them laughed with pleasant smiles.

    ...Handsome''s smile wasn''t pleasant, though.

    With that, I contemplate deeply on how shallow I have been.

    Part 2

    "Hey Luuke~ How did the chant go again? I-- Y''know, just reviewing..."

    Arriving at a clearing in the forest, we had set up a few bottles of wine in a line just ahead of us.

    Simply, it''s target practice.

    Luke nodded at my excuse, a slight smile as if he''s glad he''s being relied on.

    Handsome is so reliable. We still ain''t friends, though.

    I hope Handsome stops smiling soon. It''s terrifying...

    "Mm. Lady Alice, it was like this,"

    Luke began teaching me from the basics as he pointed his palm towards a bottle with his hand,

    "Breather of flames, purifier of life!

    Oh Varimony!

    Your humble servant prays and fights!

    Nothing will be left after this strife!

    Nothing but ashes for days and nights!"

    Blue-colored energy compressed on his right hand before forming into a ball of fire the size of a basketball.

    With sweat forming on his forehead, Handsome yelled, "Fireball!"

    Throwing it towards one of the bottles, the ball of flame exploded upon contact, enveloping the area in smoke.

    "Cough cough! Oh my, Hands-- L-Luke. That was fairly frightening. Excellent, excellent!"

    "Amazing, Lord Luke!"

    Without thinking, I gave Handsome praise that honestly came from my heart while Mira and I clapped excitedly.

    "So that blue energy was mana?"

    I asked out of curiosity.

    Luke looked at me in wonder.

    Oh.

    It must''ve been an obvious question.

    My bad.

    Towards my direct praise, Handsome--he only frowned.

    Oi. Ungrateful bastard!

    "Please don''t tease me, milady. Yours is way more powerful than mine."

    He said in a matter of fact manner.

    Oh. Is that so? Hmm... but if I remember correctly, last he saw mine(Alice)''s was 4 years ago so I''m sure he just exaggerated the one from his memories. Silly boy.

    Alice herself doesn''t even remember how it was.

    I only showed a troubled smile, deciding on giving it a try,

    "Well then, my turn."

    Luke once more nodded seriously, his fierce-looking eyes glared at me--

    No, that must be his normal face. Poor Handsome.

    Handsome and Mira took a few steps back.

    I can feel them staring at my back expectantly.

    Urgh... please don''t... Alice crumbles under pressure...

    Hmm... how did it go again? It was something like this, right...?

    Feeling mana compress around me, I immediately realize that I forgot to aim.

    Ah, no big deal. Focusing my eyes on the targets, I feel the energy around my body and aim it towards the bottles.

    "Breather of flames, purifier of life!

    Oh Varimony!

    Erm...Your humble servant prays... and... uhm... fights...?

    Ah forget it. [Burn]!"

    Instantly, the bottles were assaulted by flames, causing them to explode.

    Yayy~ I did it!

    I turn to look at Handsome and Mira, feeling quite proud,

    "She shortened the chant?!"

    "Alice!"

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.Mira looked honestly surprised while Handsome rushed to my side and pushed me down.

    P-Please don''t call me Alice. I-I-It''s Lady Alice to you, get it?!

    Crack

    Crash

    Ehh? What''s going on? Hello? Mister Luke? P-P-Puh-P-Please don''t...

    W-Why are you touching my chest?!

    "Mira! Go to the city and inform the men, make sure they make it!

    Alice, look at me. Listen to me-- listen to me, okay? This is not your fault. Everything will be fine. Do you understand?"

    "Y-Yes, knight captain!"

    It is clear that I do not understand the situation, I looked on in wonder at Handsome''s worried face .

    It is only then that I realize.

    We were in a fairly empty clearing. All the trees were at least a dozen meters away from us--

    but even though it was like that.

    Right next to me is a fallen tree, its leaves burning. Flying along with it is the scent of charred wood, assaulting my nostrils.

    I understand now. I was saved. Handsome pushed me out of harm''s way.

    I looked around me, I already knew what I had to do.

    I needed to run.

    But I couldn''t.

    My legs wouldn''t take me--

    Alice''s legs wouldn''t move.

    She-- no, I... I was terrified.

    Clearly, I have faced situations more dire than this in my previous life.

    But those experiences were instantly blown away.

    The trees around us, the bushes, the animals in the forest, all of them--

    The whole forest was set alight.

    Part 3 - Luke''s Point of View

    Damn... smoke...

    "Alice--cough-- it''s time... t-to go!"

    I said with urgency as I carried the tearful Alice in my arms.

    Her white dress which was a gift from her father was torn at the hem. It had been caught on fire and she ripped it off herself.

    I ran with all my strength, giving my all to let Alice and I escape from the forest.

    "Hah...! Hah...--Lu...ke..."

    As I ran, I notice a change in Alice,

    Her breathing was ragged and she was red in the face,

    her body was hot and sweat formed on her forehead.

    More than that, she was gritting her teeth as if enduring something.

    It can''t be, mana depletion? She must''ve unconsciously used every bit of mana inside her body... Well that explains it.

    Though, the fact that the entirety of the forest was simultaneously ignited means that her pool must be quite large.

    Moreover, the flames have gotten severely stronger, so she must''ve supplied at least three times the amount of mana required to set the forest on fire.

    While thinking such things, I brought Alice to safety.

    Out of breath, I finally entered the city''s walls. The guards were running about, heading towards the forest''s direction thanks to Mira''s instructions.

    "Haa... Haa..."

    I set Alice down on a nearby bench as I sat down on the ground, leaning my back on one of the bench''s legs and let my body rest.

    "Cough! Cough...! *Gasp* Cough!"

    Gasping for breath, I close my eyes, thankful that I''m alive.

    As my eyes remained closed, I remember the flames surrounding the forest.

    I was running so fast, I almost ignored them but there was no way I''d miss it. Those flames...

    Those who could cast chantless magic in this world weren''t many, but those people with only a few exceptions were labeled as heroes or demon lords.

    Either they were the first to be sent to danger or they, themselves were the danger.

    Because of this, it was difficult for them to make any friends. It''s not that they were hard to get along with.

    As a matter of fact, they were very similar to normal people. It''s just that they kill too many or die too quickly that the entirety of Roviety started to look at them as an entirely different race.

    Alice... I promised... I will protect you until the end.

    Thus... the fact that the color of the flames'' outer layer was purple is a secret I will bring to my grave.

    Part 4

    "Is it fun?"

    She asked me with a smile on her face.

    My consciousness is cloudy, I don''t know how I even recognized the expression on her face.

    I stared back,

    "What is?" I asked without thinking.

    At my words, she only caressed my face and closed her eyes before responding, her voice echoing as she vanished.

    "Life... Life...Life...Life..."

    "Hah...?"

    My eyes slowly opened and a familiar ceiling entered my view.

    Room... Alice''s--... my room...

    By the time I had gotten my upper body out of the pillows, I had already forgotten the contents of my dreams.

    Though I still felt an odd sense of nostalgia hanging on the corner of my brain, I ignored it as I got up.

    What was I supposed to do today...?

    Oh. I was going to have Handsome teach me some offensive magic, right? Hmm... right.

    As I stood up, I notice something. Rather, someone sitting in the corner of the room.

    "..."

    His hands were crossed in front of his chest, his head was tilted down and he breathed a sleeper''s breath.

    It was Handsome, he was as handsome as ever. Scum.

    Thinking that I should pull a prank on him, an evil smile creeps on my face and I quietly approached him before I opened my mouth--

    "HEEEEEEEELP! NOOOOO~ DON''T TOUCH ME! AHH!!"

    "Hrm--huh?! What? Alice? Where--Danger?!"

    Handsome stood up in a hurry, immediately positioning himself as if to protect me. I didn''t notice it but his sword was already drawn. Hmm. Not bad, Handsome.

    "..."

    "..."

    "..."

    "..."

    "..."

    After five seconds, Handsome realized that there wasn''t anything breathing in this room except for us.

    "...?!"

    Handsome''s eyes widened as he slowly and shakily turns to look at me,

    "A-Alice... Y-Y-You... deceived me...?"

    "...I... I apologize."

    I uh... didn''t expect you''d look so betrayed.

    "Alice...Alice... why?"

    "W-Well then, I''ll be eating breakfast. S-See you~"

    I ignored Handsome who was still shaking and I headed to the dining hall.

    "Ah!"

    As I was walking, a maid suddenly appeared out of a corner and bumped into me, causing me to fall on my behind.

    "Owwie..."

    The hell? Did I just say that? Alice''s mannerisms are...

    The maid''s face paled and she immediately helped me stand before apologizing profusely.

    "It''s fine, really. You don''t have to apologize."

    I said with a well-practiced immaculate smile, but the maid--

    "Hiiiiii!! T-Thank you f-for your benevolence, Lady A-Alice!"

    only looked terrified, only bowing once before running away.

    "...?"

    I thought it was strange, but decided to let it pass it and continued to head to the dining area.

    On my way there, I noticed a change.

    The knights looked at me strangely and the servants seemed to be avoiding me.

    When I reached that conclusion, I stopped walking and turned to one of the guards who happened to be there.

    "Hey, boy."

    I called out to him.

    "..."

    The guard stood still, remaining silent.

    "Boy, I''m talking to you."

    I approached him and it was only then that he realized it was him I was referring to,

    "...! M-My apologies, lady Alice. I was deep in thought..."

    The excuse he was making trailed off by the end but I brushed it off with a smile,

    "It''s alright, don''t worry about it. Anyway, I was wondering... Everyone seems to be avoiding me, why is that?"

    The guard stiffened at my words.

    He opened his mouth while checking my expression,

    "A-Ah... They must simply be awed by milady''s talent in magic... I think."

    With a nervous smile, the guard told me.

    I thought it was something serious, but looks like this person doesn''t know anything about it.

    Hmm. I''ll ask someone else after I eat.

    At that point in time, I didn''t realize,

    The forest that my(Alice''s) mother had nurtured with the help of the spirits was burned to ashes.

 Chapter 3 - Before

    Part 1

    After eating, I ordered one of the servants to call for Mira.

    The reason? Nothing in particular, I always call out to her in the morning and I guess it''s become sort of like a habit of mine.

    More than that, today, I''m bringing her along to see if I can use magic.

    Earlier, a guard commented about how great my magic is, but that was probably from years ago.

    I waited for a few minutes but Mira didn''t come.

    Eventually, the servant I ordered earlier came back and told me,

    "My lady, His Grace, Duke Icelance and his guest want to speak with you."

    The servant bowed as he spoke, asking me to come with him.

    "Father? I see. Let''s go."

    A guest too, huh? Hmm. I don''t really need to think about it.

    Without another word, I followed the servant.

    The servant led me down a hallway that even Alice hasn''t been in before.

    This particular hallway was twice as extravagant as the others with black armors positioned left and right in rows.

    I knew they were empty and simply served as statues but for some reason, I felt like I was being watched.

    Rather than being oppressive, they gave off a warm, reassuring feeling.

    Almost like guardians...

    I followed the servant quietly while thinking such thoughts.

    "...This way, milady."

    The servant bowed, opened the door and extending his arm as if saying, ''Please go inside.''

    Hmm. I at least have to show my gratitude here.

    "Thank you."

    When the door was right in front of me, I turned my head to the side and looked at him.

    "Hey, boy. What is your name?"

    The servant, still bowing, lifted up his head slightly to look at me with surprise,

    "U-Uh... erm?"

    "I''m asking for your name, boy."

    "Ah...!"

    "Hmm...? What''s the matter?"

    I moved closer because I couldn''t hear his voice, but the servant looked nervous and he lowered his head quickly before answering,

    "I-It''s Saldonius... my lady."

    I nodded with an "Mm." before entering the room, leaving him with a,

    "I see. Saldonius. I''ll remember it."

    I didn''t say anymore and looked away from him,

    I entered the room. Before me is another hallway with only one door ahead.

    So even servants aren''t allowed to go here?

    Ah... Better go, father is waiting.

    "Ah... welcome, Alice. Come, sit."

    Jorgan greeted me the moment I opened the door.

    "Yes, father."

    I sat down next to Jorgan and quietly observed the room.

    Needless to say, it was gaudily designed with purple ornaments and didn''t really fit my tastes.

    Other than Jorgan, there were four other people including me.

    Sitting opposite of Jorgan is a young blond gentleman with handsome features, reminiscent of a young lion prince and his blue eyes fierce and unwavering.

    He looked about twenty or so.

    Standing behind us is Handsome, he has recovered from my prank and is now good as new with his usual pokerface while a man who wasn''t wearing anything from the stomach up except for a turban on his head was standing behind Lion with his hands behind his back.

    I''ll call him Monk.

    By the way, this is obvious but Handsome is about the same age as me. Which me? Alice, of course.

    ...Who am I explaining this to...? W-Well... anyway.

    Monk''s body was well-toned and unbelievably muscular but more striking than that is the fact that he''s wearing a blindfold.

    A blind practitioner? Can''t healing magic cure blindness? Better research on that later.

    ...For some reason, even behind that blindfold, I can feel Monk focusing on me.

    E-Erm...? M-Moving on!

    I only moved my eyes as it would be rude to move my head and continued to observe the situation.

    Lion turned his gaze to look at me and smiled,

    "Ah. So you are Lady Alice. I had thought that your beauty was greatly exaggerated by rumors, but it seems I have been mistaken."

    Hmm. Not bad, Handsome #2. No, wait... Better stick to the one I gave. It''s Lion.

    I turned to look at Jorgan and he nodded his head.

    That means I''m free to respond, right?

    I turn to Lion and thank him. Of course, it doesn''t displease me when Alice''s beauty is praised.

    "Thank you. Um...? You know my name but I don''t believe we''ve met...?"

    The man''s eyes looked surprised before he returned to his previous expression as if realizing something.

    "Ah. Once again, I apologize. I am the first prince of the Bravis empire, Artaxias Kira Bravia. A pleasure to meet you."

    Part 2

    Good day, my name is Alice Icelance-- Well, no. It''s actually Dylon Milodius. Hmm... Well, let''s just say I''m both right now.

    Well, anyway. Today, a lion named Taxi came to my house.

    I say house, but it''s actually a castle. More than that, standing behind Lion taxi is a really buff man with a blindfold and a turban covering his hair. Thinking that he might be bald, I arbitrarily decided to dub him as "Lee S*n", but since it is illegal, I won''t use that name anymore. I''ll call him Monk instead. He won''t shout "HIKKUUUUU~" while suddenly kicking me with his 4th skill and send me flying, right?!

    P-Probably not...

    Alright, alright. Enough jokes.

    "Ah...! I-I''ve been rude to you, Your Highness. Alice Icelance. Only daughter of Duke Jorgan Icelance. How do you do?"

    I apologized while in a fluster, introducing myself as graceful as possible, bobbing a curtsy towards Lion before returning to my seat.

    For some reason, Lion only showed an awkward face before answering with a wry smile,

    "Ah... you don''t need to be so formal. Even though I''m the first prince, I''m... erm... Well, I''m going to be sent to another country to study for a few years."

    "Hmm? Why''s that?"

    Tilting my head in wonder, I asked quizzically.

    He is a prince, after all. He doesn''t need to go to another country to study.

    With his father, the king''s authority, he can simply call for the best of the best to teach him whatever.

    I don''t understand.

    "To make it simple, Prince Artaxias is going to be exiled."

    Jorgan answered in Lion''s stead, making Monk frown.

    But he didn''t say anything.

    Lion nodded,

    "Right. That''s exactly why I''m here. Your father, Duke Icelance wants to support me for when I return so I can become King.

    But... that is still a ways off from now."

    Jorgan nodded at those words,

    "Indeed. Worry not, Your Highness. I am not the only person with influence on the Artaxias faction, but the other factions are rising to power. Before anything else, we need to gather forces so we can crush then when the time is right."

    He spoke with a serious face, fully bent on helping Lion become king.

    "Enough about that. I didn''t come here to talk about the throne or my siblings."

    Lion heaved a tired sigh and closed both of his eyes.

    Shortly after, he opened only one eyed and took a peek at me.

    "I just wanted to see the face of the one who burned down the [Moon Garden] within the span of two hours.

    I didn''t expect it to be a frail lady, I''m honestly impressed."

    He then grinned warmly before laughing like a person his age.

    Jorgan''s eyes widened as he quickly stood up, slightly angry,

    "If that''s what your Highness wished to talk about, you should have informed me first."

    Lion was surprised so he inquried,

    "Hmm? Why is that?"

    My father then began to explain, but for some reason, the words started to become incoherent and I couldn''t understand them.

    Weird...

    What''s he talking about anyway? Wanted to see the one who burned down the [Moon Garden]...?

    Frail lady? That''s... I''m the only frail lady here.

    Unless... gasp.

    I slowly and sneakily turn to look at Handsome.

    Hmm... Nope. He''s a guy, I can confirm.

    So, what are they...?

    Huh...? M-My head is... What the... I...

    Burned...? Burned what? Where... Father? I...

    Fire... Purple... Did I...? I--''m...

    And with that, while utterly confused--

    I fainted.

    Part 3

    "...I shall bring Lady Alice back to her room."

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.After saying so, Luke walked towards Alice, who fainted on the sofa and carried her like a princess.

    "...Thank you, Luke."

    Duke Jorgan thanked him with a solemn face.

    After Luke had left the room, Prince Artaxias, with furrowed brows was the first to speak,

    "W-What happened?"

    he said with surprise.

    Duke Jorgan sighed heavily before responding,

    "My daughter, Alice... In order for her not to receive trauma, I have temporarily blocked her memories regarding the event of three days ago."

    "Trauma? What do you mean?"

    Prince Artaxias wondered,

    "After that incident, she hasn''t woken up until now. In her head, her memories start from four days ago.

    She will be sixteen this year. She is still young. Very young. That event has instilled fear even in the hearts of our servants.

    They fear those powerful flames. They fear my Alice. Tonight, I will talk to her myself. Besides that, undoubtedly, your father, the king himself will ask for a report. At that time, I don''t know if I can protect Alice."

    Duke Jorgan spoke solemnly, his eyes had a hint of sadness in it.

    Noticing this, Prince Artaxias wanted to comfort him.

    He stood up--

    "But is my Royal Father not your old friend? I''m sure if you asked, he could be more lenient."

    But Duke Jorgan only sighed once more before looking at the man standing behind Prince Artaxias.

    "Artaxias, my boy. You, too. I already know you are of the Nehorune race. Both of you sit down."

    "...!"

    The man with the blindfold was surprised and became alert. Jorgan told him off with a,

    "It''s fine, it''s fine."

    He then reluctantly removed his blindfold and turban, revealing his red eyes, smooth white hair and floppy ears.

    His hair was quite similar to Alice''s, except his was white while Alice''s was more silky and slightly silver.

    The man with red eyes, Song, sat down without saying anything.

    Just quietly staring at Duke Jorgan.

    "Listen carefully. I will tell you a story-- it is about the truth of this world."

    Part 4

    I had a dream.

    In my dream, I was in a field with nothing else but grass.

    It was night time and the stars were beautiful to behold.

    Immediately, I noticed the oddity.

    There was no moon.

    Where is the moon?

    "Hello~"

    Just as I was thinking that it was strange, I heard a voice.

    "Hello there."

    Without thinking, I responded to the voice and turned to see there was a girl there.

    "Ah! Lucky me, it seems we finally understand each other. So! How do you do?"

    She asked, her beautiful silver hair shining.

    But how? There is no moonlight.

    While her purple eyes were staring right at me, I responded.

    "I''m doing great, I guess. And you?"

    I didn''t know why I said that. I don''t even know what I''m saying. Perhaps this is a scripted dream and I''m only watching from another''s eyes.

    I don''t know.

    "Ah, I''m not doing so well. I''m by myself here and it''s so lonely. But you''re here now, so I''m okay! I... I hope I get to know you better now."

    She said with an expectant yet lonely smile.

    Gritting my teeth, I answered again,

    "I''m sorry. So, so sorry.

    Why are you happy that I''m here?

    Shouldn''t you be more angry?

    I took your life, after all.

    I don''t know why, I don''t even know how.

    All that I know is that I am sorry.

    Please forgive me--

    Alice."

    Is what I said.

    But her reaction was different.

    She only maintained her smile.

    I can''t look at that smile.

    I have sinned against that smile.

    So why is it directed at me?

    I look down at the ground.

    She bends down and peeks at my face before letting out a giggle,

    "...Y''know... you did not take my life. But if you wish to apologize, I can forgive you if that''s what you want."

    I looked up again and faced her,

    "What do you wish for?"

    "What do I wish for...?"

    She asked back, surprised.

    "Yes. I... I''ll do my best, to at least grant you your wishes, so--"

    "Oh, I get it~ This is called returning favors, right? I know this, since I understand Daielon the most."

    With a beaming smile, her eyes squinted and--

    "Well, this way I won''t be lonely anymore, so-- My wish is...

    To be with you?"

    With those words, she held my hand.

    Warm... Unbelievably so.

    Red in the face, her smile became a little bit shy.

    "Y-You''re trying too hard..."

    "...You already took my first, so it''s fine..."

    Before me, Alice''s body clad in a white one-piece dress began to glow white.

    Starting from her feet, her body began to fade.

    But I wasn''t afraid of her suddenly disappearing.

    Because Alice is with me.

    I felt a change from deep within.

    And as I was waking up, I heard her voice again.

    The part that I didn''t hear at all.

    The part that I didn''t know I wanted to hear.

    "Daielon. You didn''t take my life. I gave you mine."

    Part 5 - Luke''s Point of View

    It had been several hours since Alice woke up for the second time.

    I noticed that these days, she has been acting differently but when she woke up earlier, she was even stranger than before.

    She called out right after waking up before asking about the [Moonlight Garden]''s situation.

    I told her the full truth. I had thought that it might come as a shock to her, but she only closed her eyes while listening intently, waiting for me to finish talking.

    When I was done, she opened her eyes and spoke calmly,

    "I see. Thank you for watching over me while I was asleep, big brother."

    ...W-What? What did she just call me...?

    B-Big brother?

    As I lost my composure to the unfamiliar term, Alice began mumbling to herself.

    Occasionally, I''d be able to hear, "From now on..." and "I should start..." mixed in with her whispering.

    "Big brother."

    "Mm."

    I was surprised when she had suddenly called out but Alice kept prattling without stopping.

    "Tomorrow, I''m going to practice control over my mana so the event of three days ago doesn''t happen again.

    More than that, I''d like to speak with Prince Artaxias four days from now as well.

    Six days from now, Prince Artaxias will come here to visit as I will invite him over in prior days, so--"

    "Alice."

    I hurriedly stopped Alice who was talking without taking a breath,

    "...Big brother, I''m talking, please don''t interrupt...~"

    She looked at me with an accusing stare while pouting lightly.

    Right. That''s lovely and all, but--

    "Alice, how can you be so sure that His Highness, Prince Artaxias would come just because you invited him?"

    It was a logical argument.

    Artaxias is a prince. The first prince, at that. If anything, once he returns from his exile there is a high chance of him becoming king.

    Alice should understand at this point, but--

    "No, it''ll work."

    She said it with certainty.

    Questioning that confidence of hers, I spoke out,

    "What makes you think that? He is a Prince, Alice."

    But in response to my honest question, she only showed a wondering face while tilting her head as if the answer was obvious.

    "It''s because I''m beautiful, isn''t it?"

 Chapter 4 - Storm

    Part 1

    It has been three days since I started training with magic. Recently, I found that I haven''t been acting like myself lately.

    Myself...? Who is... er, never mind. Anyway,

    I have been thinking about who I am. Dylon? Alice? It could be that I am both. It could also be that I am neither.

    I have only inherited their memories, after all. In the beginning, I was confused and thought myself to be Dylon on reflex, but could it be that I am not him too?

    Urgh! This is too complicated~ I don''t wanna think anymore~

    "Lady Alice, are you alright? ...Lady Alice?"

    "Huh? What?"

    After the boy called out to me, his face paled as if realizing something,

    "O-Oh no! Did I ruin your concentration, milady?! I am so terribly sorry!"

    The one who woke me up from my daze was the servant who led me down the long hall previously, a boy named Saldonius.

    With his brown eyes and black hair, he wore a baggy robe along with a worried face. He looks... about above average.

    This house doesn''t hire anyone below a particular standard of beauty, huh? Not like it matters to me, though...

    Recently, I''ve been bringing him together with us. The reason? I don''t know, I just do.

    "Ah... No worries, I was just lost in thought..."

    With Saldonius, Handsome and Mira watching, I practice magic in the courtyard. Well, seeing as how I burned down an entire forest when my father let me go too far, he had decided to let me practice in the knights'' courtyard.

    Even today, I can feel the knights and servants sending curious stares my way.

    P-P-Please don''t stare. I-I-I-I''ll cut you~

    ...Anyway.

    I''ve become really amazing these days. And I mean really amazing!

    What? What do you mean full of myself?

    N-No! You''ve got it wrong, I tell you~

    What I mean is, I can use chantless magic after all. Yep yep, I''m one of those.

    I''m a hacker.

    I''ve also learned how to control a bit of it.

    "Mira, do you think you could teach me healing magic again?"

    To my words, Mira smiled awkwardly while Handsome frowned.

    Ignoring Handsome, Mira spoke,

    "Ah. Yes, Lady Alice. As long as it doesn''t... erm... end up like yesterday."

    The event from yestreday? ... W-Why should I tell you?! I-It''s... I, I''m...

    It''s a maiden''s secret, stuuuupid~!

    Ignoring the narrator-man who is also my imaginary friend, I peeked at Mira''s expression once with a sidelong glance,

    "I... I see... I got it, I''ll practice a bit more... Ah! By the by, boy. Did you already send the letter?"

    Suddenly remembering about tomorrow, I looked towards Saldonius.

    He nodded once and said respectfully,

    "Yes, milady. Prince Artaxias should have received your letter last night."

    Ah, good. If that''s the case, there should be a response by tonight.

    "Ah. Good work."

    Smiling as I said that, I begin to gather mana on my hands once again.

    Feeling that it''ll work out better than last time, I look towards the three of them with confidence.

    "Alright~ Let''s try it! Any volunteers?"

    I clapped my hands twice as I asked with a smile.

    But they--

    "...Why are you retreating? ...sir L-Luke! Y-You''re here for me, right?"

    I look at him with insecure eyes.

    Rejection really does feel painful.

    "Mm."

    Handsome nodded with determination.

    Yay~

    The other two, on the other hand,

    "Siscon bastard..."

    "Hyaaaa~ I knew it''d develop like this~"

    Both of you are banned from commenting because you declined~!

    Handsome walked forward and stood in front of me,

    "Start any time, young miss."

    I nodded with a smile.

    Don''t worry, I''ve got it this time!

    I''m gonna do it!

    I won''t fail!

    ...Definitely not!

    ...I think.

    I''m glad, though.

    I whisper words of true gratitude, trying to let my voice be weak enough to be sure that only Handsome can hear.

    "Big brother... thanks for believing in me."

    "...No big deal."

    As usual, my Divine Powers didn''t work on him at all as his glare-like, menacing pokerface''s lips only shifted upwards a little.

    Wahh creepy.

    I smile back at him, thanking him again.

    "Well. I''ll begin now."

    Feeling my hands welling up with energy, I let it flow into the air around us.

    Dense blue light suddenly enveloped us.

    This is still okay, right?

    After a few seconds, the light grew denser by the second,

    "What the...?!"

    One of the knights watching us shouted as the mana began to change.

    After that, light so bright that it hurt my eyes began to shine from the surroundings,

    "...!"

    "What?!"

    "Alice! Watch out!"

    Mira''s muffled scream, Saldonius''s cry of surprise and Handsome''s determined shout rang out simultaneously.

    I closed my eyes and ducked with Handsome right above, protecting me.

    I thought that when I opened my eyes, it would all be over.

    That everything would be fine.

    Handsome will protect me, he will save me.

    Mira will be laughing with me again tomorrow.

    Saldonius will help me welcome taxi lion tomorrow.

    Tomorrow... tomorrow, this will all be but a memory.

    Truly childish thoughts.

    I opened my eyes--

    "...At least it didn''t turn out like yesterday."

    The words that came out of my mouth sounded like words of comfort.

    But for some reason, it stung at my chest.

    That''s because--

    "Where am I~~?"

    Clearly, this is worse than yesterday.

    Part 2

    I like forests.

    I really really like forests.

    In fact, you could say I absolutely love~ them.

    Maybe it was because of that reason my magic granted my wish.

    I was teleported to some sort of forest.

    Are you joking with me, huhhh?! You think this is funny, punk?

    Well... This is probably my fault for trying to cast magic I don''t even understand the properties of...

    I ended up casting something else entirely.

    Forests are nice as well, so I don''t really mind... I guess.

    I like taking soothing walks in them, the sound of the wildlife desperately crying out to have se--

    Wait. I''m a girl now, so shouldn''t I hold some propriety?

    Well, I don''t really care. I believe in gender equality!

    ...Wait, that''s sexist. You can''t expect me to act differently just because I don''t have a *toot*!

    What the...? I''m not even allowed to say it? Is this movie PG13 or something?

    I continued to talk to myself to suppress the loneliness and urge to cry as I,

    "Waaaa~ Paapa~ Paapa save mee~"

    "...! Huff... Huff... Stop... Haah... Following me! Stalker! Weirdo! Pervert!"(Alice)

    "...Just wait! I''m on your side, dammit!" (???)

    The me who was breathing roughly(while shouting) was leading around a little girl around four to five years old with a strange appearance by the hand as I desperately ran with all the strength my dainty legs could muster.

    Following closely behind me was an annoyingly handsome knight who had a bow and quiver on his back.

    The situation? Oh y''know, just--

    I. Am being chased. By wolves!

    Why am I being chased?!

    It wasn''t me, I''m tellin'' ya''s! I was framed, I''m tellin'' ya''s!

    Grrr...

    AWOOOOoooOOO!!

    T-They''re calling for backup?!

    Ah, yes. The current situation, right? How did it progress again...? Oh, oh yeah.

    This happened around half an hour ago--

    Chirp chirp~ Chirp~

    "...Mm~"

    Waking up to the song of the birds, my eyes opened slowly.

    Feeling refreshed, I looked around me as I tried to remember what had happened.

    I''m in a forest? I immediately think as I keep hearing the simultaneous calls of the birds and insects around,

    The only memories on my head were that of a strong light after I had cast a simple healing spell.

    ...I failed again, didn''t I?

    I sighed and looked down with a depressed face as I picked up my sun hat which fell on the ground.

    "....."

    !!

    "Who''s there?!"

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    All the hair on the back of my neck stood on end as I felt a chilling gaze train on me from behind.

    "....."

    Oh dang... I''m on edge.

    rustle rustle

    I prepare myself to face whatever is making that rustling noise as I watch the bushes nervously.

    "..."

    rustle

    "..."

    rustle rustle

    "Woof..."

    At that moment, I felt my heart stop.

    "Awwwww~ It''s so cute~"

    Doggy! A wild cutie has appeared!

    Out of the bushes came out a wolf pup and I held my breath as it slowly stumbled its way towards my feet.

    It must''ve been the inner maiden inside of me as I immediately picked it up, with the sense of danger disappearing almost completely.

    I sat down on the ground and held the puppy, not caring at all that my dress might get dirtied.

    "Awww~ Sho wittle~ Aw you lost, wittle one? I''ll help you~ I can just bring you home-- Aah, don''t lick my face~"

    "Woof~"

    My heart is melting. It''s cute. Too cute. It looked at me with its big eyes as it licked my face while its tail was wagging left and right.

    It likes me! Yay~

    At least I think it does. It''s not just hungry, right?

    With a huge smile on my face, I hugged it tightly.

    "....."

    Feeling another stare from behind me, I immediately turn around, intent on protecting the puppy.

    Right there is a giant wolf almost a meter and a half tall.

    Uh-oh.

    Is this the mommy? Did I anger her?

    Expecting it to attack, cold sweat dripped down my back as my shoulders trembled.

    The mommy wolf stared at me with eyes half-closed as it lowered its body to prepare to pounce.

    I can fight back... I can fight back!

    I can''t fight back!

    With the wolf''s eyes fixed on me, I felt petrified and couldn''t move.

    Growl...

    The mommy snarled at me while the puppy looked on in wonder with a "What''s happening?" look on its face.

    Rroooargh!

    With a roar, the wolf sprung up

    "Eep!"

    My mouth released a small scream as I covered my eyes with both hands

    ...

    ...

    "Wahh!"

    After a few seconds, I peeked on the gaps between my fingers and saw that the mommy wolf had pinned down a little girl.

    The wolf, then--

    Sniff, sniff

    "...?"

    After sniffing the girl, mommy wolf retracted her nose from the girl''s neck and carried her through the fabric of her dress and layed her down before me.

    Probably because of shock, the little girl had already fainted without even crying.

    Mommy wolf then looked at me as if waiting for something.

    For some reason, I felt no more fear.

    Seeing me not making any move, mommy wolf nudged the little girl with her nose twice, as if prompting me to check on her.

    Looking at the little girl about four years old, I see that her hair had an unusual color of light blue with green tips. The first thought that came to my mind is that perhaps she is someone like me with genetic mutation.

    I sat down on the ground and laid her head on my lap, rubbing her head gently as I hummed a tune, my hair and sun hat gently swaying in the breeze.

    The puppy settled down beside me while the mommy watched us with warm eyes, a little bit away.

    ...What''s with this situation?

    These wolves are wild, right...?

    Why do they treat me like their owner or something...

    After a few minutes, the girl woke up.

    "...Mu?"

    I figured I ought to explain the situation first.

    I''m someone who is not from here, I cast healing magic but it wasn''t healing magic and it teleported me here instead where I met a puppy and his mommy who pinned down a girl with strange hair.

    Wait, what?

    Before I could even begin formulating any form of explanation, the little girl, with her head still resting on my lap, reached her little hands for my hair.

    I quietly let her feel my hair as I overlook her expression from above.

    She looked at me directly in the eyes before finally, words came out of her mouth.

    "...Are you my mommy?"

    I froze.

    The girl got up just to sit back down on my lap. She looked up at me again and tilted her head.

    "...?"

    No I''m not but I want to be.

    ...No I''m not but I want to be.

    I want to be.

    W-W-Wait wait! What am I saying?!

    "What? N-No, I''m not--"

    Grrrrr...

    Before I could even finish my words, the wolf let out a low growl.

    Whoosh

    Out of nowhere, an arrow had pierced through mommy wolf''s back.

    The wolf yelped in pained agony.

    ...Hunters? No...!

    Following that, three men and one girl stepped out of the thicket, surrounding the wolf from all sides.

    Noticing that they were in armor and seeing the crest on their shoulder, I recognized them to be knights of the second lowest order.

    ...Lame.

    Turns out all that reading actually taught me something.

    The pup looked alarmed and immediately rushed to his mother.

    As soon as they saw me, the men began talking.

    "Looks like we made it in time, huh?"

    "Haah~ Another day, another maiden. Oi, lass, are you alright-- Well I''ll be damned! Ain''t she just the prettiest? Looks like you had a lucky shot in more ways than one, Nide."

    Seeing them act like this, I couldn''t help but stare at them.

    ...Do you think you''re heroes or something?

    While thinking so, my gaze returns back to the wolf.

    It had fallen on the ground, breathing weakly.

    Why? It was just one arrow... Could it have been poisoned?

    I sent a scouring glance at the knights and quickly found my target.

    Approaching the one who looked like the youngest of the men, the only one with a bow and a quiver, I--

    Smack!

    Slapped him hard enough that even I was surprised.

    "Mama...!"

    "Wha...?!"

    "..."

    "W-What do you think you''re doing, wench?! To think you could do that to the one who saved you!"

    The little girl gasped while covering her eyes and the only female among the knights immediately pointed a sword my direction while the other two looked on in surprise.

    The one most shocked was of course the bowman, the one I slapped.

    Ignoring the rest of them, I looked the bowman straight in the eye.

    It was because of this that I failed to notice the change in the surroundings.

    The reason why I didn''t notice the deathly silence.

    The fact that the pup had already disappeared.

    "Boy. Do you realize what you have just done?"

    My emotionless voice rang out, cold enough to send chills down a person''s spine.

    The boy, still in a daze looked back at me with eyes as if he didn''t understand my actions; he then began talking,

    "I... Saved you--?"

    "Saved me?"

    Before he could even finish, I cut him off. I turn my back towards him as I head to where the fallen wolf lay.

    Even then I didn''t stop talking,

    "Do I look like I needed saving? That wolf was watching over--"

    "Watching over? They''re wild wolves! Wild, woman!"

    The male knight who looked like the eldest among them chided me as if he was scolding a spoiled child.

    Annoyed by his tone, I clicked my tongue as I grasped the shaft of the arrow that got stuck on the wolf''s back.

    Splurt

    "...wooOoo..."

    The wolf released a weak moan as I pulled the arrow out, I was conflicted whether I should teach them a lesson-- or if I even could, but,

    It was then that the situation changed.

    The one who chided me earlier began to break out in cold sweat with a wry grin on his face while the female knight''s eyes looked around vigilantly.

    "Ah crap. This always happens when we dawdle for too long."(Oldest male knight)

    "...What should we do about this wench? She''s a liability."(Female knight)

    ...? What are they talking about?

    I looked at the wolf in wonder.

    Wooooo...

    In response, the wolf rubbed my arm, neck and belly with its head before falling limp on the ground.

    ...She''s not dead, is she?

    Grrrrrr

    AWOooOOOOoo

    Grrrrr

    "Oh." (Alice)

    So that''s what happened.

    I felt that my heart had stopped at least several times today, I hope it doesn''t turn into a condition...

    Surrounding the five of us, were dozens of wolves.

 Chapter 5 - Hell

    Part 1

    I''m sure you can tell how things progressed from there.

    The wolves attacked and I immediately made a decision.

    That is, to escape while taking the girl with me.

    Intent on disturbing me was the bowman studmuffin-- I mean super annoying person named Nide.

    ...Not that I remembered his name or anything... I-I just heard it from the knights earlier...!

    Anyway,

    This stalker bastard won''t leave me alone!

    And then it led to the present.

    Huff...

    Huff...

    Hearing myself breathing roughly, I thought that it''d be great to just give up and stop but such ideas were blown away every time I looked behind me.

    "Mama... My feet..."(Girl)

    Running behind me was a little girl

    I''m going to be honest, I''m surprised she hasn''t tripped yet.

    Thanks to this good-for-nothing chest, I''ve almost tripped a good number of times as well.

    ...Heavy.

    Oh... And by the way,

    "I''m not your mommy~!"(Alice)

    Despite the fact that I don''t accept her calling me mother, I held the girl''s slightly chubby hand as I led her along the maze-like forest.

    "A young mother, eh? I loathe the lucky bastard."(Nide)

    Stalker looked honestly regretful.

    In response, I--

    "I''ve been single my whole li-- tch... look what you made me admit, you simpleton!"(Alice)

    "That means I have a chance with you, then?" (Nide)

    He said with a good-natured smile as his handsome face beamed.

    Clearly, he is just Alice''s type.

    I visibly twitch.

    Why am I not unhappy with that thought?!

    Must... Suppress... Womanly urges...!

    "Hyuup!"(Nide)

    "Wah~"(girl)

    Suddenly lifting up the girl, Stalker cradled her in his arms as he ran beside me.

    Peeking at Stalker''s sweating visage, I get annoyed.

    Goddammit! I. Hate. Me. So much. What''s with me?!

    Noticing me sneaking glances towards him and his chest-- I mean body, he shows me a toothy grin.

    "What is it, dear maiden? Would you like me to carry you as well?" (Nide)

    "Go die." (Alice)

    I reply with a frown. Stupid Stalker, who does he think he is?! Even Handsome doesn''t talk to me like this...!

    "Go die~"(Girl)

    "What are you teaching your daughter?!" (Nide)

    "We''re not even related!" (Alice)

    The girl parroted me and spoke in a cute voice that was lacking urgency while Stalker sounded surprised.

    Also, what''s up with his stamina?! His breathing hasn''t changed even the slightest bit!

    Meanwhile, I''m gasping like a fish out of water.

    Not stopping at all, I desperately moved my legs to keep up with Stalker.

    Rather, he slowed his pace down to accompany me.

    How dare you act like a gentleman?!

    H-How dare youuu!

    Being secretly thankful to him, we ran side by side.

    After what seemed like an eternity, words of comfort finally came out of Stalker''s mouth,

    "Well, it''ll be fine since we''re almost outside of the forest''s domain. Those wolves have already stopped their pursuit. Hear them?"(Nide)

    "Not anymore..."(Alice)

    I heaved a sigh of relief as I stop running.

    thud

    "Mama?!" (Girl)

    "H-Hey, lady?!"(Nide)

    Their worried voices overlapped with each other.

    After unceremoniously falling down, I immediately got back up in a fluster.

    ...How embarrassing .

    "I''m fine, it''s alright. Just... A little... Tired...Huaaah?!"(Alice)

    Suddenly,

    "U-Un-Unhand me, you lout!"(Alice)

    Stalker evolved into Kidnapper as he reached level 16--

    And held me in a bridal carry.

    I flailed my arms wildly as I tried to escape his <del>sexy</del>-- fiendish grasp.

    "Just be quiet and let yourself be carried-- wait, what the? Is this... blood?"(Nide)

    What? Blood? Where?

    He gently laid me down on the ground again with a worried expression.

    "Were you injured by the wolves? No... none of them got near you... then--"(Nide)

    Without him finishing, I had already realized at this point.

    Noticing the numbing pain on my navel, I fell on my knees, powerless.

    I turn to look at Kidnapper with a tearful expression.

    "Sir knight--Nide... Please carry me on your back."(Alice)

    Thus began my painful journey back to town with Nide, which was more stressful than being chased.

    Part 2

    Nide quietly carried me on his back as the little girl walked next to him. Seeing the town covered by walls, I release the breath I''ve been holding for so long.

    Finally.

    When we reached near the gate, I meekly asked Nide to let me down.

    After sending a sidelong glance my way, he nodded and gently let me down.

    "I''ll at least guide you to an inn. Sorry, but I have to take you with me for questioning first."(Nide)

    "...Why? It''s not like I did anything wrong."(Alice)

    "Ah, well... I kind of have to considering you hampered with our subjugation mission. Even if just by a little."(Nide)

    I paused for a second then replied with a frown.

    "I was just lost in a forest and befriended a wolf pup..."(Alice)

    Pouting visibly, I avoided making eyecontact with Kidnapper.

    ...Hmph.

    "Now now, don''t be mad. It''s just for a little bit. What about this girl?"(Nide)

    Looking at the girl he pointed at, she only tilted her head sideways with a "?" on top of it.

    "I only met her in the forest. She suddenly called me her mom but I figure she was just lost."(Alice)

    I see... Kidnapper gave an understanding nod.

    "Well, let''s just go-- ah, by the way."

    Kidnapper straightened his back, placed his right hand on top of his chest as his left arm wrapped around his belly, holding his right hip.

    "I am knight Naito of Perton. You can just call me Nide as you have already been-- h-hey, what''s so funny?!"(Nide)

    How can I not laugh?

    What''s with that posture?!

    I almost reflexively responded as I leaked out a stifled laugh.

    I covered my mouth with a hand as I suppressed a coming giggle.

    Kidnapper stared at me in wonder as I continued to laugh for a few more seconds.

    As I stopped, I noticed something about his introduction.

    Commoners don''t have last names, right?

    I forgot about that.

    Perton, huh? I read about that place. If I remember correctly, it''s a city green city full of trees. Somehow, I''m getting a really bad feeling.

    I know that I have to save him some face, though.

    After nodding, I introduced myself.

    "I am Alice. Alice of the Icelance."

    Kidnapper then became an owl.

    Part 3

    "Please stop that."(Alice)

    I say as I look down on the kneeling Kidnapper with a tired face.

    A little bit away from us is the girl, dazedly looking at flowers near the gate. Oh how I hope she doesn''t pick them.

    "Pray I apologize for my earlier rudeness, lady Alice. I... We have not heard of you--your family''s arrival. Failing to recognize you has been my mistake as I did not see it despite Lady Alice''s... unique features."(Nide)

    Unique features? Does he mean my eyes and haircolor?

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Hmm... They''re rare, I guess but not entirely unique, right?

    While thinking so, I unconsciously touch my hair while putting a hand over my eye as I made a troubled face.

    Thinking he offended me, Kidnapper quickly added, "O-Of course, it fits you well, milady. Just as I''ve heard, milady is staggeringly beautiful."

    Ignoring his praise, I put on a bored expression.

    What''s with his attitude...? Talk about a complete one-eighty.

    ...I actually like the pervert Kidnapper better.

    I urged him to stand up as I bent over to meet his eyes.

    "Stand."(Alice)

    "..."(Nide)

    For some reason, he was red in the face. Huh? What''s the matter?

    Following his gaze, my body shot straight up.

    ...The biggest danger to me is me.

    Because I had bent over, he had a glimpse at my chest. Feeling my face burning up, I asked him to stand up once more.

    "Just stand...!"(Alice)

    "A-As you command, milady."

    Once he was fully up, I pushed him down again and as he fell, I grinned playfully.

    "We''re even with this."(Alice)

    His face betrayed my expectations as he made a ''Just this?'' sort of look as if expecting something worse.

    What, you want more? Masochistic bastard...

    Looking down on him again, I notice that he''s not planning on standing back up.

    What, do you need my permission for this, too? I''m not your master.

    "Let''s just go already... I''m tired."

    I glance at the front hem of my dress.

    Blood...

    Seeing me like that, he stood up again and draped his overcoat over me.

    I wordlessly accept.

    "Little one, it''s time to go."(Nide)

    The girl looked over, "Okaaaay~"

    She made a pitter patter with every step as she ran straight to me and reached for my hand as if it was perfectly natural.

    Grasping her hand back, she hummed as the three of us walked with Kidnapper leading us.

    As we passed through the entrance walls, Kidnapper exchanged knowing glances with the gatekeepers and they let us pass without issue.

    Arriving at the city of Perton, I can''t help but think that it''s small because I know just how large Rappen, my home city was.

    Walking through the streets filled with people, Nide led the girl and I towards a particularly large building with an unbelievably tall door.

    ...No, seriously. It''s large.

    We didn''t go inside yet, though.

    "Hmm? What''s wrong, milady?"(Nide)

    "Oh, it''s nothing."(Alice)

    Unfortunately, I''m more tired than curious, so I didn''t ask.

    Currently, my emotions were a swirling mix of anger, depression -- and a strange craving for something sweet. Or maybe sour?

    I don''t know, I''m confused.

    Besides that, I''m more than a little bit bewildered by the change in atmosphere.

    Comparing the hustle and bustle of Rappen with the air of nature here in Perton City, I couldn''t help but feel calmer.

    I feel like I''m not myself at all... Well, I guess I am a little bit irritable right now.

    ...Just a teensy tiny bit.

    Oh! I know what''ll make me feel better!

    tap tap

    I tap Kidnapper''s shoulder twice.

    With a "Hmm?" he turned around.

    "Buy me icecream."(Alice)

    Utilizing my Divine Powers, I made my order.

    Kidnapper looked lost for some reason.

    "...Lady Alice. I''d love to, but--"(Nide)

    But? But?! W-What do you mean?!

    I''m being denied? How-- what''s going on?!

    As my head began to spin, I heard Kidnapper''s next words that shocked me even more.

    "...What is this "i-scream" that you speak of?"(Nide)

    I blink twice before finally realizing.

    Icecream doesn''t exist in this world.

    Kidnapper ran towards me worriedly as a single tear ran down my cheek.

    Chapter 4

    Kidnapper led me to a bench and said, "Is it too hot for you? Milady, it''s best that you rest first."

    Unlike the hustle and bustle of Rappen,

    After five minutes of crying, I noticed ths little girl clinging to my arm with a worried expression.

    What''s wrong with me, making a child worry about me...

    This can''t get any worse, right?

    Unfortunately, I couldn''t have been any more wrong.

    "Have a drink."(Nide)

    Kidnapper returned before long with two plastic cups.

    He gave the girl and I a drink each and as I took a sip,

    "..."(Alice)

    "Yay~"(Girl)

    A smile made its way to my lips as I gulped it down.

    The sweet drink was pink in color and it had a slushy texture.

    I think it''s crushed ice mixed with sugar and milk topped with syrup.

    Despite its simplicity, it''s actually delicious.

    "Uu...~"(Girl)

    Finishing hers before I could even drink half of mine, the girl stared at me-- rather, at my cup longingly.

    Without thinking, I offered her my drink with a smile.

    "Want?"(Alice)

    "...T-That''s mama''s..."(Girl)

    Awww~

    What a good girl. She wants my drink but is worried about me, too.

    I pat her head with my free hand as I close my eyes.

    Alright. Good. I am calm now.

    "Here, you can have it. By the way, I never had the chance to ask. What''s your name?"(Alice)

    "... slurp slurp gulp... Name? slurp What is... Name...Wah...!"(Girl)

    "...?! Are you alright? Where does it hurt...?"(Alice)

    The girl frowned and tears formed in her eyes as she held her head.

    What''s this? Pain from trying to remember, is she the same as me?

    Perhaps she could be--

    "Ah. That happens when you drink the melo-melo too fast."(Nide)

    Processing what Kidnapper just said, I get disappointed.

    "Oh..."(Alice)

    So it was just brainfreeze...

    It''s called melo-melo, huh. I see.

    After asking her a bit more questions, I learned that she has no memories whatsoever.

    Kidnapper on the other hand just watched us converse from the side like some sort of creeper.

    I''ll at least call him a guardian.

    He also told me that he''ll wait for his allies first before reporting to their HQ.

    After responding with an "Alright." I began talking to the girl again.

    "So you don''t remember your name?"(Alice)

    shake shake

    "What should I call you, then? What do you want mom to call you?"(Alice)

    For now, I already gave up and let her call me mother.

    ...It''s not like I secretly like it or anything.

    The girl stared at me with her big, sky blue eyes as if waiting for me.

    Oh, do you want me to name you? It''s not like you''re a lost dog, you''re a lost child.

    Well whatever, I''ll think of one that''s easy to say,

    "Aya, then."(Alice)

    "Aya?"(Aya)

    She tilted her head as she parroted me.

    I said I''d think of an easy name but that one naturally rolled off my tongue.

    Do I have a talent in naming?!

    "Ayaya~ Ayayayaya~"(Aya)

    "Yes, dear. Aya."(Alice)

    I say as I pat her head again.

    I didn''t realize myself that the pain on my tummy was already a little better.

 Chapter 6 - Female

    Part 1

    "Why are you still with her?"

    Were the introductory words of the blonde <del>cow</del> female knight as she glared at me with open hostility.

    Unfortunately, she was beautiful.

    Unfortunately.

    Kidnapper''s coat being draped over my body probably didn''t help either.

    Oh well.

    At her words, Kidnapper''s face turned pale while the knight who looked like the oldest among them, probably in his mid-twenties gulped with an "Oh crap" look on his face.

    He probably already recognized me.

    Too bad for her, I was in no mood for her face.

    Turning to look at Kidnapper, I asked with an unbelievably straight pokerface,

    "Nide, who is this... woman?"(Alice)

    Kidnapper scratched his cheek awkwardly,

    "E-Er... Uhm... She is--"(Nide)

    "I am lady knight Niana Bell Thunderspear, second-in-command of the third squadron of the Order of Blades. Now please tell me why you need to cling to my Nide, girl?"(Niana)

    Cutting in on Kidnapper mid-way, she spoke as if she was looking down on me.

    Oh? So she''s a noble. A young, adorable, countryside noble no better than a peasant from my home city.

    Niana? Never heard of her. I''ve read the trees of nobles in a book, but only direct descendants and special exceptions appeared there.

    As you may have noticed, nobles get their surnames from the weapon of the original ancestor + the element their family specializes in.

    ...Maybe the fact that an Icelance could use powerful fire magic caused an uproar and is the reason people know me. ...Probably. Rumors spread faster than fire.

    But according to the law of the elements, since I can use fire magic, I can''t use ice magic.

    It''s something about attunement.

    A one-or-the-other sort of thing when it came to opposite elements.

    Ah, but I''m going a bit off-topic now, aren''t I?

    I stare her down with a blank face.

    So she''s from a branch family, is that it?

    Noticing my raised eyebrow, Kidnapper was getting worried.

    Good. The air was getting tense.

    "Uhh... Nia?"(Nide)

    "Not now, Nide. I''m lecturing this civilian."(Niana)

    Kidnapper tried to intervene but couldn''t stop her with that much momentum--

    "I can''t believe someone like you is being protected by us. Don''t you know you''re being a bother? Going alone with only your daughter in the forest... Are you suicidal? Or do you just want someone to rescue you so you can find a new daddy for your daughter?"(Niana)

    I''m sorry but I''m really not in my best mood today.

    Yeah. I''ll teach her a lesson--

    "...Please don''t bully my mommy."(Aya)

    Were my thoughts until the Aya, who has been quiet until now cut in.

    I immediately abandoned the idea of retaliating against this <del>ox</del> girl.

    That''s right, that''s right.

    I need to be a role model.

    "Nide. Find us an inn. Anywhere''s fine."(Alice)

    Looking away from Niana in disinterest, I give out my command.

    I have no plans on becoming a murderer.

    Not with Aya around, anyway. Though I''m only with her until we find her parents.

    Kidnapper looked both relieved and impressed as he consented with an, "As you wish, milady."

    I wordlessly followed him with Aya in tow.

    She was unusually quiet. Sorry, Aya... I probably made her feel uncomfortable earlier.

    As we left, I heard the unimpressive knight murmur, "Wow."

    Part 2 - Tiro''s Point of View

    As we were on our way to headquarters,

    "Hmph... that girl was a coward. Just because she''s a little prettier than me..."(Niana)

    Were the first words of our group''s princess as the Icelance descendant and the child left with Nide.

    You seriously have no idea who you''re dealing with, do you?

    And ya''know, grumbling is unbecoming of a lady...

    I''m glad Lady Alice is kind, else the entire city would have turned into ash the moment she became angry.

    "Enough, Niana."(Tiro)

    I told off Niana with a bit of a reprimanding tone. I need to tell her this now, lady Alice will be included in our report tomorrow anyway.

    "Ya''know, Nide and I received a report the other day about an event from last week."(Tiro)

    Niana had a "What''s this about?" look but I only continued,

    "Duke Jorgan Icelance''s territory had a great fire that burned the entirety of the [Moonlight Garden]."(Tiro)

    "Terrorist attack?"(Niana)

    "No... It was caused by a novice practicing magic."(Tiro)

    At my words, Niana''s eyes widened.

    Oh you''ll be more surprised once you recognize the one you tried to piss off.

    Ryan kept quiet as usual while listening from behind.

    "A novice? That''s impossible, right? The [Moonlight Garden] is watched over by her majesty, Lady Lunalin. Even unbelievably high-level flames can''t burn a single leaf... How could a novice--"(Niana)

    "I don''t know the details about why it burned, but I do know by who."(Tiro)

    "Who is this great magician?"(Niana)

    Full of excitement, Niana questioned me with an expectant look.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Ah, she''s always admired powerful magicians, hasn''t she?

    "What does he look like? Did you receive a description in the report?"(Niana)

    I thought you''d never ask.

    I wonder what her reaction would be?

    "The description? The description written in the report was unbelievable. At least, that''s what I thought until today.

    The culprit is rather unique, you see."(Tiro)

    Niana tilted her head with a "What do you mean?", her long blonde hair swaying in the breeze as we walked.

    "Silver hair, pinkish purple eyes and impossibly beautiful were the words to describe her."(Tiro)

    Seeming to have understood what that implied, Niana''s eyes widened in shock.

    Sorry, Niana.

    But there''s more to it than just that.

    "Her name is Alice Icelance, daughter of the previous Warlord, and the current duke--Jorgan Icelance.

    Born in Rappen, sixteen years old--"(Tiro)

    Her shoulders began trembling and her teeth chattering as the meaning of my words sunk in.

    Duke Icelance held military might equal to or even greater than the king''s, while Marquis Thunderspear couldn''t even hold a candle to them.

    Moreover, Niana wasn''t even from the Thunderspear''s main house.

    But that''s not the end of it--

    "--and she is currently the only known chantless caster under thirty years old in the realm of Mistleheim."(Tiro)

    Niana gulped audibly as her mouth soundlessly moved, spelling "Chantless..." as her eyes began to waver.

    She turned to look at her best friend with a stiff expression.

    "I messed up, didn''t I?"(Niana)

    The other knight walking behind us, Ryan nodded.

    "Big time."(Ryan)

    Part 3

    As the trio of me, Aya and Kidnapper walked side by side, I hummed a beautiful song as a gentle smile made its way to my face.

    We passed through some children fighting, but when I glanced at them, they seemed to stop when they noticed my gaze.

    Oh my~ Am I really that beautiful? Ho ho ho, stopping fights with just a glance, I''m super amazing~

    "...Lady Alice, you''re scaring the children."(Nide)

    Hu-waaat?! What are you talking about, you silly Kidnapper? How could I possibly scare the--

    As I pass through a clothing shop''s window while thinking that, I see my reflection.

    Yup. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!

    While still holding Aya''s hand, I turn to Kidnapper.

    "I''m doing no such thing. Look, it''s just my normal face. ...Are you saying there is something wrong with my face?"(Alice)

    I eye Kidnapper quietly.

    "...Mama...scary face."(Aya)

    Hu-waaat?! No, Aya~ Not you too!

    I lose my sunshine and my steps get heavier, depressed.

    Before long, I was brought to a high-class looking place which troubled me a bit.

    The roads in this part of the city were paved and walking around everywhere were peacocks in their gaudy attires and ramrod-straight backs.

    Looks like this is where I''ll be lodging in tonight.

    Well... I don''t really have any money on me.

    Oh, I know!

    But not wanting to owe Kidnapper any more favors, I took off my bracelet and handed it to him.

    He looked at me curiously but decided that he''d find out more later on when they report about the mission.

    "...Please sell it. Unfortunately, I don''t have any money on me."(Alice)

    "Understood."(Nide)

    He nodded and then went inside a pawnshop across the street from the inn we''re planning on staying in.

    After a while, Aya was beginning to become impatient as she asked,

    "...Mommy, what are we waiting for? So long..."

    I placed my hand on top of her head and smiled,

    "Just a little bit longer, Aya."

    She looked down with an unsatisfied expression but still nodded,

    "Okay..."

    After another five minutes of waiting, I began to worry.

    N-Not about Kidnapper or anything... I-It''s just that... M-My bracelet! It''s still with him...

    "Aya, let''s go."(Alice)

    At my words, Aya nodded and we went inside the pawnshop as well.

    As I passed through the door, I imagine a scenario where Kidnapper had already escaped through the back door with my bracelet.

    ...That''s impossible, right? Of course, that possibility still lingered in the back of my head, but it was blown away immediately as I saw him inside.

    Whew, what a relief.

    "--that''s why I''m telling you I don''t buy stolen goods!"(Shopkeeper)

    "It''s not stolen, good sir. It belongs to an Icelance, and she asked me to sell it--"(Nide)

    "An Icelance asked you to sell an item from way over there? Ha--"(Shopkeeper)

    "Naito, you''re taking too long. What''s going on in here?"(Alice)

    Of course, from what I''ve heard I already know what''s going on.

    ...Better make sure, though.

    After that, I explained to the old and bald shopkeeper that it was in fact, me who owned it.

    For some reason, he didn''t question my credibility at all and listened to me as if in a daze.

    Is he alright?

    As I was... negotiating with the shopkeeper, Kidnapper stood in the back with Aya quietly.

    I successfully exchanged the bracelet for a bag of money.

    After thanking him, I beckoned at my companions that it''s time to go along with a "Thank you. Goodbye, mister." towards the shopkeeper.

    I''ll count the amount later...

    By the way... I don''t know how much this is worth. Not even Alice has been given money to spend.

    I can probably get anything I want just by asking father.

    As we were walking out the door,

    "...Lady Alice. I''m glad you came in when you did."(Nide)

    Kidnapper looked at me awkwardly.

    He must feel bad for being saved by me even though I was the one relying on him.

    I couldn''t help but laugh at the sight,

    "It''s alright. We got what we came for, so don''t mind it."(Alice)

    We cross the road and enter the inn.

    Hello bed, my old friend.

 Chapter 7 - Sister

    I''m getting impatient, so... I''ll just post it. It''s quite a bother adjusting the lines, though.

    *Note that "eltra" is like the equivalent of "F*ck!" in the story.

    Why the alternative? Well... you''ll find out.

    *The following are events simultaneously in line with when Alice met Aya and Naito

    Part 1

    After the boy woke up, he found himself in a forest.

    Looking around, he found nothing that could help him figure out why he was here.

    Or who he was, for that matter.

    When he stood up, he found that the ground had been smeared by blood.

    His bones creaked and his body hurt all over.

    Checking his head, he found a wound on his face.

    Blood... My blood. I better treat this early, else it''ll leave a scar.

    He knew he should, but how?

    Another thing on the ground was a sword.

    Was it his sword? He didn''t know.

    Taking the sword, it fit perfectly on the sheath that was on his beltstrap.

    He sat down on the ground again and began to concentrate.

    He understood that he needed to remember.

    First, try remembering your name... name...

    "!"

    That''s right... name. That''s my name.

    After two whole minutes of concentrating, the boy finally remembered. And so, he had a faint glimmer of hope.

    Maybe he can recall everything, after all.

    "Urgh...! Grahh!!"

    The boy groaned in pain as he tried to remember again.

    Fortunately, it wasn''t all for naught.

    He remembered a few things, though somewhat vague.

    A sister.

    A promise.

    ...A father.

    "My... My head..."(Boy)

    The boy was satisfied with that and decided to try again when he''s feeling better.

    For now, I need to find shelter.

    ...Civilization. I need to find people.

    Fortunately, the boy was sharp. He knew exactly how to survive through instincts alone.

    After listening intently, he found a lake.

    Alright.

    And following it downstream, he eventually saw light from a settlement in the distance.

    For how many days he wandered, he didn''t remember.

    He found out that he was particularly skilled in hunting and fishing.

    So I was a hunter? That explains why I was in the forest... But why so deep in?

    Feeling a coming headache, he decided not to pursue the matter any more.

    When he was within a kilometer of the settlement, night had already fallen.

    He had been attacked by countless predators, but he defeated them easily, even having some of them as food.

    Alright! Finally, my luck is changing!

    He could see the settlement''s light, nearer this time. Torches, they are.

    A few steps from the gate, he heard a shout from above, on top of the gate.

    "Halt! Who goes there!" the guard questioned the boy as he aimed his bow at the boy.

    The boy raised both his hands, a show that he''s not an enemy.

    He was smart enough and didn''t want to trouble the guard so he simply stated,

    "I am but a wanderer, friend-- looking for a place to stay the night."

    He didn''t want any unnecessary doubt by adding strange words like, "I have no memories."

    "Aye, lad. So you came from the forest? Hehe. Not many brave''uns like you in this town. Oi, Rahl! Open the gates!"

    The boy found it strange. He didn''t think hunting was that bad.

    He knew it was still dangerous, though.

    The wooden gate creaked with a pleasant sound as the guards conversed from above animatedly.

    Deciding to keep silent, the boy waited for the gate to fully open before thanking the guards and entering the town.

    He looked for an inn as it was already late and realized he didn''t have any money. Not yet, anyway.

    The boy figured he needed to pay for things, so he collected the pelts of the animals he hunted on the way along with other useful things such as teeth and sharp, heavy bones.

    He found a kind old blacksmith who bought everything from him for 2 silver despite his store being closed already.

    The old blacksmith also saw that the boy''s clothing have been tattered, so he decided to add a bag full of clothes along with the coins, free of charge.

    The boy thanked the blacksmith with a smile and the blacksmith, in turn made the boy promise he''d buy steel from him from then on, to which the boy nodded quite readily.

    The boy retained his common sense, 2 silver coins is the equivalent of 200 copper coins.

    The inn lets him stay for 2 copper a night. With that, he could stay for at least a hundred nights and if he wanted a meal, he could go hunting.

    Of course, that''s purely imaginary.

    The boy passed through a dark alley, thinking about what he would do from now on.

    It''s not like he''s going to spend everything on the inn.

    Eventually, he will start moving to other places that are in his mind as they might help him remember things about the past.

    He will need to buy several other things for daily necessities as well.

    Not to mention the sword''s repairs.

    As he was thinking this, he heard a voice.

    "Hey! Stop--struggling...!"(???)

    "S-Someone, help! Please help me!"(???)

    Hearing the cry that broke him out of his thoughts, the boy instantly made his decision.

    None of my business, better stay out of it.

    None of my business, better stay out of it.

    Better stay out of it--

    Ah eltra!

    He screamed in his mind as he ran back and grabbed the arm of the huge man from behind.

    The boy''s sword was already drawn, he--

    Splatter

    "Arrrghhh!"(Man)

    --chopped off the man''s arm with an upward slash, causing the man to howl.

    Because of the pain, the man immediately released the girl as he grasped what remained of his arm.

    The girl was too surprised to understand what happened as the man had suddenly let her go, while the man glared at the boy.

    "Heh... Playing hero, are we?"(Man)

    The man glared at the boy as he ripped off a part of his pants and used it to wrap around his bleeding arm.

    The man had decided to kill him then take the girl. Oh well, she was beautiful enough that losing an arm meant nothing as long as he acquired her.

    "Heroes die real early, y''know?!"(Man)

    At the man''s angry roar, the boy only showed a challenging smirk with a "Heh." and taunted the man with his hand along with a,

    "Come get me."

    The man charged towards the boy, sending him crashing against a wall.

    Unfortunately, the boy couldn''t evade properly because the alley was too narrow.

    However, the boy was unexpectedly unharmed as he agilely used the wall as a foothold to dash toward the man.

    Deciding to use his speed to overpower the man, the boy reversed his grip on his sword and bisected the man as he passed through.

    The fight took no more than two seconds, the boy was surprised at his own strength.

    ...Not just a hunter, after all.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.The boy nodded with an "Alright..." before sighing.

    He turned towards the girl,

    She was in a slightly tattered red dress that the boy was sure to had been beautiful once

    She had beautiful black hair that didn''t match together with her strange violet-like purple eyes

    Upon seeing her face, the boy felt an odd sense of incongruity.

    It was as if he''s seen her before, but not here. It was somewhere else.

    Somewhere far, far away from here.

    He then looked at her chest--the boy quickly averted his eyes--

    Not really, he kept on staring.

    Large.

    He thought as he nodded to himself twice.

    The girl who was crouched on the ground looked at her savior with a thankful expression as she finally realized what happened.

    This boy had saved her.

    He wordlessly extended his hand, asking for hers and helped her stand, leading her away from the... unsightly view.

    He decided to bring her with him to the inn, to which she consented with a pleading nod.

    On the way, he asked for her name.

    Still a little shaken, but the girl spoke politely, with dry tears still stuck on her unbelievably beautiful face.

    "T-Thank you for saving me... I...I am Eris. Eris A-- Just Eris..."

    Eris--? Eris... huh?

    The name sounded slightly familiar.

    The boy was not stupid, he figured she had a second name-- that she was a noble based on her dress.

    But he was also smart enough to realize that there are some things other people don''t want to reveal, so he didn''t even think about prying.

    Still, there was something about her face-- and her voice that was tugging at his mind.

    Have we met before...?

    Eris had noticed the scar on the boy''s face.

    She asked him to stop moving for a second and placed her hand over his scarred eye.

    He figured it wouldn''t disappear anymore as it had already healed, but contrary to his expectations, a warm feeling filled his head as he felt his skin regenerating.

    Eris looked at him, "Are you not surprised?"

    The boy looked back, "At what?"

    "T-That was... chantless... casting..."

    Seemingly disappointed, Eris explained with furrowed brows.

    The boy realized, responding with an "Oh."

    He, himself didn''t understand why he wasn''t surprised.

    The boy only shrugged and the two kept moving. Since it was dark out, not many people were out on the streets.

    Chantless casting... that''s pretty amazing, isn''t it?

    The walk wasn''t quiet as Eris started off,

    "I uhm... like your eyes."

    The boy laughed, he has seen his reflection several times in the water.

    How could eyes like his be likeable?

    Though he thought that, he still responded with a grin and a, "Well, I like your face!"

    He expected her to be flustered and unable to respond, but she only smiled sweetly with a, "Thank you."

    It was then that he confirmed--

    Definitely a noble.

    Her smiling face was refreshing to look at but the boy couldn''t help but wonder, "...How could you remain so sunny even after almost being kidnapped?" he asked with furrowed brows.

    Eris chuckled and said, "I don''t know. I''m an optimist, I guess? And besides, it''s all over now thanks to you."

    The boy looked at her strangely, "...You were crying then, weren''t you?"

    "You simply caught me at my worst... besides being an optimist doesn''t mean a person never cries..." she said with a pout.

    The boy found it adorable, he smiled and added, "I see." as they walked side-by-side.

    After a while, the boy spotted a slightly larger building, he knew that they had reached their destination and the two of them entered the inn.

    Seeing that it was full of lively adventurers, telling their tales and exploits, the boy couldn''t help but smile.

    "Eris, you go find us a table, I''ll go ask the counter if they have rooms available."

    Eris nodded slowly before walking off.

    The barkeep was a jolly old man who offered free drinks because of an event celebration.

    He had no idea what it was about, but free drinks were free drinks.

    The boy had asked the barkeeper for two rooms.

    After he received the keys, he looked around for Eris.

    He decided to visit the room later.

    For now, he''ll ask her some questions before going off to bed.

    Finding her table wasn''t a problem at all--

    Look for the table with an uncomfortable atmosphere...

    Spotting it immediately, he discovered that the table was surrounded by 3 men.

    I''m getting the feeling that she''s more trouble than she''s worth...

    Briskly, he walked towards the table.

    There was a bearded geezer, a middle-aged man with a scar on his face and a plain young man.

    "You want to drink with us, girl? Ga-hahaha!"The bearded old man laughed loudly.

    Eris tried politely declining and as the two older ones were ready to accept and leave, the youngest among them was stubborn.

    "She''s with me."

    Were the words that came out of the boy''s mouth.

    Without him realizing, his voice had turned rather threatening.

    The boy was expecting a fight to break out, but the other three meekly left after that, with the bearded man apologizing.

    Strange... Real strange.

    The boy thought as he took a seat opposite of Eris.

    After that, she beamed quite happily with a, "Thank you again."

    The boy smiled wryly, "You''re too beautiful and attract too much attention."

    Right after he said that, a waitress came over and asked for their order.

    Eris looked at him awkwardly.

    Realizing what that implied, he signaled Eris a, "Go on." with his hand.

    Eris smiled once again with a, "Sorry, I will definitely pay you back."

    before ordering every sweet thing in the menu while the boy only had a drink.

    He wanted to talk to Eris after eating, but he was unexpectedly tired, and so was she.

    Agreeing that they will talk tomorrow, the boy handed Eris her room key.

    He wondered why she had a sort of disappointed expression, but didn''t ask why.

    And so, the boy stood up from the chair and was about to leave for his room.

    "W-Wait!"

    Eris called out.

    "Hmm?"

    The boy looked at her quizzically.

    Eris smiled at him, giving the illusion as if she was too bright to look at before saying with a giggle,

    "You''re my savior, but I never got your name. You''re not about to leave without telling me your name, right?"

    Oh yeah, I forgot.

    The boy thought. Though it was ridiculous in itself to forget introducing yourself, he did forget everything, after all.

    There was no definitive proof that it was even his name, but he was certain that it was his.

    Thus, there was no real problem with him calling himself that.

    What was he like before? What was his personality?

    That didn''t matter to him for now. He will remember his life in time, and if he doesn''t, then he will start living now.

    And so, he said with a wink, his red eyes glistening.

    "It''s Luke. But you can call me Handsome."

 Chapter 8 - Period

    Part 1

    I woke up to an unfamiliar ceiling.

    A beautiful white room with extravagant designs.

    "Suu~ Suu~"(Aya)

    Looking to my left, there is a little girl with strangely colored hair, sleeping peacefully.

    Must... not... pinch... cheeks...

    Concentrating hard, I sat up to prepare for the day.

    It was only then that I realized the child was clinging to my side as if I was her actual mother.

    A wry smile appears on my face. Well, I''ll have to bear with it for today, it might be our last day together.

    While thinking that, I begin imagining what her parents might look like and how they could leave a child behind in a forest like that.

    "Irresponsible..."(Alice)

    While unconsciously muttering that, the idea of not returning Aya to her parents also existed.

    ...She didn''t have a name, neither. Urgh... It''s all too strange.

    With a little bit of effort, I gently undid her grip on my arm.

    rustle... rustle...

    "...Owwie~"(Alice)

    As I struggled to get out of bed, I felt a numbing pain on my stomach.

    Darn... Men will never be able to understand this... this horror.

    I entered the comfort room and washed my face.

    ...I''m pretty, aren''t I?

    ...Does Nide like me?

    ...I don''t have any spare clothes, maybe he''ll think I''m cheap.

    Oh gods, I spent all day in the forest yesterday, I hope I didn''t smell...

    While thinking strange things in front of a mirror, I held my cheeks with my fingers, my blemishless figure making a silly face.

    Realizing that it had been a good few minutes that I spent looking in the mirror, I thought about what I had been doing.

    How embarrassing...

    Thinking that I might as well take a bath, I went back to the room to go fetch a towel.

    "...Mama? Where did you go...?"(Aya)

    I saw Aya in tears, quietly sobbing while covered with the white sheets, her face covered by her hands.

    "Aya? What''s the matter?"

    I called out to her.

    When she heard me, she immediately removed the sheets and rushed straight towards me.

    Unf~! That h-hurts...

    "Mama... Aya thought... Aya thought mama left Aya...Uwehhh!"

    Aya''s quiet sobbing immediately turned into wailing as she cried.

    I didn''t understand it myself, but a feeling welling up inside of me made me hug her before I could notice.

    Did she think I would leave her?

    As Aya was crying in my arms, I spoke to her gently.

    "Don''t be silly, Aya. I would never leave you."

    Speaking words that even I wasn''t entirely sure of, I assured her.

    "...Promise...?"

    Hearing her insecure voice right beside my ear, I rub her back while holding her tight.

    "Promise."

    After a while, Aya settled down and her sniffling sobs turned into light hiccups.

    "Aya, let''s go take a bath."

    I told her with a smile as I patted her head.

    Darn, too cute~

    "...O-Okay..."

    She nodded lightly while taking my hand again.

    I''m not going anywhere~ Children are so...

    Geez... I have no time to worry about myself.

    Aya needs help the most.

    Part 2 - Nide''s point of view

    Yesterday, because of Niana''s harsh taunting, the small city of Perton almosted vanished without a trace.

    Well, except maybe ash, ash would definitely be left behind.

    This is no exaggeration, the amazing magical power of Alice Icelance was simply that terrifying.

    If a forest that was magically enchanted by the Goddess of the Moon, her Majesty Lady Lunalin was burned down in a few hours, a puny city like ours would crumble in minutes.

    Niana had decided to bite her tongue and apologize to Lady Alice today when they meet again in headquarters.

    And so, I was in charge of retrieving Lady Alice from her lodgings.

    I had gotten up early and dressed up quite nicely.

    I also prepared a change of clothes for Lady Alice and the little girl following her, Aya.

    After entering the high class inn, I greeted the beautiful female receptionist before asking her which room Lady Alice was staying in.

    She looked at me strangely before asking, "Are you together?" while blushing.

    I scratched my head awkwardly before replying, "Er... Milady is... milady, I guess."

    At my words, the receptionist lady raised her eyebrow at me in disbelief.

    I left after thanking her, avoiding her gaze.

    Reaching Lady Alice''s room''s front door, I stopped.

    Wait, wait, wait. What do I say? "Good morning, milady." or maybe "Did you sleep well, lady Alice?" No, no. That sounds creepy...

    Craaap! I''m already here and I didn''t think of what to say!

    Just say good morning, Naito. You got this! You got this!

    I place my hand on the doorknob.

    ...

    ...

    ...

    For some strange reason, I couldn''t stop shivering.

    No, it''s not strange at all--

    I''m scared. In this situation, a single mistake could kill me. I can''t possibly displease her!

    Eltra! I can''t open it! What if she''s still asleep and doesn''t answer? What if she doesn''t notice? What if she does notice but doesn''t answer?

    My hand was shaking, but I needed to do this. I needed to call out this VIP and bring her back to base.

    Come on... Come on--!

    Crrtak- Crreeaaaak

    The door opened.

    "...?"

    Before me was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

    It seems she had just gotten out of the bath as her still-wet silver hair was sticking to her skin.

    Her beautiful, moist lips gasped lightly as she was probably surprised to see me.

    The reason that a certain part of me was feeling exuberant was because--

    She was naked.

    Well, not really. I guess you could call it bathrobe naked? Guess not.

    That is a towel. A plain, white towel.

    Either way, it''s the pretty much the same as I saw the outline of her body.

    Why did she go outside? Doesn''t she know other people will see her? Is Lady Alice actually defenseless?

    It was then that I noticed my mistake--

    In Lady Alice''s hand was the white dress she wore just yesterday.

    ...It probably still smells of her sweat--

    W-What am I thinking?!

    ...Er... and just outside of the door was the laundry basket.

    "...W-What..."

    gulp

    Her delicate shoulders shook. I don''t know who spoke and who gulped, but I was certain--

    I will be buried on the morrow.

    Thinking that I''ve had a wonderful life, I closed my eyes.

    But contrary to my expectations--

    "Nide, could you please move aside?"

    Lady Alice spoke to me calmly.

    ...Huh?

    Doing as she says, I moved back a bit.

    After which, she balled up her white dress and threw it towards the laundry basket.

    Whoosh

    "Yay~"

    After it landed perfectly, she jumped lightly while clapping her hands like a child.

    When she landed, she immediately grasped her stomach bending her upper body forward, as if in pain.

    Her treasures from heaven bounced as she moved.

    ...I quickly averted my eyes.

    ...Lady Alice? Is she... Is she alright?

    Immediately right after that, she turned around, went back inside the room and closed the door.

    Er... l-lady Alice?

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    I quickly opened the door to follow her inside.

    "Naaaaiiiide~ I''m not feeling well today. Can we delay the report or something? Forever would be lovely."(Alice)

    Lady Alice didn''t even look at me as she spoke while drying Aya''s hair as they both sat on the bed.

    ...They looked like a real mother and daughter.

    "O-Of course, milady. There is no real problem if you''re really not feeling well."(Nide)

    Oh, that''s right.

    Before I forgot, I added,

    "Ah, lady Alice. I have also brought a change of clothes for you and lady Aya."

    At my words, lady Alice momentarily glanced at the paper bag I was holding before looking me in the eyes again.

    ...For some reason, it''s difficult to look her in the eye.

    And so, I cowardly looked at the ground.

    She stood up and slowly walked towards me.

    I gulp.

    Oh gods oh gods oh gods

    Not knowing where to look, I keep staring at the floor. When her dazzling legs came into view, I couldn''t help but stiffen.

    "Well? Are you just going to stand there or are you going to give it to me?"

    Lady Alice looked at me with her head tilted.

    I dazedly handed her the paper bag.

    There was a light rustling noise as she checked the contents before nodding to herself.

    "...Nide, aren''t you leaving yet?"

    Lady Alice said rather awkwardly.

    I just couldn''t accept this--

    "L-Lady Alice!"

    I spoke out with a loud voice,

    "Are you not aware that you shouldn''t be wearing such... clothing when in front of a man?"

    At my words, lady Alice looked down and examined herself.

    It was then that I heard a sharp gasp.

    I probingly looked at lady Alice''s face.

    It was an apple.

    She charged straight towards me--

    N-No! They''re bouncing!

    I began to panic as lady Alice was already in front of me--

    Fast!

    She, then--

    Hammered her tiny fists on my chest.

    ...

    It was actually quite ticklish.

    "Out, out, out ,ouuuut!"

    Lady Alice boomed as she pushed me out of the door with strength oddly unequal to the one she used to punch me.

    That''s right. That''s the correct reaction!

    The door shut with a bang behind me and I sighed in relief.

    I leave the hotel while remembering lady Alice''s visage.

    Part 3

    What have I done?! What happened?! I showed Kidnapper this appearance?!

    Did he reach level 36?! No, no, it was I who gave him the evolution stone--

    I wasn''t thinking! It''s not fair!

    Gimme a redo! I''ll make a contract with you, you damn rabbit-dog whatever, so turn me into a magical girl!

    I shouted in my head as I rolled around in the bed like an idiot, tears streaming down my face.

    Now he definitely thinks I''m weird...

    It''s all your fault for going out like that in the first place. Are you an idiot?

    Who you calling an idiot!? It was his fault for barging in here in the first place!

    You acted like it was nothing at all, didn''t you?!

    Well yeah, but-- but...!!

    Quit arguing with me, me!! Whose side are you on?!

    Without noticing how irritable I have become, I groan while on the bed as pain assaulted my abdomen.

    It hurts. It hurts. Nide, please come back! I''m lonely... It''s hot! I want icecreaaaam! Give me more melo-melo whatevers!

    But gods I hate you so much! ...Please don''t leave me...

    I laugh a little as I remember what happened yesterday, a small smile returning to my face.

    Urgh...

    But it was quickly replaced with a frown, accompanied by tears.

    "...Now he definitely thinks I''m weird."

    I had already forgotten what I was crying about: the intense, sense-numbing pain or the fact that a man had seen me naked.

    It was probably both, as I had suddenly wanted to bury myself down a hole and die.

    Quietly comforting me was Aya, rubbing my back while whispering,

    "...Nai-te is stupid..."

    Part 4

    After that, I spent the entire day in bed, depressed.

    The maids brought me food every few hours, though. ...High-class hotels are so convenient.

    Or maybe I''m too lavish? I don''t know, I received 800 gold coins yesterday. How much is that, exactly?

    ...I''ve been eating a lot lately, will I get fat? N-No way, right?

    Urgh... the creaks of the foodcarts are so disturbing.

    Was I missing a detail?

    Oh yeah. Currently, my body can be described as Satan''s kiddie pool.

    Why? Don''t ask. Just know that I''m dying, m''kay mister narrator?

    ...Hello?

    Okay, fine. Be that way.

    Not wanting to move, I let time pass by while patting Aya''s head.

    Urgh Aya, you''re my only salvation from this...

    Every move I make opens the floodgates of hell-- Literally!

    I was quietly sitting, minding my own bidness, when suddenly, right outta nowhere--

    "Achoo~"

    An adorable sounding sneeze--

    Along with the amount of blood trickling down quintupling.

    Son of a bearpeanut, it was just a sneeze why are the gods so cruel to me ugh life sucks I want to die! Why are my neighbors so noisy?! Please be quiet already! I''m trying to concentrate on not dying here can you please be silent for a second, seriously?! Please, please please please please! All of you are @#$%&^--

    -rest ommited-

    ...Whew, I started cursing there for a second. I am alright. I am calm. I am ok--

    "Milady, your food has arrived."

    I verbally let the servant come inside before I quietly eyed the door.

    The servant moved the foodcart next to my bed, she asked me if I wanted anything else.

    I told her I wanted icecream, but of course, she had no idea what that was.

    Ughh. So useless~ I waaaaant icecream, dammiiiiit!

    Once she saw my annoyed expression, the servant apologized to me, thinking I was angry.

    After she left, Aya asked me, "Is mama mad...?"

    To which I replied, "Not even. Just lightly salted."

    Without question, it was the worst week of my life.

    <hr />

    Just in case some of you don''t understand, I will make it clear.

    I. Am. Mimulus.

    I even purposefully picked the name "Flower" here.

    Why? Because it is a flower! Mimulus is a flower!

    Sorry if it seems like I''m angry.

    I''m not, but it kind of peeves me when "ey b0ss u be plagiarizing your own work don''t do that :^)"

    pls leave I''ll rek u

    Okay, okay. I''m done. On to the chapter.

    Just in case you''re wondering, this will be the disclaimer. Periods are in fact as bad as I depict them.

    Some are even worse as how I state.

 Chapter 9 - Solarin

    Ugh. Idk. I hate myself rn, I''m going back to bed.

    Part 1

    Luke opened his eyes and found himself in a slightly shabby room made of wood.

    Waking up near dawn, the room was still dark. He yawned audibly as he got up, not even bothering to fix his bed.

    He checked himself in front of the mirror and found no problems whatsoever.

    ...As handsome as always, you devil.

    He thought, as a conceited smile made its way to his face.

    Afterwards, the boy quickly shook his head.

    It was a wise decision, for such vanity will dull his blade.

    Eventually, he finished up preparing and left the room, walking towards the one directly opposite of his.

    tok tok

    "Hey~ Eris, are you awake already?" Luke loudly knocked as he called out to Eris.

    tok tok tok

    However, no matter how many times Luke knocked, there was no answer.

    He decided to come in, hoping he would catch a glimpse of something good.

    Luke got exactly what he asked for as he saw the sleeping figure of Eris.

    Her soft breathing, her slightly disheveled hair and her buxom figure peeking out between small gaps in the blanket made Luke''s male heart race. He walked towards the bed.

    Making an excuse of, "It''s good to be early."  Luke lightly tapped her shoulders twice, "Oii. Wake up, girlie."

    But her only responses were "Mm~" and "Noo~".

    "..." Luke felt a bit awkward as he wondered what she was dreaming about.

    He shook her again.

    Wake up already.

    As he held her shoulders, she suddenly moved--

    "...!" Raising a sharp gasp, he didn''t notice her slow movement at all.

    Just like that, he was pulled into the bed.

    And then hugged by the maiden like a bodypillow.

    Wow, the gods sure do love me.

    Luke thought with a straight face.

    Eris released short breaths, tickling the male youth''s face as her biological weapons pressed against his body.

    I know how to wake her up!

    Quickly having an idea, Luke thought he was a genius.

    And so, the predator slowly reached out with one hand--

    And groped Eris''s breast.

    Still looking at her face as if waiting for a reaction, he didn''t stop.

    "Mm... Uhn? ...Huh?!"

    Eventually, Eris''s eyes shot open. The first thing to enter her view was Luke''s casual pokerface.

    "Yo." he called out.

    Her face spelled out "What''s going on?" before she traced to where his hand was with her eyes.

    "...?!" Her mouth was agape, her lips quivering and there were tears in her eyes.

    Luke''s expression didn''t change at all as he stared straight at her face, the two of them still on the bed.

    "Let me tell you right now, I''m innocent."

    Then, after that-- it was the first time Luke saw Eris lose her composure.

    Part 2

    "Eris. Are you still mad? Hey, Eris."

    Luke called out to the girl sitting across him.

    During the bedroom event, when Eris was about to raise a scream with a flushed face,

    a maid had abruptly entered the room.

    It was part of this realm''s customs to wake the women up earlier, as men tend to eat more, they would make sure the women had enough to eat.

    It was because of this reason that--

    "I-I-I-I-I''m so v-very sorry f-for interrupting youuuu!"

    The maid apologized in a fluster as she left the room with a bang.

    Because of this, the two of them have been the topic of discussion among the waitresses in the pub. They didn''t know that, though.

    Needless to say, Eris was miffed.

    The events of earlier had changed her opinion of this young man, Luke.

    But when she thought about it, he could''ve done something a whole lot worse while she had been defenselessly sleeping.

    Luke also explained that he was simply trying to wake her up and she, while dreaming had pulled him down into the bed.

    I get that that part was an accident... b-but he groped me...! T-Touching is fine... maybe a poke, b-but I''m not ready yet... w-wait a minute, what am I saying?! We just met yesterday...!

    Can we even be together...? I''m...

    While the maiden struggled by herself, a waitress approached to take their order.

    Coincidentally, it was the one girl dressed in a maid outfit who caught the two of them in bed.

    After the waitress realized it was them, she blushed visibly.

    With Luke being the dunce he is, he didn''t recognize the girl at all. Though he did cast a fleeting glance her way before winking, causing her to blush furiously.

    He then urged her to come nearer with a finger after looking left and right as if about to tell her a secret. Not thinking about it at all, the waitress moved her ear closer.

    Luke showed a charming smile before taking the chance and wrapping his arm around the girl''s waist before pulling her into his territory, and her bottom beautifully landed on his lap.

    He then sensually whispered into her ear while purposefully blowing a hot breath.

    "Eep!"

    "Say, miss. Is it possible that you are on my menu?"

    The girl covered her face with her hands as--

    "Ow...!" An exchange between Eris''s heel and Luke''s foot happened from below.

    Luke released the waitress, apologizing about his prank going too far. Eris glared at nothing in particular as she pouted.

    Flirting with other girls even though you already held me... hmph. Shameless pervert...

    "I''ll only have some bird and a drink. The lady will have every sweet on the menu." Luke smoothly advanced from the issue as he ordered for both of them professionally.

    He watched the waitress girl run off, she turned to peek at him once, granting her a wave and a smile from Luke and a sad look from Eris.

    "Now then." Eris was rather surprised at Luke''s unexpectedly serious demeanor as he began asking her questions.

    He asked where that forest was. He asked where they currently were, telling her not to spare any details.

    Eris was surprised that he walked to this place in 3 weeks on foot even though most had to circle around the forest, taking 2-4 months from any major powers.

    "Is it really that dangerous...?" Luke asked with furrowed brows.

    "Yes!" Eris exclaimed, wondering where she should begin.

    "It''s going to be a long story, however." Eris warned him, but Luke only signalled, go ahead.

    Nodding, Eris wondered, "Now then... Where should I begin."

    She began explaining everything to Luke, telling him how reckless he had been.

    That forest was full of wolves, after all. It was undoubtedly dangerous.

    Though it used to be teeming with other wildlife, wolves became the masters of that land around 3,000 years ago.

    Legend has it that the third generation Moon Goddess''s body had been buried there, earning it the title [Luna''s Mound].

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Though the goddess herself was only one, the bodies she reincarnates in are plenty. There had been countless of them, some not daring to reveal themselves, some not awakening to their past memories.

    Of course, it was common sense that the almighty and deities are higher in positional standing than kings and emperors.

    They are gods, after all. So it was natural to refer to them as "Your Majesty."

    Eris also knew that the current Lunalin had not been discovered yet.

    The obvious truth was that there could only be one at a given time.

    From what he said, this boy actually walked through that forest, not around it. At that thought, she twitched a little.

    ...Seriously?

    Following that, she explained that they were currently in the Monarchy of Archen, occupying the south of Mistleheim.

    The current monarch, Kayerl Arche is a kind ruler and the realm is certainly flourishing.

    With that, Eris finished her explanation.

    Luke didn''t fail to notice the glint of regret on Eris''s eyes as he continued to listen to her explanation end quietly.

    Though he was a dunce, he wasn''t exactly completely clueless.

    He finally spoke, "I have a follow up question now."

    Eris, for some reason was feeling nervous.

    Her heart was beating furiously, as if being stared down by a predator.

    Why she knew so much, he had no idea.

    But he knows that she was shown, not told.

    She is sure of her knowledge, she was taught.

    Therefore she was educated. She is definitely not a commoner.

    What he did know was something else.

    He saw it this morning, after all.

    Does she change it through magic? Either way, she must be doing it daily.

    Why she couldn''t wake up before the sun was visible? He knew that as well.

    Luke stared directly at her with his ferocious-looking red eyes before finally speaking,

    "Why did you dye your hair black? No, more importantly... why didn''t you fight back last night? Can you answer that--

    your majesty, Lady Solarin."

    It was all because her hair this morning was vermilion.

    Part 3

    Eris looked directly at Luke, surprised.

    So he saw, after all... I thought it was too dark for him to see, but...

    "So you know my secret. Indeed. I have been awakened since I was a child."

    Eris regained her calm quickly as she smiled his way.

    It''s not really a big deal if people find out, geez... what was up with that scary atmosphere?

    Luke simply shrugged,

    "It was all conjecture, but to think I was right."

    Luke thought deeply.

    If it''s just that, then what is this sense of dissonance?

    "Say, Eri-- Lady Solarin. Have we met before?"

    Eris leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand before saying,

    "Eris is fine. And isn''t it a little bit too late for your pickup lines?"

    Not that they won''t work...

    Luke frowned at her irresponsible words.

    "I still don''t understand why you didn''t just burn the man last night to a crisp. You''re the goddess of the sun, aren''t you?"

    Luke tried changing the subject.

    "Speaking of which, the guards were currently looking for the one responsible for a "grizzly murder" that happened just last night.

    A large man about two meters tall was cut in half. Heard about it? Anyway, I can''t stand murder. Or rather..."

    Before continuing, Eris signalled Luke to come closer, making it clear that what she was about to say was rather secret.

    "--You see, even I can kill if it''s in self-defense, but a mechanism in our heads will stop goddesses from killing.

    We can not harm creation with a conscious will. Though... there is a loophole. If I accidentally kill a sentient being, the mechanism would be disabled for the entirety of my life." Eris''s face darkened, but she continued with that smile plastered on her face.

    A very sunny person...

    "I see." Luke nodded, "That''s how demon lords are born. The castless monsters are gods who have killed before and decided that they liked it."

    "How rude!" Eris rebutted, "Most heroes from legends are also the same, y''know? It''s just a matter of their personality."

    "Good and evil?" Luke''s eyes sharpened.

    "The fact that the good can do evil and the evil can do good being ignored is exactly what''s wrong with the world."

    "Erm..." at Luke''s oddly philosophical words, Eris was lost for words.

    She could only scratch her face with a wry smile,

    "R-Right... Anyway-- that''s enough from me. I want to hear from you. I don''t know anything about you.

    Being mysterious is charming and all, but I''ve already fall--cough-- s-s-s-so where did you come from?"

    Luke thought that there was something odd about what she said but he quickly forgot as he apologized,

    ".Sorry. I don''t know where I''n from. Erm... I seem to have been cursed. Powerful magic has caused me to lose all my memories... I think.

    I woke up in [Luna''s Mound] alone. My instincts told me to follow the river downstream, and in a few weeks, I finally found civilization."

    Well, that''s basically what happened.

    Eris nodded at his words, "Wow... you''re amazing, Luke. S-Say... How do you remember your name, then?"

    Luke shrugged, "No idea. So far, that''s the only thing I know apart from a few other ambiguous things.

    A sister, a father and a promise. Just that."

    "A sister?" Eris was quite surprised.

    Luke nodded with a smile,

    "Yeah. She was beautiful. Unbelievably so. Her eyes were a brighter color, but slightly similar to yours. What else...? I can''t really remember her facial features, though... but I know she was beautiful.

    Oh! How could I forget-- she has silky silver hair."

    While Luke reminisced with closed eyes, Eris alone came to a realization as her eyes widened and her breathing quickened.

    She grabbed Luke''s shoulders, "What?! Why didn''t you tell me sooner! She is dangerous! Our basic laws do not apply to her--

    Luke, where is this silver-haired girl? Where is my sister?"

    Luke couldn''t help but be overwhelmed by Eris but just at that moment, the two of them overheard casual gossiping.

    An older knight in shiny armor and a bald woman wearing a robe were having an amicable chat.

    "Mages really are prevalent in these times... Have you heard?"

    "About that flame princess from the north?"

    "Yes, yes! That one! The unmatched beauty whose hair is the same color as those of the Nehorune race. I heard she destroyed an entire guild of thieves and bandits. Supposedly, the guild''s size was equivalent to a major city."

    "Boy, isn''t that just a rumor? Sure, I heard that she is powerful, but that''s a bit too much of an exaggeration."

    Without the two of them noticing, a raven-haired beautiful maiden had approached them.

    She stared directly at them with her violet-like purple eyes.

    "Erm... excuse me, but I couldn''t help noticing you were speaking of some ''flame princess'' with incredible magic. C-Could you elaborate?" Eris''s nervous demeanor may have startled them, but the two nodded nonetheless.

    The two explained carefully, how the flame princess had been rising in fame these past few days and the word is spreading like wildfire.

    That much is obvious, as she is from the north of Mistleheim, weeks, even months away.

    But Eris didn''t need any of that, she only needed one thing:

    "A name! Please give me her name!"

    Feeling Eris''s intense fervor, the two of them backed off a little as the knight replied,

    "It was Ris... no, no... Aya. It was Aya Icelance, right?"

    The bald woman nodded,

    "I think so."

    Eris then turned to Luke with a speed fast enough to break her neck,

    "Luke. We''re going on an adventure."

    "...What?"

    Though he was reluctant and asked, he decided to go anyway.

    She''s got big breasts, after all.

 Chapter 10 - Eye

    I don''t get why you HAVE TO POINT OUT IT''S A REPOST BY ME, THE AUTHOR WHEN IT''S SO OBVIOUS!

    Ugh.

    You guys never WOULD''VE SEEN Alice if I didn''t post it here, so why are you complaining that I did?

    It''s making me grumpy, sorry.

    Sigh...

    Whatever, let''s just.. yeah. Whatever.

    Now I know what you''re thinking, yeah, yeah. I get it.

    Miu is a very angry writer.

    Yes, yes she is.

    Part 1

    "Mama...! Mama, wake up alweady..."(Aya)

    Hearing Aya''s flustered voice, I woke up from an unpleasant dream.

    I opened my eyes.

    "Aya...? What''s going on...?"

    I ask, still slightly sleepy.

    Urgh...

    I felt a little groggy but also refreshed at the same time.

    I had postponed my meeting with Nide''s teammates for a week, so I feel a little guilty as well.

    ...Just a little. Hmm? What''s this?

    I look at Aya in wonder.

    Aya only pointed towards the window with a worried look on her face.

    Let''s see...

    Looking outside,

    The birds were singing and the weather was just perfect for a walk, but--

    "Bandit invasion!!"

    I heard a loud shout from outside. The words rang in my head.

    What?! Bandits?

    My eyes opened wide as I peeked out the window once more.

    Several guards in armor were trying to fight off a group of men wearing pieces of armor that didn''t match.

    The guards were well-trained, but the number of the bandits was simply too overwhelming, causing the guards to die off one by one.

    I have to escape. Hoh. Nide... where''s Nide?

    After the event where he spotted me... almost naked a week ago, I had completely ignored him for the entire time.

    Today, however, I feel much calmer. It''d be good if he was safe.

    It''s probably because my monthly period is over.

    Hmm... Alright. If the city''s being invaded, they''ll take the women and children and all of the goods.

    Everything else, they will burn down.

    I have to find Nide.

    "Lady Alice, are you still here? Lady Alice!"(Nide)

    Well, well, well. Speak of the Kidnapper and he shall appear.

    "I''m here, Nide."(Alice)

    I opened the door, clad in a pink dress that Nide had gifted to me a week ago.

    "Lady Alice!"(Nide)

    Before me was Kidnapper in knight''s armor without the leather parts. He had the usual bow and quiver with a new, steel sword hanging at the scabbard on his hip.

    He was in that funny knight''s salute posture with his arm wrapped around his belly. With the addition of the sword, it looked quite gallant instead.

    It seems he had been called to arms but went to me instead. ...Hmph.

    Not like I was looking for you or anything, idiot~

    By the way, Aya was wearing a dress matching mine. Speaking of which, I haven''t thanked him yet... but this is no time for that.

    Taking Aya''s hand, I tell her that everything''s going to be alright as Nide led us out of the building.

    The shouts and clashing of metal was even louder on the outside, even the ordinary men fought the bandits back as militia.

    The streets were already empty. No doubt, right at this moment, nobody cares about another person''s life.

    It is run or die.

    "Lady Alice, this way!"(Nide)

    Nide was considerate of me and Aya as he ran a bit slower to make sure we could catch up.

    The city was in a panic. Even I was a little anxious as the number of hooligans was simply enormous.

    Soon enough, we reached a place with buildings a bit too close together. It''s also dirty and smelly...

    I voice out, "Nide... is this a bandit raid? It seems more like an invasion to me..."

    I trail off near the end as I saw a woman on the ground, a bit far from us.

    It''s none of my business. Our plate is already full.

    Before her were two men, ready to take home their spoils.

    As Aya, Nide and I had been in the cover of chaos, neither the woman nor the bandits noticed us. Or maybe it was because we were too far?

    Why isn''t she escaping?

    I get anxious as I watch the woman from afar. She soundlessly waited for them, without even screaming.

    Could she have fainted already?

    Or had she given in to despair?

    With that in mind, I couldn''t keep running with the intent to escape.

    I''m sorry, Alice... I''ll be a bit rough, but I promise to finish quick.

    Either way, I--

    Part 2 - Nide''s Point of View

    "Lady Alice!"(Nide)

    "Mama!"(Aya)

    Lady Alice, Aya and I were running when suddenly, Lady Alice ran faster before passing me.

    As she overtook me, she drew the sword that was attached to my hip and took one arrow from my quiver before dashing off towards the right.

    What? Why? We need to escape--

    As I turn my eyes in the direction Lady Alice went, I finally saw it.

    A girl had been knocked down, two men approached her slowly, clearly with vile intent.

    Could it be... Lady Alice spotted that before me? Maybe... she has better makings than I to be an archer.

    What sharp eyes... it just looks like visages from here...

    I thought while realizing how shameful I had been.

    Some Hawkeye I am...

    As I was thinking that, Lady Alice had ran in a speed even faster than me when I wore light armor.

    ...What the hell? Eltra... That''s rather unfair, isn''t it?

    I held Aya back and told her to hide while I go help Lady Alice, only to be glared at,

    "Noo~ I have to help mama! Stuupid Naii-te~"

    ...I had been scolded by a child.

    Oh whatever.

    I carried Aya on my back as I rushed to where Lady Alice had ran off to.

    The heavy armor wasn''t fit for me, really.

    I had taken longer than usual and was even panting when I had arrived by Lady Alice''s side.

    By that time, Lady Alice had already started the inquisition.

    One of the men was already on the ground, the single arrow Lady Alice took was stuck deep in his eye.

    With a single look, I could tell that he had been killed cleanly and mercilessly.

    Lady Alice had a blank expression, a cold one that sent shivers down my spine.

    The girl was behind her, still on the ground with a tearful expression.

    She must have been a slave, judging from her ragged clothes.

    This part of the city were the slums, so slave dealers were plentiful around here.

    The houses were built almost too close to each other, making it rather narrow.

    The people were poor, but not unhappy.

    They could be considered lively--

    As I thought that, I slowly came to a realization.

    There is no one else here.

    Everyone escaped.

    A man was on the ground, perfectly executed.

    Lady Alice murdered someone.

    But of course, that is only perfectly natural. It happens all the time.

    I slowly turn my head to peek at Aya''s expression.

    I can''t let this lead to trauma...

    But to my surprise--

    "..."(Aya)

    Aya had only stared at the remaining bandit menacingly.

    She didn''t pay any attention to the fallen one, as if saying,

    Don''t care, not a threat.

    "--run now and live, boy. Then come back to fight another day."(Alice)

    She had spoken without any malice, as if it was just business, nothing personal.

    "...!"(bandit)

    But of course, a colleague of his had been killed right before his eyes, causing him to become agitated.

    The air was tense, but not for Lady Alice. She had been the source of such a terrifying air.

    "I don''t want to raise my killcount any more today, so please just run."(Alice)

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    As she spoke with terms I didn''t recognize, I could only watch in a daze.

    With that, the bandit had put down his blade.

    "Oii. What''s this? Being held long by a little girl-- Wha?! Gerian! G-Gerian''s dead!"(???)

    Just as he planned to surrender, backup had arrived.

    They raised loud voices as at least six more of them arrived.

    The bandit, who had already surrendered frowned, as if finding that his resolve had been stepped on by the coming backup.

    As soon as they realized that I had a bow, their anger was then directed at me--

    Oh crap.

    The men came forward all at once.

    This Gerian must have been their friend.

    "Nide. Protect the girl."(Alice)

    Lady Alice commanded without even turning to look at me.

    ...Just who is this girl? I couldn''t help but wonder.

    I want to help, clearly she can''t take them all--

    Just as I was thinking that, Lady Alice rushed forward, meeting the sword of the fastest runner among the bandits.

    Shhrkk

    With a shrill sound of clashing metal, lady Alice had parried the first bandit''s blade easily.

    As soon as his sword got sent back, his vision swirled as he lost both legs.

    The second he looked up, his throat had met the tip of Lady Alice''s sword.

    The space for fighting was very narrow, so I couldn''t fight by her side.

    Luckily, I use a bow.

    It was also because of this that the bandits had no choice but to fight her one on one.

    Though that wasn''t the problem.

    "Mama''s a spidew!"(Aya)

    Exactly as Aya said, the reason why I could aim at all was because lady Alice had run up the walls of the buildings and alternated between them like an insect before jumping down again, cutting the bandits down.

    Despite that fact, I couldn''t shoot any of them down.

    The reason? Well, because they''re already asleep.

    The massacre took no less than five seconds, to be truthful.

    With that, I have made a conclusion.

    Lady Alice is a freak of nature.

    The last three bandits were on guard.

    The one that had surrendered had quietly disappeared, while the girl had gotten up on her knees, watching lady Alice take her would-be kidnappers down.

    Two of them rushed at once, both with shortswords in hand. One of them thrust his sword right at her face, but she only tilted her head slightly, causing it to cut only her cheek''s beautiful skin. Right after, she performed an excellent roundhouse kick, thoroughly snapping both of their necks, the second one not even having a turn.

    The final bandit was a giant of a man wielding an axe with a wooden handle. I couldn''t help but think that he looked familiar.

    Standing at 2.5 feet tall, he stared right at lady Alice''s... chest.

    So far, lady Alice had no real injuries.

    At least that''s what I thought until I saw her limping forward.

    Her ankle was broken, but she continued without any complaints.

    The giant swung his axe horizontally and with might, leaving no room for lady Alice to dodge--

    Or so he thought as lady Alice let herself fall backwards, using her sword as a third leg to help keep her balance, she bounced back while the giant was having trouble readjusting his stance because of his heavy weapon.

    As lady Alice got up, she smashed the wooden part of the weapon nearest to the axe head, rendering the giant''s weapon useless.

    "GrrrrRRaaaaaahh!"(Giant)

    Lady Alice must have let her guard down at that moment, thinking the giant was now harmless without a weapon--

    she realized just how wrong she was as the giant''s fist had sent her flying.

    Crack!

    "Mama! Nooo!"(Aya)

    I held Aya back as she screamed.

    The spine-chilling sound of bones breaking could be heard as lady Alice''s body struck a building''s wall while a cloud of dust covered our vision.

    Ah...Eltra. What was I doing?!

    Watching lady Alice''s graceful-- no, continuous massacre had left me standing in a daze.

    She''s alive. She''s got to be.

    I eyed the giant, waiting for the dust to settle as I readied my bow.

    "Nide. Don''t move. This one is mine."(Alice)

    Hearing the monotonous voice, I saw lady Alice''s terrifying visage as she walked out of the cloud before it settled.

    Her right arm hung limp and there were tears streaming down her cheeks, her knees were visibly shaking as well.

    Her face had been covered by the blood trickling down from her forehead.

    Her hair had been painted red with streaks of silver and her head was slightly tilted, like a broken doll.

    But I knew I could not interfere.

    Aya also knew this as she wordlessly watched with bated breath.

    Hey... your mama''s about to die, you know?

    Even though I thought that, there was no way I could attack.

    It was because of her eyes.

    Her eyes were glowing, leaving streaks of light as she limped forward slowly like a puppet.

    The pinkish light was rather terrifying, giving the feeling of a ruthless predator.

    They were cold and calculating, but not heartless.

    It was almost as if lady Alice''s body and soul were not in agreement-- as if having different thoughts.

    Snap

    Crack

    Using her available left hand, she forcefully straightened her head.

    "...!"(Giant)

    It must''ve hurt a lot, as even the giant was surprised at her durability.

    But lady Alice didn''t even wince.

    Immediately, she launched herself towards a wall and used it as a stepping stone, she bent her knees to the limit before springing towards the giant. As she jumped, I couldn''t help but hear the sound of her legs breaking, but she only continued as if it was nothing.

    The giant thought to catch her with his well-built arms, but to his surprise--

    Slash

    His entire arm, up to his shoulder suddenly flew away.

    "I''ll let you off with this."(Alice)

    Lady Alice, who was on the ground said thus.

    The giant was dumbfounded.

    He had lost the entirety of his arm, but his enemy was incapacitated.

    "Girl--Groahuhhh!"(Giant)

    Just as he was about to speak, he got on his knees as blood suddenly splattered from his legs.

    On both of his muscular thighs, there were long and horizontal wounds, likely from a single stroke.

    "...Enough!"(Giant)

    Despite that fact, the giant would not give in. He stood back up again, intending to finish off lady Alice.

    Seeing that, lady Alice only sighed with a sleepy face.

    "I hate having to use this, but... The city should be empty by now, so it''s probably fine."(Alice)

    Right at that moment, lady Alice, who was still laying on the ground pointed her arm towards the giant.

    And--

    "Good bye."

    A purple flame engulfed the giant, reaching all the way up to the sky.

    His screams of agony not even heard, as the crackling of fire drowned it out.

    ----

    "Are you afraid of me?"

    She asked.

    I smiled, with Aya next to me and the ragged girl on my back.

    "No."

    There was no need to say anything else.

    "I see."

    She whispered, as she closed her eyes before--

    "Uweeeeehn~"

    crying like a child.

    "Naide~ Naiide~ It hurts! It hurts!"

    Her lips quivered and her shoulders trembled as she curled into a ball, hugging her knees with her moveable arm.

    My eyes were drawn to her long eyelashes as she whimpered.

    It was only then that I realized how terrifying this girl is.

    Too dangerous to be with.

    Too adorable to leave alone.

    With that, I carried lady Alice as I led Aya and the ragged girl somewhere safe.

    No doubt, the other bandits saw that fire.

    I have to lead them out of here.

    Thinking about lady Alice''s almost critical injuries, I ran with only one place in mind.

 Chapter 11 - Childish

    Alice is best girl, don''t you think?

    Also, if you''re wondering about the harem tag,

    <del>It''s Luke''s.</del>

    <del>Have some delicious fanservice!</del>

    Part 1

    I was having a nightmare.

    As Dylon, when I was a child, I had already gone to several missions.

    Because of the nature of those missions, I often had nightmares like this.

    Eventually, the nightmares stopped as I got used to it.

    Why am I having it now, I wonder?

    I stood alone, surrounded by darkness.

    There was nothing else around me.

    It was so dark that I couldn''t even tell which way was up.

    Immediately after that, the darkness below my feet began sucking me in like a bog.

    I struggled to get away in intense fear.

    "No...! G-Get away from me!"

    I had shouted with everything my lungs could leak out, but not a sound was heard.

    Five arms had stretched out from the ground, their bloodied hands pulling me deeper into the abyss.

    "Stoooppp!"

    I cried out.

    The arms soon doubled, quickening the pace to which I was sinking in.

    "No! Please stop this... No more...Ahh!"

    I sobbed as I raised my voice once again before a giant, charred arm came out of the bog, pulling me in instantly.

    "...?"

    Where was I? What was I doing...? ...What?

    I opened my eyes and found myself in an empty, grey room.

    There was nothing much to say about it except that it was made of stone.

    Well. Not exactly empty, a lone throne was placed right at the center.

    Seated neatly on it was a skeleton made of gold.

    At least, it looked to be so.

    The skeleton''s head was tilted slightly backwards, its mouth hung open and its hands rested beside both of its knees, open with its palms facing upward.

    I don''t know why I approached it.

    Was it out of curiosity?

    Or the fact that I knew I would not progress without doing so?

    As I got closer to it, the skeleton''s shoulders suddenly twitched.

    "Eep?!"

    I cowered a little as I moved back a bit.

    ...Since when have I become such a scaredy cat?

    Craaack

    Crackle

    Snap

    I thought as suddenly, the skeleton''s body was enveloped by darkness, with the exception of its skull burning with a black flame.

    The black flame then melded into the skull as it slowly turned into what seemed like flesh while the darkness formed into a king''s mantle.

    Before me was a middle-aged man with glaring black eyes, his lips twisted into a grin and he spoke with a husky voice.

    He lazily rested his chin on his hand, giving the impression of an imposing ruler.

    Don''tlookathisbuild.

    Don''tlookathishandsome

    Heisnotmuscularatall. N-Noo~

    I''mnotintodeadpeople.

    I''mnotintodeadpeople?

    I''mnotintodeadpeople!

    He is a skeleton, woman! Get a hold of yourself...

    "Oho. I''d recognize that hair anywhere. It''s been a while, Lunalin. Have you finally come to marry me?"

    At the man''s words, I didn''t know what to say. At least I had broken out of my daze...

    He had a gentle smile on his face, not fitting his menacing visage.

    But my earlier fear was overcome by my curiosity.

    "Erm, no... excuse me, mister. But who are you? And... where am I?"

    So I decided to test the waters.

    ...I''m not into middle-aged men.

    Even if they are sexy beasts.

    At my words, the man''s eyes widened a little as he stared at me awkwardly before sighing.

    "...A new one? Oh. I thought Alecia looked different... Then again, rovietal all look alike to me."

    He shrugged with just his shoulders before crossing his legs, further emphasizing his imposing aura and then speaking.

    "I am Turipid Mortis. I am one of the rulers of this place. Some call me Had-- ah... But those are from another world... hmm..."

    What was this man saying? I wondered. I couldn''t really hear the last part.

    I couldn''t help but think that the name was familiar...

    Did I read it somewhere?

    In any case, this fine gentleman was named Tulip.

    Yes, yes. Tulip, I got it.

    Since he had lost his momentum, I decided to talk as well.

    "Er... Mr. Tulip--"

    "It''s Turipid."

    Correcting me gently, he smiled while laughing lightly.

    "Yes, uhm... Mr. Tulip. Why am I here?"

    When I said that, he stared directly at me and sighed before speaking,

    "... First, girl. What is your name?"

    I thought about it first.

    How did I get here? What was I doing...?

    In any case,

    "Erm. It is Alice."

    "...Alice?"

    Despite his calm and gentle expression, my heart couldn''t help but stir.

    What was this feeling...?

    It was as if I was being choked.

    An eerie feeling.

    It was a cold sensation on my back and every strand of hair on my arms started to rise.

    Almost as abruptly as it had come, the feeling soon disappeared along with Mr. Tulip sighing once again before showing a saint-like smile.

    He narrowed his eyes,

    "It seems that I am out of sand. Time to wake up."

    Wake up? What''s he talking about?

    It was then that my thoughts became muddy and my consciousness dimmed.

    I fell on my knees and grasped my forehead.

    I felt really... sleepy...

    "Why we were called here, I do not know, but... there must be some meaning in our meeting. We will definitely meet again."

    It was probably because of my drowsiness, but his husky voice seemed to be echoing.

    He fixed his position on the throne, the darkness leaving his body.

    Soon, his head caught on fire and his skin melted, returning back to the golden skull.

    Before he disappeared completely, he left me with words of parting, though I was only half awake. All sound other than his voice had stopped.

    "Next time, we shall have a nice chat. Fare thee well, Alice... Alice... Alice..."

    Alice...

    Alice...

    "dy Alice--...dy Alice, wake up!"

    "Lady Alice!"

    "...?"

    My eyes opened.

    My consciousness felt like it had been submerged in water all this time.

    My thoughts cleared.

    Waking up, I saw a worried Nide, holding my hand.

    Rather, I was tightly grasping his.

    "...!"

    Immediately letting go of his hand and with a stiff expression, I wordlessly wiped my hand on the bedsheet.

    ...Twice to be safe.

    "Erm..."

    With a slightly offended expression, he checked to see if I was alright.

    Covering a large portion of my body were bandages.

    My forehead, my legs, etc... hmm.

    "You seem to be alright. You were having a nightmare, lady Alice.

    Aya? Your mama''s awake."

    He said with a gentle face before calling out to Aya.

    "Waaaaah~ Mamaa~"

    With a bang, Aya opened the door at breakneck pace before rushing to my left side, hugging my arm while crying.

    Entering with Aya was the girl that we had rescued.

    It seems she had taken a bath.

    Her face was clean and her very dark red hair which was so long that it reached the ground was no longer disheveled.

    Her skin was a healthy brown but she was still a little bit fair and her eyes were a deep blue, like the sea.

    She was a bit tall, standing at 5''7" feet.

    Despite that, she gave off an air of innocence.

    She looks about my age.

    Maybe younger?

    No idea.

    She was a little bit larger than me in that area, though.

    My eyes narrowed.

    ...E cups are for cows, I thought as I recalled a certain huge-breasted woman whose name was not Niana.

    My gaze sharpened but I drove away such inappropriate thoughts.

    Seeming to be a bit anxious, she just stood at the entrance, occasionally glancing at me before looking away again.

    ...Wow she''s quite cute.

    Who said that redheads were soulless, huh?!

    Come over here right now and fight meee!

    Our eyes met.

    "...!"

    She quickly averted her gaze in a fluster.

    Solid 7/10.

    I nodded twice to myself, which resulted to my neck to be in pain.

    She still didn''t speak, but her face reddened when I threw a wave her direction.

    Is... she okay?

    I then tried moving my right arm to pat Aya''s head, but--

    "Owwie...!"

    Feeling a numbing pain, I couldn''t move it at all.

    What the...? Why do I... Oh. Oh yeah.

    ...I killed people.

    Part 2 - Her Point of View

    It''s already been four days since I was rescued by a mysterious and unbelievably beautiful woman.

    After she had defeated the bandits and the giant of a man, the one dressed as a knight led us to an abandoned house to hide ourselves in fear of more bandits.

    Eventually, knights from the capital would arrive here but we had to wait for a few more days. At least, that was what I heard from the knight gentleman.

    Currently, the city had been overrun. We hid ourselves in a slightly large house in the yellow district, the slums. Luckily, some people had not escaped and had hid in their homes. Because the houses are so close together, a few entrances went unnoticed as the way the some of the buildings were constructed simply looked like they were one big mansion.

    A few of those people had witnessed the beautiful woman... kill the bandits and did not think twice to aid her.

    I stood up from my bed and sneakily opened the door of the room I was staying in.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    I peeked left and right on the dark hallways.

    When I confirmed that there was nobody else awake, I quietly headed towards a certain room.

    Eventually, I had reached the room''s door.

    Her room.

    I took in a breath before heading inside.

    Since all lights were out and it was deep in the night, I was certain she was not awake.

    Every night, I sneak into her room to watch over her while she slept.

    After all...

    This beautiful woman fought for me--

    almost died because of me, even.

    The worthless me.

    Why did I come here?

    To repay the favor?

    Or to earn hers?

    I already know the answer.

    I do know, but my heart can''t possibly accept that.

    It is too selfish.

    Every time I visit her during the day, she would keep me company with a smile on her face.

    She often noticed me staring at her injuries with a guilty expression but whenever that happened, she would gently reach out with her left hand and caress my face like a mother before saying, "It''s alright."

    With that, I couldn''t help but think that perhaps something was wrong with her.

    Every day, she would suffer because of those injuries.

    She has been staying in bed the entire time, hasn''t she?

    ...How could she not blame me?

    Is this person insane?

    Or just... overwhelmingly kind?

    ...But also a bit terrifying.

    As I came to that realization, I knew.

    I had to make it clear that I was thankful.

    And so, with great effort, I opened my mouth.

    "...Th-Th...FF...F...-Fankk-kuh... y-y... oo."

    thud

    pant... pant...

    I got on my knees, and leaned my upper body on the bed, making sure not to touch even the sheets with the exception of my elbows.

    Cold sweat had accumulated on my forehead and I looked at my trembling hands.

    It hurts, but...

    I... I did it!

    Right at that moment--

    "Ufufu~"

    The beautiful lady patted my head with one eye open.

    She closed it quickly, as if pretending to be asleep.

    ...But she didn''t stop patting my head.

    I-I...I-I-I''m so c-close to herr!

    I stiffened.

    Tears appeared in the corners of my eyes as I thought of what to do.

    Oh dear merciful lords I am scared.

    Please spare me~

    The bloodied visage of this seemingly frail lady had burned itself into my eyes.

    There was no way I could forget.

    Remembering that, I couldn''t help but shiver.

    Is she gonna punish me for sneaking into her room?

    Oh gods is she going to cut off my legs?

    O-Or fry me?! I-I''m not delicious?!

    As I trembled in fear, the lady seemed to have made a misunderstanding.

    "Oh? No need to be afraid. Those bandits can''t harm you now~"

    Her upper body must feel better, as she sat up and embraced me while rubbing my back.

    Most of those... er... bandages, was it? Ah, yes. Bandages have been removed and the only ones covering her are the ones on her legs.

    "You''ve been coming here every time. Do you feel guilty?"

    She asked, but her closed eyes and tone made it seem as if she wasn''t looking for an answer.

    Instantly, she pulled my head into her bosom, embracing me tighter.

    "We are all alive, so all is well, isn''t it?"

    In silence, we were in that position for at least a minute.

    "Hm hmm hm hm hmm~"

    Before I knew it, she had started humming a song with her soft, bewitching voice.

    Through the curtains, light from the outside seemed to have made her body shine as if the moon was actually accentuating her beauty.

    "Hmmm hmm~ Hm hm hmm~"

    As she swayed slightly, my eyes slowly closed and I... fell into a... deep... slumber...

    Part 3

    I opened my eyes and found the quiet girl sleeping in the same bed as me.

    It was a rather cold morning, the sun was sharing its sunlight, a little bit of it passing through the gaps in the curtains.

    I was horrified by the fact that my heart wasn''t racing, but the girl''s innocent face and light breathing noises accompanied by her very long hair spilled all over the pillow made me smile for some reason.

    Though I wasn''t particularly excited, I did want to snuggle.

    Her hair looked really soft, after all...

    She talked yesterday... I think it might be that her throat had been burned but there are no visible scars on her neck or anything like that.

    The outside was rather quiet as only a fifth of the bandits remained in the city to scavenge while the rest already went back to their guild with the spoils.

    Most of them are hiding in the square and preparing to leave soon...

    Hmm... Should I just let this pass, I wonder--

    Sniff... Sniff...

    Oh dear.

    ...I reek of sweat.

    Feeling rather icky, I lightly woke the girl up.

    ...I haven''t bathed for days.

    "...?"

    The girl''s eyes opened slowly.

    "...!!"

    The moment she realized she was in bed with me, she sat up straight before bowing her head and closing her eyes tight as if in apology.

    ...Her lips were trembling. Is it because I''m smelly?

    I gave her a show of assurance with a smile before telling her,

    "Could you call for Nide? Ah, but first, sit here for a moment."

    I beckoned at her.

    She hasn''t left the bed yet, but I asked her to turn her back to me.

    Wipe wipe, pat pat

    I wiped the little bit of drool left in her cheek and combed her hair a little with my hands.

    She didn''t make any noise and just quietly let me.

    I leaned my head on her nape as I embraced her from behind.

    Soft~

    "...!?"

    She stiffened at my actions.

    "Oops. I got a little carried away~ Ufufu... it''s because your hair is so soft. Forgive me?"

    I knew she couldn''t see my expression, but I had an honest apologetic tone.

    She still didn''t say anything, so I assumed it was alright.

    After that, I combed her hair a little more.

    Really soft~ I love it!

    "Alright! Go call Nide for me now, please."

    At my words, she nodded obediently and got up.

    Noo~ My pillow~

    As she grasped the doorknob ready to leave, I accidentally let out my thoughts.

    "Well, even if Nide is a stalker, kidnapper, peeping tom and a bedroom invader, he''s not all that bad. He''s still a gentleman(???) and at least a little reliable..."

    At my words, with her hand still on the knob, the girl turned to me with a really worried look.

    Do I really have to go...?

    I was rather surprised at her reluctance.

    Whoops, my bad. It seems I worried her unnecessarily.

    Pointing upwards with my index finger, I lit a small flame at the tip and I assured her with the most gentle of smiles.

    "He won''t harm you. If he does anything, though-- I will harm him. Ah, please bring Aya as well."

    She nodded six, no... seven times(?) in quick succession before immediately leaving the room.

    Wait... did she think I was the one who would harm her?

    ...Oh.

    After about two minutes, Kidnapper came rushing in.

    About time~

    Following behind him were the girl and Aya.

    Aya still looked a bit drowsy.

    Oh no...! D-Did I wake her up?

    Sorry, Aya...

    Kidnapper bowed his head respectfully,

    "Is there anything you need, milady?"(Nide)

    Ah, yes. Your head on a plate--

    Wait... no.

    "Ah. I wanted to take a bath. Could you draw some water for me?"(Alice)

    "Yes, milady. I have drawn some last night just in case, but... it''s rather cold."(Nide)

    Ooh~ Prepared, aren''t you?

    "I see. No problem. Girl. Aya, you too. Let''s take a bath together, shall we?"(Alice)

    "...Okay..."(Aya)

    "...?!"(Girl)

    Aya reluctantly agreed, but the girl seemed surprised, as she pointed at herself with a "?!" on top of her head.

    I smiled wryly as I explained why.

    "Ah... Well, Aya doesn''t really like to take baths, so I have to go in with her.

    And as you can see, I can''t do it by myself at the moment."

    I pointed at my legs.

    Well, I was still on the bed, sitting up.

    And it''s not like I could ask that bedroom invader to bathe with me.

    No way.

    ...No way!

    After that, the girl couldn''t help but nod while trembling.

    ...Does she not like me?

    Nide showed us the way to the bath.

    I instructed the two to go on ahead.

    Kidnapper and I were alone.

    "Nide."

    I approached him slowly.

    He looked quite nervous.

    I wonder why?

    I stood in front of him.

    When I got any closer, he''d take a step back.

    I moved forward until he hit a wall, leaving no room to escape.

    I placed a hand on his chest before leaning towards his ear.

    I opened my mouth and spoke in a wispy voice,

    "If you try to peek, they won''t ever find your corpse~"(Alice)

    He audibly gulped before nodding frantically with a, "Y-Yes, milady--of course, milady!"

    I smiled, satisfied.

    I walked towards the bathroom.

    The girl was already in the water while Aya was still clothed, waiting for me to remove her dress.

    Hey, isn''t that cold~?

    But that''s not where the problem lay.

    ...Oh. So that''s why.

    I took a breath--

    Part 4 - Nide''s Point of View

    I heaved a sigh of relief.

    Lady Alice is scary...

    M-My heart won''t stop throbbing...

    Urgh...

    Just at this moment, I heard a loud shout from the bathroom.

    "Weeeee''ve got a mermaiiiid heeeeere!"

 Chapter 12 - Lunalin

    I just KNOW there are some people out there laughing at the recent reviews, just like me, right?

    They say I''m plagiarizing my own work.

    I will repeat this.

    I, Flower Fantasy, in accordance with my own nametag and pseudonym theme, AM THE AUTHOR WHO GOES BY THE NAME MIMULUS!

    It''s ironic that a community of readers can''t even read simple disclaimers...

    Anyway, abloobloobloo~

    AIGHT WHO HERE ERISXLUKE?

    NOBODY? ONLY ME? Okay... *cries*

    Part 1

    "...P-Please restrain yourself, milady... I-It''s embarrassing..."(Girl)

    The girl whispered lightly as her bell-like voice rang out. Oh? Was I staring? Oh. ...oh.

    Of course, I couldn''t help but stare. This girl had a tail. Not a normal mammal''s tail like monkeys or the like.

    "Mermaiiiid!"(Alice)

    She had a fishtail.

    Like... oh y''know what I mean!

    "M-Mistress?"(Girl)

    The girl had a baffled expression.

    She must''ve realized I would be surprised, but--

    This is so cool!

    Can she grant me wishes? No wait... that''s a genie.

    I''ve read about the races before.

    The mermaids-- the Rine race are a type of marine lifeform.

    Centuries ago, maybe even in the millennia before-- they received a curse in the guise of a blessing from the Goddess of the Sea, Marefica.

    The "blessing" was that in exchange for receiving a legged form similar to rovietals, Rine would need to stay dry for a while before growing legs, along with their voices being unable to be projected.

    Marefica is known to use her magic through song.

    When Fealito, God of Water and Marefica''s husband complimented the Rine for their talent in singing, the jealous goddess then proceeded to "bless" the sirens.

    The sirens, who always longed for the land didn''t realize the negative effects.

    Wanting to expand to land, they did not realize how technologically inferior they were to even the weakest of the races.

    With their only abilities, swimming swiftly and singing to hypnotize their enemies useless on land, they immediately got pushed back into the ocean.

    But that wasn''t the end of the curse--

    The tails of the Rine return when their bodies become damp at a certain level, but they can only maintain their siren form for about thirty minutes or so before returning back to their legged forms.

    Once they lose their tails once, they pretty much become similar to roviets.

    More than that, the average Rine soldier is weaker than the average Roviet soldier.

    This was the reason why roviety had annexed them, forcefully pulling them out of the water.

    Because they are not accustomed to land and walk like toddlers with their new legs, Rine were popularized as easy slaves because they were beautiful and for other obvious reasons.

    Another disadvantage for them was the fact that they couldn''t use any of their racial abilities, their hypnotizing voices as they could only "speak" when they have their tails out.

    The male counterpart of the Rine, the Wesp on the other hand, were brought to near extinction.

    There are things that never change no matter what world you are in.

    I don''t know the details, but from one theory I''ve read, it says that one queen would give birth to many eggs, increasing their population once more, functioning like bees with hives.

    ...I really have no idea.

    But right here in front of me was a real one--

    "...Do you have a name, Rine? Ah, Aya, raise your arms."(Alice)

    I asked as I removed Aya''s dress.

    The girl nodded slowly,

    "I... I am... Lyra... t-thank you for... rescuing me..."(Lyra)

    With her voice shrinking as she spoke, she shyly introduced herself.

    Part 2

    When I regained myself, I had promptly apologized to Lyra.

    Together with Aya, the three of us squeezed ourselves in the little rectangle of a tub the size of a bed.

    I washed Aya''s hair and Lyra washed my hair as she sat behind me.

    Of course, I wasn''t aroused at all.

    Not at all.

    Nope.

    Not even a little bit.

    They were large, though.

    And soft.

    ...Not to mention elastic.

    Okay, okay. Stop--!

    I''m a woman right now, so...

    But wait... if I accept that, what about my personality?

    Oh no~ I''m confusing myself again!

    Keeping calm on the outside, we eventually finished and eventually left with Lyra''s legs returning before we left the tub-like thing.

    She helped me stand up and even dressed Aya for me.

    Lyra sure is nice to have around~

    Obviously, the only reason I could walk was because I was handed a stick to help me keep my balance, but she also supported me from the side.

    Say, can girls marry girls?

    I want her.

    When I said that to her as a joke, Lyra''s eyes grew so big and tears formed on the side of her eyes as she blushed all the way up to her ears. Tomato.

    Hey, why are you crying?

    There''s a crying tomato in front of me.

    "Mama, what''s marry?"(Aya)

    Innocently, Aya questioned me as she looked back and forth at Lyra and I.

    I smiled while releasing a breath,

    "You''ll know when you''re older, Aya."(Alice)

    "Older?"(Aya)

    "Yes, dear. Older."(Alice)

    "...Aya is a few seconds older now."(Aya)

    ... Aya.

    I did not know Aya was such a... erm...

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    I patted Aya''s head with a wry smile.

    At that point, I don''t think Lyra realized I was joking.

    She''s just like Mira... I think these two will get along.

    I had the idea of giving Lyra something to write on so we could communicate, but I realized she wasn''t educated.

    Right. Slave. My bad, I was insensitive.

    Later on, during lunch time, I talked to Kidnapper about Lyra.

    As it turns out, he already had a hunch that Lyra was a Rine because she wasn''t speaking at all, not even in her sleep.

    Hey, you idiot. Girls don''t sleep talk.

    I wordlessly karate chopped his head.

    He was surprised and just touched his head.

    "...Are you perhaps angry, milady?"(Nide)

    "I am never angry."(Alice)

    Nothing eventful happened during the day, but when evening came, knights from the capital finally arrived.

    By that time, only a handful of the bandits remained.

    Many of them were killed, the ones that were captured easily cracked and revealed the location of their guild''s hideout.

    The guards of the city found out I was the one who killed Arzuman the giant and they rewarded me with gold coins.

    Oh. As it turns out, the giant had a bounty on his head.

    About three hundred gold worth of it.

    I still have no idea how much a single gold coin is worth, really.

    But I guess I''ll know when I visit a market.

    Every night, I was visited by nightmares, so I had a strange aversion to sleeping early.

    I didn''t really mind, the evening would often help me calm myself down.

    Staring at the moon, I think it is incomparably beautiful.

    For some reason, it gives me comfort.

    I don''t really know how to describe that feeling.

    Like every other night, I sat on the side of the bed, simply staring at the moon with my thoughts.

    tok tok

    My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I heard a knock.

    "...Mama?"(Aya)

    Peeking sideways through the crack on the half-opened door was Aya, her greenish blue hair spilling downwards with her head tilted.

    "Aya? It''s really late, what''s the matter?"(Alice)

    Aya looked down.

    "...Aya wants to sleep with mama, but Aya knows it doesn''t feel good fow mama, so Aya just came to see mama..."

    What''s with that adorable way of speaking? Ho ho.

    Laughing lightly, I beckoned at her to come over.

    "Ufufu~ Right. Now, really, you had a bad dream, didn''t you? It''s okay to tell me."

    I made her sit on my thighs.

    Oomph. She''s heavier than she looks.

    Enduring the slight pain coming from my injuries, I caressed her head with my cheeks.

    As she stared at me, Aya then nodded.

    Oh, so I was right.

    "I see. It must''ve been scary. Worry not, Aya. Mama is here now."

    "...Aya''s distuwbing mama... Aya is sowwy..."

    God freakin'' dammiiiiit!

    "Uwah...! Mama?"

    I embraced Aya a little bit forcefully and dragged her along the bed.

    Hmmmm~

    Aya smells nice~

    "It''s okay if Aya wants to sleep with mommy~"(Alice)

    Embracing her as we lay down, I laughed lightly.

    "Yay~"

    Letting out a childish cheer, Aya embraced me tightly while being careful not to make too much contact with my legs.

    So considerate~ So cute~ I love her so much~

    "Well. Let''s go to bed, then. Lights out."

    Snapping my fingers, the fire on the candle by the bedside went out.

    How convenient.

    That night, I was the one saved from my sleepy horrors.

    Part 3

    "What do you mean you won''t take me there?!"

    Eris''s loud voice had silenced the surrounding people in the bar.

    It seems she didn''t notice at all as she kept on staring at Luke, the boy who she raised her voice at.

    Luke only sighed and scratched the side of his head before responding,

    "Ah geez. If I was alone, it''d be alright. But not only is a fragile girl like you going with me, I don''t even have a reason to go there."

    At his calm words, the surrounding people immediately lost interest and returned to what they were doing before.

    "A-Ah... p-please! This is my request! W-Won''t you do it for a lady in need?"

    Immediately changing into a helpless girl, Eris begged Luke.

    "Heh."

    It was then that a devilish grin appeared on Luke''s handsome face.

    "H-Heh?"

    Eris, on the otherhand just recalled how... evil(?) this man is.

    "Alright, fine. I''ll do it if you--"

    "Really?! I-I''ll do--"

    "-- grant me a kiss."

    "...anything?"

    "Hoh."

    "I-I-I-I take it baaaaack!"

    With that, Eris ran away, her hands covering her beet red face.

    The girl was blushing all the way to her ears.

    Luke sighed and the grin became rather wry.

    "Aha. Looks like I made her cry. Now I have no choice but to help her."

 Chapter 13 - Bloodmoon

    AYYY lmao since I''m an idiot, the text was in a weird color, but I guess I''m gonna have to stick to this if you actually want to read it. :^(

    Sigh. Since people are complaining, I might as well tell you :^D

    Dylon is just sexually confused. DylonxAlice is only route in mind.(You can still change my mind if you try)

    Luke and a future character(pun lol) are the ones with harems.

    There are 3 main characters with 3 different stories and routes.

    They will meet one day.

    Impatient readers are such savages.

    You can complain about my writing style and whatever else, but heyy, come on.

    Mocking the story itself is just immature, isn''t it?

    Self-entitled little children need to grow up! I''m not writing this for you!

    Mimulus is getting paid for this! Meanwhile, have some advertisements.

    If you want to get paid for your writing, why not go to journalister.co? you won''t regret it~

    *I''m sorry for the chapterly rants, it''s just that some people can really get on a girl''s nerves, gnome sayin''?

    Part 1

    We had already left the dirty and... rather smelly slums area and returned to the hotel where I was previously lodging.

    Because the rooms were rather cheap, Aya and Lyra had their own rooms.

    Just 1 gold per night, so no problem.

    Ah, what a nice place~

    The citizens also slowly returned. I left about 10 gold in the place where we were previously staying in as thanks for when we stayed there.

    It''s not like they were there or anything, but I''d feel bad if we didn''t pay for it.

    I thought of leaving a letter behind but I figured they couldn''t read.

    Hmm... Even for the nobles, only a few of them are literate.

    While thinking that, I had a little stroll with Aya and Lyra.

    Aya stayed on my almost uninjured left side and Lyra guided me on my right side.

    As we were walking, I noticed the gazes of people on me and whispering.

    That day, I discovered that a rumour had begun spreading.

    I don''t know when or how, but people seem to have the impression that it was I who had defeated most of the bandit invaders by burning them to a crisp.

    When I told them the truth, they told me I was simply being modest and that they were truly thankful to me for saving the city.

    ...That doesn''t make any sense.

    I took out seven at most. I even spared one!

    Is this the effect of being a chantless caster...?

    The rumor goes, "A beautiful sword-wielding flame princess defeated most of the bandits, killing their giant of a commander."

    I mean, the only thing I think is right in that rumor is the fact that I''m beautiful.

    Yes. I am drop-dead-gorgeous. Heh.

    Flame princess? As if. Do I look that fragile to them?

    ...Even though I am.

    I did take that giant''s life, but... were they even sure he was the commander? Heck, how did they even know it was me?

    Was it Kidnapper...?

    It pisses me off that my mind automatically thought "It''s fine if it''s him."

    I''ll make him hot in another sense.

    Wait... Does that mean I think he''s hot right now? No no no... Ugh darn.

    I''m getting off topic now, aren''t I?

    Anyway, when I told Kidnapper about this rumour, he explained to me that because there were people who thought it be a great idea to hide in their homes witnessed the little skirmish, the rumour must''ve exploded into something completely out of proportion, thus the truth had been bent.

    At that moment, Kidnapper, for the first time ever, had me lost for words.

    "...Who are you?" he asked.

    "A sheltered Icelance I''ve never heard of a year ago suddenly came out of nowhere, devastating the realm. Her fighting style is beyond unorthodox, even breaking her own limbs because of her own measures. It seems as if she knows how to apply it, but doesn''t have the body for it. That is... impossible, normally. You also recover fast... It''s too long for magical means, but rather quick for natural means. Allow me to rephrase the question... milady, what are you?"

    I inhaled sharply before looking down, as if I''d find the answer there.

    After a few seconds of silence.

    I looked him straight in the eye with a lonely smile on my face, "Why, does it seem like I don''t belong here? Do I seem like a monster to you?"

    As I said that, water began forming in my eyes. Oh, dear. Dust again...

    I wanted to end it there, "Do you think I like it here? Do you think I want to be here?" but my words didn''t stop.

    My words flowed like water, unrestrained.

    All of my complaints, even the ones completely unrelated spilled out.

    Why can''t I use healing magic? Why did I get transported here? Why didn''t I help that wolf immediately? Why? Why?? Why am I... only good at harming others... even in that forest. I... burned it down to the ground, didn''t I?

    Even if everybody told me it was alright.

    Even if nobody blamed me for it.

    That it was all an accident.

    I even brought about the fact that having my period once a month is torture.

    Before I knew it, I was shouting. Loudly spouting at Nide, I didn''t notice the hot tears on my cheeks.

    The moment I had let out the last of my complaints, I immediately ran away from the speechless Nide.

    I escaped to my room and sobbed on the pillow, hiccuping audibly.

    Sorry, Mr. Pillow... you''re soaked now...

    I''m sure Aya was asleep, I hope I didn''t wake her up. Growing ones need their sleep...

    tok tok

    Just as I was thinking about random things, someone knocked.

    "I''m asleep..." I answered.

    Ignoring my words, a worried Lyra entered my room.

    I sat up as she approached, not bothering to hide my tear-strained face.

    She sat on the side of the bed, her legs were close together and her skirt was rather long, reaching all the way to her ankles, showing almost none of her white skin.

    This girl never wears pants, huh? I wonder what would happen if her tail came out while she was wearing pants...

    As I was thinking of something weird, she suddenly lifted up her skirt, all the way until it reached only her knees.

    She then proceeded to place a hand on my cheek before rubbing that hand on her legs.

    Her tail had come out, but she still didn''t say a word.

    Oh... So she could do that with tears as well. How... creative.

    After about two minutes or so, she flipped my pillow over and asked me to lay down.

    I did so without question. I wonder what she''s going to do.

    She then shifted a little bit sideways, her back now aligned with my shoulders.

    Quietly, she caressed my forehead. I closed my eyes, thinking it was comfortable.

    Suddenly,

    "Oh dear mai-den, beautiful and wise

    Understand, please. That they will never see

    Problems like so will naturally arise

    Jolly are most when your face seen with glee--"

    Lyra began singing like telling a story.

    It was about a girl. A lot of people adored her. But also feared her.

    The problem was that the one who feared her the most was herself.

    The girl was frightfully strong which is why people feared her, but she was also kind and gentle.

    Say, is this song about me? I am... not such a nice person.

    Lyra sang so beautifully and with so much emotion that a small smile appeared on my face.

    I wonder how I''ll face him tomorrow?

    All the stress I had piling up had been thrown  directly and indiscriminately at him... I have to apologize, don''t I?

    Maybe tonight just wasn''t my night... I can''t believe I said such things. I hope I didn''t spill out any secrets by accident.

    I''ve... become such a girl.

    As Lyra sang, my consciousness sank into a deep slumber.

    I couldn''t help but feel deep regret that I couldn''t see the moon that night.

    Part 2 - Nide''s Point of View

    "...So I was right."

    I sighed as I stared out the window, watching the sky.

    "...I hope I don''t get killed tomorrow." I spoke to no one in particular as a wry smile appeared on my face.

    "Looks like I have to apologize to her Majesty--no... to her Grace, lady Alice."

    Looks like I really hurt her this time.

    I regretfully sighed as I stared at the blood red moon.

    Part 3

    This morning, I woke up and found a cute little animal sleeping next to me.

    "Mamaa~ Uwuu...~"

    It was an Aya.

    She sleeptalked a bit and I found it adorable, so I hugged her tightly.

    I couldn''t help but get worried, however.

    Shouldn''t she be playing with children her age?

    She''s been together with an irresponsible mother, a kidnapper creep and a mute beauty.

    Honestly not a very good environment.

    I needed to find her some four-year-old playmates.

    That''s what I thought, but--

    How did the situation become like this!

    "Mother...!"

    "Maamaa~"

    "Ma''!"

    "Moommyyyy~"

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Aya has sisters?!"(Aya)

    What is with this situation?!

    Let me go back to four hours ago...

    After I had gotten up from the bed, taking care not to wake little Aya up, I slowly made my way to Lyra so she could help me take a bath.

    I opened the door leading to the hallway--

    "..."

    "..."

    There was a Kidnapper there, with a pose as if ready to knock.

    "D-Did you sleep well, milady?"

    "Ah... erm... yes..."

    Darn. Can''t. Make. Eyecontact. Help~

    Awkwardly, I pass by him.

    After a few steps--

    Stumble

    Fall

    Crash

    "Y-Your Grace?!"

    Crapcrapcrap! I fell on my face! Urk... How embarrassing...

    "A-Are you alright?"

    "Y-Y-Yeees~ I-I''m fine..."

    What am I doing?!

    I must seem like an idiot, not even getting up as I said that.

    No, seriously. My face was still flat on the floor when I said that.

    "Uh... Do you need any help...?"

    "Ah, no... I-I''m fine... I... l-like the floor..."

    "Erm... milady?"

    Luckily, Lyra who heard the commotion came over and rescued me from all that malarkey.

    While Lyra and I were bathing,

    "Wahh~ Lyraa~"

    I wailed.

    "M-Mistress-- please don''t cry."

    Lyra was flustered and didn''t know what to do, so she only proceeded to wash my hair gently.

    "B-But... but--! I want to apologize... I-I just... don''t know how to... earlier, I... I wanted to apologize, but I ended up doing and saying strange things!"

    I held my head.

    Am I an idiot?! What the heck was I doing?!

    "Hrrm... well. Give it time, I guess? I believe in you, mistress! You can do it!"

    She was behind me, so I couldn''t see her face, but I felt the warmth in Lyra''s tone.

    "Easy for you to say~! It''s difficult... Ah, some got into my eyes..."

    I lightly rubbed my eyes.

    "Oh no, I''m sorry! Ah, don''t rub them-- H-Here, rinse it with this, mistress!"

    She handed me the square-shaped showerhead.

    I washed away the suds that got into my eyes.

    After that, we talked about how I could apologize to that Kidnapper, which then changed into what food Lyra likes so I could treat her.

    She insisted that she only wants to serve me as her previous master died in the raid, but I''d rather have her as a servant rather than a slave.

    When I told her she would get paid, her eyes widened and she gulped.

    What? Was it something I said?

    We eventually got off that topic and started talking about something else.

    Sadly, time was up and her legs returned.

    Aww~ I wanted to talk to her more. Oh well.

    We got out of the bath quickly after that.

    Baths are so soothing~

    I told Lyra about what I wanted to do.

    Aya was a playful child. She loved to move and she would often hum tunes she hears me sing.

    She is very energetic and is kind to Lyra even after she knew she was a Rine.

    Or perhaps she just can''t tell the difference between Lyra and a normal human? Ah, youthful innocence.

    This way, she''ll be able to get along with others~

    I think it''s fair to say that Aya is also pretty cute.

    M-Maybe all the little boys will be after her!

    ...I have to find her some girl playmates first.

    B-Boys come later.

    Lyra and I walked around the city, looking for some sort of park.

    Taking a quick break, we bought some sweet bread at a corner shop.

    They were unbelievably good!

    Funny thing is, when I ordered, the man said that it was 2 silver for a dozen.

    I apologized and told him I only had gold coins.

    His mouth hung and his eyes opened wide at my proclamation.

    ...What?

    I handed him a gold coin and said I''d buy 25 dozen.

    Of course, he closed up shop because of that, having no more of his sweet bread to sell until he makes more.

    Urgh. 50 silver is too bothersome to carry, so I gave it to Lyra to hold for now.

    "Mm~ Do you want some more, Lyra? This dozen''s almost out... Er... I ate too much, sorry."

    Lyra shook her head a little bit flustered.

    "Come on, don''t be shy now. We bought a lot. I think it''s fine, we can give away the rest to Aya''s playmates."

    ...I think I might have bought too much. I can''t help it, it was too cheap!

    By the way, I was wearing the white dress that I actually own, while Lyra was wearing a pink dress that I lent her.

    At first, she was reluctant but I managed to convince her to wear it.

    It fits her~

    "Hey, Lyra."

    She looked at me and tilted her head. "Yes, mistress?" was spelled out in her action.

    With that thought, there was another reason why I invited her other than finding Aya some playmates.

    "Let''s go shopping~"

    For some reason, I felt excited.

    With that, I completely forgot about my problem with Kidnapper.

    Part 4 - Aya''s Point of View

    *note that Aya speaks in the third person so I''m sorry if it''s a bit confusing.

    Aya woke up and saw that mama was not here.

    At first, Aya cried when she couldn''t find mama, so Aya ran out of mama''s room only to bump into Nide.

    thud

    "Ahhwhhiee~"

    Aya held her head as it accidentally bumped into Nide''s hip.

    "Uweeeehn~"

    Ouuuuuch! Aya began crying. Because it hurt!

    "A-Aya! Are you alright? I-I''m sorry! Please don''t cry! C''mon, look at the funny face~"

    Nide carried Aya in his arms as he crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue.

    How did he do that? How silly~

    "Uhahahya~ Hehahaha~"

    As Aya laughed, Aya noticed his nose.

    Nide was big. Or maybe Aya was small?

    "A-Ah... Aya, I gan''t breeth nao."

    "?"

    Hmm?

    "L-Led gow ov my nowz--"

    "Uhyaha~ Naii-te talks funny~"

    Nide happily smiled and patted Aya''s head.

    "Does it still hurt?"

    "?"

    What does?

    "This one."

    Nide then rubbed Aya''s forehead.

    "Mm? No~ Aya is okay now~"

    Oh! Almost forgot...

    "Naii-te?"

    "Yes?"

    "Whewe did mama go?"

    Nide''s face then turned weird and he scratched his cheek.

    Maybe he doesn''t know? Is he keeping a secret from Aya?

    "Ah... your mama, eh? She went out for a bit. Do you want to go look for her?"

    Do you want to go together? he asked.

    Yay~

    Aya cheered.

    "Alright then. Let''s get you dressed so we can look for your mama, okay?"

    "Okay~"

    Part 5

    "Oh my, oh my~ Lyra, look at this one! Charming pie-- Ah... Er... W-Why does it have a hole there...? Erm... Never mind."

    I immediately returned the piece of fabric I was holding as I saw a slight... Error in the production.

    Ah... I think it just wasn''t finished yet.

    Mm, yes. Indeed~

    Lyra, on the other hand was blushing all the way to her ears.

    Why are you blushing? There was just a mistake in that product, that''s all...

    I thought as I dragged Lyra away from the underwear section.

    "Can I help you two ladies? What type of clothing are you looking for?"

    A salesgirl approached us.

    Thank the heavens.

    The girl led us around the large store as I spoke of what we wanted to buy.

    I had to address the lack of underwear first, as it was a necessity. After that, it was just me indiscriminately buying clothes that I liked and thought fit Lyra''s appearance.

    I also bought a new sunhat. Three of them, as a matter of fact~

    Everything in the store costs about four silver and Lyra looked like she was reluctant to take any. But I told her that it was fine to be a little luxurious as she had been through a lot as a slave.

    Her previous master had been a man as well. Just thinking about what he had done to her makes me want to hug her. Poor thing~

    "A-Ah. Dear customer, please refrain from wiping your tears with the merchandise..."

    "Oh no, I''m sorry. Add that to our cart, then. We will also purchase it."

    And so, I continued to add dresses to the list and ended up spending a gold coin and fourty-seven silver coins.

    Oh well~

    "A gold coin and a half?! P-Please be our manager!"

    "I didn''t even convince her to buy anything! I-I don''t deserve this recognition!"

    Meanwhile, it looked like the salesgirl who helped us was being promoted. Good for her!

 Chapter 14 - Mama

    In the more recent chapters in the lost arc, I''d have to say that I have a really bad habit of switching POVs wayyy too quickly, and I have to apologize for that.

    People complain about my story being crap, and I get it.

    But I hope you realize that I literally don''t write it for you.

    SOME PEOPLE ARE SOOOO ENTITLED.

    OMG

    PLS

    STOP IT.

    YOU''RE STRESSING ME OUT AND I''M USUALLY A CHILL GAL.

    ALSO, DYLON(AS ALICE) HAS A HAREM (OF FEMALES).

    THE HANDSOME DUDES ARE JUST FANSERVICE FOR GIRLS.

    DON''T YOU GET IT?

    MC IS SUCH A QT THAT EVEN DUDES FAWN OVER THAT SHIT.

    WHY? BECAUSE THERE IS NO FEMALE PROTAGONIST. ERIS IS LUKE''S HEROINE.

    EAT IT.

    I AM SO MAD. I AM SO TIRED.

    I''M HUNGRY.

    HERE, HAVE THIS CHAPTER.

    Now I know what you''re thinking,

    "Sigh. Female authors."

    WELL TELL YOU WHAT M8 FITE ME 1v1

    Pant... pant...

    ok ok I''m done.

    Part 1 -Aya''s point of View

    "Hold my hand so you don''t get lost, okay Aya?"

    "Okaaay~"

    Oooh. Nide''s hand is big~ ... and hard.

    Not like mama''s. Mama''s hands are soft and Aya likes to touch them.

    But Nide''s are okay too!

    Aya''s been thinking...

    "Heyy, hey heyy~ Naii-te~"

    "Yes, Aya?"

    Nide did not stop walking as Aya spoke,

    "Is Nide Aya''s papa?"

    ""Gehh?!""

    Suddenly, Nide let out a funny sound.

    Uhyahahahe~

    That''s weird. How did Nide make that extra sound? It was different from his usual voice~

    "N-Nia?! What are you doing here?" Nide called out to a girl who appeared out of a corner somewhere.

    "I-I just saw Nide walking off and I thought I''d follow-- er... greet you! I uhm... didn''t think you''d be with... your daughter. I didn''t even know you had one, for that matter... uhm... okay. S-Seeyoulater!"

    "W-Wait! Nia, I--"

    After saying things too fast for Aya to understand, the girl then left.

    She didn''t even let Nide finish. What a rude lady.

    "Naii-te~ isn''t she that woman mama doesn''t like? Was she following you?"

    Is she one of those that mama warned Aya about? Is she a stalker?

    For some reason, Nide didn''t respond. It was as if he didn''t hear Aya.

    He was just looking at where the girl had run off to with a really white face.

    Oh no, is he cold?

    Aya held his hand tighter.

    "C''mooon~ let''s go alweady~"

    Aya wants to see mama!

    "Oh... R-Right!" it was only then that Nide woke up.

    "Uwaaah~ Ukyahaha~ So high! So high!" Nide then lifted me up and carried me as he walked.

    Yayy~

    Part 2

    Lyra and I walked side-by-side. I had all of the things we bought delivered to our lodging as I headed for the adventurer''s guild.

    I''ve had a lot of fun! Maybe even too much fun.

    I wonder how Mira is doing? I hope she''s not too worried...

    What of Handsome?

    I giggled while thinking that maybe he already crossed over to the other side of the continent, looking for me.

    I''m sure father is worried... wait, he''s not my dad. Well, he is Alice''s dad. But wait, I''m Alice... Oh no! It''s happening again!

    I continued to have such weird thoughts as we continued on our way to the guild.

    I had heard from a certain kidnapper that I am able to tell of my current location to my family through mailing a letter.

    I also began worrying. It takes at least two months to get to there, considering all the traffic. But I heard that the couriers had secret routes used by merchants, so it will hopefully get there in a few weeks time.

    I had become especially wary of bandits because of the events that transpired a week ago and decided to send two letters carrying the same content.

    You never know what happens out there, it''s better to be safe.

    Because I was lost in thought, I had bumped into a middle-aged woman.

    "Oh dear!" she exclaimed as she dropped the paper bag she was holding, containing what looked like groceries.

    "I-I''m terribly sorry!" I apologized in a hurry, helping the lady pick up what she dropped, packing it into the paper bag in an orderly manner.

    Needless to say, Lyra didn''t just stand there and also helped us pick up the groceries.

    "My, thank you." the lady thanked us, but this only made me frown.

    "No, I''m sorry for not looking where I was going." I apologized as gracefully as I possibly could.

    "Oh no, no. I''m sorry for getting in your way." the lady apologized again.

    Nooo! T-That''s not how it works~ It was my fault!

    Is this Canada?! Oh whatever.

    We seemed to be heading towards the same direction, as the lady walked with us.

    As I was thinking this, the lady suddenly spoke, "Why don''t you two stop by my house sometime? You two young ladies are very polite-- and beautiful, to boot! This old lady is jealous, hehe~"

    Lyra was a bit flustered while I, on the other hand only showed a composed and charming smile. "Thank you. Perhaps we will stop by your house some time. Where does my dear madam live?"

    I gasped after saying that. I forgot to introduce myself. How rude.

    "Ah! I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Alice of the Icelance family. This is my sister, Lyra Icelance. I apologize in advance, but my sister is sick today and can not utter a word. I hope it does not come off as discourtesy."

    The lady was walking a little bit ahead of us, so she didn''t see Lyra''s reaction to my blatant lies.

    I had to, as some people don''t take well to slaves-- especially Rines.

    Though the red hair was a feature of the Rines, it isn''t uncommon for rovietals as well.

    Even if the lady noticed it already, she didn''t say anything about it and continued to amicably chat with us. Well, mostly me.

    "Ah, I see~ sisters, is it? Ah, I am Agnestasia Avare. I am an apothecary."

    Avare? I''ve never heard of that name before.

    As it turns out, Miss Agnestasia, Agnes for short, lives deep in the mountains, east from this city.

    A hermit? Erm... Better not say that out loud.

    She has a garden near her house and she grows all the ingredients she needs for both food and her potions.

    If that was the case, why did she travel all the way to this city?

    At my words, she showed a lonely smile.

    "I wanted to send a letter."

    Part 3

    "L-Luke..."

    "Yeeeeeeeeees?"

    "P-Please put me down already...!"

    Eris complained while blushing.

    Luke strongly resisted the urge to kiss her on the spot as he held her in his arms.

    On the ground were several wolves. They had attacked the two of them as soon as they got deeper into the forest.

    Luke furrowed his brows at her words, "Weren''t you the one who jumped on me for help? Besides, I''m bringing you across the continent''s largest shortcut for free. Ungrateful goddess..."

    Eris couldn''t refute his words, but there are simply some things a gentleman shouldn''t do.

    "If you weren''t groping my buttocks, I would have really fallen for you...!"

    At Eris''s uncharacteristic flushed anger, Luke only winked once, making his red eyes glint, before--

    "Heh. As if you haven''t already..." he drew closer to her face. Because Eris was in his arms and the fact that she was physically weaker, she couldn''t put up any meaningful resistance.

    "L-Let go already! Pervert! Lecher! Molester! Bedroom invader!"

    Wow, educated rich girls sure know a lot of words. Luke thought to himself.

    Their faces were now close enough to feel each other''s breaths.

    "P-Please let me go... I''ll do anything you want..." her previous vigor had disappeared and turned into a wispy, submissive voice, fanning the flames of Luke''s desire to tease her.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Eris''s face grew increasingly red as Luke moved his lips closer to the side of her head. He then--

    "Fuuuu~" blew into her ear.

    "Haaah..."

    The sun was suddenly covered by clouds.

    "What the...? Hey. Hey, Eris. Wake up. Ah. Looks like I went too far with my prank again." Luke showed an unrepentant, carefree grin as he carried the unbelievably beautiful and incredibly useless goddess of the sun in his arms.

    Luckily for Eris, the fact that she soiled herself was something Luke kept quiet about.

    Part 4

    We parted with Agnes after handing the letter to a short man. I hope the letter will get there safely.

    Tomorrow, I will return here to send the second letter.

    As Lyra and I stayed in the guild for a while, looking at quests in the bulletin board, I heard some hushed voices.

    "

    Hey, isn''t that silver-haired girl the flame princess? Is she a Nehorune?"

    "Fool, Nehorunes have red eyes. More than that, her ears would be on top of her head instead of the side if she was one..."

    "Perhaps she is a halfbreed...?"

    "Hush up, you two...! Your voices are too loud!"

    I can hear all of you, though.

    Flame princess, eh? I wonder what she looks like... but silver hair, that''s just like me.

    That''s good...! I was starting to think I was weird...

    Calmly, I looked around. ...? But I''m the only one with silver...--?

    ??

    Are they talking about me?!

    I turned to look at Lyra. She didn''t notice anything at all.

    I took her by the hand and left the adventurer''s guild.

    Don''t stare at me...! I''ll cuuut youuu~!

    Lyra didn''t seem to understand why I was rushing us, but she didn''t seem to mind.

    As we walked around a little bit faster than leisurely, Lyra suddenly stopped me and tugged at my arm.

    "Hmm?" I look at her with a wondering expression.

    I see that she was pointing at something.

    I turn my head to look at what she was pointing at.

    Oh? Is that a circus tent? I love the circus~ oh... Wait. That''s not what we''re here to do. Lyra, c''mon~ we already had fun shopping. We have to look for children now.

    That''s what I thought I''d say, but when I saw Lyra''s begging expression, I felt it was strange.

    Well... It''s the first time Lyra is being selfish, so I guess I will have to spoil her.

    We entered the circus tent.

    "Ah, what''s this... Welcome, honored gue-- oho, is this the flame princess everyone''s been talking about?" We-- I was greeted by a strange man. He had a hunched back with a really long nose.

    Hello, Igor.

    Are you here to grant me the power to do the thing? Y''know. The thing.

    P*rsona!

    That kind of thing.

    I joked in my head as I looked around.

    I immediately felt tense and my gaze sharpened.

    "Ah. My, that was rude of me. First time here? I am Rowkie. What kind of hand do you want, miss?"

    I had met a slave-trader.

    Part 5

    My eyes were narrowed and I stared a bit sharply at the man before me.

    The front of the tent looked like a normal office for this era. Chairs all around and all that.

    There was, however a way for me to realize something was amiss.

    "Oh my~ this place reeks of death. Why is it so, mister?"

    I looked directly at the path behind long-nose, leading deeper inside the tent.

    My words must''ve come out as provocative, seeing as the two burly men standing on each side of the entrance prepared to apprehend me.

    I proceeded to ignore them, casting each of them only a sidelong glance before turning my eyes back to Rowkie.

    Lyra was tense from the beginning as she stood behind me, gripping the back portion of my dress.

    "Stand down. She is a customer." Rowkie signalled towards the bouncers.

    Ah, good. I don''t really want to fight right now. My ankle still hurts a bit and I don''t really want to bother using magic.

    Explaining to the guards why I burned someone to ashes is a hassle.

    "I trust you already know what kind of... establishment this is, hmm?" Long-nose rubbed his hands as he spoke.

    "Worry not, my lady. This business is approved by the kingdom. The only slaves I hold are foreign invaders of the realm." Supplementing with that, long-nose spoke in a well-practiced manner, trying to convince me to purchase his merchandise.

    "Mm. I suppose I am looking for something you''re selling." As much as it annoys me, this is an easier way than finding children.

    "My name is Alice of the Icelance. Let me see what you have." I hope Aya''s alright.

    "Kukukuku... What kind of slave are you looking for, milady?" Long-nose asked as he laughed sinisterly.

    "...Children. I''m looking for children." I answered with firm composure and delicate grace. At least I tried to.

    Long nose nodded, "Children, eh? Come. Follow me."

    Lyra and I were led deeper inside of the tent.

    There were cages all around, each containing a different kind of monster.

    Some contained wolves, some contained giant insects while the rest contained demihumans from the demon tribes.

    Lyra was afraid of the low growls surrounding her, so I asked her to simply embrace my arm.

    Lyra and I walked side by side while long nose walked in front.

    I didn''t even flinch as I walked the path elegantly. I need to let him know just who I am. Otherwise, he''ll hold back from offering me the best, thinking I''m some low-grade commoner.

    After a couple of minutes, we reached what seemed to be the deepest part of the tent.

    "Here''s the first one, milady." Long-nose unlocked a cage and forcefully pulled a girl out through the chains in her collar.

    She gasped for breath as she grasped the collar around her neck, her other hand on the floor to keep her balance.

    I frowned at this and I eyed long nose quietly, causing him to visibly sweat.

    ...Let''s see...

    What the... That''s a rabbit!

    I thought as I saw the little girl''s floppy ears. She had a head full of extremely long white hair and she looked about seven years old.

    ...I didn''t say that out loud, did I? The bunny thing...

    T-Too old, I think... I guess I''ll have to move on to the next...

    The girl then looked at me. For some reason, it felt almost like she wasn''t even seeing me.

    She looked at me with empty eyes, as if she''s given up hope.

    I approached her. Long-nose took a step back as I lifted the girl''s chin and raised her face.

    "Child. Would you like to be mine?" I asked with a caring smile, doing my best to seem motherly.

    The girl''s lips quivered and her voice was weak so I didn''t hear her clearly.

    Because of this, long nose planned on whipping her, instructing her to speak louder.

    "Enough!" I shouted at long nose.

    Even Lyra took a step back.

    I released a long sigh before turning to the girl again. "What is it, child? Speak clearly."

    I smiled at her once again. "Yes? ...Or no?"

    The girl then opened her mouth again, uttering the same words. Louder this time.

    "P-Please... Please... Save..."

    I didn''t need to hear another word.

    "Save me from these darkened skies--

    All heroes, please apply."

 Chapter 15 - Fatherless

    Hello, friends.

    Sorry for the lack of chapters.

    You can still catch me on Journalister, as I update the story there at least once every two days(currently, it''s at Dawn.)

    University life, know what I''m sayin''?

    Well, anyway-- have some NidexDylon yaoi!

    Okay, I''m kidding, I''m kidding, geez.

    NaitoxNiana is a legit thing and I don''t really plan on changing that.

    At least for now.

    You guys have a say in this, y''know?

    I SHIP AYA AND REINA AND THAT''S FINE.

    Fun fact! It is around these parts that I started making up some quotes on the spot, planning on making use of them as a basis for the chapter. They''re like a "subject", making it easier for me to write.

    Just a tip.

    Part 1

    "...This is legal, isn''t it?" I asked long nose once again.

    Just making sure.

    "Of course, milady. This business has been approved by the king himself."

    Long nose''s assurance was accompanied by a deep bow.

    "I see." I didn''t even look at him during the entirety of the exchange.

    I lifted my dress a little bit and knelt down to reach the bunny girl''s eye level.

    "What is your name?"

    "..."

    The girl didn''t respond and she only looked at me blankly.

    It was then that long nose interjected,

    "Ah, milady... the nehorunes do not receive their names until their tenth birthday.

    That child is only seven, if I recall..." He placed his hand on his chin, as if contemplating.

    Stop that.

    For some reason, it makes me want to hit him.

    That smug face...

    Grr... In any case, tenth birthday? Is that so they can be named in accordance to their attitude?

    That''s rather inconvenient for them.

    "I see." I don''t really mind if she''s unnamed.

    I''ll just have to name her.

    Yes, yes. I''m good at that.

    I stood up.

    "Bunny." I muttered.

    "Your name is Bunny." I said once again.

    "...Bu... nny..." Bunny lightly parrotted my words and she nodded once.

    Just at this moment, I caught long nose staring at me.

    What, you have something to say about my naming sense?

    Haah?!

    "What is it? Do you think it''s strange? ...It doesn''t matter, I like it." I said, a little bit annoyed.

    Long nose only smiled wryly, "Ah, no, milady. The name certainly is unique, but... perhaps you could purchase it before giving it a lovely handle..."

    "Oh." Surprised by his words, I found myself blushing.

    H-How... embarrassing...

    "R-Right. My apologies. So, e-erm... the price, then."

    I''m not avoiding his gaze.

    I''m not...! Geez...

    "I regret to inform you, milady... but perhaps you do not have enough. This little one is worth fifty gold coins. Nehorunes are not only agile and efficient wielders of magic, they are also an endangered species. Keke... looks like their patron goddess has abandoned them..." Long nose released his annoying laugh as he spoke.

    ...Can I kill him? He keeps calling Bunny "it".

    Urgh... whatever.

    "Just fifty gold, right? No problem."

    I threw a sack containing a hundred gold at him and he caught it with both hands.

    "That contains a hundred. Do you have another child like her? ...Preferrably younger. A girl."

    Slavery is commonplace here, I get it. I must... find them a good home, right?

    But what will I do, take them home with me? But, father...

    Oh I''ll just wing it!

    "Erm... milady..." Long nose spoke in a nervous whisper.

    "What is it?" I responded.

    "M-M-M-M-My ap-apologies, but t-that is our most expensive slave a-at the moment... I-I''m afraid we have no other ones that could match her..."

    I didn''t understand what he was implying at all.

    Long nose was a stuttering train wreck, shaking as he peeked inside the sack full of gold.

    Fed up, I gave him my conditions.

    "Fine. I will buy four others with the rest of the gold. If there''s still some in excess, you will keep it with the condition that it must be used for the other slaves here." ...At least keep them in better cages. The poor things...

    Better rough him up a bit first.

    "If I find out that it hasn''t been used to help them--" as I spoke, bright purple flames circled around my feet.

    "Eeeeek! Y-Yes! Yes, milady! As you say!" The man got on his knees and bowed down.

    H-Hey... stop that...

    I snapped my fingers once and the flames disappeared instantly, leaving nothing behind.

    Oh whoops... I left a charred trail on the ground.

    I turned around to look at Bunny only to see Lyra, white as a sheet.

    Oh no! D-Did I scare her?!

    I showed Lyra a reassuring smile as I helped Bunny stand.

    "It''s fine, I won''t hurt you."

    There aren''t any rabbits in this world, are there?

    If there are, I haven''t seen any yet...

    Maybe I should pick a different name...

    "Bunny... I... I am Bunny..."

    The white-haired girl looked at me with her dull, red eyes.

    A small smile appeared on her face.

    Was it an illusion that the emptiness in her eyes had been replaced with a little bit of light?

    I guess... I''ll never know.

    But the name... she seems to like it so I''ll keep it for now.

    Part 2

    I was introduced to five girls.

    There was one child with long brown hair that reaches the ground.

    She has long ears and droopy, brown eyes.

    Doggy.

    A hound demi-human.

    She''s about four years old, the same age as Aya and she already had a name, Ran.

    It looked like she still didn''t trust me, however and she looked at the others in a warm way.

    A sense of camaraderie towards the other slaves, maybe?

    Another child had black hair and yellow eyes.

    Her ears were almost the same as mine, except hers were styled like an elf''s.

    She had horns sticking out of her head and she had little black wings growing out of her back.

    She also had a cute tail.

    Long nose said she was a succubus judging from those characteristics, but I don''t know since I haven''t met any so far.

    They say succubi don''t have caring parents, so she didn''t have a name.

    In the end, I named her Reina.

    ...I scolded myself for almost naming her B*tman.

    The third child was an actual elf.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report itShe looked about four years old, but long nose said she was just a bit older than Bunny.

    I also read in father''s library that the Taifo race, the elves of this world grow slowly and lived up to 250 years.

    She wasn''t born with the racial ability of demons, the gift of tongues like Reina, so she doesn''t understand what language I''m speaking in.

    She seemed to understand that I was... adopting her, however as she excitedly introduced herself as,

    "Patrice!" before smiling elegantly, her long yellow-green hair fluttering.

    Oh my~

    The last child was a sleepy one.

    A blondie who seemed to be afraid of the dark.

    She had clear, blue eyes.

    How pretty~

    She was a normal rovietal named Anna, six years old.

    I looked at long nose suspiciously and questioned why a normal child was being sold as a slave here.

    He averted his gaze and reasoned out that her father was a criminal and her mother was long gone.

    At her father''s execution, she was taken as a slave.

    ...Why not an orphanage?

    Well, at least she''s with me now.

    Now then.

    I gathered the five girls and walked out of the tent with Lyra, not saying another word to long nose.

    Look at all these colorful heads!

    There''s brown, black, yellow, yellow-green and white. Add Aya''s blue-green and... Oh I should''ve asked if they had any Rines, she could''ve been the red ranger.

    Is there even a brown one? Erm...

    I handed each of them a paperbag containing a dozen of the sweet bread.

    Poor Lyra''s been carrying them the entire time.

    The children adorably nibbled at the bread.

    I found it adorable, but then, suddenly--

    sniffle... sob...

    Anna had started crying.

    "Waahhhhh~" (x5)

    ...Then everybody started crying.

    The five of them all embraced me as they chewed and cried and gulped.

    "Ran, Reina, Patrice, Anna, Bunny." I called out to them solemnly.

    "I am Alice of the Icelance. If you can, please do not label me as your master. You may call me--"

    "...Mother!"(Anna)

    "E-Eh...? W-Wait, I--"(Alice)

    "Mommy...?"(Bunny)

    "Maamaa~" (Reina)

    "Ma''~"(Patrice)

    With the exception of Ran, the girls started addressing me as their mother.

    With that as a starting point... I had six daughters.

    Part 3

    And that''s how it came to this situation.

    For some reason, Aya was in town accompanied by Kidnapper.

    Of course, because the children were in rags I had bought each of them three sets of clothes.

    They''re girls, after all.

    After I had left the tent, Lyra and I went to a public bathhouse and washed them all clean.

    Ran seemed to enjoy the water most of all as she splashed around.

    It was quite troublesome to wash her hair.

    Anyway, the current situation, right?

    "Aya has sisters?!" Aya looked shocked as she clung onto Kidnapper''s shirt and looked at us.

    Unfortunately for Patrice, who could only speak the sacred language of the Taifo, she could only look with a "What''s going on?" expression.

    I received Aya warmly, I hugged her tight.

    She tried to separate so she could question me, but as soon as she did,

    "Aya~ Say aaahh~" I instructed her to open her mouth and fed her some sweet strawberry bread.

    "Sweet~" Aya smiled before quickly recalling what she was doing.

    "Mama~ Aya has sisters...?" she asked with an absolutely baffled expression.

    The other girls quickly hid behind Lyra as I carried Aya in my arms.

    With one exception.

    Anna approached Aya, so I let Aya down and watched them make their exchange.

    "Hi! I''m Anna! I am... I am your new sister!" Anna beamed as she spoke to Aya.

    As Aya was a simple being, Anna''s bright personally soon infected her and she introduced herself as well.

    "Hello, Anna~ Aya is Aya! Nice to meet you~" Aya smiled back at Anna.

    Ah! I was right to find her some friends.

    Later, all of them introduced themselves to Aya and to each other formally.

    They all started playing, running around together and all that.

    Kidnapper, Lyra and I followed quickly, getting tired in their place.

    As a child, one does not need language to catch the other''s attention and have fun, so even Patrice was giggling adorably as they all played.

    Is that hide and seek?

    ...Ran will sniff you out, won''t she?

    Why make her the catcher?

    It was then that out of nowhere, Lyra poked my arm.

    "What is it?" I whispered in a soft voice that only we could hear.

    point point

    Following Lyra''s finger, I turned my head.

    There, Kidnapper stood with a smile as he watched the children.

    Oh gods... kidnappers will be kidnappers.

    I turn to look at Lyra, "I know, right? How creepy."

    shake shake

    Eh? What do you mean no?

    Lyra then began making gestures with her hands.

    [Talk! Talk!] her hand acted before she pointed at him once again.

    I averted my gaze and spoke in the same quiet voice,

    "B-But... I have nothing to talk about... and besides... we''re both recovering from what happened last night, so..."

    Growing smaller as I made excuses, I gave up when I saw Lyra putting her hands on her hips and huffing once.

    "Okay, fine... I''ll go already so don''t scold me later..."

    I walked towards Kidnapper--

    "H-Hey, um... N-Nide... about yesterday..."

    "A-Ah, right... yes, m''lady?"

    Is my face red? I-Is it...? I hope not...

    With useless worries like so, I apologized to Nide.

    "They say heroes never die, and I agree.

    The difference between a soldier and a hero--

    is that a hero is dead.

    And that is exactly it.

    Heroes never die.

    Heroes are born dead."

 Chapter 16 - Babysitter

    Ugh. Sorry about the no update, guys.

    Seriously, though.

    Could you please, please, pleaaase check out my journalister page?

    That''s where I post updates. Like.

    For real.

    I get paid per click there.

    Y''know what? Spread the word! Tell the highest ranking dudes here to post there! They''ll get paid for it and whatnot.

    https://journalister.co/

    DO IT DO IT DO IT

    Anyway, about this chapter...

    Do you like kids?

    Part 1

    "R-Ran! P-Please stop running! We have to go out now! A-Ah, yes, yes~ I''ll get to your dress in a minute, Anna... Ahhh! No, Bunny! That''s your sister''s! D-Dooon''t-- Ah, erm... j-just hide it under the bed, I-I''ll buy her a new one..."

    It was another normal day for me.

    Three days have passed since I got Aya some friends.

    We''re living well and beautifully together.

    "O-Okay, Aya... let go of mommy''s dress now... ah, no! Don''t pull on that, it''ll come off--..."

    My dress fluttered and fell on the ground around both my legs.

    I let Aya down as I bent over to pull my dress back up.

    ...I have a bad feeling about this.

    I prayed to what ever gods existed on this plane as I grasped the fabric of my clothing.

    Unfortunately, the gods despise me, as the door suddenly opened and--

    "...!"(Nide)

    "Who told you you could come in, stuuuuupid Nideeeee!" I slammed the door shut as I felt my face heating up.

    I just know he does that on purpose! I swear I''ll definitely kill him one day!

    Ah... why won''t father just pick me up already?!

    I want to go home...

    I miss my bed.

    I miss Mira.

    I miss Saldonius, too.

    I even miss Handsome!

    Will father get angry if I bring home Lyra with me?

    Heck, will he get mad if I bring home six new children with me?!

    He probably won''t if I tell him I''ll handle their living expenses... probably... I think... probably...

    I wore the dress once more with a downcast expression.

    I don''t think it''s good that I''m not as mad whenever Kidnapper sees me in... my indecent state... am I getting used to it?!

    I sighed, depressed.

    "...M-Mother... are you okay...?" (Anna)

    "Mommy...? Why are you sad?" (Bunny)

    "...Maama..."(Reina)

    "Ma''...?"(Patrice)

    The girls called out to me as I sat on the bed.

    Aya wordlessly sat on my lap, leaning her head on my chest.

    Are they... comforting me? Even Ran was peeking from the bathroom door, looking worriedly at me.

    I beckoned at them to come closer.

    Aya was already sitting on my lap while the other girls walked towards me.

    Even Ran did, although a bit reluctant.

    When they were close enough, I embraced all of them together.

    "I feel better now~ Thank you."

    Well... now then.

    I smiled at them as I retracted my arms and I let out a breath.

    "Ready to head out, then? Look at you all, so beautifully dressed! Mother knows all the young gentlemen are just charmed by you, hmm?"

    I praised the six of them with a giggle.

    They didn''t seem to understand my words, though...

    I''ve decided! Once I go home with them, I will educate them myself!

    "Oooh! A meowcat! Aaahh! Ran, don''t chase iiit!"(Anna)

    "Grr...!"(Ran)

    "Nooo~ Come back! B-Bunny! Help me stop her!"

    Anna ran off to follow Ran who was chasing the cat out.

    "...Why?"(Bunny)

    Even though Bunny questioned, she followed Anna out anyway.

    Ah...

    "Aya, let Reina sit here for a bit."(Alice)

    "W-What? But this is Aya''s chair..."(Aya)

    "No, it is mommy''s lap... come on, now. Share with your sister."(Alice)

    "...Okay..."(Aya)

    Aya slowly left my lap.

    "Aya will go help Anna and Bunny."(Aya)

    Aya tottered out of the room with small steps. Patrice followed Aya with a worried look on her face.

    It''s good that Patrice is so responsible.

    After Aya left the room, I beckoned at Reina to come closer.

    "...? Me?"(Reina)

    Reina came over, looking puzzled.

    "Yes, come on over. Mommy will help dry your hair."(Alice)

    It seems that Reina was the last to come out of the bath.

    By the way, she can hide her tail and wings, but not her horns.

    She hides them because her sisters don''t have them.

    I told her Ran also has a tail, but she only complained, saying: "Maamaa... that''s not the same!"

    Ufufu~ Such a child.

    Reina then looked downwards and I could almost feel her being sad.

    ...Is this what they call the mommy senses? Because they''re tingling.

    "Maamaa... I... dislike my appearance..." Reina trembled as she spoke.

    "Why is that?" I asked in a manner as if I was wondering.

    "The people... everyone hates me... my yellow eyes, they''re... for demons...these wings, no, I... don''t like..."

    She sounded more and more depressed as she continued.

    I reprimanded her by tapping on her head lightly. "Stop that."

    "M-Maamaa...?" Tears pooled in Reina''s eyes as she looked up at me.

    It wasn''t painful, but the shock of being scolded by me must''ve been a blow to her.

    "Your tail, your wings and your eyes do not define you, my child."

    I then looked her directly in the eyes as I momentarily stopped wiping her hair.

    "Your actions and how you treat others are what define you. So treat others with their due respect, yes?

    Never forget what I have just taught you, hmm, Reina?" As my little lesson ended, Reina seriously nodded her head.

    "Yes, maamaa!" She showed me a refreshing smile full of youthful innocence.

    I rubbed her tail lovingly while drying her hair.

    "U-Uhm... maa... it feels good~" Reina closed her eyes as she enjoyed the feeling of being caressed.

    Yes, yes~ Children need love~

    "Mommy likes Reina''s wings. They are beautiful!" They''re actually pretty cool... I want wings too!

    Both her tail and wings are rather scaly.

    It seems that succubi here are reptillian, unlike the ones stated in my world, Earth''s legends.

    Well. I don''t care what she is, I will take care of her and that''s that.

    Such was my life in this city.

    It was peaceful.

    It was fun.

    I didn''t think that today would be the longest day of my life.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    "...Lady Alice."

    Out of nowhere, Nide''s friend entered my room.

    It was the oldest of the knights that I met during my encounter with the wolves.

    Woah! I could''ve been changing, y''know?

    You can''t just barge in here.

    "Yes, what is it?" I asked with furrowed brows.

    Of course, I was a bit troubled.

    Er... what was his name again...?

    "...Please let go of the child, lady-- no, Alice."

    For some reason, he had a look of apprehension.

    ...Uh-oh.

    I placed Reina on the ground on her feet.

    "Go to your sisters now, dear. Mama will be with you soon."

    Reina nodded innocently before heading out of the door.

    Soon, six other knights entered my room in full armor.

    ...Did something happen?

    "We don''t know how you fled across the kingdom so quickly... but you almost escaped, seeing as how we found you in Luna''s Mound."

    He spoke in a quick and accusatory way.

    "Wait wait wait! What''s going on here?" I questioned with a tilted head, still seated on the bed.

    It was then that the <del>cow</del> female knight, Niana, was it?

    Interrupted.

    "Don''t play dumb now, girl! We know what you--"

    "Enough!" The oldest knight interjected.

    He glared at Niana reprimandingly before turning his eyes back to me.

    His atmosphere was solemn and it looked like he was saying something he did not wish to say.

    "Alice Icelance. For the murder of the first prince, Artaxia Kira Bravia, you are hereby under arrest for the crime of treason!

    Knights! On my command!"

    It was then that I understood.

    I was framed.

    Part 2

    I had come along quietly.

    The knights seemed absolutely stunned that I did not show even an ounce of resistance as one of them warily cuffed me with... rocks.

    Amazing. A cuff made of rocks?

    Is it made of magic?

    Flimsy.

    "Hey, I can break this with a flick of my wrist, what''s up with that?"

    When I told them my honest thoughts, Niana added four more layers to the rock with a stern gaze.

    ...What the heck? That doesn''t change anything... this kind of security is...

    I furrowed my brows with a tilted head.

    As I was lead around the square, I heard a crowd whispering.

    This time around, I decided to ignore them.

    All of those rumors are probably baseless anyway.

    Lyra and the children were taken into custody as well, though they weren''t in cuffs like I was.

    I wonder where Nide is? He''s not with them.

    Darn. Maybe it''s because I delayed that report thing for almost two weeks since I got here.

    I sunk into a contemplative silence as we walked towards the ''Police Station''

    But Lion Taxi''s dead, huh? I hope at least Monk is alright...

    When we had arrived at the ''Police Station'', the children were left in the care of some knights.

    Because they were ''co-conspirators'', they would also be locked in cells.

    Oh I hope they won''t fight in those cells.

    Oh my. When this blows over and I''m proven innocent, I''ll have Nide treat me and my daughters to some melo-melos...

    Unfortunately... Things did not progress as I expected.

    And I regret not killing that person right then.

    Part 3

    Everything went well.

    I explained the truth and even demonstrated my healing magic.

    Of course, it didn''t work and with that, a couple of knights have disappeared.

    Eh, they''ll be back.

    When I was interrogated they cast some sort of lie detector magic and I told them my full story.

    At first, they were being hard to deal with, only asking questions that were rather convenient, but I stated.

    "If you don''t let me speak my piece, you will regret your decisions."

    They saw it as a threat and let me say my part of the story.

    So I showered them with the truth.

    Some still harbored doubts, stating that I used magic to remove the effects of the lie detector, but I didn''t care.

    I won.

    At least, the feeling of being a winner stayed with me until I went to fetch my children.

    They were still in prison, the poor young''uns...

    I decided to treat them to some sweets to help them forget this little incident.

    I was led to a dark cell.

    Eww... A little musty, isn''t it?

    Ah, but this place is for criminals...

    I had a leisurely attitude until I saw them.

    They were on the ground.

    Sobbing quietly.

    That''s weird, don''t children cry loudly?

    That''s right. They were beaten severely.

    If they made any noise, they were beaten even more.

    So they learned to be quiet.

    "Hehe... this demon said that you got arrested because you kept her, so I did her a favor, yeah? Eheheh...

    They''re really fitting for you, feh! They will be criminals! Just like their mother! These non-rovietals!"

    One disgusting creature came up to me with an annoying smile on his face, but I didn''t even hear him.

    "You fool! She has been proven innocent!" One knight came forward and punched the disgusting pig of a man.

    "Who did this... Who let this happen...?" I unconsciously murmur.

    The interrogation took hours, so it''s definitely nightfall by now.

    Patrice, Ran and Bunny had already fainted.

    Or perhaps Anna, Aya and Reina had just woken up?

    "Maa...maa..." Reina mumbled blankly.

    She slowly crawled towards me, blood gushing out of her back.

    My breathing was already heavy.

    My eyes were opened wide and my lips were just quivering.

    I didn''t even see anything else but them.

    My mind went blank as I came to a realization--

    Her wings had been ripped off.

    "People are like glass.

    The moment they are more likely to hurt you is when they are broken and shattered."

 Chapter 17 - Murder

    OK fiiiine. I''ll still post here, though.

    Note that you can go ahead and steal the quotes at the end of my chapters.

    They were by me and they''re there because *SPOILERS SPOILERS* but yeah.

    You can go ahead.

    Ugh dang.

    Part 1

    The boy''s heartbeat began to race.

    The girl who his general called a kind and gentle lady was nowhere to be found.

    In the first place, he didn''t understand why she was labeled as a criminal.

    Perhaps her circumstances were simply too unlucky?

    He had punched Yalan''s face as soon as he entered the room and saw what his colleague had done.

    Yalan had beaten all of the girl''s adopted daughters.

    He had even ripped off the wings of one of them.

    The poor ones, they can''t even raise screams anymore...

    The girl slowly turned to Yalan, who the boy punched.

    "These children are under my protection."

    The entirety of the girl''s countenance changed.

    Her gentle, almost immaculate smile disappeared.

    Her eyes were a bit narrowed, as if she was sleepy.

    At that instant, he felt as if the temperature in the room dropped.

    Is this why she was feared as the "Flame Princess", he wondered.

    Strange... shouldn''t it be rising...?

    Then... this must be caused by someone else.

    Who is it?

    The Flame Princess has a helper?

    The girl nonchalantly extended her hand to the man, but she didn''t even look at him.

    As if in a trance, the man naturally handed over his blade to her.

    She solemnly traced her delicate fingers on the body of the blade, giving it a glow similar to moonlight.

    "You shall take responsibility. Accept your punishment."

    The guards around the man took action, ready to stop her.

    Why?! Stop! The man looked around him.

    They were moving to stop her.

    To apprehend the criminal about to attack one of their own.

    But are her actions not justified?

    And so, the man made his decision.

    He brandished his spare knife and stood by her.

    This isn''t fair.

    This is injustice.

    He thought.

    But it turns out he wasn''t needed at all.

    The girl swung cleanly, beheading two of who were once his "comrades".

    He struggled to ignore the fear in his heart.

    When a man swings his blade, he does so with the ferocity enough to kill--

    and it is shown in his face.

    But in the girl''s face, he saw none of that.

    Nothingness.

    He saw nothingness.

    It was cold.

    It was blank.

    Part 2 - His Point of View

    The girl moved as if she was dancing.

    The cell was dark and devoid of any light, but her graceful form looked illuminated as she cut the guards apart.

    She gouged out their flesh to rend their arms and broke their bones, stopping them from standing up.

    Needless to say, I was speechless.

    A dozen of the country''s finest men were easily taken down.

    By a maiden, no less.

    If she were a warrior, it would be understandable.

    But she was a lady.

    Are we really so incompetent?

    I couldn''t help but think as I cut down one of the knights.

    Soon, the dozen or so knights that surrounded us were no more.

    Trash

    I heard her murmur.

    Soon, we heard the loud echoing of footsteps.

    "We''re escaping!" I shouted at the girl.

    "...Very well." The girl responded without even looking at me, nodding once.

    She carried the one with yellow hair and the one with black hair in her arms.

    Then for the first time, she looked at me. ...A little bit awkwardly.

    "...Will you help me carry my children, boy?" Her eyes looked determined.

    It was as if she would carry them herself if I declined.

    She must''ve realized that I am helping her, though, as she whispered a "Thank you."

    As I carried the rest of her children.

    Darn toddlers... what has she been feeding them, they''re heavy...

    "Follow me, I know a secret way out."

    I told her.

    She nodded once again.

    As we ran, I noticed something.

    "...Hey, you should lea--" I stopped myself from talking as she glared at me coldly.

    In her hand was the wings of the demon child, folded carefully to make it easier for her to carry.

    "...Have it your way. Turn right here, I know where your friend is."

    The hallways were lit by torches.

    As we passed, each one of them died out, as if fearing the girl''s presence.

    Because of this, the hall had gotten considerably darker, making it harder for the knights to come after us.

    The halls were wide and had many corridors, but they must know that this girl, Alice will head to rescue her friend.

    The rine girl.

    We turned to the left and rushed deeper into the knights'' headquarters.

    As soon as we reached the end of the hall, reaching her friend''s cell, she used the built up momentum to crash the blade into the lock, directly breaking the steel bars.

    ...I''m pretty sure my sword is made of iron.

    Did she strengthen its blade with magic or something?

    Amazingly, the girl''s arm was fine and it had a whitish glow around it, as if enchanted by a holy power.

    So the flame princess is a creator and a caster? That''s pretty amazing...

    The rine girl, Lyra had her arms chained upwards, leaving her chest hanging.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.I''d stare, but Alice''s gaze was sharp and rather terrifying.

    It was still covered, however.

    ...A bit of a shame, that--

    Lyra had blank eyes and she was drooling.

    It seems that she had fainted with her eyes still open.

    I recognize those symptoms, however.

    "Worry not. She was just forced to take a drug that makes her tell the truth.

    It has no other side-effects except for... what you see now." I assured her.

    "I see." She nodded as she heaved a relieved sigh.

    ...I saw her before all this mess.

    She had a mysterious but charming smile.

    Her face now... is nothing like that.

    We enter the cell.

    Unexpectedly, there was someone on the ground.

    "...Nide." Alice whispered.

    He was covered in bruises and bleeding all over.

    ...It seems he tried speaking for her, eh?

    Poor kid.

    It looks like it didn''t end well for him.

    I smacked him awake as I performed minor healing magic on him while Alice removed the rine girl''s bindings.

    "...That glow... you can cast healing magic?"

    Alice eyed me, but I didn''t understand the meaning of it at all.

    "...I know at least this much." I said with a wry smile.

    "Maiden of forgiveness,

    o goddess of purity!

    Rewind the clock of time,

    save your suffering servant!

    Mend!"

    Naito''s eyes shot open as he got up and almost punched me, thinking I was one of those scumbags.

    I caught his fist as it came slower than a shearkin''s strike.

    "...Gerald. I-I mean... C-Cap--" Naito smiled as he realized it was me.

    "...Mm. We''ll explain the situation better later, but for now we need to escape.

    Little missy here is now a legitimate criminal. Other than her, on top of that most-wanted list is you, that rine and these cubs. Of course, that includes me. Heheh."

    I grinned.

    "..." Alice quietly pointed at the rine girl with her head, prompting Naito to carry her.

    Ignoring me, eh?

    I handed Naito one of the kids, as well.

    The brown haired cutie with the tail.

    Alright... that lessens the load on me.

    "Before we leave, we have to take Reu with us. Maybe a few others, too..."

    I had to tell Alice now as she''ll be in too much of a rush later.

    "...As long as they can be trusted."

    She looked like she didn''t even care.

    Oh well.

    Less troubles for me~

    Part 3 - His Point of View

    After we left the rine girl''s cell, I led the two of them around the hall.

    I had pulled a torch down, causing a mechanism to trigger and open up a secret path for us to move in.

    Naito looked suspicious with furrowed brows.

    Looks like he didn''t know about this path.

    Inside, we heard the roaring, vulgar laughter of men.

    After we all went inside, I pulled a lever from the inside, causing the path to close.

    After listening intently, we heard the loud thundering of footsteps from the outside.

    The knights were still probably looking for us.

    "Oi oi! We''ve got trouble, boys!" I shouted loudly.

    Causing the men gambling to scramble to their feet.

    There were six of them in total.

    "..., Kailu. Even you, Ryan... what are you doing in a place like this?" Naito looked at his friend, Ryan with questioning eyes.

    Oho. He knows quite a lot of them in here.

    "Uhh... erm... I can explain..." Ryan''s eyes swam as he looked for an excuse.

    Alice looked annoyed and interjected.

    "Enough."

    She spoke loudly, as if she was a queen making her proclamation.

    Well, she''s a princess in a way, I guess...

    "I am Alice. Some of you may know me as the flame princess.

    I... have killed a man--"

    "Pffft!" I couldn''t help but stifle a laugh as I heard her spoke.

    She stopped midway and glared coldly at me.

    "...Killed a man? It wouldn''t be lying if you said you killed an entire legion, girl...

    Say it this way,

    Those of you who wish to betray your country and fight for me... step forward."

    At my words, she looked down on the ground.

    That''s right.

    She didn''t want to bring them into this, eh?

    ...I knew this girl was good.

    Fine, then.

    "Alright, ladies. Listen up.

    This here lady is Alice Icelance.

    Not only was she framed as a murderer of a princeling, when the suspicions were cleared, her adopted daughters had been tortured to near death.

    One of them, a demon child even had her wings ripped off.

    Upon exacting vengeance, although a bit rashly--"

    Hey, don''t glare at me. I''m helping you.

    "--she is now a wanted criminal charged of murdering several knights of this city and it is likely that she is also wanted by the kingdom."

    At my words, all the men in the room stood up straight.

    Alice seemed on edge.

    She''s misunderstanding something, ain''t she?

    Everyone else apart from her and Naito seemed to have understood exactly what''s going on.

    "Which is why we''re betraying this blasted kingdom to help her escape."

    I have never been this excited in my life.

    "Apart from ranking, all general orders are to be issued by her. Understood?"

    "Sir, yes sir!"

    Simultaneously, we saluted at our new leader.

    "I, Gerald Flameblade, Captain of the assassins division salute you! Shadow Corps! We''re moving out!"

    "Understood!"

    Ah, the simultaneous calls of these women have never sounded so manly.

    "We are the weak.

    So we fear.

    Which is why we are powerful.

    We learn from fear."

 A Nameless Soldier

    Hello, everyone.

    This is the feel-ridden intermission chapter that I wanted to show you all.

    Also, no it is not relevant to the main story.

    Also, also-- I''m on mobile and can''t seem to figure out how to fix the text.

    For that, I am so sorry. Y-You''ll bear with it for me, r-right? Right. I''ll shut up now.

    I had nothing.

    I was weak, too.

    And dumb and clueless.

    I was like that when you saved me.

    To you, I was probably just another customer.

    Another lost soul out of the hundreds-- thousands that you''ve already saved.

    I knew that.

    I knew I wasn''t anything special or anything like that.

    But I still wanted to believe.

    So I became just like you.

    I trained myself and became strong.

    Strong enough to help the weak, at least.

    I went to the border and stayed there, fighting for those who needed me.

    It was only then that I realized that it wasn''t easy being like you.

    It was horrible. Terrifying, even.

    All the friends that I had at the time died before my eyes.

    Those I thought to be my friends even used me as bait so they could escape, once.

    Some of the people I nearly died trying to save looked at me with disdain.

    "You were too late!"

    They said.

    "Why didn''t you come sooner?!"

    They shouted at me with confused anger as they cried.

    If there was one that I had to pick to be the most memorable, it''d have to be,

    "My daughter''s dead because of you!"

    I was disillusioned, of course.

    But at the same time, I saw a whole new side of you. The side that I''ve been looking at all this time.

    I understand now.

    After all I''ve been through, I know very well that nobody''s gonna pat my head.

    Nobody''s going to tell me I did a good job.

    Nobody''s going to praise me for what I did-- they will simply blame me for what I could have done.

    How could you be so strong?

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.So kind?

    Even after all that?

    I understand, we may not have gone through the same things, but I get it.

    You were different.

    And that''s why I admired you.

    I still do, in fact.

    That''s not the only thing I dragged with me until here.

    I brought with me a small hope.

    That maybe-- just maybe, you''d call out to me.

    As your ally, your comrade.

    You can trust and lean on me.

    And I, in turn will protect you.

    But I guess... such was a bleak hope.

    This letter is my final farewell to my family, everybody important to me and the world.

    But... I have nobody left.

    Nobody left to grieve for me.

    There will be no tears shed.

    So I will go see them now.

    That is why I am sending this to you instead, in hopes that it might reach you, as you are the only one important to me left.

    How do I even start?

    I feel quite nervous.

    I''m sorry, I don''t even know what to say!

    But how do you feel about this?

    Are you surprised?

    Are you annoyed?

    Are you proud?

    Well.

    If you''re reading this, I''m already gone, I think.

    You won''t recall my voice.

    You won''t remember my name.

    I doubt a flashing memory of my face would ever cross your mind.

    I know these things, but...

    I want you to know that I was here.

    I want you to know... that I loved you.

    I guess I just wanted to say...

    I lived.

    I cried.

    And I died-- satisfied.

    And that is all thanks to you.

    This is a letter of confession from...

 Chapter 18 - Escape

    Please give me some feedback!

    Also, this marks the start of the ANNOYING CHAPTERS WHERE I ENDED UP GIVING TOO MANY NAMES (but I

    didn''t give the other characters any details, so it''s all good, yeah? Yeah?!)

    I honestly don��t know what you guys think.

    Gimme da feedback, b0ss~

    Honestly, the readers are so silent. ;-;

    Do you like it? Do you not?

    Seriously~

    Part 1

    The city seemed so far away.

    Anna and Reina were in my arms, but I didn''t feel the pull of their weight.

    It was as if I was watching a dream through someone else''s eyes.

    It was a scary dream.

    A dream that I did not like.

    People jumped at me, weapons in hand.

    The more I fought back, the more knights attacked me.

    Why did they attack me?

    Did I kill their friends?

    Perhaps their lover?

    Or maybe their father?

    I don''t know.

    I don''t know.

    As I swung the blade on my hand and my chest grew tighter.

    I could hear them.

    Murderer.

    Terrorist.

    Monster.

    Did I kill your friends?

    I''m sorry.

    Did I kill your lover?

    I''m sorry.

    Did I kill your father?

    I''m sorry.

    I''m sorry!!

    "I''m sorry!" I screamed as my eyes opened and my body shot up.

    "You alright there, missy?" The leader of the men who helped me escape last night woke me up from my nightmare.

    "W...What?" I looked around me.

    We seemed to be in the middle of a plain surrounded by hills...

    ��I��m����

    ��You seem to have been having a nightmare, yeah?��

    He grinned as he looked at me.

    I nodded slowly before looking at the sky.

    It was still dawn and the sun wasn''t up yet.

    I tried standing, but--

    "...Uuu..." The quiet breathing noises of the girls stopped me.

    Ah�� my children.

    You are safe��

    Let''s see...

    Brown, yellow, black, lime...

    Blue-green and white?

    "Where''s blue-green and white?!"

    I had accidentally yelled out my thoughts to Gerald.

    "I-I mean... Aya and Bunny...?"

    I looked around worriedly, turning my head left and right repeatedly.

    Gerald''s face darkened as he avoided making eye contact with me.

    ...No... Don��t tell me...

    "Where are the children?! A-Aya and Bunny, they...!"

    I was beginning to sound hysterical as I screamed in panic, causing Patrice and

    Reina to wake up.

    They rubbed their eyes sleepily as they cuddled next to me before going back to sleep, embracing my limbs.

    In the end, Reina''s wings were not able to be reattached, so of

    course I had to ask Gerald to close the wounds.

    But Aya and Bunny... they were the ones that didn''t wake up at all during our escape.

    They were next to me when I... how... where?

    Gerald turned his back to me as he looked up to the sky.

    "...I''m sorry."

    "Where did they..." tears began to form around my eyes and I felt a pang of pain in my chest.

    Lyra came over and promptly smacked Gerald in the head.

    W-What? What''s going on?

    Lyra then crossed her arms in front of her chest and raised an eyebrow at

    Gerald.

    "Oww! Gehahaha! Ah��m just yankin'' yer chain, girl. They�� fine.

    They just woke up earlier than all of you and decided they wanted to take a

    bath."

    As Gerald spoke, I saw the figures of Bunny and Aya walking together along with

    Kidnapper.

    I sighed with relief as I seriously thought about smacking Gerald for a second.

    Wait a minute, that kidnapper��

    ...He didn''t bathe with them, did he?

    I''ll allow him to, but only after he cuts off a certain part first...

    Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I ran towards white and blue-green.

    "Mama!"(Aya)

    "Mommy!"(Bunny)

    The two of them ran towards me as well and crashed-- I mean hugged me where I

    stood.

    I''m not ignoring Kidnapper.

    I''m not.

    Anyway... last night was dangerous.

    "How are you two feeling...? Don''t worry... the bad men won''t reach you

    here...

    I was worried when I woke up, you weren''t there at all! Geez... you should''ve

    woken me up... I was afraid there for a second..."

    I must''ve sounded a bit pouty as I embraced the two of them tightly.

    The two of them apologized at the same time and I couldn��t help but tell them,

    "It''s alright... everything is fine now. They won''t be able to hurt you

    anymore..."

    One of the knights whose name I forgot passed by us and I couldn''t help but notice his back--

    "Y-You...! You''re injured, w-wha, why?"

    What the heck, it''s huge!

    The upper part of his back... u-unbelievable... the entire thing''s red!

    I let go of Aya and Bunny as I walked up to him and held his

    shoulders from behind.

    "W-When did this happen?! H-How did..."

    Genuinely worried, I asked him with troubled eyes.

    ...T-This is because of me, I...

    My hands began to glow, and��

    "Hooooold on there, girly! I don''t want none of yer healin'' magic!"

    He spoke with a weird accent as he stopped me.

    "W-Why not...?"

    I-I can do it if I try!

    "Enough already, I get it! I''ll ask that Gerald to heal it.

    ...Forget that. Anyway...

    Ye��re basically our new cap''n, eh?

    So what do we do about our... war prisoner?"

    He immediately changed the topic, as if the gigantic wound on his back was

    nothing.

    I turn my head to look at our topic of discussion.

    A girl, about twenty-four years old was tied up. She had long, brown hair tied up in a ponytail. When she was awake earlier, she was

    struggling like a worm.

    She was loud, so I stuffed her mouth with my handkerchief.

    With furrowed brows, I turned to look at Gerald.

    "...Is this girl as important as you say she is?"

    "Mm." Gerald nodded before continuing.

    "This girl is the daughter of the city''s mayor.

    Not only that, she''s the captain of the Hawks." He showed a savage grin as

    he stared at her.

    ...Oi.

    We need her, so don''t kill her.

    ��Or touch her, for that matter.

    "I''m assuming she''s the leader of the archer division, then?"

    Hawk, right?

    "Crossbow division, queen of pyres." The knight whose name I forgot interrupted me.

    ...Queen of pyres? Is he talking about me?

    The knights slept in shifts, taking turns to guard us.

    At the moment it''s Gerald, Nide and... Mister Knight.

    "...I see." I nodded solemnly.

    Crossbow, huh.

    I sat down on the grass and laid Bunny and Aya''s heads on my lap.

    I soothed them to sleep with a lullaby and they fell asleep pretty quickly.

    Lyra had already fallen asleep by the other children.

    ...It''s good that she already recovered from that weird drug.

    Before long, Mister Knight had grown tired and said that he would be retiring for the night.

    "Nide and Gerald are enough, eh princess? Well. Ah��m goin�� to sleep."

    I stopped him, however and prompted Gerald to heal his back.

    Gerald was surprised when he saw the wound.

    ...How could I have been the first to see it?

    It''s huge.

    After the wound at least looked fine, mister Knight went to sleep, leaning on a

    nearby tree.

    The people of this world seem to have no idea what ��dressing the wound" means.

    They only know magic, I guess. They''ve been relying on that for millennia, so I

    understand completely.

    They don''t know how to disinfect and why they should.

    They also don''t understand how to start a simple fire.

    Everything needs magic.

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. It is their necessity.

    As I listened to the crackling of the bonfire, I closed my eyes and leaked out a sigh.

    I had been keeping this to myself for a while, but--

    "...Gerald. You''re a noble, aren''t you? Why... why did you help me?"

    A lingering feeling of regret washed over me.

    Nide remained quiet as he stood by the trees while Gerald sat opposite of me with a satisfied expression.

    "...You can say I-- we-- have been sick of the way the people of this country run the joint. Ya got something wrong as well, y��know?

    Fer a sheltered young lady, ye��re awfully good at killing people.��

    He saw me look away awkwardly, so he went back to topic.

    ��This�� ��noble�� family only recently took me back. I... I was raised by someone

    who was not a Rovietal, see, so... that''s just how it is."

    Rovietals are discriminatory.

    He added.

    Indeed... they are.

    Reina, she--

    The poor child...

    "Will Reina recover?" I asked as I looked at the fire.

    He scratched his head, troubled as he looked for an answer.

    For a few seconds, I waited for his response.

    Until finally,

    "...Sorry. Tha�� child''s wings can not grow back from what ah�� know.

    Tha�� child had black wings, eh? That''s particularly weak for the succubus race.

    If she were red winged, perhaps... Ah��m sorry, Alice..."

    For the first time, Gerald actually looked troubled.

    I heaved a tired-- contented sigh as I caressed Bunny��s ears.

    Twitch, twitch. Ufufufu~

    "Ufufufu~ Is that so. Then she will just have to learn to live without them, then.

    Such a shame... they were so beautiful."

    Gerald seemed genuinely surprised at my words as he looked at me.

    "Ye''re a strange ��un, girl."

    He smiled wryly as he closed his eyes and scratched his temple.

    He then rested on the grass, his hands on the back of his head as he looked at the sky once again.

    I didn''t hear the words that leaked out of his mouth.

    For his whispers are but now secrets of the wind.

    He closed his eyes.

    What did he say, I wonder?

    I guess I''ll never know.

    "You are both the least-- and the most human I''ve met in this world."

    Part 2

    When morning came, I woke up all of the little ones.

    We''re in no rush right now, but the knights will be after us for sure.

    Kidnapper was pretty reliable. Gerald on the other hand...

    Snooooore

    Snoooooooore

    What a lousy night watcher...

    "...Wake up. Hey. Wake up." I nudged Gerald twice.

    He''s not moving.

    Maybe he''s dead.

    I started kicking him.

    Helloooo?

    Hmm... no reaction.

    Oh! I know...

    As an idea popped into my head, my lips curled into an evil smile.

    "Wake up now~ Hey, hey yo--W-Wahh...! Ahhh!"

    I was about to block his nose, but as soon as my finger neared his

    face-- his eyes shot open and he grabbed my arm before pushing my body

    down to the ground.

    We had traded positions.

    His usual unsophisticated smile was nowhere to be found as he pulled out a

    knife and reflexively pushed it against my throat.

    "...Eep!" The sudden act caused me to release little scream as Kidnapper spoke in a fluster.

    "O-Oi! What happened? R-Release her!"

    For a split second, I felt Gerald''s cold gaze until he realized it was me he was pushing down.

    "...Whoops. My bad. Old habits, I guess..."

    He showed a wry smile as he sheathed his knife as if nothing happened.

    ...Okay.

    No more pranks on Gerald.

    Noted.

    Gerald then scratched his head with a wondering expression as he narrowed his eyes,

    "I could''ve sworn I felt some bloodlust there for a second... hmm..."

    Definitely no more pranks on Gerald.

    Poor guy, the kids are looking at him like he''s the enemy of their parents.

    Wait... I''m their parent.

    Before long, all eight knights had woken up.

    Abusing my power as their temporary leader, I instructed that each of them

    carry one of my daughters.

    This was also a good way to distract my girls as they were too busy enjoying the feeling of being high up, they also wouldn''t complain

    about being tired.

    Gerald and Kidnapper were left with nothing to carry except for provisions, but--

    "...Lady Alice, what are you doing?" Kidnapper looked troubled as he

    asked me, who was still sitting on the grass.

    I half-jokingly extended both arms towards him as if asking for a hug.

    "Carry~" I said with a small smile.

    "W-Wha-?! Lady Alice, please be reasonable!"

    "But I''m a fragile lady!"

    "..."

    I actually just wanted to tease Kidnapper to see his flustered reaction, but

    why did it come to a situation where I''m losing...?

    In the end, he conceded and I ended up... in... his arms...

    W-What the heck did I just do to myself?!

    Lyra noticed our little back and forth and she blushed while watching, causing Gerald to come over to her.

    Gerald''s not bad, too.

    He''s pretty good looking. He has stylish blond hair and sparkly blue eyes.

    He had a build similar to a certain wrestler back in my world...

    "The Stone".

    Ufufu~ I made myself laugh.

    His face really isn''t bad, though...

    I can''t see it right now, however.

    Of course, all of them are wearing their helmets to hide their faces.

    Gerald seems interested in Lyra as he asked her while carrying our "war-prisoner" on his shoulder,

    "Do you want me to carry you too, girl?" He winked as he showed her a

    charming smile.

    ...W-Wow.

    At his offer, Lyra quickly shook her head from left to right while blushing all

    the way to the ears.

    "Mmmph! Mmmmmmph!" Meanwhile, our war-prisoner struggled, seemingly disgusted with the situation.

    Gerald glanced at her once and planned on silencing her with force, but he only

    ended up smacking her bottom.

    ...He didn''t do that on purpose, right?

    Our war-prisoner cringed as she trembled with tears in her eyes.

    I drew a cross in front of my chest as I prayed for her soul.

    ...I was never really religious, though.

    And this religion probably doesn''t exist in this world, eh?

    Then my prayer was meaningless.

    This girl is doomed.

    Lyra and I, along with the rest of the children were wearing hooded cloaks to

    hide our wonderful variety of hair colors and races.

    Of course, I had escaped from Kidnapper''s grubby mitts as I walked alongside

    Lyra.

    The knights treated me as some sort of VIP, so our formation is an encirclement with Lyra and I in the center.

    As we were about to enter the forest that I was first teleported to, I asked Gerald.

    "...Hey, shouldn''t we release her here?"

    I pointed at the brown-haired girl who was sobbing on Gerald''s shoulder with

    pitying eyes.

    Our "war-prisoner".

    As I spoke out, the girl looked at me a little bit thankfully before Mmmmfing tragically.

    "Oh, you''re right. I almost forgot."

    Gerald struck his palm on his hand as if he just had a revelation.

    "Okay, okay, that''s it. Drop her now. We''re leaving her here. Wouldn''t want our bounties to increase anymore..."

    Lucky for this girl, we have just entered the forest.

    Kidnapper cut the ropes binding her and I took back my handkerchief which was drenched in her saliva.

    ...Ew.

    I couldn''t help but hear Kidnapper apologizing to the girl as we let her go.

    ...Pfft. Flirting, eh?

    Hmph.

    Stupid Nide.

    Gerald shook his head with his hand on his forehead.

    He sighed grandly.

    "Cheating, eh?"

    W-W-What are you talking about?!

    S-Stupid Gerald!

    I pouted and ended up not talking to them during the first two hours of the trip inside the forest.

    "Injustice? There is no such thing.

    Only a justice that stands on the opposite shore."

 Chapter 19 - Boat

    Part 1

    "I knew something like this would happen!"

    I complained out loud as I ran with all my might.

    Growwlll

    I thought the wolves were friendly!

    Because Ryan, one of the knights had to fight to protect me, he asked me to carry Anna who was in his care.

    I nodded and complied immediately. Because the deep recesses of the forest were places that the sun literally didn''t shine, Anna trembled as she held on to me tightly.

    "It''s okay. Everything will be fine. Don''t be scared, okay? Mommy''s right here."

    I tried soothing little Anna with words of comfort.

    She nodded and buried her head in my chest.

    Oh dear.

    Poor child......To be honest, I''m just as scared as her, though.

    I don''t want to lose any of them...

    "...Please be careful. We''re almost there."

    Ryan, my only companion aside from Anna spoke from the front as we ran for our lives.

    How do I explain this?

    As soon as we entered the forest, that girl I set free had led a group of particularly skilled knights to chase after us.

    With two dozen knights chasing after us, I couldn''t help but worry about the safety of my children.

    So I told my companions not to fight and just run away.

    We''ll lose them deeper in the forest.

    Or so I thought. As we ran, the formation was gradually lost and we were scattered.

    It just so happened that Ryan was near me when we had escaped, but to make things more troubling, giant wolves had come to attack us.

    The only good thing about the wolf attack is that they are also attacking the knights following us.

    I braced myself.

    This is gonna be one hell of a day.

    Part 2 - Reyu''s Point of View

    "Wahh~ Maamaa~ W-Where are you?"

    "..."

    "Sigh... Your mum''s not here, kid."

    I released a tired sigh as I sat down on the ground and leaned my back against a tree''s trunk.

    The hound demi-human girl sat across me as she comforted the black haired one. I glanced sideways at them, observing their chemistry.

    Man. Kids sure are troublesome.

    Blacky cried without stop, calling out to her mother.

    Browny patiently comforted her, rubbing her back with a straight face.

    "Hmm...?"

    Poor kid...

    I thought as I stared at the black haired one''s back.

    She was wearing a one-piece dress that showed a little bit of her back, probably to ease the feeling on her wings.

    ...But she didn''t have wings anymore.

    "W-Wah...!"

    The girl exclaimed as I had unconsciously touched her back. I immediately retracted my hand before apologizing.

    "Oh. Sorry. I was curious."

    After which I scratched the back of my head.

    "We''ll rest here for a few minutes, then we''ll go look fer yer mum. Aight?"

    I rubbed my sword clean as I spoke to them.

    I have to be prepared out here.

    "...Aight?" Blacky tilted her head.

    I smiled wryly,

    "It''s an easier way to speak. Short for alright."

    She probably wouldn''t know what slang was, huh?

    She made a face as if I had just explained the meaning of the universe to her as she then giggled, completely forgetting about our current predicament.

    "Ohh! Aight!"

    Still... maybe her smile is just what we need just now.

    "..." The doggy... Browny kept stealing glances at me, as if intrigued by me.

    ...What, do I smell?

    Browny''s awfully quiet, too...

    I leaned back on the tree again and closed my eyes....

    My eyes opened.

    I must''ve fallen asleep for... 5 minutes... probably...Ah, dude...

    ...Hm?

    Danger.

    I felt something was off, so I woke up Browny who was sleeping with her head leaning on my lap from the side for some reason and Blacky who was sleeping next to her sister.

    "Hnn...?"(Ran)

    ''What iis iit?"

    I carried both of them before they could fully wake up, so they were still a bit drowsy.

    "We''re leavin��. Somethin''s comin��."

    I immediately regret putting it that way, as I may have scared the two of them.

    Well, that much is obvious since they''re clinging to me tightly.

    AwoooooOOooo

    From a distance, I could hear the cries of the wolves as I ran towards nowhere in particular.

    I ran with all my strength, but after a few minutes, I found the huge silhouettes of the wolves.

    They were running after me with incredible speed.

    "Wahhh~ Nooo, they''re comiing!" (Reina)

    Blacky bellowed at my ear, causing me to flinch.

    You''re too loud, brat!

    Browny was quiet, but I''m sure she was scared as well.

    She was trembling and her grip on my arm was even tighter than Blacky''s.

    Staring quietly at the shadows, I could feel her claws digging into my flesh.

    When the wolves were about 40 meters away from us, Blacky and Browny yelped in fear.

    I grunted before whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear,

    "Don'' look back and don�� worry, I''ll save ya both and bring ya to yer mother, eh?"

    I tried my best to look like everything was under control.

    Is my face calm?

    I think so, as the two of them nodded and only looked forward.

    Fuck, they''re 20 meters away.

    They''re gaining on me...

    And so, I made my decision--

    "Le''s climb up here, then!"

    I helped the two of them up a tree.

    "W-Wait! Mister Helmet, what about you--"

    Blacky and Browny extended her hands toward me from above.

    Were they intending to pull me up?

    Hahahah! ...Such cute children.

    "Stay there and don'' come down!"

    I told them with a smile before turning around to face our pursuers.

    "Wah~ No! Mister Helmet! Don''t fight! Don''t fiiight!"

    Blacky called out to me from above the tree, but I ignored her as if I didn''t hear her.

    "Please! J-Just get up here!"

    Oh. So that''s what Browny sounds like.

    I ignored the both of them as I took out my secret weapon.

    If I''m gonna die here, I''ll at least take a few of them with me...

    I removed the helmet from my head and stripped off my heavy armor, as it would slow down my movement.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    I wonder... if I''ll get resurrected back to earth.

    Being sent here...

    Having to learn their language...

    It was tough, but I had fun.

    I took aim with my weapon.

    My blond hair swaying in the breeze.

    I can handle this...

    Probably.

    The reason I had a wry smile on my face was because...

    despite all this��

    I only have four bullets left.

    Part 3

    "Ryan."

    "Yes, milady?"

    "...There is nobody here."

    "...I can see that, milady."

    "Well, what do we do, then?"

    "...We can wait patiently."

    "We''ve been here for two hours!"

    "...Patience is a virtue."

    This guy is so hard to talk to!

    Ryan is such a quiet person, I can''t even hold a proper conversation!

    As I grasped my hair, I clicked my tongue as I felt the presence of more wolves.

    I don''t really want to hurt them, but Ryan coolly takes them down with his poker face.

    ...He''s a lot like Handsome in that aspect.

    Speaking of which... I wonder when I''ll get to see him again...?

    I''ll definitely go back home when this blows over...

    Wait a minute... I... don''t really think it will, though.

    As I was thinking, the wolves had come out of the thickets and jumped at Ryan.

    Anna, who was trembling in my arms cried as she once again delved into the deep valley that is my chest.

    "Don''t worry~ Ryan will save us now. So don''t be afraid, hmm?"

    I smiled at Anna as if there weren''t any problems. No worries. Ryan is strong.

    Anna looked up at me before asking,

    "Is he a prince? In mother''s stories... when someone else beside the prince tries to rescue the damsel, they fail..."

    She looked genuinely worried, as if ready to cry.

    ...I must''ve conditioned her eccentric and child-like mind to think that only princes could save the heroine.

    My bad.

    "No, my dear, he isn-- Yes. Ryan is secretly a prince. But don''t tell anyone else, hmm? It has to be kept a secret."

    I was about to tell her the truth, but her eyes showed genuine fear for a second, so I stopped.

    ...I''ll... tell her one day.

    Ryan wordlessly listened to our little conversation as he unsheathed his blade.

    "I''m no prince... but I am a knight."

    He closed his helmet, protecting his face as he spoke.

    "Please don''t say things that might scare my child."

    I reprimanded him lightly with a small smile.

    AwooooOOOoo ooo

    I could hear the wolves nearing.

    "...And don''t lose.�� Ryan, with his back to me, took a stance and nodded once.

    "...As you wish."

    He brandished his blade and prepared to greet the wolves.

    "..."

    Growwwwl

    Out of the shadows came out three wolves.

    Oh no worries, then. I sighed in relief.

    Ryan systematically fought them off.

    He cut off their routes to attack Anna and I while making sure he didn''t get surrounded.

    One of wolves must''ve gotten impatient and pounced at him directly.

    Ryan saw right through its attack and slashed it right in the face before shoving his steel deep into its flesh.

    Because they had one less set of teeth, another wolf soon fell prey to Ryan''s blade, causing the last wolf to run away for its life.

    "Impressive." I praised him from behind as I clapped.

    "...I''m tired."

    He said as he turned around to face me for the first time.

    From the front, blood was dripping down from the bite wound on his shoulder.

    His face was for poker like usual, but I could see right through him.

    "If it hurts, it is alright to say so." I told him as I walked closer and wiped the beads of sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief.

    "...Is that so."

    He said blankly.

    This guy is so hard to read, geez.

    As I recalled the fight earlier, I couldn''t help but smile as I talked to Anna.

    "See, Anna? I told you. He fights like a Prince, hmm?"

    Anna nodded enthusiastically at this before saying some unexpected words. ��Mm! Mister knight fights like a prince! Hey, heyy~ can I be your princess? Hmm?"

    She said with a shining smile.

    With her still in my arms, I moved her away from Ryan.

    ...What''s this about being whose princess now.

    I glared quietly at Ryan.

    "You wouldn''t delve into such... criminal acts with a child, hmm, shadow?"

    In response to my thorny words, Ryan put his hand under his chin, making a contemplative gesture before he finally spoke.

    "...I would... rather have the mother."

    "Geh!"

    W-W-W-What is this fool saying?!

    Haaah? Y-You think just because you protected me from wolves, I-I''d let you get away with saying anything?! I-I-I''ll cut youu!

    In any case, I''m a man, so fat chance, buddy.

    "...Mother, are you alright? I think you have a fever... why are you hurting prince Ryan...?"

    I slowly retracted my hand which just executed a beautiful karate chop.

    "I. Am. Fine. L-Let''s go now, Anna. Gerald and the others shouldn''t be too far away..."

    Without looking at Ryan, I stomped off deeper towards the forest.

    What''s with this guy saying weird things...

    Hmph...

    "An enemy who suffers with you--

    is not an enemy.

    But that doesn''t make him a friend.

    Then what is he, you ask?

    A companion."

 My Apologies.

    Hey guys. It''s me, Mimulus, or Flower Fantasy here, I guess.

    So... I''ll cut to the chase.

    I''m really sorry about the really long hiatus.

    Turns out, I had breast cancer!

    I was dealing with depression and all that, but I survived.

    It was all thanks to my father. He kept me alive, even when I didn''t want to be.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.And it was because of his sacrifice, after I got better, by some twist of fate, he died when two months passed by.

    He really supported me, and I was just a freshman university student before all this.

    My friends suggested I write for a living, so I started a Patreon.

    I''m changing my pseudonym.

    I will still be known as Mimulus, but thanks to fate, I learned how harsh reality is and that I was really lucky to survive.

    My new name is Mercy. ;) Love you guys. xoxo

    I''m still gonna post updates here once Journalister comes back online, but I''ve thought about writing a series called "Strange Questions Asked By Strange People."

    Every free story will be posted here, of course. ;) :)

    Link to my Patreon lol: https://www.patreon.com/WeebTrash</a>