《The Villainess Who Has Been Killed 108 Times》 Chapter 3 - Another meeting!? I’m not ready for this Boy meets Girl” without being able to resist! Chapter 03 C Another meeting!? Im not ready for this Boy meets Girl without being able to resist! MARY! HAND OVER THE GIRL! No, Madam! Do it! Youre just a simple MAID! Again, shouting, stomping of feet. My cradle rustling in the air like a fallen leaf in the breeze. Or like a ship in a storm. Pleased to make your acquaintanceI am Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingard. I am currently in my 109th reincarnationor perhapsre-execution of my life. It seems that my life was beset by difficulty from its first day. My mother trying to attack my cradle, aiming to kill me. My maid Mary and mother fighting before my cradle. Mary pushing her away, desperately protecting me from my mothers harmful intent. This is the child you bore through tremendous difficulty! Please dont do something incredibly rash, madam! My maid courageously spoke up against her master. She seems like a very stubborn and headstrong person C if I was queen right now, I would give her a medal. However, Im a simple infant, still cocooned in the mists of early life. I can give her nothing. Well, I can give her my heartfelt encouragement. Hang in there, Mary! Waahhh! Aahhn! So I can live my soon to be lazy and withdrawn life! Protect me until someone runs in and defends me from my mother! Your deed of justice will surely be rewarded by the heavens above! Please allow my prayers to be answered! Heavens, give the maid your power! Gyaaa! Marys screams now echoed from the walls towards me. Seems that my cheers had the opposite effect! And because of that my mother was able to push the beleaguered Mary away! It seems that the prayers of this former evil queen arent being answered. A hand roughly scooped me up and pulled me from the cradle! Mother! I was picked up and lifted, swaddle and all! Stop with all this movement! My neck isnt even set yet! I felt rough breathing and hair over my forehead. It seemed as though a wild carnivore was about to tear me limb from limb. If onlyif onlyyou were never A curse spoken, interlaced with a sigh. Im scared! I was terrified at my mother, now reduced to a primal beast. Shes serious! Shes going to toss me to the ground and kill me! I desperately attempted to claw onto my cradle edge. Even a newborn has quite a grip, the same grip it clings onto its mother withand this grip was my lifeline. How ironic that an infants grip on her mother was the only thing keeping her mother from killing her. Thischild! Almost like a little beetle clinging to a tree branch in a storm. I, in my cradle, with my mother dragging it around. Trying to pull me out of it, yet unable to do so, I heard her surprised voice rush through her clenched teeth. What do you mean thischild?! Im the villainess daughter that just began her 109th life! But the badness of giving up living that life will be ever so more exquisite! Letlet GO! NO! Im NEVER releasing my GRIP! I will overcome this and then LIVE AS I PLEASE! Will you mock a future woman that ROSE TO THE THRONE 108 TIMES?! Hearing all of this tempestuous noise, someone had to come and help me, I prayed, clenching my toothless mouth, grabbing the edge of my cradle, continuing to resist my mother WAaah! WAaaaha! Wah! I felt my insides contract as I had forgotten about everything that could control it. PTHHHHHTHHHHH! A sound inexpressible in words represented a sound that emerged from my rear end. My tiny body quivered. It was a loud sound that surprised even the adults around me. Seems that infant flatulence is quite loudI found that out later. This was the only time I had ever had flatulence this loud in my 108 existencesso I was proud of that. What the?! I heard a loud voice take a strange breath and gasp surprisedly, Ugh! Cough!My mother coughed violently. The fingers that attempted to grasp and pull away mine loosened. Ah! Ive disgusted my own mother! She now swung her hand up to cover her own nose, retching. Now! Mary! Our enemy is scared! Take me away from her! no reaction. Mary, whats wrong? Have you fainted? Are you still alive? No! No! NO! I was so pleased with my victory, but now I clung to my cradle again. Ahah hah hah hah!! Suddenly, a burst of strange laughterfrom a boy? Maybe. Still unable to see well, I can judge things only by sound. Was this child here from the beginning, or did it come in later? who are you? A sudden new cameo. I was disappointed. Didja hear that fart?! A fart straight from the cradle at the person holding it! I was lucky to hide out and see this! Funny as all hell to see! The boy kept on laughing to himself. What an awesome FART! Lady, it almost scared the crap outta me! What a rude childbut still Ive never SEEN a baby like this. My father told me to mind to the forest but I wanted to see this Seemed the air around me had quickly cooled. I could tell the boy was smiling. I like you baby, so Ill help you. I felt a chill go down my spine. This voice, I had heard it beforeover and over as a queen. This was the voice of a veteran soldier that spoke of the battlefield, that spoke lightly about the slaughter of humans, that lives for the work of silently killing others. When did you!? Get away! Someone! Get this servant child! I heard my mother scream. Seems that this boy wasnt here before. Sservant childeven I never used that word as a queen. Im no servant! Then the air rushed around me after the boy muttered those words. Whaaa?! There was a sound, and the voice of my mothers screams being cut off. Perhaps this boy slammed into my mother, knocking her down. There was the faint sound, like a carpet hitting the ground, that proved me right. Im sure the boy had grabbed her and slowed her fall on the way down. I started to shudder, because I could imagine the scene in detail because I had it from a boy like this, older, many times. A man who had kicked over my guards during many of my reincarnations. And his name rises like fire from the many memories I have of him. My name is not SERVANT! I have a great name, THE Bradd Stalker! Ah! THE Bradd Stalker! WAaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! I cried as loud as I could. Why is he HERE? The fear that rushed in on me was nothing like the fear of my mother flinging me around. Stabbed! Slashed! Strangled! Poisoned! Countless others! 17 times! All the memories of murder flashed back to me. The 108 lives of a villainess princess! And one of the five heroes, who killed me 17 times, stood there in front of me. Chapter 4 - Bradd Stalker. A child that would grow to murder me 17 times, now before me. Chapter 4 C Bradd Stalker. A child that would grow to murder me 17 times, now before me. Heh heh heh, everyone, nice to see you. Would you care for a tea party? Thanks to the creation of our new Southern Trade Route, there are various rare and delicious dried fruits to enjoyand its about time for me to create baked sweets with them that I am proud of Waitthe SouthernTradeRoutewill be created20years..fromnow I was so shocked that I jumped into my present consciousness. Again, I am Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingard, a villainess that has been killed 108 times. My dream is to withdraw from this world. Im going to enjoy my 109th. And Im a newly born infant. My mother had postpartum depression and tried to kill me. Thats right! Stop it! Mother! Im already in the throes of desperation! A boy that was present dashingly ran to my aid. Rescuing me from the dead and then laughing happily. His nameBradd Stalker. Just hearing his name makes my heart pound. Is thislove? HMPH! Am I crazy!? Im just a newborn infant! And he had just laughed at me! And it may possibly be that what Im not thrilled about is love. Its the fear of being killed by this boy after hes grown. Out of the 108 deaths Ive had, he was responsible for 17 of them. After being saved from the wolf at my front gate, I confront the tiger at my back gate. Why do we face such hardship as soon as we are delivered into this world? The only reason must be that God hates me. Seems that ironically that damned Maiden of Salvation favored the five warriors that continually killed me. If she had 1/20 less than her usual luck, my kingdom would have lasted forever. And youre most to blame, Bradd! Add to the fact that you became so reticent the minute you grew up, saying, die Or weakling And now you replace that with I like you kid, so Ill save you!and with that lame statement, you make a fool of everyone else, with a completely new and different character! Whered the silent one go!? Hey, baby, with a grip like that, if I dropped you in the forest with the monkeys, youd still survive. What kind of dense idiot is this kid? What a pity that your own mother tried to kill you. I heard the Dukes child was about to be born, so I decided to sneak in since it was my birthday and I could pinch something from whatever party theyd be havin here. Then I heard a huge commotion and I thought Id check it out. There are races that speak quite a bit to their beloved dog and whatever, and Bradd seems to be one of them. Thanks to that, I finally understood my current situation. Although I remembered the previous 108 lives and all of their glory, the dark memories of when I was a child still remained ambiguous. But I did know that my father poured everything into his identity as a duke and his parents both supported it. Thats why my mother wagered everything on a son as an inheritor and so couldnt react logically when the opposite occurred. I considered my mothers sorrow, and even though she tried to kill me, I held no grudge against her. If her husband wasnt all the world to her, she might have been able to take a negative result like this. Well, being noble doesnt make you happy. Its a shame no ones celebrating your birth. Bradds finger patted my cheek. It did feel warm. Well, congratulations. I felt him say this in pity and it struck me quite hard. Even though he assassinated me 17 times, each time it was sudden and quick. He used superb techniques to cut off consciousness without prolonging pain. Very little trauma being killed by him compared toohthe other four bloody murderers that took their time killing you, leaving you with blood-caked hair that sticks to your face like glueyuck. Then Bradd picked me up. I was surprised and tensed upBradd noticed it. Dont worryyoure like a little brother or sister to me now. So I relaxed. nomy body still was resisting it. But its time to forget how kind he was to save me and focus on the beauty of my future. A beauty that was praised by the kings and princes of every country as being the treasure of Hydrangea. The hottest! this is some baby Thats what a future queen looks like, Brad. Though this time, Im taking a break from being a queen. Ive never seen a baby struggle like you. If the Duke wont have you, will you come with me and be a member of my village? Waaah?! I screamed and struggled a bit. Never mind! Let me go now! Your village is probably those in the Lawless Crew, that roving group of assassins! I dont want to be abducted into a den of thieves such as that! You sound happy! Im the eldest son in the village, so let me ask my father. You IDIOT! Cant you tell Im resisting!?!? Dont ignore my will and just continue on with your idea! Treating me like Im some new sibling of yours! Rethink this and start over! The Kingdom of Hydrangea is a sylvan domain. There are realms and fiefdoms that extend all over this wooded land, but in the center of the center there is a place that not even lumberjacks, charcoal makers, or hunters will not go. The village of Bradd Stalker is one of those places. They are under no rule, the literal Lawless Crew. Their clan deals in assassinationthey originate from the oldest of all swordsman schools. This school was quite strong, but ignored political conflicts. They focused on attacking the blood vessels in the body, calmly attacking their enemies when theyre unprepared, but this was labeled as a cowardly way of battle and their kind was expelled from the favor of the crown long ago. I find it a refreshing way of incapacitating or killing people. Its a waste to treat people with talent like that. So they disappeared deep into the forests and from the annals of history for a long time. And about15 years from nowthey will be contracted to kill and link up with the dark forces in this kingdom. They remember the humiliation of the expulsion of their ancestors by the crown and so sharpen their fangs deep in that dank forest, hoping to prove someday that their ways were the strongest of all martial arts. Their abilities reached almost divine strength. And the almost supernatural strength that many of them had were perfect for assassination. Whoa! Scaryall this sudden positivity about assassins! This horrific group should never be praised like this! Who the hell writes this stuff, anyway! After all, this Lawless Crew will have one great assassination targettheir queenME! It makes one want to cry. They targeted me over and over. Im not proud of itI admit that Ive caused a lot of just grudges against me and Im sure these assassins were employed against me multiple times. How many times has your life been threatened though, betrayed by others?! I tried negotiating with them for peace, with this Lawless Crew, but they had this odd fixation with always accomplishing their mission. Waah?! I never expected I would be brought to the village to be part of them. My plan to withdraw into a rich castle and mind my own business was in danger. Someone is about to spirit this royal maiden away! Unhand the mistress! There was a cry, it was Mary! She had fainted but now was awake! this is the dukes daughter? No way There was a question mark on his face as he lifted my swaddle to reveal my delicate zone. How shamefulso shameful I forgot to cry out. a woman. Bradd was stunned. I was stunned. You asshat! Did you think a baby as cute as ME could be a boy?! As if boys look this good!? I am a chaste royal maiden, you dullard! She looks like a monkeyunbelievable. WHAT YOU SAID WAS UNBELIEVABLE, YOU DOLT! HEY! ILL HAVE YOU EXECUTED FOR THAT REMARK! Chapter 5 - If I have to deal with that hated woman again…but I guess that’s fate… Chapter 05 C If I have to deal with that hated woman againbut I guess thats fate what a vulgar little boy! Let go of the infant! Mary boldly jumps at himmaybe Heh, youre just a girl! Bradd dodges her while swinging me around in one handmaybe. Kyaaaa! Then the sound of someones head hitting something. Mary hit her head against a wall and was now crumpled against itmaybe Hey, girl, are you okay? Heh hehsome kid. You dodge my tackle, drive me into the wall, and have shown yourself to be the enemy! NoIdidnt touch you. You just mistepped andfell over on your own. I mean, look who youre sitting on. Kyaaaa!? Madam! My sincerest apologies! My mother was on the ground after fainting before Bradd. And now Mary was seated on her, and apologizing chaoticallyas I would expect. Dammit! This really frustrates a lady! What a sticky situationand so anticlimactic! This savior I had expected Mary to be was so disappointing! Not only that, but these eyes of mine are still veiled in dimness. I mean, its almost all darkness! All I can do is hear the sounds around me and guess at everything! Not only that, but unless you see whats going on, you dont understand the nuance of whats being said. Being blind SUCKS! Damnwith a crappy scene like this, I have a feeling that that woman will make an entrance. Almost like Im swimming in a muddy swamp inhabited by one monster fish. Filled with worry. Ah, excuse me. My name is Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingarda villain queen killed 108 times. And since I am the villain queentheres a certain heroine that opposes me in this world. Her smile charms those around her and people spare no effort to do whatever she wishes. She just smiles, says nothing, and people line up to knock out whatever she wishes. Then they act as if just serving her is a bonus reward all in itself. ug, what a disgusting woman. And when I say people I mean MEN, because all the women hate her guts. Honestly, she smiles at the boys, and they do everything she wants without so much a gold coin being paid, this super-powered wackjob of a heroinethats who I mean. Now someone self-obsessed such as myself cant STAND a woman like that. She never makes any effort, just either cries or smiles, and all the worlds waves of destruction become the size of ripples in her bathtub. Anyone can tell that Im really pissed at her. Iafter allin the fight for succession was always under the sword of Damoclesand she and I may look much the same, but were day and night. Happy-go-lucky whore. Randomly pushing men around with a whim. Saying vapid things likeSuch a sad lifethenYou think Im cute? Ehe! She always says that trash. The people living sad lives are THOSE MEN THAT CONSTANTLY CATER TO YOU! And the insides of your head? NO IDEALS. NO TALENT. Just a hot ass that bounces around, pushing men wherever the ass wants them to go. she still pisses me off, as the greatest enemy in all my lives was her. Every time that bitch was the core reason that rebel forces rose up against me. Behind those five men that murdered me, she was always hiding. Every one of the 108 lives I lived. Noble menwhy do you spend such days scarring and wounding one another? You are all brothers. Stop this skirmishing and clasp hands. There is another evil lurking in this kingdomthat whore would say with her dewy eyes. Its SCARLET! No more war against one another! We must kill the queen! YEAAAAAHHH!!!theyd all say, those stupid men. Bastards. Swine. Look, I didnt want to rule through oppression. I simply loved my kingdom in a unique, hateful way. Without a happy-go-lucky manipulator like you, Id never have to oppress anyone. A lazy bird like you thats never flown solo doesnt see the hawks flying above. All you did was look at the men around you, never considering that if you ever DID rule, that other kingdoms would invade before youd have time to blink a tear at another man. maybe Hydrangea was crushed after I was killed. All of our beautiful streets and culture crushed in a coup detat, people killed and enslaved. The barbarous countries around us were waiting to murder, rape, pillage, and enslave the people of Hydrangea. A ruthless bitch like me doesnt stand for that shit. But a numbskull like you? Oh, thats fine. Since you probably got your pristine luck in a deal with the devil, you could have probably shook your ass and formed a new country from the ashes. You could then pretend to mourn those who died afterwards. Well, as for me, I dont care what happened after I died. Oopskind lost track of the story there. From now, Ill tell you what happened between Bradd and Mary, but like I said, I could only hear what was going on, so the description might be a little rough. So here comes the reproduction! Look what youve done to the duchess I could hear Mary was biting her lip. No, Mary, mom was on the floor the whole time you fought with Bradd. Were you paying no attention to what was going on? If you were, youd see that Bradd was trying to SAVE me from my mother. Are you stupid?! If I didnt help, this baby would be dead because of her! Youve got nothing to say! Bradd said, and then sighed. Mary then seemed to relax a bit. She probably forgot the battleground she had left when she had fainted. Yes, Im sorrythanks for your help. Mary politely thanked him. Hard to tell whether or not this Mary girl is really competent. Even so, theres no telling what madam would do in her confusion. No, if I didnt stop her, shed kill this child. Bradd spoke of it as if it were pure truth. That woman has a weak heartall this agitation would have given her a heart attack, so I knocked her over the head. I opened my eyes in shockand could see nothing. See, I know how the blood flows through her. Its true. He looked a bit mischievous but still smiled. I knew of men like him. He wasnt lying. TheLawless Creware familiar with the flow of blood and can kill or incapacitate by causing certain vessels to rupture. Their knowledge of assassination should be implemented in medical practice. So I breathed in. I felt my chest tighten. Then I realized. My mother may have been destined to die here. She had attempted to kill me, and was so excited her heart failed her. In all 108 of my lives, my mother died soon after birth. Everyone recorded it as post-birth fever, but no one ever gave a solid answer as to why she diedincluding my father. I can understand why no one said anything, seeing as my mother tried to murder me. You cant tell a daughter something like that. But during this life, I was no ordinary baby. It was my resistance that caused Bradd to step in and intervene. Because of that, I survived this act of a mother trying to kill her child. And Bradd was an assassin I had known many times. And so with that, the irony of my life resonated throughout my previous 108 existences to the one I was in now, rolling like a changeless wave of fate. Chapter 7 - Wait, the guy that killed me 17 times as a girl!? Chapter 7 C Wait, the guy that killed me 17 times as a girl!? The maid lightly sprung back from the assassins kick and then jumped up off the assassins knee. The face of the assassin distorted in surprise. As she sprung up off his knee, she flipped in the air and kicked the assassin in the face. Gahh! The man fell backwards. A heavy thud. Um She drew her limbs in and spun in the air quickly, then extending her leg as she spun, kicking the other assassins around her and knocking them to the ground. Her skirt blew open like blossoming flower petals. The sound of her hits, whump, whomp, thud, echoed again. Agh!Guh!Ugh! With groans of surprise, the men all fell to the ground. Um And with that the girl softly landed, as if she weighed nothing. She was a girl that looked only 10 years old, and had stuck all of these assassins with a single blow. It looked like some kind of aerial dance. A dance of moonlit shadowplay in which she was the main character. The difference of how skilled she was to the men made the whole scene look like a dream. dont try moving any more, okay? Your hearts are going to start racing from now The girl gave her warning to the men. Her apron fluttered in the night breeze. I didnt recognize her face but I knew the voice. Um, let me dig a bit more into it. Her hair was cut short like a boys and there was a wide red ribbon flittering in the breeze. Her large almond eyes were disproportionate to her round face. The girls figure stood cutely, like a slender cat in the night. She had eyes that flashed about like one that was hunting for prey daily. The eyes that naturally saw men as prey. At the girls feet were five men in black uniforms, holding onto their chests. Their faces were all beet red. Their eyes were open wide at the fact that this girl had defeated them so. They gripped their chests, squeezing their fingers into their skin. Humans. Just a little rush of blood and they die so easily. It hurts, right? Before the girls words finished, the men blew blood from their noses. Their eyeballs had turned red with blood and they began to tear up. Their blood pressure had severely increased because of the sped beating of their hearts. Their bodies were all frozen, as was mine, but for a different reason. Ah-ah! I said you shouldnt move! The men shuddered in agony and fear as the girl looked down at them in disgust, as if they were roadkill. Ive seen many things in my life, but this scene really made me recoilfor various reasons. My mother, Mary, and I huddled together, hiding and watching. this is a warning. If I REALLY wanted to, I could stop your heart. Then you know what happens, right? All the thugs nodded desperately. I realized that this girl could kill all of them if she was having a bad day. I had never seen such an impudent look on a girl before, as if she was completely used to such things occurring. Like a funny scene of a cat batting around a captured mouse. Being tossed around by a tiny girl like this and with such unbelievable skill that incapacitated the thugs almost immediately C she was a monster. Natural to be frightened by her aura. I want to give you a message to give to your employer. Are you listening? She then walked over, stooped down, and tapped one of the thugs heads with her finger. The man that was touched nodded quickly. Tell your employer this. If you come at me again, then Im going to start making trouble for you. Ill erase this stink at its source. Its better then having to battle over and over, because Im a LITTLE pissed at being bothered like this from time to time. These thugs probably saw this girl in a maids dress as a new type of Grim Reaper. I was quite happy that this girl didnt try to talk like one, though. You can move now. !!! As soon as they were able to move, the men got up and fled. Most scrambled away on their hands and knees. Falling over each other is a better description. And feeling that they were being pursued by a predator, they scuttered away looking back, checking that they were no longer prey. Seeing their faces, I knew their pride was in shambles. They might even be afraid in the dark along for a while. Pusillanimous might be a word they embodied. In fact, whatever thug outfit they came from was probably going out of business. This girl in a maid outfit watched them run, making sure they were gone, and then turned to us and smiled. Got used to this maid outfit. I can hide weapons up my skirt, a bit clunky, but convenient. She flipped her skirt up and showed us. how vulgar I saw things that flashed like metal. She really did put a bunch of weapons up her skirt! Ohand something else was up her skirt. This girl wasactually a b, boy. My infant mouth practically dropped to the bottom of my cradle at how WEIRD this whole scene was. everyone, nice to see you again. Youre not reading the wrong story or anything. Im still Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingard and Im currently living my 109th life. Im still a newborn baby. And its been a week since my mother attacked me for the curse of being born a girl. Now that I can finally see straight, the first scene I witness is some wild battleit took only seven days. I tried my hardest during that week, trying hard to focus on everything I could to see. I have a lot to say, but first Id like to scream something, BRADD STALKERRRR! Why are you WEARING something like that?! And why do you LOOK SO GOOD in it?! All of the 108 times I died previously was due to murder. Seventeen of them were done by the silent hitman Bradd Stalker. He had a body and a will that was trained into steel. A sharp face with little fat on it, and an aura that was strong and draw tight like an iron rope. He had that unique and strong impression that squeezed all conversation around him into silence. HOW EV ER Why did you have such a cute girlish face as a boy? What the hell happened to you that made you change into the massive man you became later? Did you molt? Shed skin? Are you a snake? Are you really the Bradd I know?! You didnt put a twin sister that looks like you up to this, right? Huff huff huff Seeing everything that happened left me out of breath. I knew that the damn concubine was sending assassins to my mansion every night and Brad repelled them over and over. But I had NO idea that he was dressing as a GIRL in order to guard me. My vision was blurry up until now. After 108 lives I knew that bitch of a concubine was going to attack meI was always her target. Its insane to try to assassinate a baby in the mansion that she lives, but if you can convince the Duke that you were never born, its probably worth all the money. And Bradd had told my mother that a poison or drug was used to make my mother sick. I noticed that out of all the workers, one of the chefs was missing, so it was probably him. And he was under the employ of the concubine. I found out later that the drug was actually to abort any baby in a pregnancy. It also causes premature birth. Its easy for rich merchants to get their hands on. I was about to be killed before I even started to exist! I would bite my lips if I had any teeth. But they were unable to achieve their goal over 108 lives. Well, my mother WAS destined to die prematurely. So the concubine was the attacker, and the true victim was I, the one who was the continuation of the Dukes bloodline, not my mother. If I knew that, I would have crushed that bitch in ALL 108 OF MY PREVIOUS LIVES. Didnt notice anything as a baby, though. I know that I had survived and my mother had died, causing such an uproar that I never thought clearly about the motives and suspicious motives back then. In a sense, my mother was a sacrificial lamb. I thought back to all those times and the strange looks they gave me as a toddler. Even though my mother was poisoned, I had smiled back and knew nothing about the terror surrounding me. MotherIm sorrybecause of me they did all this. But dont think this evil queen that ascended the throne 108 times is a weakling. The fires of hell will not burn as hot as the fury that youll receive from killing my mother 108 times. You can count on it. Little skirts like this are very manageable but when theyre big, it hinders you. I usually roll the top down to shorten itis that what girls do? BRADD! I cant believe youre asking these questions?! I was thinking about all the revenge I was going to get, and youre ASKING ABOUT SKIRTS?! Chapter 8 - Laughing at one’s memory of dying Chapter 8 C Laughing at ones memory of dying This is the memory of the end of my 72th life. It was sad only hearing the sound of my speedy footsteps. I was in a secret passage in my castle C a moldy sewage passage that I had no idea when it was built. This was the final option for a cornered royal family to escape. I figured the rest of my castle was on fire by now. How many royal families had fled from here before? Now, I was one of them. My heart wasnt broken by it, though. Is it something that would make a normal person cry? I dont regret anything. Even if everyone has abandoned me, even if no one in the kingdom acknowledges it, I will never relinquish the pride I have as queen. The passage ends at the banks of a river, with the exit slightly under the rivers surface. You need to swim out to get out of the passage, but it was designed so that no one could see the exit and know it existed. Im glad this was several days after heavy rains. Because the river had surged up into the passage, there are small puddles here and there, and it smells of pungent algae. On reason is all the sediment that has been pushed up into this passage over the years since its creation. If you drop your torch in a place like this, its curtains. The ground is soaked and the passage was dense with humidity. No way to relight a torch. You could feel along the wall, but without a torch the rats emerge and you have to battle through them in the dark. So I carefully held my torch and walked. I could smell the river now C the exit is near. Bradd was waiting for me there. I saw a crouched figure slowly stand up. The flame that was held in my hand illuminated both of our flittering shadows. Braddquite a surprise. I thought that no one other than the royal family knew about this passage. I smiled at him C a bitter smile. The strongest assassin. No match for him. My fate is at an end, but it was a strangely calm feeling. The Lawless Crew are very familiar with the paths taken by all animals, yet I do apologize for this intrusion to the castle without permission. He said with a flat face. The guy never changes. My, such a polite fellow. Theres no need to be polite to an enemy like me, though. I said, giggling involuntarily. Bradd had hunted me down many times and he seems more like a rival than an enemy, because he likes it. I came alone and told no one about this tunnel. I expected you to say that. Thank you. I understood what he meant in his multiple connotations. If a young woman is surrounded by a group of soldiers, the ending is usually a shameful one. Bradd was far too pure an assassin to allow that to happen. My whole kingdom might have flipped and rebelled against me but Bradd never changes. If thats so then I might as well remain an evil queen until the end. Hey, why not join my side? Once this predicament is over, my power WILL return. We both knew that there would be no master and servant relationship. Its more like a regular statement whenever Im cornered, but this time its over. But since its going to be over, I had a little more time to say, Or are you going to be like the other four heroes, who slobber all over the feet of that so-called Maiden of Salvation? Stop. It creeps me out whenever I hear that word hero. Im just an assassin. Dont rope me in with those others. I know her smiles and tears are deception and that they just hide her insidious nature. Perhaps she should be called the true evil queenyoure not as bad as her. Bradd said with a frown. I was amazed at that statement and grinned. Its been a while since I heard anything bad said about that whore. Apparently people were finally starting to figure her out. Well, hearing that took a lot off my chest. Im actually fine with getting killed by you now. And hes qualified as well, I knew deep in my heart. I had burned down the village of the Lawless Crew over and over. It actually made my chest hurt to recall it. The home of Bradd Stalkerthe base of the Lawless Crew. I had sent troops in to flush them out countless times. They were one of my great enemies, after all. They would sneak into my bedroom and use all methods at their disposal to assassinate me. They would taste my blood in their fangs if left alone. I tried negotiations, no reply, so I hit them C no other way. I didnt intend to annihilate them, at first, but just surround the village with soldiers and force a surrender. They never surrendered. Not one. Never did their resolve crumble during the fight. The army began to suffer heavy casualties from night attacks. Finally, the commander sieged the village and lit it ablaze. They fired catapults and trebuchets into the burning town. The enemies that were still strong tried their hardest to get close enough to fight, but for nothing. The soldiers had seen the strength of the Lawless Crew and showed no mercy. The village was crushed and the women and children were killed. When I heard the news, I remember lurching up from my seat at the throne. I had no idea that it would end like this. I didnt understand the madness of the battlefield. This was the reason I was called the Merciless Queen. But that was a bitter memory for me. And Bradd was the only survivor of the village. He was the chief of the son and said to be the greatest warrior of the clan. I honestly wanted to apologizeI always wanted toit would have made me feel better, but thats cowardice. Hard for the dead to understand youre sorry for killing them. So I decided to die with this regret still in my heart. The Merciless Queenwho never said sorry. Youre not prepared for me Bradd. This dagger shoots a blade that will kill you, and Ill live on! I pointed this gimmick at Bradd and squeezed the handle tightly. I heard the spring in the handle pop and the blade flew like an arrow. Bradd dodged quickly to the side. I knew there was nothing that could rattle him. His fist quickly came out of his pocket and hit my chest. I heard something pop. I could feel my heart stiffen. It was that technique of the lawless crew that could stop the hearts of their enemies. Now that my body was falling numb, I could relax. My vision darkened. The torch fell from my hand and the scene fell black. Everything was over. And I can understand this ending. It was good that it was pitch black C Bradd couldnt see my face. I guess its okay to cry now. No one will see it. Sorryso sorry. Ive robbed you of precious lives and things. Killed many people and futures. Sorry. Im not asking for forgiveness. But just that I am sorry. Bradd held my faltering body close to him. since I can read peoples blood, I know your heart. And I know Hearing that simply made my tears flow quicker. I could feel Bradds warmth over my now cooling body. Why are you so kind all the sudden? I killed everyone in your village. And yet you understood. I guess I can finally say the words I wanted to swallow S.orrryyyy I forgive you. I have received your apology. Then he stroked his hands through my hair as if I was a child. I endured it alone for so long. It was very hard. So I bid you good night. Fool! Stupid fool! Im your enemy! Why do you say such things? But, even soIm happy. I never knew he felt that way about mebut at least someone understood. I guess I can die comfortably now? I noticed I never respondedbut Im losing consciousness Ggoodnight. My mouth doesnt work anymore, and I wanted to thank him. And my consciousness ceases into immeasurable comfort. Wait, so you fell from being queen, found yourself in that dank passage, and died?! Sad. Probably ended up rat food. Those Bradd-endings arent that interesting, though. I like the crazy ones more. Like tell me about Seraphy next time. She said with a ridiculing smirk, Im still not sure about your role as evil queen eitherbut its only your 72th time. Show me some more desperation in your face! I still cant see it clearly. Ah, I was asleep. This newborn body gets sleepy all the time. I was also remembering all the 108 other lives. And the ones that were ended by Bradd. Even when I remember them though, I dont remember all the subtleties of how I felt other than the absolute fear of dying. Its not fun. But this dream was a good one. Its also nice because it was done by the heart technique taught by the Lawless Crew, and Bradd was a top-ranked hitman. The technique of killing someone without pain even seems artistic. And a man that cut off all unnecessary things from his life was as beautiful as a shined sword. Beautiful and functional. Maybe I should stuff things in my chest to make me look more feminine? What the @#$%? Bradd, what are you DOING? Why are you dressing up as a woman?! And having fake big boobs on a little body like that makes you look even MORE unnatural. Stop trying to doll yourself up pointlessly like that! Woo hoo, look at that! Holy Stop spinning around to check out your skirt! Thats something only a girl would do! Chapter 9 - Since I’m an infant, being breast-fed is inevitable Chapter 9 C Since Im an infant, being breast-fed is inevitable A sweet smell tickled my nostrils. I reached out my palm into a weighty boob, and could squeeze solidly it with my little hand. What I discovered next to me was a nubile womans body with unexpectedly large breasts. Still, it was an enjoyable, squishy feeling. It was in the middle of the day, but Mary had removed her maid outfit and was waiting for me to feed. She expected that I would latch on as soon as I saw the nipple. I pretended not to know what to do for an instant, then reached out my hand and drew my face towards her exposed breast. Sorry to rush this, Mary, but I guess Ill live up to your expectations. And so I sucked. Mary looked at me satisfied and pushed my back toward her, closer. The taste of Marys milk filled my mouth. It had a faint sweetness and smell, and a soft texture. I forgot about myself for a while and sucked and swallowed umhello everyone. My name is Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingard, and I am currently having a blast in this newborn life. This isnt some porn novel, by the way. Im just in the middle of breastfeeding. Mistress drinks so healthy! Mary softly rocked me as she filled me with milk. At first I was surprised at the fact C she wasnt a maid, but a wet nurse. My mother had told her, Youre just a simple MAID!while Bradd had said, Heh, youre just a girl!to herso I was totally unexpected shed also be lactating. But once my eyes cleared up, I was convinced and also astonished. First, she was wearing a skin-tight maid outfit, one that opens and closes easily. She was a wet nurse AND a maid. And she cleaned the place like a tornado. But she was also making milk while cleaning? Can boobs DO that? Seems she mentioned that she cant settle down unless shes always working. Its all the milk she makes too, too much! I guess she puts patches over her boobs and does the best to complete her housework. Due to that, not only was she gifted large breasts, but theyre engorged all the time as well. Maybe thats why Bradd said he was going to stuff his chest with weapons. Was he making fun of Mary? Those big boobs of hers are fine to keep in the mansion, but she has a hard time when shes outside. All the guys going past her on the road just watch her huge boobs swing and drool. Also, Mary is only 16, but has been with child. She has such a young face, she almost looks like a young teenager. But the size of her boobs It did make sense that Bradd had called her just a girl. She had her baby quite early! By the way, Ive never been pregnant in all of my 108 lives. And I had small breasts. It wasnt that I didnt want to have a child, but at the age of 28, I was a little busy ruling this kingdom as an evil queen. Hmph. And I failed at it all 108 times. Thats why THIS time Im going to fall in love and I long to start the journey. I want to have a husband and then just drop out of society. But I have to grow up quickly and use this knowledge cheat to the best of my ability. Thats why Im sucking down this milk as hard as I can now. At first I was surprised at how light the taste of breast milk is, but once you get used to it, it tastes good. Probably the perfect meal for this infants body. Also, I think that Mary takes care of her body and has a good diet. Thank you! Ill suck down another cup full as a toast to you! My mother, on the other hand, doesnt produce milk. Bradd says its due to poor health, mental problems, and the fact that she was poisoned. He watches over her and also treats her condition. So I guess thats why he has that weird maid outfit on all the time. Yeah, hes a kid, but you cant just walk in and out of a womans quarters as a boy. Youd think since he twirls around in that skirt and such hes just some transvestite kid, but youd be very wrong. I heard later he uses it because of its range of motion if he has to fight. He wants to look carefree so he can watch whats going on around him more carefully. That kind of unapparent perception is something that Bradd had in his adult life as well. He was a silent man as an adult, but quite popular with the ladies. Spent all of his time chasing me around as the villain of the Lawless Crew though. Seems that all 108 lives I lived involved me destroying the village of the Lawless Crew and him attacking me for it. From what I can remember, and I dont remember my emotions at that time, I never changed my mind but always tried to annihilate themkind of sad how ruthless I was. A perfect embodiment of an evil queen. Thats why hes always angered and risks his life to kill me. sorry. If that never happened, Im sure hed find a wife and start a family. Even if hes a silent guy, any smart girl could see itthat there was gentleness behind that silence. My usually cautious mother and Mary as well have come to trust Bradd. And my mothers sickness has become much better. Its clear that Bradd one day will be chief of the Lawless Crew. Since her condition became better, and she felt more at peace, shes been smiling and laughing a lot more lately. The atmosphere in the mansion improved like an old dusty glass that was wiped until it shone again. The old servants of the manor also were surprised to see the beautiful woman who married the duke quickly return to her former self. Mary happily told me all this as she fed me. Bradd really has a lot of cheats in his possession. Sometimes hes just too much Anyway, mother heard so much from Bradd, she intends to begin breastfeeding me when she becomes healthy enough to nurse. Mary seemed scared, saying,Am I going to lose my job? Mom, that stuff is normal for the common classes and foreigners. A noble in this country does NOT breastfeed her childrenthats left to wet nurses. I worried that Bradds unconventional ideas are ridiculous for a coddled noble woman such as yourself. And PLEASE dont you dare turn into one of those wild Lawless Crew types. Im scared shell start jumping from tree to tree like a monkey! I have GOT to grow up quicker so that I can keep Bradd from turning her into a wild ANIMAL! Ill swallow more milk just for that! Just drink! as long as I dont get fat. You drink so quickly, mistress, it makes me happy to be able to feed you. She always speaks to me so kindly as she feeds me. Im sure shed do the same for her own child. My son was the samejust like you, mistress, so happy She suddenly stiffened. I could feel her arms tense up. She was smiling, but I saw her lips flutter. Butwhydid heso suddenly Tears filled her wide eyes in a sadness I never saw her show before. myJoshua She said nothing else, but just held me close, trying to suppress her sobbing. Still, she couldnt hold back and moaned sadly. She clenched her teeth, trying to erase it. Then braced herself to prevent her from shuddering. She had lost her newborn son. Thats why my father had made her my wet nurse. Something like that you can never forget, no matter how cheerful you try to look. So Mary had protected me when I was about to be killed. She resisted my mother with all her might and tried to stand between me and my mother. Such devoted actions. I reached up my hand to Marys cheek. Okay. Maryyou dont have to hold back. Mary looked at my outstretched hand and then suddenly burst into tears and loud sobbing. Bradd jumped in the room to see what was happening, took one glance, and then left, closing the door. Thanks, Bradd. Go ahead, Mary. If it makes you feel better, think of me as your son, hold me, and cry over me. You still have a very long time to live. And I will help you all I can. Everyone on the earth struggles onwards, even with all the painful things they endure. oh and Could you please move me away from your boobs? Youre squirting breast milk all over my face. I feel like Im a dish of former-evil-queen-boiled-in-milk-stew. And my eyes are filled with milk! It hurts! Chapter 15.1 - I love your smile. Chapter 15: I love your smile. Such shameless bastardsand theyre my family! The second son of the Shylocks said with a heart-breaking moan as he jumped out of the mansion. His heart was torn by the outrageous way the other Shylocks had schemed against the Duke and his wife. He was a personable lad, so it made him want to flee, covering his ears, not wanting to even breathe the same air as the other Shylocks. After gulping down the small amount of vomit, he staggered and headed to the gate. He suffered from such guilt and self-loathing, his vision was shaking. ah.. His legs tangled as he attempted to walk and he was about to fall over. Even though he attempted to re-right himself, he nearly fell flat on his face. Master! Thats dangerous! Marie, a seamstress that occasionally came to the Shylocks, rushed to his side and supported him quickly. Huuuup! She called to him and lifted him up from his slump. He stopped, stood, and then looked at Marie in a daze. MMariesorry Nno, its perfectly fine. She tried to smile to him as she huffed from the weight she was supporting, but upon seeing the paleness of his face, she was stunned, Whats wrong, master?! Youre so pale. Like youve seen a ghost! His face seemed to haggard that she was staring at him worriedly. Seeing her kind, violet eyes made him break and cling to her. Marie! The focus in his eyes finally seemed to return. He clung to her like a lost child clings to his mother. Wamaster! What? You cant do that in a place like this! Marie was upset, and her earlobes flushed red. It would have been better if I HAD seen a ghost! My family are filled with a bunch of bloody demons! The Shylocks are insanity itself! Cowardly, cruel, cunning, and I Ethelreed tried to make a small grin. But even so, there were tears in his face. Heh, heh, dammit, Im the same as them! What did I do when they devoured Howards life? I just ran away from the mansion! I dont have the power or courage to stop them. No matter how angry I get or cry, pretend to be a good person, its all about me! Im still a coward! Im just the same. A solemn breeze floated through the Shylock garden. Ethelreeds dry self-mockery ended in an agony-filled groan. The trees swayed in the black shadows. MasterI dont like the way you laughplease laugh like you usually do. He hugged on to Marie and groaned, continuing, Icant, cant laugh. Ive forgotten how to. How can I laugh when I have this cursed Shylock blood! Im so ashamed I long to die! Master Her hand hesitated at first, then gently stroked Ethelreeds back, as if she had decided something. I dont know what happened, but Ethelreed is still Ethelreed. No matter what who his family is. Saying the name Ethelreed, she blushed a bit, continuing, You have such a warm smile, so different from the other family members! ButbutIm still cursed by them! Theyre nature is in me! Im illiterate, so I cant write you in words, but I feel you are different in my heart. You have a wonderful smile, Ethelreed. Youre a good person, theres no doubt in my mind! Marie said so, powerfully. There was no reason in her words, just heart-felt emotion. It was a single statement of trust that pierced Ethelreeds heart. Marie, youre always ready to save me. I cant bear this burden alone. Come with meif youre here, then I wont forget to laugh Huh? What? You mean. Marie begins to panic at the words of Ethelreed. It has the sound of a proposal. UmItheres no way you mean Marie looks almost ready to flee. But seeing Ethelreed trembling there like a naked birdling made Marie pause. She quietly held him strongly again and smiled. I have nothingno family, no education, no money. All I can do is cry for you Ethelreed, but if youre fine with me, Id love to be beside you forever. Thats fine! Enough, Marie! He suddenly stood stock straight and held her in both hands. She looked forward at him and nodded. I wont leave you, Ethelreed. If youre this sad and suffering, and cant take it anymore, I can bear the burden. Ill be as strong as a donkey. Give your burdens to me, and Ill carry them. That will allow me to be closer that anyone else to you and continually see your smile, Ethelreed. He suddenly laughed at her, she who just finished with her heavy-breathed declaration of love. See, Ethelreed! Thats the smile I love! Marie said, smiling back at her. Theres no evil person that can smile like that. I love your smile. Is my smile the only thing you like? Or is it all of me? Please tell me.he laughed again, now feeling a bit more relieved. Of course, I love you. Ethelreedyou. She said, almost now in a whisper. Well, I love you too Marie, as I love your smile. I want to see it. Smile for me. Yyou cant just ask like that! I cant just be asked to smile! She seemed upset by his quick counterattack. No sense in just looking at me smile all the time. I want to see your smile up close as well. Or are you unable to smile with me? Geezits weird enoughdont laugh at me. Marie said, smiling awkwardly. Its weird? I think its a great smile. I have to apologize. He then embraced her with all his might. no, Im so happy, I cant stop smiling. Master Ethelreed, I feel the same! I love your smile And so the two held each other. Their warmth gave each of them courage. The smiled at each others smile, bathing in the happiness that it brought. The wind softly meandered around them, watching over them. And from somewhere a solitary sad scream of a bird sounded. Desmonds face, full of scars and scratches, looked down in a bitter frown at the two of them. He took a step away from the window and sighed. He was the head of the Shylock Company, and he appreciated the talent of his second son, Ethelreed. He actually wanted Ethelreed to succeed him and not his eldest son, Dexter. Butthe boy was too kind. You couldnt entrust the company to him. Thats why he was going to marry his son off to another big companys daughter and let him rough the seas of trade himself. But that seamstress Marie was in the way. We should take this money and crush that girl with it. Hey, dont try to steal more than your share! The oldest son, Dexter, and oldest daughter, Ambrosine, were now competing for golden coins on the table. Desmond sighed at the scene these two were causing. Large coins like that were rare in the Romalia Era. With a child like Ethelreed, youd never see him swayed by gold, but these two were so crazy about the coins that they never heard the sigh leave their fathers mouth. I never said crush her, just get her away from Ethelreed. You can take a little cut, but we need a large amount to get her away from him. Even if Ethelreed asks about it later, it needs to be enough that she wont leave a trace of him in her heart. All of this reminded him that Ethelreed was far more of a genius than the other two. I knowI just have to give Elly the money. Its MARIE. Dont make a mistakeand dont leave any unnecessary grudges. Ill leave it all to you. After Desmond left the room, Dexter and Ambrosine looked at each other and groaned. But the both had a sadistic smile that would freeze anyone else that might witness it. The two would usually struggle for profit, but when they were planning to do evil like they were now, they smiled and breathed heavily. Anyway, this seamstresswe should C give it C all to her C at once Yeah. Who knows what will happen to her afterwards. Dexter was so taken in by the beauty of these coins, he was wondering where in his room he would display them. Ambrosine was already considering which clothes and jewelry to buy. She had no compassion for Marie, but just the desire to see these blindingly bright gold coins. We shouldnt spend any of these gold coins. Copper coins are enough for wild rabbits like her. Youre right Ambrosine said dismissively with an agreement from Dexter. The faces of the two, twisted in desire for gold, were as ugly as monsters. The wind again swirled around the Shylocks garden. There was an inaudible scream of ghosts, earnest to warn the two lovers. ~Run away! Clasp hands and flee!~ ~Away from this mansion! To the ends of the earth!~ ~Youll be lost! Everything you desire! Lost! Happiness!~ ~Youll spit up blood and groan in pain!~ ~Like we did! Like us!~ The sad voices of grudging ghosts. But this alarm doesnt reach the ears of the two. Then came the tragedy. Chapter 15.2 - Part 2 Chapter 15 Part 2 The next day. Marie was hurriedly running down a forest road that led to the Shylock mansion. Her complexion had changed. There was a leather bag in her hand that was filled with ringing copper coins. It was money dropped on her from the Shylocks. While she was away, an employee from the Shylocks had pushed Maries father rather hard. Under pressure from a tall and strong looking employee, Maries father had received a bevy of copper coins. There was also the message given that people of such different statuses would not be a good match anyway, so the relationship should end. And for the poor father, that jingle of copper coins seemed so irresistible. Why me?! I had just promised Ethelreed yesterday that I would never leave him! When Marie returned home, her blood froze. She yelled at her father and snatched up the bag of copper. She scrambled from the house to the Shylocks in order to return the bag, never looking back. Marie was always such a warm girl, but now she had almost a menacing look, and as her father made excuses from behind she ran down the path. Master Ethelreed! I will never betray you! She was desperate to fulfill her promise to him. She imagined his face as it was yesterday, troubled, crying, pained. And upon remembering her promise, her breast became hot again. There was nothing that clouded his smile yesterday. Maries mind was filled only with the thoughts of her Ethelreed. Thats why she didnt notice the faint sound of footsteps from behind. She didnt realize what had happened when someone bumped her. What the? She turned with a look of terror on her face. There was a trembling boy, staring straight at her. Tattered clothes. Emaciated. With a rusty knife clenched in his hand. And the tip of the knife was stained with blood. You In a second, she could feel a wave of pain course through her body. Almost like the body was being roasted inside by a glowing rod of hot iron. Her legs weakened and she staggered. She fell back against a tree trunk and slid down, trying hard to gain her footing. The leather bag left her hand and several coins rolled out. She suddenly saw a pool of red blood spread from her waist, slowly engulfing her clothes. Why The boy jumped on the leather bag and clutched it to his chest. As Maries solitary question, the boy looked up and answered, Now I can finally give some bread to my sisters! We havent eaten for days! It was a small cry, almost sounding gargled with blood. A really flashy dressed woman told me some girl would pass here with lots of money, so. She bit her lips in pain. She was cornered and would die. II can seewhy She realized it all. The figure of that damned Ambrosine and her putrid laugh came to her mind. She tried to muster some strength, but the weakness was slowly engulfing her. The blade had hit her internal organs and the bleeding wasnt stopping. At that time, she heard a scream from down the road, Helllllp! Someone! Someone! Help herrrrr! There was a middle-aged lady with a dropped basket, shouting. She had encountered them, and seeing Marie, blood-covered, with a boy and a blood-soaked knife, she quickly realized what had happened and called for help. There was now the voice of men approaching from far up the path. The boys face was pale with fear. Murder and robbery meant hanging, or a sword to the neck, no matter what the age. Then his little sisters would starve as well. Marie blinked a few times. please, go but She squeezed down the pain and then said again, stronger, Go! Hurry! With the bag! Before anyone comes! Then she smiled at him. Im finehelp your sisters The boys mouth dropped and tears formed in his eyes, he bowed, and scrambled into the woods. Watching him disappear, she then breathed deeply and looked up into the sky. The azure sky passing over verdant treetopsbeautiful. She was losing consciousness due to pain, and it was about to leave her. I wonderif I livedlike a proper human being Her senses were failing, but she could hear her own words. Iwanted to seeEthelreed again Its useless now. Losing consciousness I thinkmy facelooks horrid. If I die, lookingas if I sufferedEthelreed with besad. I have to smile. I cant write words, so my last message will be a smile. He said he loved my smile. It was a short life, but Im very happy to have lived itwith all the feelings I had. Its disappointing that I cant see him smile anymore. My promise was a lie. I can no longer walk with him. But I can still watch over him always. And even though I die early, I still had the chance to love him, even with his vulnerabilities and kindness. I wonder if Im smiling well enough for you Can you tell that I was happy? Thank you, Master Ethelreed. Goodbye, my favorite Ethelreed. I really did love your smile. So keep laughingbe happier than anyone else. My favorite Ethelreed. Am I showing my feelings? Am I smiling right? I love your smileknowing youI really am And with a peaceful look on her face, a final smile, she took her last breath. Ethelreed had mourned no other more than her. I am nothing nowI amdead! I have nothing anymore! After screaming and squeezing her, he held her corpse and saying nothing, did not move from the spot. He just glared onward, wiping his tears, holding her, feeling her warmth disappear, trying to stop it from going. When Ethelreed heard the news, he ran to her, finding her seated as if she was sleeping against the tree. If it wasnt for the blood-dyed dress, it might seem as if she was taking a nap. It was such a peaceful death that it affected all that saw her. The people pitied her immediately. On the other hand, her father had arrived and quickly dissolved into wailing. If only I hadnt taken those copper coins! I was blinded by greed! She was so important to me! I was so foolish! Sorry, my Marie! Im sorry! He was clawing at the ground and sobbing. All the people around that saw the situation were crestfallen. Some were weeping and wiping their eyes. Some knew of their love, and supported the love of two that came from such different homes. The area was permeated in sorrow, but now an intruder appeared that broke it. My, why is everyone gathering here? Did some wild rabbit get slain? The voice broke the solemnity of the crowd. Ambrosine approached the scene in a hurry. If Ambrosine had avoided the scene, then it would be stranger that if she accidentally encountered it, or so she thought. Then her brother, Dexter, followed. Ambrosine looked down at Maries death with a snort, Ah, its the seamstress that comes to our house many a timeshes died so peacefully. My And abandoning the scene, looking bored, she leaned down to pick up a copper coin that had fallen on the ground. Well, seems that she found some copper coins, thats why shes happy. I really envy the poor because they can find happiness with so little. Because of those words, everyone else lost the ability to respond. At those repulsive words, a few silver coins were thrown down to the father of Marie, who was looking up at them in the daze. She was so youngsad mess it isyoure the father, right? My condolences. Dont hold back, take it. Dexter, who had thrown the silver coins, said with a sneer. The amount of money that Desmond had wanted to give Marie was 100 times that amountthe sum given to the father was a tear in the ocean. you bastard! I dont want this! Dexter sneered again at the angry father that had thrown the coins back. I can take it backwill you have money to pay for the funeral? The father now looked up, frightened. He was a poor man, and Dexters words exacerbated that pain. Died so young, and on top of that, cant afford a funeraldaughter wouldnt like that. Knowing it to be true, Dexter shoved those words at him with even more mockery. The fathers lips began to tremble. If someone had taken the money in the first place, maybe the girl wouldnt have died. Now it seems that the father responsible cant even give her a funeral. And that was the final twist of the dagger. The father tried to throw the coins back, but clutched them and finally fell prostrate, crying into the dirt. Everyone there was indignant at how the old man was treated, and they forgot their fear of the powerful Shylocks. They all glared at the twoAmbrosine and Dexter. Of course, the two siblings were iron-faced, not surprised at all by the reaction. Oh, even the poor have funerals. I was wondering if they just dig a hole in the ground and kick the corpse in. But with the nameless poor, a grave really doesnt mean much. She said to the crowd with derision. Ambrosine was the devil that found the boy with the starving sisters and had tempted him to stab Marie, not feeling the itch of regret in the plot. No normal human could propose such evil works. Only a person with an ego so huge and compassion so small could contrive of it. shut up. Ethelreed was silent until then, but now muttered the two words at his sister. They were said in a small voice, but they were clearly heard. Ambrosine couldnt respond, they were said so heavily. Dexter forgot to grin. Ethelreed just stared at them with his dark, glowing eyes. He was still weeping, clutching the girls dead body. Dont mock Marie by staying here. She was the most worthy person I knewand yet trash like YOU Shylocks still live. The two siblings took a step back, turned pale, and trembled. Ethelreed was weeping bloodno, he had pressed his thumbnail so hard under his eye, it had broken the skin. He then raked his face from his lower eyelid to his chin with awesome powerthere was a horrific sound. It sounded like the hand would reach the bone. Nails and skin were flayed. His face turned maroon. Because Im a ShylockI just got to know her and shes DEAD! Its all my fault! Mine! Chapter 15.3 - – Part 3 Chapter 15 C Part 3 He picked up Marie and stood up. Eeep! Ambrosine plopped herself down on the path. If its your fault, then its no matter to us! Dont come over here! She said, but you could tell she was scared, as her voice fluttered. Dexter was so taken aback that he didnt even open his mouth. You shameless fools! Eeek! Gyaa! Ethelreed shouted and raged at the two, and the other two siblings fell back onto the ground. His voice didnt even sound human, but it did ring through the forest. He had lost his humanity completely. There wasnt a trace remaining of a timid and friendly boy. Just a strange power that seemed to even surpass his father, Desmond. Marie remained in his arms like a fallen angel that was possessed by someone with the face of a vengeful demon. His shock of losing Marie had burned away every semblance of kindnessotherwise, he could no longer live. There was no way to remain sane. You think that excuse will save you!? What reason do you think I will survive this? Its to bring revenge against the Shylock company! As long as I havent gotten vengeance for Marie, I will never dieeven if I die, I will remain He said in a low voice, like a curse. A swirling wind surged around the house of Shylock. Swirling around the standing body of Ethelreed, ~Friend! You are our true friend!~ ~We will aid you! We will acknowledge you!~ ~Kill! Kill Shylock!~ Revenge yourself on Shylock! Impossible! You cant do that! Ambrosine wanted to curse him, but the fear of him kept her from doing so. It was all clearly a bluff, anyway. Even Dexter was recoiling from what he had seen. No matter how many years it takes, I will get revenge, and after that, Ill die next to Marie. Ambrosine was afraid that her brother had gone mad. His eyes were dark as the path to hell, but they glimmered with something different. And another sudden blow buffeted them. Almost like the touch of a cold ghostboth of their skin erupted in goosebumps. Dexter clambered backwards in attempts to escape. Ambrosine snorted and followed. He could still act unaffected, but his face had lost a lot of blood. After the two left, Ethelreed laid Marie on the ground and kissed her. Then he smiled. He tried to summon something like I smiled, but it was from a depressed heart, so it was a sad smile. MarieIll give you this last smile to compliment youthe last smile of my life. At the end of that word, he stopped smiling altogether. And he would never smile again until he died. Look at the smile of the missesa smile of an innocent angel herself. Mary said with a joyful voice. Well, infants in this time of their life arent all fun and laughs. Ahuhooo I tried to keep my face in a smile as I remembered all the scholarly stories I had heard in my previous 108 lives. It seems the only weapon that a helpless baby like me had was its cuteness. Hearing that the smile of an infant was another weapon, I was quite impressed. It was a very tactical weapon. Dumb infants. But I wasnt a fan of surviving this way. I was a villainess that lived 108 times and would not lose this time. So I smiled as well as I could again. What do you think? This is the super attractive smile of a woman that was praised as the flower of Hydrangea, the smile that would cause the male nobles to line up to see it! I wonder if misses is peeingshe had such a strange expression. Mary said questioningly. Dammit! I guess a little baby smile like this is completely different due to my undeveloped muscles! Since I tried to smile like an adult, I ended up making a wicked, weird smile! I hate this damnable baby body! Hey, can someone give me my face back!? Hey! Youre trying to make a weird faceare you trying to show off? Bradd said, peering into my face. Wait, so now Im a maiden being heaped shamed upon by this group of upstarts?! I truly am a tragic heroine! SorryI guess Im erasing all my previous comments. And it made me remember the face of someone I really hated. Ahits so hard being me, Alisa Even her voice is back! Dammit! Im about to break out in hives just thinking about it! Just put me back in the cradle! I want to avoid any contact! Shes really proud of this weird face of hers. Glad my brothers and sisters didnt end up like this. AS IF ANOTHER INFANT COULD END UP THIS GOOD! Ill say it again and again, Bradd Stalker! YouneedtolearnhowtotreatbabiesallOVER AGAIN! Not everyone else learns to walk before one like you did! You-super-elite-of-the-Lawless-Crew-bastard! Waitis it normal for a one year old to walk? Yeah. On the ground. This guy walked the trees. This Lawless Crew tried to put their kids in trees to teach them balance early. what a bunch of freaks, right? I just tried to smile too hard, it doesnt look weird from the outside, right? Its not a weird face! Its a S M I L Ejust a little too much of one. Speaking of which, there was one person that never smiled in my 108 lives. He had half a face of scars, always glaring at anyone around him. Maverick Ethelreed of Shylock Company. He was their second son and went overseas for five years in attempt to overthrow his fathers company. He came back to Hydrangea after a massive push from his father. It seems that he had pushed the company to the edge of bankruptcy. Messed the whole thing up, just like his face. He was no merchant either, but a general with a terrifying aura. I didnt hate the guy at all, though. He was so disciplined that it was impossible to imagine that he had Shylock blood. I think I was five when he first met my father. I used to play the game I love a lot back then. Adults usually get sappy sweet and smile when their kids play that game. I would have fun and use it whenever I met an adult, almost as a greeting. Even without this 108 cheat knowledge, Im good with meeting people. I played it whenever I met Ethelreed. He had such a scary face, so I tried to make him laugh. I love your smileId say. Then he would suddenly stand there and weep, wiping away tears that never seemed to end. I was surprised. A rock-ribbed warrior like him, weeping openly. I would stare at him and try to reach up to soothe him, but his massive bodyand his crying like that frightened me! But I knew somehow he wasnt a bad guy. He never smiled, but whenever I wanted to play, he would bend over and wed play whatever game I wanted. Even this 109th time, Im sure he already has that sour face of his. And maybe hes already overseas by now. hmm hmmm hmmm What sound is that? She hasnt pissed herself at all! BRADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD! I was in the middle of remembering something fondly, and youre standing there staring at. Get out of here! You pervert! Ill freaking banish you from my kingdom from this tiny little cradle of mine!! Chapter 17 - A happy reuniting, and because they don’t notice something, that makes it happy? Chapter 17: A happy reuniting, and because they dont notice something, that makes it happy? Everyone is in a good mood. My name is Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingard and I am a villainous queen who was killed 108 timesand the main character of this story. You know the rest. Im enjoying this 109th life. In the flush of youth, a squishy little baby. Cant speak, cant walk, cant stand. Like the proverbial floundering fish on a shore. I have no official name yet. Just a nameless infant. The reason is, I have yet to be baptized. So here is a synopsis of whats happened. I tried to smile at Mary, and my face looked cramped. Then Bradd laughed at my face. It pissed me off, so I tried my hardest to return my face to normal, and by doing so I ended up having a pissed off little look on my face. I frowned, looking straight ahead, making all the muscles in my face stiff. My eyebrows wrinkled What the HELL am I DOING?! Heh heh, oh wellwhatever. Life is but a dream, after all. All things pass, prosperity and decline, just maintain a serene state of mind, and be ready for every change. Even though I look like this now, Ive been killed 108 times before. Every little problem is nothing compared to that. Piece of cake, really. All things come to those who wait. Everything will be okay soon. The wind carries news of both good and bad. And life isnt all about hardships. ??????????? OH WHAT THE HELL! I CANT FOOL MYSELF! Im not seeing the big picture. Im too into enduring suffering. Even with all those 108 deaths, Im STILL A YOUNG LADY! Whyd I gotta act so hardcore, like some gangster, where I gotta do what I gotta do! In any case, Im the main character here, doing all the work for you! Someone please come and help me! Where is my dashing prince on a white horse, who wafts his cape in the air like a hero, COME ON AND PICK ME UP?! its pretty clear this baby is completely conscious, totally. The same as an adult. She knows what Im saying and whats going on. GYAAAAA! BRADDDDDD! Not this again! Youre not my prince, but some kid in a maid outfit with a skirt! I can sense it by her blood flow. Damn it, that line again! Is saying crap like that even credible?! You cant just explain everything off by saying Its blood flow! Maybe we all noticed that your line is a massive joke? Thats some theory that you suddenly pull out of your ass, hoping we dont figure it out, and then go back to acting as if its a natural statement to make! See? NOW were getting to the heart of the matter! Damn it allthe previous 108 times, you were a silent hitman! But now that youre a boy, you skip around with that flittering skirt and ribbons, suddenly taking a new employment where all you do is talk! And all the while, IM there heroine of the storybut in a babys body. It really pisses me off. But I cant rage about it in this baby body. Since I cant do anything about it, I tried something different, imagining what the adult Bradd would look like in that ridiculous maid outfitthe same size as the one hes wearing now. And not forgetting the ribbon! Fyeeeew! With a skirt that tight, I can see all the way up your thighs! You can make that fearless, dark expression againand say, if you dont want to die, then move. Such a bitter voice, just like a famed Shakespearean line, and I can play it over and over in my mind! Now lets imagine you beautifully curtsying! All of your enemies would be googly-eyed at seeing you like that. Hows that?! If it pisses you off, you can say you read the flow of my blood again. And even if you do, IT HAS NO EFFECT ON ME! HAH HAH HAH HAH! Finally satisfied with my own weird imagination, I found myself baby-laughing. Take that! The happy laugh of an evil queen! OH HO HO HO HO HO! Hwaaah!? Why does this voice make me shudder so? Since I was so intent on not smiling, the laugh came out like a frogs croak! Im not an evil queen, but a demon queen! the babys conscious? Do you understand me, baby? Mary said, looking at me. Damn. That idiot Bradd is no one to mess around with. At this rate, with this rat-fink Bradd, instead of me being able to banish him from my little cradle, I could end up being exiled MYSELF! A newborn baby that understands speech is one crazy explosion of strangeness! I could even be treated like a witch! Look sweet, then! Come on, act like a sweet baby! Its my only weapon now, the smile of an angel babymy only way to survive! Smiiiiile. She somehow looks angry Mary says, sadly. No! My face is just stiff from all the faces Ive been making! Dont misunderstand! Im not angry! I love you, MARYYYY! I rubbed my cheeks with my little hands to loosen them up. They wont go back to normal! At least let me laugh! Geh heh geh geh geh Gyaaaa! Thats scary! Almost like the strange laugh of some weird beast! Im going to end up looking like a possessed witch! what is she doing? Bradd looked a bit shocked, an put his finger to my neck. Hup. I felt something pop, and something seemed to lighten. My body warmed up. I felt power return to me, almost like after taking a hot bath. The tension on my cheeks loosened. Whoaaa! It moves! My face can move again! Whewwwww After locking up my face like I did, it all loosened again, so I breathed a sigh of relief. Thanks, Bradd. SorryBradd. As an apology to you, from now on when I imagine your adult self in that outfit, Ill make the skirt knee length. I winked at Bradd to show my gratitude, as the tough as nails baby was now a soft as feathers baby, giggling and cooing again. Theres no baby that does stuff like this. Bradd said, and mother and Mary looking at me, nodded to him. WHAT?! Dong Dong Dong Dong! The sound of gongs? A hallucination?! Ambushing soldiers?! Here?! You bastard, Bradd! Catching me in a double trap! But thats Bradd for you. A just man that hides his secret weapon under his maid skirt. To set a trap like this and never letting me know Ill never let my guard down again though. In my previous 108 lives, I was always the queen. I was always so shrewd and cunning in my battle for succession that I always won. Theres no way Im letting you catch me like that again. And not only that, this dummy is easily letting herself get caught! GRRRRR! Dont call me an dummy, you IDIOT! it surprised me. This little baby is actually conscious Mary said as she looked at me, the final word of her statement leaving her mouth with a quiver. I guess I cant hide it. I had no choice but to nod. ReallyI see. Mary then fell silent, and I could feel her hands, holding me, begin to shake. I guess thats better than her tossing me away in fear though. I guess I understand though, it is weird for a baby. So I stopped trying to reach out to her and withdrew my outstretched hands. Ahh ohhh ohhh Im sorry, I was fooling you all until now. Even so, I was very happy. Mary loved me like her true child. I also felt like I was her child as well. I thought it would be great to replace her son as her true child. But in my previous 108 lives, my mother died as soon as I was born. Thats why its the first time that I was spoiled with having a real mother that lived with me. And my mother now respects and cared for me. But the memories of Mary as my mother remain. So even if youre afraid of me, I will still carry the memory of you with me. The treasure that I have, now during my 109th life. Goodbye, my other mother Ughhhh. hey, dont cry. Dont jump to conclusions, munchkin. There were tears on my forehead from crying in Marys arms, which Bradd flicked off with a thwick. Wwhat the hell! An infants skull is still forming! Its wonderful! my prayers to God were answered! Mary shouted happily, squeezing me tightly and rubbing her cheeks into mine. What? What does that mean!? Brad laughed at me, while my eyes were wide open from confusion, You really are an idiot. What the hell?! Chapter 17.2 Chapter 17 pt 2 Madam! IIm trembling with joy! Mary hugged me into her chest as she emotionally spoke. What? What do you mean? I wanted to be able to talk to her as soon as I could! To tell her my feelings! Ive waited so long! UGghhhhhggg, I cant breathe! Im drowning in your boobs! My wish has come true so quickly! Ive never been so happy! She lifted my up and rubbed her cheek into mine againafter I was about to suffocate in her cleavage. Itsokay? MaryYou dontfind meto be strange? I was so shaken up by Marys emotions that I almost passed out, but I was still able to reach out my baby hand to her cheek. I touched it and Mary nodded. I love you, miss! It was her usual gentle face. Her face never changed. Its okay? Mary? Youre going to stick with me? Im a strange baby, but youll treat me as before? Can I say that I love you? I also love you. Mary Aoooo I didnt want her to see my cry, so I tried covering my face with my hands. Brad took out a handkerchief and covered my face. HEY! STOP MAKING IT LOOK LIKE IM DEAD! I guess I heard that was a custom in some eastern countries when I was a queen. And I lived 108 lives as one, so I should know. my, I really did have a lot of experiences. Biting my lips with regret, Hiding my anger with a smile, Bearing farewells with a fist, Over and over again. Thats true, so why does my heart ache so now Why do I feel such nostalgia upon seeing Mary. I thought my heart would be hard enough by now. It was my 109th time meeting her. In my 108 previous lives I actually did have a wet nurse. But her name wasnt Mary. It was a person called Vtorichnaya Vstryecha. And that was just her first name No matter how much I remembered about my 108 lived, I have no memories of my life before I became conscious as a toddler. I can remember some things from age four. So I dont remember the other nannys face that left my home before my memories began. She seemed to have been very kind to me though. She loved me more than her duties necessitated, I heard that said about her, and that she cried when she finally left me. Also that I clung to her and it was near impossible for her to leave. She left crying, and I cried myself to sleep. I was also looking forward to the day of finally seeing her again. I really wanted to meet someone that supposedly loved me so much. I desperately tried to remember her name, a name too long for a toddler to remember. So I would secretly humm her namesomething like a happy spell. The opportunity finally came when I was six. I had also tried to superimpose my mothers image onto her and called her my mother in my heart. I excitedly waited for that day, counting the days left on my fingers. I would give her presents, it was so fun to think about. Yet she never came. I heard later she died in an accident, the day a cold wave hit Hydrangea. I was stubborn and waited for her all night, got sick, and slept over the next few days. I still regret it. And every 108 life I had, I never saw her. What kind of person was she? I just wanted to meet her once. I may never see her in this 109th life now that Mary is my wet nurse, but she must live somewhere in this world. I hope she is happythat shes smiling. And with the smiling Mary embracing me, I made that prayer to God. It was at that time that the Blanche of the Orange Company had reached the shores of Hydrangea. They proceeded to the port, the shortest distance to the Wilhelm territory. The shadow of a bird fell upon the deck of the Blanche, following it into the port C a pigeon, with a small tube and a document inside, tied to its ankle. I descended quickly to the deck of the Blanche. It astonished all that could see it, this carrier pigeon, much different than one that you see in a park. The Orange Company had the extraordinary technology of having carrier pigeons that delivered to moving ships, and not just fixed positions on the land. Thats why they could get detailed information while using the Blanche as their base. The skipper ran down the deck with the letter to Seraphy, who appeared on the upper deck. He also noticed the pigeons arrival. He received the letter, running briskly, almost as to make up for his child-sized legs. He spread the small letter on the rail and slowly read it, as if digesting each letter. He exhaled and turned to the Duke of Wilhelm. The duchess is safe. Also two maids are accompanying herboth are girls. Your thoughts, sir? The two maids were Mary and Bradddressed as a maid. Seems that the Company also had men in Wilhelm. Seraphy had asked them to investigate the Dukes residence. The first report had arrived. However, the area around the Dukes residence was currently locked down by the Shylockwielding false authority and saying it was at the behest of the Duke. Thus, whoever made the report could only see the state of the mansion from a distance. Unfortunately, those reporting saw no sign of Scarlet. It was also woeful that she never cried, so she was never spoke of in the first report. No, one is a wet nurse. She was just a young girl, so I think shes being mistaken for a made. The Duke said, answering Seraphys question. The Duke himself recommended Mary for the job. For some reason, he happened to meet the girl as she had traveled for some reason to Hydrangea, and being deeply sympathetic to her, decided that the job was fit for her personality. This was just before his secret mission. Seraphy moved quickly with a form to the skipper to requisition some horses so the Duke could move quickly when the ship landed. The letter was returned to the pigeon, which quickly left the Blanche. It soared into the sky, a faint sparkle of metal glimmering in the sun from its ankle. Looking up and seeing the bird disappear, the Duke prayed for his wifes safety and that Mary would help support her during her pregnancy. He knew that she had lost a child, but she was a strong girl, considerate of others. And the Duke had promised Mary. Okay, if you see the trainer of those Juohdah demon dogs, be sure to destroy him in the name of the Duke. Pleasejustjust Mary bowed to the Duke over and over. She asked the Duke, who had hunted the trainer, to slay him for her. Her lips trembled and her legs were weak. She would do anything to avenge the death of her son, even attacking the man himself. Ready to die in order to get revenge, she had traveled from Krocassis to Hydrangea with little information about the region. She was too reckless. It was suicide. That trainer of the Juohdah demon dogs was a monster himself. The Duke had lost several mercenaries trying to root him out. Those dogs attack in the cover of darkness, they have terrifying jumping power, over fences, walls, moats, and attack their victims neck like the wind. They run faster than horses, all muscle, all fang. They could bite through the leg of a coweven surpassing the power of great wolves. No human could stand and fight them alone. Also, they cooperate seamlessly in the hunt, outsmarting men, traps, plots. The cunning of men, in the body of a powerful beast. There was no chance a woman would survive. He couldnt overlook her situation. So he offered terms of exchange C once the dogs showed their heads, the Duke would lop them off. In exchange, Mary would serve as a nanny at his mansion. She was reluctant, but she was also a clever woman. She knew that this was the quickest path to plunge a sword in the hearts of those monsters. I know youre desperate, but leave that man and the dogs to me. You may care for Cornelia and my child when she is born. Vtorichnaya Vstryewas it? Vtorichnaya Vstryecha. Its fine. Krocassis women have long names. The Duke apologized for forgetting her name, but she waved it off quickly. Thats why you dont need to know my official name, just my short name. I use it too. She smiled. Just call me Mary. I will be happy to help your wife and future child. And so she set out for Wilhelm. ??????????? Scarlet never noticed, even in her 109th life. Why did she feel so nostalgic with Mary? She was the one that gave affection to Mary 108 times before. She was the one that Scarlet craved to hear and see again. Scarlet had chanted her name like a magical spell, had called her mom, and Mary was now holding her, smiling. The wish had come true. The woman that was in the 108 lives before was reunited with herher long awaited love. However, it will be a while before Scarlet realizes that. Chapter 19 - To protect the others…a youth that casually fights while willing to die. Chapter 19 C To protect the othersa youth that casually fights while willing to die. Hellooooo, everyone! Im the girl with an angels smilewilling to pierce your heart with my arrow. This storys getting stuck eternally in my age of exactly ZERO years old. Well, this loops been going on forever. Im a woman with an innocent cuteness but a deadly scent. And my name is Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingarda genius of a newborn baby and a villainous queen thats been killed 108 times. Wahhoooo! Awooohooo What? I cant aim at anyones heart, because Im forced to look at the ceiling. As a newborn baby, I cant even lift my upper body. When youre bedridden, the only thing that can check your beauty out is the ceiling! What the hell What a body this isI was praised as the jewel of Hydrangea Recalling how beautiful and brilliant my body and limbs were, I looked over my body sadly. Hm? Peed yourself again? I can smell something. Bradd squeezed his nose. GYAAAAA! Not this pattern, AGAIN! I didnt mean THAT deadly scent! Hey, Bradd! Where are you sticking your nose! Dont sniff the scent of this maiden! You perverted transvestite! Ahhhh! The maidens secret is revealed! Because of these damn diapers, I couldnt close my legs freely. Bradd looked up. You pooped, huh? Waaaaaaaaahhh! Okay, mistress, its time to change your diapers! sorry about that Mary. Wow, this is really a rough day for me already. Because Im just a baby. I guessuhtheres no way for me to hold my sphincter closed. Geez, can I just die and go to heaven already? I knew it. I could tell from her blood flow. There goes Bradd again. YOU IDIOT! You guessed because you practically stuck your nose up my butt! It has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with blood flow! Time to postpone going to heaven. I will eventually crush this boy! It would be a shame for mistress butt to get a rash. Let me change you so you feel better. She quickly untied the diapers and I forgot about crushing Bradd for a bitas my pride as a queen is now being crushed daily. Like wheat under a millstone, pushed by a watermillgraggraggrag, krukkrukkrukcrushed into the fine dust of flour. In my previous 108 lives, I was a nasty queen who ran full speed down the evil woman highway. So does that mean my sins arent absolved even though I was killed miserably over and over?! OkayIm sorry. Ive been reborn destitute. I mean, this residence itself is just a scraped-dry structure. Its the only thing I have going for me as a baby. I guess Im being punished a bitits like I was sold to a traveling sideshow. A baby that can understand talkingeveryone pointing and laughing at you. Well, goodbye from this time! Im living alone for the rest of my life as a woman swept into obscurity than as a high and mighty evil queen. Only the north wind and frozen night will be my friends Uwa wa wa uwa wa uwaaa Ive never seen a baby babble like this so sadly! What kind of song IS that? Then Bradd asked with a stunned voice, Whoaaaa, thats one massive poop! All over the place! Were you that hungry?! Whaa uwaa uwaaah!? I was crying a song of sorrow, but now was shaken by Bradds words. Bradd! Shes only been drinking milk so her poop is going to be soft like that! Come, mistress, lets clean you up. Whooaaaaa! I guess I am a sideshow feature after all! I dont get all this! I swung my fist around with a combination of anger and embarrassment. BRADDDDDDDD! You can dress like a girl all you want, but youre still a strong male! And me, for you to gaze upon my still days old flower of youth and this shameful condition! Despicable pervert! Peeping Tom! Unforgivable! Take this! A fist of sorrow, shame, and irritation! A newborn punch that will rend the sky! And crush the jaw of my nemesis, Bradd! Awaaah My fist simply cut through the empty air. A range of 15 centimeters! Theres no way I can reach him! My ARMS TOO SHORT! I shook in a heartbreaking cry. My arms are this small? Bean sprouts? This tiny body! WAaaaaaah! So I cried as loud as I could. What the hell are you doing? Bradd looked at me, a bit frightened. I glared back at him, he noticed, and was a bit shaken. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!? Youve even got a dust mask over your mouth! Is that some kind of rude new armament? Waaaaaahhhh I continued to scream in grief. My maiden heart is deeply be-sodden in two ways! Resentment! And not because of the shit! If youre so worried about my smell, then dont hang around me! No one said this was public admission! No visitors at this time! Unauthorized Staff Prohibited! And I mean YOU, Bradd! Im already turning into a demon of revenge! Not an evil witch killed 108 times, but now a dirty gangster thats been born 108 times! Hey, mistress, if you flail around like that, your back will get dirty. After Mary gently scorned me, I stopped trying to punch Bradd. A back covered in poop strings and not angel wings is no destiny for a gangster like me. Even so, for now Im pretty happy. Such a quickly growing baby. Normally no one would approach me. Yet, even though they know I understand their language, the love of my two mothers never changed. Its even warmer than before, and I can only thank them for it C mom and Mary. I welcome this happiness even if it comes with a useless body. Those two women embrace my trembling heart of worry. Heh, as if worrying is harder than giving birth. You think so too, Bradd, right? She gave birth to a massive poop! Not that again! We dont need to hear it! How many times are you going to talk about poop!? As if this is some pulp romance novel about scam love affairs! You need to have more dignity! And even though Ive grown rather precociously, give it up already! so munchkin, can you walk yet? WALK?! I cant even pick myself up or crawl! Its been two weeksthats it! A fish thrown on the shore cant just grow legs and walk away. Even though Im a strange baby, Im not THAT strange. Its amazing I can just turn over in bed! And at less than a month oldplease clap! but every time I do turn over, I almost die. Its so hard to breathe turned on your belly. So I turn over and breathe again. The life of a baby is a constant struggle. Okay, so now more turning over. Even so, Mary looks at me with her glittering, hopeful eyes. How many times should I turn over today? Its almost like being a carnivorous plant that kids amuse themselves with and poke at until the plant is almost exhausted and near death. Sadness! Regret! I know! I know! Shes flipped so much, shes pooped out! Oh, now you have jokes?! Youre making puns?! You have to use that word over and over?! Idiot! Poop, over and over?! When I need one, I can buy myself a nice flowery chamber pot for girls that I can use over and over, and youll get envious and ask to use it, but Ill NEVER LET YOU! awooo woooo Ah! Are you scared because of this mask? I was making quicklime in the garden so I put it over my nose and mouthyou cant inhale that stuff. Oh, well that cant be avoided. Awaaoo Understanding that I was in a better mood nowso thats why you asked about mortar to Mary? That must be some vicious weapon that youre crafting! Quicklime is made by heating up limestone and gets really hot when mixed with water in large quantities. If youre not careful, youll cause a fire. And its bad for humans. It will erode your eyes and cause blindnessthats why it can be used as a weapon. It seems even too cruel a weapon for Bradd. Ill be outside. If something happens, shout! You got to! Bradd then walked out and looked back, What Im doing outside is dangerous, so dont come out for a while. He then left, laughing at me and fluttering his hands. Hm, whats dangerous? Hes not going to shoot Greek Fire over the enemybut he doesnt look afraid. Mistress, excuse me for a minute. Whaa?! meoooo?! With my hands folded and me laying back, Mary grabbed my ankles, pulled me up, and I screamed like a kitten. Listen, Mistress. Bradd didnt come to tease, he was worried, and checks if youre safe over and over. He knows how intelligent you are. Speaking kindly, Mary quickly wiped up the poop. Ah, this makes me so happy. Im so glad shes my nanny. Her words and deeds are exactly like a mothers. Even though Im a complete stranger, she loves me like a childits embarrassing to even express in words. Of course, having a wet nurse or nanny was common practice among nobles, but good ones were sometimes hard to come by. And a nanny was expected to stay in the nursery. This sometimes turns them into little tyrants. The darkness of a human heart can be deep. No matter how noble, children are powerless, obedient, and weak. And not all humans can graciously give love to those weak children. Many aristocrats actually suffer because of the childhood abuse their nannies gave them. Hello! Mistress, thank you or waiting! You look clean now! I blushed terribly after Mary returned me right side up happily. My upper half was folded arms and a tense face, and my lower half was an upside down, ankle-held-poop-wipe. Must have looked funny. Its nice that you took it so gracefully, mistress. And she giggled, which comforted me. Awooo I had a sad face, so Mary then picked me up into her arms. What now? If you want to sleep, I can take you to your princess bed? And the princess bed she meant was my little cradle. The area above my bed is a canopy with yellow, fluffy, round flowers. They were all picked by Bradd. Hes a kind young man that always looks out for you. Even if he teases you, he still treats you like a princess. Awwaoooo I know Bradd is a good guy, Maryjust Ah! A bee! Why is itshoo! Shoo! She sees a small bee and rushes around to shoo it away. And that cute cradle was just adorned with flowers! Shoo! Marythe place it came from was that yellow flower Bradd picked. The shape of the petals form a globe of yellow petals, very cute. Its a great hideaway for insects. And can you guess the name of the flower? You guessed ita globeflower. My cradles canopy was covered with the round globeflowers swaying in the wind. Even though its a beautifully decorated cradle, Im not totally happy with it. And I knew the bee wasnt intentional, Bradd. So I pointed at the pretty globeflowers and sighed. Mistress, do you want to thank Bradd? He said we cant see him for a while. No, I was amazed at how stupid he is! Well, Okay! I do want to go out and see what hes doing. Its got to be something really stupid that will kill us all. Chapter 19.2 Chapter 19 part 2 Lets find out Bradds weakness! Time to set out on a Bradd learning tour! but I am worriedhes going to go too far. When I mess things up, I dont want others to see it either. You cant fool this womans eyes! Awwooo! I pointed out towards where Bradd went and urged. I guess theres no way out of thislets go see him in secret. She looked a bit anxious, but she held me and we went off to see what Bradd was doing. From the nursery on the second floor there was a corridor that led down a massive Y shaped staircase into the atrium saloon. You can see the garden beyond the massive windows. In the middle of that is the pond where that idiot Bradd almost drowned. Its not artificial, but is just a bigger dug out area of the pond that was originally there, big enough that you can row a small boat around in. Now the garden is desolate due to lack of care, but the little hills, paths, and plantings would have made it appropriate for a landscape painting back in the day. How much money would you spend on a painting for it now though? I guess water in the middle does make it look like a Romalian style painting though, right? Originally, the guests that visited this residence would breathe in this massive entrance hall, climb the stairs and then look down on the magnificent saloon spread before them, gazing beyond into the carefully tended-to garden in the windows beyond. It probably was a praise-worthy sight. Now, all the decorations of the saloon have been peeled away. A piteous sight. No paintings. Poor furnishings. Some chairs and tables for servants. No balance on the left and right sides, and the furnishings all rattle with age. Its a wild spectacle when you let the gardens, lawns, and hedges grow however they want! Its going back even farther than the old Romalian civilization, back into the primitive ages! Fatherdo you want your guests to return home quickly? If they visit such a mansion, theyll sigh sadly, wondering if any other aristocrat would dare to visit. In my previous 108 lives, my family was very wealthy. My dad rarely came to the house, but the servants were always busy and hustling about. Oh, theres Bradd. His little maid skirt was flapping around a tree a little while from a terrace. We sneaked down to the terrace from an exit beside the saloon. We didnt want Bradd to notice us, stop, and then disappear. And Marys the only one holding mebut its fun peeping on him. I was actually excited to see what was happening. And Bradd seemed in a good mood too, so I think hed forgive us. its like a secret missionkind of thrilling, mistress. Marys getting into this as well. I forgot all about this, but Mary was quite curious as well. What are you doing, you two! I told you dont come! Bradd was so focused on what he was doing, he hadnt noticed us, he jumped and then shouted at us. His face was totally different. I had never seen him so scared before. Go back to the mansion! Theres no time, dammit! He moved in a blur, so fast you couldnt see him well. Dont bite your tongues! Waa? Kyaaa! He jumped at us, grabbed us, and jumped with us into the building. It was like being caught in a tornado. Then there was a strange rumble. I saw what happened over Marys shoulder! Where Bradd was standing was a pillar of fire that was big enough to engulf people. It rose like a fountains while sparks flew upwards. Then the tree in the center ignited and burned. The trunk of the tree burned with a popping sound. It was a close call. If Bradd hadnt grabbed us, we would have been caught at least by the enormous heat. The scattering sparks reached as far as the mansion and sizzled as it hit the walls. I was horrifiedthis was a phenomenon that wasnt an ordinary fire. it was a Romalian Flame Flower More like a flame thrower. It terrified me because I had seen it times again during my 108 lives. It was a secret explosive by the Lawless Crew. It looks like a small amount of sand, but when triggered, it spews out flame and melts iron. Its made of iron powder and malachite, and was feared more than a massive warship. Every country tried to reproduce it, but failed miserably. Romalia once used these flames to burn and destroy ships and sailors. It explodes when water is sprinkled on it, and burns armor like paper. Theres no way to extinguish the fireit burns like the flames of hell. After Romalia was destroyed, the memory of its horrors still remained legendary. People recall seeing ships burning like candle wicks on the ocean. This is why the weapon is called the Romalian Flame Flower. The Lawless Crew use it as a suicide attack. When they are hunted down, the Flame Flower engulfs the pursuing forces and explodes. Many of my own heavy armored men were burned beyond recognition. It pains me to recall it. And as I said, the thickest armor didnt protect you. The high heat boils whatever is inside the iron plating of armor, steaming flesh and skin inside. No human can survive. Are you injured?! Either of you?! Bradd jumped up and asked us with wide open eyes. Mary got back up and nodded, saying in a soft voice, Braddburning Whoa! Bradd looked down to see a ray of white smoke rising from his skirt and quickly patted out the burning spark. In the center of the skirt was a burnt hole that pierced through the skirt. The sparks had burned through it easily. Aoaaahh! I was shaking. My vision was blurred. I didnt want him to go to such extremes. That flame flower is a secret technique of his clan, after allonly allowed for suicide attacks. It was banned as a weapon of aggression, so anyone using it so would not only be cast out but hunted down by the clan. And Bradd was no exception. It seems that Bradd was prepared to throw his own life away, even though we just met. Stop that face, munchkindont cry. I didnt want to scare you. Bradd said smiling and looking at my face. No Im not crying because of fear. I reached out my little hands and grabbed onto Bradds hair with a pull. I pulled and cried out. Its so frustrating that I still cant use words. Hey, Ive only known you for 2 weeks, but Ive talked to you many times in my 108 lives, and I know what kind of person you are. Im your enemy, but I know who you really are. Whenever you sacrifice yourself, you act like nothings going to happen so no one will know. Youre too nice of a guy! When the other four heroes were attacked, you always tried to attract the enemies away so theyd escape. Youd get far away, make sure they were okay, and then breathe a sigh of relief. And now youre trying to still carry everything on your back again. Trying to protect us, even with the cruelest means. You think that Im going to be happy? Have you even thought about all the feelings about what you did?! So I grabbed and messed up his hair. But Bradd, using the heart-stopping technique, did alert the Shylocks men about the fact that he was a member of the Lawless Crew. Even so, there are two types of enemies that never stop attacking you. A fool that doesnt understand his strength, and a powerful person that will use all their strength. You read my thoughts? Who are you really? Are you He looked at me with surprise, but seriously. I guess theres no hiding it. I have a bad feeling about thisits been too long since a Shylocks attack, and the next enemy might be stronger than me. I never mistake a feeling like this. Shylock would try to settle this problem I caused, before my father found I was born. The reason why theyre taking so long to attack is that theyre sure the method they will use next will absolutely work. So Bradds probably right. Bradds thinking worse-case-scenario. In the case it really becomes an emergency, hell attack that enemy and sacrifice himself. I wont lose C dont look so worried. Even when youre planning to blow yourself up?! You numbskull! Why am I this powerless baby in this important time?! If I were an adult, I could at least protect myself! And Im the problem, the reason for this all. If I could at least talk! Even though I always call you a monkey, I know youre going to be a beautiful and gentle princess. Bradd untied the ribbon on his head as he gently pulled my hand from his hair. He then took the ribbon and folded it, and tied it around my own head. I can guarantee it. I never miss this type of premonition. He was a kind kid, and now he wasnt teasing me anymore. This is who he truly is. And he took my hand, knelt, and kissed the back of my hand. Then he looked up and grinnedI could almost see the adult Bradd there. Fighting for the princess is the true soul of a man. You must bless me as you would a knight. I swear that I wont use such an attack as that flame flower unless absolutely necessary. Ill use my own strength to fight as long as I have it. Then he winked at me mischievously. mistress Mary tried to prompt me. I wiped my tears and nodded to him. owwaahh oaahhh wahhhoo Your loyalty had been duly noted. May God bless your noble soul and I entrust my future to you. but I cant say so in this damn baby language! Did he understand me? I see, mistress, leave it to me. He understood! Bradd stands up, and in the back lighting of the garden, he suddenly looked bigger and more dependable. He wasnt a 10 year old boy now, but like an adult, laughing in the sun. The only thing that messed the whole scene up was that damn maid outfit. And Im pretty sure I can win with my own strength. He said with powerful conviction. It wasnt something that calmed him either, now he was devoted to defeating the enemy, and he added, Your mother, Cornelia is much stronger than you think. The Skylocks have no ideawhich is another joker in the deck. He said with a grin. Mary looked at me, and I looked at her. I was familiar with my mothers archery skills. Still its pretty hard to believe that someone like Bradd, the eldest son of the Lawless Crew would mention it. But he had said it. And when I visited her later, I was reminded that Bradds opinion was correct. Chapter 21.1 Time goes backwards from the day that the Duke embarked on his secret mission. ?????????????????? The three old warriors looked like triplets. No one was on this road, it was covered in darkness. But these men and their good eyes walk in the inky night without lights. The roads, built by the ancient Romalia civilization were still intact despite years of wind, snow, and wear. Same as these old men. This is a pleasant night breeze. Sure, but how about going a having a drink with me at home. Stop it. If you two start drinking at his home, itll be morning before you know it. These old warriors spent half of their lives on the battlefield. Liquor for celebrations, liquor for making up after fights, liquor in morningbasically, liquor when every they could fit it in their schedule. Liquor chases away weakness, and is the water of the blood, iron, and anger found in the battlefield. This was the way these old warriors lived. They were not very tall, but their bodies were large, even when hidden by long cloaks. And the fur that lined the top of the cloak spread out, making their upper backs look even larger. They had a sly and formidable look of wolverines. Maybe because of all those years of survival? And that thick cloak spread down to their sturdy boots. Not so much a cloak, but perhaps more of a cape. Tied about their neck like a parka, there were holes from which their arms could move freely. And if you looked carefully at the cloakyou could see it was carefully oiled to stand against the rain. You often had to sleep outdoors in a battlefield, so they slept in this cloakit was armor, clothes, and a bed. They used it extensively even in peacetime. They tied their long hair behind them in careless braids while the lower halves of their faces were covered with long and formidable beards. When lined up, the men all looked to have the same face. Fortunately, they had three different hair and beard colors: white, black, and brown, so it was easy to tell who was who. The old warriors were a bit tipsy and in a good mood. Well, its been a little since I got a bit drunk like this. Bobby, with a black beard, said, exhaling like a bellows. But his legs were still sturdy and did not falter. In order to make these men heavily drunk, a tavern would have to pry open a barrel of drink. They could all drink so much, it was almost a fearsome amount. The Duke entrusted me to protect his wife. HE took my hand and told me personally. The brown-bearded Bill said to the others. He recalled the scene, and perhaps a bit touched, wiped a tear from his eye. He didnt rely on you, but me! Black-bearded Bobby said with a look back. What are you talking about, old man? Youre senile! Brownbeard Bill said with a wide smile, and Bobbys face changed. You got some nerve calling ME senile. Why dont you see how senile I AM!? Black-beard squeezed his fist and took a step forwards. Sure! I said it already! Come get me if you can! Ill show you myself! And so this touchy quarrel continued between the black and brown-beards, while the white-beard was silent, then sighed and said, Stop. He entrusted all three of us with his wife, correct? We cannot betray him. We must work together. Dont be mistaken. We three warriors of Hydrangea shouldnt besmirch our own names. These were the words of white-beard, Brian, as the others looked at him and seemingly lost their tempers. Thats rightin our name. As long as we work together, we wont allow any enemy to pass. They hit each others shoulders and laughedthey had survived the battlefields together for decades, after all. Fighting together as three men, but so in tune with one another that they seemed to fight as one. Such old friends as well, that they have no hesitation in quarreling. These men had a relationship where fights were just part of being friends. They were employed by the Duke of Wilhelmthe father of Scarlet, the Crimson Duke. Three veteran warriors, called the Hydrangea Three. Bobby with a black beard, Bill with brown, Brian, white. The three had served in the Royal Guard for many years in Wilhelm territory. Originally they had served under the Crimson Dukes grandfather, the popular Lord Wilhelm. With that connection, they often served in military operations with the young future Duke, the grandson of their Lord. They were under the direct control of the Royal Guard, but they loved the young future Duke so much that at his behest they would join him for whatever military skirmish he was about to perform. Even when the young future Duke called them to kill off the demon dogs 10 years ago, the royal family had to grin and tolerate losing their men to the Dukes charge. All three were retired and now lived comfortable lives. Because the reason they retired is we lost in one on one combat to the Royal Guard captain, but they still had quite some fighting ability. The Royal Guard was Hydrangeas most formidable unit of warriors. The captain of the Royal Guard was so strong, not even the Vice-captain could make a dent in his armor. So after the battle with the Royal Guard captain, the three left as one, and the king scrambled to retain the three. These three strongest men of the kings army were not going to be allowed to run to the Duke. The king stopped them, but it was only for a time. Finally, the royal family allowed the men to retire, but absolutely refused to give permission to them to become vassals of the Duke of Wilhelm. Even their entry into his mansion was prohibited. All three men were indignant, but still obeyed the crowns decree. The Crimson Duke always seemed to be away from his own land on the crowns orders. Furthermore, the Dukes father, the marquis of Vygod, was a tyrant in Wilhelm before, so the people hated him. It wasnt strange that once or twice the people attempted to revolt while the Duke was away. Being the Hero of Hydrangea made you a prominent figure. You have a lot of enemies both inside and outside your realm. So these three warriors, the faces of Wilhelm territory, took the role of suppressing any revolts or rebellions outside of the mansion in order to help the Duke. Even the Shylock Company were not able to intervene with Wilhelm with them around. Although they had no place in the court of nobility, they were a fearsome and powerful force. The Crimson Duke relied on them fully and had complete confidence in their actions. Thats why he was reassured about them protecting her, though she was pregnant and near birth. Hey, I wonder if this child will be able to use the mounted arts like the Duke. Blackbearded Bobby squinted his eyes and asked. The mounted arts was a fighting style that was passed down through generations in Wilhelm where man and horse fight as one. A horse is a huge mass of muscles. The power they create far outclasses a puny human. So the mounted arts uses the kinetic energy of the horse by channeling it into a long staff held by the rider in a specific, trained motion. There are iron strips wrapping the long staff with an iron tip as well. No sword is able to cut the staff this way. With the powerful motion of the force added to the swing of the staff, the destructive power is extraordinary. One blow could shatter armor, break a sword, and blow away pikemen like sawdust. The Crimson Duke was invincible on the battlefield because of this tactic. The power of this staff swung downwards onto an army was nearly comparable to a multi-horse cavalry charge. A single man on a skilled horse could turn away an enemy in fear and rejuvenate an almost defeated ally. Thats why the epithet of Hero given to the Duke was not just a name. Hmm, I wonderthat lad of Vygod never learned it. Brownbeard Bill cricked his neck. For these three men, the Marquis of Vygod was also treated like a youth. The only good thing about him is that he gave us the Duke. And they had good reason to slander the Marquis. The mounted arts are a divine skill in which one must have natural talent, courage, and a skilled horse. One must release both hands from holding to the horse yet stay physically united with it, mind and breath as one, and perform difficult movements in a battlefield where arrows are flying left and right. Not everyone can do it. In fact, the art could have died with the Marquis. Fortunately, there were men to teach the Duke, who showed talent at a young age, so it was a miracle that the Marquis was skipped. The three old men despised the Marquis, whose only talent was stripping Wilhelm of its valuable resources. And they had a grudge because the man had sullied their land. I hope such a fool is never born again to the Lingard family. Whitebeard Brians view of the Marquis was also harsh. Well, with the pus of that familys lineage drained into that one contemptible man, the bloodline should run pure for 300 years. And that was said with a frown. Im sure the child will be a master of the mounted arts just like the Duke! And when the child grows, I will serve him myself. I will teach him the way of the battlefield. What nonsense, fool of a whitebeard! It doesnt matter if my beards black or white! Its my role as a man! The three men were about to butt heads again, but they soon were back as friends. Swearing at one another, but eyes laughing. They were all excited to see what the child of the Duke would look like. Hee heeeeunfortunately, your wishes wont come true A strange high laughter interrupted the threes bickering. They instantly jumped back and alertly surveyed where the sound came from. From the darkness in front of them, an old hunchback emerged. The reason whyis that all three of youwill die here. He said, mocking them with an evil look. Chapter 21.2 Chapter 21 p2 The three men roared at the hunchback when they saw his crushed eye, the master of the Juohdah Demon Dogs! Im honored to be remembered. But you have gone senile The hunchback said with a despising look. What the Unlike normal, they would usually plunge into battle whenever there was a threat. But in every word of this hunchback was a malicious intent that seemed so strange. Senile I saySee? You didnt even notice that my precious child Gallam is behind you Wha?! Bill! Behind you! Brownbearded Bill spun while whitebearded Brian shouted to him. There was a demon dog with the body of a bull looking down at him with eyes glimmering like the fires of hell. The three were terrified to find that the beast had circled behind them without them noticing. They used to hunt these dogs when commissioned by the Duke, but the didnt remember seeing one like this. The demon dogs fangs flashed. It had a massive maw that opened wide. There was also a sickening smell. My employer wanted to interfere at the Dukes mansion, but youre in the way. The hunchback laughed. Brownbearded Bills head was surrounded by clenched fangs. Hah! First, Im alone! My masterpiece Gallam loves no other than me. The dog master laughedbut then his smile grew wider. which of us are senile!? Dont underestimate we three warriors! Bills fearless smile reemerged. Brownbearded Bill caught the maw of the dog with his two gauntleted hands and held open the demon dogs fangs. The dog attempted to jump back as Bill squeezed towards him with something sharp on his gauntlet. Yeah, you think well die, now that we know your plan? The hidden sword! The demon dog master growled. The hidden sword was a battlefield style in which an opponent is blocked with armor and stabbed using a close-distance stabbing blade. Rough and simple, but a powerful attack. The three warriors gauntlets are specially made with a small steel plate sewed inside. It serves as a sharp blade. Ive learned well from you. I remember how you injured us last time. Good job, Bill! And we dont carry swords this time, but one handed sickles. The brownbeard laughs, while the other men put their hands inside their cloaks and pull out sickles. They have an unusual thickness, unable to be broken even if it hits a two handed sword or armor. Carrying a whetstone with them, these three warriors could rampage through the battlefield while keeping the sickle sharp. As the brownbeard held on to the dog Gallam, the other two men rushed it with their sickles. Tch. The demon dog master said, clicking his tongue. He quickly then threw a knife. Silver streaks flash in succession. Hmph! Brian, rushing the dog with his white beard, tries to avoid the blade by flipping out his cloak. A metallic sound echoed and the knife fell to the ground. The cloak had chainmail sewed into it and couldnt even be penetrated by arrows. Then, Get outta here! Gaah! Brian spun off his cloak and slammed the heavy thing into the dogs master. That heavy defensive cloak was also made to defend against swords and weapons. The shape of the dog master that about to attack the men with knives was hit, and then blown back. Got you! Drop dead! The two old warriors flashed their sickles towards the left and right sides of the dog. It was as quick as lightning; they aimed at the carotid artery of the demon dog. Whoa! Whaa? The two sickles cut the sky C the dog had disappeared. There was a strange crunching sound. No knowing what happened, they stumbled a bit, stunned. Im above you! No time to wait around! They heard Bills voice descending toward them. Then he hit the ground. Brian and Bobby had looked up and froze as they assessed what had happened. They then understood what had happened. Gallam, the demon dog, had thrown Bill in the air and then jumped away to dodge the sickles. The old warriors were shocked by the demon dogs speeddid the thing grow wings? Its not a beast, but a monster. Damn old men! Kill them all! Gallam! The master jumped back up with an angry and bloody face. He clasped his hand to his bloody forearm and shouted at his dog. The body of the demon dog Gallam, still in the air, seemed to swell several times larger. Bill rolled and got up next to the two men, and whispered to them, My left arm got bitten. Look, no way I can use thiswhat a monster. The gauntlet with the sewed in blade was now hanging from his arm like a rag. The elbow of his left arm was exposed. The strange sound was the sound of Bills arm being bitten. All in one bite. Wow. Thats horrific. Brian whitebeard looked over and sighed to himself. We might have to die in this fight. Should have drunk another barrel of liquor before this. Prepare to die to protect the Dukes lady and child. Things will work out even without the booze. This isnt a lost fight. Blackbeard Bobby pulls at his beard. Thats true, but not bad to die this way either. The three warriors laughed together. We have to show our kid Duke what old gramps can do. This is the first time our enemy has given the gramps a run for their money. Instead, lets serve this dog up as an appetizer for some drinks, and then serve it some flowers to its grave. Even so, with their understanding, they knew how fierce this new dog Gallam was. There was no going home. I and Bobby will stop him. Even with one arm, I have enough to grab him. Then you finish him, Brian. Without moving an eyebrow, brownbeard Bill said, the three nodded, raised their fists and bumped them together. See you later, you rotten scum of a friend. Well have a drinking party in the next world. Then, lets make this happen quickly. As soon as they finished laughing together, the massive shadow of the demon dog Gallam covered over them. The wind swirled. The sounds of violent crashing. The three and one became one lump and like a whirlwind spun on the ground. The center of that wing was the demon dog, while the three men were almost like powerless children. It was a desperate battle. And within a short amount of time, the area became silent again. Blackbeard Bobby had grabbed a leg of the demon dog with one hand and his sickle was piercing the ground in the other. The sickle was stuck, blocking the demon dog from moving. Blackbeards eyes were empty as his neck was ripped to shreds. But the face had the look of a calm death, who did not doubt the victory of the other two in the end. He still gripped tight, even though he was gone. The right shoulder of brownbeard Bill was terribly bitten C his shoulder and arm bones were exposed. Having lost his sickle he had used his body to stop the fangs of the beast. Until he died, he wouldnt stop in sacrificing himself for the others, just so his friend could deliver the blow. And Brian the whitebeard clasped the sickle in his hands, jumped forwards, and roared. In response to the opportunity his comrades had given him, he flung his body toward the heart of the demon dog Gallam. He was aiming for three sets of ribs, next to the forefoot of the beast, a key location for four-legged animals. The sickle could easily slice through the skin of a bear, it was the bones that needed strength to cut. But the sickle was strangely knocked back. Brians eyes opened wide in surprise. Theres no way! He muttered, stunned. The tip of his sickle was chipped. The sickle had kept its shape, but his arm was paralyzed from the deflection of the blow. That was no living beast that he had hit. Upon looking carefully, he saw that the skin of the beast was slightly different. its wearing armor! Chapter 22.2 Chapter 22 part 2 My mother-in-law, who should have protected her daughter-in-law, instead incited the others to attack me more. I stared at her coldly, because she should have been my salvation. The insults and ridicule would have stopped instantaneously. Ive never been surrounded by a group of humans that were so cruel C treating me as a spectacle rather than a fellow noble. So I still tried to smile, biting my lip. But before I knew it, tears were streaming down my facebut even so, I did it with a smile. There was nothing else I could imagine to be the correct way. I was helpless. That smile was as immovable as the mask of smiles they wore in return. I at least tried to protect my dresshow could I apologize to Wendell for what happened to it? And so their attention turned to what I was trying to protect, mocking and belittling the dress. I thought with all this laughter of theirs, theyd be done. That they would release me. Thats all I wished forbut it didnt come true. How much time passed? Someone yanked my ankle from behind me and I fell face-flat to the floor. I heard their whispering voices get louder. And in my despair, I realized what was next. They never enjoyed just defeating others completely. I could see from the corner of my eye a new game they had prepared for me. A pigs head and a bucket of blood and gutsa lit candlestick. I could hear them laughing and saying that they were ready for the main eventand I was screaming inside my heart like a small child. HELP! IM SCARED! SCARED! SOMEONE HELP! Wendell! Father! I could feel my mouth opening to scream the words, but no sound emerged, because my vocal cords were frozen with fear. I realized how a hunted animal must feeldying quietly in such despair and loneliness. They put a pigs head on top of my headand its slobber and blood reached my eyes, burning. The smell almost made me vomitand they repeated this over and over. These red-bloods continued this theater, as I was in shock and couldnt move. I was covered in pigs blood, and they danced around me, laughing. Cruel like a child, malicious like an adult. Crazy, dancing silhouettes. An endless nightmare. I finally understood what my father and Wendell had told me. I should have listenedbut I was too naive. YOU BASTARDS! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! My husband then rushed in, telling, but I didnt have the courage even to standI was just curled up in a ball. If I stood, I would have looked even more ridiculous. He was just shaking and biting his thumb, looking at me as if I had curled up in a childlike defense. If he had arrived later, I would have passed out. I heard his long-awaited voice, and attempted to scream for help. But just a weak plea emerged. He rushed over, pushing some of the nobles to the side. Cornelia!! I could hear him practically screaming to me. Then he picked me up, and my tears fell, as I finally received the salvation I had pined for. My throat was so thick from shock, I couldnt hardly respond. I triedto do my bestto be seenas your duchessbut Thats all I could say. I know! Youre my wife, better than any other! You did nothing wrong! That! Wendell now held me up in one arm. I heard his swords scabbard ring. His other hand was angrily gripped onto the handle of his sword. He was willing to cut everyone there into pieces. I looked up and could see his eyes red with that furious fire. YouveDESECRATED MY TREASURE IN LIFEYOU!! In his rage, he had no words to express himself. But you could feel savage anger erupt from his body and fill the room. The vortex of ridicule that I had endured was now reduced to silence. All the nobles had retreated to the walls of the hall, faces filled with fear. My mother and father-in-laws terrified face made me realize Wendell was serious. Stop! Wendell! Please! I reached out to his hand on the pommel of his sword. No matter how exalted the name Crimson Duke is in this kingdom, you cant do this without reprisal. And it was I, after all, that had ignored his advice. Could I allow his future destroyed because of my foolish mistake? I cried to him and begged. I held onto that pommel with my whole body, not allowing it to be removed from its scabbard. He stepped over to these red-bloods with those burning eyes, but eventually retreated. It was because my face was pale as one dead. He chose to take me home as soon as he could because of that pallor, instead of slaughtering all of them right then and there. So he picked me up and we left, the astounded servants quickly opening the bar. He only turned once to glare at them a final time with those eyes of firethen he never looked back, and we left. Because of that, I never received any word or note from a red-blood again. Exceptfor his father-in-law. Only one thing I received after that dinner party. On the way back in the carriage, Wendell held me and continued to apologize, even after we arrived home. He desperately wiped my face and hair and didnt let anyone else touch me but himself. His clothes and face were covered in the blood and soil that covered me. Im sorry, Cornelia! Im sorry! And no matter how much he apologized, this proud man cried tears over me. It was the first time I saw him do so. It hurt metore at my chest. This proud hero was lessened by my stupidity. I am truly sorry. You are not at fault. Please dont apologize. Everything was due to my carelessness. Im okay. Fine. But Im sorryIve dirtied the dress you gave me. I cherished it. It was a fond memory of our love. But it can be cleaned! Ill clean it! My voice choked. I couldnt stop crying. It was my treasure! Cornelia! Its not the dress that matters. That treasure of yours is the trust you have of other people, and theyve destroyed ithow can I get it back?! We cried and hugged each other. After a while, I slowly was able to regain my composure. However, I never attended a gathering of nobles again. Just hearing that there was one made my legs weak and I was unable to walk. Many times at night I jumped up from nightmares about it. My heart was broken. I would vomit many times a day. And Wendell, worried, never left me. It was extraordinarily painful, as I didnt want to be a burden on him. And I tried to express this to him, that he didnt have to worry over me so muchand those words themselves hurt. I tried to prove to him that I was finebehaved like a noble wifehe spoke differently to me and was more careful around meand he would look down sadly when he spoke to me. I also abandoned my bow. There is fiend in the ancestry of my family, the Melvilles. A woman called the devils arrow, the devils hunter, who could assassinate enemies with the bow. The Melvilles inherited the poisoned arrow that she used to use. It was a secret technique allowing you to easily take a human life. Such was the wound in my heart that I received from those red-bloodsthey did not heal. And I knew that they would one day become a grudge. I may not have much talent for noble sensibilities, but I do know the bow and arrow. I feared that one day, out of revenge, that fiend would awaken in me and run out for revenge. I could see that Wendell was sadly enduring my pain as he attempted to serve as a noble himself. I love you as you are, so it hurts to see you like this. He would say in so few words. So a schism formed between us. We both loved each other, but an invisible wall formed between us, and its frustrating to be separated, though we are together. The blood, wine, and such didnt come out of the dress eitherit was never restored. But if I could have a child, then it would go back to normal. I expected that to happen, but only time passed. Even through countless seasons of changing leaves, no child arrived. From time to time, my mother and father-in-law would visit, mock me as useless, and urge him to take a concubine. Each time Wendell would rage and drive them away. I cried. Not being able to help him was so frustrating. All I can do is vex him. If I could just be by your side. His comforting kindness always pierces me with happiness. But then those days of disappointment came to an endI was pregnant. Wendell was obviously overjoyed. We held hands again and laughed together for the first time in a long time. Happy days had returned and the world brightened. I had finally helped him. He would listen for the childs heartbeat through my tummy. I told him that it was too early in the pregnancy to hear anything, and he just laughed at his own haste to hear it. All of our cares disappeared like a mornings mist. We returned back into that close relationship againbut of course, all happy times Anyway, at first I was reluctant to show my pregnant body to Wendell, but he wouldnt let me escape his arms. He held me closely and dear, so as not to put any strain on my body. Mornings then were so peaceful, awakening to his smell, his warmth. From the time my tummy began to show, he began to leave for work frequently, but I didnt doubt the reason why. Even when he was given a royal order that lasted for two months, when I was expected to deliver, and he said he couldnt return until then. I am sorry. I cant even reveal what this royal order is. But believe this, I will be back by your childs birth. Then I will devote all to you and my child. He said it with a sad look in his eye. He kissed me, looking full of regret, and then left. My peaceful life continued for five more days. Then there was a new person in the kitchen. Chapter 22.3 Chapter 22 part 3 I wasnt feeling well, probably because of anxiety as Wendell is no longer with me. But its still a long time until he returnsI must stay strong. And just when I was re-steeling myself with determination, my father-in-law shows up. The memories of that nightmare night reignited. Cold sweat covered my forehead. poor with your greetingas usual. The mother-in-law said to me with a sneer. Shameful that a woman like you should have a child of Lingard blood. She said loudly again and snarled, slapping at my abdomen with her cane. I was shocked, I covered my belly and turned, and the next hit struck my back. Just an old lady though, so no real power. But I had no idea why these people could be so nasty. Greeting your husbands father, ass-forward? Is that how they do it in the country? I guess you really cant just raise someone from the lower classes. Hit again, strongly in the back, I turned to see that now it was the father-in-law that had hit me with his cane. Even though he was elderly, he still hit me with brute force. I almost stopped breathing due to the pain. I couldnt believe it. The child of Wendell was inside of me. And my father is not some subordinate as well. Since the loss of my mother, he was proud of me and kind with me, raising me himself. Such a thankless woman. She probably doesnt even have the child of Wendell inside her. Instead, she probably slutted herself out to a butler when he was away? The mother-in-law said with a snort. With all that talk, I finally snapped. And it wasnt just the slander directed to me, but to my Wendell as well. Dont they even notice? I stopped trying to contain myself, and tore into both of them, I am Wendells WIFE! Wed never betray one another! Heh, well, I am the mistress of Wendellseems as though your love is unrequited. Behind the marquis of Vygod was a gaudy dressed woman who suddenly spoke to me. Her boobs were practically spilling out of a dress, making it hard not to look at themshe really must be proud of her body. It was a gorgeous dress, but no one would wear such a thing to travel in during the daytimeI may not know nobles, but even that was obvious. She also was covered in tacky jewelry and gold that made her look even more slutty. Like some kind of poisonous mothwas my impression. Mistress? I knew that Wendell disliked that type of woman the most. I was taken aback. No matter how he that this woman were connected, it made no sense. And the fact that she was searching for my reaction was also disturbing. I am Ambrosine Shylocknice to meet youMadam. She greeted me with distorted, crimson lipslips that looked like blood was smeared on them. And I knew the Shylock name. Notorious rich commoners. Their financial ownings were said to surpass the crowns. And I also had seen Ambrosines mocking eyes before. She had those same eyes as the other red-blood nobles. Eyes that judge and look down on others. I thought of the bow and arrow I had stowed away, and I turned pale. The devil was tempting me. Even with the bow shut away, I knew that Wendell had taken good care of it. All I had to do was string it and use it immediately. Your beloved husband is staying at my mansion. That whole trip of his is a ruse. What Miss Ambrosine says is true. Because you cant keep Wendell in this shabby mansion foreverhes a hero after all. You could have at least been high-class enough to keep this garden and mansion looking decent. When I was here, it was a glorious place. What the hell are they trying to say? Werent THEY the ones that destroyed this territory and this mansion? And Wendell would never betray me. Youre right. There is a limit to frugalityI mean, excuse me. You are a duchess and a model of chasteness. If youd like, I can offer some of my clothes for you to improve your look? Looking at me from top to bottom, Ambrosine laughed. I could feel my face get hot. Wendell was a far better man than these overtaxing vultures. I am proud of Wendells noble way of living, so what do these people know? You cant even call her a wife. Makes you want to spit. A woman like this has no idea how to dress herself. Im just glad my son had the sense to finally leave her. Beasts like this, when cornered, are far stronger than normal people. She should do us a favor and miscarry. Heh heh, dont worry, Ill have the Dukes child soon. Then Ill be able to be closer to you two. It will make things more flexible for you. Ambrosine said, while the Vygods smiled in greedy joy. What horrific smiles. All they wanted was funding from the Shylocks. Ill be looking forward to it. You Shylocks will finally be awarded a noble title. In that case, I have to think of the successor. We can keep this child in her belly in case theres an emergency. My vision was turning red as the anger within me burned into a conflagration. Did these three idiots just stop here to mock me? And the life Im about to give birth to? Ill shoot all three of you deadI mean itits easy. Three arrows. Thats all I need. Since they have no heavy fur protecting them, all it takes is a single shot for each. They dont treat me as human, after allso I wont treat them like one either. They are all verminand vermin must be eliminated to protect other humans. So lets see! Maybe I should show you what happens to prey that attacks without fangs or claws! I was just about to run and grab my bow, when the rain began to pour mercilessly. I was stunned at my own rage when my sanity suddenly returned to me. What was I trying to do?! I cant wait any longer! If you give birth, even if a boy that can succeed or a girl that cant, you will divorce him immediately! You hear?! The wife of the marquis than hurried into the carriage. I wouldnt recognize a boy born to this barbarian as a grandchild, hmph! Then the marquis followed her. I dont think youll be rewarded as such. I wonder how much longer she can stay sanesuch a sad sight. She whispered to me and left, so only Ambrosine and I could hear. I had no idea what she meant, but it was dripping with venom. Then she disappeared into the carriage with a high, piercing laugh. All three people inside, the carriage then tore off to the gate. With the sound of rain fading, I noticed I was soaked. I couldnt hardly move, and not out of dislike or fear. I was a second from running inside and killing them, There was a horrifying fiend that lived inside of me, after all. And so I stood there stunned until the old gatekeepers ran over and rushed me indoors. ?????????? Maybe because I stood in the rain so long, I got sick. My head hurt and there was pain in my chest. I couldnt forget those cold eyes of my mother-in-law, who had hit my stomach. Instead, she probably slutted herself out to a butler when he was away? Those words from my father-in-law stuck in my head. I guess you really cant just raise someone from the lower classes. If you give birth to a girl, then you divorce immediately. Those words repeated in my mind. I was so irritated. It was strange. I dont think youll be rewarded as such. I wonder how much longer she can stay sanesuch a sad sight. I noticed Ambrosines words and thought them over. An alarm rang in my mind, but I refused to really think it through. I felt so sick I couldnt even walk straight. I was so suspicious of Wendell, who I never doubted before, it swelled before me like a huge, strange cloud. Why didnt he tell them to not visit me under any terms? Hes their kid, right? Had he abandoned me? Was I too much of a burden for him? If so, that story about the mistress might be true. No, it must be. I was deceived as usual as Im just too kind. Everyone is an enemy. Not one to help me. Why am I the only one in such pain? It seems as if everyone in this world ridicules and mocks me. I could only think of the worst things that could happen to me. I was going insane. Chapter 23.1 - Alisa born…what? Now that’s an omin Chapter 23 Part 1 C Alisa bornwhat? Now thats an ominous subtitle. Maybe this is big trouble?! [Storyteller C Alisa] I am Alisa. Alisa Diamante Noel Fontine heh heh, yeah, well, now its Fontine. The Fontine family. The family of a weak noble on the border of the frontier with only loyalty to the crown to offer. The idiots in the royal family pushed us away because I was such a troublesome person. Im relieved that everythings settled down now. And the fact that the Fontine family never knew that the eight oldest families of the Red-Bloods would betray them. What idiots. A bunch of sparrows relieved because the baby hawk is far from her mamas nest. You have the chance to kill me now, after all. Just strangle me while you can. They sent me to the Fontines, where I was under the patronage of the four families, so no one could interfere with me getting older. After thatyes If I was allowed to grow to age 5 on my own, then no one would be able to kill me. I wonder why the royals let me go? Filial feelings? Pity? Heh heh, what fools. Dont think Im anything like my stupid, iron-masked father. And in exchange, Ill peck away at that oh-so-very-important princess of yours. Until I can grow and move around freely, you can enjoy that family affair for a little. Because the funeral of the princess will be the death knell of the royal house. Just hearing the blood-curdling cries of the king and queen sends a thrill up my spine. God! Kill me instead! I cant endure this misfortune! they probably said something like that. Im not dissatisfied. Im VERY satisfied. For you, its the first time, but its number 109 for me! Just close your eyes and let it happen. Its harder than failing at something. Youre all chess pawns, unable to avoid the control of my hands. YesI like seeing people suffer. Its fun to hear people sobbing in misery. Itsinteresting. When Im safe and watching other people go through trouble, my mouth flutters. The superiority of it alland the fact that Im safeits joyful. Everyone knows the feeling, right? Its like karma. No matter how people try to cover it up, you can still see their pain. And Im not ashamed by it. Human misery tastes as sweet as honey. Humans, like bees, flock to that nectar with delight. The ancient crowds in the coliseum never denied their desire to see misery. It was a flame that fueled the kingdom. It was I, after all, that created the greatest spectacle of warriors offing one another. They werent crazy, after all. They were quite sane. There were several wise men in the bunch. These pensive men of philosophy with excellent understanding of the human mind C and other nobles and celebrities that saw these fighters dieit took their breath away. Life is an expensive commodity, after all. Because we all understand the true value of a life, the ephemeral nature of it is like a glorious spark that is soon snuffed out. And so, allow me to teach you the correct way to watch this theater. No need for those disaffected masksjust be human. When the weak are crushed and cry out in pain, laugh! Have a good time! Enjoy looking down at the suffering of others! Their pain and woes are not meaningless! Theyve provided me with entertainment, after all! When a life is about to be extinguished, you see the true nature of people. Its that instant they take on their greatest role, and shine! Comedy, tragedy, satire, all people invigorate my soul with their vitality. So I fully enjoy seeing the misery of others. I dont waste any of their suffering and painnot a drop! Hah hah hah hah! EVERYONE! So sad to see what they go through! For example, I was glad at the death of that middling villainesse Ambrosineit was quite pitiful. She had no idea the little, short role that she was about to play. Just a little worm that played the jester for a moment. Hard to see a scene like the one after the Crimson Duke got revenge for his beloved, yet poisoned wife. I got to see it 108 times, and I STILL enjoy it. Its like a favorite comedy bit for me. What? You want to hear about it? So the Duke locked the tramp in one of Shylocks villas. The tendons on her ankles were slitso no escape. And with hot mercury poured down her throatno way to scream. She was supposed to have been the Dukes mistress, but now somehow became his prisoner! Think thats a boring revenge? Hee hee. It doesnt end therein fact, thats the beginning of the fun! The duke replaced all the villas servants, with members of families that Ambrosine had interfered with. He brought in poisons and cutlery for them to use at their own discretion. The poison that killed his beloved wife as well. And, he was nice enough to inform Ambrosine about this as well. All her servants were allowed to voice their complaintsalmost like some kind of customer service meeting from hellabout what she had done to them. They all heard one-anothers stories, and their rage and sadness amplified, and thus, now united, all burned in a mad fever for vengeance. How exciting! When this was over, after Ambrosine had been slapped around a bit, she was totally in fear of what the others would do to her. They removed all the keys to her bedroom and private bath.she was open to be killed at any time. No way to call for helpall other humans burning with a raging grudgeanyone could be your killer. Or maybe they were just poisoning her water little by little? She had no rest, even when her body collapsed into sleep. Her food was mixed with tiny needles! The water had an off color! Her face was already pale like the dead and oh! How! She! Shuddered! She probably ceased believing she was alive. And the duke encouraged them to whisper to her as they workedevery hourinto her ear. How cruelly you have robbed me of my beloved, bitch You can guess these grudges were never extinguishedbut only grew! Every day and night! Even as she attempted to sleep, they would whisper into her window. She would ask for forgivenessbut her voice would not emerge! She would even try to cover her ears or put a pillow over thembut they would simply pull them away and again, whisper! After a year, she tried to bite her tongue off and die, but sadly, she failed. She was a weak woman. If she was like that lovely Scarlet, she could have made it for 10 years. Scarlet sent down orders to kill knowing that she might be killed as a result. Different from my methods, but stillsimplerand still a lovely raging murderer herself. Heh heh, but I was talking about that wormAmbrosine. Her tongue was cut off, for humanitarian reasons. She couldnt speak anywayso it really doesnt matter. On a frozen night, her nightwear was removed, coal stacked to the ceiling, but the fire wasnt lit. The servants locked a feast in the room adjacent, so she could smell every single ingredient. And she could clearly see the feast through the window as well. She wanted to die so badly that they had stopped with the occasional poisons. And though she owned the villa, she was treated worse than a slave. Crawling on the floor like a worm with her ankles cutBUT! She lived for five years! She was finally forgiven! Such a blessing! Perhaps it was God himself that did it! That day, some things were brought into the villa with covers on them. The duke appeared at the villa in his formal weara long time he had done so. He stooped to the floor and watched the crawling Ambrosine slither with her dead eyes, and laughed happily. Come now, my dear! Lets go to the ball, together! She tried to run, as she knew what was to occur next, but he grabbed her by her hair as she silently attempted to scream and dragged her down the hall. Welcome!Good day!Enjoy the dance! The greetings and applause of the servants echoed as he dragged her down the hall. When the curtains were removed, there were countless mirrors, showing the piteously disgusting face and bodythe remnants of Ambrosine. Five years of constant blame and regret had aged her 30 years in only five. HAH HAH HAH! I wonder what her face looked like then! Probably something like all the despair and sorrow that a womans face could take! But even that wasnt enough of a punishment. Chapter 23.2 Villainess c23 part 2 What a poor, poor girl! You see, this day, the duke had removed the mirrors so that for five years Ambrosine couldnt see her face. And because she couldnt stand, she couldnt reach the ballroom to see her disgraceful appearance. And so, as the duke dragged her to the room, she had lost control of her bowels and left a trail of black shit down the corridor. Thinking this too much, the duke decided to set the woman free, pulling her to the exit like a weak sack of flesh, but it was too much for her. He looked down at Ambrosines corpse. You dead? He asked, not really caring. And releasing her, she tumbled lifelessly down the stairs of the entrance to the platform belowpoor, poor Ambrosine. The sun shone brightly into her open-mouthed gaze of the dead. Ethelreed, my friend. Ive avenged myself. Is she of any worth to you? When asked, Ethelreed threw a few copper coins at the body of Ambrosine. One of them happened to bounce into her open mouth. How ironic! She wasnt much of a real villain, but she was entertaining, to the very end. about that much. Ethelreed murmured to himself. When Ambrosine had killed Ethelreeds lover, she had ridiculed her death, but said that because of the coin, she had died happily. And these small bronze coins were even less than those put at his lovers corpse. I guess he had never forgotten his hate either. what a foolsister. He said, almost inaudible. Even through all of thathe still had some feeling for his relatives. Yet such a DEMON! It makes my heart flutter. Ethelreedthe vengeful demonwith a bit of kindness. I guess the poor Ambrosine never noticed. If she had any concern for Marie or the Dukes wifeshe might not have died. She might have been expelled from Hydrangea, but she would have still lived. She didnt even remember the names of the two women she had killedshe knew what fabrics she wore and jewels she had on, but not the names of those women she slew. For her, those names werent even worth remembering. So Duke and Ethelreed thought she wasnt worth letting live. All fools. Playing with human life is the greatest entertainment. When they disappear, the shine like the light of the brightest jewel. Ambrosine missed out on that, after all. A little worm like her had no aesthetic, no eye for tragedy. And so the families of those slain by her gathered with pitchforks around her. You all are so kind! I would have just thrown dirt on top of her! The duke said, laughing as they tore her to ribbons with their tools. They would heave her up after piercing her with a pitchfork and wiggle her around like she was still alive. Oh, what a beautiful final dancesorry she couldnt do it for the ballbut, its still well done. At least I will remember the story and your name, because it entertained me. And I kind of understand why you were killed. And my, that dukes smileexciting, like some sexy devil. Smiling at her limp yet dancing corpse, smiling at it all, like a beautiful, morbid portrait. A painting like that would catch my eye quicker than any masterpiece in the royal court. Thats why Ill always be the one that kills. It is soooooo worth it. Also, Ethelreed, that demon of revenge, is a sumptuous fellow as well. Devil and demontwo men suitable to be my prey. Men who went wild because of love. When I hunted these two, I couldntcontrol myselfmy excitement! My beloved playmates. And now theyre gonesoIm lonely. I wanted to play forever with them, but it was no goodbecause the real playmate I had in mind was Scarlet. Even though I look like this, it is my only objective. Like a candle with both sides of the wick burning, Scarlet and I will continue to burn, to dance And in order for that to happen, I have to get the other lovelies out of the way. There are five heroes besides you allfive guysit makes me laugh. Its just the name I gave them, five heroes, a perfect joke C none of them are heroes to me. They all try to kill Scarlet, and she responds by attacking back and then runs away! HAHAH HAH HAH! Hilarious! Theres no spectacle like it! Five poor heroes. And even poorer, Scarlet! If she knew the truth, I wonder what kind of face shed make?! Woohooo, how fun it is to think it over! ..? Hmmm. This 109th time seemed quite different though. The Duchess, Scarlets mother, survivedthe first clue. The fallen Corneliathat beloved Magic Archer. Scarlet never knew that her mother was a celebrity. Her heart was broken by the red bloods and she withdrew into her manor. She didnt die? I think I might need to be more cautious on how things proceed. What does it mean? Ah! Yes! My cute Scarlet! Just like me, you remember the last 108 lives! You know that you have only disgust for meoh well, were even this time. You havent even seen me yet, and all I can do is think about you! Heh heh, I guess I hate myself a bit for itkind of like you do. But I remember the past 108 times as well. Without knowing the past, you can never know the truth. Looks like Bradd and Seraphy might be on her side this time as well. Good. Instead of celebrating with you, Ill give them to you as a present. Im in a very KIND mood right now. Isnt it a pleasure to remember me from the beginning of your life? So what shall I do with the other three of the five heroes? Rudy, the Moonlight Noble. Less like the pale crescent moon, but thin, more like a maiden. And with that wolf of yourswill you choose man, or beast?! The Shadow Hunter Arnold. Angry but without focusalways trying to seek out deception with his sharp eyes. I wonder if those owl-like eyes will see through the darkness and will guide your arrow to truth this time. Scholar Solomon. Obsessed with knowledge and learning, loves poison and medicine. You are the closest to mewhat have the stars told you about your path? And those monsters of the four families. Such cute children. You all never got a shot at her during my previous 108 lives. The beloved freaks only I can tame. Id like to see the male of your group after a while as well. Heheh heh hehsuch fun. And Scarlet wants to withdraw away from us all. Foolthats unforgivable! Even if you destroy the whole of Hydrangea with flame, Ill make you play with me! Perhaps you can overlook that, since youre so popular. And serious Maybe all the future natural disasters that will occur are just in my mind. And the natural disasters that affected me as well. Tsunamis that swept away soldiers, locusts eating away the stores of the enemy armies, a huge earthquake that blocks an advance, a massive storm during an attack on an enemy base. The battle between you and I will be seen by others as a battle of the Gods. If you think youre going to be able to hide and avoid that, take another look. Heh heh, this time is going to be way more fun! And the demon dog Gallam? Yes, the masterpiece of the controller of those Juohdah demon dogsa massive mistake. They are truly a strong enemy now, but even if you were just born, you ARE Scarlet. You cannot die except from my plans. No matter how terrifying that dog may look, that dog has his day. And if you do ignore and get killed by the dog, well, just die once more and start again! I cant wait to see you again Scarletafter youve overcome those challenges. Lets start our little tango soon! Not only over Hydrangea, but involving all the neighboring countries! Let the flames burn high, and beautifully! We can throw all of our troops and towns into that fire, and make the illumination that accents our beauty! Everyone! Everything! Let the flame shine BRIGHT! [Storyteller C Cornelia] Oh, Madam, its too early to come here. You have to have two or three more children for us Lets end this silly fight among babysitters, men. The old men with a white, black, and brown beard say, laughing. They tap the sturdy wooden mugs theyre holding together. Sitting in a circle, they then happily take another swig. The time Ive been waiting for has finally arrived. Then the white beard gets angry at his partner. Why are you talking about that, you old fart! She worked hard to give birth to that princess! Yes, I know these three men. They were old warriors that fought for us with all their might C Brian, Bobby, Bill. Ah, did I make another mistake? Chapter 23.3 - Alisa born…what? Now that’s an ominous subtitle. Maybe this is big trouble?! Chapter 23 Part 3 C Alisa bornwhat? Now thats an ominous subtitle. Maybe this is big trouble?! What? If you live longer, you can be forgiven of all the mistakes you make! That woman was being fed that crazy drugthat fool of the Shylocks wont be forgiven! Hurry back. The nightmare is over. That old fart has learned the techniques of poisoning. The three men speak to me compassionately. We couldnt help you after all, but when she returns, shell match the strength of 100 of us. The magical bowwith her skill, do you think she can beat the demon dogs? Please protect our princesswe need your power. But I tried to kill my child. Im so weakI have no worth to live Why would she ever want to look at my face again? I want to die, its so embarrassing. you are strong. Maybe more than the duke. You just dont know it. You are a strong woman and warrior. Then, youre a mother, which makes you even stronger. So dont act like an aristocratact like you are, in your heart. People who have never known setbacks act strong but are really fragile. A truly strong person has to start fighting from the bottom. Stand up instead of whining. You can die any day. First, desire lifeeven though what we say doesnt sound so heroic. Then the three men roared in laughter. now go, the duke is waiting for you. Brian said, squinting at me. Ill take your sickness to the other world with me. Give your daughter and your husband our greetings. Yyes, thank you! Theres a ruggedness to their compassion. I felt a squeeze in my chest as I tried to answer. There was no way to thank these men enough. Dont try to act so tough, Brian. I will take the madams wrinkles with me to the other world. All from the stress of having to live long years here. The pain of having to give birthfor a man, scars and wrinkles are like medals, after all. Then Ill take all the bloat and tiredness. Youll have the sexiness of a mature woman in her 30s with the tight skin of a virgin. The duke will be sure to love youswelling and tiredness is proof of a warrior, after all. You dont need them. Black-bearded Bobby and brown Bill interrupted each other. Wow! Thank you very much! I was happy, but couldnt be totally ecstatic. I was in my 20s, barelyI guess I did look oldkind of a shockthat my wrinkles and swelling are treated like wounds Madam, the child has a demon called Alisa after hermuch more dangerous than those demon dogs that killed us. She can burn a country down calmly just to make your daughter angry. Never, EVER, relax when shes around. I had tears in my eyes and I nodded to Brian, clenching my lips. Thats it! I remember! Alisa! That monster! She afflicted Scarlet, murdered Mary, and using my memory killed him in that avalanche! She is unforgivableI will kill her myself. But she cant return to her world with that memory Brian said with regret. Maybe I will pray so you might have a smidgen of the memoryand one more thing. Brian said, word for word, quietly. Never fight Alisa on a full moon. No matter whator you will surely die on the spot. Never forget. He said it as he wanted it to remain in me when I awoke. It wasnt long until I remembered this when I heard Alisas crazed laugh. And when I did, I noticed a full moon, rising with the color of blood, high in the night sky. [Storyteller C Scarlet] Ms. Cornelia, Im coming in. Bradd called out, outside my mothers room, but there was no reply. Bradd, Mary, and I looked at each other. Mother had very sharp senses. It was impossible for us to cry out and her not hear it. Im coming in! Madam! Aouuuooo! Bradd jumped into the room, with Mary and I following. My mother was still in postpartum recovery, though Bradd had helped with that a bit. We thought something had happened, maybe the worst thing we could imagine, so we all rushed in. I was being held by Mary and my back was squished into a couple of bigwell, I am a nursing baby after all. She was sitting there in her favorite wicker chair, sleeping peacefully. We all breathed a sigh of relief. She was caressed by the spring breeze, relaxed like a young maiden that napped while reading a love novel. And she looked young againtoo young, almost the age of Maryand my mother was a beautiful woman. Makeup would now besmirch the vivid color of her skin. You look so young, Madam almost like youve lost years after having birthwhat happened?! Mary said, tilting her head. I guess it wasnt an optical illusion. So I guess the criminal here is Bradd! He did it! Whoooaahhh! I said, pointing my finger at Bradd. You gave my mother a makeover, and youve been saying its a heart treatment all along! You had better apply it to me soon as well, hurry! Auuaaah! I told him, as a superior. My muscles and the pain after distorting my face previously have finally settled because of him. Heh heh, I guess another reason might me be loosening up after flopping around in sleep in my crib. I guess now I can correctly express my superior order to him with no problem! Dont look at me like that, if you rejuvenated any more Bradd was taken aback. Hah! Im a two week old newborn! I would actually go back into my mothers stomach. Well, first, I adjusted her blood flow and detoxified her internal organsbut that alone doesnt explain itand the heart abnormality has disappearedI dont understand why Auuaauahh! I suddenly understood and tried to interrupt Bradds words. I know! Shes in love! Love that makes a woman shineits called a miracle by women! Auuahhaa! Listen, you. Are you thinking love is like magic?! Theres no way. He sighed at me as if he was exasperated. Well, a zero-year-old like you cant understand love anyway WAAOOAAHH?! What was that?! I was called the Jewel of Hydrangea! What an insult! I used to pass through the ranks of kings, princes, nobles, all with my glorious smile! Oh, yeahI passed through them Well I only did that because I was worked to death taking care of my country!! I was married to it, practically! I was practically martyred for all the work I didahit makes me want to cry. You bastard, Braddtake back what you said or Ill kick you with my little newborn legs! Mary, loosen my swaddling so I can kick effectively! No, Mistress, love IS magic! I agree with her! Even now its like Bradd and you are having a conversation! Thats what love can do! Mary said to me enthusiasticallyand then hugged me tightly. Auaah!? Why?! Bradd and I shouted at the same time. Phfff, imagine me syncing my thoughts with that scoundrel. Pah. Next time wait a second so I can speak first. See! You reacted at the same time! Mary looks so happy. Nolets pretend we didnt But it is true that Bradd understood what I was saying WAY faster than normal. Its just his cheathas nothing to do with love. I guess since Bradd had knelt and kissed my hand, her romance switch had been turned on, but he wasnt vowing lovejust protection. Also, when I heard he story about my father, she had become such an important fighter on her own field of romance that she questioned my mother about him without knowing her place. I mean, she HAS had a baby before, but shes still a young girl. I guess theres no question that shes moved by romance Brian We both froze as we heard my mother whisper She huffed out silently after saying his name. She was speaking in her sleepand we could see tears shimmering on her face. Hhey mom? Ththats not yourhusbands name? Bobby, Bill Wait, a four-way?! Im not even in my 30sstill in my20s What kind of dream is she having?! Mom?! Maybe this is her idea of a joke?! Has she been pushed here by some kind of anti-trust law? What kind of punishment is this?! This is the only place I can play an active role! So Im in even bigger trouble than just suspecting her of an affair! Chapter 26.1 - Chapter 26 Part 1 – The demon dogs attack. And that old scar petrifies Mary… Chapter 26 Part 1 C The demon dogs attack. And that old scar petrifies Mary My mother, who was smiling at Brad and my conversation, now frowned and looked up. Her face suddenly became fierce as she looked out over the far end of the manor to the garden. Someone broke the back gate. Three hostile beasts that scattered, and a human. It was good that there was no gatekeeper out therehe would have died. In the case of a night attack, she had asked all the workers to help in the house. Correcthow did you hear them? He was surprised she could hear so well, but mother just smiled at him. Youre not the only one with special skills of sensing others. You have a strong mind and body, so you think you can handle everything yourselfbut maybe you should let a grown-up help once in a while. No? Mother and Mary looked at each other and laughed. Let the adults look cool too! They both said to each other, every word the same. It was funny to the both of them, giggling as if they were close friends. This isnt a high school drama, girls But mother and Mary were both on good terms. They actually had fun when they spent time together, and when Bradd wasnt around, you could hear them laughing it up from mothers room. They had to be telling romance stories. I hope I can grow up soon and have a love myself The only one now that might take interest in me is this stray cat of the wild Bradd. They do seem drawn by the smell of milk, after all. But when Im old enough, and he sees my *dignified and graceful movements, hell turn tail and scram. A queens aura cant be hidden, even in an infants body. (*Authors note: Most of those movements were screaming for her life and flapping her limbs about.) Youre not the only one that wants to protect her, Bradd. Mother said, pulling me from Mary and kissing me on the cheek. A woman has to protect her child. I wont let her die because you fall behind. And I love the mistress as well. I will shield her even if necessary. Mary took me back into her arms and rubbed her cheek against mine. Bradd just sighed. He raised up his hands as if to surrenderbut there was a smile on his mouth. Two mothers, huh? Whatever. I never win against my mom, so I concede, okay? I cant win against women, but I can help protect Scarlet, so I probably will end up making you swoon after you see me attack. Thats the pride of a man speaking. Heh heh, what kind of goofy line is that? Just admit to losing and be done with it. You want to sound cool so you say funny things like that. And you look over to me to see my reaction so I know exactly what youre thinking! I just gave him a blank expression and just stared at him with a disinterested look. No matter how hardboiled you try to sound, that stupid figure in a maid outfit ruins EVERYTHING! Thats because youre the eldest son of the Lawless Crew! I hope you can keep up! Ill do my best to keep up to you two! Mother and Mary bowed to him as if they were impressed. What are you two doing? That idiot Bradd was simply able to make a complete sentence, just to act cool! And you just stay protected, and dont think too much. Bradd said, patting my head. Everyone here wants to protect you. So your job is to believe in us and thereby protect us. No matter the enemy, well protect youand never disappoint you. Acting to relieve my anxiousness again? That damn Bradds already spitting out nice lines about me again. But I almost teared up thinking about how these gentle three were protecting me. Its nice to be surrounded by three people that will fight for youfor free. I guess Ive already become quite popular! I might let Bradd off for all the other stuff out of the kindness of my heart! It all made me embarrassed and I squirmed a bit. Im so popppppppularrrr! Maybe I should give out numbered tickets to my fans so there wont be a scramble to defend me. Yes! Dont push! Enough for everyone! Since Im so young, if you all rush in together, youll trample me! I only have two limbs, so just wait until I can give you a ticket. One per person! Keep in the line! No double-dipping! Ill even let Bradd hold up my diaper while this is going on. Okay, kids, Scarlets Super Social Show is now Showing in Selected Cinemas! Dont cut in line! Why are you thinking those weird things in your head? Are you covering up for something? Bradd said a bit tensely as I continued with my acting. Dammit! He can understand my gurgling or something?! Or maybe HE CAN see my heart! Stop! Dont forget that youre a warrior! Dont get distracted by me! Or else YOU will end up being the embarrassed one. hmph, I have to calm down. No time to get emotional. No need for you to baby me. Just go back to how you were composed before. Break time. Put up the rope. Time outtimetea time. Yes, master, make mine hot teathe warmth of human skin. Rightremember who you are. Not just a newborn babybut, her majesty, a woman that has made it to queenhood 108 times. Determination is number one. Charm is twothree. Four is the ability to plot. Five isumbeauty. Always facing predicaments and crises. Laughing at misery and difficulty. And now, for some reason, swayed by emotions like a child. Okay, Im ready! Now time for my queenish laugh! Ooooh ho ho ho ho. Auu hua hua hua Ah, mistress has to burp! So back to the third back-tapping AND BACK TO ANOTHER SEA LION POSE! Auuhh ouhhh! Dammit, Mary! No time for that! And you Bradd! Dont smirk at me like that! You all know whats going on! At least I know youve relaxed a bit. Hah! The battlefield of death is my daily life! You noticed!? I always laugh like that in a difficult situation. Auh auh auh auh Sorry for making you worry in the first place. Im telling you the worry doesnt bother me! Bradd, leave the long range attacks to me. Mother said quietly. Wait, just when I was completing my high pitched laugh? No one cares?! Its the only proof that I was a villainess queen! In an Isekai romance, theres no predicament that will shake a villainess identity! Since my mother cant understand my baby-mumble like Bradd, I guess I cant help it. And since Im a baby, I cant stand up for myself anymore. I dont have kneecaps yetone cap, two cap, stop with this crap! If you think its getting too dangerous, dont try to run, Ill cover you so you can flee with this bow of the Melvilles. Even if theres a thousand of them. Mom, I was just in the middle of something again. No one gets my jokes But still, the pride and conviction that she said it with made it sound powerful. It gave me some courage. Ive only seen a few interrupted scenes of her shoot, but Im satisfied. There was no trace of a woman bullied around by the red-bloods and forced into social anxiety. Just the back of a reliable warrior. Mary also rolled up her sleeves, snorted, and got ready. Reliability! Okay, Ill attack them up front. I think Im overwhelmed, but Ill do the best myself. Im counting on you, Madam Cornelia and MaryandScarlet Bradd poked my forehead and smiled. I was envious of them, because I was so powerless and slightly worried. Im the lone weak link in the chain. Or maybe like a bonus yeah, that makes it more acceptable. The kind boy that smells of sun made me feel like an older sister watching him in a fight. Good kid. Gooood kid. well, the maid outfit is the only flaw. You know what? When you become an adult, youre going to be the strongest man in the world. I can guarantee that. I already learned that by experience when you killed me 17 times. So be confident. Its scary to face an enemy, but I wouldnt have any other ally. Relax and show me how strong you are! Just write the symbol for person thrice on your palm and swallow them. (Old remedy for anxiety) Auouuuo! Aououu! Aouuu! Chapter 26.2 - The demon dogs attack. And that old scar petrifies Mary… Like a good older sister, I gave Bradd some words of encouragement. If anything, Bradd should be grateful for this gentle, dignified, and polite statement I gave him. No need to thank me. A charming older woman always remembers to be kind. Are you stupid?! I dont remember killing you 17 times! And theres no WAY I have an older sister with a diaper! Whaaaaa? Youd like panties instead?! Panties and diapers are the same, kinda! No discrimination! Dont demean diapers social standing! And dont you remember everything?! Even if you dont, I DO! Stabbing, stopping my heart, MURDER! Get ready! Ill have you executed for your impertinence! My anger now is deeper than the ocean. But, I will forgive you if you give me another ribbon. This time make it pink. Some ocean. And hearing that Im the strongest when Im an adultwhy does an infant like you know that, Scarlet? Well, it does relieve me a bit. Thanks. Bradd said with a smirk. Im not lying. After all, adult Bradd mastered the mystery of the Lawless Crew, The atoneless blood. You really are a genius. An idiot too, but you cant lose to just any monster. Auuouu aouuuoBradd looked at me a bit shocked at my sudden encouragement. You know even about the atoneless blood? Who ARE you? It is an honor that you appreciate me that much There are only a few that have learned the atoneless blood in the history of the Lawless Crew. Bradd was skeptical, but still took my cheers as encouragement. I wont lose to any opponent. Ill use your strategy right away. This horrific foreboding feelingtheres several monsters coming. I have to be prepared to blow up this manor, or else we might be killed. Are you really going to use that trap? Its a bit too much of a defense! If our opponent was a murdered, we could just have him arrested and put in jail! Are we going to have to Scarlet Jail Break episode next time? I agree with Bradd. We might have to sacrifice the manor to liveunfortunatebut Mother also agrees with Bradd. She said unfortunate, but her face didnt look like she meant it. Its an emergency measure. There might be no other way. And theres no way Id want my father and mother-in-law to pull up here and see the manor destroyedno way Id think about that! Ahmy mothers letting leak her real thoughtsand I can see a black aura around her. But what a sunny smile! I can always use that fire arrow. After theyre in the place, just as we said, get clear of the place. If youre one step too slow, youll get caught in the trap, and that will end it all. We all looked at mother and nodded. Okay, lets see these monsters. So we crawled over to the small patio and saloon in the garden, hiding behind scattered tables. Mom was lookout and Mary was my carrier. And Imthe carried! What a lame role! Mary carried me in her right hand and my baby basket in her leftit had a sunshade too. Its a bit baggy for luggagesorry about that. Theresee them? Brad points with his finger from under a table. We looked over through the saloon window, into the garden. You can see almost everything as its only a framed window. We could see four shadows in the moonlight looking down at us from a small hill. Like some kind of demonic shadow play. Auouuu?There was one silhouette I was familiar with. The small shadow of a man crippled by rickets. But the other three shadows were far larger than men! Sharp ears, long snouts, big legs, thick tails! My, grandma, what big EARS you have The better to hear you with. And grandma, what big hands you have The better to hold you with. And grandma, what a big mouth you have The better to!! Tah-dah! KILL AND EAT YOU WITH ONE BITE! Auouuuhhh!!!I screamed in fear. Shut up! Bradd said, clamping my mouth shut. Demon Wolf Ralph Ill never forget it! The trauma of everything made my body shake. Ralph was a wolf that threatened my life over and over as Prince Rudys partner, one of the five heroes that killed me the previous 108 lives. He could knock over a mounted knight and his horse, jumping from one knight to another like they were the ground, or zig-zagging across the field, trying to chase me down again and again. This thing could sneak up on your silently and avoid shot arrows, a beating footstep that would terrify everyone. When the troops heard that the Demon Wolf was coming, they would scatter this way and that. How many nights did I live almost getting chomped down on the throat by it? I had constant insomnia thanks to that thing. It was a horrible monster to remember. But it struck a beautiful form! Auouu! Aououo! A wolf! A wolf is here! I desperately tried to call to everyone. Theres no way thats a normal wolf. Thats a DEMON WOLF. I tried so hard to tell them that I gave out a little howl myself. Are you howling like a dog? Lets hear your bark. Auouooooooo aoaouuuuu No! I was just trying to keep it quiet. W-O-L-F. A wolf! Its here! Everyone, believe me! Theres no way you can beat them! But maybe they dont trust me, like the boy who cried wolf? Bradd looked at me with a scowl. Not a wolf. A dog. Yeah, a dog. My mother also said. I guess Bradd AND mom can see them from this distance. I looked out and tried to stretch my neckI guess I couldnt tell because there was nothing doggishly cute about them. I thought about the cute dogs that accompanied me during my previous 108 livesCookie, Candy, Plumso cute all of them. For me, a dog is a little thing that follows you around with tail wagging. For them its tearing prey apart and the sacrifices they gobble down. A creature like that is not a dog! And that trainer of them would have been chewed to death by something else if he didnt have those doggies. The skull is different, the chest width a front legs too. I know because I play with wolves a lot near my village. Bradd said flatly, and I was shocked. BRADD? Are you some demon?! Are the Lawless Crew really zookeepers? With all your beast friends? Everyone knows that. Moms remark stopped me too. Whaaaa? So much for my knowledge cheat! Does everyone know this? I never knew there was a difference between dog and wolf! Maybe someone should have included it in an evil queen questionnaire! Im pretty sure half of the evil queens out there dont know theres a difference. Bradd, look at me. Take the name Dr. Doolittle from now on and go speak to the animals. Ill make the Scarlet Animal Park for this kingdom of mine. And you can be its first ruler! Hey, Mary, say something! I made my appeal to Mary to help me out. Auuuouuu! Aooo! Listen to my tale, girl! Mary was silent. It was strange. Her eyes were wide and she was pale. She just stared at the figures on the hill. I shook myself in her arms like a little jackhammer on the asphalt of her arms. Vuoooaaah!? I cried out to her angrily. I could get a higher karaoke score practicing like this. Scarlet C Currently under construction. We apologize for the inconvenience to everyone in this neighborhood. heyyou hear me? Mary? MARY!! Chapter 27 part 2 Chapter 27 p2 C She saw sparks after the cane rapped her head. Even so, she grabbed the cane, and the man kicked her in the face. Mary refused to let go. She shook her neck and could feel blood flow from her head and nose. She was still determined and tried to grasp the child. She had no idea that the old man was a criminal and these Demon Dogs were his monsters that specialized in killing children. He looked for babies to train and maintain the killing spirit of his prized dog Gallam. And Joshua was the next choice for his fangs. Stop your fighting! The child is already dead! Its leg was broken like a matchstick by my Gallam. No need rushing to his aid now! The old man screeched ruthlessly, kicking her over and over as she tried to reach him. He had no pity for her as violence was his daily tea and bread. Mary didnt fight him back. She didnt even hear himwipe the bloodcare how much she was kicked. All she wanted was to hold her son. JoshuaGIVE HIM BACK! GIVE HIM TO ME!! Mary screamed at him with such force he recoiled, and then retreating a bit, shouted, You dont give up! You can have countless other children after this! Gallam, eat quickly! And so the fangs of the beast slammed into Joshuas body. The sound of loud chewing. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!! She screamed as she ran at the demon dog. The shock of such a tiny arm having such force startled the demon dog as it fell on its haunches. You did it! Gallam! Give the corpse to the girl so she can deal with reality! The demon dog trainer shouted at the dog. Joshua!! And so the demon dog dropped its prey at the feet of Mary. She immediately hugged it in one jump, scraping it up. He was a messhis right side was almost completely torn away. The child was now a bloody lump. It was clear it had stopped breathing. Joshua! Momma will help youI can helpyoure a strong child. Mary said, believing that the child would open his eyes again. She wiped the blood on Joshuas face with her clothes as he spoke. Hah, you think you can help that child when it only has half a face?! Its already dead, Id say! Too much of a trouble. The old man cursed at the woman who had given him so much unexpected trouble. But Mary just continued to call to her child, ignoring the old man. Joshuawake up. Get up! Youre just sleeping, right? Get up now. Heysee? You can even play with mamas hair! She wasnt thinking about the child not breathingshe wanted to believe it was just sleeping. you can pull my hair! Laugh! She tried to present him some hair with her shivering fivers, but Joshuas hand just hung loosely in the air. tch, how long is she going on like that? Shes completely lost her mind. Lets go, Gallam. And so they turned their backs, the old man spitting to the ground in disgust. There was sweat on his forehead from what he had seen from Mary, though. And so the demon dog slowly slinked away with his trainer. Behind was Mary, who tried to care for the corpse of her child, Joshua. Just a littleget uppleaseJoshuaJust laugh at mehey! And the pleas of Mary seemed to continue almost forever that night. . . . . . . . . . . The villagers arranged the funeral for little Joshua. Mary lost control in the middle of the ceremony, clutching the baby and hugging him, not letting go. Everyone there simply shed tears of pity. When he was buried in the graveyard, she seemed to return to herself, but still she knelt in front of the grave and never moved from it the whole night. But even when you mourn, time just doesnt stop. Those humans we leave behind dont continue living in our present tears. Were only blessed by the memories that remain. Theres no way to avoid a future without them. And so everyone lives everyday, trying to do their best to move on. And Mary as well regained her calm. After a month, she had resumed her same daily lifeshe made jokes with othersbut she could not forget that sadness. And though she could never forget, humans still have to put on that bright face that covers for the sorrow. . . . . . . . . . . . It was a dazzling warm day. The frigid winter had disappeared and the soft spring light was spreading over the garden. Mary squinted under the new light as she hung up her laundry while the sun was out, In the garden a little kitten appeared. It seemed to be curious and watched Mary as it drew nearer. Hey, Ive never seen you beforedid you move here? Wheres your mother? She reached out to touch the kittens face, when the mother cat jumped out in a hurry, lifted it away in her mouth, and turned. Mary smiled at the mother cats vigilance. Its okay. I wont hurt your childright, Joshua? She automatically had called to the child at her feet, but this time was shockedshe thought she had placed the basket there as she had always done, a habit during her chores. In fact, when she turned to speak to her son, she even thought that she had heard him laughbut the babys basket was now stowed in the barn, invisible. The illusion of her happy past had returned suddenly and suddenly disappeared just as quickly. The laundry slipped from her hands as she stood there. Not againI knowJoshua isnt here anymore. She mumbled to herself. The dropped laundry spread on the ground. The mother cat then turned with her child and hopped into the brush. Mary simply gathered the laundry up with vacant eyes. The weather is so nice todaybecause of itthere are so many thingsto do She said as strongly as she could, in a whisper. She tried to take the next step, but her body quivered. Winter is over, and her mother, father, husband, son, her complete family with which he longed to share the joy of spring was no longer here. The spring suns warmth seemed to pain her chest. Hey, Joshuado you know? Spring. Its very warm She remembered the days she laughed with her son. When spring comes, you can go outside on a walk with mom. There are more beautiful flowers and buds to pick than hairs on moms head. See? Pwip! Pwip! She put her fingers to the ground like there was a sprout from the ground, and showed it to him. Joshua didnt know what she meant, so he grabbed her finger and laughed happily. The warmth of the child, his voice, smile, his strong girl all revived in her mind. She stood. ah She let a small sound leak out. Tears ran down her cheeks, but she was smiling. Joshua died only knowing the cold of winter. He never reached the happiness of spring. And so she unconsciously hummed the lullaby she tried to lull him to sleep with. Every time she sang it, Joshua would laugh and giggle instead of sleep. Maybe Joshua rode the migratory birds wings to heaven? Was he dropped beside her gentle husband? Is he getting a good nights sleep in heaven? All the thoughts rushed in and she broke down. aughhhahhhh! She hugged her laundry tightly and burst into tears. It was into the white sheet that she had always laid her son down on at night. So she sat down with it alone. She thought about all the things she could do, how quickly she herself had grown. But now her whole life was ahead of her. She could only progress forward. Even though she had expected to be given happiness. Even though! Icouldnt giveJoshua anything! I couldnt protecthim! Im sorry! So sorry! And so her sobbing sadly echoed in the garden. There was no one here to smile on her or comfort her. A scented breeze of new flowers blew over the spring garden. It was the beauty that she had wanted to show Joshua, and the sun she wanted him to feel, spreading lightly over the warming air. Chapter 31 - DEMON BEAST VIOLENCE! We’re cornered, but the blood miracle still occurs! Hello everyone! My name is Scarlet Ruby Noel Lingard, and I am the main character of the story The Villainess Who Has Been Killed 108 Times. Occupation: Dukes Daughter. Height: 45 centimeters. Weight: 3.5 kgs. Three sizes: S-E-C-R-E-T Im a freshly born lady in a babys skin! And I cant even crawl yet! Right now, Im in a life-threatening battle with a bigger-than-lion-sized carnivorous dog! Help me, Isekai romance tag! Can you put me in another genre?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bow tech, intertwined snakes! No one can escape these arrows! And so the six arrows fluttered like leaves around a water drain blocking all retreat. Almost like several large pythons wrapping up one prey together. Mothers bow skill had surpassed that of mastery and was now at the divine level! Ive heard that primeval men hunted lions by surrounding the beast and striking it with multiple spears. Even the king of the jungle couldnt stop the simultaneous attacks from every direction. And mother was able to do it with one bow. No wonder Bradd made sure to get the bow back in her hands. She was a decisive factor in the fightno, she was more than that. The demon dogs life was over. Even a genius of the bow like Arnold, who shot and killed me multiple times in my 108 lives, if robbed of his damn owl would be no match against mother. I was optimistic as I thought the whole thing over, but then became astonished as my optimism disappeared. The dog stomped on the floor and curled up like a little pill bug. It was agile, so quick that it didnt match its massive body. It pulled in its long limbs and shrunk its target area, spinning around in the air. Then spinning like a whirlwind in countermotion, it knocked down all of mothers arrows with the instep of its paw. Theres no way! What kind of reflexes and strength does this beast have?! It landed and shook itself. All the arrows it had knocked down hit the floor. None had pierced his skin. Gallam was practically untouched. Mother cant even penetrate his skin at close range? He took all the arrows with his instep. I guess thats the same as me admitting I cant penetrate his skin even at close rangebut next time I was terrified, but my mother was already thinking about the next step. And instantly her spare quiver was over her shoulder. Bow techslitherstrikesickleintertwine! The stings hummed over and over as did the whistling feathers. Nine arrows flashed through the air at the demon dog Gallam. A bowful of arrows shot together from a woman still with no fear at being in this predicament! There was no wavering in her motion, just a clear purpose. This was my mother!! I was impressed at how cleanly her movements flowedlike water. There was no way the dog could dodge this fatal flurry. Even if it curled up and tried to catch it with the inside of its foot like before, the other arrows would hit its body. The dog suddenly balled up, and I could tell it was gathering power. Will it jump and dodge? Its too late. The arrows hit! The demon dog Gallam rotates around like a tornado. WHAT?! What is he doing this time? There is a noise of wind around us. Aouuuo!? The wind rushed by me and my eyes closed. Then there was the dull thud of arrows piercing something. No way! What a monster! Mothers voice trembled for the first time. I could see the reason for her astonishment when I saw Gallam. He was holding a table that was the size of three men in the air. It was a study, center-supported desk that was used by the servants. There was no monetary value to it, so the Vygods left it for the Duke of course. All of the arrows were firmly planted in the table. It was too heavy for even several old maids to lift together. Thats why Gallam had grabbed it and swung it around, stretched out and used, as a shield. He can use tools, even that quickly! Both of us were now a bit scared of the dogs cunning. Scarlet! My mother screamed. Gallam shook his head and shoulders again. The huge desk soared into the air. Without a break, he also grabbed desks and chairs and did the same, tossing them one by one. He retreated back, tossing whatever trash furniture he could at us as he moved through the saloon. The furniture was launched in a parabola over towards us like it was in slow-motion. Gallam looked like he wasnt even exerting energy, it was all in the illusion of a single move as he continually tossed things into the air. The reality was that it was like a wooden avalanche, heading towards us. Are we locked onto!? Hows that?! A missile attack for another missile attack! See if your mothers love can stop that! The dog trainer said, laughing. What are you talking about! Youre not even directing your dog! The dogs doing it himself! Running away and acting like youre the tough guy! Tossing all the crap at us while we cant escape! And to a baby as well! This dog has one bad personality! When we realized I was being targeted, my mother screamed my name. And before that, she had shot an arrow at a flying desk, which pierced it, but didnt change its trajectory. Of course, no one would expect it would. Unlike prey, inanimate objects dont avoid pain. No matter how many arrows she might hit it with, it still would arc through the air towards me. And since countless ones are falling in front of me, they look like an avalanche in front of my little baby basket. It was a situation I couldnt escape. Auouuu! SCARLET STARCRAFT! ASTEROID FIELD! EVASIVE MANEUVERS! I grabbed the edge of my basket and shook it, but the baby basket only rocked over a bit. Should have put wheels on this spacecraft. My mother realized she had exhausted all other measures and tossed her bow away. She fell directly onto the basket, I grabbed her, and she arched over me. We might both die this way! Aouuuouuuuah! I tried to punch my mother away. Run away! Mother! One of us has to escape! No reason to die together! Im sorry. I couldnt protect you with my bowIm no good as a motherbut maybe we can die together?! I could tell my mother was already crying. I felt her tears on my cheeks. The line of fate that used to separate us had collapsed. I felt this time with my heart and not my mind that this woman was my mother. My emotions swelled and tears flowed to my eyes as well. Madam! Mistress! Then another figure covered over us. It was Mary. Even with the deadly avalanche falling all around us, she jumped onto us. She knew that she would be crushed. Im sorry, I allowed all of this to happen! At least let me shield you! She cried, hugging us and apologizing. Dont apologize! You havent been selfish! It only makes sense for a mother whose own son had been killed! No one in the world has the right to blame you for what you did, Mary! Two of my mothers were over me, crying and apologizingthey love me so much, but their emotions are about to end all of our fates. If youre reincarnatedbe sure to be born my daughternext time, Ill act as a real mother. Me tooand Ill care for you. Mom, Maryits too early to give up. Bradds still aliveand hes not going to let it end like this. Such an outrageous ending would never be allowed. Oh yeah! Thats right! I clenched my hands tightly, closed my eyes, and prayed. Hey, give me the answer! You said I had to believe in you until the moment I died! Aouuaaaa! I screamed with all my strength. My heart beat hard. Almost like I could feel Bradds invisible hand pushing itor that his body heat had become one with my breathor that a scorching swirl was springing from the center of my body. This feelingsomewhere I saw the illusion of a red lotus flame springing up. Gratitude, love, emotion all swelling from my heart. Is this the illusion made by an anonymous God? thank youI knew this wouldhappen in the endsoI can runThis powerthank youkind assassinbutsorryIwill use this powerto end thingswith that person This exhausted illusion was of an anonymous god resurrecting. She had finished with a long battle, and now she was emerging to fight again. Sounds of swords clashing violently. Hands numb to the impacts. Who will you meet with? A long, blonde woman looks over a crimson vision Because there of a closely locked duel, I cant see who shes fighting. Theres a crazy laughter that pierces my ears. A voice mixed with ragin emotionsIve heard it somewhere before The feeling of being suddenly stabbed and a painful blade entering after a futile resistance. The memory was swallowed into a rushing force and disappeared like a drying tear. I felt a connection with Braddlike a vortex being sucked towards him. Like a dragon of flame that spins and swirls around Bradds body. Bradds life awakens and expands. A miraclehas come I heard a man say in a low voice. But dont forget. This portal of power only opens when theyre together. Then the atmosphere around me roared. There was a sudden strike of lightning. The whole mansion shook with a tremendous boom. My field of vision was filled with blinding white, and the shadow of death that I expected to surround me was blown away instantly. All of the tables and chairs in the air were blown into the walls around us. We heard the sound of wood cracking and the stone that it slammed into plopping onto the ground. The roar stopped and I closed my eyes. I knew who the person was before I saw him. There were fragments of plaster falling all around usas Mary and mother, over me, looked up as well, unable to speak. I could see the shape of that reliable boy in a maid outfit. Standing there to protect us. Almost like a mixture of moonlight being seen in the day. And with a punch and a kick, all the wood in the air flung towards us had been blown into the wall in a tsunami of powerthe impossible, possibleand after I saw him, the one who never betrayed usI started to tear up. A LITTLE LATE TO THE FIGHT THOUGH! You cheat-monster! I felt it echo in my lazy brain, your prayer. It woke me immediately. So it took this miracle a while, sorry. Bradd turned and laughed. His eyes were shining crimson. There was a bloody smoke clinging to his whole body. I guessed that this was Bradds final battle form. He was charged by the Blood Redemption, an explosive strength he could achieve after sacrificing some of his own blood. I was moved by this appearance, as I had only seen it a few times in those other 108 memories. He was the strongest man in the world. But looking like that, he seemed like the god of death. He laughed to reassure meI felt my chest throbI knew he would come! Hey, those words you used, I was tired but they created a miracle, got that?! You dont have to explain! I know1 Stop trying to talk off my appreciation for you. GoshI finally have a crush on the guy, and he kills it with smalltalk. Just the usual chitchat that pisses me off every time he does something cool. Braddwhy do youlook like that Oh no! Bradd, all that blood! I have to take care of you! Mary! Dont take a diaper of mine and wrap it around Bradd for a bandageits not an injury! Its the move! And where did that diaper come from? Dont make me wait. Everyone did great. But time to act a bit cooler than usualmppphhh Bradd struggled after Mary slapped a bandage on his mouth and nose. Oh, lordnot this crap now Thisthis is Scarlets diaper! Ptoo ptoo! Gross. How rude! Theyre washed after I use them! Mary Ill explain it later, but I have to get rid of that monstercome on, doggie. Bradd screamed at the nearly invincible dog. Gallam roared back for the first time. He acknowledged Bradd as a threat, now. Almost like a cyclops roaring in his caveI could feel it in my belly. It but it also sounded like a dog barking? Or like a crazed lion With a voice like that, I bet it cant communicate with other dogs anymore. Bradd was completely unmoved by the low, eerie, soul-killing roar. Wooohoo, you okay after that, midget? Yeah, Im fine. Oh no! You probably read my feelings from that blood flow crapitsits invasion of privacy! Ill sue! Uauaaaaa! Bradd jumped before I could speak angrily to him and then disappearedhe was too fast to see. Fast! Hes like lightning! Mother saidshe was used to the speed of the bow and arrow, so see may have seen his movement. A dog is a dog, no matter what Then a roaring sound as Gallam was slammed to the floor by his lower jaw. A tremor hit my basket. Bradd then grabbed his ear and slammed Gallam into the ground as hard as he could. His elbow slammed into the dogs brow. Too far this timeI cant forgive your tricks anymore. Wow! The monster couldnt even react! What power! And what a change in the battle! I guess we dont need to retreat into a Isekai world romance after all. Heaven will be watching over all of us from now on I guess. But I still prayed for a second that maybe somehow this WOULD become an Isekai world romance genre. Chapter 33.1 - The Royal Guard Arrives and I Learn the Truth About My Mother’s Tormentors. *Teaser* The back of my ears hurt now and there was the trace of the feeling of pressure on my back. We had jumped out of the manor and were pushed out by the explosive winds that followed. Bradd had made a good landing and then ran about 10 meters to beat the trainer, and then he stopped. Whoa! Finally safe! Mother and Mary both relaxed and took a deep breath in. His whole body was covered in sweatnoit was all bloodbecause of that blood mist that was continually erupting from his skin. The effects of the Blood Redemption disappeared and Bradds eyes shifted from red back to black. AhI cant move a step. Maybe the allies will come now so I can relax The Blood Redemption consumes ones power completely, after all. In exchange for the explosive power of physical strength, one suddenly loses all power afterwards. That said, even Bradd as an adult would only use it if absolutely necessary. It must have been very hard on him since he was a kid now. He stretched out his limbs and laid down on the groundexhausted and totally pale. But stillhe was holding me as he laid down. Heyyou stillwith me He said, but he was mumbling this time instead of speaking clearly. Well talk lateraboutyou And then, finally, Bradd fainted. Chapter 33.1 - The Royal Guard Arrives and I Learn the Truth About My Mother’s Tormentors. The back of my ears hurt now and there was the trace of the feeling of pressure on my back. We had jumped out of the manor and were pushed out by the explosive winds that followed. Bradd had made a good landing and then ran about 10 meters to beat the trainer, and then he stopped. Whoa! Finally safe! Mother and Mary both relaxed and took a deep breath in. His whole body was covered in sweatnoit was all bloodbecause of that blood mist that was continually erupting from his skin. The effects of the Blood Redemption disappeared and Bradds eyes shifted from red back to black. AhI cant move a step. Maybe the allies will come now so I can relax The Blood Redemption consumes ones power completely, after all. In exchange for the explosive power of physical strength, one suddenly loses all power afterwards. That said, even Bradd as an adult would only use it if absolutely necessary. It must have been very hard on him since he was a kid now. He stretched out his limbs and laid down on the groundexhausted and totally pale. But stillhe was holding me as he laid down. Heyyou stillwith me He said, but he was mumbling this time instead of speaking clearly. Well talk lateraboutyou And then, finally, Bradd fainted. Have a good rest. You did what you needed to. You really were a knight in shining armor. And there are dead infants and mothers out there that perhaps have found an end to their remorse. If I was an adult, Id let you sleep on my knees, but as a baby, this is all I can do. I just slimed onto his chest and kissed his cheek. Hnn He relaxed, and I pulled awaySScarlet Speed Scramble! Ah! This guy wiped away where I kissed him! Ill teach you! So I was about to bite Bradd, but then the ground shook like a giant had slammed the ground with a hammer, and all four of our bodies bounced in the air. It seems that the Romalia Flame Flower had touched a pool of water in the basement. When the burning Romalian Flame Flower hits a puddle of water, this causes a second eruption. It explodes like a volcano and knocks down everything with a shockwave. The scale of damage is frequently larger than the original flame. And Ive seen this over and over in my 108 lives. Someone approaches and tries to douse the flames with water and get blown away in a following explosion that rips through the air. The Romalian Flame Flower should simply be LEFT ALONE. So the roof of the residence was blown offthe remaining window frames bent outwards, and the walls collapsed with a roar. Meanwhile, white steam whooshed out of the manor with the yellow color of flame illuminating the steam over and over. The Romalian pillars that surrounded the house fell over one by one. The manor (of my mother and father-in-law) has collapsed! Mom said, clenching her fist tightly. Did I hear her say something parenthetically to lighten the blow? That pose seemed to be more of victory than of sorrow The old man was screaming behind us as we watched the dukes manor fall inward into a pile of his demon dogs remains. The sound of cracking wood and stones breaking and colliding and then slamming into the ground was deafening. It was as if every joint and nail of the manor had been removed. Further, the explosion had broken the foundation and all pillars, so nothing could support the manors weight. Almost like building a mine into a mountain and then burning down the pillars that held the passages up. There were underground storage spaces all in the basement and some included waterthis was probably blown out by the force of the explosion. And so the manor smoldered and sunk into the ground. MadamMistressBraddIm sorrybecause of me, you all were in danger. No, Mary, on the contrary, you provided the distraction that allowed us to kill the first twoif we had to confront all three together, wed all be dead. You saved us all. Mother said to Mary, stroking her head. I agreed with mother. A shiver ran down my spine thinking of facing Gallam from the front and the two others attacking our flanks. Maybe thats how they really fought. It was good fortune that the two were dealt with so quickly. Maybe your son Joshua led you out there to save you and help you live longer. Yesmaybe so,..Madam Mary said, crying. She was finally freed from that long nightmare. My mother held her shoulders as she comforted her. Im sure that mother could understand the girls feeling well. And as we stood there, we heard a group of heavy hooves approaching. Well, I wasnt standing, and Bradd was spread out on the ground What has happened?! Where is the Duchess?! Thirty knights galloped up to us. I could see their red and blue coated breastplates, embroidered in gold, vivid even at night with the golden rivets that held the plates together. The cloth that lain under their steel plates was also exquisite. They looked almost like equipment from the royal throne, almost sophisticated machines and not works of art. Some had cuts in their plates so they could move their arms more freely. They also had chainmail on their necks or waists, with coverage down their legs and plates attached. Those with bows had limbs free of plates while others had gauntlets and other equipment. All of their horses looked sturdy, with hind legs full of power. All their chests and hips were covered with bright cloth designed with the same red and blue as the knights breastplates. The same as the cloth under their saddles. If only one or two had come, I would have mistaken them for well accoutred knights attending a jousting ceremony. The group of horses galloped in together in a crowd, and then slowed down with their noses aligned in a single line, switching from a fast to a normal trot. They then trotted in a stopped all in one linewhat excellent skill. You could also tell by the horses tossing of their heads that they were sensitive to sound and odor. These knights and horsemen could tell that there was a dreadful smellthe smell of a burning demon dog corpse, and the loud sound of the manor collapsing behind us. At first glance, I knew exactly who they were. I had seen them many times in my previous 108 lives. Bradd possibly had allowed himself to collapse because he had sensed their approach. Even though he didnt see them, he could understand whether they were friend or foe. They were the Hydrangea Royal Guard. The final guard of the royals, they were the most formidable fighters around. They were slightly lower than the highest knights of the nobles, but they had the latest equipment and strongest horses as they were the strongest troops of the kingdom. When the previous king of Hydrangea was beaten and had prepared for death in his defeat, they broke through the mass of the enemy army, saved the kings life in a miracle, retreated, and had a name synonymous with strength and courage as a mixture of knights from lower nobles and commoners. This is the only road for commoners to become knights, a profession that all commoner boys dream about. One knight rushes out of the group of horses and advances towards us. Because of the fire, I apologize for approaching the madam while still on my mount. We are the Hydrangea Royal Guard! We have been sent to protect the madam at the command of the crown. Where is the Duchess? The giant man said as he bounced on the back of his horse, removed his sallet helmet, and bowed. He had large sideburns, eyebrows, and big eyes. Though he was built like a rock, he was also charming. Even being that hot and stuffy in all the armor, he was a strangely polite big man, and I remembered his face. At this point he was the captain of the Royal Guard. Chapter 33.2 - The Royal Guard Arrives and I Learn the Truth About My Mother’s Tormentors. I am Matzo Jedit Noel Valentine, captain of the Royal Guard. I assume the Duchess isnt injured?! He asked anxiouslyMary was crying, after all. Bradd was sprawled out in a maid costume. And Im the new-born baby clinging to my mothers breast. with the Dukes manor burning and crumbling behind us. Its no ordinary knight that would stop to make sure everyone standing outside was safe first before checking on the strange scene behind us. He especially wanted to check on Mary, as she had tears in her eyes. It also made sense to check on Bradd. He was the type to make sure that children and women were safe, even if it cost the world. The 108 times I lived, he had punished anyone that had injured women or children, whether they were ally or enemy, royal or peasant. People were surprised that that fist of justice could be squeezed into such armor. Its indescribably how many women in war were saved from its horrors by him. I knew him very wellbecause he worked very close beside me when I was queen. He had a rough childhood, but with a loving nanny, he had shed tears for her for being so selfless with her love for him and made him a better and kinder person than many others as a noble. He disappeared during war, but the welfare policies he had proposed for the weak were new and interesting. Sir Valentinea man who never overlooked the tears of women. A warrior that mixed his brutal traits with a noble and high presence. He was always surrounded by children, regardless of status, as if they intuitively understood him. He was a giantbut loved almost like a giant Great Dane. During those 108 times, he always did all he could to protect me. And in order that I could escapein the end Ah, thinking about it makes my chest hot and ache with pain. So I took a deep breath and released all the pressure of those emotions as best as I could and then exhaled through the nose. He is a reliable man. Now he looks all hot and stuffy though I am the Duchessthough, I am dressed like this She seems a bit embarrassed to announce herself. She pulls her jacket/skirt down to hide her exposed thighs the costumes of the Melvilles really are totally too much. That animal stole with the head on her back, and its combination of exposure and beastliness would be looked at disapprovingly by anyone. Id like to complain to her ancestors. Oh! The battle dress of the Melvilles! Excuse me! Matzo quickly jumped from the horse and bowed to my mother. All of the knights behind him did the same in unison. I hear that the only women that are allowed to wear this imitation of the female war goddess are the highest level of masters of the bow. This proves that you truly are the duchess. WHAAA? I guess that costume is useful. Thank you Melville family ancestors. The knights made no attempt to hide their respect as they gazed at my mother. Especially all those knights that were archers. The great daughter of the Melvilles The real Madam Cornelia Such dignity and beautylike a moon-lit white lily. I saw her at the coronation ceremony And so they all talked in quiet voices, but you could sense their excitement. mamadamwhitelilyreal Cornelia?! My mother was a bit aghast at the men and their praise for her. All of you are rude to the Duchess. Excuse them all. Many of the men are quite fond of the bow and arrow. Seeing the return of the magical bow and hunterwell, its very special to them. Twelve years ago, seeing your divine skill at the coronation ceremonyit made many of their hearts flutter. It is out of reverence that they forgot their tongueforgive them. Matzo said in an apologetical smile. I guess mom was some hot idol in her earlier life. Maybe they should have told that demon dog trainer. According to his explanation, at the coronation of the king the unparalleled skill of the Melvilles was revealed and the bow nerds in service as knights all couldnt stop talking about it. Because Hydrangea has a bow in its royal coat of arms, there was little prejudice against them on the battlefield. Other countries revered spears and swords for their knights, but in Hydrangea there were many knights that preferred bows. OhI didnt think many people remembered that long agoI was so youngand quite unskilled I seeso mom, when she was young, killed all the guys by showing off on a sunny day with her bow and arrows. Mother tried to hide her blushing face, but the men were busy elbowing each other and mumbling things about her beauty. Wow, if this was a dance ball, moms card would have been FULL! But then Captain Matzo glared at the men, and they simultaneously shrunk and became silent. I finally understood why she was bullied by the red bloods. She was applauded too much for her skill at the coronation. At the time, no, even now, her skill far outclassed how young and beautiful she looked. There were quite a few men that were entranced by her brilliant bow technique and her beautiful face. You could see it in how these men stared at her in awe, rather than with lust. And its obvious that back then, the women surrounding the men entranced by her didnt take to the mens interest. Then there was the face that SHE was the one that married the Crimson Duke, which now made the dislike become anger. Mother probably didnt know anything about it, but those who shimmer need to cast a long, scary shadow as well. If youre pure, young, and beautifulunless youre a queen, theyre going to crush you. Or, at the best, ostracize you. After all, those noble women put everything into rating themselves against each other whenever the others are watchingthats what gives them standingso they always try to join whatever higher group they can create while beating the others down. Its a world of chutes and ladders. The brighter and more dazzling you look now, the darker and scarier the fate for outshining the others. Thus, mother was assaulted by all the negative envy she had generated. And, unlike the blue bloods, the red bloods had no care of acting like a human as a noble. They recognized the other blue bloods as their serfs, if anything. These red bloods also mistake their ability to end lives and destroy the domains that they rule in. Complete idiots that have no sensitivity to human pain and shrink whenever the pain is directed to them. It would be okay if they could be ignored, but my mother had a presence they couldnt destroy. The lurid flame of jealousy burned also in her in-laws, the Vygods, and they used their hate to ignite the same dark flame in the others. There was no way the red bloods would coordinate with the unpopular Vygods unless they were convinced that it would benefit their communal envy and hate. So there was another marionette that was pulling the stringsother than the Vygods. Perhaps a woman that worked the social circles of the Reb Bloods while considering the Crimson Duke as her father. She might be married or single. What would anyone like about that grumpy sickly father anyway. He was the Crimson Duke, but a useless Duke. Well, with the troupe of actors narrowed down, seems that the mental distress my mother will suffer might be repelledthose nobles better not fight an evil queen thats been through 108 lives. Even without an aristocratic name book, I still know every single noble name and location in my mind. Chapter 34 - A resurrected nightmare…the knights are encouraged by the roar that shakes the shadows. In my heart, I vowed to deal with the aristocrats that bullied my mother. I also remembered the fatal race to the succession of the throne. We would greet one another with smiles yet bargain about killing and being killed under the table C all the candidates were tough opponents. You have to make sure that to win a race like that, you needed a mother or someone in your family that despised everyone so much that they pushed you to become an evil queen. My mother never wanted revenge. She was silent and shy even when Matzo mentioned her past glory. I looked over at her and sighed. Funny how when she held that bow against the demon dog, she looked so brave. My mother actually got depressed after hearing those words meant to praise her, and Captain Matzo struggled to save the conversation, No! Why would you say unskilled?! Look at the mens reactions. They were all very impressed by your performance at His Majestys coronation 12 years agoyou really are the pride of this country, right fellows?! He seemed to shrink in order to raise mother up. This man, who never seemed to lose his respect for women, always would cringe at seeing them suffer or hurt. The men behind him all agreed with him in order to support their chief. This had less to do with their total devotion to him and more because they could understand the situation and wanted their chief to look good. Even so, I was quite surprised back then. If I may be so boldyour skill and beauty are as unparalleled as that time 12 years agoalso Captain Matzo then looked a bit confused at the remains of the Dukes residence, which had collapsed into rubble. may I ask? What happened to your manor? We were asked by the Crimson Duke to protect his wife and thus came here immediately. We were told that the dangerous criminal, the trainer of those monstrous Jouhdah demon dogs were head this way to assault youbut this No need to worry. If youre searching for them, theyre already crushed under the rubble, which we ourselves buried them under. Wwhats that?! Upon hearing mothers words, Captain Matzo and his knights looked around in awe. Captain! Look here! And then, several knights that seemed to be patrols trotted up, horses side by side. Ropes were tied deftly around the chests of the horses to prevent them from choking and the ropes lead backwards to two huge beasts that were dragged, following the now standing horses. It almost looked like the horses were plowing the field with the dogs. Those were the two that Bradd had killed earlier. Both knight and horse continually looked back at the two dogs trailing them, fearful that they might pop up and attack them from behind. The other guards shouted out about the enormous size of the demon dogsbut they looked like puppies compared to the massive Gallam, twice as big as either of them. These match the footprints at the gateare these the demon dogs? The patrol asked Captain Matzo nervously. Hmmm, they look similar to the message from the Orange Company, which came with the Crimson Dukes letter for help He thought it over as he passed the message around to the men around him. WOUHA!?I said, so surprised I almost jumped up. What was that?! The Orange Company?! Why is their name involved in this story? The Orange Company, in which one of the five heroes C Seraphy C that murdered me in the 108 times I lived before led, always appeared suddenly during battles in their speedy craft Blanche, supporting my enemys rear continuously and pestering my army. They were demons on the sea. There was no way to blockade them. That damn Blanche would just sneak through our warships and escape into the fog of the sea. And it was UNARMEDyou just had to laughhow could a ship like that defeat a raging storm The rebel army of the Maiden of Salvation wasnt monolithic, either. It did work properly because the Orange Company connected all of the elements with a supply line completely. If that didnt happen, supplies and food, troop shipments, information sharing, all of this necessary to an armed force would be hindered completely. This Orange Company, which caused endless grief to me, had a long time until it would emerge onto the future battle map of Hydrangea, I HAD THOUGHT. Because the previous leader was killed and the company spun into chaos after being hit by the Shylocks, it was currently forced to reduce itself to a much smaller scale, which was good for me The future chief, Seraphy, would be about six years old, so theres no reason that they would have any contact with the great hero of Hydrangea, my father, the Crimson Duke. So why? Ah! So my husband asked you protect us?! My mother asks, visibly confused. Yeah, and Im worried about the Orange Companythats also important. It was also unthinkable that the Royal Guard would leave the crown and come all the way to the Dukes residence. They were the last layer of protection for royalty. If something horrific happens, they are in charge of evacuating that family away to somewhere safe. No matter who or how much is offered, they never leave the palace. Only the king can move themwhich means That is correct. The Duke requested the crown send us to aid you directly. To protect you and your unborn from the phantom clutches of those Shylocks. We have traversed the land from quite far away, in order to protect you from harm thanks to the achievements of your husbandandis this your child? He glanced to my mothers stomach and then over to me with a look of confusion. Yes! He knows that Shylock planned this! Theyre screwed! I put my baby fist up with a mental YESSSSSS and he looked at me and blinked in surprise. Mother nodded to Matzos words. I gave birth earlier than expected. Thats my daughter, Scarlet. Premature birth! Well, but, this child has grown sowith such muscle that she can raise her fist so!? He almost said it like a complaint, but I was so caught up in my thoughts I ignored him. wait, the achievements of my father? Theres no way the crown would be that kind. Captain Matzo was simply using that as a euphemism for protecting my mother. No politician is going to play best friends like that. The Royal Guard is the symbol of the crowns strength and authority. If youre just loaning ALL of your knights out, it makes you look weak. Furthermore, messing with an attack by the Shylocksthat means youre going head-on against them. The Shylocks have their grubby hands all over the aristocracy. I bet they were against the idea of the knights protecting the Duke. But, the crown DID dispatch the Royal Knights. The only reason the royals would do so is as a mitigation against a bigger risk Well, the Crimson Duke might have ordered it in exchange for all the unpaid achievements that he did for the crownI pondered all the possibilities and was convinced. That amount of money, enough to ruin the crown, would be considered paidso the crown would be happy as ever to dispatch troops as payment. And you can see it from both sides. My father would break his right to his payment in order to have the troops save his wife. My dad is really something. Even with his sullen face. I couldnt help myself from smiling at such a fine strategy employed by dad this early in my life. Giving everything away to save a wife made him look like a fool to other aristocrats, but I thought it was a fine move. Aoho oh oh oh To hear an infant, just born, sound like shes laughingtheres no way! OhsorryMatzoI mean, Sir Valentine. I would have greeted you with aits been a long time, Valentine! Sorry for not sounding like an evil queen. But I do thank you for saving me those other 108 times. Ouahh! I raised a hand to him in greeting. I wanted to greet him gracefully, ceremonially, but I cant, being an infant. Im stuck here, crawling on Bradds stomach. Matzos eyes just got bigger after looking at me closely. Red hairand red eyes! Oh, you noticed? You were looking at my muscles and not my face at first, right? Sorry for how I look now, but soon Im going to be one hot-looking woman, right? The knights were all fascinated with mother first, then surprised by the collapse of the manor, THEN shocked by the two dead demon dogs, and NOW were gazing at me, surprisedand I can see some familiar faces from my previous 108 lives! Wow, you guys are young! Oauhh! Ouuh! Auuohh! I raised my little hand up and called out their names. Good work! Are they paying you overtime? They all mumbled loudly at each othernot praise, like to my mother, but more of fear? They looked at mother with awe, as if under a spell, but now look at me, like Im a WITCH?! How rudeIm the future Jewel of Hydrangea! I winked at them, trying to appeal to themand threw a little baby kiss. They all jumped back, shaken to the core. Werent you more surprised when you saw the demon dogs? That hurts WowI guess you havea veryexpressive daughter The captain said, wiping his sweat and trying to calm his troops. My Scarlet is very smartshe can understand words, is cute, and at the least is the best baby in Hydrangea! Mother said suddenly with pridewhile I cringed at the comment. Mom, stop with the stupid parent modethanks for the compliment, but II seethe child of the Crimson Duke and the Magical ArcherI can see how miracles could occur from the union. Well, could you explain what occurred? You mentioned that the demon dogs of Juohdah were buried under the rubble there. He said, looking away at me, who was trying to hide my face in embarrassment, and returning to the original story. He then looked over at his knights that were murmuring, miracle?I wouldnt call her a miracle Yeah, I wouldnt eitherI understand your reactions completely. A newborn baby like me, after all that happened, is going to be an unheard-of phenomenon. An impact that youll never forget. I COULD have imitated a normal infant if I wanted to. But the Royal Guard had come. Now the Shylocks arent going to try and attackthey were all witnesses that I was born and alive. With all these tough Guards here, theres no way the Shylocks could come after me. No one can say that the Dukes daughter was stillborn. Sorry you all were used to ensure my safety. I apologized to them all, while my mother explained what happened so far to Captain Matzo. The Shylock Company hired those Juohdah demon dogs to attack me tonight. There were three dogs, two are dead, lying back there. The last monster-of-a-dog attacked, but was buried in the collapse of the mansion with the trainer.. Of course, Bradds identity and the Romalian Flame Flower werent revealed, as mother explained that gas had accumulated in the basement and ignited. There were such accidents in mining tunnels and other underground areas, after all. Even so, the scale of the explosionhowever, with all those underground tunnelsI guess that explains the collapseCaptain Matzo said, convincing himself. Well, the trainer and the final dog were buried alive in the collapse of the manor. I would like to express my deepest respect for your heroism. That trainer was out of our control in this kingdom, with no one to stop him. He has driven many knights and mercenaries to death and destruction, sometimes several at once. Matzo said with a bow of respect. And with those footprints by the gate, the other dog must have been TWICE the size of these other two dogs A knight said, looking back at the other dead dogswhile the other knights shuddered and mumbled at the idea of it. The archer of Melville Goddess of the bow Our kingdoms treasure The men were nearly babbling in reverence to mother. They all gazed at her, assuming that her skill in archery had brought about the miraculous victory, alone. Noum..I It seems that mothers pride about everything but her bow had quickly disappearedand she couldnt discuss Bradd, as he was the oldest son from the Lawless Crew, so she was lost. But she continued with a stern smile, probably because she was happy about the praise of the knights Even so, there was no way to hide that from the Royal Guard that this 10-year-old strange-looking maid that was stretched out on the grass was the true one that had gone up against the demon dog Gallam. It was for some strange reason that Captain Matzo had noticed something interesting about the boy, gazing down wide-eyed onto Bradd. He was snorting, excited, and muttering to himself. Like Matzos heart was beating fastor he was excitedor that he wanted to fight himmaybe hes actually some kind of really dangerous sex offender?! Bradd, sorry, but it seems that your future opponent has already seen you. And Captain Matzoor Sir Valentine physically is a beast that can match you when you grow upif youre without that Blood Redemption. Hes one of the strongest warriors in my memories of 108 lives. My Queens Royal Guard was totally ineffective Valentine in sparring, too. He could swing a human around in a circle with one arm and toss him. The sound effect was great too C FWWOOO FWWWOOOO, like a tornado. As soon as he grabbed you, the sudden increase in gravity caused you to pass out. No way to fight it. And Matzos special weapon was a morning star at the end of a long chain! It was so tough, it could break a two-handed sword in half. You could wear full-body armor, and the morning-star would crush and collapse all the rivets and joints in your armor, leaving you immoble. Something like a walking catapult. No one could get close because he was so dangerous. And I had tried to appoint him as captain of the Queens Guard, but he refused. The reason was that his body was failing and mounted battles were wearing hard on his old body. And his steed was a super-muscular warhorse. But you really have a strange standard for physical weakness. after all, you always died protecting meits weird. Why were you so fervent in allying yourself with me. Didnt you feel bad that your queen was hated by everyone? The rebels would have done anything to welcome you into their ranks. Bradd, Seraphy, and Arnold all held you in high regard. But even when you faced certain defeat, you fought all the way to the end. You always chased me away so Id escape with stupid excuses and then die on your own. Youd know that I was sad to leave you, but youd still happily laugh as you said your last goodbye. and it was so strange, no way I could laugh with you! I would cry silently behind the secret wall that you wanted me to escape withAh! Even thinking about it again makes me tear up! The Jouhdah demon dogs killed our dear compatriots. We wished to kill them, it was a long cherished desire. They even took the lives of those beloved three veterans, lovers of the sword and winewe, the Royal Guards, thank you. Matzo took his gaze off Bradd and bowed deeply. And with that, they all gallantly tried to care for us after our battle. The night breeze is getting cold. Please, put this on Are you injured? Please tell us if you feel any. Please sit down here. Let the tree trunk support your backs. I was kind of annoying because 30 knights were trying to take care of us at once. The Royal Guard was not only about strength, but also humane behavior. This is because anyone tinged by greed could never be expected to guard the crown when they are in distress. And though you would think wed have gratitude for that kind of chivalry, they took it to an extent that was unprecedented. One by one they hung their nightgowns over us and used them as a mattress for us to rest on. Too many! Ill drown in fabric! Bradd is splayed out and completely covered himself. Theyre all combat professionals, but as caregivers they go a bit too far. Aouuh! I popped out of a seat of nightgowns. Okay, be careful, but drink if youd like to. They poured out a strong liquor that smelled of citrus for mother and Mary. This is distilled liquor prepared by the Orange Company as a measure against the demon dogs A wide-eyed knight said to us, a bit disappointed he didnt get to drink it. What?! That?! Is that my favorite liquor from the 108 lives Ive lived?! That smell and taste becomes an addiction I was excited to smell it, like a dog sniffing meat from the kitchen. But saying that its used for the demon dogsthats weird. Its made to block the movements of the demon dogsplease, have a little. Dont be so stingy! Everyone knows the stuff tastes great! And since she defeated those demon dogs, she can have more! Instead of having to deal with drinking it and killing those dogs, we get to drink with these beauties! And so the knights chided the one knight, who laughed along with them anyway. Mother seemed to like it, drinking it all at once, while the guards looked at her aghast. Wow! Mom seems to be a fan too! It was quite a strong liquor, so Mary took a sniff and then waved it away. Ahcan I have her drink? Moooomasking for another drink so quickI know Im part of her bloodline now. Umand another glass, if possible? Wait, now a THIRD cup?! How about one for meIm going to be a beautiful woman in the future too! I looked up at her hopefully, but no ones going to give a drink to a baby. Damn! I hate this baby body! Both mother and Mary never had the experience of being cared for by these knights before, so they were unable to refuse their kindness and were frankly surprised by all the attention. Matzo, on the other hand, loomed large in front of me. Mary looked a bit shocked by how huge his shadow was. Dont you threaten me! I dont need you to add your huge nightgown to me! I want some of that liquor! Give me a drink! I was like a kitten after a satchel of catnip. Aouuuh! Aouuuh! Bradd was asleep, so there was no one to yell at my jokeall alone Sorry. I didnt want to surprise you. Here And so he apologized and gave Mary a scarf. Women shouldnt have their face wet with tearshere, wipe your face with this. thank you Mary smiled and thanked him, squinting and nodding, while he left to give directions to the Guard. Following the Captain, one knight put down his gown on the ground and used the corner of it as a bundling swaddle. He was very anxious in the way he handled it, and I didnt think he was used to handling babies in such a way, but he finished bundling me quickly and then retreated again looking a bit nervous. I sighed, a bit melancholy. Maybe they were all being too careful. The reaction in Romalias Flame Flower continued, I think, with white smoke swaying and rising from the gaps in the falled manor where Gallam had been swallowed up. It was silent. And with the tension of battle broken by the arrival of the Royal Guard, Mary and mother leaned against each other and fell asleep, backs on the tree trunk behind them. I could also hear quiet breathing in the lump of gowns next to me, which meant Bradd was sleeping as well. The nightmare was over. Thank you, everyone. Have a good nights sleep. Maybe I should sleep toogood night. AND THEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN NOISE. I sat up as best I could. I saw fragments of rubble rolling around. The outer wall of the manor was the only thing remaining from the manor, with mortar and pebbles stacked up in zig-zagging patterns between it and the back wall, places exposed here and there. There were Romalia-style pillars jutting here and there, white in the pale moonlight. Like a monument in the shape of an ancient ruinor a ruined theater set. Almost as if the prop-masters had rolled in the setting for the second actI started to sweat. Damn. The masters of my destiny always have some twisted follow-up, dont they? Whenever I go hah, and start to relax, something comes flying in from nowhere to trouble me again. They really must love writing these wretched tragedies. Never missing an opportunity, right when everyone relaxes. The pile of gowns next to me explodes in the air and Bradd jumps upNOW I KNOW WHY IM ANXIOUS. Hey! Its not dead yet! Ms. Cornelia! Mary! Get up! The horses of the Royal Guard sensed the danger, their ears back and tails shaking, but staying where they were. Any average horse would have rolled their eyes back, thrown the knight, and bolted away in a gallop. As expected, these knights had the finest horses any fighter could wish for. Madam! Mary said, hurriedly picking me up. My mother jumped up with her bow, stringed and in her hand, just in case. Hes coming out! A pile of rubble erupted, and then the ground began to ridge towards us as if a snake was pulsing through a tunnel below. He was moving through an underground tunnelthe steam spouting out was probably from him moving in those residual flames of the attack. Even the flames of hell couldnt kill him! Through the ground! Damn this monster! Captain Matzo sounded surprised, but his face lit up with joy for the battle ahead. Royal Guards! Brothers! Now God has given us a chance for revenge! We will avenge our fathers in war C Brian, Bobby, and Bill! The Royal Guard understood the Captain, raised their fists and shouted back. After hearing the order, the men around fell silent and cooly prepared for battle. All spearmen, mount! Form a ring around the rear of the Duchess and Princess! After the archers fire their arrows, front-guard attack head on! When the attack is over, front-guard fall back and secure! Rotate to attack those who are being attacked by the dog! Made perfect sense, as it saves the strength of the attackers by rotating them with fresh men, while securing our safety as well. Its a good strategy against an opponent like Gallam. So we need to set up you-know-what? Seems that we get to make a name for ourselves quickly! Our horses and spears are sharp for blood! Captain Matzo nodded deeply at his men, who were happy to go to war. Tire him by attacking over and over like water over a waterwheel! Never besmirch the name of the Royal Guard! And I And so after giving instructions to all men, the Captain grinned and clenched his fist in his upraised gauntlet. Fight with the strongest weapon of man, the iron fist! This dog slaughtered the three great warriors of Hydrangea. This dog will fear my fist as the strongest among you! Dont let me down brothers! Now, lets show the strength of the Royal Guard! Youre going to punch the dog? Are you crazy!? I cant use the Blood Redemption for a whileso I cant fight that demon dog GallamI regret to say it, but I have to leave the fight to you! Bradd said, regretting it, but Captain Matzo grinned widely and laughed his bellowing laugh, You can, little hero! Youre probably the one that pummeled that dog and whatever else in close quarters! I can see the signs of a strong man in the future. And I, in the name of the Royal Guard, will do my best not to disappoint you! Then the Guard looked back at Bradd with a smirk after hearing their Captain. The ground in front of us swelled and cracked openlike a aquatic creature that was emerging from its seabed. In the night, the earth split and earth and sand were thrown up, with the monster appearing from the ground giving a roar that shook the shadows. The battle horses lurched back in horror. Steam leaked from the crevasse, with a sickening smellthe hair of the dog had been charred. That massive torso that had repelled our attacks countless times was burned and the dogs metal plate armor was peeking out in places. Disgusting, as they almost looked like bones that had popped out of flesh. Almost as if Gallam was dead and evil spirits had possessed him and were now directing his corpse. There were embers burning, still embedded in his flesh. In comparison with this monster, the other two demon dogs seemed like discarded stuffed animalsthis beast was a monstrosity that had descended to hell and was strong enough to return! what a monsterthose three great warriorsthey were killed by THIS?! Captain Matzo groaned as he stood before usI could see goosebumps all over him. The dog Gallam looked us all over as he exhaled freely againthe green eyes passed over the armed Royal Guards as if they didnt exist. When he finally saw me, his eyes lit up. He swayed a bit and then pulled his lips back in a fang-filled snarl. I could tell that his only desire right now was to eat meI mean, damn, at a time like this, you want to eat me?! Okay! Lets finish this! Works fine for me too! Sorry for making you wait! Seems that my boys here havent gotten a chance to attack you yet. okay, boysnows your turn! Kill the enemy! Finish him! Aouuu! I waved my mighty infant hand. All of the guard looked at me like they saw something they never should havedamn, still a baby. Come on guysits the habit of being a queen. So I put my hand over my face and tried to gurgle like a baby again.