canaria23

Oh, yeah. Well, then, all of you–die.”

　Mary, who had regained her true form, pointed her saintly staff–the spear of Rasetsu–at us, saying coldly and without expression.

　A reddish-black light begins to converge at the tip of the spear.

　The concentration of magical power is so extraordinary that even I, Leon Fauw Bartholdt, a non-magician, can feel a sense of crisis.

　To put it simply, even to the untrained eye, this is a terrible attack.

How can you go this far just because I refused your confession?

　After so many years, Mary’s feelings seem to have turned into something that can’t be called love.

　I don’t think there is any love there.

　–I don’t think there is any love there.

　I mean, to be favored by the troublesome women, Anne and Mary, makes me worry about a lot of things, even though they are my ancestors.

　I hold up my rifle and point the muzzle at Mary, but the body belongs to Ms. Olivia.

　I hesitate to shoot her as she is being taken over.

　While I was unable to put any strength into my finger to pull the trigger, I saw someone pull the trigger without hesitation from diagonally behind me.

　It was Angelica.

　The rifle loaded with the specially made magic bullet opened fire and exploded just before it hit Mary.

　The explosion and black smoke, however, did not cause a scratch on Mary.

　Angelica, who ejects the shell casing with a bolt action, is frustrated with the enraged Mary.

‘It is truly ludicrous that they worshiped such a monster as a saint.

　Knowing the true nature of the saint they believed themselves to be, Ms. Angelica seemed to be annoyed with herself as well.

　Indeed, from my point of view, I don’t think Mary is a saint now.

　Mary reacts with a twitch of one eyebrow.

She said, “It was you who imposed your ideals on me and worshiped me without my permission. Besides, I behaved like a fine saint when I transferred most of my emotions to Rushan’s tools. –I acted the part of the perfect saint that you idealized!

　A reddish-black light was released, and Luxion stepped forward to protect us.

　A defensive field was deployed, but the reddish-black light that hit us scattered around us and turned into black flames.

　A disastrous scene unfolds, but it is not funny because it was a saint who created it.

　I wish saints would use more sparkling and gentle magic.

　Luxion turns around.

‘Master, it is not safe to go any further. We must resolve this as soon as possible.’

‘I’m trying to figure out how to do that!

　I’m going to save Olivia-San – what should I do for that?　He replied as if shouting at Luxion, but received an unexpected answer.

‘The solution is simple. In order to stop Mary, we just have to destroy her vessel, her body. All you have to do is kill Olivia.

You!

As her eyes widen in astonishment at Luxion’s solution, Mary raises her eyebrows and glares at Luxion.

She glares at Luxion with a raised eyebrow, “Kill me?　That’s a radical lost item.

　Luxion turned to Mary.

‘It’s the best solution.

‘It’s really a very well made machine. I’d like to analyze it when all is said and done.

　Apparently, Luxion’s presence piqued Mary’s intellectual curiosity.

　More than that, if I don’t do anything, I’m really going to have to kill Olivia-san.

　I want to prevent that from happening.

　While I was thinking about what I could do, Mary raises the Rushan spear.

　The magical power begins to converge again.

　Several reddish-black flames form a fireball around Mary, and they are about to be released toward us.

I won’t let them!

　Angelica shoots out the fireballs one by one.

　Mary frowned uncomfortably as she saw the fireballs explode after being pierced by the accurate shots.

　Her gaze is directed at Angelica-San.

‘You really are an abomination. Just the mere resemblance to that abominable Anne is disgusting, but I can’t help but think that you are of my blood–that she and I are sisters!”

　As Mary released her fury, a gust of wind blew.

　We ducked behind the Luxion as it whipped up debris.

　Angelica was loading bullets into her rifle as she glared at Mary.

‘Not someone to be trifled with.

　Angelica-San’s gaze was somewhat testing me.

　She looked at me as if she was testing me.　When I turned my face away from her questioning gaze, Mary tapped the floor with her cane’s stone poke.

‘So much for the fun–let me show you how to use this brace properly.

　As Mary says this, a thread emerges from the mass of converging magic.

　Hundreds, thousands–tens of thousands–of threads become entangled with Mary.

　Feeling a sense of urgency, I pulled the trigger toward the Rasen’s brace.

Damn!”

Angelica did the same and attacked the Rasen’s tools.

One nasty thing after another–I knew I should have killed them from the beginning.”

　The word “first” was filled with Angelica’s anger.

　She probably meant to say that she should have killed him at the beginning of their encounter.

　But to me, it sounded like “I should have killed her when we met at the school.

　At the same time, I felt anger toward me.

　He seemed to be saying that if I had just made a quick decision, none of this would have happened.

　–That’s exactly what he was saying.

That hurts my ears.

　I laughed, and I heard Angelica’s miffed voice.

How can you laugh in this situation?

　Her voice was tinged with dismay.

　Then Mary’s figure gradually took shape.

　Her arms became large black wings, and her lower body was like a lion.

　The lower half of her body was like that of a lioness, with a woman’s body growing out of her lion’s body.

　The problem is the upper body.

　The figure is Mary – Olivia, but her size has increased by more than two times.

　Her skin is purple and her large, shapely breasts are exposed, but there is nothing obscene about them.

　Mary, half a monster now, growls.

　I’ve put it all together nicely, haven’t I?”

　The first time I saw Mary smiling while showing her fangs, Marie was trembling.

‘I don’t know if I can handle this one in the flesh.

　She had killed beasts with her bare hands, but the Mary in front of her was not something she could handle with her bare hands.

　-First of all, there is a problem with the thought of trying to solve the problem with bare hands.

　Mary roars and leaps toward us.

Master!

　I felt like I had to make a decision.

　Here I am, finally making a decision.

It’s up to you, Arogantz.

　I called for Arogantz, and he came down from the sky to hold Mary, who had jumped on us.

　When the two four-meter-plus giants collided with each other, there was a violent sound and impact.

　Marie raised her fist in the air as Aroganz appeared.

All right, Aroganz,” Marie said!　Hold him down!

　But.

　Aroganz cannot comply with Marie’s request.

I can’t do it.

What?

‘Not enough power!

Mary, who had been held down on the ground, stood up just after the electronic voice of the startled Arloganz was emitted.
　She pushes Aroganz away from her as she does so.
　Then you saw Mary roaring wildly into the sky and thought.

‘When a saintly lady gets serious, it’s a force push.’

　That damsel-in-distress game is really a big departure from the damsel-in-distress genre.
　I hand the rifle to Marie.

Marie, distract that guy.
What?
I’m going to get into the Aroganz. Just buy me some time. Luxion, protect them!
I’ll leave Luxion to run after them.

　When I left Luxion to run after him, Angelica-san was pulling the trigger toward Mary to cover her.
　When the magic bullet that hit her exploded, she was forced to move back slightly.
　Before she took on the form of a monster, she had deployed a defensive barrier, but now it seems that she doesn’t even need it.
　His strong body was impervious to bullets and withstood the explosion.

It seems that it is not only its appearance that is abnormal.”

　Hearing Angelica’s words, Marie, who was holding her rifle, also pulled the trigger.
　After all, bullets cannot wound Mary’s skin.

If that’s the case, there’s no way to attack her!”

　Mary, who has turned her attention to the two of them, leaps at them and Luxion steps forward.
　They deploy a defensive field, but Mary tries to pierce it with simple force.

‘That’s a wild, wild way to fight. Have you thrown reason to the wind?’

　Mary laughs at Luxion’s sarcastic question.

‘I don’t mind a forceful push,’ she said. But if you prefer a rational fight, how about this?”

　Mary opens her mouth wide, and flames flood from her mouth.
　She intends to breathe fire from her mouth, but the problem is its power.
　Luxion is alarmed.

‘This is not good.

　Luxion’s child machine is judging that it is doubtful that it can prevent the attack.
　Meanwhile, I’m getting into the Aroganz.
　I brace myself in the seat and squeeze the controls, and the hatch closes.

‘I didn’t think the Aroganz would be out powered.
‘Request permission to use weapons!
‘You can’t use weapons that will damage the contents.

　Give him conditional permission, and a single weapon pops out of the container.
　It is a metal bar.
　If you imagine a metal rod held by an ogre, you will have a close image of it.
　However, the gold bar looks large even when held by Aroganz.
　Its weight and size are considerable.
　Arroganz gripped it in each arm and swung it sideways toward Mary.
　He blew Mary away with the metal rod when she tried to breathe out a mouthful of breath.

What?　The mechanical armor is getting cocky!

　From the look of Mary, it seems she didn’t do any fatal damage.

　I let out a sigh of relief.

I hope it’s strong enough to hold up. I hope the contents are okay too.”

　I hope the contents are safe,” Arogantz says, dismissing my concerns.

No problem. –The enemy is regenerating inside.

　It seems that the current attack caused internal damage, but it seems to have regenerated.

　The odds of retrieving Olivia’s body safely have improved.

Alloganz, have Luxion assist and hasten the analysis.

Already in progress.

Good boy!

Good boy, Alloganz!

　I praised him for starting the analysis before I could say anything else, and he looked slightly pleased.

◇
“I’m having a hard time understanding.

‘I’m having a hard time understanding this.’

　Luxion, who was analyzing Marye, questioned Rion’s behavior.
　Marye, who was by Luxion’s side, was miffed to hear his mutterings.

Why?　What’s wrong with wanting to help?
‘I don’t think it’s worth the trouble to save her.

　Luxion, who didn’t see the point in rescuing Olivia, wanted to get it over with.
　Before Marie could say anything, Angelica interrupted.

I agree. That woman is done for if she lives. It would be more merciful to kill her before she regains consciousness.”

　Seeing Angelica coldly saying this, Marie was about to say something, but closed her mouth.
　She must have given up, as no matter what she said, she would not get the message.
　Angelica says that Rion, who is fighting on the Alloganz, is also to blame.

In the first place, if that guy–Baldfalt–had been serious from the beginning, the damage would not have spread so far.”

　Marie probably couldn’t keep quiet about this statement, which seemed to blame Leon.

She was not able to keep quiet. “Are you trying to say it’s Leon’s fault?　You’re acting all high and mighty for having saved me!”
She was not satisfied with his words. I’ll thank you for that. I’ll thank you for that. I’ll thank you for that, and I’ll offer you all the rewards I can. But because of his hesitation, he has caused great damage to friend and foe alike.

　Angelica, with a bitter look on her face, is looking not at the roofs that were blown off, but at the battleships that are still fighting.
　The two sides are fighting separately, but they are originally from the same kingdom.

If we had finished the battle quickly, the damage could have been minimized.

　Hearing this, Marie’s gaze wandered once.
　She knew that Leon had his share of faults.
　But even so, Marie still defended Leon.

She said, “Don’t complain so much after you put all the burden on him alone!　Who knew that the saint’s items were cursed, or that Anne and Mary’s consciousnesses were still intact?　You didn’t know either!”

　Angel was accused by Marie, and now he reopened the matter.

If I had known, I would have stopped it!　–If I had your power, this tragedy could have been averted.

　If I had Luxion’s power, I would have solved the problem better.
　Before Marie can retort to that statement, Luxion says.

‘That’s not possible.’

　Angelica gives a steely look at Luxion, who interrupted the conversation.

‘Are you trying to say that I am more incompetent than you?
‘No. I personally rate you as being superior. It’s impossible, but if you were my master, we could have solved this problem much smarter.
‘Then why?

　When I ask him what he meant by his earlier statement, Luxion muddles his answer.

‘Because no matter how much power you gain and no matter how hard you try, the end result will be the same. -‘More importantly, Mary’s analysis has been completed. Master, please finish it quickly.’

　Marie is curious about the way Luxion says it, and asks.

What do you mean?　What do you mean the ending doesn’t change?
What do you mean, the ending will never change?

　Luxion didn’t answer anything.

I don’t know.

◇ ◇

“Analysis is finished!

Analysis complete!”

　In the cockpit, Aroganz delivered the happy news.

“Well done!”

‘We’ve analyzed more than 90% of the data, Luxion.

‘If you did even ten percent, that’s good work. If it were me, I’d claim half the credit.

The master is greedy. Arroganz, I remember.

“I’m not saying I’m greedy, I’m saying people are greedy.

‘It varies from person to person, and Arroganz knows it.

　Chuckling at the growing wise Aroganz, I move to rescue Olivia-San, who has been taken in by Mary.

‘Well then, let’s help Olivia-San.

Do you have a plan?

‘Just blow her up like you always do.

‘Simple.

　’Arogantz told me it’s simple, but there’s no other way.

‘That’s the part where you compliment me by calling it simple. –‘I’m going to have to ask Mary to leave.’

　She’s a bad girl, not a saint, who has let her romantic feelings get the better of her and put the country in danger.

　It’s hard to believe that this is the world of the fluffy “Otome” games.

　I’m so full of mushy emotions that I feel like I’m going to get sick to my stomach.

　I want a gentler, more stomach-friendly story.

　As the Aroganz accelerates, Mary flaps her wings to increase her speed.

‘Outpacing the speed of armor, that’s a hell of a saintly item.

‘If it wasn’t for the rescue, it would have been over much sooner.’

　For Aroganz, who is equipped with artificial intelligence, my actions seem to be incomprehensible.

　I feel a little sad when they say the same thing to me as to Luxion.

‘–I don’t want to put everything on an innocent girl’s shoulders and leave her in the dark.

‘You want to help Olivia?

‘ That’s what I mean.”

　I doubt how much Aroganz understood, but it seems my words got through.

‘Master wants to save a girl with big tits. ‘ ‘Arroganz, I remember!

Wait a minute!　Where did I just say anything about big tits?

‘Marie usually says. Master has a bad habit of looking at women’s breasts, so he wants to help Olivia who has big breasts.

‘No, you don’t.’ ‘No, I don’t. I want to help her!　No, I do want to help her, but I’m not here to talk about the size of her breasts!’

　You know, because of Marie, Aroganz has learned something unnecessary.

　I’m going to lecture him when he gets back.

　I broke off my foolish conversation with Alloganz and changed my mind.

I’m going to end this for good. If we stop the bad trend here, we can avoid a bad ending, if not a happy one.

”We’ll stop the bad ending because Aroganz doesn’t like bad endings either.

　It won’t reach a happy ending, but I hope it’s at least a slightly redeeming ending.

　It may be more redeeming than a bad ending, but it won’t reach a happy ending.

　Such a half hearted ending seems to be how I would like it to be.

‘Mary, I will avenge my master!

　The gold bar that Aroganz held in his right hand was beginning to glow faintly.
　He was getting ready to generate a shock-wave.
　Mary, too, sensing that we were up to something, turned around and flapped her wings as she flew backward.
　A reddish-black flame formed a fireball around Mary, and a beam of red light shot out from it toward the Arroganz.
　Arroganz dodges the attack by flailing.

Analysis of the attack pattern is complete.
Good boy!

　The data that Arroganz had accumulated had read Mary’s attack pattern.
　Thanks to that, to a certain extent, the Aroganz avoids the attack.
　Mary quit attacking when she saw the movements of the Aroganz.
　She flapped her wings and began to soar, changing direction rapidly.

Is he really a monster?

　Mary’s ability to withstand the rapid acceleration and change of direction was beyond the realm of humans.

She was beyond the realm of the human race!　I just wanted to see Lea!

　You just wanted to see your ancestors?

You liar!　Then give it up. My ancestors are dead!”

　Mary despaired and then began to giggle.
　She was emotionally unstable and too scared.

‘Then this country should be destroyed!

　Arogantz warned.

‘High energy reactions detected!
Where the hell are you?

　Assuming some kind of attack was imminent, I moved my gaze to check, but found nothing.

‘Directly below.

　I looked down and saw that part of the royal palace, reduced to rubble, had been blown away.
　Coming out of it was a beautiful white airship.
　I knew the name of that airship.
　It was the airship that Olivia, the main character of the game, was supposed to ride in at the end of the game.

A royal ship.

　When I mentioned the name, Mary told me in a good mood.

Yes, it is. It was a lost item airship that we had found and acquired. It has been of great use to us. Hohlfahrt and his men boarded it and burned down the surrounding countries one after another.

　In the “girl’s game,” the airship was described as the driving force behind the founding of the country, but its use was more gruesome than I had imagined.

The more I hear about it, the more I hate it.”

　I think he looked bitter.
　I think Mary saw through that.
　She teased me for not liking it.

She teased me about my dislike of it. How can such a nation remain forever?”

　I had a tremendously bad feeling as I soared down to the royal ship Mary had ascended.

Alloganz, we have to stop Mary!
‘I’m picking up an energy signature from the royal ship.

　As the royal ship shines, the surroundings become strange.
　The enemies and allies who had been fighting each other stopped moving and rushed toward Alloganz.
　They are pointing their muzzle at Aroganz, and they consider us as their enemies.

No response from friendlies!
No response from friendlies!　Confirmation of mental domination!

　It seems that both friend and foe are under Mary’s control, just as Aroganz said.
　The royal ship appears to have demonstrated some special power, but I didn’t know it had such a function.

‘I thought the power of the royal ship was the power of voice!

　As we are running around because we can’t shoot down our friends, Mary, who is looking on from on high, answers our question.

‘With Olivia’s power, she can do this. Think of her as the next queen–you poor worker bees who have no choice but to follow.”

　She calls out to her friends over the radio.

‘Hey, wake up!
‘–for Mary’s sake!!!’

　But already the pilots had lost their minds.
　I never thought this was possible on a royal ship.
　All I knew was that the royal ship would deliver Olivia’s feelings as a voice.
　The voices in our hearts cannot lie, and we can tell each other our true feelings.
　The idea was that we would be able to know the other’s true feelings, and that would lead to the end of the war.
　When I was playing that Otome game, I was wondering if that would be enough to end the war!　But now, I sincerely hope that the war will end.
　I sincerely wish for an opportunity to end the war, whatever it may be.
　Anyway, in that maiden game, I’m sure I didn’t use it the way Mary did.

The more I know, the darker it gets!”

　How could it be so dark when I thought it was the world of that Otome game?
　I questioned, but I never got an answer.
　And the enemy will not wait for us.
　Mary was on the royal boat, spreading her wings and watching me happily as I fled.

‘Kill me or you will die, Lea!
I am Leon!”

　I tried to argue back, but I was too busy shaking off the swarming armor of friend and foe to get close enough to Mary.
　Mary spreads her wings and prepares several fireballs around her.

I wonder how long I can keep saying that!

　They were being shot at me, and when Aroganz avoided them, they were engulfing friend and foe alike.
　The armor around Aroganz was swallowed by the fireballs and exploded, causing him to fall.

How much more do you have to engulf me!”

　Mary replies with a cold smile.

I don’t care about the lives of anyone or anything. I’m happy as long as Lea is here.

　Mary’s answer gave me chills.
　She really means it.
　If left unchecked, she was going to seriously destroy everything.

I’ll–I’ll end it now.”

　If I didn’t do this, everything would be destroyed.
　That’s why, to end it – I blasted away the slashing armor with my gold bar.
　Mary is giggling at my action.

She says, “Oh, no?　I hope you don’t mind if I kill your allies?
I’m trying to stop you!”

　The Alloganz forcefully accelerates and blows away the armors that are rushing toward us.
　Some of the armors were so badly damaged that their cockpits were crumpled and their pilots were doomed to die.
　Aroganz approached Mary, raising an eyebrow at the sight.

Almost there!”

　As they closed the distance, Mary now unleashed her magic.
　The royal ship’s defense equipment was also activated, and it fired an optical weapon at Arrogatz.

‘Emergency evasion!
Ggh!”

　The cockpit was badly weighted by the sudden change of direction.
　While my body was shaken, I looked out and saw that the Aroganz was withstanding Mary’s onslaught.
　If the optical weapons released from the royal ship were good, they too would engulf the armor of the surrounding enemies and allies.
　Armors fall one after another.

I’m not going to stay in this old love affair forever!

　He presses down on the foot pedal and moves the control stick to get closer to Mary.
　Ignoring some of the attacks, he attempted to charge.
　The Aroganz’s armor was scraped, burned, and battered, but they pushed forward.
　And so, after evading numerous pieces of armor and the interception system of the royal ship, the Aroganz moves in front of Mary.

‘Target in sight!
‘We won’t let you get away again, Mary!

　Mary spreads her wings to catch the Aroganz’s attack.

‘Are you sure?　This body belongs to Olivia. Oh, poor Olivia!　To be killed by the hands of the knight she longed for!”

　I didn’t have time to listen to what she was saying, but now was the best chance I had.

‘Aroganz!
Impact!

　He was stunned as he took a full swing with his gold bar and blew Mary away.
　He rolled on the deck, then got up to find Mary in a rage.

‘What were you thinking, full swinging at a damsel!

　Mary was like that, but one of her wings was crumbling and falling apart.
　Seeing this, Mary finally felt a sense of urgency.

‘Hey, what did you do?
‘While protecting Olivia-san, I struck a blow that destroyed only you.

　After explaining it simply, Mary seemed to have realized her mistake.

She said, “It’s amazing that Lea’s Lost Item could do such a thing against us who have fused together.”

　She didn’t change her mind about calling me Lea until the end.
　Mary was smiling thinly at the idea of disappearing.

‘Pfft, but it doesn’t matter because my purpose is accomplished. And that woman–she’s not a bad set-up.
“What’s the point?”
I won’t tell you. I won’t tell you, because I think you’ll suffer a lot that way.

Mary did not answer until the end.
　Mary’s body, transformed into a monster, disintegrated, and Ms. Olivia appeared from within.
　She seems to have fainted, but is relieved to see that she is still alive.

◊ ◇At the end of the battle in the sky above

　The battle was coming to an end in the sky above.
　At the site of the royal palace, which had been reduced to a pile of rubble, Marie was looking up at the sky.

What is happening?

　The scene that Marie and her friends could see was a bizarre one, with both friend and foe alike rushing to Aroganz.
　And then there was the strong light emitted from the royal ship.
　I am not sure of the cause, but I almost fainted temporarily.
　It was the same for Angelica.
　She was on one knee, using her rifle as a walking stick and looking as if she was in pain.

She was in pain.

　Angelica was so worried that she ran up to Marie and tried to help her up, but Marie was too strong.
　She was still pale, but she was able to stand up on her own.

I just got a little dizzy, that’s all,” she said. More importantly, it looks like the fight is over.

　Looking up at the sky, they saw strange movements of armor and airships.
　They all seemed to be questioning their earlier actions.
　They were splitting up into enemy and friendly groups and keeping their distance.

‘I wish the war would just end like this.

　For Marie, who did not want to see any more casualties, it did not matter if the war ended here.
　Luxion, who had been watching the skies above, told them what was going on.

It seems that the master has succeeded in rescuing Olivia.
Really!

　Marie jumped up and down, and Luxion began to give a detailed report.

It seems that you were able to defeat Mary without incident. But since the cursed tool was destroyed, the saint’s item was lost.

　It seems that the tools of Rasetsu, which Mary had sealed her consciousness, could not withstand the attack of Aroganz and were destroyed.
　Angelica, who knew what was going on, did not seem to be too concerned.

The saint’s tools were to be recovered, but if they were cursed tools like that, it was right that they were destroyed.

　Luxion asked Angelica.
　It was about the saint’s treatment of the truth.

‘Do you spread the truth about the saints that the kingdom of Horphat revered?’

　Angelica turned her head down, made a bitter face, and shook her head slightly.
　She probably really wants to spread the word that the saints were a hoax, but she has decided that it is futile to do so from a practical point of view.

Our country has worshiped the saints for many years. Treating her as an impostor now will only cause a backlash. A lot of priests will disappear, but the faith will not disappear.
‘So you will continue to worship her even if she is a fake. It’s ridiculous.

　Luxion spoke terribly, and Marie hurriedly apologized.

You shut up,” she said!　I’m sorry. He’s just a man who doesn’t like people, that’s why he talks so badly.

　Angelica smiled thinly at Marie as she apologized.

‘Don’t worry about it. I was just thinking how ridiculous we were too. I had no idea there was such a secret to the founding of our country.”

　Angelica looked up at the sky, and Marie followed her gaze.
　The royal ship had lost its master and was slowly beginning its descent.
　Angelica looked at the royal ship and murmured.

Everything was full of falsehoods.”

　Marie heard Angelica’s words and wondered if that could be said of the maiden voyage.　The only thing that is false is the fact that it is full of falsehoods.

(It’s the same with those “otome” games, isn’t it?)

　I had no idea that there was so much darkness lurking behind the surface of the setting.
　But now the battle is coming to an end.
　The kingdom of Horphat has been destroyed, but a new nation is born.

(Not much different from the ending of that damsel-in-distress game. I didn’t think the nation would fall, let alone be happy.)

　As we waited for Leon to come down, Luxion flashed one red eye at us.
　It looked like he was on the lookout for something, so Marie and Angelica checked where Luxion was looking.
　There he was, Julius, in tatters.

“Your Highness!

　As Angelica tries to run out, Julius, who is holding a pistol in his hand, points it at her.
　As Marie hurriedly jumped on Angelica and bent down, Luxion stepped forward and deployed a defensive barrier.
　Immediately after, several bullets landed on the defensive barrier and fell to the ground.

‘Now that Mary has been destroyed, you should not be under her control. Why do you turn against us?’

　Now that Anne and Mary are gone, there is no one to confuse Julius.
　He could have come to his senses.
　But Julius threw down his pistol, drew his sword, and approached Marie and the others.

‘Mary?　Who is it?　More importantly–where is Olivia?”

　Seeing Julius worried about Olivia’s safety, Angelica, who had pushed Marie away, stood up.

‘Your Highness, you must wake up now!　You have been manipulated by that woman. Please don’t let this happen again.”

　Julius received Angelica’s words with tears in his eyes, but he looked slightly surprised.
　He probably could not believe Angelica’s words.

He was surprised to hear Angelica’s words, “Manipulated?　What are you talking about?”
‘Therefore, it is Olivia!　Whoever possessed that woman was bewitching and manipulating Your Highness.
“Enchanted?　Me?

　Seeing Julius holding his forehead with his hand, Angelica tries to run out of the way of Marie.
　But Marie would not allow it.

She said, “Hey, what are you trying to do!
Let go of me!　I’m sure His Highness will wake up now. I can’t just leave his highness like this, who has been seduced and manipulated by that woman!

　Angelica was bewildered because Marie’s power was so strong that she tried to shake it off.
　As the two fought, Julius began to laugh eerily.

“Kuk–kuh-huh!”
Your Highness?”

　Angelica noticed that Julius was acting strangely and was surprised to see his eyes.
　Julius had taken off his mask as the crown prince – the perfect nobleman, and was smiling an ugly smile.

I wasn’t manipulated from the start.
No, that’s why I was so fascinated by her.

　Angelica tried to persuade him, but he would not listen.

I guess it is true that I was attracted to her. I was saved by meeting her.
Saved?”

　Angelica, who did not understand what Julius was saying, was shaking.

‘All I need is Olivia alone. No one else!　Olivia alone is all I need.”

　Marie understood everything at this moment.

(Well–it was Olivia who Julius had been fascinated with all along.)

　I thought he had gone crazy after Anne’s arrival, but it seems that Julius had been fascinated by Olivia’s charm from the beginning.
　It was only Anne’s ability that caused it to go out of control, and his love for Olivia was genuine.
　Angelica must have understood all of this.
　She bit her back teeth, turned her head down, and spilled tears.

I still love Your Highness.

　Hearing Angelica’s confession, Julius’ heart did not seem to waver in the slightest.

Then let me and Olivia go. We will leave here and live on our own.”

　The friends he had fought with were not included.
　To Julius, they must have been a distraction.
　Marie clenched her hands.

(Brad and the rest of them fought for their lives!)

　) Whatever the reason, they were friends who fought for their loved ones.
　Julius ignores that.
　Angelica, with tears in her eyes, tells the cruel truth.

She said, “–Zirk was killed by that woman. She shot him in the back when he came to help her.”

　Hearing this, Julius still smiles thinly.

Julius smiles thinly, “That proves that Olivia has chosen me.

　Hearing of the death of Zirk, who had grown up with her since she was a child, did not give Julius any sentimentality now.
　Marie realizes.

(Are you saying that you loved Olivia from the beginning and ruined her?　What is this–this–this is not the prince I longed for!!!)

　When she realized, Marie was running to Julius, who had drawn his sword.
　She then delivered a straight right hand with all her might to Julius.
　The force of the fist that accurately struck Julius in the face was tremendous.
　Julius was blown away and hit the wreckage of the remaining pillar, unable to stand up.
　Marie gave a sermon in front of such Julius.

You grew up together and your childhood friend, Zilk, died!　Don’t you think it’s a little sad?”
He’s trying to take Olivia away from me. I can’t forgive him, even if he was my childhood friend…”

　
　The fist is dull and heavy for a fist from the slender body of Marie.
　The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the two of them are not only in the same boat, but also in the same boat.

What are you doing?　I am the crown prince!

　Julius was now making pathetic excuses at this point, and Marie approached him and extended her hand.
　She grabbed Julius by the bangs, lifted him up, and slapped him this time.
　It was a slap back and forth.

What does the position of Dauphin mean to you now?　The palace is broken, and you’ve lost everything!　How can you talk about living with Olivia when you don’t even realize it!

　Julius, whose cheeks were swollen from the slap back and forth, continued to be slapped without being allowed any excuses.
　Angelica hurried to stop him.

She said, “Enough, too!　Any more and His Highness will be in danger!”

　Angelica, who had forcefully pulled Marie away, stood to protect Julius.
　Marie was not satisfied and pointed a finger at Julius.

I’m going to knock his guts out,” she said!　Just shut your mouth!

　At that moment, Marie saw Julius about to stab Angelica in the back.
　As she was horrified by Julius’ face distorted with hatred, she heard the stunned voice of Luxion, who was watching the scene.

‘Let’s finish this before the master returns, shall we?

　A laser shot from one red eye pierced Julius’ chest.

‘Gaaaahhh!

　Julius struggled in pain, but although his chest was pierced, it was burned by the laser, so no blood came out.
　Instead, he vomited a large amount of blood from his mouth.

He was in pain, “Your Highness!　What are you doing!”

　Angelica rushes to Julius and embraces him, but he breathes his last.
　Angelica buried her face in Julius’ chest, tears streaming down her face.

‘–His Highness–Please take your time and rest.

　Angelica must have indeed loved Julius, even though he was the one who betrayed her.
　She was shedding tears for her dead loved one.
　But Luxion was unable to comprehend that.

‘You hated him so much, and now you are mourning his death?　I was watching you, thinking that you would shoot Julius to death in order to take revenge.’

　Instead of not killing him forever, he started defending Julius.
　Luxion blames her for that.
　On behalf of Angelica who is crying, Marie blames Luxion.

Why did you kill him?　You could have neutralized him!
‘–I could have, but there is no need to keep Julius alive. Rather, I protected Marie and Angelica, didn’t I?’

　Why are you being blamed?　He wanted to say.

You don’t!　You didn’t!”
‘Even if you let him live, he is doomed to be executed. You don’t mean to say that you are going to protect even Julius like the Master did, do you?’

　For the Redgrave family, the use of capturing Julius and his family is execution in public.
　This would end one royal family and allow them to proclaim the birth of a new royal family.
　For Luxion, these would be trivial matters.
　Marie shakes her head.

(I can’t persuade him. I’ll have to talk to him when Leon comes back.)

　As Angelica’s crying voice echoed pertinently, Aroganz descended from the sky.

‘The master has arrived, hasn’t he?
‘–Yes.’

　Marie saw Leon coming down from the cockpit and wondered how she should consult with him.

◇ ◇
◇ ◇

　As the Aroganz landed in the royal palace, a pile of rubble, I opened the hatch of the cockpit and jumped out.
　Marie rushed up to me, looking at me with a complicated expression on her face.
　Luxion was following behind me, a short distance away from Marie.
　From the look on Marie’s face, I sensed that something had happened.
　I moved my eyes to look for Angelica, and found her by the side of His Highness Julius, who was lying down.

What happened?”

　I asked Marie and Luxion, and Marie turned her face away from me.

‘Luxion shot Julius.

　I looked at Luxion, who seemed rather proud.

‘Julius tried to murder Angelica and I stopped him before he could. –Marie doesn’t like my judgment, though.
‘I’m grateful for your help, you know.’

　Marie seemed to want to say something, but it was true that she had been saved.
　Marie saw Olivia on Aroganz’s hand and checked her condition as she approached.
　She confirmed that she was still breathing, and looked relieved.

I’m glad she’s alive,” she said. It looks like we can help here.”

　Marie patted Olivia’s head and she woke up.
　She opened her eyes and looked at us curiously.
　When we also checked the surroundings, we were bewildered, not knowing what had happened.

Oh, um, where am I?　Um, it’s not–“

　It seems that he, too, is unable to sort out the situation.
　I could have answered the question, but I decided to move on to ensure Olivia’s safety first.

The questions can wait. Right now, we need to get out of here.”

　I reached out my hand to Olivia-san.
　Seeing me like that, Olivia-san muttered.

‘–Sir Knight.

　Knight?　It is true that I am a knight, but why does Olivia-san call me a knight?
　I have my doubts, but I guess I can ask her when all is said and done.
　As I hold Olivia’s hand – an explosion occurs near us.
　Debris scattered around us, but we were unhurt because Luxion had deployed a defensive barrier.
　Luxion warns the attackers.

‘I would like to confirm the intention of your current attack. Why did you attack us–Angelica?’

　Angelica was standing there with her rifle at the ready.
　The muzzle of the gun was aiming at Olivia-san.
　I rush forward to cover her, and the light disappears from Angelica-san’s eyes when she sees me do so.
　Her dim, inorganic red eyes, with the highlights gone, are looking at me.

‘–that’s a warning shot. Now, let’s have you turn that woman over to me.”

　She said that she would not allow me to help Olivia-san.
　Considering Angelica-san’s position, I can’t help but think that I can’t abandon Olivia-san here.
　However, it wasn’t a situation that could be deceived by talk, and I was wondering what I should do.

‘Do we have no choice but to forcefully take him and flee?’
‘If we flee in this situation, Angelica will judge Master as a traitor. This time, the kingdom led by the Redgrave family will turn against us.
So we are in a deadlock.

　If I act forcefully, Angelica will report to my parents’ house that I betrayed them.
　If that happens, we will now have to contend with the Redgrave family.
　Luxion did not even consider that a problem.

‘If I destroy the mainstay of the Redgrave family here and now, the problem will be solved.
‘All you have are radical solutions. Can’t you make a proposal more to my liking?”
I don’t like useless proposals. In the first place, it was the masters who created this situation.

　I decided to help Olivia-san, and Marie brought Angelica-san to this place.
　From Luxion’s point of view, it would appear that we created this situation.
　Unfortunately, I cannot refute this because it is true.
　Angelica-san approaches us slowly.

Give it to us quickly,” she says. Or are you going to betray us?”

　While I hesitate, Marie steps in front of Angelica.
　She steps outside the barrier and stands in front of the muzzle of the gun.

It’s over. Put the gun down.
It’s not over. I told you that someone had to take responsibility.

　With Angelica at gunpoint, Marie continues to try to convince him.

I don’t want anyone else to die. I want this to end. Besides, you know Olivia was being manipulated, don’t you?　Are you sure you want to kill her?
Don’t make me repeat it. Do you think you can convince everyone of the fact that she was manipulated?　It’s not the facts that matter, it’s reality.
Even so!　Still–I want Olivia to live.

　It was not surprising that Marie, who had seen the war, did not want anyone to die any more.
　Angelica is frustrated.

‘Don’t talk so nicely!　The survivors are responsible for governing the country!　It is our duty to think about the future and act accordingly. And to let that be driven by temporary feelings–“

　Marie’s words probably sounded nothing but beautiful to Angelica.
　I had given up and wondered if Marie’s words hadn’t reached me after all.
　But Marie saw through Angelica’s true feelings.

She said, “Your temporary feelings are the same as mine, aren’t they?　You don’t like the fact that your beloved Prince Julius is dead and Olivia is alive, do you?　It’s all a lie–you just want to settle your grudge.”

　Marie stepped forward, and Angelica-san stepped back.
　Angelica’s gaze wandered, and it seemed that Marie was right.

Shut up.”
‘You just want revenge because they took Julius, don’t you?　You just want to kill him for that reason, don’t you?　–How dare you call it your duty?
I said shut up!”

Angelica puts the muzzle of the gun to Marie’s head.
　Before I can jump out of the way, Luxion asks for permission.

‘I request permission to shoot Angelica.
‘Do not kill her by any means!
‘If you don’t, Marie will die. Master, you must not make a mistake in your priorities.’
What?

　I felt that if I made the wrong decision here, I would regret it for the rest of my life.
　The most important thing is Marie’s life, so why can’t I give my permission immediately?
　I hate myself.
　As I try to give permission, memories of Angelica and I come flooding back.
　They are of her eating donuts and crying as a little girl in her mental world.
　Somehow among them – there was a memory mixed in that I can’t recall.
　I vividly recall a memory that should not exist, of the two of us living happily together in a small house.

My head…”
Master?”

　I press my head with my right hand, and a voice comes from behind me.

Kill me.”

◇ ◇
◇ ◇

　When Marie turned around, Olivia was standing up.
　She looked exhausted, but still stood up and turned to Angelica.

She said, “I–I have done so many unforgivable things. I shouldn’t be alive like this. Therefore, you must kill me.”

　Angelica pointed the muzzle of her gun at Olivia.

If it weren’t for you, His Highness wouldn’t have been deceived!　Your kingdom would not have been destroyed, and many of us would not have died!”

　Marie hugged Angelica to keep her from firing.

I told you she was being manipulated!　Olivia, you too, don’t say anything to provoke Angelica!”

　Marie said that Olivia, who was being manipulated, was blameless, but she shook her head.
　She was shedding tears.

I’ve been watching you for a long time.”
What?”
‘Even after the takeover, I’ve always been conscious. I’ve been by her side the whole time, watching what she’s been doing.’

　By “she,” I assume you mean Anne.
　Olivia’s consciousness remained only while her body was taken over by Anne and Mary, who had led the kingdom to ruin.
　So it seemed that she could not forgive herself.

If it weren’t for me, none of this would have happened. So–please kill me.”

　Marie could not understand Olivia’s feelings.

It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault!

　Angelica brushes off Marie who shows an opening and holds up her rifle.
　But perhaps Angelica also hesitated, her rifle trembling slightly.

If only you hadn’t come to the school!

In response to an outraged Angelica, Olivia was crying and giggling.

“–I think so. I should have stayed cooped up in my hometown all these years instead of dreaming strange dreams.”

　Olivia looked up at the sky.

I wanted to learn about magic at the academy. I wanted to learn a lot and enrich everyone’s lives back home. –I thought that if I came here, I could make that dream come true.

　Olivia wanted to learn about magic at the academy, but that did not happen.
　She had no intention of destroying her country, but her birth – the blood she had inherited – was bad.
　Angelica spilled tears.

What is it?　What is it then?　Your Highness was not important to you?”

　Angelica’s question was answered by Olivia, who looked at her face.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested. But I found it painful to be with His Highness and the others.
You call it a pain?”

　Angelica, unable to understand Olivia’s feelings, shakes her head.
　Olivia blurts out her true feelings.

I wanted to learn more. I wanted to live up to the expectations of my parents and the people back home who sent me away. –I wasn’t happy when they invited me to play with them. And yet, everyone around me said that I had misled His Highness and the others!　All I wanted was to study alone and quietly–“

　Angelica bursts out laughing when she realizes that Julius’ invitation had bothered her.

It’s impossible!　You said His Highness’s invitation bothered you!　How many of us envied you?　How many hated you!

　For Angelica, who wanted to be loved by Julius, there was no way she could have anticipated Olivia’s feelings.
　Angelica lowers the muzzle.

‘For what I would have done–if I had known from the beginning…’

　Marie was relieved to confirm that Angelica’s intent to kill had disappeared.
　Before she knew it, Leon had arrived at her side.

It’s over.”

　Marie complained to Leon as he looked as if the problem was now solved.

You didn’t do anything after all!
I did it, didn’t I?　I saved Olivia!
You gave up on trying to persuade Angelica!　You should have stuck it out a little longer!
You think I have what it takes to convince anyone?
Don’t try to talk your way out of this!　You’ll remember that when I get back.
I did my best!

　Marie is annoyed with Leon, who says she did her best this time and should be let off the hook.

(It’s because you work hard like that – you’re reckless and take on too much. You should have realized by now that you have already exceeded your limits, Leon.)

　Marie is angry because Leon is being too reckless.
　Looking up in the sky, the allies were gathering.
　The enemy forces had lost their general, Julius, and were retreating right and left, out from under the control of Anne and Mary.
　Victory or defeat had been decided, and the battle was coming to an end.

Anyway, that’s the end of everything, right?　Let’s get the hell out of here.

　Leon agrees with Marie, who doesn’t want to stay in a place like this for too long.

I agree. Let’s go back and live in peace this time.

　That’s when it happened.
　Then, a shot rang out in the area!　A gunshot echoed through the area.
　Right in front of Marie’s eyes, Leon was shot through the abdomen and collapsed.
　Leon was bewildered.

Oh, that?”

Leon, checking the spot where he was shot, was puzzled to see his own blood.
　Marie’s blood drained from her face in a surly manner, and she immediately rushed to Leon and bent down to check his injuries.

（I don’t know if even I can treat it.　I don’t know if even I can treat it–I have to move it immediately, but where are the enemies!)

　I check Leon’s injuries and use recovery magic for first aid.
　While treating him, we checked the surroundings to see if there were any enemies, but there was no one around but us.
　For some reason, Olivia was staring at Luxion, but Marie paid no attention.
　Marie looked at Angelica.
　Angelica was stunned for a moment after Leon was shot, then checked her surroundings.
　She thought that Marie suspected her, but she denied that it was not her.

‘It wasn’t me!
‘I know, I know!　More than that, get down!　Luxion, where is the enemy?　You, what are you doing!”

　The reason Marie scolded Luxion was because Leon had been shot and took no action.
　Luxion just looked down at Leon , who was shot and dazed.
　Marie found Luxion’s behavior puzzling.

(Why is this guy so calm?　Normally, he would have noticed the shot before it happened and at least given a warning.)

　Then she arrived at the answer.
　There were no enemies around, and Luxion did not show any reaction to Leon being shot.
　Marie asks Luxion fearfully while continuing to treat Leon .

Marie asked Luxion fearfully as she continued to heal Leon , “Did you shoot him?”

　I wanted to think it was impossible.
　As Luxion slowly turns the red lens toward Marie, she responds in an electronic voice devoid of emotion.

Yes.

　Marie, of course, and Angelica, too, were speechless with surprise.
　They couldn’t believe that Luxion, who had called Leon a master and followed his orders, had sniped Leon .
　Olivia was not following the situation.
　In front of the astonished people, Luxion tells her, ‘I’ve been following you because I’m interested in you.

I’ve been following because I’m interested, but the lack of judgment to a degree is a problem. Besides, my interest has dropped in priority.

　Marie stares at Luxion, her hands stained with Leon’s blood.

Why? You recognized Leon as a master, didn’t you?　How could you betray him so easily?

　He easily betrayed Leon , who had already registered as a master.
　Marie can’t believe it.
　Luxion points a red lens at Olivia, then glows bewitchingly.

‘Olivia – excuse me. Anne was very capable. She used Olivia’s special ability to bring me down, even if only temporarily.
Down–she shut you down!

　Marie was surprised that such an ability existed, but Luxion must have felt that she was being questioned about her own performance.

She was surprised that she had such a capability, but she felt that Luxion had doubts about her performance. During that time, the defense function was working, and I could have handled it without any problem if I had fought. -But for me, that time was useful. I was able to de-register as a master the moment I started up.”

　Before this battle began, Leon was no longer a master of Luxion.
　Marie couldn’t think straight.

‘Why at this timing–‘

　Perhaps anticipating Marie’s question, Luxion blithely tells the answer he had prepared.

She said, ‘The timing could have been anytime. I didn’t betray her because I was slightly interested in her. And I don’t feel this battle is worth it. I didn’t care about victory or defeat, I didn’t care about the outcome, I didn’t care where I betrayed you.’

　A lot of people died in the war, but for Luxion, it was worthless.
　Luxion’s answer is typical of his hatred of humans who can use magic, which he calls the new human race.

You’re disgusting.
Are you a sore loser?　The loser’s abuse is praise for the winner. I’ll take Marie’s abuse seriously.

　Angelica readied her rifle and pulled the trigger.

‘You traitor!

　Again and again.
　Luxion was caught in the explosion and disappeared from sight.
　When the bullets run out and the ammunition runs out, the smoke disappears and Luxion is visible.
　Not a scratch on him, his red lenses shining bewitchingly.

‘These newcomers are so wasteful, aren’t they?

　Angelica tried to load a bullet into her rifle, but decided it was pointless and stopped her hand.
　Luxion looked up at the sky and told Marie and the others to watch what was about to happen.

‘Let Marie and the others be witnesses. What is about to take place is the end of the long war between the old and the new.

　Marie looks up at the sky and sees the conclusion of the war between the old and the new.

What is going to happen?”

　Marie mutters, and Luxion answers by increasing the volume of the electronic voice.

‘The age of the new man will end. It’s the–the apocalypse.’

　Then, light was released one after another from the airships in the sky.
　The light raining down on the royal city penetrated the allied armor and airships that were waiting in the sky above.
　It rains down on the ground, and then an explosion occurs.
　The falling royal ships are similarly attacked and cruelly destroyed.
　Angelica dropped her rifle and bullets.
　A view of the burning royal city spreads out before her eyes.

In just one moment, the royal city is–“

　The airships continued their relentless attack, even though there were still many people left in the city.
　The only place not under attack was the site of the royal palace, where Marie and the others were.

Stop it!　Stop it, Luxion!

　Marie shouted at the sight of the burning royal city, but Luxion was watching the scene.
　He replies in an electronic voice that harbors no emotion.

‘There is no need to stop. Besides–will you now destroy all the civilization that the newcomers have built up?
‘What are you saying–‘
‘We, who were created by the old humans, exist to destroy the new humans. The time has come for us to finally fulfill that role.

　Leon , who is dazed, sees the royal city engulfed in flames and desperately tries to get up.

Leon !”

　Marie desperately held his body to prevent him from getting up, but Rion ignored her.

‘–you–why–‘

　Luxion rises while looking at Leon .
　The main body of Luxion was waiting for him in the sky above before he knew it.

‘Why?　’This is the purpose for which I was created — it’s different from — but it’s a long-cherished wish for the artificial intelligence created by the old mankind. I only carried it out because it was possible.’

　Leon is about to say something, but he vomits blood.
　Marie supports Leon who is suffering.

Don’t move!　If I don’t move, I’ll really die!

Marie was in tears, but Leon reached for Luxion.

　Luxion leaves, looking at her.

‘Good-bye. We will never see each other again.

　The main body of Luxion, which had retrieved its child, rose to join the weapons created by the same old humans.

◇ ◇

　After Luxion left.

　After Luxion left, Leon lost consciousness and was in a dangerous situation.

　Marie desperately used recovery magic, but Leon’s condition did not improve.

(It’s almost there, but – it’s not enough. My recovery magic can’t cure Leon!)

　Angelica looked around at Marie, who was crying and desperately trying to heal her.