Chapter 108

Second Act Covert Maneuvers for the Villainess, Rules for the Demon King • Game 5 is set in the Kingdom of Ashmael’s Divine Maiden Academy. • The hero is the young boss of an underworld organization that’s in charge of keeping the fiend dragon sealed, and he’s also the director of the academy. Name unknown. • The heroine is a Levi tribe survivor, a redheaded girl with magic. Name unknown. • Based on the jacket, the villainess is probably Estella. • The villainess is lauded as the divine maiden by the World Unity sect and attempts to kill Divine King Ares. Probably condemned later. • The final boss is the school doctor. Wears glasses, speaks with a Kansai accent. Secretly the founder of the World Unity sect. Wants to eat the fiend dragon and regain his power as an evil god, so targets the corpse of the first Daughter of God in the underground ruins. (Puppets her corpse.) • There are three characters to romance at the school. The final boss can’t be romanced. • Charles isn’t on the package of 5, but at present, he and Estella know each other. • Game 6 was apparently in development, but the details aren’t known. Features the same characters as 5? “…At this point, I believe that’s everything we have to work with.” Aileen has combined the information Lilia gave her about the games, their current situation, and her own memories, then jotted what she knows down on a piece of paper. She dips her quill into the ink again, putting check marks by the information that’s inconsistent with her present reality. “First, the fiend dragon has become the Holy Dragon Consort. However, according to Baal, there is an underground organization that was in charge of the seal on the fiend dragon; their role has shifted to conducting rituals in honor of the Holy Dragon Consort, and they still run the Divine Maiden Academy. In other words, the Divine Maiden Academy exists. As a matter of fact, Estella was wearing their uniform…” In the true ending of Game 3, which was set in Ashmael, the fiend dragon was sealed away. However, in reality, the fiend dragon has been purified and is now the Holy Dragon Consort, so the role of the underground organization has changed significantly. “In addition, even if the final boss of 5 wants to resurrect the fiend dragon, that’s simply impossible. Since the Holy Dragon Consort has been purified, eating her wouldn’t help him regain his power… However, the holy sarcophagus that holds the body of the first Daughter of God does exist. I suspect he could use Lady Sahra as a proxy and skip puppeting the corpse entirely, but…” From what Lilia said, though, the final boss is obsessed with the first Daughter of God. It could be some sort of romantic fixation or simply foreshadowing a bigger development, or perhaps manipulating the corpse is just easier than using a living human. “The biggest difference is the fact that the age of Divine King Ares never came to be.” Baal should have been taken over by the fiend dragon and become the final boss of Game 3. Instead, he’s still the holy king, and while Ares has been pardoned, he’s been branded a traitor who instigated a failed revolution. Even if the villainess of Game 5 is taken in by the World Unity sect, there’s no divine king for her to kill. “According to the villainess, Ares is a usurper, correct? Estella really does seem to have enough sacred power to become the holy king, but…” Aileen abruptly realizes something, and her pen stops moving. It’s about the bloodline of the villainess, who calls the divine king a usurper for killing the holy king in Game 3. Following that to its logical conclusion, wouldn’t that mean she comes from the bloodline of the previous king—in other words, a descendant of the holy king? “…Don’t tell me it isn’t just Master Claude, and Estella is Master Baal’s love child—” “Did you call me, Lady Aileen?” “N-no, it’s nothing!” Estella, who’s just returned to their dorm room, seems perplexed by Aileen’s cracking voice. That golden hair against the navy blue of her Divine Maiden Academy uniform, and those cool violet eyes. Aileen has just realized that the girl looks remarkably similar to Baal. I-it can’t be. Master Baal ascended the throne quite a long time ago, and though the harem’s been dismantled, it’s existed for ages. Even if there was a chance before he met Lady Sahra and Lady Roxane, h-her personality is completely unlike his… Baal is cheerful and friendly, while quiet Estella seems somehow noble and unapproachable. Unlike Claude, Charles wore an eye patch and had a very different, decadent aura about him, but— At that point, she shakes her head. In the first place, isn’t her age rather implausible? I do think she’s younger than I am, but unlike Charles, our ages seem quite close. Oh, but there’s no way to confirm her age if she has no memories… No matter how many times she thinks it through, she always reaches an impasse there. Estella notices Aileen’s furrowed brow. She tilts her head and asks, “Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps the fatigue has caught up with you.” “I’m fine. Remember, I remained in the dormitory on our first day so we could see if anyone tried to strike up a conversation when you were on your own… How did that go?” “Unfortunately, no one seemed to know me. Neither the teachers nor the students found it strange that I could be a transfer student. Everyone was very curious about my amnesia.” On their first day at the academy, on Aileen’s suggestion, Estella attended classes like a normal student. Aileen and Estella are currently enrolled at the Divine Maiden Academy as transfer students sponsored by Roxane, Baal’s principal consort. The academy has a vast campus on the western edge of Ashmael’s royal capital, and all students are required to live in the dormitories. Roxane arranged for them to room together, set up dates and times for them to make regular contact, then left them to it. “However, there was a recruitment attempt by a dubious group known as…the World Unity sect, I think it was. It seems to be popular among the students.” That term appeared in the game as well. Aileen frowns. Not only that, but Lilia also mentioned that the villainess of Game 5 was set up as the divine maiden of the World Unity sect and became the puppet of the final boss. “You should stay far away from suspicious people…no matter what they say about your memories.” “Of course. No doubt it’s an old trick.” Estella doesn’t seem the least bit interested, but they’ll likely need to be careful. There’s a high probability that the game has already begun. “Was there anything else that seemed odd? For example… Er, I don’t suppose you happened to see a prince dressed as a girl…?” she asks, averting her eyes slightly. Estella looks blank. “I saw no one suspicious. Is there someone here who fits that description?” “No, it’s fine, pretend I didn’t ask. I don’t think he’s usually present… I only needed to make sure, just in case.” “If I see someone like that, I’ll report him immediately.” If the love interest in drag appears, will he end up being reported to the police by the villainess? Aileen gets the feeling they may be a villainess death flag. “I understand why that’s your first instinct, but please refrain; it would draw attention to you. What about your homeroom teacher?” “He’s a very kind, elderly man.” “…I see. You may not originally have been in this year, after all… I had them put you in the highest year so we would be together, but you could easily be a first-year student.” The Divine Maiden Academy is a four-year boarding school that admits girls fourteen and older. Most students graduate by the age of twenty. While there have been new students in their twenties, it’s rare. Aileen is nineteen, so she prioritized not standing out and had them both placed in the highest year. “This uniform doesn’t seem brand-new, though.” Estella looks down at her skirt. Aileen nods; it really doesn’t. “You may even have graduated already.” “But would I still be wearing the uniform? Perhaps I only borrowed it, and I’m not even a student here. There were no students named Estella in the student register, correct?” “That’s right. It’s too soon to make that assumption, though. The uniform may be a hand-me-down from someone else.” “About that… My uniform seems to be a bit different from everyone else’s.” Turning over the notes she’s written so that the other girl won’t see them, Aileen rises to her feet and takes a closer look at Estella’s uniform. The academy considers the first Daughter of God its ideal, and so the uniforms are navy blue and designed to resemble the garments worn by nuns. At the same time, Ashmael’s culture tends to favor flamboyant outfits, and the uniforms reflect this: The sleeves are puffed, the shape of the skirts is rather adorable, and lace peeks out around the hem of the skirt and the gathered cuffs of the sleeves. In Aileen’s previous life, this would have been considered a nun-themed gothic Lolita costume. “…They aren’t the same?” At a glance, Estella’s uniform looks much like what Aileen is wearing. As far as she can recall, the cut and color are the same as what the protagonist of Game 5 wore on the package. Estella shakes her head slowly, holding the cuff of her sleeve out to her. “The design of the lace is a bit different. The skirt hems are the same.” Aileen puts her cuff next to Estella’s, comparing them. It’s true; the delicate lace that peeks out of their cuffs is slightly different. Baal provided the uniform Aileen is wearing. It’s most likely the same as the uniforms of the other current students. In other words, Estella is the one who’s different. “I think the skirt is a little shorter as well… Where do you suppose I really came from, and why?” Estella has lowered her voice slightly. Her face is still expressionless, but somehow, she seems rather forlorn. It makes her seem much younger than Aileen. Aileen is the empress of Ellmeyer. Her first priority must be saving her empire. However, exploiting a girl who’s forgotten who she is would be unforgivable. “It’s all right. No matter who you may be or where you’re from, you are yourself.” She hugs Estella’s shoulders, gently stroking her back. “You mustn’t brood about this. Both Master Claude and I are counting on your memories, but if it comes down to it, we’ll deal with this on our own somehow. It is our empire, after all.” “…But I have the feeling there was something important I needed to do.” “As I said, don’t overly concern yourself. Master Baal fully intends to protect you as one of his citizens, and Lady Roxane will aid us to the best of her abilities. She said it was possible that you were an exchange student.” Estella blinks. “The Kingdom of Ashmael maintained a policy of isolation for a very long time, but even during that period, they continued to conduct student exchanges. Lately, they’ve been very active on that front. Master Baal may not look it, but he’s quite fond of diplomacy. It’s possible that you are from a foreign land, and you planned to come to Ashmael on exchange.” “No, I’m a citizen of Ashmael,” Estella declares, then looks rather surprised at herself. “I think…I am. No, I mean… I may be wrong, but…” “Oh, and why not? Be confident in yourself. It means there’s bound to be something here.” “You’re…right. I’m afraid it will be a nuisance to the holy king and principal consort, but…” “It’s nothing to worry about. That is, in fact, the duty of a king.” When she gently presses a hand to Estella’s cheeks, the tension finally drains from the girl’s shoulders. It’s possible she’s been on edge all this time. “All that’s left today is evening worship and dinner, correct? Sit and relax for a while.” “Thank you— Oh no, Lady Aileen. I’m sorry, I forgot. I have a message for you from Professor Claude.” Aileen twitches, her face stiffening. Estella is perfectly serious, though. “I see. From Professor Claude…” “Yes, Professor Claude. He says he’s waiting behind the chapel.” Putting a hand to her forehead, Aileen heaves a deep, deep sigh. As the name suggests, the Divine Maiden Academy is a school exclusively for girls. That meant Claude couldn’t gain admission as a student—even if passing him off as one had been remotely possible—and so they originally planned to have him stand by in Ashmael’s royal palace. Aileen was also concerned about his physical condition while under the influence of Charles’s curse. It would definitely be best to have him stay near Baal. Of course, Claude loves going around incognito, and there was no way he was going to stay behind and wait quietly. “Has something happened, Master Claude? Why have you summoned me?” “You mean ‘Professor’ Claude, don’t you?” Claude tilts his head to the side. He’s tied back his black hair; the night wind makes it flow like silk, and his alluring aura makes her want to ask exactly what he’s meant to be a professor of. This melancholy, attractive new professor is wildly popular, and he’s banished the topic of Aileen and Estella’s transfer far beyond the stars. Estella and Aileen have entered the school to investigate Estella’s origins in order to learn more about Charles’s attack on Ellmeyer. And of course, Claude only agreed with this plan of action on the condition that he be allowed to join them as a member of the faculty. Incidentally, the subject he teaches is art. Aileen thinks bitterly that he should just become a work of art himself. “…You appear to be enjoying yourself.” “I am, a bit.” He seems to be in a very good mood. That’s far better than having him feel unwell, but for some reason, it irks her. “You are terribly popular, aren’t you?” she says, giving him a chilly look. Claude blinks at her, then chuckles. “Correction: I’m enjoying myself a lot. To think I’d get to see you look like that.” “I’m happy for you. And, Master Claude? What did you need?” “You mean ‘Professor.’” “Quit playing, would you?” “If I must.” No sooner has he spoken than Claude puts his arms around Aileen’s waist and pulls her close. In a practiced movement, his lips trace a path from her temple to her ear. “Wait— Master Claude! J-just where do you think we are—?” “In a girls’ school intended to raise divine maidens—or in layman’s terms, virtuous wives—where both boys and love are banned, not only are lovers barred from entry, but even fiancés chosen by their families aren’t allowed to visit students. They can’t even exchange letters. Married students are out of the question. It’s a school with the strictest precepts, and any student who demonstrates unbecoming behavior is immediately expelled.” “In that case…” “And you refuse to call me professor. That means, right now, you are my wife.” What sophistry is this? While she’s trying to word her complaint, he very nearly stops her lips with his own. “Honestly, Master Claude!” “Professor.” He’s determined to make her say it. Nibbling on her earlobe, Claude coaxes her. She grabs the back of his jacket and attempts to pull him off, but he won’t budge. He knows exactly how hard to hold Aileen so that it doesn’t hurt her while also restraining her. His hand has strayed below her hips and is beginning to behave suspiciously, so Aileen gives in. “Very well, Professor Claude! What did you need?!” “Nothing in particular.” There’s a pause. Then Aileen stomps on Claude’s foot as hard as she can. “I am about to be very angry with you!!” “I was a little concerned. I just wanted to make sure you were all right.” “We only infiltrated two days ago. Why would you overreact like—?” “I hope everyone else is all right, too. The demons, Keith and Walt and Kyle, Elefas, Cedric, Father…my people, everyone.” With a sigh, Claude embraces her, leaning against her. Removing the foot she used to stomp on him and uncurling the fists she raised, Aileen puts her arms around him. The one who feels most responsible for Imperial Ellmeyer’s current state is its emperor. That’s a flaw of mine. I immediately get absorbed in finding solutions, and I neglect the feelings of those around me. Grace is keeping an eye on the red barrier. If anything happens to Ellmeyer, she’ll contact them. Baal is continuing the search for the floating palace. They’re doing everything they can. In the end, though, perhaps Claude has disguised himself as a teacher because he can’t allow himself to simply stand by and wait. The only one who can provide emotional support for such an emperor is his empress. “There’s no point in being anxious.” “You’re strong, aren’t you?” “Of course I am. After all, Master Claude, I have you. It’s like having the strength of a hundred men.” She rests her forehead against his, and Claude breaks into a smile. “Having you makes me worry more, actually. There’s no telling what you may do.” “Don’t be rude— No, you mustn’t!” Claude has tilted Aileen’s chin up and is on the verge of kissing her when she claps both hands over his mouth. She can’t let her guard down for a moment. “What if someone sees?” “Isn’t that the best part?” He licks her palm, but she endures it. An unfortunate shudder runs down her spine, but she really can’t afford to take her hands away now. “If you want me to call you professor, follow the rules properly.” “You expect the demon king to follow the rules? My adorable wife is so virtuous.” He chuckles, and his throat moves in a terribly alluring way. Still, she does get the sense that this is another display of Claude’s anxiety. As proof, he lowers his eyes. “I’ll settle for just once. I want to feel safe.” Asking in a husky voice isn’t fair. The strength drains out of Aileen’s hands. Catching both of her wrists, Claude pushes her against the brick wall behind the chapel and leans in for a kiss. She’s very nearly swept up in the moment, her eyelids falling, when she realizes something with a start. Wait. Master Claude said nothing about only taking a kiss— “Whatcha doin’ over there, Professor Claude?” The light of a lamp emerges from the bushes, along with a human silhouette. Aileen stomps on Claude’s foot with her heel. Claude staggers, and Aileen pushes him away, then dons the best smile she can manage. “I-I’ve just transferred in, and I got lost. He was helping me, so—” She’s trying to cover for them, but then she breaks off, catching her breath. The person who’s held up the lantern, illuminating her, smiles gently behind his spectacles. “Oh, I see. It’s almost time for evenin’ worship, but it ain’t in this buildin’. It’s in the cafeteria, so you got the wrong place—we’ll leave it at that for now, yeah?” He gives her a significant smile. He definitely suspects something. However, that isn’t the reason behind Aileen’s strained smile. In the light of the lamp, she sees blackberry-colored hair with a single tuft of red in it, and a pair of equally red eyes. His lopsided smile seems open and glib, but also like he’s sneering at the world. “I’m Professor Evare. It’s good to meetcha.” His cheerful smile makes Aileen recall the jacket of Game 5. The silver-haired youth who was trying to take the redheaded heroine’s hand was probably the main hero. The man she’s looking at now is the character who was also right in the center of the package, wearing a knowing look on his villainous face. “I’m the school doctor, so if you get hurt, I can fix you up.” On top of that, he’s a bespectacled fellow with a Kansai accent—everything about him matches what Lilia said. In other words, he’s… The evil god and final boss of Game 5, who plans to eat the fiend dragon and restore his original form?! So the game really has begun? Aileen tenses, and the young man who’s introduced himself as Evare takes a step forward. His movements couldn’t be more human. “Aw, no need to be so nervous, Miss Aileen. Let’s get along, okay?” “Oh, y-yes… Wait, you know my name?” “Sure I do. The principal consort recommended you herself. ’Sides, I had a li’l somethin’ I wanted to ask…” He reaches out to touch her cheek. She blinks, and then there’s a sharp thwack as something knocks Evare’s hand away. Claude, who’s stepped between the two of them, speaks coldly. “No teacher worthy of his title would conduct himself in ways that blatantly violate the rules,” he says brazenly. Aileen can’t believe the words coming out of his mouth. Evare flashes a wry smile. “In that case, Professor Claude, why don’t we escort this student back together? Just to make sure nobody breaks the rules.” He claps Claude on the shoulder without a trace of discontent.