“—N-no, you’re still young. Working hard at your job is important as well, isn’t it, Claude?!” “Yes, Baal, exactly. Now, let’s get down to business. Keith, I trust the room is ready?” “Of course, milord.” The demon king and the holy king briskly head off to set about their work. Vica follows them, saying how happy he is that it seems their time here will be productive. As she watches their husbands go, Roxane murmurs quietly to Aileen, “I had heard that Emperor Kilvas was a puppet…but I suppose he couldn’t have survived without cleverly using those around him. I’m also told that the empress of Kilvas is a Valkyrie, and that she was the leader of last year’s rebellion. And on top of that, his own elder sister was involved as well?” “That’s a rumor. It’s between a man and a woman; there must have been some sort of disagreement.” The fact that Ellmeyer knows about Kilvas’s internal situation will be a useful piece of information. Even to Roxane, Aileen can’t reveal it so easily. “In that case, if there is no one special in his life, there is a woman in our kingdom whom I would love to recommend to him,” Roxane suggests casually, giving as good as she gets. “Lady Aileen, Lady Roxane. Tea is waiting for you in the room over there.” Aileen’s brilliant lady-in-waiting is telling them they shouldn’t have this particular discussion standing out in the hall. The empress nods, then shows Roxane into the other room with a smile. Roxane isn’t fond of idle chatter, and she works quickly. As soon as she’s taken a sip of the tea Rachel has made for them, she gets right down to business. “Lady Aileen, how well are you acquainted with the other royal consorts who will be attending the conference?” “You are the only one with whom I’ve had a proper conversation. I have met the empress of Kilvas, Lady Diana, but she won’t be in attendance. The others I greeted at Master Claude’s coronation, but that is all.” Although Claude had been disinherited for many years, he was abruptly restored to the position of crown prince, then became emperor less than two years after that. It must have come as a great shock to the other nations. What’s more, Hausel had declared war on him, and on the whole, his time as crown prince was tumultuous. As a result, they’d had hardly any opportunities to properly socialize with other kings and queens before his ascension. “I also found myself with child relatively soon after Master Claude’s coronation. That makes it sound as if I’ve been neglecting my official duties, which is rather embarrassing.” “No, my situation is similar. Ashmael isolated itself for a long time, and harem consorts weren’t supposed to go out or even to show their faces.” Over the past two years, Ashmael has changed its policy and dismantled its harem. Aileen was involved in the incident that precipitated the change, so she’s quite familiar with it. “That said, you know what Master Baal is like. It seems he’s already paid his respects to everyone who’s arrived… Granted, I got the impression that his main motive was to show off our daughter. There’s a soiree tonight to give us an opportunity to meet one another. I may have to begin by apologizing to everyone…” “…You have my condolences.” Despite his appearance, Claude is actually shy in front of people. He can’t behave the way Baal does. “I have heard something concerning, however,” Roxane continued. “No doubt the story will make its way to Emperor Claude as well. It’s about the royal candidate. I’m told she is staying at the United Kingdom of Olgen’s villa.” “Olgen… That’s a new nation made from an assembly of several countries, isn’t it? It was founded after the fighting finally ended in the south twenty years ago.” Roxane nods in agreement. Even though she lived in an isolationist kingdom for all those years, she didn’t neglect to absorb information about the outside world. “Ashmael’s only neighbor is Ellmeyer, and we’ve had no dealings with them. Have you?” “There are several nations and a large mountain range between us, so I don’t know about their circumstances in detail. If I recall, we did have a trade relationship with them, though.” The subordinate she left her trading firm to would probably know more than she does. That said, Aileen has still had the bare essentials drummed into her. “They congratulated Master Claude on his coronation via their ambassador. But where did you hear that about the royal candidate?” “I must not divulge my source. However, I’ve deemed the information trustworthy.” Aileen considers Roxane a friend, but there are still things they can’t share with one another. They can’t ignore their various responsibilities. “All right, I won’t insist. But there’s something else?” “Yes. You are aware that an odd religious cult once gained traction in Ashmael. The one that espoused world unity. It’s very likely that they are involved with the royal candidate. They’ve been calling for the restoration of the queen of Hausel all along, so that isn’t strange at all, but…it was just as Prime Minister Cyril told us.” What on earth is this about? I haven’t heard a word of it, Aileen thinks, but she stifles her confusion and assumes a grave expression. Her brother has stirred Ashmael to action, and she mustn’t waste his efforts. “So it was true, then? Have you learned the details?” “We haven’t managed to trace the movements of radical believers who left for other nations to proselytize. In addition, all the believers who remained in the country vanished early this year.” If they’ve lost track of every last one of them, that really is alarming. “During the conference, we intend to ask other nations for their assistance in investigating believers who are staying within their borders. However, from what we’ve been able to confirm internally, the majority have disappeared, leaving word that they were going to Hausel.” “Then isn’t it possible that they moved here? Hausel’s government is currently nonfunctional, so it wouldn’t have been difficult.” “We are looking into it, but so far, we haven’t found them. We are also limited by the range we can investigate. Priestesses who are said to have worked at the palace still keep a close eye on the islands and monitor all ships that enter or leave the central island.” Ashmael could probably just ignore them and barge in, but it would anger the Queendom’s remaining residents. Even if they infiltrated quietly, being caught doing so when there was no urgent need would make them a target of criticism. Other nations are always watching—particularly now, right before the conference. Getting the jump on everyone else or acting improperly could easily become a blot on a kingdom’s dignity. “It seems rather late for this, but I’m impressed they managed to host this conference in Hausel. Who knows how Vica dealt with resistance from the residents…?” “The priestesses also want to decide on a queen. Don’t you think their interests align?” “Do you suspect that Kilvas is colluding with the priestesses, Lady Roxane?” “I won’t deny it. At the very least, I believe some sort of exchange has already taken place between the royal candidate and the priestesses. However, we have no way to confirm whether the priestesses who are currently on the islands are really the ones who were in Hausel originally.” Naturally, the people who would have known about the citizens of Hausel were the queen who ruled them and those around her. If the records had been kept in the floating palace, most of them would have been lost. Putting a hand to her lips, Aileen thinks for a little while. “…We can only hope to learn something during tomorrow’s site inspection.” “Have there been reports of an increase in missing people in Ellmeyer or anything of that nature? Or has a strange cult gained popularity there? Ellmeyer is the only country that shares a border with Ashmael. It would be the easiest place to reach both in terms of geography and available methods.” “Not that we have been informed of. Any changes in our population are due to the immigrants coming by boat from Hausel.” Surely Cyril would have mentioned something if such an ominous situation was unfolding. “I see…,” replied Roxane. “For now, we should begin by investigating how far they traveled to spread their religion. They may even have crossed over to the northern continent.” “If I come across any information, I shall send it to you as well. Provided it won’t put my nation at a disadvantage, at least.” “Don’t let that concern you. I’ll do the same… I do hope this won’t become something truly unpleasant.” “Let’s remain optimistic. This is a rare opportunity for us to confer with many other nations, so it will also be an efficient way to gather information.” Since both Aileen and Roxane must prepare for the soiree, there’s no time to talk everything through. They exchange only a few tidbits of recent news—General Ares stayed behind in Ashmael, but Sahra came along as Roxane’s attendant; it seems Kyle’s fiancée, who is studying abroad in the kingdom, will manage to graduate from university without trouble—and then their time is up, and they part ways. Even if the soiree is meant as an introduction before the conference, it’s still a formal function. In everything, beginnings are more vital than anything else. When Aileen encountered Empress Diana prior to her marriage in the Kilvas Empire, for example, her reflexive decision to conduct herself as “an empress who doesn’t understand difficult matters” allowed her to outwit the other woman. That said, Roxane already knows her, and Aileen isn’t confident she can position herself advantageously with the eyes of multiple nations on her. The Ellmeyer Empire’s demon king and his demons are sensitive topics that could easily become diplomatic liabilities, and they’re an easy country to view with hostility. She has to stand tough. They may have expelled their mages and fallen behind in demon stone research, but she mustn’t let her nation be considered a former superpower. What’s more, now that they’ve cast aside the Maid of the Sacred Sword—a divine power acknowledged even by the Queendom of Hausel—they need international support more than ever. Yet excessive threats will also create problems. Rachel understands everything about this dilemma. Under her leadership, Aileen’s brilliant ladies-in-waiting have procured an elegant gown draped gracefully with lavender lace. In Ellmeyer, purple is a forbidden color, which only members of the imperial family are allowed to wear. When Aileen asked, she learned that Roxane also planned to attend in red, Ashmael’s forbidden color. The dress and the behavior of each royal consort will serve as a symbol of their nation. The diplomacy has already begun. Aileen’s accessories and the ornaments in her upswept hair are simple items that sparkle most luxuriously. Her makeup is refined, but in a way that will look its best under the light of the chandeliers. Her husband’s beauty will steal the eyes of those around them, whether anyone wants that or not; Aileen is a jewel meant to nestle close to him and calm those who see her. “Once again, my wife is beautiful beyond reproach tonight.” Claude is wearing a magnificent cloak of deep purple as he takes Aileen’s hand and kisses it. “How flattering of you. And after you were gushing that Claire is the cutest in the world just a moment ago.” “I can’t compare you and our daughter, you know. You’re both the best in the world.” “I suppose I have no other choice, then. I’ll forgive you for delaying our departure until the last minute because you were preoccupied with Claire.” Claude reverently helps Aileen into the carriage. They are bound for the assembly hall and adjacent ballroom. While the buildings existed previously, the Kilvas Empire renovated and expanded them, referring to the work as a donation. A grand addition was built to connect the conference hall, where the meeting will be held, with the ballroom for socializing. While Kilvas led the initiative, Ellmeyer supplied a certain amount of financial assistance, as did every participating nation to varying degrees, no doubt. This evening, Aileen and Claude are headed to the ballroom. They travel down a lane flanked by green lawns and regularly spaced gas lamps, then circle around a forecourt with a fountain. Eventually, the couple arrives in front of an entrance that looks as if it belongs to a temple. As Aileen steps down from the carriage, an involuntary sigh of admiration escapes her. It’s partly due to the majestic architectural style, which impresses on a person the history of the place, but it’s also because this is where the ball in Regalia of Saints, Demons, and Maidens 4 was held. Even though it was done as a donation, it seems Kilvas refrained from any dramatic remodeling. Tradition has been maintained in the building’s appearance, and it looks just as it did in the game. “Even this building is as imposing as one would expect.” “I hear the academy where royal candidates study is next door. It’s closed now…but if Mother and Father were here, do you think it would make them feel nostalgic?” Claude isn’t referring to his human parents, but his demon ones. Luciel, known as the god of demons, was the hero and final boss of Game 4, while Grace, the Maid of the Cursed Sword, was its villainess. Both had frequently come to visit the Queendom of Hausel about seven centuries ago. “Mother’s just a soul now, so she probably shouldn’t be away from the demon realm for long.” “She did grumble an awful lot when she heard we’d be taking Claire with us again this time.” “I hope she’s staying home and behaving.” There were already more crows than expected at the mansion. It wouldn’t be unusual for either of Claude’s parents to appear at any moment. The former demon king and his wife are both incredibly free-spirited characters. “…Let’s not think about it.” In order to spend even a little longer with his wife, who will disappear someday, the god of demons has decided he’ll only appear in the old castle in the demon king’s forest. Aileen wants to believe in his love, as it seems Claude does. Since Kilvas is running the events leading up to the conference, Aileen and Claude are limited to the bare minimum number of guards and servants. They take Claude’s bodyguards, Walt and Kyle—who have recently been granted the title of Imperial Knight—and leave his adviser, Keith, and Aileen’s lady-in-waiting, Rachel, behind. As soon as they enter the ballroom, the two guards take up positions a short distance away from them. Aileen heard that this would be a small soiree, but it’s still quite sizable. She also heard that women who were sent away from Hausel to be married and nobles from countries with ties to the Queendom were invited as well. If she’s not careful, no doubt time will pass in the blink of an eye. Aileen releases Claude’s hand. Her husband seems to understand, because he doesn’t stop her. “Don’t push yourself too hard” is all he says. “And you, Master Claude. Don’t cause too much trouble for Master Baal… I don’t see him here. Will you be all right on your own?” “Why are you talking about me like that?” Claude grimaces, but he really isn’t a good conversationalist. Instead, he’s quiet and reticent. At home his needs are seen to even if he just stands around haughtily, but that won’t work here. Not only that, but his face overwhelms others at first sight. “It’s a good opportunity to make friends,” Claude tells her. “I’ll see you in a bit.” Apparently, he hasn’t given up on making friends besides Baal; Aileen will simply have to trust him. Claude briskly turns on his heel, and even his back seems to radiate determination. …I do hope that determination won’t prove to be his undoing. “Lady Aileen, over here.” As she’s looking around, Roxane promptly beckons her over. The woman’s elegant, elaborate red gown is in the style of Ashmael, and its intricate design sets her apart from everyone else. She hasn’t chosen a dress from Hausel or a similar culture. When Aileen looks at the dresses of the group she’s being beckoned toward, they all similarly reflect their own nations’ styles. “This is Empress Aileen of Imperial Ellmeyer. Lady Aileen, this is—” “Wait, Lady Roxane. Do let me guess.” While this may be an official event, its goal is merely to socialize. She should be forgiven for a diversion such as this. Roxane falls silent, letting her continue. First, Aileen smiles at the youngest woman seated at the round table. “Duchess Nina of the Duchy of Hirikka, if I’m not mistaken.” “Goodness. This is the first time we’ve met, isn’t it? If I recall, you were absent from Emperor Kilvas’s wedding…” “I’ve heard you’re not yet twenty—though I’ve only just turned twenty myself. More than anything else, the Duchy of Hirikka is known for its gem working and fine horses. The color of your earrings seems to shift from purple to blue. Blue zoisite, aren’t they? I’ve never seen it before.” Duchess Nina shyly touches her sparkling, color-shifting earrings. Perhaps it’s because the young duchess is wearing a cute dress in pale pink, but she reminds Aileen of a meadow of flowers after a rain. “I’m impressed you noticed them when they’re so small. The cut of the jewels you’re wearing is magnificent, Empress Aileen.” “Next, me. You know me?” The woman seated beside Duchess Nina energetically raises her hand. Her hair is black, and her dress is striking, albeit in a different way from Roxane’s Ashmael gown. It’s embroidered with a pattern in deep green, brown, and white that seems to be floral in nature, but since the embroidery covers the entire dress, it gives the impression of snakeskin from a distance. When the woman rose out of her chair slightly, Aileen caught a glimpse of her thigh, revealed by a bold slit in her dress. The gold band that circles her waist at an angle is also unusual. “But of course. You must be Princess Dana from the Island Republic of Gloss.” “Correct! My pro-pronunciation is strange, no?” Dana asks Nina. They appear to be friends. Cyril’s reference materials didn’t mention that, so they may have hit it off after reaching the island. Like Kilvas, the Duchy of Hirikka and the Island Republic of Gloss are in the northeast, so perhaps they feel more at ease with each other than with anyone from the southwest continent. “Not at all,” replies Aileen. “It’s very easy to understand. <It’s nice to…meet you.>” She responds with a faltering Glossian greeting, and Dana’s face lights up. “You’re very good!” “That’s actually all I can say. Lady Roxane taught me in secret.” “Oh? You too, Lady Roxane? You can speak?” “Not enough to hold a conversation, but I can manage greetings.” Roxane’s face is expressionless, but Dana doesn’t seem to mind. She’s smiling cheerfully. “I’m happy. Sometimes the pronunciation…slips out. I am very glad to have meeted—met you.” “Please teach me all about yourself,” Aileen says eagerly. “Of all the participating nations, Gloss is the farthest away from Ellmeyer, so I’d love to hear all sorts of stories.” “You can count me!” Dana thumps her chest, and another noblewoman gives a little snort of laughter. Aileen’s eyes go to her. She immediately notices the empress’s gaze and gives the woman next to her an elegant smile. “How nice it must be to be so young and innocent.” “From my perspective, you’re quite young yourself.” “—Forgive me for interrupting, Queen Consort Audrey. Queen Consort Carol.” The slim woman is Queen Audrey of the United Kingdom of Olgen. She has to be in her forties, but her beautiful, chiseled features could belong to a woman in her twenties. Smiling gently beside her is Queen Carol of the neutral power of Maiz. She’s well into her fifties, with light brown hair liberally sprinkled with white. Her husband, the king of Maiz, is sixty-three, which makes him the oldest of the heads of state. “I am Aileen Jean Ellmeyer. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Realizing that these two woman won’t enjoy being spoken to casually, Aileen swiftly changes gears and gives a graceful curtsy. Audrey gives a faint smile. “My, my. Such a polite greeting from the empress of Ellmeyer, a nation with so much history, when my country is so new. I’m not quite sure how to react.” Her smile is reserved and her phrasing cunning. She seems rather formidable. “Please, Queen Audrey, do call me Aileen. The recent technological advances in the United Kingdom of Olgen have been astonishing, and I was hoping to speak with you about them.” “Thank you for your consideration. I have been looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you as well, Empress Aileen. I’ve heard the rumors, you see. Yes, all sorts of them.” “Come, come. Talking can wait until we’re all settled at the table. There are lots of delectable sweets here,” Carol says, coming between them. Her voice is soft, but it carries clearly. Despite the provocation in her previous remark, Audrey backs down easily. “Yes, you’re quite right.” Before Aileen can seat herself, the grandfather clock in the ballroom chimes. It’s the signal for the ball to begin. “Oh my.” Carol rises to her feet. “It seems there’s no time to rest. We have the first dance, you see. Lately, I fear my feet may tangle if the dance isn’t a slow one.” “Don’t be so modest, Queen Carol. Aren’t waltzes your forte?” There’s a certain sarcasm to Audrey’s words, but a friendly note fills her voice. “Heh-heh. I won’t lose to the youngsters. All right, I’ll return shortly.” Carol starts toward the raised stage at the very back of the marble ballroom. A carpet is spread across it, atop which Vica and the king of Maiz wait. Prime Minister Ernst of Kilvas is with them as well, and they’re all chatting about something. “I also am planned to dance. With father,” Dana says. “Although we’ve only just exchanged greetings, it appears I should also go and grab my husband. No doubt it will set a bad example unless the guests of honor from every nation dance.” Audrey gives a brief nod, then walks away quickly. “I go, too.” Dana stands up and leaves the table with Nina, who curtsies elegantly. “Shall we go as well?” Roxane suggests. Aileen nods. “I do hope Master Claude has managed to find Master Baal.” Her husband’s face and presence are hard to miss, and she finds him almost straightaway when she looks for him. However, he seems to be alone. Claude is wandering around, wineglass in hand. She has a bad feeling about this. Aileen gulps. She’s standing as still as a statue when Roxane whispers in her ear, “Master Baal is over there, so I’ll… Ah, but Master Claude is nearby as well, isn’t he.” Roxane’s eyes have gone to Baal, who’s smiling cheerfully at the center of a circle of men. Claude is standing a short distance away, probably close enough to hear their laughter. He’s looking at them, too. Don’t tell me he wasn’t able to break into that circle and has been prowling around outside it all this time! Next to Aileen, Roxane also seems to have picked up on what Claude is doing. She tilts her head. “I wonder what’s the matter with Master Claude. He’s all alone.” “H-he must be resting! He isn’t fond of noise and commotion, you see… Oh.” Baal’s glass seems to be empty, and when he turns to look for a server, he notices Claude. As their eyes meet, Aileen sees her husband freeze up. A look of annoyance flickers across Baal’s face. He stalks up to Claude, grabs him firmly by the shoulders, and drags him back into the circle with him. All of this takes less than ten seconds. However, in those ten seconds, Aileen’s palms have grown damp with sweat. Thanks to the popular holy king, the outcast demon king has joined the circle. “Thank you, Master Baal…!” “Lady Aileen, there are tears in your eyes. Whatever’s the matter?” “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… Please pretend you didn’t see.” “Mm,” Roxane murmurs, rather apathetically. “Honored guests…” The emperor of Kilvas begins his opening remarks. It’ll be harder to move now, so it’s best for Aileen and Roxane to keep an eye on their husbands and wait for the right moment. Vica’s speech is brief and punctuated with a few jokes, and before long, he yields the stage to the king and queen of Maiz. At his signal, wind and string instruments strike up a waltz. The eldest of the assembly’s royal couples begin to dance slowly yet elegantly. They appear unhurried and as if they are enjoying themselves, and Aileen finds herself smiling. “They are the sort of couple one hopes to become, aren’t they.” “Indeed,” replies Roxane. “Maiz isn’t a large country, and it’s surrounded by other nations, including the United Kingdom of Olgen. No doubt overcoming a variety of difficult issues and hardships is what has made them this way.” The dance marks the beginning of the soiree and, therefore, the beginning of the intercontinental conference. Kilvas, the host nation, has yielded the first dance to another couple because Emperor Vica doesn’t have a suitable partner. His wife, Diana, launched a revolution in their country, then fled after trying to kill him, while Vica had used a proxy for their wedding. Aileen really can’t imagine a couple who wear such extravagant masks disarming the assembled guests this way. Come to think of it, Master Vica hasn’t completed the divorce procedures yet, has he. He said there was a woman he fancied…so maybe he’s made some progress. Aileen decides she’ll ask him if she manages to find an opportunity to speak with him alone. It was a good decision to yield the floor to the Maiz royals. The assembly gazes at the dancing older couple. The queenship of Hausel is a difficult, complicated issue, but there’s a nice mood settling over the ballroom. Perhaps the royal candidate that unnamed nation has chosen won’t be so bad, either. Aileen’s hopes and the gentle waltz are suddenly torn asunder by a violent noise. Female soldiers bearing lances enter through the ballroom’s great double doors, their footsteps loud and imposing. “Stay behind me, Sweet Ailey.” “And you, Lady Roxane. Please don’t move.” Walt has dashed out in front of Aileen, moving so quickly that she didn’t even see him move. Kyle is standing in front of Roxane beside her. Claude must have given them orders in advance. Bodyguards are also protecting the king and queen of Maiz, whose dance has been interrupted, as well as the other notable figures. The soldiers of Kilvas step forward to surround the intruders. “What’s with all the gorgeous women?” Walt jokes, trying to break the heavy mood. Kyle restrains the people around him with a sharp look. “Don’t get careless just because they’re women. Those are divine stones set in the spears, aren’t they.” “They’re magic lances.” Aileen’s answer seems to satisfy the guards. “So these are Kilvas’s Valkyries?” A slightly high-pitched voice rings out, punctuated by the click of heels against the floor. “You forced us Valkyries to fight your demons for you, and now you turn weapons against us. You seem to fancy yourselves full-fledged soldiers.” The woman’s cold gaze and sharp features seem just right for a game heroine whose background says she “lost her smile when her homeland was burned.” Ernst is standing protectively in front of Vica, but the emperor of Kilvas frowns and steps out from behind him. “Diana… What are you doing here?” Valkyrie of the Magic Lance has already diverged from its original storyline, and its heroine snorts at the confusion of the final boss she failed to defeat. “I’m guarding the royal candidate. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty, King of Olgen?” “Ah, yes. I have good news for all of you!” the king says in a voice that carries all the way through the room. Compared to his slender wife, he’s got quite a sturdy build, and he strides to the center of the ballroom, medals jangling. Queen Audrey is standing silently a short distance away. Wearing an affable smile, the king of Olgen raises his voice as if he’s giving a speech. “Simply put, the queen of Hausel is someone who can see the future. I trust we are all in agreement on that. As such, my kingdom has found a woman fit to be queen, and we have taken her under our protection as the royal candidate. Her name is Cattleya.” Ernst turns pale. Beside him, Vica’s expression is grim. “Diana. What are you and my sister plotting this time?” “Don’t misunderstand, Emperor Kilvas,” the king continues. “Neither of these women has anything to do with your nation. The fact that she and your missing elder sister share a name is merely coincidence. That is true of the Valkyrie there as well.” As far as the Kilvas Empire is concerned, Diana and Cattleya masterminded a rebellion. However, Vica stops himself from reflexively arguing back, and Ernst only clenches his fists. They’re both cautious, knowing that responding emotionally before they understand the situation risks putting them in conflict with the United Kingdom of Olgen. It’s clear to everyone that the Valkyries are being backed by Olgen. “Now then, let me introduce you. This is our royal candidate, Cattleya.” The king of Olgen glances at the Valkyries, giving them a signal with his eyes. A woman elegantly emerges from within the group, her long skirt swaying. She’s dressed like a priestess of Hausel. Did they go to the trouble of having the outfit made for her? The thin lace veil that covers her head and conceals her face is another Hauselian custom. The dignified way she stands, unflinching even before the eyes of the assembly, is an eloquent testimony to her nobility. However, that’s only to be expected. She was once a princess, the elder sister of the emperor. She was also brilliant enough in her own right to win fame as a Valkyrie. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I am Cattleya.” Her voice is light and musical, unlike when she was a Valkyrie. “I have come to greet you as the one who will be the next queen of Hausel. Thank you in advance for your support.” The villainess Cattleya gives a beautiful curtsy, then raises her head, looking in Aileen’s direction. It feels as if the smile on the woman’s rouged lips is ridiculing her.
Chapter 148
26 min read