Volume 7 Chapter 9 The Magician Girl’s Arrival
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The living room was a whirlwind of chaos, as usual, with a sharp hiss slicing through the air like a knife. Perched on her knees atop a chair, the white catgirl Lona had her ears and tail ramrod straight, her fur bristling as she glared daggers across the room.
What a way to barge into someone’s house. Her piercing gaze locked onto the two Beastkin girls lounging on the sofa, utterly unfazed by her display. Meina, the golden catgirl, sprawled lazily with a half-lidded stare, while Kuzuha sat primly, her fox tail flicking with an air of refined amusement.
”What’s with the uncouth behavior in someone else’s home?” Kuzuha sniffed, her voice dripping with mock disdain. “I suppose cats, with all their free-spirited nonsense, never learned a thing about manners.”
The wolf princess, Rosetta, leaned forward, her sharp canines glinting as she smirked. “As if we’re the intruders here. You lot barely lift a finger, only showing up when it’s mealtime. Otherwise, you’re napping on the roof or scampering off to play. What are you, pampered pets begging for scraps?”
”That’s not true!” Lona shot back, her tail puffing up even more. “We patrol the town, you know! We help with security and everything!”
”Patrolling?” Rosetta scoffed. “You mean wandering around aimlessly.”
”It’s not just wandering!” Lona insisted, her voice rising to a near-squeak.
The room had gotten crowded lately, Klock thought, his shoulders slumping as he leaned against the backrest of his chair. Five Beastkin girls, all locked in a staring contest, their eyes sparking with unspoken challenges.
He was caught right in the middle, as always. A heavy sigh escaped him, the kind that carried the weight of too many pointless arguments. Things had been peaceful when it was just Meina, Kuzuha, and Cianie—quiet, almost serene.
But with these girls around? No amount of effort could keep the noise at bay. The living room was already overrun by the time he woke up, leaving him no chance to escape their chatter.
”You look half-dead, Klock,” Rosetta remarked, her voice teasing but not without a hint of concern. “Mornings around here are still chilly, huh? Hard to resist crawling back into bed. If you catch a cold, it’ll be a hassle for everyone. If you really need it, I could… keep you warm.” She grinned, her wolfish ears twitching mischievously.
”Pass,” Klock muttered, barely glancing her way.
Kuzuha tilted her head, her fox ears perking up as she fixed him with a stern look. “I went through the trouble of waking you, and you’re still making that listless face? Don’t you have duties to the Hero? After breakfast, you should practice hunting. If you insist, I could offer some… guidance.” Her tone was all elegance, but the glint in her eyes was pure mischief.
”Pass,” Klock said again, his voice flat.
Elna, the white catgirl, piped up next, her tail swishing as she leaned forward. “Kuro, why not aim to become a magic user? My master always said even the least talented can learn something with enough practice. If you really want, I could teach you in the garden. Oh, and you can even call me Master Elna—special permission!”
”Pass,” Klock repeated, his tone unchanging.
Lona, the black catgirl, sat quietly, her golden eyes watching the chaos unfold with a calm detachment. Meina, too, remained silent, her tail curling lazily around her. But the other three? They were relentless, each trying to rope Klock into their schemes.
When he brushed them off with his usual curt rejections, their faces twisted—Kuzuha’s brow furrowed, Rosetta’s lips pursed, and Elna’s ears flattened in mock offense.
Time to escape, Klock decided. He could already see the future: endless teasing, pointless arguments, and no peace in sight. The second floor was off-limits to everyone except him and Cianie—a rule that got conveniently ignored whenever someone needed an excuse to barge in, but surely they wouldn’t dare storm up there in broad daylight with everyone watching. He stood, ready to make a break for his room.
”Where do you think you’re going?” Suzette’s voice cut through his thoughts. She emerged from the kitchen, her apron dress swishing and her black socks peeking out with every graceful step.
In her hands was a tray of toast, perfectly arranged, her movements as refined as ever. A cascade of deep blue hair swayed as she passed, the faint scent of soap tickling Klock’s nose. She’d clearly taken a bath this morning, probably luxuriating in the house’s endless hot water—a perk she’d grown very fond of.
”Might hit the bath later,” Klock said, scratching the back of his neck. “Water’s still warm, right?”
Suzette froze mid-step, her eyes narrowing. “How did you know I bathed?”
Klock shrugged. “Soap smell. Plus, your hair’s still a bit damp.”
Elna chimed in, her voice light but pointed. “The soap’s a dead giveaway. And yeah, your hair’s definitely still wet.”
Suzette’s cheeks flushed faintly, and she turned on Klock. “Sir Klock, do not go sniffing out when someone’s bathed. It’s… unbecoming.”
Rosetta grinned, her tail wagging. “I noticed too, you know.”
”You’re fine,” Suzette snapped, her gaze still fixed on Klock. “But Sir Klock isn’t allowed.”
Klock rolled his eyes. Apparently, it was fine for Beastkin to sniff out each other’s habits—expected, even—but a human doing it? Unacceptable.
He’d learned early on that their noses picked up things he’d rather not know about, and when conversations veered into nonsense like this, it usually meant someone had sniffed out something. Best to just nod and move on.
As everyone but Kuzuha settled at the table, breakfast began in earnest. The three catgirls—Lona, Elna, and Meina—tore into their toast with synchronized munching, their heads tilting in perfect unison. Klock couldn’t help but wonder, not for the first time, if they were secretly triplets.
Rosetta attacked her food with gusto, her wolfish appetite on full display, while Kuzuha waited primly for everyone to be seated, her posture impeccable. Of course, Klock thought, the fox princess would be the most refined of the bunch.
”The clan meeting’s tomorrow, right?” Rosetta said between bites. “Shouldn’t we hammer out a strategy today?”
”Got a plan already,” Klock replied, leaning back in his chair. “But it’s dicey without Cianie. She’s the linchpin.”
Elna’s ears twitched, and Rosetta’s gaze sharpened. Even Lona’s tail flicked with interest. “A plan?” Elna asked, leaning forward. “You mean taking back RosRos’s house?”
Klock nodded. “Back when the cats ruled, Belandi was under dog control—temporary, mind you. But even after the regime fell, they’re still squatting there. If we don’t act, they might claim permanent ownership. Tomorrow’s meeting is our shot to propose returning it to the wolves. Tie it to Karakas’s reconstruction, let the wolves take credit. The rest is up to you, Elna.”
Elna’s tail froze mid-swing. “Us? I thought we were in the clear after the pardon.”
Lona stopped chewing, her golden eyes fixed on Klock. Meina, too, went still, her toast forgotten. Klock sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re not in trouble now, sure. But that’s just a front for the Hero’s sake. They went along with her to save face, but deep down? They’d love to get rid of you two. By the time the next Emperor of the Hundred Beasts is chosen, you and Lona might be targets for assassination.”
”…What?” Elna’s voice was barely a whisper. Lona’s tail drooped, and Meina’s followed suit, the three of them looking like wilted flowers. The room fell silent, save for Rosetta’s oblivious munching.
Klock continued, his voice low. “Our personal problems might be sorted, but the nation’s a powder keg. A king falls, and the next one’s gotta be chosen. Without the Hero’s influence, we’d already be knee-deep in faction wars. Harpies are making moves—everyone knows it. They’re biding their time, but they haven’t given up. Bears and apes? They’ll strike the second they see an opening.”
Kuzuha nodded, her expression grim. “The Hero’s keeping the balance, no question. But it’s fragile. Most Beastkin haven’t seen her power firsthand. Depending on tomorrow’s meeting, this could spark the next big conflict.”
Elna and Lona stared, wide-eyed, like they’d only just realized the tightrope they were walking. Living under the Hero’s protection had lulled them into a false sense of security. The town looked peaceful enough, but that was just the surface.
”The bigger issue,” Klock added, “is that Cianie won’t be here forever. She’s the Hero, destined to fight the Demon Lord. If she leaves to take him down, that could be the signal for all-out war.”
The Hero’s deterrence was temporary, Klock knew. No matter how strong she was, people weren’t simple enough to bow to a single stranger forever. Factions were already scheming behind closed doors—history proved it.
When a kingdom’s succession failed, it fractured. Cattleya had tried to seize the throne, and other clans were surely plotting their own moves. A successful coup had left the nation teetering on the edge of continent-wide chaos.
Could Cianie just brute-force the problem? Beat every clan into submission? It was a ridiculous thought, but with her power, it wasn’t impossible. Still, Klock dismissed the idea.
Cianie didn’t care about the nation’s future, and he sure as hell didn’t want to babysit an entire country. They needed another way—a path where Elna and Lona could live peacefully, and he could go back to being a nobody.
”So, what’s the plan?” Rosetta pressed, her eyes narrowing. “You’ve got something, right?”
Klock smirked, a hint of smugness creeping into his voice. “The current system’s a ticking time bomb. Gotta change it from the ground up.”
The catgirls tilted their heads in unison, clearly confused. Rosetta and Kuzuha, though, looked deadly serious, their ears perked and tails still. The weight of reclaiming their home hung heavy in their gazes.
”I’m back!” a voice called out, cutting Klock off before he could elaborate.
The air shimmered, a faint ripple of spatial distortion. In an instant, someone appeared where there’d been nothing before. Elna and Lona reacted first, leaping to their feet and standing side by side, their movements eerily synchronized. Rosetta, who’d been slouching with her legs crossed, scrambled to sit properly. Kuzuha stood and bowed, her fox ears twitching. All eyes turned to the newcomer.
”Klock, sorry I’m late,” Cianie said, her voice soft but carrying that unshakable presence. She descended gracefully, her doll-like beauty almost otherworldly, radiating a sacred aura that seemed to freeze the room. Her silver hair glinted in the morning light, and her eyes, sharp yet kind, scanned the group.
Klock grinned. “Yo, Cianie. Took you long enough.”
Then he noticed the second figure. “And… who’s this lady?”
The stranger smiled, her voice smooth as silk. “Oh? Are you referring to me?”
Cianie hadn’t come alone. She’d teleported straight into the house via spatial teleportation, and standing beside her was a woman Klock didn’t recognize. All eyes shifted to her, the room’s energy pivoting in an instant.
”Master!” Elna chirped, raising a hand in greeting.
”Master, it’s been a while!” Lona echoed, her tail flicking excitedly.
The woman laughed softly. “Well, hello. It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? You two look as lively as ever.”
…Master? Klock’s brain caught up a beat late. Elna and Lona’s mentor—the one who’d trained them as magic users. The pieces clicked into place, and a name surfaced in his mind.
”Allow me to introduce myself,” the woman said, her voice carrying a regal edge. “I am Hermine, third daughter of Emperor Magdouz of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. And, Klock Livorno, I’m also the leader of Brave Knight, the adventurer party you once joined.”
Her long, raven-black hair swayed like a curtain, catching the light. Her hooded cloak looked more like something a royal might wear to blend in than standard adventurer gear.
Her lashes were long, her demeanor unmistakably aristocratic, and her beauty was so striking it almost demanded reverence. She carried herself with a commanding presence, her expressive face hinting at a fiery personality—nothing like Cianie’s serene calm.
Klock managed a weak “Uh… ‘sup?” His attempt at a smile came out more like a grimace.
Hermine’s lips curved into a radiant grin, while Klock’s expression stayed firmly in the realm of awkward.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down his spine, his mind flashing back to that colossal golem that had attacked them in the Federation months ago. The one piloted by none other than the Great Mage herself—Hermine, the imperial princess now standing before him. She was, without a doubt, the person in this world who despised him most.
”Elna’s told me all about how well you’ve taken care of her,” Hermine said, her voice syrupy sweet but laced with venom. “Anna filled me in too. My precious disciple, pampered to no end, wasn’t she? Care to share the details? A simple ‘yes’ will do. Oh, and while we’re at it, I’ll make you spill everything about how you charmed Anna.”
”Hermine,” Cianie cut in, her tone calm but firm. “You’re getting off track.”
The princess advanced, her presence radiating an almost tangible pressure that made the air feel heavy. Klock scrambled to his feet, sidestepping the table to put some distance between them, but Hermine closed the gap in an instant, her regal bearing somehow more intimidating up close.
Her forehead pulsed with a visible vein, and Klock couldn’t help but mentally quip, Whoa, cool it with the death glare, Your Highness. His eyes darted nervously, catching the subtle twitch of her brow. He’d hoped a few months might’ve dulled her anger, but apparently, she was still a simmering volcano.
”Um, Master,” Elna piped up, her white cat ears drooping slightly as she tried to intervene. “Kuro’s not that bad—”
”Sorry, dear, but we’ve got important matters to discuss,” Hermine said, her voice sharp enough to slice through Elna’s words. “Let’s save the chit-chat for later.”
”Oh, uh, okay,” Elna mumbled, her tail sagging as she shrank back. Even the daughter of a former emperor couldn’t stand up to her mentor’s authority.
Klock realized he was on his own. No backup from the catgirls, then. Fine. He inched sideways, his movements slow and deliberate, like a thief trying to slip away unnoticed.
He glanced left, right, anywhere but at Hermine, hoping to make a break for it. Just a few more steps, and—gotcha! Her hand clamped onto his arm, firm as iron. Escape attempt: failed.
”It’s fine,” Cianie said, her voice steady as she stepped in. “Hermine won’t do anything too harsh. Besides, we’ve got important business to discuss.”
But her intervention only made things worse. The moment Cianie’s arms wrapped around Klock in a casual hug, Hermine’s aura darkened, her eyes narrowing to slits. Klock could practically feel the temperature drop. Great, now I’m really screwed, he thought, trapped between the Hero’s calm reassurance and the princess’s barely restrained fury.
”…Let’s move this somewhere else,” Hermine said, her voice tight as she exhaled deeply. Her glare was the kind a big sister might give a sleazy guy sniffing around her little sibling. Cianie, unfazed, squeezed Klock’s hand, her expression as serene as ever.
Steel nerves, this one, Klock thought. Or is she just messing with Hermine on purpose? Caught between the two, he felt his stomach twist as the world around them began to shift.
The air warped, reality bending like a heat haze. Colors bled together, the scenery flowing past like a river of light, streaking in impossible patterns that tugged Klock along. Spatial teleportation again.
He was getting used to it, which was honestly kind of weird for someone who didn’t even cast the stuff. Where they were headed, he had no clue—but one thing was certain: there’d be no easy escape.
* * *
”What the hell is this?” Klock muttered, his brow furrowing as the new scene came into focus.
The stench hit him first—a rancid mix of charred flesh and smoke that clawed at his nose. He barely had time to process the disorienting lurch of teleportation before his eyes locked onto the carnage below.
Piles of monster corpses littered the ground, their twisted forms smoldering as soldiers hauled them into heaps. Mages stood nearby, casting flames to incinerate the remains, the firelight casting eerie shadows across the blood-soaked earth. Klock’s brain struggled to keep up, the sheer scale of the slaughter overwhelming his senses.
A tug on his sleeve snapped him out of it. Cianie stood beside him, her silver hair glinting in the dim light, her expression tinged with something like worry. He realized they were standing atop a castle wall, the stone cold beneath his boots.
”This is the southernmost edge of Dusselhelm’s territory,” Hermine said, her voice cutting through the grim atmosphere. “The North Bernsa fortress, our front line against the Demon Lord’s Army.”
Klock pieced it together. This was a military stronghold on the border with the Leelit Federation, splitting the vast Bernsa region between them. He’d never been here before, but he knew the area by reputation—south of Bernsa lay a massive swamp, infamous for its treacherous terrain. Keep going, and you’d hit Wicked Noirev, a name that sent shivers down even the bravest spines.
”…Demon Lord’s Army?” Klock echoed, his voice low.
”Those monsters out there,” Hermine said, gesturing to the smoldering corpses, “are the Demon Lord’s minions. They’ve been launching invasions.”
She led the way into the fortress, her presence commanding instant respect. Soldiers snapped to attention, pressing themselves against the walls and bowing as she passed.
Klock trailed behind, the weight of their stares prickling his skin. The tension was suffocating, like he was walking into a lion’s den with a steak tied to his back.
They entered a spartan meeting room, its stone walls bare except for a simple wooden table. Three cups of steaming tea were already set out, perfectly positioned for a face-to-face discussion. The maids who’d prepared them slipped out silently, leaving just Klock, Cianie, and Hermine.
Cianie picked up her cup and, instead of sitting across from Klock, plopped down right beside him, her shoulder brushing his. Hermine’s eyes twitched, but she said nothing, taking her own seat with a grace that screamed royalty.
”A war, huh?” Klock said, his voice heavy. “This is really happening?”
”About four months ago,” Hermine began, her tone clipped, “the Demon Lord’s Army launched simultaneous assaults on Shinnit, a port town in the kingdom; Alvenia, the Imperial Capital; and Almegai, a Federation port. They declared war on all of humanity, using monsters they can somehow control. Their relentless attacks have put us on the defensive. We’re losing ground fast.”
Klock’s hands twitched, the urge to throw them up in surrender almost overwhelming. This had started around the time he’d left the Human Continent for the Beast Country.
He’d heard rumors—mermaid blockades, whispers of trouble—but to hear it confirmed, to know the Demon Lord’s Army had declared all-out war, hit like a punch to the gut.
”So we’re losing?” he asked, his voice quieter now. “Because the Hero wasn’t there?”
”Exactly,” Hermine said, her gaze flicking to Cianie. “With Anna, things would’ve been different. Bluntly, we’re being crushed. The Theocracy, the Empire, and a few smaller nations are barely holding the line. The kingdom? It’s been almost entirely overrun.”
”Almost entirely?” Klock pressed, a knot forming in his chest.
Hermine’s expression didn’t soften. “The royal family’s gone. The Theocracy’s army is holding a northern front, but that’s it. Your hometown, Crotopone? It’s… gone.”
The words landed like a hammer. Crotopone, his home, gone. His mind reeled, unable to fully grasp the weight of it. He knew it was serious—a kingdom falling was catastrophic—but it was too big, too heavy to process.
”So what’s this about me joining the fight?” Klock asked, his voice rough. “I’m just one guy. I’m not even worth a single soldier out there.”
Hermine’s eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting to Cianie. “Anna’s refusing to fight the Demon Lord’s Army because she doesn’t want to leave you. The kingdom’s been wiped out, the Federation’s inexplicably surrendered, and yet she’s holed up in the Beast Country, all because of you.”
Klock turned to Cianie, who was staring off to the side, her expression unreadable. “Cianie?”
She didn’t meet his eyes. “…The Saintess told me not to leave you.”
Klock’s brow furrowed. Saintess? The word stirred old memories—stories every kid knew. The Saintess, a figure said to see the future, guiding people through visions. “Why can’t you leave me?”
”It was before the Abyss monster appeared,” Cianie said softly. “If I’d left you to fight the Demon Lord’s Army, you’d have been swallowed by the Abyss.”
Klock blinked. So the Saintess had foreseen his death and warned Cianie to stick by him? It was a bizarre, almost absurd revelation. Who’d have thought a legendary figure like the Saintess would bother saving him?
”So you stayed to keep me alive?” Klock said, half-laughing. “Talk about a waste of foresight. Couldn’t she have predicted the Demon Lord’s Army instead?”
Cianie’s eyes finally met his, fierce and unwavering. “You’re more important than the Demon Lord’s Army. The Saintess said you’re one of the Chosen. The one who binds.”
”Chosen?” Klock’s head tilted, confusion mounting. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Cianie’s voice was steady, almost reverent. “There are five. The Pursuer, the Confrontor, the Guide, the Binder, and the Striker. That’s what Goddess Teekua told me and the Saintess. You, Klock, are the Binder.”
Klock stared, waiting for the punchline. It didn’t come. “Chosen? Binder? What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”
Cianie smiled faintly. “It means you’re one of the people Teekua chose to save the world in its darkest hour. Whether you have special powers doesn’t seem to matter.”
Klock’s brain short-circuited. “Sorry, I’m not following. At all.”
”We’ll talk more when we’re back,” Cianie said, her tone gentle but final.
Hermine sighed, her expression a mix of exasperation and resignation. “I can’t believe you’re a Chosen, but I can’t ignore the Saintess. She’s one of them too, after all.
The Chosen existed during the last Human-Demon War, a hundred years ago. The founder of the First Dusselhelm Empire was called the Lightkeeper. Anyway, that’s why Anna won’t leave your side. So I had no choice but to drag you here to get her to fight.”
Klock groaned. “So I’m just baggage? You don’t need me here.”
”You’re dead weight,” Hermine said bluntly. “But if it gets Anna to fight, you’re coming along. If you do have some special power, I’d love to see it.”
”Ain’t got nothin’ like that,” Klock muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
Hermine’s lips curled into a sharp smile. “If you’re in the Beast Country, Anna stays there. Simple solution: bring you here. She could fight with her comrades, but I’m not the one to tell her that. You owe your life to her choice, after all.”
Cianie’s voice was soft but firm. “The Saintess foresaw you returning to the Human Continent. So it’s fine for you to be here. But you have to stay by my side.”
Klock chuckled, the sound dry and self-deprecating. “Sounds like something a knight would say to a village girl. ‘Don’t leave my side.’ Kinda embarrassing when it’s a guy hearing it.”
Cianie didn’t flinch. Hermine, on the other hand, fixed him with a look that could’ve melted steel. “Thanks to that foresight, you’re alive. If you’d refused to come, I’d have buried you myself. If you were dead, Anna would have no reason to stay in the Beast Country.”
Klock forced a laugh, his voice strained. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll cooperate. No need to get all murdery.”
Hermine’s smile was all teeth, bright and terrifying, while Klock’s was a dry, nervous twitch.
This woman would absolutely do it, Klock thought, his stomach twisting. She was joking—sort of—but if it came down to fighting the Demon Lord’s Army, the Hero’s presence was non-negotiable.
He could practically see her casually pinning a murder on the Demon Lord’s forces, her face as innocent as a saint’s while she wiped her hands clean of him.
”Just so you know,” Hermine said, her voice smooth but edged with malice, “you’ve got an international warrant out for your arrest. Issued around the time you set foot in Federation territory. Being a wanted man means the Beast Country’s no safe haven for you.”
Klock’s jaw dropped. “…What?”
”I could have it lifted,” Hermine continued, her smile widening. “But here’s the kicker: your little stint with Brave Knight? That’s a liability. If the Demon Lord’s Army gets wind of it, they’ll come for you. They’ve already targeted me and Tiet with heavy assaults. They see Brave Knight as a threat. Even in the Beast Country, you might have assassins knocking.”
Klock’s eyes narrowed. “Hold up. You’re saying you dragged me into Brave Knight just to make me a target?”
Every escape route had been neatly sealed off. He hadn’t even decided whether to run or join the fight, but Hermine had already funneled him into a one-way path to war.
He glanced at Cianie, who sat beside him, her hand tightening around his with a quiet confidence. I’ve got you, her grip seemed to say. Her calm, almost heroic aura was reassuring—too reassuring. Damn, she’s too cool for her own good, Klock thought, half-admiring, half-exasperated. If she were a guy, she’d have every woman in the world swooning.
He took a moment to think, really think. Life in the Beast Country with Cianie, Elna, Lona, Kuzuha, and the others—lazy days, warm meals, playful bickering. That was the dream, right?
A peaceful life, surrounded by fluffy-eared girls who drove him up the wall but also made it feel like home. But if staying there meant letting the Human Continent fall to ruin, could he just sit back and do nothing? Probably not. If Cianie was asked to fight, he’d likely nod and follow her into the fray.
”Alright, Cianie,” Klock said, scratching the back of his neck. “If I come to the Human Continent, you’ll take care of the Demon Lord, right?”
She nodded, her silver hair catching the dim light. “Yeah. We’ll do it together.”
Together? Klock almost laughed. His role was just to show up, not swing a sword or cast spells. Before he could protest, Hermine’s piercing glare cut through him, her eyes screaming, Stop flirting in front of me. Klock swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her disapproval like a physical force.
”Fine, fine,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. “But here’s the deal: once the Demon Lord’s down or their army pulls back, you let me out of Brave Knight. I’m not cut out for this adventurer crap. No offense, but I’ve got zero interest.”
Hermine’s brow arched, her voice dripping with disdain. “You think I wanted you in my party? Please. Tell that to Anna. She threw a tantrum, saying she’d leave if we didn’t let you join. Wouldn’t even hear me out at first.”
Klock turned to Cianie, who was calmly sipping her tea, her expression as serene as a still lake. What’s that about, Ms. Cianie? he thought, memories of their childhood flashing through his mind. Was she secretly a spoiled brat when he wasn’t looking? “Seriously?”
”It’s not like that,” Cianie said, her voice soft but firm. “The Saintess told me to do it. But Hermine wouldn’t budge, so…”
Hermine’s voice rose, shaking the room. “Of course I didn’t! Letting a creep like you into our hero party would tarnish our name! Honestly, Anna, Cynthia—both of them—falling for a lowlife like you? They’ve lost their minds!”
The windows rattled, a gust of wind howling outside. Through the opaque glass, Klock could see the sky darkening, clouds rolling in. This fortress, built for war, was sturdy beyond just its defenses. As a stronghold of the Empire, the heart of the world, it was designed to impress as much as protect.
”Okay, I get it,” Klock said, trying to steer things back to sanity. “War’s a mess, and I’d rather not deal with it, but I get why you need the Hero. Just… give me a little time. Elna and the others have stuff to sort out in the Beast Country.”
Hermine nodded, her expression softening slightly. “The coup, right? I heard about what happened in the Beast Country. Honestly, I saw it coming. Didn’t expect you to be the spark, though.”
”Troublemaker, huh?” Klock muttered, half to himself. She wasn’t wrong.
”There’s a clan meeting tomorrow,” he continued. “The outcome will decide our next move. If it goes south, we’re looking at civil war. That’d put Elna and the others in danger. If it comes to that, I’ll bring them here.”
”They’d be welcome,” Hermine said. “Those girls could be useful. But if things go smoothly, what then?”
Klock leaned back, his voice steady. “If the Beast Country’s safe, Cianie works best alone. No one else—not even Elna or Lona—can keep up with her. They’d just slow her down. So, if things stabilize, it’ll be just me and Cianie coming here.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Hermine’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She brushed a strand of her long, raven hair behind her ear, her expression thoughtful. “Alright. That’s not a bad call. Honestly, the only one who can truly keep up with Anna is Tiet. Even Oriana and I would hold her back. If you get that, I’ll trust you to handle it.”
Her response was softer than Klock expected, almost approving. Did she actually think he’d put some thought into it? Cianie’s strength was on another level—comparable to Rosetta or the wolf princess, sure, but the Hero’s power was in a league of its own. To maximize her impact, she needed to fight unhindered, alone. That was the way to get results.
Still, Klock was floored to hear Tiet could keep up with Cianie. A half-divine Hero and… Tiet? If even Hermine, a Great Mage, couldn’t match her pace, what kind of monster was Tiet?
”Fine,” Hermine said, waving a hand. “We’ll deal with your situation later. For now, let’s focus on ending this ridiculous war. I’m stuck here, Tiet’s tied up on the western front, and Oriana’s sidelined because the Theocracy’s refusing to deploy. Anna’s our best shot.”
Klock frowned. “Refusing to deploy? Why?”
”The Theocracy’s swamped with terrorism and rebellions,” Hermine explained. “Their capital, Schiefeld, got hit with sabotage and armed uprisings. The slums’ revolt was crushed, and the city’s on lockdown for counter-terrorism. But the leadership’s paranoid, hunting spies and traitors. The chaos hasn’t stopped.”
”So they don’t want to risk their best fighters,” Klock said, piecing it together. A nation under siege would prioritize defense, hoarding their strongest assets like Oriana. It made sense, but it was a waste of a hero party member.
”Sounds like the Demon Lord’s playing them,” Klock muttered.
Hermine nodded grimly. “Exactly. They know it, but they still won’t budge. I begged them to send Oriana, just her, but they refused every time. They only started mobilizing when the Demon Lord’s Army got too close. Now they’re fighting in your old stomping grounds.”
Klock’s ears pricked. “My old stomping grounds?”
”Livorno,” Hermine said. “The Theocracy’s leading a coalition there, with some Empire troops pitching in. Bishop Sara and Priestess Gina are in command. They’re sharp—repelled three massive monster assaults, fighting like their lives depend on it.”
Gina? The name snagged in Klock’s mind, stirring a faint unease. He brushed it off. No way it’s her.
* * *
Hermine let out a heavy sigh, alone in the meeting room after Klock and Anna had left. The knot of frustration in her chest hadn’t fully unraveled, but talking face-to-face had dulled it, just a little. “Of course,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. “The one he saw was Federina, wasn’t it?”
That day still haunted her. She’d been terrified he’d figure it out—that he’d realize she was the one behind Federina’s guise. She’d been disguised, so there was no way he could know, but the fear lingered, gnawing at her.
Relief washed over her now; her secret was safe. But the fact that it had been erased, treated as if it never happened, left a bitter taste. The smoldering resentment flared again, growing hotter by the second.
”Maybe once this war’s over, I should have him killed,” she muttered, her voice low and venomous. “Why’s he flirting with Anna in front of everyone? After messing around with who-knows-how-many women, he’s got the nerve to act all cozy with her? It’s infuriating.”
The war was the last thing on her mind now. Just moments ago, she’d been strategizing, focused on turning the tide. Now? Her head was consumed with him.
She caught herself, shaking her head sharply as if to dislodge the thoughts. Stepping out into the corridor, she let the cool breeze from an open window wash over her. Her long, proud hair swayed, catching the faint sunlight filtering through the clouds.
Noble, elegant, breathtakingly beautiful, and unmatched in magic—Hermine knew she was a cut above. She’d turned down countless suitors, crushed endless jealousies. She was a flower blooming higher than anyone could reach. And yet, he had dared to touch her, to violate her while she hid behind a false face, only to pretend it never happened. The humiliation burned. She wanted to punch him, scream at him until her voice gave out, make him beg for forgiveness and proclaim her beauty above all others.
Why did it have to be the Hero’s chosen one? She leaned against the window frame, pressing a hand to her forehead with a heavy sigh. This resentment would never fade, she thought. It was her life’s greatest mistake, etched into her soul forever—the moment she, the imperial princess Hermine, had been violated while her true face was hidden.
”Hey, big sis!” a cheerful voice chirped, cutting through her brooding.
Hermine blinked, startled. A small girl stood in the corridor, her presence so sudden it was as if she’d materialized out of thin air. Her hair was a striking mix of red and blue, loud and almost garish, like she’d been dressed for a costume party.
Who brings a kid to a warzone? Hermine thought, her brow furrowing. “Hello there,” she said, kneeling slightly to meet the girl’s eyes. “What’s a cute little thing like you doing in a place like this? Whose child are you?”
The girl grinned, her expression bright but oddly sharp. “I’m Lyla, first seat of the Kingdom Union Parliament, from the city of Nohito!”
The world seemed to freeze. For a fleeting moment, time stretched into eternity. Then, in an instant, the girl’s smile twisted, wicked and sinister, her eyes glinting with malice.
Notes:
• Lona – Female. A young apprentice mage. Her appearance is that of a child with black hair reaching her shoulders. She wears a black hooded mantle with strange patterns. Her relationship is as an apprentice to Hermine, the Great Mage. Her power involves advanced magic, including spatial teleportation. Her combat style is magical, and she is described as childish and easily provoked. Elna’s sister; a black cat Beastkin who’s relatively normally developed physically compared to Elna.
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Elna – Female. A young apprentice mage. Her appearance is that of a child with white hair reaching her shoulders. She wears a black hooded mantle with strange patterns. Her relationship is as an apprentice to Hermine, the Great Mage. Her power involves advanced magic, including spatial teleportation. Her combat style is magical, and she is described as childish and easily provoked.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Cattleya – The lord; resides in the town of Boorinel, east of Ryzan, past the Mesa; wants to confirm Klock’s humanity.
• Hermine – Daughter of the Emperor of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. A companion and friend of Anna. The mage. She is pragmatic and encourages Anna to focus on her duties as a hero rather than her personal revenge.
• Anna – The legendary Hero, chosen to defeat the Demon Lord. Her past life is Sylvia Croce. She is described as a heavenly being with overwhelming skill and a merciless attitude.
• Leelit Federation – A political entity where Suzette used to work as a spy; seems to be an empire.
• Shinnit – Located south of the royal capital of the Kingdom of Crotopone, separated by mountains. A bustling trading town and the nation’s largest economic hub, controlling the Four Islands. It is a port city with gray outer walls, known for its strategic importance and military presence.
• Alvenia – The imperial capital, located at the continent’s northernmost point, is a grand city that becomes the next target of the Demon Lord’s fleet. It is a powerful empire ruled by Magdous Augusk Vilnessa.
• Goddess Teekua – The deity who saved Sylvia after her death and granted her rebirth as a hero.
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Oriana – A Princess. A companion who assists in explaining the situation to the kingdom. She is supportive and helps Anna navigate her responsibilities. Her appearance is slender, with dark hair and sharp features.
• Schiefeld – The capital city is a refined gem, appeared as Cynthia’s homeland, a place of rusted beauty and deceit. It’s a stark contrast to Cynthia’s unique appearance.
• Sara – Priestess, bishop’s daughter. Beautiful, defiant, careless. Intoxicated, carried by Klock. Status complicates her relationship with him.
• Gina – A kind choir member who shows genuine concern for Adelina. She’s a rare ally in this unfamiliar place, offering some comfort and companionship.
• Federina – Hermine’s chosen disguise, a magical detective and close friend whom Hermine hopes will deter Klock’s suspicions. Federina’s presence of mind helps her improvise when confronted.
• Lyla – Jester General of Demon King.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply