Descendants of Time (Role-Play Act 5: Revolutionary Moment)

The two disembarked from the ferry. A wave of relief washed over the two’s minds as they safely arrived in Isola del Giglio. They found themselves in the comune of the island, a small town before them, the Giglio Porto. The sun blazed brightly at the town. It was setting as the time of day was soon coming to an end.

“It seems like… we finally made it. This is a very beautiful bed,” Sherry absentmindedly commented.

“Bed?”

“It’s not?”

“Not unless the word has another meaning I don’t know of. I don’t see a bed anywhere.”

“Hm? But we’re on it, aren’t we?”

“The island?”

“Of course. I remember the Gods and Goddesses often using them as their sleeping places. Particularly Circe, back in the day—Odysseus was staying in her bed… w-which was, well… ahem, just an example.”

“I guess it does fit, though in these times you won’t hear the word being used for much beyond the actual piece of furniture slept on. Though be it a bed, an island, or both, it truly is a beautiful place.”

“Ahaha… I see, I apologize if I confused you.”







In an effort the beat the setting sun, the two hurried through the dense forests of the island before finally arriving at a house. It seemed to be a wooden house, but it was bigger than most old houses one would expect in the forests.

Entering the house, Roland and Sherry found an empty living room beyond the small lobby where some shoes and heels were parked. They knocked on the wooden door some moments ago and waited, but there was no response. The old-fashioned house lacked a doorbell too. The ceiling lay very high up, explaining why the wooden house was so tall. There were lights and ceiling fans, so it seemed like the house was not devoid of electricity despite being out in the woods.

“It’s… empty, does anyone live here?” Sherry asked, not expecting an answer.

“The name on the house matches the address in the letter,” Roland replied, double-checking the envelope.

The door behind them opened and the two turned.

“Who are you two?”

The girl’s height was similar to that of Sherry’s. Her hair was blonde and she wore a long, blue one-piece. This getup was accompanied by a white hat and it looked as though she was out for picnic. The beauty of the girl was something distinctive, and Roland couldn’t put a finger to it. This sense of artistic perfection was rather abnormal.

Moreover, the accent with which she spoke made it evident that Roland shared the same nationality with her.

“Ciao, I am Roland and my companion is Sherry. We traveled here at the request of Duchess Frederica of Edinburgh.”

“You did…? All the way here?” If it was the Duchess of Edinburgh she knew, that person was likely in London. “I am not the owner of the house, but make yourselves comfortable.”

“Not the owner…?” Sherry muttered with a low voice, but it seemed like the girl heard her regardless.

“I myself am a guest,” the picnic girl said informatively, in a matter-of-factly manner.

“Is the owner of the house away?” Roland asked. “When we knocked earlier there was no response.”

The picnic girl gave a look as if this issue had repeated over a thousand times already.

“Wait…” the girl uttered, walking up to a door to the left and opening it. After it was closed, she could be heard shouting and another woman’s voice rang with a shriek.

“But I’m lazy and sleepy!” the other woman shouted.

“You cannot say that with the world barely hanging in the balance!!” the picnic girl argued. The dispute continued for some time until the owner of the house was flatly deported.

An older woman walked out past the door some moments later, grumbling about a lack of ice cream in the world and lack of comfort.

“Hm? Who are you two?” she asked, looking up to her visitors. She took a step back after noting the other girl’s temper about to flare again. “Ahaha… I mean, may I help you two?”

The apparent Archmage wore only a yellow halter, a pair of black shorts, and some cheap sandals of low-quality. Her long blonde hair could be seen accompanied by long, pointy ears like that of the fictional race known as the elves.

In reaction to the woman’s attire, a tinge of red appeared on Roland’s face and he averted his eyes. “I am Roland, and my companion is Sherry. We have traveled here at the request of Duchess Frederica of Edinburgh. Am I correct in assuming you are the Archmage of this residence?”

“Yes, I am usually called Calamity Witch.” The Archmage yawned, something no member of nobility such as the Duchess would never do openly. She walked over to the sofa and sat down. “That Frederica sent a message? Well, she could’ve sent a letter through magic. Why have you two come a long way?”

“I believe the letter should have the answers. She mentioned something of a distortion and that Sherry may be able to aid with fixing it.”

“Hm, let me see it then.”

Rummaging through his bag, he located the sealed letter and handed it over. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is your name? Calamity Witch is just a title, right?” With the relaxed atmosphere in the house, it felt pointless to stand on ceremony and he made himself comfortable in one of the chairs of the living room.

“Don’t wanna tell,” Calamity tersely answered. She opened the letter and gave it a glance. “Hoh. So you’re the sacrifice,” she commented thoughtlessly.

“Sacrifice? I hope that is not as lethal as it sounds.”

“My friend the Duchess says you’d be a good researcher for my projects and a student for me… sounds about right to me.”

“Ah, that explains what she was hinting at when she mentioned †˜getting stronger.’” He leaned forward and examined her expression closely, trying to gauge if it was a joke. A chance to study under one of the world’s few Archmages was not something that came easily. Perceiving no falsehood in her demeanor, it took less than a second to decide. Breaking into a wide grin he replied, “I’m in. Hit me with your worst.” His eyes blazed with determination.

“Don’t break his brain too, Calamity,” the other girl said.

“B-Break his brain?!” Sherry exclaimed.

“I hope not, Titania,” the Witch replied.

“The Archmage Titania? The one regarded as the greatest magic researcher alive?” Roland asked incredulously, turning to the picnic girl, trying to ignore the disturbing remarks made by them. He anticipated meeting one Archmage here, but not two at the same time, never mind one being a researcher he had idolized since his time as a student.

“Hm? What about it?” The picnic girl known as Titania didn’t turn to him at all at being addressed, and for some reason instead read over the letter that Calamity was reading.

“I’ve read countless papers authored by you. It’s an honor to meet you in person.”

“I’m sure everyone who cares did.” She took some moments to go over the letter’s contents. “Oh, so apparently this Sherry person here can help with the distortion case.”

“What is the distortion case?”

“I am going to guess that you have not heard of the distortions before?”

“I heard of them mentioned in passing by the Duchess but no details on the matter.”

“Then we may not answer that question. This is still a case of the Space Police.”

“Yeah, something like that,” Calamity Witch spoke. “The distortion crises are sort of kept under the wraps.”

“Oh well. Just please keep Sherry safe if it is dangerous.” Spending a few minutes with the two was enough to let him know he would be hard-pressed to convince them to share anything they did not want to. Going back to the previous matter he asked, “For research and training, when can I start?”

“Tomorrow! I sleep today!” Calamity raved immediately.

“Oh no! You will be starting immediately, do not waste time!” the picnic girl immediately refuted.

“Arghhh, I want to be lazyyyyyy…”

“You always want to be lazy.”

“Fine. At least get me some ice cream then.”

“Leave it to me, Master, but where can I find some on this island?” Roland offered.

“Dunno, haven’t been to the town for a few years now.”

Titania sighed. “Let us go, I shall show you around.”

When Roland came back to the wooden house with Titania holding a shopping bag with some ice cream packets inside, he found out that his new Master had a new guest aside from him and Sherry. It seemed like Sherry was seated on a sofa and felt as though she didn’t belong here, while the other lady with the silver hair was completely relaxed and composed, wearing a fabulous swallowtail tuxedo and a golden skirt, a fashion he was not exactly aware of.

To be frank, Roland was used to seeing men in suits back in England, but not women. The world was truly vast, and there was something new to see every day indeed.

“The ice cream has arrived,” Roland announced upon entering. Digging into the bag he gave a packet to the Calamity Witch and Sherry before turning to the new guest and offering ice cream to her too. “May I know who our new guest is?” he asked, curious about the nature of a visitor an Archmage might be receiving.

“Space Police,” Calamity only said. She then faced said guest. “What’s so important that you’d visit me so directly? I showed the distortion already so there shouldn’t be any more matters to specifically discuss here, right?”

“You just want to sleep, don’t you?” the guest blatantly guessed.

“Ah… well, I guess.”

“This is a special report.” The guest made a cold face as she spoke. “DAD and I had encountered a Boundary in London, close to the River Thames. It was enormous, on a scale we had never recorded before.”

Roland stirred slightly upon hearing mention of his hometown. He had been respectfully trying to avoid eavesdropping on their conversation before, but now he was listening intently.

“An enormous Boundary? How would you rank this?”

“SS rank, I suppose? The first ever of its kind, honestly.”

“That is a bad report, not a special report.”

“Anyway, the Steel Demons as the rumors have it are real, and they are very powerful, having nearly crippled DAD. I don’t think the two of us are enough to cope with this disaster. It’s a little personal but we found DAD’s mother trapped there. There was also a young child who seemed to talk about sadness, or something. It was disgusting, she vomited some black… things,” the guest grimaced, “and a Steel Demon was surfacing it. I have never seen anything like this, even in the Magic World.”

“Hmm… now this is interes—ahem, bad. Perhaps we’ll have to assemble the members soon.”

Whether it was carelessness or the two just thought nothing of him, Roland was glad to get some insight into the distortions. While much was still unclear, he could at least tell the situation was extremely dangerous and seemed to be getting progressively worse. The mention of Boundaries appearing in unexpected locations also gave him much to think about.

“Well?”

“Give the assemble order. We’ll uh, gather in about three months from now.”

“Very well. I will be on my way then.” The guest got off the sofa and she slid down a finger in the air and a portal opened, which closed after she entered. It was the same spell that Roland had learned in the past year.

“So you have another case on your hands, police,” Titania began and the Witch laughed dryly, already halfway done with her ice cream.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to delay my research on the distortion or the training of my pupil either.”

“Are you sure about him? He looks scrawny.”

“He is right in front of you, you know?”

“My father is so much more dandy.”

“You aren’t listening, are you?”

“At least give me a chance to prove myself before dismissing me so,” Roland requested with a hint of exasperation in his voice. He recognized the two before him were far above in both power and wisdom, but being looked down on was still frustrating. “Also, do you have a fridge where I could put the rest of these?” he asked, holding up the bag with the remaining ice cream.

Titania pointed to a door on his right. Roland walked up to the door. Opening it, he found that there was a kitchen and a dining room with a table and chairs. He found the refrigerator and placed the ice cream inside the freezer.

Returning to the living room, Roland asked once more, “So when do we start?”

After seeing the Calamity Witch’s lethargy many times in just the space of one night he was determined to not give her the opportunity to be distracted. However, when he looked down at her after Titania pointed at her, he found her snoring sweetly on her sofa, already dead asleep.

“Seems it will have to be tomorrow.” He looked around the living room to search for something to cover her up. Finding nothing he asked Titania, “Are there any blankets to cover her with? Nights are chilly and I imagine even Archmages can catch colds.”

“As you can see, not in this living room.” Titania scooped the Archmage up with one hand with abnormal strength. “It is normally my job—even if it is not—to take her to bed.” She walked up to the door on the right and opened it. It seemed to be Calamity Witch’s room.

“These people… are strange, and I know this is only coming from me,” Sherry commented, having mostly been an observer so far.

“I would prefer to call them unique but yes, you probably won’t find many others like them,” Roland replied. “We should also turn in for the night. It sounds like things will get busy onwards from tomorrow for both of us. I wonder if they have guest rooms we could use?” He stared at the doorway Titania disappeared through, waiting for her return.

“We do,” TItania said, coming out of Calamity Witch’s room. “I am using one and the other is vacant. I suppose Miss Sherry may stay with me while you take the other?”

“I wouldn’t want to impose. I’ll let Sherry take the free guest room. I can sleep on the sofa here.”

“Oh no, I cannot possibly have you do that!” Sherry said in panic. “I-I could just sleep on the island. I-I-It’s a wonderful bed after all!”

“...What?” Titania turned to Roland. “I do not know what she means. Is there a translator anywhere?”

“To be honest I don’t truly understand the meaning of where she intends to sleep myself, but islands were considered beds for Gods in the past.” Turning to Sherry he asked, “When you say that, where on the island do you intend to sleep?”

Sherry gave a bright smile. “Anywhere could do. The grass for example, would be a very comfortable place to sleep it, wouldn’t you think?”

Titania turned back to Roland after listening to what sounded like nonsense to her.

“Just take the room and let her share it with me, lest you really want this supposed Goddess out in the cold.”

“I’ll do that,” Roland hastily accepted, worried that Sherry might actually go through with sleeping in the forest.

The next morning had come and the birds started to sing. The weather in the island was completely odd, however. There were clouds on one side where a storm was on while the other side was painfully normal, which seemed to just barely include their wooden house. There was not a single cold gale from the other side which made it even more eerie.

When Roland came out of the house to take a look, he found Titania holding a notebook, scribbling things down. It seemed like Sherry or Calamity Witch was yet to be up.

“Good morning,” Roland greeted her.

“Good… morning…”

Sensing she was busy, Roland opted not to bother her further and instead observed the strange weather phenomenon, trying to discern the cause.

“So a distortion’s storm is always taking place in its own space… but we get to witness it when some of the Void Realm leaks onto this side. Interesting…”

While Titania seemed to mutter, lightning streaked down as the two watched, and it struck at a tree some distance away, but a fire didn’t start.

“If a portal to the Void Realm was opened at this location would the same storm be taking place there?” Roland wondered aloud, not quite sure if he would get an answer. He was tempted to test the hypothesis himself to see if it was a creation of space versus a projection of it, but the ferocity of the storm dissuaded him.

“Good question,” Titania said, raising an index finger. Apparently, her researcher mode—of sorts—was on. “But seeing as the storm is indeed underway, would one not think that it is already due to an open portal?”

“Maybe in some form, but as the storm doesn’t seem to be physically affecting this Realm. Could it be an event occurring in the Void Realm that is only being projected visually?”

“That is exactly what it is. However, there may be some effects than whatever that is going on.”

“Have you observed the event from within the Void Realm or is it too dangerous to do so?”

“I would like to, but I am forbidden from doing so.”

“By who and why?” Roland asked, curious as to who could order around an Archmage.

“The Void Space Act forbids me from making frequent travels. After the third time I went to investigate such phenomena, I was given a warning by your Master, Calamity Witch.”

“What is the Void Space Act? I was not aware there was a law restricting research of the Realm.”

“There are laws for many things. A researcher not knowing and abiding by them means that they are simply not meant to research it, and are thus lacking!” she said as if giving a lecture already. “The Void Space Act is a law set by the Space Police Organization. It disallows any non-member from frequently using the Astral Venture Supreme spell to access the Void Realm.”

Ahaha… probably shouldn’t mention I’ve already broken it once, Roland thought. “That’s a shame. Is there no way to lift the restriction aside from induction into their ranks?”

“Plain answer: no. Thus, I must find an alternative to obtaining the answers.”

“Might I be able to join you in that search? I realize I am already about to become Calamity Witch’s student, but I would also like to learn from you if you’ll take me on.”

“But you are so scrawny… surely a researcher would require a dan—ahem. Are you an aspiring researcher?”

“Yes. I’ve made a few spells of my own from my studies too, although nothing on your level.”

“That is the least a mage may do, though.”

Roland fell silent for a while as he thought about how else he could convince the Archmage to take him on.

“Is there a way I could convince you of my determination?”

“I do not really know myself.”

“Hmm.” Roland fell silent for another few moments as he thought about how best to confer a positive impression. “Could I maybe demonstrate one of my original spells for you? It utilizes an interesting property of water if I say so myself, and even if it fails to pique your interest, the chance to get your feedback would be invaluable. Hopefully it will also demonstrate I won’t be completely helpless if danger does arise.”

“Sure? I do not really mind, but I cannot say that I am interested.”


“This may not convince you but it's worth a shot. The fastest way to get a researcher’s attention is through their curiosity.”

“Well, go on.”

He looked around searching for a suitable target and spotted a large boulder at the edge of the forest. Taking up a position a few meters away, he took a deep breath and focused his mind, pushing away all unnecessary thought. I really hope this is actually a mechanism she hasn’t seen used before. The thought flashed through his mind before he applied a jolt of mana to reinforce a tranquil mental state. Entering a stance with his hands slightly apart at his side, a clear sphere of supercooled water began to form suspended between them. As the sphere grew larger, a second layer of cloudy water formed around it and fog began to surround him as the spell inadvertently cooled the surrounding humid air. When the sphere of water reached a critical mass, he brought his hands forward in one fluid motion and shot it as a high pressure stream at the boulder.

Upon striking the boulder, the stream of water instantly bore a hole through, fracturing it from within as the water froze and expanded. What water splashed to the sides likewise froze on contact quickly, encasing the boulder with a thick layer of ice as it ran across the surface. At the end of the spell the once solid boulder was a mess of spider web cracks held together by a shell of ice.

“And? You may keep going.”

“Guess it wasn’t enough after all. I’ll have try to find some other way to win your favor,” Roland replied wincing a bit from the feedback as he released his mental spell. “Or if you give me a chance to aid with a project I can try to prove myself that way.”

“But my time is valuable. I do not think I want to aid you for such… scrawny spells.”

“Fair enough.” He was frustrated his spell was dismissed as such, but she was an Archmage so it would take more to impress her. “I’ll just have to keep working at it while studying under Calamity Witch until I have something that can get your approval.”

“Good luck.”

“Just you wait. On a more immediate topic, what do you and Calamity usually do for breakfast?”

“Breakfast? We do not have breakfast.”

“Ah, mind if I use the kitchen to make something then?”

“You could use it for yourself and Miss Sherry. Do not bother making anything for us Archmages.”


“As you wish.” Taking one last glance at the eerie storm he went back inside, thoughts of potential spells filling his mind.

Back in his room Roland sat on the floor, all the various notes he had written during his travels sprawled out around him.

A spell that can even catch the attention of an Archmage... he thought to himself, realizing now just how great the task he had taken up was. Impressing an Archmage would probably be difficult enough, but the one he had to impress also created almost a third of all the modern spells. Whatever it is, it will probably have to at least approach the tier of Supreme spells to get any notice.

Grabbing a notebook, he began scribbling various magic formulas in search of inspiration.

It seemed someone had opened the door while he was thinking about the formulas, and he looked in response, but his door was not open. Surely, someone was moving around.

Sherry and Titania had undoubtedly left the house to check up on something, and Titania didn’t spare any details for Roland. Likely, it was related to the storm. Which could only mean the only other person would be his newfound Master.

Putting the notebook on the floor with the rest of his notes, he got up and left his room to see where the noise was coming from. Momentarily, he learned that his Master was indeed awake, and she was full of sloth as usual. Roland found her in the dining room, taking out a large bottle—a soda—and drinking it casually.

“Mn? Oh, I forgot you were living with me…” She drank some more of the beverage, letting out a satisfied sigh. “Good morning.”

Still not used to her clothing, or rather lack of, he averted his eyes slightly to the side as he spoke to her. “Good afternoon may be more accurate for the current time, Master. Did you just wake up?”

“It’s morning for me, so I guess?” the Master bluntly replied. “Still not used to my attire, mn? How cute.”

Being called out so blatantly only served to increase his embarrassment and he turned bright red.

“A-Anyway, will the training begin soon?”

“Mn, I guess. Now that my lunch is done… I’m ready.” Despite her words, however, Calamity Witch yawned.

Looking around the kitchen, Roland saw no sign that she had consumed anything aside from the bottle of soda. “Is that enough to sustain you?” he asked, concerned.

“Should be. I think.”


“What should I do to start then?”
“Right… what do you want me to do for you anyway? I always get various apprentices and they all seem to have different interests.”

“Hmm, I’ve never actually been taught by a master before, so I’m not sure how it usually works. I assume the goal of all apprentices should be to one day surpass their masters, so how about that?”

“Huh? That’s not specific at all. Not like †˜I want to learn more about Magic Theory’ or †˜the various research topics’ or †˜how to fight’ or the †˜I want to learn the Lost Form’ or something?”

“I want to learn everything.”

“No one has the time for that. Not the mages of this island anyway.”

“Hmm... then to pick from the list, the Lost Form is probably what interests me most, though I’m still interested in learning anything you’re willing to teach me.”

“Do you know what a Lost Form is?”

“I heard mention of them as powerful ancient magics that have been lost to the ages. To learn a form of magic thought extinct is something I can’t pass up.”

“Where have you heard of it? I was told it’s still rare in this generation.”

“While I cannot remember exactly I think it was in a book I read.”

“Bollocks! Lost Forms were never published in books, much less any words. You sure you aren’t confusing tall tales with textbooks?”

“Maybe, it's a hobby of mine to indulge in stories and legends. Could some rumors of them have slipped into fiction?”

“I was one of those trying to keep the news on Lost Forms inside. Maybe I’ll tighten the grasp a bit more… mn, chop off a head or two perhaps… Okay, so you want to learn the Lost Form I know, but are you sure? My Lost Form is quite different, and is also a spell of a family that was killed off by the Magic World itself.”

“Different? How so?”

The hand of the Archmage turned to that of a large creature’s, and with the claws that seemed to be longer than his arms, she grabbed his tiny body and lifted him up from the wooden floor.

“See?”

“Y-Yeah,” Roland stammered in shock, but it was only for a moment before his curiosity took over. “Though that’s really cool!”

“Right? But it’s kinda dangerous too.”

“The Form itself, or are practitioners of it still hunted?”

“Mostly the family’s descendants now—if any. The Form’s danger was what did them in, though. I’m sure you’ve heard of them in Magic World’s history books at least once—the Bjornaer family.”

“Oh…” Roland’s face darkened as he recalled the bloody chapter of history associated with the Bjornaers. “I can’t say I’m not worried, but at least I won’t have to worry about hurting anyone if I do go berserk with two Archmages so close by.”

“I have fears about my house, though. Let’s step outside, shall we?”

“Sounds good. But first, could you let me down?”

“Oh, I forgot.”

“Huh, the sun really came far. I suppose I did get up late,” Calamity Witch nonchalantly commented after stepping out of the house with Roland.

She surveyed the forest trees for a moment and found a grey rock to sit over. Just beside them seemed to be the cliff, below which was the sea. The raging waves could be heard all the way up to them, and the breeze was pleasant. On the other side, the stormy clouds were present but there was no lightning raging for now.

Walking over, Roland found a similar rock nearby and joined her.

“What’s first?” he asked eagerly.

“I guess it’s story time.” Calamity Witch gave another yawn. The second yawn that Roland witnessed so far. “So, the Bjornaers developed this nice little spell that would apparently put them out cold instead of showing exceptional success. It was never recorded in the textbooks and the mouths of the mages were to be sealed about the magic. Thus, the Lost Form was born. The Lost Form of Heartbeast. This is the spell that allows you become a magical creature itself.”

“The original Heartbeast spell couldn’t be consciously controlled?”

“No, in fact there were many problems. For starters, emotions couldn’t be controlled. There was a case of underestimation too. Anyway, it’s still a problem to this day for people just starting out. The rule of thumb now is to train for this Lost Form in areas like these.” She gestured towards the grounds of the island.

“Is there any kind of special training for the Form or does it just take getting use to?”

“Well, being the genius that I am, I created several rituals myself, just so the beast within may be contained. I also created several trials to test any prospective apprentices wanting to learn it. So that I can get them off my—anyway, if you’re up to the task, I will continue with the lore of the Bjornaers.”

“I’m listening.”

“So anyway, the Bjornaers were pretty poor,” the Witch began. “They only had one house—or so they say—and had about thirty or so children housed under it. I think this was around the time the Knights’ Templars was a cool thing in the medieval period. Of course, they needed money. As a family of magicians, the first idea was to create spells. Contrary to common belief, creating magic and publishing them officially in the Magical Societies—something that was common back then—was one way to win a large sum of money. So the mages looked around for inspiration…

“They tried three kinds of magic. The first was implanting roots and vines into a person. The second was something about eating branches or something crazy. The third was infusing the very blood of themselves with that of various animals. Mind you, they were really good at Herbam and the Animal Form. There wasn’t any mention of Forbidden Spells back then so they were strangely creative with their ideas. The first and second spell creations resulted in death, obviously. Some managed to turn themselves into motionless trees while others were wounded internally due to the roots growing too much. Normally, the end result may have been different, but things changed with the application of mana.”

“And so the third went on to become Heartbeast? Is there anything recorded about how they managed to overcome the Animal Form’s ineffectiveness on humans?”

“Well, you’re gonna learn about that soon, there are no official records, though.”

“Sorry for interrupting, please continue.”

“Moving on, the final idea passed through, and the mages gained recognition and fame. The Bjornaers were obviously very happy. This was especially true because they are recognised as one of the great family of wizards in said period now. Their name was to be remembered for the times to come. Everything, however, changed when the head of the house decided to take their spell one step further into the danger zone. They developed the Heartbeast spell.

“This was a very unique spell. It was no doubt that they…” Calamity Witch ended up yawning again. “That they improved it to a greater degree, throwing ancient runes into the fray and developing a spell that could permanently change your body. On that note, you should also keep it in mind that you will forever change—perhaps for the worst—when you really get started.”

“Just the body or does it also affect the mind?”he asked, a bit of worry in his voice.

“Has it not sunk into you that they went berserk and killed each other?”

“I understand that, but going berserk is one thing. Even overwhelmed by emotion, the ego remains. Losing one’s sense of self and becoming a completely different person altogether worries me more.”

“It’s life long, and if you don’t like it, that’s fine. I’d rather be lazy than teach something that’d lead you to your demise.”

“I won’t let you out of this that easily!” Fueled by his worry the Archmage would take the slight opening as a chance to slack off, he spoke with more force than intended. “It's true I have my doubts but I’m still determined to learn.”

“Tch.” She clicked her tongue but acted completely innocent in the same second. “Okay, so it alters your heart directly. The influences spreads out all over your body naturally. The torrents of power will affect your mind. As I mentioned earlier, I came up with some ritual spells to counter some of these side-effects, but it is impossible to deal with all of it. Having this heart, however, is useful, as it’s harder to break than ordinary hearts.”

“Significantly, or would being stabbed or shot there still be lethal?”

“Well, it’d hurt, but it may not always be lethal.”


“Sounds nice to have, but I guess it would be best to avoid gambling on its durability.”

“Definitely. Anyway, think of a creature. A magical creature. There are many things, ranging from dragons to unicorns to ents or even minotaurs. You need to pick a creature to be able to get started.”

“Is it possible to draw on the power of unique mythical creatures?”

“Depends on whether they exist or not. Many creatures thought to be mythical do exist in the Magic World, though.”


“Does Fenrir exist as the same great wolf he is in folklore?”

“Uh, was that the thing that devours Odin in a prophecy of the Norse myth?”

“Yup, supposedly he will do that during Ragnarok. Though he is often considered evil, I feel quite bad for him. In the myth it seems like he was betrayed and bound out of fear of things he might do rather than anything he actually did.”

“Hm… you know, there are rumors that it exists in Russia. There isn’t any information about it, though. I wonder if any of the myth about it is actually true.”

“If he does exist, how would becoming a Heartbeast with his powers work?”

“Either you beat him up and take some of his blood, or just make a deal with him? Surely, if Fenrir could kill Odin—he could kill you, though.”

“True, but if he is really so strong he would also be great to have as an ally. If the myth is to be believed, he is a rather intelligent creature, so hopefully it would be possible to reason with him.”

“Maybe, you never know. The myths are mostly written by crafty conspiracists sometimes, like a lot of the myths investigated in the Magic World before.”

“Going on the assumption that they are accurate or at the very least contain a grain of truth in them, what rumors have you heard in Russia?”

Calamity Witch rubbed her ear lazily as she spoke, “Well, not exactly Fenrir, but they say that there’s a hidden labyrinth of ice in which the †˜White Wolf’ lives.”

“Seems like it would be worth checking out. Hopefully the creature there is actually the mythical beast and not just an overgrown wolf.”

“Alright, you go on then. Farewell!”

“Sending your apprentice off to die on his own on just the first day of training? I may be hoping to reason with it, but I doubt I can face a mythical beast in solo combat if things take a turn for the worst.”

“Mn? Does that have anything to do with me? You’re the one who wants to learn, right?” The Master yawned again, almost ready to fall asleep as soon as Roland would take off.

Clearly a sense of teacher-student responsibility will never move this bundle of lethargic whims. Shifting his strategy, Roland spoke with his best salesman voice. He tried enticing her with the potential benefits of going with him.

“If you do come with me then you’ll be able to sleep as much as you want, as we’d travel with the added benefit of not having Titania harassing you to stop being lazy and do work. Not to mention on our return, you may be able to win additional time to laze about after having spent a trip hard at work teaching your apprentice.”

“Ehh? But I’d rather stay here and sleep. Traveling is still a pain. Also, there’s the distortion case that’s been keeping me here.”

“I’ll handle all the arrangements. All you’ll have to do is sleep on various fluffy beds until we reach the wolf in the labyrinth. Maybe not even have to do anything there either if things go well. For the distortion case, Titania will still be here and it seems you have many capable subordinates in the Space Police who can keep things under control while you’re gone.”

Should you be addressing her so casually? “What do you know? I’m the only one from the Space Police here. The others are too busy dealing with the world.” The Calamity Witch seemed to grumble about “presumptuous brats,” or something, but gave a sigh of defeat. “But fine. What are you so afraid of anyway? Surely anyone can handle that overgrown wolf, right?”

“If it is just an overgrown wolf then it won’t be a problem, but if it is the monstrous god-consuming wolf of myth, then going to it on my own would probably be suicide.”

“Isn’t that great?” The so-called Master of Roland grinned.

Roland sighed. Clearly this apprenticeship was going to be fraught with peril.

“Personally, I would like to stay alive long enough to actually begin learning the Lost Form if it isn’t too much to ask. Though I’ll let you sleep now as you wish. Where do the rumors say the ice labyrinth is so I can begin making preparations?”

“Dunno. Somewhere outside Moscow I guess?”

“Guess we’ll head there first and search for local information. Do you have anything to take care of or can you leave at anytime?”

“Just need to talk to Titania about this. Otherwise, we’re ready to head out. Hopefully she bails me out, who am I kidding though…

“You… you are going out?” Titania told Calamity Witch with a look of disbelief. She was truly speechless for some moments, finding Roland carrying most—if not all—of the luggage. “What side of the bed did you get up from?”

“Ask the whining brat over there who doesn’t want to take care of a damned wolf,” Calamity Witch said with a rare frown.


“Ahaha… I managed to convince her to come with me to investigate a rumor of Fenrir for my training. If it proves to just be a rumor then it should be fine, but if there is truth to it going there alone would almost certainly mean my demise.”

“Ah, I can imagine Scrawny not being able to take out a wolf. Still…”

“Right? He probably can, don’t you think so too?! You need me to stay for the distortion… right?”

“Still, this is a golden opportunity to get someone credible to research the White Wolf!”

Calamity Witch felt like falling down to the depths of the sea right then and there from hearing these words of betrayals coming from an old friend who was a fellow Archmage.

“Good, this calls for a division of labor indeed. I shall lease out Calamity Witch for the research. I expect good tidings, Scrawny. And Calamity—you should very well be the Master you should be.”

“Hey! I’m no product that you can just lease out!”

“I’ll do my best to keep her on track,” Roland replied, giving a joking salute. “But before we leave I need to speak to you quickly about something, Titania.”

“Hm, what is it, Scrawny?”

Roland moved closer to her and leaned in, speaking in a low voice to avoid being overheard by Sherry. “Did Sherry mention the ambush we encountered in Porto Santo Stefano?”

“No, I have not heard of this,” Titania replied in a hushed tone.

“I had a feeling. She probably didn’t want to worry you. In the port we were ambushed by a large group of hooded individuals who attacked with needles. We managed to shake them and escape to the island, but while they were after us all their attacks targeted only me, so their goal was probably to capture Sherry alive.”

“Hm… The Society likely has a hint about who she is then, seeing her name—it does not surprise me. No worries, though. The Society will not come close to me unless they cannot help it.”

“That is reassuring. Please keep her safe, but discreetly if possible so she doesn’t feel that she is a burden.” Straightening up, he walked back over to Calamity Witch’s side. “Shall we be off then?”

“Alright, let’s go. I wanna be done with this as soon as possible.”

With a final respectful bow to Titania and a promise to Sherry to feed her more delicious food on his return, Roland turned and followed Calamity Witch out of the house.

Svetlana finally came back from Saudi Arabia. An entire year, plus at least a month had passed since the time she had last seen Isabelle, her younger sister. A foster family member, but still family nonetheless. She was undoubtedly the only most important person to her alive at the moment. Ever since she left the Magic Train with Nancy—who had been carrying more luggage than the time they departed for Saudi Arabia—she had been walking hastily, while Nancy repeatedly reprimanded her, claiming that it wasn’t ladylike to rush this way.

Svetlana felt anxious. She wondered what Isabelle had been doing all this time, having barely heard anything from her. She also wondered if Aisha would really be okay. She still felt odd about it, but she had grown somewhat attached to Aisha over the year they spent together. One thing she was looking forward to was that her training should be a lot shorter compared to when she was in Saudi Arabia as she should only be taking Nancy’s lessons now, and she would have more time for herself and to spend with Isabelle.

It seemed like there was a garden beside her mansion now that Svetlana came back before the gates. A maid or two seemed to be working on the fields, even if they seemed rather lacking in fertility.

“It seems like growing gardens is indeed very hard in this era and city,” Nancy commented as she looked over the plains from behind her Mistress.

It was only eight in the morning but anyone would know that someone as strict as Isabelle would be up by now.

“Well at least it is not as hard as a desert here,” Svetlana said joyfully. “I wonder what Isabelle is currently doing? Or rather what things she has done without me.”

“I think worrying is fine but overdoing it could be seen as potentially meddlesome by the young lady, Mistress,” Nancy joked as they passed by the gates and started walking towards the estate.

“Well, even if she dislikes it she is still a child, you know. I should technically be the one running all this but I really must take care of someone first. Even then though, I really doubt she will let me handle stuff now, which is kinda troubling me.”

“She is a child so… I do not know. I used to be under very strict parents who liked to monitor my life… I was very uncomfortable and paranoid after everything I did and lived for. Ah, but, I believe it is not necessarily bad to be worried about your sibling, Mistress. Take my words with a grain of salt.”


“Well not like I wish to be strict. I just wish I could be around her more, and we could handle everything together, but I suppose that won’t be the case. I cannot fathom you as a paranoid person Nancy. You do not seem to be that kind of person to me.”

“Hahaha. That is a good thing, Mistress. I suppose I grew out of it after my parents passed away…” she said with a wry smile.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Svetlana said.

“It is fine, it is fine! Bygones are bygones.”

One of the gardening maids got up from witnessing Svetlana, and walked up to the pair.

“Lady Svetlana… my goodness, is that really you, my Lady? You have… changed! Welcome back!” the maid said with a cheery tone.

“Thank you. How have things been around the mansion while I have been gone?” Svetlana said with a curious tone.

“Things have been going well, but it seems like our young Lady has been a little too serious with the training. Speaking of which, if you wish to see the young Lady, Mistress, I would suggest getting ready for another trip…”


Svetlana felt like sighing. “Where did she head out? She really should not be doing things like that without telling me,” Svetlana said as all she could do was shake her head.

“She said that you would worry, Mistress, and went to do her magical training in the Arundel Castle. We were told to inform you about it.”

“I take it she told everyone about magic while I was away now then also. Why am I not surprised she did all this without informing me?” Svetlana said, shaking her head yet again. “Nancy do you know how far that is? I was hoping to rest but we are heading out now again.”

“She had told everyone because all of those hired seem to be trustworthy, it seems. At least, I hope so…” Nancy said. “Please remind me, where was the castle located?” she asked the other maid.

“That would be the West Sussex,” the gardener said.

“Yes, that is far, Mistress. It is rather close to the seas, in fact.”

“Well we had talked about telling everyone before,” Svetlana said. “All right then Nancy, let us go and see why my dear little sister decided to go there instead of staying here to study.”

“Ahaha… I suppose. We should reduce our luggage at least. I do not think we have to take everything to Arundel Castle… I am more surprised that such a famous castle is under the ownership of the family, in all honesty.”

“It is famous? You are right, we should leave some things behind.”

“Yes, it is the principal seat of Norfolk… wait, was Mistress the Duchess of Norfolk all along?!”

“Do not ask me, there are many things I do not know.”

“Ahaha… I suppose I shall tell you what history I know of said house while we travel.”

“Okay, but I really should try finding out everything about my mother’s family background. Well at least about all the properties considering granddad did tell me mother’s background.”

“I suppose we can look into it after we come back, Mistress.”







Svetlana looked up to a large castle. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she looked up to its majestic walls that seemed to have survived since the medieval era. Unlike London, there was more than enough greenery out here, lush with trees and grass outside the walls. This was part of the Norfolk Duchess’ property, and according to Nancy, this was indeed the truth.

Contrary to her assumption, the Arundel Castle was under heavy renovation; a series of embellishment was in progress before her very eyes, especially the fields and the apartments. She could see men and women of varying age, busy at work. Many gardeners were hired, many maids were hired, many men were hired, much furniture were being carried past the gates. It looked hectic.

“This place is really impressive…” Svetlana said as she continued to look around. “Just how much is this even gonna cost us…”

“It seems like the young Lady is having things redone… I wonder what for,” Nancy said in awe, looking up to the walls of the castle.

“I am not sure, but just looking at it, the price tag is scaring me. I just hope she started a business for us while I was gone, at least since I recall a mention of one.”

“Let us hope so, Mistress…”

Svetlana and Nancy strode past the castle’s gates. A girl slightly taller than the Duchess of Norfolk could remember seemed to be ordering many workers with a loud voice. Her shade of blonde hair was very similar to her mother, who was also the Duchess’ second mother, a foster mother. The former Duchess was a very dedicated person, and it seemed like her blood-related daughter was just as dedicated, but perhaps more of a perfectionist than her own mother.

“You—I told you to place the furniture in the private apartments of Her Majesty the Queen! Not my private quarters. Also, Miss, that wardrobe… please send it to my quarters. Oh and Mister Darcy, I believe the courtyard might need some more work. Yes, I believe the corners could use some more bushes.”

“Glad to see you are still the same as before,” Svetlana said, walking up to Isabelle. “It seems you got taller as well while I was gone.”

“Oh, and the—huh, who is…” Isabelle turned to Svetlana when she was interrupted while speaking to a maid. “Sister, is that really you…?”

“Of course,” Svetlana said as she went to hug Isabelle. “How I have missed you. A year is far too long to be away from my cute little sister.”

“S...Sister! It has been too long indeed.”

Isabelle held her sister tight. The reunion of the sisters was touching to the onlookers, even if they wished that Isabelle would ease up on them.

“I see that you are fixing up another property of Mother and that you hired more servants. I hope that we can actually manage to pay for all this,” Svetlana said as she looked around, still hugging Isabelle.

“I do not think it is appropriate to speak while hugging,” Isabelle joked as she released her sister. “Well, all of these hands are temporary, we have to embellish the castle or else we would look quite bad soon.”

“Well, that is good, but do we honestly have the resources for this? I do not believe I was really told how much we had.”

“Hm? We should have enough. I am currently running a business for dolls that seems to be doing fine so far.”

“Well, that is good I suppose. Anything else I should know? Considering I take it I am gonna be held in the dark for many things.”

“Not that I intend to, but there are simply too many things… unless you are specific I cannot bring it all to mind,” Isabelle said before giving a wink. “Since I am a child, after all. Huhu.”

“Pretty much you do not plan to tell me anything till you do it.”

“It just happens, nowadays. Must be running in me as I am a prodigy. Anyway, you have your dresses, yes?”

“It has been happening since I got here. Why?”

“I always will. Anyway, Sister, you need them. The Queen is to visit soon and this is why we are preparing the castle. I cannot disappoint Her Majesty now, can I?”

“Why is the Queen coming here? I really wish you would stop doing things without me, but I suppose it cannot be helped.”

“What? You were not here, Sister. You. Were. Abroad,” Isabelle began, losing her temper at her Sister for repeatedly accusing her. “Why do you keep blaming me? Do you know how much it costs to send letters out of here through the Council?”

“Just forget about it. It is my own fault anyway, not yours. Well why is the Queen coming here by the way?”

“Vacation. Her Majesty wishes to spend some time with His Majesty the Royal Consort out of their duties apparently… oh, and I have heard that Prince Leopold may visit too…”

“Why here though?”

“It was historically a castle given to my ancestors by the Royalty a long time ago, now it is one of the nice places for vacations. One of them.”

“From the look of it though you only seem to have started fixing it up recently. I take it was under bad condition like our home. I am rather surprised they would choose here to vacation.”

“They went through various resorts, of sorts, throughout the year. This was just one of the choices in the end. It is a beautiful place so it does not surprise me. Some reconstruction was done, but I simply cannot watch the rulers of our country going through what is commented nowadays as… a cold gloomy castle. I do not think the Queen thinks the same, but you understand. The reconstructions actually started about a month ago, and now we are putting the finishing touches. Just the greenery and the fixture placements left. After that, we will have the maids and servants clean the entire place.”

“I see. Well, I am certain you did a good job. Though, a month to fix this place does sure still seem like a short amount of time.”

“It would take years to put this up in the best condition, but I suppose there is no time for that. I had them fix up whatever that could be fixed in a short amount of time, and put up an entire set of apartments for the Royalty, which should do some good.”

“I would imagine that would be good. Exactly when will they be here by the way? Or no exact date?”

“We were told that they will arrive in three days. No changes were reported so far.”

“I see. Then I still have some time to prepare myself.”

“Prepare yourself, you say?”

“Yes, is something wrong with that?”

“Oh… I just thought that it takes only half a day to prepare makeup and a dress.”

“I know. I just want to prepare myself in other areas. I do not want the same thing to happen again like it did at the ball a year ago.”

“The same thing at the ball last year? What may that be about, exactly?”

“Drawing a blank mind and all the stuttering.”

“That happened? Oh… perhaps it did. I cannot remember very well.”

“I suppose it was because you were not the one who was all of a sudden asked to dance with no experience at all.”

“Thankfully, I was not. I suppose preparing the heart for the Prince is indeed a challenge.”

“I hope to be ready this time around for any kind of surprises if any were to happen.”

“For now, I would recommend that you get some rest.”

“I would second that notion,” Nancy added from behind Svetlana.

“I do not mind but where exactly?” Svetlana asked. “It is my first time here so I do not know my way around.”

“You there, escort the Mistress to my quarters,” Isabelle ordered a maidservant immediately, who seemed to be dusting a wardrobe.

“Yes, my Lady,” the maid responded with a bow, walking up to Svetlana and motioning for the entrance to the old building. “Please come this way, Mistress.”

“Sister, we have several apartments—similarly as we do for the Royalty—just use one of those that I am not using.”

“Understood,” Svetlana said as she began following the maid.







The curtain of the night had fallen and Svetlana had a long rest before she came down to the halls to find Isabelle. It seemed like she was resting on one of the sofas, and had only just finished working for the day. For a child, it was likely very taxing, but the child of Alicia was seemingly used to the pressures of life, and had developed her stamina appropriately.

On the other hand, Svetlana realised that no matter how many times she’d go around the place, she’d likely always get lost due to how big the entire castle was. Thankfully, the way down to the hall was simple—yet long—from her apartment.

“Oh, Sister, I see you awoke from your nap. Good evening.”

“Good evening, Isabelle,” Svetlana said with a smile. “This place sure is bigger once inside, is it not? I think I can get easily lost here.”

“I thought that way until I started working with it,” Isabelle said with a laugh. “It is indeed spacious and full of walls that seem like relics of some sort. Huhu, I just hope you do not find any ghosts at night.”

“My, bringing up ghosts now, are we? If one appeared I would not even think twice before firing at it.”

“Think about all of my hard work for the interior before you do so, Sister.” Isabelle chuckled dryly as she spoke. A wry smile dominating her features.

“Considering what my older sister used to tell me before, that would be rather hard. By the way, you should drink some water.”

“I do not feel like going to get some… by the by, Sister, I see that you have improved since last we met.”

“Well, I would hope I have at least a little considering all the training I was put through this past year,” Svetlana said recalling all her training back in Saudi Arabia. “How has your magic studying been going? One of the maids told me you came here for that.”

“That was one of the reasons I first came here for, until I received the notice about the Royalty’s vacation. I suppose I wanted to be away from the buzzing life of society for a bit. Anyway, it has been proceeding well. I have bought textbooks and am progressing well… I believe.”


“Well, you can show me and I can tell you. I could also explain things you do not understand.”

“That would be helpful, the Magic Theory book confuses me with its vocabulary sometimes, which is rather ironic. Then again I have an English book so perhaps verbal explanations are in order instead. I have tried application of magic before, and it seemed fun.”

“Okay, and it is fun learning to apply magic, at least I had a lot fun when my older sister was teaching me. Maybe we can also get a Russian or Japanese version of the book later till I can learn to read English properly, but go ahead tell me what you do not understand,” Svetlana said joyfully.

“Let us save that for the time we visit the study. I have a plethora of notes about my possible misunderstandings and confusion. Speaking of which, how have things been going for you, Sister? Saved your mother yet?”

“Sadly, that is not happening anytime soon. I still have much to learn. I have only learned the basics of what I need this past year. I will still require more time to learn the rest.”

“I see… the world is just not so easy, is it?” Isabelle smiled wryly, and these words were only coming from a child like her. “Anything else of note happened?”

“Not really, nothing but training for me, and yet I still have much to learn. Here I thought my studying days were long over once I had graduated from the Academy. How about you, my dear Sister? Certainly, many things have happened while I was gone this whole time.”

“Too many to count… to say the least, I have been learning to cope with societal matters. Also, it seems like the war is drawing near. Do not worry for I am not going there to worry you, but I suppose it is putting everyone on the edge. Ah, that said, I had met the Prince a few times, and His Highness asked about your whereabouts.”

“I would wish there would not be a war, especially considering I did spent half my life in Japan. Ehh, why would the Prince ask for me? We only met once. I cannot imagine him remembering me, considering I do not believe I left an impression of any sorts.”

“If the Descendants would bring the war to an end… are you sure you can spare Japan for what they are doing? Well, whatever the case, it seems like either the His Highness has extraordinary memories or someone left a nice impression for being cute.”

“No, that could not be. I would think he forgot about me. I felt like I was rather clumsy back then,” Svetlana said as she put both her hands on her face and began to move back and forth out of embarrassment. “I do not think I am that cute.”

“Is that something you did back in your days as a troupe member, Sister? That expression is just demanding people to notice your appeal.”

“No, it is just kinda embarrassing he remembered me considering the impression I left. Which I felt was not good.”

“I sort of agree, why did His Highness remember you and not me? I wish he would. It is not worth it when it is on someone who does not care. Such a waste!”

“Ehh, who said I do not care? It is just really embarrassing because I am still learning to be a Duchess. If I could I would want a do over for what happened back then.”

“But you do not seem glad at all, and would rather stick to plain excuses. If it were me I would be thinking of putting more effort into making a better impression next time. Well, I am only speaking in jest; rest your mind, Sister.”

“Well, it is why I said earlier I have time to prepare since I do want to leave an impression, you know,” Svetlana said as she began twirling her fingers.

“Huhu, the heart of a woman is complicated indeed. The Prince is rather dense about some things. Perhaps that is why His Highness is such a… natural? His Highness can make any women dreamy like you just like that. Ehehe. This time I shall partake in observing how the exchange goes.”

“You are just gonna look for opportunities to make fun of me. If he is dense I would think any women would have a hard time getting his proper attention...”

“Nice to have a challenge, yes?”

“Not when I am still trying to learn be a proper lady. I do not want to make a mistake that would give the wrong impression.”

“I suppose it could, seeing as you are quite clumsy when it comes to that. Not that it surprises me considering the upbringing. Regardless, I am glad to know that things have been relatively fine.”

“Right, before I forget let us invite your Aunt for tea once we head home. I wish to thank her personally for helping you set up the business.”

Isabelle’s face seemed to particularly brighten up at the mention of her Aunt. “Oh yes, definitely. I would love to meet the Aunt again, since it seems like her daughter Elizabeth who is kind of like my big sister has woken up too.”

“Really? That is good, we should have her come over as well if she is feeling well enough to come.”

“Mhm, that would be wonderful.”

“By the way Isabelle are there peaches here? I kinda feel like eating one.”

“Do not use words like †˜kinda’ here. But… peaches? That is awfully specific of you.”

“I am not sure why, but lately I have been craving peaches for some reason. I wonder if it is a side-effect.”

“So certain demons have tastes for fruits. We learn something new everyday. I did not used to get such a craving so perhaps it is that fusion thing. Unfortunately I do not think we have some in the immediate vicinity, but perhaps I shall have some delivered for you.”

“Thank you. I just hope that is all I have for a side-effect. Anything else would be too much considering the demon I am fused with. Well, onto more important matters, I need to inspect how much my adorable little sister has grown this past year,” Svetlana said as her eyes seemed to sparkle.

“Um, Sister, I think we can skip that…?” Isabelle edged backwards in her sofa.

“Sorry, but it has been a year since I last inspected my cute little sister. I believe one is in order, especially since you seem to have grown a bit. I must make sure by how much you have!”

“Well I was drinking milk and—stop, stooooop!!”

Svetlana could not hold herself any longer and began putting her hands all over Isabelle.

“Fufufu, my someone sure has grown a bit. Maybe at this rate you will get as big as mother,” Svetlana said as she placed Isabelle on her laps and began patting her head.

“Of course I will be!”

Svetlana smiled. “I must say though, I will be sad the day I cannot have you sit on my lap like this anymore.”

“And I will be happy, and liberated!”

Three days passed by fast for the young Duchess of Norfolk, Svetlana. She was apparently preparing herself to meet one of the Royal Prince of the country, Leopold. A gentleman she met a year ago in the Royal family’s ball in the Buckingham House. The dance she had with him was forgettable, and now she was determined to be a proper lady unlike before.

Isabelle managed to complete all work planned the day before. Anyone could tell that the final refurbishments were far from over, but she did what she could, especially for the possible place the Royal family members would take a walk in. Isabelle was barely satisfied due to her perfectionism, and this was clear in her tone of voice from yesterday. She was disappointed more in herself than her servants. Regardless, now that the day had arrived, she was going to be at her best for the sake of the Royalty.

This was fairly evident from how she conversed with them.

Svetlana was forced awake by Nancy, who burst into the room to find Svetlana sleeping soundly.

It seemed like Isabelle woke up just in time to welcome the Royalty. Granted, she was tired from yesterday. But Svetlana? She was just never used to getting up early, especially due to her late-night training habits developed back in Saudi Arabia.

The Mistress was forced up, and while she was dizzy, her Personal Maid fit the corset onto her body—from which the pain completely awoke her—before having her dressed immediately. Her hair was being combed while another maid was applying makeup. She suddenly found maids polishing her nails, both on her hands and feet! She only now realised that she just got out of a bath—the process was so fast that even she couldn’t keep track of the preparations. Maids were such efficient individuals—she learned it anew today.

Svetlana was confused as to what was happening. She found herself surrounded by four maids, one of them being Nancy combing her hair. She found herself wearing her white dress which had flower patterns all over and had frills all around as well. Another gothic dress. It came with four ribbons as well as one around her chest, with another at her waist and lastly, two near the bottom of the dress.

“Is all this really necessary?” Svetlana asked. The last time she was surrounded by maids putting makeup on her was for the Royal ball.

“Of course, Mistress!” one of the maids said immediately while applying the makeup.

“We will do our best for you, Mistress!” another maid responded, polishing her nails.

“You must be fully prepared for the Royalty!” Nancy added in turn, finishing up with Svetlana’s hair. “I must stress, Mistress, it is the Royalty.”

“Just do not overdo it please,” Svetlana said as she was still not comfortable with all the needed preparations.

“But Mistress, would you not want to look at your best for the Prince?” Nancy asked, concealing her inner grin.

“I do, but I also do not want to be seen as trying too hard,” Svetlana said as she could feel her face turning red.

The maids looked at Svetlana as if they saw a doll.

“W-We will tone it down a bit then…”







Svetlana made her way to the halls after she was prepared. She found that the castle was in a state of rush of sorts. As the Royal family members were received, the maids and servants were almost running across the hallways, making various preparations for things she didn’t even have any idea of. She was escorted by one of the few maids who helped her prepare. When she was finally there, she only gave a bow and walked away. Despite this, Svetlana could feel the gaze of the maid from behind, full of adoration for the pretty nobles.

The Queen and her husband rose from their seats as Svetlana walked up to them, giving her a nod of acknowledgement. Isabelle seemed to hold a bright smile, for Prince Leopold sat just beside her. The sight of the Prince was expected, yet even so, Svetlana couldn’t help but gaze at him a little longer than usual.

“Good morning,” they all greeted.

The Queen sat to the left of Prince Albert. She wore an exquisite blue dress this time, something Isabelle or her old mother would fancy. It was a very glamourous dress but not exactly what one would expect. There was black embroidery that seemed to gleam with the sunlight that illuminated the halls.

Prince Albert and Prince Leopold both wore a plain black suit yet the quality of their wears were clear to the eyes of even the untrained.

Aside from Princess Louise, it was very clear that certain members of Royalty didn’t liked to dress too fancy, however, their charisma would reach out regardless. For the rest of the nobility, the same effect couldn’t be emulated most of the time.

“Good morning, Your Majesties and Royal Highness,” Svetlana said as she curtsied. She then went and took a seat next to Isabelle. “Pardon my tardiness. How are you all doing today, Ma’am and Sirs?”

“We are doing fine, thank you,” Prince Albert, the husband of the Queen responded.

“I see that this castle is looking much brighter than it used to be,” the Queen remarked. “It is beautiful, we are quite glad to have made the choice to make our visit here.”

“Thank you. My Sister worked hard to brighten it up.”

“At this age? Good girl!”

Prince Leopold patted Isabelle and she seemed like the happiest person on earth. To her, all of the hard work was now worth it.

“How have you been, Duchess Alicia?” the Queen enquired. “I have heard that you took an extensive leave for Saudi Arabia for certain matters.”

“I have been good. Yes, I wish it would not have taken so long, but I had some personal matters to take care of.”

“I see, how was Saudi Arabia? King Abdullah has spoken of you to me once before.”

“Did he? Makes me wonder what he said. Saudi Arabia was fine, but the desert might have been a bit too much for me.”

“Is that so? I would think the sand and the winds be enjoyable…” the Queen said, somehow liking the idea of surfing in sands.

“His Custodian made mentions of your attempts to uncover the intruders in his Royal Palace, and had expressed much gratitude for your brave actions,” Prince Albert added after Queen Victoria. “On that note, we would also like to commend you, Duchess Alicia.”

“Being originally from Russia, the hot sun is something I am not accustomed to. There is no need. I felt that I did very little with the intruders.”

“You are too humble,” Prince Leopold commented with a laugh.

“Please, that is thinking too highly of me. I am certain anyone would have done the same.”

“Ah, but I think it is still quite the act of bravery. Anyroad, I have a letter from Princess Louise—my Sister—for you.”

“That is a surprise. I would never imagine I would get a letter from Her Highness. I shall take a look later then.”

“We shall now head over to our apartments,” Queen Victoria said, getting off the sofa with her husband.

“Ah, I shall stay here and converse some more, mother,” Prince Leopold responded, getting off the seat as Isabelle and Svetlana did so. The sisters gave the Queen and her Consort a bow as they were escorted to their apartments by a maidservant, who made an appearance just when she was needed.

“So, how have things been, Lady Duchess? I had been expecting you in other societal events but it seemed like you were missing. I chanced upon a conversation where I heard that you set off all the way to Saudi Arabia.”

“Things have been fine. Pardon me for that. I wish I could have attended those social events. This year though, I should have time to join.”

“I see, I look forward to it! For now, hmm… are you fond of musical instruments?”

“I cannot say, honestly. I never have really dealt with music, just the occasional humming to myself.”

“I can play a piano,” Isabelle said with a smile.

“That is good, I suppose we can play something with… hmm, I suppose I shall play a violin. How does that sound?”

“That sounds wonderful, Your Highness!”

“Indeed it does, Your Highness,” Svetlana added.

The tunes danced across the halls. Soothing music played. The curtains dangled and the leaves rustled, but there was no interruption of the melody whatsoever. One wouldn’t think much of music usually in the modern world, but in Victorian England, it was still in the classical period where learning to play the classic musical instruments was extremely common among the aristocracy. Opera singers were also famed more than usual around these times and of course, Svetlana was not very much aware of the trends.

Svetlana listened to this melody. It was a very lively tune that was played by the collaboration of Isabelle’s piano playing and the Prince’s violin. Clearly, Isabelle couldn’t keep up with the Prince at first, but His Highness managed to attune himself to her level in no time.

“How lovely.” Svetlana said as she continued to listen. “Wish I could join in.”

“You should learn to play sometime. Even if you are old, Sister,” Isabelle commented with a triumphant smile.

“I would not know what to play though. I have never once held an instrument before.”

“Never too late to get started.”

“Now, now, you must never try to push an ideal into a Lady,” the Prince told Isabelle. “Great things are done with great motivation; self-motivation.”

“Well if I find something that catches my eye, I can give it a try.”

“Haha, then I suppose a violin or a piano does not fancy. What about a flute? They are wonderfully elegant.”

“I am not sure, really. I was not one who paid much attention to instruments before. I do not think I can just pick one at this moment.”

One of the maids seemed to call out to Isabelle and she got up from the piano.

“It seems like I will have to look into the preparation of the banquet. Please excuse me.” Isabelle gave the Prince a bow and a wink to Svetlana as she faced before walking off.

“Ahaha, I suppose that is the end of our little duet. I shall look forward to the banquet.”

“Please look forward to it,” Isabelle said with a wave, now finally having left the hall.

“Yes. Wish I could have joined in some way still, but I suppose that will be for once I learn how to play an instrument,” Svetlana said.

“If you wish for it—and attempt it—Duchess Alicia, it may one day happen.”

“If time permits it, I will try. This past year was extremely busy for me. I am not certain if it will happen again.”

“I have only heard that you went for business,” the Prince replied, taking a seat opposite to her. “May I ask what your business there was? I had been hearing of the Starlight Mage’s birth and had been wondering if that is the lady before me. Pardon my curiosity.”

“Starlight Mage’s birth?” Svetlana said, pretending not to know, as it was odd to her the Prince knew about Starlight Mage’s. Does the Royal family know about the Lost Forms? I do not recall Master Aisha mentioning it, but she did not mention many things either… Svetlana thought, wondering what to do.

“Something the Royalty keep tabs on often. A Starlight Mage is similar to my Sister, Princess Louise, I suppose, who wields the Lost Form of Void.”

“I see. Well if I may, what exactly did you hear about me? I had gone to Saudi Arabia to learn how to save my mother who suffered a terrible fate back in Russia.”

“Only that a Starlight Mage’s training had started. I am not very privy to the matter, but it does call for my attention of curiosity, I suppose. I am sorry to hear about your mother’s case, however. Please accept my condolences.”

“Thank you, and I am sorry. I suppose I am a Starlight Mage in training. If Royalty keeps tabs on it I suppose it would be a matter of time before you discover it was me. I did not wish to speak of it considering I believe it would be something that would get me in trouble if found out.”

Putting the breach of etiquette aside, His Highness asked, “Why would you get into trouble for being found out?”

“I am sorry, but I believe revealing that would really get me in trouble unless you already know who my Master is.”

“Is that not Princess Aisha of Saudi Arabia?”

“I have to wonder now if I am simply over-thinking this matter now, but yes it is her.”

“Ahh, she is a famous mage in the Magic World, who would not know? I once met her in a meeting during my trip last year. It was a very brief visit, however.”

“I see. I think she played too much with me. I am over-thinking matters now,” Svetlana said with a chuckle. “Please forgive me for the ambiguity.”

“That is fine. I do have an enquiry, however, if you do not mind. May I ask who was responsible for the incident of your mother? I have heard that you had come from Russia, and I have this feeling…”

“I am not certain myself. Me and my Personal Maid were knocked unconscious. We did not see any people, we only saw Machine Knights and my mother who had something horrible done to her...” Svetlana said as her eyes became teary.

“Did you see many… round containers of sorts?”

“Yes, even I was placed in one, but I managed to break free and freed my Personal Maid as well from one.”

“Please pardon me for bringing up all these bad memories, Duchess Alicia, but I suppose I had to know. This is likely the plot of Administrator Vladimir of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, he has diplomatic immunity at the moment.”

“It seems you know or at least have an idea of what he is doing, Your Highness. Why does such a man have diplomatic immunity?!”

“He is a leader of a country, Duchess.” It a moment quite painful, but someone had to explain the unfairness of the situation. “The man has ideals that are absolute madness to the eyes of the others. However, he is still a valuable ally, and a part of the European Alliance. Hence, our hands are tied until the war with the Japanese is resolved.”

“I see. I am sorry, Your Highness, but I need some time alone. This sudden news was probably a bit too much for me still,” Svetlana said as she turned around wiping her eyes.

“It is fine, I shall now retire myself. I shall wish you a good day.”







The sun had come up to the sky once more as the next morning came. The birds were chirping, the gentle breezes came and went; the day had just began. After a good sleep, Svetlana’s mind was clearer than before. It seemed like the maids had the lady prepared for the day once more with the dress. She had more simpler makeup applied for her this time.

When she walked down the corridors, she found the Queen just coming out from the many apartments that had been prepared for the Royalty.

“Good day to you, Duchess Alicia. How are you faring today? Feeling better?” the Queen enquired with a smile.

Of course, it was obvious to everyone yesterday that Svetlana wasn’t feeling very bright, especially after speaking with the Prince. There was a moment of the Prince gaining scrutinising gazes from his parents while Isabelle only noticed around the time of banquet.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Svetlana said as she curtsied. “I’m doing fine and yes, I am much better. Thank you for concern. How are you doing, Ma’am?”

The Queen smiled, forgiving of Svetlana’s lack of proper manners in speaking. Even now, Svetlana would indeed forget to apply the title of Her Royal Majesty. If any other noble would be present, however, they would likely gossip up a storm at a later date.

“I am doing well myself. I am glad to know that your complexion is looking better today. Shall we take a walk across the courtyard or perchance the garden?”

“Either is fine, Ma’am. In all honesty I still do not fully know my way around.”

“Shall we explore?”

“Yes, let us go then, Ma’am.”







Svetlana walked with the monarch of the country in the gardens. There were butterflies stuttering about the flowers. Despite the gloomy feeling of the lack of a sun, it was still a refreshing place to be in, and the Queen seemed to be especially surrounded by the butterflies for some reason.

“Oh my, we have such curious butterflies today,” the Queen remarked.

Her Majesty was particularly delighted by the attention she was receiving from these small creatures, putting out an arm for some to sit upon. It seemed like there were hardly any maids or servants outside the household itself to witness this moment that would make one think that the country truly adored Her Majesty. Most of said workers were busy inside.

A soothing breeze passed.

“Are you perhaps a Queen from a fairy tale Your Majesty?” Svetlana said chuckling.

“Oh my, I wish I was. It would be interesting to govern such a species.”

“They seem to be fond of you already, Your Majesty. Perhaps it might be possible without the need to belong to a fairy tale.”

Victoria chuckled, finding a butterfly park itself atop her hair. Her Majesty caressed it very gently.

“I hope so myself.”

“On a different note may I ask why you wish to get rid of the Descendants, Ma’am? Unless it is the same as what I have always heard.”

“Is there any particular reason for asking the question… after all this time, Duchess Alicia? My intentions are the same as that of my peers.”

Svetlana took a quick look around before facing the Queen again.

“Then please let me reword my question: why does the Descendant Leo herself wish to get rid of Descendants?”

The Queen’s smile seemed to break—for a small moment—when she heard the word †˜leo’, before she turned to Svetlana from the butterflies.

“Oh dear, you appear to be more informed than I had assumed, Duchess Alicia.”

“I simply learned it from my mother’s memories when I visited King Hades.”

“Which mother?”

“Alicia. It be impossible for my own mother to know this.”

“I see. King Hades is quite the meddler type of a parent figure. I can sympathise with that King.” The Queen seemed to chuckle casually, maintaining her elegance as monarchy despite being confronted about the truth. “However, my answer is the same as before, Duchess Alicia.”

“If going by that, why help get rid of other Descendants? If found out, would your own peers not try to get rid of you as well Ma’am? I assume not everyone knows you are Leo herself?”

“That is indeed true. My own peers could stage an attempt to be rid of me, but I must do my part even then, Duchess. For it is my responsibility as the ruler. I do not believe that I am providing aid for my personal benefit, I am simply doing what my peers would expect of me as their ruler.”

“I see. Well, I will keep it to myself. I was simply curious when I found out. I just have one more question. Why restore my mother’s title upon me? Especially considering what I did back in America.”

“I felt guilty, I suppose. Even if the Duchess had no other choice, it was my idea to exile her so that she might avoid the clutches of the Church. The nobility were doubtful about her connection with the Infernals at the same time. To me, the Norfolk’s Duchess was not a traitor, simply a close friend who seemed to be in grave trouble.”

“Very well. From what I recall my mother was thankful when you helped them when they arrived to this time. I myself am grateful that you restored the title upon our family, otherwise I would not be able to take care of Isabelle properly just by myself.”

“Mn, I am glad to know that Sir Walter’s child’s future is more or less secured here. I have to say though, a man becoming a woman overnight and coming to consult the Queen about it was rather surreal in hindsight,” the Queen remarked, laughing.

“I can imagine that, though I would have never believed it if not shown those memories. To me, it brings a lot of questions to ask but I believe they are better left unanswered. ”

“Well, if you need an ear and advise, I am sure your mother would recommend me. Hoho.”

“Then when something comes about I shall ask you, Your Majesty.” Svetlana smiled which soon disappeared from her face when she recalled her conversation with the Prince from yesterday. “If I may, why does Administrator Vladimir have political immunity even though it seems the Royal family knows what he is doing? Or is the war with Japan that important to let him get away with his horrible experiments?”

“Pray tell, what do you think would happen if we do try to stop Mister Vladimir, young Alicia?”

“I would imagine that you would go to war with Russia. Which I suppose you want to avoid.”

“Many more people would die as a result of said war. Despite what he does, he is also an ally who would be fighting alongside us in the war against the Japanese. It would be a fool’s errand to stop one man for his wrongdoings, when he is the ruler of his country. It pains me to see the humans fight each other so, and I would rather avoid any war at all…” The Queen spoke with a very melancholic expression, looking down at the flowers. “However, the world is simply a cold and cruel place. You should know this exceptionally well as a Starlight Mage.”

“I see. Then I shall take care of this problem myself one day then.”

“I would ask that you avoid doing so.”

“I am sorry, but that is something I might have difficulty doing. He turned my mother into a monster. I cannot simply let that go.”

“You have an important position at the moment. In the event that you are identified, it could be inferred that I had sent an assassin to kill the head of Russia. I do not think that would be very wise. I suppose he turned your mother into a Steel Monster too?”

“I do not intend to be found, but even now I am refraining myself from taking care of him. I would rather make sure my sister’s life is secure first. Anything involving myself, I will handle once I feel my sister can take care of herself. Steel Monster?”

“Your actions would place your family in jeopardy. Imagine your sister Isabelle in a ball after the nobility learns of your actions—in the event that you are found—due to the fall of reputation, she would become the subject of ill talk and traitors.”


“I will not ruin her life. I will look for a way, I cannot simply let that man live with what he did. If it pains you to see humans fight, does it not pain you to see them turn into horrible monsters against their own will? I am certain my own mother made no such choice.”

“You must understand that your action will only incite the cycle of carnage to ever continue. Revenge is an emptiness that never fills. However, I do accept the fact that humans try to ignore these facts. If it pleases you, then you are free to take action. However, you will lose all ways to stop the consequences after the deed is done.”

“Then that man should have figured out that his actions would bring consequences to him as well. I could care less if my revenge does not fill me. I already know neither of my mothers are coming back even if my revenge succeeds, but I cannot simply let Virgo and Vladmir live as if they’ve done no wrong.”

Perchance this child is beyond hope. “…I do not believe arbitrarily making decisions about Virgo is wise, and now that you would want to pursue a man in power… I shall abstain from treading into this subject any further.”

“I am sorry, but I do have another question. Do you know someone by the name of Lily, The Knight of Lilies?”

“I had not met your friend, but I was acquainted with a lady whose daughter seemed to have this title, I believe.”

“If you do not mind, can you tell me who they are?”

“She was a Faerie who passed away at childbirth. Her daughter’s name was Ocelett, and she was thus under her father’s care. I remember… the Knight of the Lilies to be working under the Church, but I did not know why she was in the human world at all.”

“I see, thank you. By the way, did she have a surname?”

“No, their family did not have a surname.”

“I see. Thank you. Though, I at least now can look more into my friend when I have time. Finally, do you know if the current Aries is the same one who brought my mother to this time?”

“Of course, I doubt that man would pass away so soon.”

“I see. Thank you for the information.”

The Queen wanted to sigh. Even if Her Majesty was being as truthful as one could possibly be, Svetlana was far too anxious to make enemies and mete out justice based on personal belief, to the point that she was willing to ignore potential bloodshed that may erupt from it. Thus, Victoria could already see how her future would be with just a single glance at the noble lady. One could only hope that the worst would not come about.

It was indeed a pity that fate could drive one so low into the abyss.

Svetlana came back home in London, to the New Anmer Hall where her maidservants awaited her.

She was glad that she was finally home and could rest more at ease. She never expected that she would have a sudden visit from the Royal Family when she went to see Isabelle at Arundel Castle. She enjoyed her time at Arundel Castle, but wished she could have learned the layout sooner instead of at the very end before she left.

She wondered how things would go in her life now that her training to be a Starlight Mage was still not even close to being done as she had only just learned the basics. Even though she would have more time, Svetlana knew she had to continue practicing so once she headed back to Saudi Arabia, her next lesson could start if more dancing was involved.

She also thought about whether she could truly keep Isabelle safe. If anything, she wished she could set out and find her brother instead and hoped that he was one who would be willing to come home to be with his sister, though there was also the fact that it would be good if he was not one who had fallen too deep into the criminal organization he belonged too.

There was also the case of her mother and the one who turned her into a monster. Svetlana wanted to go after him but because of his position, getting her revenge would not be an easy one. Especially considering she still had Virgo to deal with first.

Lastly there was her body’s inconveniences; she started to crave peaches to the point where she needed to eat at least one a day. There was her lust caused by Ishtar as well. She wondered how she would handle it considering Nancy might not agree when they were in England.

“I suppose I need to find something if that is the case…” Svetlana said to herself in a low tone as she laid on her bed.

There was a storm of knocks on her door as Svetlana pondered the matter.

“Mistress, may I come in? I have urgent news,” Nancy said from outside the room.

“Come in. What is wrong?”

Nancy entered the room, coming up to her bed in a hurry.

“Terrible news, Mistress. When I tried to send the letter to invite Missus Cavendish Bentinck to the estate as was discussed, I learned that the estate itself no longer exists…” Nancy said with a pained expression.

“What!? Is the Duchess Cavendish Bentinck okay?” Svetlana said hoping Isabelle’s Aunt was okay.

Nancy shook her head. “Assassinated. The mundane news is that she was possibly murdered by Jack the Ripper… there is a reason for this, however. Mistress, all of her bones were missing from her body. I know this because I found young lady Isabelle crying earlier…”

“Whoever did this shall pay with their lives!” Svetlana said angrily. “I do not care how or what it costs, see if there could be hints on who actually did this! Where is Isabelle, I need to check on her myself.”

“Affirmative, Mistress,” Nancy obeyed with a bow. “Lady Isabelle is in the entrance hall at the moment.”

Svetlana got up and quickly headed to where Isabelle was at.







In the entrance hall of the Anmer Hall, Svetlana found Isabelle crying just as Nancy had reported. It was hard to tell at first sight, but she tried her best to keep the sobs as low as possible so as the maidservants working across the mansion wouldn’t be concerned about her. However, it was clear as day that the servants had noticed and they were concerned.

“Isabelle…” Svetlana simply said as she walked up to her sister and hugged her. “I am really sorry Isabelle.”

“I...I…why does everything has to end up like this…?!” Isabelle cried out as she held Svetlana, letting her tears flow out in full at last.

“I do not know. I wish things like this did not have to happen. Whoever did this shall pay, just let your Sister handle it,” Svetlana said as she held Isabelle a bit tighter.

“Mn… I just… wish I could speak to her again… Aunt was so happy that Elizabeth was awake again.”

“Do you know if Elizabeth is okay?”

Isabelle shook her head. “I do not know, but her body was not reported. She is considered †˜missing’ according to the newspapers.”

“I see. Let us try and give your Aunt a proper burial in the meantime if we can. It is the least we can do…”

“About that, Mistress…”

Rosalie walked up from behind Svetlana, holding a steel tray on which two letters could be seen. She made a serious face at odds with her usual energetic face.

“There are two letters and both appear to be rather important. One of them came before the newspapers even announced the murder, while the other was the one you brought from the Arundel Castle… It may sound a bit presumptuous but seeing as they are from the Royalty, perhaps they assigned you with the burial management already?”

“Isabelle, if you can, please read them. If not, later is fine. As I cannot read English still.”

“No, it is fine…” Isabelle wiped her tears, accepting the letters from her personal maid.

She opened the letter that was more recent first.

“This is a letter from Princess Victoria. It says that… we are to prepare the funeral. So Miss Rosalie was right. It gave some other words of lament about the situation… oh, she mentioned that she has Miss Elizabeth hidden for now.”

“Then we shall handle all the preparations. It is the least we can do, and it is good to hear Elizabeth is safe.”

“The other letter is from Princess Louise, saying that she wishes to meet you at Buckingham Palace. There is no time announced, however. Perhaps she wishes for you to confirm a time by replying by mail?”

“Very well, first and foremost we will handle everything for your Aunt. I shall visit Princess Louise afterwards.”

Svetlana was being lead to the lounge room where she was supposed to meet Princess Louise. After Svetlana sent back a letter, the time of the meeting was eventually decided. She walked across the carefully constructed and decorated interior designs, but none of them seemed to concern her, for she was absorbed in her thoughts.

She felt saddened. She never expected something like this to occur here in England as well. The loss of Duchess Caroline Cavendish Bentinck hit Isabelle hard. Svetlana felt hopeless as all she could do was be at Isabelle’s side. Though Svetlana felt greatly disturbed; when she witnessed the Duchess’ corpse, a malicious feeling was coming from it. Learning what this feeling meant from her training, Svetlana purified the Duchess’ corpse when they were the only ones who had access to it.

Whoever stained Duchess Caroline like that will pay. She meant a lot to Isabelle.

The maidservant knocked on the door and the Princess beckoned them inside. The doors parted ways and Svetlana could see the Princess donning plain black attire. It was a mourning dress.

“Good morning, Your Royal Highness.”

“Good morning, Duchess.”

Princess Louise stood up as she greeted and gave a small bow of acknowledgement before the two sat down on their respective seats.

“I am sorry for the late response. We were hit with unexpected news when we had arrived back from Arundel Castle.”

“That is fine. I have a very important matter to speak to you about. It concerns the future of all in the country.”

“Would it not be best to speak of this matter to someone else?”

“My plans are already set. However, I need your help too.”

“My help? I do not believe I can do much though.”

“Is that so?”

“Well I am still a new Duchess so I cannot see how I can help much with the future of the country.”

“You have the skills and magic, and that is what I am seeking of you. Why do you think I granted you diplomatic immunity before the Queen recognised you, despite your demonic connections?”

“I see. What exactly do you want of me?”

“Your power. You are becoming greater than ever, and I do not think you yourself realise it due to comparing yourself with Virgo. Demonic powers, and now Starlight, I believe it speaks for yourself,” Louise only elaborated instead of answering, before continuing. “I want you to aid me in my revolution.”

“Revolution? Why would a Princess even consider that?”

“Because the system is currently ran by an individual who is not quite fit to run it. For someone who visited King Hades and enquired about the old Alicia’s memories—I am sure that you are aware why.”

“How do you know I enquired about my mother’s memories?” Svetlana said, surprised as she only recalled telling Isabelle and Nancy.

“I have a special ability as the user of the Void. I can see through your soul, and I can see through your memories all the same.”

“Can I ask you not do that? I do not care for your revolution nor do I care that the Queen herself is a Descendent. I came to this country to live with my sister, not to be part of a revolution.”

“You have a lot of spirit to speak that way to me. Are you sure you are in that position to speak against me like that, child of Hades?”

“What do you plan to do if I do not join you?”

“If your identity as a half-demon is out, I think the results would be quite obvious, would you not agree? You would be the second-coming of your †˜second’ mother, and would likely be seen as a Diabolic—get frowned upon—and bring ruin to the house that was overseeing Norfolk. I doubt your sister will be left unscathed. In the worst case scenario, I suppose that would mean exilation. Would you like to repeat history that way?”

“No. What exactly do want me to do anyway? I could care less for your revolution, but I do not wish for my sister to go through exile again.”

“I want you to assassinate certain figures from the parliament, who are sort of in the way of things.”

“I take it you already had some people assassinated. You mentioned you already had plans set.”

“The assassinations started recently. The plans have been in motion for years now. The moment of dethronement is soon to be at hand.”

“Were you the one who had Duchess Caroline Cavendish Bentinck assassinated?”

“I wonder about that.”

“Fine. If you are not gonna answer properly I will find out later. For now who do you want me to go after?” Svetlana angrily said.

A maidservant seemed to walk up to her as she asked the question, handing her some documents.

“These people will be your targets. I may have you work with a certain assassin in time for the more stronger targets. He is a man you once fought alongside with against Virgo.”

“I could care less. I would rather be doing this by myself.”

“If you die, who will take care of your sister?”

“Who said I plan to die?”

Is she really a Duchess? “Not all plans go accordingly.”

A golden light formed in the room of the Royal Queen of Britain. A being seemed to materialise under the blessing of Uriel, the ring’s effects soon fading as he was made whole. Having been transferred from America to England, he still drew clean and perfumed air, something normally not expected in England.

His eyes soon started to adjust to the room he found himself in, taking in the sight of the various portraits of Prince Albert, the Royal children, the red exquisite background of the walls, the criss-cross white linings that seemed to accompany in making it look fancy. The fireplace illuminated the room, with the added faint lights of the sun that was overshadowed with the clouds that have shrouded England for countless years now.

Furniture was abound in the room, all adding to the sense of luxury and grandeur. He noted many books in a bookshelf on the corner, and a large bed in the other corner. A table was parked closer to the window with four chairs.

Lastly, there was a lady standing before the window to the very left of his vision—looking up to the seemingly dreary outlook of her city, the great capital that was London.

“Your Majesty.” The man genuflected.

He wore a plain white button-up shirt, a black tie, and a pinstriped charcoal grey vest which complemented his black pants. The buttons on his vest were red, and his belt, brown. He wore brown shoes which looked rugged and tough, without clashing with his ensemble. Finally, a black overcoat that reached just past his hips hugged his toned figure. His primarily dark outfit contrasted with the man’s platinum blonde hair, which was neatly brushed back on one side and naturally spiking to the other side, with some strands falling in front of his differently coloured pair of irises.

The Royal Queen turned to her visitor, casting an iron-cold gaze at whom she discerned to be the former priest—and Executor—of the Roman Catholic Church.

She was wearing a bright red Victorian dress as usual, which was not in any way regal to the extent a Queen should normally be. Even so, her grace and solemnity showed, giving her an air of majesty. This was why the Queen was always respected by not only her people, but the people of the foreign lands who would met Her Majesty too.

“I see that you have finally returned. Made your decision have you, Mister Kallweit… or shall I address you as Mister Linfield now?”

“I have come back from death and have chosen my path as Your Highness has observed. Please refer to this one by his birthname, Kallweit.” Michael remained in his position, as the Queen hadn’t given him the permission to rise.

“Yet that was not the name given to you at birth. I am unable to state that it is appropriate.” The Queen gestured so that Michael may rise.

“...Michael. Please call me Michael, Your Highness.” He rose and took off his overcoat, neatly folding it in his arms. He tried his hardest for his eyes to not wander around, or to stare at the Queen too much. “I have returned, as promised.”

“Very well, Mister Michael.” The Queen smiled at his insistence, noting the issue he had with his name. As per etiquette, Her Majesty would rather not call Michael by his given name, but the Descendant who ruled over England was far too kind. “Are you unable to accept the glimpse of truth that you have witnessed?”

“I would be lying if I said no, but I have also done nothing to deserve her name. Not yet.” Even if he had prepared for this meeting, his inexperience with dealing with nobles still showed. He preferred talking casually, after all.

“Has she claimed that there are conditions to claim her name you naturally deserve? Are you not simply restricting yourself, Mister Michael?”

“The latter would be true, Your Majesty. I cannot bear that name while that man still lives.”

“Jesus Christ, I presume?”

“My… father. Yes.” His face twitched when he spoke, but he understood no amount of denying would change the truth.

“Thus you swore allegiance to the ancient conqueror of Macedonia?”

“I have chosen her as my liege… and she has sent me here with a mission. Even so, I had vowed to return to Your Majesty once I found out the truth. Please forgive my tardiness.”

“Was the promise not meant to be fulfilled after you would bear witness to the glimpse of truth? Or do you truly have all the answers that you wanted? If that is so, I have nothing more to say, Mister Michael.”

“I have only learned of my parentage, my remaining family, and inherited Mar—my mother’s pendant. There are still questions that remain unanswered. I still lack the knowledge of what Your Majesty meant when you said birth inheritance, nor have I the source of the spiritual power that appeared within me.”

“The source of the spiritual power—is that not as a Representative? Regardless, your birth inheritance is what you have attained from your mother. You have already… mentioned it yourself, Mister Michael. How silly.” The Queen chuckled.

“Ah!” Michael accidentally let his manners slip. “Erm, pardon me Your Majesty, but yes, there was a spiritual force that aided me before I knelt to Virgo. It… bore the colour of white, and cleansed my mind as… as I killed one of the Countess’ agents.”

“What are you speaking of, Mister Michael? Is she not made to be one with your soul with that light?”

“After my killing of her, the white light reappeared and fused my soul with hers, as my mentor has said. However, this doesn’t enlighten me of its meaning nor of how it came to be.”

“The most simplest answer would be that you possess the soul of an angel, Mister Michael. That was why Uriel took it upon himself to observe you.”

“W-What?” He looked at the Queen of Britain as if she was insane.

“If that is all, I believe you may be on your way now… to overthrow me.”

Michael regained his composure as the Queen spoke and quickly knelt as she finished. He could seek answers to that one later, but as she had said, his mission came first.

“I thank Your Majesty for her answers… and for allowing me, an enemy, passage.” Michael stood up to leave, but stopped mid-step. “Did that empty throne behind the light belong to Your Majesty? Do you rule the Dominion Realm, too? And does the Magister know of this rebellion?”

The Queen closed her eyes and smiled. “I wonder about it myself. Regarding the Magister, I believe you should find out yourself. It is not my place to answer that question.”

Michael smiled to himself, finally understanding why people respected and adored the Queen beyond her title.

“That is true… Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I have been ordered to assist those who stand against you.”

“It is fine, I forgive you. We all have our own circumstances…” The Queen seemed to show a melancholic expression despite the smile. “Please know that I shall not show you any mercy on the battlefield, however.”

“It would be an honour to die from Your Majesty’s blade. Well then, farewell and good luck.” Michael understood the incongruity of his statement, yet he was sincere when he wished her luck. He walked out the door as a silver shroud started to envelope him. Oh. Right. Palace.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4MrQE2YfkM)

Two hours later, Michael was standing at a familiar place. A place that he called home for a long time, until he had to leave a year ago to chase Claudia. He met Iris, Mary, and Laura when he was staying here too, but now the aged-walls of the church stood in front of him, as if trying to prevent him passage. He stood still, hesitating now that he was in the church’s facade. Would they welcome him as a prodigal son? Or cast him out as a heretic? Would he be able to see her one last time? In the end, it was his desire to see Laura once more that spurred him to enter.

Luckily, there was no one inside when he entered. He correctly assumed that Robert remained in his room, doing God knows what. Michael felt an urge to visit his old room, but decided otherwise; he couldn’t afford to waste time, time he could be by Laura’s side. He navigated the old church’s halls quickly and silently. It scared him how one place could be both familiar and unknown to him at the same time. He traced with a finger on the cold stone walls as he headed towards Laura’s room, not even sure if she was still there.

Michael reached Laura’s room and entered immediately, throwing all caution to the wind. The smell of stagnance and medicine overwhelmed his nose and almost made him gag, but beneath them was one particularly sweet smell. A fragrance that was unlike any perfume, a scent that could come only from one person—and as Michael reached the bed, his thought was confirmed. Laura was still in a coma and was sleeping peacefully over the magic circle drawn more than a year ago now.

He sat on the side of the bed and held her hand. He moved the stray strands of hair that were covering her forehead as he smiled towards her peacefully sleeping form. His stomach twisted and his heart sank as he recalled how he had let the vampire Marco bite her, which eventually led to her situation now. He managed to destroy Marco, but Laura’s health did not improve even now—he had chased Marco with the hopes of making everything better, but in the end he just killed another vampire. Nothing had improved ever since.

The room was silent as Michael tortured himself with his own guilt. One would only hear his and her breaths as they slowly fell into rhythm.

“I have returned, Princess. It’s about time you woke up. Remember when you chided me for slacking off? Well, I need to do the same to you now.” He gripped her hand tightly as he touched her cheek with his hand. “There is so much… so much that has happened. I wish I could tell you everything, that you could—you could tell me if the path that I chose was wrong. Just… I just want to hear your voice one last time.”

Suddenly, Michael heard footsteps. It was faint and slow, the person probably wasn’t in a hurry but was definitely heading towards the room. Michael released Laura’s hand, which he immediately regretted as her warmth left his hand and it felt cold once more. He had waited so long to see her again, and in just a fleeting instant he had to go. At the last moment, over the increasingly louder sound of footsteps, Michael bent over Laura and kissed her forehead.

“Farewell.”

The door opened and in came Robert, who quirked his head at the sight of the open window.

“Thought it was closed?” he told himself, closing it. He looked back to Laura and found a letter. Could it be…? The Executor looked out the window but couldn’t find anyone.

He let the letter be where it was instead of checking the contents, for it was not in his place to pry further. One day, if this person would wake up, she would read the contents.

Michael looked up to a large mansion. The fields lacked any type of greenery one could have. It was a dreary place. He was given this address before he set off for England. It was the mansion of Charlotte Brontë, a famous author. But the reasons he knew this name very well were somewhat different despite her fame.

There were no guards, and when he walked past the gates, he found a tall-looking maid giving him a glare.

All in all, he had to take time to explain that he was a guest rather than an intruder. Charlotte seemed to be the one to resolve the conflict eventually.

“I apologise for the misunderstandings of my maid. She was not informed of your arrival,” Charlotte expressed. “Please make yourself comfortable.”

“Thanks.” He plopped down on a sofa, already exhausted from the day’s events. He should’ve rode a carriage instead of walking all the way, but old habits died hard. “I was informed there would be another one here?”

“Yes. I am Judgement Caster, not Sniper. My mother should be coming down shortly…”

“Dana named me Judgement Oppressor. But you can call me Michael, if you prefer.” He finally remembered that this lady was the one who wiped his memories, and the one who was Mary’s friend. This was not the time to confront her about it, and since they were allies now he’d have plenty of time later.

“And you are Mary’s… I suppose I shall address you as Michael.”

“Yes, I suppose. We should talk about her sometime—I meant, I want to know her more...”

“Mnnn, that was a nice shower,” Weiss said as she slowly emerged from below, with a towel wrapped around her body. Her hair was still wet.

Michael’s eyebrow quirked when a half-naked woman suddenly emerged from the floor. He was a bit surprised, but he maintained his composure as he commented dryly, “Didn’t realise there was a basement there.”

“Wha?!” Weiss sank back down quickly, “W-W-W-Why didn’t you tell me that we had guests, Charlotte?!” Weiss’ head was still above the floor with her Cancer sign visible in her left eye, which looked like it was from a horror movie.

“I thought I did mother… perhaps you felt the need to not take heed of my words? Still triumphing at the success of an assassination?” Charlotte replied.

“You mean frozen for two minutes and could only land one headshot and a punch? No, I was devastated.” Weiss pouted.

“I’m sorry, the revolution has begun already? Who was the target?” Michael interrupted the two. If it had already started, why did the Queen give him leave?

“Caroline-something, It’s not really an assassination since the place was pretty much empty and only she was there and you can check the aftermath in the news,” Weiss responded.

“That’s an assassination,” he quickly pointed out.

“With broken tiles and walls? Nope.” Weiss shrugged.

“What is she talking about?” Michael stared at Charlotte, hoping she could clarify for him.

“My mother has †˜standards’ for assassinations, apparently,” Charlotte supplemented. “Anyway, the revolution started behind the scenes about a month ago. We are still in the process of getting rid of the nobles loyal to the Queen.”

“How are we faring on that? Have you identified the potential targets and allies? How many of the nobility have been killed?”

“The leader of this revolution has it all, including the list and the information. We are only given information about our targets. It seems like all the details about the allies are not very apparent to the assassins either. I am not aware how much of the nobility has passed away, but it seems like at least ten or so have. Following the newspapers should make it easier to follow the results to an extent.”

“Hm. Probably controlling the information to prevent panic. Do we have an idea on possible reinforcements from the Queen?” She had managed to bolster quite a number of troops when they battled with Dana a year ago.

“It depends, does she have allies from outside the continent? My guess is that she has her own hidden army stashed somewhere. They can just conjure beasts or troops, no?” Weiss responded

“I have not heard of any news so far. However, I am aware that there are plans underway to make the Royal Council step aside from protecting the Queen,” Charlotte answered. “She may have produced quite the troop to fight our Mistress but let us not forget that most of said troop consisted of hired mercenaries.”

“If that is true, then it would be advantageous for us. However this seems too easy… Who is leading this rebellion, again?” He crossed his legs as he got more comfortable.

“Royal Princess Louise. Her Highness has been orchestrating this for a very long time. Many of the officials were bribed or promised better positions. At least half of the nobility should be siding with Her Highness now.”

“Princess Louise… her name sounds familiar.”

“You fought alongside the Princess and forgot?”

“Oh.” It was that lady who fought with us that day. “Yes, I remember now. I suppose we’re hired to ensure her rebellion succeeds?”

“Yes, both our Mistress and the Blood Countess loaned out valuable assets for the cause. I do not know how Princess Louise intends to pay them back, however.”

“With her never-ending support, I suppose. Also I need to wear some clothes, it’s freaking cold.” Weiss’ head sank in the floor.

“Yes, please do,” Michael replied to Weiss. He got very used to half-naked women. Staying with Virgo and Flora would do that to a person. “The Countess? She is also here?” Michael asked Charlotte. He was slightly worried the Countess might bear a grudge after he had killed Marco. There’s that girl too…

“Not here, but perhaps somewhere in this city,” Charlotte said.

He released a breath he didn’t knew he was holding. “Phew, at least that’s one possible crisis that’s averted. I suppose her Representative—Claudia is here too?”

“She is the one who is assassinating on the Countess’ behalf, and is thus working for Princess Louise at the moment.”

Weiss walked down from her room upstairs and sat down across the table between Michael and Charlotte.

“I see.” She still owed him for hurting Mary, and indirectly causing her to be captured. If it were him a month ago, he would’ve let his rage slip; but now he had managed to control most of it. “When we last saw each other, it was as enemies. Hopefully that won’t get in the way of our job.”

“I do not think it will. Unless you have issues with trusting your current comrades.”

“Dana asked me to help with the rebellion, so I would do just that.”

“Then you must cooperate with Princess Louise, and us here, I suppose.”

“If you’re a pro, you can cooperate with anyone, even your enemies,” Weiss said.

“I suppose I will. It seems like we only have to wait for our target. So, what do you guys do here for fun?” Michael asked.

“We have some targets to go after. As for fun… well, sometimes we go to the café Mary and I used to visit. We also play chess and cards from time to time,” Charlotte answered with a smile.

“I could go for some coffee.”

“I got nothing else to do, and I haven’t eaten lunch yet. I guess I’ll go out and accompany you then,” said Weiss.

“I suppose we could all go, if that is acceptable for you, Mister Michael,” Charlotte responded.

“It would be my utmost pleasure,” Michael said.

The three would soon get up and take leave. While Charlotte pondered advising her mother to put on more proper clothes, she seemed to go to prepare herself for the outing. Eventually, Charlotte gave up with her mother. It turned out to be far too bothersome to convince a laconic person such as Weiss.

In the café now, the mother and daughter approached the table that they usually frequented. Despite the fact that they were here for lunch, Charlotte had a feeling that they would be asking for the usual.

“Hoho! Now you have another child I see, Missus Brontë,” Layla told Weiss with a booming voice.

“Wha—no!” Weiss quickly denied Layla’s accusation and continued, “He’s a business partner and just happened to visit us when we were about to get lunch.”

“I’m actually seeing her daughter, Charlotte,” Michael said, wanting to have fun.

Weiss’ jaw dropped. “Ehhhhh?! Wait, wait, wait, wait, since when?!” Weiss clenched her fist, ready to punch Michael’s teeth off. Michael just cheerfully smiled towards Weiss.

Charlotte chuckled. “Why yes, that happens to be the truth.”

“Wooow! To think Miss Charlotte would actually court a handsome gentleman. I have to let Miss Mary know when she comes back!” Layla said cheerfully, while Charlotte’s smile fell completely, and so did her jest.

“Mary…” Charlotte uttered to herself in dismay.

“Huh? Did I say something wrong?”

“Don’t worry, Miss Charlotte. I’m sure Mary will come back from her… vacation soon.” Michael’s smile twitched when he heard his mother’s name, but he managed to keep his facade.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it.” Weiss pat her daughter gently.

“Mn…”

“So, shall I be bringing the usual?” Layla asked.

“I suppose,” Michael replied for the three of them, hoping that the usual meant tea and biscuits.

The attendant soon brought over an abundance of scones, biscuits, milk tea, pastries, and many cakes. It seemed like Mary and Charlotte loved to eat sweets of this excessive amount, almost paramount to the nobility.

Michael almost drooled when he saw the pastries being delivered to their table. Over the course of working for Flora, he developed some sort of a sweet tooth for pastries. Which he acquired from tasting them to see if they suited Flora’s tastes. Did Mary and Charlotte eat this much? He wondered. “You guys… this much?” He looked at Charlotte as he gestured towards the food.

“Yes… Mary had quite the appetite, well, used to…” Charlotte replied.

“Seems like it runs in the family.” He recalled that his first encounter with his brother was him eating an exorbitant amount of food.

“Thankfully, my mother has quite the appetite too.” Charlotte seemed to force a smile despite her mood.

“Not my fault, the food is just that good,” Weiss said as she took one pastry and ate it.

“You really loved her, huh?” Michael asked and then sipped his tea. Despite such a serious question, he looked like a child while he held a biscuit in his hand and a teacup in the other.

“Yes, but now she has went back to him.”

“She is his hostage. That’s all there is to it.”

“No, it is more than that… she still loves him, even if she thinks that he is a horrible person.”

“No!” Michael stood up, slamming the table as he did. The people stared at him and quickly made him realise that they were in public. He immediately apologised and sank back to his seat. “He is just… manipulating her mind. Her heart.”

“Mister Michael… do you really think so?”

“…I don’t know. I feel like I barely know her, and it was because I refused to talk to her. How long have you two known each other?”

“About two hundred years.”

“Two hundred years? That long?”

“Mhm. We’re both actually relics of the past,” Weiss answered and ate another pastry.

Charlotte chuckled dryly. “Yes, Mary and I were childhood friends.”

“You both seem quite lovely for your age,” Michael smiled, as the mood finally lightened up.

“Thank you,” Charlotte responded with a smile.

“You’re making this old lady feel young again,” Weiss joked.

“Compared to the Mistress, mother, I would say that you are quite young,” Charlotte said.

“Oh you.” Weiss pinched her daughter’s cheeks gently.

Michael just smiled silently, as he took this time to drink his tea and eat some food.

“Ah, but Mistress is still much more beautiful. Hohoh.”

“I don’t care, getting complements from my own daughter is good enough for me.” Weiss smiled.

“You’re her mother?” Michael asked Weiss. It seemed like he didn’t catch it the first few times.

“You didn’t know? Can’t you see that we nearly have the same face and body feature?” Weiss giggled.

“Well, at least the figure part I can see—” Michael cleared his throat, as he accidentally confirmed having checked them out. “In any case, I must be a lucky guy to have the both of you ladies eat snacks with me. This certainly beats being chewed upon by Infernals, I’ll tell you that.”

“Pffft, men, always trying to show their †˜best’ even though they still check women’ bodies before talking to them.” Weiss slyly chuckled.

“Oh dear, I believe it is only natural for those not well-mannered to do so,” Charlotte chided her mother. “We must be more forgiving and not make open notes of such things, Mother. That is what it means to be ladylike.”

“I apologise if I have offended either of you. I do not wish to justify my action, but it is as Miss Charlotte had said. That being said, I think it would’ve been a bigger crime to not appreciate such beauties.” Michael couldn’t help but contain his smirk. These type of lines almost always worked on Flora for some reason.

“Personally I’m not really offended, honest people are hard to come by this day and age.” Weiss nodded.

“I would not claim that it is offensive, but rather, you appear boorish that way,” Charlotte said with a wider smile.

“You flatter me.” He pretended to be shy, yet a grin was plastered to his face. It didn’t seem like a year ago, they were all trying to kill each other.

“My, my, I see you have the tolerance of your mother.”

“I do hope so.” There’s nothing good to take from the other half, anyway. “By the way, I would like to ask if you maintain connections with the Japanese Magic Academy. Mary had said that a student that carries the name Linfield goes there… She is apparently my sister.”

(GM Comment: Wew Michael, kek’d Aramii right there.)

“I do not. Mary was always allowed to be in the Royal Academy so that she was easier to monitor for her Master, and this was the reason why your sister was sent abroad. Indeed, your sister was sent there by my connections. She requested this particularly of me.”

“Then… would it be possible for me to meet her? After we finish this mission, I mean.”

“The Academy has closed down. I do not know where she went…”

“It has? What happened? Is there a possible way to find her?”

Charlotte shook her head. “After the †˜death’ of its Headmistress who was running it, the Academy has ceased to function as no one else stood up as its next principal. Currently it is closed, and all the scholars studying there were dismissed. She may be somewhere in Japan, or she may have left it; she is currently lost from our scope.”

“I hope that the Magister found better luck in searching for her.” Michael looked crestfallen. He might’ve looked forward to meeting his sibling and just found out now. “Thank you, Miss Charlotte.”

“As long as she is out of the reach of Mary’s Master, I think you should be glad. For she would become the next Virgin Mary.”

“What do you mean... How long has he been doing that?!” The next? Is this all a game to him?! Jesus would have to kill him twice before Michael would let that guy do as he pleased. The thing that angered Michael the most was that that guy probably could do more than that.

“Who knows. There is always a new Virgin Mary after several generations when a daughter would be conceived, and Mister Michael, perhaps it is coincidental, but there is also a new Michael every generation along with Virgin Mary.”

“What?” His tone, his voice, and his expression fell flat.

“That is just how it is.”

“So it’s like both must fall for a new pair to rise for the next generation?” Weiss leaned back, full.

“I cannot accept this. But… I suppose I have to obtain enough power first before I can deny him.” Michael sighed.

“No, they do not exactly fall. They enter the ranks of Apostles instead,” Charlotte elaborated.

“That Organization was truly rotten to the core. And to think I almost… Please excuse me, I need some time alone.” Michael stood up and took out some cash to pay for their meal.

(OOC: Oops, was supposed to post this before the month passed.)

The sky was considerably blacker than the nights of London. The weather was considerably chillier than the winters of London. The city was considerably gloomier than the most rainiest days that London could offer.

Russia is a very difficult place to live in, Roland thought, when he arrived with his Master, Calamity Witch. He had decided that he wanted to have the blood of Fenrir for the Heartbeast spell, the spell of the Lost Form of the Bjornaer family.

The journey to becoming a Bjornaer Magus had only just began when he stepped out of the station. He was to be under his Master’s guidance. So it was his second time traveling with an elder figure who could take the lead if they wanted to. However, given the slothful state of his Master, it seemed like most of the work would pile up on him regardless.

Speaking of his Master, it was rather impressive to see her brush up the snow across her feet with no change in expression whatsoever. The fact that the snows of the blizzard were striking against the marvelous proportions that her body housed was already a sight in itself. There was some kind of a magic involved that was completely safeguarding his Master from the weather’s harshness. As expected of an Archmage who almost tore the world in two, no blizzard could hope to stand up to her.

“Are you sure you don’t want a coat?” Roland asked mostly out of concern but also to alleviate the stares she was receiving from the locals by wearing almost nothing in the middle of a blizzard as they walked in search of an inn.

“Nope.” Calamity Witch gave no particular care about the attention she received. “You wanna rest yet or keep going?”

“I’m good to go but from what you said before, it sounds like we still need to find out the exact location of the ice labyrinth. If you want to relax at the hotel, while I search for information feel free. I did promise you time to sleep after all.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go. I doubt you know where to find the info. The creeps here will eat you alive anyway.” Calamity Witch seemed to show a much clearer pair of emerald eyes than ever. She seemed very cautious. Something that clashed with her lethargicness back on Isola del Giglio.

“Is Moscow that harsh a place? I’ve never been anywhere in Russia before.”

“This country is house to the demi-humans, as well as drug dealers, bad and corrupt officials, and more.”

“Sounds like quite the inhospitable place. Where are we headed?”

Calamity Witch seemed to only look up in response. From among the clouds a mysterious tower of steel came into view as they approached it with each step on the cold and snowy street. On this pole many circular floorings were seen, each considerably smaller the higher they were. Each level of these iron discs hosted many housing areas from what it seemed. They were approaching the base of this large setup, crossing houses that appeared to be outside the iron pillar’s steel grounds.

“To the Soviet Union’s office.”

“Isn’t that the governing body of Russia’s headquarters? Is it possible to go there without an appointment?”

“No, we can make inquiries. Secret stuff isn’t informed but we can try it for starters.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”







The two got onto the steel floors, entering the domain of the iron pole that loomed ahead of them. The steel floors felt warm, melting the snow falling on them, and the floor was thus drenched with water.

Calamity Witch had warned Roland earlier to not let any of his skin touch the steel of the floor under any circumstances, since he’d find himself scalded otherwise.

Hordes of strange creatures completely jammed the streets that they encountered. These creatures seemed completely inhuman. Some of them had arms and legs of those of animals. There were heads of wolves or bears or crows, and some of such people seemed to prefer wearing masks to hide their ghastly faces. It looked surreal, but Calamity Witch looked at them as though it was normal to her.

“So those are the rumored demihumans of Russia?” Roland asked in a hushed tone to avoid being overheard.

“Basically, as you can see.” Calamity Witch caught Roland’s hand before they dove into the crowd. “Careful, you never know when you could be sold to some shady customer.”

Roland nodded in acknowledgement and kept a firm grip on her hand, hoping she wouldn’t notice the slight sweatiness of his palm and attribute the increasing color in his face to the cold.

The two approached the tower in the center itself. It seemed to be not just a tower for holding up the various compartments. He noted a bridge that lead to a doorway. There were two beings made of steel, with only a red light flashing from under the glass of their helms. Their suit of steel aside, they held large blades in vigil.

Below the bridge, steam was flowing out and it made Roland sweaty despite the cold atmosphere of the country. It was particularly hot under the iron disc, and he could see why most of the population was here.

“Those are the Machine Knights. Try not to do anything funny before them, ever.”


“Are they purely automata or controlled?”

“Wanna find out?”

“To be honest… yes. But I get the feeling trying to do so wouldn’t end well so I’ll refrain from doing so.”

“I cannot believe some piece of junk interests you.”

The two walked past the bridge and the door. It was very crowded inside too. The air was warmer than it was outside. It seemed like the officer behind a desk was giving out “missions” to the “Raiders” and there were some getting paid for their work.

There was an entire line of people and Calamity Witch did not seem to like it.

They chose to walk over to an elevator. This was something apparently only Calamity Witch had access to—and by extension—Roland. He realized more and more that it was going to be essentially harder to get around without his Master, and that she seemed to have some special treatment around the office of the Soviet Union for some reason.

When the elevator stopped and they came out, there was another office completely the same, but the officer and the people were different. The line here was much shorter and they joined it.

“What is this place?”

“The Soviet Union’s office. They’re a pretty terrible bunch,” Calamity Witch yawned as she spoke. “But they try to do their job, I guess.”

“Hopefully for our purposes they’re somewhat effective at it.”

After some time, the line shrunk out as each person finished their business with the officer. Roland noted that not all were here for jobs, as some would make inquiries just like them.

When the pair finally reached the officer, Calamity Witch’s face looked very cold, her eyes so piercing that it almost looked as though it could cut through one’s skin.

“W-Wha’cha need, w-woman?”

“Details about the White Wolf.”

“I-I know nuthin’ †˜bout it Mistress Calamity!!”

“I said tell us about the White Wolf,” the Archmage said again, punctuating her words slowly.

“M-Maybe the detective knows! Yes! T-That Escott guy seemed to know somethin’!”

“Tell us where he is.”







Some moments later, the two were walking out of the Soviet Union’s office, with Calamity Witch holding a small note, which had the whereabouts of Escott written on it.

“Do you have something of a reputation around here? That officer seemed terrified,” Roland asked once they were back in frigid winter air.

“You don’t need to know.” Calamity Witch continued to look down at the note. “Hm, he is a suspect associated with the revolutionaries of Russia. Tch, bastards think they can put me in a trap.”

“Who are they?”

“Who else would they be?”

“I mean the revolutionaries you mentioned.”

“The word you use to identify them is quite self-explanatory.”

“Is there no name to their organization or knowledge of their goals aside from the obvious one of bringing down the current regime?”

“What’s it to you? You’re annoying. We find Escott and that’s it.”

“If you say so.”

Another conversation having fallen flat, Roland followed Calamity in silence from there, thoughts of how to break through his Master’s icy demeanor filling his mind.

“Anyway, we find a place to stay in for now.” Calamity Witch looked left and right. “We should find a place outside the Steel Tower.”

“It seemed like we passed a few on our way from the station.”

“Yeah, they have some around there. Let’s get out of here.”

At the inn Roland hunched over the heater, rubbing his hands together to warm up. He had bundled up in preparation of the rumored harsh Russian cold, but it didn’t detract from the joy felt from finally being somewhere warm to relax. Glancing over at his Master in the room, he was once again awed by her ability to fall asleep. Barely a minute after they had entered the room and she was already in a deep slumber on the bed.

Her words earlier made it abundantly clear that he was not to wander around the city on his own, which gave him several hours to kill confined to the inn room. With nothing else to do, he once again set on the task of coming up with a spell that would convince Titania to take him as an apprentice.

Maybe an Ignem spell would be a good idea, he thought as he reluctantly left the heater and settled at a small table in the corner of the room.

His previous attempt had taught him that simply bringing a spell with a clever gimmick would not be enough to get her to bat an eye. He would need something that tested the limits of magic or expanded them.

Before anything, he would first need ideas.

Taking out a notebook, he wrote down whatever fantastical concepts occurred to him, leaving the task of finding their feasibility for later. From mythical flames to gravity wells, multi-aspect explosions to regenerating barriers, he wrote down whatever stray thoughts happened to pass through his mind. A couple hours and many pages later—he had several fleshed-out concepts. He had great hopes for the concepts to be promising to realize in reality.

“What time is it…?”

His Master suddenly got up, her breasts dangling, and the halter in a seemingly uneven position. She yawned. Her face was still riddled with the look of drowsiness, and it felt as though she would go back to sleep any moment.

“I’m not sure. At least a few hours have passed, but it doesn’t look like the room has a clock to check the exact time.”

“Mn? Oh right…” Calamity Witch looked down at her wrist, finding a watch. “Three in the afternoon huh…? I guess we can go out.”

“Time to find that Escott fellow?” Roland asked as he packed up his notes. He hesitated for a moment—considering whether to ask Calamity for her feedback on his ideas—but decided that it could wait until later.

“Yeah…” Calamity sat up by bending a knee straight up, and rested her head on it. “Let’s hope we find him at all. Currently, the information we have is an obvious trap, though.”

“Even if it is, it probably won’t be more dangerous than our final goal here. Though, erring on the side of caution never hurts. Should we go there with a plan for if things get messy?”

“The only plan is to bust the hell out.”

“Simple enough. I’ll follow your lead when we…” Roland trailed off, having finally turned towards his Master and witnessing her appearance on the bed. He made a conscious effort to focus as much attention on packing his things as possible, hoping she would be presentable by the time he finished, but alas, it was not to be. Quickly, he looked away abashed. “Y-Your clothes. T-They are a bit… crooked,” he stammered out.

“What? Is that a problem?” Calamity Witch’s lips curled into a seductive smile. “Clearly, you seem very interested—glaring at me earlier.”

“I didn’t—I mean I di—but I—your. It’s too…” Roland tried to respond, but all that came out was a mess of frantic gibberish. Defeated, he hung his head—his face held a shade of bright red comparable to that of a tomato. “Please don’t tease me, Master.”

His said Master laughed, getting off the bed and stretching her arms wide. She seemed to straighten out her halter as requested, yawning afterwards.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“I don’t think there was anything pressing. The sooner we find Escott and the White Wolf, the sooner my training can begin in earnest, so I wouldn’t want to distract from that.”

“You had something to say, right? I can tell by your face.”

“Well, I was thinking about asking for your feedback on potential spell ideas. I made a bit of a wager with Titania that if I could create a spell that could catch her notice she would also take me on as an apprentice.”

“I’ve been wondering, but you’re one bold kid, addressing her without honorifics. Whatever the case, I doubt some spells could catch her attention… are you sure about that?”

“Haa... etiquette never was my strong point, though I mean no disrespect to her. It was a spur of the moment idea out of having no other way of how to convince her to accept me as a student.”

“How about you try something plausible as a researcher? You could research White Wolf itself, I think? Since that interests her more than spells at the moment.” Oh, wait… she told me to research it… didn’t she? Whatever!

“That’s a good idea. She did seem quite interested in the topic when it was brought up as we were leaving. Though, I’ll also keep at my previous task. It makes for good motivation even if the chance of success is low.”

“So, what are these spell ideas anyway? Albeit, I don’t think you want to bounce them off me. They call me harsh for that.”

“Feel free to be as harsh as possible as long as it is constructive. Criticism is the fastest way to learn what I have to improve. Although, since these are ideas thought up in passing, their feasibility is still very much in question.”

Roland dug into his bag once more and brought out the notebook he had been writing in.

“Out of what I came up with, there were three main concepts I was thinking of pursuing. The first is the creation of a mantle of flames that mimics the healing and burning properties of a phoenix. Second is a spell that analyzes and deconstructs the essence of a target. The last is a form of gravity manipulation. Do you think there is any merit to any of them?”

“Mn… may I have you elaborate on the first and second one?”

“The first I envisioned would be a fiery cloak conjured from the blazing plumage of a phoenix. By taking advantage of the healing and damaging properties of a phoenix, it would create a defensive armor of purifying flames that would constantly heal the wearer’s injuries while burning foes on contact. The second would analyze the essence of a target by applying requisite Forms and attempt to deconstruct it either making it more susceptible to damage or outright reducing it to dust.”

Calamity Witch twisted her neck on one side and a cracking noise was heard. She thought over the words she had just heard for some moments as she stretched her body. What a waste of a bright mind—thinking about things in the realm of Supreme Spells.

“These spells would destroy you before you even cast them to their full potential. If everyone could call upon the holy bird Phoenix—they would’ve done that already.” Calamity rubbed her scalp for some moments, thinking how to word her opinions for a moment. “The deconstruction too. It would take a massive amount of mana and concentration to deconstruct. Since that means getting to the bottom of every particle in an object. Even then it might vary between targets. Just saying Corpus for humans is fine, but it gets complex quite fast. Which means that you wouldn’t be able to make it cost-efficient. In that case, people like Titania would rather use a spell that gets the job of breaking things much faster—and that means any offensive spells, even something as simple as Flame Spear from the Ignem branch. I can see her outright rejecting them. The gravity idea is something I managed to pull off, so I can guarantee you that it’s quite literally hard. Challenging for sure, but getting the link to the deity and then pulling it off puts it at a level of Supreme Spells. If you research something dangerous and create something warranting a ban, I cannot save you from ending up in the Privy Council.”

“I guess it was too ambitious to hope to create something on that scale.” Roland looked down quite dejected at having his ideas shot down so quickly, but only let it show for a second. Looking back at Calamity he spoke with sincerity, “While it didn’t turn out the way I hoped, I still really appreciate your feedback.”

“It’s fine. It’s just that everyone has big dreams, but dreams can be dangerous. I was a bit like you with spell ideas, and it got me through quite the amount of trouble. I don’t think you want to experience killing people accidentally while testing your dangerous ideas. That’s why the rules are there in the first place. Spells and ambitions goes too well hand-in-hand these days.”

“That is something I definitely want to avoid.” Roland sighed. “In my desire to prove myself, it seems l lost sight of what motivated me to study magic.”

“Maybe, but personal spells don’t interest Titania, just so you know. It may not seem obvious at first glance, but think back at many of the spells that are taught today in Magic Academies. Many spells are quite simple, but they’re not simple for the sake of it, they’re simple for everyone to be able to adapt and use them.

“Personal spells are, well, personalized, and that hardly gets Titania’s—or any real researcher’s—attention, because that is not a material you could publish. At most, you’d have to teach and only a few pupil could pull off a spell you come up with off the top of your head. The researchers—especially a genius like Titania—however, are expected to create something that is doable for thousands of mages. So, only something that can be emulated by say… even a thousand can impress Titania.”

“You have a point there. Maybe I should take another look at what I dismissed before as too simple. There was one in particular that might just fit that criteria.”

“We’ll talk about that later. Maybe” Calamity faced the door. “The warehouse awaits.” Let’s hope that’s not truly the place this Escott is in.

With a nod, Roland hurriedly stuffed the notebook back into his bag and followed her from the room.

The pair of Master and apprentice were back to the Steel Tower now.

Despite the passing of a day, Roland could hardly feel it. As the world was stuck with no time here, it was hard to tell how long he had truly slept or idled back in the inn until he found his Master checking her wristwatch.

The streets were still packed—just as they had witnessed yesterday. With the delicate hand of Calamity Witch, Roland was led along the crowd of inhuman strangers that filled the strange residential area. It wasn’t surprising to find out that many had their eyes on Roland’s Master, especially her assets held under her seemingly frail halter.

“Hm, it seems like these men are more honest than you are. Russia is perhaps far too honest now.”

“Ahaha… I would prefer to call it being tactful,” Roland answered, remembering the events at the inn.

“Then again, it could just be my ears.”

“Do they often draw unwanted attention? They seem far less conspicuous than the features of many others here.”

“Well, these are one of a kind.”

“Is there a story behind them? Since Titania shared the same ears I didn’t think much of it at the house, but they are quite curious.”

“Hm? That’s because a part of Titania was inspired from me; she’s designed to look like an elf.”

“That reply raises so many questions, but it feels like it would be rude not to ask for the answers from Titania herself. So, when you say she was designed to look like an elf based off you, does that mean you’re an actual elf?”

“I guess?” Calamity’s gaze turned sharp again. “I should be at least about thirty percent elf.”

Taking note of the telltale signs that the conversation was turning to a topic his Master would rather not discuss, Roland decided not to probe further. However, there was one request he could not resist making while it was somewhat relevant. “This may be a bit strange thing to ask… and I’m really sorry in advance if it offends but… could I try touching your ears?” His eyes sparkled with curiosity at having finally been able to get the question out.

His Master grinned. “Not the chest?”

“That’s a bit…” he trailed off. The mention instantly brought his gaze to the twin mounds on her chest, but he looked away quickly. “I mean, I can’t say I’m not interested but—” he muttered, but stopped short with a horrified look on his face as he realized what he was saying out loud. Frantic to change the subject, he refocused on the previous topic. “Your ears are unique! Having seen the elves only in stories, I never thought I’d encounter someone with the aspects of one, and I’m curious as to what they are like,” he spoke hastily to cover his embarrassment.

The Master stopped and so did Roland who didn’t seem to receive a response. He looked ahead, becoming curious. There was a large transportation before him—something like a train. There were people boarding it. Calamity Witch walked up to a counter, behind which a man gave her a ticket when she put down some coins. Coins she picked out from between her breasts. The man seemed very flushed and embarrassed, staring at the Archmage as she casually handed one of the tickets to Roland.

“We’ll ride the train to the top.” She looked back to the train, pointing up to the steel floor above them. “Just enter the train with it, and don’t discard it afterwards.”

Fighting an intense mental battle on whether to ask just where those coins had been stored, Roland followed her into the train, keeping the ticket gripped tightly.







After the two entered, the train got into motion, carrying them upwards like an elevator.

Calamity Witch gave him only one glance before she raised her brows.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” Roland quickly let the pensive expression leave his face. He stole a furtive glance at Calamity to confirm what she was—or rather wasn’t—wearing.

I feel like I’ve been witness to a true unexplainable phenomenon of our world, he mused.

“You wanted to touch the coins or something?”

“It seems I can’t get anything past you,” Roland relented, seeing the topic wasn’t going to drop on its own. “I was wondering how you were storing those coins considering where you pulled them from.”

“Do you really want to find that out?”

“Yes?” Roland answered uncertainly, hoping he would not come to regret his curiosity.

“Feel free to figure it out yourself then?”

She turned towards him, the chest unsurprisingly filling his vision as she leaned closer. Some of the passengers seemed to turn their eyes at the pair, some of them wide open and staring at a particular spot.

As if they weren’t catching enough unwanted attention already, some of the glares seemed to pierce through Roland’s back like daggers now.

“I-I was thinking a simple explanation would do,” he stammered out, backing up slightly. Once again his face was flushed red.

“Hoho, is that what a researcher should be saying? Wasn’t it †˜the greater the challenge?’”

“It was you who advised me against †˜dangerous’ research though.”

“And this is dangerous?”

“Very.”

The train stopped, the breasts juggling due to the slight impact as it was firmly lodged against the station in the Steel Tower.

There was a collective sigh from everyone as Calamity Witch’s attention seemed to shift.

When they stepped out of the train, there was the same visage of the residential area he saw below, except the houses seemed to be in even worse condition.

The streets were narrow as they took a turn after some minutes of walking. Roland could see children running along, playing hide and seek or some sort of childish game. Some had mechanical arms or legs, or both.

A scream was heard from past the wooden door of a small house they were passing by. Some voices of worry seemed to be heard momentarily. Indeed, privacy was likely a hard thing to have around these areas if voices could be heard so easily outside the house.

Calamity Witch turned and opened the door without hesitation. Never mind the fact that the residents of the house hadn’t locked the door in a neighborhood that appeared to be full of possibly dangerous individuals— the Archmage walked up to a bed on which a girl around the age of sixteen was laid, her hand severed. More specifically, her automaton arm was detached for some reason, and blood leaked out instead of some wires from the region that was exposed thanks to the detachment.

There were two children crying beside their supposed elder sister, helpless. Calamity Witch silently performed feats in lightning speed, something that Roland’s eyes could hardly keep up with. Summoning small objects magically and going over the automaton itself. She seemed very focused, having a cold demeanor once more like yesterday.

After some time had passed, the girl seemed to be doing well with her mechanical arm back in place again, now in proper order, apparently. One of the children asked if she was a doctor, to which she briefly answered with a “yes.”

When the girl wanted to pay, Calamity Witch refused. The pair set off from the house, and it didn’t take long for them to find another such case with another resident of the area. It seemed like many people couldn’t find trustworthy doctors at all.

Without the skills to aid her, all Roland could do was observe and try to learn from her motions. He watched her in awe as she worked, staying silent as to not disrupt her.

It wasn’t until it seemed like they had made their last house call that Roland spoke up again. “That was amazing,” was all he could get out, sincerely awed not just by the skill she had displayed, but also how she had selflessly moved to aid the injured.

“Nothing special.”

“No need to be modest. If more people could and would help others as you did for the residents here, the world would be a better place.”

“Such a world is too ideal, and lacks balance. I personally don’t want to see it happen… rather, I cannot see it happening.”

“Maybe so… all the more reason to appreciate what selfless acts do exist in our world then.”

Calamity Witch stopped. After all the wandering, it seemed like the Archmage was taking a shortcut to a park that unfolded before them. If not for the acts of helping people out, they’d have likely been here earlier.

The park itself was quite dark and eerie, especially because there was an iron ceiling that was the floor for the residential area above them. The trees and the greenery held a very deep shade of green. One side of it seemed to have so many trees that it was practically a forest. There were two long swings that Calamity Witch passed by, giving them a distant look as she did so.

She walked towards the forest, and it was then that Roland realized that she was staring at a treehouse, which appeared to be built elaborately with proper wooden supports. They appeared a little old, but were sturdy regardless. There was a narrow staircase beside the tree and she climbed it. A key formed in her hand magically before she unlocked the door.

“…I guess some things just don’t change.”

The room was indeed small. There was a desk, a bed, and a piano. The Archmage wordlessly walked up to the piano, and pressed a finger against one of its keys. The music sounded dull, and she made a wry smile.

“What is this place?” Roland asked softly.

“It’s where I grew up.”

“I see…” Roland fell silent, uncertain how to continue. Seeing her so forlorn made it seem there were not the best of memories here. Wanting to comfort her but not sure what to say he simply offered, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“There isn’t much to talk about.”

Calamity Witch walked up to the desk and there was a small framed picture on it. A girl with a long and elaborate green dress sat on the piano’s chair while an old man with a long, grey and overgrown beard stood beside her, smiling. Unlike the old man, the girl only stared down at the piano with a brooding look.

“Is that your father?” Roland asked spotting the photo.

“Yes, and no.” She looked down at the picture with a cold look. “I was an orphan, and he was my caretaker.”

“Was it… difficult living with him?” Roland asked hesitantly, noting the stark contrast of their expressions in the photo.

“I hated him. He was a real father wannabe.” Calamity Witch sat down on the piano’s chair, speaking with a tone full of ire. “Even though he knew I was going to die, he kept trying to get closer to me. It was a pain.”

“You were going to die? Did you have a serious illness or an accident when you were younger?”

“I had a heart disease. I could save others, but never myself. How ironic, right?” Her wry smile grew bigger. “That was where the Heartbeast came in, I guess.”

“Our own maladies are often the most difficult to heal. If you don’t mind me asking, who taught you Heartbeast?”

“I… I don’t want to talk about it.” Calamity Witch fell silent for some moments before she continued, “That said, Roland, I wanted to keep this away, but I believe it is best to let you know after all—there is another reason why the ancient Bjornaers died due to the Heartbeast.”

“What happened to them?”

“You see… the heart is the first part that changes. However… what do you think happens when they go out of control?”

“Do they lose the ability to return to human form?”

“No, when we lose our heart we already forgo our humanity. That’s not the point, though. When the Bjornaers went out of control… no one seemed to understand why. Researchers of the old days claimed that it was simply too much power. In a way, this was true. However, what one didn’t know was that the roots of the infection have a possibility to spread into the user’s body…”

“When that happens does the user become overwritten by the beast?”

“In a way, yes. The branching out of the supposed infection is also bad because it doesn’t quite mesh well with our originally-human body, so to say. When the brain is infected, we start to lose control. If it’s other parts, it’s either good or bad. If a level of compatibility cannot be reached even if you maintain your mentality—your chance of death is still high.”

“Is there a way to check compatibility with the intended creature before becoming a Heartbeast?”

“Not really, no. It’s a gamble, of sorts. I don’t know about myself yet, but seeing as how my Master went away—there is only one way to find out. If you still want to do this, I won’t stop you, but you have been warned.”

“It would be a lie to say I don’t have doubts, but I put my hesitation behind me in Italy. For better or worse, I’ll see this through to the end.”

“If you say so.” Calamity Witch got up and opened a drawer from the desk, taking out a small silver locket. She sighed, preparing herself mentally for what was to come. “Alright, enough of this topic, let’s go.”







The two were back on the train. He was reminded of the ticket that he was given the first time they got on board. Roland kept it as was instructed earlier. Turned out that the ticket’s usability was based on the time elapsed after using them, which was odd since the usage of time was lost to the Russians. It was then that Roland learned that the residents of the Steel Tower were mostly mages.

Mages knew of the existence of time, even if they were Russians. However, the application of the concept of time was still uncommon even amongst the mages of Russia.

Calamity Witch and Roland entered an area in which many different kinds of women were seen. The attire was not quite on the level of respectable. The scent of strong perfume wafted across the air and it made him feel light-headed.

This was on the second level of the Steel Tower.

Seeing Roland was a foreigner to the area, he was surrounded by women in no time, each of them inspecting him thoroughly.

“Hey young’un, want a good time?”

These types of invitations were being repeatedly made, while Calamity Witch seemed to have disappeared from his sight while he was preoccupied.

“I-I’m fine,” Roland stammered out as he scanned the crowds for his Master, trying not to pay too much attention to the attire of the women there.

“C’mon hun, don’t be like that,” one of the other ladies insisted. “Surely you’ve never felt up a half-lioness, right?”

“I-I’m already with somebody here...” Roland forced out in hopes that the half-truth would convince them to give up. He was there with Calamity, but certainly not for the purposes the women had in mind. Scanning the crowd with renewed passion, he desperately looked for escape from the situation.

The women sighed.

“Oh well, let’s go.”

When they left, Roland sighed, letting the tension of nervousness leave his body. Yet it was still not completely gone, seeing as where he was. However, he could still not find his Master.

Desperate to avoid another situation like the previous, he moved quickly from there—scanning the streets for any sign of his Master as he went. He walked briskly so as to not give any time for himself to be surrounded again. However all the unfamiliar streets seemed the same and the longer he wandered, the deeper in the red light district he found himself. When he thought that he saw a familiar shade of blonde, all he found was a brothel and a different blonde woman.

Some of the women seemed happy to see his face, but he exited as hastily as he had entered.

He wandered for some time until he noticed the long blonde hair again. On the very corner, there was the familiar person that was Calamity Witch.

There was a catch, however. His wandering and the spotting of his Master took place only after he noted a powerful tremor in the steel floor, and the heads of people turned.

Finding his Master hoisting a wolf-headed man into the air by the throat, Roland approached cautiously, wondering what had brought on the current circumstances.

“I...I-I’m sorr—!”

Before the wolf man could finish, his Master seemed to squeeze his throat. Regardless, he was freed from her grip and he ran away. The other people started to walk away in haste after seeing this event.

“Did something happened?” Roland asked as he caught up to his Master.

“Bastard touched my chest without permission,” his Master answered. “Where were you, anyway?”

“I got surrounded and lost sight of you. Then spent a bit of time being lost.”

“Oh. I guess you did. You are exotic to the women of this area, after all.”

“Ahaha… it seems that way.”

His mind flashed back to the scene when he first entered the floor, he turned slightly red—remembering how aggressive the women had been.

“You should’ve just went with one of them,” his Master said with a chuckle. “They’re younger than me, at least.”

“You shouldn’t sell yourself short, you’re more beautiful than any of them,” Roland blurted out without thinking. Realizing just what he said he quickly amended, “I mean, from a purely objective standpoint.” He looked away unable to meet her gaze, the flush in his face far more pronounced than before.

Calamity Witch blinked at Roland. “Well, thanks. I guess,” she said in her usual tone.

“S-Shall we get going?” Roland urged, desperate to put the topic behind them.

They walked for a moment and Roland realized that the steel floors were covered with grass for some reason.

“What is this place?” Roland asked.

“What does it look like?” his Master asked back, giving the prostitutes and the bars a glance.

“I mean the floor. It seems strange for a grassy field like this to exist in a steel tower. Is there some significance?”

“Oh. Just the Mage’s Sigil I have.”

“Ah, it is quite a comforting one. It's refreshing seeing a bit of nature in this tower.”

“The park had some, so it should’ve sated any wants of nature already. Well, sorta.”

“A bit more doesn’t hurt. This tower has a rather oppressive design.”

“Well, it was designed to oppress.”

Calamity Witch stopped before a shop. The pink lights made it apparent to Roland what he’d find inside.

“Umm, is there something we need from here?” he asked nervously, his hesitation to going inside showing.

“You can stay out and get carted by a stranger if you want.”

“Lead the way,” he conceded with a defeated tone.