Melody

  ***

  My, it looks like people really don’t want me to go on the field trip. Too bad! The Reigning Regents already approved of my vacation, so there’s nothing they can do! Ha ha ha! I do feel bad for the teachers though… Having seen the faculty’s office, many of them looked to be stressed about my involvement. Maybe I really shouldn’t have troubled everyone like this… Welp, nothing I can do about it now! I’ll send the teachers some treats after this is all over as an apology.

  That aside, currently I found myself back in the dreamworld with Orion and Celestia. It’s been almost a month since I’ve been here, so I was looking forward to it. Given that I was in my smaller form as Melody, I currently was enjoying a p pillow from Celestia! I know they can read my mind, but a Goddess’s thighs are absolutely divine!

  “Stop it.” Orion flicked my forehead.

  “I’m sorry.” I apologized. It honestly can’t be compared to anything else.

  “Let her enjoy it even if only for a little bit.” Celestia smiled, patting my head.

  “Stop spoiling her.” Orion sighed. “Also when is it going to be my turn?”

  “Have you stopped defrauding banks?” Celestia smiled.

  “I do other things!” She defended herself.

  “You said that you would stop!” I pointed, not leaving Celestia’s legs.

  “And you said that you were going to be taking it easy!” She roughly grabbed my cheeks.

  “NoOOooO!” I kicked my legs like a kid.

  Truthfully I have been going out defeating some, sorta, strong demons. A bunch just sort of showed up, so I was dealing with them before anything bad could happen. So yeah, I’ve been working hard despite what I said.

  “Ah yes, in regards to the demons, we’ve discovered something odd.” Celestia said.

  “Right.” Orion released me and straightened her back.

  “Oh, I don’t like that…” I sighed.

  “It’s not as bad as you think.” Orion said. “To be completely honest, we just found it odd.”

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “To put it simply, the mana currents in the world have been acting odd.” Celestia said.

  “Aside from the demons, it seems that it doesn't affect anything.” Orion said. “As far as we can tell, no human was affected by it.”

  “I didn’t even realize something happened.” I admitted.

  “It was as if the world was trying to do something with the demons, but it was far too sloppy to be anything connected.” Orion said. “The effects were seemingly random over a rge area for almost two weeks.”

  “So, nothing happened?” I asked.

  “Well, something did, but you already beat all the nearby demons that were affected.” Celestia said. “Good job!”

  “There are still some on the opposite side of the pnet, but they’ve only been attacking other demons.” Orion siad.

  “I see.” I closed my eyes. “Anything nearby?”

  “Nothing close enough to worry you.” Celestia said.

  “Take this as a sign and rest.” Orion said, poking my cheek.

  “Right…” I said zily.

  With the two poking my cheeks, I rested up, eventually falling asleep in the dream. Weird, huh?

  Lna

  ***

  Unlike my normal routine, I was separate from Lloyd. Today, I was walking with Evelyn to our css. Lloyd, with the promise of cupcakes, begged me to try and convince Evelyn to not go on this survival css. It wasn’t just me here, other cssmates were with us giving their own opinions. As for Lloyd, he was out dealing with our exchange student “friend” so he wasn’t avaible. Hearing us say the same things over and over, Evelyn sighed.

  “I don’t see what the big deal is.” Evelyn said. “We’re only going to stay for what? Two weeks?”

  “I mean, out in the wild for two weeks is hard.” I reasoned. “Even if you’re prepared it’s hard.”

  “Just think about it.” A cssmate said. “No mattress, no pillows, and you need to shake your bnkets for bugs everyday!”

  “I heard that sometimes they make people sleep on sticks and leaves!” A girl behind us said.

  “And bugs like to hide in your shoes!” Another said.

  “If it’s just checking for bugs, I can do it.” Evelyn said. “And it’s not like I’m going to be by myself. My friends decided to join me, and it would be lonely here if the whole css left without me.”

  “But the food is going to be bad!” Another said.

  “Yeah!” I remembered something. “Not only that, but we’re going to have to cook meals for ourselves!”

  This was only partially true. Cooking fires were avaible for any student adventurous to want to try cooking for themselves, but I doubt she knows that. After all what noble, let alone, Duchess cooks for herself.

  “Oh excellent!” She said happily. “It’s been so long since I was able to cook for myself! I wonder if my skills got rusty?”

  Impossible! No noble cooks for themselves! The girls around us look just as appalled as me. No I’m not mad that I’m beat in girl power by Evelyn! I can cook! Or at least I could back on Earth. But let’s not worry about that. What else can we say?

  “I hear there are going to be lots of demons there!” A student said.

  “Ah!” Evelyn said.

  That’s it! We got her!

  “If that’s true, I’m sure my magic will be very effective on them!” She said proudly.

  NOOO!! Her magic is weak! It’s down right terrible! But we’ve spent the past three years telling her how amazing it was! We can’t take it back now! It would break her heart!

  “Not only that, but I’ve heard that experts in dealing with demons are going to be there!” She said, and then smiled. “I’m sure that we have nothing to worry about.”

  THAT'S A FLAG! IT’S A FLAG! SHE JUST SET US UP!

  “Well-” I started.

  “Lady Eytell!” An unwelcome voice called out.

  “Oh…” Evelyn sighed.

  And here comes Levi… Feeling a chill in my spine, I gnced at Evelyn. Her previously cheerful face and voice melted away. Wow, what a transformation. Just from hearing his voice, Evelyn transformed into a cold and stoic child. Her movements, although still dignified, were mildly threatening, and given how tall she is, was more than a little intimidating. It wasn’t just that. Everyone around her, me included, couldn’t help but recoil and become a bit nervous. With such a drastic change, I can understand why Lloyd called her a viliness.

  Turning around, we saw Levi quickly walk towards us with a smile on his face. Right behind him was Lloyd along with Teddy, Andrew, and Scott who looked troubled. Seeing Lloyd, I gave him a simple questioning look.

  “What the hell!?” My eyes asked.

  “I tried! This guy sucks!” He returned my look.

  Coming to a stop in the hall, Levi bowed to us. Rather to Evelyn. Gncing at her, it was obvious that she would much rather be anywhere else.

  “It’s a pleasure to, once more, meet you.” He said, rising from his bow.

  “Is that so?” She asked, not bothering to return the greeting.

  “Indeed.” He smiled. “I heard that you pnned on attending the expedition. I too am joining in on the fun. Quite the event, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. Quite.” She said.

  “I heard that it can be quite dangerous.” He said.

  “If you are worried about danger, then you’re better off staying behind.” She said.

  “Nonsense!” He said. “With everyone going, I would be a coward to stay out myself.”

  “Okay.” She said.

  “Speaking of danger, aren’t you worried at all?” He asked. “I heard the pce we are going to used to be part of The Dark Woods long ago.”

  “Is that so?”

  “It is! Not only that, but rge demons have been seen there before. Not only that but talking demons as well.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yeah. If you’re feeling scared, then feel free to rely on me. I know my way in a fight!”

  “Is that so?”

  “I don’t mean to brag, but out of all my brothers, I’ve been said to be the strongest.”

  “Is that so?”

  “If you want, I can show you my skills with a sword and-” He continued.

  As he spoke, I could feel Evelyn’s annoyance growing. With one hand she was crushing the strap of her shoulder bag and the other was slowly reaching in it as if searching for something. As much as I would love to cut him off and end this conversation right now, I can’t. Being the daughter of the Regents I can’t exactly get into a fight with visiting royalty, even if they are being annoying. Who knows what sort of diplomatic mess that would cause. Moreover, it would look like Mom and Dad don’t know how to raise kids, and if they can’t even raise kids, how can they lead the Empire? What a pain…

  Nissia

  ***

  After css, us in the Saint Squad were visiting one of the student stores to prepare for the field trip. Rather we are going to pick up what we ordered some time ago. You see, when we first signed up for the field trip, we, along with the other commoners, were directed to the Student Resources Stores to have some equipment prepared for us at discount prices. Why just the commoners? Well, that’s just because they normally source their own equipment. Anyway, entering the store, we showed the staff our receipts and were taken into the back. Entering, we saw four sets of simir, green, leather armor.

  Looking at it, one might call it flimsy, but with the enchantments, it’s fairly strong. It’s good for street fights and small demons such as the one’s we’re expected to be facing. But armor isn’t the only thing we’re getting! Skipping over our armor, we looked at the four swords in emerald green scabbards. So cool! Picking up our swords, we couldn’t help but admire them. Without even taking them out of the scabbards we could tell that they were of high quality.

  After a moment, and being very careful, as a staff member was watching over us, I drew my sword. Coming out silently, the shining bde clearly showed my astonished reflection. A sword of my own…

  For the record, I would like to point out that this is NOT the first time I held a sword. In the past three years I’ve been here, we have had plenty of csses where we used swords. And because of our status as Saints, we learned weapon handling fairly easily. That’s not to say that we’re professionals, like soldiers, but that we are recognized as talented. Still, in our css, others like Lloyd still out css us, so we can’t just steamroll people.

  What was I talking about? Oh yeah, anyway, our new swords are awesome and I’m going to love swinging this around when no one is looking. Are we going to hurt ourselves? Probably, but we can heal ourselves using magic. We are Saints after all!

  Charlotte

  ***

  With only a few days left until the expedition, me and my friends wearily sat in a private room in the Academy’s cafe. Well, most of us were here anyway. Evelyn, the reason we were like this, was running te. Ever since that exchange student came over, this was nothing new. For whatever reason, he seemed to be obsessed with her. Not only does he interrupt our lunch every day, but he follows us around whenever he gets the chance. I can’t even tell him off due to the difference in our ranks! I’m not even allowed to speak without his permission! As such, only Evelyn, being a Duchess, can openly speak to him. Admittedly she does go a bit far, but given how annoying he is, I can’t bme her. He even brought up marriage on their first meeting.

  Evelyn might be the only person to refuse the offer. He is after all a foreign prince. A marriage like that would be greatly beneficial to The Empire. However his offer was one sided, and he doesn't even have his family's backing. That’s not even mentioning inheritance issues that would come from it. The Regents must be having a hard time with that… I hope Evelyn doesn't get pulled into anything weird… But all of that aside, let’s forget the compining and move onto the main topic. Compining…

  “Why did the Academy even agree to this?” Nicole asked.

  “I heard that the Regents gave their permission.” I sighed.

  “What a pain…” Chloe sighed.

  Permission… What a joke. When the Regent’s give their permission for something, it is more of an informal order. Having been told that, the Academy had no choice. Why do they think this is a good idea? I suppose they have some sort of pn. I hope this all goes well…

  “What are we going to do about the Demons?” Olivia asked.

  “Right…” I sighed again.

  The Demons… The whole point of this trip is to fight demons… With Magical Girl Melody, I don’t see the point in it, but it’s a long tradition here. Students heading off into the woods to practically test out their magic. But Evelyn’s magic…

  “We’re going to have to cover for her.” Nicole said.

  “Yeah.” Chloe nodded.

  “Right.” Olivia agreed.

  Despite her best efforts, Evelyn’s skill with magic is cking. Well, that's not fair. Her capacity for magic is cking. Her skills, for what little magic she has, are rather good. But that doesn’t mean much when she can barely manifest any magic. Despite all the time that has passed, trauma from when she was a kid is still with her.

  “Aside from magic, what weapon is she using again?” Olivia asked.

  “It’s a spear.” I said.

  “That’s a relief.” Olivia sighed.

  “Yeah, I thought for sure she would be one of those people who insist on using a sword for hunting.” Chloe joked.

  “I’m using a sword.” Nicole said offended.

  “Yeah, but you’ve been training since you were a kid.” Chloe said. “You’re different.”

  “Is she even any good with a spear?” Olivia asked.

  “She said that she practiced with it so she should be good enough.” I said.

  Regardless of how well she can use a spear, I’m sure that none of us are pnning on letting anything get close enough to harm her. Not just us, but many of her cssmates as well. Since we joined in te, we weren’t involved in it, but apparently her css got together to find a way to take care of her. Lucky her, having her entire css ready to be her guards. It’s not just her css, but the school itself is preparing extra staff to keep eyes on the area. I’m sure that it’s not all just for her, since both the Twin Regents, as well as a foreign prince are participating in it…

  You know, now that I think of it, isn’t this whole trip a bad idea? We have a Duchess with no heirs, both of the heirs of The Empire, as well as a foreign prince, and many important noble children participating in this event. Isn’t this a recipe for disaster!? Why are this many future leaders of The Empire being sent into the woods to fight demons!? Unless they have the Magical Girl herself guarding them, why risk sending everyone out there!?

  Melody, I know that you are out there fighting demons and saving kingdoms, but can you please come with us? Please, only for two weeks! The world can wait for two weeks, right!? I know that she is out there doing important work like keeping the Demon Lord from coming back, but please help us!

  Melody

  ***

  “Quite a big order today.” The Owner of a familiar bakery said.

  “Yeah, I’m going to be far away for a while, so I wanted to pick some up while I still can.” I said, happily accepting the rge boxes of cinnamon buns and cupcakes.

  Having been annoyed for the past few days by Leiv, I was really craving something sweet. After handing over the money, I put the boxes away into my magical bag.

  “Really?” He asked. “What are you going to be doing out there?”

  “Oh, just getting rid of demons and keeping an eye out for the Demon Lord.” I lied.

  Truth be told, the church is doing that for me. As far as we can tell, the Demon Lord isn’t showing any signs of appearing. It might be because I’m getting rid of all the demons around here, but we can’t tell.

  “Well, we’ll miss you. And do your best to stay safe.” He said.

  “I will.” I smiled. What a kind man. Nissia’s lucky to have a dad like him.

  Waving to him, I said goodbye and took flight. Far into the sky, I turned invisible and headed towards the capital. It was a bit te, but still before noon. Luckily I didn’t have school today. Regardless, I made my trip quick. After all, I don’t regain my strength during the day!

  …

  After returning home, I turned back and turned myself in. 38 and the maids insisted that I rested before the trip, and I may have selfishly snuck off and flew halfway across the kingdom to go and buy some snacks. Let’s share the cupcakes and hope they go easy on me.

  Grayburne