Orson

  ***

  “Lord Regent.” 19 said.

  “We need to have a talk.” 17 continued.

  Sitting at my desk te into the night, I sighed. Yet again, there was another problem… First was the window, and then the avoidance, and then the letters about my kids spying on her. Now what’s the problem!? What did they do this time!?

  “Let me hear it…” I sighed.

  “I know we were told not to interfere and that it is not our pce to make requests of you, but please call off the twins.” 19 said.

  “Despite their attempts, they’ve only succeeded in pushing Evelyn away and I fear their most recent attempt may encourage her to leave the country.” 17 added.

  “Surely it can’t be that bad?” I asked, skeptically.

  Despite what it may seem, Evelyn is a very patient and forgiving person and my kids are reasonable. They wouldn’t do anything so outndish to cause her to leave. I hope not at least…

  “For the past three weeks, she’s been sleeping at the watchtower because they posted lookouts to monitor her house.” 17 said.

  “They also forced their way into her house along with her brother, leading to a confrontation.” 19 said. “That was five days ago, and she only returned to the capital tonight. And not to her house, but to the tower.”

  “!?” I looked at them in arm.

  Why did no one tell me!?

  “Bring her here immediately!” I said.

  “No.” 17 said. “She needs some time to rest. From what we heard, she hadn’t slept since she left.”

  “Y-yes. Of course…” I said.

  I wasn’t expecting a ft out refusal, but the reason is valid. If she had been up for multiple days again, I wouldn’t want to disturb her in her rest.

  “When she’s properly rested, please bring her to me.” I said. “And in the meantime, bring the twins here. I need to have a word with them.”

  “Yes.” 19 said.

  “As you order.” 17 bowed.

  Without saying anymore, the two disappeared from my sight. Not even sure that they had left the room, I sighed. Lloyd and Lna… They are reincarnations. They said that they went through schooling far beyond what we have here… Having people watch and follow a child? Forcing their way into her house? Were they not taught common sense? No, I can't bme their past lives. They must have learned that behavior here from somewhere… Is this my fault…?

  No, that's impossible. I haven’t done anything… No. I should tell her about the memory wipe. No, I can’t… If what they said was true, Evelyn may be ready to leave the Empire entirely. Her learning about that could be the final push. I’m sorry Evelyn, but this is a secret that we must keep…

  17

  ***

  Early in the morning, I entered the watchtower. As expected, she was there. Tucked into a corner on a mattress on the floor with a bnket covering her, was Evelyn. Seeing her like this I couldn’t help but sigh. I know that I should be happy since now she is at least using a mattress, but still. She should be sleeping in a real bed. Walking to her side, I took a seat next to her and pced my hand on her shoulder.

  “Huh? 17” She lifted her head.

  She’s gotten good at telling us apart. I didn’t even say anything yet.

  “Sorry to wake you so early.” I apologized.

  “It’s okay.” She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Are there demons?”

  “No, it’s another matter.” I said. “The Regents wish to speak with you.”

  “Oh…” She sighed.

  Perhaps due to just waking up, she was unable to hide her displeasure. Considering how much trouble their kids have been giving her, I’m not surprised.

  “They want to apologize for the Twins' actions.” I said.

  “Yeah yeah, I get it.” She said.

  Although she nodded, she didn’t exactly seem happy about it, not that I bme her.

  “Not only that but they want to have a talk about your family.” I said. “Mainly Young Robbie.”

  “Yeah…” She sighed again. “Is there any way we can just forget about it and move on with life?”

  “Not since he said it in front of the Twins.” I said. “They haven’t said anything at school, but they talk about it every night. Not only that but they want to investigate the actions of Lady Barbra.”

  “I don’t think other nobles would like that.” She said.

  “They won’t but you’re different.” I said.

  “I know.” She once more sighed.

  Seeing her like this, I couldn’t help but pce a hand on her head. 38 said that this helps her, though I feel odd being the one to comfort her. Regardless, she seems to appreciate it. After a moment, she looked at me.

  “So, am I going to school today or straight to the Regents?” She asked.

  “To the Regents. They have dealings with Melody today.” I answered.

  “Got it.” She nodded, transforming. “I’ll head over right away.”

  “Wait.” I quickly stopped her.

  “?” She looked at me.

  “Answer me honestly.” I looked her in her eyes. “When's the st time you ate?”

  “…” She frowned and looked away.

  With a fsh of dull light, Evelyn returned. Why is she so reluctant to take care of herself? No, well, I suppose she does the bare minimum. I just wished she did better then just the minimum.

  “Come on, let’s get you breakfast.” I said.

  “Okay.” She nodded.

  Following me closely, we made our way to the little kitchen that we had prepared here. Given how often she comes here, we made sure that there was food here so she would have no excuse for not eating when coming here. As one might see, it’s only partially successful.

  Regardless, I have her sit down and I make something quick for her. It’s been a long time since I’ve cooked for someone, so it isn’t my best work but it's better than leaving her hungry…

  Melody

  ***

  Flying into the Imperial Pace I saw the Twin Regents departing in a carriage to the academy. Still invisible and carrying 17 with me, I headed to the familiar open window in the upper levels. Once inside, we reappeared and another Shadow closed the curtains. Following the usual procedure we headed down the usual path. Although things were slightly different this time. Not that anyone but myself could tell.

  “Bedrooms, dining halls, kitchens, offices, and every other important looking pce, right?” Raven asked.

  “And some in the hallways.” I replied in my mind. “No one should be able to see you, but be careful. Don’t want anyone catching us.”

  “I’d hate to be caught after all.” She said, flying off silently.

  What’s this? Why is Angelica- rather Raven here and what is she doing? Well it’s simple. In order not to be tricked by the Regents again, and to keep an eye on the Shadows and twins, we’re doing a bit of spying. Isn’t that a bit creepy? Absolutely. But if I want to stay here as Evelyn, especially if this world wants to kill me, I need to keep my eyes peeled. Because of that, I have various, let’s call them “cameras” observing The Empire. Well, not just the Empire. The nearby kingdoms have them in their castles and paces as well. That includes Levi’s family as well. Four brothers and six sisters? He sure does have a big family. A lot of them are weird as well, but knowing him I’m just gd that they aren’t obsessed with me. Speaking of Levi, he won’t be here for long. He’s returning home, although I wonder if he’ll get there before or after he has a new little brother. But enough of that.

  As for how Raven is carrying the cameras, well with the guidance of Orion, I managed to make a small crow sized magical bag for her. It's nowhere near as good as the one's Uncle provided for me, but it's good enough for items that don't rot or need to be kept at a certain temperature. Anyways, as Raven is off doing her thing, let’s see what the Regents have to say.

  …

  Moving inside the pace, I eventually made it to Orson’s office. Inside were himself and Alyssa. Hiding my devious thoughts, I greeted them with my usual enthusiasm.

  “Hi!” I waved to them with both hands. “You called?”

  “Ah, Melody, you’re earlier than I thought.” Orson said, standing up to greet me.

  “Didn’t want to keep you waiting!” I said. “So, you need help with anything?”

  “Rather, there are a few things we need to talk about, your brother being one of them.” Orson said.

  Yep, that figures.

  “Firstly, we would like to apologize for the actions of our children.” Alyssa said.

  “Oh, well, yeah, they have been a bit annoying recently.” I sheepishly admitted.

  “Y-yes. For that we’re sorry.” Orson said, troubled.

  Ah they’re surprised? This isn’t their normal apology. Looks like this was really bugging them. Rather, it's more likely that they didn’t expect me to admit it was a problem. With all of the annoying things that they’ve forced on me, and the halfhearted apologies they’ve given me, why worry now? Hmn…

  Maybe they realized that I know about the memory wiping thing? No, that’s unlikely. They would have said something by now. For now, let’s keep their attention on me. I don’t need any wandering eyes accidentally catching Raven.

  “Don’t worry about it. Kids will be kids after all!” I lightly ughed it off.

  “Well…” Alyssa gnced at Orson. “We know that you don’t accept rewards for your deeds, so I hope you’ll accept a gift as an apology.”

  A gift? I don’t need anything, rather I don’t need anything that they would willingly give me, so I’m not exactly sure what they can offer me. Still, it’s probably best for me to accept it. They might feel some sort of weird debt to me and interfere in my life even more otherwise.

  “I mean, sure I guess.” I said. “Although I don’t really need anything.”

  “You might find something surprising or eye-catching at the very least.” Alyssa said, seemingly relieved.

  Looks like that was the right choice.

  “If you will, please follow us.” Orson said.

  “Okay!” I said.

  Although I expected to leave the office, the two moved from the desk to a bookcase built into the wall. Could this be a secret tunnel!? Pulling a series of books on three of the shelves, there was a small click and the bookcase moved! That is so cool! I wanted to tell Raven, but let’s not interrupt her just yet.

  Heading into the hidden tunnel, we moved through some dimly lit stairs somewhere in the lower levels of the pace. I wonder if I can do something like this in my house? … Nah, I already got my secret base so I don’t need- Wait a second! It’ll be a decoy base! If for whatever reason someone searches my house, they’ll find the fake base and not even think about my actual hidden base! What a great idea! I am so smart!

  …

  Continuing down the stairs, we entered a part of the building that I didn’t know existed. Rather I thought it might exist, but to think that it actually exists… A hidden armory, no, a vault? Aside from various weapons and armors, there were books and lots of gold and silver, gems and magical tools. Lots of expensive looking things were here. Maybe they want me to pick something out?

  “Here we are.” Orson said. “Our hidden storage room we’ll call it.”

  “I didn’t know that something like this was here.” I stated the obvious. “Is this like a panic room?”

  “Should something terrible happen, yes, although not once in the Empire’s history has it need to be used for it's original purpose.” He nodded.

  “I would hope not.” I said.

  Although this pace is cool, it wasn’t exactly a comfortable pce. There were a few benches, but nothing that made this pce look like it could be lived in for a long time. Maybe this is like a fake safe room for them, like I have pnned for myself? Regardless of my thoughts, the Regents led me and 17 through the “storage room.” Eventually we came across a very rge and heavy looking door. Aside from the obvious locks, there were magical locks as well along with various traps.

  Assuming that all the Demon generals are around Gokarul’s level, I don’t think a single one of them would be able to break through. Maybe even the Demon Lord himself would have trouble getting through this. So, to put it pinly, this is a very secure door.

  “Here we are.” Orson said. “The vault.”

  “Sounds expensive.” I said.

  “Yes, it very much is.” He nodded. “Although before we continue, I would like to ask you a quick question.”

  “Alright, let’s hear it.” I said.

  “Could you open the door?” He asked.

  “Isn’t it locked?” I asked.

  I could very easily break through, but I don’t think that’s such a good idea.

  “Yes it is locked, but…” He seemed to trail off and avoided eye contact.

  “?” I looked at him confused.

  Seeing this, Alyssa sighed.

  “Truth be told, the key was lost many generations ago.” Alyssa said. “One of the previous Saints took it when fighting the Demon Lord of her time and it was lost in the battle.”

  “Oh.” I said.

  “It would be a big help if you could open it for us.” She said.

  “I mean…” I gnced at the door. “If I force it open I don’t think the door could be used again.”

  “That’s fine by us.” Orson said. “We have other safes we can keep the treasures in, and aside from us here, very few people know of this room. So it’s already secure.”

  “I mean if you want me to I can…” I said.

  “Please.” Orson said.

  “Okay.” I said. “Stand back I guess…”

  Still not exactly sure this was the right move, I put my hand on the door.

  “?” I paused.

  Wait a moment. Flying up to the top of the door, I put my hands on the door frame itself. Pushing a bit, my hand dug through the wall. Once I was in, about my elbow deep, I reached the other side of the door. Reaching down I grabbed the top of the other side of the door. After getting a firm grip, I pulled the door out of it’s pce. Laying it on the floor, I looked at it and nodded, my curiosity being satisfied.

  “Yep, that's orichalcum.” I said.

  ““Orichalcum!?”” The Regent’s said.

  “Not the whole door, but it looks like some sheets of it on the inside.” I said, peeling a part of it away from the door.

  It was about half an inch thick, although it is significantly less purified than what Gokarul used to try and trap me. Still, it’s a good amount of it. Considering that it was used for the door, I wonder what’s on the inside. Ignoring the door, I peered inside the vault.

  “Oh, that looks expensive.” I said.

  “Some of those tools I’ve only heard in legends.” 17 said beside me.

  “Do you know what they are?” I asked.

  “Some of them and only by name.” She answered. “It was said that they were incredibly powerful and some were even gifts from the goddess. Although I’m not sure how much of that is true.”

  “Do you think one of them unlocks the door?” I asked.

  “Why would that be in there?”

  “It would be the safest pce to keep a key.”

  “And how would you get it if you need to open it?”

  “Use magic to get it out.”

  “You know, sometimes I forget how powerful your magic is.”

  “I am very strong!”

  “Yes you are.”

  At my proud words, 17 patted my head as we waited for the Regents to stop being distracted by the Orichalcum pting. I know that it is a big deal, but they do have a guest with them, so it's a bit rude to just be ignored like that. Eventually however, they seemed to come to their senses, and their eyes returned to us.

  “Forgive us.” Orson said, gncing back at the orichalcum. “Bad manners on our part.”

  “It’s okay.” I said.

  Honestly despite my earlier words, it was rather impressive that they returned to normal so soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if that door was the most expensive thing in the Empire.

  “So, what’s in here?” I asked.

  “Hopefully something in here that you like.” Alyssa said.

  “I mean maybe…” I shrugged.

  There really wasn’t anything that I wanted. Well, nothing that they can give me at least. Entering the room, I gazed at many magical items and tools that were lined up on stands and shelves. Swords, staffs, spears, bows, gold and jewels were everywhere. Some of the weapons did look nice, but I don’t think I want to use something so fshy. And also, I just made my own spears so I don’t want to put those to waste.

  For a few minutes I looked at the items, occasionally 17 gave expnations of what she thought were the histories of the items. Eventually I came across a big pearl looking thing.

  “What’s this thing?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure…” 17 inspected it.

  It wasn’t a pearl, as we could both feel traces of magic on it, rather from it. Also it was with other magical tools, so it would make sense if it was some sort of tool as well. But what exactly? Approaching it, I picked it up as the others watched. After all, if it was something dangerous, I might be the only person who could deal with it. Looking at it closely, I shook it but nothing happened.

  “Hello?” I knocked on it.

  “I HAVE AWAKENED!” A blue shimmering human shaped spirit emerged from it.

  This spirit wasn’t big. I’ve seen dolls bigger than it, although this one did seem to be somewhat powerful. I looked at him curiously before turning to 17 who seemed to look at him with suspicion.

  “What is that?” 17 asked.

  “Oh, you see him too?” I asked.

  “Of course I see it.” She said. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Well, I thought that maybe it was one of those things where you can only see him when you’re holding it.” I expined.

  “Are there artifacts that work in such a way?” Alyssa asked.

  “It’s a big world out there.” Orson said. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”

  “Are you really just like ignoring me?” The little spirit asked. “Not cool.”

  “Ah, sorry.” I said. “I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t suddenly develop schizophrenia.”

  “Nah dude, that’s cool.” He said. “Do I need to, like, know what that is?”

  “No dude, there's like, no need to worry about it.” I said. “Anyway, I’m Melody. Who are you?”

  “Greetings Melody. I am Styx, the Lagainu.” He said.

  “What’s a Lagainu?” I asked.

  “I like grant wishes, man.” He said. “Three of them with some rules.”

  “Oh, so like a genie?” I asked.

  “If that's like a Lagainu, then yes.” He nodded. “So, what brings you to me?”

  “Firstly, when you like say three wishes, do you mean like per person or like three wishes every few years?” I asked.

  “Every few years man.” He crified. “With a few exceptions, but don’t like worry about it. It like never really happens.”

  “Thanks dude.” I said.

  “No problem, my man.” He nodded.

  “Hey, this guy is like really valuable.” I turned to the Regents. “You should probably keep him. Also very dangerous, so be careful.”

  “How dangerous?” Alyssa asked, worried.

  “You can just like wish to rule the world or kill anyone you want and it’ll be done.” I said.

  “Surely that can’t be true?” Orson asked, very concerned.

  “The first one, yeah I can like do that.” He said. “Although I can’t kill anyone directly anymore.”

  “But you can like wish for a notebook or journal that’ll kill anyone who’s name you write in it.” I said.

  “Yeah I can like do that.” He nodded. “Is that your wish? Do you want that?”

  “Uh, no. That was just an example.” I said.

  “That’s cool.” He nodded and crossed his arms.

  Why is this guy, like so chill?

  Anyways, turning back to the Regents I gestured to Styx. “See? Very dangerous.”

  “I’m like super powerful.” He nodded in agreement.

  “He seems very…” Orson couldn’t quite continue.

  “I’m sorry, but he’s a bit weird for my liking.” Alyssa admitted.

  “That’s cool.” Styx said. “Call me weird. Its not like I care man.”

  The way he said that makes it seem like he actually did care.

  “Yeah, I’ll just like, fuck your mom and give her a kid that she’ll actually love.” He said. “Would you still call me weird then?”

  “Language.” I gave him a warning.

  “Sorry dude, sorry.” He put his hands up in surrender. “I’m like, in front of a kid. I should know better. My bad.”

  “So, anyway, he can be like very useful if you know how to like make the proper wish.” I said.

  “…” Orson gnced at Alyssa, who was giving Styx the stink eye, before turning back to me. “Do you want him?”

  “… Sure.” I reluctantly agreed.

  Well, just to make everyone feel at ease, let’s go ahead and use my wishes right away.

  “Okay, so I get three wishes, right?” I asked.

  “Yes and no.” He said. “I like, can’t actually grant wishes from you.”

  “What?” I asked. “What not?”

  “You got, like, the blessing of an outer god, and that’s like way outside my sphere of influence man.” He expined.

  “Oh, I can fix that.” I said.

  Quickly transformed back into Evelyn. As opposed to 17 and the Regent’s who were covering their eyes, Styx was looking right at me.

  “Dude, that was sick!” He said.

  “Yep!” I agreed. “So, how about now?”

  “Yeah man!” He said. “Just like make a wish.”

  “Okay!” I nodded. “I wish my canine teeth were really sharp!”

  “You got it.” He snapped his fingers.

  Feeling a change, I opened my mouth and felt them with my finger.

  “Sharper.” I said.

  “Is that good?” He asked after some adjustments.

  “Sharper.” I said after a test.

  “Okay… How about now?” He asked.

  “Sharper!” I repeated.

  “Okay, you know what man, first wish over.” He said. “Next wish.”

  “I wish my canine teeth were super sharp!” I said.

  “Okay fine.” He said a bit annoyed. “Are they sharp enough now?”

  “I wish my teeth didn’t hurt me.” I said, cuts and blood appearing in my mouth.

  “Done.” He said. “Okay now your third wish for real now. No jokes.”

  “Right…” I nodded.

  Swallowing my blood, I thought about what my third wish should be. This is a gift, so it should be something selfish… In my silence, a wish did come to mind, although I hesitated to ask it. Well… The rules are probably the same as gene’s rules but there’s no harm in trying.

  “I wish…” Although I already decided on it, I couldn’t help but hesitate. “I wish I can talk to my parents one more time…”

  “Sorry kid.” He apologized. “It’s against the rules to bring back the dead, even for a moment.”

  “Right…” I nodded.

  In that case, let’s go with a safe wish.

  “How about this one?” I said. “I wish that demons won’t hurt anyone anymore.”

  “Sorry again. I like can’t mess with the very nature of this world.” He once more apologized. "That's a big no no."

  “That too huh?” I muttered. “Okay well-”

  “MAGICAL GIRL!” Gokarul’s voice sounded out, again really loudly.

  “Again!?” I asked.

  “I HAVE RETURNED AND ONCE MORE I CHALLENGE YOU!” He said.

  “I’ll be right back.” I sighed.

  Handing off the pearl-like thing to Orson I once more transformed into Melody. Time to beat some Evil…! Again…!

  Grayburne