Nissia

  ***

  Today was finally the day. Training with the Saint… Not just potential Saints like us, but the actual Saint! We haven’t seen her since before the dragon attack! And it's been much longer since we st spoke! To be honest, I’m kind of nervous to meet her. It’s been so long. What if she doesn’t like us? I’m not saying that she’ll hate us, but what if we just don’t get along? The game’s story already changed drastically given Melody and that dragon, so who knows.

  …?

  Something feels off… It feels like I’m forgetting something…

  “Is that her house?” Alice asked.

  “What?” I asked, snapping out of my thoughts. “Oh, well it looks like it.”

  “Do you think it looks better than in the game?” Jenna asked.

  “Probably.” Lidia muttered.

  “I think so?” I said. “I don’t really remember it.”

  It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen the game, so I have no clue if it’s accurate or not. Also, why were we at her house? Weren’t we supposed to be meeting at the Imperial Pace? Well, there were some st minute changes in our pn. For whatever reason, the Sitting Regents decided that it would be better for the Saint to be in her own home for our first meeting. Maybe it was for security reasons, but I’m not sure. Anyway it doesn’t matter, we’re here now.

  It took a moment for us to enter the residence, but our identities were confirmed and we entered the rge yard. It was nowhere near as big as the school yard, but it was still massive compared to any of our houses, even back on Earth. Soon we found ourselves in the garden near what looked like a small training ground for the knights. It looks like that is where we will be training. Also, as for our weapons, they were in boxes, guarded by the Shadows. From what Lloyd told me, there are at least two of them here. One that guarded them and one that guarded the Saint. Although given how important she is, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had more than one guarding her.

  “As I told you before, these are the Saint candidates.” Lloyd said.

  Ah, we’re being introduced. While I was zoning out, it seems like the Saint was being given the rundown.

  “I- I see…” She nodded nervously.

  Hmn? You know, I would have thought she would be calmer near them given the fact that she’s the Saint and all.

  …

  Now that I think about it, why didn’t they bother to try to get to know her? I mean, she was known to be the Saint since… Huh? When was she recognized as the Saint? In the game the event was at the start of the game, so… Why don’t I remember? Ah? Lloyd is gesturing to us. We should probably introduce ourselves.

  “I’m-” I started.

  “They’ve done a bit of training, but only what we’ve done in school.” Lloyd said.

  Welp, I miss read that one. Wait… training in school? Was… was she even there?

  “Yes, well I only transferred into the css this year so I suppose I’ll be in your care.” She said bowing lightly to us.

  “R-right…” I said a bit flustered.

  It wasn’t just me. Alice, Lidia, and Jenna were blushing. Being commoners, we weren’t used to anyone bowing to us. Huh. This is how it feels to be on the other side of this… I don’t like it. It makes me feel weird. Oh well. Let’s endure it for now…

  Evelyn

  ***

  A bit after noon, the carriage slowly came to a stop as we were allowed entry to Charlotte’s house. To be honest, I didn’t pn on coming today, but I was actually given an invitation by Charlotte’s family. They personally wanted to thank me since I bought her protective equipment. I don’t think it is a big deal, but given everything that happened recently in the capital, magical items for one’s protection were a bit rare. Not only that, but many of the people who made them are no longer around. Legality of the acquisition aside, it was a welcome relief to them that I happened to know a guy who has some.

  That aside, I didn’t come just for their thanks. I also had a delivery to make. Although if I’m being honest, I don’t know if it’ll be more trusted if it’s delivered by me or someone else. Well, at least with me she won’t be able to refuse it. Am I abusing my position? A little bit but let’s not worry about it. Having come to a stop, myself and Angelica were escorted into the garden. Seeing who was there I congratuted myself from preventing a sigh escaping my lips.

  Aside from Charlotte, who was with her family, I saw Lloyd and Lna as well as the Saint Squad and their guards. This wasn’t exactly unexpected since I saw the carriages, but it was still annoying.

  Also! For the good news, Angelica was getting better at walking! She still had her cane, but her back wasn’t hurting as much as before. So, that’s good.

  Ah? What’s 19 doing here? Shouldn’t you be guarding the Regents? Don’t you have too much time on your hands? Regardless of her presence, I ignored her and the other Shadows, as did Angelica.

  As we drew near, Lloyd, who was previously speaking to Charlotte, noticed me and became visibly annoyed. Thanks pal. Paying him no mind, I continued towards Charlotte to give my greeting. Arriving in front of her and her family, I gave a respectful bow.

  “Lords. Young Ladies.” I said to her parents, and then to Charlotte and Amber. “Thank you for your invitation.”

  “Thank you for coming…” Charlotte said, awkwardly.

  “Why are you so tall?” Amber asked, looking up at me.

  “Because I eat lots of vegetables.” I said.

  “So I can be tall like you!?” She seemed excited.

  “Amber!” Charlotte whispered, trying to calm her down.

  Rising, I saw that the Twins and Saints looked surprised at our interaction. The twins however also looked suspicious. Yeah, well I don’t know what’s going through their minds, but it’s probably nothing good. Luckily the Shadows don’t seem to be acting aggressive towards me. For now, let’s deliver the gift and go before anyone starts something. Holding out the long box, I handed it to Charlotte.

  “This is for you.” I said. “Hopefully it’ll help in the future.”

  “Ah-” She seemed to be a bit confused. “T-thank you…”

  Somewhat hesitantly, she reached for it and- ah. That guy is at it again. Stepping forwards to interrupt us was Lloyd. What a tool. Why doesn’t he go kick rocks or something? I hope he trips and falls on his face.

  “Ah!?” Lloyd uttered right before he face pnted onto the floor.

  ““Huh?”” Charlotte and I looked over.

  Laying face down on the floor was Lloyd. Did he just trip? … Did I cause that? Normally I would just say that this is a coincidence, but I’m a Magical Girl and sometimes girls who don’t have full control over their powers can have it leak and do things like that. It shouldn’t be leaking. Aside from the fact that I don’t feel it, I’ve been a Magical Girl for… Wow, it’s been like nine years if I include my time on Earth. Going by that logic, Melody is almost as old as Amber and Robbie. Dang. I really am lucky. I thought that maybe I would have my powers for five years at most, but nine years… I think that makes me the oldest Magical Girl out there. Oldest or longest serving? Well whatever, that doesn’t matter right now. Also, why isn’t Lloyd getting up?

  ““…”” Charlotte and I looked at Lloyd, who was at our feet.

  No one was moving or saying anything, so I’m not sure what to do. Carefully I looked around. None of the Shadows seemed to be acting to help, and their guards, which stood at a distance, were simply watching over this scene. Is no one going to do anything?

  Very carefully I poked the side of his head with my shoe…

  “!?” Charlotte looked at me like I was crazy.

  “…” I kept nudging his head. “Hey…”

  “…” Lloyd was quiet.

  Using a bit more force, I turned his head to the side and saw that his eyes were spinning. Yeah, let’s just leave him like that. Turning my attention back to Charlotte I opened the box for her.

  “Since you said that your sword was still good, I decided on getting this for you.” I said, revealing to her a decorated scabbard.

  Still a bit distracted, she turned her attention to the gift. It wasn’t too fshy for nobles, but it was eye-catching. In my opinion it looked like something the Saint would carry without looking over the top. It was a standard wooden scabbard covered in blue leather with a web of silver chains wrapped around it along with a few light blue jewels that matched her hair and eyes. Upon revealing this, 19 stepped forwards and closely inspected it. No, please look after your boss’s kid. It was a bit hard to ignore her as I expined its functions to Charlotte.

  “It’s enchanted to repair and sharpen your sword so you don’t need to worry too much about maintenance.” I said. “Although it has its limits. Don’t expect it to fix your sword if it’s broken in half or something.”

  “I see…” She said, stealing gnces at Lloyd.

  To be honest I could have made it so it does that, but given the fact I pn on giving her an orichalcum sword ter, I don’t want her current sword to st too long. That being said, since she’s just doing training, I don’t exactly expect her to actually face any danger just yet.

  Taking it from the box, I handed it over and she accepted it, gncing at Lloyd the whole time.

  “Should we do something about that…?” She asked, pointing to him.

  “I could hi-” I started.

  “If you were going to say ‘hit him,’ we are going to have some words.” She whispered.

  I feel like she’s trying to be assertive, but it’s not working. Mostly because of our height difference, so if anything, she looks like a little puppy, who just learned to growl.

  “Like, ‘good job’?” I asked in kind, hiding my true thoughts.

  “Evelyn, I worry for you…” She said putting a hand on my shoulder.

  Shadows aside, I don’t think anyone else heard us, and I’m not sure she even knows about 19 standing right next to us.

  “Regardless, this is for you.” I said. “It's more sturdy than it looks, so don’t be afraid to swing it around if you need to.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” She sighed at my indifference. “Thank you for this, and from before as well.”

  “We’re friends after all.” I said.

  “Right…” She nodded slowly.

  It still hurts to hear her so reluctant to say that. But whatever. I did what I needed to do. Let’s leave before I make things more awkward.

  “Good luck with your training.” I said. “It should be fine, but if there is anything wrong with it, tell me and I’ll have it fixed right away.”

  “Once more, thank you.” She bowed lightly.

  Nodding, I turned and walked away with Angelica following closely behind. As we did so, I thought about what happened. I asked for Lloyd to trip, and he did. Could that have been my fault? I don’t think Dark magic has a physical form. Well, I did manage to make a small fme before, so maybe it can? Thinking about that, I boarded the carriage.

  Charlotte

  ***

  As she walked away, I felt my heart lighten. I know that she calls me a friend, but it’s hard to believe her when she literally looks down on me. Why is she so tall? Also, wasn’t that going way too far!? Why did she kick Lloyd’s head!? Okay, well it wasn’t actually kicking him, but still! I wanted to throw the scabbard away, but something told me that it was a bad idea. Holding it tightly, I looked at Lloyd.

  “H-hey, are you alright?” I asked.

  This would be bad news for my family if one of the Twin Regents was injured here. Why did he have to come here today of all days!? And with the so-called Saint candidates no less! Evelyn already has a bad reputation! What would happen if word got out that she kicked one of the Young Regents in the head!? She’s crazy!

  “Can I see?” Amber asked at my side, pointing to the scabbard.

  “Um, yeah.” I said handing it off to her. Why is no one helping The Young Regent?

  Having said that, as soon as Evelyn was out of sight, one of the Twins’ guards appeared next to him and picked him up.

  “Talks about you needing training and can’t even watch where he’s stepping.” 17, I think, said.

  “He really tripped on nothing.” 38 said, appearing next to me.

  “I’m more worried about this.” Another of these shadows said, appearing next to Amber.

  “It’s cool.” Amber said, showing it off as if it was hers.

  Just how many of these guards are around here?

  “Is there something wrong with it?” Dad asked, worried.

  “Opposite of that.” The unknown guard said. “The quality of this thing is incredible.”

  “Is that bad?” Mom asked.

  “No.” She shook her head. “It’s just… where did she get this thing from?”

  “Could it be something from her family’s collection?” I asked.

  “No, it’s newly made. Likely a custom piece.” She said.

  “I see.” I nodded.

  It’s amazing she had it made in such a short time for me. I suppose being a Duchess helps.

  “Is that-?” 38 started.

  “It is.” She nodded.

  “What is it?” Amber asked.

  “Orichalcum.” She answered. “So much of it as well.”

  “I see.” I nodded.

  Orichalcum must be rare. I guess being a Duchess really does help.

  “Is it expensive?” Amber asked innocently.

  “More than you can imagine.” She nodded.

  “Well, she is a Duchess after all.” I said.

  “Yes, she is…” She nodded.

  I feel like there’s more to it than just a rare metal, but I’m too scared to ask. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. As Evelyn herself said, “The less we know, the better.”

  “So…” The Young Regent Lna, started. “I think we should do the training some other time.”

  “R-right…” I nodded.

  Now probably isn’t the best time to train, especially since the guy who is supposed to be leading us is out cold. I really hope we don’t get bmed for that…

  17

  ***

  It’s suspicious… Looking at all of the evidence we collected, I couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary, and yet it’s all suspicious. All of the documents we had were from our own collections, as well as letters exchanged between Lady Eytell and the Regents. From the looks of things, she is just an unfortunate child with an extremely fortunate connection with the Regents.

  Lost her parents when she was young, rescued from The Dark Woods, met the Regents at a tea party, and then came under our protection. The one who was protecting her was 38 and from our evidence she and Lady Eytell had a great retionship, however when asked about it, 38 had nothing but compints about her. We already know that our memories regarding The Young Lady were unreliable, but why her specifically? What is it about her that someone wanted to hide, or change?

  Aside from the issue of succession, no one would benefit if she were to be removed from the Empire. Even including succession, the only one to benefit would be the Regents themselves. Could it have been the demons? Unlikely. She isn’t a Saint, and as for her magic, well, she’s not powerful at all. The only reason she was in the Academy was due to the Regents, however why they did such a thing is still unknown. The headmaster was in on it as well, but he is no longer around to be questioned.

  “Why her…?” I asked.

  Looking at all of this, I sighed. This is getting me nowhere. Maybe I should take a break…

  Gokarul

  ***

  Being revived, I faced the Great Demon Lord Mollmithin alongside the other Demon Generals.

  “SO. DRAGONS DIDN’T WORK.” I said. “WHAT NOW?”

  “I know that this is not exactly your style…” Lafayette sighed. “But how about we simply attack them without openly challenging Melody?”

  “HMN…” I thought about it. “SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING COWARDS DO.”

  “Why…” She hung her head in shame.

  Lafayette. She is one of the Demon Generals, and one of the more cowardly ones. She’s all about surprise attacks and out of all of us, she looks the most human, because she used to be one. Putting aside her horns and thin tail, she could walk openly with them if she wanted. Apparently she’s a succubus, and given how she calls herself “sexy” and “irresistible to men” and has never fought anyone, it’s obvious that she has some sort of self esteem issues. Honestly it’s pretty sad. She’s pathetic. She’s also bottom of the barrel when it comes to Demon Generals. Everyone better has already fallen by Melody’s hands. So, her cowardice is understandable.

  As for myself, well, I wasn’t a top pick either, but I was far from the bottom. Especially since I can come back after death. If it were just the Saint we were dealing with, I’m sure that I alone could beat her and her followers. However, Melody is here, and well… There are only five Generals instead of the thirteen there were supposed to be.

  “Given recent events, I think we should look at all our options.” The Great Demon Lord Mollmithin said. “Tell us, what would your pn be?”

  At that, we turned our attention to her.

  “Well…” Lafayette said, not exactly pleased with all the attention. “I could charm some humans… Get them to attack the Saint when Melody is away.”

  “Do you think the Saint is unguarded?” The Great Demon Lord asked.

  “She probably has guards…” She frowned.

  Even with Melody around, the Saint is far too important to the humans to simply leave her unguarded. Anyways, hearing that, The Great Demon Lord sighed.

  “Does anyone else have any ideas?” He asked.

  ““““…”””” There was a great silence.

  “WE COULD-” I started.

  “We are not openly challenging Melody.” The Great Demon Lord sighed.

  “SHAMEFUL…” I shook my head.

  ????

  ***

  Slowly, I became conscious. What happened? Where am I? I couldn’t feel my body. I couldn’t feel anything… I tried to move, but there was no movement to be made.

  “Where…?” I spoke, but my voice felt distant.

  There was no one around me. I couldn’t see, but I could feel. Across the world, I felt the presence of people. Some were warm, some were cold, and yet some were warmer than others. These warm people drew my attention, and from the warm people, I felt one who was incredibly warm. There were four other people simir to her, and yet even with all that warmth, there was something unsettling… One of those people near her was cold. She was so cold… I remember this feeling. This is the Enemy. The one who did this to me. The betrayer, and so close to those I call my own. My children, my Saints… I need to do something. But I couldn’t move. I need to warn them. But I couldn’t speak.

  Please, wait for me. I’ll save you…

  Grayburne