The air is stagnant and the atmosphere reeks of looming death. The soil is extremely desolate and dead. Leafless trees with colors of ash stand here and there while the wind that carries neither odor nor freshness blows over us.

With just one glance, one can see that the whole place has been corrupted to the point that there is no life beside us who arrived here a day ago.

It’s the corruption made by the God Eresti, the one who created the devil and by just being in contact with this defiled land, I can feel my guts churning for the reason I am a transcendental being with opposite nature to it.

Unlike everyone who I came with here, I am a little struggling to breathe and move. I would have never thought that this will be a huge drawback from being a transcendental being.

Through Violetta’s warp, we were able to take refuge to Gria’s fortress, however, Merissa ship, S.S. Iowa, cannot be warped as it is too big to fit into the warp gate. However, we haven’t met Gria even once yet here.

Undead, demons of many clans and our groups are all gathered here. Ichirou and Hasu went to scout while Susanoo is clearing and eliminating devils from the surrounding. Higan and the twins are scouting in the air while in divine ascension. We cannot make any decisive move yet as we wait for Violetta and…our group’s potential force…reduced by a huge percentage.

Alstroe wasn’t able to come with us. Bacarra not coming is one thing, however, Alstroe was unable to come with us…because of Cecille’s abduction.

Dylan, the Arcana of Sloth, left a letter for her, for Alstroe to follow. He forbids Alstroe from leaving Nanab Harbor Town. If she is going to leave, she is to head to the icy mountains to the north. It was a condition he made to make sure Cecille is safe.

We don’t know how strong this Dylan guy is but, if it what Higan said about his power is true, which deflects every physical damage, then Alstroe’s attack will be most likely rendered useless.

Suddenly, the Order of Arcana’s motive becomes even more unclear to me. I can’t think of anything why would they stop us from progressing much if they have the same goal as us? Or so that is what I want to assume. I feel like I am back to square one because Nil’s does some random acts again.

Does Nil want to show that there’s a line between us, Eresti, and his group? Does he want to keep this battle three sided?

“Nil…what…are you really planning? I want to know what you wanted to protect the most…”

“Master! We’re here.”

I was sitting outside and was staring the desolated land. A construction was on going so I have to steer clear from the fortress’ main gate and have to find a place I can think alone.

As such, I found this side of fortress wall where there’s no devil in sight and clear from everyone’s view. I was told to prioritize my own safety. No, it was everyone’s priority because of my power however it feels a little uncomfortable.

I am here, doing nothing even though I want to. We cannot rush things even though we have little time left. My body is not suited for heavy labor and I cannot use varying degrees of magic. Instead of help, I might just be a disturbance so I felt like staying put in one place would be the wisest.

And now, the two, Mimi and Topaz who is always with each other, shows up with a troubled expression.

“Geez! Master, don’t go off all by yourself! I am going to be scolded too you know!”

“Asagao, what are you doing?”

As they spoke, they proceed to nonchalantly sit beside me. Mimi to my right and Topaz to my left, they both stared at the place I am gazing at.

“Nothing. I feel a little vexed and frustrated but nonetheless, I am fine.”

“Is that so, Master? Niyahaha! By the way, Master, I find things a little weird…”

“Such as?”

“That Violetta woman, she reeks so much power. She can use that warping thingy, right? If she does, why won’t we just warp at the passage instantly?”

“For some reasons, she cannot bypass the place, especially around the perimeter of the passage. Eresti must have erected a barrier around it…”

“That’s dirty…he knows we are coming and immediately prepared that!”

“It was expected.”

“Gaaaaah! Nothing to do! I am bored! Let’s do something! With Topaz and you!”

“Don’t be like that. I’ll play with you all you want after we make sure that this world is safe.”

“That’s definitely a promise, you hear that, master?!”

“Yes! What about you, Topaz? You look rather cheerful.”

I turn to look at Topaz to see that her face is cheerful than usual.

“Eh…yes. I feel really comfortable here.”

“Is it because this is the place you are born?”

“Hmm…might be. However, I think I can be cheerful too even if I am not here.”

“That’s a positive thought.”

“Are we…going to be fine?”

“Of course.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Topaz looks at me with eyes full of curiosity. It seems that there are mixed emotions going through her right now. That’s natural since her very essence is divided into two, a sentient being that comes to love this world and a devil who roam across the land and kill people out of mere order from their god.

Somewhere in my heart, I feel like it will be dangerous for Topaz to be here, no less, in battle. I came to care for Mimi as well even though she is a real pain.

I want to do everything I can to save this world, however, I am human inside and I have morals and desires of one. Hypocrisy is human’s friend. Thinking like this, I feel like I am finding justifications to my selfish actions in contrast to my selflessness.

I raise my hand and directed it to Mimi. Mimi immediately knew what was about to happen as the spectral chain that connects me and her bounded by a master-servant contract.

“M-Master…that’s!”

“Mimi, heed my order, by my name, Asagao Lionheart, I command you.”

“……”

“Never leave Topaz alone and protect her at all cost. If you can, find a way for the two of you to survive. You are to prevent her from going near the front line.”

“MASTER!”

From my command, a blue light from my hand flows towards Mimi’s chest where we are connected. She tried to protest but because my order is absolute, she wasn’t able to. She can only sprout a surprised face.

The order is imprinted and the chain that connects us disappears again as the blue light fades.

“Master…why?! I want to…”

“Mimi, I am selfish too sometimes. Higan and the twins, I cannot stop them even if I want to. They are determined and ready to risk their lives. So, somehow, I want to assure that, you and Topaz will be spared from this.”

“You’re just messing around! You made a promise to me! I will be by your side to protect you so we can see the world together, right! Why are you doing this to me now!?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying I am confident to live all through this because there are people committed to protecting me. I am saying this because I am committed to protecting everyone! That’s why I want everyone to trust me.”

“Haaa…! This is the reason everyone said you are too reckless! I stand corrected, you are insane! I thought at first that you are interesting and fun to be with but, I didn’t you are this much of a daredevil!”

“Sorry for that.”

“I have feelings too you know! I get sad and worried!”

“You are much cuter that way.”

“No one asked for your opinion! I can’t even laugh this off…”

“Well, I’ll try to make up with you later.”

“I can already foresee how terrible of a master you are. I am going to protect Topaz even if you just asked me normally too. After binding me to a contract, my instincts, no, my mind has been clear of my primal instinct.”

As if resigning from defeat, Mimi breathed an exhausted sigh. I am really sorry for being this selfish and selfless. I am contradicting my wishes to my desires but I feel much better than trying to hide them.

“Asagao.”

“What’s wrong Topaz? Are you hungry?”

“Buh…I am not always hungry.”

This was unexpected! Topaz is not hungry?!

Her cheeks inflated in anger making a really adorable pouting face. I laughed a little at her really cute reaction but I washed over the feeling to lend her my ears as she wanted to say something.

“Sorry, what is it?”

“Asagao…I was thinking ever since yesterday when I talked with that woman in violet.”

“Oh? Thinking of what?”

“Of what I am supposed to do…honestly, I still don’t know.”

“Well, it’s not an easy answer to acquire.”

“Yes…that’s why…Asagao, can you tell me about that girl. The girl everyone has been mistaking me for, Milin…”

“T-Topaz…”

It’s…the first time she showed interest to someone. Regardless of anyone will say, I myself am compelled to believe that this, even though just a small step, will make her grow. I feel a little proud of Topaz about it.

“I-I won’t try to be like her! I just wanted to know what kind of person she is. You look so fond and happy whenever you talk about her.”

“That’s fine. Topaz is Topaz. You are still growing and trying to be accustomed to this new world of yours. Honestly, I can’t still forget about Milin whenever I look at you. Even so, I am certain that everyone is gradually accepting you regardless of your disposition and origin.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Not only Mimi and I but everyone is.”

“Ehehe. I want to hear your story about her after everything so please Asagao, stay safe. I…I love you!”

“T-that's…what…do you mean by that…?”

“I love you! You are like big sis Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.”

“That huh.”

That made me skip a beat for while there. So it’s a familial love, huh. I am happy that she thinks of me like that.

“Mimi love you too Asagao! Right, Mimi?”

“Huh, eh, yeah…I love her too. I mean I love Asagao too.”

“Ehehehe!”

“I wish a certain Fox won’t get angry at me…”

The two went quiet and returned to staring at nowhere like me. Even though the sun is not even visible above the ghastly clouds colored with ashen darkness, the two dozes little by little until their head fell over my shoulder.

Waiting is essential here but I want to do something right away. I can’t stand the thought that even here, even with the situation I am still treated as a VIP. I know I am somewhat a princess or something but…still…

I wonder what Alstroe is doing right now. Did she charge to the icy mountain or did she stay in the town? That’s a silly question. Of course, she will head over to the icy mountain without questions. It is Alstroe we are talking about, an impulsive idiot…

Damn…

I am so worried. I am so worried that I feel like my hair is turning white. Wait…it is already white, a lively white that can never ever be mistaken as an old man’s white hair.

Being aware of it, I guess people back in our world would kill for this kind of beauty. Or I am going to get abducted and what not. It’s scary to think of it…

………

Hmm…?

“Master, this presence!”

“Yeah. Violetta has returned.”

“Yes. And together with her is…”

“I know. Let’s go greet them.”

“Yes!”

Mimi immediately noticed it. After waking Topaz up who grunted from being awakened from her slumber in my numbing shoulder, we head inside the fortress.

.

.

.

“Geh! Mimosa!”

“Aha! Aha! Ahahaha! I am here!”

In the Fortress Meeting room, together with Violetta is Senya and Mimosa. Senya smiles at me and waves her hand for greeting. She dons a battle dress that is lightly garbed with a breastplate, gauntlets, steel plated boots, and a steel pleated skirt. She still seats in her wheelchair but the air she gives off is someone who is battle ready.

However…on the other hand…Mimosa, the dragon kin with white scales…is wearing her iconic thick glasses and the white lab coat, she wears nothing that can be connected to war…

Mimi runs towards Senya with her short fluffy tail wagging left and right.

“Miss Senya. It’s good to see you well!”

“Have you been a good girl, Mimi?”

“Yes!”

“I see. Good girl.”

Senya gently brushes Mimi’s head with a soft expression. However, contrary to Mimi’s festive mood, Topaz is scurrying away from Mimosa. I feel like steering clear from Mimosa’s sight too.

“So, Senya, what are you two doing here?”

“I heard from Miss Violetta everything. Since there are enough capable leaders in the forces on the west side of the center continent, I took the initiative to greet the people in the south of the center continent.”

“West?”

“Yes. The west side is composed of the Fairy Kin army, the resident of the fairy mansion, and the dragon army led by an arcana magician too, Miss Priscilla. Well, to be honest, I am no match against her impregnable will and ferocity in command.”

“That’s Priscilla alright…”

“I take that back. I feel uncomfortable around her…Well, about her commanding skills being superior to mine is true.”

“That’s Priscilla alright!”

That gives me a little assurance.

I was trying to ignore it but…I can see Mimosa’s wry smile directed at me. At times like this, I know that she has something in mind. All the time, when I was working part time under her, she would do this annoying smile whenever she wanted to test something!

Since I cannot ignore how annoying her smile anymore, I turned my eyes to her and tiredly asks.

“Yes..yes…what is it, the great Mimosa.”

“Bwahahaha! You really couldn’t resist such curiosity!”

“I am not really curious…”

“Well then, without further ado, I am going to show you something incredible!”

“Right…”

Mimosa excitedly summons her dimensional storage…

What came out from it are…tons of dress!! Frilly and full of ribbons! What the hell?!

“What the hell is that?!”

“Fufufu. My ex-apprentice, this is all dragon fiber dress! It may not be on par with yours but, these are all high quality made by me!

“No…I am talking about…why is it all…looks like this?”

“I’m sorry, Asagao. I told her to make it look like normal…”

Senya interjected with conflicted expression as Mimosa showcased her new creations.

“Now! I made enough for you, Higanbana, Casablanca, Hibiscus, and even Topaz! Oh, of course, I made one for you Mimi!”

“EEeEEeeeh?!”

What Mimosa showed us are all…clothes that you would usually see…in those magical girls show. Colorful, filled with frills and ribbons, and all cute…however…it seems that she wants us to wear this!

Who would wear this in an actual battle?!