''Attention!''

In an instant, the crowd's murmuring stops entirely. The announcer, who wears a neat vest and holds the emperor's decree, clears his throat once more.

''Heed the imperial decree!''

Usually, when an imperial decree is relayed, everybody present must kneel, but this is Astra Square, and it is crowded. By the way, I have to commend their choice of location.

Astra Square was neatly destroyed just a few days before, but thanks to the imperial family's effort to preserve their image, it was fixed in less than a day. Now, they even hold the hero designation ceremony in this very place as if to show off their vitality.

I'm not an Astra citizen nominally, but this somehow makes me feel patriotic all of a sudden.

Though, I'm quite worried about Claire over there, whose body has never stopped trembling. I mean, she did get called over without prior notice, and her personality is a bit shy... unless no one mentions that cursed Silaerob.

As the heroine clumsily gets on one knee, the announcer continues to read from the scroll.

''Firstly, I want to send gratitude to every citizen of Astra who became the pillar of our great country. Thank you for not giving up, for persevering against unwanted calamity.''

''Today, I am delighted to inform you that the holy sword has found and acknowledged its owner.''

''Claire, a spirited young lady of Astra Academy, who has shown remarkable ability and is bearing a heart of gold, would surely become the ideal heroine we need.''

''I, Kaiser Kassius Astra, hereby recognize Claire as the rightful owner of the Moon Devourer and the brave heroine who will guide us to prosperity.''

Following the short declaration, a sizeable cart—covered in a layer of red cloth—is pushed toward the center of the plaza, where Clarie is. A synchronized 'Ooh' comes from the crowd the moment Moon Devourer is released.

Basking in the gentle sunlight, it exudes a mysterious and almost ethereal aura, as if not from this world. It's quite a mesmerizing sword. Still, I've seen that one too many times from all the runs I've done, so I'm not as impressed.

It will look better in the moonlight, though, ironically.

''Take this.''

''Lady Luminous?''

Standing beside me, Nydia tilts her head in confusion as I hand her a pair of sunglasses. Looking at her while putting on a pair myself, I can't help but feel a bit salty.

Normally, I would be thrilled to see a beauty of this caliber, but this little rat...

In the end, what exactly made Aurora so... smitten with this woman? Is it because they are both birds? Is that it?

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

One is a raven, and the other is an owl, though, so it's not like... no, maybe it is?

...Does Aurora like this type of wifey-wife girl? Really? Someone as eccentric as her would prefer a template-like woman like Nydia?

I've never felt so tilted before.

''Eh—hyah?!''

Well, at least I can now see her getting flashbang-ed. You deserve that, sneaky bitch.

''Hah...''

Turning back to Claire, who has pulled out the sword with a proud expression, I grimace amidst the cheers. Maybe it's time for me to go overly aggressive.

Even if it risks Aurora's comfort, I can't ignore it anymore. My heart desperately needs her, and I will do anything for it.

But my reasoning falters the moment I remember the situation we're in. By any definition, Aurora is a prideful girl. Even back on Earth, when she was being ostracized by bullies, she stood her ground firmly.

She was like a proud swan.

Such a girl has suddenly tasted a painful defeat... well. I guess I can wait a bit more for her to stabilize.

In any case, now that Claire has obtained her signature weapon, I'd expect her strength to skyrocket. That sword is quite broken, after all. Moreover, now that she is the hero, my position will elevate greatly as well.

Because I snatched her early.

The more influence and power I have, the better.

----------------------------------------

Even after returning to my room, I can still sense the commotion outside.

Claire will be treated as a national celebrity from now on, which will be favorable for us. That's that, but... is Aurora alright?

She started her conquest last night, so she should have switched to this side since it is now eight in the morning. I can still feel my connection with her, so she is certainly not in danger.

Gazing at Peln, who is sitting neatly on the couch, I discover that, at some point, she has been munching on potato chips. That's... not Aurora, yeah.

But when did the snack get there? I could swear I saw her sitting still earlier...

Why is this girl so suspicious all of a sudden...?

''Oh.''

With a slight noise, the owl maid's aura completely changes.

''Chloe.''

''Welcome back.''

Hearing the familiar, emotionless voice, I can't help but smile. She is usually sharp, but sometimes she can be quite silly. For example, when she clumsily finishes the rest of the bag after realizing that she is eating...

''I assume it went well?'' I say as I sit beside her.

''Yeah. I got it.'' Aurora confidently replies. ''South is now ours.''

''That's a relief.''

''I got a sword teacher as well.''

''Oh? Is it the boss?''

''Mhm.''

Aurora seems genuinely excited, which is quite precious for me. Just looking at her slightly perked lips—those pinkish and delicious-looking lips make me go crazy. It doesn't help that her fluffy wings are unironically trembling in contentment as well, bringing her charm to a whole different level.

''I have a new friend, too.''

''Hm?''

Now that I think about it, she gets new horror gacha attempts for every new piece of territory gained, doesn't she? I hope she pulls something broken, like the Backrooms, this time around.

Judging from her slightly dazed state, as if daydreaming, I suppose she is quite satisfied with whatever it is. I mean, she doesn't even react when I lean on her, heheheh...

''Do you want to see it?''

Aurora's eyes resembled those of a child eager to show her favorite toy. I find this childish side of her endearing. When she makes that face... I can't help but be mesmerized.

It's a bit immoral, you know. Seeing her, who is usually stoic and seemingly apathetic, expressing such vibrant emotions. And she only does that to me. The feeling of monopolizing her like that is addicting.

''Sure.''

With a foolish smile, I accept Aurora's offer right away.

Very quickly, she teleports us into the cave and leads me through the door connecting the real world and the Backrooms.

''Here it is.''

''Why is it in a separate room—oh.''

My feet freeze.

Standing solely in the middle of the room is a stone statue of an angel. Its serene face exudes a subdued and holy feeling, and even its hands are clasped in prayer, appearing benign.

Yet, I can't hold myself back from gulping.

Goosebumps.

This... thing. It evokes an eerie feeling that even I can't explain it well enough. What... what is this?

''Ah, keep staring at it.''

Right then, Aurora's voice sounds beside me.

''Otherwise, it might snap your neck if nobody is watching.''

My legs give out.