When Leon returned past the afternoon, he raised an eyebrow.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

I waved a hand, "...no, it's nothing."

I looked away from his curious gaze as I felt a little ashamed. The last thing I wanted him to know is how double-faced adults can be. So, I set a glare at Fei who's lazily sitting at the windowsill to enjoy the wind.

He noticed my gaze, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes.

'Thanks for the meal.'

'Shut the hell up, you sicko!'

The messages were exchanged. I could only sigh, then I looked at myself (who grudgingly accepted the role of dress-up-doll), then finally at Leon. He's become quite independent now. He even bought some supply and things that can help me a lot around my period.

Gah... now that I think about it, my stomach is churning.

"Sis, lunch will probably arrive soon." Leon reported as if waiting for the cue. "In the meantime, I intend to collect more information."

He nudged at Fei and the Black Hero nodded silently. Huh? Usually, you two would fight without reservation...

"Did something happen while I was sleeping?" I asked as I noticed the subtle change.

While Leon sweat dropped, Fei is being Fei. He shrugged lightly and answered to my question.

"Well, Charlotte... We've gone out of the kingdom for more than a week. Two members of Royal Family not reporting back meant many things for the Court."

Hoh. Does that mean...

"Are we being searched?" I asked again.

"More like headhunted. The number of knights spread across the land are doubled and the village is held under strict night curfew. These guys are desperate." Leon sneered in disdain.

Yikes. That doesn't sound good.

Fei glanced at the window. "It's the move the kingdom would take. Vagnalos are too important for them, especially 'Vanity' since Raumia relied solely on it as its strongest battle asset."

They'd even put up a bounty as long as they can regain what is theirs, Fei finished with a deep exasperation.

But that pieced the puzzle together.

"Hn... so the one that wanted to hunt me down is probably the Royal Court too, huh?" I put a hand under my chin.

This might be bad... As much as I'd like to live peacefully, I annihilated a squadron of knights, including a Royal Knight in my kill count. At the time, I wasn't sure of how many I killed but a deserter probably existed.

If words traveled to the ears of nobility, I'd probably be blamed as a rebel. Worst, I will be executed or handed to another Vagnalos for my judgment with my position as a Fragmented Soul.

...ugh. I overdid it this time...

"...lotte? Charlotte!"

"Hue? Ah, yes?"

Snapping back from my thoughts, I found Fei staring at me with concern. He knelt down, taking my hand, then said.

"It's fine. I won't let you be harmed."

Uh...!? Wh-what dazzling smile...! I can even feel my body shivering and my heart furiously thumping just by hearing that chuuni-esque line!

But it's super effective! I can feel my cheeks reddening and my mind becoming mushy... NO! Stop it already, me! The last thing I want is a relapse and even if I'm a girl, I can't just fantasize over all of the sweet nothings Fei threw at me!

So I cleared my throat with a balled hand covering my lips, and after washing my head off any dirty thought, gazed back at Fei. Hmph...! I won't be defeated so easily! Here's my comeback!

"Oh? Then how are you supposed to deal with this?" I asked with a slightly haughty tone.

Fei stood up, a confident grin was shown.

"For the time being, it is to gather information. As much as I wanted to break all of my ties with Raumia now that I'm free, I cannot do so with carelessness. It will be even more of a hassle considering what you have done." Fei explained.

Ow. He didn't have to remind me that.

He continued, "But that doesn't matter. Charlotte, you are a direct descendant of the Augmund household right?"

Uh...? I nodded down and Fei did the same.

"Then it's impossible to even think my position will help us. The current head of the household - your grandfather is not someone to be trifled with nor he is a man of great virtue. He would take offense if the Court pursues a topic related to his family and he'd rather want to deal with you personally if all else failed."

Ueh!? I have a grandfather!? Or rather, doesn't he sound like he's easy to be pissed off!? And what kind of nobility house did mother come from to even cause Fei acting so cautiously?!

"...wait. How come he didn't notice my presence in the kingdom?" I replied upon further realization.

"You're a student of Leimburg Academy. Overall, your status is not a full-noble and with the insignia, you are recognized as an official member of a neutral, politic-free ground. Though it can't be said the same now." Fei answered, then he raised two fingers. "So - I have two ways to solve this, but I decided to gather intelligence first."

"...you're pretty quick to plan things out... Let me guess, one of them is entering the school ground?"

Fei's smile widened.

"Yes. Even for the Ruler, to interfere directly with the Academy's affair meant Raumia will be accused of large treason among all the kingdoms in Human Territory. Worst, in case they still decided to interfere, your cause will be considered as just and self-defense in the eyes of other kingdoms." He answered readily.

Hoe... I didn't know that. When I thought of how things will go, I thought it'd be hopeless.

"Did you even think at all?" I asked out of reflex. More like as an afterthought but I was curious.

"I'm not one called as a Hero only for show. How hard do you think it was for me to rally thousands of knights under my banner for the forts siege?" Fei remarked. "I'm one of the kingdom's machinations. If it led to such outcome, then I will just present the proofs to make the accusations completely true."

Ah, yeah... I learned that from recent history class. At least I know that you didn't go gung-ho every time, and preferred to reduce casualties on your side much more. Well, he's proven his worth. I should at least praise him since he refused to abandon me... Or rather, that's how things must go, right?

But I don't want to spoil him so let's do this in MY way.

"I'm counting on you then, my knight." I said.

The Black Hero nodded. "Your will is my command, my sweet and tomboyish Princess."

Gah! Back to that nickname again!? You're the worst! Wait, what about Leon-?!

Eek! He's in Cold Fury-mode! His aura is even bursting in freezing light resembling azure flame!

"Well, we're off." Leon said as he left the room first.

Fei took out a cloak, draping it over his body to cover himself. Now all I could see was a suspicious person with only the lower part of his face exposed.

"Uwaa... there's a shady person over here." I gave a comment that caused him to shrug his shoulders.

"The least I can do is to hide after all. As a combat-purpose Homunculus, I am not equipped with espionage skills." Fei answered curtly.

Haah... Even if you used that kind of wording, I'm pretty sure you didn't care about your appearance. Heck, if it's unnecessary, you'd cast it away the same like you did with your arm.

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"...still..."

It reminded me of that day. When I woke up, I was cradled by him, and was forgiven so easily that it seemed so unreal. Why would he do that? Isn't it fine to hate me? I just killed your entire vassals and supporters in this cruel kingdom, you know?

"...are you thinking about the First Order?" Fei asked as if he read my mind.

I smiled bitterly. "Can't I? I don't believe I should forget every single deed I have done by my own will."

Fei lowered his eyebrows, the obsidian grey eyes flashing hints of sadness that I couldn't stand to recognize. Yet the boy - Fei pursued the conversation further.

"It wasn't your fault. You and they... you all were just placed in the wrong circumstances." He tried to reassure me.

I shook my head, "Even so... I massacred them, you know? Several hundreds of people, all with cold blood."

I gazed down, my clasped hands that rested on my lap trembling once I recalled the sensation again. Cold sweats like no other seemed to cover the hands and I felt my shoulders were incredibly heavy to move around.

It wasn't pleasant at all. And I started to recall something trivial often mentioned by my best friend on Earth.

It's like I'm the Bloody Mary, the one that killed hundreds of members of the Anglican and invited the Great Spanish Armada to Britain's water. While I didn't know exactly why but I'm committing the same deeds. The same... mass murders.

"Charlotte."

When I realized it, Fei's hand already laid on top of mine. I rolled my eyes, catching a gentle smile that seemed to welcome me no matter how dirty I'd become.

"It's fine." He said. "No matter what, I will be by your side. I'm right here for you."

"...Fei...?" I gazed into his dull grey eyes.

"I'm sorry for being unable to reach you in time. I know you're in pain but all I could do is only to weave empty words." His smile turned sad for a moment.

It was as if he was saying 'I'm truly not cutout as a knight' without much thoughts. But…

He's wrong. The one at fault is me. If I were stronger, I could pick the path without bloodshed. If I were not getting ahead of my own and committing myself fully to the task, this wouldn't have happened...

"But now is different." Fei uttered as he pulled my head in to his chest, embracing me from the side. "Now I'm right here. I can be with you. There's no need for you to suffer alone any longer, Charlotte."

...so he said. Selfishly stating those cheesy words while giving me the warmth my heart desired.

Even though I didn't want to be comforted like this.

Even though I've decided to not rely on him to protect me.

Even though what I wanted is to be helpful for him...

"...this... is wrong..." I murmured softly, almost inaudibly to even my own ears.

Yet the Black Hero continued to hug me, persisting on easing my regret with the passing moments. There was a scent that comforted me coming from him, enough to make me lose myself.

"It's okay. Whatever thing lying ahead of us... I won't let you go. I won't let you go, Charlotte..."

My hands stopped trembling, and I had the urge to return his embrace. Even so, I didn't want to, because I don't believe I have the right to do so. I'm scared if I will continue on becoming a burden for him, and I'm scared if I would become overly reliant.

Then, the dark-haired boy whispered.

"Charl. Please let me be selfish, even if only for this once."

...ah...

"...you're... so unfair..."

My eyes felt hot, and I - chose to embrace Fei tightly.

"...you're so... unfair... Fei..."

Despite my wish to stay strong. Even though I hated myself so much for my own weakness...

You just had to crush my shells with exceedingly simple phrase. How the heck are you supposed to take responsibility for all this mess now...?

"I don't mind. As long as I'm together with you... I don't mind how unfair I become."

Truly. I fell in love with a troublesome man.

Ugh... as I thought, my current circle of friends is way too abnormal that I can't rest peacefully...

That didn't sound right. It's not like I'm going to die anytime soon.

"Well, let's throw aside the depressing and complicated stuff..." I muttered and settled down to make sure I can comfortably sit on the bed.

Once the two boys went off, a short time later and a woman with an apron entered. Apparently, she's the proprietor of the inn and she was smiling widely as she handed a tray of meal to me.

I thanked her for her generosity but she said she felt bad for me. I wondered why but it might be related to Fei if not Leon. Then she brazenly left to return to her duty and told me to shout out if I needed help.

"At least she's kind. Common people practically have more decency than nobles around here." I nodded down, then I scanned my left side.

There. I found a sword sheathed with white sheath leaning against the wall. From this position where the bed was so close to it, I think I can stretch my hand to grasp it.

And so I took it. Ugh, it feels heavier. Is it because I'm still recuperating? Ignoring my problems, I stared at the Relixia Arma in my hands.

"...Radiata." I called out as the sword glowed from the hilt to the tip of the sheath. "...you're even active despite being sheathed? I'm surprised."

The sword glowed brighter than earlier as if he was looking down on me. Okay, okay... while this one isn't like Derflinger, I can somehow understood what it conveyed to me. Even though it spoke before… could it be related to my poor skills in utilizing it?

"Still, it's unexpected. Not only can you store memories and Soul Essence, you even have a mind of your own." I murmured.

Radiata's glow faded and flashed several times.

I nodded down, "Yes yes, I know you're great and all but can you stop with the lengthy explanation? I need help here."

The light Radiata emitted dimmed to the point of nearly transparent. I smiled bitterly as I can't help to hear various people yelling at me with what I'm going to do. My own sword included.

"It's fine. The way I am now, I can't help him. I can't fight with everyone in this state." I traced my hand on the surface of the blade.

Radiata became silent. Silent as in there was no light it produced. I couldn't really tap into his mind but I know it is contemplating.

Then a blink of flash appeared, and my complexion brightened. I feel somewhat energized, but something is slipping off my grasp. Uwah, that took quite a large amount of Essence...

"...thank you." I whispered as I held the hilt, and drew the sword.

I glimpsed the silvery-white blade decorated with a line of Runes. The enchantments I carved seemed to remain so I guess they were a success.

Well, the ones I put are only storing Elemental Runes carved by my classmates. I asked them including Alia since I can only carve a fire elemental Rune with my affinity. Then again, if left alone, the enchantments would vanish.

"So... what am I supposed to do?" I asked Radiata which glow shone brighter.

Hmhm, using memory to tell me what to-do. You're a very impressive sword albeit slightly underwhelming.

I nodded and raised a finger. Then I ran it across the blade of the Relixia Arma, causing red line to appear. My blood leaked and rolled down the sword.

But the red line vanished in moments. The sword must have absorbed it—

'Contract established. I will now bring you to your Spiritual Realm, Charlotte Augmund.

My consciousness was cut in that moment.

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

When I opened my eyes, I felt wind striking against me. Striking since it was blowing hard as if trying to push me back. I covered my eyes with my arm as I tried to make out what's in front of me. Once the wind died down, the dust settled in and I could finally see my surrounding.

"...this place... is..."

A golden field. A meadow filled with wheat, illuminated by the light of dawn and with the cloudless sky spreading above me.

"You are here at last."

I looked to the right at the new source of voice unfamiliar to me.

And I was surprised, "I-Iris...?! Wait, why are you... here...?"

I gaped as the woman with the impression as if she came from the future smiled at me. A sword of gold and white held in her hand, her triangular ears twitching once in a while.

"Well, I'm just a lingering thought sealed inside of Radiata. I guess you could say this is my last remnant of existence." Iris explained casually.

What... it can do that...? Isn't that like, amazing...?

"Eh, then how are you... Oh, forget it. So where are we?" I asked since I was familiar with this place.

Very much so. And I wondered how I can enter this place when I'm not dreaming. At least I think I didn't dream of this place when everything went black.

"Well, I guess this place is the reflection of your soul?" Iris tilted her head. "The closest thing you remembered. The place you believed equally important with your life is this place. The origin of your existence or something."

...so that means...

"Looks like our Original has a nice taste in remembering a place for date." I remarked with a grin.

"As you said. It's a place beautiful enough that it cannot be compared." Iris agreed with me.

But then, she raised her sword.

"...Iris...?" I blinked once.

Somehow, I sensed something. The air is tingling and the wind stopped beating.

"Charlotte, do you desire power...?" The fellow Fragment asked.

...that question...

"I do." I answered.

"Even if it will shorten your lifespan even more?" Iris asked back.

"At least my life will be more memorable. I prefer to die with satisfaction than with regrets." I replied.

The Divine Beast's late sister nodded deeply.

"Your determination is astounding. If so, draw your sword." She told me.

Huh? But I don't have... Eh? Since when did I wear this combat dress again? Also, I even have Tyrfingg with me...

"...got it." Forget it. Let's just do it and get done with it.

I unsheathed the sword and wielded it with both hands. Posing a stance, I set my sight on my other self.

"Charlotte, I will remind you first," Iris muttered, "This place is forged from your soul's earliest memory. Here, what I will teach you is not strength or new skills."

Then, what is it?

Iris smiled wryly, "It's memories. I intend to have you inherit all of my battle experience."

"...Isn't that the best thing for me?" I asked as if she just told me something I had expected.

However, Iris shook her head.

"No. You might remember it. Your head might learn common techniques. But your body will not." She denied my statement.

...does that mean... I cannot fully replicate the techniques?

"Isn't that useless if I don't practice when I'm awake?"

"Yes, but we don't have time."

I heard a crack. I quickly glanced around, and saw a part of Iris' leg cracking as if it was glass. I widened my eyes as Iris chuckled.

"When you inherited all of my battle experiences, I will dissipate and my Fragment can finally meld in with yours completely. My lingering thought is by far, the shortest-lived one so I'm going first." She explained

Wh-what…!?

"B-but–you're here! I can talk to you, Iris! I still…! I still have many questions to ask to—"

"Charlotte, you have come here even at the risk of losing your life to pave your own path. Is this the correct time for you to stop and look back?" Iris cut my words off.

So easily, as if she was chiding me. There was nothing but decisive resolution which prevented me from saying any further. And… I sucked my breaths in.

"'Don't pity the dead. Only pity the living' - a wizard once said this right?" Iris smiled warmly.

I… that's… That is just… unfair…

"Why do you have to recite Dumbledore's words?" I asked with a half-hearted pout.

"Blame your nerdy best friend for introducing me to a myriad worlds of wonders." Iris grinned impishly.

Damn. Haru, just how far are you going to haunt my life? Someday, I'm going to find you, punch you black-and-blue and castrate you.

"Now let us begin, Charlotte Augmund. My first lesson: Find your own way," Iris steadied her sword tip at the neck level, setting a glare on me.

The hairs on my back stood up, alarmed by the murderous intent oozing from the Beastman Princess. No... she's not an ordinary princess, but a Sword Princess. A person who once wielded a Cursed Weapon, fully capable of pissing off the previous ruler of Raumia which was said to be the Worst Tyrant, and still trolled him further by killing herself; disallowing him from obtaining a Fragmented Soul.

In the face of such opponent... If I let go of Tyrfingg, if I get distracted just by a moment - I am dead for certain.

Then... "Find my own way... is it? Got it, Iris Ispelia Waltzen."

Reinforcing my body, I readjusted my breathing intervals and prepared for the worst. I nodded down, signing up for this strange training. Iris responded with leak of exhalation and—

"Here I come!"

The woman vanished, replaced by a flash of gold that engulfed my entire world.