Chapter 330: Winged Heavenly Being Subjugation — Interlude (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 330: Winged Heavenly Being Subjugation — Interlude (4)
White snow bloomed across the rows of trees lining the courtyard.
I sat on a bench with Dorothy, the two of us passing the time in quiet conversation. I had already heard that while I was unconscious, Luce had spent a great deal of time sparring with both Dorothy and Alice. It seemed she was still pushing herself through a rigorous training regime.
“Her talent is among the best in the kingdom. She’s bound to become incredibly strong,” Dorothy remarked.
“Yeah, I expect so.”
Lick. Lick.
Dorothy was happily working her way through an ice cream cone.
“By the way, aren’t you cold? Why eat ice cream in the middle of winter…?”
“You just don’t get it, President. Ice cream is best enjoyed in the freezing cold.”
Dorothy raised a finger triumphantly as she explained her logic. I didn’t quite follow, but if Dorothy said it, I figured that was just how it was.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked.
“Well… you know.”
It seemed Dorothy had been waiting for me to bring it up. She glanced down at her ice cream with a meaningful expression before finally speaking.
“Can you tell me what happened in the Nether?”
I knew she’d ask eventually.
“The truth is, ever since you came back, a lot of things have been popping into my head,” she continued.
“Huh?”
What does she mean by that?
“President, did you meet… me?” she asked, staring intently at me.
Under the brim of her witch’s hat, her usually mischievous eyes had turned uncharacteristically serious. Taken aback by the sudden question, I swallowed hard.
“A lot must have happened, right? I mean, obviously.”
“Yeah. You could say that.”
Come to think of it, back in the first loop, Dorothy had told me not to worry about her going out of control. There was something I needed to check.
“Senior, can I hold your hand for a moment?”
“Huh? All of a sudden?”
Without waiting for an answer, I took Dorothy’s hand and closed my eyes.
Perhaps it was because I had once reached the realm of transcendence and wielded starlight mana; even though I could no longer control that power, I could still sense it.
It’s calm… and refined.
It was astonishing. I could faintly sense the starlight mana belonging to the Dorothy from the first loop. I recognized it instantly because I had wielded that very power myself. It was wrapped tightly around the current Dorothy’s starlight mana, acting as a safety anchor.
She really won’t lose control now.
I opened my eyes and let out a quiet breath. The remnants of the first loop Dorothy’s mana had flowed into the Dorothy standing before me. I didn’t know the exact mechanism behind it. Perhaps since Lucifer the Morningstar once used the power to reverse time, the remnants of the first loop Dorothy’s mana that had lingered within me had finally returned to where they belonged.
It was easier to accept it that way.
I was certain now. This was mana that no longer carried the risk of going berserk. The great catastrophe Dorothy had always feared had been averted.
“Nihihihi! President, did you just want an excuse to hold my hand?” Dorothy teased, likely trying to lighten the mood after seeing my grim expression.
“Senior. I’ll tell you everything.”
“…Okay.”
I laid it all out for her. I told her about the message left by the Dorothy from the first loop and the events that had transpired in the Nether. I also assured her that there was no longer any chance of her power spiraling out of control.
Throughout the long explanation, Dorothy listened with rapt attention, never once interrupting with a question.
“So that’s what happened…”
“Does it make sense?”
“It’s complicated, but I got the gist of the important parts.”
When I finally finished, she pulled her witch’s hat down low, shielding her eyes.
“So that’s why you were struggling so much, President.”
“I was just… really worried.”
It was all over now. There was nothing left to do or say on the matter.
“I see…”
Dorothy remained silent for a moment. Suddenly, she shoved the rest of her ice cream into her mouth and stood up abruptly. After swallowing the frozen treat, she clutched her head in pain from the brain freeze, groaning for a second before taking a deep breath and shouting at the top of her lungs.
“Ah, it’s so sad!!”
“…!”
Her fists clenched, and her roar echoed like a storm across the courtyard.
“S-Senior?”
Dorothy stood over me, looking down. Her lips were trembling as if she were on the verge of tears. She looked genuinely pained. Suddenly, she leaned down and pulled me into a tight hug, her soft cheek pressing against mine.
“W-why so suddenly…?” My voice trembled in surprise.
“Are you trying to make me sad all the time? Do you want me to die of a broken heart?!”
“Huh? No, of course not…”
I had no idea why I was being scolded. Dorothy released the hug, placed her hands firmly on my shoulders, and looked at me with a tearful yet determined expression. Her eyebrows were knit together, making her look fierce.
“Today, you’re staying with me. I’ve got a lot of pent-up emotions! I’m going to hug you and spoil you until you can’t take it anymore!”
“All of a sudden?”
“Tell me what you want to eat. I’ll buy you everything! Let’s do everything you’ve ever wanted to do today. I’ll grant every single one of your wishes!” Dorothy pleaded earnestly. “Just let me do something for you, please…!”
“There’s really no need for all that…”
For some reason, Dorothy’s expression shifted. She narrowed her eyes, glaring at me.
“…President, why did you just have a dirty thought?”
“Stop reading my emotions! You should have chosen your words more carefully, Senior!” I protested, glaring back.
Maybe it was because of the "stimulation" from Luce the night before, but I had ended up having an inappropriate thought without realizing it. It was beyond my control. It was easy enough to read someone else’s mind, but having your own mind read was incredibly embarrassing.
Even if you read my mind, at least have the decency not to say it out loud!
Suddenly, Dorothy’s gaze darted around nervously.
“It’s f-fine. I don’t mind. You think I’d be scared? We’re all adults now. So, w-what should we do first?”
“Let’s just stop this…”
Dorothy seemed to have steeled her resolve in a completely misguided direction.
*
“Fascinating. Truly fascinating…!”
As promised, I met with Aria Lilias in her research lab at the top of Hegel Tower to tell her about the events in the Nether. She said she had been eagerly waiting for the story ever since I lost consciousness.
Seeing such a passionate reaction from Aria was a first. I hadn’t known she was capable of getting this excited, let alone smiling like that. Aria used telekinesis to record my story, a book and pen flying across the page at high speed.
“…?”
Wait.
“Did you just write that in the first person?”
“…What are you talking about?”
Aria, quickly regaining her composure, nonchalantly feigned ignorance.
“You said ‘Good,’ didn’t you? You dropped your formal tone just now.”
“You misheard.”
I remembered hearing something about this from the Hegel Tower staff. Apparently, Aria thought ending her sentences in a clinical, detached manner made her seem more rational and intellectual. It seemed that in her excitement, she had momentarily forgotten the persona she worked so hard to maintain.
She closed the floating book with her telekinesis and tucked it into an elegant case.
“Anyway, what are your plans now?”
“You’re just going to let that slide, huh…”
Better not push it.
After a brief moment of thought, I answered with a smile. “The plan remains the same. I have to defeat the Evil God.”
Aria stored the case in her safe using telekinesis and stared intently at me. The sunlight from the window illuminated her emotionless face.
“Isaac.”
“Yes.”
“I am on your side. If you need help, you need only ask.”
She adjusted her glasses and offered a kind smile.
“Thank you, Teacher.”
*
“We will now begin the Märchen Academy graduation ceremony.”
As winter break drew to a close, the subtle signs of spring began to emerge. Most students who had left the academy during the break returned directly to the second campus. Their belongings had already been organized and moved by the faculty.
The second campus was located in the heart of the continent, far from the original island campus. Following the large-scale relocation, the graduation ceremony was held in the central plaza of the new campus, where flower petals fluttered through the air.
Dorothy Heartnova, the top student of the third-year class, stepped onto the podium as the representative to deliver her speech.
“…We swear here today, as members of Märchen Academy, to contribute to the advancement of the world.”
Seeing Dorothy—who had swapped her witch’s hat for a graduation cap and robe—was unexpectedly moving.
As the ceremony concluded, the plaza erupted into life. Filled with gifts and bouquets, the area was crowded with families, underclassmen, and graduates all taking photos together.
“President, I’m graduating first!”
Amidst the crowd, Dorothy used her starlight mana to float several bouquets around her. she flashed me a V-sign and smiled radiantly. Beside me, Luce wore a sulky expression.
“Congratulations, Senior. You’re officially unemployed now,” I joked.
“Finally leaving, huh? It was annoying having you around. Let’s never see each other again,” Luce added.
“Nihihi! You cheeky brats are being obnoxious, aren’t you?”
Dorothy seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.
“And for your information, your Big Sis here is only graduating early. I’ll still be staying at the academy for a while. I’m not leaving for good.”
“…Tch.”
“Nyahaha! Look at you clicking your tongue! So annoying!”
Dorothy pointed at Luce, who turned her head away in disappointment, and laughed heartily.
“Hey, Baby.”
“Oh, Alice.”
Alice Carroll, also dressed in a graduation gown, approached us. She, too, was using telekinesis to carry several bouquets. Dorothy and Luce glared at her, but Alice simply smiled and looked at me.
“Here, take this. I was busy talking to the former student council, so I’m a bit late giving it to you.”
“Oh, thank you.”
I handed the bouquet I had been holding to Alice, and she accepted it with a soft smile. Unlike the others, she didn’t use telekinesis to float my flowers; she held them dearly in her arms.
“It’s beautiful… I’m so happy. Thank you.”
Alice blushed, her smile innocent.
With bouquets everywhere, the scene was more stifling than beautiful. As expected of the two most popular girls in the academy, they had received an overwhelming number of flowers.
“How cliché,” Luce muttered.
“Tch, vixen,” Dorothy added.
“I can hear you, girls,” Alice chirped.
When Dorothy and Luce continued to glare and make snide remarks, Alice just laughed and lightly scolded them. I wondered if these girls would ever actually get along. Could they even be friends? I couldn't tell, so I just offered a wry smile.
With the four of us gathered, the attention of the surrounding students naturally shifted toward us. Neither Dorothy’s friends nor the student council members serving Alice dared to approach, choosing instead to watch from a distance.
“So, you’re graduating too,” I said.
“Yeah, thanks to you, Baby,” Alice answered, still gazing at the bouquet I gave her with a flushed face.
I recalled the time we had fought with our lives on the line. Originally destined to die during the 「Alice Subjugation」, she had somehow survived and was now standing here in her graduation gown. A smile crept onto my lips. Seeing Dorothy and Alice graduate together warmed my heart.
“Hey, Baby. Lend me your ear for a second.”
Alice leaned in close and whispered so softly that even Luce couldn’t overhear. “Do you want to live together, Master? I’ll serve you for the rest of my life.”
Her sultry tone and warm breath tickled my ear, sending a shiver up my spine.
She’s way too good at flirting.
“…I don’t accept freeloaders.”
I pushed Alice’s forehead back with my finger. She let out a soft “Ah” as her head tilted back, but she quickly smiled playfully while rubbing the spot.
“Isaac, what did she say?” Luce asked suspiciously.
“She just told me a funny joke,” I replied vaguely.
“What did you say, Alice?” Dorothy demanded.
“Nothing special. Oh, Dorothy.” Alice smiled and approached Dorothy, linking arms with her.
“What are you doing?!” Dorothy flinched, but Alice didn’t let go.
“Why don’t we move in together?”
“What?!”
“You’re staying here anyway, right? I thought it would be nice if we lived together. I think I could handle being around you.”
There was something off about Alice’s behavior.
Come to think of it…
From what I had seen, Alice always stepped in to mediate whenever the girls I was close to were about to fight, trying to maintain some semblance of harmony.
She’s almost like a mother figure.
But those two in particular never seemed to get along. Yet, from time to time, Alice would approach Dorothy nonchalantly, showing a strange kind of affection. Was it some form of grudging fondness?
“Nihihi,” Dorothy laughed. “Have you gone crazy? Why are you spouting such nonsense? Since when did you ever like me?”
“Oh dear, how pitiful… Our lovely Dorothy can’t seem to understand even when I’m being nice, can she?”
Ah. Is she suggesting they live together in case Mephisto attacks?
Even so, I couldn't imagine the two of them sharing a home.
“No! Why would I ever do that?! Get away from me!”
“Such a cute reaction. Hehe.”
Dorothy bristled like a hissing cat, trying to wrench her arm free, but Alice held on tight. On such a beautiful day, it seemed neither wanted to escalate to using magic, so they just struggled physically. Their squabble looked like a normal argument between two young women, making their reputations as the two powerhouses of Märchen Academy feel completely irrelevant.
“So, what are you two going to do now?” I asked.
Dorothy and Alice stopped their tussle and looked at me.
“Hmm… I haven’t really thought about anything other than living with you, Baby,” Alice said, gazing upward in thought. Luce glared at her, a threatening aura beginning to emanate from her.
“I already have something in mind!” Dorothy declared. She placed her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest proudly. She giggled with a bright, mischievous smile.
*
“Haa…”
Eve Ropenheim. Twenty years old.
Dressed in her graduation gown, she sat hunched over in a dark alley between buildings near the plaza, sighing heavily. Her graduation cap sat precariously on her head, looking as if it might fall at any moment, but she was too consumed by melancholy to care.
When she turned her head, she could see the people in the center of the plaza, drawing everyone’s gaze. They shone brightly under the radiant sunlight. Among them, the one who shone the brightest was, of course, her brother Isaac.
“Isaac…”
Her friends had already left with their families. Isaac was surrounded by extraordinary geniuses—people she could never hope to rival—and he was so radiant that Eve felt she couldn't even approach him. It filled her with a deep sense of inferiority.
Despite carrying the Ropenheim name, no one from the family welcomed Eve, and there was no one to congratulate her on her graduation.
Maybe this is just how it’s supposed to be.
Eve buried her face in her knees. She desperately wished Isaac would remember that she was graduating too and come find her. But she believed there was an unbridgeable gap between them. Especially on a day like today, the emotional distance felt impossible to cross.
She convinced herself that Isaac only took care of her out of a sense of obligation. If she were in his shoes, she wouldn't even look at a sister like herself. She didn't even have a bouquet. Eve felt she belonged in this gloomy corner, away from the light.
“Sis, what are you doing here?”
“…!”
The voice she had been longing to hear suddenly rang out. Eve jerked her head up in surprise. Isaac was standing there in the sunlight, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
“What are you doing on a day like this? Are you playing the loner?”
“Isaac…? Ah!”
Isaac grabbed Eve’s hand and pulled her out into the sunlight. The brightness illuminated Eve’s pale face, and now she could see Isaac’s lovable face up close.
Isaac knew that Eve had endured painful days. He couldn't fully grasp the depth of the guilt she felt for pushing him away for his own sake, but none of that mattered anymore.
“You did well. Congratulations on graduating.”
Isaac handed Eve a large, beautiful bouquet of flowers. She accepted it carefully, looking dazed.
“I’ll be following you next year. Let’s live together then.”
“Huh…?” Eve’s eyes widened.
Isaac knew she had nowhere to go. Just as she had once vowed to take care of him, Isaac had decided to do the same for her.
“R-really? Is it okay for you to stay with someone like me…?”
Eve’s body trembled with joy, and she became so overwhelmed that tears welled up in her eyes.
“What do you mean, ‘someone like you’? We’re family. Of course we should stay together,” Isaac replied, sounding as if her question was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard.
Eve smiled brightly, wiping away the tears. “If that’s the reason… hehe, I guess I’d better get ready to move.”
The two of them laughed quietly together. That day, they took many pictures. And in every single one, Eve was smiling happily.