Darkening

At that same hour, the student council room of the Imperial Capital Magic School.

The place lived up to the name. Gold-trimmed frames crowded the walls, the shelves held a collection that would have put a library to shame, and magical tools beyond any price filled every remaining inch.

The most striking of them all was the sculpture on the wall: a golden eagle, emblem of the Serdia Empire. The dignified bird gazed downward, and its eyes fell on Yelich, seated with her legs crossed as she checked ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠through her papers.

In the middle of her work she stretched, then glanced at the calendar on her desk.

"Come to think of it, the date..."

Written in red beneath today's date. Yelich smiled a thin, unpleasant smile and picked up the coffee cup in front of her.

No chance that bitch Yulia won. The winter gathering is going to be delightful.

Humming to herself, utterly at ease, she waited for the report that was sure to come up.

Then footsteps thundered down the corridor, loud enough to smash it, and the council-room door burst open.

"Yelich, sis!!"

In came Renerit Hersi, her hair a fluffy cloud just like her older sister's. Her face was flushed, and she was gasping for breath.

"Renerit Hersi. I told you to call me senior, or president, while we're at school."

"What am I supposed to do when the name's already stuck in my mouth?"

"Honestly. If it weren't for that sister of yours..."

"But my sister is my sister, isn't she?"

"If you're only going to talk nonsense, turn around and get out."

Yelich snapped it at her, brow drawn tight. Renerit was not cowed in the least. She shrugged and answered.

"Keep being prickly like that, and I won't tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"What else? The Capall Academia preliminaries."

"Why are you straining so hard over a story anyone could see coming?"

"Oh my. Oh my. You really don't know, do you?"

She dragged it out, giggling. That eerie little laugh put a crease between Yelich's brows.

"What."

"Ask nicely, and I'll tell you."

"Forget it. Get out. I'll ask myself."

With that, Yelich summoned a communication circle. Renerit planted her face in front of it and cried out, delighted.

"Lady Yulia beat Hervena!"

"What?"

Yelich shot to her feet. Renerit added it again, clear as a bell.

"I'm telling you, Lady Yulia beat Hervena!"

"Renerit, don't you dare lie to me!"

"Why would I lie about this?"

"......"

"Or maybe not. Looking at our president's face, I probably should have lied."

Yelich turned her eyes to the mirror on the wall. The face reflected there had gone red enough to burst, and the corners of her eyes were trembling in an ugly way.

Infuriating.

She let out a deep sigh and, for no good reason, crumpled the papers in front of her. Whether Renerit understood or not, she giggled and added one more line.

"Anyway, isn't Sis Yulia amazing? How did she beat that Hervena..."

"What is this, seriously? Did Hervena fall asleep in the middle of the match?"

"I don't know. I only heard a quick word from a friend."

"Haa. Seriously, ah..."

The words she had thrown at Yulia at the Black Bridge Gathering, looking down on her the whole while, flashed through her head. Yulia had won the duel. She would pay those words back twofold. There was no doubt of it.

Yelich's chest tightened. She clutched her own hair.

Renerit watched her for a moment, then tilted her head as if something were odd.

"But why? Sis Yulia could have won."

"Just get out."

"Don't tell me you're still hung up on Noble School."

"I told you to get out!!"

"Getting angry isn't going to change the result—"

"Out!!!"

"Why are you taking it out on me? It's not as if I did anything for Sis Yulia."

What met Renerit's eyes was Yelich grinding her teeth, her face murderous. One more word and magic would come flying. Renerit skipped the goodbye and got herself outside.

She shut the council-room door and stood there a moment. Sure enough, the sound of books being hurled leaked through.

"That temper... I must never end up like that."

She murmured it, careful to laugh without making a sound. Hervena's face and Yulia's rose in turn, and she promised herself that this winter she would go to Caipol. No matter what.

At that same moment, in the recovery room, while Yelich was still throwing books, Hervena Westriver had already been clinging to Blow and crying for a full hour. Jane and Skadi, who had slipped in at some point, were comforting her alongside him.

"I—I won't lose again! Hic..."

"Right. Surprisingly, we've still got plenty of days left to live, you know?"

At Blow's shameless tone she looked up at him, and the sobbing only grew louder. Skadi heaved a sigh and glared.

"...You always have to say something like that right when it's going well."

"When you cry, you ought to cry properly."

"And is that the same as making her cry? Enough, you bastard."

Blow answered with a shrug. Hervena's crying swelled, and only after a long while did she calm even a little. Seeing it, Jane held out a potion.

"Hervena, drink this."

"Thanks..."

"I made it with herbs that help recovery."

"That's our Manager Jane. When did you even prepare something like that?"

"I thought it might be needed. I tried making one with the leftover ingredients."

"Worthy of the manager of Red Forest."

Jane answered him with a smile instead of words. Blow checked the clock, then spoke carefully to Hervena, who was drinking with one hand and still clutching his clothes with the other.

"Hervena. You're staying in the recovery room today, right?"

"No. I was just going to leave when you do. Why?"

"I have to step out. It's about time for Lady Rachel to depart."

"Ah... you're busy. I'm sorry. Two whole hours, I..."

Suddenly awkward, she let go of his clothes. Blow held out a box he had brought in with him from the start.

"And this."

"This is?"

"Open it."

Her eyes went round. She opened the box. On white cloth lay a black dress, the kind ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠she liked—no frills, so less showy, and for that reason a clean design she could wear every day. Her eyes welled again. She had no choice but to look up at him.

"Young master..."

"Your clothes looked torn. I asked Karlfeld for the size and got it."

"All I showed you was a fucked-up mess of myself. I don't even have the face to take this."

"I'm telling you it wasn't that bad. And if meeting Lady Rachel is uncomfortable, you can go straight to the dorm. She'll understand."

"No. I should go. I'm still your retainer... I'll change quickly and come back."

"Thanks. For acting like an adult."

Hervena pressed a handkerchief hard to the corners of her eyes, hugged the clothes he had given her, and went out. She came back soon, changed.

"Well now. This is much better, Hervena!"

"Must be nice, having the young master buy you such a pretty dress."

Skadi and Jane, saying it to lift her mood. Hervena brushed at her own clothes for no reason at all, and for the first time in the recovery room, she smiled. Blow stroked her hair. Then the four of them set out for Edfolk Caipol, where Rachel was waiting.

The carriage ran a long while. They had just arrived and were hurrying down when, as if she had timed it to the second, Rachel came walking out the front gate. Black armor, a black blade at her back, a crowd of hotel staff behind her. She looked at Blow, just stepped down from the carriage with the corner of his mouth lifted, and shook her head as if she could not believe it.

"You are the only one who shows up for an appointment with me right on the dot. Blow Deblique."

"My apologies. Still, I'm glad I wasn't late. But I only see Lady Sophia. The other knights aren't with you?"

"No need to drag them into this crowded city. I mean to meet them near Eastpol."

"A wise choice."

Rachel had already decided she would speak with him once more later. Among the line of his party, she approached the one watching her with the most ease.

"Lady Hetaya. Thank you for coming all this way."

"You're an investor, the same as I am. And I was a little sorry to see you go."

"You turn out easier to talk to than I expected."

"Thank you for seeing me kindly."

"Would it be all right if I said, wherever I go, that you and I are close?"

"Yes. I'll be sure to say the same, wherever I go."

"Thanks to you, this was a great deal of fun."

"For me as well."

They exchanged courtesies. Rachel turned next to Jane.

"Jane Foresti. If you ever want out of Blow's clutches, you are to tell me."

"Even on your way out, your jokes go too far, my lady..."

"It isn't a joke. Anyway. I saw you in a whole new light this time."

"Thank you for the compliment."

Last of all she approached Hervena, standing awkwardly at Jane's side. Up close, the girl's face was gaunt, her eyes swollen. Rachel smiled gently and asked.

"Hervena Westriver. Are you all right?"

"Yes. Better than I thought."

"May I look forward to the next time?"

"Of course. I'm sorry. As the young master's retainer, I don't think I showed you the sight you hoped to see."

"I like the strength in your voice. You don't seem like someone who lost."

"To be honest, I think it's because it still doesn't feel real."

"Even so, it remains true. You must not have wanted to come this far. Thank you for making the trip."

"Yes. Even if I lay there, I couldn't undo a match I'd already lost."

Hearing her work to keep the tone calm, Rachel nodded.

If she can digest this defeat, she'll be far more frightening next time. Still, she came all this way. Perhaps I ought to give her a gift.

"May I offer one piece of advice? Hervena Westriver."

"If you would, I'll be sure to remember it."

"I'll take it to heart."

"In any case, you were truly impressive. Hervena Westriver."

"Thank you."

Rachel looked over the three of them, called Yulia to mind as well, and shifted her gaze to Blow, standing blankly at her side.

"Mind yourself. Properly. Blow Deblique."

"I always have."

"Have you? Anyway, I'm off. This really was the most fun I've had yet. Hervena—how about coming this way for university?"

"Well. It does sound like there'd be some fun in it."

At the sudden remark, Blow's eyes narrowed.

"Lady Rachel? The jokes are a bit..."

"Why do you assume it's a joke? Blow Deblique."

"I'll start taking the fun out of it for you."

"This one really has no fear. Right, Sophia?"

Sophia looked at Blow, who was blinking, and let out a faint sigh.

"Yes. It seems so."

"I'll have to drag him to the Great Demon War someday and beat some discipline into him."

"I haven't committed a crime that bad."

"It's a manner of speaking. Just speaking."

With that, Rachel and Sophia mounted. Rachel calmed the horse that wanted to bolt, leaned toward Blow, and whispered at his ear.

"You'd do well to look after Hervena. She lost this match, but her name is going to spread across the whole continent."

"I'll pay closer attention."

"If you can, I'd advise keeping her near you."

"I'll take it to heart."

Rachel let out a short laugh, straightened, and drew the reins.

"I'll have Haghia contact you from time to time."

"Yes, please do. If you send word, I'll answer at the proper time."

"Anytime is fine."

Remembering the voices of the beasts she had swept aside, Blow shook his head.

"No."

"Since when have you had a choice?"

She left the words behind and rode. Watching her back grow distant, Blow sank into a feeling he had not expected.

I'm oddly disappointed. Have I finally lost my mind?

A laugh escaped him before he knew it. He drew a deep breath, nodded to the others, and climbed into his carriage with them.

The night Yulia took her victory over Hervena. Angus Coffeehouse, the Blue Rose Gallery.

Having heard Julbert out, Redprine crumpled her face and snapped at him, sharp as a blade.

"What kind of bullshit is that. Young. Mas. Ter."

"I'm saying it would be better not to go through with the original plan."

"Not everything that comes out of your mouth counts as words. Young. Mas. Ter."

James clenched his molars and stepped toward her. Julbert stopped him and let out a deep sigh.

"You saw it too, didn't you? Yulia and Hervena's match."

"Of course I did. With farsight magic."

"And you can still say that after seeing the result?"

"And what the hell does that have to do with anything?"

"Are you asking me to explain this?"

"Yes. And I'm going to need to be convinced. Young. Mas. Ter."

Redprine's face was twisted into a vicious scowl, her eyes on him as if she meant to kill him. James ground his teeth as he watched her. Julbert took a sip of tea and began to speak, each syllable distinct.

"We meant to drop that article so I could get past Yulia and become student council president. Isn't that right?"

"Yes?"

"And now Yulia beat that Hervena. Didn't she?"

"Yes?"

"A gap has opened that something that ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠small can't overturn. You don't see it? Redprine, I thought you read the board fairly well."

"So this is just because Hervena got stomped by Yulia?"

"It isn't 'just.' It was a future that was never supposed to open."

"Unbelievable. You haven't got a single scrap of spine, have you?"

"It's already happened, so there's nothing to say. But at the time, ruling out the chance that Yulia would beat that Hervena was the correct call. Is this so hard to understand?"

"So the conclusion is we tuck our tails and run?"

At that, James reached the end of his patience. He slammed the table and shoved his face at her.

"I'd appreciate it if you watched your mouth, Redprine Blueos."

Redprine laughed as if she could not believe him, then barked even louder.

"Hey. How about you, with no authority at all, just shut up?"

"What?"

"I said shut up! You heard every word and you're still running your fucking mouth."

She had been keeping to a certain line. At the change in her, both James and Julbert lost their words. Redprine sighed as if she meant to sink the floor, and added it in a neurotic tone.

"So what you're saying is, don't do it. The fun part."

"Yes. There's no need to walk into a fight where we die."

"Pathetic little shit. Boring as fuck."

"...What did you say?"

"You son of a bitch. I said you're boring as fuck. Want me to say it again?"

"Redprine?"

"Don't even make a sound. I don't want to hear it."

With that she dumped out her coffee and spat on the floor. James could not endure the insolence. He clenched his fist and lunged.

"Apologize to my master this inst—"

But he never finished the sentence.

Redprine's hand turned black and clamped over his mouth. The black mana wavering from her right hand poured out an aura so ominous it defied ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠description. Startled, James formed a magic circle, and so did Julbert, watching—but the circles collapsed before they could even take shape. She had covered his nose as well. Choking, James tried to shake her off. Redprine's arm did not move. It might as well have been a statue.

"Stay quiet. Or I'll shove this straight into your gut."

In her left hand she shook a black blade, flashing with that same ominous power. Then she lifted both corners of her mouth, looked James over with half-lidded eyes, and spoke as if whispering.

"You know your master's healing magic is pathetic, don't you? If this goes in, you go straight to Lunaria's side."

At a tone gone downright sinister, James trembled all over like an aspen. And Julbert, faced with a madness that had opened all at once, struggled however he could to find his composure again.