“Help me!” “I have a family! Lady Elisabeth, plea—” Elisabeth walks past every cell in the dungeon. Screams pleading for her forgiveness reach her ears and bring a smile to her face. A sadistic smile. She walks to the end of the corridor, to a heavily guarded cell and latches the door open. After entering, her eyes fall to the person chained to the wall. “How are you feeling today, my sweet Ivy?” Ivy – dishevelled and bruised all over – looks Elisabeth in the eyes, then cracks a smile. “I feel wonderful. But it’s been five days since you captured me. I think I’m ready to leave.” “Still defiant as you were five days ago, are you? Well, I never expected you to submit willingly. Not after his death.” Ivy jumps forward, her face inches away from Elisabeth’s, but is held back by the chains. She stares at an unfazed Elisabeth. “Did I hit a nerve?” “I’m going to kill you. In the most brutal way I can think of!” “That’s not very ladylike of you. Plus, your village had it coming. They com

The beautiful tune of the piano and violin duet plays throughout my entrance into the hall. At the end of the hall, standing before the officiant, Elisabeth looks back. Her head is covered with a veil, but I can see her beautiful face despite it. “Are you ready, Haruki?” she asks me when I stand by her side. “Let’s blow the roof off this chapel,” I say. She giggles. “Quite a weird way of describing this joyous occasion, don’t you think?” “I think it’s fitting.” “Yes, it is indeed fitting. Let’s blow the roof off this place.” I’m sure she understands the meaning behind my words. So, I take it your reply is a sign that you are prepared for anything I throw at you. Is that right, Elisabeth? The officiant begins, “We are joined here today…” His voice is muffled by my intense focus on Elisabeth. I need to make sure I attack when she is at her most vulnerable. Elisabeth is just smiling with her eyes closed. I can’t use that form now because it will only cause suspicion. She opens her

“And that’s my story. Do you have any questions?” she asks, looking in my direction. Questions? I have wheelbarrows full. However… “The evil Elisabeth is coming. I can feel her presence getting closer,” I say. I look at Elisabeth and continue, “We will leave the questioning for after we reign victorious.” She smiles innocently. “So, do you have any idea how we can defeat the evil Elisabeth?” I ask her. “Well, she sealed most of my mana. I can’t do powerful spells to defend against her attacks. However, I have enough mana to protect your minds against Memory Magic.” “Protect our minds?” asks Selina. “Yes. Do you all know how to coat yourselves in mana?” she asks us. “Yes,” I say. “By concentrating, you can wrap your body in a layer of mana. This is called Mana Coat. Depending on the thickness of the coat, it can protect you from most mana attacks. However, physical attacks have a chance of seeping through if your mana coat is not properly applied.” “Yes, a mana coat can protect

“So, you have time to chat with your friends during our duel? How very rude of you.” “I see you’re not worried, despite every one of your servants being defeated.” “Well, I was never expecting much from that group of idiots. “ “Idiots?” “Yes, they were idiots. One was obsessed with me, two were just needy children and the other one was a titanic pain in the ass—pun intended.” “Guess someone is getting the award for boss of the year. You pay such close attention to those serving you.” “Not just those who serve me. I make it my hobby to know everything about everyone. However, knowing everything comes with its negatives as well. I’d like to tell you more about it, but it seems both of us are tired of speaking.” “Yes. Let’s converse through our fists.” As I was fighting against Elisabeth, I realised something. She is using magic other than Memory Magic. She has been using fire, water, and even rare magic like Spatial Magic. If I remember correctly, Elisabeth said something. What w

"Welcome to my Kingdom," says the princess as she appears from behind the large castle doors. The blue lightning streak highlight in her midnight hair catches my attention. I feel like I've seen her before."I see we have more guests. Do not fret, we have enough room in the castle to house more partners. However, as the princess of the Sakura Kingdom, I have the duty to know who I am letting into the castle," she says as she stares into my eyes. Everyone, aside from me and Elisabeth, shudder. She has the presence of a monarch as she stands towered above us. This commanding presence reminds me of someone.Elisabeth steps forward. The princess loosens her sight on the others, easing their tenseness. "My name is Elisabeth Faith. Leader of the Illuminati.""What!? The Illuminati!?" asks Erika as she places her hand on her sword.Unlike Erika, the princess does not look fazed by Elisabeth's sudden revelation. Erika unsheathes her sword and attacks Elisabeth, but the princess calmly says, "E