Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno (chapters 37-?)

31. A6-5: A Night to Remember

Chapter 5: A Night to Remember

=========================={Part 1: Accused Again}==========================

Lia wasn't really feeling like having breakfast alongside her fellow Idol Hearts members. After seeing Kazuma and Chris off so they could do their important infiltration of the Louview Palace, she had found herself rather on edge for the rest of the night, even finding sleep to be rather difficult.

Right now, she was pacing back and forth outside the Amphitheater, knowing that everyone should be showing up at any time. What was making her especially nervous here was the fact she hadn't seen neither Kazuma nor Chris since they had left, and she had asked them to come see her as soon as they had gotten back.

'Does the fact they never came to see me a sign that something had gone wrong? Could they have been arrested? Dead even? I really hope I find out what happened here...'

Lia's thoughts are stopped as she sees Cielo, along with the other girls finally come into view. More than that, she saw that Kazuma was with them, but there was no sign of Chris as far as she could see. Did this mean that it was the fake Kazuma that was with them now? If so, then what should she do here then?

As they came closer and closer, Lia became aware of something else. None of the girls look particularly happy here. Kazuma himself looked rather neutral, but it was still rather nerve racking for her. Once they got close enough, Lia quickly spoke up and asked them what was wrong, what had happened?

"The Duchess turned into a total bitch is what happened. I think it's a safe assumption we won't ever be invited back to see her again."

said Darkness, her anger being more than evident. Cielo then explains what had happened the night before at the palace, making Lia nod her understanding. Once Cielo had finished, Megumin then speaks up, saying-

"Lia, I know it's still a little early here for practice and all, but is it OK if we go ahead and get started?"

"Sure, I don't mind. But are you sure you want to get started now? Don't you want to have breakfast first?"

Lia asked this while looking directly at Kazuma, watching him closely to study his reaction, wanting to determine which Kazuma was here with them.

"Breakfast does sound nice, as does practice as I feel like I've fallen behind my training... by about two days here. With only two full days and half of a third left to prepare, I want to get in as much practice as I can here."

Kazuma then sends Lia a quick wink, making her sigh in relief before her mood greatly improves. There was no longer any reason for her to worry. It really was the real Kazuma that had come here with the others. Naturally, she wondered what had happened last night with Kazuma and Chris, but she was willing to wait a bit till she could get a few minutes alone with Kazuma before finding out.

With that, Lia turned and led them inside. For the rest of the morning, Kazuma trained like he had never trained before, with both Megumin and Cielo, and even a little by himself. As he did so, Lia couldn't hide her smile as everything that had been missing when the fake had been performing had returned, and in full force at that. Even Megumin and Cielo seemed to be performing better here as well.

As the three of them practiced, Yunyun had excused herself and had gone over to the Lodge in order to make use of the mini-inn's kitchen in order to make everyone breakfast; having a desire to put her cooking skills she had been learning from Kazuma to the test. Perhaps she was wanting to do something here, to feel like she was contributing to all this in some way.

"I guess whatever reason Kazuma had to hang back in order to talk with the Duchess in private before we came here this morning must have done him some good. He's doing much better than he was yesterday, right Lia?"

said Cielo, getting a nod in response not only from Lia, but from several of the other girls who had decided to watch. In truth, all the girls save Harp Song and Aqua were currently present, watching Kazuma and Megumin doing their little duet together.

"Yeah, he is. Almost like we had an entirely different person performing for us the day before and now have the real Kazuma with us again."

"Come again?"

asked Darkness, giving Lia a quick glance while Lia smiles at her little private joke. Darkness was going to ask her to elaborate but stops as she sees something, or rather someone, looking down at her from one of the balcony seats.

"Actually, I think I need to go pee. Be right back, everyone."

Having excused herself, Darkness stands and quickly leaves the massive room. Lia simply nods, her attention not leaving Kazuma and Megumin. Cielo also excuses herself, heading over to talk to one of the other girls about something. For the next few moments, she watches until a new voice catches her attention.

"Oh great, it looks like that damn NEET had returned. And here I was hoping he had tagged out here. If anyone ask for my opinion, and you all should, I think that look-a-like was doing a better job."

"EH?"

What had Aqua just say here? Lia gets up, approaches her and pulls her off to the side, all the while Aqua started complaining about the rough treatment. Luckily, Aqua's words hadn't been heard by Kazuma, Megumin, or Cielo here. Once they had a bit more privacy, Lia begins giving the self-proclaimed goddess a piece of her mind.

"Aqua, are you telling me you KNEW that the Kazuma hanging out with us yesterday wasn't the real Kazuma? Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"Hm? What, you mean you didn't replace that lazy pervert here? And here I thought you were taking my advice from a few days ago to heart? If you want my honest opinion here, Lia. You should really go find that other guy and have him take over. Between you and me, he was a far better...GAH"

Aqua couldn't say more as Lia begins to strangle her like crazy, Aqua crying and begging her stop to no avail. Off to the side, Harp Song walks in on the scene, watches it for a moment, then turns around and walks away, having decided that whatever Aqua had done to anger Lia this time, it was her duty to accept her punishment in full. She'll ask about the details later, if she remembers that is.

Meanwhile, Darkness had reached the balcony room, easily found as the door had been left hanging open. Once she stepped inside, her suspicion was confirmed as she finds Chris sitting there, waiting for her to come. Moving to Chris's side, Darkness sits down and says-

"Chris, what are you doing here? I thought you were well north of Belzerg, over in Elroad. What happened? Did anything..."

Darkness's questions come to a quick stop as Chris raises a hand up to silence. She then peeks over the side, seeing everyone still down below before turning her attention back to Darkness while bring a finger up to her lips, signaling Darkness that she wanted to speak with quiet voices. Darkness nods as she leans in closer while Chris begins explaining.

"I know you have a lot of questions, and I will answer them all. But first, I want to tell you why I'm here now. It's relating to... recent events. On that topic, I found it rather insulting to hear you call me a second-rate thief."

"What are you talking about, Chris? I've never once call you... wait, you mean that silver hair figure last night was you?"

"Not quite, Darkness. Just keep quiet for the moment and I'll explain. To be honest, I really shouldn't do this as Kazuma asked me not too, but I feel I should at least tell you about this, about what was going on ever since the incident within the forest. It all began..."

Back down below, Kazuma and Megumin finished their practice and were walking down from the stage when Yunyun comes running into the room, running up to a confused Kazuma and says-

"Kazuma-Kazuma, there's someone here who's wanting to see you."

"Huh, wanting to see me?"

said Kazuma as Yunyun turns back and yells out-

"You can come in now..."

One of the doors opens and a familiar figure appears, walking quickly down the aisle to join everyone.

"Lynn? Well, this is a surprised. I wasn't expecting to see you show up here."

"Who's she?"

asked Lia, getting Cielo to give her a quick explanation. Lynn, meanwhile, comes walking up to Kazuma, getting very close in fact while a serious expression is plastered onto her face. And then...

Lynn practically hugs herself against Kazuma while burying her face against his neck, making Lia and the other performers all blush like mad. Even Cielo and Yunyun blush, having not been prepared for this while Megumin starts yelling at Lynn, asking her what was up with this sudden action.

Lynn ignores Megumin's complaints, instead taking several quick inhales then one very long inhale of Kazuma's scent. She then pulls away, looking very satisfied before saying in an almost lustful tone-

"Oh yeah, now that's some vintage Kazuma right there. No need to worry here, Yunyun. I say he checks out quite nicely."

"HUH?"

says Kazuma as Lynn flashes Yunyun a quick thumbs up. Everyone turns their attention onto Yunyun, making the shy Crimson Demon become very nervous. After a moment to recompose herself, and hearing Megumin tell her to please explain what she had Lynn do here, Yunyun finally tells them what that was all about.

"I'm sorry, Kazuma. Ever since that big party the Duchess put on for our honor, you've been acting rather weird. You had become distant, spending more time around the Duchess that night than you did with us. And yesterday, not only were you distant, but there were also times you seemed rather cold. When that invitation came for us to stay up at the palace for the night, you become very agitated with us when we said negative things about the Duchess. The thing is... we were beginning to wonder if she had done something strange to you. Maybe, you weren't really you here."

Megumin and Cielo looked nervous as Yunyun said that, quickly understanding what her attentions were here which makes them unable to look at Kazuma. Lia was also nervous, but for an obvious different reason than them.

"... And seeing as Lynn had unexpectedly graced us with her presence, you decided to have her use her impeccable sense of smell to check out Kazuma, to make absolutely sure it really was him, right?"

said Cielo, getting a nod from Yunyun before she turns her head down, feeling guilty for not being able to trust the Kazuma before them now. Megumin and Cielo also felt guilty, leading the three of them to apologize for having their doubts about him.

They had probably expected Kazuma to become mad at them, but were surprised to see him becoming thoughtful and introspective for a few moments before saying-

"You guys are right. I have been acting rather weird these last few days. I... honestly don't know what came over me to act the way I did, to say the things I did. Perhaps the Duchess did do something to me while at the party or maybe even before. Maybe that creature that attacked me actually belonged to her and my injuries were a way to get me all mind-fucked up. Anyways, I'm sorry if I worried you all and made you doubt... What matters now is that I'm back... to normal and we won't have to deal with her again."

Hearing Kazuma say that makes Megumin, Cielo, and Yunyun breathe a sigh of relief while Lia sends a quick glance to Kazuma before smiling, already understanding what was going on inside his head. If Kazuma didn't want to tell them the truth, at least not right now, she wouldn't say anything either. She then approaches Lynn and introduces herself. Once introductions had been given, Lia calls for the practices to continue as they were running short on training time.

Back above, Chris finishes telling Darkness everything. For the next few moments, Darkness was quiet, almost scarily so as she clenches her fist tight and even grits her teeth. She then opens her anger filled eyes and says in a low, almost threatening voice.

"That... that monster. It's bad enough that she tried to trick us by replacing Kazuma with some fake, but she also actually tried to kill him to hide the evidence... I-I want to march back up to the Louview Palace right this minute and give her a piece of my mind, and my sword."

"I know the feeling as I also wanted to do that when I learned what had happened, alongside the fact that the fake was going to fake Kazuma's death after a few weeks so as to not be needed to keep the ruse up. But Kazuma has already done enough with her as far as he's concerned. If she ever tries anything else from now on, then we'll go deal with her personally. Agreed?"

"I guess... though I will be bringing this matter up with my father when I next see him. See what he thinks we should do about this matter. His majesty trusts my father as a close, dear friend so I'm sure he'll believe us if told what his cousin tried to do to Kazuma."

Chris nods, then ask after a momentary pause-

"So, what are you going to do in regard to the others? Will you go ahead and tell them as well or will you go along with Kazuma's desire to keep it all a secret here?"

"I'll keep quiet for now, though I might at least tell Cielo what happened once we get back to Axel. As far as telling Megumin and Yunyun? I think it will be better if we don't here. Especially Megumin who'll probably fire off an Explosion right at the palace at the first chance she can get here, just because there would be no way the Duch... Aberlina would see it coming and thus, have no time to try making an escape. Anyways, I've been absent long enough. I better get back down there before the others take notice of my extended absence. What about you Chris? Wanna come down with me?"

Chris shakes her head as they both stand.

"Probably not a good idea. Apart from you, Kazuma, and Lia being aware of my presence here in Veridae, having the others find out I am here will make it easier for them to make the connection that I was one of the thieves from last night. And if they figure out that I was one of them, then..."

"Then it's likely they'll figure out Kazuma was the other, seeing as he was MIA on us last night, that fake I mean. I understand but I feel you should stick around and see the show before you leave Veridae. After all, it's not often we get a chance to see Kazuma take a risk at making himself look like a fool in front of thousands, right?"

Chris giggles at the thought of Kazuma getting jeered by the crowd before saying-

"Do you really have so little faith in him doing well, Darkness?"

"Well... let's just say there's a little betting pool going on behind the scenes and I've got money down on something going to pot during the performance, the Kazuma-Megumin duet to be more exact. Question is, will it be Kazuma making a goof or Megumin being Megumin that sends it all spinning out of control?"

"Good point. Well, I better go sneak my way out of here before..."

When Chris suddenly goes silent, Darkness becomes concerned and ask-

"What's wrong?"

Instead of saying anything, Chris quickly leaves the room with Darkness quickly following her. It takes them only a moment to reach a window that overlooked the main entrance outside the Amphitheater. As they peer outside said window, Darkness goes to ask Chris what was wrong, again, but-

"Seriously, Chris, what made you... oh crap!"

Back downstairs, with introductions finally out of the way, practice had finally begun again and was just getting pretty good when Darkness came running into the room, having a rather panicked and worried expression as everyone stops what they're doing and moving to meet her halfway.

"Darkness, what's wrong?"

asked Cielo.

"Guys, be ready. We're about to have an unexpected, and unwanted, guest here."

Before they could ask Darkness what she meant by that, the doors into the main hall swing open as a familiar figure, surrounded by two guards comes into view, making the girls scowl as the person quickly closes the distance between them. Kazuma then lets out an annoyed sigh as he says-

"Hello Sena, nice to see you again. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit this time?"

"You better be here because you're a BIG Idol Hearts fan and not for the reason we're all thinking here."

said Megumin threateningly, already coming to stand between Sena and Kazuma. Sena sighs, a look of regret present on her face as she says-

"Actually, I am a fan, and I was taking some personal time off to come here for their show. But a certain incident has happened, one I asked to have a part in as far as the investigation goes."

"And that incident is?"

asked Darkness. Sena looked like she didn't want to say it, to do what she came here to do but after a moment, she finally tells them.

"I'm really sorry about this, but... Satou Kazuma. I must ask you to come with me please."

"For what reason might I ask?"

"You are a suspect in the disappearance of the Duchess Belzerg Shining Spear Aberlina, as well as the murders of her two bodyguards and her longtime adviser."

"HAH! I told you all he was no good, that he was nothing but trouble."

laughed Aqua, off to the side, clearly not realizing the severity of the situation right now.

========================{Part 2: Chancellor Rubrikt}========================

(earlier...)

The seven-foot-tall man walked down the halls of the Louview palace, showing a level of grace and calmness few had ever seen even amongst the royals. His strange, albino like skin, azure colored hair, and black-gold eyes being his most distinctive, and striking features.

As he came close, the guards began to react to his presence in some rather strange ways. Some became rigid, as if they were statues. Some found themselves unable to look upon him, their gazes locked onto looking at the ground, and some even passed out on the spot. It was a sign of just how powerful a presence this man gave off to those around him who couldn't handle it.

{Insert Image 1}

As he went, he couldn't help but chuckle at the reactions he was seeing from the guards from just being near him. Since as far back as he could remember, he had always found people to be rather... amusing to him. Always humorous. He soon reached his destination and stepped inside to find...

Several dead bodies littering the floor. Specifically, the bodies of Dartango, the knight, and the mage. The walls and floors and even the ceiling somehow had spattering's of blood everywhere. And, further back in the room, hunched down on the floor, was the Duchess, her clothing and hair and parts of visible skin also soaked in blood while blood dripped off the end of her spear.

The man takes a moment to look around before saying to the Duchess-

"I love what you've done with the place. Very... demented in its artistry I say."

The Duchess, not realizing anyone had joined her till she heard the man's voice, was quick to react, moving like a bolt of lightning as she goes to stab the newcomer right in his throat. Her spear tip stops just as it touches his skin as she stares at the man for a moment, then the light of realization comes into her eyes.

"Chancellor Rubrikt? What are you doing here?"

Rubrikt smiles at her while bring a hand up to brush the spear away before speaking.

"I couldn't help but sense something rather disturbing, milady. That sense being that something horrible had happened to my precious 'daughter' who I had gifted to you to serve. Any ideas as to why I would feel this way? And why are these three lying in their own blood would also be nice to know as well."

The Duchess keeps her eyes on Rubrikt for a second before growling out her anger and moving away, taking a seat in one of the chairs before covering her face with her hands.

"It's all because of that damn filthy peasant. Ever since he came to Veridae, everything has gone to hell. Because of him, my precious Krydie, your daughter, is dead. Because of him, these three who had before been so loyal, turned on me and tried to tell me what is and isn't alright and acceptable. Because of their defiance, I had to teach them a lesson here, as you can see."

Rubrikt takes another look around at the dead body before looking back at the Duchess and saying with a tone that lacked any degree of seriousness within it-

"How dare this person cause you so much pain and annoyance. Anyways, do you have a name for this person, by any chance?"

Aberlina, clearly not hearing the implication within his tone, simply looks up at him and says-

"Satou Kazuma."

"Satou Kazuma? Heh, of course it would be him. It's bad enough he already took the time to kill one of my children already, my precious Sylvia. But now my little Krydie as well? I do believe he has been allowed to run around unchecked long enough. He should really be dealt with here, don't you think?"

Rubrikt's tone was one filled with humor, something any rational person would have picked up immediately. But right now, Aberlina was far from being in the right frame of mind to think clearly about anything as she says-

"You're right, you're absolutely right, master Rubrikt. So please, lend me the aid of another one of your children to see Satou Kazuma get what's coming to him. I swear I will make him suffer greatly, for all the pain and trouble he has called us, before I end him once and for all."

Rubrikt considers her request for a moment, or makes it look like he is before finally speaking-

"I will indeed help you, child. But... I'm afraid what 'children' I currently have available won't be enough to give you proper assistance for this task. No, for this we're going to need to call in a favor from an... associate of mine. Since it's you who's needing the satisfaction more here, I will leave the convincing of my associate to you, if that's OK."

"I don't mind, but may I ask why you can't do the talking for me here?"

"Well, I call this person my associate but in truth, our relationship is somewhat... complicated. I currently owe a favor to them and until I can repay that favor, well... I'm sure you get what I'm saying here, right?"

Aberlina nods then ask where and how she can meet this person. In response, Rubrikt pulls a strange looking key out from the pocket of his fancy looking garments. Seeing the key makes Aberlina go wide eyed from shock.

"Is that the famous key that allows you to get anywhere and everywhere quickly, Chancellor Rubrikt?"

"I wouldn't exactly say anywhere and everywhere, but it does help me get around very quickly. Here, allow me to show you how it works."

Rubrikt moves over to a closed door, probably a closet, then takes a moment to hold the key out before himself, the crystal on the key beginning to glow after a moment before he easily fits it into the keyhole. He then explains the Aberlina as he turns the key, creating a strange clicking sound.

"All I need do is think of a location. Doing such will make the crystal glow. The key can also fit any lock, effectively turning any door into a portal for me to use to go just about everywhere. There are some restrictions, of course. But you get the basic gist of it."

"Any chance I could borrow if to help me with getting justice against Satou?"

"Sadly, it will only work for me, and you understand that I can't be caught aiding you as I am. After all, while we both know your cause is a just one, I doubt those fools out there would be so understanding. At the very least, I can get you closer to him, but it will be up to you to make your escape after the deed is done."

"That won't be necessary. I am, after all, a blue-blood and member of the royal family. All I need to a quick way to reach him. Once the deed is done, I need not worry about anything else."

Rubrikt nods before opening the door, the world beyond being dark, filled with unending mist from the looks of it.

"My associate can be found just beyond. A word of caution though, Aberlina. My associate can be... very high opinionated. When dealing with this one, make sure you show the same respect you yourself would expect be given to yourself. Even the slightest mistake could mean the difference between earning the help you desire and finding yourself being the one who needs help here."

Aberlina nods before taking in a deep breath then steps through the door into the unknown land beyond. Once she was there, she took a moment to look around, finding no light save for the light that shined through the still opened door behind her that felt more like a gateway to some other world. She then calls out into the void around here. After first, there was nothing until...

Aberlina felt a powerful presence come over her, a force that seemed like it wanted to snuff her very existence from the world. It was enough to make her shiver, to cower in fear. And then, a pair of glowing eyes emerged from the shadows, impossibly huge baring down at her.

"What is this? Curious, it is not often I find myself receiving visitors. Tell me, what do I owe the pleasure of your company here?"

"I-I... my name is Belzerg Shining Spear Aberlina, oh greatness. With the aid of Chancellor Rubrikt of Belzerg, one of the twelve seats of the high council and the king's personal adviser, I have come here this day to ask of you for your help concerning a matter of grave importance."

"Rubrikt? Ah, I see now. (chuckle) How amusing. Very well, tell me what it is you wish my help with. Be warned that my services DON'T come cheap."

"I understand. Money is not an object for me, nor is any request you would make impossible for me to fulfill here either. Help me, and I will do anything, give you anything, you would so wish. What I want from you is for your help with killing the vilest creature that has ever lived... Satou Kazuma."

"Satou Kazuma?"

"That's right, he has done nothing but caused me great pain and heartache. He and all those who bear the name Satou. Because of him, I was forced to kill my precious and loyal friends as his words poisoned them against me. So, will you help me here?"

There was a pause before the thing Aberlina had been communicating with spoke and when it did, there was a far darker tone in its voice.

"Very well, I will help... help protect Kazuma from a blight such as you."

Before Aberlina could respond, she finds her arms and legs being bound by dark tendrils that lift her into the air. All around her, the mist began to take on the shape of faces, each one looking at her with angry features. She then looks to the angry eyes glaring at her and sends her own angry glare as she demands to know why this was being done to her.

"Because you are an obvious threat to MY Kazuma here. Anyone who plans on hurting him will be made to know my wrath."

Outside, back within the Louview Palace, Rubrikt patiently waited for Aberlina's return. A sudden gut retching scream rings out, making him finally move to peek inside the room beyond the door. Upon seeing what was happening, he smiles a big smile before closing the door and retrieving the key before moving to leave the room, saying as he does so-

"Oh yes, I should have warned Aberlina beforehand to not say Satou Kazuma's name at any point during the conversation. She would be wiser to offer up a fake name instead. After all, Entropy doesn't like hearing anyone threaten Satou Kazuma. There were times she may have gotten a little... rough with him herself if that's what it takes to get him back, but she will never tolerate anyone else trying to do him harm. After all, she has always been rather... protective of him."

As Rubrikt made his way back through the halls of the Louview Palace, all the guards who had started acted weird finally began to show signs of recovery once he had walked by them again, with none of them seemingly taking notice of his presence as he walked on. He smiled at knowing that, knowing that in the end, it was like he had never even been here to begin with as far as they knew and that's exactly how he wanted it.

=========================={Part 3: It's Showtime}==========================

The five girls, Megumin, Yunyun, Cielo, Darkness, and Lynn, all waited inside the lobby of the Veridae Knight Guard station. Each one of them was feeling apprehensive and nervous as Kazuma was being grilled by Sena deeper within the building's interrogation room.

At least this wasn't like the last incident back in Axel, where Kazuma had to spend time behind bars before the interrogation even took place. All the same, the fact he was having to do all of this again was just too much. And what reason did anyone have to think Kazuma could be guilty here anyways? Just because he had stayed back a few minutes longer to have a private moment with the Duchess and...

"Do you think he's going to be alright here?"

asked Yunyun. There was a moment of silence before someone finally answered, that being Darkness.

"I'm sure he will be. Kazuma was quite adamant that he didn't do anything and unlike last time, Sena did seem to be more on his side with believing him. Probably because she's still feeling guilty over all the crap he had to put up with for nearly a month back in Axel."

"That is true. Sena even told us that she was technically on vacation right now and had come to Veridae to watch the Idol Hearts show. The only reason she's working right now is because it's Kazuma and she just wants to make sure he gets a proper chance here, especially seeing as she's worried that someone could try to frame him for everything that happened."

said Cielo with Lynn asking just a few moments later-

"If things do go south for him again, just like back in Axel. What will we do then? Do you think your position as the first heir to House Dustiness be enough to give Kazuma more time here, Darkness?"

Before Darkness could answer, Kazuma and Sena come into view, a smile present on Kazuma's face. Immediately, the girls were on their feet, all walking quickly over to join them as Megumin quickly ask-

"Kazuma, is everything OK? Are you free to go?"

"Yeah, I'm off the hook... at least for the moment, right Sena?"

"Indeed. He answered all my questions truthfully and, given the evidence at the scene of the crime, there is no further reason to suspect him more right now. Anyways, I need to be going. I hope the next time we meet, if there is indeed a next time, it will be under better terms, Satou Kazuma."

"Me too, Sena. Also, I hope you enjoy the Idol Hearts performance here in forty-eight hours... oh yeah, can you do something for me?"

"What is it."

"Do you think you could have the Veridae Knight Guard post extra security around the Amphitheater during the night of the performance, just to play it extra safe."

"That shouldn't be a problem here. I'll see what I can do about that. Anyways, please enjoy the rest of your day."

With that, Sena bows politely before turning and making her exit. Kazuma turns his attention back to the girls, knowing they all wanted him to tell them what had gone down inside the interrogation room, so he tells them he'll talk as they head back to the theater so resume practice.

"Well, Kazuma, start talking about what happened in there?"

said Lynn, her tone matching the impatience of the others.

"OK-OK, I get it. Honestly, nothing much. Truth told, the only reason I was brought in was because I was the last outsider to have been in the company of the Duchess before she went all MIA on everyone. And seeing as her guards said that me and her had issues with one another, they too felt I could have had a hand in everything that happened, even if the evidence suggested otherwise."

"And the evidence was, Kazuma?"

asked Cielo.

"Well, for one thing. The wounds on the bodies of Dartango and those two other bodyguards were confirmed to be made by a spear weapon which suggest that the Duchess herself was the one to inflict them. Given the fact she's missing, and there was no ransom note which would usually be the case for these sorts of things, the leading theory is that something happened to make the Duchess snap and kill her own people before making a run for it, either out of guilt or because it made her even crazier."

"Oh, so that's why you suggested extra security be brought in for the performance."

said Darkness, getting a nod from Kazuma. Megumin then says what Kazuma was probably going to say as a response with-

"Since she doesn't like Kazuma all that much, and doesn't much like us now either, you're thinking if she is out there then she might show up at the big event and try to ruin it by causing a scene."

"Yep, that's pretty much it there exactly. To play it safe, we should all be on guard for the remainder of our time here in Veridae. Just in case this woman comes calling again."

They all nod in agreement before turning the subject to more pleasant things as they continued on.

For the rest of the day, and the day after as well as the morning of the big day, the trio of Kazuma, Megumin, and Cielo trained like never before. Getting both the songs down pat. Despite their being some tension, due to the Duchess still being at large, she never once made any moves against them.

Soon, the time of the big event had finally arrived as loads of people began to pour into the Amphitheater, all of them looking rather excited as this performance was being billed as the biggest and best one to date that would come from Idol Hearts. As Darkness watched on with Yunyun, she saw many familiar faces arriving.

There was Sena, obviously. She also saw an old practice buddy of hers from childhood; a girl named Claire of house Symphonia and another girl she recognized as Rain, a member of a sub house. She wondered if she should go say high to them later.

Of course, Cielo's family had shown up and she was surprised to see Mitsurugi Kyoua and his two hanger-ons also amongst the gathered crowd. She didn't think that they would be fans of Idol Hearts. Throughout it all, there was no one who seemed to be the sneaky type coming inside the building, no sign of the Duchess so hopefully that was a good sign here. She then turns to Yunyun and, upon seeing her face, smiles as she cheekily says-

"So, are you even more glad now you didn't offer up your own voice for the big show?"

"So-So-So many p-p-people. I k-k-knew there was going to b-be a lot but t-t-this many...?"

'Yep, no doubt about it. Yunyun isn't ready to be around a crowd such as this. No worries though, I'm sure Kazuma will have an idea about how to help her overcome her issues with being around BIG crowds. Hm, perhaps I should send her over to see Kazuma in his dressing room right now and...'

"Hey, Darkness, long time no see."

came a familiar voice, making Darkness look back into the crowd of people down below and quickly finding a familiar, and welcoming face.

"Walther, good to see you here. If you take that side door to your left and follow the first set of stairs you cross, you'll make it up here to us."

Walther nods before following her directions and shortly thereafter, joins Darkness and Yunyun. After a quick introduction, which includes Walther taking Yunyun's hand and doing the whole gentlemanly routine of kissing it, which makes Yunyun blush like crazy, Walther turns his attention to Darkness who ask him-

"So, how are things going for you. Staying out of trouble, I hope... Panty Raidy?"

Walther chuckles, telling her he does what he can.

"So, is your 'father' also here by any chance?"

"Hardly. Lord Aldarp finds these sorts of things to be rather boring. He prefers the opera for some reason. Between you and me though, I have little doubt he wouldn't have any issues getting to have a little one-on-one time with the girls who do these sorts of things, if you catch my meaning."

"Yeah, I'm afraid I do. Anyways, what's been going on since you left Malyais? Also, if you want, I'm sure I can arrange a backstage pass for you with the people in charge so you can personally meet with all the girls. And get this, Kazuma's going to be performing here tonight here as well."

"Huh? Kazuma is... well, I'm definitely glad I was able to make this show then. As for the pass? I won't turn it down if I could get one. And as for what I've been up to. Let's just say I've been looking into my 'fathers' past actions, trying to see if I can find that one big thing that will see him finally see punishment for all his past sins. But we can talk about that later. What's been going on with you lately?"

"Yeah, that one is going to be quite the story. Why don't you join me, Yunyun and Lynn in our private booth seats and I'll fill you in as we await the start of the show."

Speaking of Lynn, she was actually hanging out with Kazuma at the moment and was currently having herself quite the giggle fest, at Kazuma's expense as the door to his changing room opened and Lia stepped inside.

"So Kazuma, are you ready for... what's going on?"

Kazuma had turned to look at her as Lynn says between her giggles-

"Lia, have you seen this guy. What's with his fashion sense here? He looks so gauche and flamboyant. It's ridiculous... so... so..."

Unable to continue on with giggling alone, Lynn finally grabs her sides as she falls onto the ground, laughing has hard as anyone could here. Kazuma and Lia response with giving her a deadpan look before Kazuma turns back to Lia and asked her just whose idea was it to dress him up in... THIS?

"Well, it was you who made the choice... technically. Though I guess it was actually that fake going around pretending to be you. I'm sorry Kazuma, I should have checked with you before to make sure that you would be OK with it as well."

In truth, Kazuma was fine was most of his outfit, with the white undershirt and dark blue-black over-shirt and pants. Those were fine in his opinion. What wasn't find was the gold jacket with the insanely over the top feathery collar part of the look. He didn't like this at all, not one bit.

"What do you mean by fake, Lia?"

asked Lynn, her laughing fit ending like the snap of ones fingers. Kazuma interjects before an answer could be given by saying-

"Never you mind about that, Lynn. Just forget about it, alright. Anyways, please tell me there's enough time to change the jacket up. I don't want the others, on top of a crowd of thousands, seeing me like this. I mean, what if some in the crowd our people I know, like some of the regulars from back down in Axel. I'll never hear the end of it."

"Sorry Kazuma, but with all the outfits having been picked out, we've already put the others. But don't worry, I'm sure everything will be fine... I think."

"Wow, really making me feel confident right now, Lia. Man, now I want to kill myself and end this misery."

"Oh, don't be like that. I think you look rather stylish. A real trend setter here, Kazuma. Anyways, I'm going to go check in on Megumin and Cielo then head up to join Darkness and Yunyun. Good luck out there and break a leg as they say."

Lynn then comes in close, allowing herself another moment to breath in Kazuma's scent before noticeably moaning. She then excuses herself, leaving Kazuma alone with Lia who uses that moment to ask-

"So, what's the deal with you two, if I may ask? It's obvious you've got yourself quite the little harem going here, tiger. I know there's Megumin, Yunyun, and Cielo. Possibly Darkness as well. I say Chris is in there too. And now this Lynn girl as well. Just how many do you have wrapped around your little finger already?"

"Why do you ask? Are you also wanting to join in with being wrapped, Lia?"

Kazuma sends Lia a coy smile, making her blush, followed by her laughing then saying-

"Maybe that would be an interesting experience, but I doubt it Casanova. Anyways, I better go check in on the others before I have to go on stage talk welcome the audience. Don't forget you and Megumin are the second act followed by you and Cielo being the fourth."

"I'll be ready, appearance aside... oh yeah, Lia. After the show, either later this evening or in the morning, there's a matter I want to talk to you about if you're up for it?"

"Sure, I can't wait to hear what this is going to be about. Anyways, I'll be going..."

Kazuma nods before turning away, taking a sheet of paper into his hands; likely the lyric sheet for his and Megumin's song. Kazuma was likely giving it one final go-over just to play it safe. Lia turns and moves to the door, stopping to look back one last time and-

She found herself within a different room, a classroom from the looks of it. Before her were around twenty something students, all dressed in middle school appropriate attire. She hears a voice say-

"Everyone, please give a warm welcome to our new foreign exchange student."

Lia feels herself stepping forward and saying-

"My name is Lisia Irena Alabaster, but you can call me Lia for short. Please take care of me here, everyone."

Lia then feels herself bowing before the class. She then finds the scene shifting to lunchtime, or so her brain was telling her. Students were sitting and chatting away happily as she tried to figure out what she should do here, apart from having lunch herself that it.

It was then that she saw him, the lone boy in the back of the class who was by himself, his attention being on looking outside the window. Even if she couldn't see his face, she knew who it was she was seeing. He looked so sad and alone that she found herself walking towards when...

"You know, new girl. If you're wanting to make friends here quickly, you would be advised to avoid that pathetic loser over there."

"Yeah, that's Satou Kazuma; the laughingstock of the school. Always moody and depressed, just because some girl who probably doesn't even exist dumped him or something. Do what we're all doing here and forget about him. Come with us and we'll introduce you to the cool kids here in our school."

said a couple of the girls that had surrounded Lia as she had gone to walk towards the boy, Kazuma. And now, following their words, they were forcefully leading her further away from said boy, who just so happened to turn towards her, their eyes locking in that moment.

There was so much loneliness and resignation in those eyes that Lia had wanted to pull away from these girls and go over to him, to talk to him, maybe even become friends with him. But the fear of being alienated in this new place was stronger and she allowed herself to be led away.

A choice she has regretted every day since.

"Lia? Lia? LIA?"

Lia found herself coming back to reality, feeling Kazuma shaking her. She finally responds, saying she was alright. Kazuma didn't look so convinced and asked her what had happened.

"I-I don't know. Kazuma, I think I... never mind that now. We both have our jobs to do here, and I need to hurry up and get along with mine."

"Are you sure? Do you need to take a moment to sit down and catch your breath? Maybe even drink something?"

Lia shakes her head, reassuring him that she was fine here. She then quickly exuses herself but takes a moment to lean against his door as she tries to compartmentalize whatever it was that had happened with her just moments ago.

'I really want to go talk to Kazuma about what I just experienced right now, but I have a job to do here. However, once the show is over and me and Kazuma sit down to talk about whatever it is he wants to talk to me about here, I'll bring up that weird vision/memory thing I just had here. See if it rings any bells with him?'

========================={Part 4: Wicked Fruit}=========================

The noise being made by the audience slowly comes to an end as the lights within the massive theater grow dim, nearly pitch black save for a few bits of glow manatite scattered across the room. A single beam of light then shines down onto the stage as Lia, fully dressed to impress, comes walking into view. Once she had reached the middles of the stage, she turns towards the audience and...

"Welcome everyone. I thank you for once again gracing us with your presence. I hope we of Idol Hearts will give you another satisfactory performance this night as we have done in the past. And now, without further delay, let she show begin."

She then turns and walks off the stage as the curtain opens and the first of the performances begins; a green haired girl walking out as the music starts up as she brings her mic up close and begins her song. Off to the side, just out of sight of the audience, Lia approaches Kazuma who had finally came out from his dressing room.

"So Kazuma, what's your opinion on all this so far?"

Kazuma leans to the side, watching the first of the girls performing for a moment before turning his attention back to Lia and says-

"Definitely giving me the kind of vibes, I recall having back in Japan whenever I watched idols performing on stage. Question, has observing your fellow idols ever made you feel nostalgic? What about when you yourself take the stage and put on a show for the crowds?"

Lia considers his question, asking herself if she did ever feel any sense of familiarity since joining Idol Hearts. Her eyes suddenly light up with realization as she becomes aware of the fact that she had felt such feeling before but had never once realized it till now.

"Yeah, I... I have. Why did it never click with me till now?"

"Maybe because you didn't have a likeminded soul here to point it out to you."

"Yeah, maybe you're right."

After that, Kazuma and Lia turn their attentions back to the girl on stage, watching her wow the audience, receiving cheers for her performance. Lia then takes a few quick glances at Kazuma, finally deciding to go ahead and tell Kazuma about her sudden vision-memory from before right here and now and is about to speak up when...

"Sorry for the delay. Is it time for me and... Kazuma...?"

Lia and Kazuma quickly turn back to see Megumin having finally emerged from her dressing room; dressed in her red dress with the addition of a large rose attached to her waist and a feather like ornament in her hair alongside the high heels and above elbow length black gloves. Lia smirks at seeing Kazuma and Megumin staring intently at each other with blushing cheeks.

"Megumin, you... you... so beautiful."

"You too, Kazuma. I mean, you look really handsome tonight. Even the look of your hair being slicked back is nice to look at."

"Ha-Ha-Ha-ha, what's with that look, Kazuma. You look so fruity. You shouldn't try to be something you're not, that being stylish and cool. It doesn't work with a NEET like you."

came Aqua, appearing out of nowhere, not even trying to stifle her laughter towards Kazuma which earns her a stern glare from the threesome. Lia then steps forward and grabs Aqua's ear, pulling it hard which turns Aqua's laughter into cries of pain and mercy.

"Please, stop Lia. I admit, I was being unfairly cruel just a moment ago. I promise to reflect on my words and be better next time."

"You better, for your sake you remorseless drunk, otherwise I'll have you on clean up duty from now on. Megumin, please proceed around to the opposite side of the stage as yours and Kazuma's big number is coming up here in a few moments."

Megumin nods before looking at Kazuma and gives him a confident thumbs up before quickly moving to take up her position. Once Megumin was out of sight, Lia let's go of Aqua's ear and makes her way back over to Kazuma and says-

"Ready to wow the crowd, Kazuma?"

"Hell no, but I think it's a little too late for me to back out now."

"You got that right. Anyways, it's time to introduce you and Megumin. Wait for your cue here and good luck."

The first song had come to an end and the green haired girl does the usual 'thank you' action to the audience; waving and blowing kisses towards everyone before she exits the stage as Lia passes her to once again speak to the crowd. As she does this, Aqua approaches Kazuma and says-

"I still think trusting a NEET such as yourself is a fool's game, but it seems these poor idiots need to learn this lesson the hard way."

"Or maybe I'll prove you wrong here, spoiled brat, and put on an amazing performance out there."

"Ha, like that's going to happen. Anyways, break a leg... as they say."

Aqua then steps away from Kazuma as Lia finishes her introduction for the next performance.

",,,And now, please give a warm welcome to two new additions to our little family here, including our first male performer. I give you Satou Kazuma and Megumin as they perform Wicked Fruit."

Lia steps away from the stage as the song begins to play in the background, quickly followed by Megumin walking out onto the stage, singing her song as she walks closer to the center.

When I realized, you couldn't stay by my side

I asked you if could please stay with me today

Kazuma then emerged from his side of the stage, slowly approaching Megumin who had reached the center of the stage, still looking towards him as he says-

Going with the flow of the moody wind

Is this the fate I leave myself up to?

Once they had met in the center of the stage, they keep their attention on one another as they continue-

(M) Is this my true self?

(K) Not a need to be told

(M) Please hear my selfish...

(K)... request of you

(K&M) Let us now take that chance...

… to claim what it is we both want

They then both turn to the audience, giving the crowd their full attention.

If you're not here, then tomorrow won't ever come and

is our love destined to become tangled up

If no answer can be found at our destinations end,

We'll put our faith within the Wicked Fruit

and then be together again

{Insert Image 2}

As they continued, the crowds' cheers grew louder and louder, Lia watches them with utter amazement. They were doing way better than she had ever hoped. And even better was the fact that the audience seemed to be loving them too. Well, almost everyone.

"Hm, I guess even NEET's... can get lucky every now and then."

said a huffy Aqua, not wanting to admit Kazuma was doing better than she could have ever imagined.

And out in the crowd, two particular girls were doing their best to stifle the giggles they were having.

"I can't believe... that guy would have the courage to wear something so... so..."

"You're right, he looks so stupid. I wonder why he thought that look was the best choice he could go with?"

The two girls talking quietly here, between their giggles, were Clemea and Fio, the hanger-ons of one Mitsurugi Kyoua, who then vocalizes his own thoughts to them.

"Be nice, you two. We should be praising him here, not laughing as it takes a lot of courage to (snicker) walk out in front of a crowd of thousands dressed like a (snort) fairy!"

His words only make his hanger-ons giggle even more. Luckily, they were in their own box seat and thus weren't getting any negative attention sent towards them.

And thus, the show continued on...

=========================={Part 5: Make Me Move}==========================

Once they had finished bow and thanking the crowd for the kindness, Kazuma and Megumin left the stage, finding not only Lia waiting for them, but Cielo now too. Cielo was currently dressed in a green colored dress, with gold and white as a secondary color. Off to the side, Aqua was being Aqua by having a grumpy look on her face, clearly not wanting to admit that Kazuma might actually be good at anything at all.

"That was amazing you guys. I could really feel the emotion between the two of you. And judging from the crowds' reactions, I'm confident they felt it as well out there."

"Lia's right, you two did great. You both had the audience eating out of the palm of your hands there."

"Thanks, Cielo. I confess that was way more nerve racking than I was expecting, but all-in-all, it was a lot of fun too."

"So, does that mean you'd be interested in doing more performances here at some point in the future, Megumin?"

"Hell no!"

Lia laughs before excusing herself as she needed to get out there and introduce the next performer. Once she was gone, Kazuma takes a moment to really look Cielo over, making her blush shyly while fidgeting nervously. Megumin, taking notice of Kazuma seemingly checking Cielo out, gets a little 'tick' in her eyes. Aqua, also seeing it, just rolls her eyes and mumbles something no one hears.

"So, what do you think? Do I... look good?"

"Yeah, you look great. If I'm being honest here, if it wasn't for the fact you and I have our little routine coming up, I would do the same thing with you I wanted to do with Megumin when I saw her in her dress before."

"What's that, Kazuma?"

both girls asked while Aqua perks her ears up to hear this as well.

"Take you both back to my dressing room, lock the door behind us, and take it upon myself to do some naughty things with you both."

"Hah, see that. Didn't I tell you two before? I warned you both that this this guy is a pervert. A Pervzuma if you will. Don't worry, seeing as the gracious me is here, all you need do is ask and I will personally take... him out...?"

Aqua's words come to a dead stop, seeing Megumin and Cielo not reacting in the manner she had expected. What Aqua was assuming would happen was those two looking disgusted and calling Kazuma a pervert while recoiling away from him defensively.

What she was instead seeing was Megumin and Cielo looking all shy and bashful here, neither showing any signs of minding Kazuma's words. If anything, it looked like they were actually happy with the thought they current appearances were tempting him. All this makes Aqua grab her head as she goes into an insanity panic here.

"Eris, what is wrong with this screwy world of yours? NEET's are supposed to be looked down on, shunned by the masses. Not look cool, being successful, and having attractive girls fawning over them. It's a nightmare. That's right, this world of yours is a total nightmare. Please brother, let me wake up before I'm driven insane."

Lia finally returns as the next girl begins her performance, only to immediately deadpan at the sight before her. Megumin and Cielo looking all shy, Kazuma looking confused... or not, and Aqua suffering a freak out moment it seems. After a moment, Lia looks away, deciding she wasn't going to open this can of worms she had walked into.

Once the next girl had finished and exited the stage, it was time for Kazuma to go out there again, this time with Cielo. After getting a good luck from Lia and Megumin, they stepped onto the stage, got into position, and began their duet together.

[C] Open up, feel the waves cut through me

Hypnotized, by the sounds I'm breathing in

Hold tight, hold tight, chemicals collide

Hold tight, hold tight, hold tight

Cielo had been looking at the audience as she sung, but then turns to look at Kazuma as she sings the next part of her portion of the duet.

Dripping lights paint the skies, all because of you

Dripping lights paint the skies, only you

Can make me move; you, you can make me move

Can make me move; you, you can make me move

Can make me

As the melody played for a moment, Kazuma prepares himself to sing his part next. An idea suddenly comes over him, making him smile as he suddenly takes Cielo into his arms, making her 'eep' as he begins a little dance with her. While not planned or practiced, Kazuma was trusting his gut feeling here and Cielo seems to pick up on his thoughts quickly, moving in sync with Kazuma as instinct helped her know what he would do next and what it was she needed to do in turn. And then, the next part of their duet began.

[C&K] You, you, can make move

Can make me

[K] So alive, make it last forever

stopping time; yeah, I'm surrendering

Hold tight, hold tight; chemicals collide

Hold tight, hold tight, hold tight

Dripping lights paint the skies, all because of you

Dripping lights paint the skies, only you

Can make me move; you, you can make me move

Can make me move

([C] Can make me move, yeah)

[K] you, you can make me move

Can make me

[K&C] Can make me move, yeah

you, you can make move

can make me

The sudden and unexpected dance Kazuma and Cielo were doing together was definitely NOT unwelcome in Lia's eyes as the crowd was really loving it, from what she could see. Kazuma would spin Cielo, dip her low, lift her up and spin around with her. They would swing their shoulders in unison with one another, and seemingly looked as if they had fallen into their own private world.

{Insert Image 3}

And when the song ended, the crowd not only cheered and clapped, but they even gave the two a standing ovation, something Lia had never seen happen before in all her time with Idol Hearts, outside of the big final group number that ended each show. She then hears Megumin grumble out-

"So, Kazuma really can dance here. Why does he do that with Cielo and not me?"

Wanting to save Kazuma a potential headache from Megumin, Lia comes up with a quick lie to hopefully save him from being yelled at once he and Cielo finished their bowing to the audience.

"Sorry, Megumin. That dance was... my idea. I would have had a little dance shared between you two as well, but there wasn't enough time to train you with. With Cielo, I already knew she had the moves to pull it off... yeah, that's exactly how it was."

"Really?"

said Megumin, not quite sure she believed what Lia was saying here. But, before Megumin to do the famous 'crimson stare' to test Lia, the two girls are distracted at the sounds of Aqua having, what appeared to be, a total breakdown.

"No, this is impossible. Completely impossible here. NEET's aren't supposed to be good at anything in life, outside of being NEET's that is. That's it, that must be it. I've somehow been sent into the Twilight Zone. There can be no other explanation here. Someone, please save me..."

========================{Part 6: One Last Showstopper}=======================

After Kazuma and Cielo had returned backstage, they were met with a wide-eyed Lia singing their praises, a grumpy Megumin which confused them both, and Aqua who was laid out on the floor in the fetal position, shaking violently for some strange reason. Lia then leans in quickly, whispering to them.

"Just go with it for right now. You'll thank me later, you two."

Kazuma and Cielo simply nod before Lia has Cielo join her in getting prepared for the big finally. Kazuma wishes them both luck as they walk away. He asks Megumin how he did, but she quickly waves his question off by simply saying-

"Fine... fine... it was all OK. I'm not jealous of you and Cielo getting all saucy with each other out there. No, not one bit..."

Clearly, she was as she turns and retreats quickly back to her dressing room in order to change. For a few moments, Kazuma wonders if he should follow after her, to apologize though he wasn't sure what it was he might have done wrong to make her act like this, assuming it was because of him at all?

Kazuma finally shrugs, deciding he would treat her to something of her choosing after the show was over before heading to his own dressing room to get back into something more comfortable, taking a moment to stop and stare at Aqua before shaking his head, calling her a "weirdo" and continuing on.

Once he had changed, Kazuma makes his way up to the booth Darkness, Yunyun, and Lynn would be at. Upon arriving, he was surprised to find Walther with them and, after the two of them reintroducing themselves to each other, Kazuma takes a seat between Yunyun. who had Chomusuke sitting on her head so she could also watch the show, and Lynn and turns his attention towards the stage as the sixth performer begins her song.

"You did look really cool down there, Kazuma. Especially that dance you and Cielo suddenly busted out. I didn't know the two of you had a little dance planned with your duet."

said Yunyun, with Lynn quickly adding as she smirked-

"And I bet Megumin must have been mad jealous at seeing you two dancing too."

"You think so? Hm, I wonder if that's the reason she was so... moody when we got backstage."

Kazuma really hadn't considered that possibility. Now he was feeling pretty stupid for not considering it. He knew he really needed to do something nice for her now in the coming days. Oh well, he'll think about it later once he was back inside his hotel room.

"I must say, Kazuma. You are a man of many, many talents. An adventurer, a part time butler, a competent chef from what's I've been told, an inventor, a businessman, and now a singer and dancer. Is there nothing you aren't good at?"

said Walther, making Kazuma blush nervously as he scratches the back of his head.

"Well, I am a jack-of-all-trades, Wally. As such, and befitting that title, I am good at a great many things here. But compared to those who focus specifically into one or two professions, I'm nothing special at all. Just a guy doing the best he can in life."

"Maybe so, but from what everyone tells me, you do it pretty damn good. Perhaps the next time I come 'round Axel, I'll take time to visit your mansion and partake in your famous cooking, so praised by Darkness and these two here. If that's OK with you, of course."

"I don't have any problems with it. Just let us know if you're coming beforehand so we can prepare according."

Walther nods as they all turn their attention to the performance on stage. As expected of an idol group, the girl on stage was killing it. Once she had finished, Lia once again comes out and says-

"It seems like this night is nearing its end, my friends. We have just two performances left. Now, I ask you to give our next performer your full attention as she too is a new member to our little family here. I give you... Harp Song."

Lia leaves the stage in a rather unexpected way, by sinking into the ground. Moments later, a girl wearing a teal-colored wig with near floor length pig tails, or maybe she had died her hair a teal color? She was also wearing a teal, white, and black colored sleeveless dress and black knee-high heeled boots. The music begins to play as she holds her arms out towards the air, giving them the slightest of shakes before she turns to the crowd, singing and dancing for them.

"Shining around an amazing strobe light love

Making a mirror, an LED anthem

Taking my hand and we're running down the street

But then I wake and see it's only me, ah!"

"Wait a minute, there's something familiar about that song... about that girl. But what exactly?"

said Kazuma, getting the others to look at his confused looking face before looking back at the stage.

"Thumping a rhythm and jumping through my mind

Drawing between us, a dancing magic line

And every hour of every single day

Brings me the blues til I see you're smiling face"

"Around and round, I go now

But passing all the same old days, shout it loud

I'll sleep today and dream away

A rainbow-colored song as bright as day

I don't want to lose a feeling so new"

"The happiness alive and flowing over

Through the sky

Throw up my hands, I only have to try

Just beyond the glass and prism at last

I couldn't wait to see"

"Weekender Girl"

{Insert Image 4}

"That's it. I knew I'd heard that song before. That Hatsume Miku wannabe is singing Weekender Girl. That's stealing, I'm sure of it."

yelled Kazuma, though only the others in the booth with him were able to hear him due to how loud Harp Song's voice was coming out. What's more, three-dimensional music notes seemed to be coming into existence all around Harp Song, emerging from her mic which would then fly all over the room, doing little twirls as they released magic glitter like particles that rained down upon the awestruck audience.

"You know that song, Kazuma?"

"And who's Hatsume Miku? Is that the real name of Harp Song?"

asked Lynn and Yunyun.

"Yeah, I know that song well. It's one of my favorites of the Hatsume Miku line of songs. Granted, it sounds like she made a fair number of changes to the lyrics, probably to compensate for the difference in language here, but still... And she is definitely NOT Hatsume Miku. That is a physical impossibility. Once this show is over, I'm going to grab Lia and we're going to have a little meeting with our fellow 'stranger' over stealing songs here."

Harp Song continued on for a bit more before she finished Weekender Girl, getting a standing ovation that rivaled the one the audience had given Kazuma and Cielo's duet. Unlike the other girls though, Harp Song just moves to one side as Lia comes walking onto the stage followed by all the other girls, including Cielo, coming to stand beside Lia and Harp Song. There was no sign of Megumin, though that was expected as Lia said she didn't need to be in the final number here.

"Thank you, everyone, thank you. I think I speak for everyone here that tonight has been the single best night we have ever had here in Idol Hearts. But the night isn't over yet. And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for... the BIG FINALE!"

Immediately, all the girls fall in line as the music plays and Lia takes the lead, ending the night in the most fantastical and bombastic way they could. Megumin had finally joined Kazuma and the others, taking in the show and seemingly having gotten over her earlier mood. Once the big finale had finished, the girls bow as the audience cheers and claps.

"Kazuma, do you think we should have stayed down there, all dressed up, so we could have gone on stage and bowed one final time as well?"

"Hm, good question. Lia didn't say anything about us doing that but... I don't know. How about we do that next time if we ever perform with Idol Hearts again. What do you think, Megumin?"

"Sounds good..."

Despite their initial fears of crashing and burning here on stage, everything had gone better than expected... perfect even. And even better, there had been no insane Duchess showing up to cause any issues. All-in-all, this was about as perfect an end to the night as one could have hoped for.

"Bravo, bravo, a most excellent show indeed. Especially from you, Satou Kazuma..."

said Chancellor Rubrikt, slowly clapping from his own seat within what technically the royal seats he was allowing himself to 'borrow' here. He hoped everyone here truly enjoyed themselves as he knew that before the year was out, any enjoyment within the kingdom would be a thing of the distant past.

He would make sure of that...

===================={Part 7: Our NEW... Old Homecoming}====================

"... So, based in this potential memory you experienced last night, you believe you and Kazuma might have been classmates back during your school days. Is that correct, Lia?"

asked Cielo as Lia helped herself to a cup a tea here.

It was the day following the big event and right now, Kazuma was sitting with Lia, Lynn, and Cielo outside a nearby cafe, the same one Kazuma and Cielo had visited often during those previous days of training. Megumin and Yunyun were looking around a nearby clothing store, seeing if there was anything that interested them before Cielo 'returned' her father's bank card while Darkness was presently over at the Accord estate, at the request of Cielo's father, the reason being unknown at the moment.

Lia nods before looking at Kazuma and asking-

"What do you think, Kazuma? Does hearing that make you recall ever meeting me in the past now, by any chance?"

Kazuma takes a few moments to think about it, a good long moment at that before letting out a sigh.

"Sorry Lia, I'm not really sure here. I do vaguely recall there being a transfer student joining my sixth-year class, during the second term. But I'm blanking on the name and face of this person. Back in those days, I was... lost in my own little world and seeing as nobody wanted to give me the time of day back then, I never bothered to memorize anything that didn't try to connect with me."

"Don't worry about it, Kazuma. If this 'memory' really is the real deal, then I can only blame myself for not interacting with you, for letting myself be shepherded by the other students. I do have to ask though. If I had approached you back then, had asked to be friends with you, do you think you would have accepted my friendship?"

"I'd... like to think so because I was really lonely back then, having had a painful falling out with my one real friend not to long beforehand, hence why I was so disconnected. I think... I think I was desperate for someone, anyone, to extend their hand to me and offer to be my friend. Oh well, best not to worry about that now, right? It may have taken a few years longer than it should of, but we are friends now, so I'd say better late than never, right?"

Lia nods happily, though hearing what Kazuma just said did make her feel bad though. Sure, there must be so much more she obviously wasn't recalling at the moment that could help her find a bit more context behind why she never did approach him to begin with. After all, there had to be more to it than just peer pressure and the like, right?

"By the way, Kazuma. Did you ever get a chance to talk with that 'Harp Song' girl after everything had calmed down?"

asked Lynn, getting a no from Kazuma.

"I did try to talk to her last night, before heading back to the hotel, but Aqua was being very, very stubborn about it. She said she wouldn't allow us to meet as she feared the greater disaster us crossing paths would force her to suffer. I thought about teaching her a lesson for being such an ass, but I was honestly too tired at the same so I thought I could meet Harp Song today before we leave here."

"That could be a problem, Kazuma. Unless you guys are fine with staying till the afternoon, she'll most likely be asleep right now as she has this tendency to sleep in the mornings after a big show."

said Lia, making Kazuma sigh in exasperation.

"Guess I'll save that meeting for another day then. By the way, Lia..."

"Yes?"

"I was wondering. Would you and the rest of Idol Hearts be open to the idea of relocating to Axel here in the not-too-distant future?"

Kazuma's question catches Lia off guard. Cielo and Lynn are also surprised before Cielo recalls something Kazuma had asked Darkness last night.

"Kazuma, is this the reason you asked Darkness about knowing if Axel already had its own amphitheater anywhere within its walls?"

"Yeah, right on the eris there, Cielo. I was thinking if Idol Hearts was operating out of Axel, then it would be much easier for the two of you to hang out more often, to say nothing of you being able to help out with their performances from time to time. Hell, both me and Megumin could also help if need be, possibly Yunyun too if she can ever get over her performance fears. You as well, Lynn..."

"Oh no-no-no-no, buddy. Don't be dragging me into this little affair too. I'm willing to do a lot of things for you Kazuma, you already know that. But even I draw the line at something like being an idol."

Lynn then fakes acting like she was going to pound him, making Lia and Cielo laugh. After that, Lynn becomes serious and says-

"Honestly, I do think Kazuma's suggestion is a good one, but there's just one hitch to it: Aldarp. Word going around is that he isn't a fan of Idol Hearts, so I doubt he'll sign off on ordering the construction of a theater for them to move into and work out of."

"And even if he did, I'm pretty sure he would only agree under the condition of getting to have private meetings with Lia and the other girls and we all know what would likely come as a result of that."

Lia asked Cielo what she meant by that. Once Cielo was done, Lia shivered with disgust before telling Kazuma that she couldn't accept such a request under those potential circumstances, even if the idea of relocating back to Axel, to be around everyone more often, was very appealing to her. However, Kazuma smiles, making the girls give him a confused look, as he says-

"Yes, that's true at this moment. But don't forget, Aldarp won't be around much longer. Remember what your dad said, Cielo. His tenure as Axel's governor will be ending here in a few months and we'll be getting a better leader. Once that happens, I'll approach the new guy and ask him if he's interested in bringing Idol Hearts over to Axel. If the new guy says yes, then would you be interested, Lia?"

Lia takes a moment to think about it, then smiles as she says-

"I'd have to run it by the girls, just to make sure they would be fine with it. But if the majority are OK with it, then yeah... Yeah, I would like to come. I'd like to be around you guys more often."

"Then it's settled. As soon as Aldarp's out, we see how things play out and if it's all favorable, you guys will be saying goodby to Veridae and hello to Axel, and the future."

Lia, Lynn, and Cielo nod as the four of them raise their teacups up and clink them together before finishing off their drinks. They then stand, deciding it was time to go check in on Megumin and Yunyun, to collect them before they would go get Darkness and finally return home.

Soon, at the Accord mansion, Cielo says her goodbyes to her mother and brother as they await her father and Darkness to join them. A wait that doesn't last long as they soon emerge from the main house; Darkness looking well-worn yet very happy at the same time.

"I must say, lady Lalatina, the stories about your famous defensive ability fail to truly proclaim the truth behind that defense. In all my years of fisting my foes into oblivion, you are the first to have survived so long yet still have it in her to keep on going. If I'm being honest with you, if that had been a serious fight, I'm not sure if I could have outlasted you then."

"You honor me, lord Accord. I also must sing your praises. Your fisting technique is truly one of a kind. I have tanked many different attacks and your fist are by far the strongest I have ever experienced. It is my greatest hope that we may meet again so that I may once more endure your unrelenting fisting technique. On a side note, my butt..."

"Shut up-shut up-shut up-shut up, none of us are wanting to hear any of that!"

yelled Kazuma as the other girls' simple deadpan at what was being said between the two. Once they had reached the others, Darkness says-

"So, is it really time to go then?"

"Yeah, unless you want to pay for any additional days here?"

said Kazuma, getting a head shake from Darkness. Cielo, meanwhile, approaches her father and the two hug each other.

"I'll be honest, my little Ciruelto. I would prefer you stay her with us, but I know you aren't a little girl anymore. Just make sure you keep yourself safe, stay out of trouble, and make sure to come visit us often, understand?"

"Yeah, I know. I'll come back to see you all again here soon. And don't worry, with my friends by my side, nothing bad will ever happen."

"Indeed... indeed..."

said Lord Accord as he looks at the other girls and gives them a nod and a warm smile. He then turns her attention to Kazuma, and that smile is immediately replaced with a frown, perhaps even a scowl.

"As for you boy, don't be thinking I'm OK with you getting too close or too friendly with my daughter here. I may be letting her return with you to Axel, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to trust you now."

"Dad, don't even start this..."

"But I do trust my daughter's judgment as well and seeing as she does trust you, for reasons I don't really understand. As such, I am willing to... give you a chance to earn my trust. Perhaps, I may even approve of you being her friends, but you have a lot of work ahead of you to achieve that out of me."

"Well, I guess I have no choice then. I'll earn your trust, old man... no matter how long it takes."

Lord Accord nods while Cielo just sighs.

'Guess this is the most I could hope for at this time. At least father seems like he's willing to give him a shot.'

Cielo then turns to Lia and the two friends hug as Kazuma begins his teleportation chant, as it would be needed to send all of them in one go here.

"Make sure you stay safe once you guys get back to Axel, Cielo."

"Yeah, I will. And we'll be seeing you again here soon, right Lia?"

"Yeah, definitely..."

The others also say their goodbyes and Kazuma gives Lia a thumbs up and a confident smile before saying "Teleport", and they were gone.

Once they were gone, Lia says her own goodbyes to Cielo's family as she begins to head back to the Lodge. Just as she comes into view, she sees Harp Song come running out to meet her. After taking a moment to catch her breath, Harp Song ask-

"Lia, where are... don't tell me they left already?"

"Yeah, just a few minutes ago. Why, is something wrong?"

Harp Song deflates upon hearing that, grumbling to herself before looking at Lia and says-

"Actually, yeah. I was really wanting to meet that friend of yours... Cielo I think her name was, right? And those other two as well. I even learned from Aqua that the guy was wanting to meet me for some reason."

"I see, looks like you'll have to wait till... hold on, Aqua actually told you that Kazuma wanted to meet you? Never thought I'd hear that, seeing as she didn't seem all that interested in letting you two meet, according to Kazuma that is."

"Kazuma? His name is Kazuma?"

"Yeah, Kazuma. Why, is that important in any ways?"

Harp Song was quiet for a moment, clearly lost in thought before Lia's question registers in her mind. She then shakes her head before saying-

"... No, not really. It's just that... I knew a Kazuma, a long-long time ago. But that was another life, one I left behind though I do regret it. Anyways, enough about my pathetic past. Aqua didn't tell me per say. She instead mumbled it in her sleep. I swear, that girl was complaining about that 'Kazuma' you spoke of being some lazy hikki-NEET. However, in my opinion, she's the one who acts like a NEET. Oh well, I wonder if I'll ever get a chance to meet him and the other two again someday?"

Lia places a hand on Harp Song's shoulder, giving her a warm smile then saying-

"I think you might, Harp Song. He did say he was going to see if he can have an amphitheater built over in Axel. If he can, we may end up relocating there, to make Axel into our new home."

"Really, then does that mean we could have a name change from Idol Hearts to Axel Hearts then?"

'Hm, us re-branding as Axel Hearts? I like the sound of that. Maybe something else we can take a vote on, one day.'

"Anyways, what do you say we head back inside and get the others together to start planning out our next show, Harp Song?"

"Erika..."

Lia stops her walk into the Lodge, looking back at Harp Song and asking her what she just said.

"My real name is Kinimoto Erika..."

"I see, well then... it's nice to finally learn your real name, Erika!"

While it didn't happen this day, the destined reunion between the two long estranged childhood friends is drawing ever closer, and it will come at a time when one, or both, may need to have the other back in their lives to help overcome a greater pain.

(Axel, outside the mansion)

As the light around them faded, the group took a moment to look upon their newly rebuilt, and remodeled, mansion and all they could do was look on with both confusion, and no small amount of fear while Megumin alone looks it it with awe and amazement.

{Insert Image 5}

It had appeared to double in size from the looks of it, with Gothic columns and carvings etched into the front door. The windows had a dark, red hued frosting and the black a red coloring; likely a request by Megumin, gave the whole place a creepy, scary vibe. Like it was the home of some dark terrible creature the night.

"Alright, they followed my instructions to the letter. I hope the improvements to my bedroom look as good as the outside does."

cheered Megumin as Chomusuke purrs in agreement. Everyone else just looks at her with disturbed shock, wondering how they failed to notice Megumin making these request to the mansion.

"Megumin, how did you... I don't recall any of this being written down on our list of improvements and modifications I sent off in the mail?"

said Yunyun, which makes Megumin look away from her. It was Lynn who offers up the most likely truth here.

"You replaced the letter Yunyun sent off with one of your own, didn't you? And Yunyun never bothered to do a last-minute check to make sure it was all good before mailing it off, am I right?"

When Megumin didn't respond, Yunyun grabs hold of Megumin's shoulders and begins to furious shake her, scream at her and asking her how she could do this.

Cielo looks at Darkness and says-

"Well, this isn't exactly what we were expecting to come home too. Anyways, when are you going to be heading off to visit your father, Darkness?"

"I'll go in the morning. If I'm lucky, maybe the Axel Teleportation Station will finally be active, and I can use it to go to Malyais quickly. If not, then I can handle a carriage trip as a substitute. Anyways, what do we do here now, Kazuma?"

Kazuma just sighs before rubbing his temples, then says-

"Can't be helped here. Let's head inside and see what other request Megumin made on 'our' behalf here."

The girls nod as the head inside, finding an even darker and more Gothic scene awaiting them. Jet-black curtains, strangely colored glow manatite littered all over. The couch and chair using red velvet with an almost monster like theme. Fake spiderwebs along the walls offering an air of ambiance.

Surprisingly, the kitchen looked normal, just twice its original size. It looked like the workplace of a true master chef, with all the latest cooking instruments and tools. The downstairs bathroom was also more massive in size and scoop. And the library was just flat out spooky to be in.

Another discovery was made quickly. Each and every door made certain sounds when opened. Some would creek loudly, some would produce a scream, or a moan, or a creepy laugh. And each time they heard something, everyone would turn to look at Megumin, giving her a "really?' look while she simply kept looking away from them.

"Well, the main floor is fucked here. So, should we head down into our new basement here or check out the new bedrooms upstairs first?"

Before anyone could answer, a familiar little ghost girl finally came rising out of the ground, doing her best to look as scary as she could. Seeing it wasn't working on them, Anna deflates for a moment before saying excitedly-

"Welcome back, everyone. How did your trip to Veridea go? And... what do you think of what those Crimson Demons did to the mansion? I wasn't liking it, at first. But I have to admit, it's kind of grown on me these last few days. It has a nice... atmosphere about it, some real character. What do you all think?"

"I know right, this turned out more perfect than I could have ever imaged."

said an excited Megumin while the others say in unison-

"It's too over the top. We hate it!"

"Ah, don't be like that. Just give it some time and I'm sure you'll come to understand my sense of design styles here."

Megumin then begins to grumble as they head down into the basement first. As soon as they arrived, they immediately regretted it as the basement had been made to look like a torture chamber.

"OK, I have to confess. I'm like the look of the basement here, Megumin."

"Of course, YOU would like this Darkness."

said Lynn and Cielo in unison. Kazuma, meanwhile, nervously approaches the door the opened into his private workshop area and slowly opens the door with his eyes closed. He then opens his eyes, breathing out a sigh of relief. Unlike everything else they had seen so far, apart from the kitchen, his new workshop looked not only normal, but surprisingly advanced with plenty of work materials on a side shelf.

"Why were you so worried about, Kazuma? Even I know when to show restraint in some areas."

said Megumin, making Kazuma look at her. While he did wish she had shown even more restraint than she had, he was at least grateful she didn't make his work room a creepy place to be in. Kazuma then asked where his Skill Shaping room was at? Anna answers by saying-

"It's a ways out back behind the mansion. A little open-air workshop. They figured it would be safer for you do create new skills outside the mansion, just in case something goes wrong mid-skill making."

"Good idea..."

said everyone before the headed further in, sooner entering the whine seller, seeing it was pretty much what they were expecting to see, given everything else.

"Well, this was a thing. Wanna go upstairs, check out our new rooms, and get unpacked here?"

"You go ahead, Kazuma. We'll be along in a moment."

"OK?"

Kazuma was confused by Cielo's words but still accepted them before turning back and leaving the basement. Once they were sure he was gone, Darkness moves to take hold of the one wine bottle with a red colored cap on it.

"What's going on?"

asked Lynn, getting a "you'll see" from the others as a secret door hidden behind the wine shelf opens up. The girls' steps inside and smile at what they saw...

An indoor hot spring bathe, and for their personal usage.

"So, am I understanding this right, that Kazuma doesn't know about this little addition to the mansion?"

"Nope, he doesn't nor is he going to for a good long while to come."

"Yeah, for now, this will be for us girls only here."

said Cielo and Yunyun, in response to Lynn's question.

"But we are going to tell him one day, right?"

asked Yunyun, getting Megumin to say-

"What, are really wanting to take a bathe with Kazuma that badly. I didn't think you were as easy as Darkness here, Yunyun."

"Ah, I... I didn't mean..."

"Hey, what do you mean 'as easy as me' here, Megumin? Aren't you also wanting to take another bath with Kazuma one of these days?"

"I wouldn't mind bathing with him one of these days."

said Lynn, getting the others to look at her. Cielo finally says to Yunyun-

"We'll tell him one day, probably before the year is over. We just want to keep it to ourselves for now. Besides, the day we do tell him, is the day things could get rather... spicy here inside the mansion."

"And I know I can't wait for that day to come."

said Anna, laughing happily as the others look at her, not sure how to react at the moment. Meanwhile, Kazuma had finished walking upstairs to the second floor, surprised Megumin didn't have the stairs creek aloud when stepped on. He then reaches his bedroom and opens the door, coming to a dead stop as his eyes nearly budge.

Sure enough, it was HIS room, but it looked something like out of a horror story. He quickly goes to check out Megumin's room, finding it looking nearly the same. Darkness's room looked similar to the basement, except looking more like a sex dungeon which Darkness would likely love once she saw it.

Yunyun's room looked all cutesy and girly, which will either be something she'll really like it or hate it. Cielo's looked surprisingly pure, an almost holy air about it. Fitting for one who was looking to one day become the leader of the world's leading religion. And Chris's room was unexpectedly plain looking, probably being left for her to make up how she would want it. Same with the other rooms too.

'Maybe I should move myself into one of the currently unclaimed rooms. What Megumin had done to mine is just way to out there for me. I'm curious though. Why would Megumin have my room look almost identical to hers? It's almost like she was planning on moving in with... NAW!'

Kazuma dismisses those thoughts for now as he steps into his room, realizing that the room was also twice as big as it used to be. As he reaches his now larger bed, he notices a box laying on top of the bed. Curious, he opens the box and smiles at what he sees inside.

It was his Chivalrous Thief attire, mask included as well as a letter which he picks up and reads quietly to himself.

"Keep it secret, keep it safe as you WILL need this again one day, Chris. PS, when I'm around next, the two of us really need to have a little talk with Megumin over her... taste in things. I had to spend a few hours pulling my bedroom apart, removing her choices for my room, don't ask by the way."

'So, Megumin did do something to Chris's room, huh? Can't wait to hear about that one.'

"KAZUMA, CAN YOU START WORKING ON LUNCH NOW? WE'RE GETTING HUNGRY..."

Kazuma sighs before allowing himself a moment to smile. He then closes the box and hides it away under his bed before turning back to the door and heads forward, shouting out as he does...

"I'll be right down..."

And this, another adventure comes to a close with another on the horizon...

========================{Epilogue: What's Coming...}=========================

Aldarp was busy going over some paperwork, letting out an annoyed sigh before putting his pen down and rubbing his temples. He did have to admit this curious invention was far more useful for writing than relying on quills, mainly because he didn't need to dip pen into ink ever few lines here.

He still couldn't believe it had been the idea of that boy he tried to have executed not too long ago either. What was his name again? Didn't matter, it was just a curious thing on how matters such as these could play out. In this case, he manages to survive and as a result, starts producing all sorts of useful little toys for the world. It made his curious as to what else he would bring forth in the future.

Anyways, there was a more pressing matter to consider, that being who would be the lucky...

"An eris for your thoughts, old friend? Have you finally decided you will be your lucky 'successor' yet?"

Aldarp hated when Maxwell did that, always seemingly knowing when to speak up in response to his current thoughts. Though to be fair, it had also been a very useful talent he had as well.

"Almost, I have currently narrowed it down to three potentials here. The first is obviously my 'son' Walther, the second is prince Jatis, and the last is the famous hero Mitsurugi Kyouya. Tell me, what is your thoughts on each of them, Max?"

"Hm, an interesting bunch indeed. Your 'son' is a good canadite to go with since it would be easiest to transfer your vast fortune onto him. The only downside I can see comes from him being seen as your son. While he has taken great strides to prove himself to not be like you and your 'father', there are still many who have their doubts about his future. After all, there was a time people saw Aldarp as destined to be a better man than what ultimately became the truth."

"Jatis, being the heir to the throne, would be an excellent pick. The downside I see with him as that it is no secret, he has no desire to succeed his father as king. He's been quite vocal towards everyone that he desires a life of freedom, a freedom he could never have as king. For him to suddenly have an attitude change without just cause would raise more than a few eyebrows amongst the masses, unless of course you can create a proper reason for such a sudden change."

"And as for the famous Mitsurugi Kyouya, I would say he would be perfect, in many ways. In fact, apart from his connection to the Axis cult, I'd say... oh, this is a surprise..."

"What do you mean, Max?"

"It would appear you have a visitor."

Before Aldarp could ask who, the double doors into his private office slowly swing open, as if manipulated by magic and the figure of Chancellor Rubrikt comes strolling inside, making Aldarp stand immediately. As powerful as he was, even he knew his place before the mystery that was the chancellor.

Once Rubrikt had reached him, and they had shaken hands, Aldarp says with no small amount of nervousness-

"Do what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Rubrikt? I confess I am surprised. I wasn't aware you knew of the existence of my little secret home here."

"Really? What's so surprising about that, lord Aldarp. Given some of the things I do know that you know about, I would think me knowing many of your dirty secrets wouldn't be at all surprising."

"Yes... in-indeed..."

Rubrikt laughs kindly before pulling a small box out of one of his pockets and presents it to Aldarp.

"I'm afraid my time is very limited, yet I felt the need to come here and personally deliver this little item back to you. My people had a hell of a time finding it, but that's of no consequence to either of us. All that matters is that it's back where it belongs."

Aldarp had first looked at the package with confusion, until Rubrikt had spoken, making him shift from confusion to excitement as he takes the package and opens it up, a devious smile forming at he saw what was inside.

'At last, you have been returned to your rightful owner, my precious Divine Relic, and not a moment too soon here.'

Rubrikt smiles at the sight of Aldarp joy at having gotten that item back, decides to change the topic to-

"Out of curiosity, what are your plans here for the future? It's no secret that your tenure as the governor of Axel will be ending here within a few months. Seeing as the option to try for another term isn't being offered to you, what will you do in order to pass the time from here on out?"

"Oh, I'm sure I'll think of something here. Now that I have this back, so many options have opened up for me to work with."

The confidence in Aldarp's words was noticeable to Rubrikt, who then says-

"Would you like me to let you in on a little secret here, Aldarp. Something that wasn't disclosed with you and the other nobles during your recent meeting at the capital."

Rubrikt's words finally pull Aldarp's attention away from the item as he looks up and says "yes."

"Amongst the high council, a decision was recently made. It has been decided that our king is no longer capable of being an effective leader for the kingdom. Ever since the death of the queen, and the unborn princess, he has lost his drive to be our king. And then there's the prince. His heart has never been it for rulership. Everyone knows that. Because of this, the plan is to select a candidate who will be installed as the new king once this pointless war is over. And I've heard it's a lot closer to being done than many may believe."

"I see... I see, are you by chance asking me if I would put my name out there to become the next king?"

Rubrikt laughs at hearing that, something Aldarp had expected as he hadn't been serious with the question. Once Rubrikt stops laughing, he says-

"You, my friend? Oh heavens no. You and I both know that your name carries to much baggage now for you to ever be considered. Sadly, the same can be said for your son, Walther, as well. Sure, he's making a positive name for himself out there, but he will forever carry the weight of being a member of your family. That means there will always be a degree of suspicion upon him."

'A fair point, I suppose. I guess that means Mitsurugi will have to be the one then.'

"Here, let me give you this."

Aldarp finds Rubrikt was holding a pendent out before him, one with a rather strange crest on it. He takes it, then ask what it is for.

"Call it a sign. While you yourself can't become our next king, I have no doubt you could select a worthy candidate for us to consider here. Should you find such a person, give them that pendant there and have them come meet with me in the capital. I will make sure he is given the proper consideration due to a choice you've sent my way. Not to brag here, but my voice does hold much weight amongst the twelve seats of the high council. Well, I must be going now, my friend. I wish you luck with what time you have left here. And I look forward to one day conversing with your chosen candidate."

Aldarp watches as Rubrikt turns and leaves the room, his eyes narrowing just a bit here.

'You know far more than you let on, friend. Perhaps more than I am comfortable with. But I won't worry about that detail right now. So, it doesn't have to be that swordsman either. It could be anyone of my choosing here. And, to become the next king of Belzerg...?'

"It does open up many possibilities, doesn't it. And on that topic, I do have a suggestion here for a potential candidate. One you have yet to think of but one that comes with certain advantages to his name."

"Oh, and who might that be? And what advantages would this person bring me?"

While he couldn't see Maxwell, he knew the devil was smiling as he told Aldarph is personal choice. At first, Aldarp wasn't happy with it until Max had explain what one of the advantages would be, which makes Aldarp smile a most evil smile. Aldarp chuckles before saying-

"Hm, perhaps that one... is worth some consideration here."

============================={Arc 6 finished...}=============================

Image 1: Chancellor Rubrikt walking down the halls of the Louview Palace.

Image 2: Kazuma and Megumin posing during their Wicked Fruit song (essentially the same image that's shown in the mobile game)

Image 3: Small pics of an excited Lia, an annoyed Megumin, and a shocked Aqua while we have bigger shots of Kazuma and Cielo doing their many dance moves and the biggest pic of them cheek to cheek with opposing arms spread wide and touching arms having their hands connected...

Image 4: Harp Song (Erika) doing her Hatsume Miku impersonation as she sings Weekender Girl, using her Divine Relic to create musical notes that float around her.

Image 5: Everyone looking at the new mansion; Megumin looking at it with pride while everyone else looking horrified, possibly even scared at the sigh.

Next time: With Darkness taking some personal time to visit her father, the others decide to take it easy and relax for a change. Kazuma decides to test out a new toy, a new thief shows up in Axel looking to make a name for herself, and an undiscovered crypt is found beneath the Erisia Cathedral. It's going to be quite the 'Thriller' of a time as we get to experience 'Just Another Day in Axel', the first chapter of the 'Darkness Hour arc.'

Songs:

Wicked Fruit: sung by Kazuma and Megumin for the mobile game Fantastic Days. Note: I did change the lyrics for what I used here as the only version of the song I could find on YouTube sounded like the most direct translation, and not a very good one at that. For one thing, they don't even say wicked fruit at all in the song. What's it supposed to mean then? What's the correlation? I hope my version at least maintains the feeling the original is supposed to give off.

Make Me Move: artist: Culture Code, Karra

Weekender Girl: artist: Hatsume Miku. Note, there are multiple translations of this song out there, so I just picked one and went with it, also giving Kazuma an explanation behind it being different if you prefer any of the other translations than the one, I used here