This chapter was posted at the same time as Chapter 21. The Author had a lot of trouble with these parts, and ended up taking a much longer time than expected. It is still far from perfect, but The Author suspected that it will not get any better than this, and so decided to post it now.

Chapter 20: The Curse's True Form

Getting back to my room after a bath, sitting down in front of the chest of drawers, looking into the mirror and brushing my hair; I have got completely back into the habit after four days being home.

One thing I haven't got used to yet is his absence.

The nerve of him! He's here in my house, and he ditched me!?

We barely talked since the day we got here! He's not there during the meals; he's not there when Mother and Father asked me about school; and most of all, he's not there when Sister Eléonore was bullying me! What kind of familiar is that?!

I've just got back; most of my days were occupied by my family and getting settled. The little time here and there I had wouldn't have been enough to look for him in this mansion. But he could've found me easily by asking any of the servant, yet he didn't!

…At least things are going better on Sister Chii's side. I got to talk to her every day; we even went for a walk in the garden together with Sister Eléonore; this is the first. Maybe she really is better now. Maybe she will continue to improve like this, and the illness will go away on its own.

...No, that's a wishful thinking, I should've known by now. Now that I know what I know, I have to try everything I can to help Sister Chii be rid of this curse.

Then I wouldn't have to feel that there's a vacant seat every time we sit down for a meal anymore.

Oh, right…nowadays I actually feel there are two vacant spots.

Will there come a day all of us will sit together in the dining hall? Father, Mother, me, Sister Eléonore, Sister Chii...and Luka too.

As an extra, that is. It'd be convenient if he can be there too, but it's completely fine if he can't; it's just an idle thought. That includes him staying in this room too; that's also completely optional. Rather, that's just the last resort; the necessity, because the school had never considered that a student might summon a human being as a familiar.

I don't get why I had to explain that to Father so many times before he accepted it. There's no other explanation, is there? It's not like I need him to be there; I managed myself just fine before I summoned him, and in the weeks before we came here I was back to doing just that.

If anything, it's Luka who should feel uneasy being separated from me. He's the one having to live and being put to work in an unfamiliar place, by the authority of someone he has just got to know four days ago.

Haa. Anyway, summer really is hot. I'm nearly sweating here, even during the night. My face in the mirror even has a slight flush from the heat.

It can't be helped. Since Luka seems to have forgotten his position as my familiar, I will have to go see how he is doing myself. Unlike him, I still remember my responsibility as his master. If he's having miserable time there in the servants' quarter, maybe I could ask Father for some leniency. Father has been in a good mood lately. But he won't be staying in my room, though. Father wouldn't allow that no matter what, apparently

All right. That does it with my hair. I look fine in the mirror too. Guess I should go now, if I'm going to go at all.

"Can't be helped. I'll just go take a quick look."

Try standing up. Yeah, I look good, all set for going to bed, which I will after confirming Luka is doing fine.

The male servants' quarter is on the first floor, slightly on the right side.

I should take my time walking. It's pretty warm tonight; if I sweat he is going to get it into his head that I was in a hurry to see him. That wouldn't do.

...

Servant (M) B: "Lady Louise? What brings you here at this time? Is there something you need from us?"

Geh, of course there would be other servants here; I'm nearing their quarter after all.

"Not really. I've come to check on my..."

I never thought it would be so inconvenient not being able to use the word 'familiar'.

...What is Luka to me, if he's not a familiar?

"...attendant."

Servant (M) A: "Oh, you come to see Luka. Er, he's out right now."

"Out? Where did he go?"

Servant (M) B: "He went to the toilet. Although he has been gone for longer than we expected."

Servant (M) A: "Yeah, we're getting worried too, actually, walking around on this side at night and all."

...Is he insinuating...

"...What do you mean by that?"

Servant (M) A: "Huh?"

"What's so worrying about this side of the mansion at night?"

Servant (M) A: "Oh...! Er, I mean, we're worried he might've got lost and...and got into the restricted area by mistake, and getting punished. ...That's all, Milady."

"...Fine. I will go look for him."

I don't feel like talking to them anymore.

Servant (M) A: "...Oh man..."

Servant (M) B: "What did I tell you about running your mouth?"

Their voices fade as I leave the servants' quarter behind.

Of course, our own servants are talking about those rumours behind our back. I've known that since long ago; I shouldn't be surprised.

And out of all of them, he just had to bring up that garbage about Sister Chii; if he wasn't one of us, I would've blasted him to the ground.

If it was about me, or Mother, I would've only been slightly annoyed; especially since now I know I can use magic, and not just any magic. If it was about Sister Eléonore, I might even nod mentally, since she really is a bully.

Darn it. I need to take my mind off this. Just where has that guy gone off to?!

{...}

Cattleya: "Oh my, that girl, she did that?"

"Yes, though only in the beginning. She started getting dressed by herself, and has been washing her face recently too."

Cattleya: "Fufu, she has always liked to be spoiled."

Cattleya-san seems happy to get to hear stories about Louise. She insisted on hearing about the not-so-good things Louise had been getting up to, since the person herself definitely wouldn't tell her, and Cattleya-san really seem to be enjoying hearing about it.

Maybe Cattleya-san is lonely? After all, we didn't pass by a single person on the way here. It seems as if no one is around aside from Cattleya-san.

This room she lives in is as large as a guest's room at Demon Lord Castle. The furniture is pretty normal. a table, a bed, and expensive-looking wooden bookcases. The only thing that stands out is what looks like a food tray placed on the edge of the window; its size makes it look like it's for small animals, like birds or squirrels, but there's no other living beings in this room. Maybe it was for wild birds from outside.

The other noteworthy thing is this tea set she has laid out. Cattleya-san is really treating me like a guest; this is actually the best treatment I've received from nobles since coming here.

Cattleya: "Louise seems to have taken a liking to you."

"Is that so? I feel like I've only heard complaints."

Cattleya: "She was just shy. She often doesn't show her affection straightforwardly. All women in our family are actually like that."

"...I guess it does look like that." I can't imagine Louise's Mother and eldest sister showing open affection at all. Kinda like Alice the first time we met. Actually, she's still like that in front of others. She only drops the facade when she thinks no one is looking.

...Is that why I always felt like I can't leave Louise alone; because I subconsciously saw the similarity?

Cattleya: "You seem like a gentle soul. She must be very attached to you. Probably making sour face every time she thinks you are getting along well with other girls."

Cattleya-san smiles and says it like she's seen it with her own eyes.

"...She really was like that."

Mainly with Kirche or Siesta, but she was probably just being possessive of her familiar.

Cattleya: "Louise never had a brother; you will probably have to spoil her quite a bit. Thank you and sorry about that."

Brother, huh. Now that I think about it, she shows no reservation at all with me; just like how Neris is with Nero. ...Wait.

"You know I'm older?"

Cattleya: "I don't know your age, but I get that feeling."

She's pretty sharp. Louise was kinda the same too, sometimes. Like mother, like daughter, I guess.

Alice: "No, it's you who are duller than most."

...I feel like I've already heard that line from Alice, not just imagining it.

Cattleya-san turns to look at the table clock, then her smile drops a bit.

Cattleya: "Oh, it's late already. Time does fly when we enjoy a good conversation, doesn't it."

Clocks here have twelve numbers like the ones back home; Louise taught me on the carriage ride here which number is which. It's about nine in the night; pretty late.

"I should get going."

Cattleya: "Thank you for going along with my wish."

"It's fine. I'm happy to get to hear about Louise's childhood too."

Her childhood was pretty close to what I expected, though not exactly. Louise was so scared about coming home, but from the perspective of Cattleya-san, who was older than Louise, I get the impression that Louise's house was very strict, but far from abusive. If what Cattleya-san told me is true, there was no real physical violence at all, which fits well with the fact that Louise was averse to violence during my duel with Guiche and other fights we got into.

Cattleya: "Let me see you off at the first floor."

"There's no need. Just tell me the way and I'll go by myself. Cattleya-san should rest."

She confirmed what I heard about her from the servants, that she as a weak body, and the sickness acted up twice during our talk. Even though it went away on its own, I still can't put more burden on her.

Cattleya: "If I don't go with you and you are spotted by a servant on your way out, it will causea ruckus. Since this side of the mansion is off-limit to anyone without permission, there's a guard posted at the entryway."

"Yeah, I know. But then how do I get in here without seeing anyone?"

Cattleya: "Maybe the person on duty left her seat for something. I wouldn't be surprise, since no one really comes here, the person on duty isn't always meticulous. But even so she wouldn't dare left the spot for too long. If you are spotted, you might be accused of trying to assault me in my sleep."

Cattleya-san laughs, but the most I can bring myself to do is a dry smile. That's no laughing matter, especially if it will put me on the mother's bad side.

Cattleya: "So I...will go with you..."

Cattleya-san clutches her chest. Her sickness is acting up again. It's the third time already but I'm still worried.

"Cattleya-san should rest. I'll handle the explanation myself, or, if no one believes me, I can wait until they confirm with you."

Cattleya: "Fufu...You are...a kind man, Luka. I'm happy Louise has you by her side."

{...}

Darn it, where are you, Luka?

I've looked everywhere he might be, yet I still can't find him. Had he gone to the other side of the mansion? He shouldn't have, if he really was just going to the toilet.

The other likely place he could have gone to...would be on Sister Chii's side of the mansion.

But there should be a maid guarding the entrance to the area.

...I guess I should go check, just in case. I won't forgive him if he went to meet Sister Chii in the middle of the night, intentionally or not! He might trouble Sister Chii with his freakish belief!

No! Stop thinking about that! It won't happen again! Father said Sister Chii has been getting better. Nothing has happened for half a year...

...It's their fault! The curse! If they hadn't put this curse on our family, none of this would've happened in the first place! I know now devils really exist! If Father and Mother saw what I did, they would believe me too!

If Father and Mother believe me and actually begin the search, it wouldn't take long to find it, or them! Then we can have it break the curse, and everything will be fine again. Sister Chii would never have to be troubled by that disgusting rumour again!

There's no way I'll let Luka of all people ruin this for us! If he has really gone into Sister Chii's area, I'll drag him back myself!

—! Wait, is that...!?

My reflex helped me hide in time. It doesn't seem like I was seen or heard.

But, what is Mother doing here at this time?

{...}

Cattleya: "Can I rely on your kindness, and ask you a favor before you go?"

Cattleya-san let go of her chest, but her forehead is still soaked with sweat, her cheeks are still red, looking feverish.

"Yes, what is it?"

Cattleya: "Thank you. Can I please have your semen?"

"...What?"

—!

Cattleya-san's pink eyes are glowing; pinkish aura wafts around her, semi-visible. None of those were there before. Though I've seen some of the mages here in similar state, Wardes for example.

Louise's entire family are all humans; I am sure. Louise herself is human; there's no mistake. Louise's mother too, despite how powerful she is, is undoubtedly human. And human mother doesn't birth monster children, so both of Louise's sisters must be human as well.

Then, who is this monster in front of me?

Cattleya?: "My adorable Louise is so wonderful. This is the first time I've met a man looking and smelling so delicious. I've had to hold back the urge all the while during our talk. I'm at my limits now."

The calm expression she had had on all this time vanished completely. The smile she's showing right now is the one I've seen numerous times on the many opponents I've faced.

The monster stands up; the chair she was sitting on skids back almost silently on the carpet. My body does the same, getting up and backing away on reflex. My right hand grasps only emptiness; I don't have a sword with me.

Even if I have it, I would hesitate to unsheathe it before I'm sure what's happening.

"Cattleya-san...Are you really Louise's sister? ...Are you really 'Cattleya-san'?"

The woman in front of me widens her smile, but doesn't say anything.

Cattleya?: "Since you seem to be on guard, would I be right to assume that my request was rejected?"

"...That's right."

Cattleya?: "Then it can't be helped."

The monster's body expels even more of the pinkish aura, releasing more power, and even the alluring sweet scent that many monsters share.

Cattleya?: "This will be a little forceful. I'm sorry, but stopping is not an option."

She's coming...! I have to get out!

*bam*

Alright, the door wasn't locked, but what do I do next? Do I fight or run for now? If only I have a weapon...

There's an expensive looking staff hanging on the wall. It's longer than what I am used to, but I'll borrow it for now; the monster came out of the room and is approaching.

"Aren't you going to answer my question?"

I need to stall for time, and to know what's going to.

Cattleya?: "I'm sorry, but it doesn't interest me. Not as much as your scent."

No doubt about it: The look she's giving me is that of a monster eyeing her prey.

"What about the devil's curse I've been hearing about? Is that your doing?"

Cattleya?: "Give me what I want, then I will answer whatever question you have. If you're still conscious when I'm done." The monster's smile turns even more predatory.

Damn. It doesn't feel like my words are getting through to her at all.

...If my suspicion turns out to be true, Louise might never forgive monsters again. But, as a hero, as myself, there's only one thing to do.

"I will get the truth out of you, even by force."

Cattleya?: "My, you really are brave; much braver than I thought. You're making me want you even more."

The tension is thick in the air. I can't let my guard down even for a second.

Cattleya?: "I think that was enough talk. I can't wait to have a taste of you."

My opponent looks just like human, which means she's disguising her body. There's no way to know what type of monster she really is, but it should be the type that's adept at magic. If I go in this blind and get caught in a trap, it could end badly.

She feels pretty strong, but not so much I can't handle, even in my current state. I have to knock her out before I get hit by charm-type magic.

Alright. Let's do—!?

What is this...oppressive feeling? It's not from the monster, but another place...?

An enormous power: a power far above us is approaching from the floor below.

The monster turns her attention to that presence. She looks even more worried than I am.

There's only one being nearby that could have this much power: Louise's Mother.

The mass of power arrived at the same floor as us now, and is coming straight here. The tension between us is completely swallowed by the new power.

She's just there, behind the darkness of the corridor.

Karine: "Cattleya."

A figure of a woman appears from the darkness.

Karine: "Don't move. There will be no second warning."

Even in the dark, the pink aura can be seen so clearly; it is many times larger the one from the monster. The wand in her right hand is a short, standard one Louise and other students use, not the long, metal one like Wardes's. Yet, its presence feels so much larger, as if she's holding a large sword that can cleave boulders into two. That, combined with her sharp glare, fix me in place. If I'm going to move, I'll have to make a conscious effort.

This is Louise's mother true power. I knew it; she is really as powerful as Queen-class monsters.

Maybe I won't be able to protect the monster from Louise's family as I hope...

The monster looks at Louise's Mother, then turns back to me.

Cattleya?: "It is a shame, but we will have to stop here. Goodbye, delicious-looking boy."

The monster runs straight at the window. She's going to escape!?

Damn it, I can't catch up...! She has a large head start!

Louise: "Sister Chii!"

Louise's voice; she's here too?! ...And the monster stopped!? Just one step short of the window!? I don't know why, but this is my chance!

Cattleya?: "Ah...!"

The staff I picked up is just the right size for seizing the monster's body. She's struggling, but can't break out of my lock. She isn't even strong enough to break the thick wooden staff itself.

Skilled enough to disguise herself, but lacking in physical strength; maybe she really is starving?

Footsteps approach us. From the frequency and lightness, and the cry from before, one set is probably Louise's, while the other steadier and calmer one is probably Louise's mother.

Karine: "All of you, stop!"

The hard voice fills the corridor. All of us freeze in place.

Karine: "Cattleya, go into your room. Louise, return to your bed immediately."

Louise: "B—But—"

Karine: "Be quiet. No one is allowed to open their mouth without my permission. Do what I tell you to. Answer."

Louise: "...Yes, Mother..."

Louise answers weakly, and slowly retreats back the way she came. She occasionally glances back at us, but doesn't dare stopping her feet.

Louise disappeared behind the darkness. The mother turns to us.

Karine: "Cattleya, to you room and wait for me. Understood?"

Cattleya?: "...Yes, Mother."

The monster meekly obeys, all resistance drained from her. She's just a step away from the window, but I guess I can release her...

She really returns to her room quietly.

Now, Louise's mother turns to me.

Karine: "Put the staff back in its place and follow me."

"Yes..."

Louise's mother leads the way into Cattleya-san's room. Seems like we're going to have a talk with the three of us.

The monster is in her old seat; Louise's mother is in my old seat, so I...have to stand, beside the table. The tea set is still left on the table.

Karine: "Cattleya, have you calmed down?"

Cattleya?: "Yes, Mother."

Karine: "Tell me what happened."

Cattleya?: "It was just like all other times; the symptoms acted up again."

The monster tries to appear calm as she answers, but there is a definite resignation in her tone.

Louise's mother seems to ponder without changing her expression, then turns this way.

Karine: "Louise's familiar, tell me what happened; starting from the reason you were on this side of the mansion."

Louise's mother's eyes: she is gauging me. I need to choose my answers.

"I was looking for toilet. Uh, I remember I need to turn left once I saw the maid guarding the hallway, but I didn't see anyone this time, so I kind of got lost."

Karine: "So you know that this side of the mansion is restricted. Do you mean to tell that you had not seen anyone on the way here?"

"Yes. I didn't meet anyone on the way here."

Louise's mother doesn't nod, nor shake her head, and her expression can't be read either.

Karine: "Continue."

"I found a toilet, but didn't know how to go back to the servant's room, so I wandered around. Then I met a...woman, who introduced herself as Louise's older sister. She asked me to chat for a bit and would take me back to the servant's room later. We chatted in this room, about Louise mostly. When we were done..." I probably shouldn't be too direct here. "...her demeanor changed, and she started saying strange things. So, I ran out of the room, and that's when you found us."

Louise's mother doesn't answer, simply turns back to the monster.

Karine: "It was the usual symptoms, then."

Cattleya: "Yes, it was."

Her tone and expression still have the coolness she has on all the time, but, if I'm not imagining things, there's also a tinge of disappointment in them.

Since we're on the topic, I should try asking about it.

"Excuse me, what do you mean by symptoms?"

Louise's mother turns sharply to look at me. Even though her expression hasn't changed at all, the pressure increased.

Karine: "Why do you want to know? What reasons are there to tell you, Louise's familiar?"

I've heard something along that line many times when negotiating with stubborn people. I never did well with those types...

"Uh, because I suspect something..."

Karine: "Suspect what?"

If I say my speculation, I really can't go back...

"Um, is this woman really Louise's older sister? There wasn't a switch or something—"

—! The mother's expression hardened. I knew that was coming, but it still startled me.

Karine: "What do you mean to say? That I, the mother, cannot tell my own daughter from a fake?"

"T—That's not..." Actually, that's what I meant, but the pressure, and the guilt, made me take it back out of reflex. Her glare is as terrifying as Alice's.

"It's just...Louise is a human, isn't she. And you are too."

Karine: "...What are you trying to say?" Her glare is getting worse...

"Well...Since this Cattleya-san here isn't a hu—"

!

Karine: "Commoner. You dare say that of my daughter."

...I thought was dead for a moment... Her killing intent was abnormal...

Her tone is still level...but her anger can clearly be felt. I never knew it is possible to communicate feeling this clearly without changing one's tone and expression. Not even Alice or Tamamo can do that. Now it feels like a risk to even say anything.

But I finally have a glimpse of what was hidden underneath that coolness. She hides a lot of power as expected, but there's also something like desperation.

"Uh, I didn't mean that in a negative way. There's nothing bad about not being human."

Her killing intent wavers, and is replaced by a strange curiosity.

Karine: "Explain."

This might be a chance.

"I have...acquaintances that are monsters, by that I mean...demi-humans." That's the term they used here, isn't it? Aside from devils. "They're not humans, and I don't see anything wrong with it, so..."

The monster eyes me curiously; a little surprised, by her expression.

I'm running my mouth here; I need to calm down. Either way, I'm not using the word 'devil' no matter what.

Louise's mother widens her eyes. She lost half of her usual coolness. Why?

Karine: "Louise's familiar, repeat what you said."

"Eh? Ah, I have acquaintances who are demi-humans, so I don't see anything wrong with not being human..."

...Now that I say it again, it's such an irresponsible thing to say. I might be okay with it, but other people obviously are not.

Karine: "What do you call them? Your non-human acquaintances."

"Uh, demi-humans...?"

Karine: "Not that one."

...! If Louise's mother has the same set of knowledge the principal does, this name might be the end of me, and maybe even Nerian.

...But, if she heard it the first time, it's too late either way.

"Monsters..."

...Louise's mother looks at me in contemplation. There is no furious aura or anything of that nature. Actually, she seems to have calmed down, even.

What is this?

Karine: "Louise's familiar, what is your name?"

"Luka."

Karine: "All right. Luka, what you know about these 'monsters' of yours, tell me everything."

"Uh, understood."

But how much should I actually tell her? How much can I trust Louise's mother?

But that tone, and that curiosity in monsters, as if expecting something...

...Everything, then. Let's hope for the best.

"I'll start from before Louise summoned me to be her familiar..."

Alright. So, the things about the moons and such are too complicated, and irrelevant, not to mention I don't understand it myself, so Iet's leave them out.

The story that makes the most sense to people here is that I was from a land far east of here, and I don't have a better answer, so let's go with that.

My home...A place where humans and monsters live in harmony. Even if it's not so in the beginning, it is now a reality, so it was very normal that I would have a few as friends.

Karine: "You treat those who are not humans no different from those who are, is that correct?"

"It is...It seems the people here call them 'devils', but I don't agree with that at all. They are different from humans: their bodies, their instincts, their cultures, food, how they lead their lives, even senses of morality aren't all the same..."

The last one is the biggest obstacle to the coexistence, and one that I don't know how many centuries, how many millennia are needed to overcome. Is the will to understand each other alone enough, or do we need to change our bodies entirely: no one knows for sure yet.

"But to say that they are all evil, or that most of them are evil, is definitely wrong."

Only when talking about our ideal that my fear and uncertainty all disappeared. It even gives me the courage to meet Louise's mother's eyes directly.

The monster looked away while listening, and still doesn't look at me. Louise's mother doesn't reply in either way. She just stares, and speaks.

Karine: "That giant avian is also a monster, I see."

"Ah, yes, she is." She deduced that instantly? Or had she suspected that since the beginning? "How do you know that?"

Karine: "Monsters, or devils as they are called in the present, have the appearance of a young woman with non-human parts mixed in, such as harpies, which have the wings and legs of avian."

So she read from books, like the principal.

"That's right. Nerian is a monster, a race of legendary harpies who could carry people across continents."

Louise's mother nods.

Karine: "The giant avian is not important at the moment. The matter at hand is that you believe Cattleya is a monster, is that correct?"

"Yes...Although I would say that I know for sure, not just believe."

This time she doesn't glare at me, only ponders in silence.

Karine: "...Back where you came from, were there people who were born humans but became monsters later?"

"There were...Oh."

...So that's what she was thinking about. I forgot about that possibility. I was right about calming things down before making conclusion.

Louise's mother seems to be fully confident that she would never be fooled by a fake. But it's normal that she would want to believe that. Even I want to believe that too, but a human doesn't just become a monster on her own.

"But humans can't become monsters on their own. They have to be changed by outside force, like some kind of phenomenon," like Purple Sabbath "or powerful monsters." Like Sara's case.

Karine: "...I see."

Louise's mother seems deep in thought, probably processing everything I've told her. I bet she has never heard about any of this before.

Karine: "How can she be cured?"

Eh?

"Cured?"

Karine: "How can Cattleya return to being human again, of course."

Oh, right. From the view point of the people here, being a monster, 'devil', would be something bad that needs to be fixed.

...She's not going to like the answer at all.

"As far as I know...which means from what the smartest person I know told me, human that has become monster can never revert back to human again. The most they can do is to use magic to disguise as humans."

The glare hardens.

Karine: "There is no way, or there is a way but it is impractical: which is it?"

Hope and desperation leak out of her voice. It contrasts so much with her previous image...

"There is no way, I mean, no way at all. As far as we know, it is impossible..."

Karine: "So, Cattleya will have to live a life deprived of what others of her station, even those of lower station, take for grant? She will have to spend the rest of her life in fear of persecution, in fear that she could lose herself and commit mistakes she would regret at any moment? Is that her fate?"

Louise's mother raises her tone and voice; even her expression barely keeps itself, losing almost all of its calmness. She's like a different person.

...She must have kept her hope up all this time, despite the hopelessness, only for my answer to crush it.

"Uh...I don't know about nobles' life, but she should be able to control herself."

Louise's mother drops her glare a little, and exhales.

Karine: "...Speak."

"If she is like my friend, the reason she loses control of herself would be because she hasn't completed the transformation yet, so she can't deal with the increased power. Once she becomes fully monster, she will be able to control herself as well as any human can."

Well, I've only ever seen a few cases of humans becoming monsters, so I don't really know all the details.

Louise's mother looks at me, then Cattleya-san, then back to me again, without changing expression.

Karine: "If Cattleya becomes a full monsters, her mind would still be the same Cattleya, and she would not lose control again, is that correct?"

"That's right. Her personality...her likes and dislikes might change somewhat, to match her body, but she would be the same person. She would still remember herself, the people she knew, what she had learned; she would still know all of them."

Karine: "And how can we do that?"

"Well...We would need help from a powerful monster, or some kind of ritual or event that awaken the monster part of her."

Alternatively, she might get used to it on her own in time, according to Tamamo, but the time it would take is uncertain, and it has already been years, so telling her about that would be the same as giving false hope.

Karine: "You cannot do it?"

"No, I can't."

She doesn't nod, but her eyes acknowledged my answer.

Karine: "Cattleya, what do you think?"

Cattleya-san has been quiet all this time. My full attention was on her mother too, so I didn't see how she reacted to all this information. She doesn't seem to be optimistic at the moment, though.

Cattleya: "...Please do as you see fit, Mother." Cattleya-san answers while looking down at her lap.

Karine: "Then I will talk about it with your father tomorrow."

Cattleya: "...Yes, Mother."

Louise's mother stands up and...Ah, I have to follow after her...or do I have to open the door for her? Which is it?

Guess I'll just open the door.

Karine: "Cattleya, goodnight."

Cattleya: "Good night, Mother..."

I close the door.

Louise's mother stares at Cattleya-san's door. Then she turns abruptly and starts walking back the way she came.

I need to keep an appropriate distance. Too far or too close might get me chided...

...I'm starting to understand why Louise was so tense. Her mother just has the kind of commanding presence that makes people think before going against her.

Karine: "Luka."

"Ah, yes."

Being called by name makes me more nervous than being called 'familiar'.

Karine: "You are not to tell anyone of what we spoke about today without my permission. Not even my husband and daughters."

"Understood." I don't even know how to bring it up anyway.

Oh, wait, Louise. She will not like this. I don't even know how she's going to react if she's told her sister is going to become what she hates so much...

I'm already dreading what's going to happen...

Oh, this is the second set of stairs, so we must have reached the first floor.

There's a maid sitting to the right side at a junction.

Maid: "Mistress! That boy..."

So this is where the guard was supposed to be. I don't remember all the layout, but it seems this is the only way connecting Cattleya-san's area and the rest of the mansion.

Karine: "Wandered into the eastern side, while you were taking your eyes off your duty."

Maid: "I—I—I am deeply sorry...! I—I was—!"

Karine: "Stop. I will hear your excuse later. Your punishment will be decided then."

Maid: "...Yes...Mistress..."

She is shaking...It's not as bad as when Siesta was picked on by Guiche, but nowhere near being relieved.

"Uh, this is the way to my room, so I will excuse myself..."

Louise's mother nods.

Karine: "Make sure to rest well. You will have to answer some questions in front of my husband tomorrow."

Then she continues on her way.

"Haa..."

I feel drained, like I have been fighting without rest for three hours straight.

So that is Louise's mother. I will have to live under the same roof as her for two months. ...Though, thinking about it again, if not for the situation, she doesn't seem so scary. Her presence is almost comforting; it's similar to a lot of friends and acquaintances, like Granberia, and all the Queens.

Okay, that's enough; let's just slip back into the room quietly. They left my usual spot for me. That's something to be thankful for.

Servant (M) A: "...Hey, Luka."

"Oh, sorry for waking you up."

Servant (M) A: "It's fine. Lady Louise came to look for you around seven. Did you meet her?"

So that's why Louise was there. She was looking for me.

"Uh, yeah. But her mother found us first, so we didn't really get to talk."

Servant (M) A: "Ohho! Mistress caught you with the young lady, alone, in the middle of the night, and she let you go? You'll have to tell me how you did that!"

Servant (M) C: "Hey! Shut up! People are trying to sleep here!"

Servant (M) A: "Oh. Guess that'll have to wait 'til tomorrow."

He goes back to sleep. I hope he doesn't make this into another gossip. This is already a mess as it is.

So, we're going to bring this up with the father tomorrow. ...I can't see this going well at all.

This is going to blow up big time, isn't it? Yes, it will.

Then, what would happen to Cattleya-san?

Do we even have everything that's actually happening with Cattleya-san?

What if I missed, or misunderstand something? Now that I think about it, there's so much I don't know even about my home.

...I'll have to wait and see how it goes, tomorrow.

{...}

{...}{...}

Early summer morning. Out on the terrace. The sun, warm, but not too hot. The sky, clear. Clean, white table cloth. Chirping of birds. A breakfast with my family under such condition should be the time of relaxation, of contentment.

I can't bring myself to feel any of that. There's too much in my head.

What was that last night? Why did Mother go there? Why was Luka there? What about Sister Chii? Did something happen?

This sleepiness makes thinking about it even harder. How much sleep did I even get last night; I don't know. I can't even taste the food.

Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise! How long are you going to keep playing with your food? Have you forgotten all the table manners we've taught you!?"

"I—I'm sorry...!"

I'm wide awake now. Sister Eléonore's scolding does that; even though I've gotten used to it long ago, it still seems to pierce my being. My back straightens by itself, and my eyes are wide opened. The food tastes as good as always.

Still, does she have to be mad so early in the morning; she's going to get wrinkles early at this rate.

Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise, what did you say?"

"Eh?" Did I say that out loud? "N—Nothing. I didn't say anything, Sister Eléonore..."

She's still staring. I'll just eat quietly...

Pierre: "Louise, you look tired; were you not sleeping well? Is there anything troubling you?"

"Nothing of that sort, Father. I'm fine..."

Not at all. Half of me want to just lay my head on the dining table. The sleepiness is coming back.

Mother is on the opposite side...dining with the perfect manner, as if everything is normal. She quit the Manticore Squad thirty years ago, but the discipline hasn't left her at all. It makes her scary to approach...but I can't help but admire that flawlessness. In all my memory, Mother has always been perfect.

I'm definitely not going to get anything from her about what happened last night. Sister Chii and Luka should be the only other people who know about it. Sister Chii didn't come down to eat with us. Luka is standing with the row of workers next to the railings, squinting his eyes because of the sunlight. He's this close, but I can't ask him...And he's so hard to catch during the day because of work.

There's only one person to ask.

"Father, I want to visit Sister Chii after breakfast."

Pierre: "Of course you can. Ah, but I can't go with you today. I have to prepare for the meeting with the Royal Council about the bird tomorrow."

"I'll be fine on my own." That's just perfect. I didn't even have to ask to go alone. Now I can ask about last night without anyone listening in. Though, only if—

Karine: "Dear, can the visits to Cattleya be halted for now."

—Ugh.

Pierre: "Hm? Why is that?"

Karine: "It is quite complicated. We will need to discuss it at length, after the breakfast."

Pierre: "...I see. I'm sorry, Louise, but can you wait until we finished our talk?"

"...Yes, Father." Though I already know the answer.

But, if we will talk about it here, maybe I'll get to know some things, even if not everything.

...

...

The table was cleared away. The mood has shifted from the meal to business.

Pierre: "Karine, what is it that you want to talk about?"

Karine: "It is quite a sensitive subject. It would be ill-suited to discuss where too many pairs of ears are present."

Mother doesn't look at anyone while she says it, but I get a bad feeling about this...

Pierre: "We should move to the private room then. Who else need to be there?"

Karine: "Aside from you and I, I would request that Eléonore be present as well."

Pierre: "Is that all?"

Karine: "Yes, it is."

...I knew it. I am being excluded from the discussion.

Pierre: "Louise, you should go and relax around the mansion for now; maybe taking that boat out for fresh air. You used to like it there, didn't you? Once I finished talking with your mother, I will have someone sent to tell you if you can visit Cattleya or not."

I know what Mother is going to talk with Father about. It must be about the last night. Mother chased me away then, and she's keeping me out now...!

"Father, I wish to be included in the discussion as well."

Pierre: "Louise?"

Karine: "Do as your father says."

Guh...Mother's tone is flat and powerful as usual...

No...I'm not afraid. This time, I won't yield.

"It—It was actually your words, Mother. I know you are going to talk about last night; why can't I stay and listen?"

Mother doesn't answer. She looks at Jerome. Jerome bows, and signals all the servants to leave the terrace and out of the room.

Karine: "Louise's familiar, wait here."

Luka stops halfway out of the terrace, and stays there.

The servants are all gone; Mother's voice gives off even more weight in the empty hall.

Karine: "This matter is to be discussed between me and your father. It is too early for you."

"It's about Sister Chii, isn't it! I should have the right to hear about this as her sister! Sister Eléonore gets to stay, so why can't I?!"

Eléonore: "Because you're still immature, and if you can't recognise that, then all the more so."

"You're treating me like a child again! I'm already seventeen! I even went all the way to Albion and completed the mission from Princess!"

Eléonore: "If you're bringing up your reckless trip to Albion as proof, then you really are as immature as we say."

This again! In Sister Eléonore's eyes, I'm always the failure, the childish one! What do I have to do to prove that I'm not like that?!

Karine: "Louise, there will be no discussion about this. Do as your father says."

! I don't like this. I don't like this at all! But I can't argue with it...This is so frustrating...!

Father is the head of the house, no one can disobey him, not even Mother...It's the rule of the society, the rule of nobles, and the rule of this house. Father doesn't allow me to stay, so I can't stay...

Pierre: "Louise, you should go take a walk in the garden, getting some fresh air. I will go and see you once I finished talking with your mother, okay?"

Father is looking at me with sympathy, speaking to me gently. But doing that right now only makes me more frustrated. I really am the young on in their eyes.

"...Yes, Father."

I can't look anyone in the eye. My body and my chest ache just leaving the terrace, and the room.

*kachak*

I could've slammed the door close, but I pushed down the thought. That makes me feel a bit better, but in the scheme of things it's so little and meaningless. I am still just a child in their eyes. Not just a child, a failure that can't be trusted to do anything right.

It was like this back then too, years ago, when Sister Chii first became ill. They wouldn't tell me everything, even though it was I that came upon the scene first. Even though it was me who first saw Sister Chii did...that...with the male servant.

Urk...I feel sick thinking about it.

I was too young to understand what was it I saw at the time, so I don't really remember all that well. But it was still enough for me now to know what it was that happened. And what happened was horrendous.

I have no doubt now, after seeing what that bird did with Luka, that it was devil's doing. There was no way Sister Chii would do that of her own will.

...Wait. What happened last night, was it that again? Did Sister Chii try to...Luka...?

...I...I can't...

Luka was told to stay. It would make sense if last night he really was...

...This...Why...Why does everything seem to be going wrong...

...I need to clear my head. Somewhere to be alone. Father's advice about the boat seems like a good idea now.

{...}

{...}{...}

Louise's retreating back looked so sad and hurt. But I can't go after her. There is something I need to do here.

The new room is furnished like the living room the terrace is connected to, only 'less' in size and furniture. It does look more private. Louise's father had us moved in here for a talk.

Everyone settles in their place around the table. I have to stand, of course.

Louise's mother opens the discussion.

Karine: "Last night, I sensed a disturbance on Cattleya's side of the mansion. When I went to investigate, I found Louise's familiar there with Cattleya."

Pierre: "...What did you say?"

From that tone, I feel like the discussion is going downhill already...

Karine: "I believe he told the truth that he strayed into that part of the mansion when the guard left her post. I will deal with her later."

Pierre: "Alright. I will trust you to it."

Louise's father seems to accept the explanation, though he's still glaring at me.

Karine: "Louise's familiar, recount what you told me last night, starting from when you left the servant's quarter."

"Uh, understood." Now the father and the eldest sister's attention is fully on me.

"It was almost time for bed. I came out to find toilet. I remember to turn left once I saw a maid sitting guard at the junction, but last night I didn't see anyone, so I probably went past the place without knowing."

Louise's father seems to doubt me a little, but he only nods. The mother's advanced confirmation probably helped.

"I found a toilet but got lost. Cattleya-san found me, and wanted to talk about how Louise was doing at school, so she invited me into her room."

Pierre: "Hmph."

Of course he wouldn't like that one bit.

"We talked normally. When it was time for me to leave, her demeanor changed..."

Karine: "Last night, Cattleya's symptoms showed again. I intervened in time." Louise's mother adds right after I finished.

Pierre: "...I see. So, it's just a fool's hope on our part."

Louise's father has the same disappointment on his expression that the mother had last night, except he isn't really trying to hide it.

Karine: "I cannot say one way or another, as Cattleya did seem to be more easily persuaded than how she used to be."

Pierre: "That's something, at least."

He doesn't seem that glad. It's more like a cross between relief and resignation.

Eléonore: "Mother, had the boy blabbed about what happened last night to the servants?"

Karine: "I explicitly instructed him not to say a word to anyone. Did you?"

"No, I didn't tell anyone about last night. Uh, someone saw Louise asking for me, but I told him we only talked for a minute."

Eléonoe: "That girl was trying to meet a man at night? I thought we already talked about that; is she trying to start a new scandal herself?"

Karine: "It is fine, Eléonore. I already spoke to Louise about it."

Eléonore: "...If Mother says so."

Karine: "They had stayed in the same room at school, and it did not seem like anything untoward happened. I believe we can trust them on this matter for now."

The eldest sister stares at me, as if trying to read my mind.

Karine: "Back to the matter at hand. I, Cattleya, and Louise's familiar had a discussion right after the incident. I believe the familiar has a piece of information that is quite important and should be shared with us. Luka, tell my husband what you told me."

The attention is on me once again, this time with a kind of expectation in their eyes.

This is it. There's not much to say, and there isn't really anyway I can make it sounds better, but this is still nerve-racking; so much can go wrong from me saying it.

Pierre: "What are you waiting for? Tell us what you know."

"...If what Louise's mother told me is true, then Cattleya-san is in the middle of turning into a monster."

Both of them widen their eyes, though I don't know from what.

Pierre: "Monster? What is that?"

So, Louise's father doesn't know...?

Eléonore: "How..."

The eldest sister seems shocked, and seems to be thinking hard...?

Didn't Louise's mother say she heard about monster from the culprit herself? Does this mean Louise's father wasn't there with her?

Karine: "Eléonore, it seems you know about monsters. Can you share what you know with yout father?"

Eléonore: "...I am surprised Mother knows about monsters; nearly all of the people I've met, including most of the researchers at Academy, never even heard of the word. I, myself, wouldn't have come across the text where it was mentioned, or even paid it attention, if not for the problem with Cattleya."

Principal said the word 'monster' is a rare knowledge. Looks like he was telling the truth. Now that I think about it, I used the word pretty freely with the people I know, and none of them ever heard of it.

Pierre: "What exactly is this 'monster'? Is it something I should know about?"

Eléonore: "'Monster' is an ancient word used to refer to the beings we call 'devil' today; the root of it seems to have means 'malformed being' or 'human with animal part' back in the era. It was speculated that, before Founder Brimir's time, humans feared 'monsters' based on their grotesque appearance, and so called them such. After the advent of Founder and the battle for the Holy Land, they became human's sworn enemy by belief and religion, and so we began to call them with the current term, 'devil', which means 'evil being afflicting human'. Some of the texts written not long after Founder's time still occasionally referred to them as 'monsters'. That's where the historians learned of the obsolete term."

Pierre: "I...see..." Louise's father doesn't seem to fully get it. Same as I.

Though, according to the history of monsters, monsters have existed since long before the Holy-Demon War. From what little I've been hearing about this place, there might've been a similar great battle that divided humans and monsters here as well. This could be another way the conflict between humans and monsters could have ended...

Why are monsters here so different from the ones I know though?

Eléonore: "That's why I am quite surprised to hear that Mother knows of it, but still not as much as hearing this commoner say it."

Ah, right, we're discussing about Cattleya-san right now. This is important; I have to focus.

Eléonore: "You said Cattleya is turning into monsters, into devils. To be blunt, I find that kind of accusation disgusting and conceited. If not for Mother, I would've buried you for insulting Cattleya and looking down on the academic circle by now. How much do you know about monsters? How did you even learn of it?" The eldest sister scrunches up her eyebrows.

I'll have to talk about my home again. Since coming to Louise's home, I've already told two people about my life with monsters, and now I'm going to tell two more, despite the prejudice the people here have against monsters. My hands seem to keep getting forced.

"To put it simply, I was born in the place where humans live alongside monsters. They aren't called 'devils', and they're not seen as 'evil'." Not anymore. "I don't know what the people here know about monsters; I only know what I know about the ones back home."

Louise's sister crosses her arms while glaring at me.

Eléonore: "This is getting too ridiculous. No such land has been proven to exist. Forget monsters, even demi-humans would find it almost impossible to aggregate in large enough number to build any meaningful civilization. It would only be possible deep in the mountain or places far from human settlements. In this day and age, there is no such place on Halkeginia anymore. Aside from maybe the Black Forest that stretches along Germania-Gallia border."

"Well, according to the principal of Louise's school, I might be from beyond the desert to the east..." Actually, he said the Holy Land, but I'm sure that would agitate the eldest sister even more. "I'm sure I'm not from anywhere around here though. I've never heard of Halkeginia or any country here before I was summoned."

Eléonore: "The Eastern Land...I guess that wouldn't be entirely impossible. Still, there's nothing that can guarantee you're not lying. I don't believe in something so groundless. Your so-called knowledge is untrustworthy."

Damn, this is worse than I expected. Let alone convincing them of my solution for Cattleya-san, they don't even believe I know anything.

...There is one way though, to at least prove than I am something else they have no knowledge of. If I can show them my angel power, that would convince them for sure.

But last time I tried that I passed out. I never tried it at school, since if I actually succeed and someone see me, I would be in big trouble. I don't know if I can do it now, but if I pass out right here, this discussion will really end.

Then...I guess there's the next best thing. But that will endanger...

...Right, if I'm going to convince them to save Cattleya-san this way, I'll have to talk to them about this sooner or later. I've discarded my chance to back out when I told Louise's mother everything.

"Did you see Nerian, uh, the large avian that we brought with us. What do you think she is?"

Eléonore: "Nerian? By the large avian, does he mean the one that you said Louise went and took it in on her own, Father?"

Pierre: "That's the one. Indeed, it doesn't look like anything we have seen before. It looks like it might be a harpy, but its size and certain features mark clear difference."

"I don't know how the harpies here look like, but back in my home her species is called Garuda Girl. She is considered part of the harpy race, so she is a monster."

Louise's father and sister show surprise. The mother already knows, so she doesn't react.

Eléonore: "Father, is it really a monster—a devil? I have yet to see it myself; what does it look like?"

Pierre: "Well...It is as big as a fire dragon. Most of its body looks more or less like a normal bird, but it has a woman's body in place of its head. The human body has wings instead of arms, but the rest of it is...almost indistinguishable from human. Even its eyes."

Eléonore: "Even its eyes..." The eldest sister looks deep in thought.

Louise said something about the monsters here have eyes different from human too. I guess it is a big deal for them?

Eléonore: "...Fine. I will at least admit that a creature completely unknown to us, which might or might not be a monster, truly exist, and that you might possess knowledge we don't. So, what do you propose we do about Cattleya? Is she really turning into a monster? How can you be so sure?"

Finally, we've gotten to this point. All three of them are waiting for my answer. What I say here will really make or break this.

"I have a friend who was born human but became monster later, and I've seen half of the women in an entire village turned into monster overnight."

Eléonore: "That sounds ridiculous, and illogical. If it is so common to become monsters then they wouldn't have remained a myth for so long."

"Actually, most of the women have potential to become monsters, some more than the others, but that only affect how strong they would be after becoming one. No matter how much potential they have, humans can't become monsters on their own. On the other hand, powerful monsters can turn any woman into a monster, regardless of how low her potential is." I may have missed some details, but this is what I heard from Tamamo.

Eléonore: "So, what you are saying is that, what afflicting Cattleya must've come from another monster, is that it?"

Another monster, huh...

"As far as I know, that's the most likely way, unless this world has a special phenomenon that can turn people into monsters. Anyway, I've lived alongside monsters long enough to be able to tell, at least when they're not in disguise. That's how I know Cattleya-san is turning into monsters."

Pierre: "...That does sound convincing."

Eléonore: "If he is telling the truth."

Pierre: "Now, what do you know about Cattleya's situation."

"About the friend I told you earlier: when she first became monster, the transformation wasn't entirely completed. She couldn't handle the change, and lost control of herself, feeding on everything she can find."

Pierre: "Feeding? What do you mean by that?"

...Oh. Right. I have to tell them about this too, don't I...

The entire continent gives off the same feeling of conservation Iliasville used to have, including being averse to open sexual discussion, since that was seen as monsters' nature. Staying here, I'm regaining a lot of my ideas and habits from back then.

Going by that, I know which word will sound dirty to the people here, and this is one of them...

"You will probably be surprised, but monsters' main food is...energy from human men. And one of the ways to get the energy is... ..."

There is no appropriate way to say this, is there.

Eléonore: "...Wait. No. You are not telling me that."

The eldest sister makes disgusted face. So, she figured it out on her own... The father still looks confused, and the mother...is crossing her arms low, holding both her elbows, still looking indifferent.

"Uh, anyway. So, my friend lost control, and had to be put through...a process to help her manage her changes. After she was done, she never lost control of herself again. I think Cattleya-san is like her, in the middle of the change, so if she completes her transformation, she will be able to control herself like before."

...The entire room is quiet.

Eléonore: "By 'complete her transformation', you mean, into a monster?"

"...Yes."

The silence is so heavy I can feel it press on my skin and lungs. I know it is coming.

*Bam!*

Pierre: "Ridiculous!"

The sound of him hitting the table reverberate throughout the medium-sized room.

Pierre: "How does that solve anything!? My daughter is a human! No parents in their right mind will ever let their daughter become an abomination!"

Karine: "Dear."

Pierre: "You knew about this, didn't you, Karine? Yet you still let this brat do this."

Karine: "...Yes, I did."

Pierre: "This isn't like you at all. Weren't you always saying I was too soft? This is where you have to be firm more than any other time!"

Karine: "Dear, do you remember the twins?"

Pierre: "Of course I do. I know what you're going to say, Karine, but those two are demi-humans, not devils; even then, they are the very few exceptions. And did you forget the treatment they received before they met you?"

Karine: "...Indeed."

I don't know that that was about, but if even the mother doesn't press anymore, it probably isn't going to help the case here.

Pierre: "Anyway, I will never agree to this! Cattleya will have the normal life she deserves! I will not settle for anything less! No matter what!"

Louise's father's tone is final. Even Louise's mother has gone silent.

Eléonore: "In the first place, the commoner's story is too dubious. I don't understand how Mother could have believed it so easily."

Actually, I was wondering the same thing myself.

My story must seem too far-fetched for the people here. I'm talking about what was spoken of only in legends and myths, without any physical evidence to back it up. From what I saw last night, Louise's mother probably allowed herself to believe because she wants to help Cattleya-san that much.

But Louise's family isn't like Sara's. They are normal humans who don't know monsters, or rather they believe in the wrong things about monsters. Louise's father isn't King of Sabasa who would be proud to have monster in his family.

I have no right to interfere with other family's matters. I have no right to force the choice they don't want on them.

...But this is about monsters. Here, no one else but me knows about the actual monsters; ones not spoken in myths. And this isn't just any family, but Louise's. I won't give up on them.

"Once she turned into monster, there is no way for her to go back to being human again."

They probably won't believe me. They will hate me for this. But I have to tell them this. They have to know the truth.

"Even if you don't do anything, Cattleya-san's body will slowly adapt to the change, and she will become a full monster, then she won't lose control of herself anymore. But there won't be a way for her to become human again."

Pierre: "Brat! Who gave you permission to speak!?"

"But no one knows how long that would take; it's unusually long as it is. Cattleya-san's body is weak, I heard. That must be because she hasn't been getting the necessary nutrients as a monster. No matter how much ordinary food she eats, if she doesn't get the energy from men, she will stay weakened. Maybe that's why she hasn't completed her transformation yet; because she doesn't have the energy to do so."

Pierre: "Shut your mouth! You don't know a thing about her! She's nothing like the freaks you speak of!"

After all is said and done, the knowledge I have is incomplete, but it's the only one anyone in this land has.

"I know the people here think monsters are evil, but they're not. Cattleya-san won't become someone else just because she becomes a monster."

Ultimately, that's what it is about back home as well. Monsters and humans are different in how their bodies work, which affects how they move and think. However, the people underneath are the same. They need to see that.

Pierre: "I've heard enough of your rubbish! Get out of my sight! Or I will have you locked up in the dungeon!"

Louise's father is at the peak of his rage; anyone can see that much. Talking when someone is like this is useless, and I have no way to calm him down.

He's the father; he will have to think about this sooner or later whether he wants to or not. It's better to leave him to it. For now, it's my cue to leave, much like Louise did.

*kachak*

Light shines in through the windows, brightening the empty corridor. It really fits the mood right now.

I did everything I could.

But was my everything good enough? If It's Alice or Tamamo, they might've been able to persuade Louise's father.

The problems between humans and monsters; there are just too many that I can't fix alone.

If only Alice was here with me, maybe things wouldn't have turned out like that.

But she's not. I'll have to do this, even if I'm alone on it.

{...}

{...}{...}

Father has been acting strange since he came to get me at the pond.

He was supposed to be preparing for the trip to the Royal Palace, yet he is here taking me to see Sister Chii. He also seems to be both annoyed and troubled by something.

"Father, did something happen?"

Pierre: "..."

Why is he looking at me like that, like he's hesitant to tell me? Is it related to me?

Pierre: "Louise, do you know where your familiar came from? The place he lived before you summoned him?"

Wha—Did Luka tell him?! Did he tell my family about that tale of his most people would find absurd!?

"Um, what did he tell you?"

Pierre: "He said that he is from the Eastern Land, and he lived with devils."

Darn it, Luka! Why would you go and say that?!

"Uh, y—yes, he told me that too..."

Pierre: "Do you believe him?"

"I—Uh...!" What do I say?! If I say no, I'd be calling Luka a liar; if I say yes, my family might start thinking I've gone mad on top of all the shame I've already put them through!

"I—I'm not sure. He doesn't seem like a normal commoner—I mean, he fought Wardes and won, though with some help..." Why am I praising Luka?

Pierre: "Are you sure about that? I recall Wardes being the captain of the Gryphon Squad; failure as a noble he may be, his skills shouldn't be in any doubt?"

"I'm, uh, it happened...during the mission in Albion. Wardes tried to assassinate Prince Wales, but Luka and the prince fought Wardes together and drove him away."

They might have said something about Luka cutting Wardes's magic with a sword...But everything was a blur, so I could have misremembered some things. After all, there's no way anyone can cut wind.

Pierre: "I see. The former Crown Prince Wales is a skilled mage in his own right, and has some experience in military, so it was probably him that did most of the work. Still, I can't deny that the familiar's presence must have affected the outcome somewhat."

That...makes sense, though according to Prince Wales, their roles would be reversed. But Prince Wales isn't the type to brag or claim credits, so it doesn't mean anything.

...Also...I don't know which one do I prefer: that Luka is actually very strong, or that Luka isn't really all that special, isn't really that different from me...

Pierre: "Louise."

"! Y—Yes, Father...?" Why is he holding my shoulders all of a sudden?

Pierre: "I believe it's in everyone's best interest that you be betrothed to someone."

"Eh?!"

Pierre: "Things have become dangerous around you as of late. In just a few months, your life and honour have been put in danger at least thrice. I understand that you did all of it out of your loyalty to Her Majesty, but there are things you really shouldn't get involved. If you are betrothed to someone, it would encourage you to be more careful, to care more for your own safety, and you will have someone to rely on in a predicament. The prestige of La Vallière is not boundless, nor is it eternal."

...There are more than one points I want to argue on, but I have to focus on the immediate one first.

"I—If it's about betrothal, Sister Eléonore should go first."

Father flinches...? And looks away...?

Pierre: "You...don't have to worry about Eléonore. She's an adult, and already found position in Academy; she can take care of that herself."

His reaction is kind of weird...

"Well, I can take care of that myself too!"

Father widens his eyes. Why?

Pierre: "Louise, don't tell me you...!? Have you already found someone after all?!"

"Wha—!?" How did he come to that conclusion?!

Pierre: "I told you, no need to hold back. I'm not going to do anything just yet."

Just what does he mean by that?! What is Father planning to do?!

"No! T—That's not what I said! I'm saying I don't want a fiancé yet! I—I'm still too young for that, am I not?!" Am I really claiming to be a kid now after all that complaining?

Pierre: "What are you talking about? You're sixteen. Some are already married at your age."

"That—That's already old-fashioned, Father! These days, people only think about marriage after they're done with the school!"

Actually I don't know! But I'm going with this!

Pierre: "Is that so? Hm...It's true my thinking may have become dated..."

Alright! I have to take this chance to distract him!

"Enough about me! Let's go see Sister Chii."

Pierre: "Right...I need to talk to Cattleya."

What? He has that troubled expression again. Is it related to Sister Chii?

...This is giving me a bad feeling. He's acting really weird, suddenly talking about finding me a fiancé out of nowhere...

...We're here.

*knock knock*

Pierre: "Cattleya, it's me. Louise is here too."

Footsteps; doesn't sound different from the last time I visited.

The door opens; Sister Chii looks...the same.

Cattleya: "Father, Louise, thank you for coming. It has been getting a bit lonely. Please come in."

Father nods and walks inside. He seems a little tense, which makes me tense too. And Sister Chii...There's something off about her; can't put my finger on I, but...maybe it's just me.

We settle down with the tea prepared by Sister Chii, like last time. This silence feels a bit weird. It could be because there are less people here.

Cattleya: "I guess Louise want to hear about last night."

"! Y...Yes, I...If Sister Chii doesn't mind..."

Cattleya: "Your familiar, Luka just got lost and ended up near my room, so I invited him for a bit of talk. It's mostly just me asking him about you at school. You have nothing to worry about, Louise; I won't steal him from you."

"Wha—!? No, we're not—he's just a familiar!" Father is glaring! And Sister Chii is just smiling her little smile like always.

Cattleya: "Fufu, that's what I said. I won't take your familiar from you, don't worry."

"Uuu~"

I feel like I lost...I feel like there's no way for me to win.

So, is that all of it? If they only talked, then what were they doing outside the room? And Mother of all people had to intervene...It felt like something serious.

Cattleya: "Speaking of Luka, why don't you come together next time?"

"Eh?"

Visiting Sister Chii...together with Luka? That..feels like it would be embarrassing, somehow. She's definitely going to tease me...

Pierre: "I won't permit that. That pest will not be allowed in your vicinity. You shouldn't even speak of it."

It's not too surprising Father would say that; he's protective of Sister Chii, but his tone is harsher than I expected.

Cattleya: "Oh my, did something happen, Father?"

Pierre: "What do you think? That brat spouted nothing but nonsense! Do you know what he said?"

Cattleya: "...He probably didn't mean any harm."

What is this about? Was it something that happened while I was chased out of the room? Why does Sister Chii know about it?

Pierre: "It doesn't matter! I will never accept that!"

Father gets up and leans forward; to hold Sisiter Chii's shoulders.

Pierre: "Cattleya, you will be cured, no matter what we have to do. Trust me."

Cattleya: "...Yes, Father."

Pierre: "Good. Don't you worry about the ramblings of those ignorant fools. You are my and Karine's daughter, Eléonore and Louise's sister. Don't listen to what anyone else says about you. Alright?"

Cattleya: "Yes, Father."

Sister Chii answers meeting Father's eyes. Father seems to be satisfied and lets go.

Pierre: "I'm sorry for raising my voice, but I want you to know that, no matter what happens, we will never give up on you. So, don't give up on yourself."

Cattleya: "I understand, Father."

Sister Chii answers with her usual gentle smile.

...Something feels a bit off about that smile. She looks, and sounds like she always does, yet I get this feeling...that she's keeping something.

Father is completely right, however. We will never give up on getting Sister Chii's life back for her. To me, she deserves to be happy more than anyone in the world. For that, chasing after a devil or two is trivial. I know at least one of them was behind her sickness.

Right, now I know what it was Father was talking about. That Luka probably said something to the effect of protecting the devil that did this; why else would Father be so mad with him. That guy really doesn't learn. This isn't like the time with that bird; I'm not going to side with him. In fact, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind myself if Father didn't already.

If they were talking about that, then Sister Chii's symptoms really did act up last night... I need to hurry up, before it's too late. Finding a devil won't be easy, but Princess should be able to help. She will help me for sure; Princess was fond of Sister Chii as well.

{...}

Pierre: "Then, we'll be going, Cattleya. I will visit again."

Louise: "I will too. I'm going to come every day!"

"Thank you, both of you, but Louise, you don't have to force yourself. If you have something you need to do, you should prioritise that."

Louise: "There's nothing I'll prioritise over you!"

"That makes me happy, but we will run out of things to talk about fast. You should spend some time with Sister Eléonore too. She will surely be very glad."

Louise: "That's not true. Sister Eléonore is always unhappy with me."

"Well, you have grown up a lot this year. Maybe she will change her opinion if she could see you now."

Louise: "She already said she's disappointed with me the first day she came home."

"Oh my... Maybe I should speak with Sister first..."

Pierre: "If you need to talk to Eléonore, I can tell her for you."

"Ah, Father...You don't have to. It can wait. She will come see me eventually."

Pierre: "Alright. Then, we'll really be going."

Louise: "Please, take care, Sister Chii."

"You two as well."

Louise and Father keep smiling until the door closes.

*kachak*

Mine still stays on. The joy of meeting my beloved sister after so long, of spending time as a family however short it was.

But it's only for a moment, then the corners of my mouth drop.

The cups and teapot on the table look lonely with no one to use them. The only movement in the room is the reflection of a woman in the body mirror at the adjacent wall.

Light pink, back-length, slightly curled hair giving out soft aura; sweet visage inherited from the mother without the sharpness in the eyes; a large, slightly loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt covering most of the body's proportion, with the exception of the two noticeable mounds not present on the other two sisters. It could be said that the woman in the mirror is quite blessed with womanly charms.

But that is true only on the exterior.

*knock knock*

Maid: "Lady Cattleya, I have brought you the lunch."

Lunch...The clock says twelve fifteen. So I had stared at my reflection for twenty minutes.

It's nothing surprising. Hours flying while deep in thought would be a common occurrence for someone who rarely ever step out of a room, and it is something to be thankful for, as the time alone feels shortened.

Maid: "Lady Cattleya...Are you there?"

Right. I need to go open the door. If I don't go now I might space out again.

A maid and a serving cart. As usual.

Maid: "I bring today's lunch."

Smile, and pick up the tray.

"Thank you."

Maid: "It is no problem."

"Oh, and please take those away. I just had tea with Father and Louise."

Maid: "I will get to it immediately."

The maid bows, and comes inside. She moves expertly, works quickly, and is out of the door again within a moment.

Maid: "Is there anything else I can do?"

"That will be all. Thank you."

Maid: "Please call on us any time."

The door closes. Footsteps and cart's wheels echo further away, silently and hurriedly.

The woman in the mirror doesn't smile anymore.

The tray is placed on the table different from the guest's one. A pair of knife and fork lay neatly untouched.

Removing the metal cover releases the smell of gravy covering a succulent steak. Finely cut carrots and peas are laid neatly to the side. On a separate dish is a single bunch of grapes. Lastly, as single glass of water.

One of the very few things learnt about my 'sickness' is the benefit of meat after the symptoms became active. Vegetables and fruits for the ill is a common knowledge, otherwise.

It is the usual now, as I have come to expect it, come to take notice of it every time; a reminder.

I can still remember when I was first separated from my family and confined here. The feeling was too hard to bear, and my senses reacted to all stimulation: the servants' unusual length of breath, footsteps with a faster rhythm, the exact same smiles from the exact same faces.

They are all reminders.

But the fleeting moment just now was so filled with happiness, that I almost forgot it all. The behaviour of the maid, though no different from any other day, snatched me back to reality.

Inside me, the inhuman desire is still pulsating. There is a thirst that is never sated no matter what kind of feast I had. There are nights I wake up with a desperate drive.

The moment Louise stood up to leave, before she was even through the door, my mind drifted to her young familiar, wondering how he would taste.

This is what I am now, what I have been for so long I couldn't remember the time I was not, and what I will always be until the end of time.

My hands pick up the knife and fork, pressing their tips into the meat, its soft texture makes cutting it effortless. A piece pushed pass my lips; its smell, appetising, fill my mouth; its taste, savory, spread across my tongue. My body tells me: this is not what it wants, needs.

I don't even need it to tell me that anymore.

But I will chew slowly, enjoying the taste as much as I can, even if I have to force my body to.

Remember it; keep it safe in my memory.

This is the last time.

"...This is for the best..."

{...}

{...}{...}

*bam!*

Pierre: "What is the meaning of this!?"

The long dining table vibrates slightly from the impact. The maid jumps from the sound and Father pushing himself up.

Maid: "T—This morning I b—brought breakfast to L—Lady Cattleya's room. I—I knocked many times...but she did not answer, so I...left the cart in front of her room. ...I—I thought I could just go bring it back later..."

Pierre: "In what country does a servant just leave their master's food in the hallway!?"

Father's furious glare: forget other servants, even I, Mother, and Sister don't dare to speak. Of course the maid would be frightened for her life right now.

Pierre: "Forget it! Explain what you said at the beginning!"

Maid: "E—Earlier, I brought lunch to Lady Cattleya's room, but the breakfast was still on the cart. I was c—concerned so I took a look inside, b—but Lady Cattleya...was not in the room. A—And this letter was on the table."

The maid's shaking hands hold up a piece of paper. Father snatches it forcefully. The maid jumped as if her hand was cut off.

I, Sister, and Mother sit perfectly still as we watch Father read it in anticipation.

He pales.

Pierre: "Ca—"

Karine: "Dear, give it to me now."

Mother says sharply. Father seems to collect himself before handing the letter.

Mother's expression doesn't change one bit, unlike Father.

Eléonore: "Mother, what does it says?"

Karine: "..."

Eléonore: "Mother?"

Mother hands Sister Eléonore the letter.

I want to see it too...I can't help but rubbing my hands under the table in wait.

Eléonore: "Cattleya...Why...?"

Sister Eléonore looks half concerned half confused.

Just what is it about...!? I want to see that letter too...but the letter is on the other side of the table. If I ask for it now, Sister Eléonore will scold me for sure...

Pierre: "Jerome! Gather all the servants you can; tell them to go look for Cattleya immediately! Send words to every town and village; have them be on the look for Cattleya too!"

Jerome: "I shall get to it immediately."

Jerome bows, and brings all the male servants out of the room with him.

I can't stand it anymore. All these hints and reactions; I don't have time to piece them together myself!

"Father, what happened to Sister Chii? What was written on that letter."

Pierre: "Uh, well..." Father looks reluctant. I know what he's thinking.

"I won't have you treat me like a kid this time!"

Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise! Know when not to speak! We don't have time to listen to your selfishness!"

"Then stop keeping me out of the loop! I'm always the only in the dark when something happened! I'm a daughter of this house too! Sister Chii is my sister too!"

Sister Eléonore presses her lips together, but is unable to argue. I actually made her speechless, but I don't feel happy at all.

Karine: "...Eléonore, give Louise the letter."

Sister Eléonore reluctantly slides the letter to me. That's not really lady-like, but whatever.

Now that it's in my hand, it's a bit scary.

This is definitely Sister Chii's handwriting; the letters are neat and orderly. Though her body is weak, or rather because her body is weak, Sister Chii has always been good at delicate works.

...Ugh. I'm going to read it...

~Father, Mother, Sister Eléonore, and Louise, my beloved little sister~

...My heart clenches from just reading that. I have a feeling I know what is waiting beyond this line...

As you are reading this, everyone must be startled and confused. I am sorry for worrying you yet again, but this is what I have been thinking about for so long. Though you might not understand, might think what I did was illogical, I want you to know this.

...These words, so melancholic, are they really written by the same Sister Chii I know...?

Born in this house, to loving Father and Mother, to Sister Eléonore who was always concerned for me, to a lovely little sister, I am truly blessed. I may not be able to go outside, miss what others take for grants, but I would not trade the life I have for any other. Even if I have to bear this curse for as long as I live, I will gladly do so.

"Sister Chii... Then why..."

But that is why I have to go. I am hurting everyone I love just by being there. I know what I do will hurt you all the same, but I also know you will move past it someday. That is better than taking on burden endlessly.

Father and Mother, you still have Sister Eléonore as a daughter you can be proud of, you still have Louise who has bright future ahead of her. I know they will be the daughters you deserve. I am sorry that I never did anything for you, when you have given me so much.

Sister Eléonore, you are an elder sister anyone would be lucky to have, but after this you will be the only sister Louise has, so please allow yourself to be a bit gentler with her. You have exerted yourself so much to help me, years after years, despite never finding the answer. You don't have to do that anymore. Please, spend your life for yourself from now on.

Louise, I am sorry we have to part like this. Your life will be filled with happiness, I am sure of it. If possible, please keep the time we spent together in your memory; if not, it is fine if you forget me, but please live your life to the fullest, the way you want.

I love our family more than anything in the world. I will keep the time we spent in my heart to my last breath.

~Cattleya~

...

My eyes feel hot... Wet spots appear on the paper.

"Sister Chii..."

Pierre: "Why must you do this, Cattleya...We never once thought of you as a burden...!"

Father clenches his fists on the table. Mother sits in silence, expression darkened. Sister Eléonore took back the letter and is glaring at it.

I don't get this...I don't get it at all, Sister Chii. Why are you doing this? You're not being a burden. Our family isn't wanting for money or power. Taking care for you while you're sick isn't a problem at all.

Even if the curse is never lifted, I and Sister Eléonore will never abandon you. Sister Eléonore already has a successful career, and I'll study hard and become able to support you. You don't have to worry at all.

If you feel trapped in our house, we can do something, we'll find some way. Our land is vast, and we're nobles; we can go anywhere within Tristain. Out there, there could even be a man who will be worthy of you, who will accept you as you are. There's no need to do this at all...

The clock is ticking away. How long have we stayed like this? How is the search going? How is Sister Chii?

Father is tapping his finger on the table impatiently. Mother is sitting quietly with neutral expression, deep in thought, like Sister Eléonore who is still reading the letter, furrowing her eyebrows, as if trying to find something.

Karine: "Eléonore, did you find something?"

Eléonore: "! Mother. ...It is something trivial. I am not sure if it means anything. I could simply be persuading myself there is something in here."

Karine: "I don't mind. Speak."

Eléonore: "...This passage, 'despite never finding the answer'; it would sound like a nitpicking, but I find the way it is worded here quite strange. I feel like Cattleya would not word it like this."

Pierre: "! Are you saying it might not be written by Cattleya?" Father raises his voice, eyes widened.

Eléonore: "No, this is no doubt Cattleya's handwriting. I am sorry for giving you false hope, Father; that's why I didn't want to say it, Mother."

Karine: "It is fine. Is that all?"

Eléonore: "...If these are truly Cattleya's words, they would imply that 'the answer' she spoke about here, the one I never found, is an existence she is aware of, and might even know what it is. To say it simply, whatever this 'answer' is, she knows it, while we don't, and she won't tell us."

Pierre: "The answer? To her sickness? The curse?"

Karine: "..."

Eléonore: "It is but a baseless speculation on my part. It would never be accepted in the academic circle; they would say it is a biased nonsense created by my intimacy with her."

...But I can't ignore it. Sister Eléonore had known Sister Chii for longer than I have, even though I don't like to admit it.

Could Sister Chii know something but not telling us? But there's no reason for her to keep secret from Father and Mother. She's not like me.

Father holds his forehead in his hand, hurt shown clearly on his face.

Pierre: "Cattleya...Your father doesn't understand at all...why you did all this. It's because I didn't know anything about you, isn't it. Of course, you had been kept on the other side for so long; what you thought, what you felt, I never knew. I said I was concerned for you, but I didn't understand you at all..."

...Maybe Father is right. Maybe none of us here really understands Sister Chii after all... Just because we're family doesn't mean we naturally understand each other.

Sister Chii has always been kind to me, but I, who was a little girl, never gave it any real thought how she must have felt with her life. I always thought to myself I must save Sister Chii someday, but I never really knew how she herself thought about it...

That's why it ended up like this...

It hasn't been long at all, but I'm near the limit of my nerves, sitting here in the dining room with Father, Mother, and Sister Eléonore, doing nothing but wait. I want to know where Sister Chii is, what she is doing, I want to know now.

I want to know what made Sister Chii do this, what troubled her so much, so I can tell her it's not true.

...If...If Sister Chii doesn't come back, we would never—I would never understand her for the rest of my life; it will remain a mystery that is never solved.

If that happens, I might really forget about it someday. One day I'm going to wake up, and not think about Sister Chii until I go to bed. That day will turn into weeks, months, years. My brain will get rid of memories I can't make sense of; I won't remember what kind of person Sister Chii was, or why she was important to me.

I don't want that.

Leading a happy life while forgetting about someone I held dearly, I don't want that. I can't stan that.

I can't bear it anymore. I will go.

Pierre: "Louise? Where are you going?"

"To look for Sister Chii."

Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise, sit down! Don't make this more of a mess than it already is!"

"No! I don't care what anyone says, I will go!"

Karine: "Louise, sit down."

"No, Mother. Not even you can stop me."

Karine: "Can you move faster than a horse?"

...!

Karine: "The servants are coordinating with the villagers and vassals in our land. They have manpower, rides and local knowledge. Can you do better than them? Have you thought things through before acting?"

"B—But..."

Mother is right on everything. I know. I know very well.

"But even so! I will—"

Karine: "I will go."

...Eh?

Pierre: "Karine...?"

Mother stands up, pointing her gaze forward. Her neutral expression didn't change much, but she gives off a determined aura, somehow.

Karine: "A daughter that worries her family has to be punished."

The words and the tone don't match. She didn't sound like when she scolded me; it's a different kind of intensity entirely. This is Mother I've never seen.

Pierre: "Karine, you..." Father seems to recognise Mother as she is right now, but I don't, at all.

But, if Mother is going out herself, with her manticore familiar, she might really find Sister Chii before anyone else...! After all, she is the legendary [Heavy Wind]!

Ah...! Speaking of familiar, there's that bird! That thing's even faster than Mother's manticore! I don't like relying on that thing but this is no time to be choosy!

We can do this...!

"Mot—!"

*knock knock*

Oh...That's from the door.

Karine: "Enter."

Jerome enters, carrying a leather bag and looking uncomfortable.

Pierre: "Jerome? What is it?"

Jerome: "...As I was organising the search, two matters were brought to my attention by our staffs. I would like to address them in order."

Pierre: "Go ahead." Father says a little impatiently.

Jerome: "First, the report from the stable keeper, Jan. The giant avian had vanished from its stall."

Pierre: "Vanished?"

Jerome: "He locked the front door before going to bed as usual last night. When he went to unlock it in the morning, the lock was already destroyed. The stall at the back, where the avian was kept, was opened, and the avian was not there."

Pierre: "Destroyed? How can that be? The whole building had Maintain cast on them, including the lock. Not even rampaging dragons could break it down!"

Right, I usually didn't have a reason to go there, but I remember the lock was big and made from steel much like the door itself, and someone once told me they're strengthened by magic to keep the dragons in, in case they somehow broke out of their stalls.

Jerome: "One of our guards inspected the damage. It appears that the lock was first cut with a bladed instrument, before being snapped by force. A broken sword was found nearby, apparently taken from our equipment. So, it was first thought that the perpetrator used it to cut the lock."

Pierre: "That's absurd. With enough strength, it might be possible to break the lock that was already damaged, but it's absurd to believe that an ordinary sword can put such a large cut on a lock reinforced with magic."

Jerome: "That is the conclusion we came to as well."

...One person comes to mind. Using a sword to do outrageous thing: Luka. That would make sense; that guy's the only one who'd want anything to do with that bird around here.

Anyway, my plan to go look for Sister Chii using that bird is ruined now. Breaking my house's property? What was he thinking?!

Pierre: "What about the bird? Did you find it?"

Jerome: "Not yet, My Lord. We would have to ask our staffs, and possibly the villagers outside to see if there was any witness."

Pierre: "Do that later. Right now, finding Cattleya comes first."

The bird was entrusted to us by Princess...But if it's with Luka, I guess it's fine. Father's right; we need to find Sister Chii first.

Pierre: "Alright, what is the other thing?"

Jerome hesitated. That's unusual of him.

Jerome: "A report came in from Coline Village, just after the search party went out. It was sent from the village since dawn and only just arrived. I thought it might...be related..."

Pierre: "Related? To Cattleya?"

Really?

Jerome: "...Yes, My Lord."

Pierre: "Well, what are you waiting for, tell us!"

A clue? So fast. I'm not complaining, but Jerome is acting really strange. He rarely looks so anxious.

Jerome: "Yes, My Lord... Last night, there was a theft in the village deep into the night. The culprit was caught, but the ruckus woke some of the villagers as a result. A few of them claimed to have seen a strange shadow flying down to the nearby river."

Flying shadow? Sister Chii of course can fly, since she can use magic, but it might also be that bird.

Pierre: "Was it a human?"

Jerome: "The report stated it was too dark to see clearly. At dawn, the villagers went out to check, and...they found two objects."

Jerome looks as if he steeled himself for a split second, then opens the leather bag he has with him, and takes out a pair of slippers, placing it on the table. It's made of thin leather, coloured light yellow. I've seen that pair before...

The servant puts his hand into the bag again and takes out a wand this time. The grip has familiar-looking embroidery.

Pierre: "They're all Cattleya's! What about Cattleya? Where is she?"

Jerome: "The report made no mentions of Lady Cattleya. However, the slippers and the wand were placed on the bank of the river. There were also new footprints leading toward the river, but none coming back. As the wand was left there, the person would be without the help of magic to leave the river without touching the ground. The river is also one of the larger and faster one in the area. A girl drowned in the same river but in a different spot last year. ...That is all the report says, My Lord..."

...

...That...doesn't mean what I think it means...does it?

Karine: "There could be a mistake. I will go now."

Pierre: "A...Ah, I'll leave you to it. ...Jerome, find Cattleya before noon. I don't care what we have to use, just do it."

Jerome: "I will see to it right away."

Mother is already out of the room, and Jerome hurried after her, leaving the slippers and the wand on the dining table.

Sister Eléonore slowly, hesitantly gets up from the chair, and approaches the items.

Eléonore: "These are...undoubtedly Cattleya's, both of them..."

Father put elbows on the table and hold his head...and doesn't say anything, not even to tell me to go to my room.

This...isn't really happening, is it? It can't be true. I mean, it doesn't feel real at all, so there must be some kind of misunderstanding...somewhere...

...A mage wouldn't discard their wand under any circumstance. There's no reason to. 'The only time a mage would put down their wand...is on their deathbed, right before they put down their life.'

...Luka, where are you...

{...}{...}

{...}

"Where are you going?"

Cattleya: "I had a feeling you might follow after me."

Cattleya-san says as she floats in the air with her back still turned to me. The sky is clear tonight; the light is enough to make out even the details on her clothes from thirty meters away.

"I just happened to see you flying away when I came out for a walk. I have Nerian to thank for taking me here."

Good thing I made it before she's gotten too far away. The sword was definitely a work of a master, withstanding one use of Rumbling Earth*. Can't believe it broke before the lock. I'll have to apologize to the guards that lent it to me later.

Cattleya: "I see. I knew someone might see me even at this time of the night. It's just my luck that someone happened to be you, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's just by chance. So, where are you going?"

Cattleya-san goes quiet. Then she turns back around, and sends a thin smile like how she did when we first met.

Cattleya: "You really are not going to ask how can I float without a wand, are you."

"There's no need to. Cattleya-san, you know the answer as well."

Cattleya: "I guess it is to be expected of someone who says he lived alongside devils. In your home a sight like me probably isn't rare at all, is it?"

"Yeah, monsters that can fly usually don't need a wand, and there are a lot like that."

Talking to her like this makes me sure of it. Something felt off when talking about Cattleya-san with her mother.

Cattleya-san's transformation to monster is still incomplete, so she periodically loses control of herself; that's something I know and have seen.

Humans who were turned into monsters didn't all act the same; some difference in behavior is to be expected. But, there was one thing that struck me as odd no matter what.

"Cattleya-san, you stopped then. Just before you reached the window and escaped, you stopped when you heard Louise calling your name."

Cattleya-san doesn't answer, only keeping her small smile.

Let's just skip the unnecessary bits; we both know the real question here.

"You have completed your transformation long ago, haven't you?"

A newly transformed monster caught up in their own instinct, even if they retained their awareness somewhat, tend to only follow two things: the urge to feed, and to submit to stronger beings. Louise provided neither of that. And if her mother's powerful entrance had already snapped her out of it, then her actions afterward made no sense.

Unless she was pretending since the beginning.

She doesn't answer immediately, as expected. The only sound up here is the wind, which is especially strong now in summer. The wind pauses briefly, and her long skirt stops fluttering. Cattleya-san answers.

Cattleya: "Before Louise enrolled in the school, a little over a year."

That's longer than expected, in many ways.

"So, all the times you lost control after that were just acts, including last night."

Cattleya: "Saying they were acts isn't exactly correct; I simply let myself go along with the urge. The previous time was six months ago; it was an experiment to see if I can stop myself halfway, and it turned out I can."

To eat, or not eat before meal time: only monsters with sufficient intelligence and awareness have those choices in the first place.

"Why didn't you tell your family? Why do all this?"

Cattleya-san drops her smile and stares back at me. Then she glances at Nerian for a moment, before looking back at me again.

Cattleya: "I wonder. I wonder if you can understand my reason, Louise's familiar."

Cattleya-san turns to her right, looking down on the earth, where stacks of hay are littering the field below, not far from a river.

Cattleya: "Has Louise told you about her first year at school?"

"...She hasn't."

She pauses a bit to smile.

Cattleya: "Louise was just like any other noble children. She learnt how to write and read at home. Sister Eléonore taught her that, then hired tutors taught her basics of magic, among other things. Last year, Louise enrolled in Tristain Magic Academy, where she would be living with other children her age for the first time. Our family was wracked with worry; Father especially was scared that Louise would get involved with bad men. Fufu."

Cattleya-san giggled like someone relieving a happy memory.

Cattleya: "Two weeks passed by, and a letter from Louise came back to the house, telling us she was 'well' and 'would put all her mind into becoming a great mage'."

...

...Uh, is she expecting me to say something?

"Uh, well...that sounded like Louise?"

Cattleya: "We thought so as well. After that one, there was no other letter from her again; it made me worried that she was having fun with her friends and had forgotten all about me." Cattleya-san is smiling, but there's a clear sadness when she says that.

Cattleya: "Louise came back during the summer break like she does now. I asked Louise how school was, and that girl told me about how her room was smaller than the one she has here, that her lessons were more difficult but nothing she couldn't manage, that she still couldn't use magic and was teased about it."

Hm, they're all what I know and heard from Louise.

Cattleya: "Once I asked about her schoolmates, she hesitated. I made a guess asking if she couldn't get along with others at school, and Louise told me no one wanted to be friends with someone who couldn't use magic."

Hm, that's also something I knew from Louise.

Cattleya: "But that was a lie."

"Eh?"

...Where did that come from?

Cattleya: "Louise is a really bad liar, isn't she. She has always been like that." Cattleya-san says with a smile.

"Well...I guess that's true."

Not that I caught onto her lies all the time, but whenever Louise was trying to hide something, her behaviors would make it really obvious. I didn't notice it sometimes, but that's probably because I'm similarly bad at lying, if going by what people around me told me.

Cattleya: "If she know she is caught, she will meekly confess the truth on her own; she's adorable like that."

"If you say so...I guess it's true?" Since Neris was mostly the same way, and she was adorable.

Cattleya: "Though she could be really stubborn sometimes and I would need to sweet-talk her a bit."

Suddenly her smile looks strangely intimidating.

Cattleya: "But that was the only time that she didn't give it up, even when I used all the tricks I had. Why do you think it was?"

A question out of nowhere again. Uh, speaking from Louise's personality...

"Well...The reason Louise would be so tight-lipped...would be if it was about other people?"

Is it? Even I want to sigh at myself for how vague my answer is.

But Cattleya-san looks satisfied.

Cattleya: "You are correct. That girl is the most tight-lipped when it is about others; about our house, about the princess. That time, too, the real reason Louise didn't have friends wasn't herself, but someone close to her."

Cattleya-san places her hand on her chest.

Cattleya: "Because her sister was a whore."

Cattleya-san, as she says that, doesn't show anger, hurt, or any other expression other than a smile. It's me instead who has to swallow.

Cattleya: "It seems you really didn't know about it, which probably mean they had stopped talking about it mostly or entirely. Since it means Louise has one less thing to hurt her, I'm glad."

"...That, about what happened at school, is it true?" I don't know if I should ask this, but I never heard about that at school; I want to know.

But, maybe I heard someone say 'curse' one time or another. I didn't pay much attention then; I didn't realize until recently the word could mean more than a passing remark.

Cattleya: "Louise never told me about it, but I'm sure, because it was the same with Sister Eléonore."

"The same...You mean the eldest sister?"

Cattleya: "Sister Eléonore is ten years older than Louise: twenty-seven, but still isn't married. Can you guess why that is?"

Going by what we were talking about, there's only one expected answer.

"Because of...Cattleya-san...you mean?"

Cattleya: "That's right."

Cattleya-san still has the same expression on. Maybe her talent at keeping expression is inherited from the mother. But the sadness in her eyes is clear.

Cattleya: "For nobles, marriages' main purpose is to secure one's social standing, politically or financially. No one would want to tie the knot with a member of a shamed House, especially one with woman-related stigma. Officially, no one contacted our House for an engagement, but in reality, a lot of men approached Sister Eléonore."

Cattleya-san continues without waiting for me this time.

Cattleya: "Because Sister Eléonore was a beautiful woman, and since the younger sister was like this, maybe the elder sister would be the same."

...I'm starting to feel anger, not from Cattleya-san, but from within myself.

Cattleya: "Sister Eléonore isn't like me or Louise; I only pressed a little and she told me straightly, and also added that she made sure those men would never dare to approach her for the second time. She made it seem like it was a trivial matter; it's her own way of trying not to make me worried. But that also created a rumor for Sister Eléonore herself, that she is cruel and ruthless."

I did hear about that from one of the servants.

What Cattleya-san said, if it's true then it's despicable.

Assuming someone to be similar to another based on association is sometimes unavoidable. With so many coexisting together, it was even necessary to learn, and assume, some basic knowledge of the many races for effective and safe communications.

And when we do that, some monsters who were the odd ones out among their race would naturally struggle.

It's not perfect, but it's necessary. Luckily, the world has been pretty open-minded in recent years, so those misunderstandings usually resolved themselves peacefully. The people involved learned from it, and grew to be even more accepting.

But this is different. Those men assumed things about the eldest sister based on a rumor about Cattleya-san, and approached her only for their own gain. Once it didn't turn out as they wished, they blamed her for it. There was clearly no attempt at understanding; if there was even just one such guy, he would've been mentioned. No doubt the opposite must've been true as well; some people must've avoided the eldest sister because of the rumor.

This is more like the prejudice Ilias tried to instilled on to humans. Here, there's no Ilias, but the people are still doing it to themselves.

And this family is in the middle of one such predicament.

Cattleya: "I believe it was the same for Louise to a certain degree. Some children at school probably approached her, at least to talk about me. Then she got angry at them, alienating her more and more."

That's actually very easy to imagine, to the point I'm almost sure it's true.

Cattleya: "Father and Mother never said anything to me about it. Father is a duke; he is greatly respected and feared. There probably weren't too many people who would mention the rumors in his vicinity, but there couldn't be none at all. Mother, her appearance didn't change much over the years, so she became a target just like us sisters. Mother is a woman, so she probably heard more than Father did, but Mother being who she is, would never allow us to know, and just take on all of it herself. Louise is similar to Mother in that regard."

More like, all three of the sisters are similar to their mother on that point. The one in front of me is about to do, probably reckless, things without telling her family, after all.

Cattleya: "As long as I am still in that house, things will never change. One day, when Father and Mother cannot protect us anymore, the burden will fall to Sister Eléonore and Louise, without the support of a spouse or other Houses. I cannot let that happen."

Cattleya-san pauses to take a breath, then smiles again.

Cattleya: "Now, do you understand some of my reasons?"

...I can kind of picture some of them; what motivated her to do this.

But my answer still remains the same.

"I don't, because I've never been in that situation."

Cattleya: "I see. You really are honest, aren't you."

"I especially don't understand about things never changing. Cattleya-san, you can control yourself now. If you just pretend you are cured of the sickness and show the others you can live a normal life, the rumors should fade on their own, even if it takes time."

Cattleya: "What you say might be true. If I can pretend to be a human for four or five years without incident, the rumors will quiet down. But you should know better than anyone that, although outwardly I could appear human, there would always be something different about me. I have an appetite normal food can't satisfy. If I'm going to live a normal life, I would have to 'eat' in secret, and secrets never stay secrets for long enough."

"...We don't know that. It's not like you have to eat that often. Unless you need to keep your strength up, once a month or two would suffice."

Cattleya: "My, you are quite knowledgeable in that regard. But to do that, I would need help from my family, would I not?"

"Yeah, you would. But I'm sure they—!"

...So that's how it is.

I finally get it. What this ultimately is about.

The rumors, the supposed risk she poses, the burden on her family, they're all true. But the real breaking point, what she really considers to be unacceptable, is something much more basic.

"So that's why you left. Because you're a monster."

Cattleya-san doesn't answer, but her unflinching smile is telling enough.

"You can't forgive yourself for not being human, so you can't allow yourself to be with them."

And everything bad that has happened: the rumors, losing control, they just convinced her of that even more.

Cattleya: "Father and Mother deserve a normal daughter who can perform duties expected of her, not an inhuman one that brings nothing but trouble. Louise deserves a pure, unblemished sister she looks up to, not an immoral creature that devours men."

"Cattleya-san, you are still you, the same one that has grown up in that house. Louise won't reject you just because of this. Your parents won't, as well. They will choose you over the House's reputation and everything else."

Cattleya: "That is exactly why it hurts. They have given up so much, and will continue to sacrifice even more of themselves, because of me."

Cattleya-san has a look that is full of sorrow; the most expressive she has been since we've talked today: her truest feeling.

We're finally here. It took a lot of detours, peeling through layers of shell she set up to protect herself, but we've finally arrived at the heart of it.

In the end, no one can blame you as hard as yourself. I've learned that long ago, with her.

"I see. But that makes me even more convinced that I can't let you go. I will bring you back home, even by force."

Most likely, no words from me will matter.

Cattleya: "Is that so. I'm happy Louise has gotten a familiar who cares for her so much."

"No, this doesn't have anything to do with Louise."

Cattleya: "Oh?"

Cattleya-san seems to assume I'm doing this for Louise; that's part of the reason, but not the main one.

"I didn't make this decision as Louise's familiar, but as a hero. This is the hero promise I have given to my friends."

In the peaceful world, the time for a hero to defeat their foes under what they think is right, had passed. In the world of coexistence and acceptance, someone who forces their own justice on others is just a tyrant.

But that doesn't mean heroes had lost all meaning. Once in a while, there will be an instance like this, when someone has to move forward, even if they have to trample on others' justice.

"If you distance yourself, the pain will probably lighten, but the wounds will not heal. I will bring you back, even if I have to drag you there. That house is the only place you can be saved."

Cattleya: "...It is a shame, but I really don't see how that could be the case at all."

Cattleya-san doesn't smile anymore. Her pink eyes glows slightly. I have to prepare too. A steady stance, tighten the grip on Nerian's feather; she's my only mean of fighting up in the sky.

What would Alice say if Alice is here. Would she berate me for meddling in someone else's personal matter, or would she shake her head, but still look out for me from the sideline.

There's no way to know, since Alice isn't here.

But that's fine. She may not be with me, but our dream is.

As long as I'm here, I won't let matters between humans and monsters end in tragedy.

"Nerian."

Nerian understands, and lunges forward, toward Cattleya-san. Cattleya-san flies upward and makes a sharp turn, heading away from the castle.

Cattleya: "!?"

Cattleya-san seems surprised that we caught up so fast, but to me this is the obvious outcome. Her speed isn't a match of a garuda girl at all.

"Got you!"

Got her left arm! This is a pretty good hold. She's trying but no way she can pull away; I'm stronger than her.

"Nerian, down!"

Nerian changes direction as I told her to, and Cattleya-san is dragged down with us.

We didn't set the rules, but from the way she looks at me, we seem to agree that it's my win of I can get her to the ground.

Halfway there, but I can't let guard down yet.

The magic in Cattleya-san's body is rising; I know it's not going to be easy.

The rise stops, as if hitting a roof.

Then it suddenly explodes.

Catteyal-san's white sweater bulges out on two spots on her back.

*rip*

The sweater rips, parting ways for two black, bat-like wings to sprout.

The wings spread to their full length.

"! Wah—!?"

She got out of my grip...! I did pay attention to the transformation; that sudden air resistance really caught me off-guard.

But Cattleya-san just floats in the air, not flying away, as if waiting for me.

She looks this way, hurt evident on her face. A pair of bat-like wings spread half-way, staying mostly still. In addition to that, white, cow-like horns sprouted on both sides of her head, probably just now while she got away. And, though it's not visible, there's probably a tail hidden under her skirt.

Cattleya: "...You don't look surprise at all, even though I myself can barely hold in a shock right now."

"I'm used to seeing a succubus."

Cattleya: "And you probably don't think of this form as ugly at all. If only everyone thinks like you do, all of this probably wouldn't have been necessary."

Nothing I can say to that, and that's not my goal in the first place. Right now, I have to bring Cattleya-san back to her family; it's the only way to save her.

"Nerian, go."

We approach her again, and she flees from us again, but this time she's clearly faster than before.

Since she is already a full monster, this must be her true form; the human one, even if that's how she originally looked like, would now be a disguise.

From her reaction though, this is probably the first time she has taken on this form. Now that she has released the power, she should have access to all the power she possesses. It's hard to tell for sure, but she's probably a high-class succubus, with her power reduced from the lack of nutrition.

But no matter how weakened she is, a high-class succubus still has several dangerous abilities. I have to subdue her before she gets used to her power.

"Nerian, full speed."

Nerian: "*Kweh!*"

Nerian now goes almost as fast as she did when fighting with Wardes; we catch up to her in an instant. But now it's harder to time my grab because of the speed. I need to focus.

...Now!

Cattleya: "..."

*fwp*

! She dodged. We are superior in terms of speed, but she's smaller and flying alone, so has us beat in agility, though only a little. Let's try again...

*fwp*

Dodged again...!

If only she would dodge under us, Nerian could've caught her with her feet, but Cattleya-san seems to be aware of that too.

This is the fastest a garuda girl can go; Nerian can flies at this speed for a long time without tiring, but Cattleya-san is visibly getting exhausted, especially since she has been forcing herself to dodge my grabs. This chase will end soon.

...Now!

"Hup!"

Cattleya: "...!"

I can't let her get away the same way again. I have to keep my hold tighter.

Cattleya: "Guh...!"

"Kuh...!"

Her strength must've increased too, now that she's taken her true form. I have to put in more effort, but it's still manageable. Just a bit more, if I can take her to the ground, she should calm down.

Cattleya: "!"

Her eyes glow—

"I know you can do that!" I look away, and just in time too.

*flap*

Now she spreads out her wing again, but it's useless; I just have to pull her in to counter the force—The wings dissipate?

"...! Oh no—"

I pulled her right in my face; her lips, on mine.

I'm kissing a succubus.

Her eyes flash pink. Tongue pushes into my mouth.

I have to...push away...

My body...I can't put strength into it at all...

As if I'm watching from within myself, feeling everything, but unable to control anything, as my body sinks down to its knees...

Cattleya-san pulls away easily from my grip.

Damn it! Stand up! I've had this done to me so many times already! Shouldn't I have developed some resistance!?

...I am pulled up. My legs feel weightless; I'm only hold up by Cattleya-san, who looks muddy, as is everything else through my eyes.

Cattleya: "You are brave and kind. I will leave Louise in your hands. Please, take care of her."

I am pushed. My body slowly tilts. My feet leave Nerian's back.

The figure turns around, and jumps off into darkness.

Ilias: "So, the first body count of the story is here at last. Hopefully, there will be more coming."

PBW: "You only say that because she was a monster."

Ilias: "Naturally."

PBW: "By the way, someone already asked Torotoro in Question Corner long ago why Luka at very high level would still be susceptible to simple charm magic such as Trap Themis's gas or Dryad's pollens. To this, Torotoro answered: 'Even Son Goku dies from viral heart disease after all. As a living being, there are things one simply cannot overcome.' That's the word of the Creator, so The Author will take it seriously."

*Rumbling Earth = Earth Rumbling Decapitation. Full Name Ruinous Axe: Earth Rumbling. The Author is okay with Roguetranslator's choice with the skill names if it is close enough; the 'Earth Rumbling' part is actually an excellent translation. But the 'Decapitation' part was probably only chosen to make it sound more natural, and to not go over the limit of the game's UI (which, in this format, does not exist.). The original kanjis were, however, completely something else; it included the fact that it was an axe skill in its name. Author is the type to beat himself and others up over all but the slightest errors, so he could not let this go.