I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, Vol. 4, page 18
A woman quietly steps into view. She’s wearing a servant’s uniform that’s famous in Ellmeyer. It’s Rachel.
Their reunion catches him completely off guard. He’s sure their eyes meet, but Rachel doesn’t let it show in her expression. She bows, deeply and courteously. “I beg your pardon for interrupting your discussion. General Ares and Lady Sahra seem to have been delayed, so I was told to go and see what was happening.”
“One of Ellmeyer’s agents, huh?” Before someone else can say it, Isaac takes a step toward Rachel. Argh. This seriously bites. Considering what happened last time as well, we must have the worst compatibility ever.
He brusquely shoves her slim shoulders. Rachel hasn’t expected anyone to push her; wide-eyed, she stumbles back, hits the wall, and sinks to the floor.
“’Scuse me.”
Looking down at her with a sneer, he takes out a folded handkerchief and tosses it at her. It lands on her knees; the note is sandwiched between its folds. “But we can’t have the likes of you sneaking around. Let’s get going, General Ares.”
“…Right. What will we do with the woman, though?”
“She was kind enough to come all the way to us. Auguste, be a gentleman and see her back.”
Putting a guard on an enemy agent so they aren’t free to move around is a perfectly natural thing to do. Ares doesn’t object to what Isaac is implying. It isn’t clear whether Auguste has caught his meaning or not; he’s wearing an indescribable expression, but he nods.
Now Rachel will be safely tossed outside. As he follows Ares out into the hall, Isaac exhales heavily, shoulders slumping, and looks up at the ceiling. It’s not my job to save that woman.
…And it’s not like I was hoping for a tearful reunion or anything.
As long as she delivers the note to Aileen, that’s enough.
However, even if Aileen gets it, this is still a risky maneuver. Everything is as ugly as it could possibly get.
“Sahra. Are you there? We’re leaving. It’s finally time.”
In response to Ares’s call, Sahra emerges from her room dressed in her ceremonial robes. She’s flanked by Serena and Lilia. Isaac doesn’t consider these two allies. However, there’s a rule that the Daughter of God must be attended by women who possess sacred power during the ceremony. These two are the only pawns he has to work with, so he’s been forced to put his faith in them, even with the distinct possibility of betrayal.
“Everything is ready. Let’s make sure that this succeeds.”
“—Um…Ares…erm… What if…it d-doesn’t…?”
“General Ares. Lady Sahra is nervous. She keeps saying the most incredible things.” Like an older sister, Serena puts an arm around Sahra’s shoulders.
Ares laughs. “What are you talking about? You are the Daughter of God. It’s going to be fine.”
“Um… Um, Ares? Th-there’s something I’d like to ask you. Just…hypothetically…” There’s an odd desperation in Sahra’s tone. It tugs at him, and he focuses his full attention on her. “What if I’m not the Daughter of God? What will you do…?”
“What are you saying? You are the Daughter of God. If you’re uneasy and can’t believe in yourself, then believe in me.”
Isaac can’t see Sahra’s face. However, behind her, he sees Lilia gloating and Serena sneering.
And so he understands, vaguely, that Ares’s answer was the wrong one.
For some reason, the fiend dragon hasn’t budged from the sky above the harem. There’s no telling why, but for now, everyone is barred from entering the grounds, except those who can either resist the fiend dragon or fight. Row upon row of soldiers file in. However, people keep breaking ranks and fleeing from the rays of light that shoot sporadically from the dragon’s red eyes.
Every time the fiend dragon attacks, they hear explosions. As power collides with power, the shock waves mow down trees and buildings alike.
At this point, the harem is a battlefield. The flower garden where a thousand beauties smiled has been shattered beyond all recognition.
“Bring out every sacred item we’ve got! Surround it with sacred power!”
“Y-yes, sire!”
Surprisingly, many of the people who’ve remained are low-ranking consorts. They pour their power into sacred stones, supplementing the holy king’s barrier with a second barrier they’ve created as a group. A single attack from the fiend dragon could vaporize it instantly, but it’s better than nothing. If Baal’s strength runs out, there won’t be anything else to shield them.
“If this keeps up, we’ll have a battle of attrition on our hands. Isn’t the Daughter of God here yet?!”
“Lady Aileen.”
Rachel comes running up to her with a note. When she reads the hasty scribble on it, she’s appalled. Apparently just getting through this situation isn’t enough for Isaac.
“He’s far too greedy.”
“It is Isaac, after all.” Rachel sounds rather proud, and that makes Aileen smile.
“Rachel, lead the evacuation from the harem, please. The fiend dragon shouldn’t target any other locations.”
That was how it had been in the game. It may have been because they were stingy with background art, but at any rate, right now she wants to believe in the game’s almost neurotic design.
Rachel nods, seemingly without any doubts. “You’re right. I’m sure Master Claude won’t forgive a harem in which you became a consort.”
“…What? That’s why? This behavior is because of Master Claude’s feelings?!”
“What? Is that not accurate?”
“I…suspect it isn’t…”
In other words, it’s very likely Aileen’s fault that the fiend dragon is attacking the harem with such ferocity. Her cheeks stiffen.
“Lady Sahra and General Ares are here!”
When she turns to look, the group is just arriving with Ares in the lead. Ares and the soldiers around him are dressed in their finest. Lilia and Serena, who are attending Sahra, wear white silk robes and walk gracefully. Sheltered in the center of the group, Sahra is dressed so beautifully that she looks out of place in all this destruction. Her face is hidden, she’s adorned with glittering jewelry, and a long train trails behind her.
Isaac and Auguste follow closely behind Ares. She glances at them, and they both respond with subtle nods.
“You’re here, hmm, Sahra?” says Baal.
“Y-yes. Um…” Timidly, Sahra steps forward.
Baal faces her squarely. “We’re sorry. We did all we could, but in the end, we’re left with no choice but to entrust this to you.”
It’s probably the lingering remnants of Baal’s love for her: He doesn’t want to make the woman who’s precious to him fight all alone. As if she’s just realized this for the first time, Sahra looks up.
But it’s too late. With the face of a king, Baal gives her an order. “Daughter of God. Save this kingdom—”
“Your Majesty,” interrupts Ares. “Before that, there’s something I’d like to ask you. Surely you aren’t going to tell me that woman is the crown princess of Ellmeyer?” Aileen has been nursing a consort felled by an attack, but when Ares points to her, she rises to her feet.
She’s wearing the same clothes from when they met on the ship. Even if he doesn’t recognize them as being from Ellmeyer, they’re clearly the costume of another land.
“Yes, General Ares. I am Aileen Jean Ellmeyer.”
When she introduces herself boldly, Ares bursts out laughing, as if this is too hilarious for words. “That’s… That’s brilliant! Your Majesty, explain this, please.”
“She’s come from Imperial Ellmeyer to assist us. She may not look it, but she’s apparently the Maid of the Sacred Sword. No wonder she had enough power to break the sacred item in the arena—”
“You made the crown princess of Ellmeyer your consort! That means you were in communication with the demon king!”
Several people are looking her way. Their reactions are varied: Some of them had apparently wanted to say the same thing but had been unable to, while others seem to think now isn’t the time for this.
Turning back to face Aileen, Ares sneers. “You came to save our kingdom? No doubt you actually came to cover up the fact that you provoked the fiend dragon!”
“In that case, General Ares, would you be so kind as to explain the woman standing behind Lady Sahra?”
“What are you talking about?”
“That woman is the fiancée of the second prince of our empire: Lilia Reinoise, former Maid of the Sacred Sword.”
Both Ares and Sahra turn back, startled. True to his feelings, Baal shouts. “She’s what?! No one told us about this. Is it true, girl?”
Lilia has been waiting behind Sahra with Serena, head bowed. Slowly, she straightens up and smiles. “Aw, I wish you’d introduce me as your dear little sister-in-law, Lady Aileen.”
“Be quie— N-no, I mean… I have also heard that the second prince himself, Cedric Jean Ellmeyer, is staying with you. What is the meaning of this?”
“Th-the meaning of… What are you even—”
The sky flashes red, interrupting Ares. It’s happening again.
Baal looks up, shading his eyes with a hand. As more magical attacks rain down, Sahra screams and clutches her head. The world around them turns bright white and the harem attendants, unable to maintain the barrier, are sent flying.
“Ares. Our apologies, but we’ll hear your story later.”
Ares has frozen at the sight of the horrendous attack, but after a few seconds, he comes to his senses. “B-but this situation is your fault—”
“Can you not see what’s happening?!” Baal bellows, and Ares gulps. Frightened, Sahra hides behind Ares, but Baal doesn’t pay any attention to her now. “It’s a miracle that no one’s died yet. With the fiend dragon hovering like that, we can’t even send the citizens out of the capital! Criticize us later. Right now, we need that holy sword at once!”
“That’s, um—”
“However, under the circumstances, we can’t trust you with it,” Isaac cuts in.
Baal tsks. “Like general, like subordinate, hmm? All you do is quibble. We don’t care; do as you please.”
“Then General Ares will be the one to use the holy sword, once it’s repaired. You don’t mind either, do you?” Isaac gives Aileen a mocking glance, and she remembers that scribbled note.
Oh, so that’s what he meant.
“—All right, Sahra. We entrust the holy sword to you.”
Baal holds his arms out. A shining gold rift opens in empty space.
The first thing to emerge is the hilt. As if being drawn from an expanding ring of golden ripples, a naked sword appears, rusted and chipped in places.
…The holy sword. He did say he had it, but…
If he can store objects in empty space, the holy king is as limitless as the demon king. No wonder she couldn’t even sense its presence.
Softly, the decrepit blade drops into Sahra’s hands.
Silence spreads. Sahra presses her lips together tightly. Ares puts an arm around her shoulders. “Go on, Sahra.”
“It may be wise to step back, everyone.”
Thinking that now is the time, Aileen speaks up.
Apparently she’s guessed correctly, because Isaac responds, “What do you mean?”
“The fiend dragon has already possessed someone. This refusal to leave the harem alone means that person may very well be here.”
An uneasy murmur runs through the crowd. Baal intentionally hadn’t revealed that information in order to avoid causing chaos; he shoots Aileen a critical glance, but she doesn’t care. She watches Isaac’s eyes, confirming only that she’s correct. “What are you trying to say? Conjectures like that will only make people jump at shadows.”
Isaac’s eyes are smiling, and so she smiles back. “I’m merely concerned. Will the person possessed by the dragon and those who’ve been in contact remain unscathed once the holy sword has regained its power? There’s no guarantee that the person who’s been possessed is aware of it. After all, the attackers manipulated previously by the dragon weren’t aware.”
Ares is clearly disconcerted. The guards around him—probably people who were involved in his plot and in keeping the dragon imprisoned—don’t seem to know where to look.
Suggest that the holy sword is dangerous for everyone who’s been in contact with the fiend dragon.
That was what the note had said. If she does that, those people are sure to attempt to flee.
Well, we hardly have to look. It’s so obvious.
In fact, the holy sword will work on the person who’s been possessed by the fiend dragon and no one else. However, only those with knowledge of the game will know that. The only information these people have are centuries-old legends.
Ares has already promised he will wield the holy sword. If he backs out now, he’ll be admitting he was involved. If he runs, he’ll fatally disgrace himself.
“Of course, it’s only a possibility. Besides, I highly doubt anyone who was involved with the fiend dragon would hardly have remained here, where we will be confronting that very same dragon with the holy sword. I apologize for the interruption.”
Smiling, Aileen wraps up her speech. Ignoring the fact Ares’s face has gone gray, she turns to Sahra. “Now then, Lady Sahra. Restore it, if you would.”
Wordlessly, the girl grips the holy sword in trembling hands. When Ares sees this, his lips quiver. He may be trying to think of an excuse to back out of using the sword. Some of the soldiers he brought with him seem restless, too. One of them may confess about the fiend dragon.
At the very least, this should ensure that Ares doesn’t become a hero…
“—I don’t want to! I can’t!!”
The unexpected voice, joined by the sound of the holy sword falling, makes Aileen blink. It’s Sahra.
She’s tossed the holy sword aside and is backing away, shaking her head. Ares looks startled. “Wh-what’s the matter, Sahra? What do you mean, you can’t?”
“N-no! I don’t want to die.”
“Die?”
“Yes, die! —Repairing the holy sword will kill me, won’t it?!”
The question has come out of nowhere, and no one is able to respond. Sahra takes this as affirmation. She screams again. “I don’t want to die!”
As if timed for that exact moment, the sky flashes again. Baal’s barrier blocks the fiend dragon’s latest attack, but as the world around them turns white, Sahra takes to her heels. She’s making a run for it.
“Wha— Wait just a—”
“Sahra!!”
“After her, catch her! Sa… Sahra’s gotten the wrong idea!”
On Ares’s orders, Auguste takes off after Sahra. Although Ares has managed to give the order, he’s still stunned. As everyone is standing there dazed, someone giggles quietly.
“I knew she wouldn’t do. They may call her the Daughter of God, but she’s only a half-baked fool.”
“Lady Lilia, you…!” Realizing what she’s put into Sahra’s head, Aileen glares at Lilia.
It’s a choice in the game. When the heroine confronts the fiend dragon, she is asked whether she will repair the holy sword and slay the dragon, even if it means risking her life. In fact, risking her life at that point is the only real option. No other correct answer is possible. If she runs from her mission, she’ll die; if she faces it squarely, she’ll survive. It’s a gaming classic.
However, if one intentionally confronts a real, living human being with that choice, the matter is far more complicated.
“What were you thinking?! Neither you nor I can repair the holy sword!”
“It’s all right. If my idea is correct— Serena.”
At the sound of her name, Serena turns. Lilia smiles at her; she’s picked up the damaged blade. “It’s your turn. The holy sword is still alive.”
“Huh?”
Serena looks as if none of this makes any sense to her. Aileen can’t follow what’s happening, either.
Lilia glances at their faces, then flashes a sweet smile. “Lady Aileen, you never played the fan disc for 2, did you? Hee-hee, that’s still no excuse, though. You should have suspected something when you played Game 2.”
“What do you…”
“Serena receives the sacred sword from Lilia, remember?”
She does, and then she makes Auguste a holy knight. She gives him the sacred sword.
…Wait a minute.
Would that be possible for an ordinary human, one with no abilities whatsoever?
“The idea sounds a bit like a retcon, but in any case, the idea is fleshed out in the fan disc: Lilia recognized Serena’s ability and lent her the sword. Or, to be completely accurate, a single fragment of the sacred sword’s power.”
“Hold it. What are you talking about?”
“But Serena turns that into the sacred sword, then gives it to Auguste.”
Lilia catches Serena’s hand and places the holy sword in it. Then she gazes into her face. “Now then, as in the game, I’ll teach you. It’s all right; the flags have all been tripped. You’ve worked very hard. Auguste waited ten hours for you, didn’t he?”
“What?! What are you talking about?! Exactly what does any of this have to do with Auguste?”
“You can’t do a thing by yourself. However, you amplify others’ power. Your feelings are the most important thing, of course, but even your body fluids can be used to boost performance.”
With that, Lilia brings out a knife she’s been concealing and slashes Serena’s arm, the one that’s holding the sword. A thin cut opens in both the fine silk and the skin beneath it, and there’s a little spray of blood.
“It works on both demonic magic and sacred power.”
Serena is stunned. A red bead trickles down her arm, then falls onto the rusted blade.
“And even a holy sword that’s nearly destroyed, as long as it still has some power left.”
In the next moment, the holy sword flares with light. The rust flakes off, and the chips in the blade are filled in by sacred power.
It can’t be… It’s repairing itself?!
The hilt with the holy crest engraved on it. The bright silver blade. The Kingdom of Ashmael’s shining, precious sword.
