Signature Scent

Hm..

Hello? Hello... Can you hear me?

Why is there no response? Still not fully recovered yet?

We agreed to meet up with Snezhana at a location up ahead. Let me lead the way.

Thank you.

It's what I'm supposed to do.

Uh... Lilith?

What's the matter, Captain?

Suddenly attack the pumpkin lanterns on the roadside..

Can I interpret this as you destroying evidence?

What a joke! You were the one who attacked me first, I was forced to counterattack!

I've stated many times before, this is the legitimate power of the church in the Empire.

I suspect that the pumpkin lanterns on the streets may pose a threat to the town's safety and I'm launching an investigation. Do you have any reason to stop me?

What threat could a pumpkin lantern possibly pose? Are you going to suspect that the threat is in our house if you can't find it in the lantern? I wouldn't put it past you to do something like that!

If you want to inspect our belongings, there must be a notary who can convince both of us, otherwise, we'd rather fight to the death!

A notary? Are you referring to Teslovik, the neutral organization that the Campbell family is in contact with?

How can you assure that an organization established by a Bifrost person, which is almost entirely composed of Bifrost people, won't be biased towards Bifrost people?

That's certainly better than the unreliable noble girl you guys brought along!

This is the territory of the Campbell family, and it is reasonable and appropriate for a member of the Campbell family to act as a notary.

Stop!

(Snoring)

That weapon... Are you the captain of the Nova Squad, Awakener?

Do you know me?

Of course, I know you, the friend of the Holy Maiden.

When the young lady from the Campbell family said she wanted someone from Teslovik to notarize, I guessed that the person coming would be you.

Nice to meet you for the first time, I am Kurain, a missionary from the church. You can simply call me Kurain.

Nice to meet you, Kurain.

Are you guys together?

...Don't you even know this person?

Should I know?

The notary from Teslovik that you all on Dark Road have been waiting for, this is him.

Hello.

So you're the notary sent by Teslovik... You do seem a bit stronger than the little girl from the Campbell family.

But when did Teslovik get mixed up with the church?

What's with this attitude? The captain and I were just helping you earlier.

Heh..

Hold on, stop arguing for a moment, I need to know what happened.

You don't need to know.

It seems that even with a notary present, you have no intention of speaking.

Can someone at least tell me what's going on here?

We've received a tip-off that someone has tampered with the pumpkin lanterns in this town, placing something other than candles inside them.

Upon receiving the news, I led the believers to inspect the pumpkin lanterns on the streets. As expected, we found letters inside some of them.

To be honest, I couldn't figure out how to deliver a letter inside a pumpkin lantern, but while investigating along the street, I came across the girl in front of you.

Upon seeing what I had done, she immediately tried to stop us. When that failed, she even attempted to destroy the evidence.

The loud noise just now was caused by her, luckily we managed to stop it.

What exactly is inside that pumpkin lantern?

Nothing.

Just open it and you'll know.

Let me do it.

Are you... from the Empire?

As expected, it's just as I thought.

Didn't I just mention? We found letters inside some of the pumpkin lanterns.

Just like this little girl from Dark Road, all the people mentioned in those letters are smugglers with dual nationalities.

It's either smuggling from the Empire to Bifrost, or from Bifrost to the Empire, obtaining identities from two different factions through smuggling.

What... what do you want to do?

It's too late to be afraid now. Initially, we couldn't identify the witness based solely on the letters, but now that you're here, we can launch a larger-scale investigation.

Such a blatant smuggling case must be thoroughly investigated!

Teslovik wouldn't stand on the side of the criminals, would they?

...I need to understand the whole picture of the situation.

Then don't stand in my way.

Judging by your looks, it seems like you haven't met the Campbell family yet, have you?

Yes, we want to do some investigation on our own before the meeting.

Then I advise you to go and confirm with the Campbell family as soon as possible, and by the way, bring them a message.

It seems like the Campbell family might not be able to host the Festival of Illusion this time.

Things are getting complicated.

Let's stick to the original plan and meet up with Snezhana, then we'll go find our employer.

Huh? Lilith, what are you looking at?

How strange.

When Kurain speaks, her ears move with her emotions, but just now, her ears didn't seem very happy..

Despite making a significant breakthrough, it seems like nothing was gained.

Can ears really convey so many emotions?

The lost puppy, I kind of want to take it home, seems like it would be fun.

Stop messing around. Let's meet up with Snezhana and the others first.

Sova, you're back. Where's the captain?

The captain is behind.

Snezhana, I'm back.

You really scared us, we thought you had disappeared.

Sova and I have been waiting for you for so long and there's no sign of you. Where on earth have you been?

Uh..

It seems like he's gone on a date with Lilith.

Date?

This is the Campbell house... It's completely different from the style of the town.

After all, they are one of the three great noble families of the Empire. Even the Calamity has not shaken their status, so it's quite normal for them to own a villa of this level.

Look, someone's coming.

Apologies everyone, for keeping you waiting.

I'm Parvati, a normal mercenary hired by the Campbell family, responsible for ensuring the safety of the Campbell family members.

As part of my duties, may I verify your identities, please?

No problem, Miss Parvati. We are the Nova Squad from Teslovik, designated by the Campbell family to provide support regarding the conflict between the missionaries and Dark Road.

I am the team leader, Awakener, and these are my team members.

One, two, three, four people? Your teammates... they're all wearing white clothes.

Is there a problem with white clothes?

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't allow you to meet my boss.

I know you have many questions and important matters, but it's my duty to address them.

At least tell us why we can't meet the employer, right?

No problem, I would say it even if you didn't ask.

Has anyone heard about the recent rumor of the 'Ghostly White-Clothed Girl' circulating in the small town of West Siroa?

A ghostly girl in white arrived in the small town of Siroa, possessing the power to communicate with the dead and bringing messages from departed loved ones to the people.

The ghostly girl in white also had the ability to make people let their guard down. She often walked with others, yet those accompanying her never realized there was an extra person by their side.

I've heard some rumors... but aren't those just rumors?

At first, everyone thought it was just a rumor.

However, after the investigation, my boss found that the content of the rumors seems to be true.

The Empire has a prison that holds various dangerous Cases, one of which possesses the aforementioned ability.

Coincidentally, not long ago, the person in charge of the prison suddenly disappeared, and some of the dangerous Cases in the prison escaped.

I see, what you're suggesting is that the enemy might have infiltrated my team.

No, it's not possible.

On the support list I received, there were three people, but now there are four here.

The Ghost Girl in White,' she's among you.

What kind of joke are you making? The Nova Squad has always been four people.

To be precise, initially, there were three people. After the team leader joined, there have always been four people.

That's right, from the very beginning, Sova, Snezhana, Eriri..

..

...Eriri?

Captain? Captain, what's wrong? Are you okay?

Eriri... Lilith..

What's wrong, Captain?

Snezhana, Sova, come over here quickly, it seems like the captain is feeling a bit unwell..

Captain, it's okay, I'm right here with you.

It seems that Awakener has noticed, there is indeed one more person among you.

Someone joined halfway through... Who is it? The captain? Sova? Or Lilith?

First, we rule out the captain. The captain's role is irreplaceable. The person with the issue is among you, me, and Lilith.

Captain..

Your 'Attack' left Lilith completely defenseless, utterly limp in your arms.

Your companions, having recovered from Lilith's defeat, are full of admiration for your battle.

The captain has become stronger.

This is the strength of the captain.

Even though you've received affirmation from your partners, there's still something that feels off inside you.

Could what just happened really be called a battle? Stroking, hugging, kissing... Are these really methods of attack?

Here it comes again, the 'Devil's Whisper'.

But this time, I won't be lured in. I've captured Lilith, and that's a fact.

Ah... yes... this is your victory..

Parvati, can I go to see the employer now?

No problem, I'll take you to see her right away.

Please wait here for a moment.

No problem.

Um... it's a bit tight.

You've 'tied up' Lilith with your hands, and now she's wriggling in your arms, wanting you to loosen up a bit.

There's no need to struggle anymore, Lilith. I won't let go.

Ah, no, I'm just trying to find a position that makes it more comfortable for you to hold me..

It's strange, I've been constantly changing my appearance, but why can't I move?

Change your appearance?

Yes, in the eyes of those affected by my ability, my image is not fixed. It usually transforms into the type that the other person likes.

However, I do have the authority to make modifications. I can make some simple adjustments to age and physique..

That's weird, it still doesn't seem to be working.

Have you made any changes? You seem to have remained completely the same.

Huh? What?

Wait, don't you see any changes in me?

Yes, your appearance hasn't changed since the beginning. The horns on your head, the numbers on your legs, and the wings on your back, I remember them all clearly.

Wait, wait a minute!

Is it always the real me that you see?!

Let me go! Let me go!

The girl in her arms suddenly became flustered. From this moment on, what you thought was 'tying up' Lilith seems to be just simply holding Lilith from behind.

Due to the girl in your arms squirming, your current positions have taken on an intimate demeanor.

Before you could react, the intense fragrance of flowers overwhelmed your senses.

By the time you regained consciousness, Lilith was already gone.

..

You feel the lingering warmth in your arms, reminiscing about the battle that just took place between you and Lilith.

You feel your face is slightly hot.

Footsteps came from outside the door, you let out a sigh of relief, quickly shifting your attention from the lingering warmth in your arms to elsewhere.

Something's wrong! Camelia is missing!

...Camelia?

My boss, your employer, she... is gone.

Before you could even react, there was another rush of footsteps outside the door, even more urgent than before.

Something... something big has happened!

The pumpkin lanterns in the small town started a riot, fighting against the Empire's army!

...Who? What? Huh?

What he saw first was me... What he saw first was me..

Illusions have never worked on him..

I've been constantly touching, hugging, and kissing him with my own body..

That kind of reality is not my illusion, it's real..

What have I done! What have I done!

But he did say he liked me. In several instances of 'illusory happiness', he said that I was his lover, the one he liked.

Back then, I was genuine, and he indeed liked me..

Aaaaah!!!

What should we do now..

What to do... What to do!

What..

Wait... This doesn't seem to be the way out, does it?

Little sister Camelia, the members of Teslovik have arrived, hurry up..

The fragrance... of roses..

This direction is wrong, did I go the opposite way just now..

Why do these nobles' houses look even more like a maze than a prison? It's so annoying.

Sister Parvati?

Has Awakener arrived...?

Sister Parvati?!

..

Such a pleasant aroma, what happened here?

... Is that the elder vampire sister from The V.V.'s Bizarre Adventures?!

Isn't she a character from a comic book? Why would she appear in reality? Could it be Snowy Owl..

I'm sorry, Sister Parvati, this might be the only chance in Camelia's life.

Once I get the autograph from Snowy Owl, I'll be back!

Take down all the pumpkin lanterns!

I need to check what's inside one by one.

Hmm? Where is this fragrance coming from?

I'll do it, I'll do it!

It's so strange, why is this pumpkin lantern so hard to take apart..

Kukuku...

Aside from the Ghost Queen, no one else has dared to be so arrogant towards me..

Are you trying to push my buttons?!

What's the matter?

The pumpkin lantern... came to life?!

We agreed to meet up with Snezhana at a location up ahead. Let me lead the way.

Thank you.

It's what I'm supposed to do.

Uh... Lilith?

What's the matter, Captain?

Suddenly attack the pumpkin lanterns on the roadside..

Can I interpret this as you destroying evidence?

What a joke! You were the one who attacked me first, I was forced to counterattack!

I've stated many times before, this is the legitimate power of the church in the Empire.

I suspect that the pumpkin lanterns on the streets may pose a threat to the town's safety and I'm launching an investigation. Do you have any reason to stop me?

What threat could a pumpkin lantern possibly pose? Are you going to suspect that the threat is in our house if you can't find it in the lantern? I wouldn't put it past you to do something like that!

If you want to inspect our belongings, there must be a notary who can convince both of us, otherwise, we'd rather fight to the death!

A notary? Are you referring to Teslovik, the neutral organization that the Campbell family is in contact with?

How can you assure that an organization established by a Bifrost person, which is almost entirely composed of Bifrost people, won't be biased towards Bifrost people?

That's certainly better than the unreliable noble girl you guys brought along!

This is the territory of the Campbell family, and it is reasonable and appropriate for a member of the Campbell family to act as a notary.

Stop!

(Snoring)

That weapon... Are you the captain of the Nova Squad, Awakener?

Do you know me?

Of course, I know you, the friend of the Holy Maiden.

When the young lady from the Campbell family said she wanted someone from Teslovik to notarize, I guessed that the person coming would be you.

Nice to meet you for the first time, I am Kurain, a missionary from the church. You can simply call me Kurain.

Nice to meet you, Kurain.

Are you guys together?

...Don't you even know this person?

Should I know?

The notary from Teslovik that you all on Dark Road have been waiting for, this is him.

Hello.

So you're the notary sent by Teslovik... You do seem a bit stronger than the little girl from the Campbell family.

But when did Teslovik get mixed up with the church?

What's with this attitude? The captain and I were just helping you earlier.

Heh..

Hold on, stop arguing for a moment, I need to know what happened.

You don't need to know.

It seems that even with a notary present, you have no intention of speaking.

Can someone at least tell me what's going on here?

We've received a tip-off that someone has tampered with the pumpkin lanterns in this town, placing something other than candles inside them.

Upon receiving the news, I led the believers to inspect the pumpkin lanterns on the streets. As expected, we found letters inside some of them.

To be honest, I couldn't figure out how to deliver a letter inside a pumpkin lantern, but while investigating along the street, I came across the girl in front of you.

Upon seeing what I had done, she immediately tried to stop us. When that failed, she even attempted to destroy the evidence.

The loud noise just now was caused by her, luckily we managed to stop it.

What exactly is inside that pumpkin lantern?

Nothing.

Just open it and you'll know.

Let me do it.

Are you... from the Empire?

As expected, it's just as I thought.

Didn't I just mention? We found letters inside some of the pumpkin lanterns.

Just like this little girl from Dark Road, all the people mentioned in those letters are smugglers with dual nationalities.

It's either smuggling from the Empire to Bifrost, or from Bifrost to the Empire, obtaining identities from two different factions through smuggling.

What... what do you want to do?

It's too late to be afraid now. Initially, we couldn't identify the witness based solely on the letters, but now that you're here, we can launch a larger-scale investigation.

Such a blatant smuggling case must be thoroughly investigated!

Teslovik wouldn't stand on the side of the criminals, would they?

...I need to understand the whole picture of the situation.

Then don't stand in my way.

Judging by your looks, it seems like you haven't met the Campbell family yet, have you?

Yes, we want to do some investigation on our own before the meeting.

Then I advise you to go and confirm with the Campbell family as soon as possible, and by the way, bring them a message.

It seems like the Campbell family might not be able to host the Festival of Illusion this time.

Things are getting complicated.

Let's stick to the original plan and meet up with Snezhana, then we'll go find our employer.

Huh? Lilith, what are you looking at?

How strange.

When Kurain speaks, her ears move with her emotions, but just now, her ears didn't seem very happy..

Despite making a significant breakthrough, it seems like nothing was gained.

Can ears really convey so many emotions?

The lost puppy, I kind of want to take it home, seems like it would be fun.

Stop messing around. Let's meet up with Snezhana and the others first.

Sova, you're back. Where's the captain?

The captain is behind.

Snezhana, I'm back.

You really scared us, we thought you had disappeared.

Sova and I have been waiting for you for so long and there's no sign of you. Where on earth have you been?

Uh..

It seems like he's gone on a date with Lilith.

Date?

This is the Campbell house... It's completely different from the style of the town.

After all, they are one of the three great noble families of the Empire. Even the Calamity has not shaken their status, so it's quite normal for them to own a villa of this level.

Look, someone's coming.

Apologies everyone, for keeping you waiting.

I'm Parvati, a normal mercenary hired by the Campbell family, responsible for ensuring the safety of the Campbell family members.

As part of my duties, may I verify your identities, please?

No problem, Miss Parvati. We are the Nova Squad from Teslovik, designated by the Campbell family to provide support regarding the conflict between the missionaries and Dark Road.

I am the team leader, Awakener, and these are my team members.

One, two, three, four people? Your teammates... they're all wearing white clothes.

Is there a problem with white clothes?

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't allow you to meet my boss.

I know you have many questions and important matters, but it's my duty to address them.

At least tell us why we can't meet the employer, right?

No problem, I would say it even if you didn't ask.

Has anyone heard about the recent rumor of the 'Ghostly White-Clothed Girl' circulating in the small town of West Siroa?

A ghostly girl in white arrived in the small town of Siroa, possessing the power to communicate with the dead and bringing messages from departed loved ones to the people.

The ghostly girl in white also had the ability to make people let their guard down. She often walked with others, yet those accompanying her never realized there was an extra person by their side.

I've heard some rumors... but aren't those just rumors?

At first, everyone thought it was just a rumor.

However, after the investigation, my boss found that the content of the rumors seems to be true.

The Empire has a prison that holds various dangerous Cases, one of which possesses the aforementioned ability.

Coincidentally, not long ago, the person in charge of the prison suddenly disappeared, and some of the dangerous Cases in the prison escaped.

I see, what you're suggesting is that the enemy might have infiltrated my team.

No, it's not possible.

On the support list I received, there were three people, but now there are four here.

The Ghost Girl in White,' she's among you.

What kind of joke are you making? The Nova Squad has always been four people.

To be precise, initially, there were three people. After the team leader joined, there have always been four people.

That's right, from the very beginning, Sova, Snezhana, Eriri..

..

...Eriri?

Captain? Captain, what's wrong? Are you okay?

Eriri... Lilith..

What's wrong, Captain?

Snezhana, Sova, come over here quickly, it seems like the captain is feeling a bit unwell..

Captain, it's okay, I'm right here with you.

It seems that Awakener has noticed, there is indeed one more person among you.

Someone joined halfway through... Who is it? The captain? Sova? Or Lilith?

First, we rule out the captain. The captain's role is irreplaceable. The person with the issue is among you, me, and Lilith.

Captain..

Your 'Attack' left Lilith completely defenseless, utterly limp in your arms.

Your companions, having recovered from Lilith's defeat, are full of admiration for your battle.

The captain has become stronger.

This is the strength of the captain.

Even though you've received affirmation from your partners, there's still something that feels off inside you.

Could what just happened really be called a battle? Stroking, hugging, kissing... Are these really methods of attack?

Here it comes again, the 'Devil's Whisper'.

But this time, I won't be lured in. I've captured Lilith, and that's a fact.

Ah... yes... this is your victory..

Parvati, can I go to see the employer now?

No problem, I'll take you to see her right away.

Please wait here for a moment.

No problem.

Um... it's a bit tight.

You've 'tied up' Lilith with your hands, and now she's wriggling in your arms, wanting you to loosen up a bit.

There's no need to struggle anymore, Lilith. I won't let go.

Ah, no, I'm just trying to find a position that makes it more comfortable for you to hold me..

It's strange, I've been constantly changing my appearance, but why can't I move?

Change your appearance?

Yes, in the eyes of those affected by my ability, my image is not fixed. It usually transforms into the type that the other person likes.

However, I do have the authority to make modifications. I can make some simple adjustments to age and physique..

That's weird, it still doesn't seem to be working.

Have you made any changes? You seem to have remained completely the same.

Huh? What?

Wait, don't you see any changes in me?

Yes, your appearance hasn't changed since the beginning. The horns on your head, the numbers on your legs, and the wings on your back, I remember them all clearly.

Wait, wait a minute!

Is it always the real me that you see?!

Let me go! Let me go!

The girl in her arms suddenly became flustered. From this moment on, what you thought was 'tying up' Lilith seems to be just simply holding Lilith from behind.

Due to the girl in your arms squirming, your current positions have taken on an intimate demeanor.

Before you could react, the intense fragrance of flowers overwhelmed your senses.

By the time you regained consciousness, Lilith was already gone.

..

You feel the lingering warmth in your arms, reminiscing about the battle that just took place between you and Lilith.

You feel your face is slightly hot.

Footsteps came from outside the door, you let out a sigh of relief, quickly shifting your attention from the lingering warmth in your arms to elsewhere.

Something's wrong! Camelia is missing!

...Camelia?

My boss, your employer, she... is gone.

Before you could even react, there was another rush of footsteps outside the door, even more urgent than before.

Something... something big has happened!

The pumpkin lanterns in the small town started a riot, fighting against the Empire's army!

...Who? What? Huh?

What he saw first was me... What he saw first was me..

Illusions have never worked on him..

I've been constantly touching, hugging, and kissing him with my own body..

That kind of reality is not my illusion, it's real..

What have I done! What have I done!

But he did say he liked me. In several instances of 'illusory happiness', he said that I was his lover, the one he liked.

Back then, I was genuine, and he indeed liked me..

Aaaaah!!!

What should we do now..

What to do... What to do!

What..

Wait... This doesn't seem to be the way out, does it?

Little sister Camelia, the members of Teslovik have arrived, hurry up..

The fragrance... of roses..

This direction is wrong, did I go the opposite way just now..

Why do these nobles' houses look even more like a maze than a prison? It's so annoying.

Sister Parvati?

Has Awakener arrived...?

Sister Parvati?!

..

Such a pleasant aroma, what happened here?

... Is that the elder vampire sister from The V.V.'s Bizarre Adventures?!

Isn't she a character from a comic book? Why would she appear in reality? Could it be Snowy Owl..

I'm sorry, Sister Parvati, this might be the only chance in Camelia's life.

Once I get the autograph from Snowy Owl, I'll be back!

Take down all the pumpkin lanterns!

I need to check what's inside one by one.

Hmm? Where is this fragrance coming from?

I'll do it, I'll do it!

It's so strange, why is this pumpkin lantern so hard to take apart..

Kukuku...

Aside from the Ghost Queen, no one else has dared to be so arrogant towards me..

Are you trying to push my buttons?!

What's the matter?

The pumpkin lantern... came to life?!

Suddenly attack the pumpkin lanterns on the roadside..

Can I interpret this as you destroying evidence?

What a joke! You were the one who attacked me first, I was forced to counterattack!

I've stated many times before, this is the legitimate power of the church in the Empire.

I suspect that the pumpkin lanterns on the streets may pose a threat to the town's safety and I'm launching an investigation. Do you have any reason to stop me?

What threat could a pumpkin lantern possibly pose? Are you going to suspect that the threat is in our house if you can't find it in the lantern? I wouldn't put it past you to do something like that!

If you want to inspect our belongings, there must be a notary who can convince both of us, otherwise, we'd rather fight to the death!

A notary? Are you referring to Teslovik, the neutral organization that the Campbell family is in contact with?

How can you assure that an organization established by a Bifrost person, which is almost entirely composed of Bifrost people, won't be biased towards Bifrost people?

That's certainly better than the unreliable noble girl you guys brought along!

This is the territory of the Campbell family, and it is reasonable and appropriate for a member of the Campbell family to act as a notary.

Stop!

(Snoring)

That weapon... Are you the captain of the Nova Squad, Awakener?

Do you know me?

Of course, I know you, the friend of the Holy Maiden.

When the young lady from the Campbell family said she wanted someone from Teslovik to notarize, I guessed that the person coming would be you.

Nice to meet you for the first time, I am Kurain, a missionary from the church. You can simply call me Kurain.

Nice to meet you, Kurain.

Are you guys together?

...Don't you even know this person?

Should I know?

The notary from Teslovik that you all on Dark Road have been waiting for, this is him.

Hello.

So you're the notary sent by Teslovik... You do seem a bit stronger than the little girl from the Campbell family.

But when did Teslovik get mixed up with the church?

What's with this attitude? The captain and I were just helping you earlier.

Heh..

Hold on, stop arguing for a moment, I need to know what happened.

You don't need to know.

It seems that even with a notary present, you have no intention of speaking.

Can someone at least tell me what's going on here?

We've received a tip-off that someone has tampered with the pumpkin lanterns in this town, placing something other than candles inside them.

Upon receiving the news, I led the believers to inspect the pumpkin lanterns on the streets. As expected, we found letters inside some of them.

To be honest, I couldn't figure out how to deliver a letter inside a pumpkin lantern, but while investigating along the street, I came across the girl in front of you.

Upon seeing what I had done, she immediately tried to stop us. When that failed, she even attempted to destroy the evidence.

The loud noise just now was caused by her, luckily we managed to stop it.

What exactly is inside that pumpkin lantern?

Nothing.

Just open it and you'll know.

Let me do it.

Are you... from the Empire?

As expected, it's just as I thought.

Didn't I just mention? We found letters inside some of the pumpkin lanterns.

Just like this little girl from Dark Road, all the people mentioned in those letters are smugglers with dual nationalities.

It's either smuggling from the Empire to Bifrost, or from Bifrost to the Empire, obtaining identities from two different factions through smuggling.

What... what do you want to do?

It's too late to be afraid now. Initially, we couldn't identify the witness based solely on the letters, but now that you're here, we can launch a larger-scale investigation.

Such a blatant smuggling case must be thoroughly investigated!

Teslovik wouldn't stand on the side of the criminals, would they?

...I need to understand the whole picture of the situation.

Then don't stand in my way.

Judging by your looks, it seems like you haven't met the Campbell family yet, have you?

Yes, we want to do some investigation on our own before the meeting.

Then I advise you to go and confirm with the Campbell family as soon as possible, and by the way, bring them a message.

It seems like the Campbell family might not be able to host the Festival of Illusion this time.

Things are getting complicated.

Let's stick to the original plan and meet up with Snezhana, then we'll go find our employer.

Huh? Lilith, what are you looking at?

How strange.

When Kurain speaks, her ears move with her emotions, but just now, her ears didn't seem very happy..

Despite making a significant breakthrough, it seems like nothing was gained.

Can ears really convey so many emotions?

The lost puppy, I kind of want to take it home, seems like it would be fun.

Stop messing around. Let's meet up with Snezhana and the others first.

Sova, you're back. Where's the captain?

The captain is behind.

Snezhana, I'm back.

You really scared us, we thought you had disappeared.

Sova and I have been waiting for you for so long and there's no sign of you. Where on earth have you been?

Uh..

It seems like he's gone on a date with Lilith.

Date?

This is the Campbell house... It's completely different from the style of the town.

After all, they are one of the three great noble families of the Empire. Even the Calamity has not shaken their status, so it's quite normal for them to own a villa of this level.

Look, someone's coming.

Apologies everyone, for keeping you waiting.

I'm Parvati, a normal mercenary hired by the Campbell family, responsible for ensuring the safety of the Campbell family members.

As part of my duties, may I verify your identities, please?

No problem, Miss Parvati. We are the Nova Squad from Teslovik, designated by the Campbell family to provide support regarding the conflict between the missionaries and Dark Road.

I am the team leader, Awakener, and these are my team members.

One, two, three, four people? Your teammates... they're all wearing white clothes.

Is there a problem with white clothes?

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't allow you to meet my boss.

I know you have many questions and important matters, but it's my duty to address them.

At least tell us why we can't meet the employer, right?

No problem, I would say it even if you didn't ask.

Has anyone heard about the recent rumor of the 'Ghostly White-Clothed Girl' circulating in the small town of West Siroa?

A ghostly girl in white arrived in the small town of Siroa, possessing the power to communicate with the dead and bringing messages from departed loved ones to the people.

The ghostly girl in white also had the ability to make people let their guard down. She often walked with others, yet those accompanying her never realized there was an extra person by their side.

I've heard some rumors... but aren't those just rumors?

At first, everyone thought it was just a rumor.

However, after the investigation, my boss found that the content of the rumors seems to be true.

The Empire has a prison that holds various dangerous Cases, one of which possesses the aforementioned ability.

Coincidentally, not long ago, the person in charge of the prison suddenly disappeared, and some of the dangerous Cases in the prison escaped.

I see, what you're suggesting is that the enemy might have infiltrated my team.

No, it's not possible.

On the support list I received, there were three people, but now there are four here.

The Ghost Girl in White,' she's among you.

What kind of joke are you making? The Nova Squad has always been four people.

To be precise, initially, there were three people. After the team leader joined, there have always been four people.

That's right, from the very beginning, Sova, Snezhana, Eriri..

..

...Eriri?

Captain? Captain, what's wrong? Are you okay?

Eriri... Lilith..

What's wrong, Captain?

Snezhana, Sova, come over here quickly, it seems like the captain is feeling a bit unwell..

Captain, it's okay, I'm right here with you.

It seems that Awakener has noticed, there is indeed one more person among you.

Someone joined halfway through... Who is it? The captain? Sova? Or Lilith?

First, we rule out the captain. The captain's role is irreplaceable. The person with the issue is among you, me, and Lilith.

Captain..

Your 'Attack' left Lilith completely defenseless, utterly limp in your arms.

Your companions, having recovered from Lilith's defeat, are full of admiration for your battle.

The captain has become stronger.

This is the strength of the captain.

Even though you've received affirmation from your partners, there's still something that feels off inside you.

Could what just happened really be called a battle? Stroking, hugging, kissing... Are these really methods of attack?

Here it comes again, the 'Devil's Whisper'.

But this time, I won't be lured in. I've captured Lilith, and that's a fact.

Ah... yes... this is your victory..

Parvati, can I go to see the employer now?

No problem, I'll take you to see her right away.

Please wait here for a moment.

No problem.

Um... it's a bit tight.

You've 'tied up' Lilith with your hands, and now she's wriggling in your arms, wanting you to loosen up a bit.

There's no need to struggle anymore, Lilith. I won't let go.

Ah, no, I'm just trying to find a position that makes it more comfortable for you to hold me..

It's strange, I've been constantly changing my appearance, but why can't I move?

Change your appearance?

Yes, in the eyes of those affected by my ability, my image is not fixed. It usually transforms into the type that the other person likes.

However, I do have the authority to make modifications. I can make some simple adjustments to age and physique..

That's weird, it still doesn't seem to be working.

Have you made any changes? You seem to have remained completely the same.

Huh? What?

Wait, don't you see any changes in me?

Yes, your appearance hasn't changed since the beginning. The horns on your head, the numbers on your legs, and the wings on your back, I remember them all clearly.

Wait, wait a minute!

Is it always the real me that you see?!

Let me go! Let me go!

The girl in her arms suddenly became flustered. From this moment on, what you thought was 'tying up' Lilith seems to be just simply holding Lilith from behind.

Due to the girl in your arms squirming, your current positions have taken on an intimate demeanor.

Before you could react, the intense fragrance of flowers overwhelmed your senses.

By the time you regained consciousness, Lilith was already gone.

..

You feel the lingering warmth in your arms, reminiscing about the battle that just took place between you and Lilith.

You feel your face is slightly hot.

Footsteps came from outside the door, you let out a sigh of relief, quickly shifting your attention from the lingering warmth in your arms to elsewhere.

Something's wrong! Camelia is missing!

...Camelia?

My boss, your employer, she... is gone.

Before you could even react, there was another rush of footsteps outside the door, even more urgent than before.

Something... something big has happened!

The pumpkin lanterns in the small town started a riot, fighting against the Empire's army!

...Who? What? Huh?

What he saw first was me... What he saw first was me..

Illusions have never worked on him..

I've been constantly touching, hugging, and kissing him with my own body..

That kind of reality is not my illusion, it's real..

What have I done! What have I done!

But he did say he liked me. In several instances of 'illusory happiness', he said that I was his lover, the one he liked.

Back then, I was genuine, and he indeed liked me..

Aaaaah!!!

What should we do now..

What to do... What to do!

What..

Wait... This doesn't seem to be the way out, does it?

Little sister Camelia, the members of Teslovik have arrived, hurry up..

The fragrance... of roses..

This direction is wrong, did I go the opposite way just now..

Why do these nobles' houses look even more like a maze than a prison? It's so annoying.

Sister Parvati?

Has Awakener arrived...?

Sister Parvati?!

..

Such a pleasant aroma, what happened here?

... Is that the elder vampire sister from The V.V.'s Bizarre Adventures?!

Isn't she a character from a comic book? Why would she appear in reality? Could it be Snowy Owl..

I'm sorry, Sister Parvati, this might be the only chance in Camelia's life.

Once I get the autograph from Snowy Owl, I'll be back!

Take down all the pumpkin lanterns!

I need to check what's inside one by one.

Hmm? Where is this fragrance coming from?

I'll do it, I'll do it!

It's so strange, why is this pumpkin lantern so hard to take apart..

Kukuku...

Aside from the Ghost Queen, no one else has dared to be so arrogant towards me..

Are you trying to push my buttons?!

What's the matter?

The pumpkin lantern... came to life?!