Hero Stories: How Did We Get Here, Little Miss Lascivious?!

Make sure none of them escape! After them!

PANT, PANT...

You must survive... Shizue.

For our tribe... even if it's only you, go. Ckugh!

No!

Is this... it for me?

No, this is not the end.

*Shizue coughs up water as she breaks the surface of the water*

Your pain, your injuries... I shall take them upon myself. You need not fear any longer.

It's... warm...

Hmm, so "the northern waters shall carry your destined benefactor to you"... That must have been you.

Shizue...

My lady, we're almost there. Please hold on a little longer.

But didn't you say the same thing a while ago? I declare this a fine moment for rest.

Listen, voices! We're really almost there!

Keep your entry permits in hand. You will be denied entry if you fail to comply!

Hmm... What are we going to do about that?

We may not have the entry permit they're asking for, but I'm certain that our identification medallion will be more than enough to get us through.

Huh?

Where'd the medallion go?

Is there anyone here who has experience with demon swords?

Demon swords? The only people you'll find here are those experienced in wielding the legendary liquor mug! Hahaha!

...I am searching for anything that can help remedy a madness beset by demonic energy. Anything, even the smallest tidbit, would be greatly appreciated.

Demonic energy...? So what, like magic?

Is there something you know?!

Well, if it has anything to do with magic, your best shot will probably be at Reingar...

Reingar?

Yeah, it's the city where all the magic-crazed wackos gather to do their research or whatnot. You'll probably find something there.

We can finally deal with that cursed sword...! I'll depart immediately! Thank you!

My lady, we must go!

He-eh...? But I still haven't emptied my glass yet.

We don't have time for that!

Hold it! You still haven't paid!

...

Wait, don't tell me you don't have money. You two certainly don't look destitute, but I guess I judged you too soon.

Do not undermine us with such foul accusations! We have money, but we just have something more urgent we must attend to!

Once we've settled our affairs, we'll be back to pay you.

You must be kidding me! There's no way I'm opening a tab for someone I can't trust!

...I understand why you'd think so, but...

Nope, nuh-uh. You two are complete strangers to me, so I'll need you to pay up now.

I see. So, all we have to do is provide you some proof of identity?

Then, I'll leave this identification medallion with you as a promise to return to pay you back.

Are we good, then?

Wait, but... that's not what I...

Now.

My lady, we must run!

meant. Wait! Hold it right there!!

...Right...

What do we do now...

First off... Here, touch my smooth, silky skin and you'll feel better.

Not this again.

Ugh, foul entity. Begone, begone...!

Shut it! If it wasn't for you, the lady wouldn't be suffering from your accursed madness!

Oh my. Are you raising your voice at me?

...You know that's not something I'd ever do, my lady.

But, no matter how I think about it, all of this, everything we're going through, it's all because of that demon sword... I just... lost myself for a moment.

I will search for a way to get through without this permit, so please wait here a moment.

But, Shizue... My body... I feel weird...

My lady? Where? Where are you feeling unwell?

My lower abdomen... It feels hot... I can't... I can't hold it any longer.

Don't tell me... Is the demonic energy harming you physically...?!

Restroom... I need to use the restroom.

...? I'm sorry?

It's urgent... I don't think I can...

Wahh! Don't you dare! You better hold it in!

PANT, PANT...

What a relief. I was able to protect the lady's dignity today, too.

So then, back to the matter at hand. I need to find a way to get into the city.

You seem troubled. Are you doing okay?

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I happened to leave my identification medallion with someone else, so now I'm stuck here unable to get past those gates.

Would you know of a way to get in without the need for a medallion?

A medallion? What, are you talking about the entry permits?

If you want to enter Reingar, you must have an entry permit, be it real or fake.

If this 'medallion' was your entry permit and you're no longer in possession of it, I'm sorry to say that you're going to find some trouble getting in.

Uhm, 'real or fake?'

Ahem. For just a little sum of coin, I could perhaps acquire a fake permit for you. Interested?

All I have are... these talismans. Would it be possible if I traded you these?

I'm afraid those won't do.

I... see.

Well, don't you think you could earn some coin with those instead?

So, you're saying... that I set up shop to make money with my talismans?

I'm simply suggesting one of many possible solutions.

I can't say I'm entirely comfortable to put Lady Setsuka's teachings to use in such a manner, but...

I understand. Please give me a few days.

This talisman holds the power to protect you from harm. It will activate only once, but will certainly come at a time when your life depends on it most.

Huh? Shizue?

Just for the price a day's meal, you will obtain the opportunity at longevity.

Sorry, not interested.

...

Hehe. I wonder what my little puppy is scheming now?

Sniffa, sniffa... Mmm, a suspicious smell.

Lady Setsuka?

This looks fun. I'll help, too.

My lady, I wouldn't dare ask you to do something as debased as this...!

Dearest?

H-huh? Me?

Won't you buy this talisman for me? With this, it'll stop some naughty hands from coming your way.

Of course, if you so desire, it might not stop 'every' hand coming your way... Interested?

...I-I'll take one...

Mhehe, such a sweet little boy, aren't you?

Lady Setsuka, to think you'd go as far to do such menial work... I swear, I shall follow in your footsteps and work harder!

Excuse me! Please have a look at this talisman! It'll be worth your time!

Hm? May I ask what that yellow paper is?

It's a talisman said to bring me fortune and riches! A merchant was selling it near the city gates, so I bought one out of curiosity.

And after I bought it, I found a few coins on the ground, so... I guess it's not a complete lie, right?

Might I have a look at it?

Sure. Of course.

Karin... No matter how you look at it, this does seem kind of...

Yes, I suspect it's a scam. Come, we shall look into this immediately!

Are you the merchants who have been selling talismans?

Oh? Yes, we are.

Was there a certain talisman you were interested in? If you tell me, I can draw one up for you right away.

Hmm...

I am Lieutenant Karin of Reingar's Public Security Club, and this is Judith.

We're here after receiving reports that you were selling talismans. Were you issued a license?

Huh? A license?

...And your response proves that you are selling wares without prior approval from Reingar.

You are under arrest!

Oh, my. There's no need to be so stiff, now, is there? Look at you, all tense and rigid... How concerning.

I could help you relieve some of that stress. If you'd like.

Wha-what?

She caught them off guard, now's our chance.

My lady! We escape!

Don't you dare!

Ugk... We're surrounded.

Well, I guess I'll deal with this.

Wait, please! Lady Setsuka!

Illegal commercial activities, destruction of public assets, evasion of arrest, obstruction of official duties... You're racking up quite the count.

Continue to resist and it won't end with just a fine. Surrender yourselves immediately!

A f-fine...?

My lady. We should go along with what they say. We're tight on money as it is, so we mustn't aggravate this further!

...Hmpf. You seem to have forgotten that you only lower that tail of yours to me.

You there. You'll let us go if we pay your fine, right?

Woah, hold, Wh-what...

Lady Setsuka! What are you doing!

This fabric is quite exquisite and will fetch you more than enough for this fine of yours.

...Add public indecency to their list.

Place them under arrest!

Please, just a moment! At least give Lady Setsuka time to put her garments back on!

Confinement's a first for me. You've got... peculiar tastes.

Still making light of your situation? You'd be wise to take this more seriously.

P-please allow me to explain!

It's kind of too late for that, don't you think?

Please just hear me out. Everything is... it's all because of that evil sword!

Hmm, so "the northern waters shall carry your destined benefactor to you"... That must have been you.

The Lady Setsuka that I met for the first time all those years ago, she was not this immodest person you see today.

She was born into a highly respectable family, one where she was raised to serve as our Emperor's personal shaman.

And I am but a humble stray that the lady rescued. I was raised as her personal escort to protect her with my life.

Yet, on a day like none other, the lady asked a question of me.

Shizue, if you had the power to see your own future...

Would you do it?

...You know that such action is taboo, Lady Setsuka.

I do. Those that look into their own futures will end up corrupting the flow of their ki and gradually succumb to sickness.

Just as Mother did.

...

But, if in doing so, there's an opportunity to glimpse an escape from this hell, wouldn't it be worth it?

My lady, is there something troubling you lately?

Ever since you rescued me that day, Lady Setsuka, this life of mine has been yours to command.

If you feel troubled, please rest your head against me and find some respite.

How droll. I simply asked in jest.

It's already time to settle for tonight. You may take your leave, Shizue.

I wish you a good night, Lady Setsuka.

...I hope so too.

When those doors closed that evening, it wouldn't be for quite some time until they would open again.

Each night, I couldn't stand the painful wailings from within her quarters. It was so hard to bear, but whenever I reached for those doors, the lady would always repeat her words.

None shall enter my quarters until I say so.

Do not worry for me. I ask that you wait patiently without so much as a word.

...As you wish.

I eventually lost count of how many days went by.

The maids' gossips reached every corner of the abode and soon, everyone had heard the ongoing rumor that the lady was suffering from a grave illness.

I told myself that the rumors were only an exaggeration, that it couldn't be true. That is, until I came across a torn talisman near her quarters.

A talisman... that is used to peer into one's own future.

Did the lady truly augur her own future?

You've already found the talisman, so I won't deny it from you. Besides, I already know of all the rumors surrounding that child's current health.

If the Emperor were to ever hear of this, Setsuka will lose all opportunity to ever set foot in the royal palace.

We must find a way to fix her as soon as possible.

Fix her? Sir?

It is said that demonic energy can be used to restructure broken ki.

I plan to infuse the energy of this demon sword into Setsuka's body.

But sire...! That story is but a blasphemous story that the extremists made up!

Will this demon sword... really cure Lady Setsuka...?

Unless we'd rather see Setsuka suffer until her final moments from her contorted ki, there's no better option than to try.

This is an order, Shizue. Do whatever you must do; get Setsuka out of that room.

I can't seem to shrug off this ominous feeling.

But if this really is our only option for Lady Setsuka's survival...

...As you command.

My lady, please excuse me.

We were fortunate to have rescued Lady Setsuka from her ailings, but the demonic powers ignited a madness within her.

While her madness isn't always present, when it does show itself, Lady Setsuka changes into someone else entirely and enacts deeds that she would never, ever fathom doing!

Heh, you criminals always have your way with excuses. Don't you think so too, Karin?

...You said it was a demon sword, right?

There is no middle path for a sword wielder who wanders for eternity.

We shall wash away blood with blood.

Your story isn't entirely out of line.

I, too, had once been taken over by a demonic sword. I know firsthand just how domineering such power can be.

Oh, yeah, that's right. It did happen to you before...

Wait, you said "had once been"...!?

Ohoho. So, little miss prim and proper was once just like me?

My lady, please! Now's not the time!

Mmmmphf...

Yes, but I do not know of the specifics. I was only able to suppress the demon because of Student Council President Yuna's assistance.

However, Miss Yuna is not present at the moment. Instead, how about we look into your issue by asking other members of the board?

Truly? You'll help us? I swear that I will do what I can to repay this favor.

Lady Setsuka, please hand the sword over to...

I will... NOT!

Heh? My lady...? Wait, where are you going!?

If all three of you take me at once, I don't think I'll be able to handle it...!

Wh-what? Why does it feel like she's talking about something else?!

Don't play into her provocations, Judith.

Wait, hold on, please! We might end up actually hurting her if this goes on.

Just give me a moment with her and I'll calm her down.

...That would seem best.

Lady Setsuka. Don't you think it's best that you return to your old self?

Back to how you used to be, before the demon sword influenced you.

But this sword and I have already shared our most intimate of secrets...!

Take some time to really think about it. The 'you' you are right now is not the real 'you.'

You've been deceived by the whispers of sweet temptation and all you're doing now is acting upon the demon sword's carnality.

She's right. My lady, you're... This isn't who you used to be.

If you keep nagging me, I'll show you how much worse I can get!

I don't think our words are going to reach her anytime soon.

*sighing* I really didn't want to get rough with her, but it seems we don't have much choice.

We're going to have to hold her down and restrain her. I'd like to ask both of you for your assistance. If we have to get rough with her, then so it shall be.

Understood.

No...! I'm not a fan of rough play either!

Ugh...! How is she able to put out so much pressure...!

It looks like getting this over with sooner will be for the better.

Judith, please activate the Machinery.

We're getting nowhere with this. We're just banking on which side gets worn out first.

If she continues to refuse to cooperate with the investigation, there's not much more we can do.

I'm sorry...

However... I believe it feasible that she is acting this way because she's been corrupted by a demon sword.

Proving that will have to wait until Yuna is able to join us. The best we can do for now is to wait.

In the meantime, how about we go over the other charges you've racked up?

Okay...

Judith, please escort the lady to her cell.

Of course! Just leave it to me!

Hey, you. Stop giving the Lieutenant a hard time.

Hmm?

Just what's so special about that battered sword that you'd make such a ruckus?

There is more than meets the eye, darling.

Ugh, so irritating.

Hmm, but now that I think about it...

If I can take care of the thing that's bothering the Lieutenant, then I'll be able to prove myself to her.

Oho, so that's how you like to play?

Shut it! Just hand over your weapon!

Hehehe, come at me, I'm all yours.

Urrryaaa!

A-are you out of your mind?! Let go of me!

Please, wriggle around a little more. Squirm for your freedom until I deem it worthy for you.

Ugh...! How are you so strong...

Bad little girls who are greedy for things that aren't theirs should be subjected to some paddling.

Wha?! What do you mean, p-paddling?!

Eep!

What do you think you're doing?! You do that again, and I'll...

Stop it!

Kyaaaa!

That was Lady Setsuka! What happened to her!

We should hurry!

GASP! What do you think you're doing!?

My lady!

Shizue...

You! How dare you harm Lady Setsuka...!

What?! I, She, Because of her, my butt is, Emm...

What's this about your bottom?

...No, it's nothing.

Judith. Imposing private sanctions constitutes a clear violation of official protocol.

I'll have no choice but to place you under disciplinary probation for this incident.

...Understood.

...And that's why I'm on probation.

Hahaha! All because of that?

It's not funny.

But that demon sword... It sounds like quite an interesting subject for research.

It's obviously all a lie. They're just blaming everything on this so-called demon sword to cover for her indecencies.

I assume you have some grounds for your certainty?

...I'm certain that she was enjoying every moment.

Hmm...

Is there something on your mind?

Lady Setsuka, your hair is all damaged. Your skin too...

As much as I understand that waiting would work out best in our favor, I'm not sure how much longer the lady will last like this.

I don't think we can sit around any longer, Lady Setsuka.

Shizue?

There's no other option... This is all for Lady Setsuka!

Aww, boo. Is the restraint-play already over?

As much as I want to avoid commotion, I also will not sit idly by when your health is at risk, my lady.

There has to be some other place that can help cure you. It can't only be Reingar.

So, we're getting out of here!

This draft should be enough of an indicator that this is the right way out.

But, it's rather narrow, isn't it?

You should be able to fit through with your petite frame.

I shall look for another way around.

But I want to stay with my little puppy...

This is the only way.

Okay, here we go. First, try to get your head through. I'll push you from behind.

Huuuu... Not so hard, darling!

...Lady Setsuka! Now's not the time to be joking around! I'm really just trying to help you get out!

Try to squeeze yourself through a little bit more. Your rear is still...!

A-ah... Shizue... It's really tight...

Huh? Are you okay? Lady Setsuka?

It hurts...!

Hold on. Okay, it looks like this won't do. I'll pull you out first, and we can try again.

Hnng...

Wow, you're really... wedged right in there...

J-just hold on! I'll pull you out!

Haaang!

My lady, try to control your breathing!

*panting*

Oh no, no matter how much I pull, I can't get her out.

Hnng, but it's not like I can go look for help... What do I do?

Wait... did I just hear something?

Footsteps?

Ex-excuse me! We, we need some help!

So, let me get this straight. This lovely scene here is your lady stuck in the wall and you need my help getting her out?

...I understand that this is weirder than it seems, but yes.

Hah?!

What are you doing!

So all those weird noises I heard were coming from the owner of this shapely beast.

How dare you speak such insolence to the lady!

Well, of course brute forcing this would hurt.

So, at times like this...

LADY SETSUKA!!!

getting rid of the problem is the best course of action.

Huuu... Shizue, that was a little too much.

Lady Setsuka...! Are you hurt anywhere?

So then, mind explaining why you got stuck in the first place?

That's...

You can't blame me for finding all of this suspicious.

The two of you, here, in this rather unpopulated underground path, and one of you wedged in a hole. Quite the unusual place to have a date.

...

It's just my little puppy's favorite pastime, don't tease her too much.

It is so not!

We... were held captive against our will.

A Public Security Club member told us that they'd help us out, but we couldn't just sit idly by and wait... so we were only trying to escape on our own.

The Public Security Club? Huh, so I'm in Reingar now?

That aside. So, you two were captured on false grounds and I came across you as you were trying to jailbreak.

Well, yes...

Then... since you admitted yourself that you are indeed mid-jailbreak, I can't just let you go, now can I?

...? I'm sorry?

Eh, why bother. I probably won't need to butt into this anyways.

BEEP. BE-BEEP. JAILBREAK DISCOVERED. AUTHORIZING USAGE OF SEMI-LETHAL FORCE FOR SUPPRESSION.

Lady Setsuka!

Ugh!

Shizue! Are you okay?!

Lady Setsuka, don't worry and just leave without me!

...And how do you expect me to do that?

My lady?

BZZ-BZT, BZZTTtt....

Just sit tight, Shizue. I'll just quickly clean these up for you.

Haha, this looks fun. May I chip in?

Ha... Ha...

This... is her true self, before the demon sword took hold of her. Wait, then...

L-Lady Setsuka. Does this mean you're free of the madness?

Haa... Haaannng... Shizue...

...

I was really anxious so my body tensed up, and now I can't seem to catch my breath. Please embrace me, Shizue...

...Okay, guess not.

*whistle* You're not half bad, are you?

You...

What are you up to? Didn't you say you were going to stop us?

Did you know? Reingar's Machinery was originally created to handle the Public Security Club's operations.

...So?

Mmm... So, the moment you destroy that Machinery...

You over there! Hold on!

Our location will immediately be notified to the Public Security Club.

You...!

Karin, darling. It's been a while.

...Aunt Celine? What are you doing here?

I was just keeping these two jailbirds here company after they broke out.

I'll place them under arrest immediately!

Agh!

Lady Setsuka!

Look at you, being all rough with your hands. Are you still upset with me?

Be quiet!

Hey, just so you know. I also felt what it was like to be smacked on the behind. It was... sensational.

A sound almost even made its way out of my mouth unconsciously.

...Heep! Can you not whisper in my ear like that?

If you ever miss the feeling, come find me whenever you'd like. I'll make sure it's more... exciting.

Ugh! I said I don't need it!

I believe I told you that we'd help you out once Yuna returned.

So why did you try to break out? If this is how it's going to be, I will have to rescind my previous offer.

...We were left with no choice.

Care to elaborate?

Lady Setsuka has always had a weak constitution. Knowing that and how she's even been taken advantage of by the demon sword...

It's far too extreme to put someone like her behind bars AND underground!

But jailbreaking is considered a crime!

...

A demon sword, was it?

Yes. Lady Setsuka has currently been corrupted by the demon sword she wields.

And the reason she seemed so odd... It's all because of the demon sword's influence.

Hmm. I see.

Regardless, just as Karin said, breaking out of jail was the wrong move.

Though I would deem it wiser we look into that sword over judging your actions at this point. We can't hold someone liable if they're not of sound mind.

...You're right.

Shall we head back then?

Absolutely not! I won't hand it over to you!

Lady Setsuka...

See, Auntie? I'm really trying to help her get to the bottom of her problems, but she's really been stubborn about everything.

Yeah, and she's ridiculously strong to boot.

Is that so?

L-Lady Setsuka!

L-Lady Setsuka!

Well, you'll have to excuse me for that. I'm not a big fan of leaving hindrances to their own devices.

You...

Hold it!

Wait, Carrot?

We, the Magic Research Department, would like to offer our help!

It seems word has already spread.

...I wonder who would have mentioned this case elsewhere. Judith, would you mind weighing in on this?

From what I know, the only person I know who always runs off to Carrot's lab whenever anything happens... is you.

Uhm... hehe...

I'm, I'm so sorry!!

I didn't know that girl was so fast on her feet.

Judith! Stop right there!

Well, now that our other hindrances are out of the way... I'll leave the rest to you, miss magic researcher.

Hmm...

How is she?

It's a very powerful mana. So powerful, in fact, that most people wouldn't even realize they're being controlled.

Interesting. This sword is that powerful?

Is there a way to save her!?

The fastest and easiest method would be to destroy the source of this mana.

Destroy the origin and everything related to it should dissipate.

Good to know there's a resolution.

But, given that she's been completely taken over, the mana must have set its roots deep within her. If we remove it too hastily, it might end up hurting her.

Then I guess we'll need the president's help, just like Karin mentioned.

But the longer we wait, the greater the risk that the mana will grow stronger and permanently fuse with her.

And so we've come to an impasse. Your thoughts, miss bodyguard?

...We can't just keep waiting for what might come.

Lady Setsuka, you were the one that once told me this. That rather than wallowing in despair, it's always best to do what you can when you're able to.

The Lady Setsuka that I serve is not someone who will easily fall. I leave the rest to you, miss Carrot.

You can leave that bit to me. When it comes to reading the flow of mana, I'm your girl.

...Hmm? That's weird...

There's no reaction at all.

Wait, I don't get it. I don't get what's wrong.

Would you mind if I give it a try?

Hmm, I guess that we don't have what it takes to summon the entity within.

Ooh, mind if I give it a shot?

Huh?

Miss Celine!

Where... am I?

How inviting. I guess I'll head toward the sound.

You are the one who holds the key to reviving our family back to its former glory.

Your body belongs to this family and the powers granted unto you are solely for our great emperor. Never forget that.

...

So, I ended up somewhere in her memories.

Do not let selfish desires distract you. Lest you become like your mother.

...Do you know what future my mother saw?

Such trivial matters hold no importance.

"Hold no importance..." This incantation, regarded as the gravest of taboo within our family, was 'of no importance.'

However, Mother considered this taboo the key that would change her fate.

I was well aware of the sin that lay beyond these doors. Yet my yearning to glimpse the future my mother foresaw eclipsed any fears I should have had.

Shizue, if you had the ability to see your future... what would you do?

...You know that such action is taboo, Lady Setsuka.

My lady, is there something troubling you lately?

How droll. I simply asked in jest.

Yes, this wasn't mere curiosity, it was a powerful premonition, buried deep within.

The premonition that I, too, was fated to share the same destiny as my mother.

I had only realized it now because the reckoning was imminent.

What...?

Who goes there? Show yourself!

...! Your... Majesty.

Please, your Majesty! You must return to your senses!

Silence! Insubordination shall be met with death.

Yes, you and I... Together, we shall grace cataclysm with open arms!

No... No!

Wrong again...! I can't seem to find a way to escape this damned fate.

Am I left with no other option? Must I truly live out the rest of my days as a doll to be used and then cast aside?

Used, then broken, used, then broken... and ultimately jettisoned when my utility wanes.

Ahaha...haha... Ha...

Lady Setsuka?

My lady! Are you all right?

...Do not even think about opening that door.

None shall enter my quarters until I say so. Do not worry for me. I ask that you wait patiently without so much as a word.

My lady, please excuse me.

...! The divinations have changed.

Could it be...

Lady Setsuka?

My dear Ka(華), would you like to know what my fortunes have told me?

On the night when the moon is in full bloom, the northern waters shall carry your destined benefactor to you.

So why don't you be on the lookout for the one who will one day be by your side?

Yes, that's right. The key to changing my future... is having you by my side, Shizue.

Give yourself to me, and I shall grant you immeasurable strength.

You will be able to do much more than break free from those shackles of your so-called fate...

...When fate does come at me with its mouth agape, trying to swallow me whole, I shall drive my blade straight down its throat.

I'd rather fall to ruin struggling with my own two hands than leave my body to you in exchange for some power.

Kahaha! If that's so, then be engulfed you shall!

Ugh!

What's this? I... lost?

Heh... I told you so, didn't I.

I will be the one to command my future.

Lady Setsuka!

Lady Setsuka!!!

...Yes, puppy? Did my widdle baby miss me that much?

Eh?

Did you want me to lick you again? But... I believe I told you I'm a tad abashed to do so...

...Uh, that's a bit too much, isn't it?

No... it can't be. Lady Setsuka... not you...

Did she lose to the demon entity?

Woah! Huh?! Wait, oi! None of that is true! Hey, I'm the one who lost to this vixen!

Mfufu...

No... no, NOOoooo!!!

Haha, oh my. So that's what really happened.

Hey...! Hey!

Please, I'm begging you here. Whisk me away from the palms of that demon!

I'll do anything you ask. I'll give you everything I have! All of it! No repercussions! No price to pay!

Mmm, sorry to break it to you, but I prefer my blades to be a lot more taciturn.

Ugh...

Miss Celine! How are you feeling?

A bit of a migraine, but nothing to worry about.

I apologize for my bluntness, but the demon sword...

I failed. Whatever's in there is really, really powerful.

My advice? It'll be best to look for something to purify the contaminated mana to weaken it.

...I see.

Hmm, a purification... Yeah, that'll be worth a try.

I can't recall the exact details, but I do remember perusing through how to purify contaminated mana in one of the tomes.

Right. Then you girls best be off to the library and see if you can find anything.

Uhm, I'm sorry?

And don't worry about the sleeping beauty over there. I'll watch over her.

W-Wait a moment...!

Hey, how long are you going to pretend to sleep?

*muffled giggles* So, you knew?

That sword of yours showed me some of your memories. So, this madness of yours, all an act, huh?

It sure is. This is the path I've chosen, the one that will make all the difference.

Well, it's not my place to lecture you on the morals of your decision, but... did you really have to trick your own companion?

She's my little puppy, so I'll do as I wish.

Let me tell you this much, then.

Lie to yourself for long enough, and even the truth will forget about you.

That kind of future will never come to pass. Never.

Heh, at least you're confident.

Alright then, I'm not one for sticking my head where it doesn't belong so I'll take my leave here.

Hmm, I wonder if it's only polite of me to make a divination for you since you've so graciously decided to keep my secret.

Nah, I'm good. You'll never catch me in bed with superstitions anyway.

Hehe, a wise woman.

Well, I'll be rooting for you. Little Miss Lascivious.

L-Lady Setsuka!

Woah, yes? Shizue?

We need to leave. Now.

But what about the demon sword?

...We-we'll find a way! I'm certain!

These people are mad! I overheard them talking about taking you apart, like you're some kind of machine!

Hmm, but if we run away again, what if we end up in another dark, damp underground like last time?

No matter where we are, be it paradise or hell, as long as I can see you smiling, Lady Setsuka, that's all that matters to me.

Of course... we still need to help you get rid of that madness.

Oh my. That almost sounded like a proposal, Puppy. That you'll be with me until the end?

Huh? Lady Setsuka, I thought that was obvious! *Shizue and Setsuka are not sharing the same definition of 'proposal' right now...*

Hahaha, yes, of course it is.

Okay then. As long as I have your hands in mine, I'll be happy wherever we go. Come on then, lead on.

Be it paradise or hell.

Yes, Shizue. You are indeed my destiny, and the one who will let me escape my fate.