4ier!!! The Land of Snow and Honey III

Dr. Romani looked disappointed.

This is all our fault. I'm sorry.

No, there's no need for you to be sorry. Romani Archaman is Chaldea's current commander in charge.

If he felt there was real danger, he would have forced us to transport back.

He didn't do that, which means the doctor understands how important this matter is as well.

？！

Yes. He's been left out in the cold more than ever this time, so let's thank him again when we get back.

(That's what she says, but Mash looks like she's sulking a little too.)

Anyway, until the next planned contact, we will have no method of communicating with Chaldea.

Since we've chosen to accompany Illya, we must now be even more on our guard.

How long do you two plan on staying upset? We're almost near the border.

(She's sure straightforward!!)

Fujimaru, the same goes for you. If you're a Master, then get a grip.

Even if you guys are acting out a magical girl fantasy, that doesn't mean your heart has turned into a familiar.

？！

This is Medb's kingdom?

It's not as cold as it looks, but it still seems like a magical land.

If the situation was different, this would be some very beautiful scenery.

No, wait a minute! We were supposed to be heading towards the Land of Sweets!

Th-That's right! What happened?

Try using your brain for once. It's simple. This place just became a part of the Land of Snow and Honey.

...What!?

The transfer of territory. Reallocation of resources. Nothing new. But I've had enough of the cutesy names, though.

？！

And now my job as a gatekeeper covers a huge area.

Medb isn't home. I'm the only one who will be tearing you apart. Be thankful.

The power of that familiar is overwhelming! He's a familiar, but he can summon magical creatures.

Oh. I thought something smelled dingy. It's Helena. Got bored of counting the bookworms in the library?

Then we gotta pick up our game. According to Medb, she says it's the first step in molding her army.

Can't stop what's already started. We want no regrets.

So I can't have you interfering at this point.

I don't think Medb is a woman who'll falter from the likes of us.

？！

O-ho. So Medb finally reached it.

I see.

Then there's no need to steal the powers of the First Lady. Medb will do as much as she can in her own way.

？！

Yes, Senpai. Queen Medb said it during the battle.

There's a possibility my attacks won't work again!

That's right. Your powers will be halved. No hard feelings.

Urg. Even still, there's something I can do!

Oh no, Mash... I'll just have to fight harder!

(Panting)

Whoa, you guys are pretty good. Nice teamwork.

You guys must be starting to synchronize after a few battles. The Shielder is a bit annoying too.

I guess I should take one down. Which means...

Time to use this! Gentle Bite Coinchenn!

No hard feelings, little girl. Medb wanted you for her army.

Yeah. Sorry, but I'm a thousand times stronger than I look. No need to brace yourself. You'll die instantly.

Yeah. Seems she'd make the perfect vessel for her wishes.

The more you desire, the more thirsty you become. That's greed. Now, sorry, but...

？！

I'm takin' you out.

...Urg!

Mash! You protected us again...!

Oh? Illya, look over there!

Ruby, we don't have time for... Hmm?

Illya! Ruby! I'm sorry I'm late!

Yahoo! You're safe, Sapphire!☆

Sapphire!? It's just you!? Oh, this is Miyu's stick, everyone!

？！

Good timing, Sapphire! Make a temporary contract with Mash over there!

She must be Illya's ally. Understood.

Please excuse me.

My! I feel kind of strange.

Hm. You've become a lot like a magical girl all of a sudden.

That means my fun ends here. I guess I'll retreat.

You do that, Cú. And go tell Medb...

That Illya already has two of the jewels.

Yeah, I could tell by the smell. There's one in your pocket too.

Got it. Sounds like a sweet situation Medb would be happy about.

First, please see this. It's a message from Miyu.

(Panting)

Miyu!

Ohh! (Sob) Miyu, what a humiliating position you are in!

However, this bondage thing is somewhat sexy, like... Ack! Ow, ow, ow, I give up! I give up!

Illya. Or to anyone who knows of Illya.

I am Miyu... Edelfelt. I am a m-magical girl...

(I guess Miyu is a little embarrassed too.)

I came to this world with Illya.

I am a prisoner of the First Lady. It was she who created this Reality Marble.

Inside the black wall, located in the center of the Reality Marble, is the First Lady's castle.

Only one of her familiars can pass through the black wall.

Medb, the woman who attacked me and Illya, was also unable to penetrate the wall.

Queen Medb was eyeing Miyu from the beginning, too.

The First Lady is probably the reason why we've been lured into this world.

She seems to have found technology that could interfere with parallel universes.

I don't think it's for a peaceful purpose. There must be a connection with why I'm held captive.

We must do something. We must stop her plan.

This castle is like a labyrinth of mirrors. The familiars have established a solid defense as well.

Still, I believe Sapphire will be able to escape and guide you here.

But... if... it's you, Illya...

Illya, you musn't come. Find someone to help you. Have them come instead.

What!? What are you saying, Miyu!? Why do you always...

Now, now. It's just a recording. Calm down.

The patrolling familiar is back!

Sapphire, go now! And please be safe!

... (Gloomy)

Oh no, Illya is extremely depressed...

Illya. Miyu is waiting for you.

Please don't be upset. I shall help as well.

Yeah, you're right. Thank you, Sapphire. I'm glad to see you again safe and sound.

Yes. I should be with Miyu at all times, yet I returned alone. I truly regret this!

And the ones from Chaldea. I don't know how to thank you for protecting Illya.

Please, I beg you... Save Miyu!

According to Sapphire, who sneaked inside the castle...

Even though Sapphire is away from Miyu, Miyu's transformation never lifted.

The First Lady must have special powers over magical girls.

This is dangerous! I am worried about Miyu too!

Yes. Let's all go rescue Sapphire's Master, Illya's friend!

You sure know your magical girl stuff! With a clumsy and cute character, a cool and refined one is always needed!

But with a secret fetish that's kept hidden underneath...

Sister. No further.

Wait, what are you talking about?

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But... Hey, Sapphire... Why did Miyu say something like that?

That I shouldn't come...

I do not know either.

However, it seems that Miyu noticed something regarding the First Lady's true identity.

That was probably why she worried for you, Illya.

The First Lady's true identity?

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...We've made a few guesses.

The First Lady... The owner of this entire magical girl Reality Marble.

She is said to be the very first magical girl.

Just as the King of Heroes originates the existences of the many other heroes who illuminate human history...

...so too was there someone who first defined the concept of "magical girl."

I have spoken with Medb about such things in the past.

Huh? Do you know, Ruby?

Uhhhhh... I just know that this is a dangerous topic!

By that logic, we are just imitations that have been continuously copied...

...so we would be at a great disadvantage in magecraft and the like!

Hehehehe, Ruby is getting fired up!

That's my sister.

Haha. That's heartening, but I'm still worried.

However...

Is that the real reason Miyu tried to keep Illya away?