Chapter 9: Last-Minute Comeback

Today we have gathered here with the fate of Elias at stake.

I thank the representatives of each race who have attended...

...And beginning with the Sprite delegation who have graciously provided the venue for this momentous day, I now announce the commencement of our proceedings.

Alright! Please begin when you're ready, Sprite Queen Erpin.

Thank you, Amelia.

Master, are you ready?

Phew... Well then...

Hiyaaah!!!

She, she rolled! Wh-what did she get?!

…3.

Damn it! Is that all you can roll, Your Majesty?!

R-rolling dice is pure luck!!

Haaah...

Ashur, was that a disapproving sigh just now? Are you kidding me?

N-no... It's not that... I haven't been exercising lately, so I'm out of breath even sitting still... Hehe...

Now then, the Sprite Kingdom's piece advances 3 spaces and falls onto the Deserted Island. You cannot do anything for 2 turns.

Nooooo!!!

Next, the werebeast delegation, please roll.

Master?

Are we really... okay with this?

Dividing Elias's territory with... "Elipoly"... It doesn't make sense...

......

W-well, not really...

......

Your Majesty! This will determine the Sprite Kingdom's real estate values! If you land on the Deserted Island one more time, I will send you to the Weekend Farm!

Eek!

Here I thought Ner was cool-headed and rational, but she's actually more passionate than anybody else.

Setting Ner aside, I never imagined even the elementals and phantoms would be so enthusiastic...

You just cheated! That Shaydi cheated again! There's no way the dice rolled like that naturally!

ThER's No wAy ThE DiCe RoLleD LiKe tHat NaTUrallY! Hehe!

Ah? Do you have proof? Or is this just the great wind elemental Sylla's divine hunch?

It seems Sylla joined because she couldn't stand to lose to Shaydi. I don't even remember who started it.

I have arrived at the Sprite Kingdom's Great Plains, and there I shall build a dragon palace!

Daya, you don't have money.

I shall pay with diamonds.

That won't do. You can only use Eldr dollars issued by the Yggdrasil Seed Bank.

H-How can this be...! Diamonds... hold no worth...?!

Oh... What should we do... It seems the sprite folks have landed on Werebeast Forest again and will have to pay the toll.

What on earth are you doing, Your Majesty!!

One more time and we're bankrupt!... Ugh...

This is our domain! Pay up! Haha!

They seem to have an advantage since they play board games all the time.

Masterrr!!!

Master, help me just this once. I need your religious and sacred dice skills...!

Master! The fate of the kingdom is at stake! Stop talking and just roll!

Yeah!

We trust only you, Master...

......!

A 2!!! That is even worse than Her Majesty...?!

You've landed on a Dimension Key Card. Please draw a card and follow the instructions written on it.

What do we do!? I drew the Dimension Key Card, and it says to pay a speeding fine of 5 million dollars!

We're bankrupt!!!

Bank... rupt...

With the sprite delegation going bankrupt, Sprite Kingdom is now up for auction.

It's a scam, a scam!!!

They betrayed us! The elves betrayed us!

Your Majesty, all we did was play the game and let the probability of the dice decide fairly.

Didn't we show you that we searched and inspected the entire surrounding area and game board before starting?

True... they did check quite thoroughly.

If you lost the game like a noob, then go cry in a corner somewhere.

We'll purchase Sprite Kingdom!

What?

Sylla, are you serious...? Sprite Kingdom properties are total duds! The other teams are hardly landing on them...!

Shut up! What matters is having even one more piece of land than Shaydi!

Now, dear sprites, please exit the conference hall.

Accepting defeat is also a skill.

Grr... ugh...

It's bad! Ner's been acting oddly ever since earlier!

Heh... hehe... hoo hee... hehehe...?

Ner is scary! I've never seen her like this!

Eld'r Gwln'es Eld'es Trwegal Hdramulr Sha'tgn!

Eld'r Sha'tgn! Eld'r Sha'tgn!

Eldr sleeps and waits in her dwelling, the palace of dreams!

Ner, you're scaring me!!! She's warping spacetime to switch genres!

Koo, koo.

Koo, koo!

What strange bird chirps like that?

Over here, you idiots! Look this way!

Look who decided to show up! A wanted criminal of the kingdom, daring to stand before us... What, you came to surrender?!

If we get the bounty... can we exchange it for Eldr dollars? Can we rejoin the game?

Ner is talking just like Her Majesty!

If I were here to give myself up, wouldn't I get the bounty?

...Is, is that so?

Ugh...

Anyway, I just came to let you know that there's a good option for you all.

A good option? You think we'll fall for your tricks again? We're not listening!

Oh... is that so? I was offering a way to turn things around in the land-grab game you all lost so badly... but fine. Go ahead, lock me up.

Hmph, you think we care about losing the game? Dividing territory through a game is ridiculous anyway. We'll just ignore it and move on.

Th-that was then!!

Everyone, be quiet!

Sist, hurry up and tell us what to do!

Ner's eyes have returned to normal!

I guess someone who knows the taste of money is ready to listen to my advice. Hehe...

Listen carefully. This game... we'll exploit the fact that it was never valid to begin with.

Don't you feel like something is missing?

A dispute over Elias's land should involve every race's representative, shouldn't it? But... doesn't it feel like someone is missing?

Missing? Ah... the witches... aren't here?

Exactly. That's the perfect argument to scrap the game entirely.

That's... convincing...!

Then we need to get the witches to participate in the game?

That's right.

But didn't you say the Witch Queen, their representative, is missing?

Then we just need to find the Witch Queen.

R-Really...?

N-no, I didn't?

It does not matter.

The Witch Queen Belita is Sprite Queen Erpin's sister...

Bringing her back, putting an end to the Fricle's plot, and safeguarding Elias's peace... this was always our duty, one we were bound to fulfill!

Be quiet, Master! Even the words of an untrustworthy smuggler might have merit!

Listening even to what even the lowliest person has to say is your duty after all!

Ner, you're too transparent...

I suppose someone is fine with their bakery rent doubling due to unstable real estate prices in the Sprite Kingdom.

Let's leave right away. A journey with purpose is a sprite's greatest joy.

Mm...

I-I mean, setting aside the game and all that...

Well... we had to go there eventually anyway because of Fricle...!

Then it's decided! Let's depart for Witch Kingdom immediately.

The more companions we have on this journey, the better. Please ask Marie and Mayo to join us too, Ashur.

Yes, Head Priestess!

I've never been to Witch Kingdom before. Will it be okay?

I've snuck in a few times wondering if there were any valuable goods, but I got kicked out every time...

Witches are super defensive. Their strong duty to protect the roots of Yggdrasil makes them reluctant to accept outsiders.

Technically, witches are related to us sprites, but they still treat us as outsiders.

Probably...?

Nope.

Hmm... Hm? Hmm...

Nothing. Um... nothing.

Hahaha! It seems you need a guide!

I have to keep an eye on you to make sure you're handling things properly.

Handling things properly? Why are you talking like you told us to do this?

Ah, uhm! Oh no! Boss, you're misunderstanding...! How could a mere merchant like me give orders to anyone?

I'm just here to help you all on your journey!

Tch... I don't like you.

Oh my... Don't be like that! It's not much, but here...

Uh... Huh?

This candy's been really popular lately, and it's good, too! Here Boss, try one.

Dragon candies? How exotic!

Bribe? It's just a small gift to make up for my past sins, hehe...

Your repentant attitude as a sinner is very commendable! I'm counting on you for this journey, Sist!

Of course, Boss! Hehe...

Huh, Witch Kingdom isn't as chaotic as I expected.

The heat of the civil war cooled down. After that last fight, everyone's keeping their heads down and feeling things out.

Haha. So it's some kind of frozen war now? A cold war, you could say?

In any case, consider yourselves lucky! If you'd shown up during the peak, you'd have been crushed between the witches, bones and all.

Even so, there's nobody on the streets...

Usually, someone would've shown up and tried to chase us out by now...

......

You are right. This feeling is awkward...

Yikes!

Ah, what! Who leaves trash in the middle of the street!?

Looks like sanitation is not their biggest concern because of the war.

Trash... collectible...

Hey!! I'm trying to sleep here! Why are you bothering me?!

Y-You?!

...What was your name? I feel like I've seen you somewhere...

What? What are you doing here?

Geez, you can't even remember the name of the one who almost conquered Sprite Kingdom?!

You ALMOST did. Your presence wasn't that significant.

Ah, right! It was like... Velgrynd or something!

It's Velvet! At least get it somewhat right!

That's pretty much what I said... Anyway, what are you doing here?

Tsk! Why should I tell you? Just keep to yourself and get going.

Hmm...

Yeah, let's go.

W-Wait! Are you really just going to leave?!

But you told us to go?

Geez... Usually in situations like this, you're supposed to pry and keep the conversation going!

That's the attitude you should've had before!

Because there's nowhere that will take me...

After my failed invasion of Sprite Kingdom last time... I was branded a failure, so no one wants to be on my side...

Initially I attacked Sprite Kingdom because becoming the Witch Queen seemed too hard...

But even that failed, so now no one thinks I'm worth being friends with...

Kicked out of home, no friends... I ended up a homeless vagrant on the streets.

Poor thing. Still, not really our problem, though.

Master, don't you remember?

She lost to us and then ran away with Fricle.

That's right. Fricle said she'd be useful and took her along.

I might not be very smart... but I remember everything the one who tried to steal my kingdom did.

I can't forget someone who threatened my bread and butter, my kingdom.

So what?! If it works, it works, right?!

I was abandoned by Fricle too. Please, you have to believe me! I was working under her, but she said I lacked ability and threw me out.

Cut the crap! From everything we've seen, you're the type to cozy up to us, then at the key moment go "Surprise!" and stab us in the back!

Neuro... what? Can you not use difficult words to insult me?

Please believe me... I'll do whatever you want... I can't survive among the witches anymore.

I'll even become a janitor in Sprite Kingdom... Just let me come with you...!

Master! You don't trust what I'm saying?!

Well... that's true but...

Wh-What?! How can you abandon a poor comrade like this?!

Comrade... what do you mean...

Witches and sprites, we're separated family! We were all originally the same!

Just trust me once! I really won't do anything weird, just let me follow you!

Ah... This is really making me uncomfortable...

You're looking for Her Majesty? I-I know where the Witch Queen is! I'll tell you everything!

What? You know where the Witch Queen is? How would you know that?

I overheard it while working with Fricle...!

Fricle... no, that Thorn Witch has hidden Belita somewhere!

Yes! It was all her scheming. She smuggled Her Majesty away and hid her, throwing both the underground and surface into chaos!

Was Belita betrayed?

You're saying my sister was defeated by such a small-time nobody?

Fricle isn't a nobody. She's the strongest and smartest among us witches.

She gained Belita's trust and became her right hand, then betrayed her through scheming! All to become queen herself!

We have no choice but to take her at face value until we uncover the truth.

I have some knowledge. I don't know exactly where Belita is imprisoned, but I know where to start!

Going in alone would have been too dangerous... Fricle is extremely on guard.

But now you're here! If I can't become queen anyway, I can't stand to see anyone else become queen either!

It's much better to serve Her Majesty than to have Fricle become queen!

I'll take you. Follow me.

It's the shop of the most capable medicine peddler among us witches.

Her name is Posher. If you drink the potions she makes, you can become incredibly strong or smart.

I know her too. I've dealt in smuggling raw materials myself.

How unfortunate to hear that... given that you've already benefited from them.

You've had that elf-made instant food that boosts intelligence, right?

I once bought a sample of an intelligence-enhancing medicine here and smuggled it.

The elves used it for genetic manipulation or whatever, mass-producing drugs based on that.

A product needs a bit of imperfection to keep people coming back.

Huh?

Hmm... What brings non-witches to a place like this...?

Are you looking for anything in particular?

Wait... what do you mean "a product needs imperfections"?

If I sell the remedy, it's just one and done.

What?

If I only cure them, they won't come back to the shop... so I need to add ingredients that cause other side effects to keep them coming back.

The elves at least try to deceive, even if clumsily... Why is she so calm?

Oh my... This is why outsiders are so cute.

We witches are in the know about most things. The naive ones who don't get how the world works were run up to the surface long ago.

Everyone left knows the ropes here... so we don't bother hiding anything.

It's always the one who wants to buy that's in a hurry.

Now then, since you came into my shop, I assume you need to buy something. What can I get you?

Psst!!

When you enter a shop, you have to buy something first.

You! Pretending to be homeless, but you were just a plant for this quack merchant?!

What do you take me for?! That's not it!

That's how witches are! When you enter someone's territory, you first have to prove that you're someone worth having around!

It can't be helped, we'll have to dip into Master's salary again...

Noisy. I take one.

Thank you, please visit again!

Paralysis poison.

No need for you to know.

Hehe... heh...

There really do seem to be a lot of interesting potions here.

There's even a potion that makes you explode when you drink it!

Fricle kept buying stuff from Posher. Investigate Posher and we'll naturally find clues that connect to Her Majesty.

That leaves me no choice. I, the genius wordsmith, will take the lead. Just trust me.

Please stop Her Majesty, Master!

Why are you blocking me before I even tried anything!?

Hey!!!!

Tch...! I've had plenty of times lately where I managed to turn things around okay, you know?

Eeek...! I want to try! Me!! I'm going to do it!!!

Um... sorry but this is a no-kids zone, okay? If you're going to be loud, can you leave?

Don't treat me like some pet!!!

Hah... this is frustrating...

Posher... Boss?

What is it?

I heard you recently sold something to Fricle. What was it?

That's what you want me to tell you? I can't just share my client's secrets willy-nilly...

Oh, come on now, boss! I've got some pretty good corn starch that came in recently... If you just say a few words, I could let it go for real cheap...?

What? H-how much? How much do you have?

A few kilos? Plus... it'd be an ongoing supply deal...? It could even be more than a one-time thing?

Ugh... really?

Ah well... If you don't want it, never mind...

Master!!!

Phew, is it my time to step up? Everyone watch and learn.

Ahem! Posher, what did Fricle buy?

Why... are you asking?

I know everything already, so stop beating around the bush!

I haven't been beating around the bush, though? I just asked why you're asking.

I am the ONLY one asking questions here! Got it?!

Oh great... What kind of nuisance is this now... Kindly leave at once. Before I make you.

Tch... I'm not a nuisance!! How harsh of you to call the Sprite Queen a nuisance!

Your Majesty, you are a nuisance. You're doing exactly the same thing you do in my shop.

Queen...? Sprite Queen?

W-Wait! Fine... I'll tell you! Fricle has been buying sedatives for a while now!

There is no profit in a drug that makes you flat-out pass out. This one just leaves you pleasantly woozy.

Well, it also has the effect of making you feel slightly good. You get tipsy after drinking it.

Alcohol?

What's alcohol?

*Whisper, whisper* There is, but Her Majesty doesn't know about it. If she ever got her hands on something like that, she might get even worse... *Whisper, whisper*

It's different from alcohol. There's no hangover after sleeping it off.

Hey! What's this alcohol you talk about?!

Eww... medicine?

That's possible. Fricle's got a garbage personality, so she's likely pulling some nasty stunt.

Hmm.

Sounds like you really did get kicked out by Fricle. You don't usually hear subordinates talk about their superiors like that.

You're not talking about me, are you, Master...?

I always give Her Majesty nothing but proper advice...

Well, it doesn't hurt to stay on good terms with everyone. Besides, haggling doesn't work on witches anyway.

Oh my, Boss! Are you thinking about business expansion?

I heard rumors that those surface folks are total suckers.

Can't keep rotting in this stagnant pond forever, can I?

If business takes off, give me a call...

Ugh. Potential competitor...? Adding to blacklist.

Every dawn, I leave the goods in front of the shop, and a courier picks them up.

It's a courier sent by Fricle, so I don't know anything more than that.

We can wait at dawn and follow them! We're gonna tail them!

I didn't say anything to you folks, so do what you want, got it?

Things are going well. Everyone just hang in there a bit longer.

*Snooore* Kroohhhh pyyhh *Snore*

*Snooore* Kroohhhh pyyhh *Snore*

Covering her mouth just makes the sound bounce around inside and come out even louder.

I don't know. That's just how Her Majesty is.

If she goes on like this, this stakeout will fail. Wake up, Your Majesty.

Chokehold.

Urgh... *Huff, huff*

Ah! Look! Someone's coming!

Just a little... just a little more strength, Levi.

Once we finish today's delivery, we'll have enough to buy breakfast...

What? But that is...

There's medicine left outside the pharmacy again today. Does that mean I'll get a bonus today?

She's called Levi. A newbie witch who does odd jobs, going back and forth between the witches.

*Snore* Kroohhhh pyyhh...

Huh?! Wh-who's there? I should run!

Wake up Her Majesty and hurry after them!

Ahhh! *Huff, huff* Don't follow me! I can't take it anymore!!

Eek! A dead end?!

Ugh... I can't anymore... It's too hard...!

You're just standing still, what's so hard about that?

I can't take on more part-time jobs! It's physically impossible...! Don't give me any more work!

Take on more part-time jobs? What are you talking about?

After the morning delivery, I have to work the cash register at the street stall... At lunch, I clean the pharmacy...

In the evening, I have to fry carrots at the UFC franchise until closing time...!

Underground Fried Carrots.

Wait, why are you suddenly sharing your daily routine?

S-Sorry?

You're not trying to give me a part-time job...?

Part-time job? Why would we make you do something like that?

You weren't... trying to give me more work...?

You're the first person to say such kind words to me...!

What is she on about?

There hasn't been a new witch since Levi. The youngest doing all the dirty work as a temp is pretty much the standard, right?

Oh, that? I'll tell you.

I'd be breaking the employment contract... so if I tell you this secret, I'll be freed from one of my odd jobs.

I'll get sued, but lawsuits take years anyway, so I'll be comfortable until then!

I leave Posher's goods at the back door of the witch palace.

I don't know what happens after that! One of my gigs is just making deliveries.

Alright... Well, then go finish your work.

Hmm... No.

We need to take Levi with us.

If Levi goes around bragging about breaking her contract, Fricle might catch on, and who knows what she'll do?

That's right. She might move the Witch Queen to a different location.

No way! I'm okay getting fired from one part-time job, but if I get fired from all of them, I won't even be able to eat expired thrown-out food!

But that's only temporary! You're not even witches, so who's going to pay me when you leave?

Ugh... Levi! When this is over, I'll let you work under me.

You, Velvet? Really?

Bringing down Fricle will get us a seat at the table. So come over to my side.

......

Velvet, you're a beggar right now. How can I trust your words? Do you have a corporation? Are you registered as a business?

Startups originally begin from rock bottom with passion and romance!!!!

You don't have a choice anyway! If you don't follow, I'll tie you up and drag you along, so just obey!

Ugh... Yes, Boss.

That's right. Hehe... I'll pay your salary all at once when we actually make money, so work hard, got it?

Yes...

This'll cripple the Witch Kingdom's daily grunt work routine. Fricle won't know what to do. That's good for us.

Now, Levi! Guide us to the back door of the palace!

Understood. Follow me...

This is the palace's back door.

I don't see anyone, not even guards.

Fricle said it was a secret delivery. I think she comes to pick it up herself.

What a good opportunity.

When Fricle comes out alone to pick up the goods, we all jump her and take her down!

This plan definitely has a good chance of success.

That's right! No matter how skilled she might be, she won't be able to defend her back when fists are flying from all directions!

Hit the shins first to make her lose balance, then don't give her time to use magic or anything—beat her until she's stunned!

There's a sound at the door!

Quick, everyone hide!

Ow... Ow, my back...

Is it going to rain today? I'm not what I used to be... Oh, looks like today's delivery arrived on time. Let's see...

Now!

Aaaaaahhh!!! What are you guys?!

You set fire to my kingdom!!

The Witch Kingdom is mine!

Wh-What...! Kyaaah!!

Stabilize the real estate prices, you villain!!!

Stop hitting me!! Stop it!!! Hiyaaah!!!

Everyone, come and get a hit in too! This is fun!

...As a person of faith, I shall leave such undignified work to Your Majesty. You're doing well.

......

Don't tell me you won't join in either, Master?

You're so spineless you have to use a stick on me?! Aaaagh!!!

Tch... Everyone keeps talking big, but then you just sit there doing nothing. Now I feel awkward too!

It is fine. This incident will be kept strictly secret in Sprite Kingdom history, so do not worry.

Got it!!

What?

Aaaah! Fricle has returned to nature!

Did we get too carried away?

My hand's bleeding! I'm wounded!

You idiots... What do you take me for?!

Do I look like I have enough free time to come down every morning to pick up deliveries myself?

Obviously, such menial tasks should be handled with magic. Your standards are just pathetically low.

I heard the Sprite Queen's gang showed up in our kingdom, so I was somewhat on guard... but this is like dealing with common street thugs...

Damn...! Did that medicine peddler betray and sell us out?! The plan's failed! Run!

Levi! Stop them from escaping!

Hah! Levi's already under my command. No matter what you say, she won't listen to your orders.

Sorry, but I'm under a dual contract. I was told that taking care of you would secure me a full-time role at the witch court.

What...?!

I already gave Levi an advance payment. Luring interns with empty promises of benefits is something only scum would do!

Tsk...!

Levi is just one! Let's escape before Fricle calls the other witches...!

Hah, where do you think you're going...?

There's no escape route! What do we do now?!

What?

W-well, that's true, but...

Are you serious, Master?

Understood!

We'll trust you, Master!

Wh-what are you guys doing? Why aren't you running away? Why are you charging toward the palace? Hey!!!

We managed to get inside the palace somehow...

I don't know if this was the right move. Now we're just trapped inside the palace!

Master, what are our next steps?

We don't even know where she's being held!

Master has a point. Understood.

For now, let's split up and search for places where Belita might be imprisoned.

No! We need to stick together! The Palace is like a witch's lair - it's too dangerous to wander around separately!

Hmm... I'm in favor of splitting up.

We'll get caught and overwhelmed eventually even if we stay together. I think it's better to split up and find Her Majesty quickly.

I know some hidey-holes, so sneaking around isn't entirely impossible.

Though you'll have to pay a fee for information on those secret passages...

Ahh... Like music to my ears, boss. Hehehe...

Me. Master's group.

Can't let Master get scratches. I protect my own goods...

Understood, Master.

Yes!

Hmm... Ugh...

This side looks like some kind of classroom. It's just full of desks and chairs.

Huh? Fricle's vines are approaching! Get inside the room quickly before we're spotted!

This is so frustrating! How are we supposed to find Belita at this rate?

Instead of searching with no clues, we should just face Fricle to settle things rather than searching for Her Majesty.

Hmph...

Mm...

Hey, Mayo! Why do you keep going "hmm, hmm, hmmm" since earlier? It's distracting!

It's distracting me too.

What? I'm the one who's distracted!

After arriving in Witch Kingdom. Felt something in bag.

What?

Something moving.

Did a mouse get in your bag or something?

Not mouse. Don't know. Nothing alive in bag.

What is she talking about?

That's what paralysis drug from medicine peddler is for.

Tried to paralyze thing in bag.

Sprinkled in bag but still moving.

No. Folks like Shaydi do not pull such trivial pranks.

That's true.

Understood.

Aaaah! What is that! Why are you carrying around such a creepy doll?!

Made looking at Master.

Looks exactly like Master.

It's got the same expression when you give noogies!

Waaaah! This thing is moving!!!!

Kyaaaa!!!! Don't come near me!!

What are you talking about?! Is fear causing you to go blind? It IS moving!

The hand...?

Huh...? That's...! It's Coco, isn't it? I thought we lost it...?!

Was originally mine. Made transfer contract, remember? Rental period ended so took back.

Come to think of it... it has been a really long time since Master used it. Seems like you forgot Coco even existed.

So stole it while Master slept.

......

Um, but what difference does it make if the doll is moving or Coco is moving?

Isn't it equally scary when objects move? Can someone explain what's going on?

Why is it moving now of all times? It never did this before.

Tell us... what?

First of all... it's an item from the world where Master is from...

But it is not something Master used...

The elves use similar weapons, but it's not theirs either.

Seeing how surprised Master is, every time Coco is used, it's different from what you expected.

If it's not from this world and not from that world either...

Could it be from another world?

Ugh! I'm just saying what it could be. Why are you yelling and embarassing me!?

Coco is moving!

It keeps tapping on the door...

I opened it!

It's going somewhere! Should we follow it?

Are you in your right mind? We're pressed for time, and you want to follow a magical item?

Do you have a better idea?

Well, not exactly...!

Coco, you're a good girl, right? Come here...

Ahhh!! Coco blasted through the door and ran away!

Wait, how is something so small and bouncy this fast?

Even if we ran as fast as possible, we couldn't catch up!

Huh?! Ah, up ahead!

You lot! How dare you enter this place...!

There's no escape now! Surrender quietly...

Wh-What just happened?!

It's not real. Like at the back door, it's a clone Fricle made with vines.

If it's not Fricle's real body... does that mean we can just shoot at her?

Fricle's briars... can be neutralized this easily...?

Master...!

Could it be a weapon with sentience?

In that case... I don't need you anymore!!!

Haha! With this Coco thing, the position as Witch Queen is mine!

What do you mean "what"? I'm claiming the throne! If I'd known there was such an easy way, I wouldn't have even talked to you small fries...

I knew you'd do this!

Huh? Why should I? I now hold the power to control this world in my hands!

No more homelessness! From now on I'll be sitting in a cushy chair, eating tons of sweet potato fries...

This is my chance to make the surface races kneel before me!!!

I'm done with you all. I need to head straight to the audience chamber and beat down Fricle! Mwahahaha!

Is she for real?!?!

Mayo and I will follow her.

Master and Your Majesty, please continue searching for Belita.

Whether Velvet wins or Fricle wins, we can't put an end to this situation without the Witch Queen's power.

Ner! Then why don't you just come with us!

We need to seize Coco from Velvet when we have the chance.

We might be able to snatch it during the chaos of fighting Fricle, but if either one wins and secures Coco, it'll be difficult to retrieve it again.

Ner...! But what are you and Mayo going to do alone? It's too dangerous!

Your Majesty. Even if it's dangerous, it's something we must do.

B-But...!

Your Majesty, it's okay. I trust you... so you should trust me too.

Ugh... Ner...! Alright!

......

I...

...Never agreed. Must protect Master! And do I get insurance?

Let us go before we designate the fence alley as a redevelopment area and evict you, Mayo.

Ugh... following...

Master!

Let's hurry and find my sister to help Ner so she won't struggle!

Master! Come over here!

Look at this door. It's more ornate than the other rooms, so maybe...

Yeah!

Someone must have been coming and going! There are signs that someone was in the room recently.

This book here...? It looks like my sister's diary! Could there be any clues?

Today is my first day ascending to the throne. Thankfully, many sprites followed me underground.

As expected, Yggdrasil Eldr's roots were severely damaged. Could this be why the branches on the surface aren't growing anymore?

So that Yggdrasil can grow better, we must take care of the roots from now on.

My sister... came underground for Yggdrasil...

I was young, so I just... thought she found me annoying.

Belita was always smart... and I was always getting scolded by Ner for not studying.

Being underground without light seems to be affecting the sprites.

Some change in appearance, others in personality. To distinguish ourselves from sprites, we began calling ourselves witches.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to control. I kept a clever witch nearby to help me govern.

Could this clever witch be Fricle?

Yggdrasil occasionally emits tremendous magical energy of unknown origin. Like a dog sleep-talking.

It feels like I'm dreaming. I hope it's not a nightmare.

An independent investigation into the surface will be necessary, but based on the results from the underground, it appears that whenever this magical energy bursts forth, the walls of the world temporarily blur.

The walls of the world...?

Is she talking about our kingdom's castle walls?

Whoa! S-Someone's coming!

Ahhhhh!! Damn it alllll!!!

Blast it!

Where the hell did Velvet get that thing?!

Damn it!! I was so close to finishing...! And now I'm running away like this?!!!

Lady Belita... I think this is as far as I can go. Ugh... *sob sob*

Hey!!!!!!!

Wh-what?! How did you guys get here...!

You captured and locked up my sister Belita! And now you're acting all "Lady Belita" this and that?!!!!!

Wh-What?!

Hurry up and tell me where Belita is! Even if Master can't fight, we're still higher in number! It's 2 versus 1!

You...

Human...! It was you, wasn't it? You're the one who handed that thing to Velvet?!

You fool! How could you be so careless?! Witches are sneaky opportunists who strike at every opening!

You're a witch yourself! If you hadn't kidnapped Belita, everything would've been fine!

I did NOT!!! Kidnap Lady Belita!!!

Don't lie!! What about your order from Posher?!

That... that's for me to take! Do you have any idea how nerve-wracking it is to rule the kingdom in place of the Witch Queen?!

Master! It's obviously a lie! She's lying because she lost to Velvet and is at a disadvantage!

I... I suppose? Tch...

That's right! You false Deliverer! Lady Belita is literally missing!

I was only working hard to keep Elias running while Lady Belita was away!

Keeping Elias running...? You're the one who instigated the insurgency in Sprite Kingdom and turned the elementals and phantoms against each other!

Of course! You surface races don't understand how serious this situation is!

Do you honestly believe that if the world were ending tomorrow and suddenly everyone said, "Let's join hands and cooperate from tomorrow," things would just magically work out?!

Well... I can't say for sure the world's going to end. But! Yggdrasil, that holds Elias together, has been giving off weird signs!

What? You read Lady Belita's diary?! You disrespectful brats!

If something serious like this was happening, you should've just said so! Is it normal to ruin other realms without even trying to communicate?!

You sprites are always thinking about food—bread this, cake that!

The forest is full of things to eat, and you still think logic will work on those who'd throw a fit over not having sugar-coated bread?

And werebeasts are just vagrants rummaging through Monatium's trash! Even ants crawling on the ground build empires...

...You think those half-wits living in tribes with no real kingdom are gonna listen to reason?!

Then there's the elves, who constantly betray others and stab others in the back, using returning to their home planet as an excuse!

B-but since we reconciled, things have been going pretty well!

Do you even know that they're using the research into Yggdrasil you approved to make carbonated drinks out of Yggdrasil Sap?!

Wh-what?

I... I didn't know! Whenever I go near the research facility, they chase me away talking about weird scientific formulas, so I couldn't get a good look.

Elementals, phantoms, dragons—they're all frogs in a well, only interested in their own area...

Witches are shortsighted conspirators fighting tooth and nail just to wear that crown once...

Do you even know how lonely the position of the Witch Queen is?!

S-still, that doesn't excuse the chaos you caused on the surface!

I had to cause that chaos to unite all of Elias into a single kingdom!

A world divided by races like now will just become a world of fools picked off one by one when danger arrives!

Uugh... Master!

You're smart, so refute her quickly! Quickly! We're losing the argument!

Of course you can't refute me. Because I'm right!

Master!!!

I'm not making excuses saying I did nothing wrong! Criticize me if you want! I just did my best in my own way!

Did Master... lose the argument...?

You're proof of that!

Yes!!! You were sucked in through the cracks in the weakened barrier!

From what Belita and I investigated, we discovered there's an invisible barrier surrounding and protecting Elias.

No one can leave beyond that barrier, and no one can enter. We're living in something like a fishbowl.

And what sustains that barrier is Yggdrasil's magical energy!

After finishing her investigation, Belita went missing while trying to contact the Sprite Queen.

Belita was trying to make contact? Then you could have contacted us instead!

You said you were unavailable and didn't answer!!! You kept hanging up on me, treating me like some snake oil peddler and telling me to call back later!

And even when I did get through, all I got was that weird automated response that was like, "Please wait a moment, and we'll be happy to hear your valuable feedback!"

W-well...! If it had been a call from Belita... I might have taken it seriously...

But some witch I don't even know kept calling and bothering me...

......

S-sorry...

The problem was that we've been cut off from the surface for too long and haven't been properly communicating.

If the sprites and witches were a single kingdom, this wouldn't have happened!

If I weaken all of Elias and unite it into one kingdom under my name, the problem would naturally be solved!

But every time I tried to execute my plan, you lot showed up and ruined everything at just the right moment!

What do you mean, what am I going to do?! Everything's ruined!

Find Her Majesty? You think I haven't tried?! I've searched the entire Witch Kingdom, including the palace, and couldn't find her!

Now... what do we do...? *Munch, munch*

Ah... no, I smelled something delicious and found some cookies...

Don't drop cookie crumbs all over our queen's room! When did you even bring those in?!

They're not mine! They were under the bed over there!!

Are you saying our queen was hiding cookies?! Keep your crazy talk within reason!

We can't even remember when we gave up that kind of junk food!

*Crunch, crunch* Mmhm. *Crunch, crunch*

Don't slander Her Majesty like that!!

What...?

She did. That's why you appointed her as the guide for the other group.

Your Majesty's... secret room? H-how would I know about that?

If Her Majesty had secrets, she wouldn't have shared them with me either.

Hm?

What? Me, a whiff?

I'm not some dog...

A sweet... smell?

Ugh... The very idea that you think Her Majesty would do something so lowly is just idiotic...!

Even if they're sisters, don't put that mutt on the same level as our Queen!

Well... that's... ugh...

I'll... give it a try...!

*Sniff, sniff*...

Ugh... urgh... my head is spinning from all these healthy food smells...

Belita and... Ner... ugh!

*Sniff, sniff*... *Sniff*...

Ah... I smell chocolate.

This way!

Here, by the wall of Belita's room...

There's a small gap! The smell seems to be coming in on a little breeze from here...!

That's it! The smell is flowing out from here!

There's chocolate... and I think jam too! I can faintly smell whipped cream too!

I-I don't know...

Move!

I'm not comfortable breaking down Her Majesty's room, but... I'll trust what you say.

If there is no queen or secret room when I break this wall, we're so done! Got it?

That goes for us too, you know?! Just break it already.

Haaaa!!!

Hyaaaaa!!!!!

There's a space behind the wall! Just like Master said!

Th-The floor is covered in candy wrappers!

Ugh... urk! The sweet smell is so strong...! I'm getting dizzy...

O-Over there...! On the floor!!

Ahh... sitting on the throne like this feels so good...

A bit anticlimactic too... is this what they call the weight of the crown?

I believe so, Your Majesty.

Who gave you permission to talk? You're nothing but a double-dealing, backstabbing temp worker!

S-sorry... ugh... you are providing lunch, right? When does the cafeteria open?

Shut up and keep your hands raised!

Yes...

Velvet, aren't you ashamed to call yourself a queen with that mindset?

What?

Is the Sprite Queen any different? Hey, honestly, am I not better than the Sprite Queen?

......

How can you not answer?

O-Our Your Majesty is at least more tolerant and merciful than you!

Tolerant? Merciful? She's just too lazy to do her job properly!

That is a misunderstanding!

Ugh... Levi! Give them each a noogie!

Yes, ma'am.

Until you listen to me... I'll keep hitting you forever and BRAINWASH you. Hehe...

Let me go! Won't say anything! Already brainwashed...!

Ow!

That hurts!

I will not forget this humiliation!

What are you gonna do if you don't forget?! Hahaha!

Velvet! We found more of those sneaking around the palace!

Velvet...?! You will address me as "Your Majesty"!!

Y-Your Majesty!

That's right. Hehehehe... Now then, bring the captured fools before me!

Ha... haha! Witch Kingdom has a new boss, I see?

If there's anything you desire, just say the word!

To celebrate the new regime change, I'll give you all goods at half price!

Ugh... I can't stand you merchant types! All smooth talk, but you're all just scammers in the end!

S-Scammers...?!

Brace yourself! I'll smash you into the wall like those two over there!

Uh... Eeeek!!! Please, no! Don't hit me in the head, where all my genius business strategies come from...!

Gyaaaah!!!!!

Who's next? You?

You think you'll get away with this?! Her Majesty and Master will come save us!

Quite the optimist, aren't you? What do you think will change if the Sprite Queen and Master show up? Shut up and put your head down.

Kyaaah!!!

Ugh... D-Don't hit me! If you hit me...!

Ah, so you're the type to mixes in with big groups and doesn't have a clear role, huh?

Don't worry, one hit and you'll pass out comfortably again.

Hyaaaah!!!!

Now if we just catch Fricle and the rest of those Sprite Kingdom folks, we'll be done cleaning house. Hehe...

Queen Velvet's world is right around the corner! Hahahaha!!!

Stop right there!

Huh?

Release my subjects at once!!!!!

The Sprite Queen? You came on your own?

Oh, the esteemed Master of the Yggdrasil Order is here too. Perfect.

What?

Velvet! How dare you sit upon Her Majesty's throne! You've lost your mind! You have no right!

I already earned the right to be queen when I defeated you, didn't I?

I never took the queen's throne! I only handled official duties in Her Majesty's stead!!

That's the same thing! You hid Belita and played queen yourself!!!

Wh-What?!

......

It's Queen Belita!

Belita has returned!

Belita...?

Urgh...

B-Belita!

She passed out again from consuming too much sugar!

That's supposed to be Queen Belita...?

Queen Belita is just feeling a little under the weather right now!

Don't lie! You think we'll fall for another illusion created by your briars?!

There's no way that thing sprawled on the floor groaning is Her Majesty!

Blegh... Uuugh...

Witches! Judge with your own eyes!

Choose wisely, whether that thing is the real Queen Belita or whether I, who now occupies the throne, am your queen!

Those who fail to choose the right side... I'll personally smash into the Weeping Wall!

Eeek!

Lady Belita looks too weak to convince anyone with words!

I will...

I'll fight in Belita's place!

If I win and return the rightful queen's position to Belita, that'll work!

I'll help too! I'll do anything to return Her Majesty to her rightful place!

How ridiculous. What makes you losers who lost to me think you can challenge me again?

Someone like you, I could have...

What? I can't hear you?

Ugh... That thing...!

Witches! Do you see the great Fricle cowering before me?

From now on, it's the era of Velvet! Recognizing the right timing and the right moment is a gift!

Capture those fools right now and bring them before me!

Ughh...

Y-yes, Your Majesty...

This is bad!

Unless we take Coco away from Velvet, Her Majesty and Master don't stand a chance...!

Somehow... we need to... do something...!

My role might not be clear...

Marie? Wh-what do you mean...?

But...

But...! I do have a trump card! A trump card I've been hiding for this final moment!

Because my role is explosives expert!

What?

Wh-what have you done...! Gyaaaah!!!!!

Mas... ter...!

...Wake... up... Wake up!

What have you barbarians done to my palace?! You destroyed my palace!!!!!

Marie... self-destructed!

She'll be back up after about a week of treatment.

Master! This is no time to space out! Marie created an opportunity for us!

That Velvet... looks like she dropped the weapon when she got caught in the explosion...

Hurry... subdue Velvet! She's too cunning to be left alone any longer!

If the underlings helping Velvet regain consciousness, we'll lose this opportunity!

Waaaah... Masterrr...

Everyone except Mayo and me seems to be knocked out...

She's just pretending.

......

So perceptive.

Ugh... fine. For my precious...

Yeah, Master! Let's settle this!

Hmph, so you're trying to win by outnumbering me again... Some things never change—you're still as spineless as ever...

Nothing spineless about it!

Excuse me?

We're Friends! Friends are supposed to help each other when times are tough!

Your subjects and underlings are friends?

I mooch bread from Ashur's Bakery... and dump troublesome matters on Master whenever they come up...

We're friends, so obviously everyone overlooks it! We can all be understanding about a small flaw like that!

*Whisper, whisper* If we stop being Friends, will Your Majesty stop bothering us? *Whisper, whisper*

Be quiet!

Ha! Spouting such pathetic crap is why no one recognizes you as a queen!

I didn't become a queen to rule over anyone!

I'm going to create a kingdom where everyone helps each other... and can be friends!

You'd sell anyone out for a chance to take a seat at the table. We are not the same.

So, has your kingdom been running well with that approach?

Of course... things haven't gone my way many times.

I've made lots of mistakes with my friends... misunderstood them... and all that.

But if I hadn't been determined to overcome those issues, I wouldn't have even started!

......

I know I'm lacking. I know my efforts aren't enough.

But...

That doesn't mean I don't have faith in my kingdom!

Smooth talker, aren't you? Even with a mouth as reckless as yours. Hehe, I like it!

Then why don't you prove it? That faith of yours...

Let's have a match, you and I. Like before. Fair and square, queen to queen!

Hah! Fine. Come here in front of me. I'll prove it to you.

It's okay! Trust me!

Hehehe... Oh my! This is too easy...

Now then... shall we begin?

Now's the time! Rush at Velvet while she's relaxed and off guard, and grab her arms and legs!

Understood.

Wha-What are you doing?!

Hold her tight so she can't move!

Your Majesty! What are you trying to do?!

How I fill in what I lack... is by making friends!

Because getting help isn't something to be ashamed of!

Wait... hold on...

Erpin Punch!

Kyaaaah!! You dirty...!!

To lose... in such a way... Ugh...

The usurper has been knocked out! Drag her away!

Y-Yes!

Erpin?

Huh...? Belita...! You're awake...?

I kept feeding Her Majesty potatoes to neutralize the sugar in her body. She should be fine for a while.

Potatoes grow on vines so I can grow them directly on my magical vines.

Erpin... The Witch Kingdom, did you...?

Ugh! I... the Witch Kingdom...

...Did you destroy it?

......

I did it... ugh... for you, Belita...

I know I haven't been in touch for a while, but isn't this too much, Erpin?

No, that's not it... ugh...

Your Majesty, the Sprite Queen saved the Witch Kingdom.

The palace being destroyed... was an accident that happened along the way.

Really...?

It seems a lot happened after I got locked in the pantry.

...Erpin.

Huh?

Thank you, little sister.

All my memories of you are getting scolded by Ner, but you saved me... and saved my kingdom too...

You've grown up so wonderfully and become a proud queen.

Ugh... yes!!

I am so moved. Belita is as wise as ever!

Ner! It's been so long! You've been taking good care of my sister, I see.

Yes, Belita. I have done the utmost to assist Queen Erpin as much as possible!

But how did you end up locked in your secret pantry in the first place, Your Majesty?

......

It happened.

Did someone try to harm Your Majesty?

......

It just happened.

What is this creature?

It's a human, Belita!

A human...?

So, it's you.

The one brought here by Yggdrasil Eldr, gathering all her strength.

The one smuggled in to save our world, even breaking through the barriers of reality!

Yes, Belita. This human is the new Master of the Yggdrasil Order and the Deliverer.

Your Majesty. Are you saying this one is truly the Deliverer?

Whether real or fake, we'll have to see more, but...

Seeing Master standing beside Erpin, who just saved me and the Witch Kingdom, I have no choice but to believe they're real.

I should ask you myself.

Master, what do you think you are?

I see... Yes, the stronger your faith, the more likely it is to become reality.

Yggdrasil wouldn't have brought you here without reason.

Truth or lies aside, no one can deny that your existence in Elias is special.

If you hold onto that faith, whatever you wish for will eventually come true...

Feeling you want to return to where you belong is not wrong.

It's only natural to feel that the fate of an outsider who was forced to land here is a cruel one.

Yggdrasil does not give us clear answers and can be frustratingly distant even to us, so I cannot completely shake my doubts either.

However, it's when you bundle together all those doubts... about the world and about yourself... that you finally become whole. And that isn't a bad thing at all.

Stranger, I ask that you hold onto your doubts but be patient just a little longer. Someday, whether by our power or Yggdrasil's will, a way for you to return to your home will surely appear.

At least until then, please help us as the Master of the Yggdrasil Order. I ask this of you.

Thank you, Master. From now on, not only the sprites of the surface but also the witches of the underground will follow your guidance.

Y-Your Majesty! The Yggdrasil Order belongs to the sprites...!

It's all right, Fricle. Reviving a lost faith will bring resistance, but eventually everyone will understand my decision.

Er...

Hmm... looks like the Order will have an underground branch.

Since it's Belita's command, the witches won't have a choice.

Hmm...

Urgh...!

B-Belita!!!

The potato treatment was only temporary after all!

Wh-wheelchair!

Later, when I fully recover... let's talk again, Master...

Right now my stomach is upset... urk...

Hey, Fricle!

What's going on?

Whatever reasons you had... a wrong is a wrong.

And...?

Once Belita recovers her health, I'll summon you to the surface and ask her to punish you.

...I've been ready for that since the day I came up with this plan.

After all, I am a witch at the court serving Queen Belita.

......

U-um...!

Please take good care of Belita... until she gets better.

...Take care, Sprite Queen.

Ugh...

Wh-What?

You just threatened your sister's closest aide and then asked her to take care of her.

Didn't you just plant the seeds for an actual insurgency? Would she put something in her drink...

Wh-what?! Hey! Don't say such ominous things!

But it makes sense!

Master! Even you?! I just said what I needed to say as the Sprite Queen!

R-Right! That's why I said it!

And... I'll contact Belita every day to check on her...! If I notice anything suspicious, I'll march straight down to the underground!

Since there will be an Order branch underground, we should be able to stay in close contact through that.

R-right! I'll use that!

Um...

When treat Marie?

Ahem...!

Then, I hereby conclude today's business of the Sprite Kingdom!

Everyone, please return home and rest.

......

Wha-What...

...What are you doing here?!

I, Ner, am fulfilling my duties as High Priestess of the Sprite Kingdom, am I not?

You're not Ner!!

Wh-Who is this?

Still doing your Ner cosplay, huh? Get out of my audience chamber right now!

What's wrong, Sprite Citizen 1?

Wh-What?!

Who's calling who a citizen right now?

Because we won it.

The palace of the sprites is part of the territory we won in Elipoly.

From now on, this palace is ours, so you'll need to leave, okay?

How unfortunate, but I have to agree with Shaydi.

After that fierce dice battle between the phantoms and elementals... we each won half of the Sprite Kingdom.

Not a bad outcome, really.

We're here too, Master. That prime parcel of land known as "Baker's Alley" within the Sprite Kingdom is now mine.

Nooooo! Not that! Baker's Alley was supposed to be mine!!

Kehehehe! From now on, the bridge to Sprite Kingdom belongs to old hag Diana and us Chow Rebels!

We'll collect tolls every single day! It's a chow gate!

Huh? What?

We were told that if we got the Witch Queen into the game, we could nullify it, Your Majesty!

Huh? Oh!! That's why we went to Witch Kingdom! Right, it's coming back to me!

That's right! Since the witches didn't participate, the Elipoly game itself was invalid!

......

So where are the witches?

I-I sent an invitation!! Belita will definitely come!

If it's invalid because the witches didn't participate, did you bring the witches?

Uh, well... that's...

N-no way...!!

Well, then it's over. Ah... If you have complaints, bring a player for a rematch!

Could you please leave our palace?

If it's invalid in the first place, just go back to your original lands...

If iT's iNValId in ThE FirSt plAce, jUSt go BacK to YoUr OrIgInaL LAndS...

Stop copying me! It's annoying!!!

Ner! You say something too! Were you not the most upset about this?!

It's fine since there will be a branch of the Order underground. We'll break into a whole new property market and reclaim the land above.

Huh? Th-that's...!

Erpin...!

What's this Elipoly that you sent so many invitations for?

Huh? Erpin? What are you...

Huh? B-Belita...?

Ahhhhh!