Chapter 89

A piece of paper fluttered into Linus's room from outside.

Miraculously, it had slipped through the gap in the window glass, and he stood up from his desk to pick it up.

"Finally, it's here."

A smile appeared on his lips.

When Flamm was thrown into prison, he had wondered what would happen, but now that even Negus was on their side, there was nothing to fear.

He picked up the pen that had been lying on his desk, wrote a reply, and sent it back through the same gap in the window.

The paper fragment rode the wind and traced the same route back to Negus.

"Holding hostages or erasing memories, it's not like they can control every human's actions. They've underestimated the connections between people."

Saying this, he sat back down, leaned against the backrest without picking up the pen, and looked up at the ceiling.

There was nothing that couldn't be resolved.

Even if it seemed like a dead end now, there must be a way out somewhere.

"As long as the battle ends... there's plenty of time, right?"

He wished he could truly believe it from the bottom of his heart.

However—

"No, let's stop this."

He shook his head.

It was pointless to think about what would happen after the battle.

Right now, he needed to focus only on escaping the castle with her.

◇◇◇

Negus grabbed Linus's reply and read it aloud to everyone.

"‘The escape plan is ready, we can execute it whenever you're ready to cooperate.’"

"Sounds like he knew we were coming."

"He might have heard about the hostage rescue. Linus is good at that kind of thing."

Linus had climbed to the S-rank by taking on various requests, including infiltration, espionage, and exploring uncharted territories, not just simple combat.

While his combat power was inferior to Gadio, his overall contribution to the party might have been even greater.

"‘We also have a collaborator. I've already conveyed the plan to Kiril. But there is one big problem.’"

"…What is it?"

Milkit's expression darkened.

The big problem—she had a hunch it was related to Flamm.

"‘Flamm has had her memory erased and is locked in the underground prison.’”

Her eyes widened, and her trembling lips whispered weakly.

"Such a thing, erasing someone's memory..."

The first emotion that overwhelmed Milkit was fear.

Her master might have forgotten about her, might treat her as a stranger the moment they met.

It felt like she had been left behind, far away.

"Milkit..."

Ink worriedly gripped the sleeve of Milkit's dress.

"I've never heard of a spell that completely erases memory, it's probably just sealed."

"Then maybe it can be restored with another spell."

The two of them said this to encourage her, but Milkit wasn't as downcast as they thought.

While she had initially been terrified, she quickly dismissed it.

There's no way Master would forget about me.

If she thought negatively, it was because she had no choice.

If he had forgotten about her, her heart would break.

She depended on Flamm so strongly.

But if she thought positively, it was because she believed.

They were bound by a strong love, and even if she had lost her memory, she would remember the moment she saw her.

Even if her memory didn't return, their feelings would still be there.

So there was no need to be afraid.

At the same time, a strong sense of mission emerged.

She had to get Flamm out of the prison and embrace her, no matter what.

"It's fine. Master wouldn't forget about me."

"Wow, you're so passionate."

Kerena teased, and Milkit tilted her head, puzzled.

"In that case, maybe Sera and Milkit are the best for the Flamm rescue mission."

"Rescue mission?"

"Yes, it seems they can only manage to escape, so my diversion and the hero's escape will create a distraction. Then you two can sneak in and rescue Flamm."

It seemed like a heavy task for Sera alone, but if they could retrieve Flamm's equipment, she would be a formidable fighter.

Even if they were interrupted, Chimera could handle a werewolf or two.

"Am I not needed?"

"Kerena, it might be better for you, Harom, and Ink to get out of the capital first."

"That feels like being left out."

"Protecting the children is an important job."

Negus patted Harom's head.

Harom, who had been scared at first, now narrowed his eyes in contentment.

"I'm being treated like a child too..."

"Don't pout, it's the truth."

Negus could only chuckle at the disgruntled Ink.

"Gadio also wishes for your safety."

"...Yeah, I understand."

When put that way, Kerena had no choice but to agree.

"Then there's Welcy..."

"I have no intention of escaping the capital. I'll write an article saying, 'The heroes were taken hostage and forced to cooperate with Satuki,' and support the diversion."

Welcy grinned, showing her white teeth.

If the newspaper was distributed at the same time as the heroes' escape, people might believe the article.

Even a little distrust of Satuki could gradually increase her supporters.

This was a golden opportunity for her.

"Well, now that that's decided, let's write a reply."

"What should we write back?"

Negus stood up, a confident and sly smile on his face, and said:

"The operation will be tomorrow, before dawn."

It seemed he was trying to sound dramatic, but Sera wasn't impressed.

She pouted, slightly exasperated.

"Isn't that too soon?"

"It's just right when everyone thinks it's too soon. The longer we stay, the higher the risk of being found. Ideally, I'd start right now."

He was holding back for Linus and the others, but Negus wanted to get out of this enemy territory as soon as possible.

"Anyway, if you have no special preparations, it's best to get some sleep now."

With that, she borrowed a pen from Welcy and began writing the reply.

The other members didn't quite grasp the urgency of the morning, but the plan wouldn't change whether they understood or not.

When the time came, they would have to face reality whether they liked it or not.

◇◇◇

Inside the castle, in the infirmary.

The red-haired woman, who had been in a long sleep, opened her eyes slightly.

Her memories returned.

The moment she lost control and attacked Flamm Apricot.

And the moment she was reprimanded by her sister and, in despair, cut her own stomach.

But the fact that she was conscious meant she had failed to die.

The moment she was hated by her beloved sister, Otilie's reason for existence was lost.

She felt that there was no meaning in living.

She still felt the same way.

Why did she exist here, when her only value was to be loved by her?

From the moment she was born to the present, from head to toe, everything belonged to Henriette.

She had devoted all her time, effort, and everything to her.

She had become a vice-general for her.

Her heart beating, her blood circulating, everything.

Why was Otilie so devoted to Henriette? Even she didn't fully understand.

Since she was old enough to understand, she had admired the girl who lived nearby as "onee-sama."

Being the second daughter, she had a weaker position in the family.

So the only person in the family who treated her kindly, even though they weren't blood-related, was Henriette.

That was probably the reason.

She couldn't explain it any other way.

Otilie was that kind of person.

"Onee-sama..."

Her dreams, her hopes for the future, everything was for onee-sama.

Seeing Henriette's phantom was a daily occurrence for Otilie.

Her imagination was so vivid that she could remember every detail, from the way Henriette's hair flicked to the wrinkles in her clothes, after just one glance.

So even if the figure in her vision was very clear, she didn't find it unnatural.

It was a hallucination.

Onee-sama had abandoned her, so there was no way she would smile and hold her hand.

"Onee-sama, I..."

"Still not fully recovered? Take your time and rest."

She could hear her voice.

The sweet scent unique to Henriette wafted over.

She could feel the warmth and texture of her skin.

What a realistic dream.

Even Otilie couldn't reproduce such a vivid experience.

Had her escapism from the depths of despair made her hallucinations this advanced?

Or—was it the real thing?

"Are you really here?"

"Hmm? Hehe, are you still half-asleep? I'm real, Otilie."

Dreams often try to convince you of their reality.

She couldn't believe it.

"Your eyes are doubtful, huh? Well, then I'll make you understand that I'm real."

Henriette reached into the bed and—touched her side with her index finger.

"Ah!?"

A sweet sensation shot through Otilie's body.

Her body jerked reflexively, and a very embarrassing sound escaped her lips.

Henriette laughed like a child at her reaction.

"Haha, you're still ticklish there, Otilie."

In the past, she was often tickled unexpectedly from behind.

But that was a childhood memory, and such innocent interactions had decreased in recent years.

"Onee-sama, please don't do strange things..."

"Strange? I thought this was normal between us."

Henriette might not realize it, but Otilie wasn't reacting because she was ticklish.

Her side was "weak" in a different sense.

And with Henriette as the one touching her, her body naturally reacted.

She placed her hand on her chest, trying to calm her racing heart, and asked:

"Why are you here, onee-sama?"

Her serious expression contrasted sharply with Henriette's smile.

"Flamm Apricot lectured me."

The mention of that hateful Flamm made Otilie's heart uneasy.

"About what?"

"In a nutshell, 'Your perception is too naive.' She was absolutely right. I had underestimated what I had done."

"That woman, being so presumptuous with onee-sama!"

"Hehe, but it's the truth. I didn't see how Otilie felt about me in reality."

"How I feel about you...?"

Henriette placed her hand on Otilie's stomach through the blanket.

"Did it hurt?"

"I did it to myself."

"No, it's my fault. I need to take responsibility."

Looking Otilie in the eye, she said:

"Otilie, are you thinking about leaving the military?"

For Otilie, this was a kind of death sentence.

If she left the military, she wouldn't be able to be with the busy Henriette.

She would be a stranger, not even a family member or a lover, but a mere insect crawling on the ground.

Tears welled up in Otilie's eyes, and she bit her lip.

Henriette quickly continued:

"Wait, no, that's not it! Not just leaving the military, but... I want you to support me in a non-combat role, at my mansion or as a secretary."

"…Huh?"

"Your belief that you can't be close without power was making you anxious, right?"

Otilie unconditionally believed in Henriette but didn't trust the emotions she received from her.

It wasn't entirely Otilie's fault.

Henriette had taken advantage of the situation where Otilie followed her unconditionally and hadn't reciprocated.

"It's hard to believe just with words. I thought changing your position would help you understand. Of course, it's a step down from your current position, but—"

"Onee-sama..."

"Hmm?"

"Is it really okay?"

Her tears hadn't dried, but now her eyes were filled with something other than sadness.

Overwhelming joy, exceeding her capacity, filled her body and threatened to overflow.

Henriette, feeling guilty for stripping her of her position as vice-general, laughed, "It was a needless worry."

She realized that Flamm was absolutely right.

She had underestimated the situation.

She had understood that Otilie was well-liked, but it was more than that.

Her sincerity was nothing compared to Otilie's love.

"Rather, is it really okay for you?"

"Fufufu... Fufufufu, what a silly question, onee-sama!"

Jumping out of bed, Otilie hugged Henriette.

Her face was filled with a genuinely happy smile.

"When should I leave, tomorrow? Or today!?"

"Don't rush, it will cause confusion in the military."

"I can't wait to leave right now! If I can be by onee-sama's side, I'll give up my position, even my life, immediately!"

"Calm down, Otilie. At least until the war with the demons is over."

"The war with the demons! The war with the demons!"

Otilie's voice was completely high-pitched.

Her eyes were wild, and her expression was far from presentable.

She hugged Henriette tightly, breathing heavily and excitedly.

"I don't feel like I can lose to anyone right now! Not to the demons! Not to Flamm Apricot! To anyone in the world! Ahahaha!"

Leaning back, Otilie laughed loudly.

Flamm, huddled in the underground prison, still didn't know.

That her words had completely revived her archenemy, Otilie.

◇◇◇

As night fell and the sky was enveloped in darkness, the capital fell silent.

No longer needing to hide his face, Negus took off his robe and walked boldly.

Kerena and Harom had already escaped, Milkit and Sera were in their designated positions, and Welcy was heading to the central district with a stack of newspapers.

Inside the castle, Linus, Eterna, and Gadio were on high alert, ready for the agreed time.

Kiril, though anxious about the girl who had conveyed the escape plan, waited for the time to come.

Only Flamm was unaware, lying in the prison and snoring peacefully.

The starlight was blocked by thick clouds, and the pre-dawn darkness was complete.

Negus looked up at the towering castle, gathering magic in his hands.

—The appointed time.

He unleashed a full-body, spectacular explosion as a signal for the counterattack.

"Wind Burst—Illegal Formula!"

Goo!

The sphere of wind shot out.

The spherical whirlwind exploded spectacularly upon contact with the castle wall.

At the same time, those inside the castle and those outside began to move.

"This time, it's our turn to do as we please!"

Linus grinned as he burst out of the room.

The counterattack of the heroes, who had been at the mercy of their enemies, had begun.