10 - Sophomore Year, Spring 3

The magic cult is destroyed. With that, it’s safe to say there’s no chance I’m going to get experimented on, brainwashed, and subsequently murdered. There are still many death flags yet but I’m about to knock down another one today.

Yes, it’s time for the May Ball hosted by Arthur.

In MaSLo, it’s an important event to get rid of Elizabeth after Arthur and Serena became lovers over Christmas. This Arthur was fine with me, though, and I don’t see any other potential issues lurking in the shadows.

(Before you ask, on any other route, this day will just be a date event.)

Earlier this day, Arthur talked about how he intends to marry me, even saying lines originally meant for Serena. Maybe if there was no war in the future, I could marry him; if so, I’d be able to live my life in peace even if it was without love.

But as I get time to really think about it, I realize I don’t want to marry the current Arthur. To be honest, I’d rather not spend the rest of my life with the Perverted M-Prince.

Among the people I know, Serena is the first person I’d want to marry, but we’re of the same sex and that sort of marriage isn’t a thing in this world. But she’s got an amazing personality. And she’s cute.

I still want to marry Serena.

These were my thoughts as I dressed up for the ball, then headed to the ladies’ lounge.

“Yep, you’re a Villainess,” Yoshie said as she saw me.

“Who are you calling a Villainess?” I shot back.

“Your dress and make-up scream it, except for that pendant on your neck,” Yoshie said.

“Well, this is…” I said, touching the pendant I got from Serena for Christmas.

“Everything except the pendant, I tell you,” Yoshie said. “Here, go look at your Heroine for a comparison,” she says, pointing at the door.

I turn around and find myself utterly floored. I’ve been defeated by Serena’s ‘Heroine’ beauty, simple, elegant, and naturally radiant. Ah, she was so cute I didn’t mind her outclassing me at all .

“Eli, Shi, you’re both here,” Serena said before she giggled. She approached me and I saw her pendant around her neck. She was cute.

“Well then, I and Serena are heading out first,” I said.

“Hehe, I was hoping you’d escort me,” Serena says as we leave the lounge and head for the dance hall.

Arthur meets us partway there. “Please wait a moment, Eliza,” he said.

“No, I don’t believe I have the time to spare,” I say as I try to walk past him.

“If you’re angry with me, you’re welcome to kick me,” Arthur said.

“No, you make it sound like it’s a punishment, but I know it’ll be a reward for you,” I retort.

“Oh, and what makes you say that?” Arthur asked.

Does he think I haven’t noticed?

“Well, I suppose we shouldn’t keep the guests waiting any longer,” Arthur said as he stepped aside.

“Agreed,” I replied as we continue onto the dance hall.

It was decorated luxuriously to match its guests, solely comprised of court officials and Magic School students. This was, after all, so Arthur could finally make official our engagement here and abroad; it seemed that custom meant I was popularly known as his potential fiancee.

“Shall we, Eliza?” Arthur asks as he offers his arm.

“Mm,” I say as I step away from Serena and take it.

It’s most women’s dream to be escorted by a prince; it might have been mine as well if he wasn’t the Perverted M-Prince.

“Attention, everyone!” Arthur calls out as we step out into view, all eyes quickly turn on us. “I hereby declare my intention to marry Elizabeth Asteron as soon as we graduate from the Magic School.”

You would think such an announcement would be met with applause and good cheer, but instead, the place echoes with a resounding, “We object to this engagement!”

Serena and Lancelot appear before me and Arthur, alongside Sergius and Mordred for some inexplicable reason.

“It’s the end of this country if someone as violent as Asteron becomes a princess, much more Arthur’s queen,” Lancelot said. “There must be others who are qualified.”

“No, no, there’s no problem with Eli,” Serena said. “It’s the Perverted M-Prince over here that isn’t worthy of becoming her husband.”

“What are you…?” Arthur sputtered.

I can only stare and stammer at the sight as well. Why are they suddenly fighting now?

“Hmm, hmm, it would be a waste to let the throne go to my brother, marry me instead,” Mordred says from the sidelines.

“And what makes you think you have permission to propose to her?” Serena snaps at him.

“How about you marry me instead, Ms. Meathead?” Sergius asked. “You’re incredibly powerful, my country could use that strength.”

“You too?!” Serena snapped at Sergius. I know this situation is getting out of hand, but I can’t help but find her cute fuming mad like that.

“Well, why can’t the Lady marry me instead?” Stan says, sliding in from nowhere.

“You be quiet!” Serena, Sergius, and Lancelot yell simultaneously, with Mordred lending the weight of his glare.

Stan slinks away, cowed.

Suddenly, Arthur laughed. “Do you all want my Eliza this much?” he asked.

“She’s not yours,” Serena growls. The others echo their agreement.

“Normally, I would not let you any of you dare,” Arthur said, “but I’m feeling generous. The Magic Tournament this summer—the winner gains the right to marry Eliza.”

I was wondering what he was going to say—but this?! It was the hottest day of the year today but everyone around me was blazing as well. Ah, I can’t take the heat at this rate…

“Just as a courtesy to you all, I do not plan to lose,” Arthur said.

“Hmm, hmm, neither do I,” Mordred said.

“Asteron, I have no interest in you, only the good of the country,” Lancelot said. “Regardless, I will give my all.”

“And I’m not going to let them have you just like that, Ms. Meathead.”

Each capture target declares their intention, one after the other. What is with this O tome game?

“Eli,” Selena says as she takes my hand into hers, “I swear I’ll be the winner.”

And with that, the May Ball was over and the most consequential School Magic Tournament loomed over us.