Yay, this is your reporter Liliana on the scene!

Yes, yes, right now we are on the northern side of the city of Pristella! Today, we’re tackling the assault operation on one of the Control Towers over there!

Four Control Towers occupied by the Witch Cult! The strongest personalities gathering in the city are now on the move, launching a daring simultaneous attack on all four locations!

Among such a fierce lineup of warriors, somehow, here I am, a mere cute songstress, proudly joining the fray—what a twist! But there’s no backing down now!

Now then, let me introduce you to the crazy bunch that’s participating in this operation alongside me, Liliana Masquerade!

“Enough already! I’m bored of seeing your faces. It’s about time you knelt at my feet and offered your heads. I’ll happily take them and make candelabras from your skulls!”

Here it comes! Such cruel remarks and psychopathic flair! But if that happens, we’ll all be done for! Please take it easy on us!

With her sharp, red eyes flickering like flames, her returning figure is like a blazing fire! The difficulty of dealing with her personality is like a flickering flame changing its intensity—really, just don’t touch; it’s dangerous!

Flying around with a sun sword in hand, she’s the key to our offense and defense! It’s Lady Priscilla Barielle!!

As Lady Priscilla dashes alongside the blazing waterways, she swings her shining sun sword with power! Swing! Swing! Swing it wildly!

Shock! Sparkle! Ruckus!! The receiving end is launched back—ouch!

But wait! She holds her ground! And glares at Lady Priscilla!!

“Ah, ah, ah-! Seriously, seriously! Why is everyone trying to ruin my rendezvous with that person? This is so sad! My heart is breaking with sorrow! A fierce surge of emotion! My sadness won’t stop!”

Here it comes! The bandaged lunatic is crying and wailing, shedding tear after tear!

Her face wrapped tightly in white bandages! Covered by a coat! Honestly, her gender is questionable, but with that voice, she’s probably female! That outfit she’s tossed aside only adds to the danger, wildly swinging chains wrapped around her arms!

What on earth is she saying!? It’s the Witch Cult’s Archbishop of Sin, “Wrath,” Sirius Romanee-Conti! She just introduced herself!

The crazy Sirius covers her face and streams tears! The tears seem like they ignited a fire, causing flames to writhe like a serpent in the plaza in front of the Control Tower! It’s unpredictable! I have no clue what’s going on here!

Moreover, white flames ripple in the waterways, and on top of that, there are people, people, people everywhere! Those who were supposed to be holed up in the northern evacuation shelter have rushed over to watch this fight—not at all! They’re now just sprawling on the ground, crying and screaming! They’re just like the raucous Sirius monster! This is the power of “Wrath” that threw the city into chaos!!

Their eyes are completely devoid of sanity! It’s as if they’re intoxicated with emotion, overwhelmed by feelings, or have their emotions laid bare! If we leave this as it is, nothing good will come of it, so let’s spice things up a bit!

“Sob, sob… this is it! This is my once-in-a-lifetime stage!”

Standing on the high ground! Overlooking the fiery stage below, the screaming audience, and the performers dancing madly, I raise my voice to declare that I’m going to join the stage!

Honestly, I’ve been feeling a piercing sadness and a sense of longing ever since I got a glimpse of Lady Priscilla’s amazing performance, but I won’t let it stop me!

There are plenty of times when sorrow pulls me in, especially when I’m involved with music, so I won’t let a little wave get me down!

Lastly, let me introduce the final, big-shot member of this mad group!

“Now now, the far-off folks hear my words! The near ones get to see my dance! To those even farther away, I’ll raise my voice louder so they can hear! I, Liliana Masquerade, will sing, play, and dance! Listen up! — The sky that surpasses the dawn!!”

With delicate yet bold strength in my fingers dancing over the lyre, I open my throat wide, making my voice reach far away and beautifully resonate close by, borrowing sounds and songs from the world, and I begin the performance—!

But first! Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we got here!

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“Um, um, um, Lady Priscilla! Is it really okay?”

“What are you talking about?”

As usual, Lady Priscilla strides forward without slowing her pace.

Chasing after her back, I shyly speak up. Well, after all, it’s only natural. We’re about to confront one of the Archbishops of Sin! And I’m the only one tagging along!

I mean, at first, I really didn’t plan for it to be this way.

After the third broadcast from the Witch Cult, there was a certain broadcast by Natsuki Subaru that was… not necessarily manly but hit home, and well, that’s when we joined forces with the Witch Cult’s counterattack unit at the City Hall!

There, we heard that Kiritaka seemed to be somewhat unaccounted for, which was rather concerning, and then hit with the shocking reality!

That’s right, the Archbishop of Sin in Pristella isn’t just “Lust”! There isn’t just one, but a lineup of four crazy Archbishops! And all four of them are occupying the Control Towers—this is just absurd!

Who said the Witch Cult was a disorganized band of rogues? They’re clearly capable of coordinated actions, and the result is this!

The only thing right about them is that they’re outlaws. How scary!

But hey, we’re all gathered here as candidates for the Royal Selection!

Some people have had a rough time in preliminary battles, but those participating in this operation to reclaim the city are determined! I was in a mindset to cheer them on.

“With me and that singer here, we should have nothing to fear!”

Suddenly, Lady Priscilla’s call caught my ears as I was lost in Kiritaka’s lamenting melody!

What a surprise! She is taking me along to the intense operation against Archbishop “Wrath!”

I thought to myself that surely that was too much to handle, but Lady Priscilla seems to have forgotten that we’ve spent these past few hours together, acting all cold and provoking me!

After hearing that, I too, had to step up my game. I am a woman. A bard.

Moreover, being told that “Wrath” is the source of unrest throughout the city, how could I hold back?

Initially, I was supposed to deliver songs to the citizens from the magical device in the City Hall under Lady Priscilla’s guidance. My chance was overshadowed by Subaru’s earlier speech, leading to my early retirement.

But now, if I have another opportunity to confront “Wrath,” it’s a chance for revenge.

No, it’s a chance to revive a battle that ended without a fight. For them, unfamiliar with their past, it’s a revenge battle.

You can’t help but feel fired up!

“Okay! Lady Liliana! I’ll show you a splendid performance on this grand stage proclaimed by Lady Priscilla!”

Drumroll!

I make a grand declaration! While Lady Priscilla and Al focus on the fight against “Wrath,” I’m going to pull the people under “Wrath’s” influence into my song. A perfect strategy!

Or so I thought, but here we are, reflecting on our previous interactions. My weak voice was met with a simple, “What are you talking about?” from Lady Priscilla. Yeah, allow me to say, that’s a valid question.

“Why did you leave Al at the hall? Two ladies here, especially a cute one like me alongside the beautiful Lady Priscilla, I think that’s a bit too vulnerable, don’t you think?”

“Not at all. I am more than enough on my own. The only reason this is happening is because the commoners lack strength, compelling me to do the legwork. If I’m already doing the hard work, the Witch Cult must be reveling in a false sense of victory.”

“…? I can’t quite understand what you’re saying! Lady Priscilla is amazing!”

Just one glare from Lady Priscilla set my skin ablaze! Was that a hallucination!?

“Don’t tell me I’ve been trained to be so sensitive to her overwhelming passion!”

“You heard it Yourself. If we dispatch forces to the Control Tower, one of their lackeys is sure to strike at the vacant main stronghold. Left in that scenario, the remaining troops would be at their mercy… it seems the merchants are aware of this.”

“Oh, that’s why you and Anastasia were talking before we stepped out?”

“She was apparently considering evacuating with non-combatants and taking magical devices with them… But if the Witch Cult comes, it’s smarter to greet them right away. If they return, it will be “Lust,” but with Al, it will be manageable.”

“Haha, I get it. So, you really trust Al, huh!?”

While listening to Lady Priscilla’s discussion, I was nodding in acknowledgment when I caught her glare!

But I’m not in the wrong here! Because if we’re leaving a comrade behind while facing the possibility of a strong assault, it takes trust to do that.

“Don’t speak so lightly of trust or confidence. Although I do acknowledge Al and Schult’s value, they are useful men. While I admire the flamboyance of their looks, I’ve kept them at my side to ensure they don’t get in the way.”

Sniffing dismissively, Lady Priscilla muttered in boredom.

Honestly, those remarks are not something you direct to your main knight, let alone assess someone you trust! But somehow, despite the cold nature of her words, they feel unexpectedly warm.

I ponder what causes her words to convey more than just meaning—the clear sentiment and emotion behind it.

“Is it perhaps because people hold such low opinions of everyone else that when they catch a glimpse of someone treated normally they feel an overwhelming sense of preferential treatment, the issue of social structure…?”

“You need not understand my actions. Just observe the outcome. I will neither seek nor require your understanding. What I seek from you is merely for you to meet my expectations.”

Yikes, just the thought of that responsibility is immense!

No, well, there’s something I just realized.

Earlier, during the meeting at the City Hall, I’m pretty sure Lady Priscilla called me “you” repeatedly. I thought we were growing closer, but now it seems to revert back to calling me “you.” What’s that about?

“Can it be that I’m merely showing a special face only to those close at hand? Haha!”

I reflexively covered my head, hiding from Lady Priscilla’s intense gaze. I endured, knowing I had learned from our interaction over the past few hours. What would you call her quirks—the vibe of her essence? It’s as if that slight change in Lady Priscilla was resonating deeply with my sensitive ears and skin.

“Hey? Where’s my anticipated sharp critique? No way, this is like blasphemy against Liliana’s predictions…!”

“In the midst of the play, your antics cease now.”

“Oh, reverting back to calling me “you?”…?”

Has the emotional distance just widened? Feeling a bit lonely, I looked up and oh, of course, we’ve finally arrived at the intended Control Tower. Now, about that Control Tower, it seems a bit different than what I know.

“Hey, Lady Priscilla. According to my information on Pristella, Control Towers don’t just burst into flames like that.”

“Of course. It’s to my liking but sadly, the director lacks skill. It’s undeniable that one gets excited about setting things ablaze, but with such an ugly display, there’s no joy to be found.”

Calmly critiquing the scene, Lady Priscilla remains unfazed while I can hardly keep calm.

The northern Control Tower, surrounded by waterways, now lies engulfed in raging flames, its entire elongated stone edifice ablaze. It shouldn’t easily catch fire being made from stone, but it seems strange. Oh, a new tune sparks in my mind!

“I’ve got it! ‘The Roasted Tower and the Sweet Potato’… care to listen?”

“If that’s the last mark you wish to leave in this world, sing away. Just be warned that if you grow careless, that could easily become your reality. If you rely on the foolish, the ordinary, or the ignorant, I may favorably treat you, but dealing with utter fools is impossible. Don’t expect my mercy for those who endanger themselves through their stupidity.”

Suddenly her tone turns oddly severe! Is Lady Priscilla on guard?

It could be so. There’s the blazing Control Tower, intensifying pressure surrounds us, and we’re greeted by the bandaged ghost raising their arms wide in front of the flaming stone tower! Please don’t say we’ve got the wrong person.

“—I apologize for having to trouble you all for visiting! Thank you.”

Surprisingly, despite their eerie appearance, the first words from the bandaged figure were soft and considerate, bowing with genuine kindness. Their wide arms embraced, lowering their head showed some charm. Could it be the gap between appearance and demeanor?

“Perhaps this is a bit overboard as a marker, but given that the city’s functions are paralyzed tonight, and nearly no lighting is available, it would be dangerous to have people wandering in the dark or accidentally falling into the waterways. So I’ve lit the way to provide some brightness.”

What a brilliant idea! they say, and the bandaged figure—no, my apologies, let’s call him “Bandage Man”—explains the cause of the great fire behind him.

Hmm, indeed… I found myself nodding in agreement. As a waterway city, Pristella is abundant with canals and such calls for caution when out at night. The main streets are well equipped with lighting for nighttime travel, but lurking in the back alleys still poses potential dangers.

Ah, but I’m actually glad to see someone from outside has taken notice of such issues in Pristella.

Oh, wait, I’m not from here. It’s odd for me to feel touched as if representing Pristella. However, it’s pleasant to see Kiritaka’s diligent efforts making a difference, so it doesn’t feel all bad. Hehe.

“Nevertheless, the people of this city are truly wonderful. It might come off as a rather selfish opinion, but the way they respond in times of crisis exhibits admirable control. The adults assist the children, men help women, husbands aid their wives, brothers support sisters, and even strong assisting those weak, a spirit of camaraderie persists. Seeing them rush to the evacuation sites and their mutual support is just wonderful.”

With a metal clattering, I noticed the chains spiraled around the Bandage Man’s arms. That’s the weapon Subaru mentioned! Now, when I look closely, it does seem rather stylish, doesn’t it?

The oversized coat that he wears appeals to me given his build, and thinking of it that way does make it seem not half bad… yeah, not bad at all!

Bandage Man speaks with a polite demeanor, but there’s something about their voice that feels off. It’s high-pitched but slightly artificial for someone involved with music—it’s a slight bother but not enough of a drawback!

Overall, it’s nothing to dismiss as unworthy!

“How nice, Lady Priscilla! It seems we can communicate with this person. It might feel like you’re the one who isn’t communicating well, ah, my eyes?!”

My eyes are blazing! My goodness, flames crash into my vision!

“My eyes are melting! I can’t see the beauties of this world!”

“Oh no, damn it… if only I’d properly memorized the beautiful people in the City Hall before this happened…!”

“Fool, lift your head. You’ve let your emotions overwhelm you too easily; don’t disappoint me.”

Hearing Lady Priscilla’s unkind voice, I blinked in surprise as I wiped my face. Thank goodness, my eyes aren’t burning! I can see the world again, yes, I can see the red of Lady Priscilla and the white of Bandage Man too.

Even with a stern look, Lady Priscilla glares at Bandage Man, while Bandage Man reacts calmly, tilting his head.

Oh dear, it’s quite the misstep for Lady Priscilla.

“No, Lady Priscilla, you shouldn’t act like an uncivilized dog, biting indiscriminately. For this, I should ask for your mercy… ugh, given my flat, flat chest… let’s try to reach an understanding instead…”

Why am I feeling like tears might flow?

But it’s fine! If my attitude towards this reality with my chest results in bridging a gap between Lady Priscilla and Bandage Man, I’ll simply swallow my tears!

“Come now, let’s take hands…!”

“Ah, a wonderful sentiment! I agree with this lady’s kindness. Human beings can understand one another, they can feel for each other, and come together. With kindness for kindness, care for care, and love for love! It is in this that happiness lies!”

“Yes! I also believe that! Yes, indeed, love is what’s essential! I can’t deny that I feel swayed by the beauty of the words! After all, we’re in a watery city, surrounded by waterways, right? Right?”

“—”

Bandage Man’s words strike deep! Goodness, how touching!

As Bandage Man and I resonate with each other, Lady Priscilla’s rigid heart seems to soften, gradually allowing a smile on her face… or perhaps a frown?

“I underestimated the situation here, thinking it wouldn’t go this far. What can be done?”

“Eh? Lady Priscilla, what on earth is that face for?”

Lady Priscilla seemed to ponder seriously at the palm of her hand, sighing. I must say, she exudes elegance even in a sigh. Yet suddenly, as if struck with an idea, she stepped forward.

My smaller size means looking up at Lady Priscilla as she takes to her high-heeled shoes, and the close proximity is rather startling.

“Lady Priscilla, wha–?!”

Immediately, her soft breast pressed against my face as her white fingers firmly gripped my neck and chin—pulling my face close into a collision of our lips—WHAAT?!

“Mmm! Mmm! Mmmph!”

Flailing and flapping about, my face turns a bright red as I desperately resist. But she’s so strong and her lips are so soft, what is going on!?

Whoa, wait, what is that heat pouring in from Lady Priscilla’s lips—ahhh, ahhh, wait…!

“Ugh!”

Heat flooded into my core, making me dizzy, and before I knew it, I simply collapsed to the ground. Lady Priscilla showed no concern and licked her lips with her red tongue, stating coolly,

“That should suffice.”

What, what, what did we just do?!

I rubbed my misty eyes, gathered my will, and tried to stand up with all my might, ready to protest against the actions of Lady Priscilla!

“L-Lady Priscilla, what was that for? Take responsibility! If you do something like that, there’s no way I’ll ever get married!”

“Accepting a kiss was just as much my doing. You might be pushing a naive angle under the pretext of your innocence, but you surely gained more than just a moment to regain sanity from that.”

“Huh? Regain sanity? Are you saying you’ve sullied someone’s pure intentions? What do you think a bard’s fleeting encounters mean?” *sniffle sniff*

“Enough, be more composed. Now, raise your gaze to that one.”

“Sniff, wait, huh?”

Following her command, I timidly raised my head, feeling the weight of being a woman. There stood Lady Priscilla with Bandage Man right there without any change in position… Bandage Man?

No, no way! Why am I so comfortably calling such an eerie figure, “Bandage Man?” This doesn’t make sense!

“With women together—this is a different approval. But, we can find connection in love, can’t we? After all, that’s what it means to be human!”

“Stop this farce! This is unbearable to listen to!”

Observing Bandage Man, who had their face covered with their hands, they grumbled something, but a wave of nausea rushed back.

Earlier, when they were cherishing and emotionally invested in everything about me, their words and gestures now felt so surreal.

It’s absurd to set fire to the idea of lighting the city in distress while throwing out platitudes like “love is the answer.” It was outrageous and ridiculous!

“How shallow the world is filled with those who throw around insipid reasoning and bask in their own indulgence, to the point that your self-absorption reaches a new peak. While it’s revolting, it is also too powerful to dismiss. Why even spare you?”

“Oh wow, really? Thank you for your kind attention for that! I feel so grateful, and sorry! It seems like my words haven’t resonated with you. That happens sometimes!”

“I see you’re reasonable. Are you willingly throwing your neck out there?”

“Yes, of course! I will do my utmost to engage in a rich dialogue; it’s a sacred rite of human relationship! When we empathize, hearts will open, converge, and unite! Love is the effort to become one; love is profound, I’ve been taught thus, and I’ve lived accordingly!”

“Uh-uh! I’ve never, ever kissed someone before—this was my first time!”

“Indeed, I compliment the existence of the burning stone tower as an event to welcome me.”

Wow! I’m saying this, but what’s happening?

I realize barely any conversation has taken place! There’s the Bandage Man shouting some incomprehensible logic and Lady Priscilla in a pursuit of her path, and I’m just here, bewildered by the stunned shock of my stolen kiss! Am I even necessary in all this?!

“You’ll find you’ll need me moving forward. It was for that purpose my lips connected with yours.”

“Please, don’t remind me! And don’t look at me too closely! When that happens, my heart goes ‘thump thump’…!”

“I’m afraid established beauty can be deceptive.”

As I struggle to contain my racing heart next to Lady Priscilla, she sighs and ponders again. That profile is strikingly alluring… but now’s not the time.

Lady Priscilla has been determined from the start, and I can’t seem to get any signs that Bandage Man is backing down, which’ll be an explosive fight on our hands! And here I am caught in between everything!

“Shouldn’t we keep our distance?”

“Well, it’s hard to say.”

Huh, why’s she being so tricky?

But suddenly, my finely-shaped ears caught on to something. It’s footsteps. Yes, they’re footsteps unmistakably making their way over… Many, many footsteps!

“Ah, I see—summoning all the nearby citizens here?”

“Indeed, they are supporters of my love. Occasionally, there might be stiff folks like you, but ‘even rainwater poured into a waterway loses distinction’, as the saying goes. Once you open your heart, your perspective shifts differently.”

Rainwater analogy means the idea that once they entrust themselves they can easily adapt—but it isn’t the case here!

The blazing Control Tower! Surrounded by waterways! Facing one another in the plaza! And from the waterways beyond, a crowd peering into us!

It’s truly massive! The scale isn’t just a gathering of hundreds or two hundreds—it’s thousands! Many thousands! A plethora of onlookers encircling us, eyes wide with fearsome judgment, totally killing the mood!

Uh-oh, isn’t this what Subaru mentioned about being completely overtaken by the “Wrath” influence!?

“I’ll have you know that even you earlier bore eyes like those mere mortals!”

“No way! Really!? Scary! But, oh! If that’s the case, then wouldn’t it reverse once Lady Priscilla kisses each of them one by one? They’d return to their senses! But Lady Priscilla’s lips might get sore!!”

“How dare you suggest such a cheap offer! I’ll burn you from behind, you!”

Oh no! I’m rolling in circles, almost spiraling into the flames of plight! Being careless with my choice of words leads to disaster! This condition is overwhelmingly against me considering the rumors about my mouth!

“Plus, that task falls to you! Why do you think I brought you here? Stop abandoning your role and begging me for mercy; how shameful.”

“Uh, but…”

It’s one thing to talk about handling such a big group of people, but without proper prep, there’s no way I’m singing! If I start, Bandage Man would surely leap in to counter!

“Hence, I make my grand entrance.”

As I hesitated and weighed down by the enormity of my task, Lady Priscilla stares blankly at “Wrath.”

“Indeed! How interesting!”

“Huh?”

“How delightful, oh-so delightful! Maybe calling this excitement emotion might feel crude.”

Delivering with a low voice, “Wrath” slowly raised her head. Hidden behind bandages, her fierce eyes darted from Lady Priscilla to the wall of fire to me, and did she just glance away?!

“I’m sorry for turning this into a chaotic scene! But thank you! You’ve opened my eyes! Indeed, being lazy to connect in understanding is utter selfishness!”

With a big grin, she seemed to laugh.

A wide smile stretched across her face, revealing eerily white teeth—she smiled like a long-lost friend who welcomes you despite all the denial!

“Let me formally introduce myself. I am Sirius Romanee-Conti, the Archbishop of Sin—‘Wrath’! Please take note of me!”

With a polite bow and then rattling her chain-wrapped arms, she twirled and spun, loosening bonds, increasing the chain’s reach, and the metallic sound fought to sever the atmosphere, projecting evil power.

And yet, she continues smiling.

“This is my ‘Trial’! Indeed, it is undoubtedly a ‘Trial’! At last reunited with my husband in this city, I’m to face the ‘Trial’ so that I can welcome him back with love and words exchanged. You all are the ‘Trial’ that stands before me!!”

She declared joyfully, twirling like a lovestruck maiden, as she swung her chain violently while advancing toward us. Oh no! Just a brush should spell doom for me!

“Now I have to contain the crowd and handle that one? You best fulfill what’s due for the offense you’ve reckoned!”

“Yikes?! Lady Priscilla!?!”

“You shall prepare to sing. If the sunlight of the sun sword dims, I’ll have no choice but to take that lowlife’s head off. And I’ll not let it come before that happens.”

As she dictated terms without my input—!

I couldn’t even express my thoughts!

Right at that moment, the dynamic between Lady Priscilla and Bandage Man intersected, and combat began!

The jarring clashing of swords and chains erupted amid the chaos, and I raced forth toward the flames blazing at the waterway with a sense of urgency!

Let’s go! I don’t quite know yet what else to do!

“Ah! For now, lend me your ears! — The wasteland of Hoshin is scorching hot!?”

By inching as close as I could to the flaming wall, I desperately tried to engage everyone in my song, but as I got nearer, the flames licked my face—all at once!

“Impossible! No way! I tried my best to sing nicely, but Lady Priscilla’s flames are ridiculously hot! Ridiculously hot! Way hotter than normal!”

But honestly, I have to be this close to show everyone—!

“Ughhh, it’s burning, burning, burning! My hands are scorched! If my throat and lungs burn, we’d face defeat, but what’s this?”

Caught in flames, I bemoaned my reckless decision, only to be pleasantly surprised that my hands suffered no damage! Even the wooden lyre remained unburnt—what is this!?

“This isn’t regular fire…?”

But when I think back, as a whole, this isn’t simply any ordinary fire—but it seems to be certain… it’s hot but seemingly non-flammable!?

Wait! Maybe I can cross it soon enough! What is this? Some kind of bluffing fire!?

I definitely messed up following this—!!

“`

 

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