――In the heart of the Magic City Chaos Frame stands the Crimson Lapis Castle.

　A cityscape that resembles a wedding cake with no sense of unity, built on chaos piled upon disorder――beams and scaffolding of differing materials and styles are crisscrossing everywhere. Amidst this magical city, the castle, shimmering alternately in red and blue, stands out like a beacon.

　In the first place, “lapis” originally refers to the color blue, and crowning it with red creates nothing short of a contradiction. However, anyone who casts a glance at the exterior of the Crimson Lapis Castle would find the name wholly appropriate.

　The foundation and skeleton of the castle are lavishly adorned with literally lapis-colored stones.

　Gemstones emitting a deep blue luster, within which red swirls like droplets of blood dropped slowly into water. At times, the blue expected from lapis is shrouded in a crimson light, akin to blood.

　A castle of chaos wearing an ever-shifting hue that does not settle on any particular color.

　This castle is where Yorna Mishigure, its lord, resides, within the chaotic realm of the magic city.

“――――”

　Called to the top floor of the Crimson Lapis Castle, Subaru’s back is slick with cold sweat as he stands on the precipice of the long-awaited meeting with Yorna.

　The cause of his cold sweat is the group awaiting Yorna in the same castle――there, amidst them, is the face that should not be present.

　Leading three men who appear to be guards is the familiar black-haired mage of a figure――none other than the visage of Abel, who was supposed to be waiting at the inn.

　However, meeting him here is an impossibility. For that reason, Subaru and the others had come ahead as envoys to the Crimson Lapis Castle without him.

　In other words, the reason for his unexpected presence here is――、

“――A counterfeit disguised as the Emperor.”

　Subaru mutters this within his mouth, his cheeks wrinkling in a grimace of disbelief.

　He had been informed in advance that there was someone who bore a resemblance to Abel, acting similarly. The precision and sudden encounter had surprised him, but it was thus beyond doubt.

One of the “Nine Divine Generals,” a shadow of Emperor Vincent Volakia――、

“Hey, Abel-chan? Why are you here… ugh!”

“Whoa, you okay, Medium-chan? Al-chan’s here, no need to worry.”

　Behind the stunned Subaru, a precarious scene unfolded.

　Medium spotted a familiar face amongst the already present guests and called out to him amiably. Just as Medium was about to speak, Al swiftly covered her mouth and pulled her back. Medium, who was taller than Al, was caught off guard by the one-armed man’s bold maneuver, yet obediently complied.

　By a hair’s breadth, Medium’s actions were thwarted.

“――？”

　That exchange clearly appeared suspicious to the opposite party, as least the man with Abel’s face, but more so to the yellow-green-haired individual who appeared to be his guard, who glared at them.

　Yet――、

“Al, nice save there.”

“Yeah, I’d say my reaction was divinely inspired. But this is a bit too much of a surprise, don’t you think?”

“…Yes. I think so too.”

　Alongside Al, who withdrew Medium, Subaru nodded seriously.

　An unexpected collision with someone they did not anticipate――and a collision of the worst kind conceivable. It was a matter-of-fact conclusion that Abel’s absence from this gathering was a stroke of fortune.

　If he had been present, it would have ignited the real showdown for the title of Emperor of Volakia right here.

“Perhaps that might have been a tactic, but…”

　Casting a glance at the three guards accompanying the Abel lookalike, Subaru was tempted.

　It’s unclear just how many troops are hidden within or outside the city, but at the very least, the number of his immediate entourage here is merely three――facing a false Emperor guarded by thousands of imperial soldiers in the capital, now might be the best chance to unmask him.

“――No, that would be hasty.”

　If we take Abel’s word for it, the Emperor’s position is no cradle against unrest.

　Constantly on guard against treachery is precisely why Abel doesn’t close his eyes in public. It’s entirely inconceivable for one in an established position or even someone impersonating him to expose themselves to vulnerability in front of others.

　In other words, those three who accompany him must either be formidable strength or possess some other countermeasure.

“Shall we try testing the waters a bit?”

“…If we could restart easily, that might be an option. But the fear of irrecoverable consequences is greater. We must not act recklessly.”

“Sure, sure.”

　How serious that suggestion actually was, Al—his proposal was rejected without a thought.

　Al’s ideas tended to get dismissed, but it was precisely because he led off with ideas that Subaru might impulsively consider that he allows for calm deliberation time in the discussion.

　Thus the opportunity to clarify quality choices is heightened, decreasing the detours in thinking.

　At the very least, the current priority should be to navigate the situation without incurring the displeasure of the fake Emperor’s group while also investigating the purpose of their visit.

　Why had they chosen now to show up in the Chaos Frame.

　Though the circumstances may be different, with the Emperor himself making an appearance.

“Mm~! Mmm~!”

　In the midst of this contemplation, Medium, whose mouth had been covered, let out muffled sounds of protest.

　Considering she was abruptly silenced and had her mouth covered, her indignation was entirely understandable, causing Al to hurriedly apologize, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”

“Phew, that was uncomfortable!”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to do it on purpose just because Medium-chan’s cheeks are so soft.”

“The more you say, the deeper the sexual harassment suspicion grows.”

“I don’t really get it, but more importantly!”

　Subaru shot a white-eye at Al’s excuse, as Medium, having finally caught her breath, pointed her finger sharply at them.

　Both Subaru and Al recoiled at her sudden fierce demeanor.

“Uh, so I still don’t really get it… but, this Abel-chan, is he a different person from the one we know?”

“Oh, yep, that’s exactly right. After all, the real one’s probably still lounging at the inn waiting for our return, right? So he must be in a real bind right now…”

“Isn’t that bad? ’Cause Natsumi-chan is…”

“Me? What about me… ah.”

　Despite saying she didn’t get it, Medium understood the crux of the problem. Subaru frowned immediately as he recognized what she was worried about.

　Medium’s implication was crystal clear.

　And it was something Subaru and Al should have noticed before she had to mention it.

　Of course, even if they had noticed, they wouldn’t have had time to prepare countermeasures. Still, they should have been ready enough to at least discuss their options――.

“――Lady Yorna Mishigure, is here.”

　Before they could make any further plans, time was up, announced by the guiding deer-girl.

　The girl, who had reappeared, bowed her head with large antlers sprouting from her head, greeting Subaru and the fake Emperor’s group. Then she opened the door at the front of the hall and called out, “Please, do come in.”

　As the shadow slowly stepped into the room, upon witnessing their presence, Subaru succeeded in articulating the impression he had on the deer-girl.

　The impression he had of the deer-girl was that she resembled a “haiku.”

　Haiku refers to the girls-in-training who worked in Japanese courtesans in olden days, learning manners and arts while attending to the courtesans in the splendid entertainment quarters.

　It was probably her surprisingly stylish kimono and hair accessories that led Subaru to think this way.

　Above all, the most compelling reason lay with the person who accompanied the girl――、

“――――”

　The reason Subaru managed to articulate the “haiku” concept lay with the person who had just appeared.

　Breath caught in his throat, and eyes wide open, he was enraptured as he gazed upon her, affected instinctively by the beauty in front of him, as humans often are when confronted with things of striking beauty or grandeur.

“――It seems we have numerous guests today, indeed.”

　Saying this, the tall woman elegantly narrowed her elongated blue eyes.

　Her slender figure was wrapped in a vividly patterned kimono adorned with flowers, and her hair was meticulously done up, gradually changing in color from white to darker orange towards the tips.

　The hair was adorned with decorated hairpins made from animal bones and antlers, among other hair ornaments crafted from fangs and scales, serving to delight the eyes of the onlookers.

　However, those were merely decorations, manifestations of beauty crafted by human hands.

　To truly exhibit their charm, the quality of the person being adorned is paramount.

　And in terms of that aspect, the quality of the figure clad in the kimono needed no further questioning.

“――――”

　With a slim body, she moved with elegance as she strolled effortlessly forward, her beauty arresting attention.

　While exuding a somewhat languid aura, her polished gestures seemed to reflect a performance calculated for visibility, displaying an optimal act that captures the gaze of others.

　The impression of her graceful steps was further emphasized by the fact that a fox tail, which appeared too large for her slender form, boasted nine thick and luscious tufts.

　With her tied-up hair, hairpins, and the ears of a beast jutting up, the information washed over Subaru’s mind like the intoxication from alcohol, depicting her as a beautiful fox woman clad in a kimono.

“After a long journey, welcome to my castle.”

　Saying this, the beautiful woman took her seat on a cushion prepared at the top of the hall, her long supple legs extending out. As she placed her weight on the armrest, the follower who accompanied her handed her a golden smoking pipe.

　As the beautiful woman ignited the end of the pipe, she inhaled the rising violet smoke, smiling sweetly.

　Positioned in the superior seat, she looked down on the guests——the Volakia Emperor.

“――――”

　Her audacious and splendid presence, the manner of her speech, and the exposure of her slender shoulders clad in the kimono prompted Subaru to evoke terms like “courtesan” and “oiran.”

　Of course, Subaru had never seen a real courtesan or the likes. That knowledge stemmed solely from antiquated dramas dealing with the old era, and he could think of nothing else.

　――No, it would be an overstatement to say there were no other words to describe her.

　In this moment, it was unequivocally true that other words to describe her exist. It was a fact that she resembled a courtesan; however, prior to that, she occupies the seat of “Lacquer” among the “Nine Divine Generals”――、

“――Yorna Mishigure.”

　The beautiful woman who appeared――Yorna Mishigure turned her gaze towards the man who called her name.

　On the floor of the wooden floored room, staring back into Yorna’s blue eyes was the counterfeit Emperor――for the purposes of differentiation, I will call him Vincent.

“It’s only natural, the same voice…”

　It was a single utterance; however, it echoed with the same tone as Abel’s voice.

　It appears he not only mimics the appearance but also the voice. Although, it would be only natural to imitate the voice as well as one’s appearance, so it warrants no great surprise.

　What astonished Subaru more was the sight of Vincent and Yorna facing off against each other.

　Silently, the two stared intently, exchanging glances, as if they were a singular painting commemorating the moment.

　A beautifully alluring woman and a majestic Emperor, possessing both ferocity and grandeur. The record of their confrontation on this day would surely strike a notable entry in the pages of the Empire’s history.

　Whether it would lead to camaraderie or bloodshed depends on what comes next.

“……What is your purpose?”

　Why had they come to the magic city, is the pressing unanswered query concerning Vincent and his group’s arrival.

　Though the immediate reactions to their encounter and Yorna’s emergence took precedence, the very purpose of Vincent’s visit――for what reason had he come under the banner of the “Nine Divine Generals,” known for their betrayals?

　Given that he needs to maintain the guise of the true Emperor, there must be some validity behind it. And why had Yorna welcomed him into her castle despite the likely poor rapport between them?

　One could say she had no option but to accept it given her position, but there was more to it.

“Well, well, how fortunate it is to see you again, my lord.”

　Before Subaru, who was deep in thought, Yorna adorned her face with a smile at the corners of her eyes and took a draw from her pipe.

　As she exhaled the violet smoke, she sarcastically shut one eye,

“It is an honor to behold your esteemed visage in such a manner. Regardless of how many invitations I extended, you did not come to the magic city.”

“Invited you say?”

　Ignoring the discourteous postures and the violet smoke, Vincent frowned in displeasure.

　He clasped his thin arms and tapped his elbow with his fingers as he pondered,

“Your invitations have led me to arms against you on numerous occasions, no? If so, shouldn’t my response have been apparent in a visible form?”

“Indeed, that might be so, however, this neck of mine remains firmly attached. Also, it appears you are not accompanied by that troublesome lad today.”

“――――”

“Surely, I fancied that my thoughts had reached you, and thus my heart soared at the moment. Please, grant me your forgiveness.”

　Yorna chuckled softly, letting out a “kufu.” However, despite her beguiling tone and smile, Vincent’s expression remained discernibly unfazed.

　While Vincent’s impersonation of the Emperor was remarkable, Yorna’s attitude――the fervent gazes and words directed towards Vincent piqued Subaru’s interest.

　It was only a very brief dialogue, yet the convergence of their energies fell into Subaru’s perception――,

“Could it be that lady is rebelling against Abel-chan to capture his attention?”

“…I hope that’s not the case.”

　It seems Al has reached the same conclusion, and at his words, Subaru ground his teeth.

　He wished for the Empire’s highest military force, one of them not to be a person who moved armies out of personal grievances, and he saw no way that someone could hold affection for the incapable Abel.

　This primarily made Subaru’s jaw clench, but more pressing issues remained.

　The original pretext in which Subaru and the others sought an audience with Yorna.

　It had been that “Abel annoys me” was the slogan that they had banded together in hopes of piquing someone’s interest, not accounting for a favorable disposition toward Abel.

　Should their unpleasant imagination prove true, it would have undoubtedly been an unpleasant story for Yorna. Despite this, she had invited Subaru and others into the castle.

　What’s more, she sat them down alongside Vincent’s group.

“Yorna Mishigure, your conduct is undeniably disrespectful. What are you thinking?”

“Hmm?”

　As Subaru and the others grew uneasy in the ambiguous situation, the dialogue among the Emperor’s party progressed.

　In Vincent’s silence, the one who raised Yorna’s brow was the individual with yellow-green hair, likely one of Vincent’s guards.

　With spiky hair that stood on end, with portions extending longer like antennae, the man appeared to be of the same age as Vincent or perhaps slightly older.

　He donned a black lightweight armor over a sandy-colored cloak, giving a sharp impression reminiscent of a wire. His piercing gaze bore down upon Yorna in a glaring rebuke.

“Your lord’s escort is…”

“Kafma Ilurukusu. I have been ordered to accompany the lord. I intended my role to be that of a guard, yet… your behavior is unacceptable.”

“Is my behavior in question? What do you mean by that?”

“Everything!”

　Kafma, now agitated by Yorna’s languid tone, glared at her.

　With his eyes still fixed on Yorna, he directed his hand toward Subaru and the others, saying,

“Why do you allow others to participate in this? While this is indeed your castle, it is also part of the Empire… have you forgotten that?”

“That cannot be true. I promise I’m under your lord’s ownership.”

“That isn’t what I’m discussing! And you lot there, you’re under scrutiny too!”

“Waah!? Us!?”

　Targeted by Kafma’s wrath, Subaru flinched, his shoulders trembling. If he could, he’d prefer to remain unnoticed in the background, a thought beyond reach.

　However, if approached like this, there was also the potential to exploit the situation.

“Um, are we being a bother here? If so, we can return another day…”

“That would be troublesome. My time is limited, so if I miss today, I do not know when the next chance will arise.”

“Do not hold them back! They must be feeling uncomfortable as well!”

“Yes, yes, absolutely.”

　Oddly, both Kafma and Yorna appeared in agreement about wishing to let Subaru and others go. Although they were technically adversaries by virtue of being with the fake Emperor, at that moment, they felt like the only rational voices in the conversation.

　But――、

“Yorna Mishigure, what are you scheming?”

　Suddenly, the one to break the tense atmosphere was Vincent Volakia——the counterfeit Emperor himself.

　The moment he spoke, even Kafma, who had been so confrontational, stepped back. Subaru felt the contraction of his insides despite the familiarity of the voice and the face staring back.

　Even knowing he was a fake, the aura he emanated was undeniably real.

“Speak. What are you planning?”

　Having silenced both the attendant and the unwanted guests, Vincent once again directed his question at Yorna.

　In response to his questioning and presence, Yorna subtly squinted her eyes. She softly brought the pipe to her lips, inhaled the lilac smoke deep into her lungs, exhaling sweetly as she savored the anticipation of her answer.

　This continued disrespect in keeping the Emperor waiting caused Kafma’s cheeks to twitch lightly as he witnessed the exchange.

“Of course, I always think of you, my lord… the illustrious Volakia Emperor.”

“――――”

“Kufu. Your gaze is chilling. However, I believe the esteemed guests gathered here would please you more if they were kept in attendance, no?”

　With a sense of certainty in her airs, Yorna casually nodded toward Subaru and the others.

　That sparked an interest in Vincent, as he began to take note of Subaru and his companions for the first time. In the preceding exchanges, Yorna perceived another reason beyond her whims for their presence.

　In a bid to disrupt that unpleasant flow, Subaru prepared for possible reprimand and cleared his throat.

“I apologize, but allow me to propose this again. It seems we are rather out of place here, and there appears to be matters better left undisclosed. So if you would, allow us to withdraw for now…”

“That is quite a weak stance for you to take.”

　Subaru’s attempt to respectfully excuse himself from the scene was abruptly interrupted.

　For a fleeting moment, he caught a glimpse of Yorna’s gaze glimmering playfully amidst the violet smoke, whereupon it dawned on him that he had made a misstep.

　He should have made up his mind to leave upon seeing the prior guests.

　By failing to do so, he now found himself regretting that decision.

　Because――、

“I heard from Tanzer, you know… that you lot have the gall to come to induce me against my lord, preparing to turn against the Emperor, isn’t that right?”

　She had laid bare all their intentions without a second thought.