Everyone looked at me with eyes of suspicion and intrigue.
“You’re the one that broke into the castle” One stated looking at me with wary eyes. He doesn’t take out his sword or anything, just stares at me in a defensive stance.
“I sure am, I can’t just let her rest anywhere except for the best can I?” I said tactlessly, everyone looked at me still wary of my presence.
“What do you mean by a lot more heroes, companions of the Hero?” The princess asked, looking a bit curious, is she naive and easily forgiving or what? Hearing out someone who invaded her home extremely unapologetically.
“Hoh? You get right to the point Your Highness, I am suggesting using the sacred ritual, one that summons people from different realms” I explained while everyone reacted differently, the princess herself seems to understand what I'm suggesting if not fully understanding its ‘benefits’, while others look at me skeptical still.
“Summoning otherworlders? You can’t seriously expect us to try something so far fetched” One man retorts looking stressed and wary.
“Oh? As far as I know people from the past have tried it have they not? Or are my findings falsified?” I said condescendingly. They still aren’t convinced, of thinking such a spell doesn’t exist or prospect of a successful summoning I do not know, still this is gonna be fun.
“What can you say about these findings?” The princess asked, did she take the bait already? And why is Rosia looking at her weird sometimes?
“From my research I know full well that there must be a massive magic circle, a long chant calling out to other worlds, as well as equally massive mana supply. One thing that needs to be noted however is that there must be someone who studied space and time magic on some level” I explained in a very simply and vague terms, everyone’s eyes twitched when the prospect of space and time magic is mentioning, they’re near impossible to obtain let alone use after all, considered the element of being elsewhere.
“You can’t be serious! Where can we even find someone who could help prepare all of that!” One of the men who asked me before asked me again. Before I could retort the princess suddenly put her arm between us.
“Our court mage can easily take care of that, she’s the sage of the highest caliber after all” She said confidently with a glimpse of hope in her tone, some of her own guards then turn to look at her skeptically.
“You can’t seriously try to rely on that person! She’s still an enigma we don’t understand, Your Highness forgive my rudeness but I must asked you to not-”
“What is this about me exactly?” A voice echoed out in the room much to the terror of some guards, only a few keep their composure.
*Zoom*
Someone suddenly appeared from nowhere, her reddish brown hooded robe covering great deal of her body, her face can be seen clearly enough, with the left side of her face and hair being reddish pink, and another being blue in color, what a strangely peculiar appearance, she turns and looks around, and I noticed something a bit odd, a collar, with a similar looking gem to the one Kaa-san have, an acquaintance perchance? She’s powerful alright, able to use a teleportation spell, I can see why the princess is confident in her.
“Ah, you must be the court mage are you not?” I asked politely if it sounded slightly carefree. She turns to look at me and her gem gleams for a second, her face cringed for a moment.
“I am, and who are you?” She asked in return looking on guard.
“My name is Maova, a companion of the Hero who is recovering over there, her name is Rosia” I introduced both her and I.
“Pleasure to meet you” Rosia replied seeing the mage turning her head to look at her, then back to me.
“You all were discussing something were you not? Go on then, speak up and I’ll see what I can do to help, things are getting hectic all of a sudden” She said and commented on the situation.
“Right, the summoning of otherworlders, you can help with that can you not? Unfortunately the Demon Lord this time around is perhaps… a bit stronger than usual” I continue the conversation giving her some context. Her gem glows again with her face cringing.
“I see… I certainly can help with that, unfortunately my mana supply alone isn’t enough, even one or two people summoned would’ve taken everything I have, then I can’t assist you all in the battle” She explained sounding truthful, but I don’t think I need someone like her around anyway, might become a spanner in my plan. Maybe if I… summon a lot, maybe she would just won’t be able to do anything until my fun is over.
“Rosia, what do you think about the Demon Lord’s power? How much assistance do you think we needed?” I asked, then everyone turned to look at her in expectation while she silently cursed at me.
“As much as I would love to say I have the definitive number I needed in mind so we can move on with our discussion, just that one blast alone wasn’t a good enough gauge of their strength” Rosia replied honestly, with everyone nodding in understanding.
“Understandable, but maybe a… loose estimate?” I asked for a more concise answer.
“That blast from the Demon Lord while I managed to contain it, it leaves me completely drained, the Demon Lord meanwhile just disappeared without a trace, for all I know they could have more power than that… We need more than two individuals, that much I’m certain of” She answered and explained. The court mage’s face turned grim.
“Hey, if nothing else I could provide a supply of mana as well, I am a magic user as well” I said with a grin to turn that frown upside down. She looked at me, still frowning.
“Well I can’t turn down that offer can I? I still need to consult the king and his subjects before we can even attempt such a painstakingly sacred task, excuse me everyone, but I must go report to His Majesty before we can continue” She said as-
*Zoom*
She teleported away. Leaving the princess and her guards, with me and Rosia. Isn’t this a lovely scenario… not.
“This is just one huge headache after another, Your Highness I hope none of this weighs on you, you’re not to be responsible for anything of this or shall take part” The man who stated my presence first said, the blonde pretty man.
“We cannot be certain my dear knight, perhaps something else will occur soon, I can’t stay relaxed at all” She said looking quite down.
“Ugh…” Rosia groaned as she stood back up awkwardly, much to the worry of others. She walked over to the princess with a small if actually rather dishonest smile, and no one noticed a thing, and really the only reason I know it’s fake is because I resonate with her.
“H-Hero” The princess muttered as Rosia looked at her seductively.
“There’s no need to worry, Your Highness, Maova and I will make sure the threat is gone, and your worries disappear” Rosia said with a small smile to reassure her. How manipulative, but I’m fine with it really.
“T-Thanks” She said, blushing a little, I wonder if she swings that way, either, or just curious, well I think the power of lust usually pass that barrier, so I don’t think it matters too much… I think… no actually if that were the case Rosia probably would’ve been fine with men… no let’s not think about this any further.
“That’s right, Your Highness, we’re both here for a reason, to get rid of the threat” I added, hopefully that’ll cast me in a better light than before.
…
*Zoom*
“Alright then, the king has spoken, all of you go to him” The court mage teleported in and said so.
*Zoom*
…
“So… We’re not familiar with this place, escort us please?” I asked shamelessly.
…Everyone stared at us dumbfounded.
#####
We’re now in the presence of the king, with his throne placed way higher than us, and his general presence exuding authority that makes me want to kick him in the balls for the gall.
“So, court mage, I have been informed these two suggested the summoning ritual, is that right?” He asked with his baritone voice.
“Indeed Your Majesty, I have the necessary resources to perform such a task, but such a significant ritual can not possibly be done without your take on the matter” The court mage said politely.
“So the Hero needs so much assistance now… it can’t be helped, court mage, on my honor as the king, I shall allow the ritual to take place, however I shall take part as well, as a witness to this miracle you shall perform as promised, understand the consequences do you not?” He replied.
“But of course Your Majesty” She replied calmly, I doubt even the king could possibly have even the slightest chance of punishing her, and she probably is aware of it.
“And you two...” He said looking at us kneeling down, I might not be particularly high in pride as a demon but seeing a human above me still makes me extremely irritated, while Rosia is brimmed with disgust way above my level.
“I shall pardon your intrusion, but be known I won’t be so lenient next time” He said sounding rather serious, well his pride as king is on the line after all, can’t just let any transgression fly.
“Understood, Your Majesty” Rosia replied, and stood up holding Suemosa.
“And on my honor as the one called the Hero, I shall promise to you our victory” She continued sounding like a true hero, like a knight from a fairy tale.
“Very good… and that sword…” He said then muttered.
“Yes, the blade that the survived one has carried with her to the end, the one with the title of duchess, the one that became the symbol of house Gretaliza” She said with clarity. Duchess huh? That’s second to the royalty themselves.
“I see… Still, who are you really? The descendant of that household? I would’ve recognized you by now if that was the case” He asked, sounding more intrigued than anything else.
“How observant Your Majesty. As much as I would love to claim so, I was revoked of my birthright” She said with a cocky tone, with a hidden sense of malice, one poisonous enough to contaminate an entire lake in one drop.
“Hm? Explain in detail” He asked now sounding really inquisitive, is this royal family full of keen listeners or something?
“I do not know if you have heard this, the disinheritance of the firstborn of the household, one who was banished and presumed dead?” She began explaining.
“Disinheritance? I have heard the younger child who went missing was to step in as the new leading member, but to think they went along and use such a ritual to get rid of… you” He muttered.
“Now, before I say anything further, no doubt you and those present are wondering about my… less than usual colors. To put it simply, there’s a spell that changes my body that has been used on me, I was in a critical condition not long after my disinheritance, and the only way to fix it completely was such an extreme makeover” She explained in full, and thankfully everyone seems to buy it.
“So… If I was to summarize what you said… your people disinherited you, left you for dead in such a terrible condition you body has to be changed… am I right to assume the reason she’s with you is because she’s the one who met you after that time?” Quite observant of him.
“How wise. Indeed that is the case” Rosia replied simply.
“They certainly mess this whole thing up…” The king muttered in annoyance.
“Pardon?” Rosia asked, sounding confused.
“Say… do you think your household deserves something… for such a transgression?” He asked honestly.
“My, I cannot possibly ask that much of you, and even then letting the grudge destroy something I partake in building and those who follow me is a bit…” Rosia said then starting to trail off.
“How considerate of you. However such a sin cannot be unpunished, I supposed I could let them simply leave with nothing but themselves, no titles or anything, is that too far?” He asked, still doing something very severe regardless. Rosia has a smirk on her for less than a second with none the wiser.
“Of course not, I’m sure they could use some lessons in humility” Rosia replied, sounding quite innocent but actually gleeing sadistically inside, can’t say I’m not doing so as well. Everyone who looked on was rather shocked by all the revelations and the consequences that will surface.
Everything is going smoothly, and soon enough everyone’s face will go from that to something way more amusing.
#####
In the end we both get a room inside the castle halls, though it’s actually one room for two people. We don’t need them but they have to be generous, at least no one would question anything, or at least simply assumes we’re in here. Now let’s discuss things further.
“Rosia, I’ll just say that was one hell of a show you put up for me to see, color me impressed” I commented with a smile of satisfaction.
“And forever shall I deliver, but enough of that, how many people should we summon?” Rosia replied when asked me a question.
“Well… maybe ten?” I replied with a random answer.
“Okay then” She replied mindlessly.
…
And she doesn’t say anything further, just to be expected I supposed. Ah, there’s something that needed to be said to her as well.
“Say Rosia, what’s with that flirty attitude toward the princess? I know you’re still faithful and all, but why?” I asked, I’m not concerned, just more curious of her actions.
“Well she was quite a sweetheart and attractive so I thought of charming her, I was having some thoughts is all… Is that bad?” She replied honestly.
“Nah, I couldn’t be angry for something like that, as long as I’m the number one in your heart, nothing else mattered. Go get her or many others for all I care, you do you, have your own desires and act on it” I said with a smile practically embracing her. I know one isn’t supposed to be so forgiving of one’s love for seeking other people out, but I know better.
“Thanks… I am truly and forever in your debt” She said returning the embrace.
…
After a while we stopped.
*Knock* *Knock*
Someone knocked, who I wonder?
*Open*
I opened the door to see the princess by her lonesome. Has she been charmed already? I know lust demons can charm people more effectively but still…
“What business do you have here Your Highness?” I asked.
“I… want to know about the Hero a bit more” She replied honestly.
“You heard her Rosia, she’s smitten already” I teasingly announced. Much to the princess’s embarrassment.
“N-No it’s nothing like that!” She replied. Rosia hearing all of this walked over to the princess with a charming smile.
“Well then Your Highness, what business do you have with me, the humble hero?” Rosia asked with a wink. The princess probably never interacted with many people, so such an obviously flirtatious act caught her off-guard. The fact that it comes from the supposed hero doesn’t help either.
“A-Ah it’s nothing too important to fuss over I can assure you. I just want to know more about you is all” She replied with an embarrassed blush. If we were like demons in more conventional stories she probably would’ve been screwed over by now, just want to point that out.
“Very well. There is no doubt there is a bit more to know about me than what I said to His Majesty. Ask away” Rosia calmly responded.
“Um… is it true you know of your previous self? I have seen some stories regarding that” She asked, a bit hard of a question to answer with a definitive proof, but I guess she just wants to know what Rosia has to say on the matter than anything else.
“Indeed, though I would like to point out that the memories can be rather vague sometimes, it’s hard to recall everything with so many lives that must be lived through” Rosia replied in the same calm tone as ever.
“That’s so… Excuse me, I almost lost my manners there, I just can’t believe I get to talk to the legendary hero herself” The princess said, almost losing her composure, so she’s a fangirl then? Maybe that’s the main reason why she hears us out more than everybody else? A bit convenient but hey, like she has many people to possibly look up to in a position like hers, so it makes some sort of sense, and it’s not like the Hero isn’t looked up to by many people either.
“No need for apologies my dear princess, regardless of our standing we’re here now on the same footing do we not? I can assure you no one here will witness you being yourself and ridicule you in return” Rosia said in a charming tone, despite her cold and near-sociopathic behavior she certainly can make herself brim with charisma… I wonder if I can join in as well? Like there’s anything to lose anyway.
“It is as she said, we’re all humans here, neither of us wishes to trample you on something so trivial as acting like a normal person” I added with a smile. Her face looks a lot more comfortable after hearing that.
“Thanks, you two, and can I perhaps inquire more of your stories?” She asked with a smile.
“Very well, what is it that you want to know more of?” Rosia asked, returning her smile. It’s going to be a long conversation I can already tell.
#####
She asked more than a few redundant questions but in the end we managed to answer them all and leave her satisfied. Throughout the whole thing she was keenly listening like a little kid, it was amusing as it is cute, though I don’t have any desire towards her as I would with any other person not named Rosia. She left not long after and here we are still.
“Say, I think it’s high time we go back to our home already, we need to discuss a few things there I’d imagine” I suggested. We already locked the room so no one could get in, so using this place as a gateway wouldn’t be a problem.
“Very well” Rosia said, clinging onto me, not saying anything more. Okay, deep breath…
*Zoom*
Now we’re back at the balcony, seeing two people waiting in the throne room in front of us. Of course it doesn’t take a genius to know who those two are, my two mothers. We walked up to them and they noticed us quickly.
“Back already huh? I must say the victim count increased very quickly today, good thing I fine tuned the dungeon” Kaa-san commented sarcastically quipping about the three, or rather four people I brought in. I mean it’s really not a lot of people, so I’m not sure why she said so aside from exaggerating for the sake of exaggerating.
“You said it, not me. Anyhow now that it has come this far, you got anything you want to add Kaa-san?” I replied with a question, regarding her role in this.
“I’ll just relax here while you two have all the fun. What role will you play in this charade I wonder?” She replied with a question of her own with a relaxed and slightly smug look on her.
“I’ll be both the Demon Lord and the Hero’s sidekick. You can already guess Rosia’s role no doubt” I replied.
“Yep, it’s easy to figure out. So a villain role for you… want a few villainous weapons to go along with it? Like- Whoa!” She said and it feels like she'll keep rambling so I throw the lance she used to pierce me back at her, but she avoids it easily and stores it.
“Really no need to go that far Kaa-san, like a villain is known for their weapons anyway” I said not really wanting to see her rambling on and on.
“C’mon! Where’s your enthusiasm for this! Don’t you want this? I make a bunch of cool looking weapons for you! Ragnarune, Gehaburn, Gram, Durandal, Armads, the Laundry-Drying Pole, even some guns!” She still rambles regardless, this kind of event is really inevitable. She twirls a few guns about to show how cool they are, I guess she was waiting to hand them off to me for a while now.
“Okay fine, I’ll just take most of it if you don’t mind” I said grumbling while storing a good deal of the weapon she summoned and littered all over the ground.
*Bang*
...Rosia just picked up and fired a gun. It’s a stocky and rather rectangular handgun, with a dark and pink color scheme.
*Twirl*
She twirls it around and observe its structure
…
“I like this, I’ll keep it” Rosia said tactlessly then put it away.
…
“Well it’s not like that’s a problem, now mothers if you two will excuse us, I’ll go try out some changes myself, need a look appropriate for being the Demon Lord and all that” I said, feeling like the situation will escalate soon if we didn’t skedaddle right this instant. I was about to walk away with Rosia then…
“Heh, a hero wielding a gun eh? Make sense, this is the good ol’ United States after all” Kaa-san replied with a laugh…
...
“Pardon?” I asked, feeling completely out of it.
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