Sizzle!
Lightning struck the ground and took the form of a woman. The Shogun had returned to the Mathers mansion. Without hesitation, she strode forward, pushed open the front doors, and saw Frederica in the main hall cleaning up the traces of battle.
"...Lady Shogun?"
Hearing the doors open, Frederica instinctively looked over. The Shogun, who had flown away several hours earlier, had suddenly returned.
"Where is Natsuki Subaru?"
She gave a slight nod, walked straight to her, and asked bluntly.
"...He is in his room. Do you need something from him?"
Frederica asked.
"Something like that..."
After giving a brief response, she immediately headed down the corridor, climbed the stairs, and went to the second floor.
"...?"
Frederica stared in confusion at her hurried movements.
What happened?
Why did Lady Shogun look so travel-worn and rushed?
Tap... tap...
She ascended to the second floor and found the room where Natsuki Subaru was resting. She wanted to open the door immediately, but out of courtesy, she suppressed her urgency.
Knock knock~
She raised her hand and knocked.
"Who is it?"
His muffled voice came from the other side of the door.
"...It's me. Raiden."
She simply stated her name.
"Ah... Raiden-tan? Wait a sec..."
Footsteps approached from inside.
Click...
The door opened, revealing the young man in his male servant uniform.
"..."
She looked at him silently, unsure how to begin.
"What's wrong, Raiden-tan? Weren't you just heading to the Sanctuary?! Why are you back already?"
He looked completely baffled.
"Haa... May I come in?"
She asked after letting out a breath.
"Uh... O-of course! Come in! ///"
Hearing that, his face reddened unconsciously. He hurriedly shook off those thoughts and stepped aside.
"Thank you."
She entered without delay. After Subaru closed the door, she turned to face him, her eyes carrying a trace of complexity.
"...? Wh-what is it, Raiden-tan? Don't treat me like an outsider. Whatever it is, just tell me! I, Natsuki Subaru, never refuse the request of a beautiful girl!"
He brushed back his bangs and posed smugly like some handsome hero.
"...Let me return by death."
She stated her intention directly.
"...Ah, return by—w-wait... what?!"
He failed to understand at first, but once he processed her words, he panicked.
"There's no time left."
She anxiously stepped toward him. His face had already gone pale as he clutched himself and backed away repeatedly.
"Wait—!! If it's this sudden, even I—!!"
"I won't let you feel pain. It will be over in an instant."
She understood his fear of death, but she had no choice.
"That's not the issue! Why are you suddenly saying this?!"
As she kept approaching, Subaru's legs gave out and he collapsed to the floor. He awkwardly scooted backward until he hit the bedside, then shouted in confusion.
"...Emilia is in danger."
I'm sorry, Emilia.
She did not mention Pandora. He did not know her, after all. To achieve her goal, she could only wrong Emilia for the moment. Besides, Subaru held feelings for Emilia.
Sorry... Emilia.
"...!"
As expected, Subaru froze, then his face filled with grief. The method had worked.
"I see..."
He nodded in understanding. Her actions were somewhat similar to his own, so he could understand.
"So... haa... let me return by death."
"I-I understand! Then go ahe—"
Sizzle!
Before he could finish, she raised her hand and pressed it onto his head. Electric current surged directly into his brain, instantly burning it out. No pain. Instant brain death.
Humm~
The surrounding space began to twist like shattered fragments. Time reversed once more. Everything around her flowed backward, forms warping like a black hole. In that instant, the house vanished, leaving only empty darkness.
"..."
Her consciousness drifted away.
Crash!
What entered her ears was the sound of fragments piecing themselves back together. She knew this sensation well. It was the effect of regression.
She... had returned.
Humm~
A blinding white light stood before her. Several seconds later, it faded, revealing dim darkness opposite to that radiance. She was briefly dazed, then after a quick glance around, realized she was inside a room within the ruins.
She sighed, stepped out of the ruins, and arrived at the open clearing bathed in desolate moonlight. Birds occasionally cried out from the surrounding forest, and from time to time a breeze brushed past, lifting her hair.
"...!"
As she turned her head, she caught sight of that crystal-clear silver white within the night.
Like a spirit, the figure sat atop the stone platform, legs hanging slightly over the edge. Silver-white hair drifted in the wind. She gazed up at the silver moon overhead, as though waiting for someone.
A faint soreness rose in the Shogun's nose. She slowly walked toward that ghostlike figure.
"...?"
Hearing her footsteps, Pandora paused and turned around. Upon seeing her, she revealed a warm and tranquil smile.
The moment she saw that smile, the sting in her nose intensified. Suppressing the redness at the corners of her eyes, she quickly strode forward and pulled Pandora tightly into her arms, burying the girl's delicate body against her ample chest as though refusing to let her escape.
"...?"
Pandora was briefly stunned, but did not resist. She obediently maintained her seated posture on the stone platform while being forcibly embraced, her body leaning slightly as she sank into the fragrant softness of the woman's chest in a daze. Even so, she still did not resist. Instead, she gently wrapped her own arms around the Shogun's slender waist.
The embrace lasted for more than a minute.
[...]
Seeing this, Ei revealed a gratified smile and remained silent.
"...You don't care why I am acting like this?"
Feeling how quietly Pandora remained in her arms the entire time, the Shogun asked in puzzlement.
"No. The Shogun must have her own reasons. All I can do is accept your thoughts."
Pandora replied.
"...Pat my head."
After thinking for a moment, she spoke first.
"...?"
Pandora looked up at her in confusion.
"Pat me..."
She repeated softly.
"..."
Pandora did not refuse. She slowly raised her fingers, brushed aside the bangs on her forehead, and touched her brow, still looking at her in confusion.
"Like this...?"
She asked.
"Mm... Read my memories."
"...?"
Pandora paused again, but obediently changed the position of her hand. She shifted her upper body so that she faced her directly, then placed her palm against the Shogun's forehead. Closing her eyes, she activated her Authority.
...
About a minute later—
"..."
Pandora opened her eyes once more. The light within them had changed into a deeply familiar warmth.
"Welcome back, Shogun."
She took the initiative to wrap her arms around the woman's neck, pressing herself close. By her ear, in a voice as gentle as silver bells and soft as water, she whispered.
"I'm sorry... Last time, I couldn't—"
"It's alright. This is not your fault. Shogun already did very well. Being able to see you again makes me so happy."
Pandora caressed her face soothingly.
"Though... for the previous me, it is a little unfair."
She shook her head regretfully.
"I won't let that happen again..."
A beautiful violet glow emerged in the Shogun's eyes.
"Mm... I believe in you. And I believe in Mother as well."
Pandora deliberately brought up Ei.
"After you disappeared, the Shogun felt awful. She was practically about to cry."
Ei appeared, glanced at her blushing daughter, and teased with a smile.
"I was not... Do not speak nonsense. ///"
She retorted with a flushed face.
"Why deny it? Being honest can also be liberating."
Ei shrugged helplessly at her daughter's little tsundere behavior.
"Hehe... Shogun, thank you. Chu~"
Pandora felt warmth fill her heart. Whether it was true or not no longer mattered. It was enough to make her happy. After thanking her, she leaned forward and planted a sweet, gentle kiss upon the Shogun's soft lips.
"///"
Feeling the warmth against her lips, the Shogun's body visibly trembled. She instinctively pulled back, covering her lips as her face flushed an enticing red.
"Y-you... what was that for...? ///"
She asked shyly.
"A kiss to show gratitude. A kiss from an elder sister to her younger sister."
Pandora suppressed the laughter in her heart as she cupped the adorable, blushing younger sister's face in both hands and answered with hidden intent.
"Mm... If you say so... ///"
She instinctively averted her gaze and replied softly.
"Shogun, why do you always become so weak whenever it comes to this sort of matter?"
Ei asked with a slight sigh.
There was none of the bold and aggressive spirit expected of the Raiden family.
"I-I just... ///"
Faced with her mother's question, she was left speechless. She did not know why either.
"Do you simply enjoy being on the receiving end?"
Ei asked, barely holding back her laughter.
"Enjoy... Do not tease me. You go too far."
She rolled her eyes at Ei and muttered awkwardly.
"It's alright, Mother. I will make sure the Shogun enjoys herself to the fullest."
Pandora said meaningfully.
"...You as well. Stop saying such outrageous things. Let us return."
Unable to endure the strange atmosphere any longer, she released Pandora first, turned around, passed by the two of them, and headed back toward the village.
"..." x2
The two silently watched her retreating back, both their eyes filled with indulgent affection.
The next day—
During the daytime, she once again came to Roswaal's room. The man was still reclining on the bed in leisurely comfort, holding his Gospel as though nothing had happened, as if the one who died previously had not been him at all.
Then again... thinking about it carefully, it truly was not him. It had been the previous him.
"Oh my~? Miss Raiden, what brings you here today~?"
That same ridiculous tone made her want to beat him up again. Fortunately, the last beating had already vented some of her anger, and Pandora had safely returned to her side. There was no need to make such a scene again.
However...
'Pandora...'
(...?)
Pandora, in her transparent spirit form, looked at her in confusion.
'Can you use your Authority to rewrite his thoughts? Make him abandon the idea of following the Gospel?'
She asked.
(I can, but his convictions are too firm. I fear his thoughts would eventually correct themselves again.)
Pandora replied.
'So it would only be temporary?'
She asked.
(Most likely...)
Moreover, she was only one personality fragment of the existence known as Pandora. In terms of Authority, she was far inferior to the original body. She had little confidence in completely rewriting his mind.
'I understand. But you can restore an injured person back to how they were before, correct?'
She asked.
(Mm. As long as there is a short causal connection.)
Pandora nodded.
'For example, if I cut off his arm right now?'
(I would make it so that it never happened.)
'I want to try it.'
A trace of mischief appeared in her eyes.
(Please do.)
Pandora had no objection.
Humm~
"Why has Miss Raiden been staring at me this whole ti—"
Slash!
Before he could react, his left arm separated from his body. A torrent of blood sprayed from the severed cross-section and splattered across the wall opposite him.
The Shogun held her naginata horizontally, expression cold as she watched him.
"...! Ugh... AAAAAH!!!!"
Several seconds later, Roswaal finally realized what had happened. The pain of losing his arm rapidly spread through his entire body. His face turned pale as he screamed and fell to the floor.
"Your arm is still attached to your body. Nothing happened just now. You should be resting on the bed, holding your Gospel and praying peacefully."
Pandora appeared beside his ear and whispered.
"Ugh—"
...
The next moment, something absurd happened.
In the blink of an eye, he snapped back to his original state, seated in bed with his eyes closed and Gospel in hand. His severed arm had returned, and even the blood that had sprayed everywhere was gone.
It was as though everything had been a false lie. A false dream.
"Oh~? Miss Raiden, when did you arrive? I didn't even notice. As expected, you are as elusive as ever."
Roswaal opened his eyes and smiled at her with complete ease once more.
Pfft~
She nearly failed to hold back her laughter. This was far too amusing.
"...?"
Seeing her expression, Roswaal looked puzzled.
Pandora floated quietly back to her side as though she had done nothing at all.
Tap... tap...
She walked to the bedside and looked at him.
"Enough with the pleasantries. Let us speak plainly. I know you are aware of my secret of regression. I also know you are arranging your so-called grand game, and that you intend to make me one of your gambling pieces, forcing me to choose between Emilia and the people of this mansion."
"..."
Roswaal fell silent as he stared at her. He said nothing, yet the constant flicker in his pupils exposed his state of mind.
"...Right now, I could solve everything with a single slash. But I do not wish to dirty my hands."
She continued.
"Because you cannot—"
"Because I already did. And when I did, you died miserably. Painfully enough to satisfy anyone watching."
She cut him off without giving him any room to speak, choking him with her words.
"...!"
His brows visibly twitched. He had clearly been provoked.
"Then tell me, why are you saying all this? Do you want me to beg for mercy? To abandon my plans? My obsession?"
Roswaal's usual comedic tone vanished, replaced with seriousness.
"...Simple. Let us make a bet. If I can resolve the game board you have prepared for me, then you must wholeheartedly support Emilia. You may no longer make any suspicious moves, and you must even abandon your twisted obsession."
She stared directly into his eyes as she spoke.
"And if I win?"
Roswaal asked.
"If you win, then do as you please. Drown in your childish obsession for all I care. Wallow in it however you like."
"Heh... Miss Raiden, I can only agree to half of that. But abandoning my obsession? That is impossible—"
Roswaal smiled faintly.
"That is not your choice. I was never negotiating with you. Today, you will gamble with me. Otherwise... your head leaves your shoulders."
Bang!
She slapped a palm directly onto his forehead, knocking him unconscious instantly. The strike was so fast that he had no chance to react.
"Haa..."
She stood and exhaled, casting him a look of disdain before turning and leaving without another glance.
"Lady Shogun..."
Ram, who had been waiting outside the room, bowed after seeing her emerge.
"He is sleeping..."
She reminded her meaningfully.
"...Yes."
A glint flashed through Ram's eyes. Smiling faintly, she slowly closed the door behind her.
(Shogun, your plan could it be...)
Pandora had already guessed her intention.
"Mm... If Sanctuary is not liberated, Emilia and the others cannot leave. When the time comes, the Great Rabbit will appear in Sanctuary, while assassins will attack the mansion. If I only go to one side, the other will inevitably suffer losses. It becomes a forced choice between two places. But—"
"This body is not alone."
A smile appeared on her face.
(As expected... You want Mother to make an appearance as well?)
Pandora understood immediately.
"Mm... What do you think, Ei? Care to go for a walk?"
She asked.
[Very well. I am bored anyway. Which side shall I handle?]
Ei asked.
"You will handle the mansion. The Bowel Hunter and her companion should not be difficult for you. I will remain in Sanctuary. There are still matters I wish to discuss with Echidna."
She said.
[Good. Then it is settled. We split into two groups and move simultaneously.]
[Pandora, just in case, you should remain with the Shogun.]
(Understood, Mother.)
Pandora nodded obediently.
"I am still uncertain of the exact timing, so it would be better if you leave early. Last time, I arrived somewhat late."
Previously, it had truly been a close call. Otherwise Frederica would have died there.
[I understand. I shall leave tonight. If I fly there, it will not take long.]
Ei replied.
"Then it is decided. Be careful, Ei."
She instinctively wished for her safety.
[Mm. You as well. Be cautious, together with Pandora.]
(Understood. I will keep an eye on the Shogun, so please rest assured, Mother.)
Pandora nodded in response.
"It is not as though I am that reckless..."
(Hehe~) & [Hehe~!] x2