Demon Sword Maiden

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Shimizu was no stranger to failure. As a child, she possessed only average talent and a frail, sickly body. Her performance in the Genji Clan's training and trials was barely passable, leading to constant failure. She became used to ridicule and exclusion. Even when she stumbled upon the false ancient mirror by sheer luck, she remained a loner.

Even after meeting Lily and Rei, her suffering didn't end. Each incident during that time left a deep impression on her fragile mind. Now that she had reached a higher level of strength, those early hardships seemed trivial. Yet, the shadows of trauma in her fragmented memories still clung to her.

Fortunately, Lily had helped soothe those lingering fears. But Shimizu often questioned why she had done so. Someone like Rei or Ayaka would never believe such memories to be real. Even if they did, they would assume something else was at play and struggle to grasp the entire truth.

Shimizu truly had once pushed Lily off that cliff, even if it was accidental. There was a time when her hatred ran so deep she was capable of hurting her. This was the root of her guilt and anxiety. Still, she wasn't naïve. She had long suspected that perhaps her actions were not her own. But if that were true, who had been pulling the strings?

Why would the Boundless Imperial Princess choose to possess her body after so many centuries? If she had indeed been controlled, then it must have been her. That was the only conclusion Shimizu could draw, though she was far from certain it was true.

Had she truly been controlled? Or was she simply deceived? Maybe the princess only entered her body after her suicide attempt, once her mind broke. Or worse, perhaps the Boundless Imperial Princess was merely a manifestation of the darkest parts of herself. If so, then her guilt could never be undone. The fact that she had once tried to harm Lily would remain an eternal stain.

But was it truly Lily she had harmed? Shimizu had no proof, only a gut feeling that it had been her. Even if her demeanor back then was cold and distant, her intuition said otherwise. What really happened in those lost memories?

The weight of her doubts, her emotional wounds, and her tangled relationships had only forged her will into something unbreakable. It was nearly impossible to make Shimizu truly yield.

Shimizu was never naturally dominant, unlike Rei, whose pride seemed innate. For Shimizu, it was about filling a void, trying to silence the self-loathing inside. These traits had formed out of survival, not design. She never gave them much thought, simply following her instincts to chase fleeting comfort. She had believed Lily enjoyed being dominated by strong women, but she was wrong.

Lily didn't enjoy it. Despite her gentle demeanor, she carried a fierce ego and quiet competitiveness. Her happiness came from seeing her sisters smile, even if it meant enduring embarrassment herself. If she truly enjoyed submission, there would be no shame in it.

Rinne had hoped Shimizu would come to understand this, that rather than taking from Lily, she should help her grow into a more decisive and commanding presence. Lily was destined to bear tremendous responsibility. She needed to become not just strong in battle, but regal in bearing, worthy of confronting the cunning powers above Takamagahara. Sadly, Shimizu lacked that kind of insight. Her punishment had come because she had crossed the line.

To the senior sister, it was acceptable for Lily to dote on Shimizu, even excessively, but true submission was something Lily owed to her alone. Her goal was to shape Lily into both her subordinate and a sovereign leader, someone who would one day command all others. It was a delicate and difficult transformation. But for now, they had more immediate concerns to handle.

The senior sister still had many ways to discipline Shimizu, though most remained unused. For now, she chose to proceed gradually, prioritizing the greater matters at hand. Yet her temper remained, and Shimizu had already crossed a line. Punishment would come when needed. After all, any ordinary woman locked in that timeless void for ninety-nine days would have gone mad long ago.

Just then, Lily entered the room.

Shimizu stood beside Rinne, her face expressionless and still, as if nothing had occurred. But Lily, ever perceptive, immediately sensed that something felt off. Shimizu's calmness was too perfect, too rehearsed.

Still, Lily had no idea what had taken place. She knelt before her senior sister respectfully but made no formal gesture toward Shimizu. Though Lily never bowed to her, something about the moment made Shimizu's heart sink.

Lily still offered a soft greeting. "Sister Shimizu."

Shimizu simply nodded. Though she appeared composed, a faint flush lingered on her face. Speaking now would be risky, her voice might betray everything.

What had the senior sister done to her? Even her spirit body had been pushed to its limits. Shimizu shuddered to think of what this woman was truly capable of. What frightened her most was that she had no way to fight back.

After answering a few of Lily's questions about her breakthrough into the Celestial Stage, Rinne turned her gaze to Shimizu. "By the way, there's one thing I'd like you to return to Lily."

Shimizu flinched, struggling to suppress the strain in her voice. "What is it?"

"The ruler," Rinne replied calmly. "It may not be a valuable treasure, but it's something I entrusted to Lily. There's meaning behind it. It's not right for you to keep it."

"Oh? It's just a wooden ruler. If you want it back, senior sister, then… take it," Shimizu replied, her voice oddly strained.

Lily noticed the trembling in Shimizu's legs and frowned. This was her spirit body. Why would it be shaking?

"Sister Shimizu, are you feeling unwell?" Lily asked with concern.

"I… I'm fine," Shimizu answered quickly.

"You don't need to return it to me directly. Just give it back to Lily when the time is right," Rinne added.

"I understand. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Shimizu said, bowing politely.

Lily had worried they might quarrel, but seeing them interact calmly brought her a sense of relief.

"I believe Lily will break through within the month," Rinne said. "When that happens, Shimizu, you'll need to find a way out of the abyss. In the meantime, strengthen your defenses and prepare for battle. Even with Lily's advancement, the coming conflict will not be easy."

"I understand," Shimizu replied.

"To ensure your safety, you must also learn the fifth technique of the Tsukuyomi Swordstyle. With it, no ordinary Supreme God will be able to challenge you. To master the fifth technique, you'll need Ayaka as your dance partner. She has reached the Celestial Stage and wields the Heavenly Charm Bell, the finest dancing instrument available. She's your ideal choice." Rinne glanced at Shimizu, her eyes glinting with subtle intent. "Ayaka is wise, principled, and unwavering. She has both intellect and bravery. She will be your most reliable ally, Lily. Treat her with care."

"Yes, senior sister." Lily nodded without hesitation.

But Shimizu felt a spark of resentment stir within her. 'You're strong, senior sister. I admit defeat. But don't overstep. How dare you parade Ayaka in front of me to make your point?'

"To unlock the fifth technique, you'll need to undergo Pair Training with Ayaka," Rinne continued. "You don't have to reach the Waterless Moon level, but you must come close. Without that, the technique won't respond to you."

"What?" Shimizu stiffened. Her voice dropped to a frustrated whisper. "Is that… really appropriate? If anyone finds out, it could ruin Lily's reputation. After all, at least symbolically, she and I are… married."

"When the time comes, only a few of us need to know. I trust no one will speak of it, right, Shimizu?"

"Of course," Shimizu replied with a forced smile.

Lily blinked in confusion. She had no intention of revealing anything publicly, so why would her senior sister mention this in front of Shimizu? It didn't seem necessary, and she knew well how such words might provoke her.

"That will be all for now. Return once you have retrieved the ruler, Lily. I have something more to share with you."

Shimizu's thoughts raced. Her spirit body was still under the influence of Rinne's mysterious ability. If she acted out again, she feared losing control. 'So she brought that up in front of me on purpose… just to provoke me. This woman is dangerous. One sign of disrespect, and everything she does from then on will be calculated to put me in my place.'

Even as she simmered, she couldn't help but admit to herself, 'Still… her methods are frighteningly effective.' Feeling cornered and powerless, Shimizu withdrew her consciousness from the Mirror Dimension, returning to the real world with Lily.

"Sister Shimizu, are you alright? You don't look well."

"Don't touch me!" Shimizu snapped, her cheeks burning red. It was the first time she had ever rejected Lily's concern so harshly.

'If Lily touches me now, that cursed ability might flare up again…' Shimizu hadn't expected it to follow her back into her physical body. Unlike the time she helped Lily shoulder the effects of that drug on their journey to Heian-kyo, this was different. She couldn't resist it. Worse still, she had no idea how long it would last, or what might happen if she lost control.

Without a word, Shimizu handed the ruler back to Lily. She squeezed her thighs together and walked off in an awkward, strained gait. Her steps were stiff, but quick. Before Lily could follow, she stopped her. "Don't come with me."

"Sister Shimizu…" Lily stared after her, confused and concerned. But remembering Rinne's instructions, she refocused and sent her consciousness back into the Mirror Dimension.

Outside the room, Shimizu staggered before collapsing to her knees. Clutching the door handle for support, she let out a stifled groan.

"No… If I move again, if I walk another step… I might lose control."

"Your Highness?" Yanagihada happened to pass by during her patrol and stopped, startled by the sight.

Shimizu lowered her head quickly, hiding her expression. In a composed tone, she said, "I'm not feeling well. Help me back to my quarters."