Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　--The place had already completely changed, as if it had forgotten what its original topography had been.

　The destruction was like that of an angry giant snake raging. Every single tree that stood there was mowed down, and many were uprooted by their roots and flew violently through the air.

　The earth is cracked, gouged out and sunken, with numerous bottomless holes, and it has been so devastated that it feels as if it could collapse headfirst into hell at any moment.

　All of this destruction was the work of one man, standing alone in the center of a place that bore the brunt of such overwhelming violence.

　Fresh blood spilling from his face, the man was barely able to breathe, but he was straining his legs as he stood there. A blasphemer who had taken on a "deadly sin" beyond his ability, and who had gained strength at the cost of his life.

　Juice - Betelgeuse Romanee-Conti.

"――――"

　His breathing was rough and his face was pale beyond pale.

　But even in that state, Juice's condition had calmed down compared to when he'd first arrived. It seemed that the "something" that had been raging inside his body had accepted this uncomfortable place as a temporary lodging.

　Although he'd thoroughly done whatever he wanted to the inside of what was nothing but skin and bones, control of his body was now entirely in Juice's hands, and the power he used to pay rent was increasing in precision and power.

　The authority wielded is overwhelming destructive power.

　The power of that "invisible hand", which no one can see, is immense, allowing it to reach out to places that are out of reach, reach out to things that cannot be touched, and unleash its power on things that should never be defeated.

　As the leader of the moderate faction in the Witch Cult, Juice's power is no match for that of the militant extremists. This is especially true when it comes to Regulus Corneas, the Archbishop of Greed, who wields unparalleled power as the Witch Cult's greatest fighting force.

　The fact that Juice was able to face him and not be turned into mincemeat in an instant was undoubtedly due to the witch factor he had absorbed.

　However, Juice's resistance was literally desperate.

"So... how is this...?"

　Juice glared ahead with bloodshot eyes, raised his trembling arms and squeezed out a voice.

　A relentless, unrelenting, concentrated storm of violence from an invisible hand. The enemy, hit by it over and over again, was covered in clouds of dust.

"Oh, are you done?"

　Regulus emerged from the clearing smoke, his fingers stuck in his ears, a bored look on his face.

　The sight of him roughly scratching his ears seems detached from the devastation around him, as if he had been added in as an afterthought to the scene of destruction.

"Even after doing this much...!"

"Come on, why don't you just realize that we're different? We're different players. You and I are different players. In the first place, it doesn't even matter if we get along or how strong we are. No one can defeat me, nor can they hurt me. No matter how much of a witch you try to absorb, or bring along a dragon or a sword saint, it's all for nothing."

"...But despite that, it seems like you've been putting up quite the... time-waster... with me."

"Because there's no need for me to rush after you. You can see, right? I'm just an attendant. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come all the way out of my way to a place like this. I'm enjoying my little peace surrounded by my wives in the mansion. However, I'm starting to get bored of it."

　Responding curtly to Juice's words, Regulus took a slow step forward.

　He walked safely through the unusual terrain of the forest, and when he reached eye level with Juice, he raised his hand lightly and waved.

　Juice braces himself, wondering what's going to happen, as he makes a gesture as if he's waving away a bug.

　Calling out to his inner self, he offered his blood and flesh to the writhing black thing to gain strength. And just like that, he took a breath, ready to slam the rising impulse into Regulus.

　Both of Juice's arms were torn off at the shoulders and sent flying.

"Wha, what!?"

"That's a boring reaction. If you're going to bother me, wouldn't it be polite to at least writhe around in a way that's entertaining to watch? Well, I suppose there's no point in expecting that."

"Ooh, ooooh!!"

　Both of his arms were blown off and rolled on the ground, blood splattering everywhere, while Juice, who had lost both his arms from the shoulders, screamed with his eyes rolled up.

　The cut surfaces of both shoulders were dirty, exposing ugly scars that looked like they had been torn off by the fangs of a beast. His right arm was missing from his shoulder, and his left arm was missing from around the middle of his upper arm.

　Juice's body arches back and convulses violently in excruciating pain.

　Blood bubbles spewed out, and his teeth, clenched in pain, shattered one after another. His legs, already losing strength, dropped to his knees, and Juice's forehead hit the ground, his face covered in despair.

"In the end, it's all about your resolve, your determination, and all that. Everyone is like that, so don't worry about it. No one can live with more than they can hold in their hands. Be content with your own little world, be fulfilled, and live only by looking within. Live within your means. And now that you no longer have your arms to hold it in... isn't that obvious?"

"Oh! Ahhhh..."

"I really don't like it. Seeing me tormenting you like this, you might think that I'm a sadist who gets pleasure from inflicting pain on others, but that's a complete misunderstanding, and a huge insult to who I am. It's not like I'm doing it because I want to. There's nothing in my life that I do because I want to. I'm fulfilled, and I don't want to be influenced by anyone, for better or worse. I'm selfless. I'm satisfied. You have no right to resent me. I was just walking, and now you're standing in front of me."

　The force of the spurting blood weakened, and Juice's screams became quieter and weaker.

　Juice's short, rough breathing was accompanied by a raspy sound, and his body, crouching and foaming with blood, was twitching like an insect on the verge of dying.

　There was no malice or hostility in the words Regulus spat out.

　There was no reason to express emotion in what he was simply stating the simple truth. Regulus believed it to be the truth, without any need to conceal anything.

　Juice's desperate act had no effect on Regulus Corneas, not even to the extent of his bangs being blown about by the wind.

Subaru: "To be honest, I was taken aback. I thought there must be something going on if they even summoned me… well, there has never been a time when I wasn't taken aback, but if they're going to summon me, I'd like them to at least show me something that's worth the effort of walking."

"I apologize, Bishop Regulus. Thank you for taking the time to come here, but I couldn't meet your expectations."

　As Regulus looked down at the juice that looked as if it was about to decay at any moment, Pandora, who had only been watching the battle up until then, spoke to him.

　She too was standing alone in her original spot, in the middle of a forest that had been ravaged by the invisible hand of Juice.

　Just like Regulus, his appearance hadn't changed even the slightest. The white cloth that wrapped his slender, small body was pure white without a speck of dirt, and naturally, his beautiful features were without a single blemish.

"It's not that Pandora-sama is at fault. It's just that those people from the forest and the moderate useless people are all pathetic. They're trash with no ambition whatsoever. Unlike me, who is so high up that there's no need for me to improve myself, they're just ordinary people who would stop struggling to survive if they stopped. Refusing to even fill their own vessels is an unthinkable shallowness of desire from a greedy person like me."

"Not everyone can think like you or reach your level. You are more special than anyone else, and you are happy with who you are. You are wonderful in your completeness. And they are wonderful in their imperfections, too."

"I'm not good at reasoning. I don't mind words of praise from you, Lady Pandora, but I'm not looking for praise. In the first place, there was no need for me or the Black Snake to come here. Lady Pandora could easily take control of this forest by herself."

　Even now, somewhere in this forest, there exists a magical beast spreading a deadly disease.

　Regulus, who felt disgust at the presence of this hideous malice, did not even realize that in the eyes of others, he was deformed in himself and should have been treated the same.

　Pandora replied, "Yes," in response to Regulus' words, tilting her chin.

"If it was about taking away their ability to resist, then it's certainly possible for me to do it on my own. But that would be meaningless. We certainly didn't come here to harm the inhabitants of the forest."

Subaru: "You brought the reckless black snake along with you, and now you say something like that? I suppose it's true that you had no intention of causing any harm… but as for the damage that may occur, you've just accepted it as inevitable, right?"

"It is inevitable that lives will be sacrificed for a noble purpose. But even in the face of such a cruel fate, we never forget the spirit to resist. The beauty of that heart cannot be denied."

"I'm going off topic here, but the point is that people will kill for a goal. Hahaha. I think something as simple as that is easier to understand. It's much better than wasting my day making me rack my brains and think about it pointlessly."

"I really like that compromise."

　Regulus shrugged at Pandora's smile, which seemed to melt the heart of the person it was directed at.

　Regulus then returned his gaze to the collapsed Juice, who would inevitably lose his life if left unattended, and set off to deliver the final blow.

"Well, it's not like you'll die if the body dies, but it'll be easier to manage if you pull out the insides and hold them by the neck. It's a bit strange to hold them by the neck of something that doesn't have a neck or a head, though..."

　Regulus raised his leg and stomped down, intending to crush Juice's head, but before he could make that move, a voice interrupted.

"Alhuma!!"

　As the incantation is chanted, the world accepts the transformation of mana and matter is formed.

　With the sound of the air exploding, a massive block of ice appeared, covering the entire sky. With the trees knocked down, it was now easier to look up at the sky, and a pale blue surface had formed across it.

"Yeah... Really, every single one of them."

　Looking up at the sky, Regulus clicked his tongue as he saw the frozen continent floating above his head.

　Immediately afterwards, a block of ice with an enormous mass rained down on him from above――

"――――"

　A violent tremor and a shock wave with no way to escape slammed into Regulus' body, crushing it.

　With the blasts and rumblings that continued for what seemed like countless times, the remains of the forest, which could only be described as a collapsed site, appeared to be in even greater disrepair.

　The scenery had changed countless times just on that day; fragments of shattered ice were scattered all over the place, trees and rocks had been smashed from above, and the ground had been filled in by an overwhelming mass of water.

　A world where shards of white ice dance in the air and light dances wildly.

　Amidst all of this, a silver-haired woman was dragging a man who was lying limp and weak.

「Juice! Juice, pull yourself together! This is...ahh, what should I do...!」

"Fo, Luna...sama...is that death...?"

　Responding to the voice calling out to him, a faint light returned to Juice's eyes, which had been on the verge of death.

　His life was still in danger, but Juice still managed to regain consciousness, and Fortuna, who had returned, nodded repeatedly.

"Yeah, yeah, that's me. Juice, I ended up like this..."

"It's fine... Flesh will eventually decay... You trusted me and entrusted me with your fingertips, I'm sure you will understand... More importantly, Lady Emilia..."

"I left her in the care of a trustworthy child and sent her out of the forest. I'm sure she'll be fine."

"Right, Death... That's... Good, Death..."

"--Of course there isn't anything there!"

　Juice's blood-stained face relaxed in relief as he spoke, and the enraged voice of Regulus overlapped.

　The ground that had been filled with ice exploded into pieces, and Regulus, who had received a direct hit from a mass bullet, had an expression of rage on his face. He pushed his bangs back, and his eyes were filled with clear hostility.

"Just when I thought you'd come back, you suddenly come back. Who do you think you are? I was about to crush that guy right now! What right do you have, and whose permission do you have, my... my ...

　Shouting as if in anger, Regulus crouched down and thrust both his arms into the ground. As he raised his arms, earth flew up into the air, and the soft dirt flew towards Fortuna and Juice.

　However, the amount of dirt that was scattered was not that great. It was the embodiment of clumsy and childish anger, like a child scattering sand in a sandbox.

　Fortuna looked up at the mud Regulus had scattered, and, ignoring its effect, increased her magical power in an attempt to instantly counter it.

　However,

"No!! We have to avoid all of that mud..."

"picture..."

　Interrupting Fortuna's chant, Juice lunged headfirst and knocked her down. With the two of them lying defenseless on the ground, Juice mustered all his strength and used his "invisible hand" to throw them backwards.

　Rather than intercepting the mud or defending himself, he chooses to just roll on the ground without even being able to take a defensive stance.

　Fortuna was momentarily taken aback by Juice's decision, and almost wondered what he was thinking before looking at him.

　The moment the mud and stone fragments thrown by Regulus hit the ground, a sound like raindrops hitting a roof rang out, and countless small holes appeared in the ground.

　Each hole was about the size of a grain of sand, but their density and penetrating power were the problem.

　It was a mysterious attack that ended up doing nothing but gouging into the ground, but one fallen tree that had barely managed to retain its original shape managed to touch the surface of its ferocious power.

　As a result, the trunk, which was so thick that Fortuna barely could wrap her arms around it, was riddled with countless tiny holes and literally blown into pieces.

　It's not hard to imagine that if it had hit the human body directly, it would have instantly turned into smoke and blood.

　And what's most frightening is that

"What are you all avoiding?! You should just take it, turn into pieces of meat, and become food for the insects. That goes for that scum of Petelgeuse and that woman too. I was thinking that you could make her my 79th wife, but you did something stupid instead...!"

　Regulus once again thrust his arm into the ground in the same way.

　What's most frightening is that to him, the act of causing such destruction is child's play, requiring little more than digging up the earth and spilling it everywhere.

　Enraged and wielding destructive power, Regulus' stature did not change at all even after being hit with Fortuna's all-out surprise attack. Abnormal, that was the word to use.

　Regulus Corneas wields unparalleled power in both offense and defense. Despite his great strength, that power is sealed within a body that harbors a selfish and childish mind.

　Fortuna described the monster before her as a dangerous being, like an undisciplined child who would turn on anyone depending on his mood, given the same powers as a dragon.

"If you don't want a piece of meat, I'll tear off your limbs and decorate you! I'll make you regret mocking me... "Greed"!"

"Please wait, Bishop Regulus."

　Just as Regulus was about to rain down another barrage of earth pellets on Juice and Fortuna, he heard Pandora's voice call out to him from behind.

　With his arms still in the ground, Regulus turned to look at Pandora with just his head. The anger on his face was still strong, and he showed no signs of backing down from Pandora, whom he treated like a superior.

"...What is it, Pandora-sama? Right now, my rights have been violated and I am trembling with rage from the bottom of my heart. What business do you have with me? What are your intentions in stopping me? Watch your words and answer me right now..."

"Please calm your anger, Bishop Regulus. I will not allow them to be killed here. When you see those two, doesn't that make you feel something?"

Subaru: "Looking at my state right now, does it seem like you don't really care? — Just because I'm acting humble, don't get too cocky, you woman!"

　Regulus's resentment, Juice's condition, Fortuna's resolve - Pandora's words were in stark contrast to all of them, and Regulus' rage was directed at her.

　As if forgetting that they were allies, Regulus raised his arm, which was thrust into the ground, towards Pandora. Earth pellets shot up, pulverizing trees in their path as they aimed for Pandora's body, who stood calmly. Upon a direct hit, the girl's body exploded into countless pieces of blood and flesh.

"...lie"

　Fortuna muttered in shock at the sight of Pandora, defenseless and hit by the earthen shrapnel, blown to pieces. She had just witnessed the cruel death of someone she hated, the result of a rift between friends.

　He had thought for sure that she had a trump card that could even parry Regulus' attacks, but instead, Pandora was reduced to red pieces of flesh and splattered across the forest ground, becoming fertilizer for the barren land.

"This is what happens when you talk shit to me. Why can't any of you just be considerate? Don't get in my way. Don't stand in my way. Don't tell me what to do. Don't oppose what I do. Am I asking you to do something that difficult? Hey, what do you guys think?"

　Having killed Pandora, Regulus looked back at the two with a dark light in his eyes.

　It was not a time to be happy about the situation, simply because one enemy had been reduced. Even if the number of enemies had been reduced from two to one, if that one was an absolutely powerful person, the situation would not have changed at all.

　In her surprise attack, Fortuna struck Regulus with the greatest force she possessed.

　Even when hit by it, Regulus was not even injured, and his clothes did not even get any more wrinkles. It was frustrating, but it was impossible for Fortuna to defeat Regulus.

　And Juice had also been pushed into a disadvantageous position, with his body being destroyed. Even if they managed to persuade the dying Juice to stand up, the battle would still be one-sided.

　All that remained was for them to attract Regulus' wrath towards them, buying them time to allow their daughter to escape.

"Leave this to me... Fortuna-sama..."

"Juice, you."

"No matter how much blood you lose, keep moving until your entire body is dead. I-I'll buy you some time, so… Lady Fortuna, run…"

"Don't say stupid things."

　Fortuna's cheeks relaxed as Juice tried to lift himself up in her arms.

　Even in times like these, I feel a little surprised and proud that I can still smile.

Subaru: "Are you telling me to leave you behind and run away from here? If that were the case, I would never have come back. You came back even after breaking up with Emilia, so what do you expect me to do by running away?"

"Death, but... then why did you come back... I..."

"To keep you from dying. If you do die, to be by your side."

　Staring into Fortuna's amethyst eyes, Juice forced his blood-stained eyes open.

　Fortuna held Juice close, now feeling completely lighter without both arms, and spoke to him so close they could almost feel his breath.

"What am I waiting for in a world without you, in a forest where you no longer exist? I am weak and cannot survive such a long time without you."

"You're weak..."

"I'm weak. I was just acting tough in front of you and Emilia."

　Fortuna said, sounding relieved, and picked up Juice.

　Juice, trembling, stood up, using Fortuna's body as support, and she leaned towards him, supporting him firmly.

　Seeing the man and woman standing in each other's arms, Regulus looked genuinely uncomfortable.

"You've been ignoring my questions for a long time, and now you're getting excited. I wonder what's going on. What's going on? I've shown you all the difference in our strength, and I've explained it to you in a way that's easy to understand, so why do you keep telling me not to do it? What on earth are you guys thinking?"

"You're such a fussy old man. You can tell from my attitude. You've been lecturing me on so many things, but there's only one answer we can give you."

"That's right, that's right..."

　Fortuna and Juice exchanged glances, then spoke in unison to the enraged Regulus.

"--Who cares, idiot?"

　The voices overlap, and Fortuna gives them the bonus of giving them the middle finger.

　With their combined threat, Fortuna and Juice draw on each other's inner strength.

　Having been yelled at, Regulus' face turned red with rage.

"...!! That's fine! I'll turn you two into indistinguishable blood clots and toss them into the filthy mouth of the Black Snake--"

"I told you to wait, Bishop Regulus."

　This was the third time that the will of Regulus Corneas had been obstructed.

　Pandora descended from above and grasped Regulus' head, and his body sank to the ground without resistance. In an instant, Regulus was buried in the earth from his toes to his chin, and looked up from below at Pandora who had landed beside him.

"Over and over again...!"

"If it is necessary to break your will, I will do so. At this point, I have more or less achieved my purpose in bringing you here. You may go home now."

"You brought me here, and now you're satisfied, so you're going home now? Who could be satisfied with words like that? Until this irritation subsides and I can return to my old self, I will never…"

"I see. Then I will say, 'Bishop Regulus cannot be here. He is spending his time in his own mansion, surrounded by his wife.'"

"Ma--"

　The next moment, Regulus, about to shout something, suddenly disappeared.

　He didn't sink completely into the ground he was buried in. He just disappeared from the spot without a trace. There was no trace of his body being stuck in the place where he should have been.

　It was as if he was confirming Pandora's words, "He can't be here."

"Now that the noisy people have left, we can have a leisurely chat."

"...Before that, can I just ask one thing? Why are you here? I clearly saw you die with my own eyes."

　Pandora just stood there as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

　The girl with a gentle smile on her face was sure to turn into pieces of meat and be scattered. Turning her gaze to where the remains had been scattered, Fortuna let out a faint gasp.

　Where dark red pieces of flesh should have been scattered, there was not a trace of it. Just like Regulus had vanished, her body had also vanished.

　Pandora tilted her head as Fortuna was at a loss for words.

"What if... it's just a case of misreading something?"

"--!"

　Fortuna was horrified by what Pandora said.

　That couldn't be possible, but the world had taken a form that proved Pandora's words. An abnormal situation in which the scene he had seen was denied and overwritten with a scene he had never seen before.

　The corpse disappears, Pandora is resurrected, and Regulus disappears, along with all traces of him.

　Immediately after realizing this, Fortuna looked next to her and nearly screamed at the even more shocking thing that had happened.

　Juice, standing next to him, had both of his arms, which had supposedly been torn off, but had grown back to normal.

"Without Bishop Regulus, the consequences of his actions will disappear. It's a simple matter. Although, it was my kindness that healed Bishop Petelgeuse's wounds."

　Pandora explained matter-of-factly to Fortuna and Juice, whose throats were clenching.

　Juice turned his arm around as if to confirm that it had returned to his own body, and Fortuna turned her trembling eyes towards him,

"Ju, Juice, that arm..."

"Please move safely. Your body... everything except your insides is safe."

"I won't change the fact that you have absorbed the factor. I wish to praise your actions, and her actions in returning to you in search of you. Please consider this as proof of my sincerity."

　Although it was clearly an abnormal situation, Pandora continued speaking as if nothing had happened normally.

　To Fortuna, Pandora is an object of hatred. That won't change, and there's no denying that she is someone who makes her unable to contain her rage the moment she sees her.

　But I never imagined he would be such an enigmatic opponent.

　I can't imagine what they did to me. I can't understand what's happening.

　The events that had occurred in this forest today were all beyond Fortuna's imagination. The only thing she knew was that, as a result of all this incomprehensible stuff, everything was coming to an end.

"Lord Fortuna, please be careful!"

　The continuous succession of shocking events brought Fortuna's thoughts to a halt, but then she was slammed down.

　When she blinked at the pain of being slapped on the cheek, Juice, right in front of her, was looking at Fortuna. He grabbed both of her shoulders,

"You probably have questions, and are confused, but for now we have no choice but to put those aside. What's important is to protect the forest, and Lady Emilia! And… that can only be achieved if we defeat that woman!"

"--juice"

　Hearing his cry, Fortuna's eyes regained strength and she glared at Pandora.

　Yes, it was as he said. It was certainly a mysterious opponent, and there was fear in not knowing what he might do. Still, in order to get her way, Pandora made Regulus, a fighting force, disappear from the scene and restored Juice's lost arm.

　It is a foolish act that weakens one's own forces and restores the enemy's strength. As a result, one may not even be aware of the cornering they have put themselves in.

"Juice is right. We can forget about what happened for now!"

「Let's join forces and defeat her! If we can just repel her, the other Witch Cults in the forest will surely retreat. ーーWe can save Emilia-sama!」

　As Juice spoke, the image of his beloved daughter flashed through Fortuna's mind.

　I had resigned myself to the fact that this might be the last time we saw each other. In fact, I had been planning to defeat him with that resolve until just now. However, now I saw a new hope.

　I'll save Emilia. With none other than my own power and Juice's.

"---The demonic hand of absolute ice, frozen white, trapping even the fluctuations of time."

　The magical power that was meant to be slammed into Regulus was still swirling within Fortuna's body, searching for an outlet to explode. Giving this power a shape, a target, the mana that interferes with the world through chanting.

　What was born, making the sound of the world cracking, was a single icicle with a sharp tip - a spear of ice that seemed as if it would take several giants to lift it.

　The tip of the spear was aimed at Pandora. If the ice spear hit directly, the girl's body would be torn apart, and every piece of flesh would be frozen solid, leaving no room for her to revive.

　Next to Fortuna, Juice put his arms around his shoulders and pressure surged out from him.

　His powers rage beneath his tattered robes, and blood is once again flowing from all the wounds except for his reconstructed arm. Even though he is reduced to a pitiful state, the man still burns his soul for what he believes in.

　And Pandora, unfazed by the powers of these two, just laughed.

"Come on. -- Let me embrace you and experience the full force of your resolve."

　Their power shook the world in order to tear that smile apart.

　and--.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　Emilia woke up in a depression, shook her head, and while looking around restlessly, she suddenly remembered where she was.

"That's right... I..."

　I was covered in mud and the scenery was unfamiliar to me. My knees were scraped and my feet were sore from running too much.

　All of them came crashing down on Emilia, who had just regained consciousness, causing a chest-wrenching sense of impatience and reminding her that the memories she was relentlessly reliving were not a lie or a dream.

"Mother... Juice... Arch..."

　The important people who tried so hard to help me escape somewhere.

　As the faces of each person came back to her mind, Emilia remembered what she had to do. Run, everyone who had tried to protect her had told her to.

　I want you to run straight through it and escape from this forest.

　However, Emilia must have thought the same thing.

　There must be something I can do for everyone.

"Y-yes... Hoo-in... Hoo-in!"

　The sound of the seal brought back memories of Emilia just before she fell into the depression.

　Fortuna had a stern look on her face as she exchanged words with Arch. The scary people who had come to the forest were looking to seal it.

　The Forest Seal is a mysterious door that lies deep, deep within the village where Emilia and her friends live. An iron-like door that leads nowhere, simply standing in the middle of the forest.

　Emilia knows the location of what the adults call the Seal.

"I have to go."

　Even if they rushed there, there was nothing they could do for young Emilia.

　Emilia didn't know how to open the door, and she didn't even fully understand what the word "seal" meant. All she knew was that something incredibly important was there, and that she knew where it was - that was all Emilia needed right now.

　It's not what she can do that drives the young girl's body.

　Surely it was the hope that if she went there, something would change that pushed the girl to go.

"To Fuyin's place... but which one...?"

　She cried when she parted ways with Juice, cried and clung to Fortuna as he held her, ran through the forest while being carried by Archie, and ran straight through unfamiliar places by herself.

　Although this was the forest where Emilia lived, it was no longer the forest she knew. The only place she could run around in like a garden was the area around the village. Emilia had no idea where the seal was, let alone where her long-lost mother or Juice were.

"Uh, huh..."

　Feeling pitiful and powerless, sobs welled up in the young Emilia's throat.

　Even though he knows what he needs to do, he doesn't have the strength to do it. His mother is not there to rely on and cling to in times of trouble. He must act to save his mother, and no one else.

"--cormorant?"

Emilia's single-minded and earnest feelings moved the supernatural beings watching over her.

　As Emilia wiped away the tears that were spilling from her eyes, she suddenly blinked as a faint light passed in front of her face. When she raised her head, multiple light entities crossed her field of vision.

"Fairy-san...?"

　An extraordinary being that Emilia calls a fairy, and Fortuna and Juice call a spirit.

　The micro-spirits, who are supposed to have no words or wills of their own, respond to the young girl's desperate plea.

　In front of Emilia, who was frozen in shock, the micro-spirits spun around as if dancing, then began to pace back and forth as if pointing in one direction.

　Seeing this, Emilia realised the micro-spirit's intention and her voice trembled.

"Are you telling me...?"

　There was no answer, but the micro-spirits shook the light up and down as if to confirm the question.

"If we go there, will there be a fuin? Can we help Mother and everyone else...?"

　A micro-spirit flashing powerfully.

　Seeing that pale light, Emilia wiped her tears away with her sleeve and shook her head.

　This is no time to stay here crying forever.

　My mother, Juice, and many other people helped me, and even a fairy cheered me up when I was crying. I can't forgive myself for continuing to crouch like this forever.

"Yeah...yeah, yeah."

　The micro-spirits swayed as if to check Emilia's condition. Emilia nodded in response, and shook her small body as she took off running. Following the micro-spirits' lead, she kicked the rough ground with all her might.

　It climbs over depressions, scales slopes, and shrinks its body to squeeze through narrow gaps between trees.

　There are many paths that micro-spirits can slip through, but Emilia cannot. She stumbles, gets her cheek scratched by a branch, falls, bites the earth, spits it out, and gets up.

　I was out of breath, and the pain and fear brought tears to my eyes again.

　Sniffling, wiping away tears with my muddy sleeve, I ran, slapping my scraped knees.

　As Emilia runs as hard as she can, enduring the pain and discomfort, memories come back to her mind.

　Ever since she was old enough to understand, Emilia has spent time in this forest and village.

　Fortuna was a strict mother and never spoiled Emilia. She was not Emilia's real mother. Emilia had real parents.

　It was a phrase that Emilia repeated like a catchphrase, but at the same time she believed it and at the same time didn't. She had real parents. That was a joyous thing. But Fortuna was also her real mother. To Emilia, that was an undeniable truth. Today's events had truly brought that home to her.

　I remember the day he scolded me. I remember the night he held me and slept with me as Emilia cried and apologized. I know that he stroked my head in bed until Emilia woke up so that she wouldn't feel lonely.

　Emilia knows better than anyone that her mother loved her.

　Everyone in the village was kind to Emilia.

　She had always felt alienated, as if they were keeping their distance from her, as if they didn't know how to interact with her. But even so, they never said anything to hurt Emilia, and they were always kind to Fortuna, who was protecting her.

　She knows that everyone had done everything they could to make that princess room a comfortable place for Emilia. They prepared toys for her to play with and made lots of hand-sewn dolls so that she wouldn't feel lonely cooped up inside. The number of dolls increases day by day, and already there aren't enough for Emilia to use all of her fingers and toes.

　The number of dolls, each and every thread spun, was proof of their consideration for Emilia.

　At first, Emilia hated Juice.

　She was always kept away from everyone and locked in the princess room whenever Juice and the others came over. The adults must have been hiding from her and doing something fun. When Emilia escaped from the princess room for the first time and saw Juice and Fortuna and the others meeting, she became jealous of Juice when she saw Fortuna smiling.

　He thought he would never forgive him. But when he met Emilia by chance, he burst into tears. He cried and cried, and as he clung to her, crying with a look of joy, Emilia forgave him.

　After all, those tears were warm. Remembering the comfort she'd felt in Fortuna's arms, Emilia stroked Juice's head. She'd been by his side so he wouldn't feel lonely when he stopped crying as he cried tears of joy. It couldn't be helped, she thought.

　I thought there was nothing I could do about it.

"I... will be with everyone again..."

　I want to sleep in the same bed with Fortuna again.

　Next time, I want to invite everyone to my princess room.

　Juice had cheekily tried to protect Emilia, so this time I was going to step on his foot.

　So I want to see you all again.

"I'm being a good girl..."

　And so, running with her eyes blurred by tears and passing through many branches, Emilia finally found the sealed door she had been searching for,

"Welcome, come in."

　A platinum-haired girl stood at the door, arms outstretched, welcoming Emilia.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

"I'm glad you came to me. I'm glad you managed to find the seal, but I didn't know where the key was. But I'm relieved that you were able to find it safely."

"Why are you here?"

　The girl who was speaking to her in a friendly manner - Pandora gave off an odd pressure, and Emilia's throat trembled as she asked a question. In response, Pandora lightly clapped her hands.

"Fufu, you're surprised. It's a simple thing. This seal is very important to me. That's why I've been searching for it all this time. It's also the reason I came to this forest today. So it was inevitable that I'm here."

"..."

　Pandora's answer was not the one Emilia was looking for.

　What Emilia wanted to know was why Pandora had come to this place. The last time she had seen her, she had been blocked by Juice along with Regulus.

　The fact that she was able to come here is a testament to Juice's courage.

"Why are you here?"

　So, not wanting to have him find out, Emilia repeats the same question.

　Perhaps noticing Emilia's shattered heart, Pandora widened her eyes, then placed a hand on her chest as if reflecting on her words.

"I'm sorry. I gave a strange answer. What you wanted to ask about was not me, but Bishop Petelgeuse and your mother."

"...!"

　Pandora's understanding is slow, but she eventually arrives at the correct form.

　If she had continued to misunderstand, then at the very least Emilia would have avoided knowing the answer to her question. Even if she herself was beginning to lose track of what she wanted.

　Listening to Emilia's conflict, Pandora smiles kindly.

　There was no malice or venom in that smile, it was simply brimming with the thoughtfulness of wanting to ease Emilia's worries.

"Please rest assured. Both Bishop Petelgeuse and your mother, whom you are concerned about, are safe."

"picture...?"

"You should have just listened to me from the beginning, instead of looking so worried. My followers and I did not come to the forest to harm you. As I said before, we have business regarding this seal. Therefore, we would not be so foolish as to cause unnecessary sacrifices."

　Pandora's words, spoken to her gently as if to persuade her, struck a chord with Emilia's overwhelmed heart.

　If he believed what she said, then Fortuna and Juice were safe. And maybe the people in the forest hadn't ended up as terrible as he'd imagined.

　On the contrary, she said that she had business with this seal right now. In other words, once the business with this seal was completed――

"Once you're done with Fuyin, will you please go home...?"

"..."

"Once you've finished with Fuin, can you please leave the forest? Can you please leave without doing anything bad to anyone...?"

"--Yes, of course. I have no desire for unnecessary sacrifices."

　Pandora nodded deeply in promise to Emilia's clumsy plea.

　Pandora then points to the sealed door and tilts her head at the tearful Emilia.

"So please hand over the key. Once we open this sealed door, we will withdraw from this forest immediately."

"key...?"

"That's right. It's a key. This seal is in the shape of a door, so it can't be opened without a key. And you should have that key."

"I don't know anything about that..."

　Emilia shook her head at Pandora's assertion.

　In truth, she had no recollection of being questioned about anything. Emilia had no memory of anyone giving her anything resembling a key, and the seal itself had been kept a secret from her within the village to begin with.

　Emilia had been kept in secrecy about the seal, so there was no way she could have the key to it. It was an obvious conclusion, without even thinking about it.

　Emilia, not understanding, shook her head.

　Pandora also shook her head slowly in response to Emilia's answer.

"There's no need to hide it."

"N-no... I really, really don't know! I don't have a key! I've never been given one! I can't open this fuin!"

"I see -- then we shall have to dig through the woods to find the key."

　In response to Emilia's answer, Pandora lowered her eyes, a look of great pain on her face.

　His attitude and behavior were sympathetic to Emilia, yet he also possessed a strong mentality that indicated he would absolutely carry out whatever he said, which made Emilia shiver.

　If we don't open the seal on the door right now, this girl will dig through the entire forest.

　"Dig up" is just a lame word. Pandora will "dig up" the forest, and the people who live there, her mother, everyone in the village, and Juice and the others.

　Even young Emilia could clearly see that Pandora had the power to do so.

　This is an extraordinary thing.

　So much so that she is certain that even Fortuna, who is the symbol of strength to Emilia, is no match for her.

"Oh, I'll open it! I'll open it!"

　So Emilia speaks up to stop Pandora from taking action.

　Hearing Emilia's answer, Pandora's face brightened instantly,

"Really? That's a relief. So you have the key after all. I thought so. After all, you are clearly the witch's daughter."

"Ma...jo...no?"

"Yes, that's right. Then, please seal it. Once we've inspected the inside of the door, we can leave immediately."

　Pandora gave way to Emilia, and waited for her to make her move, beaming with joy.

　Though her heart was stirred by the words she had spoken, Emilia was unable to retreat and stepped forward. The sealed door was so small that even when she looked up, she could not see the top.

　It seems like a dream story that a tiny girl would have to open a gigantic door that was practically made for even larger giants to pass through.

"..."

　She stood in front of the door. However, Emilia still had no intention of opening it.

　When she had checked the location of the seal before, Emilia had tried every possible approach to this door. She had already tried pushing, pulling, and climbing.

　The old door made no move towards Emilia's small body, and remained perfectly still without even making a creaking sound, let alone opening.

　It's the same today.

　Even if I reach out and touch it, there is no sign of it moving.

"Haa... haa... haa... ah"

　My heart was beating abnormally fast and the sound of blood pumping echoed endlessly in my head.

　My chest was hot, my heart was beating so fast it felt like it might jump out of my mouth at any moment, yet my hands and feet were freezing, and the tips of my limbs felt heavy as if they were filled with lead.

　I need to move, but I can't.

　If we can't open this, everyone will be in trouble.

　Even though I know that, I can't do anything.

　Her mind went blank with fear and despair, and Emilia's existence was erased.

"---Think of yourself as the key."

　That voice slid effortlessly into the earlobes of Emilia, who was desperate for something to cling to.

　-I'm the key.

　Following the voice's orders, Emilia's mind pictured that one thing.

　At that moment, Emilia felt the weight of her palm as it touched the door. She looked at her hand and saw that a large, old, silver key was tightly gripped in her hand.

"key..."

"Have you started to see? If so, then you are the key."

　Hearing Emilia mutter, Pandora pointed out with glee.

　However, there was something unnatural about the words, as if Pandora couldn't see the key in Emilia's hand.

"Can't you see this...?"

"--. No, I can't see it. The key can only be entrusted to the hands of those who are qualified. I'm sure there are only two people in the world who can open it."

　Pandora seemed to be envious of this. Her eyes were certainly on Emilia's hand, but she couldn't see the key. Emilia didn't understand how she could not see the key, which she could even feel its weight, but she turned to look at the door with the key in her hand.

　The key appeared - but there was nothing resembling a keyhole on the door.

　The door doesn't even have a handle. Even though it's a big key, it's much smaller than this huge door. Can such a simple key really open a door?

"--ah"

　And yet, Emilia instinctively knew how to use the key.

　There is no need to look for a keyhole. This door is like a keyhole in itself.

　This door is not a sealed door.

　It's just a lid on the seal. It's not what this door is sealing. The seal is something more intangible that is placed inside this door.

"Come on, open it."

　Taking a breath at Pandora's request, Emilia took a step forward.

　Emilia simply presses the key in her hand against the door and twists it with the intention of "opening" the door, and the door will open. Just by doing so, the door will be released from its long, long-lasting seal.

　--If we open this door, everyone will be saved.

"...What happened?"

　However, just before she was about to slam the key into the door, Emilia's reaching hand stopped.

　Seeing his trembling fingertips stop moving, Pandora frowned slightly.

　Without replying, Emilia stares at the keys in her hand.

　If the key is pressed against the door like this, the seal will be opened.

　Howeverーー,

"Emilia. --Promise."

　What Emilia heard in her head were the words her mother whispered to her as they parted ways.

　Those were the words spoken when they made a promise that had nothing to do with this seal.

　But Emilia remembers that she promised her mother that she would keep her promise.

　I don't know about the seal. I shouldn't know.

　Emilia doesn't know about this place and shouldn't interfere.

　He had made a promise to Fortuna. And keeping that promise had to be his number one priority. It would be a betrayal of his faith, so that was no good.

　If she turns out to be a bad girl, no one will be able to forgive her.

　So opening the seal is not a good idea.

"Ah, I can't open it..."

"--Why?"

"A promise...a promise. I don't know anything about Fuin. You can't open it."

"I see. Promises are important. I think your desire to keep them is admirable and important. However... it depends on the situation."

　Emilia shook her head in refusal, and Pandora met her gaze as if to persuade her. Pandora touched Emilia's silver hair as she clutched the key in both hands,

"Did you make that promise with your mother? Your mother is a very fine woman. She taught you what is right and honorable. Her aspirations are something that should be protected."

"In that case..."

"But sometimes a decision must be made, even if it means breaking a promise. It may be cruel to ask you, who are still young, to make a decision. However, fate forces a decision on you, but it does not take into account the circumstances of those who are at its mercy. Fate loves those who resist against its undulating nature, and gives them hope for the outcome. Which hope do you seek?"

"Which hope...?"

　At Emilia's husky voice, Pandora nodded with a motherly smile and said, "Yes."

　She gently held out both her hands in front of Emilia,

"One is to keep the promise you made to Mother, confront us without opening the seal, and hopefully survive this ordeal."

　Pandora raises her right hand, as if holding an invisible hope.

"And the other is to break my promise to Mother, open the seal, grant our wishes, and end the situation without causing any more damage."

　Lifting her left hand, Pandora offers the same invisible hope to Emilia.

"――――"

　Seeing the hands held out in front of her, Emilia stiffened, unable to speak.

　His lungs felt frozen and he couldn't even consciously breathe. He was afraid that if he were to accidentally say something, Pandora would pull her arms away.

　The two hopes that were offered to her were so strong that, without her being able to touch either of them, they would all be snatched away from before Emilia's eyes.

　--That fear grips the young girl's heart and won't let go.

"Which hope will you choose? I leave it to you."

　Right hope. Left hope.

　Hope to choose to break a promise. Hope to choose to keep a promise.

　Pandora's sweet, melting voice is inviting.

　Fortuna's voice called out to him, gentle and admonishing.

　I can no longer hear the sound of my heart, which was pounding so loudly.

　Emilia is left behind in a world where sound has vanished and even color has disappeared.

　I'm thinking. I'm worried. My thoughts are burning, my brain is on the verge of boiling.

　All of my body's functions were concentrated in my head, and I had the illusion that I was dead from the neck down. As proof of this, I couldn't hear my heartbeat, and my arms and legs were detached from my will and didn't move a muscle.

　I can't choose, I can't choose, I can't choose, I can't choose, I can't choose, I can't choose.

　Which one should I choose to save everyone? How can I save everyone?

　What can I do to help people? What can I do to help people? Someone, please tell me.

"--ah"

"I see. So that's your decision."

　With her thoughts heating up and even her vision becoming cloudy, Emilia let out a faint voice.

　And upon seeing the answer that had been selected, Pandora lowered her eyes, framed by her long lashes.

　--Emilia's hand was touching Pandora's right hand.

　A path that does not break promises, does not open the seal, and prays for everyone's salvation.

"I made a promise with Mother... I will keep that promise... so keep it, Mother."

"Until the very end, I will believe in the words of my mother, who is my guide. The answer you arrived at after much struggle is also the result of your life, so I will respect it."

　Pandora nodded in understanding as Emilia shed tears.

　He released Emilia's hand from his own and looked at the girl with loving eyes as she collapsed.

　If she wanted to, Pandora could force Emilia's hand holding the key against the door.

　Of course, whether or not that forced action would give Emilia the will to "open the door" was another matter, but there's no denying the possibility that it was the deciding factor for Emilia, who was looking for support in reaching a decision. Even if Pandora had known that, she probably wouldn't have done it.

　That was the only thing that could be believed about this girl who was abnormal in every way.

　however,

"So."

"...Eh?"

"I hope you will also respect my decision to take measures to open the seal."

　Emilia looked up in shock at Pandora's words.

　The Pandora in front of Emilia doesn't look at her. Her gaze is fixed on the people behind them. Emilia is drawn to look in that direction, and sees a shadow pushing aside the plants and trees and leaping out.

　It was a woman with short silver hair.

"Pandora!!"

　Fortuna leaps into view, her whole body covered in blood.

　Compared to when they parted ways, my mother looks injured and battered. Still, I was relieved to find out that she is still alive, as I had begun to think that we would never meet again.

"Take that――!!"

　Fortuna, seemingly unaware of Emilia's presence, simultaneously fires the six icicles floating around him, slamming them mercilessly into Pandora, who is standing in front of the door.

　As Emilia stiffened, fearing she might get caught up in the action, Pandora suddenly stepped in front of her to protect her.

"You need to watch your surroundings before attacking, otherwise you'll be in danger."

　Immediately after declaring that, an icicle pierced Pandora just above her chest. The icicles continued to shoot through her slender waist, right arm, and right leg, and one delayed shot blew off Platinum's head.

"--!"

　Seeing the small body that had circled around in front of her get mercilessly pierced by the ice, Emilia let out a thin shriek. Pandora's body staggered and staggered, leaning helplessly onto Emilia, who was standing behind her.

　Accepting the headless, bleeding body, Emilia screamed at the utter surrealism of it all.

"...Emilia?"

　Hearing that shout, Fortuna came to his senses and muttered in shock.

　Her eyes were shaken not so much by the fact that she had defeated her hated enemy, but by the fact that she had confirmed the presence of her beloved daughter who was not supposed to be here.

"Why is Emilia here? She must have fled the forest..."

"What a terrible thing to say. Your daughter was worried about you and came to you with the sole desire to help you. How can you, as her mother, not praise her for her purity of heart?"

"--!"

　As Fortuna asked her question, Pandora appeared from beside her and called out to her.

　Fortuna's elusiveness, and Emilia's at the sight of Pandora's body, who should have died so cruelly, disappearing from her arms, both opened their amethyst eyes wide.

"And when you look surprised, you really do look alike. Just like father and son."

"--! Emilia and I are not related by blood! Emilia's cute features are similar to my sister-in-law!"

"I'm sorry about that."

　With her mouth twisted in rage, Fortuna raised her hand and an ice sword appeared in her hand. A slash cut diagonally through Pandora's torso, as she apologized. Spilling fresh blood, Pandora collapsed powerlessly onto the ground.

"So your mother was the one who raised her? If so, there was nothing wrong with the way she was brought up. Your daughter has grown into a very honest and good girl. I'm sure her real parents, your sister and brother, would be very happy about that."

"Don't let you say anything about my brother or sister-in-law!"