『Master…why her?!』
IXX's meow cracked through the throne room like a snapped wire.
I, however, remained unmoved. My white, diamond-shaped pupils drifted lazily across the gathered faces. Fear. Shock. Bewilderment.
I relished every drop of it. It tugged the corners of my lips upward.
『Simple.
To defeat an enemy, one must first understand the architecture of their strength. And the most efficient way to learn how they fight…is to learn to fight as they do.』
I stepped toward the center, umbrella resting elegantly on my shoulder, and raised a single finger.
『Let us entertain an analogy. Suppose a nuclear bomb is scheduled to fall tomorrow—on this very dimension—and you possess no youma powers. How do you react?』
I closed my left eye, allowing silence to ferment. It did not take long before the black fox stepped forward.
"Your highness… if I may… I would flee. If such a weapon appeared and I had no powers, I'd be dead!"
I twirled my umbrella lazily and nodded.
『Correct. You would flee. The most rational instinct. What else?』
I drifted toward the left. Minutes passed like dragging shadows before the black turtle stepped forward.
"Your highness… I would try to intercept the bomb."
I crouched down and patted their head.
『A perilous gamble… yet commendable.』
My smile widened as I shut my eyes, humming softly.
『You all provided acceptable answers. But allow me to refine the analogy so your confusion may die properly:
When a nuclear bomb falls, most run. And most die anyway, because the radius does not respect panic.
Intercepting it is a gamble—heroic if it succeeds, catastrophic if it fails. It accelerates fate more than it averts it.
Now you might ask, "How does this relate to us, to her?"
Then I implore you: consult your own history. When the magical girls appeared—when a titan like Nova Eclipse stepped onto the stage—what did you do?』
I flashed a smug grin.
『We… ran. We hid.』
IXX's voice wove itself into every mind in the room.
『Indeed. You ran. You hid. And yet, piece by piece… you were still wiped away.』
I returned to the center, lifting a second finger.
『Then what came next?』
The shadow-dog barked.
"Your highness, we tried fighting back."
My smile persisted.
『And you did. But it was futile, wasn't it? You bled resources. You lost comrades.』
I opened my eyes fully—black irises framing white diamond pupils that gleamed under the hall's light—and raised a third finger.
『Defeat left you crawling. Because you grew complacent. Stagnant.
You once held superiority in guns—so your enemy ushered in the nuclear age. And in an instant, your era became obsolete.』
Their frustration radiated beautifully; it warmed my chest.
『So consider this: what if your leader sought out a retired nuclear scientist… and learned to build nuclear weapons of her own?
Then, my dear youma—
we could return the favor.
Tenfold.』
My eyes narrowed, and my smile sharpened, revealing my white teeth like the first gleam of a drawn blade.
The entire room grew silent before..
*clap*
*clap clap*
"Nicely said your highness"
I turned around and faced Himeno-nee sitting on the throne that I made looking at me with a proud face, like a mother watching her daughter graduate college.
Naturally, I smiled and did a courtsy
Then
*clap clap clap*
The room erupted in claps and jeering.
I turned around and saw the youma mascots awe strucked. Even those who do not still support my agenda seemed convinced.
Namely, the silhouette of a crocodile I see a the back of the throne room, and the bear.
But that is not my problem right now.
"I'm sorry I doubted you your majesty!"
The black dog approached me and soon even the black fox, turtle, hyena, owl also approached me apologizing.
『Masterrr I'm sorryyy for shoutingg!』
I looked at the origin of the sound and my eyes widened when a pair of soft pair of boobs crashed on my face causing me to fall on the ground
『Tsk』
I clicked my tongue as I looked at the ceiling..and IXX, in her human form nuzzling against my own chest
『I'm sorry master, I wont doubt you also, I wont scream, I wont question your motives. I didnt know that was your game nya!』
The woman cried on top of me
『I get it! I get it! Unhand me this instant』
My eyes rolled as I pushed IXX away from me
I stood up and dusted my black dress off, before looking at the youma mascots before me.
『Let's get down to business, IXX. Report.』
I slowly made my way forward, closing my umbrella as I sat on the throne, crossing my legs and resting my head against my hand as I gazed down at them.
"Ah! Yes!"
IXX stood up.
"As you were gone, I have—by your order—gone back to headquarters and turned every piece of furniture to your liking.
As your highness knows, the first one to be finished is this throne room, your highness!"
I nodded, taking in IXX's words.
『Indeed. And I've got to say… you did a terrific job.』
My lips curled into a small smile as I surveyed the throne room. It was probably around 100–300 m², typical of most medieval castles.
How they expand or acquire more space? I don't care.
Either way, the hall was no longer illuminated by torches, but by chandeliers. It felt more regal, more demure.
『What else happened? Tell me.』
My white diamond-shaped pupils locked onto IXX, causing the yellow-eyed girl to jolt.
"I-I also changed the layout of the hallways. All the rooms on the ground floor have been renovated, while the second floor has yet to be finished."
My gaze wandered to the windows before returning to IXX.
The rest of the youma mascots held their breath as I tapped my finger on the armrest of the throne.
『This will do for now.』
I stood up, umbrella dangling from my arm.
『I find today's performance satisfactory. Maintain that. IXX, you may resume your duties.
Fox, search for more furniture that complements the castle's aesthetic.
Turtle, go back to accounting our financial status.
The rest, assist IXX with renovations.』
"Yes, your highness!"
The room erupted in unison as they moved out of the throne room, one by one.
"So this is how you lead, huh?"
I looked back and saw Himeno-nee leaning forward, hands clasped behind her back.
I smiled at her, though it wasn't because of my subjects.
『That's just how it is.』
I turned my gaze back to the empty hall.
『Eventually, I will have to fight. Have to kill. Are you fine with that, Himeno-nee? Will you still support me when the world—no, the universe—despises me?』
My words were cold, deliberate. It was time to know if she truly stood by my side.
"Pfft."
My eyes widened as I looked back.
"Is that even a question?"
Himeno-nee regarded me, suppressing her laughter.
"Shizu deary, I'm no longer part of the magical girls. Even if I did save the world, and it is my responsibility to keep civilians safe… Shizuka, I…"
Himeno looked away, caressing her other arm.
"I realized that I was so focused on being a magical girl that I somehow forgot about you—my first ever fan. Remember when I told you I was ashamed to visit you and your mom?"
My mouth opened and closed for a few seconds before a word escaped.
『Yes?』
"Well, I shouldn't have done that. I should've gone in there and told you the reason… but I was too focused on myself…"
『But that wasn't your fault.』
I stepped closer to Himeno-nee.
"I know, but still, I felt guilty… That's why I fully support whatever you do. Just promise me you won't die ever again, okay?"
I looked at Himeno-nee, my white diamond-shaped pupils fading to black.
『I—
"I… I promise."』
I smiled at Himeno-nee. My mind wandered, wondering why she supported me so much, yet I couldn't dwell on it.
For once, my smile was genuine.
…
After that, I used my power to teleport us back to her apartment.
"We're finally back."
Himeno-nee clapped.
『That we are.』
My voice was soft as honey, my eyes fixed on Himeno-nee, black irises and white diamond-shaped pupils reflecting her smile.
"Ah Shizuka, are you free this Friday afternoon?"
My eyes wandered briefly before returning to her.
『Yes, I believe so.』
Himeno-nee's smile widened.
"Perfect. You'll meet Rio then."
Hearing those words, my eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat. Finally, practical experience. Finally, I get to… experience it.
『That's good to know.』
I smiled faintly.
After that, I changed into my civilian form and, after snacking, said my goodbyes.
As I descended to the ground floor via the elevator, my eyes immediately landed on two girls not far off—they saw me too.
One had long purple hair; the other, blonde.
"Oh, it's you!"
The blonde-haired girl ran toward me, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.
"My friend, Chie, here thinks you're sus—like, super duper sus."
The blonde girl grinned teasingly.
I stared at them, flabbergasted, before collecting myself.
"What do you mean?"
The blonde girl leaned in, gesturing for me to listen, so I did.
"She told me she could sense youma energy from you yesterday."
"Hey! You can't tell her that!"
Chie, the purple-haired girl, ran over and began pulling the blonde girl away from me.
My eyes widened, my heart racing, but I maintained my practiced, composed smile.
"Oh, me oh my. I'm pretty sure that was only her imagination."
I laughed lightly.
"See? I told you, Chie!"
The blonde girl stuck out her tongue.
This caused Chie to pout and karate‑chop her own head.
"Blergh! Ack! Mahy tahng!"
The blonde girl whimpered.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry for this idiot's actions!"
The purple‑haired girl kept bowing repeatedly.
The scene drew too many stares, so I guided them somewhere with fewer eyes watching us.
"How can you tell?"
I asked out of curiosity.
"I... I uhm— I'm the new Aurora Sparkle. I can detect youma energy, even though I don't want to."
I nodded.
"I see. So… do I really have youma energy?"
I asked further.
"N‑Not anymore. Just a tiny bit… unlike before."
Hearing Chie's words, I nodded again.
"I see. It must've just been a fluke, maybe?"
I gave Chie a warm smile.
"Right, Chie! You worry too much. You rely on your powers too much, you might've been exhausting yourself."
The blonde girl said, placing both hands on the glass table as she leaned closer to Chie.
"T‑That's not the case! I'm sure th‑that's not the case!"
Chie waved her hands frantically, her face turning red.
"Either way, you suspect people too much! If this older sister hadn't been kind to us, we would've had scandals!"
The blonde girl's voice erupted through the lounge, causing the few remaining people to stare in their direction.
"Pfft…"
A soft giggle broke the silence. Of course, it came from me.
"You girls are a handful. Anyways… you're Chie, and you are?"
I opened my hand and pointed toward the blonde girl.
Seeing my gesture, her face lit up, orange eyes sparkling.
"I'm Airi! And yeah, this is Chie, my childhood friend."
Airi grabbed Chie and slung an arm over her shoulder.
"E‑Eep! Stopp!"
Chie whimpered, eyes squeezed shut.
"She's too shy lol. But yeah! We're the new magical girls. Nice to meet'cha!"
Airi extended her hand. Naturally, with a practiced smile, I reached out. My grip tightened — firm, deliberate.
"Wow, you sure like to handshake 'em strong!"
Airi laughed.
"Nice to meet you as well."
I smiled, then extended my hand toward Chie.
"N‑Nice to meet you too!"
She hesitated before reaching out.
So I took the initiative and grabbed her hand.
"Eep!"
Her face turned as red as a tomato when I tightened my grip. She jolted, immediately pulling her hand away.
"I uh… I'm sorry, but…"
Chie stared at me with dilated pupils — as if she felt something, or as if her intuition was screaming.
"What's wrong~?"
I leaned forward, giving Chie an endearing smile.
"I‑It's nothing."
She turned her head downward.
"What's wrong with her?"
I asked Airi, who was stroking her chin thoughtfully.
"No idea, really. She does that sometimes."
So she does?
Perfect. It seems Chie is misunderstood.
"I see."
I crossed my arms, staring at both of them.
"Well, is that everything? I have to go."
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and smiled.
"A‑Ah yes! We're finished! Ah— wait! Can you give us your number?"
My eyebrow twitched. My number? Well… sure. Nothing wrong with that. Plus, I get to talk to Chie. Maybe use her when I see fit.
I pulled out my cracked phone and gave them my number.
"Wow, you study at Hanamizuki University?"
Airi's eyes sparkled.
I laughed.
"Of course. I've been an honor student since I entered. Have you heard of me? I'm quite popular there."
I crossed my legs, my smile turning smug.
"No? Wait— older sister! What's your name?"
My smile widened.
"Shizuka Kagemori. Ring a bell?"
Airi's jaw dropped.
"Wait, really?!"
She stared at her phone, then at me, then back at her phone. It was honestly amusing.
"Wow, that's cool! I gotta tell my friend about this! She lives in a dorm there."
My eyes widened slightly.
"Oh? Really?"
"Yup! Her name's Miru. Orange hair, sometimes twintails… baaaad attitude tho."
I see. So the girl I ran into at the dorm was Miru…
I learned more and more about the magical girls just by listening to Airi. I couldn't help but smile.
"Well, at least you can make her jealous."
I winked.
"That's so true!"
While we talked, Chie watched us like she had a stomach ache — as if she was seeing something awful but couldn't bring herself to say it.
My lips curled upward.
After some time, I left the apartment.
---
As I walked the streets, I slipped into an abandoned alleyway. Once I was sure no one followed, I snapped my fingers.
A black cat manifested midair and leapt into my arms.
『Masturrr』
IXX snuggled against my chest. I smiled.
"How's the castle?"
『Oh, it's doing fine, master! Almost done with renovations — it won't take long!』
Her voice echoed in my mind.
"Good. Also, IXX… did the old gen magical girls know how to detect youmas?"
I whispered as I exited the alley and rejoined the crowd.
『Nope. They usually just flew around, searched buildings, or lured youmas out.』
I nodded.
"I see. So the new gen has someone who can detect youma energy."
『What?!』
IXX stared at me like she'd seen a ghost.
"Don't worry. I was panicked too at first. But after observing her… the magical girl isn't taken seriously because of her timid nature."
My smile widened.
『Master, even so, that's still a big deal!』
"I know."
I turned onto a quieter street.
"That's why I got her and her friend's number. So we can use it against them."
My voice softened, melodic, as I hummed an old anime tune.
"Moreover… when I shook their hands, I gave them a small gift."
『A gift?』
My smile stretched further.
"Yup. A small, harmless gift. I'm sure they'll love it."
My fingers brushed through IXX's soft fur as we returned to my dorm.
---
[Meanwhile — back at Airi's apartment]
"Mhmm hmm~ hmm hmm~"
Airi hummed a tune as she prepared for a bath. Reaching for a towel, she froze, staring at her hand.
"Hm?"
She inspected it closely.
"What's this black dot?"
She washed her hands. Used alcohol. Nothing worked.
"Grrr, what the hell is this?!"
Her scream echoed through the apartment.
---
[Chie's apartment]
The moment she returned, Chie rushed to the bathroom, scrubbing her hands.
"That older sister… she's evil. She's evil!"
She muttered it like a chant.
"I knew something was off! Why wouldn't Airi believe me?!"
『Because the world has grown stagnant.』
Chie jolted, spinning around. She was alone — yet a calm, melodic voice filled the room.
『No one believes a lamb in a world of wolves. Just as white light can never be truly "white" in a world already tinted in it.』
"W‑Who?! No— no! Get out of my head!"
She stared at her hands. The black dot pulsed with a disgusting aura as she scrubbed harder.
The voice persisted.
---
[Back to Shizuka]
『Master, you're evil nya~ So you shook their hands to embed a shadow on them?』
IXX lounged on the couch as we arrived.
"Yup. It doesn't really do anything. I'll probably lower its opacity too — barely noticeable."
I shrugged, heading to the fridge.
『But master, what about Chie?』
My lips curled upward.
"It's still a shadow. I can travel my will through it. Teleportation too. And of course… tracking."
IXX's ears perked up.
『Master, that's perfect!』
I nodded.
"Right? But for now, we'll just observe. On Friday… we finally meet Nova Eclipse."
I crossed my arms, staring out the window.
Finally.
I'll see how ferocious she truly is.