Eriri Spencer, a first-year student at Shuchi'in University, possessed absolute talent in painting and remarkably outstanding looks. She became the object of admiration for countless students right after enrollment.
With an excellent family background, her father being a British diplomat stationed in Japan, and as a mixed-race child, she had fair skin and enviable golden hair.
Yet, beneath this image of a perfect young lady, her hidden personality was that of a madwoman akin to a monomaniac.
A madwoman? Yes, precisely that.
Having always lived amidst the urban lights, her suppressed obsessions and insane nature drove Eriri almost to the brink of madness.
Although her daily demeanor was flawless, only she herself knew how terrifying her true essence was.
Trapped in an orderly world, she could only vent all her wild impulses onto her canvas, secretly often drawing 18+ and bloody, violent forbidden manga to release her emotions.
Maintaining a delicate balance and creating from her heart, Eriri still hadn't found any friends she could accept even after entering university.
Feeling helpless and sighing, she came across a notice for a Mutual Aid Club, wondering what different changes this strange club might bring.
"Your name is Eriri? I see. You can join the club."
The girl, beautiful as an iceberg, was on par with her own looks. Eriri knew this girl was the one sharing the title of freshman campus belle with her at the academy: Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Yukinoshita, is it just the two of us in this club? The academy rules state that new clubs must have three members..."
Halfway through her sentence, Eriri spotted the figure sitting on the windowsill.
"Ryuya, what are you doing sitting on the windowsill? What if you fall?"
Her memories of Yukino were sparse, but hearing from those around her, it wasn't hard to discern she was a rather aloof girl. Discovering that Yukino could speak with such anxious words, Eriri finally noticed the person on the windowsill.
A young man about her own age.
"Yukino... it's fine, I won't fall."
At that time, Ryuya had just completed his journey in Camelot and become the Sun-Crowned King not long ago.
Radiating brilliance from head to toe, he actually captivated Eriri at first sight.
"Eriri, he is the most important person to me, and also the third member of the Mutual Aid Club. He is Takami Ryuya."
Sensing hostility from Yukino's introduction, Eriri felt that Yukino's concern for this boy named Takami Ryuya clearly exceeded normal feelings.
It was less like lovers and more like a spiritual reliance. This relationship struck her as strange, yet she also felt a bit envious.
"Sawamura, hello. I am Ryuya, Yukino's older brother."
In a few words, Ryuya explained his relationship with Yukino. Hearing his words, Eriri thought that perhaps Ryuya's feelings for Yukino were a brother's doting affection for his younger sister, but Yukino's feelings for Ryuya must be something else entirely.
Under this premise, the three of them spent over a month together in the Mutual Aid Club.
During this time, increasingly feeling that there was definitely something peculiar between Yukino and Ryuya, Eriri, by a twist of fate, had her secret as an X-rated doujinshi artist discovered by Ryuya.
"Sawamura, your art style is beautiful, and your technique is sufficient, but it lacks enough tension and plot. I recommend you..."
Contrary to her expectations, instead of being looked down upon by Ryuya and Yukino, Eriri received help. Listening to Ryuya explain various artistic techniques, after that, Eriri, having found a small outlet for release in her painting, was extremely happy.
However, this peaceful life didn't last long. During another planned outing with Yukino and Ryuya, Eriri experienced the terrifying reality of being stood up twice.
"Strange, why does it feel like I've already gone out with Ryuya and Yukino before?"
An inexplicable feeling of familiar scenes replaying over and over appeared before her eyes. Don't they say you dream of déjà vu scenery? That's how it was for Eriri.
Shaking her head, feeling she couldn't make sense of it, she discovered that somehow, Shinomiya Kaguya, a fourth-year student about to graduate who was rarely seen, had also appeared by Ryuya's side.
Not only that, but newly transferred princess sisters also claimed to be his daughters.
Completely baffled by what was happening, a subsequent Cursed Spirit attack on the streets opened the door to a new world for Eriri.
"Just what are these..."
Countless Cursed Spirits turned all the ordinary people in the entire city into hostages.
Faced with this situation, Ryuya, who in her memory had always been handsome, talented, but also a major playboy, actually transformed into a king who saved everyone.
He who sings the praises of the King shall become his subject!
As Ryuya eradicated the unbelievable number of Cursed Spirits, a distraught Eriri had no idea what had happened.
After that, she heard Yukino recount some things about Ryuya. Although she found it hard to believe that the man had accomplished such feats, the facts were right before her eyes, and Eriri had to accept it.
From then on, her gaze towards Ryuya held many different emotions. As time passed, Eriri found that Ryuya seemed somewhat different from the playboy she had imagined.
He was serious, responsible, and the look in his eyes when he regarded Yukino was full of tenderness… a look that was unforgettable, one you understood at a glance was love.
Hazily feeling that the life between Yukino and Ryuya had no place for her, and gradually getting used to their relationship, Eriri reverted to her former young lady demeanor.
Only...
"My dream? My dream is to become the world's most famous manga artist, to let everyone see my work."
When Ryuya asked about her dream, as if guided by an unseen force, she voiced her dream. The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it, fearing Ryuya would call her childish and unrealistic.
However...
"The world's greatest manga artist? A fine dream, Sawamura."
He had always addressed Eriri by her surname. Without looking at her, Ryuya also spoke his own dream.
It was none other than to complete the nation he most desired… the Kingdom of the End.
"It's a promise, Eriri. I will fulfill my dream, and you must fulfill yours too."
"A verbal promise isn't enough, Ryuya. Let's pinky swear."
A strange impulse made Eriri hook her finger, feeling her heart tremble. After that day, Eriri could no longer calm her mind.
She inexplicably started painting, not even knowing what she was drawing herself. By the time she regained her senses, she had already arrived in Snowfield City.
"Well, so you are my Praetor? You seem not bad."
"Praetor, you can draw too? Let me see your work..."
The suddenly appearing figure spoke words Eriri couldn't understand at all.
Watching helplessly as the Roman Emperor took her sketch of Ryuya, Eriri saw Nero's expression change.
"Praetor, tell me, where have you seen this man?"
Her solemn demeanor made Eriri feel the woman before her was extremely serious. Swallowing hard, Eriri asked softly, "You... also know Ryuya?"