What in the world...?
Yuuma Tokoyogi stared blankly into Natsuki Minamiya's crimson eyes, as if intoxicated by their gaze, her consciousness instantly growing hazy.
Like petals lightly kissed by a gentle rain, the young girl softly collapsed into Natsuki Minamiya's embrace.
Those red eyes glanced briefly at the wide-eyed Avrora, their color gradually fading, returning to their original deep blue.
These eyes... she had seen them that night when she went with Arcueid to rescue Kanon.
Those were Arcueid's Mystic Eyes.
"You know how to do that too?"
Avrora instantly turned her head—she hadn't even asked yet.
Behind her stood Arcueid, who had arrived at some unknown moment.
Arcueid looked at Natsuki Minamiya with an expression of utter astonishment; she had witnessed the entire scene just now.
"It's just Mystic Eyes, right? Nothing that shocking." Natsuki Minamiya lifted Yuuma Tokoyogi, her blue eyes calmly regarding the two stunned blonde vampires.
"My Mystic Eyes and the toys I create aren't on the same level." Arcueid, dragging the unconscious witch sisters along, stepped forward and leaned down to closely examine Natsuki Minamiya's eyes.
Her Mystic Eyes were of the highest tier—Rainbow Mystic Eyes.
"Is that so?" Natsuki Minamiya raised her hand gently, her small palm pressing against a delicate cheek as she slowly pushed Arcueid's approaching head away.
"I am the witch who formed a contract with you. Isn't it normal for me to know a few of your tricks?"
"Formed a contract with Arcueid..."
Root, nestled within Avrora's golden locks, murmured softly, "This Primogenitor from another world is truly impressive."
Well, it made sense. After all, her demon familiar was Neco-Arc.
She slowly turned her gaze to the two conversing figures, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
So, what price did Natsuki Minamiya pay?
It couldn't just be taking Arcueid around to play, could it?
Wait.
Root lowered her head, fingers rubbing her smooth chin.
Actually, that might not be impossible.
"Root..."
A tug from her "mount" brought her back to reality. She lightly patted the golden head beneath her and asked softly, "What is it?"
"Just now, Natsuki-chan said she formed a contract with Arcueid."
"You're surprised too, right!" As if she had found a fellow gossip enthusiast, joy instantly danced across her brows.
Who knew this silly vampire understood such things?
Root happily curled her lips, leaning down to whisper in Avrora's ear, "To think Arcueid could do something like this."
"Mhm, mhm." Avrora hugged Root on her head tightly and nodded, her eyes also lighting up with excitement.
She shifted the Root into her arms and whispered as if about to reveal a great secret.
"What's a witch? Is it like a magical girl?"
"..."
Root's excited expression instantly froze. Even the cat ears atop her head seemed to sense their owner's speechlessness, drooping quietly.
Of course. She really shouldn't have expected anything from this silly vampire.
It was like finally finding someone who also played "Blue" in an unfamiliar place. Just as you were happily discussing the latest character storylines, you suddenly realized they played Azur Lane, while you played Blue Archive—utterly disappointing.
With an expressionless face, she pushed Avrora's hands away and returned to her familiar "driver's seat," simultaneously brushing dust off her sleeves as if swatting away something dirty.
"Huh? What's wrong?" Avrora tilted her head, puzzled.
"Hmph, I'll explain later. Don't bother me now."
"Oh..."
"What are you two doing?"
Natsuki Minamiya looked curiously at the pair who had just huddled together and then separated.
What's up with them?
"Me and Natsuki-chan have something to take care of at the Prison Barrier. You two can head back first." Arcueid pointed in the direction of home. "If you go back now, breakfast at home should still be warm."
Hearing this, Avrora's eyes immediately lit up, shining even brighter than when she heard gossip.
"Then we..." But a sharp tug on her scalp made her instantly change her tune. "Can we come with you?"
"Hmm... I suppose that's fine too." Arcueid tapped her chin, tilting her head curiously.
Has food's appeal to Avrora diminished?
But Avrora's pained expression made her nod in understanding.
Ah, I see. Root intervened.
"Are you going to lock them up in the Prison Barrier?"
Temporarily forgetting her grief over not being able to eat breakfast immediately, Avrora pointed at the three unconscious witches.
The witch sisters had fallen into a coma on the way here, while a certain Primogenitor still seemed a bit unsatisfied.
"No." Natsuki Minamiya turned and had only taken two steps before suddenly shoving Yuuma Tokoyomi, who she was carrying, into Arcueid's arms.
Huh?
Arcueid stared blankly at Yuuma Tokoyomi in her arms, then looked at Natsuki Minamiya in confusion.
Why hand her over...?
Natsuki Minamiya's petite stature and the black stockings beneath her skirt made Arcueid nod in sudden understanding.
"Height..."
"That is not it." Natsuki Minamiya, standing not even 1.5 meters tall, pouted slightly, crossing her arms. Her small frame nevertheless radiated immense authority.
Ever since forming the contract with Arcueid, she hadn't grown an inch.
As if nothing had happened, she very naturally addressed Avrora. "They aren't serious enough offenders to be imprisoned in the Prison Barrier."
"Then why are you going to the Prison Barrier?" Avrora tilted her head.
"Shift change."
--+--
A European-style monastery towered over an artificial island crafted from ancient, rugged stone peaks.
Contrary to its distinctive exterior, the interior of the monastery was a vast, empty space.
No carpets, no candles, no tables.
In this barren expanse, only a single luxurious armchair upholstered in velvet sat in the very center.
Upon the chair slept a golden-haired catgirl.
A Neco-Arc.
She snuggled into a pillow that appeared exquisitely elegant and smooth to the touch, her tiny body gently covered by a blanket of soft, luxurious texture, creating an atmosphere of ultimate coziness and refined repose.
The bubble on Neco-Arc's nose indicated she was enjoying an unparalleled moment of rest.
"The key to the Prison Barrier... it was her all along?"
Yuuma Tokoyomi, who had woken up at some point, glanced at the Neco-Arc lost in sweet dreams and quietly lowered her head.
"Won't this break the Prison Barrier?" Avrora gently poked the blanket covering the Neco-Arc, a look of longing appearing on her face.
This blanket... it looks so comfortable.
"It won't." Arcueid stretched her arms wide with a big yawn, casually grabbing the Root to use as a hug pillow.
The soft cat ears brushed against her slender, delicate neck, the faint ticklish sensation making her instinctively shrink back a little.
"The Prison Barrier can largely be divided into two parts: the Prison section and the Barrier section. The Prison section, as the name suggests, is the space for confining prisoners. Its true location resides within someone's dream. The Barrier section exists to conceal the person maintaining the prison. Its true location is in a separate dimension around Itogami Island."
Just as Arcueid was explaining, a new Neco-Arc walked out, clutching her own pillow and blanket.
She nodded excitedly at Arcueid, then turned and leaped onto a bed that had appeared nearby.
"Our Prison Barrier operates on a shift system." Arcueid rested her chin atop the Root's head, lightly wagging a finger.
"We could have tried stuffing the Prison Barrier into a Holy Grail." Arcueid pointed at the Neco-Arc who had instantly fallen asleep upon hitting the bed. "But they seem to think hiding people in dreams is rather fun."
Her red gaze gradually shifted from the now-enlightened Avrora to Yuuma Tokoyomi, who sat silently on the ground.
"Did you see?"
"I saw." Yuuma Tokoyomi nodded.
At the very moment the Prison Barrier was transferred, she had glimpsed the mother she had never seen before.
"Well then, I'll leave the rest to you, Natsuki-chan."
After arranging the witch sisters neatly on the ground, Arcueid stepped out of the Prison Barrier with light footsteps.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting a soft, warm glow, draping a faint golden veil over the sea.
"Hopefully, Nagisa and the others haven't woken up yet at this hour."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.