Takumi gently lifted the curtain—behind it, a breathtaking scene unfolded.
A secluded valley stream shimmered beneath snow-covered peaks, where butterflies seemed to dance through the crisp air.
Kureha froze at the beauty before her—only for it to collapse an instant later as a monstrous dragon suddenly lunged into view. In a heartbeat, the serene gorge erupted into chaos: the tranquil blue waters turned violent, surging and overflowing as the dragon claimed the valley for itself, destroying everything in sight.
"No!"
Kureha gasped, trying to stop what was happening, but the rush of heat and water forced her backward.
Amid this vision, Princess Norn—the second princess—screamed in terror, her voice cracking with fear and despair.
That was the moment she finally broke. No longer defiant, she sobbed and cried out in repentance.
"I was wrong! I was wrong!! The Jioral Kingdom isn't a shield that protects the people—it's all a lie"
"The kingdom kept invading demon territories just to show off its military might, forcing other nations to bow down in fear! It enslaved demi-humans like livestock, draining their worth, stealing their wealth! But—but they deserved it, didn't they?!"
"They were just filthy peasants! Why—why should I have to pay the price for any of this?!!"
Tears streamed down Norn's face as she shouted, her hysteria filling the room.
Hearing her words, Takumi's dragon tightened.
She still hadn't learned her lesson. Looks like he had been too gentle.
Suddenly, Takumi tightened his stomach, his waist muscles alone lifted Norn's trembling body into the air. A crushing gravitational force pressed down on her, robbing her of all strength to resist.
"Uuugh♡!!!"
Before Kureha's disbelieving eyes, Norn fainted on the spot. But instead of rage, Kureha's gaze wavered—she could now clearly see that the memories Takumi had shown her were real.
The Jioral Kingdom wasn't justice—it was evil itself.
Her entire worldview crumbled, the values she had upheld all her life now reduced to dust. And realizing she had been aiding such a corrupt power tore her apart from within.
"So that's how it is… I see… If that's true, then what have I even been fighting for…!"
The ideals of her first half of life shattered completely. Despair and grief flooded her heart, even greater than the waves of curse energy ravaging her body.
At that moment, Takumi reached out, pulling Kureha close by her slender waist.
The instant his hand touched her, her body tensed—her voluptuous curves pressed against his chest.
"Mmh♡~"
A faint moan escaped Kureha's lips as she barely clawed her way out of her grief. Tears shimmered in her eyes; sorrow and confusion mingled with something else entirely.
Takumi leaned in closer, his face almost brushing hers.
"You were deceived by the kingdom," he said softly. "But now, you can seek true justice. Fight with me, Kureha. Together, let's change this world."
His gentle words melted her completely. Her eyes grew hazy; tears and saliva ran down her cheeks as she whispered, "Takumi… I want to be with you♡~~"
Her voice was tender and alluring—an answer, yes, but also a plea.
Takumi lowered his head and kissed her. For a moment she froze—but then, Kureha's lips responded passionately, surrendering everything.
The pain of her broken beliefs poured out through her tears, replaced by a deep, overwhelming joy that consumed her whole being.
Watching this, Flare's face flushed with a rosy, sensual glow. The others, to varying degrees, showed the same reaction—but knowing Takumi was "recruiting" a new ally, they kept quiet.
Eve, freshly healed, sat dazed.
Who am I? Where am I? What are they doing?
Wait—they're doing what…!?
Mortified beyond words, Eve curled up in a corner, covering her face with both hands—but her fingers parted just enough for her to peek through.
Through that small gap, she saw Flare step forward silently toward Takumi.
"Hey, wait—careful…" Eve whispered, uneasy. Something about Flare's intent felt wrong.
But before she could finish, Flare dropped to her knees with a soft thud.
Eve blinked in confusion as Flare raised her beautiful face, her expression flushed and pleading, looking up at the standing Takumi.
"Master♡~~ please punish me too. Don't ignore me. Look at me… I'll do anything for you♡!"
Tears streamed down Flare's cheeks as she clutched tightly at Takumi's thigh.
When she'd awakened earlier, she had expected another "punishment." But Takumi had instead chosen to discipline Norn… and then conquer Kureha. She'd been there all along, yet completely ignored.
Sharing memories with her counterpart personality, the two Flares' minds had nearly merged after days of Takumi's training. Now, the loneliness and fear of being forgotten shattered what little will she had left.
She finally understood—she couldn't live without Takumi anymore. She didn't want to be a princess, or a hero of magic. She just wanted to be his slave.
Her body and soul had already accepted that truth.
Looking down at the desperate, tearful Flare, Takumi showed mild surprise.
In such a short time, her favorability—which had been negative—had shot past zero and was skyrocketing!
Still holding Kureha, Takumi was silent for only a few seconds, and Flare's affection value surged straight to 100!
Gazing at her tear-streaked face, Takumi crouched down, pinching her chin gently.
"You said you'll do anything?" he murmured. "Then… help Kureha for now."
Flare's eyes brightened immediately. The joy of being needed again was like water to a dying soul—she threw herself at the task without hesitation.
"Princess Flare!" Kureha gasped as she felt Flare's assistance.
Even after everything she'd seen in Takumi's shared memories, she still regarded Flare as a noble princess.
A wave of shame overwhelmed Kureha, bringing her to tears. How could she let Princess Flare assist her? It completely defied the order between sovereign and knight!
But even as she tried to resist, the situation had long spiraled beyond her control.
[Ding! Kureha's affection threshold met. Duplicated trait obtained: Sword Saint (Purple).]
In an instant, Takumi's perception of the world changed dramatically. His understanding of the sword surged forth endlessly—his body straightened, as if a divine blade were being drawn.
Seeing this, Setsuna wagged her tail and hurried over. "Setsuna wants to help too, Lord Takumi!"
"T-Takumi… I'll help as well," said Anna, face blushing, eyes filled with resolve.
Looking at everyone's unity, Takumi's eyes moistened slightly. They were all trying so hard—how could he possibly ignore such devotion?
Meanwhile, the forgotten Eve finally snapped.
"Hey! Hey, this is too much!!! I'm still here, you know?! I'm a person too!"
She wanted to storm out, but one glance at the window made her freeze and retreat again. After barely surviving pursuit, she couldn't risk going outside—it would be suicide.
Seeing Takumi's satisfied smile, Eve's face flushed red as she hugged herself tightly.
...
For every 3 five-star reviews → +1 extra chapter
For every 50 Power Stones → +1 extra chapter.
Read 50+ chapters ahead on Patreon! [patreon.com/METARLN]
Use code FREE2ALL for 30% OFF!