The debate drew to a close with Karla making a declaration that shook the entire nation.
"I have no desire to be the Goddess, but my opponent can't be trusted, so I'll win anyway." In a sense, there was no greater expression of concern a warrior could make for their homeland. Six Nations News praised Karla's proclamation in their report on the debate the following day. According to the Committee's surveys, Karla had the lead by a wide margin, but it was suspicious they would say that when it was entirely possible Karin had bought them off.
We were now in the second half of the Heavenly Ball.
Karla hadn't done anything of note since the debate.
The only thing that had changed was that her sweets shop had exploded in popularity. Hordes of customers were visiting day after day, and Karla's hands were so full that she had no choice but to neglect the election.
That meant I didn't have anything to do, either. I seized the opportunity to hole up in the Amatsu residence and snack on kinako mochi while reading, but then…
"You cannot shut yourself in while we're on a trip. There's a festival outside, so let's go on a date instead. We should lock arms and walk around where people can see us."
"Noooo! You're making me drop it all! Noooo!"
Vill clung to me like she was putting me in a sleeper chokehold, and my kinako fell all over the tatami. I forced myself out of the psycho maid's grip and took my distance. That's when she started eating my snacks (that Karla had given me). You bitch…!
"What's your problem?! If what you want is snacks, then go to the Fuuzen."
"Actually, I have a report to make. The Seventh Unit leaders are looking for Lieutenant Helders… They still haven't found him."
That's when I remembered. I had more important things to do than snacking.
Yohann was still missing. There was no way that Team Karin had killed him, but still, I was worried. Death had a real affinity for that vampire.
"I'll go look for him, too. Follow me, Vill."
"No need for that. The search is over."
"Why…?"
"Looking for Yohann without a lead would be a waste of time. Time better spent picking at Team Karin Reigetsu. We simply have to beat her to a pulp in our battle in two days and make her spill the beans. Worry not, Lady Komari. There's a high chance Lieutenant Helders is fine."
"Mmm… Well, if you say so…"
"Shall I assassinate Ms. Karin Reigetsu and look into her memories?"
I heard a familiar voice. A silver vampire was standing by the sliding door.
Did I just hear the word 'assassinate'? Oh, whatever.
"Sakuna?! What are you doing here?!"
"I wanted to see you, Ms. Komari. I couldn't satisfy myself with just dolls… Oh, but I'm here on paid leave, so don't worry. I didn't just ditch work."
'Paid leave'…? What does she mean by that? And more importantly, what does she mean by dolls 'not satisfying her'?
Sakuna walked up to me and smiled as I sat there in confusion.
"But I'll work for you. Do you…need my power?"
"What are you saying, Lady Memoir? Assassinating Karin would only bring trouble, so stay out of this. Just go back to Mulnite already. We two have plans to go enjoy the festival."
"You do? I'll go with you, then."
The entire city was host to a festival during the Heavenly Ball. Stalls from all over the world crowded the streets.
I wasn't planning on going out, though. It wasn't that I had no interest in the activities, but rather that I feared for my life. I was outside the influence of Mulnite's Dark Core, so I had to be careful about where I went.
"I'm not going. I just need some grub," I said.
"No dinner for you, Lady Komari."
"Why?!"
Sure, I ate lots of snacks! But that doesn't count!
"I told the kitchen you didn't need food because we're eating out. Let's go get some takoyaki or kushiyaki."
"Ugh… So that's your plan… But…"
"I also got you some Eastern clothing for the occasion."
Vill took out the traditional outfit of the Heavenly Paradise: a kimono.
Oh no. I've got a very bad feeling about this.
"A yukata would be too cold for this weather, so I got you an underrobe and cotton kimono. This red would look gorgeous on you. Let's get you changed. Take off that uniform."
"No! Stay away from me! Don't just stand there, Sakuna! Stop her!"
"R-right! Ms. Villhaze, she doesn't want to!"
"That's just what she says, but… Don't you want to see her, too, Lady Memoir? Lady Komari: Eastern edition?"
"…"
"Huh? Sakuna? Why did you stop?"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Komari. I want to see it. Excuse me."
"No! Get away! NOOOOOO!!"
Screaming was no use. Sakuna restrained me while Vill undressed me.
As an aside, I had this personal danger evaluation system. I ranked people from 1 to 5 by how much harm they might bring me. Vill, as you might have guessed, was a level 5. In fact, everyone in the Seventh Unit was. Karla, being a pacifist, was level 1. Nelia was a level 3 since she had a penchant for concocting schemes to make me her maid. The Empress was a pervert beyond assessment, but I didn't interact with her too often, so she was a 4. My little sister was a 5. Sakuna I'd pegged for a 1, since she was a kind and pretty girl…but now it was time I bumped her up to level 2.
"…This is hard to move around in. How do the Heavenly Paradise people go everywhere like this?"
"It looks great on you, though. You're so cute," Sakuna said in admiration.
"W-well, yes. You only find beauty like this once in a lifetime."
"I'll kidnap you myself before anyone else gets to," Vill announced.
"Get away, criminal!" I pushed away the sicko maid and leaped back.
Stone lanterns lined up along the main street illuminated the city. I could hear drums from who knows where. The crowds were dizzyingly large. There were food stalls everywhere, and each and every one of them smelled delicious. The place sure was bustling. Didn't the residents get sick of this noise every day?
"So what do you want to eat, Lady Komari?"
"Let's see… Oh, that. I wanna try that."
I saw a girl passing by us nibbling a sort of round pastry. It smelled really nice.
"That's called oban-yaki. They're selling it over there. I'll go buy some."
"No, I have my own money."
I approached the stall, wallet in hand. My duty as Crimson Lord was, in fact, a job. Daddy controlled most of my wages, but I got to have a bit of it as allowance.
"Do you two want some, too? It's on me."
"No, please, we'll pay for our own…right, Ms. Villhaze?"
"I'm taking you up on it. I want one with custard and one with anko."
"Huhh?!"
"Gotcha! I tend to forget this, but I am Vill's boss and your senior, Sakuna. Let me act like it for once. Excuse me! May I have four oban-yakis?"
"Sure. That'll be eight hundred yen total."
I opened my wallet to take out the money and…my jaw dropped. Yen…? Not mells? Now that I think about it, Karla said that vase was ten billion yen. Do they…use a different currency? So my money is useless here?
The guy running the stall stared at me with a frown. He was getting impatient.
I turned to look at Vill with tears in my eyes. She sighed and shook her head as she produced a couple of coins from her wallet. It was my first time seeing foreign money.
"H-hey! Where did you get that?!"
"From a drawer in the Amatsu residence."
"Thieeef!!"
She swapped the coins for the oban-yaki.
"I'm kidding." Vill smiled as she handed me the food. "I was snooping through their drawers when Lady Amatsu's grandmother caught me. She guessed what I wanted and gave me a bunch of money to enjoy the festival."
"…"
There was a lot wrong with that, but I stayed silent. Making a mental note to pay back the money later, I bit into the oban-yaki. It was hot, sweet, and tasty. It felt more like a snack than dinner.
"Look, Ms. Komari, they have castella over there."
"Seriously?! But I can't eat only sweets…I'll put on weight."
"Don't worry. I have careful control over your body."
"Uh? Ms. Villhaze, what might that mean?" Sakuna asked.
"I adjust the calories of Ms. Komari's every meal to keep her body weight in check. She'll only gain or lose weight as I desire. So go ahead, eat whatever you want today."
"Yay!!"
"Ms. Komari… That doesn't sound sane…"
I didn't quite get it, but I had Vill's permission, and that was what mattered. Time to enjoy the festival!
Vill gave me some Heavenly Paradise money and we went from stall to stall. I had takoyaki, ikayaki, grilled corn on the cob… But there wasn't just food there; we had fun scooping goldfish, playing games, and looking at all kinds of weird stuff like colored chicks.
"This is pretty different from Mulnite. Feels like there's more of a variety of fun things to do."
"I agree… And look at the fun they're having over there." Vill pointed at a crowd.
I stretched my neck to try and see. It was a shooting game. You shot at prizes and won whatever you managed to take down. Normally, there would be lots of different things on the shelves…but now they were empty. Only a ramune bottle remained.
"Wah-ha-ha! This is child's play! Put the next round of prizes on, boss!"
"Please just let me off the hook already! I'll go broke if you take everything!"
"What? This thing was rigged from the start! Look at this bullet. Like cotton candy. You think this can take down anything?! Well, it can! In my hands! Wah-ha-ha!"
"Praise be Lady Prohellya!" exclaimed the people around her.
The commander in thick clothing puffed out her chest in pride, while the catgirl beside her heaved a looong sigh.
"What are you going to do with all these prizes? Do you even want them?"
"I'll give my haul to the poor. Redistribution of wealth is our duty. Here, unenlightened children! Have this wonderful present from Commander Prohellya Butchersky! Take it all! No, wait. Not the polar bear plushie—this one's mine."
All the kids rushed to her.
The strongest Arctic Master kept an unwavering smile on her face even as they jumped at her, even as they pulled her hair, even as they punched her face. Her heart was as broad as the blue sea.
"…We'll have to fight those two in the end, huh?" I said.
"Likely. Let's observe them while we have the chance. Catgirl Leona Flatt may not be so dangerous, but we need to watch out for Prohellya Butchersky. Not only is she strong, she's got brains, too. She's like if you drained Her Majesty the Empress of all her degeneracy."
"I think she would be a husk of a woman if you did that, actually."
"Ohh! If it isn't Terakomari Gandesblood!" Prohellya noticed me as soon as she finished her giveaway.
Holding the polar bear plushie in her arms, she approached with dignified steps. Wait, are those tears in her eyes? Did the kids hit her nose?
"Enjoying the festival? Make sure to save some excitement for the main course—mortal combat two days from now. Team Karin Reigetsu versus Team Karla Amatsu."
"O-of course! I was just so bored waiting for the battle to begin!"
"I gathered as much. Karin won't give us the time of day, so we've also got too much time on our hands. Isn't that right, Leona?"
The catgirl beside Prohellya seemed anxious.
The sight of her getting pushed around by those uncontrollable capybaras at the party a few days before came to mind. Leona Flatt softly stretched her right hand out to me and said:
"Nice meeting you, Terakomari. We won't lose."
Straight to the point, huh? I turned on Commander Mode.
"It's my pleasure. Let's give it our all."
"Did you know Lady Komari's favorite dish is whole-roasted cat?"
Leona's hairs stood on end.
Stop making things up, Vill. You never know when those Six Nations News idiots could be listening.
Leona glared at me, deeply disturbed.
"I-I've always wanted to try grilled vampire!"
"Speaking of which, Lady Komari, remember you said you wanted a pet cat?" Vill asked.
"Huh? Did I?"
"You did. Well, here's a feral cat. How about we catch it and keep it?"
"What?! Having a cat as a pet?! Are you insane?!" Leona yelled.
"Is that weird…?"
"Huh?! O-okay then! I've always wanted to keep a vampire as a pet, actually. How about it? Whoever loses the battle will become the other's pet."
"No, thank you."
"Sounds great! I'll get to ordering the collar. The kind that shocks the pet when they don't obey their master," Vill said.
"Hold on. Listen."
"I won't lose! You'll see! You'll be crying about this! I'm going to rip your organs out with my claws! I'll keep you as cat food! See how you like THAT!!"
Leona yelled as she disappeared into the crowd.
The sicko was a maid of many talents, but if I had to choose what she was best at, it would be picking fights with people upon their first meeting. Now that's a skill I would never want. Why would you do that??
"Wah-ha-ha!" Prohellya gave a hearty laugh. "I didn't know you and Leona were friends."
"This was the first time we ever talked. And now she hates me."
"Well, that's better than indifference. I think you have a talent for getting people to open up to you… But it doesn't matter how hard you may try to be our friend. We're still fated to kill each other in the end," she said as she squeezed the polar bear plushie. "The Haku-Goku Commonwealth wants Karin Reigetsu to be the Goddess. This was decided through party congress, and we won't back out. A full-on clash can't be avoided so long as you support Karla Amatsu."
Party congress…? I guess that means her country's leaders decided this? But Her Majesty hasn't told me anything. Mulnite's really sloppy, huh? Not that that's news.
"By the way, Lady Butchersky," Vill said, taking a step forward. "Are you on Karin Reigetsu's side?"
"Obviously."
"So you really think she's the best option for Goddess?"
Prohellya blinked a couple times.
"…I don't know what you're thinking, maid. We are not friends. You think I would tell you something so important when I barely know you?"
"We are acquainted, if only a little. Isn't that right, Lady Komari?"
"Uh-huh. Tell me, then, Komari. What kind of person am I?"
"Huh? L-let's see… A girl who's good at the piano and likes plushies?"
For a moment, all expression vanished from Prohellya's face, before she turned red and started stamping her feet.
"You fooool! It's not that I wanted this! I only took it because the winner is supposed to take a prize! I don't even want it! Here, take it!"
She pushed the polar bear on me.
Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I panicked and tried giving it back.
"I-I don't want it, either! You take it home!"
"Now I want it even less! Only a child would be happy to get this thing! No, don't take that out of context. I do not look down upon children."
"Ugh…"
It was no use telling people like this that you knew they actually wanted it. I gave up and accepted the polar bear. I gave Prohellya my grilled corn in exchange.
"Okay, fine. Take this as compensation. Now it's a fair trade."
"A fair trade! I like the sound of that."
Prohellya grabbed the corn and immediately started nibbling it, but her eyes were glued to the plushie. I had to find an excuse to give it back to her later.
I observed her once more. She looked even paler than Sakuna, perhaps because she was pure Sapphire. That being said, I couldn't really see much of her skin on account of her thick winter clothes. Also…she didn't really have a nasty aura about her like Karin did.
"So, Terakomari, are you aware of Karla Amatsu's true power?"
I had so much stuff in my hands the polar bear was almost falling down. Fortunately, Sakuna managed to save it before that happened. I thanked her, then turned back to Prohellya before answering.
"I am. She can destroy the universe."
"Okay, then let's cut to the chase. I think the secretary general wants her power."
"What? What do you mean?"
"I've taken a liking to you, so I'll divulge this to you. The secretary general claims that 'we can right the course of the Haku-Goku Commonwealth's history with Karla Amatsu's power… But don't ask me what he means by that. I don't get what he's saying, either. That man likes speaking in riddles to keep me in the dark."
"Do you two not get along?"
"We do not." Prohellya grimaced. "But that doesn't matter. Hey, we're in the middle of a festival. Let's forget about that annoying stuff and have some fun." The next instant, she remembered something. "Oh, right, have you been to the Celestial Shrine already? It's a famous tourist spot—you should go take a look. There's an eight-hundred-year-old cherry tree that towers over the whole city on the grounds, and they say it gives you good luck in marriage."
Vill and Sakuna reacted in a way that would merit a thunder sound effect.
I had nothing but bad feelings about this. "Have fun," the root of all evil said as she walked away. I wished she'd stayed with us. That way, I could've tried really getting along with her to get her to go easy on me in the battle. Instead, the two girls with me each grabbed one of my arms, and I lost my balance. Don't do that! You're making me drop my takoyaki!
"Ms. Komari, why don't we go to this Celestial Shrine?"
"Y-yeah, Prohellya did say it was a popular attraction."
"Yes, Lady Komari, let's go and put ten billion yen in the offertory box."
"Buy another vase instead if you have that kind of money!"
And they dragged me all the way there.
***
The Celestial Shrine was located in a section of the Osui Palace, where the Goddess resided.
And in a section of its wide grounds was a stall from the Fuuzen. Koharu had suggested setting one up to try and capitalize on the festival. Karla went along with it, and the plan ended up working like crazy.
"We sold it all…"
"We did. We made a killing," Koharu nodded in satisfaction.
The Fuuzen had found great success after the debate. This stall, too, had run out of food to sell by the time the sun set. They were already closing up shop and the festival hadn't even reached its peak (right before the fireworks).
"Good luck!" "You'll be our next Goddess!" "I hope you win!" Everyone who passed by the stall showed their support. Karla was glad to hear these comments, but it was another kind of compliment that really brightened her day:
"This is so good!" "I'll drop by the Fuuzen next time!" "You gave me the courage to follow my dreams!"
People were finally starting to recognize her determination.
"You're so popular, Lady Karla."
"That I am… Wait, what's that?!"
Koharu was wearing a mask molded in Karla's image. It was so detailed, Karla had actually thought she was talking to herself for a second.
"This, too, is proof of your popularity. People have started selling them."
"Get those off the market! Gosh, how embarrassing. Who made these? I never gave them permission."
"You can find it at any Kidoshu stall."
"Stop iiit! Why didn't you ask me about it?!"
Karla hit Koharu on the shoulders.
The Kidoshu were a group of capable ninjas, but sometimes their capabilities took a twisted turn. Maybe that came down to their leader's—Koharu's—mind being twisted to begin with.
Karla huffed and sat down on the stool behind the stall.
"Keep that up and I won't make you any more snacks. I'll only let it slide this time since I'm in a good mood."
"Because of all the support, eh? Feels good, doesn't it?"
"…Yeah."
Karla played with her hair, lost in thought. It made her feel awkward, somehow.
She felt liberated after so many years of repressing herself. And she owed this sense of relief entirely to the crimson vampire who'd encouraged her during the debate.
Terakomari had defended Karla against all of Karin's one-sided attacks, roiling in sincere anger at their opponent as she praised Karla's sweets. It was only because of that that Karla was able to reveal her true feelings.
"…I have to thank Terakomari for this."
"You haven't yet?"
"I've been so busy that I haven't had the chance to sit down with her."
"Huh. Oh, one more thing. Couldn't you ask her to resolve that issue with your grandmother?" Koharu said while taking down the stall.
Karla faltered.
Karla had revealed her true intentions to the citizens of the Heavenly Paradise, but…she hadn't once spoken with her grandmother since. She'd been ignoring her whenever their paths crossed at home. The old woman must have been more furious than ever.
Just as Karla thought she ought to speak with her grandmother…a vampire appeared in the crowd. Terakomari Gandesblood, wearing a kimono. She was accompanied by Villhaze and Sakuna Memoir and seemed to be enjoying herself.
"Go with her," Koharu said.
"What? But…"
"I'll take care of things here."
The Kidoshu had already nearly finished dismantling the stall.
Koharu pushed her back and glanced at Terakomari. Karla knew she had to thank her, but there was something else on her mind.
Terakomari probably wasn't the "slaughter champion" everyone said she was. That's not to say she didn't have tremendous power, but deep down, she was one kind vampire.
"…Koharu, take care of the stall. I'll go talk to her."
Terakomari had supported her in following her dreams. Perhaps she would be the one to truly understand her.
***
The Celestial Shrine was connected to the huge palace where the Goddess resided.
Beyond the front hall towered the eight-hundred-year-old cherry tree that guarded the city. According to a sign on site, that tree was in fact the shrine's object of worship.
I threw a coin in the offertory box and pressed my hands together. I wasn't one to believe in God, but I figured it was the respectful thing to do, so I prayed in earnest for once.
"Please don't let me die, please don't let me die, please don't let me die…"
"Ms. Komari, you aren't supposed to say your prayer out loud." Sakuna stood beside me, smiling awkwardly.
I know that. But I'm afraid God won't hear me unless I do.
"What did you pray for?" I asked.
"Bwuh?! I, uh…prayed for world peace."
"You're such a good girl, Sakuna."
"Hee-hee…"
"Sheesh. You two just don't get it, do you?" Vill sighed and shrugged. "World peace? Did you forget what sort of fortune the Celestial Shrine brings, exactly? Eight hundred years ago, the First Goddess planted this cherry tree after being separated from her husband to serve as a landmark for their eventual reunion. 'I will always be waiting here for you,' she said, giving birth to this noble shrine. As such, it is tradition to make a wish for a good hand in marriage to honor their history."
"Wow, you sure know a lot, don't you, Vill?"
"She just read what the sign over there says," Sakuna pointed out.
"And so I, too, followed tradition and prayed for Lady Komari and me to be together forever. I also donated all my savings so God would grant priority to my wish."
"God wouldn't do that!! And are you for real?! OH MY GOD, you are serious!!"
Vill's wallet was completely empty.
There were still so many stalls I wanted to hit up! Why did you even need to wish for that?! You'd never let me go either way! As I opened my mouth to give Vill a piece of my mind, I heard a chime.
"Ms. Gandesblood. Would you give me a moment of your time?"
I turned around. There was the kimono girl, anxious.
"Hmm? You're visiting the shrine, too, Karla?"
"No, I need to speak with you. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind? I want to talk about our plans."
"It is too much trouble, Lady Amatsu. We're in the middle of a date, so please…," Vill said.
"It's something important, isn't it?" I asked.
"Yes." Karla's expression was grim, and I had no reason to say no.
I gave Sakuna a glance, and she immediately understood. She locked the sicko maid's arms in a full nelson and smiled at me to say go. Perhaps Sakuna is still okay at level 1.
"Wait, Lady Komari! You can't do this on our date! You should be with me, not her! Did I not give God enough money?!"
"Take it easy, Ms. Villhaze! This isn't about the money!"
"Um…is she gonna be okay?" Karla asked.
"She's always like that, don't worry about it. Let's go."
I took Karla by the arm and walked away.
We were at the bank of the river that ran through the center of the Eastern Capital (I forget the name). Karla and I were sitting on the grass, gazing at the stars reflected in the water.
The river was far from the main street, so there was practically no one around. I could still hear the festival music, though, which made for some pleasant background noise. A chilly autumn wind blew by.
"Want some?" Karla asked, offering me manju buns.
"May I?"
"Food is meant to be eaten."
I accepted. The sweet taste of the bun spread throughout my mouth at first bite. It was a simple, orthodox manju, and it was that simplicity that made it blissful on the tongue.
"You really have a knack for making sweets. This is so good."
"Thank you. And thank you for what you did at the debate."
"What did I do?"
"I wouldn't have been able to speak my mind onstage if it weren't for you. I would have gone with the flow, become the Goddess, and given up on my dreams."
Then I remembered how much I'd yelled after getting pissed off at Karin's comments.
But I hadn't done anything worth being thanked for. If anything, Karin's criticisms were the source of everything. It was her slander that had pushed Karla to come clean. And yet here she was, wearing a pure smile on her face and assuring me it was all thanks to me.
"How could I possibly thank you for it, Ms. Gandesblood?"
"Seriously, it's nothing… Also, don't call me that."
"Huh?"
"My last name is too long, you know. Just call me by my first name."
"…" Karla thought for a bit before smiling. "Okay then, Komari."
"Good."
I sighed in relief. I would've actually cried if she insisted on calling me Gandesblood. Now it felt like we were beginning to understand each other.
I took another bite out of the manju as I basked in the sentimentality.
Then Karla spoke up with hesitance.
"…You know, I haven't spoken to my grandmother yet."
"I see. Yeah, you've been busy."
"I have. So…would you mind coming with me?" She stared straight at me, determination on her face. "Grandmother must be in the worst mood ever. She couldn't be happy after how strongly I spoke at the debate. I can't imagine anyone has ever stated they would quit as soon as they're appointed Goddess. Even I have to wonder what I was thinking when I said that."
"Still, you can't let Karin win, can you?"
"I can't. I have a bad feeling about her. I sense danger."
Vill had said something along those lines. Sure, Karin was a bit extreme in both word and deed…but was she really dangerous? I mean, she'd used her sword on Karla the other day, but it was nothing big, was it? No, it most certainly was big. Crap, I'm getting used to violence. That's messed up.
"So." Karla turned to me. "I know I shouldn't bother you with this, but could you please come with me to convince my grandmother? I'm afraid she might kill me if I'm alone."
"Now I feel like she might do me in, too…"
"But you're the strongest commander there is, aren't you?"
"Hey, aren't you the strongest in the universe?"
Karla froze up. She got red in the face and started fidgeting.
"I…actually, I was also considering telling you about this, too. Since I think I can trust you. So I'll fill you in."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I, uh… The truth is…"
"Is…?"
"The truth is...… N-never mind! I can't!"
Karla looked away. My jaw was on the floor.
"Wh-why not?! We've already come this far! Say it! Now it's bothering me!"
"I'm still not ready! This is even more serious than telling everyone I want to be a pâtissier."
"I won't be surprised, no matter what you say."
"But…you might be disappointed…"
Karla hugged her knees.
Well, if she doesn't want to say it, I guess I shouldn't pry further. I'm super curious about it now, though! Either way, we should focus on talking with her grandma.
Just then, a sudden autumnal gale shook the grass on the riverbed. I felt someone standing behind us.
"Karla, you must take the plunge."
It was a kimono-clad woman. The Goddess.
I still couldn't make out her face—she had that huge paper charm over it. No one in the world who hid their identity like this was ever a decent person…yet somehow, I didn't feel a hint of apprehension about her. Wonder why.
"M-My Goddess?! What are you doing here?!"
"I'm out for a stroll. It's not every day you see the Eastern Capital as lively as this."
She smiled as she approached us, a paper bag with the Fuuzen's logo on it in hand. Had she bought something at Karla's shop?
"U-um, didn't you tell me not to talk to you without precaution or something? Should I…?"
"That's right. But it's fine now. I am the Goddess you always speak with."
"??"
I didn't get it. Karla looked like she didn't, either.
The Goddess stared her straight in the face and said:
"Karla. You should say what you have to say when you need to say it. It's no use crying over spilt milk, as they say, and you never know what the future might hold."
"B-but… but but! Not this secret!"
"Not just that secret. You shouldn't hesitate to speak with your grandmother, either. Don't hold back. This is about what you want to do. Hold your head up."
I looked at her in surprise. Did the Goddess not think the same as Karla's grandmother? Then, our eyes met…or at least, I think they did. I couldn't actually see her eyes, after all.
"Commander Gandesblood, I leave Karla in your care."
"I'll do whatever I can."
"Good to know. I am glad to have this generation's hero on our side."
"Yup. That's me… Huh?"
Then the Goddess fell down on me… Or rather, she hugged me, but it took me a second to realize it. I could hear her heartbeat. Silence fell for a moment, save for the cries of insects, until Karla yelped.
The Goddess whispered into my ear.
"Ensure that you, too, value the time you have. Time is like a river. Don't let it flow by until you finally appreciate its past purity down the line."
"O-okay…"
I got a weird sense of déjà vu. Had I spoken with her before?
Question marks were still filling my head when she suddenly let me go.
The Goddess's serene smile shined faintly against the darkness. She looked…ethereal.
"I'm telling this to myself, in a way. When I was little, I became an Imperial Saber just as my father commanded. I lost sight of what I truly wanted to do for myself…and worked hard in my new role…until I found myself here."
Karla and I stood there in shock. There was a heavy dose of reality and relatability in what she'd said.
"I'm sorry. I know this conversation is a lot. I just wanted to tell you…please don't end up like me. That's all."
"My Goddess…what should I do?"
"Be brave."
She turned around.
I was so transfixed by her I forgot all about the manju.
"Your grandmother will understand. She won't just kill you first thing. Take care." She waved as she walked away.
The Goddess felt somehow otherworldly. And just like the Empress and the secretary general, she sure liked speaking in riddles. I couldn't wrap my head around what exactly she wanted to say. Did she mean the water in a river was tastier upstream?
But I did understand one thing: She supported Karla in following her dreams.
"Good for you, eh, Karla?"
"Yes…"
We just stood there for a while. The ruckus of the festival vanished as the Goddess disappeared into the darkness. Karla turned around abruptly.
"…My Goddess supports me. I must live up to her expectations."
"Yeah…so, where are we going?"
"There's only one answer!" She pointed at the night sky. "To the Amatsu residence, to speak with my grandmother! I'll tell her my true intentions! Let's go, Ms. Gan…Komari! It's time to let her have it!"
***
"I'm going to kill the shit out of you."
The Goddess was totally wrong.
Karla had taken me with great enthusiasm to the Amatsu residence and flew to her grandmother so she could talk to her, only to be greeted with that response. The old woman was furious.
We were in the ten-billion-yen-vase room, sitting on our feet before Hell's Windmill.
Her sharp gaze had dashed Karla's spirits, but it wasn't enough to empty all the energy the Goddess had given her.
"Th-there's something I want to tell you!"
Her grandma was sitting in silence, polishing her naked sword. She was holding a, like, white pom-pom or something, and was pom-pomming away at the blade. Do you really need to pom-pom it right now? Don't you see your granddaughter's trying to tell you something super important? I've got a very bad feeling about this.
"I thought I should speak directly with you… You might have already heard what happened at the debate. As I said back there, I plan on resigning as soon as I am appointed Goddess."
Grandma said nothing.
"As I've always said, I want to be a pâtissier. I'm already on my way to becoming one, actually, since I now run the Fuuzen. I want to keep working toward that goal."
Grandma said nothing.
My belly was starting to hurt. The air around us felt thick and heavy.
"I don't have what it takes to carry the Heavenly Paradise on my shoulders. I'm not as brilliant as Komari or Nelia. You…understand this, don't you?"
"Karla. What do you think of that Reigetsu punk?"
I quivered. Grandma put the pom-pom aside and grabbed the hilt of her sword. I was sure it was all over.
Karla flinched a little, but she kept up her poker face and looked her grandmother straight in the eye.
"I've got a bad feeling about Karin."
"Yes. The Heavenly Paradise will fall to its doom if it ends up in her hands."
"That's why…I'm going to defeat her. I'll win, then quit."
"I've had enough of your naïveté!"
A gust of wind blew.
I felt something fly right past my cheek. It was so sudden that I couldn't move an inch. I turned around in terror and saw…the katana stabbing the forehead of the tiger painted on the sliding door.
Another thunderous yell hit my ears before my brain could reboot.
"Everything you say is nonsense!! All of it!! You still don't understand the Heavenly Ball!! Whoever wins is worthy of being the Goddess, no exceptions. It is proof that the heavens have recognized you as the greater candidate! And you say you'll resign because you want to be a pâtissier?! That's not something you do half-heartedly!!"
"I-it's your fault I'm half-hearted in the first place! I always said I didn't want to be the Goddess! I didn't even want to be an Imperial Saber!"
"That's your duty as an Amatsu warrior! You don't get to throw that away at this point!!"
"Then why did you teach me how to bake?!"
Her grandma paused. "You taught me how to do it! You told me my baking was good! And that's why I wanted to be a pâtissier! Now you tell me about being an Imperial Saber?! The Goddess?! It was YOU who gave me this dream!! You reap what you— OW!!"
Karla flew back. She crashed through a wall and tumbled to the next room over. Shaking, I turned to look back at her grandma.
She was holding her hand out front, a ghastly expression on her face.
Then it finally hit me. She had whacked Karla clean in the face with the palm of her hand.
I shivered as I forced my mouth open.
"E-excuse me, don't you think that was a bit much…?"
"You blockhead!!" She totally ignored me and walked up to Karla, then pulled her up by the collar. "Do you understand the situation the Heavenly Paradise is in?! I'm sure you don't! Let me tell you…it's doomed! Fated to be destroyed by Inverse Moon!"
"L-let me go! I don't condone violence!"
"Listen, Karla. Karin Reigetsu isn't worthy of being a ruler. The terrorists will do as they please if she becomes the Goddess. We'd be letting in the Wicked God Slayer!"
"That's…" Karla glared back at her. "That's the first I've heard of it, but that's no problem! I'll defeat Karin and become Goddess myself! And then I'll cede the title to Komari!"
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on.
"Imbecile! You think a vampire can be the leader of the Peace Spirits?! I've never heard of a Goddess quitting before even getting the title. That's blasphemy!"
"Then why don't we keep the current Goddess?! How old is she?! Like thirty or something, right?! She can keep on leading us against the terrorists or whatever for another fifty years or so!"
"She doesn't have time left! Nor do I…which is why you have to become the next Goddess and battle the terrorists! You must destroy the Wicked God Slayer!"
"That's not my problem! I'm going to resign and quit and work at the Fuuzen, and that's it! I'm not doing what you say, you stupid old lady!"
Then I heard a loud thud.
Karla's body went flying through the air like a ball.
Her grandma had thrown her overhead like they do in judo with godlike speed. Karla shrieked as she was blown away and smashed the door to the dry garden. She fell face-first into the ground.
"Gweh!" I heard her yelp. The next moment, I felt a dense amount of mana.
It was coming from her grandma. I was at a loss for words. Now I knew why they called her Hell's Windmill.
"If you won't understand with words, then I have no choice but to kill you."
Karla staggered to her feet.
Her nose was bleeding. I tried to rush up to her, but she held me back with a glance, and I stopped in my tracks. She hadn't yet lost her spirit.
Then I heard an explosion overhead.
I looked up in shock and saw flames of every color blooming in the night sky. I was bewitched. Those are…those "fireworks" everyone in the Heavenly Paradise loves so much, right?
"Grandmother," Karla said as she wiped away the blood. "If that's how you want it, then I'll show you I'm serious. No matter how many times you hit me, how many times you kill me, I won't give up. I will do as I please."
"I'll beat you into submission. Hope you're ready to die."
"I've been ready for a long time now! I learned something during the Six Nations War—I learned to not give up in the face of adversity! Komari and Nelia taught me that!"
"…"
I heard Karla's grandma gasp, only to shoot a glare back at her granddaughter the next instant.
"…I see. Then die."
Mana raged. Grandma was holding a katana all of a sudden. Green mana whirled around her like a windmill, lifting the gravel in the garden. Karla couldn't even stay on her feet—she fell on her butt.
I could only watch with my mouth agape.
Karla was going to bite the dust. I couldn't let that happen. Her grandma must've had her reasons, but it wasn't right for family to kill each other.
"I-I don't want to die! But I'm ready for it! I will not become Goddess!"
"Do you have any idea how much I've done to prepare you? You were sent here by the heavens to change the fate of the Heavenly Paradise. And if you don't understand that… then I'll have to beat you up until you do. Savor death, Karlaaa!!"
Grandma took a step forward, sword firmly in hand.
Karla clenched her teeth in anticipation. She did not run away. She stood her ground, not budging an inch. Her resolute gaze was set firmly on Hell's Windmill.
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but I felt like her grandma's moves slowed down for a bit. Either way, she didn't stop. The murderous blade slowly fell on her head…and I couldn't take it anymore. I ran up to them.
"W-wait! Why do you need to do all this?!"
"?! Let go!"
I was clinging to her grandma's waist. I'd unconsciously leaped into action. Hadn't even think about how she could kill me instead. My body just moved on its own after I thought that I needed to stop their fight.
"Let go! I can't drag you into this!"
"I won't let go! Please…just think about Karla's feelings!!"
Fireworks went off over our heads.
I kept on shouting frantically.
"Just look at how against it she is! What's the point in forcing her to become Goddess?! She wants to be a pâtissier! I can understand how you might feel, but please, think about Karla!"
"What?! You know nothing, brat!! How could you—"
"I can take care of Inverse Moon!! I'll do something about it!!"
What am I saying?
I knew I was only shooting myself in the foot, but I couldn't stop my mouth. I just wanted to do something for Karla.
"I'm the strongest commander in the whole world! I can kill them all with a flick of my pinky finger! I don't remember any of it…but I already beat Millicent from Inverse Moon! And Odilon Metal, too! I can just do it all over again next time!"
"…That's an entirely different issue. Karla is most suited for being the Goddess. Everyone in the Heavenly Paradise has their hearts set on her. It would be a waste for her to become a pâtissier."
"Karla's fit for being a pâtissier! It would be a waste for her to be the Goddess, in fact! You heard me! There's no point in giving a title to someone who doesn't want it. You need desire, a yearning from the bottom of your heart, telling you that you want to be the Goddess, in order to be it!"
"…!!"
She eased off…or at least I felt like she did.
I took the chance to press forward and continued speaking.
"Why force someone to do something they don't want to? I'm not thrilled about being a Crimson Lord, you know. What I really want to do is shut myself in my room and write novels. I'm having a really hard time with this job. I'm managing to keep up appearances thanks to my subordinates, but it's all for show. You don't want Karla to become a ruler like that, do you?"
Karla was looking at me like, What in the world are you talking about? But there was no need to put on airs anymore. Karla Amatsu and I were in the same situation, after all.
Her grandma was taken aback. Just a little more.
"Have you eaten her sweets?"
"…No point in even trying them. The Reigetsu fox is right about that."
"You can't say you don't like them without even having a taste! My maid's always saying that!"
"So what? I refuse to eat her sweets. An Amatsu should only concern herself with battling and politics, no—"
"Shut up and eat!"
"Ah? M-gwm!"
I shoved the unfinished manju I had in my pocket into her mouth.
"Wh-wh-wha-wha-what are you doing, Komari?!" Karla yelled.
Grandma resisted for a bit, but eventually, she started chewing the bun.
Her mana started fading away.
She was speechless. I slowly regained my composure. What had I been thinking? Shoving a half-eaten snack into her mouth? Gosh.
"This is…similar to the kudzu manju I used to make back in the day."
"?! Y-yes! You taught me how to make it when I was little. It's one of the most popular items at the Fuuzen, and also one of the sweets I'm most proud of…even if the one you ate was just leftovers."
I softly stepped away from Grandma. She wore a quiet, conflicted look on her face.
Then I heard cheering. The explosions in the sky were still going. Sparkling fireworks lit up Karla's face. The festival was approaching its climax.
Just then, her grandmother brought up her katana. My first thought was that I was about to die…but that didn't happen. Hell's Windmill sheathed her blade in an elegant motion.
"…I always knew how much you hated being an Imperial Saber."
Karla stared at her grandma in confusion.
"Th-then you will accept my wishes?"
"…Hah. Strength surges when one strongly wishes to accomplish something. And your will is turned toward sweets instead of our nation. Your sweet-addled brain would be of no use to our country… I'll have to speak with the Goddess."
"She already showed me her support for my dreams."
"She did…?!" Grandma widened her eyes, then put on a smile of resignation right away. "I see. If she says so, then she must have some sort of plan. I suppose the idea that an Amatsu must always strive to be Goddess is…already out of date."
The leader of the Amatsus stared at the fireworks lighting up the night sky with nostalgia. I couldn't hide my joy at the sight. She had finally accepted Karla. Now there was nothing to tie her down. She could be free to pursue her own dreams.
"So, Grandmother, I don't have to be the Goddess anymore, do I?"
"I didn't say that!!"
I choked.
Her grandma glared at her with a dreadful scowl.
"The Heavenly Paradise is over if the Reigetsu girl becomes Goddess in your place! You must win the Heavenly Ball and get appointed as Goddess!"
"I thought the manju had brainwashed you! Nothing's changed!"
"Exactly. You still have to do the same. You must defeat Karin Reigetsu, claim the title of Goddess…and then you can do whatever you want."
"Huh…?"
Grandma turned around and walked back into the house.
"W-wait!" Karla shouted at her back. "So you agree…? That I can quit being Goddess…?"
"How many times must I say it? I'm gonna kill you."
"S-sorry… And one more thing, please."
"What?"
"What's…so wrong about Karin? I kind of get that she's up to no good…but I think saying the Heavenly Paradise is doomed because of her is a bit of an exaggeration."
"That mysterious power will kill you if you find out."
What??
Grandma didn't care to elaborate, though. She walked away, leaving Karla shocked in her wake. Considering how unreal this turn of events had been, she probably couldn't process it yet.
But then her grandmother said one final thing. I couldn't believe my ears.
"You're best being a pâtissier. You've improved a lot, Karla."
That look on Karla's face. It was as though she had just seen a ghost.
The fireworks continued to erupt in the air, but the only thing that reached my ears were her grandma's words. I was speechless. Karla had gained her freedom… I was as envious for her as I was glad.
So anyone could achieve their dreams so long as they tried.
Maybe I should try putting in some effort myself, I pondered, lingering by her side in the middle of the night.
We weren't quite in the mood to go enjoy the festival. Karla and I sat on the veranda and watched the fireworks.
Flames of all colors bloomed brightly like flowers in the sky. I'd heard that they weren't made out of magic, but black powder. I was deeply impressed by the mystical powers of technology.
"I thought…," Karla muttered. The Dark Core had already stopped her bleeding. "I thought my grandmother didn't care about my feelings at all. She would always force me through brutal training, telling me time and time again that I had to be a warrior to carry the country, that I had to give up my dreams. She molded me into an Imperial Saber and made me participate in this Heavenly Ball…"
"But in the end, she was reasonable."
"Yes. I never thought she would support me like that. Though, well…can we really call her a good person now? This could be one of those situations where a super-violent person does something good for once in their life and comes off looking like a saint…"
"Don't worry too much about it. What's important is that she's accepted you now."
"Right. And it's all thanks to you." Karla smiled.
I felt ticklish. It was the debate all over again. I hadn't done anything. I was just…there.
Also…I just noticed something. My weak-ass self wouldn't have stood a chance against Hell's Windmill. Karla's grandma probably recognized her granddaughter's dreams from the moment she showed her determination. She'd only went at Karla with enough strength to let herself be stopped, anticipating I would do it. So, in truth, I had done nothing.
But then Karla shook her head.
"It's all thanks to the courage you gave me. I couldn't have faced my grandmother alone."
"…I see. I think you could've made her understand by force, though. You're the strongest commander in the universe, remember?"
"…" She went quiet for some reason.
I stared at her profile with suspicion. She sure was pretty enough to be called a once-in-three-lifetimes beauty. The sight of her illuminated by the fireworks had my heart skipping a beat.
"Um… I know now that I can trust you. I will tell you what I didn't before… P-please don't get mad, okay?"
"Don't worry. I only get mad at my maid when she does some raunchy crap."
"I'll tell you, then. The truth is…" Karla took a deep breath before continuing, "I'm actually very weak."
I didn't understand what she was getting at. Weak how??
"I'm not saying this figuratively or anything. I'm weak. All that stuff about me being the strongest commander out there is a big fat lie. I…I can't even kill a bug. I'm useless. And I mean that. A bug could actually defeat me."
"Sorry, Karla, but I don't get what you're trying to tell me."
"I'll put it as concisely as possible: I have no combat ability whatsoever."
It didn't sound like she was joking. I couldn't imagine her joking in this moment to begin with. There was fear in Karla's eyes…but she looked straight at me with determination.
"I'm a poor excuse of a Peace Spirit. I suck at sports. I'm no good at magic. Everything I've said about my power was a lie."
"B-but you're undefeated as an Imperial Saber!"
"My subordinates do all the work. Have you ever seen me actually use my power to destroy the universe? No, you haven't."
"I mean, sure, but…"
"Komari, could it be you're a bit dense?"
What?! Dense?! Me?!
"Hold on! But you won the National Murder Championship, didn't you?!"
"That was all bogus."
"Bogus?!"
"Shrewder types have already noticed this, like Karin. About eighty percent of what she said at the debate was true. I think Nelia has her suspicions, too. I fabricated everything to uphold the honor of the Amatsus. Still, that's no excuse for deceiving you. I understand if you're disappointed… I'm sorry for lying to you this whole time."
She bowed her head deeply.
I wasn't disappointed, just surprised. But thinking back on it now, I realized that there had indeed been plenty of inconsistencies. Not to mention the many times I'd felt kinship with the clumsiness she showed from time to time. And that was without taking the fact she hadn't actually showcased her powers into account.
Yup…kinship.
We were the same, in every sense of the word.
"M-me too."
Perhaps that's why I was able to drum up some courage as well.
It was the first time I'd owned up to this.
"I'm…also weak, actually."
"Weak? You? What do you mean?"
"I'm just the same as you. Everyone thinks I'm some amazing Crimson Lord, but I can't do sports or magic at all. I'm a failure of a vampire. My only saving grace is my intellect and looks."
"I don't get it. Am I supposed to laugh?"
"Laugh as much as you'd like. I've also been lying this whole time. It's true…I don't want to be a commander, just like you. I wanna be a novelist."
Karla looked confused.
"But what about that Core Implosion?"
"I can't use Core Implosion. The papers made that up."
"Huh?? No, that can't be right. I saw you myself, as did everyone around the world, when you wielded that golden sword against Gerra-Aruka's army… Unless… No, that can't be…"
Karla realized something and stared at me in disbelief, eyes wide open. Yup. You might not believe it, but it's true. I'm wimpier than a flea. And I only felt like telling you the truth because of how honest you've been yourself. Because I think we share these same worries.
"…I see. They say Core Implosion represents the strength of one's spirit. You must actually be really strong."
"No, I'm telling you, I'm a pushover."
"Perhaps. Then we're comrades hiding the same secret. Let's get through this together."
She reached out to me.
I grabbed her hand and shivered with deep emotion. We were closer after revealing each other's secrets. Now this was YOUTH. I could consider her my friend now, and a very close one at that. Someone who shared my lot in life and even my pacifist philosophy.
"Let's make your dream come true." Karla beamed.
"Oh… Right, so you'll help me get published?"
"Yes. I must thank you for the support somehow."
"N-nice. But, well, first we gotta win this Heavenly Ball, as promised. I think both you and your grandma want you to become the Goddess, for starters."
An alarm went off inside my head.
…Hmm? Hold on.
So now I knew that Karla wasn't the strongest commander in the universe. Cool.
But…how were we supposed to win the mortal combat now? I had been planning to leave everything to her. Could it be that she'd thought the same? And she'd asked me for help because she thought I was a slaughter champion? Oh no. We've got trouble.
"Karla! I just realized something terrible!"
However, as soon as I spoke, we heard a noise coming from inside the house.
★
Karla Amatsu needed to become Goddess.
Perhaps she didn't have magic skills, but she had other talents. She had charisma. Incredibly good memory. A knack for arts of all sorts. The baking skills she'd displayed moments before.
But more than anything, she had a mind of steel. A will that wouldn't bend to give up on her dreams even in the face of death. Her grandmother thought it would be a waste to just let all that go out on the streets.
However, mental energy was vital for living. And with Karla's directed at confections, it was no use trying to make her pour it into politics. Her grandmother didn't feel like she had erred in her upbringing. Perhaps Karla had simply been born that way.
Or perhaps Terakomari Gandesblood had influenced her. In any case, her grandmother had given in to her passion and accepted her plan to quit the title of Goddess. She was surprised about it herself. But more shocking than anything was the determination the typically shy girl had shown. That was something worth being glad about.
"…I've lost my touch."
Karla's grandmother looked down at the remaining piece of the kudzu manju Terakomari Gandesblood had made her eat.
Above all else, that sweet dumpling proved Karla was right to follow her own path. Much as it irked her grandmother to accept it, her granddaughter had undoubtedly improved. That girl would do well as a confectioner. The Heavenly Paradise's politics were still a problem, though… It seemed she would have to call on her other runaway grandchild.
As she mulled over the incoming difficulty, she heard a voice from the other side of the door.
"Grandmother."
She put her katana on the tatami floor and replied.
"What is it? Do you have more to say?"
"Grandmother."
The room was dark. Sluggishly, she rose to her feet and walked up to the door.
Oh, I've got more to say, in fact. Your sweets may be good, but there's still room for improvement. It's still not enough to be the greatest confectioner in the city. I guess I'll give her some advice.
"Grandmother."
"I heard you already. Why don't you come in?" she said as she put her hand on the door.
The fireworks had already ceased. She couldn't hear any noise from the festival. Only the sound of the insects crying in the darkness.
She slowly slid open the door…and then click. A switch flipped.
A blade projected itself toward her.
Her guard was down. The voice she heard had clearly been her granddaughter's, and she knew she was in the garden on the other side, so why would she be wary?
The blade plunged through her chest. A red stain extended over her clothes, dripping all the way to the tatami floor.
"Wha… Who…"
"This is a Divine Instrument. You won't just bounce back from these wounds."
The door opened completely, and a silhouette showed itself from the darkness. It was a girl holding the blade. Not Karla Amatsu. She could've noticed had she been paying more attention.
Karla's grandmother fell to her knees.
The intruder spoke threateningly.
"You're the former Goddess, aren't you? Where is the Heavenly Paradise's Dark Core?"
"I would never…tell you…"
"Just what I expected. I could take you with me for interrogation, but I can't let my main objective out of sight. So what's it going to be? Are you ready to die here and now?"
"Go to hell… Who sent you? You won't get away with this…"
"Answer my question. If you're not ready to die, then…"
The intruder's words cut off. She vanished like the mist. A moment later, Karla's grandmother heard footsteps rushing toward her, but she couldn't move anymore.
She fell down on the tatami floor. She was awfully lightheaded. The bleeding wouldn't stop.
"Yeah… I've lost my touch…"
"Grandmother?!"
That sounded like her real granddaughter.
"Grandmother! Grandmother, stay with me, please!" she screamed in the darkness.
She could see Karla's face scrunched up in tears, albeit hazily. Behind her was Terakomari Gandesblood, pale in the face.
"Grandmother. Grandmother, why…?"
I don't know. But at least I'm glad I managed to respect your feelings in my last moments.
As Karla's grandmother felt her life fading away, she summoned her last remaining strength to feebly move her lips.
"Live how you see fit."
She didn't get to say any more. Karla's wailing form turned hazier and hazier. All sound disappeared. Take care of my granddaughter… Hell's Windmill sent her last wishes to the vampire princess staring at her, mouth agape. A short while later, her heart gave its last.