[Present Day]
Seeing Shizuka eating ramen beside her, Rio couldn't help but smile a little bit. She knew very well what it entailed, teaching the leader of youmas her fighting style.
But even so, Rio doesn't mind.
After all, what's it to her?
A dying man no longer worries about death.
Nor does he worry about other people's lives.
If she's dying anyway, she might as well leave some sort of legacy. It could've been anyone, but it just so happened that it was Shizuka who piqued her interest first.
Besides, not many people could withstand her training.
And she also made a promise.
Though it was initially just a joke, Rio never breaks a promise. No matter what.
In any case, as she looked at the hot ramen in front of her, she began finishing the remaining contents.
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"Anyways, that's all for today. Come back next weekend, okay? Don't be late."
Rio crossed her arms and waved her hands like she was shooing me off—as if I'm some stray cat.
"Wait… is this really it?"
I asked, just in case I was getting pranked.
"Yup."
Ah…
"Ah…"
The same word slipped out of my mouth.
"Yeah, that was really it. Now shoo, I want some me time."
Hearing that, I couldn't help but pout and walk away, stomping my feet.
"I thought we were getting close…"
I murmured under my breath.
Meanwhile, Rio couldn't help but giggle once Shizuka left.
"She's really like a stray cat. Too bad. I can't allow that fcker to get close to me so easily. I ain't a slt like Himeno."
Rio put both hands on her hips and laughed as she walked back to her dojo.
There ain't no use getting close now, after all… It would hurt the poor lass if she knew how much time Rio has left.
...
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.
"Phew, finally."
After a quick shower to wash off the sweat, I stepped out of the bathroom and began drying my hair with a blow-dryer.
I didn't expect the training to be so short, but in a way, I get what Rio's doing.
I can't become strong overnight. Training's a discipline—something you do almost every day to slowly get better.
Even I am no exception, it seems.
But…
It's fun. To adapt and slowly get better than before.
"But Rio… urghhh!"
I gritted my teeth.
"She's so insufferable, really!"
I muttered. At one point she's this crude mentor, at another she's a kind older sister, and at another she's a tsundere.
But it doesn't matter. Everyone eventually opens up to others—it's inevitable. Even I did with Himeno-nee. Who's to say Rio won't?
Either way, it's not like I'm interested in her life.
On another note… it's been a while since I visited my kingdom. A surprise visit wouldn't hurt.
With that in mind, I took a deep sigh.
I'm always busy, always got something to do. Perhaps this is what it entails, being a leader. I couldn't just sit still.
A small giggle escaped my lips as my mouth curved into a smile.
Soon, the fruits of my efforts will bear fruit. I just know it.
...
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Back in the youma castle, four shadows in the silhouettes of animals sat in a meeting room—a round table with chairs for each.
Present were: a black cat, IXX; a black dog; a black fox; and a black turtle.
The reason they'd gathered was simple:
『We need to talk about Her Majesty.』
IXX spoke first. The other three youmas, however, looked on in confusion.
"What exactly do we need to concern ourselves with regarding Her Majesty?"
The turtle asked carefully.
"Right. I mean, you're the one who likes to ride on her the most. Why bring this up now?"
The fox chimed in. It was true—why was IXX concerning herself with this now?
『It's not like that! I'm not planning a coup or anything. I merely wanted to talk about how we can contribute better.』
At her words echoing in their minds, the youmas' eyes widened as if they finally understood.
"Right, you're right! Her Majesty has only tasked us with small, meager things. We've never been tasked with big moves—like destroying the city."
The dog barked excitedly, putting his paws on the table.
"Hey, if we did that, not only would we get pummeled by the old magical girls, there are new ones, too. Plus, knowing Her Majesty, we'd get severely punished. I don't want my black, soft fur—and me—to become some blob, mind you."
The fox snarled at the dog.
"Enough, enough. In a way, both of you are right. But as Fox said, it's dangerous to make a move on our own."
The turtle interjected.
『Then what do you think we should do? Hmmm?』
Hearing a familiar, melodic voice, the four youmas immediately looked toward the entrance with wide eyes.
"Your Majesty!" x4
They hurriedly dropped to the floor and bowed, causing the black-haired woman to smile. She put one arm beneath her breasts to support them, while her other hand touched her chin.
『Now, now~ relax. I merely came for a visit. It's been a while, hasn't it?』
Caelumbra giggled—softly, like a mother amused by her mischievous children.
『It has been a few days, yes.』
IXX responded first.
"Indeed, Your Majesty! I've taken good care of the furniture and decorations this time!"
The fox's tail wagged.
『I can tell. Last time we still used torches, but now you've opted for fluorescent lighting, haven't you?』
Caelumbra nodded.
"Yes, yes! Do you like it, Your Majesty?"
The black fox asked, eyes sparkling.
『Like it? I love it.』
She said simply—yet her words were enough to make the fox prance around.
『How long have you been here, Master?』
IXX asked curiously.
『Hmm… since the very start?』
Hearing that, the four youmas fell silent.
Seeing their reaction, Caelumbra's smile widened even more.
『Don't worry. I won't punish you for that. After all, you all do have a point.』
I winked, leaning my upper body toward the round table and resting my hands on it.
『Apart from redecorating the castle, I am guilty of not focusing enough on the state of affairs.』
Seeing the youmas nod, I continued.
『However, we truly cannot make a move right now. I am far too weak, far too inexperienced.
If any of you act now—whether against my will or out of patriotism—I cannot guarantee your safety.』
My voice was firm. Gentle, but firm. My eyes narrowed slightly as my white diamond-shaped pupils scanned the four youmas.
『Master, we can revive, you know?』
I shook my head.
『Even so, being killed means a few seconds wasted… What I want are relevant deaths, not redundant ones. If you get killed, make sure it gives a message.』
『That is why, as it stands, we must remain in the shadows. For darkness has always been present, hasn't it? Since the dawn of time—no, before these concepts even existed.』
I saw IXX nod in understanding.
『Indeed. We youmas are born from darkness. Before light and other concepts, we were first to exist.
If darkness is wary of light, and if darkness is impatient… is that even darkness? Isn't that just a mere dim shadow?』
That was what IXX thought to herself.
Meanwhile, the black fox scratched her head as if analyzing between the lines.
The turtle simply kept his silence, but the dog seemed restless.
"Your Majesty, I know it might seem rude, but… how long do we have to wait?"
That was a good question. Honestly, I don't know myself, but…
『Around a year or two? Once I'm done training under Nova Eclipse. After that, we can plan where we attack, when we attack, and how we attack.』
I crossed my arms.
『Besides, what's the rush? If we rush our attacks, aren't we just repeating the same cycle? So believe in me more, Dog.』
I sighed and looked away.
"I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty!"
The dog whimpered.
『No, don't be. These are necessary questions. It's nice to know you aren't stagnant creatures who simply go with the flow.』
I gave the black dog a gentle smile as I turned around.
『Anyways, that would be all. I shall return on Monday to discuss further matters. Until then, await my instructions.』
I waved a hand.
『Off I go now. Toodle~loo!』
I smiled as I walked, never looking back. All I could hear was—
『Goodbye, masterr! Call my name whenever!』
"Goodbye, your majesty!" x3
I really teached those youma well. I need not look behind me. I know they're bowing.
With that, each step I took phased deeper through the ground, as if descending invisible stairs, until I vanished completely from the castle.
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The moment I appeared in a random alleyway, I checked left and right. Coast clear. A snap of my fingers, and my gothic lolita dress morphed into casual attire.
A simple sleeveless crop top. A long-sleeve leather jacket. A short pleated skirt, baggy socks, and a pair of high-rise boots.
My pupils faded back to normal. My hair deepened to pure black.
Once I confirmed the reversion to my civilian form, I slipped out of the alleyway—popping up near Rio's dojo.
I smiled and was about to take another step when—
"Shizuka?"
I looked left. Familiar orange hair, wide blue eyes. My own widened to match hers.
"M-Miu?!"
I said in total panic. I'd checked the alley. I'd scanned the street. Had she… seen everything? How do I even explain this?!