Even in the original story of the Hero's Apocalypse, the author did not mention even once the [Main Talent] that the Imperial Princess possessed.
Even until her demise through one of the academy arcs that resulted in the echoes of cries throughout the Holy Empire, her existence barely served as something that impacted the soon-to-be True Hero, Alana Sol Astraea.
"Have you calmed down, Your Highness?" A serene voice echoed from behind, seeing the Imperial Princess seated in front of a full-body mirror.
Golden fiery eyes. Strands of holiness, untainted gold. A beauty that could make other women feel a sense of insecurity or awe. A fair-skinned body that could summon the demon of lust.
The reflection of the Imperial Princess, Rosanna Quinn-selah Al Divinia, mirrored with the gaze of the source of the voice, whose silky hair also depicted gold, devoid of fifth, and eyes resembling the same hue.
"I-I'm okay, Adelle." The Imperial Princess replied to her royal knight, the very same existence who almost obliterated Lugh's existence just sometime after his transmigration.
"What are they saying?" Her Highness, Rosanna, asked, her gaze remained on the mirror.
"It's been taken care of, Your Highness. Professor Jacob was urgently healed by the academy's priests, and was tended to in the infirmary." Adelle responded, her voice monotonous.
The Imperial Princess sighed, but her thoughts were in turmoil.
Professor Jacob, aside from being one of the Church of Luminary's bishops stationed in its main branch located at the heart of the Holy Empire, was also the one responsible for teaching 'Theology of Luminosity' among the second years—from Class Zenith, Class Alpha, Class Omega, and Lugh's former class of so-called disposables, Class Mu.
However, with reasons even she could not grasp, Rosanna's skull seemed scratched upon by countless needles whenever she listened to his teaching about the glory of the Goddess of Light.
'W-what's wrong with me...'
Fear was something she wouldn't be able to hide.
The incident that transpired could trigger a conflict between the Royal Family and the Church of Luminary, especially given the outstanding reputation of Bishop Jacob, whose body was in tatters after getting beaten up through her own hands.
Because of the absence of the Demon King, humanity had no primary reason to strongly establish and speak of unity—as unfortunate as it could be, that's just human nature.
If there was no battle against a great evil, humans tend to gradually fight and ruin themselves.
Noticing the prolonged silence, Adelle's ever-cold voice reverberated, shattering Rosanna's thoughts.
"Your Highness... There's also someone who requested to see you."
She asked, "Who is it...?"
"It's the direct disciple of the Infinitum's Tower Master, Your Highness."
Only one name came to mind—Maya Hel Infinitum.
"Find and summon her."
After some time, Maya, still donned her academy uniform—golden-white blazer over a fitted white blouse, with an attached emblem of the Hero Academy, and below-the-knee navy blue skirt—arrived.
Aside from her looks, there's the unusually big witch's hat on her head.
Seeing this, the Imperial Princess couldn't help but chuckle.
But before she opened her mouth, Rosanna gestured for Adelle to leave them two alone, prompting the royal knight to bow her head in compliance before gazing at the visitor with indifferent eyes.
Click-
As soon as the door was closed, Maya snorted, and with her arms crossed, she stared at the Imperial Princess for a moment.
"You look like shit."
*
Maya's reputation as someone with a volcanic temperament was known throughout the academy and the prestigious Magic Tower of Infinitum.
That's why the Imperial Princess didn't bother with how she babbled profanities in front of her.
But rather, she found it peculiarly amusing.
"What do you think happened to me?" Rosanna asked, momentarily raising her body from where she was seated as she gestured for Maya to take a seat.
"It's probably related to your damn talent. Even numerous Talent Appraisers could not figure it out, so how would I know?" Maya shrugged.
It's an answer that Rosanna had heard of several times. However, it seemed her uncontrollable outburst this time was one of the worst.
Looking at the glassy table parting them both, Rosanna fell silent; she felt like she was going crazy at any moment.
Seeing her, Maya looked at her pitifully.
"But that's what makes it suspicious... I mean, Lugh."
With Maya's voice, the Imperial Princess' eyes seemed to regain their color.
"Wh-what do you mean by that?"
She recalled who Lugh was...
Not that she could easily forget him because of what she did.
"It's just... I'll persuade him to help you, pretty Highness. However, don't forget your promise." Maya diverted the discussion, her gaze piercing as she sat with her legs crossed.
"Sigh. How about the case this time? Can you take care of it?"
"That's the tricky part; it won't work against Professor Jacob..."
Hearing this, Rosanna's expression darkened.
"What...? Then what do we do?!" She slammed the table and leaned her body forward as she raised her voice.
"Of all the people you had to be entangled with, it's someone with extremely high-level resistance against mental disruption... Unlike the others, I can't completely tamper with Professor Jacob's memories."
Yes, Maya Hel Infinitum was the very existence responsible for why the students had no recollection of what happened during Lugh's chase attempt.
Getting back to her seat, Rosanna deeply inhaled, then breathed out before answering, "J-just why is this happening... My brother will be jumping in joy, if that's the case..."
The other heir to the royal throne—Rosanna's brother, the Crown Prince—would take this opportunity to deal a blow to her reputation, which would make her standing as an heir questionable.
"Tsk, tsk. Just don't forget your promise. I'll take care of it." Maya said playfully.
"But you just said you can't erase Professor Jacob's memories..."
Rosanna paused as if realizing something ominous.
"Don't tell me... Hey! You're not thinking of what I'm thinking, are you?!" Her expression grimaced.
"As long as you keep your word, beauty princess, a bishop's life can be negligible."
Rosanna gulped.
'T-this woman just doesn't know any boundaries, does she?!'
"N-no, wait. I-I can't be complicit with it!"
Maya frowned.
"Would you please shut your mouth, princess? How dare you imply you're ordering me? I'm doing this because I want to test something, so just sit back in this cozy mansion-like dorm, will you?"
Snap!
Maya then snapped her fingers.
Before Rosanna could respond, a crack formed behind Maya, eventually swallowing her entire being.
Silence dread upon the night.
*
In the isolated territory of Eshu County.
On the balcony of the now-fixed house of the new lord, a woman with a witch's hat materialized.
"I didn't know you were interested in playing house."
"Ah, fucking witch bitch!" Lugh, leaning on the railing, had his soul almost left his body, hearing the familiar voice.
"..."
"M-Maya?! Why the hell are you popping out of nowhere in the middle of the night?! Lugh whispered.
However, Maya's expression was cold.
"Is that a proper greeting?"