Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 86: New Year Festival – Exposed.

Holding the small, shiny pink lipstick wrapped in pretty ribbons, I silently gaze in the direction where Luxia disappears. The golden medal I've gotten, the title 'Miss Astra,' seems a bit heavy for some reason.

I saw it.

The very moment Luxia's face changes. It looks like she has come to a conclusion for herself; however, I'm not too sure if what she plans to do is suitable for both of us or not.

''...''

''Aurora?''

Right then, Nydia's word snaps me back to reality.

''Ah, hm?''

''What happened to the saintess...?'' 

''I'm not sure.''

For now, let's put aside these things. At this moment, I am pretty sure Luxia is heading to the parking lot, which means she is going out of the academy. The destination is probably Neveah, but I should look out for her regardless.

''Aurora, Aurora.''

''Hm?''

What now?''

''You might want to head back.''

As Claire nudges my side and chins at the surging crowd about to approach us, I immediately make the decision to run away in my mind. With the trophies mine, we promptly return to Chloe's room to celebrate while the festival is still very much young.

Apparently, it's going to be like this for the next two days.

''Once again, congratulations, Aurora!''

''Congratulations!''

''Thanks.''

Unconsciously, the corners of my lips lift up a bit. It's been a while since I've been with this much support. Thinking about it now, the fact that I won by making a disgusted face is not that bad after all—

''Still, your face when that girl yelled at you to show your panty was priceless...'' Nydia giggles.

''I know, right?'' Claire chimes in. ''Can you do that again, Aurora?''

Immediately, my smile evaporates into nothingness. 

Please do not bring that up again.

After fooling around a bit, the topic of the artifact is naturally brought up.

''Still, I'm curious, why do they have this as the prize this year?'' Claire rubs her chin. ''I remember last year there was only the money...''

''Maybe they thought Aurora was too pretty?'' Nydia teases.

''Ah, maybe...'' Claire nods seriously.

Do you really think that is true?

''Mhm, well, whatever.'' Claire sighs after overworking her brain. ''More than that, can you try it on, Aurora?''

''Why?''

''I want to see its effect.''

''Sure.''

As it is a good way to test the artifact's functionality, I agree right away. Gently putting on the lipstick, I then mash my lips together to spread it even.

When I puff out my lips again, the other three have already been affected. They show a completely blank face, eyes focused on my mouth.

After approximately three seconds, they recover.

''It felt like I was being mesmerized...'' Nydia covers her mouth.

''That's because you were, no...?'' Chloe shoots back.

''But it was gorgeous!'' Nydia exclaims.

''Thanks.''

After that, we no longer see Luxia anywhere in the academy. It seems she has really come back to Neveah, and as for the purpose, I think she might be confirming the truth by herself.

By reading minds.

The only person who knows the deal between Neveah and me is Linsey, but I think she is smart enough to evade Luxia.

In any case, I decide to wait for her to come back patiently, and that she does quite soon, just not to the academy.

January 3rd, 1835. Night.

As the festive atmosphere slowly dissipates after almost four days of consecutive events, people seem to have their fill of the fun pie and are done celebrating the new year of 1835.

While having a small end party with the usual members, this time adding Scarlett, a tinge spreads at the back of my head.

Someone has entered my territory.

Immediately throwing the party to Peln, I switch back to my main body before getting into my disguise and teleporting to where the intruder will inevitably reach.

Tonight, the moon shines bright, partly illuminating the rocky terrain beneath the tree shades through the leaves.

I sit silently on a large branch, hands on my lap, awaiting.

Before long, a figure slowly emerges from the bushes, entering the light. Still with the long pink twin tails, still with those peculiar stars in her eyes, still with that confident facade, with that smug smirk.

''I have arrived, Silaerob.'' Luxia speaks slowly and clearly, resolutely piercing her stare at my face. ''For my revenge.'' 

''...I see.'' I reply.

As Luxia squints her eyes and manifests all kinds of spells behind her, I also jump down from the tree and pull out the Blackstar. In the very next moment, loud explosions ring across the forest as Luxia rams lightning bolts and wind blades at me, one after another, relentlessly, grudgingly, and perhaps desperately.

In response, I calmly advance while using my ice-infused blade to lightly cut away those spells, one after another.

Gradually, Luxia's face turns bitter. She grits her teeth and begins to ramp up her attack, pouring more and more of her MP into attacking. me. Her blades get shaper, wider, while her bolts are faster, deadlier.

Despite that, with her strength, she can't even touch my clothes, let alone damage me meaningfully.

Before long, I am already standing before the desperate girl, who seems about to cry at any moment. She moves her shaky body with difficulty, backing while I continue pursuing her.

thud—!!

''Argh...!!''

When I kick her lightly in the stomach, her body is sent flying, ramming into a tree trunk.

''Hah... cough—! cough—! Hah...''

Luxia now has her head down, panting incessantly.

''Pfft- Nyahahah... I lost.''

She admits helplessly, her voice hoarse, and even without the moonlight, I can see sparkling tears fall onto her lap.

''...You know.'' Luxi continues. ''I know it. I know it all now. I know my father was dead wrong. He was a fool for what he did, and he was borderline evil. Still, I can't help but love him.''

''...''

''Because he raised me. Because he loved me. I had to take revenge. I had to.''

''...What do you intend now?''

When I ask that, Luxia lifts her miserable face to smile mockingly at me.

''Will you kill me if I retaliate?'' She asks.

''Yes.'' I reply.

''Then I wouldn't.'' Luxia sighs. ''I won't waste my life for nothing. He wouldn't want it as well.''

''Why are you so sure I won't kill you regardless?''

''Nyahahah...! You know better than I do, Miss Maid.'' She says sarcastically. ''If you want to, I would've been dead a long time ago.''

''...''

''Oh, but now that I have exposed you, would I be killed?'' Luxia continues. ''Would I be spared if I join you? I am genuinely intrigued about you guys, after all.''

''Do you know what we are?''

''I know you're not evil.''

''...''

Silently, I send Luxia a follower request. Luxia widens her eyes lightly and, without much thought, presses on the air.

[Luxia has become your follower]

''...''

...This easily?

''I will gladly serve you with all of mine, my lord.'' Luxia jokingly pleads. ''For now, can I see your face already?''

Facing Luxia's intense gaze, I can't help but let out a sigh. Slowly, I put my gloved hand on the galaxy mask and lower it, revealing my very real face to the pinkhead detective.