* * *
After sending Swoen off to negotiate,
Iren stood waiting in a suitable spot outside the Royal Palace. She approached Reika, who was gazing up at the sky, and asked her.
“Miss Reika.”
“A-ah…! Is there something you need, Iren?”
“I couldn’t help but notice you seemed deep in thought.”
“Ah…”
Reika smiled faintly and said, “I came here feeling a bit uneasy about something, but now it seems like it’ll be fine after all… I guess I’m just relieved?”
“Uneasy? About what?”
“Well… you see… I had a bad dream.”
With that, Reika began recounting her dream to Iren. Nodding, Iren responded,
“I see. So it was a dream where Swoen was in danger… That explains why you mentioned ‘worrying so much that you decided to come along.'”
“Yes… that’s right.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
Iren looked towards the palace with resolute eyes and declared,
“I won’t let any harm come to him while I’m here.”
Her words weren’t mere bravado. Iren was far too powerful to merely serve as an envoy’s bodyguard—thanks to Lin assigning her such trivial tasks, she’d learned not to complain about anything. But even if someone told her to do menial jobs, no one would dare criticize her strength.
“If you’re watching over us, Iren, then surely I can feel at ease…”
“That’s right. And I’m not just protecting Swoen.”
“Huh?”
“Reika, your safety is also my responsibility since I’m accompanying you both.”
“Ah…”
Reika’s face turned slightly red. Though initially seeming distant, she now found Iren even more impressive than her first impression. Cautiously, she spoke up.
“T-thank you… But actually, I hesitated to tell you about the dream because it felt silly and inappropriate for someone we’ve just met…”
“I understand. My image isn’t exactly warm and welcoming.”
“Huh?”
Iren’s tone remained calm as she continued.
“The soldiers often tell me I have an unapproachable demeanor. Throughout my battles, I made sure never to appear weak, so I’ve always maintained an intimidating expression. Over time, it became second nature, making it hard for people to open up around me.”
“I see…”
“Of course, it’s somewhat intentional. In combat, revealing your emotions to the enemy is dangerous. People naturally show anger, fear, confusion… all of which could become weaknesses.”
Listening silently, Reika finally mustered the courage to ask softly,
“D-do you ever feel… lonely?”
“Hmm?”
“If you have to hide your feelings… then you can’t truly share them with others, right? Wouldn’t that make you feel quite isolated?”
“…”
Reika’s question caught Iren off guard, her eyes widening slightly.
“But… don’t you have to suppress your emotions? If you can’t share how you feel… wouldn’t that make you feel very alone?”
“…”
“I used to feel that way too… because I didn’t have anyone to confide in… So, I kind of understand. It might be presumptuous of me, but I imagine what it must’ve been like for you, reading fear in the eyes of the soldiers looking at you… It must’ve been tough…”
As Reika struggled to express herself, apologizing repeatedly for her lack of eloquence, Iren gently calmed her down.
“No, no… That’s not how I see it at all!”
“You don’t?”
“Iren doesn’t seem scary to me… Quite the opposite, I think you’re amazing. You must’ve gone through so much to reach this point… I could never be as strong as you are… That’s why I find you admirable.”
Though her words were clumsy and incomplete, they resonated deeply with Iren.
“Hmph… Is that so?”
Iren smiled awkwardly at Reika’s flustered state.
“Thank you, Reika. You’re truly a kind-hearted woman.”
“And you, Iren, are a kind person too.”
After exchanging these words, another silence fell—but this time it wasn’t heavy or uncomfortable. There was an unspoken connection between them. The quiet brought warmth rather than loneliness to Reika.
A few minutes passed before Reika cautiously spoke again.
“It feels… nice.”
“Nice?”
“Yes.”
“What feels nice?”
“This… traveling together as a group of three… It doesn’t seem so bad.”
“Three together, huh? Surely that could work out well.”
Then, without realizing it, Reika blurted out something unexpected.
“If I were to become Sir Swoen’s wife… Would our lives continue like this?”
“Kehk!”
“A-ah! Iren!”
Cough, cough!
After several awkward coughs, Iren’s composed demeanor completely shattered as she stared at Reika with wide eyes.
“W-what? What did you just say?”
“N-no, I mean… Well…”
Seeing Iren’s drastically changed expression, Reika panicked and couldn’t form coherent sentences. Realizing her appearance, Iren carefully covered her mouth.
“No, I apologize. It’s just… I heard something rather surprising…”
“A-ah… I’m sorry! Someone like me shouldn’t…”
“It’s nothing to apologize for… Still, if I heard correctly…”
Iren asked cautiously, her face flushed.
“You mentioned… marriage?”
“Yes? Ah… It’s because negotiations are underway between Swoen and me…”
Thud.
Upon hearing this, Iren’s world turned gray.
What?! Swoen… is getting married? To Reika?!
Even though Reika tried explaining that nothing was finalized yet, none of it registered.
“Marriage… Swoen is… getting married.”
Surely, as an adult man, marriage was possible. Given his last name Nightheart, her father must be Jinoru. She’d seen similar marriage proposals before.
But…
Why did hearing about their potential marriage make everything inside Iren stop functioning properly?
Her mind went blank, unsure if she was even breathing. Her vision blurred.
“Why… Why does this bother me so much?”
Through her haze, Reika’s voice reached her ears.
“I-Iren! Are you alright?!”
“A-ah…”
Finally, she felt the wind brushing against her cheeks and noticed Reika’s worried gaze.
“Are you okay, Iren?”
“Huh? Uh, yes… I’m fine.”
Taking a short breath, Iren observed Reika’s concerned expression.
Unbeknownst to her, Reika was incredibly beautiful. Unlike Iren’s battle-scarred skin, Reika’s complexion was fair, smooth, and undeniably feminine. Her voice was cute, her gestures endearing.
Comparing herself to Reika, Iren wondered if any man—including Swoen—would prefer a charming, delicate woman over someone like her, who appeared dull by comparison. Perhaps Reika was far more suited to be by Swoen’s side.
Lost in these thoughts, Iren heard Reika’s voice again.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No, you didn’t. Marriage is fine. Yes, it’s fine. Nothing’s wrong.”
Despite saying this, Iren still seemed unsettled.
Still confused by their conversation, Reika tilted her head and asked,
“The marriage isn’t set in stone yet… And judging from the situation, it seems neither are you.”
“Huh?”
Why was this suddenly about her? Surely it didn’t matter either way…
“No way…”
Before Iren could respond, Reika took the initiative.
“Isn’t Iren supposed to be Swoen’s first wife?”
“Gaghh! Choke!”
“Wha- Are you alright?!”
At this comment, Iren reacted even more intensely than when she heard about Reika and Swoen’s engagement plans.
“B-but…”
Regaining her composure slightly, Iren mumbled to Reika, her face turning bright red.
“H-how did…?”
Looking at Iren, still perplexed, Reika tilted her head the other way and timidly asked,
“Isn’t that correct? Or am I mistaken? I thought that’s what Swoen said…”
“S-Swoen…?!”
Hearing Swoen’s name again, Iren started coughing once more. Struggling, she managed to speak.
“I… I’m…”
Am I… Swoen’s first wife?
What happened? Why does Reika believe this? What exactly did Swoen tell her?
Though questions piled up, the current situation wouldn’t allow a normal conversation.
“Hey, you two.”
“Huh?”
A Serpina guard approached them, his expression serious. Even as an envoy’s bodyguard, they seemed overly cautious.
“What’s going on?”
“Don’t cause trouble. Just follow us quietly.”
“Why?”
“There’s no obligation for me to explain.”
“If you refuse…”
The soldier responded sharply,
“Then we’ll use force.”
The guard drew his sword. Calmly moving Reika behind her, Iren unsheathed her own blade.
“That’s not proper treatment for an envoy’s bodyguard.”
“It’s the situation.”
This “situation” business…
Now that she thought about it, Swoen hadn’t emerged from the palace despite the passing time.
What’s happening?
* * *
“Yes…?”
I blinked, looking up at Serpina.
She wants me? Suddenly?
Without warning, she declared this, leaving me frozen in shock while she maintained her cool demeanor.
“Hmm. Yes. Swen, I need you. Your reputation precedes you. With someone of your abilities aiding me, sending Animus Ingram multiple times would be effortless.”
“I’m afraid that’s not within my authority to decide.”
“True. You know your place well, Swen. Your statement is correct.”
Serpina smiled again. I had to admit, her smile carried an aura that compelled admiration.
“You don’t get to decide. That decision rests solely with me.”
“Huh?”
What nonsense is this?!
Just as that thought crossed my mind…
* * *
[Serpina Army Leader / Serpina]
[Hey, is anyone there?]
[Lock this person up in the dungeon.]
* * *
“No way!!”
“Listen up, guards.”
Serpina ordered the soldiers behind me.
“Capture the envoy and transport them to the dungeon.”
“Understood!”
Simultaneously with her command, the soldiers began advancing toward me.
‘No way! Are you serious?!’
They’re really arresting the envoy?!
And this means… according to my most efficient prediction, I’ll be captured by Serpina and dragged to the dungeon?!
‘There’s no way that’s happening!’
My Divinity 100 brain wouldn’t conclude that being thrown into the dungeon is the most efficient outcome.
Based on past experiences, I’ve never been in any real danger.
Right. Upon reflection… the prediction wasn’t only “[That’s the most efficient]” but also “[It depends on Heaven’s will].” Meaning, whether it’s life or death, it’s my turn to step forward here.
Ultimately, my predictions will always be correct.
So, just follow my instincts.
“Hold on a moment, Lady Serpina.”
Without showing any urgency, I calmly looked at her and spoke.
Fortunately, Serpina extended her hand, signaling the soldiers to pause momentarily.
“Though it’s embarrassing, I’ll ask again: Did you say you want me?”
“Yes.”
“In that case, this won’t do.”
“Ah.”
Fortunately, she seemed intrigued by my words.
Now, what should I do?
If I had more time, I could deliberate and find the optimal solution…
But all I have now is my “Divinity 100” predictions that always come true. Based on this, I must shape my future in real-time.
Stay calm.
Even entering a tiger’s den, staying focused ensures survival.
While repeating this thought, I carefully made my proposal.
“A challenge, Lady Serpina. If you wish to claim me, you must accept this challenge.”
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
