Chapter 226

Chapter 125: Regina’s Intentions

“Finally managed to sneak in…”

The crossdresser wearing a top hat peeked out from a corner of the Poker Kingdom; this was Levi. He dodged wave after wave of passing Selfish Beasts, moving cautiously towards the location of the Selfish King.

There was no other way. The Selfish Organization was now under Ayato’s control, and he who had seized most of the Selfish King’s malice energy, including part of its power, could naturally control these selfish creatures easily. As for himself, once a public dissenter, if discovered by the Selfish Beasts, he feared he would be beaten again.

“How could this happen… Damn!”

When did Levi ever find himself so desperate? In the past, when he and Gura invaded other worlds and planets for the Selfish Ancestor…

What, Gura was consumed as a defensive descent? That was fine then.

Approaching the Selfish King, Levi noticed something off. This colossal stone statue possessed massive size and malice energy but lacked the critical control unit. Even the luckless King of Hearts who was chosen for possession had woken up.

As one of the earliest creatures created by the Selfish Ancestor, following its evil officers, it knew that the true boss was skilled at possessing with malice energy. Naturally, he had no objections to his boss preparing to switch the possession target, targeting new flesh.

However, catching sharks instead led to his current predicament. It was strange that a human could resist an onslaught from the mighty Selfish Ancestor.

“But, Lord Selfish Ancestor should not be dead.”

Levi concluded. If he were truly dead, those nationals transformed into Selfish Beasts would revert back. The lack of reaction suggested otherwise.

Focusing on Ayato leaning against the wall, his face covered, it was unclear what was going on with him.

The Selfish Ancestor was undoubtedly hiding in that body!

“Hmm?”

Ayato looked up feeling the gaze but saw nobody.

“Illusion?”

His health had been deteriorating lately, so sensory errors were no surprise. Pinching his nose, he noticed his round top hat on the ground.

“Why would that child have lost their shoes?”

Unable to help but return them, I am so kind-hearted.

—

Elsewhere, clinging to the wall behind, clutching his precious hat tightly, feeling every shudder made him hold his breath for minutes, fearing discovery.

He only glanced once, and yet he was caught! What sort of person is this?

“Even if the Selfish Ancestor wasn’t dead yet, waking Him would require a catalyst…”

Staring at the empty shell filled with malice energy, his wicked plan formed.

“Wait there, filthy human!”

“We’re now at the place where Princess An was last.”

Reaching a basement, mirrors shattered everywhere.

It was said that in the final moments of the Poker Kingdom, Princess An used magic mirrors to transport Curesword, Makoto Kanzaki, and the fairies to Earth, igniting a counterattack, and stayed behind to cover them.

Princess An was neither killed nor became a Selfish Beast. Her fate remained unknown.

“Now is not the time to ponder such matters!” Regina shook her head, dispelling stray thoughts.

“What matters now is finding that light gun Princess An used…”

“Aha, found it!”

Expecting traps or treasure chests, she was surprised to find a simple staff-like long spear embedded in the center.

Regina felt similar disappointment, akin to entering a dungeon and finding it empty despite powerful buffs. She had prepared for challenges and treasure, only to find the spear innocently placed on the floor.

Of course, she cautiously inspected for traps, concluding there were none.

In the past, Selfish Organization members coveted such treasures, but their malice energy reacted explosively once touched. Now powerless, Regina could handle it.

“There are no traps?”

Good fortune?

“Maybe no one wants this anymore.”

Others could not move the spear, but Regina effortlessly removed it.

Wielding a spear taller than herself, the agile movements suited her well. She felt an overwhelming strength pouring into her, surpassing previous times.

“No rejection, as if naturally hers.”

“Wonderful!” Regina cheered, feeling more powerful than ever. “This will help Father and Mana!”

With the divine weapon, she could assist him—

Not quite.

Regina realized her mistake, remembering the purple Curesword’s failure. Now, she must reunite with Mana and others, combining their power.

No longer the spoiled princess she once was.

“First, let me test it.”

Behind her, footsteps and a male voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Ayato…”

Holding the spear, Ayato smirked, tossing her shoes onto the floor.

“Didn’t know we had such treasures here.”

“Put on your shoes quickly, your pantyhose are torn.”

Silent defiance met Ayato. He knew not bending for shoes could mean an attack.

“Glad for your regained power.”

“Are you going to fight me too?”

“Yes, but doesn’t this make me closer to Love’s side?”

“Wrong!”

Regina shouted, freezing him.

“When did you become such a fool seeking battles!”

“Don’t see much difference, maybe became more honest?”

“You can’t even see yourself; you fool!”

“Oh, do you understand me better than I do?”

Their argument escalated, as Ayato could bicker all day.

“Why would someone like Mana, naive Curesword, and now you, Regina…”

A princess focused on a lowly creature like him?

“Because…”

“Love, I like you!”

Regina held her heart, confessing passionately yet shyly.

Unfamiliar with love, Regina understood fondness.

“Liking Father, liking Mana, liking other Curesword too. Love others for their affection—”

“—But I like the strong, bad, but good-natured Ayato!”

“Not this dim-witted Ayato! Not this Ayato! No!”