episode_0211

“I see, your influence is greater than I thought? Or perhaps Her Majesty is just too stubborn? But I naturally assumed you, Erina-nim, would be safe.”

“……What do you mean?”

“I’m not being sarcastic, you know? I truly respect and admire Erina-nim.”

Her sharp gaze is hidden behind a kind, lovely, and vibrant face. Even upon closer inspection, there’s no trace of imprisonment in her expression. While lacking elegance or refinement, she possesses a refreshing and spirited charm of a lively young girl.

There’s none of the oppressive feeling I experienced with Pikki. Nor do I sense any magical energy. No divine power, and I’m unsure about magical power. I can’t call Titania or Aries here, so I have to set that aside. The oppression is gone, but a sense of unease remains. An irritating discomfort still lingers.

Cognitive dissonance sets in, and my head spins from trying to understand the situation.

“You’re… aiding them, aren’t you?”

Since the Queen is listening, I’ll phrase it carefully.

“To clarify, that’s a slightly misleading statement. Yes, it’s true.”

“…!!!”

Erina grips the metal bars tightly.

“Our goals are almost identical. Why the grim expression?”

“Don’t joke. Do you know how much harm your actions cause?”

“Ah, that’s the misunderstanding. I’m no goddess; how could I summon them? It’s up to them to act. Did you meet them?”

Erina nods slowly in reply, then stops.

“You say the Goddess summoned them?”

“Ah, I suspected something was off. So that’s it.”

“Don’t just convince yourself,”

“Let’s clear up your misconception. You probably overheard my conversation with Erina-nim. Judging by your expression, something difficult happened.”

Erina subtly realizes this deduction stems from intuition.

“My goal in speaking to Her Majesty was to exclude Erina-nim from this incident. Correct, Queen Wilhelmina?”

“…That’s the gist of it, yes.”

She replies with a frown. I’m too busy replaying their conversation in my head to fully participate. I understand this isn’t a pleasant conversation.

“Oh, and Your Majesty. What I told you is true. The bars benefit both of us.”

“From what I’ve heard, you’re both accusing each other? To be clear, I find you more suspicious. The more I think about it, the more I realize I acted too rashly. Let me add, that doesn’t mean I trust the other party any more. It’s just a matter of a mushroom or two.”

Why the mushroom analogy? The question pops into all three of our minds, creating a two-second silence. Wilhelmina’s instincts were right. She subtly instilled antipathy towards Erina amidst the confusion and worry.

Yes, it was similar to the tactic Erina often used when seducing women.

“Let’s set that aside. What’s your goal? If you don’t want to say, just say so.”

“Hmm. That’s strange. Erina-nim, are you really unaware?”

Erina’s troubled expression mirrors mine.

“How much should I explain… Ah, this might make it clear.”

The girl thinks carefully, then reaches a conclusion.

“You thought Erina-nim was the only chosen one?”

“…?!???”

My mind freezes. My eyes widen, and my breath catches. I can’t even begin to comprehend this; it’s not a matter of weak imagination. It far surpasses anything I could fathom. The very foundation of my understanding is shaken.

“Chosen? That sounds like you’re defending this lecherous nun.”

“Oh really? I think favorably of Erina-nim.”

Wilhelmina scowls, as if I’ve said something insane.

“But regardless, Erina-nim is dangerous. Her methods are clearly destroying the kingdom, the world.”

The lighthearted atmosphere instantly dissipates.

“If you’re going to make an accusation, you need evidence, don’t you?”

“Evidence? The demons’ sudden rampage coincides with your actions. And the demons along your path. You didn’t even try to hide it, did you?”

It’s true. A twisted sentiment, but a clear fact.

“That’s why I suspected and tried to arrest you.”

“See? Even Her Majesty admits it.”

The conversation feels disjointed, fragmented. It’s somewhat like dealing with Pikki. The rambling, inconsistent arguments are irritating. Even setting aside the subtle aggravation, the lack of communication is frustrating.

Their conversation runs on entirely different parallel tracks. Even Wilhelmina sighs beside me. What this pink-haired girl says is largely true. Excluding unnecessary details, the nun’s actions are suspicious. Investigating her was easy; she made virtually no effort to cover her tracks.

Her efficiency is also unbelievable. She rapidly boosted the influence of the Pai sect, a mere small religious order. I anticipated a cold, calculating, rational individual and launched a surprise attack, but found a base, shameless slut with no sense of shame.

But according to Meronia’s report, she’s apparently devoted to her duties as a nun. Knight reports further confirm her contributions, making it undeniable. The only possibility is that she brainwashed everyone.

‘No. If that were the case, manipulating me would be simpler. I wasn’t lacking opportunities to interact with her.’

I struggle to find a logical answer, but time keeps passing. This is a waste of time.

“What’s your name?”

“Oh, you don’t even remember my name? I’m so sad.”

Erina’s overly friendly tone irritates me. It’s not just her tone; I also feel a strange sense of familiarity with her.

“I’m Sei. Sei Mibura.”

“Sei…?”

Erina’s brow furrows momentarily, then smooths. It’s not a particularly welcome or cherished name, but it is familiar.

“This is pointless. Further conversation with Erina-nim seems fruitless. Don’t you feel the same, Erina-nim?”

“…….”

Erina replies with silence.

“Your Majesty, while you may distrust me, confining Erina-nim as I am, would be best. It’s the best advice I can offer.”

“……I’ll decide that. It seems we’re finished here. Your disposition will be decided later. Behave yourself.”

“Of course. I trust your judgment, the wise Queen Wilhelmina.”

“Nun, come with me.”

Wilhelmina takes Erina out of the dungeon.

“What a waste of time.”

“Indeed. I apologize for wasting your time. I just thought there might be clues about the demons… about the current situation.”

“Fine. I’m tired. You can leave as well. No, I’ll take custody of you for the time being.”

“Hmm. Your Majesty? That’s a bit difficult for me.”

The demons and dark elves are about to fully mobilize; I don’t have time to spare. I’ve long passed the phase of simply resolving to act when they eventually emerge.

“Difficult? I imagine so.”

“Why do you trust that girl, Sei, so much?”

“I trust no one. If I do, it’s only my daughter. …You wouldn’t understand.”

Wilhelmina was right. Erina never trusts anyone, so the concept of not trusting someone is beyond her comprehension.

“And there’s a misunderstanding. I’m not imprisoning you. You’ll act as a witness.”

“Um… but I have things to do. You know how urgent the situation is, Your Majesty.”

“Hah. The Freed sect is already handling that.”

“……Gyaa!”

Wilhelmina’s hand grips Erina’s buttocks. The soft, firm flesh fills her hand. Even Wilhelmina is startled by her action; an impulsive reaction to the mental strain. She releases her immediately, but the sensation lingers.

“Ahem. You’re my subject, aren’t you? It’s a queen’s order.”

“……Will my freedom be guaranteed?”

“Religious activities are forbidden within the castle. Outings require an escort. You seem intelligent enough to understand my intentions.”

Erina had no real choice. If she had to choose, it would be to completely subjugate the Queen, but she’s already slept with both the Fairy and Elf Queens, so she feels little excitement. Compared to them, it’s rather mundane.

“One more thing. Let me talk to that girl again.”

“I’ll record the conversation.”

Erina nods.