Emile la Lioness was a girl with a fiercely strong sense of pride. Because of that, her jealousy and feelings of inferiority toward Evelyn were especially intense.
In the original timeline, perhaps at some point in the future, when Evelyn fell into crisis or even despair, it was Emile who played an indispensable role in that.
It could be said that Emile was likely the key that led to the bad ending.
Such a key should either be completely destroyed, or thoroughly grasped and kept firmly in hand.
“Hey, Erika, tell me—why did you exclude me and secretly tinker with that plan of yours? I put my life on the line fighting the Barbarians, taking care of all the dirty and tiring work, and in the end, all I get is to be pushed out?”
“That’s not it, nothing’s decided yet, I just wanted to keep it secret for now…”
“Don’t give me excuses!”
The sudden shout was as fierce as a lion’s roar, the decibel level off the charts, thunderous to the ear. Erika couldn’t help but tremble all over, barely restraining herself from covering her ears. Thankfully, the Soundproof Barrier set up here was perfect—no one would hear this and come to check, or else people might start to wonder what she was doing to Emile.
No exaggeration, if Emile, in her fury, really wanted to kill Erika, then even if Erika screamed at the top of her lungs, it wasn’t certain anyone would hear in time to collect her corpse.
“Don’t try to fool me with sophistry, Erika Angelina! All you do every day is run your mouth—did you really think I didn’t know about your plan? You’re trying to run away, aren’t you?”
“Eh?”
“Once Evelyn enters the academy, you’ll definitely follow her in the name of assisting the queen.”
That was true—this was Erika’s original plan.
So next, what would the muscle-head understand from this?
“So, you’re trying to get away from me? Because I’ve always tor—lectured and scolded you?”
Did this woman just admit she’s been tormenting me? That’s not the reason for going to the academy, so Erika shook her head honestly. “It’s not like that.”
“Really?”
“Actually, I was hoping Lady Emile would enroll with me.”
If she had to choose, she’d of course rather Emile stayed by her side. Not because the prince-like beauty was pleasant to look at, but because she wanted this walking time bomb and BE key under her direct surveillance.
“Hah?!” But Emile seemed to misunderstand. Her already anger-reddened, snow-white face flushed even deeper, and her words and movements grew awkward. “W-why would I go to the academy now? How ridiculous… boring! Hmph, honestly.”
“You don’t want to go?”
“Then you tell me, Erika Angelina—what reason do I have to go study at that stiff and dull academy?”
School was a place for those who had something to learn and wanted to learn. From a certain perspective, Emile could be considered nearly ‘perfect’—perhaps even ‘divine.’
Though, personality-wise, she could probably use a taste of the Homeroom Teacher’s loving cane. But if she really said that, she probably wouldn’t make it out of this training ground alive, so, as a mature adult, unsafe topics stopped here.
“Lady Emile, while you are already flawless, to be honest, your accomplishments in magic aren’t especially outstanding.”
“What? What did you say!”
“But if you go there, you could strengthen your weaker magic skills—maybe even get a Magic Amplifier on par with a great mage.”
“Magic Amplifier… Hm, I’ve heard of those.”
“And, you could also learn better ways to use your Sacred Weapon: War Halberd.”
“….” Emile fell silent. When someone is struck right at their sore spot, they usually go completely quiet.
Emile felt inferior about her magic because of Evelyn’s dazzling brilliance. And she couldn’t fully master her own Sacred Relic: Shipbreaker, only using it like a streetlamp with max durability.
That’s right, Emile was also a hero chosen by a Sacred Relic. To be precise, rather than chosen, it would be better to say she inherited this power.
“If you attend the academy operated by the Order, you’ll definitely get advice on using your Sacred Relic and further enhance your power as a ‘Hero.’”
“Shut up! Even without that, I can manage just fine. The treasure of the Lioness family, I, Emile, can handle it perfectly!”
“Then, you’ve decided not to enroll?”
“This…” The conversation came to an abrupt halt again. Emile was really easy to read—she actually wanted to go with them, but her pride was too strong to let her admit it. Otherwise, it would seem like she was just tagging along, all eager.
Alright, looks like she needed to give her an out—a way to let her pretend to accept, even if only reluctantly.
Even after all that’s been said, Emile still wouldn’t compromise easily. Her stubborn pride was even more difficult to handle than Erika had expected, so it was time to change the plan.
Honestly, Erika didn’t really want to use this crazy method.
“Pa-ta.” Beneath the moonlight, Erika’s long hair seemed to turn a deep violet as she took a step toward Emile. Those blood-red eyes, tinged with moonlight, looked like red wine that could intoxicate just from its scent.
At this distance, Emile could easily reach out and choke the girl’s slender neck, yet it was the much taller Emile who flusteredly stepped back. “Why are you coming so close all of a sudden? Go away, just go away!”
The always domineering Emile kept retreating, while Erika pressed closer with each step. White and red skirts fluttered, like a waltz of cheese and wine. “Lady Emile, I hope you’ll always stay by my side.”
“Me? What nonsense are you spouting? You fool…”
Erika extended a pale, slender arm, her small hand gently holding Emile’s right index finger. Though they had both been through the baptism of the battlefield, Erika’s fingers remained warm and soft. “Do you still not understand my feelings?”
Sorry, but today Erika was taking the initiative!
“W-what? You mean… do you, like me?”
“……”
“Not Evelyn, but me?”
Erika didn’t answer. She just gazed into Emile’s blue eyes with her own, gentle as flowing wine. After staring at each other for a moment, the tall girl quietly turned her head away, no longer meeting Erika’s upturned gaze.
“Well, it’d be weirder if you didn’t like someone as perfect as me. Just because I hugged you a few times, you fell for me—what a pain…”
Even in the dim light, Emile’s cheeks were visibly flushed as she fiddled with her bangs and launched into a soliloquy.
“But, I’m the young lady of the distinguished Lioness family. Someone like you, who came from a maid’s background—I can’t accept your feelings. Sorry, little miss.”
Hm? Wait a minute, why is this reaction not quite as I expected?
“…Well, I kind of expected this, but so it really is. You disobedient maid, having such feelings for your big sister here, uh… this is a little troublesome. Not Evelyn… but what should I do about this…”