V4: Chapter 25: Finally, the Starting Line?

Volume 4: "A Midsummer Gift and a Little Thorn"

Chapter 25: Finally, the Starting Line?

It's sudden, but as you know, I love myself.

My face, my personality, my figure, even my personality... I can confidently say that I cherish every element that makes me up.

But I do acknowledge my mistakes and reflect on them. Even so, because I love myself so much, I rarely fall into self-loathing, become mentally unstable, and dwell on it for a long time.

That's why, the last time I was so worried that my stomach was churning was... ever since I came out to my mother about my sexual preferences and had a big argument.

"You look down. Are you okay?"

"I'm... not okay, but I can't avoid this forever."

"I see. Well, I'll wait for you at the front door then."

The one twirling the ends of her shocking pink hair with her fingers is Lux, the succubus who's staying at my house. The reason I'm troubled is also about her.

However, there's no point in dragging this out any longer. I was about to leave my room and head towards my destination when... I stopped.

"Maybe I'll look in the mirror a little longer to calm myself down before I go."

The reflection in the mirror shows me looking good, as always.

Okay...I feel like I can handle anything...!

★

The headquarters of the Magical Girl Association, towering over the city center as if to demonstrate its power. Within it, in a meeting room accessible to anyone who applies, and 5 girls are inside at this moment.

The door was locked shut, and perhaps fearing eavesdropping or other disturbances in the room, we entered after a thorough search of our belongings. This room, without even a window, became a trapped, inescapable confinement for me.

Only two people in this room were feigning composure. One of them, Squire, sat there with a cool, unperturbed expression, as if everything were normal. She glanced at the clock and muttered as usual:

"We'll begin the meeting right on time, okay?" (Squire)

"Well, the meeting is fine, but..." (Gracia)

"Who are you, Onee-san?" (Tinkerbell)

Their gazes simultaneously turned to the woman sitting beside me. She winked at me naturally before standing up.

"I'm Lux, the Queen of Succubi, and I'm currently staying at Satellite-chan's house ♡"

She said it with complete composure.

Gracia covered her eyes in surprise at her outburst, while Tinkerbell stood frozen, mouth agape.

It's understandable; I wouldn't be able to handle it either if I were in their shoes.

I can't keep her a secret forever. I need to introduce her to those close to me. That's why I set up this meeting, but... the thought of having to explain everything is making my stomach churn.

"...President?" (Gracia)

"Yeah. I knew." (Squire)

"Why are you acting like you didn't tell me just because I didn't ask!?" (Gracia)

"Uh, you're a succubus... you mean Demon, right? Weren't we supposed to limit ourselves to mutual non-interference?" (Tinkerbell)

It's no wonder they're confused; there's no interaction between humans and demons. They're merely neutral and critical of the human world's invasion, unlike 'External Enemies,' but that doesn't mean they've adapted to this world.

"You'll explain what's going on, won't you, Sa~tel~lite???" (Gracia)

"Y-yes. I, Satellite, will explain...!"

My stomach ached terribly. This wasn't the kind of pain I'd been craving. I was pretty worn out, to the point where I was even having thoughts of escapism...

But at this point, whatever happens, happens.

Whatever happens... happens...!

★

"...So, the source of that magical energy reaction that day was from her?"

"Yes, I suppose so."

Gracia's piercing gaze was painful.

"And you were missing because you were with this person...?"

"Yes, certainly so."

Bell's confused gaze was unbearable.

"She's the one who branded you with the Lust Mark, right?"

"... Perhaps so...?"

The silence was unbearable...!

I didn't reveal the 'real reason' for deliberately losing, or anything that would be problematic if revealed... but I'd finished explaining almost everything.

It was like sitting on a bed of nails. It was so awful, I'd almost feel better if they'd blamed me. This is the result of how things were meant to be.

"It would be more believable if you'd just said it was an April Fool's joke three months late..."

"Ah, hahaha..."

Gracia, who rarely cracks jokes, and Bell, who reverts to her normal self and gives a forced smile.

These two, who weren't close, are equally troubled by the common issue of me and Lux.

World peace was right here all along... Nah~ no way.

"Well, we have no right to complain about Satellite's friendships, but... it'll be a problem if it gets out, you know?" (Gracia)

"Actually, after putting Satellite at the top, I was planning to announce a large-scale exchange with the moderate faction." (Squire)

"What?! You were planning to retire?!" (Gracia)

"......I'll pretend I didn't hear that." (Tinkerbell)

Well, retirement was out of the question... but let's leave that aside for now. Even Squire probably wouldn't want to spread that information. 

There's no excuse; I'm 100% at fault in this matter. If only I had settled the fight quickly or contacted them sooner, things wouldn't have escalated so much.

In the hushed hall, it was Squire who spoke, as if to say he had an idea.

"There are significant advantages to bringing her to our side."

"What kind of advantages are those?"

It seemed he was steering towards appeasement. There was little that Lux and I could say. I, in particular, was in a position to seek forgiveness.

"It's simple. The succession problems you, the only daughter of that Tachibana Zaibatsu family, are facing will be solved." 

"Surely, adopting such a large child is... Hm?  No, wait, is that what you mean?"

"Just as you thought."

Succession...? Is that what you mean...?

It's both understandable and subtly incomprehensible. What will be solved by Lux being there?

"Can you really do it?" (Gracia)

"If you ask if I can... I don't have much leeway. Well, I can think of about three possibilities off the top of my head." (Squire)

"There are... that many...!? I could only think of one..." (Gracia)

Ignoring Gracia, who seemed to be deep in thought, Squire turned her gaze to Bell. Knowing how blindly devoted Bell is, she'd probably forgive me for keeping quiet without a word, but as for Lux...

"Huh? Bell, you know..." (Satellite)

"...An altar..." (Squire)

"---I think that's a good idea!? I mean, we would want to get along with demons if possible, right!?" (Bell)

W-what on earth is this "altar"...?

What should I do? I've completely lost track of what they're talking about. There's probably some kind of sophisticated mind game going on.

To win a verbal battle against the Association President... at the very least, countermeasures against Squire's Magic, [Thought Disclosure] is necessary.

Furthermore, she remembers every detail of the conversation; even small contradictions and weaknesses become major threats. The moment the conversation was established... this entire meeting was her domain.

"And to eliminate the 'External Enemy,' we'll launch a counter-invasion. By installing a moderate and neutral Demon King, we'll bring this long war to an end. I believe there are significant benefits." (Squire)

"That's quite a bold move, isn't it? ♡" (Satellite)

"However, I'll leave a few things..." (Squire)

"...If you drop so many bombshells, I can't possibly sort them all out." (Satellite)

It seems she's considering existing vested interests, as well as the position and necessity of Magical Girls, before deciding what to leave. I can understand this much, though; I wouldn't have thought of it myself. It's nicely ambiguous, which is a real relief. 

"Well, I've been through a lot of hardship up until now... so I have no objection to being in charge." (Satellite)

"It's settled. For now, let's keep this between us." (Squire)

I finally finished the meeting and breathed a deep sigh of relief. I'd managed to avoid having to simulate how to neutralize the three of them without harming them, just in case the conversation turned to eliminating Lux.

After all, when it comes to her life and death, I have to put aside my fetishes and things like that... because I think of Lux like family...

"...I'm tired of talking to people. I'd like some petting later." (Squire)

"Yes, I'll pet you as much as you want... you really saved me..." (Satellite)　

I'm starting to feel relieved... I'd like to go to the beach with everyone... yeah. 

"Satellite?" (Gracia)

"Hmm?" (Satellite)

"...I need to talk to you later." (Gracia)

"Ehhhhh!?"

...Of course, I hadn't forgotten at all.

★

For now, I managed to get forgiveness and permission on the condition that I give a present and various other things. Well, I've only ever received presents, so it shouldn't be wrong for me to give a present... yeah.

I have absolutely no idea what to give, but I guess it'll be alright if I just try my best to choose something... right?