Chapter 53: The Eldritch Godness and Her Friends
"Iris. Don’t worry about it."
Those words came from Frieda as I bowed my head.
"You helped me before, remember? I don’t think of you as a burden. No matter what you are, we’re friends. Right?"
"Frieda…"
She smiled warmly as she said it.
"She’s right! Iris, you might not be human, but you’re more human than most humans! We don’t mind at all!"
"Emilia, too…"
Ugh… I’ve been blessed with such good friends in this life.
"I, too, do not consider Miss Iris a nuisance. I believe she bears no ill intent in her actions."
"Indeed! I feel no malice from Miss Iris either."
Klaus and Leonhardt echoed the sentiment.
"Regardless, we must prepare for the witch. Miss Elizabeth, do you have any leads?"
Klaus turned to Elizabeth with the question.
"The Rosenkreuz Society does not advise confronting the witch directly. For now, we’ll assign National Guards to protect those involved and monitor the witch’s movements."
"Understood. Everyone here is connected to someone of political standing. That should serve as a cover story."
"Correct. Officially, we’ll conceal the true reason, citing potential criminal involvement. We can’t afford public panic over witches or divine entities."
She had a point. If words like "witch" or "evil god" spread, it’d be trouble—specifically, my trouble. I’d end up chased by the law as the mastermind behind past incidents. I really don’t want to eat stale prison food…
"Um, what about the charm I mentioned earlier? Should we try it?"
Emilia raised the suggestion.
"A charm?"
"Yes. Thanks to it, I’m still alive."
"Hmm. May I see it?"
"Here."
Emilia showed Elizabeth the charm hanging from her neck.
"This pattern… I’ve never seen anything like it. Matthias, does it look familiar?"
"Nope. But it doesn’t seem entirely useless."
"I see. Then let’s rely on this as well."
The charm bore an indecipherable symbol. Even I couldn’t make sense of it.
"Let me reiterate—stay vigilant. The witch is unpredictable. Avoid being alone whenever possible, and report anything suspicious to the National Guards. We don’t want anyone here becoming a victim."
With that, Elizabeth concluded the meeting.
Though we disbanded afterward, heeding her warning, we stuck together. Frieda walked alongside me down the hallway, insisting on returning to class together.
"Hey, Iris. How long has Lord Felix known about your true nature?"
"Um… Since the day we stayed at your family’s hotel."
"That day?! The day he confessed to you?!"
"Y-yes. Apparently, he’d suspected for a while."
"Wow… So he loved you knowing you weren’t human? That’s so romantic, don’t you think?"
"Is it?"
"Of course! Loving someone despite them not being human… That’s rare. You’re really cherished, Iris. I’m almost jealous."
It was remarkable. Even as a monster—a non-human being—Felix didn’t care.
"But… you can’t return his feelings, can you?"
"No. Not when my mere existence brings harm…"
If only I could control my powers, maybe I could’ve stayed at the academy longer.
"Like I said, I don’t think you’re a burden. And I bet Lord Felix feels the same."
"No. It’s not about others—I see myself as a burden. That’s why I can’t bear to make anyone endure more for my sake."
The suicides, the madness, the cult’s crimes, even Claudia’s schemes—trace it all back, and I’m the root cause. I can’t keep relying on everyone’s kindness to stay here. I won’t allow it.
"So that’s your decision, then."
"Yes."
This is my choice. My own resolve.
"But… are you sure you don’t want to tell Lord Felix how you feel? Won’t you regret it later? You could still say something before leaving the capital, right?"
"Tell him… my feelings?"
"Yeah. So you won’t have regrets."
My feelings, huh…
Felix has helped me so much. Our dangerous adventures together were fun, too. Looking back, he’s been the best friend I could’ve asked for.
I might never be his lover, but… as a friend, I’d wanted to stay close to him forever. That’s what’s in my heart.
"You’re right. Maybe I should tell him."
"Mmhm! I’ll cheer you on, Iris!"
Frieda really is the best friend ever. This life has blessed me with such wonderful people.
…Which makes it even harder to leave the capital and abandon it all. It hurts. No—it agonizes me.
"Iris… You look like you’re about to cry. Are you okay…?"
"I’m fine. Just… worried about what comes next."
"I get it. No matter where you go, we’ll always be friends. When things get tough, remember that."
"Thank you, Frieda."
Her friendship is my solace right now.
"Speaking of which, how are things with Lord Albrecht lately?"
"Perfect! We’ve been exchanging feedback on his upcoming manuscript. The Literature Club’s submitting works for the Imperial Youth Cultural Festival next week."
"Ah, right. I heard about that during the budget meeting."
"Yep! I’m hoping we win—it’s my best piece yet!"
"That’s wonderful. I’ll root for you."
"Then wanna visit the club sometime? I’d love your thoughts on a few works. Membership’s dwindled, so feedback’s been scarce…"
"I’d be honored. When should I come?"
"After school today works!"
"Then I’ll stop by this evening."
"Great!"
Until December, I can still stay at the academy. Still play this delightful game of pretending-to-be-human. Still be their friend—not humanity’s enemy.
But when December ends…
What becomes of me?
……………………
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