Mistress Of The Evil Forest

L-N 4: Super Detective Luxia strikes again!

''We, the proud citizens of Astra, will never succumb to the evil!''

'''' Oooh! ''''

''We, the proud humanity, will prevail!''

'''' Oooh! ''''

''Everybody! It's time for us to rise!''

'''' Oooh! ''''

A strange scene is unfolding in front of me.

''Do you have any idea about this?'' I ask the fiery girl standing beside me.

''Do I look like I know anything?'' She replies in an annoyed tone.

Scarlett really doesn't know anything, huh. So why is she grumbling... oh.

She came back to Heisenberg for family matters and missed out on the huge fight happening here, apparently. Pfft...

Either way, it seems I've also missed out on quite a few interesting events. Obviously, I've received news during my stay in Neveah, but I didn't expect it to be this influential.

No, I did expect it to be influential, just not in this way.

The instant I arrive at Astra, I see numerous speeches like this one happening across the city. It seems that they are motivated to get stronger after seeing the military doing heroic acts as the incident unfolds. 

At least, that's how the media is interpreting this phenomenon.

Prying into people's minds, I realized that they idolize a person named Graham, the grandmaster guarding the city, and, of course, my cool boss, Aurora.

The latter, more so than the former.

Good for you, boss. You're a proper idol now.

Oh, there's one more thing. After seeing off the attendant of the imperial palace, who comes out to greet me, I learn that the emperor is about to announce the Holy Sword's holder. It's just a rumor at the moment, though.

A rumor that will spread quite quickly, I'm sure.

I think it might be an intentional rumor spread by the imperials themselves to avoid shocking the people too much since, y'know, the selection period hasn't even started yet.

Is it boss?

It fits her, being a light element holder and all.

No good. I'm too curious.

''Where are you going?''

''To my dorm.''

''I'll go with you.''

''Okay?''

Why is she sticking with me—oh. She's in love with me...!

Nah, just kidding. She's just shy around people.

Once I shake off the girl in front of her room, I head to Chlo's room.

I can hear her thoughts screaming, 'Wait, isn't she supposed to be staying at the church?!?!' but I decide to ignore that.

clack—!

''Boss!''

Opening the door with a 'bang!' I am greeted with a rather intimate scene. On the couch, Chlo is peacefully resting her head on the boss's lap, reading a book while being fed by her.

I'm jealous. Those thighs seem so comfortable...

''Knock before you enter.'' Chlo's annoyed voice sounds.

''Sorry, sorry~''

Gently closing the door, I then naturally sit on the other couch, watching the scene warmly. It's great because even with two people here, all I hear is silence.

''Aurora is away if you're here for her.'' Chlo suddenly says.

''Huh? So this is the doll?'' I exclaim.

''Mhm.''

Woah... it's so similar to the boss that I didn't notice. I wonder if she is as sassy as her.

''Ah, right. The Holy Sword's holder. Is it her?''

''Nnnnope. It's the heroine, unfortunately.''

''Nn... I mean, she's fine, but she can't join forces with us directly, doesn't she? Why don't you group her in? She seems smitten with the boss's persona anyway.''

''That wouldn't work.''

Seeming a hit hesitated, Chlo lets out a sigh.

''It has to do with her backstory.'' Chlo narrows her eyes. ''It's a bit complicated, but we can't let her in until we resolve her case.''

Afterward, she mumbles something along the lines of 'Even I was deceived by that bastard...'

''Either way, what's the deal with this case? Wasn't it supposed to be a throne competition?'' I lean back on the couch. ''Something went wrong, eh?''

Seeing Chlo's expression crumbles, it must be right. I mean, they've predicted this themselves, so... mhm... I feel bad because I couldn't help.

''Got anything I can do?'' 

Like the perfect ally I am, I eagerly ask for work!

''Stay put if you want to help us. You troublemakers—oh, wait, no. Go read the imperials' thoughts for me. If possible, fish out their thoughts about Aurora.''

''Roger~! I have diplomatic work in the palace anyway.''

Turning to the door, I loudly shout my slogan—

''Super Detective Luxia, marching!''

''Shut up, please...''

Criminal file number one: Kaiser Kassius Astra.

''Hahah, I'm sorry for not being able to welcome you properly, saintess.''

Translation: We can't be bothered to waste resources on such trivial matters when our city is still in chaos.

Sadly, it is right of him to think so. I long for a day when my influence is so strong that they will welcome me extravagantly, even if they are in shambles!

''About Silaerob? Hm... I think she is someone from whom we need to stay vigilant. Her intentions are unknown.''

Translation: Silaerob is an interesting young miss. She is definitely on the side of justice, and I am merely pretending to be ambiguous to test the heirs and the officials.

Mhm! That's a good mindset, old man! Boss is indeed a cute young miss, and she is not only cool but charming!

Criminal file number two: Killian Kassius Astra.

''Good day, saintess. I hope you had a fruitful trip.''

Translation: Saintess of Neveah... if I can make ties with her, I will definitely gain a significant advantage. Should I strike now that Neveah is weakened?

Yeah, um... I definitely didn't want to hear that. I won't marry you, idiot.

''Silaerob... I think we need foolproof measurements regarding this person. She is too strong and uncontrollable of a force not to contain.''

Translation: We need to put a leash on her as soon as possible.

I don't even need to translate that, huh... either way, you've already lost a lot of points for the throne, oh idiotic prince.

Criminal file number three: Sierra Alaina Astra.

''Saintess.''

Translation: Ah, it's the unhinged girl. So she's back.

It's the unhinged girl here~! Guess who's back? Back again?

''Silaerob again... no, Silaerob, right? I think she is... interesting.''

Translation: I want to meet Silaerob and engage in a deep conversation with her. I also want to peel off that mask so badly.

No, I'm serious. She's really thinking about having a 'deep' conversation with the boss. This person... she might even be a bigger fan of the boss than Claire.

Though, her love is kinda twisted.

What kind of love is it that makes her want to chain the other person up?

Oh, wait. Didn't I also think that about the boss the other day when Super Detective Luxia appeared...?

Eheheh... sorry, sorry...