Case 144: Upon an unlikely assemblage.
Being alone, I could feel time passing by briskly.
Perhaps a big reason was that my sleeping hours were gradually increasing as my strength depleted, but I felt like the days were getting shorter and shorter. I didn't have much to do either, unlike the time when I had to pay attention to the young Lyra, so it worked out in the end, I suppose.
''Hah...''
It was already late April.
Summer was approaching, and I felt terrible. Once again, I was reminded of the dreadful tightness in my chest back then, the searing pain in my lungs, and the thick stench of blood. I would unconsciously tremble, thinking about those times. Maybe I had developed a trauma, though that might seem obvious.
Nonetheless, by any measure, things were going quite well.
Lyra and my lovers were still diligently bettering themselves for the final fight, while Lilith was actively involving herself with Jeanne, the former heroine. I had a TV installed some time ago, but none of the shows on air could match the love story between those two in terms of entertainment, by the way.
A righteous heroine getting seduced by her mortal enemy? That kind of forbidden romance... I loved it!
On my request, Lilith did allow me to observe some of her encounters with Jeanne. Even through the camera, I could sense that the awkwardness between them had decreased somewhat.
Considering that they were a former heroine and demon queen, this progression was actually impressive. I wouldn't be surprised if they have already advanced further without my knowing.
It was certainly interesting to watch, and since those two getting together only benefited me, I had many reasons to encourage it. Despite being the demon queen and a royal succubus, Lilith didn't actually have much dating experience. Even her official wife—the other mother of Cecilia—was someone the elders arranged for her, not her preferred partner. Jeanne was definitely her first.
So, Lilith often consulted me for advice.
[Which one do you think she'd like more?]
''Hmm... let's go with the left one. It gives a softer impression.''
[Is that so?]
''Yeah. From what I've seen so far, Jeanne likes the demure kind of woman. The key here is to create a contrast between the past and current you—the impact will be more significant.''
Through the screen, I could see Lilith bringing the modest set of light-colored shirt and skirt nearer, examining them closely. Coupled with a complementary cardigan, it was a perfect outfit for a date. Since Lilith was technically my mother, her features were naturally similar to mine, which meant this kind of style suited her as well.
[...I'll go with this one.]
After a minute of contemplating, Lilith nodded. Just then, a pink head popped into the frame from the side. It was Quasar who gazed into the camera with her round, azure eyes.
[Miss Rael, um... c-can I get your advice, too?]
Hearing her hesitant tone, I raised an eyebrow, ''...Are you seeing someone right now?''
[Oh, no, no, I... I just want to dress prettier, heheh...]
The image of Quasar shyly fidgeting with her fingers resembled a bunny. I couldn't help but want to pet her head, though that would be rude. In any case, her request wasn't something difficult, and she helped me quite a lot, so I spent a while discussing fashion and the likes with her and Lilith.
One might wonder the reason Quasar was with Lilith in the first place. Well... I didn't know either. Perhaps Lilith came over for tech support? Quasar's inventions were all wonderful, after all.
But the date talks lasted for about an hour. Right before I thought Lilith was going to cut the call, her expression suddenly got serious.
[You didn't tell anyone about our cooperation, did you?]
''Huh? I mean, of course.''
The former demon queen stroked her chin, apparently deep in thought. Then, she sighed as if encountering something troublesome.
[There's a problem. The emperor's dogs had begun moving. They plan to scour the entire capital city within the next month—even the nobles' territories will not be spared.]
That was when I realized the reason Lilith was with Quasar—the latter probably called her over to inform this. Feeling my nerves tensing up, I asked back, ''Are the special forces moving?''
[Yes. It is why I bother telling you like this.]
In a way, it was an expected development caused by my appearance as the demon queen, but trouble was trouble. The answer here was to somehow deceive the imperial inspectors, but I couldn't really do that when I was chained up.
''It'll be hard to convince Lyra to undo these binds...'' I sighed.
[No. You'd better keep those on to seal your power. There's no guarantee Astaroth wouldn't mess with you the moment they are off.]
''But then... what should we do about the imperial people?''
From beyond the phone screen, Lilith's aloof face, which was strikingly similar to mine, turned a little mischievous.
[I have a plan.]
A few days had passed since the call.
On a slightly humid evening, I was sitting on my bed as usual, my gaze absentmindedly fixed on the TV screen. I had called my lovers and Lyra back prior. As I anxiously thought about the incoming chaos, the door clicked open.
''...Welcome back.''
''Mhm.''
Lyra familiarly climbed onto the bed, practically throwing herself onto me. After receiving the heroine's clingy kiss for a while, I pushed her away, ''Tone it down... my lovers are coming.''
''...''
Lyra made a displeased expression, but soon settled beside me, though her arm was still firmly claiming my waist. The second one to arrive was Penelope, who cast an ambiguous gaze at Lyra before sitting on my other side.
''You...''
''Hello...''
Rachael and Kiara arrived at almost the same time. The former kept glaring at either of my black-haired companions, while the latter was calmly seated at my table.
Amidst the awkward silence, I cleared my throat and spoke up, ''Thank you for responding to my sudden call. I think I have something to say.''
As I explained the imperial monarchy's intentions to them, Rachael, who must have heard something similar, nodded, ''It's a rumor, but looking at how the military has been handled recently, I wouldn't be surprised.''
''Yeah.'' I sighed. ''I gathered you girls here to discuss this... well, I actually have a plan. Can you hear me out for a second?''
The responses were mostly in the range of curiosity, but they were also filled with trust for me. That alone put a smile on my face.
But right on cue, all four of them snapped toward the window, where a hand had firmly gripped the frame. Slight whimpers could be heard between the TV's noises, and... a pink head popped up.
''Uuh... that was so exhausting...!''
''You lack exercise, clearly.''
Two people had invited themselves into my room. One was the genius inventor, Quasar, and the other one... the former demon queen.
It was definitely a strange assemblage.
