Volume 5, Chapter 63 – Epilogue

This was the result of Fia’s thoughts.

She couldn’t just ignore Tilulu. After seeing her yesterday evening, Fia could perfectly imagine what a decadent state she would fall into if she simply disappeared without a word, or just left after rejecting her. In such a situation, it was better to give her some hope and let time slowly dilute this idea—the kind that forms from a lack of love in childhood, where one latches onto the first person who shows them concern like an octopus, naively believing that person is their life partner.

In Fia’s view, as long as Tilulu grew older, saw more of the world, and her mind matured, her thoughts would gradually change. The current Tilulu was still very naive. To agree to her now would be an extremely irresponsible act.

Moreover, she wasn’t mentally prepared to share her love.

Therefore, even if what she said now was just an expedient measure, it was better than doing nothing. Five or six years was a long time. Who knew what would happen then? It was definitely right to let Tilulu mature.

“Th-then, Lady Fia’s meaning is… you want me to continue to be queen?”

There was some wavering in her voice. As if to confirm Fia’s intentions, Tilulu looked up into her eyes, and the tail hidden behind her back stood up, swaying gently.

This was a sign of her mood improving. Whether it was Nola or Tilulu, their mouths could lie, but their ears and tails could not.

As expected, what Tilulu needed was hope. Five or six years was a long time, but it was a definite future. It was more appropriate to make a decision after both sides had a full understanding of each other and had matured.

Fia breathed a sigh of relief. Her tense expression gradually softened, and a smile appeared on her face.

“Ah, I hope you can become queen, not just stay by my side. The Cold Night is the more suitable stage for you to show yourself. You have the orthodox royal bloodline of the Cold Night flowing in you. Right now, Chazo is awaiting execution. Once he dies, the Cold Night will fall into a civil war over the throne. This is precisely the time to claim it. Although you are weak and alone, I will use Silvar’s power to give you your initial foundation.”

“Of course, to suppress those with ulterior motives, the Cold Night will be jointly ruled by us in name until you come of age and develop your own power and network. I will then hand over all the queen’s power to you. This will shut the mouths of those guys who only have muscles in their heads. The common people of the Cold Night revere strength, but those who hold power are flexible. As long as you control them, you don’t need to worry about the rest.”

After saying this, Fia became slightly nervous. To dump someone and then make demands of them—normally, she would never be able to open her mouth. But now, she had to. Tilulu was not like Milu, who had no one to rely on and no attachments. She had her followers and also carried the wishes of those who had died protecting her in the past. She couldn’t live an innocent life forever.

When she was her mother, she didn’t have to consider these things. But now that she wasn’t, then from an observer’s point of view, pointing her in the right direction was what she should do. If she didn’t become queen, she would never be able to face the guilty self in her subconscious. This pent-up emotion would turn into a permanent knot and scar, engraved in her heart.

“Co-rule…”

Tilulu murmured in a low voice, trying hard to understand the meaning of her words. After a moment, she asked with a particularly serious expression, her eyes wide.

“Does this mean… Lady Fia’s previous promise is still valid? You will still help me solve problems I can’t solve?”

“That’s right. That’s also why I’ll come back once a week. When that time comes, you can just throw all your accumulated problems at me without any courtesy.”

As long as it’s not an emotional problem, I can basically solve anything.

Speaking of which, Tilulu didn’t mention a single word about the suggestion to talk about feelings again after she came of age. I wonder if she accepted that result, or if she has other thoughts.

Fia couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive.

Having seen her crazy side, she was really worried that she would bottle up her feelings again and slowly turn back into the person she was yesterday.

Yet, she just couldn’t bring herself to ask. Or rather, she didn’t have the courage.

Vexation and gloom appeared in her heart at the same time, causing her great distress.

Tilulu pursed her lips in thought and didn’t reply. The room fell silent. A long time passed. It wasn’t until the sun had risen high outside the window and the streets were filled with the movement and noise of pedestrians that she finally reacted. She jumped off the chair and came to the table, her delicate face, both childish and lovely, filled with a solemnity that reminded one of a knight stepping onto a stage to be decorated.

“…I understand. Lady Fia is right. The position of the Cold Night’s queen must be mine. This is my mission.”

—It’s also the only way to get closer to Fia. If I don’t agree to this, even seeing her once a week will become an extravagant hope. If I don’t take this step, I will never be able to catch up to her, and the distance between us will become infinite. I won’t even be qualified to stand by her side, the future Elf Queen. The opportunity is right in front of me. Even if it’s a five or six-year journey, taking the step is better than doing nothing.

Tilulu took a deep breath.

Then, with a distant courtesy, she bowed deeply to Fia.

“I caused you trouble yesterday. I am very sorry, I lost my composure. If you can forgive my rudeness, Lady Fia, could you allow me… allow me to address you as ‘Lady Fia’ from now on?”

“Uh, don’t you think that’s too formal? Just calling me Fia is fine.”

Because she was being so formal, Fia quickly stood up from her seat. She had thought Tilulu would make a difficult request, but she hadn’t expected her to agree so easily, as if she had grown up overnight.

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Tilulu answered shyly.

“No, right now, I am the one receiving your help, Lady Fia. Your help is something ordinary people can’t even ask for, yet I have ignored your goodwill time and time again. I am far inferior to you right now. It is only right that I address you as ‘Lady Fia’.”

“It’s fine for ordinary people to say that, but what relationship do you think we have? Just call me Fia. Rather than asking me to forgive you, I was never angry with you in the first place. Get up.”

Fia stepped forward to help her up, but she didn’t straighten up as Fia had expected. Her body trembled slightly, and she remained in a lowered-head posture, as if she had reverted to her past, weak self, her tone becoming exceptionally timid and hesitant.

“Um… I… I have an impertinent request…”

“What is it?”

At this, Tilulu raised her mysterious purple eyes, but her gaze did not rest on Fia. Instead, she looked away with a girlish shyness, her face flushing crimson.

“Before I become queen, may… may I have a hug, Lady Fia?”

“If it’s just a normal hug, no problem.”

Perhaps she’s bidding farewell to her weak past self, or maybe it’s a ritual to say goodbye to our ‘daughter’ and ‘mom’ relationship. Fia couldn’t precisely describe the meaning of this act, but she could vaguely sense it.

She slightly opened her arms, and before they were fully open, Tilulu, with an impatient movement, crashed into her embrace with great eagerness, almost enough to knock her over. It seemed this had been her plan all along.

“Tilulu?”

In an instant, Fia recalled the scene from last night when Tilulu had pushed her onto the bed. Her ruby-like eyes widened, and she was about to stop her. However, Tilulu’s hands were exceptionally polite, just hugging her back tightly. She pressed her soft, warm lips to Fia’s earlobe, her voice full of hope for the future and a unique, feminine tenderness.

“My heart is already with you. It won’t change even after five or six years. I will become the queen of the Cold Night, and then, openly, in front of everyone, I will confess my feelings to you. Be prepared.”

“Mmph…”

Fia wanted to say something, but Tilulu’s actions stopped her.

She suddenly let go of Fia, and then, while Fia was off guard, closed her eyes, stood on her tiptoes, and, like a little bird, gave Fia a light peck on the lips. It wasn’t a deep kiss, but a touch-and-go one that left only a soft, faint fragrance.

Afterward, Tilulu took a few steps back, her face filled with the shyness of a young girl, her body even trembling slightly. She covered her mouth with one hand, her gaze flickering to the floor.

“You can’t just capture my heart and leave. Consider this a small advance… I will definitely make you unable to live without me. I’ll become a woman who won’t lose to Claire. Please wait for me! That’s all!”

Without waiting for a reply, as if she couldn’t stand the shyness anymore, Tilulu ran out the door with a pitter-patter.

Hey, you’re not even wearing shoes!

Fia reached out, but Tilulu had already disappeared, leaving the room instantly quiet with just her in it.

She subconsciously touched her lips. The youthful fragrance and soft touch of Tilulu still lingered. Her expression became strange.

Was I just forcibly kissed by Tilulu? But if you think about it, I’m the real criminal here.

With my strength, I could have easily dodged or stopped her in that instant, but my body didn’t. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve subconsciously accepted her, or if I just felt that stopping her would be too harsh.

“Hah…”

She let out a long sigh.

In any case, this was the best result. Tilulu had accepted her destiny to become queen and wasn’t wallowing in sorrow because of her departure. And being able to see her run off shyly was a feast for the eyes.

I just hope she doesn’t tell anyone what just happened. I’ll definitely be labeled a lolicon.

“Does this count as a child bride… No, it’s too early for all this. I should just go out.”

Fia muttered to herself, troubled.

Tilulu accepting her role as queen was just the beginning. She had to follow through on her promise and pave the way for her. This was for Tilulu’s sake, as well as her own.

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She walked out the door. The world seemed to respond to her mood. An early spring morning breeze suddenly blew through the corridor, stirring the hem of her skirt, and together with the warm, clear sunlight, flowed gradually toward an unknown distance.

◇

One week later.

“Execute!”

Following the Holy Son Nola’s shout, the atmosphere in the Hunting Ground reached a climax. People roared and cursed at the men being pushed onto the guillotine, just short of throwing rotten eggs and vegetables.

The people being pushed onto the guillotine were, of course, Chazo Lian and his Lionfolk accomplices. Nola had already interrogated him in the beastman way, and he had not only confessed his crimes but also explained why he had gotten involved with the Demon General of Absolute Death. Furthermore, because the Demon General was a soul, he was extremely fragile. Thus, when Fia had used [Mind Blast] on him, he had met his end.

As proof, neither the Demon General of Knowledge nor the Watcher could sense his aura. According to them, a new Demon General would soon take his place.

As for the executioners, it was neither Fia nor Nola, but Tilulu and her followers. The guillotines on the field were lined up in a row. She and her group held long swords capable of cutting the ropes that held the blades. As long as they swung down, the axes hanging high above the heads of Chazo and his men would fall.

This was the mortal feud between the Lionfolk and the Tiger-kin. Only through blood could they comfort the souls of their clansmen who had been brutally killed by them.

From a distance, one could see Chazo and his men, restrained on the guillotines, their eyes wide, struggling and begging for mercy. But no matter what they said, it could not change the fact that their hands were stained with countless blood. Nola ignored their cries and decisively swung down her Flame Greatsword, which was extremely conspicuous even in the sunlight.

“Begin!”

The moment her voice fell, Tilulu and her followers swung their blades in unison. With a flash of silver from the axes, Chazo and his men, who had been struggling just a moment before, were instantly beheaded and fell silent.

Although the scene was extremely bloody, not a single person felt sympathy. Chazo’s brutal tyranny and ruthlessness were well-known facts. Everyone in the Hunting Ground had been directly or indirectly harmed by him. Now that their great hatred was avenged, they stood up and cheered. Tilulu’s followers, in particular, were weeping with joy, hugging each other. A few even angrily rushed forward and kicked the dead men’s heads away, venting their grief over the deaths of their loved ones.

—The Royalist Faction would now be history.

Watching from the fifth floor of the Hunting Ground, Fia was relieved. She turned her head to look at her companions. Not only were Claire, Liti, and the others here, but also Radric, Nagg from the Elf Tower, the Demon General of Knowledge, and the Watcher.

Originally, Woz and Tilulu’s brother, Celesté, should have been here too, but those two were so eager to see Chazo die, claiming they had to witness the moment his head fell, that they had run down to be with Tilulu. Especially Celesté, who had endured for so long and wished he could cut Chazo into a thousand pieces. If Tilulu hadn’t been the one in charge, he would have definitely requested to take an axe and cut off Chazo’s head himself.

“It’s finally over.” Radric said with emotion in his steady male voice. “To defeat eight Demon Generals single-handedly, you are truly worthy of being the Eldest Princess who can use Ninth-Tier magic. We are completely convinced. If not for you, I don’t know when Tilulu would have been able to get her revenge. With you here, my mission is also over.”

“Over? You’re leaving Tilulu, Radric?”

As if expressing reluctance, he sighed again.

“Yes. I stayed by her side to protect her in order to atone for my sins. Now that she has the strength to stand on her own, and has you to protect her, there is nothing left for me to do.”

“No, I don’t think so, Radric. Didn’t she tell you? I cannot stay by her side forever. Her foundation is unstable right now, and she needs you to protect her.”

“You cannot stay by her side forever?”

Although his voice was full of surprise, his mouth wide open, Fia felt that he actually seemed happy.

He probably couldn’t bear to leave her either. After being together for so long, watching her grow up, she has become like a daughter to him, probably.

Fia patted his shoulder and nodded with a smile.

“That’s right. Besides, if it’s for atonement, wouldn’t assisting a king be much faster than finding people to protect one by one? A single person’s strength is limited. By starting directly with a country’s policies, wouldn’t you be able to help more people?”

Radric froze for a moment, then nodded repeatedly as if in realization.

“Th-that’s true! Assisting a king is much more efficient! Elf princess, thank you for reminding me!”

“It was just a passing thought.” Fia waved her hand, her white hair fluttering gently behind her. She turned to Nagg at her side. Because the war on the front line was going extremely well, he had been able to pull away and report to her. “Has my father’s reply arrived?”

“Your Highness, it has arrived. His Majesty said that the Cold Night Kingdom struck first and deserves death. He said you can do as you please, and he supports you in killing Chazo. It’s just…”

Nagg, with his head lowered, secretly glanced at Fia, wanting to say something but hesitating.

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Noticing something was wrong, Fia raised an eyebrow. “Just?”

“It’s just that His Majesty asks Your Highness to return to the country soon. On one hand, the Saint Alexia Festival is approaching. On the other hand, a small incident has occurred in Blossom. Although it’s not so urgent that you must return, it cannot be ignored.”

“Did Father give any specifics?”

“Yes, the specific situation is that the barren land across from the Holy Tree has fallen into the Abyss, creating a large-scale earthquake. Although Blossom was not affected because the two sides are not connected, panic is inevitable. Everyone is worried that Blossom will also fall, just like the barren land.”

“What? The barren land fell into the Abyss?” Fia’s voice suddenly rose a pitch, and her expression turned serious. She stared at Nagg’s face. “Was it only a part or all of it? When did it happen?”

Nagg lowered his head even further, his tone exceptionally grave. “All of it. That entire, vast expanse of brown land fell. It happened on the night Queen Tilulu swore her oath to become queen in the Snake-folk tribe.”

In other words, the slight earthquake that happened in the Snake-folk tribe that day was actually the result of the barren land falling into the Primordial Continent? Fia took a deep breath. “I understand. I’ll head back today.”

“Yes, then I will go and prepare the carriage—”

“No need. I have teleportation magic. You continue to supervise the battle. The matters here in the Cold Night cannot stop.”

“Teleportation magic!” Although Nagg wanted to say more, he glanced at Radric and the two Demon Generals, deeming this not the time to discuss such important magic. He didn’t say anything further, lowered his head, and bowed respectfully. “This subordinate will take his leave first.”

As Nagg left, the Demon General of Knowledge sighed softly. “Things have gotten troublesome…”

Fia raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you with Laplace? You should have known about the fall of the barren land. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Well… my apologies, I did not know. Because you allowed me to travel freely within Silvar, I was able to go to the junction between Silvar and the Netherworld to study the undead. There were two reasons for this. One, Laplace wants a reliable body, which I need to bring back. Two, I am also curious about the residual souls wandering the Netherworld. I never dared to go there before, fearing I would be captured by the Elf King.”

“Tsk, alright.” Fia clicked her tongue. Anyway, the barren land is uninhabited and unusable. Since Blossom wasn’t damaged, it shouldn’t be too urgent. I’ll just pack up in a bit and take my companions and Tilulu back with teleportation magic.

After the group continued to watch the Hunting Ground for a while, Liti suddenly asked. “Sister, what method did you use to get Tilulu back to normal? She’s been working so hard every day lately and isn’t clinging to your side all day. She’s acting like she absolutely must become queen, like a completely different person.”

“We just made a promise.” Fia kindly patted Liti’s light-purple hair. She hadn’t told anyone other than Claire what she and Tilulu had agreed upon. It wasn’t because of the implications of raising a lover, but because it was too embarrassing to say out loud. It was also to protect Tilulu’s privacy. After all, if she told her companions, and Tilulu changed her mind in the future, she might be misunderstood as a fickle woman.

Milu mumbled with an unhappy face. “She definitely feels that only by becoming a queen can she keep up with Fia. If she doesn’t change, her previous self wasn’t worthy of Fia at all.”

“Somehow, little Milu’s tone is like my sister’s mother ¹ refer to the queens … And what’s this about worthy or not? Isn’t sister Tilulu’s mother?”

“She’s a lover.”

“Since when!?” Liti’s mouth fell open in exaggeration. She grabbed Milu’s arms, a look of desperation on her face. “Sister’s lover can only be me!”

“So you’ve been demoted from Second Consort to lover.” Claire, at Fia’s side, covered her mouth and chuckled.

“Uh… if I can be the second consort… then I’ll reluctantly allow Tilulu to be the lover.” Already lost in a wonderful fantasy, Liti nodded as if giving permission.

This little sister of mine is still given to wild fantasies. Fia lightly flicked Liti’s smooth forehead. “Reluctantly, my foot. Hurry back to your room and pack. We’re going back to Blossom this afternoon.”

“Aww, what about Tilulu? Isn’t it too pitiful to leave her here all alone?”

“It’s a rare festival. Of course we’re taking Tilulu back with us, and we’ll pick up Estelle on the way.” She had been in the World Tree Continent for half a year, but she had not yet experienced a traditional festival here.

“Wow… to say you’re going to pick up your tsundere lover right in front of Sister Claire. As expected of you, sister. So bold.”

“Estelle is my dear friend, dear friend! It’s not that I don’t have that idea, but she doesn’t even think that way.”

“Ehehehe… I was just kidding.” Because Fia was affectionately pinching her pointed ear, Liti laughed like a doted-on child.

“May I also accompany you to the elf capital, Blossom? It is rumored there are facilities there for adopting stray children. I would like to see the scenery.”

Suddenly, the Watcher, who was dressed as a priestess and had a figure that was in no way inferior to Erin Slate’s, made a request. For some reason, she had a black cloth covering her eyes, which made one’s imagination run wild.

“If you can guarantee that you won’t actively attack others and will always stay within my line of sight, then I will allow it.”

The Watcher immediately straightened her back and placed a hand on her bountiful chest. “I promise.”

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“Then there’s no problem. Everyone, go back and pack your bags. We’ll all return to Blossom this afternoon. After the Saint Alexia Festival, we’ll come back and deal with the remaining matters.”

“Okay~”

Amidst Liti’s energetic and joyful voice, faint smiles appeared on everyone’s faces. As one could foresee, the events in the Cold Night had come to an end, and a festival full of lightheartedness and girlish revelry was about to arrive.

End of Volume 5

Author Note

Postscript

Ah, it’s postscript time again.

Actually, the complaints I wanted to make were already said in the update plan at the beginning of the month. The interval is so short, it feels like there’s nothing much to say, so I’ll just say a few simple words.

First, some random thoughts on this volume.

Originally, the protagonist of this volume was Nola. However, because her initial appearance made many people dislike her, I had to move Tilulu’s plot forward and swap their positions. That’s right, the content of the Cold Night, like the fourth volume, is divided into two parts, corresponding to the two characters, Nola and Tilulu.

However, although it’s in two parts, looking back now, it doesn’t really matter who was first and who was second. It’s more like they are parallel, unlike the previous volume’s Northern Prince and Fia’s family affairs, which had a necessity that couldn’t be swapped.

So, the next volume will be about Nola, accompanied by some scattered plot points for Tilulu. Although Nola’s performance at the beginning of the volume couldn’t satisfy some readers, that was purely because the plot hadn’t unfolded. Her performance in her own plot really makes me (Yomi) love her, even to the point where I feel, how can I persecute her like this, I’m worse than a beast. I (Yomi) won’t say the specifics. In short, her psychological changes will be very interesting.

Then, originally, “The Witch of Calamity Flame” was one large volume, but I felt it was too long, so it was better to divide it into two. Thus, it was divided into Volume 5 and Volume 6. The next volume will mainly take place in the Weeping Mountains, so let’s call it “The Holy Flame of the Weeping.” The secrets of the World Tree Continent will also be gradually revealed. As for the Saint Alexia Festival, it will be a long-awaited daily life segment to relax the previously tense plot. As a daily-life-type writer, of course I’m happiest when writing daily life~

Alright, I’ve talked about both volumes. Let’s talk about the illustrations. I commissioned four illustrations at once this month. So far, three have come out with drafts. Since one of them is a cover gifted by the official SF platform, which is a commercial commission, I (Yomi) won’t release it. In addition, Erin Slate’s character design is about to be completed, so I’ll release the full version in a few days. For now, I’ll just release Fia’s pajama picture. It’s probably like this.

My evaluation is: Soooo cute, I won’t allow anyone to not have seen this Fia!

As for the other picture that doesn’t even have a draft yet, I spent a lot of money on it and hired an artist with superb skills. The content is of Claire and Fia kissing in that original alley in Aurora City. You can look forward to it~

Alright, that’s it for the postscript. Thank you, readers, for your companionship, encouragement, subscriptions, and rewards! I’m grateful that you’re willing to read my (Yomi’s) ramblings every time (:з)∠), let’s meet again in the next volume, “The Holy Flame of the Weeping”!

Also, please vote with your monthly tickets~ It’s the end of the month~ If you don’t vote, they’ll expire~ For the sake of Yomi’s recent excessive updates, please spare a few monthly tickets for this child, wuwuwu (πーπ)

2023/2/22 Yomi

Translator Note

illust~

Tilulu Design

Tilulu & Nola

Nola Design

Nola

Volume 6: The Witch of Calamity Flame (Part 2)