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The Villainess Princess Shows No Remorse
After killing Fidelis and devouring his body, Mary and Calaria swiftly left the building behind, stealthily advancing through the chaotic streets of Captis, where soldiers patrolled with heightened vigilance.
Maybe I should have asked for a communication device as well.
On their way to the headquarters of the Riverta Liberation Front, Mary found herself lost in contemplation. Even though they had struck a deal of “mutual exploitation,” she couldn’t help but feel uneasy about receiving something without offering anything in return. It was one of the reasons why she was deep in thought.
“Mary, are you sure the organization’s hideout is here? It looks rather suspicious.”
“There’s no problem. Fortunately, it seems that soldiers find it difficult to enter this area.”
However, it was evident that the place was under tighter surveillance compared to before their encounter with Calaria. The density of soldiers had significantly increased.
Nonetheless, Mary and Calaria were both exceptionally agile and skilled, enabling them to navigate rooftops and avoid the heavily patrolled streets.
“I’m weakened, though,” Calaria remarked, her gaze falling on the nearly blunt gun in her hand.
“Is there anything special about that weapon?” Mary inquired.
“This gun seems to be an experimental weapon made by Marjoram. Fidelis provided it to me. My primary weapon is the sword, as you know,” Calaria explained.
“I see. So, the other custom rifle and the gatling gun were both lost in the explosion?”
“I found this Gatling gun near the ‘egg’ you created. But I have no idea where the other one went.”
Despite her monstrous abilities, not having her weapons made Calaria uneasy. If they were to continue facing Arcana users in the future, she knew she would need to find suitable replacements.
Observing Calaria’s mood, Mary sensed that there might be more to her concern than just the loss of her weapons.
“Yuri, was it?”
“Why is that name coming up?”
“I just thought that the lost weapon might hold some memories for you.”
“You’re an oddly sharp woman… Well, yes. It was a birthday present.”
“You received a weapon on your birthday?”
“Sorry for my poor taste. I asked for it myself.”
Mary hurriedly tried to console the sulking Calaria, “Oh, I didn’t mean it in a bad way!”
“No, it’s fine. I was aware that it’s unusual.”
“It’s lovely, isn’t it?”
“You don’t have to comfort me.”
“But…!”
No matter how Mary assured her, it was hard for Calaria to believe.
“I wanted to fight alongside Yuri… that’s what I thought.”
“So, it truly holds significant memories for you. We must retrieve it no matter what!”
“No need to force yourself. Weapons are something you’ll eventually lose if you use them. Anyway, I’ve talked a lot. Now, it’s your turn. Can you tell me about your situation too? Why has a princess like you sworn revenge on a Duke?”
Calaria probably had some understanding of Mary’s circumstances to some extent. Though they were still getting to know each other, they could empathize with one another. Their harbored desires for revenge were likely of the same nature.
And then Mary began to speak.
Anticipating that it might take some time, they stopped in a secluded place to talk.
From her marriage to Romeo, the annulment of the engagement, imprisonment, escape, her sister’s death, and the battle with Magrat―Calaria listened intently to all of these stories.
“…It’s a strange mix of understanding and discomfort, a rather peculiar feeling,” Calaria expressed her impression after hearing everything.
“I understand the feeling. There are just too many inexplicable things. However, I know what I must do,” Mary replied.
“Revenge, huh?”
“Yes! If I kill each person involved one by one, I’m sure I’ll eventually uncover the truth.”
Mary smiled brightly at Calaria, who slightly averted her gaze and clouded her expression.
“Did I say something strange?” Mary asked.
“When you killed Fidelis, you seemed to be enjoying it.”
“Aren’t you one of Dugan’s henchmen? It’s only natural to enjoy killing.”
“Your kindness and the pleasure you take in killing are conflicting traits. They coexist within you, creating an extremely unstable state.”
“But for me, aiming for revenge, being that kind of person is convenient.”
“That doesn’t mean it won’t crumble at some point.”
“It won’t. I won’t break. The voices of the dead I hear from somewhere push me forward.”
Hearing those words, Calaria let out a small sigh.
Do grudges even exist? Could they be just illusions? Even if someone points that out, Mary probably won’t stop.
“If you say so, I won’t stop you. But if you ever feel like you’ve reached your limit, you can rely on me.”
“Huh?”
“Why the surprised look?”
“Because you’re a mercenary, I thought you’d be more detached. Well, of course, I’m happy about it.”
“I owe you for saving me.”
“It’s the result of a calculated decision.”
“That’s a kind of calculation too. Not something a heartless person can do. That’s why… I want to find a way to repay that debt.”
Calaria’s sincerity was so overwhelming that Mary’s expression unconsciously softened. “Hehe. Calaria, you’re a kind person.”
“And you say that to someone who tried to kill you?”
“Kindness is determined subjectively. As far as I’m concerned, you’re a kind individual.”
“Just so you know, I’m not a maid!”
“Huh? But your outfit… you said it’s not your taste, and it’s for work, right?”
Even though she was injured in the battle, Calaria’s maid uniform was still intact. It must be quite sturdy, just like Mary’s dress.
But if it’s not for work, then why does Calaria wear a maid outfit?
“It’s Yuri’s taste.”
“…That’s a unique preference.”
“I can’t deny that.”
She said with a bewildered expression, reminiscing about the past. However, even after Yuri’s death, she continued to wear it…
(Maybe Calaria secretly likes it too…?)
Mary couldn’t help but think so.
***
After safely returning to the hideout, Mary made her way through the familiar bar and proceeded through the secret passage. Even Calaria was impressed by the luxurious facilities. At the entrance, the magical authentication system had already stored Mary’s waveform pattern, allowing the door to automatically open when she placed her hand on the terminal.
“I’m back!” Mary tried to greet cheerfully, but her voice was cut short by a woman’s furious roar.
“What the hell is this?! Were you deceiving us all along!?”
Startled by the sudden outburst, Mary couldn’t help but tremble. Calaria, wearing a stern expression, aimed her gun at the woman.
“What a warm welcome.”
“What’s going on… Wait, Cassy!?”
The woman standing at the entrance, now targeted by gun barrels and stern gazes from other members, was Cassy. Dressed in a formal skirt suit, she absentmindedly twirled her curled twin-tails with her fingers. When she noticed Mary, she smiled and ignored the hostile glares.
“Oh, Mary, welcome back. You brought back a stray dog, I see.”
“What an annoying woman. Can I point my gun at her too?”
“Wait, Calaria! Cassy, why are you here?”
“As you can see, I’ve revealed that I am Mr. K.”
“You shouldn’t have done that!”
“Oh yes, it resulted exactly as you’d expect. I’m disappointed in these poorly performing members.”
Cassy sighed, shaking her head. She then directed her glare at Mary.
“You knew too, didn’t you? That the sponsor was actually Marjoram! That you’ve been connected all along—”
“Calm down, all of you!”
“Captain Jasam, you knew too, didn’t you!?”
“Yes, that’s right. But we needed money to operate as a resistance!”
“But we’re just going to be swallowed by the power!”
“If we continue with our resolve, we won’t be taken over!”
“We joined this organization because we were fed up with the nobility’s rule! But this… this is unacceptable!”
Emotions overflowing, the woman’s voice grew rough. It seemed like other members sympathized with her to some extent.
Cassy, why would you do this? Even if some suspected it, you should have known that suddenly revealing your identity would provoke resistance among the members.
Mary was also puzzled, not understanding Cassy’s intentions. As Calaria didn’t know much about the organization in the first place, she stepped forward slightly to defend Mary.
“Well then, shall we get to the main point?” Cassy said.
“No matter what proposal you make, it’s a ‘no’ from us! Isn’t that right, everyone!?” the woman replied.
As she spoke, the woman looked around at the surrounding members encircling Cassy. Some of them nodded in agreement, while others remained indifferent, avoiding eye contact.
“It’s evident. Just disappear already, you dogs of Dugan!” the woman shouted.
“Can’t you at least listen to what I have to say? Besides, if you abandon me, this organization will crumble in an instant,” Cassy retorted.
“Shut up! If you don’t want a bullet in you, obey me!”
“Give it a try then.”
“What?”
“I’m telling you to shoot. If you think you can do it, go ahead.”
Cassy provocatively twisted her mouth, and naturally, the woman lost her temper and immediately pulled the trigger.
Click— A small, dry sound echoed.
The gun remained silent. The woman repeatedly moved the trigger back and forth, but there was no response.
Cassy approached her, elegantly caressing the gun with her finger and mocking her from up close.
“Hehe, trying to shoot and kill me with our company’s gun, how ridiculous. The same goes for other weapons too. With Marjoram’s technology, we can render them useless at any time.”
“Guh, you…!”
“Will you listen to the story now?”
The woman’s face turned red, clenching her teeth and groaning. However, she couldn’t even utter words of scorn. She was made to realize her complete defeat against the detested nobility, and her insides must have been boiling with rage.
In this hostile atmosphere, it’s safe to say that the other members had almost zero positive feelings towards Cassy’s taunts.
In that alienated space, she spread her arms as if giving a speech.
“So, there you have it! Great job, everyone! Thanks to your hard work, we managed to crush two of Dugan’s bases. That man who secretly connected with King Henry and betrayed Marjoram has lost his escape route,” Cassy said, flashing a friendly smile while speaking as if they were comrades.
Mary placed her hand on her chest and anxiously observed Cassy’s demeanor.
“All that’s left is to strike the hideout where Dugan is hiding. However, the enemy’s strength is still unknown. There’s a high possibility that there are multiple Arcana users remaining. So, to boost everyone’s morale, I have some good news to share,” Cassy continued.
Tilting her head and displaying an overly gentle expression, Cassy gave off an unsettling vibe that not only Mary but everyone present could sense.
“From this very moment, the Riverta Liberation Front officially becomes a part of Marjoram Technology. You all will go from being mere silent lapdogs and terrorists to becoming top-tier employees of a reputable company! Congratulations!”
Cassy clapped her hands alone, seemingly unfazed by the icy stares she received.
Calaria let out a sigh and looked at Mary as if asking for an explanation. However, even Mary looked completely bewildered, her eyebrows furrowing into an eight-shaped perplexity.