Leave a comment

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

He walked past Hiyuki, who quietly stepped aside to let him through, and placed one of the bouquets before the grave bearing his sister’s name—Angelica Iris. The surname Amitia had been deliberately omitted, out of respect for the republic that had risen in place of the fallen kingdom.

His gaze shifted to another grave, half-hidden behind Angelica’s—where Hiyuki had already placed a bouquet. A soft smile touched his lips. In silence, he placed his second bouquet in front of the stone marked Giancarlo Ericco Bertoni.

He stood there for a while, quietly paying his respects, before turning back to Hiyuki with a faintly amused expression.

“Now that I think about it, we’re technically in the heavens… but the gods around here are probably our enemies. So where exactly do we direct our prayers?”
“Maybe… just pray to the ones in your heart. The ones who’ve passed on.”

“Well… I suppose that works too,” Maroudo murmured at her suggestion, then turned back toward the grave to offer a quiet prayer.

After a moment to gather his thoughts, he slowly rose to his feet.

“…It’s a bit late to say this, but… thank you—for letting them rest here. By the way, I noticed Emperor Graviol’s tombstone has been set up too.”

“Yeah. Honestly, I thought Oliana might get upset with me for arranging it on my own… but instead, she thanked me. It’s only been three days. She’s up and moving again, but… watching her like that is just painful. I never know what to say.”

“Heh… I remember you being pretty blunt with me back then…”
“You didn’t know? I’m a proud woman supremacist.”

Maroudo gave a wry smile as Hiyuki declared it with mock authority.

“I guess so. But honestly, I can’t help but admire her. She’s already back on her feet. You know what she’s doing now? She’s planning the framework for rebuilding the nation—post Void Mist.”

“Oh dear… or maybe that’s just her way of coping, huh? She’s incredible when she puts her mind to something.”

Hiyuki let out a light, cheerful laugh, picturing Oliana’s determined face—only to find herself under Maroudo’s gentle, thoughtful gaze.

“Well, I’ve only heard bits and pieces… but apparently, she’s aiming for world unification. She’s planning to name the new nation Extra Imperial Crimson, with you as its Absolute and Eternal Sovereign—God Empress Hiyuki.”

“—What the hell?!” Hiyuki nearly flipped as she shouted, stunned by the absurd, god-like status that had apparently been assigned to her—without her consent.

“Oh, and she plans to serve as Empress beneath your so-called divine rule. In fact, I was asked if I’d like to be granted a Marquis title—or something along those lines—in this grand new empire of hers.”

“…W-Who exactly asked you that?” Hiyuki cradled her head, already overtaken by a sinking premonition, and asked the question with visible hesitation.

“Quite a few people, actually. Just yesterday, Lord Tengai came to ask as well. And, well… things just sort of flowed from there.”
“Tengai—Tengai—why didn’t I hear anything about this?!”
“Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. The entire Round Table agreed unanimously, and… well, maybe they were trying to keep it a surprise for you?”
“A surprise?! Oh, I’m surprised all right—nearly dropped dead from a heart attack!”

Hiyuki snapped, her face flushed with frustration. She even looks cute when she’s mad, Maroudo thought casually, and with the same breezy tone, he continued.

“Anyway, the whole nation’s working together to build something new—and that’s why we need you to return safely, Princess. If something happened to you, it wouldn’t just shake the foundation of the nation—it could shatter it.”

Maroudo’s words came in the same easy tone, but the concern beneath them was unmistakable. Hiyuki’s shoulders sank slightly as she looked up at him.

“…Ugh, am I really that easy to read?”
“Everyone’s been watching you, Princess—myself included. Any change in you… of course we’d notice.”

Though Maroudo spoke gently, his voice filled with warmth, Hiyuki responded with narrowed eyes and a suspicious glare.

“That reminds me… I’ve been hearing rumors lately. Apparently, a certain someone—who once proposed to me at first sight—has left quite a few girls in tears.”
“Heavens, no! That’s just how people talk—unrequited love crashing into reality, you know? The ladies… well, they’re very enthusiastic, and it’s hard to turn them down. Honestly, it’s been a bit of a dilemma.”

Hiyuki’s gaze turned glacial as she listened to Maroudo’s flimsy excuse, his eyes darting awkwardly. She let out a long sigh.

“Sigh… When I think about it, you’re the only one who’s ever confessed to me in a halfway normal way… and even that came with the weakest reasoning I’ve ever heard.”

Maybe… it’s not too late for me to start chasing after girls, huh? Hiyuki muttered quietly to herself.

Meanwhile, Maroudo picked up on the fact that Hiyuki still hadn’t set her heart on anyone—and that only fueled his competitive fire.

—That’s it! Once she comes back safely, I’m going to pursue her wholeheartedly. That brat Joey, that idiot Kuon, and that flirty fox Christoff can all go straight to hell!

“Oh, and just so you know—if something delays me, I’ve granted Kagerou temporary command of the Sky Garden. If I don’t return on time, follow his lead.”

Maroudo’s brow furrowed at the sudden seriousness of the statement.

“Kagerou… he’s a familiar too, but wasn’t he contracted to an unknown vampire? Are you sure about this? I mean, there’s Mister Lubbock, or Miss Tamegoro—they might be more fitting.”

Maroudo had thought the two recently resurrected players—who shared the same master as he did—would be better suited for the task. But Hiyuki grimaced and shook her head.

“You’re right. But I’ve considered the ‘what-ifs’… and there’s no one else with his level of adaptability. Besides, he’d do everything in his power—to save his own skin, if nothing else.”

Hiyuki wore a wry smile, one that still reflected her full confidence in Kagerou’s abilities. Seeing that, Maroudo couldn’t help but feel a subtle pang of jealousy—and an underlying sense of unease.

—There’s a saying in a certain kingdom: hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Maybe Kagerou was one of them—lying in wait, only to swoop in and steal the spotlight.

Kagerou had never stood out before. But judging by how much trust Hiyuki placed in him, Maroudo couldn’t help but feel the man had already surpassed him in more ways than one.

“—Keep fighting, Dearest Brother!”

Suddenly, Maroudo thought he heard the cheerful voice of his younger sister echo in his ears. He instinctively turned toward her grave—but of course, it was only the silent headstone, adorned with fresh flowers.

“Is something wrong?” Hiyuki tilted her head slightly, puzzled, but Maroudo gave a small shake of his head.

“No… everything’s fine.”

“I see. Strangely enough… I could’ve sworn I heard Angelica shouting, keep fighting!” Hiyuki gave a small shrug, almost as if brushing off the surreal moment.

Maroudo blinked, surprised, then turned to her and gave a slow, deliberate nod.

“You’re right. I heard it too.”

“Oh?” she smiled, soft but resolute. “Then I suppose we’ve got no choice but to keep pushing forward.”

“Indeed.”

The two exchanged a quiet smile, then turned and walked away from the cemetery—each step steady, their resolve firm.

Support Us

Unlock Early Access ------- Select Project ------- Project Gender Bender Project Necro ∴ Support your favorite series and unlock chapters before the public release.