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When I first saw his true form, not clad in insect-like armor, I was so surprised that I spent several days pondering it.
His physique was definitely smaller than that of a typical demon, but he was still at least two meters tall, so I never expected him to be a woman.
But her aura was still the same. Her eyes, filled with the intent to crush and tear apart every living thing around her, were once again brimming with the determination to break free and annihilate us.
Yet today, for some reason, she exuded a gentle atmosphere. Her sharply honed gaze was calm and composed, and above all, her attire was neat and tidy in many ways. Her long, flowing golden hair was the same, but she had changed so much that I wondered if it was really her.
“Since we’re here, why don’t we shake hands?”
Stiridium extended a hand between Dahye and me. The vines sprouting from the back of her hand seemed immobilized by restraints, but I still didn’t trust her.
When neither of us responded but just stared, she blushed, seemingly embarrassed.
“What? You still don’t trust me? Really… I didn’t bring anything today. I’m even wearing these strange clothes you prepared, just in case the paralyzing liquid leaks out.”
Her nonchalant, trembling demeanor felt awkward. Although this was off the record, there were many eyes watching, so I had to respond. We exchanged glances, and eventually, Dahye decided to speak.
“Your atmosphere has changed quite a bit. Has something happened?”
“Ah, you noticed? Actually, I got married.”
“Married?!”
“Marriedppi?!”
“You guys didn’t know? Well, I suppose it makes sense since I can’t announce it publicly.”
Dahye trembled as if an earthquake had struck, seeing Stiridium subtly showing off the ring on her ring finger. The blood vessels standing out on her face were evidence of her efforts to maintain a smiling facade.
Wanting to help Dahye, I whispered,
“It’s okayppi. Thirty isn’t considered expired these daysppi.”
“Eek deuktsu…”
Maybe it was okay since I helped her in a different way. I should start thinking about how to escape secretly after the press conference, otherwise…
“That’s enough.”
It was Coridalis, representing the peace faction, who stopped Stiridium, extending an abnormally thick arm. He shows up whenever the peace faction is even slightly involved, not just yesterday’s protest.
“We meet again. You should greet them too.”
“The elders made me come out, so don’t talk to me. Why am I even standing here, tsk.”
The figure, smaller than the two demons, ignored him with his chin resting on his hand. Because his face was covered with cloth, I couldn’t figure out who he was. However, I could tell he wasn’t lying, judging by the reddish hue.
*Beep—*
Coridalis’s words were cut off by noise from the speakers. It was the association president’s mistake. He apologized, bowing his head to the floor, and then picked up the microphone again.
“Ahaha, I apologize. It’s been a while since I’ve hosted, so I had some trouble adjusting the microphone. Reporter? It’s not Q&A time yet, is it?”
The lone reporter who stood up shouted at the top of his lungs, as if competing with the speaker.
“What’s the reason for not using other staff as moderators!!”
At that remark, the seated reporters tapped away at their laptop keyboards. As the agents inside tried to drag the reporter out, the association president made an X with his fingers.
“Since the question has been asked, I will answer it. My name is Lee Il-taek, and I am the president of the Magical Girl Association. The reason I came forward instead of our staff is because the current situation is so urgent that I felt I had to step in.”
“Please say something about the government’s attempts to check and balance the association!!”
“Ah, first of all, the reason for this meeting is to discuss ‘why the demons have gathered,’ not to address such politically sensitive issues. I will speak if you really want me to, but wouldn’t it bore those seated in front?”
The association president, intentionally making comical gestures, elicited laughter from the reporters. As if displeased by the laughter, the reporter who had stood up sat down, slamming the table. Of course, the rest of the reporters didn’t seem to care.
“Now, since we’ve lost some time, I’ll skip the opening remarks and go straight to the introductions.”
As the introductions of the demons and us ended, the debate began. Arguments and counterarguments were exchanged about why the association had kidnapped and confined a demon child and whether Dahye had orchestrated it. Since we had anticipated most of the content, it was easy for us to refute.
Coridalis, realizing he was at a disadvantage, played a pre-prepared video. I didn’t know how he obtained it, but it was footage from a surveillance camera that had filmed inside the school. In the cleverly edited footage, a bright white magical light emanated from Jangmi as she ran.
“Although the sound wasn’t recorded due to the school’s security regulations, you can tell who used magic by looking at this light. Didn’t they use the mascot fairy’s dimensional door to kidnap and confine them in the association?”
“Ooh…”
The sound of keyboard typing intensified. Judging by this alone, we were in an unfavorable situation.
I signaled to the agent in the back row, and he immediately opened the door to the makeshift waiting room. Jangmi and Haeun, who came out guided by the agent, were constantly bombarded with camera flashes, and the other two, excluding the neutral faction called Sarracenia, jumped up from their seats.
As I showed a refreshing smile at the embarrassed Stiridium, she trembled. Openly expressing her displeasure, she approached Coridalis. Seeing them whispering into each other’s ears, they seemed to be exchanging opinions.
Dahye grabbed the cheeks of the two girls who had come up to the podium, expressing her affection. Then, she turned off the power of the microphone installed in front of her seat and turned to Jangmi.
“Hey, Jangmi. Do you really not become a magical girl if you don’t say the transformation lines?”
“I tried inside, but it didn’t work.”
“I see…”
Sighing and looking up at the ceiling for a few seconds, Dahye uttered the words, “Go ahead.” Haeun and Jangmi immediately took their stances and recited the transformation spell. Of course, Dahye had covered her eyes and ears.
“What? Bright Lily? Han Dahye is right there.”
“Their outfits are the same too?”
What surprised the murmuring reporters even more was Dahye’s statement.
“Kim Jangmi, who just transformed in front of you, is my successor. Furthermore, I’d like to add that she’s not a human, but a demon.”
“A demon? A demon becoming a magical girl?”
“You’re saying you’ll take a demon as your successor?”
“A s-scoop!”
It wasn’t just the reporters who were surprised.
“What, Coridalis! You didn’t tell me about this!”
Stiridium seemed completely unaware of this fact. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have grabbed Coridalis by the collar, her hair standing on end.
“We’ll take a short break.”
While everyone was in chaos, the neutral faction finally intervened. The guy who had been maintaining a cynical attitude alone dragged the two demons toward the waiting room.
Meanwhile, the reporters poured their uncontrollable excitement onto us. Jangmi and Haeun hid behind Dahye’s legs as they were bombarded with questions in a frenzy. The association president, acting as moderator, tried to stop them.
“Now, everyone, please calm down—”
*Bang—*
More effective, however, was the ominous sound from the demons’ waiting room. There was Stiridium, walking through the crowd, past the debris flowing from the collapsed wall. She had broken down the wall with pure brute strength, not using magic.
The reporters and citizens who sensed danger naturally cleared a path, but some, holding small cameras, continued to follow and film her.
“Get out of here!!”
Was it directed at the gathered demons or the citizens bothering her? Only she knew the truth, but both went according to her intentions.
Seeing this, the peace faction just stroked their chins, and the neutral one consistently looked at his smartphone.
“What happenedppi?”
“They simply didn’t see eye to eye. Let’s go. I have something to say to the girl.”
***
They accepted it with disconcerting ease. Even when we spun far-fetched stories about taking her as a successor or that she was originally being raised by the association, the demons just went along with it. Was it because the representative of the prosperity faction had dismissed all the demons, or were they pretending to agree on purpose?
However, they repeatedly confirmed only one condition: whether Jangmi had consented to these events.
“Mom! Dad!”
“Haeun!”
At the entrance of the association were Haeun’s parents, who had heard the news. I was worried that Dahye, who had feebly walked over to apologize, would face severe complaints, but they didn’t react that way.
“We expected a big incident like this to happen since Haeun decided to contract with a fairy.”
“Still, I should have called you in advance…”
“You were busy with various things. It’s okay. Haeun, say goodbye, and let’s go home.”
“Okay! Goodbye. See you tomorrow, Jangmi!”
The two children waved to each other until they were out of sight. But even after they were completely gone, Jangmi continued to stare at the spot.
Perhaps she was envious. She had the same eyes as Dahye did when she, walking to and from school alone, used to look at other children walking with their parents. Perhaps that’s why Dahye is even more determined not to give up on Jangmi.
Jangmi looked up in surprise as Dahye gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Anyway, since I’ve announced it to this extent, you have to stay at my place. Can you understand, even if it’s inconvenient?”
“No, I like it. I really like it.”
“Should I open a portal to my house?”
“No, I want to walk today. Let’s go.”
The two held hands tightly and walked. They looked close enough to be mistaken for mother and daughter from afar. Is it because they both understand sadness?
I don’t know. I don’t know, but it’s already water under the bridge. Since it’s always my role to clean up, I have no choice but to quietly support them from behind.
“Amber, come on!”
“I’m comingppi.”
For some reason, I felt a bit sorry for her, conscious of the surrounding gazes.
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, I Hate It When OO Intrudes in a Yuri Story is a must-read. Click here to start!
Read : I Hate It When OO Intrudes in a Yuri Story
