"You can't do it that way. Now, watch carefully again."
Leca launched a burst of flame at a monster already lying motionless. The fire exploded precisely at its heart. The stench of burning flesh filled the air, making Mia wrinkle her nose in disgust.
"Can we take a break now? That was the fifth one already. We haven't even had breakfast."
Mia pleaded with a pitiful expression. Only then did Leca sheath his sword at his waist. Both their faces glistened with sweat.
"Understood. Let's take a meal break."
They were inside a dark cave.
Located at the far eastern end of Sibareth, this place was known as the Paradise of Monsters—a forbidden zone rarely visited by common folk. It had once been fertile farmland, but that was centuries ago.
Sibareth's land had been growing increasingly barren. Natural disasters and droughts were on the rise, desertification spreading. Scholars warned that, at this rate, the kingdom could soon become a desert like Naizman.
Whenever an earthquake or flood struck, the locals were forced to flee, becoming refugees. The abandoned lands were soon overrun by sinister monsters. Thus, the territory of monsters expanded across Sibareth.
What's more, Sibareth was rich with the twelve powerful gemstones, each radiating immense mana. Any creature with magical power had their abilities amplified upon stepping onto Sibareth's soil. Elemental spirits seeking work, malicious monsters, dark sorcerers who tamed them, and even demon-contracted warlocks—all were drawn here.
For two days now, Leca and Mia had been using the early hours before dawn to seek out monster-infested areas to train in offensive and combat magic, and swordsmanship.
"You're doing incredibly well. I'm genuinely impressed."
At those words, Mia saw her opportunity and asked,
"Leca, you do want me to become queen, right?"
"Of course I do."
"Why?"
"…Because I believe Lady Mia is the most suitable person to become Sibareth's queen."
He blushed faintly as he said it, turning his head slightly. Mia found herself even more confused by that reaction.
"More than Mithys?"
"Yes. I apologize to Lady Mithys, but I truly believe so."
"Well, to be fair, Mithys didn't even want the job."
And neither do I.
I was planning to fail the rite of passage, grab a few gemstones, and head back. So how did I end up turning into some battle-hardened warrior?
"It's not just that. Your abilities surpass hers."
"…I see."
Mia bit into the honey-glazed beef sandwich Leca had brought for breakfast. Watching her eat, Leca fell deep into thought.
No one knew what the rite of passage would entail. But it wouldn't be easy. And Mia was still a fragile human who barely knew how to use magic. In a brutal place like Sibareth, and in the palace no less, she wouldn't be able to survive confidently without proper strength.
Leca wished for her to master magic quickly—so she could stand tall and proud, live freely, and protect herself. Whether she became queen was a secondary concern.
"Wait. Did you hear that?"
Mia's pointed ears twitched. She suddenly jumped to her feet and drew her sword. A buzzing sound approached—something massive flew at her from behind. It was a monster shaped like a giant wasp, the size of a full-grown man.
"Lady Mia!!"
She leapt up and slashed at its wings midair. The wings were severed, but the monster's stinger remained. With a hiss, it lunged, aiming its venomous stinger at her.
Leca's sword flew in just in time, slicing the stinger clean off. Wingless and disarmed, the wasp monster let out a grotesque screech. Leca followed up with a fire spell, incinerating the creature.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine… but…"
Mia wore a troubled expression.
"Yes?"
"Was it really necessary to kill it like that? It lost its wings and stinger already. You burned it alive…"
Leca's eyes widened.
"It's a monster, not a mere animal. Even without wings or a stinger, it's still a threat."
"But you could've ended it swiftly. Burning it alive is just… cruel."
"…The way you think is so different from the people here."
"Well, of course. I'm not from here. Honestly, I'd rather train against magical creatures instead."
She recalled sparring with Rodolphe and said so. But Leca shook his head.
"Magical creatures aren't real combat. You don't grow stronger by fighting illusions."
"Yeah… I figured. But still… if the rite of passage is like this…"
"Yes?"
"I mean, what if the queen's rite of passage is a battle like this?"
Leca couldn't bring himself to deny it. In truth, that was part of why he was training her so harshly. No one knew what the rite would be.
It might involve materialization or summoning—but nothing was guaranteed.
"Best to prepare for anything," was all he could say.
"If it's combat, maybe it'll just be against a magical creature, right? They wouldn't pit me against a real monster…"
"Even if they did, showing great skill would work in your favor."
Mia fell silent again.
Failing the rite wouldn't be hard. I don't have to pretend to be good—just act like I'm not.
So for now, she would train diligently. Then, when the time came, she'd deliberately fail.
Surely they won't force me to stay if I fail. Right?
But then… what about Leca?
The sweat on his skin carried a faint, fragrant scent—like dry grass burning in the sun.
How can someone's sweat smell this nice? Must be because he's a spirit.
If she failed the rite, would that mean saying goodbye to Leca?
No… there's a way to travel between worlds. I can come see him. If he doesn't come to me, I'll go to him. Yes, that'll work!
Once she decided, her heart felt lighter. No need to become queen. She could still see Leca. Grab a few gemstones on the way out—and her original goal would be complete.
But one problem remained.
Her body had already half-transformed into a fairy.
And these giant wings—what was she supposed to do with them? Especially if they were going to sprout every seven years…
Just the thought made her shudder. She asked in a timid voice,
"Is there a spell to hide these wings?"
"A concealment spell? There are a few that might work… but why?"
Leca looked surprised, as if wondering why she'd want to hide them. Mia forced a smile.
"Oh, it's just… they're uncomfortable when I sleep."
He taught her a basic spell. But instead of vanishing, her wings shimmered more brightly—pink and green hues growing vivid.
Mia panicked. Leca looked even more alarmed.
"Your mana is too weak for the spell. When mana is insufficient, sometimes the effect reverses."
"What? Then when will my mana increase?"
"Perhaps… after your next metamorphosis? I can't say for sure…"
Leca looked genuinely sorry. Mia felt crushed.
If I can't fix this, I can't return to my world!
Fighting back tears, she forced herself to think rationally.
If I fail the rite, I can leave legally. I'll ask one of their doctors to cut the wings off. Then when they grow back, I'll just come here again and have them removed.
"Lady Mia, I'm sorry. I'll do everything I can to find another solution…"
Seeing her face darken, Leca looked helpless. His puppy-like black eyes gazed down at her with such warmth that Mia wanted to throw herself into his arms.
But she held back.
"You don't need to worry, Shaminy. She's just a little human girl."
Shamanaz was seated on the sofa in Jakiel's office. Rain had dampened her silver hair, and droplets still clung to the ends. She didn't even glance at the cake her maid had brought. Her violet eyes were full of gloom.
"Come now, it's your favorite fig cake. I had it specially ordered. Give it a try."
Jakiel's voice was full of grandfatherly kindness. Reluctantly, Shamanaz picked up a fork and took a small bite.
"It's delicious… thank you, godfather."
"Yes, sweets always lift the mood."
"My mood won't improve until that damned bitch disappears. I can't be happy until she's gone."
"Now, now, Shaminy."
Jakiel lifted his teacup. Outside, rain pattered against the window, but the old, elegant study was warm and cozy.
"You will be queen. I promise you that."
"How? Even if that bitch dies during the rite, what happens if Mithys comes back?"
"Mithys won't return."
"But even you can't be certain of that."
"Even if she did, what would change? You'll already be queen."
"I suppose…"
Jakiel sipped his tea again, eyes glinting behind his glasses.
"Curious, though. You once said you'd be satisfied just being the king's mistress."
"I did… back when Mithys was still around."
Shamanaz set down her fork and wiped her mouth.
"But now? Looking at the bitch… I've changed my mind. I have to be queen."