For example, take the route belonging to Ernst, the classic hero. His mother had been Vica’s wet nurse, and he was also childhood friends with Cattleya. He cooperated with the revolution, and it set him on the path to be a conqueror. He betrayed his childhood friends and became the new ruler of the Kilvas Empire. At the end, he joined Diana in swearing revenge on the Queendom, which had masterminded the whole affair. At least there was still room for hope there. For Vica, the final boss, there was absolutely no hope of salvation under any circumstances. Even though he bonded with Diana emotionally, he couldn’t abandon his elder sister and the others, who obeyed Hausel to keep him from transforming into a demon. Thinking that the world would be saved if the demon king died, he chose death and took his sister and the others with him. However, in the final scene of his ending, the Queendom was shown descending from the sky along with the demons in order to rule over the ruined Kilvas Empire. Not only was no one saved, but the core problem wasn’t resolved, and the situation has actually gotten worse.

  The second major reason fans said this wasn’t “just an otome game” was because there was an ending with Cattleya, the villainess.

  On every route, in order to save Vica, she pretended to help Diana but tried to stall the revolution. She and Ernst even seemed to have feelings for each other. And yet in her very own ending, she cut off Vica and even Ernst, helped the revolution succeed, and destroyed the Kilvas Empire. Then, as coconspirators who’d destroyed each other’s homelands, she and Diana led the Valkyries, attempted to unite the continent under the banner of peace, and then threw themselves into an unending war to destroy the Queendom.

  In other words, no matter what happens, the fighting doesn’t end. It actually gets worse!

  Aileen would like them all to apologize to the common people of Kilvas, whose fate usually involved getting dragged into the mess and being doomed. Of course, that wasn’t to say there was nothing wrong with a country that put the Valkyries on the front lines and exploited them for peace, but…

  The largest branch point was the upcoming ceremony: Diana and Vica’s wedding. In the game, it happened after Diana was badly injured and taken to Hausel. As a reward for her feats in battle as a Valkyrie—or possibly to keep her from talking—she was forced to marry Vica, the puppet emperor. Diana’s choices at this point will lock in the route she takes.

  And on every route, at a wedding where a messenger from Hausel was among the guests, Diana declared her revolution.

  But the Queendom of Hausel is gone. Naturally, they haven’t been invited to the wedding. The Valkyries’ current claims are nearly the same as they were in the game, so the event where Diana was injured and taken to Hausel may have happened in reality as well, but…

  Either way, Diana no longer has a reason to launch her revolution. Now that Hausel is gone, the Valkyrie surgery can’t be performed. Both the Valkyries and the system surrounding them may die out soon.

  That means the wedding should end without incident—and Aileen needs to confirm that it will.

  “Aileen, I’m going to give my regards to everyone. You rest here.”

  Claude, who’s removed his overcoat, returns in a more relaxed outfit. Rising to her feet, Aileen swiftly inspects him, then reaches for his tie pin and repositions it. He may have said “to give his regards,” but he and the people he’s greeting will be sounding one another out. He must take advantage of his appearance.

  “This suits you better, Master Claude. Will Master Keith be accompanying you?”

  “Yes. I’ve asked Lady Cattleya to make the introductions and show us around. It sounds as if we’ll be able to visit the castle town as well.”

  She steps back, examining Claude’s appearance. He’s perfect. “If you’re visiting the town, I’ll look forward to my souvenir.”

  “…I doubt it will be easy to find one that will win your favor. I’ll be back.”

  “Have a good time.”

  Claude drops a light kiss on her cheek, then turns to go. Keith follows him. She makes eye contact with Cattleya, who’s been waiting a short distance away. Wearing a tranquil expression, the woman acknowledges her with a nod. As she turns to guide Claude and Keith, her back is perfectly straight. As expected of a soldier.

  Once the door has closed behind them, Rachel approaches to set down a pitcher of water. “It’s unusual for you to coax Master Claude for a present, Lady Aileen.”

  “There’s nothing strange about it. I’m not able to go outside.”

  “Coaxing in the first place is unusual. In front of others, at that.” Rachel gazes at her steadily. She seems to suspect something.

  Deflecting her doubt with a smile, Aileen turns to look out the window. “Tell me when Isaac and Jasper return, if you would.”

  Jasper’s original reason for coming here was gathering information, so he’s staying in the castle town. Isaac has followed suit. Since Isaac and Jasper are being treated as servants, they’re free to do as they please.

  Her brothers have given her a certain amount of information, and she’d like to compare it to the reality on the ground.

  “Very well. Is there anything else—?”

  A knock at the door interrupts her. When Rachel answers it, the individual who peeks in is a servant wearing castle livery. They exchange a few words, and then Rachel returns. “You’ve received an invitation to tea from Lady Diana.”

  Aileen frowns. Rachel looks perplexed as well. “Shall I decline it? We haven’t finished unpacking.”

  “No, I’ll accept. I would imagine she’s far busier than we are.”

  Diana’s wedding to Emperor Kilvas is approaching. Aileen has lived through a similar event herself. If Diana is asking people over for tea in the middle of all that, she must have an extremely good reason.

  “Tell her I would love to. We must prepare, Rachel. This is an empress’s duty.”

  “Of course.” Rachel bows, then searches Aileen’s opened luggage for a suitable outfit for the empress of Ellmeyer to wear for a meeting with the future empress of Kilvas.

  Sunlight streams into the conservatory. Inside, a profusion of small vivid flowers bloom and songbirds twitter. The weather is reminiscent of the warm days at the beginning of autumn. Some sort of spell or device must be at work.

  When Aileen steps inside, a woman rises to greet her on the other side of a white table. “I am Diana, Your Majesty.”

  Her voice is hard as steel, but there’s a translucent quality to it. Setting a hand to her chest, she bows lightly. It’s the same way Cattleya greeted them; that must be the Valkyries’ salute. Between that and the straightforward greeting, there isn’t a scrap of sociability in the woman’s manner. However, the blue-gray hair that reaches her shoulders and her silken, snow-white skin are unspeakably perfect, and they seem to hold a mysterious power that makes her look like a work of art.

  Responding by spreading her skirts and curtsying in the manner of Ellmeyer, Aileen offers a friendly greeting. “Thank you for your invitation, Lady Diana.”

  “I thought you’d probably be bored.”

  Aileen hesitates for a moment, then nods. “I do have outstanding servants accompanying me, so that is true. But you must be quite busy, Lady Diana. Are the wedding preparations going smoothly? It’s the day after tomorrow, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I just have to do predetermined things in the proper order. Even a monkey could manage it. Far too much of it is pointless. Oh, I know some women like that sort of thing. I didn’t want to get married in the first place, you see, and I have no dreams or expectations for it.”

  Aileen decides to think of the other woman as being rather socially awkward.

  She is supposed to have “forgotten how to smile,” so it makes sense, I guess.

  Aileen wouldn’t claim that simply lacking in charm is a bad thing in general. Roxane, Aileen’s friend and the principal consort of neighboring Ashmael, is also far from charming. However, she’s able to socially support her diplomacy-loving husband magnificently with her meticulous consideration, insight that allows her to grasp what’s important, and flawless manners.

  In addition, even if the other woman happens to be lacking in charm, consideration, insight, and manners, Aileen must not be rude to her. It would be a blot on her title as empress of Ellmeyer.

  “I’m sure your feelings will change once the ceremony’s over.”

  “Are you glad you married, Lady Aileen?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “—I’d imagine so. It looks like you’re more suited to that sort of thing.”

  Aileen tilts her head quizzically.

  Diana sighs, touching the rim of her teacup. “I really wanted to speak with the demon king directly. I wasn’t allowed to, though, so I had to call you instead. Can you talk about the demons?”

  “…I’m told that a discussion has been arranged between my husband and Emperor Kilvas.”

  “You know men who have no clue what it’s like on the field won’t be able to have a decent discussion.” She snorts dismissively. “Oh, I’m not blaming you. One could hardly expect otherwise, after all. I’ll ask anyway, though: Is it true that demons and humans live side by side in Ellmeyer, in accordance with the demon king’s wishes?”

  Under the table, Aileen shifts her feet so that her toes are even with each other. At times like these, things tend to fall apart beginning in places that can’t be seen. She must be careful. Even if she ignores the game’s scenario, the Kilvas Empire has been plagued by demons for long years. The wrong answer on her part could escalate into an international issue.

  “Yes. Both humans and demons are searching for ways to get along with one another, and—”

  “Actually, never mind. I see you’ll only give by-the-book answers. In that case, what is Lilia Reinoise doing?”

  Even though Aileen has just regrouped, she almost frowns. Diana looks at her as if she suspects she hasn’t understood the question and begins to elaborate. “I mean the Maid of the Sacred Sword. I’ve heard she’s alive. Is she really the crown princess? If she possesses the sacred sword, she should have been able to defeat both demons and the demon king, and yet… How on earth did you win her over? A man?”

  “……”

  “Or did she avoid battle, even though she’s the Maid of the Sacred Sword? In that case, what’s become of the sword?”

  Diplomacy is the art of negotiation. Sometimes a snap decision and being quick on your feet can carry the day. Her brother Michael has taught her as much. For that reason, here and now, Aileen sets her future policy. “I’m sorry, Lady Diana. You’re speaking of complicated things, and I’m afraid I don’t really understand. I’m sure Master Claude would know, but…” She feigns bewilderment.

  At that, Diana stops attempting to hide her disgust. “It’s incredible that you can manage to be empress like that. Unbelievable… Leaving everything to a man.”

  Carefully, Aileen returns her cup to its saucer. There’s a fragile sound of porcelain on porcelain. “I’m very sorry I can’t be of use to you. However…I would like to be friends with you. After all, you will be the empress of Kilvas. It is my duty to be friends with everyone.”

  That is the job of an empress. Aileen smiles gently, and Diana sighs. “The way you think is enviably peaceful.”

  “But Kilvas will also be peaceful now, won’t it? I was told that that is the purpose of this marriage.”

  “A country where marriage solves everything must be nice. The women of this empire can’t afford to be so easygoing. Excuse me, it’s time I took my leave.”

  Diana stands, her expression prim. She clearly has no use for Aileen.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I was having such a good time that I stayed longer than I ought to.” Aileen lets the rude treatment roll right off her, appearing unconcerned. Her expression remains perfectly placid, setting an example for the new empress who is about to shoulder a nation. “Do ask me to tea again, please.”

  “I don’t like tea, and I don’t have that kind of time… Oh, I’m sorry; I’m not implying that you have too much time on your hands. Dressing yourself up and ingratiating yourself to your husband must keep you very busy. I think it’s fine to have people like that around as well. That’s what it means to be at peace.”

  “As one who’s spent time on the battlefield, Lady Diana, your perspective is very educational.” Diana’s eyes are apathetic, but Aileen tries to be as charming as she can. “I’m sure you are busy, but I do have delicious sweets. When you have time, please do speak with me again. Let’s see… I’d love to hear about life on the battlefield, for example.”

  “……I really doubt you’d understand even if I told you.”

  “Oh, but I’d feel awful taking up your time for nothing, Lady Diana. If only there was something I could do for you…” She assumes a thinking pose, evidently falling deep in thought.

  Reluctantly, Diana makes a suggestion. “In that case, maybe you could tell me about the demon king next time—about Emperor Claude.”

  “Gracious, Master Claude? I’m particularly good at that. I’m quite proud of my husband, you know.”

  “…Cattleya was very preoccupied with him, you see.”

  “In that case, I’d love to hear about Lady Cattleya as well. She was terribly dashing; I confess I was captivated by her,” Aileen says gaily.

  Diana gives her a pitying look. That’s clinched it.

  “All right. Until next time,” Aileen tells her, then turns away. Since learning of her pregnancy, she’s taken care to move as slowly and carefully as she can, but she walks with particular caution now. There’s no telling who may be watching from where.

  “Rachel, Lady Diana is a splendid person, isn’t she? I really must become her friend.”

  Aileen and Rachel have reached the straight corridor that leads to their guest room. Rachel, who stood silently behind Aileen all through the tea, nods quietly. “Very well. I will see to it.”

  “With Lady Cattleya as well. They’re both very practical, so I’m concerned I may make a careless blunder. Please make sure we don’t do anything rude. I so want to be friends with them.”

  “Lady Aileen, frolicking like that is unseemly.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

  The work of unpacking isn’t yet finished, and Aileen’s ladies-in-waiting are still bustling around the room. Once she’s heard the door shut behind her, Aileen breaks into a grin. “After all, it’s been a long time since I dealt with such an easy woman.” Diana has underestimated Aileen as someone who’s foolish and easily used. “Becoming empress doesn’t seem likely to make her give up on her revolution. She’s hostile toward Ellmeyer as well. She was good enough to blab away honestly; it’s saved me a lot of trouble. Having people make light of you really is a valuable thing.”

  Between her position and her pregnancy, Aileen isn’t able to move too freely or stand out too much. By using that to her advantage, she’s managed to gather some good information.

  “I’ll send a letter of thanks to Lady Diana at once. It would be best to include sweets of some sort. Rachel, you understand, don’t you? I am a sheltered young woman who knows nothing. A sweet young thing.”

  “Would you like your clothes and makeup to reflect this?”

  “Yes, please. Can you procure something?”

  The tools Rachel has to work with right now must be limited. However, her brilliant lady-in-waiting nods with no hesitation. “I can’t do anything as elaborate as I normally would, but leave it to me.”

  “Master Claude hasn’t returned yet, has he? Heh-heh. Perhaps I’ll go to greet him. After all, I’m lonely.”

  “Lady Aileen, your expression doesn’t match what you’re saying in the slightest. I would prefer it if you behaved yourself and rested. Is there a reason you would like to go to meet him?”

  “Goodness, Rachel. You must have noticed it yourself. Master Claude is hiding something from me. Lady Cattleya must be on his mind in some way. As more than a cousin, I mean.”

  When Cattleya had greeted them, he’d reacted strangely. He can’t have imagined his wife would miss that, can he? And the crowning blow was how Diana pitied Aileen, implying Aileen knew nothing.

  Aileen gives Rachel a sidelong glance, but Rachel isn’t surprised. She keeps a careful eye on Aileen’s reactions and, through Aileen, the reactions of those around them. Something must already have struck her as odd.

  “I believe they haven’t spoken in years. Will you question him about it?”

  “I wouldn’t do anything so vulgar. It’s only natural for spouses to have a secret or two. However, a good wife makes sure to know everything while pretending she does not.”

  “All right. In that case, let’s change your clothes and adjust your makeup at once.”

  “It’s a pity, really. I quite like this lip rouge.”

  Putting a hand to her lips, Aileen’s reflection smiles in the mirror. The pad of her index finger picks up a smear of lip rouge too lustrous for one who intends to play the part of some sweet young thing. It looks an awful lot like blood.

  A chill seems to crawl up from Claude’s feet, and he stops in his tracks. Cattleya, who’s been walking ahead as their guide, blinks. Almost immediately, her expression softens.

  “Let’s stop and rest soon. The room over there is empty; I’ll go and get permission to use it. I’ll have tea prepared as well. I’m very sorry to drag you around when you’ve just arrived.”

  “I’m the one who asked you to. I apologize for making you work without rest.”

  “No, it’s a place I’m used to. Come, this way—”

  Cattleya is about to show them through a door, but Claude catches the handle first, and their hands nearly touch. She withdraws hers at the last moment.

  “You rest, too. Keith, can you prepare the tea?” Claude asks.

  “Leave it to me.”

  Keith promptly calls to a servant who’s walking down the corridor. Thinking that although Keith may be from another country, he’ll probably handle this well, Claude opens the door. “…This is the imperial castle. Is it all right to call you Princess Cattleya now?”