Chapter 74

... Even though you clicked your tongue very quietly, I could hear it...

"Lieutenant Rita is not by Yulande's side, so Yulande is currently lacking maids."

Origami continued.

"... What are the maid elements..."

"Please allow me to temporarily assume this responsibility, Yulande. Of course, I will do my best to be thorough in all aspects, whether it is shopping or cooking, I am very good at both."

Seeing that Amber did not directly refuse, Origami, feeling that there was a chance, promoted herself even more enthusiastically.

Thinking of the rumors about Schicksal, Origami decided to take a risk. "Even if it requires two people to be in the same room, I can do my best."

What do you mean by working with two people in one room...?

"You mean cleaning, right...?"

Amber asked hesitantly, but did not receive an answer from Origami.

You're so sure!

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Real Murderer.

"It's finally here, even slower than I expected."

Kotori with some surprise. In her memory, Yulande shouldn't be the type to procrastinate.

However, while she was speaking, she also caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar figure out of the corner of her eye.

"This is?"

Kotori initially thought it was Rita, but upon closer inspection, she realized that the two had completely different body types, which drew Kotori's attention to her.

"Sorry, something unexpected happened and I was delayed..."

Amber smiled apologetically, then introduced, "She is Origami Tobiichi, the captain of the Blade of Immortality Second Squad, and an outstanding Valkyrie possesses both talent and hard work."

"I thought she was your temporary maid."

Kotori glanced at Origami's outfit. Compared to Rita's formal European maid outfit, Origami's outfit was more in line with the Japan impression of maid outfits. Not only were both arms completely exposed, but the hem was also much shorter, clearly revealing her two thighs encased in white stockings.

"She is also Lady Yulande's maid."

Origami said.

"It seems that Rita's hobby caused her some misunderstanding."

Amber said helplessly.

"Snort--?"

Kotori drew out her words, her expression scrutinizing, seemingly not accepting the explanation.

After a while, she teased, "No wonder you didn't have any questions about how to woo the spirits when I was talking about it. So that's what you're into?"

"These are two different things..."

So you don't deny your sexual orientation?

"..."

It's really hard to deny.

Origami's eyes flashed instantly. "As the strongest Valkyrie, Lady Yulande has the right to be fickle, and her indulgence in private life is also permissible."

"That kind of thing can't be allowed just because someone is stronger or weaker..."

Amber sighed, "For Valkyrie to have such thoughts, Rita will have to re-evaluate your academic performance next time."

The blonde girl looked helpless, but her words and attitude made the other two girls like her very much, and they couldn't help but think more highly of her.

It must be said that while it is normal for strong people to have proud or even arrogant personalities, and it is also normal for them to have lofty thoughts because of their strength, it must be said that if such a strong person could have the opposite humility, even people with different positions would recognize her qualities.

Kotori, who was initially prejudiced against the 'Strongest Valkyrie', now sees her as someone very worthy of friendship.

The sense of security that comes from having a friend who is both capable and upright is obvious.

"Kotori? Is that Yulande? Why didn't she come in?"

Shiori's voice came from inside the room.

"Anyway, come on in. You've been so slow. I'm starving while waiting for you."

As Kotori retreated back into the house, making way for the two of them.

After changing into slippers, the two followed Kotori to the dining table in the living room and sat down. Soon, Shiori came over with two plates, looking at Kotori with dissatisfaction. "Since you're here, why don't you take the plates with you?"

"This kind of thing is better left to idiot Shiori."

Kotori complained, "They wouldn't let me eat anything, and now I have no energy left!"

"Who starts eating before the guests arrive..."

You stole my lollipop too!

"Sugar can make you feel full, so eating it before a meal will make you lose your appetite."

"So if I had eaten back then, I wouldn't have gone hungry for so long. Now I'm just getting hungry, so I'm starting to eat!"

Faced with her sister's reasoned rebuttal, Shiori could only accept her accusation. After all, it was indeed true in retrospect. She hadn't expected Yulande to arrive so late, but there was no need for such dissatisfaction... If it were her sister with the white hairband, she should have been obedient and silent at this point.

"Excuse me, this is black tea."

Origami handed the prepared gift to Shiori.

Without parents, she would have to be left in the care of her eldest sister.

"Thank you... um?"

Shiori accepted the tea leaves offered by the other person, her eyes lighting up slightly. It was the tea she had seen on a TV program and had wanted to buy before. Just as she was about to thank the other person, she noticed that the other person's gaze seemed a little... intense?

"What's wrong with you?"

Kotori noticed the situation, frowned and asked, then looked at Amber beside her, hoping she could give her some eye contact.

If it were Rita, she would have used her eyes to 'soothe' or explain that 'something's not right,' but Amber was never the type to 'read my eyes,' and instead just curiously observed the atmosphere between the two.

Come to think of it, she hadn't learned about the situation back then. The situation after Origami and Shiori met was one of the reasons she brought Origami along.

However, Origami's answer was not as interesting as Amber had imagined.

"I remember you were one of those people in the fire."

Origami's expression remained calm, but her eyes held a hint of inquiry. "Do you know about 'Phantom'?"

"Phantom?" X2.

Shiori's expression was full of confusion, after all, she had no Remembrance of that time.

Kotori's voice became distorted as if she had touched something.

This made Origami look at her.

"Phantom... Fire Sea, were you also a resident of Amemiya City five years ago, or even this very street?"

Kotori frowned and asked.

Yes, do you know anything?

Seeing that the other party seemed to have a clue, Origami's eyes lit up considerably. She hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise on this trip.

Although she knew they were there to meet Ratatoskr, the commander of the anti-elf forces who had been entrenched in Japan for a long time, she didn't have high hopes until the two of them walked down the street and she met Shiori Itsuka.

Origami never expected such a coincidence.

"I wouldn't dare say that what I saw was the Phantom you described, but it was indeed as if it were wrapped in blue noise and mosaic, making it impossible to see its true form. If anything fits this description, it would only be that."

Kotori the situation at the time and said.

"That's it! Do you have any information about it!?"

"I'm sorry, I only saw you when you turned me into Fire Spirit, and you haven't appeared in front of me since. Shiori lost her Remembrance of that time for some unknown reason, so she probably knows even less than I do."

Kotori indicated that she could hardly offer any help.

If Origami had known that the fire was related to Kotori, before entering Schicksal, she probably wouldn't have been able to resist drawing her sword and killing Kotori on the spot.

But having received the right education, Origami understands very well that the Valkyrie fight the Spirits not just for revenge, but to prevent further casualties.

Moreover, based on the education she has received over the years, Origami can understand that Kotori is also a victim who has been separated from ordinary life, and that the Phantom is the real culprit.

"I see..."

She could only grit her teeth, her emotions fluctuating wildly, leaving her somewhat confused for a moment.

The keywords are so obvious that Kotori clearly already knew about Origami's situation. She was probably a victim of that disaster. Kotori did not hide the fact that she was one of the perpetrators from the victim, even though it was not something she could control or that she intended.

Kotori breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Origami did not pursue the matter.

Then, she quickly changed the subject. "Alright, Shiori, hurry up and serve the food. We should get down to business after we finish eating!"

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Pressure in the Kotori.

Perhaps because the Origami was not quite right, there wasn't much lively discussion at the table, the delicious food tasted a bit bland, and the atmosphere was somewhat stiff.

Kotori was aware of the strange atmosphere, but as one of the culprits, she couldn't immediately maintain her composure in front of Origami. Even Shiori, who was usually optimistic and cheerful, was drawn into memories of that time and bizarre amnesia.

Amber wanted to say something, but upon closer inspection, it seemed too deliberate to say anything else at this moment.

Origami was well aware that the atmosphere was related to her, but given the circumstances, her actions were inevitable. Even if she were asked to do something to make amends, she simply couldn't muster the energy.

Finally, in a slightly silent atmosphere, everyone finished dinner, and Kotori finally breathed a sigh of relief, ready to get down to business.

It was so embarrassing that they even had to bring up serious matters to ease the tension.

Although she thought this way, she still felt a sense of relief and said, "Do you remember what Shiori said before?"

"I have spoken with Bishop Möbius."

Amber nodded. "The bishop accepts any capable person to join Schicksal, but whether the two sides can reach a consensus requires you to talk in person."

This is what Kotori wanted. "I understand, so how do we communicate?"

"Hold on."

Amber took a triangular box out of her pocket and placed it on the table. After she pressed the button on the side, the triangular top cover quickly rose into the air and then hovered about fifty centimeters above the base, projecting light blue images from above and below, which converged into a line of 'Connecting'.

In less than half a minute, the images were rearranged and merged into a figure that only showed the upper body.

Long, slightly wavy green hair, a familiar white coat, and a green knitted sweater—these three elements alone are enough to link the person to 'Möbius,' not to mention their unparalleled beauty and the sense of danger hidden beneath that beauty.

Möbius's strength has always been a mystery. In fact, she has experienced far more assassinations than ordinary people can imagine. But whether it was thirty years ago when she first emerged or at this moment, no one has ever seen any trace of injury on her. And it is clear that she is still alive.

Everyone knows that she has an impenetrable protective net that can withstand not only open attacks but also covert ones. However, a small number of people believe that she herself must be an extremely powerful Valkyrie, or rather, Stigmata compatible person.

Some even believe that the power of the Stigmata is based on her, and that she is actually more monstrous than Yulande.

However, this view has not gained much acceptance. After all, if Möbius truly possessed unparalleled strength, she wouldn't have needed to hide in the shadows for so many years and create the World Serpent. With her ambition, she could have ruled the world long ago.

Thinking about this, Kotori, and even those who know Yulande, can't help but feel fortunate. Although the world's strongest force is in the hands of Möbius, this force happens to be of an upright and powerful nature. If it were also an ambitious person, or just a tool that only knows how to obey, Möbius would probably have become the king of the world.

The wars and sacrifices that accompany the path to becoming the king of the world will likely be even more terrifying than the disasters caused by the elves.

"You must be Ratatoskr Kotori Itsuka, commander of Fraxinus."

As Kotori's thoughts raced, Black Amber spoke first.

She wore a faint smile, not because the smile was not obvious, but because the aggressiveness in it was so strong that it was impossible to tell that she was smiling.

"That's right."

Kotori nodded. "Bishop Möbius, or do you prefer to be called Doctor?"

"It doesn't matter. As long as the form of address expresses respect, that's enough."

Black Amber spoke calmly and slowly, and her words revealed no emotion whatsoever. Even though she knew that this was a being who had stood at the top of the world for decades and had prepared herself mentally countless times, Kotori still felt a cold sweat seeping down her back.

"Yulande should have told me about today's events. My sister actually trusts a friend she just met and her organization more than me, someone she's known for so many years. I'm really exasperated by her. Her younger sister is already working her way up to commander here, yet she still wants me to start from scratch. Sometimes I wonder if she's the younger sister. Unfortunately, I can't just leave this idiot alone."

Kotori spoke, she glared at Shiori beside her.

"Hmph..."

Black Amber leaned back slightly in her chair. Even though it wasn't very obvious, her close-fitting knitwear still clearly outlined her curves. "After all Yulande is a child who can easily gain the trust of others, and she is also my favorite student."