The creak of the wooden door echoed through the empty corridor, making everyone uneasy.
As the door opened and revealed what lay inside, a sweet yet haughty voice echoed in their ears. "...Welcome to the Hako Niwa World, visitors from another world."
Ritsuka and the others hesitated little. On their journey to save humanity, their hearts had already endured enough trials.
With calm expressions, they entered the hall and found it resembled a grand chamber where a king received his subjects.
Splendid golden decorations, near-modern English-style furnishings, stone pillars supporting the ceiling, and several steps before a soft carpet filled the hall.
At the end of the steps, a beautiful girl with elegant features sat upon a jewel-encrusted throne.
The entire hall was filled with faint, curling smoke, as though they had entered a dream. The smoke carried an incense-like sandalwood fragrance that immediately refreshed the mind.
Everyone looked up and finally saw the true appearance of the lady seated upon the throne.
She possessed a dreamlike beauty, more refined and noble than even a fairy's.
From her appearance, the girl did not seem very old.
However, the indifference and majesty of a superior in her scarlet eyes told everyone that her age could not be judged by her looks.
A small, exquisite crown rested upon the girl's head, while her golden-sand hair seemed the symbol of the world's highest nobility.
A gorgeous dark-red dress wrapped around the Queen's charming body. Its daring design revealed large areas of her fair, delicate, jade-like skin and further emphasized her astonishingly ample figure.
"You're the Halloween Queen?"
Ritsuka boldly looked toward the beautiful lady above and asked curiously.
"I am the Halloween Queen! I dislike elaborate formalities, and I dislike overly restrained forms of address. You may simply call me 'Queen.'"
The Halloween