The people of the Karnstein family, and my childhood friends had also been brutally poisoned because they had associated with Qlippoth.”
What she saw in her homeland was — her uncle, cousin and even her own friends whom she once considered compatriots, changed into ugly Evil Dragons. Regardless of whether it was her uncle or her cousin, the Karnstein family…was fed up with how the Carmilla faction had handled things. The role of the aristocratic leader of the Carmilla faction had always been succeeded by a woman. Male kin could only be dominated by the female leaders. They could no longer endure it after an almost eternal amount of time. They began to appreciate the Tepes faction that respected male Vampires. Thus, they sought the assistance of Qlippoth to strengthen the rights of the male kin in the Carmilla faction. This betrayal was not only performed by Elmenhilde’s uncle and cousin, but by the majority of the nobility’s male kin. —On the surface, they seemed to accept that the domination of female kin was normal, but they could not stand that domination on the inside. This sentiment that grew over long years finally burst out. This made the females of the Carmilla faction — feel extremely shocked. The only ones who believed that they got along well with their lovers, partners, siblings, and male family members were those women and a very small proportion of men. The concept that the Carmilla faction had been founded on and the values of the pure-blooded Vampires had been shaken, and cracks formed. This was presumably the great divide that occurred within the faction. Friends of the same gender also agreed with those male nobles to betray the country. And their lovers — also looked forward to being ruled over by the men. …Not all of the female Vampires were powerful. It took an incredible amount of courage for the female Vampires to stand above the male Vampires while they were weaker than them. It required a strong sense of determination—. That was why there were also so many female Vampires who couldn’t bear it. No, this was a natural result. It was because not all of the female nobility were able to allow their families to flourish. …To witness the ultimate ending of her friends who had wished to be dominated by male Vampires…seeing the form of the Evil Dragons, Elmenhilde felt as though she could hear the sound of something shattering within her body. Elmenhilde said that much — and then tears began to overflow from her deep red eyes. “…Looking at my friends who sacrificed everything for the motherland, I felt angry at myself for failing to realise the kinds of trouble that they bottled up inside and couldn’t easily divulge…and at the same time, after I became aware of their true intentions, I could do nothing but deny them…. At the very end, I was unable to save them no matter what I did, and this harsh reality…overwhelmed me. So I didn’t want to continue staying in the motherland, I asked to work outside, and travel to various places. …If I stayed in the motherland, I don’t think my heart would have been able to survive…!”
Elmenhilde cried as she spoke. …Although she originally had such a haughty attitude, everything she did was for the sake of her ideals and in order to protect the dignity of her country. It was because she thought that her own view of the world was correct, and there had never been any doubt in her mind of its justice. —However, all of that was crushed. At a time when she was unaware, her own kin and friends dealt with enormous stress that couldn’t be released, resulting in a distortion of their minds, and eventually a corruption of the entire nation’s philosophy. Rizevim would have enjoyed inciting such events to transpire…. …Elmenhilde’s values collapsed, so it wasn’t surprising that her personality had changed so much. After being betrayed by the people who had accompanied her for so long…there was far more inexplicable sadness than anger. Elmenhilde wiped away her tears as she said
“…I’ve already said this to Ravel Phoenix-san. So, I should also say this to you given that you’re the leader of the team.”
“…Thank you. You told me even though it was so difficult for you.”
“…There’s no need to thank me, since everything has already happened, this is what I must do. Mmm, I thought of participating in this tournament to overcome that…if there are so many races participating in the tournament, I feel like I might be able to gain something from it…. I must become stronger. If I can change myself, then I definitely won’t repeat the same mistakes.”
…I see, so this girl wants to change herself just like Asia, and wishes to become stronger. After hearing Asia’s confession, she was inspired to be honest with me. But, I still had one concern, so I asked
“But why did you choose my team? Wouldn’t any other team have been okay?”
Upon hearing my question, Elmenhilde’s face suddenly reddened and her voice also sounded an octave higher. “T-That is because! …How should I put this…to say it…I wonder if it could truly happen…”
Elmenhilde’s response puzzled me…while beside me, Asia seemed to get angry at me as she scolded
“Ise-san, you still have much to learn!”
…What? Am I the only person who doesn’t understand? —Just as I pondered over that, another person arrived. “What’s going on, I was thinking of having a late-night shower, but I never imagined that I’d see Ise, Asia, and even Elmenhilde practising until so late.”
“I wasn’t quite able to sleep, so I also came underground, but I was slightly concerned because this was the only place illuminated by light.”
It was Xenovia and Irina who had appeared. Irina looked at me, Asia, and Elmenhilde. Upon seeing Elmenhilde’s tears and reddened face, she seemed to realise something. “Hah! C-Could it be that she was sexually assaulted…?”
Xenovia squinted as she sighed. “As expected of the ero-Angel Irina. Even I never considered that.”
“S-Seriously! I just couldn’t help but think of that! You don’t have to look at me in such a strange light!”
Xenovia brushed it aside with “Okay okay” as she picked up the basketball on the ground. “It can’t be helped, let’s all practise together with Asia like there’s no tomorrow!”
Irina also agreed. “A good suggestion! The others…there’s no need to wake them, after all, it is the night before the all-important match.”
Indeed, it would be a good idea to let the people who were already asleep rest until the next morning. Asia joyfully lowered her head. “E-Everyone, I’m so grateful! Regardless of whether it’s tomorrow, or in the ball tournament, I-I will do my best!”
Asia and Xenovia alternated taking shots with each other. “Xenovia-san! I won’t lose to you in the ball tournament!”
“That’s my line! Let us have a splendid match between the Occult Research Club and the Student Council!”
“I’m Asia’s partner! That also makes me a member of the Occult Research Club!”
“Hmph!