377. EVOLUTION QUEST COMPLETION

Evening.

“There, perfect. Now you look like my prince charming.. ek, that’s disgusting. Is this how Liliath normally talks? How did you even live with this girl?”
Liliath was doing my tie mid way when she suddenly blurted something to grilled herself with.

“I said before that I’d love you no matter what, right?”
“But to this extent? We must both be crazy.. sheesh, the TALENT makes no sense at all.”

Liliath on the other hand, folding her arms in cute contempt, was wearing a white dress. Her hair was still loose, but that’ll be fixed by a stylist who’ll come in a bit.

“You mean Noel’s TALENT?” The grey haired demon lord, Rin asked.

She’s also wearing a white dress like Liliath, the difference is in the design. 

“Our TALENT.. Noel, do you think my TALENT just disappeared or did it transfer with me?”

Knock. knock.
“I don’t know honestly,” I went to the door to pull it open.

“It’s been a while, Noel-sama,” the maid bowed to me.

Who is she again? She’s Siesta’s assassin maid– El. Wheewh, having [APPRAISAL] is convenient.

“Pardon my intrusion also. May I speak with the two of you?” and we have Siesta, the platinum blonde haired princess.

El the maid will be Liliath’s stylist. 

“About my brother, is it?”

“Y-Yes..”
Wow, Liliath hit the mark already.

“I’ll tell him about it. Though, I feel that the decision is likely more dependent on father. That is something I have no control over. My apologies Siesta-san. I will try to dissuade my brother, however.” Liliath said while her hair was being fixed by El. Rin was observing hard at how El was doing the procedure.

“No, I already have a plan in mind. I only need your help.”
“Really? Let’s have a listen.”

“Pardon the request.. Miss El.”

The maid stopped, and held out a small bottle to me.

A love potion.

I handled it with care.

“You want us to put it in his drink?”
Siesta nodded.

“That’s..”
“I’m sure it’s possible. My magic is omnipotent after all. I could already think of a dozen ways to have him consume the liquid but... Siesta, is that really all there is to it?”
Siesta shook her head and smiled. “I’m sure there are many noble ladies more fitting in position of his wife than myself.”

“Oh, so it’s a win-win scenario for both parties I guess.”
“Indeed. I pray that the carnage wouldn’t ruin the party,” Siesta chuckled.

Well damn. This schemer sure is something..

“Your Highness, what do you think?”
“It’s beautiful, thank you Miss El.”
“Your words are wasted on me.”
“Royalty speech sure is annoying,” Liliath sighed and got up from the seat, she turned to me, blushing a little, “What do you think?”

I laughed.

“Thank you Miss El,”

I walked up to Liliath, her velvet hair twisted into a curly braid, some parts dangling like ivy. It created this allure and deep desire to anyone who saw her. Not to mention the white rose and lily really brought out her loveliness.

I grabbed both her hands.

“You’re beautiful Liliath.”

She looked away, face all read with steam rising from her head.

‘Give some love to Rin too.’
Right. Sorry Liliath.

“Well, excuse me.. Miss El, could you do Rin’s hair too?”

“My pleasure.”

“E-Eh it’s alright.”
“No, please allow me.”
So I complimented Rin too. Sheesh, Liliath is still Liliath no matter her personality.

===

“For the everlasting Toren Kingdom!” His Majesty declared.
“””CHEERS!!!”””

Everyone invited– the nobles raised their glass of wine into the air and made a toast.

“What a relief, we thought you were actually gone.”
“It was quite a shock. I’m glad to see that you’re well.”
“Welcome back Noel-sama.”

Liliath also got permission from the organizers to allow Miss Margrett’s family in too. They were all in their best.

Jennifer was wearing a pink medieval dress.. it was familiar, but I couldn’t remember where I last saw it. She looks good in it, let me tell you.

“Excuse me, may I know where you can find the lobster dishes?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s over there.”

“Where? Could you lead me?”

“Sure.”

The young noble had succeeded in dragging Jennifer on a trip. Well, good luck with wooing her.

“Ara, ara,” Miss Margett was overjoyed, seeing how a boy had taken the initiative.

“We better keep an eye out of him,” said the overprotective father.

Then again.. the boy wasn’t wrong for asking Jennifer about the lobster dish. She was holding the lobster skewer herself.

In any case, I’m glad to be able to experience the Regressor’s cooking once more. He’s having a blast serving up the special desserts over there. Two impenetrable fortresses preventing contact from any noble ladies that were trying to swoon him.

What capable wives.

“Noel, once again, we’re grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”

“No problems.”
Thinking back, would it be alright if Miss Margrett and Sid continued to stay in the Elven Territory? Maybe it would be good if they can get citizenship in Toren Kingdom. That way they can decide to move between places?

“I’ll put in a word to help you acquire citizenship for Toren Kingdom, would that be alright?” oh, Liliath thought of the same thing.

“Oh, that would be too much..”

“No, I insist. There’s still many things uncertain going forward in the future. Having a citizenship will at least serve as a guarantee for some level of stability.”

After leaving Miss Margrett’s family to themselves, we went over to Prune and Nine’s side.

“You two look sparkling. How are things over here?” Liliath asked.

“Hm?” Nine is stuffing her mouth, “It’s great thank you.”
“Why thank you, Sayu looks cute doesn’t she?”
“H-Hey.. um, you two look great too..” 

Instead of Prune and Shea, we found Aoki Kaito and Takata Sayu. Liliath and I thanked Takata for her compliment.

“Oh, you’ve tried sensei’s cooking, right?” 

“We have. It’s quite the gourmet experience.”

“Do you know how to cook, Your Highness?” Takata asked.

“A little..”

I nudged her shoulders.

“What?”

“I don’t think cooking dinner every day for everyone counts ‘a little’.”
“I only know how to cook simple dishes. Moreover, I’m mostly just helping Prune out– back then.”
“Hehe.. flirting huh,” Aoki grinned.

“Yeah, yeah. You do that with Takata-sama too, don’t you?” Liliath retorted.
“Did Her Highness eat something wrong?” Takata asked, noticing the discrepancy in Liliath’s attitude.

“Nope, she’s alright.”
“Try this,” Nine pointed a skewer at Liliath.

“Thank you.”
I expected Liliath to eat it right off, but instead she took it away from Nine first before biting into it.

“Good right?”
“Yes, it’s quite good.”
“Noel.”
“Thanks.”

“Hm? What’s that?” Aoki asked.

“What?”
“The pendant.”
“Oh, this?” Liliath carried it gently in both hands– did she just throw the skewer into the inventory? “It’s my memories.”
“Memories?”
“Yes. The time I spent together with Noel when he was in my world. Ah, of course, it would be difficult to explain simply. But If you wish, I may lunch off into a long winding story during tea. Some other day, perhaps,” she said in a nostalgic voice. I felt a little sentimental myself, having left everyone in that world.

“No idea what you mean but sure. How about you, Sayu?”

“Sounds interesting. It’s like the air around you two had changed since the incident. Something tells me there’s more to it than what meets the eye.”
Nine nodded away at Takata’s hypothesis.

“That asides, have you seen Prune around?”
“Prune? She’s over there,” Nine pointed over.. outside the window? “Prune and Shea are both Nine Tails. Because of their racial traits, they’re like sirens to the people. So if they attend the party like normal, they would.. you know.”

“She could just use a concealment barrier couldn’t she?” Liliath reasoned.

“Dunno. Maybe she just doesn’t want to join the party– excuse me, could I have one,” Nine went off to grab a glass of wine.

“Anyways. Thank you for saving our butts back there. I don’t know what would've happened if you didn’t come back,” Aoki bowed. Following him Takata did the same.

“No. It’s a cumulative effort. No person contributed more or less to, each person played their role, which led to the ultimate outcome,” Liliath said.
Aoki shook his head.

“You saved everyone. After all, sensei’s worst nightmare didn’t come to fruition this time around.”

Right. The Regressor’s past life.

I wonder if that timeline is still running? Or did that world get deleted?
Who knows.. let’s not think too deeply about it.

“Noel, we need to go, our target is here,” Liliath tugged at my clothes.

“Rin actually succeeded huh?”

“Of course, she’s my rival after all!”
Fuck off with the rival, you’re plain enjoying this aren’t you Liliath?

Anyhow. To explain, Rin volunteered to accompany Siesta under the guise of.. being a friend. Basically, she’s there as a prying tool Siesta could use to escape.. whatever she meant by that.

“Good evening Kyoshi-niisan.”

“Good evening, Your Highness Kyoshi.”

“Good evening to you too. What a wonderful dress you’re wearing dear sister.”
“Good evening.”
“G-Good evening.”

I notice Siesta’s smile.. this girl sure has some nerve.

We chatted a little with Kyoshi, my brother-in-law.. I guess.

On cue, a waiter came up to us and offered us wine. Liliath and I had turned down all offers in preparation for this exact moment. We accepted a glass.

Unsuspectingly, I saw a very quick flash of mana.

Right.. teleportation.. I guess it can be done for liquids too.

Huh.. I wonder if Liliath realized that she could use teleport to chuck a sword into a monster's belly to.. ultimately kill it.

Crap, Liliath is dangerous.. like seriously dangerous.

Next cue.

Kyoshi took a sip of the wine.

Carnivorous stares began to pool over.
“Pardon, Siesta, could I talk with you for a moment? Kyosho-niissan, may I spare some of your partner’s time?”

“I don’t mind,” he said, still holding that gentle smile.

We broke away.

Soon, the girls began flocking in.. holy mother of.. Siesta, how many girls did you liaise with to fight for that one prince oi?!

“Thank you..”

“No problems. It’s the least I could do after causing such trouble.”
“Yeah..” Will the love potion actually work, I wonder..

“How potent is it anyways?” Liliath took out the potion bottle from somewhere and showed it to Siesta. The entire content was empty.

Siesta paled.

“Don’t tell me you gave the entire bottle..

“I.. gave too much?”
“He only took a sip, so that should be tolerable.. we need to get rid of the rest of the drink..”
“Done.”
“Done?”
“Yes, done,” Liliath swirled her glass in front of Siesta.. it’s a different colour of wine– she swapped Kyoshi’s glass.

“Liliath, you’ve literally become a magician.”
“Hehe, proud of me yet? Knowing magic is an absolute cheat.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I took a sip of my glass. Hm?

“Hey.. um Liliath.. by chance you..”

Before I could finish, Rin sealed my lips.

“It’s a test to see who you like more,” Liliath said with a hint of anticipation.
“S-Sorry Noel.. I love you?” Rin smiled at me sheepishly after pulling away.

An unusual heat spread from my lips to my chest. Oh you little..

Fuck.

[Detoxify]

“I have cheats, poison doesn’t work on me.”

“Cheater, cheater. I’m going to get you one day, Rin, kiss him again!”
I stopped the advance with my finger. Liliath.. Rin isn’t your pokem*n, you can’t just order her around like this sheesh. I get that you’re all high and stuff..

“H-Hey.. how are you four?”

“Interrupting our little banter was the light hero, Sasaki Ishida. To explain his anxiety was a necessity as behind him were a line of girls vying for his attention..

‘Noel, he’s bad news.’

‘No shit.’

“I’m fine, thank you for asking. Ah, Siesta would you mind accompanying the light hero for a moment? There’s someone where I need to go you see..” Liliath pulled me close and pressed my arm against her breast. You shameless..

“H-HUh.. I also have to.”
“Have you tried the food made by our sensei, what do you think?”
Liliath tugged me away along with Rin. Siesta was eventually buried by the horde of carnivores.

Oh damn, that’s some scary shit. Protagonist correction is a curse.

“She reap what she sows~”

“Why?” To Liliath’s question, Rin asked.
“Yeah.. right.. you’re just being a plain bully.” I said to Liliath.

“No reason, it’s just a slip of the tongue. Ah right, Rin, have you tried the teriyaki armadillo meat? You must, must!”
Liliath dragged us around the place. We had a blast together. Looking around, we realized that Liliath’s two sisters, Kana and Linda were among the light hero fans. They were using Siesta as a bridge, how funny.. not.

“Do you think Prune is alright?” Rin asked, looking towards the veranda.
“We should probably check on her shouldn’t we?” I pulled up my system.
“They’re fine,” Liliath said objectively, “We shouldn’t interrupt them. They’re having a heart to heart talk. The end is drawing near.”

“The.. end?” Rin tilted her head.

I heaved a sigh.

That’s true.

There is no system message or statement telling us about it but..
I’m pretty sure those of us from the modern world can feel it.
That it’s coming to an end.

All of it.

“Noel-sama, Your Highness, Rin-sama, I greet you a good evening.”
“Jiwon-san, a good evening to you too.”
“It’s prepared,” he said, with stern eyes.

I nodded, “Liliath, I’ll go on first. Later, try to find my marker on the map. If you still remember what you told me, come by before.. you know.”

“What I told you.. oh right.” Liliath had a dazed expression. A moment later, she regained focus, “I”ll meet you there. By 9, if I’m not there by 9, you may execute him.”

“You have my word, Your Highness.”
“I’ll be going first, see you Rin, Liliath, enjoy the rest of the evening.”

“You take care Noel. Be careful.”
“Take care Noel.”

I followed the Regressor out of the hall.

“Your cooking is amazing, no joke.” I said.
“It’s all because of the cooking skill, don’t mistake it.”
“There’s a big difference between food that tastes good because of the skill and food that tastes good because of the chef. Trust me, you’re the latter.”
“I don’t know why you’re trying to flatter me. I’m not easily persuaded.”

Says the person who pampers his wife.

===

Out in the open field.

The two moons were glowing bright in the clear sky, grass swaying like the waves of the sea.

Three people were tied, bound by a rope from the behind. They were kneeling on the ground.

“You promised!!” Iona screamed.

“I know. I’m not going to break it. Trust me on this.”
“B-But..”

“Iona-chan, just give it up,” said Javiel.

I lowered myself to her height.

“Noel, what promise did you make?” Laura asked.

“You’ll know soon enough. Hey, remember how I said..” I whispered the details to Iona. Her expression of fear turned to one of astonishment, then dumbfoundment, to authentic dead fish eyes.

She nodded.

Moirae and Laura looked at me suspiciously. I shrugged.

“Looks like they’re here,” the Regressor turned towards the base of the hill.

My eyes followed–

Liliath made her choice.

378. 

Special Quest:

[LAST ARC] Forgive Javiel. 500P

RULES: Noel, Rinalanashin, Nine and Prune cannot find out about the specifics of the task. If found out, the quest will be terminated. Special quests cannot be removed and will be refreshed weekly. Special Quests completed before the week ends will only be refreshed the following week.

Complete quests before the time runs out: 2D 22H 56M

===

Huh..

Forgive that dirtbag?
Sure, whatever, fine.

If it’s so that I can return to Noel’s world, then fine. I already miss my classmates.. oh yeah, when I return, it would be Liliath Toren’s classmates, not Liliath Bougainvillea’s.
Ugh, split personality is so confusing..
Oh, wait, doesn’t that mean it’s way worse for Prune and Nine because they’ve been stuck here for 3 months? Eh.. what happened to one year? Are we seriously going to finish the isekai story in 3 months? That’s a new record!

Okay, let’s forgive the dirtbag and get along.

“Are you.. sure about this, Liliath-chan?”
“I’ll be fine, thank you for your concern, anee-sama,” I gave her my brightest, most pure smile.

I didn’t think I was so cute when I was one year younger. My cheeks are still rounded at this age, not that I’m fat, hopefully.

We continued walking until we reached the gates leading to the courtyard park which resides somewhere in this massive royal domain– what-not.
Surprisingly, not even my other self remembers the routes to every quarter. Moving around this sort of place is mostly done by instinct and general landmarks.

“Liliath, you ready to go?” 

Nine would be acting as our guard, in case anything happens. Today he’s wearing cool ass military clothes, the fantasy type.

Though.. I still can’t get used to seeing him so tall.

I parted ways with my biological sister.

We continued to walk, and somehow bumped into Shea and Prune.

“I thought you were at the party?” Prune asked.

“We were, now I’m off to see the wizard.. cum-demon.”

“You mean Javiel-kun? Can I go too? I want to see his face one last time at least,” Shea begged Prune.

“It’s.. going to be gruesome, isn’t it?” Prune grimaced
“It’s just blood, you’ll be fine dear Prune,” Shea pleaded again.
It’s just blood.. what absurdity..

Oh shit. That’s right. I’m not scared of blood. Contrary to that, I get excited when I see blood.
Shit. What’s wrong with this girl? I’m a masochist aren’t I? Why do I suddenly recall all these pleasant sensations of making Noel uncomfortable. I shuddered knowing such a truth.

“Liliath?” Nine called out.
“N-Nothing, let’s go.”
This is between me and the dirtbag– 

===

The two naturally occurring celestial satellites that don’t follow the laws of physics were shining down from above.

The low weeds formed waves across the ground, reflecting moonlight, it created a subdued, misty glow along our path.

Noel and the Regressor, and his wives were already up ahead.

I wonder, what kind of reaction would I show if I meet him? That dirtbag, I mean.
The feelings feel so far away. I know I’ve met him just a few days ago but.. it’s just, shallow. I feel like he’s just some evil villain that needs a whack in the head.

Oh, I know how to describe my current situation! You know how in some stories, the person’s soul gets transferred to another, and then you recall all memories of said person? That’s me right now.

So I’m I more of my previous self, or myself in the altered Gilgamesh?

I don’t know..

I really do like to confuse myself when it comes to things like these, do I now?

Nevertheless, I’m arriving at my destination.

I will admit, I’m freaking scared. My legs are trembling, hard.
Is this how my fantasy self feels? It’s a fucking nightmare, Noel, help…

Oh, there he is.

“Someone needs to drag me.”
Nine offered to turn me into a plow. “Oh yeah, sure thing.”

Nine pushed my frozen body across the meadow, creating dirt tracks in my wake. My strong legs are a good plow tool.

“Are you okay?” Noel asked, seeing how ridiculous I was being.
“Y-Yes..” 

He looks so cool under the moonlight like this.

I’ve sold my soul to a good demon–

I shifted my focus from Noel to the three prisoners. I’m surprised they were still wearing the same clothes from the last time I saw them. Ain’t that unhygienic?

I gulped and took a step forward.

“You can do it Liliath-chan,” Shea cheered.
I know I can.

The dirtbag raised his head.

Oh my– he’s handsome heck. Black hair, suave facial details, beautiful ruby eyes– Noel is more of my type though. 

Javiel Myst.

My kidnapper and torturer.

It’s confirmed. I don’t have Stockholm syndrome. Aha!

“How does it feel?” he spoke.

“By that.. you are implying?” I trembled at his voice.

“Are you enjoying this? Now that my life is in your hands?”
I’m I enjoying this?

Part of me says yes.

I’m finally able to do whatever I like to this guy.

I found myself grinning. My hands moved over.

“Sure am, Mister.”

“W-What are you doing!!”

“Onii-san!!”
“GAh– kack..”
I grabbed his neck and forced him to stand.

Once he stabilized–

SLAP.

“There.”
A perfect slap. That crisp sound is music to my ears, perfect.

He looked at me with this sharp gaze, no longer scary because of the now piping hot red palm mark decorating on his face.

Prune and Shea had similarly dumbfounded expressions– you people should really close your mouth. A fly might make its way inside..
“I forgive you Javiel with that. I hope we can become acquaintances, at least,” whatever that means.

I turned to Noel. He gave me thumbs up, I grinned and responded to him with my own.

[Liliath’s Special Quest Complete]

Easier than I thought. Though.. that’s because I have her memories. If I had to rely on my memories as a princess, this would've been hell.

“Are you done?” The Regressor spoke up.

“Whoops, sorry, I took too long. He’s all yours.”

“Oppa..” the elf, Laura tried to stop him. 

“I’ve already made up my mind,” he pulled out a black red blade from his storage, or Inventory. The weapon called Black Star Blade. What a chunni name indeed.

“Besides, it’s not like he’s going to be permanently dead.”
The sword projections duplicated themselves and surrounded Javiel.

“My Lord!” shouted the dark elf whose name I don’t remember. Nine moved to hold her down.
I was surprised by how composed Iona was. Though, it’s clear that she was struggling internally. 

“Stand away, Your Highness.”
– It’s going to get bloody.

I teleported a short distance to come beside Noel. Time to observe the firework show.

“Haha.. do your worst. DO YOUR WORST!!”

Shing.
Splat.

“MMY LORD!!!”

I squinted my eyes a little.

Ugh.. it’s gruesome..

Fuck. I feel so happy he’s dead.

The Regressor picked up his head– the war trophy of it all. Blood was still dripping from the neck down, his crazy expression still remained.

“Haha.. hahaha..” The Regressor started to laugh like crazy.
“Jiwon,” called out the Goddess of Time, Moirae.

“Oppa..”

“I finally did it.. finally, it’s over..”

That feeling of finally achieving something you’ve practically died for. Now that it’s completed..
The Regressor fell backwards and passed out. His two wives supported him. Dropping Javiel’s head, we watched as it rolled down the hill. A trail of blood left in its path..

I’m still happy~

This is absurd. What a disgusting joy.. uwekk..

“U-Um..”
“This way please,” Prune brought up the apartment door, the Regressor was ushered in. Prune probably didn’t want to see it anymore either.

“Now what?” Nine asked, scratching his head. 

“He should be satisfied with that um.. do you want to help keep his corpse in our Inventory for now? Maybe he wants it later..”
“Ew.. fine. Think of it as atonement for what I did to you last time, I guess,” Nine shrugged and collected Javiel’s body into the Inventory.

“Eh?” Iona blurted.

“Okay, we’ll revive Javiel now.”
“W-W-What.. happened?”
“He died.”
“B-But I didn’t..”
“Kids shouldn’t see that.” 

Yeah right. I saw everything.

Noel began to set up the necessary measures to revive the dead.

It wasn’t long before a white magic circle appeared on the ground– a sudden chill ran down my spine.

I opened the inventory and threw a large blanket down.

Just in time–

“Noel~”

“W-What?”
“Could it be that you’ve forgotten that people revive naked?” I asked.

“U-Uh..”
“Noel.. you do know that your wife hasn’t even seen you naked, and here I am having to see the body of a man who I don’t even wish to have any relations with..?”

HAhaha.. are you messing with me, my dear Noel? 

“Sorry,” oh, so cute. No wonder I like to tease him.

Ah shit. My sadistic tendency is going to ruin our relationship!
“MMY LOORRDD!!”

“Onii-san!!”
“Where in the world.” Javiel held his head. His sister and the dark elf ran up to him.

Anyways, I’m glad things worked out alright.
Now I just need to convince both sides for a truce.

[Liliath’s Evolution Quest Complete!]

[Congratulations! An option to return home has now been added to the system!]

[New contents are now available for Liliath route.]

What the hell.. Liliath route.. 

Here I thought Noel’s route was funny.