―The last moments passed calmly and astonishingly quietly.

"My star."

Yes, with a flat tone but filled with overwhelming affection, he called out to her. Iris Yorna's long eyelashes trembled, and she looked up at the man beside her. It was an unremarkable word, yet during this miraculous encounter, it felt as though she had been called this hundreds, thousands of times. However, this moment felt special.

No, to be precise, each call felt special when isolated in its moment. But the uniqueness of this time was different from any other.

Because it was the call signifying the end of this miraculous time.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Looking back into his gaze, she also responded with a call filled with love. Her voice did not tremble, and there was no hint of the pitiful emotions that would cause her to falter, which she silently praised herself for. During their previous parting, Iris Yorna had been unable to leave him with any words. However, whenever she looked back at that time through her reincarnations, she had often thought, "If only..."

"If only," she thought, "I would never, ever want to leave behind the pitiful complaints of a weak woman."

"It is the opposite this time. I will depart before you."

"Indeed. Revenge, it seems Your Excellency has learned the malice of the human world."

"Yes, I have learned much... no, I have been taught. By you, and by the many who walked alongside me."

"――――"

With narrowed eyes, he—Yurgald Vorakia—recalled the old days and the people who were there, causing the sparkle in his eyes to waver gently. Yorna felt a pang in her chest. He was always a person who wore a stern expression outside of Iris's presence. Because of this, after Iris was gone, had he ever been able to relax his cheeks or his brow even once?

As he now headed towards the place between the sky and the earth, he—

"Do not worry, my star. I have been an unexpectedly fortunate person."

"―Ah."

"Having met you, having been kept alive by you. Walking with you, being blessed by you. Parting with you, having committed mistakes, I now have the chance to correct them upon meeting you again."

Eugard's words, the voice of the beloved person who counts blessings one by one, gently melt away the anxiety and fear within Iris Yorna and unbind them with affection.

In that ancient era, the hatred left behind by Eugard, who was consumed by anger due to losing beloved Iris, triggered numerous tragedies - the flawed law. The current emperor of Vollachia, descendant of Eugard and known as the "Wise Emperor," has promised to abolish it.
To break the curse that surrounds the werewolves and earth-mice, that is Iris Yorna's earnest wish and the lingering regret from Eugard's lifetime—finally, it can be returned to those who deserve to live in this world and this era.
For that purpose—

"That is my star, and the same goes for you."

Suddenly, Iris Yorna held her breath at Eugard's words as he embraced her. It felt like her innermost feelings had been precisely and accurately laid bare.

"Your Excellency… I… I am…"

"Even if what I gave you wasn't in the form you desired, it is easy to imagine that you have spent every era diligently weaving bonds. Certainly, the same goes for your current self. —Fulfill that completely."

It was a gentle gesture, lifting Iris Yorna's choice to proceed towards a comprehensible way of being, despite her confusion over her existence as an unnatural being.

Eugard is always right.
It's not because Eugard is wise or strong. It's because he is an emperor who can sincerely think about, respect, and wish for the happiness of those he faces.
Though called the "Thorn King" and feared more than anyone, the beloved emperor of Iris Yorna sincerely thinks about, respects, and wishes for her with boundless affection.
That is why Eugard's words are always right for Iris Yorna.
And, if that correctness is right for others besides Iris Yorna—

"I have no choice but to prove it with the rest of my life."

"Well done."

To Iris Yorna's resolute decision, Eugard responded with a smile.

Iris Yorna slightly narrowed her eyes at Eugard's way of deliberately not saying much, then gently extended her hand to cup his cheek and softly brought her lips to his.

"――――"

As their lips met, the man and woman who had lost their lives in that era and should have never been able to reunite, were, in this world, now closer than ever.

"――――"

The world's closest touch continued for a while, a while, and a while longer, until eventually, the distance slowly separated—Iris Yorna and Eugard's eyes met.
And then—

"I love you, my star."
"I love you too, Your Excellency. Always, eternally, without ever fading, I cherish you."

After exchanging kisses and words of love, their lips formed a smile for the final time.
That was the true conclusion of the story called 'The Iris and the Thorned King', which began in an ancient era and kept delaying its end until this very moment.

△▼△▼△▼△

A night passed since the resolution of the 'Great Calamity' that had shaken the entire Vollachia Empire.

The threat of the hordes of the dead, which had rampaged through the empire, was repelled by the unity of the empire's citizens who embraced the Iron-Blooded Code. At the forefront, wielding the Sun Sword and confronting the leader of the enemies head-on, was the heroic figure of Vincent Vollachia, the Sword Wolf of Vollachia.

Although major cities such as the 'Imperial Capital' Lupgana, the 'Fortress City' Garkla, the 'Iron-Blooded City' Glarasia, the 'Demon City' Chaos Flame, and the 'Cloud Sea City' Mezoreia suffered damage, none of them faced catastrophic devastation.
Therefore, despite leaving significant scars, the Vollachia Empire was enveloped in a sense of victory.

Of course, thinking of the future, the leaders could not continue basking in their triumph forever. With damage reports coming in from various places and numerous situations that required decisions from those in command, they had no time to sleep.
Amidst these reports, there was one piece of news quietly inserted.

The news was about the death of a woman who had greatly contributed to the victory of the Vollachia Empire in the fight against the "Great Calamity," and who had captivated many with her fiery way of life.

Vincent Vollachia, the Emperor, heard this news in a room of the fortress city, which had become the temporary headquarters after the imperial capital had collapsed. Contrary to his usual quick thinking and immediate responses, he fell silent and bowed his head for a moment before saying just one word,

"――I see."

△▼△▼△▼△

The battle against the "Great Calamity" had ended, and people were beginning to move to restore their normal lives. The Vollachia Empire was greatly devastated by the unprecedented disaster of the resurrected corpses' army, but the people living on this land raised their heads resiliently, stood up one by one, and began working on reconstruction.

Petra Leyte was utterly overwhelmed by the sight of the people of the empire.

"I don't really like the Empire that much, but..."

Petra murmured, standing in the middle of the fortress city's streets with complex feelings. A significant part of why Petra couldn't quite like the Empire was her anger that this was the place that had forcibly taken away a dear family member and the person she loved, Natsuki Subaru.

Even setting aside this fundamental issue, Petra leaned more towards disliking the Vollachia Empire rather than liking it. Nevertheless, to ensure this country did not perish, Petra and her companions cooperated and struggled desperately. Petra was also glad that the Empire had averted destruction by repelling the "Great Calamity."

Yet still――,

"――Subaru,"

uttering the name of the person she always refers to with honorifics, "Subaru-sama," in public, Petra sincerely worried about him. She believed that he, who worked harder for the Empire than anyone else, even more than the Emperor, must have had his heart worn out by the cruel nature of the Empire. Kind and compassionate Subaru, just thinking about how much he must have suffered in such a harsh place made Petra deeply anxious.

And the final blow was too cruel for someone who was already a constant source of concern for Petra.

"Priscilla Barielle-sama..."

That was the name of the woman who created a large, deep, and painful wound in Subaru's heart.
In terms of position, Petra had never exchanged words with her. There were opportunities. Before the 'Great Calamity' occurred, she had plenty of chances to speak with her, as they were in the same camp heading into the imperial capital battle.
However, Petra deliberately did not approach Priscilla.
That was because she considered it inappropriate to become overly familiar with an opponent, as Priscilla was one of the royal selection candidates of the Lugunica Kingdom, just like Emilia.

And this is something Petra regrets.
By not interacting with Priscilla, Petra feels she does not have the right to mourn Priscilla Barielle's death and cannot offer the same level of comfort as Subaru or Emilia.
She cannot tell the two very hurt individuals that she understands their feelings.
This is something that Petra finds overwhelmingly frustrating right now.

“Oh my, Lady Petra, are you alone?”

“Oh, Zikr.”

Petra, who had pursed her lips and tensed her cheeks, looked up at the voice calling her and saw Zikr Osman, who had a full and lush hairstyle, standing there.
As an 'Imperial General,' Zikr played an essential role in the battle against the 'Great Calamity.' Despite his position, he was an amiable person who did not put on airs and treated Petra as an individual.
Because of his efforts, he would likely be relied upon even post-war. It was rare to see him alone in such a place, so Petra widened her eyes in surprise.

“Since the reorganization of the troops is more or less finished, I finally came down to check the damages with my own eyes. Even when you receive reports, you have to see things for yourself.”

“I see. Reorganization... I don’t understand the details, but thank you for your efforts.”

“Thank you for your kind words. However, my contributions pale in comparison to the energetic actions of General Goz and General Kafma.”

“I don’t think the value of hard work is determined by who worked harder. It’s not about one being better than the other.”

Showing a diffident demeanor, Zikr became even more self-conscious at Petra's observation.
On the other hand, Petra, upon making her point and recalling how she had earlier worried about Subaru in her heart, remembered comparing his efforts with those of others—including the stern-eyed general—and reflected on herself.
She felt frustrated with herself for not being able to share the same perspective as those she admired.

"But, the Generals don’t have it easy, do they? Even though it's only been a few days, they have to fly around to other towns as well."

"Yes. While commanders across various regions are coping, the impact of the Divine General’s direct appearance cannot be ignored. It bolsters the troops' morale and serves as a firm warning."

"I understand that soldiers would be happy to see someone they admire, but the idea of glaring..."

"Sadly, even in such dire circumstances, or rather because of them, there are always those who seek to exploit the situation for immediate gain or to fulfill their ambitions."

“――――”

With his eyebrows lowered, Zikr's response caused Petra to lower her round eyes.
In truth, Petra inwardly agreed with Zikr's reply, thinking, "I knew it."

The Vollachia Empire had chosen to stand united against the threat of a formidable enemy. However, with this national crisis—the ‘Great Calamity’—gone, the focus returned from the national interest back to individual concerns. People began to seize, steal, and at times strong-arm for the things they lacked.
The generals Zikr mentioned had gone forth to act as deterrents for such problems.

"General Goz left immediately once he confirmed the safety of his wife in the imperial capital. General Kafma, too, departed right after being promoted to the rank of general."

"That’s incredible, isn’t it? Everyone seemed so surprised."

"In the Empire, there are only nine general positions. In this recent war, even some of these positions have become vacant... The rise of a new general is one of the rare good tidings. General Kafma, understanding this, accepted the promotion he had previously declined."

"Mr. Zikr, don't you have any such offers?"

"Me? Offers?"

Petra tilted her head and asked that, while noticing Zikr’s manner of praising the named generals and their conduct.
Since she hadn't closely observed their fighting, Petra didn't know how extraordinary the generals' actions were. However, in terms of closely witnessing someone's efforts, Zikr’s bravery was also quite commendable.

During the battle around the fortress city, some were at the command post viewing the big picture and giving overall instructions, while others were wielding swords and continuously fighting alongside the soldiers against the undead. Zikr’s role was to bridge the gap between these two groups and realize seamless coordination.
Though inconspicuous, without his efforts, their unity could have unraveled and crumbled.

"Because my other sisters and I were working backstage as healers, I especially believe that."

"...That is a gratifying evaluation, Lady Petra. Just hearing those words from a woman like yourself makes this Zikr Osman feel truly rewarded."

"I'm not saying it lightly..."

"Of course, I understand. But I am also sincere."

Petra felt brushed off and tried to persist, but Zikr shook his head. Then, he turned his round eyes to the cityscape and softened his expression.

"If there were a reward, this scenery and this result would be it. His Excellency the Emperor fled to the east, and at that time, I happened to be in the fortress city on a mission. Due to this coincidence, I had the honor of accompanying His Excellency and witnessing these events. I am extraordinarily fortunate."

"...I don't understand. Mr. Zikr, you deserve much more praise."

"Don't understand? Then, Lady Petra, could you think of someone you find pleasant with that wise head of yours?"

At that sudden suggestion, Petra murmured, "Eh?" The person who faintly came to her mind was Natsuki Subaru, who had occupied a large part of her thoughts until just now. Petra found herself unwittingly following Zikr’s suggestion, to which he nodded deeply.

"If that pleasant person could smile as a result of your actions, don’t you feel that would be enough to make it all worthwhile?"

"That is... um, yes."

"The same thing applies. I am a 'General' of the Vollachia Empire, and the range of individuals that the young Petra has on her mind is likely greater than yours. So, it is fine as it is."

Winking one eye and placing a hand on his chest, Zikr smiled at Petra. There was no sense of force or intent to deceive Petra in his demeanor as he said this.
That's why Petra could only remain silent and look down quietly――,

"――That being said, Lord Vincent believes in just rewards and punishments. It’s not admirable for a meritorious person to be too modest, as it makes it hard for the soldiers to speak up."

A voice interrupted from a different angle in place of the silent Petra. When Petra and Zikr turned towards the voice, they saw Serena walking slowly towards them.
Serena Dracroy, who had a conspicuous white scar on her cheek but still maintained a dignified beauty, had Roswaal, a familiar acquaintance, accompanying her, which made Petra frown.
Serena and Roswaal did not overlook Petra's blatant reaction.

"As always, how do you manage to be disliked by someone as young as your daughter? Keeping someone with rebellious intent beside you, you shouldn't complain if you're stabbed in the back."

"If they were so short-sighted, I wouldn't hire themmm. Regardless of how they view me, they're here because they're competent. This applies to both Petra and Otto."

"That kind of behavior is a sickness. Eventually, you'll get tripped up because of it."

Serena, shrugging her shoulders, was engaged in a casual exchange with Roswaal. Her harsh words mercilessly criticized Roswaal, which, to Petra, was quite pleasing to hear.
However, to be honest, Petra could not bring herself to enjoy it much right now.

"Margrave Dracroy, aren't you supposed to be busy……"

"The same can be said for the 'General.' Don't worry. It’s true that I haven't slept a wink in the past three days, but the lack of sleep has sharpened my senses. I can’t sleep anyway."

"It doesn't seem to be a reassuring conversation……"

Zikr shrank back in awe at Serena, who had a fearless smile on her face. Meanwhile, Roswaal's gaze was directed toward Petra.

Petra, who had been consciously avoiding contact with him, stiffened slightly under his gaze.

“What is it, Master?”

“Please don’t be so wary. I’m simply worried about you being alone and whether you might be overworking yourself. Where's Frederica?”

"Frederica has been very busy, so she is resting now. After many requests, she finally took a break."

She recalled Frederica, who had been sleeping like she was unconscious, almost without any sound. Like Petra, Frederica worked as one of the healers and, when necessary, transformed into a beast to run around the various parts of the fortress that had become the battlefield, acting as a messenger. Her tireless work was nothing short of admirable, but Petra couldn’t help but worry about her as her younger sister figure.

Even now, Frederica was only resting because she had been forced to do so by Ram and Garfiel, and not because she had listened to Petra’s pleas.

“I couldn’t make Frederica take a break.”

“Frederica has a strong sense of responsibility. She didn’t disregard you, Petra.”

“I know that without you having to say it.”

“I see. I apologize for saying something unnecessary. Are you alright?”

“…Yes, thanks to the sun magic, I’m managing.”

Petra frowned slightly at Roswaal’s somewhat deflating response and answered that way. Petra's magical skills, learned from Roswaal and improved day by day, were particularly suited to the sun attribute, which had effects like boosting or energizing the target's strength.

For Petra, although she still had some hesitations in using it on others, she managed to use sun magic on herself to compensate for lack of physical strength or sleep. Of course, physical strength didn't come infinitely, so she expected to hit her limit eventually.

"For now, I want to push myself a little bit further. Will you stop me?"

"——. No, I won't stop you. Everyone, if they live, will have opportunities where they must overcome reason and common sense with passion and push themselves. If now is such a moment for you, Petra-kun, then I won't take that away from you."

"…As I thought, I dislike you, Master."

Petra turned her face away from Roswaal, who had one eye closed and was looking at her with his blue eye.

Despite being an unforgivable person, Roswaal frequently agreed with Petra's opinions like this. It's unfortunate that it wasn't just him trying to flatter Petra but rather his true beliefs that made him say these things.

It almost seemed like Petra could understand Roswaal's true nature.

"A troublesome relationship between master and servant. The way such bonds exist isn't much different in the Empire or the Kingdom. Would you not agree, General Zikr?"

"Considering that young Petra is so intelligent even at her age, it's no wonder that Lord Mathers’ teachings are so fervent. When earnestness meets earnestness, conflict is inevitable. Of course, I also think that the beauty of Count Dracroy is the result of a harsh way of living."

"My, oh my, as expected of a 'general' from the Empire. I thought you were a decent man, but look at this. Please don't show me such a face that's to my taste and make me happy."

While Petra and the others were talking, Zikr respectfully bowed to Serena’s remark. Petra sighed, observing the conversation between these uniquely emotional Imperial individuals.

——Roswaal's true nature doesn't matter. Now that she had come face to face with the Roswaal she had been avoiding, Petra decided to drink the poison with the plate.

With that in mind, Petra tightened her cheeks and looked up at Roswaal.

"What do you intend to do with Subaru, Master?"

"Hmm?"

"Please answer me."

Petra's question was straightforward but lacked specificity.
Faced with it, Roswaal let out a small breath. He closed one eye again, and this time looked at her with his yellow eye—a light devoid of humanity that Petra disliked.

——The unnatural relationship between Subaru and Roswaal left a strong impression on Petra.

Petra believed that there was something fundamentally different about how Subaru and the others had almost entirely forgiven Roswaal for his intangible deeds—those that afflicted Petra's hometown, the village of Arlam, and the ‘Sanctuary,’ home to Frederica and Garfiel.

Looking solely at Roswaal's misdeeds and the resulting amnesty, Subaru and Emilia, along with overly kind individuals like Frederica, had the same criteria. Right behind them were Beatrice and Garfiel, who verbally stated their anger, Ram in a special position, and Petra and Otto firmly in the group that explicitly did not forgive Roswaal.
It was only natural that Petra and Otto always dealt with Roswaal with a sense of tension. Of course, they didn’t want to stir up trouble, so that tension was akin to a flame quietly smoldering. While dealing with that, Roswaal’s ability to remain completely unfazed without changing his expression was what they found infuriating.

However, the blue flame of hostility that Petra and Otto directed at Roswaal seemed fundamentally different from the heat in the air that existed between Subaru and Roswaal.
It's a harsh way to put it. She didn’t want to accept it. But Petra was convinced.

There was a secret between Subaru and Roswaal that neither Petra nor anyone else could infiltrate. Petra believed it was this shared secret that created a different kind of tension.
And whatever that secret brought about would surely, most likely, bring misery to Subaru.

“So, what do you intend to do with Subaru-kun, hmmm?”

Roswaal muttered in a slightly rasping voice in response to Petra’s hostile gaze.
It seemed that the usual pretense or ridicule was absent this time. Yet, even without that jesting tone, Roswaal couldn’t be trusted carelessly.
As if to underscore Petra’s sentiments, Roswaal, with one eye closed,

“What do you think would be the correct course of action for me, Petra-kun?”

“…Are you mocking me?”

“No, no, that’s not my intention. Honestly, I’m quite at a loss... Considering how I should conduct myself towards Subaru-kun right now.”

“――――”

While speaking, Roswaal lightly raised both hands, illuminating a different color of light at each fingertip. He floated red on his right hand and blue on his left, seriously contemplating his next move.

He did not know which color, red or blue, would lean towards something good for Petra—or rather, for someone important to Petra.

Even without knowing, if there was one thing Petra could do, it was this:

"If—"

"Yeah?"

"If you continue to cause Subaru any more suffering or sadness, I will never forgive you, Master. No, I will absolutely make you regret it."

Not forgiving him wouldn't cause Roswaal any discomfort. She had known this clearly after serving him for a year and a half. So, reflecting back on this year and a half, Petra said what she knew Roswaal would hate the most.

Yes, she would make him regret it at all costs. To do that—

"In any way possible, I will disrupt what you want to do and what you are trying to do, Master."

"——"

A moment of silence fell between Petra and Roswaal.

Putting strength into her cheeks, Petra tried to make the sternest face she could, the sternest she had ever made. Faced with Petra's earnest appeal, Roswaal fell silent.

It was unclear how much Petra’s stern face contributed to Roswaal’s thoughts during that silence.

"…That would certainly be problematic. It seems you are much more loved than I am."

"…Loved? By what?"

"By that strange power I've decided to resist, the one I've never managed to defeat even once."

Shrugging his shoulders, Roswaal said something that Petra didn't understand once again. However, the look that crossed his profile as he murmured this did not make Petra think it was merely nonsense.

Indeed, Roswaal felt a sense of powerlessness, facing something he was convinced he could not defeat. Even if he said she was loved by such a thing, Petra couldn't make sense of it.

Petra simply wanted to be loved by the people she loved.

And she wished that those she loved would stay as happy and smiling as possible.

Therefore—

"I want Emilia-sister and Subaru to keep smiling."

Pressing a hand to her chest tightly, Petra whispered as if in prayer.
She earnestly wished that all of her prayers would cover the ones she loves like a cloud and protect them from terrible things, raining down like sunlight.

—Beside the interaction between Petra and Roswaal, as she watched the tension-filled master and servant, Serena smiled at Zikr.

"What do you think? The humans of the kingdom are quite something, aren't they? Truly complex and bizarre, just the way I like it."

"...The high-ranking countess who smiles like that is beautiful, but I wouldn't say she has good taste."