Crimson Garden

Bright sunlight pierced the clouds, bathing the ground—a perfect day for sunbathing.

Yet a commotion shattered the tranquil morning.

“Oh dear—Lyasis dear, please help me! I brought explosive intel to trade!”

In the garden, Princess Xia—a demon lolita in revealing attire, horns atop her head, a barbed tail, dark skin, and fiery red hair—rolled wildly across the lawn. The racket was so loud it seemed to reach the thorny woods beyond.

Lyasis sat gracefully nearby, sipping morning tea. Calmly: “No. Night Raven, see her out.”

Night Raven gave a slight nod, stepped forward. “Your Highness Xia, Her Majesty has been in low spirits. Please take your leave.”

“Oh, I see it~ Lyasis dear looks like a puppy abandoned by her owner—pfft—so pitiful~”

Princess Xia lay sprawled on the grass, legs sheathed in black fishnets swinging as she taunted.

Lyasis didn’t flare up. Only the loneliness and sorrow on her face deepened.

“Uh… oh no…”

Princess Xia scratched her head. “D-don’t make that face! I didn’t mean it, I—”

*Guilt stabbed her.*

*I’m the worst… sniff…*

“Please take your leave, Your Highness.”

“Wait! Don’t rush me off, Lyasis dear!” Princess Xia scrambled closer. “Just hear my intel! I only need three nights—*three*!”

Lyasis set down her half-finished tea, rose to leave. Appetite gone.

“Lyasis dear! Lyasis dear!”

No reply.

“Lyasis! Don’t you cherish our past bond at all?!”

Flames erupted around Princess Xia as she lunged.

Night Raven moved to intercept—

Then daylight vanished.

Darkness swallowed the sky.

Lyasis froze mid-step.

Night Raven blinked, then exhaled slowly in relief.

“Ooh! Yes! I *knew* you cared, Lyasis dear!” Princess Xia cheered, grinning.

All three smiled.

Then one stopped.

“!?”

A presence loomed behind her.

Though night had fallen, she felt pinned—like someone stepped on her shadow. Body locked. Trembling.

“Gul… gulp…”

Cold sweat beaded her brow. Tail tucked tight between her legs, limp.

*W-what is this pressure…? Never felt anything like it…*

A hand patted her shoulder. A crisp, clear voice whispered:

“Darkness fell. Are you afraid?”

“Eep!!”

Princess Xia collapsed, trembling as she turned.

A silver-haired maid with crimson eyes stood there. A massive crimson scythe hovered a hair’s breadth from her neck.

*A… maid?*

*She looks… just like Lyasis?*

*Two Lyases!?*

“Lady Suran, welcome home.” Night Raven bowed deeply. “This is Princess Xia Xiasilote of the Flame Demons—an ‘old acquaintance’ of Her Majesty. She meant no harm, only playful teasing.”

Suran observed Princess Xia’s frantic, blur-speed nods. Withdrew her power. Daylight returned.

“My apologies. I mistook a guest for a threat.” She lifted her skirt hem, curtsied. “Welcome to the Crimson Garden. I am Suran, maid of House Virellete.”

“H-hello… hello…” Princess Xia stammered.

*Phew… phew… Can breathe again… Thought I was dead…*

*Is she really just a maid?*

“Night Raven, attend to our guest.”

“Yes, Lady Suran.”

After instructing him, Suran gathered her courage and faced the petite figure ahead.

She had returned—from Earth, via “entering the game.”

*How to face Lyasis now?*

*Apologize. But she must be angry…*

*No more hesitation.*

She quickened her steps.

Lyasis pressed a hand to her chest, turned with a teasing smile:

“…My, my, Suran. Back at last? So, how was Ear—"

Suran pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Miss. I’m home. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”

The familiar warmth shattered Lyasis’s composure. She buried her face in Suran’s chest, frame trembling. “I thought… you’d really leave me.”

Hearing the tears, Suran held her tighter. “I will never leave you. I’ll always be by your side.”

“I don’t believe you.” Lyasis lifted her tear-streaked face, mischief glinting like a naughty kitten. “Prove it.”

Suran cupped her cheeks—and kissed her.

Lyasis, high offense but laughably low defense, melted instantly into Suran’s arms.

One basic attack had baited Suran’s ultimate—and she hadn’t dodged a single frame. Full damage absorbed.

“Holy crap! HOLY CRAP!!”

Princess Xia gaped from the sidelines.

*Good grief—older sister passionately kissing the younger?! This is too—*

Night Raven silently covered her eyes.

“Your Highness, staring is impolite.”

“Nooo! Let me watch!!”

…

“Miss, you’ve lost weight.”

“Mm… barely ate. Only snacks. You always said they’re bad for me.”

“Good girl.”

“Suran, I want meat for lunch.”

“Of course.”

“While you were gone, I trained hard! I can stay active all day now. When’s our adventure?”

“Brilliant, Miss. What reward would you like? Today or tomorrow—I follow your lead.”

“Then I’ll take my time deciding~”

They lingered in sweet reunion, words flowing even after parting.

“Um… excuse me?” Princess Xia finally burst out. “Did you two… forget I’m here?”

Lyasis tilted her head, blinking innocently.

“Oh? You’re still here?”