『Greetings~ yours truly has returned』
My smile widened as I saw the youma mascots all quiver.
It must be joy, they must be delighted!
『Did you guys miss me so much you're almost at the point of crying? How cute, fufu~』
I winked at the mascots as I adjusted my grip on my open umbrella's handle.
"Y-You! Woman! You should've been dead!"
The silhouette of a dog barked in shock.
My diamond-shaped white pupils drifted toward the dog, my black iris reflecting its terror.
『My my, you can't expect your new leader to die right off the bat now. That would be quite embarrassing』
I laughed as I placed a free hand on my cheek.
"So you mean, you planned all this? That's absurd."
The silhouette of a fox stepped forward, trying to get a good look at me.
『Not exactly planned, more like I'm 「destined」 to simply die, I guess?』
I smiled and tilted my head to the side.
"Woman, you make no sense."
The silhouette of a turtle said with a lazy yawn.
『Nothing is supposed to make sense. Besides, it would spoil the fun if I just laid out my brain to you guys, now would it?』
Seeing how frustrated and angry some of the mascots were was such a joy.
Yes, be frustrated! I am your leader now.
Look, even that cute cat is afraid.
My feet started moving, my heels clacking against the floor still stained with my blood. Each step left a neat little trail behind me.
『Meooow?!』
The black cat, startled, suddenly found itself cradled in my arms.
『Uwahh! Get off! Let me off! MAMAAA!』
The cat clawed frantically, but it was no use.
Even with her sharp claws scraping against my skin, nothing tore. Even my gothic lolita dress remained pristine.
"For the 「Most High」 to be reduced to this…"
The owl perched near the window shook, tears welling in its eyes. How low their once-great leader had fallen.
I laughed as I watched the room descend into chaos—some youmas intimidated, some crying, some speechless.
It was beautiful.
So this is what power feels like.
I couldn't help but blush as I hugged the black cat closer, snuggling against her despite her weak attempts to escape.
But then I opened my eyes.
『Right, I forgot!』
I thought to myself.
『IXX, come out』
Phasing through the wall, a black rabbit hopped nervously into the air. It hesitated, unwilling to come closer to the center of the room.
『Come closer, darling. I won't hurt you. Unless you want me to』
I said with a soft smile.
The rabbit jolted and hurried toward me.
"W-What is it?"
It asked.
『From now on, you will be called Ms. Bunny』
"But I'm a rabb—"
『Ms. Bunny』
"…Fine."
The "bunny" lowered her head, looking dejected.
I then looked at the black cat in my arms.
『And you will be named IXX, as promised. You will now forever accompany me』
I smiled at the cat, who looked as though she had given up all hope.
『Oh don't look like that, I'm a great owner』
I gave her a small pat on the head.
『Now』
I gently set IXX on the floor.
『Let's get back to business, shall we?』
I closed my umbrella and hooked it over my arm.
『Now now, get back to positions everyone』
I clapped my hands, and shadows zipped across the room, tidying the chaos I had created during my transformation.
Tables and chairs returned to where they belonged.
Paintings re-hung themselves in their original spots.
『I want to know, who deals with finances?』
I asked as the mascots settled.
"I am in charge of finance."
The turtle yawned.
『Good. Give me all your records. Now』
The turtle nodded and slowly began waddling toward the exit. Since it would take him quite a while, I sighed.
『Okay… hm. Who was in charge of production as well as deployment of youmas?』
The room fell silent. The mascots exchanged glances, whispering words I couldn't comprehend.
『I did』
I looked down and saw IXX gazing up at me.
『I'll talk to you later』
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
『Then who's in charge of castle maintenance?』
I asked as I sat on the throne at the center of the room.
"That would be me."
The fox raised her head, looking rather proud.
『Good taste, fox, but you are far too audacious. I'll refine your "tastes" later as well』
The fox jolted; a cold sweat ran down her face.
But she nodded.
Soon, the turtle returned with a folder.
To my surprise, when I opened it and began reading, my eyes widened.
It was beautifully recorded—no missing details, no signs of embezzlement.
And everything was neat!
This is an accountant's wet dream!
『Oh my! Oh my~ you're a good turtle, aren't you? The record is neat and tidy and nobody embezzled at all!』
I lifted the turtle with a slight blush on my face, giving him a genuine smile. I could tell he averted his gaze.
"Your words are wasted upon me, miss," the turtle said shyly.
"I work as an accountant in the human world as well, so this is only expected."
『Nonsense!』
I erupted, the room turning pitch black for a millisecond.
『You are being praised—accept it as such! The fact you are this competent and consistent in this pathetic faction means you love what you are doing!』
My black iris sparkled.
And while the turtle couldn't admit he did it only out of duty, he nodded.
"Thank you, miss."
『Don't call me miss. Call me your highness』
I pouted.
"O-okay… thank you, your highness."
『Good. Move along. As a reward, have a day off today』
I said, smiling and waving at the turtle, who nodded in confusion and left.
I hope he makes the most of my reward.
Then, my eyes narrowed the moment the turtle left the room, and I turned my gaze toward the mascots remaining.
『You lot』
I said, my tone losing its soft and gentle nature entirely.
『What the fuck have you all been doing all these years besides being slaves of capitalism?』
I spat with venom as I crossed my legs, resting my head against my hand, which itself rested on the armrest.
"W-We have… uh, been wreaking havoc!"
The dog barked nervously.
『"W-We aree—" speak properly, you wench!』
My voice thundered across the room.
『And wreaking havoc? You can't fool me. I only see one youma attack per month—at maximum. Explain that to me.』
I tapped my finger against the armrest, my white diamond-shaped pupils staring daggers into the dog, whose tail was now tucked between its legs.
"W-What do you know!? It's hard to plan attacks!"
The dog barked back defensively.
『Pathetic』
I sighed.
『That is the only excuse you can come up with? Hard to plan? No tactic worth using is easy. So again—what have you lot been doing?』
I put my leg down and pinched the bridge of my nose.
『Relax, your highness… During that time, I was the one who ordered the youmas to lay low for a while, because Lya and her faction almost sniffed out our headquarters.』
I turned to the black cat, my narrow eyes relaxing as I gave her a small smile.
『Thank you for being honest—finally』
I sighed, standing up.
『Starting today, aside from finances—which the Turtle handles—I will take authority over youma creation and attack planning. Understood?』
The room fell into utter silence. They all knew that complaining meant a long, painful lecture. That made me smile.
『Now—fox. Come here』
The fox jolted and approached my throne nervously, tail tucked.
Once she was close enough, I gently lifted her chin. It was fluffy…
At first she tried to pull away, but after a few more scratches, she melted in my hand.
『You have good taste—I've said it before. But you're still lacking. So I'll also help you with picking out furniture.
Your fundamentals are good, you just need a slight push in the right direction.』
I smiled, brushing her ears.
"Yip!!"
The fox leapt back, covering her ears.
"Please don't touch my ears, your highness—that is… too much!"
My eyes widened.
『Oh? Apologies—did that feel too good?』
I asked with a smug smile.
"Please stop teasing me! I'm sorry for acting out, okay!? But that doesn't mean you have to tease me too!"
She yelped before bolting away.
『There she goes』
I muttered, confused.
"You get used to it, your highness. That fox is more easily flustered than she lets on. Ribbit."
The frog croaked.
"It's surprising she didn't pee on the spot when your highness confronted her."
The hyena cackled.
Somehow, the atmosphere lightened naturally.
I waved my hand dismissively; I can't have anyone peeing in my castle.
『Shush』
I said coldly—and the room fell silent again instantly.
『For now, here are your tasks:
Firstly—tidy this place up. I know it already looks "good" to your eyes, but this… jury-like room is horrible.』
I said with boredom dripping from my tone.
"What do you suggest, your highness?"
The owl hooted as it descended and perched on a nearby table.
『I'm getting there, bird』
I crossed my arms.
『We need to make this room a proper throne room. It's long enough and spacious enough for one.』
I paused, thinking, then continued:
『As for our true meeting room… decide among yourselves. But if I'm dissatisfied, one of you will be disintegrated—or turned into a cute black blob.』
My black eyes emptied into a void-like darkness as I smiled sweetly.
The mascots shivered. They only nodded.
『That is all for now. Meeting adjourned』
I clapped my hands and rose from the throne, picking up my black umbrella and opening it so it rested on my shoulder.
As I walked, I glanced at IXX behind me.
『Come』
I beckoned with a finger. The cat hurried beside me.
As I exited, the mascots lined up in two perfect rows, bowing as I passed.
My smile widened.
『Good. You know your place now. Toodle~loo!』
I giggled, waving at the shivering mascots.
Along the corridor, I couldn't help glancing at the paintings as I approached the castle exit.
When I opened the door, the rain had stopped. Only night remained.
『The rain has stopped』
I murmured.
『Indeed it has』
IXX replied.
Near the portal I arrived from, I suddenly halted.
『Oh right, I forgot』
IXX blinked at me, confused.
『Hmm?? N–Nyahh!』
She jumped back as shadows wrapped around me.
Night made them stronger—soon, darkness cradled me completely, leaving only a black void pulsing in the dimness.
After a few minutes, the shadows burst away—and I stood there in my pink longsleeve and black skirt again.
"Phew! Now we can go out. Right, IXX?"
I smiled—then laughed at her horrified face.
『W-What the heck was THAT!?』
The black cat yowled.
"Oh you! That was just my transformation! You could call it my magical girl form."
I tilted my head.
『That's not how it works—we're the ones who are supposed to—oh…』
I picked up the cat and nodded.
"Yup! You get it now? After you all beamed me with your powers, that basically activated my magical girl form!"
Not the full truth… but not a lie.
IXX stopped resisting being held—in fact, I could tell she liked it.
『Where are we going now, your highness?』
She asked, nestling into my bosom.
"Well, first I'm going home. Second, we're meeting up with Himeno-nee. And third—you pervy cat, who said you could use my boobs as pillows!?"
I blushed and swatted her lightly.
『Nyah! At least let me! I'm tired! And it's your fault for carrying me!』
"Why you—Fine. I'll allow it. Only because I like cats."
I muttered.
『You aren't so bad at all, master』
My eyes widened.
"Who's your master!?"
『You are』
She said with a smug little grin.
"You're too much…"
I sighed.