The first thing Ciel saw when she opened her eyes was Eugene’s face. She simply blinked a few times when she saw how his eyes, which appeared indifferent at first glance, contained subtle concern.

“Was I in the way?” She spoke without thinking.

She didn’t know why she had been sleeping until now. Her memory had cut off at a strange place. She remembered how Princess Scalia attacked in a frenzy, how Dior blocked her, and… how they had exchanged fierce blows with each other. Afterward, Dior had collapsed for reasons unknown, even though he had not suffered any cuts. Then, Princess Scalia had raised her head and….

She didn’t remember what happened afterward. Nothing. She tried her best to remember, but it just wouldn’t come to her.

“No, you weren’t,” Eugene answered calmly.

“You’re lying,” Ciel accused.

She could see Cyan standing a little distance away when she turned her head. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was staring at the far side of the snowfield. She could see how his jaw and neck muscles were flexed because of how hard he was clenching his teeth. Ciel knew exactly what her brother was feeling right now, and she could sympathize with it.

The two of them were twins, and they had been born into the prestigious Lionheart family. The two were quite talented and skilled. The only problem was that they had been born into an era together with a monstrous talent. If they had been brought up normally without rushing and had never been caught up in unexpected, impossible events….

“You don’t need to be considerate,” said Ciel as she stood up. The Phantom Rain Sword Javel, which she had been holding right before she fell asleep, was resting in its sheath and hanging on her waist. Ciel couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. “Showing that kind of consideration only hurts me more. It’s fine. I already know how ridiculously strong you are.”

She had stubbornly insisted on crossing the snowfield with Eugene, never imagining that something dangerous would take place. After all, what could possibly threaten them? An ambush of monsters? That...