[ Final Volume 1 ] Ascension
. One very specific day in Roswaal's main mansion, all of Roswaal's victims were gathered. Viu, Petra, Meili, Allen, Garfiel, Frederica, Beatrice, Otto, Rem, Ram, and Emilia. It was Garfiel's idea to organize this gathering so that everyone would give a blow that Roswaal would remember. In short, a good punch in the face.
As everyone gathered in the main mansion, the air was charged with anticipation and a hint of vindictive satisfaction. Garfiel, standing in the center of the room, addressed the group with a determined expression.
- Alright, guys, you all know why we're here, he said, a small smirk on his face. It's time to deliver a message to Roswaal that he won't forget anytime soon.
Everyone lined up. Emilia wanted to back out and no one held it against her for that. After all, she was still Emilia. But for the rest they were ready to fight and after some games of chifumi, here is the order of the people who were going to punch him.
1 - Allen
2 - Rem
3 - Petra
4 - Meili
5 - Otto
6 - Frederica
7 - Garfiel
8 - Beatrice
9 - Ram
10 - Viu
Allen, as the first in line, walked up to Roswaal, her expression hard and determined. She looked down at the bound Roswaal, who was still restrained and unable to defend himself. Allen drew back her fist and without much more delay, threw a powerful punch, connecting solidly with Roswaal's face. The impact resonated through the room, accompanied by the satisfying sound of a fist meeting flesh.
- Not bad at all Allen.
The second person could pass. Next in line, Rem stepped forward. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Roswaal, the memories of his cruel actions against her and Ram fresh in her mind. Without a word, she drew back her fist and delivered a punch that echoed through the room, landing square on Roswaal's face with a satisfying crunch.
One by one, each person stepped up to deliver their blow. Petra's punch was a bit weak but effective, Meili's punch was quite brutal, Otto's punch was more of a slap, Frederica's punch packed a surprising amount of strength, Garfiel's punch was powerful and full of anger, Beatrice's punch was hard and precise, Ram's punch was sharp and filled with cold determination, and finally, Viu's punch was deliberate and firm.
- Hoping this serves as a lesson to you.
Roswaal was left with a bruised and bloodied face, a grim reminder of the consequences of his actions. He tried to speak, but his swollen mouth made it difficult to form words.
Everyone stood there, a mix of satisfaction and disgust on their faces. The air was thick with the silence broken only by Roswaal's quiet groans.
- Emilia, if you have something to tell him you can do it now.
Emilia, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward. Her expression was a mix of sadness and anger as she looked down at Roswaal.
- You hurt us, she began, her voice quiet but steady. You hurt Ram, Rem, Garfiel, Frederica, Petra, Beatrice... Me. You used us, manipulated us, all for your own selfish goals.
Her fists clenched at her sides, the pain and anger she had kept suppressed for so long finally bubbling to the surface.
- We trusted you, believed in you. And yet you betrayed us. You turned our lives upside down, forced us to make decisions we never wanted. You put us in danger, all to further your own ambitions.
Emilia's voice caught in her throat as she struggled to hold back tears. The room fell silent as everyone watched her, captivated by her raw emotion and her words.
- You thought you were so smart, so powerful. You thought you could play with our lives like pieces on a chessboard. But you were wrong. We've stood up to you. We've fought back.
Emilia's voice grew stronger, her eyes flickering with determination and defiance.
- We won't let you continue like this. Your reign of selfishness and manipulation ends here.
Roswaal looked up at her, his face a mess of bruises and swelling, but there was a flicker of something like regret in his eyes. He tried to speak, but the pain, both physical and emotional, seemed to be too much for him.
Emilia took a deep breath, her body tense, her heart pounding.
- I may not understand why you did what you did, she continued, her voice low and firm, but I do know one thing. I won't forget the pain you put us through. None of us will.
- .... To succeed in putting Emilia in this state, you have to do it anyway.
Viu says it in a fairly neutral tone.
Everyone turned to look at Viu, his words cutting through the heavy silence. Roswaal's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of something like realization passing across his face.
Emilia, too, looked at Viu, her expression a mixture of shock and surprise. But there was also a hint of understanding in her eyes, as if Vui's words had touched something deep inside her.
- Honestly, know that you are only saved by the fact that if your betrayal is made public it is the camp of Emilia and the whole kingdom of Lugnica that will collapse and it is still too early for me to be a marquis.
A tense silence fell over the room as Vui's words echoed through the air. Roswaal, despite his bruised and swollen face, managed to grimace at the truth of Vui's statement.
The others in the room exchanged glances. They all knew the implications of Vui's words. The political fallout if Roswaal's betrayal became public knowledge would be devastating, not only for Emilia and her camp but for the entire kingdom of Lugnica.
- You are a one and only chance but at the slightest mistake, consider that I don't care about the consequences.
With these words he left with Beatrice, Allen, Petra, and Meili.
***
The long-awaited moment arrived. A party that brought together not only the Emilia camp but also Roswaal's closest acquaintances, and other residents, and for a very obvious reason: Despite Viu's withdrawal, he was to be designated knight of Emilia after he joined the camp of the same name. The new members who were not Maids also had new roles: Otto was Minister of Affairs, Garfiel took charge of the military side and had therefore taken the commander of the army of white men created by Viu, charged of Emilia's camp security. Meili was appointed general of the Mabeasts army. Beatrice was now the Great Spirit of Viu.
The party was in full swing, the room filled with a hum of excited chatter and laughter. Everyone was talking about the news of Viu's appointment as Emilia’s knight.
Emilia herself was glowing with happiness. She was surrounded by her friends and allies, the people who had stuck by her through thick and thin. Otto, Garfiel, and Meili stood nearby, a sense of accomplishment in their eyes, their new positions a testament to their loyalty and dedication.
- I can't believe I became your knight.
Emilia beamed at Viu. Her warm smile lit up her face, making her look even more radiant than usual.
- I can't believe it either, she said, her voice filled with delight. The disbelief in her tone was obvious, but it was mixed with a sense of happiness and wonder. It's surreal, you know?
- Yeah.... And let's say it's not wrong to have tried to convince me.
Emilia’s smile turned into a sly grin as she nodded.
- You were stubborn as a mule, she replied, a hint of a tease in her voice. I had to work pretty hard to convince you, didn’t I?
- It's the hospital that's making fun of charity .... princess.
Emilia let out a small chuckle at Viu’s playful response. She crossed her arms and feigned an affronted look.
- Hey, hey, who are you calling princess? she retorted, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Are you mocking me?
- No. And then you remain a very dear friend to my heart.
Emilia’s mock-indignation melted away, replaced by a genuine smile.
- Dunderhead, she said softly, her eyes crinkling with affection.
- You know I’m just teasing you, she continued, a warm laugh escaping her lips. But yeah, you’re dear to my heart as well. I trust you implicitly.
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