※Below was translated by Sephallia. Thank you very much.
As the demons’ commander, Yunu, accepted the ceasefire, the incident managed to come to a quick close.
Yunu, the core instigator behind the uprising, possessed an ability similar to a hive mind. She stood at the top of their command chain, so when she made the decision to stop, the aggression of those under her receded as quickly as the tide. Not just in Bauer either, but in other countries such as the Naa Empire as well. It seemed the worst was behind us for now.
Unfortunately, dealing with the aftermath was not as simple. After all, the aggressor this time was the demons, and trying to draft a treaty with a group that fundamentally held different values proved difficult.
Until now, conflict between demons and monsters had been fought until either side was incapacitated, so we’d never had to consider conditions for a treaty before. But this time, we sought to form a mutual non-aggression treaty. Should we succeed, the relationship between humans and demons would undergo a huge change. The two distinct groups, once thought to be entirely incompatible, would each take their first step toward compromise.
That said, it seemed that the conferences held to draft the treaty were facing trouble. While Simone’s efforts had allowed each side to come closer on the topic of life and death, our fundamental values remained largely different. It seemed that it would be quite some time before we could settle on something that satisfied both sides. Or at least, that’s what I heard from Grandfather Dor later on.
When we parted, Yunu’s expression looked both angry and exasperated. It was a complicated expression, and one that I don’t think I’ll forget. As mentioned, Yunu had been disguising her true form. It seemed that she and her late grandfather had a rather complicated relationship. If we met again, I hoped to ask her for more details.
“B-But really Simone-chan… y-you really played a huge role.”
“Oh stop it. I really didn’t do much.”
“Don’t you know that being too humble is its own cruelty?”
Lily-sama, Simone and I were finally able to return to the capital. After returning from the empire, we’d been thrown straight into the fray, so we’d yet to return home.
It was now evening.
We looked back on and discussed the recent uprising as we made our way home. We considered heading straight to the academy dorms, but decided it would be best that we reported our safe return first. My house was the closest, so we decided that we’d part ways there.
“But still, it’s been pretty crazy for the past bit. I can’t wait to see my mom again…”
“Yes, I feel the same. I think this is the first time I’ve been apart from Mei for so long too.”
“L-Lily is probably going to have to fill out a mountain of paperwork for the church… Lily’s head already hurts…”
“My condolences.”
It felt like it’d been a while since we’d been able to banter like this. I’d really like to return to our lifestyle at the dorms soon.
“Oh come to think of it, I wonder what’ll happen to the school trip?”
“It’ll probably get called off, yeah? I mean a lot happened and there’ll probably be a lot happening for a while too. Not really the time for a school trip.”
“L-Lily thinks so too.”
“That’s a shame, it was my precious chance to flirt with Lily-sama.”
“You’re really…”
So I think that means that I’ve got a chance, right?
“But ya know, wasn’t something kinda off? During the uprising, there were reports that Alea was already fighting in the frontlines, and suddenly returned, or whatever?”
“W-What was that all about…?”
“I don’t know, but whatever it was, it's over now.”
We talked on until a nostalgic face appeared before us.
“Mei!”
When I called her name and rushed toward her, for some reason Mei recoiled back in shock. Then, after turning and briefly looking behind her, she stared at my face.
“… Alea?”
“I’ve finally managed to come home. Oh, I heard by the way, you played quite the role in suppressing the uprising, didn’t you?”
“…”
“Are our mothers doing well? Well, it’s the two of them, so unless a literal crisis―”
“… Wait.”
Her voice sounded strained as she interrupted me.
“… You… really are Alea… right?”
“Hm? Just what are you saying Mei, of course it’s me. Could you ever mistake this face?”
“…”
When I looked closer, I saw doubt written all over Mei’s face. She gave me a harsh glare of suspicion, as though I were a stranger. I couldn’t help but shrink back a little.
“What’s the matter? Did something happen while I was away?”
“… Mei has a couple of questions. Answer.”
“Of course.”
Mei seemed to carefully consider her questions before asking.
“Your name?”
“Alea François.”
“… At the academy festival, who played your partner?”
“At first it was supposed to be you, but Lily-sama had to fill in.”
“… During our match in the exhibition matches, who won?”
“Me, just narrowly too. It was a good match.”
“… What’s Mei’s favorite snack?”
“Frater’s super spicy rice crackers, of course.”
“…”
“Hey, Mei? Just why are you asking me all this―?”
Cutting me off once more, Mei added one last question.
“… When was the last time you and Mei met?”
“Right before I passed through the gates for our school trip.”
“―!”
The very instant I replied, Mei made some distance and shot a magic bullet at me. After barely dodging it, I shouted,
“Hey, that's dangerous!”
“… Who… are you…!?”
Mei was on full alert as she asked for my identity. She glared at me as if she was looking at a demon or a monster.
“Who…? Mei, what are you saying?”
“… There’s no way you’re Alea. Because Alea’s been with Mei the whole time!”
“―!”
I’d been… with Mei…?
“During the uprising, Mei heard a weird rumor that Alea retreated from the frontlines, but Alea had always been fighting with Mei.”
“What are you saying? I was with Lily-sama and Simone―”
Just as our argument was about to begin in full force,
“Oh hey, you’re all here, I finally caught up.”
“Dad… and Yunette?”
“Simone, long time no see.”
The ones to show up were Lambert-san and Yunette.
“So we should… talk…”
“Lambert-sama, it appears we’ve come too late.”
“Just what is this about? More importantly, Lambert-san, please you have to explain to Mei. There must be a misunderstanding about when I’d teleported to the empire and Mei―”
“… There’s no misunderstanding. Lambert-san, this is what you wanted to talk about, right?”
“… That’s exactly right.”
It appeared Mei already had an idea about what was going on, but I was entirely lost.
“How, what… wait…”
As a certain other silhouette approached from behind Mei, I found myself at a complete loss for words.
The way she carried herself and her stride that left no openings. A blonde exactly like Mother Claire’s. A face I recognized very well.
She was without a doubt―
“Me…?”
“Huh…?”
It wasn’t just me, but the other me appeared just as confused. Right now, the one before me was none other than myself―Alea François.
“Please, both Alea-chans, I want you both to calm down. This is a bit of an accident.”
“An accident?”
“… I knew it… so that’s what happened.”
“Mei?”
After a deep exhale, Mei stood in front of the other Alea as though to protect her. Her cold glare pierced me.
“… This one’s the real Alea.”
“W-What are you saying! I don’t understand what’s going on, but I’m the genuine honest-to-goodness real―”
“… Nope.”
Mei spoke her next words as though delivering my death sentence.
“… The fake, is you.”