Chapter 69
“Blades of Cooperation” [Demon Princess Arc ⑨]
After school that day.
As the setting sun dyed the schoolyard red, one of the first-year students of the Cross Class — a lively boy named Marc — went missing.
He was supposed to head home with his classmates after lessons, but suddenly said, “Someone called for me, I’ll be right back,” and disappeared.
“Marc… hasn’t returned?”
Upon receiving the report, Lutia’s expression tightened.
Lilicia stood beside her, narrowing her deep violet eyes.
“This is… not a simple prank.”
Soon after, information came in that suspicious figures were moving around behind the academy.
A group wearing black cloaks and masks — members of the conspirator faction.
Their objective was obvious. They planned to use the spreading rumors to kidnap a first-year and fabricate evidence to frame them.
“I’m going.”
Lutia rose to her feet without hesitation.
“If we leave this unchecked, the entire Cross Class will be in danger.”
“I will accompany you,” Lilicia declared calmly.
“It is unacceptable to abandon a comrade.”
“You two—acting alone is…!”
Kai tried to stop them, but the girls didn’t even turn back.
“Please believe in us, Professor.”
Leaving only their voices behind, they ran into the dark alleys.
◆◇◆
Deep within the back alleys.
Marc sat on the ground, his body bound tightly with rope.
Seven or eight masked men surrounded him.
“As expected. You Cross Class brats are suspicious — even if you look human…”
“If we secure proof, we can crush your entire group.”
At that moment, flames tore through the darkness.
A crimson sword bloomed open like rose petals.
“That’s far enough!”
Lutia leapt in, her sword swinging wide.
Weapons were blown from the masked men’s hands, scattering sparks across the air.
At the same time, wind roared like a howl.
Lilicia’s blade danced cloaked in a raging gale, ensnaring the enemy’s movements.
With sand and dust blinding their vision, one by one the men collapsed to their knees.
“W-What is this power!?”
“Those two… alone are overwhelming us…!?”
“Marc!”
Lutia cut through the ropes.
Tears welled up in the young boy’s eyes.
“I-I’m sorry…”
“You don’t need to apologize. The ones at fault are the cowards who plotted this.”
“Can you stand?”
Lilicia gently supported him up.
Her eyes were kind — yet unwaveringly strong.
Two remaining enemies staggered to their feet and raised their blades in desperation.
But Lutia and Lilicia moved without hesitation.
Flame and wind crossed like twin streaks of light, disabling both men in an instant.
Standing back-to-back, the girls exuded a presence that made the masked assailants tremble.
“T-This wasn’t supposed to happen…!”
“Retreat!”
Like scattered spiders, the masked group vanished into the darkness.
Silence followed.
Lutia exhaled deeply and lowered her sword.
“…I never imagined we would fight together.”
“Neither did I,” Lilicia replied, brushing aside her hair with a faint smile.
“But… it wasn’t so bad.”
“…Yes.”
Their gazes met — and for a brief moment, their soft smiles matched.
Kai arrived moments later, slightly out of breath.
“You idiots… running off like that damn near stopped my heart.”
Though he yelled, relief was clear in his voice.
“Sorry, teacher. But—”
“Husband, we have safely retrieved our comrade,” Lutia added proudly.
Marc bowed his head.
“Professor… my seniors protected me.”
Kai scratched his head and sighed deeply.
“…You fools. But… well done. Next time, report first before you sprint off.”
“Yes!”
Their three voices echoed strongly through the nighttime alley.
