16 Currently Writing the Complete Version of ‘The War Chronicles of Shadow-sama’ (1/2)

”The time has come... Tonight shall belong to the world of shadows...”

Those were the words that greeted Beta the moment she got to Shadow's place.

Shadow is sitting in a chair with his legs crossed and his back to Beta.

The back looks defenseless, but Beta knows that it is the furthest thing in the world.

In his hand is a wine glass glittering under the light of an antique lamp. And the wine that he is drinking without a care... even Beta, who knows almost nothing about wine, recognizes the label as one of the most precious in the world.

Beta is shocked at seeing the various first grade items decorating the room, until she notices the painting on the wall.

It is Munch's 'The Scream.'

It is known as a phantom treasure that cannot be attained regardless of how much wealth one is willing to offer.

Beta almost wanted to ask how on earth he got his hands on it... but then realized that there would be no meaning in such a question.

Because it is him. That's why.

That single phrase is more than sufficient explanation in and of itself.

The fact that he owns 'The Scream' feels only natural. More like, it could be said that there is no one in the entire world more fitting to own this item.

”The world of shadows. It's true that with the moon hidden, tonight is indeed a world most fitting for us.”

Says Beta.

Shadow gives Beta a single glance, then only brings the glass to his lips again.

”All the preparation is ready.”

”I see.”

He already knows everything. So sagacious is his voice, that Beta feels herself almost hallucinating so.

Actually, he most definitely already knows everything that Beta will tell him now.

But even so, Beta will say them. For this is her mission.

”Under Alpha-sama's order, everyone nearby who could move have been gathered in the royal capital. Our total number is 114.”

”114?”

”...!”

Is it too few?

Considering Shadow Garden's battle strength, this should be sufficient though.

But... no.

Beta realizes that she has misunderstood.

114 random riff raff would, in the end, be but supporting actors. In truth, the ones who truly matter are not even 10% of that number. And tonight, he is the main character. The moment she realizes that the role of the supporting actors is to show up the main character, then 114 is truly, truly too little.

”W-, we're so so-...!”

”Extras, huh.”

His words cut off Beta's apology. What is an 'extra'? Beta does not understand the meaning of that word.

”No matter. Don't mind it, that was just me talking to myself.”

”Yes, my lord.”

Beta knows better than to ask any further. Every single thing he says contains meaning so deep that Beta cannot even imagine how far it goes. She has neither the privilege nor the strength to ask.

But, still.

One day, she will stand next to him, and she will be strong enough to support him in everything he does. That goal is what fuels Beta's very being.

One day. For the sake of that day.

Beta continues speaking.

”The strategy is to simultaneously attack all hideouts of the Fenrir branch of the Order of Diabolos that are scattered across the royal capital. While attacking, we will also search for Princess Alexia's magic signature. The moment her position is confirmed, we will immediately change gears towards her protection and extraction.”

Shadow only nods, as an indication for her to continue.

”Overall command will be handled by Gamma, but the on-scene command will be taken by Alpha-sama, with me as support. Epsilon will be in charge of logistical support, and Delta will spearhead the attacks and initiate the start signal. The composition of each squad is...”

Before Beta goes into further detail, Shadow raises one hand to stop her.

In his hand is a single piece of paper.

”It's an invitation.”

After catching the letter that was thrown her way, she reads it as instructed.

”This is...”

An invitation that was written so badly that it makes Beta both exasperated and furious.

”I'm sorry for Delta, but... I will be the one to play the prelude.”

”Yes, my lord. I will make the arrangements.”

”Come along, Beta.”

So saying, he turns around.

”Tonight, the world shall learn of our existence...”

Beta is shivering with the delight of being allowed to fight by his side.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

The place written on the invitation is a spot deep inside the woods, close to where Princess Alexia was abducted. Shadow approaches in his school uniform.

Beta is hidden a slight distance away, keeping her presence suppressed.

After a short while, two new presences draw near.

Then something suddenly flies towards Shadow.

Catching it with one hand, he takes a look at it, then mutters.

”This... is Alexia's shoe, huh.”

At which point.

The figures of two men step out onto the woodland path.