Both Yuuzen and Miyako watched on with bated breath as the sword fight reached its height. The battle intensified in the midst, and there was no room to intervene. |
It's a battle where whoever makes even one mistake will perish immediately. But even in these extremes, Mary remained calm throughout. In other words, there was no way she could lose. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"It's over, phony--" |
Mary's sword finally slashed downwards at the lone knight. |
Lone Knight |
"Gugh... ooh..." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Rest in peace, departed soul." |
The fallen lone knight reached out her hand regretfully, but eventually it slipped and vanished into dust as it hits the floor. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"At last, it's all over." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"That's the Mary alright, that was a perfect display." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Thank you, Yuuzen. You've worried about me a lot along the way." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Now that we've eliminated the source, we should be back to the real world soon." |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"Wait, something's wrong." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"Wazzat? The phony Bluerose has indeed turned to dust." |
![Story Young Mary.png](/images/4/40/Story_Young_Mary.png) Young Mary |
"Hey... Where am I...?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Young me appeared again...?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"I see, after removing the source, only the resentments of the dead disappeared first." |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"What do you mean?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"That was the young me that originally existed in the Bluerose's mind. Of the helpless little girl before she met Bluerose. She's an ethereal in her mind, so when this world disappears, she disappears with it. Leave her alone and she'll be fine." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"No, hold up, Mary. There's Phantom Mist coming out." |
New Phantom Mist had appeared in the cellar and Mist Monsters started to appear. |
![Story Young Mary.png](/images/4/40/Story_Young_Mary.png) Young Mary |
"No, why are there monsters...!" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Impossible, I made sure I got rid of the source of the outbreak!" |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"Pretty sure this whole area is a massive Phantom Mist outbreak? I'm thinking a new Phantom Mist would have appeared soon. |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"What should we do? There are more Mist Monsters than ever before." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"It's not good, in such a small place we'll have to do our best to protect ourselves..." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"Don't go in there, Mary!" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Apparition or not, I can't leave a crying child alone!" |
Mary tried to help, and it wasn't because the other person is her young self. She jumped out because she is the only one who can help the little girl now, even if she is destined to disappear soon. |
But the number of Mist Monsters created by the new Phantom Mist did not decrease, even after Mary banished them away, after Yuuzen and Miyako followed up with all their power. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Don't worry. I'll definitely protect you." |
Even as she said this, Mist Monsters kept springing up endlessly. It seemed unlikely that she would be able to fulfil her desire, at least until this world disappeared. |
That's when it happened. |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"We're the Order of St. Iris!" |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Reinforcements have arrived!" |
Finchley and Blackfriar smashed through the ceiling and landed on either side of Mary, quickly eliminating the Mist Monsters around them. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"You two, you've come a long way." |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"You got rid of the source of the Phantom Mist, yeah? Then let's hold on a little longer until this world disappears!" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"But this new Phantom Mist we're fighting now is getting in the way. Even if we can return to our original world, if we stay like this-" |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Don't worry. The perimeter is under control by the Order of St. Iris and the Out-Siders. All we need to do now is to settle the situation and we will achieve victory." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"My my, yer well prepared." |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Since you're back late, I've decided to implement the next plan I had prepared just in case. I'm not going to allow any of you to perish." |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Come on Mary, you're the one who knows best what's going on. As temporary Knight Commander of the Order, use us well." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Blackfriar..." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Very well, I'll take command of the Knights of St. Iris and the Out-Siders at present." |
The cellar's contours had begun to blur with the disappearance of the illusion world, and was now a vast space with blurred boundaries. |
The Out-Siders descended upon it in increasing numbers as reinforcements under Mary's command. Everyone was in a very high morale, as they were under the command of the legendary Knight Commander. |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"Wow, the Mist Monsters are being dealt with so quickly." |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"This is the skill level of St. Iris's Out-Siders. We wouldn't lose to the SSS when it comes to combat." |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"Instructor Finchley!" |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"Great work, Miyako. We'll take care of the rest." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Don't worry, you're safe now." |
![Story Young Mary.png](/images/4/40/Story_Young_Mary.png) Young Mary |
"Sniff... really?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Really. Now that the Order of St. Iris have rushed to your aid, we will make sure you get home safely." |
![Story Young Mary.png](/images/4/40/Story_Young_Mary.png) Young Mary |
"But my mother and father couldn't wake up. I'm all alone..." |
Young Mary sobbed, remembering that she is now alone in the world. |
Mary gently hugged her small, trembling shoulders. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"It's okay. You'll meet a very good-looking knight named Bluerose soon after this. She will never abandon you. So take her hand in peace." |
![Story Young Mary.png](/images/4/40/Story_Young_Mary.png) Young Mary |
"Bluerose...?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Yes. It's the name of the best knight in St. Iris, who is kinder and stronger than anyone else." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Hey Mary. You may have a lot of hard things ahead of you. But please stay strong. So that Bluerose won't regret it." |
Little Mary would not have understood what was being said. |
However, seeing older Mary's seriousness, little Mary slowly nodded her head. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Well, you have to go now. Take care, Mary." |
With a gentle wave of her hand, Mary saw her young self off as she disappeared. |
Thus Bluerose's universe came to an end. |
The Order of St. Iris and the Out-Siders helped to clear the massive Phantom Mist that had occurred consecutively with little trouble. |
And once we're finally brought back to reality, we now knew that the ruins of the original mining town had such a landscape. |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"I'm not impressed that a Knight Commander would take the initiative to leave her post." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Aah, my duties as temporary Knight Commander are over when the Phantom Mist clears." |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Sigh... You really are a selfish person, aren't you? I can't believe I used to work for someone like this." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Heh, disillusioned?" |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"No. I've heard that many Knight Commanders are apparently selfish people. If I were disillusioned by every little thing like this, I wouldn't be able to do my job." |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Besides, your command just now was as good as it could have been-" |
Having said that, Blackfriar straightened her posture and assumed a stiff salute. |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Former Knight Commander, Sir Mary Rosegarden. I thank you very much for serving as Commander of the Order, even if only temporarily." |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"And I am proud to serve under you again, even if only temporarily. On behalf of the other Knights who served today, we will remember it for the rest of our lives." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Blackfriar..." |
Mary paused to return a perfect salute to her former subordinate. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"It's your era now. It may not be for me to say, but please take care of the Order of St. Iris." |
---- |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"Ah, yer back at last. Where have ya been wandering around?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Oh, you wanted to see me?" |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"Please come here, Mary-san." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Hey, what's the matter with you, you suddenly grabbed my arm?" |
Yuuzen and Miyako took Mary to a spacious place at the back of the town. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"This is..." |
Mary gasped at the sight before her. |
Peculiarly among the derelict place full of dusty rubble, was a garden of blooming red roses. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Amazing, such a whole field of roses..." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"That's amazing too, but look closely at the tree between the roses." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"What's with the tree--" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"That's the blue rose necklace...!" |
In the middle of a garden full of red roses, a blue jewel necklace we saw earlier in the cave hung on the trunk of the only tree growing there. |
Mary subconciously ran off and scrambled through the red roses. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Ah, I knew she was in this place..." |
Touching the necklace gently, Mary closed her eyes softly as if she was praying. |
Suddenly, she took out a knife and carved some message on the side of the necklace. |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"What are ya doing all of a sudden?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"I'm writing a message to Bluerose." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"You mean you're going to use this as a gravestone?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"No, no. It's for her, in case she comes back here in the future." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"But Mary, just now we've seen the universe of Bluerose's heart..." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Yes, the fact that the Mist created that world proves that she was suffering too. I understand that pain." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"But I still don't think this is the Bluerose's final resting place. She was my teacher and Ricardo's teacher." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"I see. Well, when you put it that way, it doesn't feel like she's gone." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Heh, ain't I right? I'm sure she's still helping people somewhere." |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"So what message did you write?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Ahah, you want to know? If you ask me that, I'll tell you." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"'Let's have a challenge on who will clear the Mist first'." |
Mary's face broke into a smile when she said that. It's a slightly childish smile, which is unusual for her. |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"Who will clear the Mist first? This is going to be a good match." |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"Hah, we're here too, so Mary must be the winner." |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"I see, we've got both the SSS and the Order of St. Iris, so it's a clear winner for us." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Not necessarily. We've seen towns and people that the Bluerose couldn't save this time, but the actual number of towns she's saved is easily in the triple digits, remember?" |
![Story Blackfriar.png](/images/5/54/Story_Blackfriar.png) Blackfriar |
"You almost made me forget that the Bluerose has tales to match her prowess, Mary." |
![Story Finchley.png](/images/1/15/Story_Finchley.png) Finchley |
"So it's hard to predict who will win then." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Though of course I'm not going to lose - oh?" |
Mary, who was on the way to return, found something in the roses on the way over and bent over at the waist. |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"What's wrong?" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"This is--" |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"Wow, that's amazing. I've never seen anything like it." |
It was only one blue rose. |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"A blue rose - exactly her name." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Heheh, 'Bluerose' is actually her nickname, she got her name from that rose." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Blue roses are not supposed to bloom naturally. She was the perfect person for such a flower." |
![Story Yuuzen.png](/images/9/9c/Story_Yuuzen.png) Yuuzen |
"I see, I certainly feel a mysterious strength from this blue rose. It's perfect for your foster parent, who has many tales to tell." |
![Story Miyako.png](/images/2/21/Story_Miyako.png) Miyako |
"Um, then what Bluerose-san's real name?" |
Mary smiled proudly at Miyako's question and answered. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"It's Emily." |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Emily Rosegarden. The blue rose that works miracles in St. Iris." |
The blue rose is a miracle because it is believed to never bloom naturally. |
Such a 'miracle' is only fitting for Emily Rosegarden, the Knight Commander who left behind many legends and became the hope of the people. |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"Hey Bluerose. I quit my job as a Knight Commander to follow my dream. But if we can clear the Mist, I'm sure our paths will cross again. So-" |
![Story Mary.png](/images/8/82/Story_Mary.png) Mary |
"I'll see you again somewhere else." |