Chapter 40: A Storm of Masochistic Desires Erupts Amidst the Spring-Announcing Cherry Blossoms! The Villainess's Downfall is Yet to Come! End

Victory!! Arc One Complete!

This is a wrap-up for now, about the length of one full-length novel (^ω^;)

Chapter 40: A Storm of Masochistic Desires Erupts Amidst the Spring-Announcing Cherry Blossoms! The Villainess's Downfall is Yet to Come!

The entire landscape was adorned with the colors of spring, as the cherry blossoms bloomed a little earlier than usual.

Under the calm, clear sky, a gentle breeze flowed.

That breeze softly swept through the Ouka Garden.

The spring-announcing cherry blossoms rustled and swayed quietly.

It was late February, about a week after the Genkon attack.

One of the countless private properties of the Madozono family.

Mima had taken her daughters to that mountain to see the cherry blossoms.

It was a cherry blossom viewing trip, but more of a short getaway to a villa.

Its purpose was to give the children a change of pace.

Mima recalled that night, when she destroyed Genkon and used the Phoenix Staff to restore Maria's consciousness.

Immediately after using the staff's power, Maria regained consciousness with such vitality that it was hard to believe she had been in a coma.

That's not all.

Maria already possessed immense magical power, but it seems she has gained an even more incredible amount of magical power.

This was clearly evident from the golden magical light that gushed out and the "pressure" Maria exerted when she woke up from her coma.

As the High Priest of the Shindōkyō surmised, Maria must have succeeded in absorbing the magical power possessed by Youshin.

From the testimony of the surviving Nayuta no Hebi, there is no doubt that Maria defeated Youshin solely through her sanctity.

(Perhaps she is not just a Saint, but a reincarnation of the Benevolent Goddess herself.)

Mima even harbors such fantasies, given Maria's unimaginable sanctity and magical power.

In addition to the increase in her magical power, everyone noticed Maria's growth, her transformation.

Maria's appearance was already exceptional, worthy of the description "beautiful," but since that night, her beauty had been further refined.

Despite still being a young girl, her mere presence exuded a captivating, alluring charm....

She had transformed into a great beauty, possessing an almost enchanting allure.

This rapid growth was likely caused by the annihilation of the Kaima God, Youshin.

Mima immediately consulted with the high Priest.

She was extremely worried about whether this was a desirable change or not.

However, the High Priest's reaction to Mima's concerns, upon seeing the grown-up Maria, was very generous.

"By defeating a "God," Maria-san's spiritual level must have come closer to that of the "God".

It's a joyous occasion that the "Saint" has gained such captivating charm.

In fact, she should become even more beautiful."

The High Priest laughed, her tone neither entirely serious nor entirely joking.

Perhaps she was trying to be considerate and not worry too much, but Mima couldn't be as optimistic as the High Priest suggested.

Maria's beauty right now is so captivating, it's the kind of beauty that could bring down a nation.

For Mima, it seems that Maria has become the personification of the phrase "Bewitching Beauty" itself.

The allure of a "Saint" is perhaps naturally extraordinary, but as a "Mother," it felt like yet another source of anxiety had been added.

And speaking of Maria's changes, there was another one.

After waking from her coma, Maria began calling Mima with "Okaa-sama."

Even though she couldn't protect her from Genkon's clutches, Maria still called her "Mother."

Mima couldn't help but feel embarrassed and awkward, but Maria was still a young child, and she must be longing for a "Mother," so she said nothing and decided to accept being called "Mother."

More than anything, it felt like proof that Maria had acknowledged her as a "Mother" and was beginning to cherish her, making her feel proud and happy.

While this change gave her confidence as a "Mother," there was also a worry that this confidence itself might waver.

Because her own daughter, Tomoe, had become withdrawn and depressed.

It seems she's troubled by the fact that she was the only one to leave the mansion and evacuate during Genkon's attack.

Mima tried to comfort her, explaining that it was only natural for a child like Tomoe to evacuate at that time, but Tomoe's spirits didn't seem to get any better.

It's difficult to convince Tomoe with such general logic.

After all, Maria, also a young child like Tomoe, had destroyed the Kaima God, Youshin, which had practically brought this incident to an end.

("Maria, the Saint, and you, Tomoe, are completely different being.")

Even saying that so definitively was something Mima hesitated to do at this moment.

Thinking of her daughter, who had sworn to support her cousin and was working so hard, Mima felt that simply confronting her with reality wouldn't lead to her future growth.

Therefore, Mima decided to take a short trip with her family to see the cherry blossoms, partly to cheer her up.

She was aware that this was a simplistic idea—to lighten Tomoe's gloomy mood by creating happy memories.

However, at the beginning of March, there was a Hinamatsuri dinner party hosted by the Madozono family.

This is a power-hungry dinner party where the Madozono family factions, mainly consisting of Exorcists, are invited to "The Family's Children's Hinamatsuri Party," and they are invited to bring their heir daughters to be introduced

At the same time, it was also Maria and Tomoe's first public social debut.

In effect, it could be called an unveiling party for the Madozono family's successors.

A year ago, due to Tomoe's "Magic Manipulation Inability" there was no intention to hold the event.

However, that problem has been resolved, and more importantly, this year, Maria, the "Saint," is present.

Furthermore, in the world of Exorcists, Maria and Tomoe's existence is already so well-known that they are referred to as "The Twin Phoenix Princesses of the Madozono family."

So Mima needs to fix Tomoe's mental state before the day of the event, since Tomoe is one of the main guests of the dinner party.

While it was also about upholding the reputation of the Madozono family, Mima felt it was for Tomoe's own sake.

If Tomoe attended the dinner party with a deflated spirit, she might be misunderstood as merely an accessory to Maria.

In Mima's view, Tomoe, while not quite at Maria's level, possesses enough talent to become a top-tier Exorcist.

Maria, being a Saint, is simply an exceptional being on a different level.

It's not just parental bias; Tomoe is an extraordinary talent who cannot be overshadowed by Maria.

However, Mima felt that scolding Tomoe to rouse her spirits, or gently encouraging her and comforting her, wouldn't be right either.

Those actions would only serve to artificially inflict a superficial change of heart on Tomoe at the Hinamatsuri dinner party.

No matter how frustrating it may be, Tomoe herself must face her own heart and take a step forward into tomorrow.

Her child, who had tearfully sworn to help her cousin Maria, even at the cost of her own life.

(Tomoe, surely, can find the strength to stand on her own.)

Mima believed this.

However, that doesn't mean she had absolutely no anxiety.

That's why, as soon as they arrived at the villa, when Maria, with a gentle smile, expressed her wish, Mima felt relieved.

(Ah, everything will be alright now.)

Mima immediately thought so.

Mima felt sorry and guilty for having to push everything onto Maria.

But she was certain that Maria would be the best person Tomoe could confide in.

With the thought of entrusting Tomoe to Maria, Mima sent the two of them off...

★★★

"Okaa-sama, may I take Tomoe-chan with me for a walk before lunch?"

As soon as they arrived at the villa, Maria asked Mima this question.

Mima, with a happy smile, gave her permission.

"Take Kanaya and Kanaho with you. And don't go too far."

"Understood. We'll be going now, Okaa-sama."

After Mima's cheerful send-off, Maria, Tomoe, and the twin maids left the villa.

The cherry trees lining the road and the rapeseed flowers spreading across the fields were in full bloom.

The mountainside was beautifully adorned with a harmonious blend of pink and yellow.

After walking for a while, Maria turned back to look at Kanaya and Kanaho.

"Kanaya, Kanaho. Please leave me and Tomoe-chan alone for just a little while.

It's alright.

We won't go anywhere you can't see. Just to that big cherry tree over there."

"But, Ojou-sama—"

Kanaya stopped Kanaho, who was about to object, with a hand gesture and bowed her head.

"Understood. We will wait here."

Maria smiled at Kanaya, who was bowing.

"Thank you. Well then, let's go, Tomoe-chan."

"...Yes."

Tomoe walked along, her eyes downcast, as Maria led her by the hand.

Normally, seeing the fresh scenery, Tomoe would be excited and keep talking to Maria, but the current Tomoe remained silent.

Tomoe had been blaming herself ever since that night.

(I said I'd help Onee-sama

I said I'd always be with Onee-sama.

But instead, I ran away all by myself.)

More than anything, the memory of that time makes her furious.

(...I was trembling with fear, and all I could do was cling to Onee-sama.

I was powerless, unable to do anything.)

Even now, that helplessness makes her want to tear her own heart.

Her mother, Mima, tried to comfort her, saying that it couldn't be helped since Tomoe didn't have the means to fight yet.

But the fact that her cousin single-handedly defeated all the enemies only weighed heavily on her heart.

(Will I only be a burden to Onee-sama...?)

"Just living by Maria's side with such a lighthearted attitude, that alone will only be a burden to Maria, a hindrance. That will eventually cause Maria suffering..."

Tomoe recalled the words her mother, Mima, had clearly told her before.

She would always live by Maria's side.

Tomoe had thought that this was not a lighthearted intention, but she felt her heart
wavering.

(Will I be unable to keep up with Onee-sama?

Will I be unable to help or support her, only becoming a burden...?)

"Tomoe-chan, look up."

At her cousin's voice, Tomoe instinctively raised her head.

Looking up, she saw a canopy of cherry blossoms bathed in sunlight.

Through the gaps between the blossoms and spreading branches, she could see the blue sky.

Before she knew it, they had arrived at the base of a large cherry tree.

The sight, so unlike anything she'd ever seen in her daily life, left Tomoe breathless.

Even at her young age, she was deeply moved by its beauty.

"...There are some sights you can only see if you look up like this, you know?"

Maria's words, as they both looked up, struck Tomoe like a bolt of lightning.

Her cousin, her Onee-sama, was speaking to her, who had been looking down since that night.

"I wonder how many years of wind and rain this tree must have endured to grow such a thick trunk, extend its branches so widely, and bloom so profusely with flowers...."

Her cousin's quiet sigh continued, and before Tomoe could even catch her breath, she was struck in the heart.

(That's right....

This magnificent cherry tree, now in full bloom, must have started out as a tiny tree.

Having firmly taken root, enduring the wind and the rain—it blooms, then withers,
and repeats...

Now, it is blooming large and beautifully.

Onee-sama was trying to subtly tell me that people are the same.

Those who persevere and continue to strive without being discouraged by a single hardship are the ones who can grow strong and great...)

Tomoe felt ashamed of herself for being tormented by feelings of failure.

At the same time, she felt both sorry and happy for her cousin.

(Onee was waiting for me, believing that I would grow strong and never give up on living with her.

Even though she saw right through my weak heart, she deliberately avoided putting it into words, and instead used this magnificent cherry tree as an example to hint at the most important thing for "growth"...)

Large tears streamed down Tomoe's face.

"... Onee-sama... I... I..."

That was all Tomoe could manage before she faltered.

So many emotions were racing through her mind, swirling together inside her, and she couldn't figure out which ones to express clearly.

"I'm sorry... Onee-sama... I'm so sorry..."

Tears streamed down Tomoe's face as she offered an apology.

For young Tomoe, those were the only words she could manage.

Maria looked slightly surprised to see Tomoe crying, but then smiled and gently hugged Tomoe.

"It's alright, Tomoe-chan... I understand..."

Her cousin's soft embrace swirled the complex emotions that had been swirling inside Tomoe's heart.

There was no longer a trace of doubt in Tomoe's heart.

(I will live my life with Onee-sama.

Forever.)

Hugging Maria back, tears streaming down her face, Tomoe reaffirmed that resolve.

★★★

Now, as is always the case, Maria has no way of knowing about Mima's struggles or anxiety, and she doesn't consider Tomoe's feelings or offer any suggestions for her growth.

As usual, she was just speaking and acting on a whim.

(Wow, the cherry blossoms are really beautiful!

Alright, I'll take Tomoe-chan out, she's been looking so gloomy lately, and have some fun!)

The suggestion for a walk before lunch was far from a deep consideration, and stemmed from an impulsive reaction.

Although it was a suggestion made out of concern for Tomoe, it's also not wrong to consider it as thoughtless.

The most troublesome thing about Maria's every action is that she's so complicated.

"...There are some sights you can only see if you look up like this, you know?"

These words weren't spoken with any particularly deep meaning; they were simply, literally, just her utterance of what she was thinking.

However, Maria's current outward charm, in addition to her innate, bewitching beauty, has acquired one of the powers of Youshin, "Powerful Heavenly Charm."

Therefore, as an overwhelmingly superior being, she possesses a spiritual quality that captivates people.

Therefore, even the nonsense and ramblings Maria casually utters with an empty mind sound like profound and meaningful words.

Therefore (again), even the nonsense Maria casually utters with an empty mind sounds like profound and insightful words.

Therefore (AGAIN!), it's no wonder that Tomoe misunderstands and is impressed.

"I wonder how many years of wind and rain this tree must have endured to grow such a thick trunk, extend its branches so widely, and bloom so profusely with flowers...."

This wasn't a sentimental reflection on the cherry tree's growth process, but rather a statement born from Maria's masochistic desire to envy the hardships it endured over many years, and the harsh winds and rain it had exposed it to.

Unaware of such perverse intentions, Tomoe was once again deeply moved, and even shed large tears.

To put it bluntly, this delusional syndrome that Maria causes is a major problem, a great nuisance on a human scale.

She could turn the majority of humanity into her followers, seize control of people's hearts, and potentially become the ruler of the world.

The only saving grace was that Maria was unaware of her own overwhelming charisma, and even if she were aware, there was absolutely no possibility of her misusing it; since she's the ultimate masochistic pervert.

"I'm sorry... Onee-sama... I'm so sorry..."

Amidst all the misunderstandings, Tomoe suddenly offered a tearful apology.

Maria responded with a warm smile and a hug.

"It's alright, Tomoe-chan... I understand..."

Of course, Maria didn't understand.

(Tomoe-chan, aiming to be a masochist like me, also sensed the "M-vibe" from the large cherry tree and shamelessly became aroused.)

She mistakenly believed that the apology was for that, a misunderstanding akin to a four dimensional killing technique.

(It's alright, it's human instinct to think naughty thoughts, everyone's a pervert, so there's nothing to be ashamed of. It's alright.)

As a seasoned masochistic veteran, she gently embraced Tomoe.

(Look at the clear blue sky, it's as if it's blessing us masochistic sisters!)

And so, even the clear skies were dragged into the misunderstanding-fueled, crazy, blooming shenanigans.

After all, Maria's carefree, blissful mind is currently in a non-stop Saturday Fever Night state.

(It seems I accidentally defeated Youshin and Genkon, but since Mima-okaa-sama,
Tomoe-chan and the others will no longer be in danger related to Nayuta no Hebi, IT'S ALL GOOD IN THE END.

I'll make all the heroines happy like this, and then I'll conveniently bring about my own ruin!

There are still plenty of ruin flags left! Ha ha ha!)

That's how she was laughing heartily in her mind.

However, Maria didn't notice.

She has become a godlike being, a Demigod, capable of effortlessly obliterating all those flags of destruction.

Maria now possesses the power of a final boss.

She has the ability to instantly recover from even fatal injuries, a complete full recovery ability, and the ability to constantly maintain an abundance of life force and magical power through automatic regeneration.

She truly possesses the powers of a God, an almost ridiculously overpowered ability.

She is almost immortal, possesses a bewitching beauty, and has gained the power of Heavenly Charm, and is an Exorcist who can infinitely manipulate lost ancient magic.

There is no one who can physically defeat Maria now, and the possibility of anyone socially trying to harm Maria is practically zero.

Rather, she would undoubtedly be hailed as a perfect and flawless "Saint" and become an object of worship.

At this point, as a young girl, the tragic ending was already far, far, far, far, far away.

Unaware of this fact, Maria was completely carefree and relaxed amidst the falling cherry blossoms.

Holding Tomoe in her arms, she continued to innocently pray to the clear sky and the magnificent cherry tree for the fulfillment of her own wishes.

(...As a villainess, I absolutely want to be ruined in a spectacular and magnificent way!)

[Childhood Arc - Complete]

AN:

Thank you for sticking with my posts for about a month...

I'm so grateful... (˘ω˘)

Once things settle down, I'll write an activity report about the future of this project and other things~