After talking with Gaspar's father, Miu, Koneko, and I were brought to an indoor garden on the castle's upper floor.

No windows, but the lighting kept it bright. Vibrant flowers and the gentle sound of water made it feel like we weren't indoors.

A maid had told us Valerie wanted to see us.

At the garden's center, a table was set with Rias, Gaspar, and Valerie already seated.

"Welcome. Please, sit," Valerie said.

We took the empty chairs.

I glanced sideways—Crow Cruach leaned against the wall, giving us a brief look before closing his eyes.

Valerie giggled softly. "That's my bodyguard, Crow Cruach."

The strongest evil dragon as a bodyguard. Likely Marius's doing. Or Rizevim's?

A Transcender's son with Ophis's clone, and now the strongest evil dragon. Tough to challenge.

Valerie poured tea into my cup, smiling. "Rias-sama told me about Gaspar's life in Japan. It sounds peaceful."

"Yeah, great food, quiet spots, lively places. It's a good country, Your Majesty," I replied respectfully.

She's the nation's leader, after all.

Valerie giggled again. "No formalities, Issei. Rias-sama agreed to drop them too. Just call me Valerie. You too, Miu, Koneko."

"Do it," Rias added.

If she insists, fine. "Alright, Valerie. Call me Issei."

"Miu's fine," Miu said.

"Call me Koneko," Koneko added.

"Got it, Issei, Miu, Koneko," Valerie said, her smile charming.

She seemed… normal, less hollow than in the throne room. Her eyes were clearer too.

Valerie turned to Koneko. "You must know lots of tasty snacks, Koneko. What's in Japan?"

"Um, I like…" Koneko began.

We chatted about mundane things. What was ordinary to us fascinated Valerie, sparking curious questions.

She shared stories about young Gaspar. "Gaspar dressed as a girl because I used to put him in dresses for fun. He resisted at first, but eventually started doing it himself… hehe♪"

"N-No! Don't tell them that!" Gaspar protested.

"Does he still need a stuffed animal to sleep?" she teased.

"Th-That's…"

"Hehe, still does. So like you, Gaspar."

Their banter felt warm, like a big sister teasing her little brother. Natural.

Valerie reacted like any normal girl with us too.

But then—

"Yes… I understand," she said to empty air.

She was talking to the dead through the Holy Grail's power.

Koneko whispered, "Issei-senpai…"

"I know. Something feels… off."

A bad vibe hung where she spoke. I didn't notice it in the throne room, but up close, it was clear.

Valerie looked up. "Gaspar's seen the sun, right?"

"Yeah, I'm a Daywalker… so are you, Valerie," Gaspar replied.

"True. But I've never been outside. They wouldn't allow it. Just once, I'd love to have tea with you under the sun. A picnic sounds fun, doesn't it?"

Never outside? Confined since birth, likely worse after awakening the Holy Grail.

Living under the sun is normal for us, but for her, it's a distant dream.

Rias smiled. "Then let's all go. The Occult Research Club… no, let's invite Sona's group too. A big trip to a Japanese hotspot. You'll love it, Valerie."

"Springtime would be great. Bring bentos, do some cherry blossom viewing," Miu added.

Valerie's eyes sparkled. "That sounds wonderful! A picnic under the sun. I've never seen cherry blossoms. They're beautiful, right?"

Her smile was radiant.

Yeah, we'll show her Japan.

Gaspar stood excitedly. "Yes, Valerie! Come to Japan with me! Being queen might keep you busy, but once things settle, I'll come get you! Japan's full of kind people, beautiful places, and great food!"

He's fired up! And… bold.

I grinned mischievously. "Well, well, the shut-in inviting the queen on a date? Quite the move, Gaspar. Go for it, Valerie."

"Hehe, a date with Gaspar? Didn't see that coming," Valerie giggled.

Gaspar flushed, flustered. "S-Stop it, Issei-senpai! Valerie too! I'm serious!"

"Don't tease, Onii-chan. He's trying so hard," Miu said.

"Yeah, it's his first date invite. No mocking," Koneko added, both tugging my cheeks.

Ow, sorry!

Rias laughed, amused.

But I realized something.

Valerie's bound by the Holy Grail, yet the normal girl in her remains. She can talk and laugh like this.

Even with her mental corruption, there's hope.

Then a voice cut in. "What's so fun?"

Marius entered, wearing a fake smile, radiating malice. Impressive, in a twisted way.

Valerie's eyes lost their spark instantly.

Is he… controlling her? Brainwashing?

"Brother Marius, I was chatting with Gaspar and Rias-sama's group," Valerie said.

Marius greeted us. "Pardon me. I heard Valerie was meeting guests and wanted to drop by. Am I intruding?"

Very much so. He's here to monitor us, isn't he?

I smirked, lacing my tone with sarcasm. "Oh, we were having a great chat with Valerie. Don't mind us."

I sent a faint wave of killing intent his way.

Marius's smile faltered briefly, but he glanced at Crow Cruach, who remained unmoved, eyes closed.

"Our 'Knight' was rude earlier. My apologies," Rias said.

"Our 'Queen' too. I scolded her," I added.

Total lie. I'd rather pat Xenovia and Alice than apologize to this creep. I'd punch him first.

Marius gave a wry smile. "No, no. Those from the lower world might find this place confusing."

He didn't press further.

Gaspar, resolute, faced Marius. "Um!"

"Yes, Gaspar Vlad?" Marius asked.

"Please… let Valerie go! I'll do anything! Just don't make her suffer anymore…"

Damn, Gaspar's grown into a real man! That was cool.

He might just become the manliest of us someday. Hard to picture, though, with his girly side.

Marius touched his chin, thinking, then smiled. "Very well. We'll release her."

"That easy?" I asked skeptically.

"Yes. Valerie's fulfilled her role. It's time she's 'freed' from the Holy Grail."

"Really?" Gaspar asked cautiously.

Marius nodded, still smiling. "Just give us some time. The regime's new, and the queen stepping down abruptly would look bad. With a little time, we'll hand Valerie over."

"Thank you, Brother Marius! Gaspar, I might get to go to Japan!" Valerie said.

"Really, thank you!" Gaspar echoed, grabbing her hands.

They rejoiced, Gaspar bowing to Marius. "Thank you! Thank you!"

"No need, heh," Marius replied, his smile ominous.

Rias, Miu, Koneko, and I stayed silent.

This is beyond suspicious.

Marius, letting go of the Holy Grail? No way. But he said 'release' clearly.

Gaspar and Valerie believed him, overjoyed.

'Release'… what does he mean?

We ended the tea party with unease lingering.

-----------------------------

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