Candice Elemental, commonly known as Candy, had spent several hours since her duel with her former fiancé. She was being treated for her wounds by her maid, Croco.

They soaked cotton in disinfectant and dabbed it on Candy’s head wounds, going “pon-pon” as they applied it. Candy should have grimaced from the disinfectant stinging her wounds, but her face didn’t show a trace of pain. However, she looked utterly defeated.

“Ah, aah…”

“My Lady, please cheer up. It’s okay; people are defined by what’s inside, not their appearance.”

“……After spouting all that abuse, it’s impossible now… Ah, aah, I always acted so prim and proper…”

“…Leave it to me, My Lady.”

They went “peta-peta” as they applied plasters to Candy’s forehead, and wiped away dirt with a damp cloth. Croco stroked her head as she worked. Then, Hero Dan entered the infirmary where they were.

“Candy.”

“Da-Dan-sama… About earlier…”

“Hmm?”

Candy had revealed her true self during the previous battle. She had always acted demurely to be liked, never using harsh language, so she felt incredibly awkward.

“It seems that your former fiancé doesn’t remember fighting you.”

“Eh? Is that so?”

“Yes… Have you been close to him before? Did you notice anything strange or different about him?”

“No…”

“I see.”

“……”

“……”

“Is that all?”

“Is there something else?”

Candy glances at Dan, who says nothing, although she had expected him to question her change in tone. She wants to explain, but she can’t find the words.

“Dan-sama.”

“You’re a maid?”

“Yes. I am Croco, Candy-sama’s maid. Actually, I’d like to discuss My Lady’s condition earlier.”

“I’m listening.”

“Actually… My Lady has a Blessing Gift. It’s called Blood Riot Blood Dress… Her physical abilities are enhanced by emotional arousal and the amount of blood flowing.”

“I see.”

Dan listens with interest to Croco’s explanation.

(And in My Lady’s case, her emotions have exploded, revealing her true nature. But if I say this, My Lady will be devastated…)

“Also, when this ability is activated, My Lady’s tone of speech becomes rough and changes. It’s an old concern of hers, and it’s a bit embarrassing. Look, you can see that she’s looking uncomfortable.”

“…I see. I thought it was her natural tone, but it was a side effect of the ability?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I see. I understand. I thought it was her true self… But it’s like that, isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed. That’s correct.”

Dan said, “I see,” and asked if there was anything else to discuss. When he realized there was nothing more, he left the infirmary.

“Croco… I have the world’s best maid! Now we can reset the affection level! I can approach him again!”

+-+

I see, so that wasn’t her true self after all… I thought that was the real Candy… Since I’m pretending to be something I’m not myself, I felt a sudden affinity and was glad for a moment…

So it was a side effect of her ability… Could it be the same with me? I had hope for just a second. It’s disappointing.

Guess I’m the only one pretending to be something I’m not and finding it painful… Well, whether or not I feel a connection with my disciple doesn’t change what’s coming next. Candy was stronger than I thought. And she can be expected to be a worthy successor. That’s all that matters.