The day after going hunting with Prince Eligion and the others, Agetha and I went to the town to buy outfits for the theater we planned to attend in two days. In the previous timeline, Agetha wore a black dress, but this time, she purchased a bright sky-blue dress. I opted for a suit similar to the one I wore in the previous timeline. The next day was consumed by the triumphal ceremony.
And today, we went to the theater to watch an opera, and tonight, I will be killed.
"Hey, Agetha."
"I understand. I'll protect you, so rest assured, Kiska."
With Agetha saying that, it seems I can feel at ease.
Afterward, we enjoyed the opera together in the theater. Despite having already seen the same opera once, it was not boring. On the contrary, I felt that I could enjoy it more this time, discovering new aspects that I hadn't noticed during the first viewing.
"So, Kiska, do you know what time you were attacked?"
Agetha and I sat back to back on the bed.
Sitting like this helped eliminate blind spots.
"I don't know. But that day, I stayed up late, so I know it was late at night."
"I see. In that case, we might need to be prepared for an all-nighter tonight."
Afterward, I tightened my focus, continuously monitoring the door of the room.
I didn't know when someone might enter through that door.
For a while, I stared intently at the door.
"Hey, Agetha. Are you awake?"
"Yeah, I'm awake."
Suddenly, feeling anxious, I addressed Agetha. I believe I can still remain calm because Agetha is nearby. Without Agetha, I would likely be consumed by fear.
Then, how much time has passed?
Nothing unusual has happened.
I hope we can safely welcome the morning without any issues.
"Kiska, someone is approaching this room."
"Huh?"
"Don't you hear it? Footsteps."
I strained my ears, but I couldn't hear any footsteps.
"What should we do? Should I go check?"
"Yeah, that's a good idea."
In response, Agetha got up from the bed and went outside the room.
I felt uneasy as Agetha moved away.
"Hey, do you think I should go with you?"
"Kiska, stay here. In case it turns into a fight, I don't want you to get involved."
"Got it."
If that's the case, I'll obediently wait in the room. It might be a bit pathetic to rely on her for protection, but the truth is, Agetha is stronger, and I should trust her judgment.
"Well then, Kiska, just stay quiet and wait."
Saying that, Agetha closed the door.
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"Oh, it was indeed you."
Agetha said that while smiling.
In her line of sight, there was a single person.
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Kiska's POV
Combat sounds echoed through the walls. It was evident that Agetha was engaged in a battle with someone. Despite knowing she could handle it, an overwhelming sense of unease crept in. I couldn't help but feel pathetic. If only I was stronger, I could have fought alongside her.
I continued waiting, enduring the sounds of battle until they eventually ceased.
"Is it over?"
Though I couldn't see what was happening beyond the wall, the absence of combat sounds indicated the conclusion.
"Agetha!"
Convinced the fight had ended, I rushed out into the corridor.
"Huh?"
I couldn't immediately comprehend the scene before me.
Blood covered the area, scattered in various directions, bearing witness to a fierce struggle.
"Agetha…?"
In the midst of the blood pool, Agetha lay limp and lifeless.
"Hey, are you okay?"
I struggled, trying to lift her. Her body was heavier than anticipated.
She lay there with open eyes, seemingly unconscious, or more accurately, lifeless – it was evident she had died.
"Sorry…" I found myself whispering those words.
It was a misjudgment to leave it to Agetha. If only I had been stronger, Agetha wouldn't have had to die.
"Sorry, Agetha…"
Uttering those words, I held Agetha tightly.
Regret overwhelmed me for letting Agetha die. More than anything, I hated the fact that Agetha died before my eyes. Memories of the time when Agetha hanged herself and committed suicide resurfaced. I didn't want Agetha to experience such pain again.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry…"
No matter how much I apologized, Agetha showed no response.
I needed to do better next time. To avoid causing Agetha more suffering.
"Ah…"
Suddenly, blood spewed from my mouth.
Looking down, a blade-like object protruded from my abdomen. It was evident someone had stabbed me from behind.
"Who…!?"
I said, turning around.
Without seeing the perpetrator's face, it would be challenging to strategize after respawning. Therefore, I needed to see the assailant's face at all costs.
A sound, like the wind being cut, echoed.
Simultaneously, my vision darkened.
"Aahhhhhhh!!"
I couldn't help but scream. After all, I was just attacked with something like a blade, slashing through both of my eyes. The next moment, a shock ran through my chest. Probably, I was stabbed with something.
And then, I lost consciousness.
◆
I awaken.
Seems like I've successfully returned from death.
But I need to make a significant change in my strategy.
I never thought the enemy would be a stronger presence than Agetha.
Trusting Agetha to solve everything might not be the right approach.
"Kiska, you seem a bit out of it, but are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go, Agetha."
In front of me is Black Agetha.
Since I haven't released Agetha's seal yet, the one before me is just a duplicate.
First, I need to release Agetha's seal and then defeat the Demon Lord Zoga.
First, with the assassin Noct, we head to where Prince Eligion is.
After persuading Prince Eligion somehow, I borrow the holy sword from him.
Then, Noct, the assassin, places a gem-like object on the holy sword to undo the seal.
At that moment, a dazzling light emanates from the holy sword.
When the light subsides, there stands a girl.
"It's been a while since I could breathe the outside air."
Saying that, she directs her gaze towards me.
Huh…? I feel a sense of discomfort.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Kiska? You look more foolish than usual."
Oh, right.
The Agetha in front of me is Agetha, yet not Agetha.
"You, are you the Black Agetha?"
Agetha harbors two personalities within her – the regular Agetha and the more aggressive Black Agetha.
"What is Black Agetha?"
Ah, I see. Black Agetha is a name I spontaneously came up with. She wouldn't know that nickname.
"Oh, I see. So, Black Agetha is my moniker."
Despite that, Agetha nods as if she understands.
"Indeed, I am responsible for Agetha's malevolence. Hence, the name Black Agetha makes sense."
Yes, the one before me was Agetha's other persona, Black Agetha.
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