Confrontation

Her name is Elisabeth Faith. But Elisabeth is clearly here in the Holy City. I don't understand it completely but I'm sure this has something to do with her ability—which I assume can only be that. But knowing her ability and knowing I can defeat her are two completely different things. I'll have to find the perfect time to catch her off guard.

"You seem deep in thought, Haruki. Anything that I need to concern myself over?" she asks, glaring through me.

"Just thinking how beautiful you are, Elisabeth."

She blushes. "Y-You think so?"

"Yeah."

It's not a lie. Elisabeth is extremely attractive. She's more mature-looking than Louisa and Selina combined. Though, they do have their own charms. Louisa is still petite, despite her age. Her long, golden hair, red-purple amethyst eyes, and slender body make her look like a vintage doll. She has a cheerful personality towards her friends and a cold façade she displays to enemies. I guess now that she betrayed us, she'd show us the latter expression. Selina has natural beauty due to her genealogy. Maga Noctis are unparalleled and sought after for their beauty alone. Their abilities are secondary for any man in any realm. Her hair the colour of the night sky. Her lapis-tinted eyes. It's like the night sky and ocean joined to form the most beautiful sight in existence. She had a reserved personality but over the course of our time on the steam train, she broke out of her shell and became a confident woman fitting for her age. But none of them can compare when it comes to the elegance and majesty Elisabeth displays. The one from my dreams is a bit on the annoying end of the spectrum, but she's not without her positive points. 

"If you think I look beautiful now, then I can't wait for later when you see me in my dress."

"Your… dress?"

"Yes. Oh, make sure you arrive at the chapel in time. There will be many visitors at the ceremony. And it would be rude to let them wait long."

"Chapel? Ceremony? Elisabeth, what are you talking about?"

"You're so silly, Haruki. I'm speaking of our wedding, of course."

W-wedding!? Wedding? What wedding? Our wedding? Today? "And when exactly was this decided?"

"Many, many, maaany moons ago. We promised each other we would be betrothed. Don't you remember?"

I shake my head. "You say that, but I'm certain I met you a few days ago for the first time."

"Hmm… Well, I'm not surprised you don't remember. Our memories are so fickle. They are easy to alter and manipulate. But after the wedding ceremony, I will explain everything to you."

"Why not explain everything now?"

"Because you need to go to the tailor, silly."

The… tailor?

After Elisabeth left, Emihiko and Yukio led me to Elliot's Tailor, the best tailor in Leagard… or at least that's what the sign says.

"My, my. So, the rumours were true," says a massive man in feminine clothing and makeup. "Lady Elisabeth found her red string."

"Her red string?"

"Have you ever heard of the red string of fate?" He takes out measuring tape and wraps it around my waist. "The imperceptible string that connects two fated souls, that's what the red string is. Your soul is connected to Lady Elisabeth's, you just don't know it."

I'd rather my soul not be connected to a psychopath. "But who says I am her red string? What if this marriage is a—"

He shoots an icy glare, then says, "A mistake? Is that what you want to say? Listen, Haruki. We only live once in this world. The fact that Lady Elisabeth met you in the vastness of the seven realms is fate. Although, we were sceptical when she announced this engagement three years ago."

"Three years ago? What are you talking about?"

He laughs. "Are your nerves affecting your memory now? I'm talking about the announcement Lady Elisabeth made three years ago."

She… what? Three years ago? But I only met her a few days ago. Did she know I was going to come here for the last three years? No, with that power it should be impossible. Unless…

"Don't get me wrong, we were happy about the announcement. It's just… After three years of silence, we were concerned. I thought Lady Elisabeth was stood up and too embarrassed to discuss the topic, so we never pestered her on it. But a week ago, she suddenly announced the date for the wedding ceremony. It was as sudden as the engagement, and it was just as excitable. Lady Elisabeth came to me personally to request my aid in finding you the most proper attire. I must admit, without seeing you, it was difficult. But with this, you will be the most dashing bridegroom ever." He reveals a suit his workers brought in. "So, what do you think?"

What do I think? What else can I think? What did I get myself into?

Two hours later Elliot finished the final touches on my suit, and we made our way to the chapel. "What a dashing man you are. Lady Elisabeth will love you even more."

"Are you sure this is right, Elliot?"

"Of course it is."

The chapel is filled with people. "Does no one have anything better to do today?"

"What are you talking about?"

"It's not just the chapel, even the outside of this building is packed."

"It just goes to show how much Lady Elisabeth is respected in this town. And as she should be. I don't know if you know this, but Lady Elisabeth saved this town ten years ago."

"Saved the town?"

"There was a sudden epidemic outburst in this town ten years ago. The surrounding towns cut all ties with us. They were afraid of it escalating into a pandemic. I understand their concern, believe me, I do. However, they did not even think of sending medical experts to help us. We all lost hope. My wife and children were dying. We prayed to God, but even he had forsaken us. Days… weeks… months passed. The citizens lost the will to even give up. That was when she appeared. Not a messenger of God. Not a medical expert from a neighbouring town or another country. No, it was our Saintess, Lady Elisabeth. She arrived with a group of people and healed us. The disease that plagued us for months, disappeared overnight. My wife and children are safe now thanks to her. I think I speak for everyone when I say, we do not just respect her. We worship Lady Elisabeth. She was our saving grace when the world denied us."

I… didn't know this happened. I knew that humans were rotten, but this…

"That happened a long time ago, so you don't need to feel bad," he continues. "We are just grateful that Lady Elisabeth showed up when she did."

Come to think of it, if Elisabeth knows the true nature of humans, why is she killing every other race? It would make more sense to target humans if this was for revenge.

"What's weird is when we confronted the other towns, they were completely oblivious when we mentioned our town. It's like in their minds we never existed."

That's probably Elisabeth's doing. With her magic, it's possible to make others forget what's right in front of them. What I don't understand is the reach of her abilities. If what I'm imagining is true…

"Haruki? You look deep in thought. Are you okay? You're not nervous, are you?"

"I'm doing just perfect."

…then you are a bigger monster than I thought, Elisabeth.