Valkyrie Dorms, Everyone Turns into Catgirls!

"No, I won't allow another me to do this! Absolutely not!" Raiden Mei firmly objected.

She hadn't expected that after reaching the finish line and finally ending up with Elias, she'd still face such a crisis.

The Herrscher of Thunder's actions were basically threatening her status as the original, rightful Raiden Mei in the household.

(She has the same face as me, but her body is perfectly shaped to Elias' preferences. If she succeeds, is there even still a place for the original Raiden Mei in this home?!)

"Coward. You think you can stop me?"

(I will stop you, no matter the cost! You will never take my place in Elias' heart!)

"Heh~ Don't forget, half of the Raiden Mei in Elias' heart is already me. Once I get a new body, I'll take over completely. I won't even leave you with half."

(Y-you wish!)

In an instant, crimson lightning crackled through the Valkyrie dorms. Everyone saw Mei transform into her Herrscher form.

Then, with her eyes tightly shut and brows furrowed, she began to battle internally in a mental space invisible to the others.

This is what happens when you don't get along with another version of yourself—like having a nemesis living in your head. It's the kind of problem Dark Seele and Seele could never understand.

"Ah, well…"

Elias stood speechless, thinking he really shouldn't have brought up the body issue. Look at the mess it caused.

Is Immortal Fu Hua around? Could your all-purpose Fenghuang Down help mediate this?

"Mei, both of you, stop fighting. Having an independent body isn't all benefits—it has downsides too."

"What?" x2

Both Meis were stunned.

"The most obvious downside is... Herrscher Mei, if you choose to have your own body, you'll lose your powers. After all, I don't have the ability to create a body that carries a stigma and can still wield the Herrscher of Thunder's powers."

Elias spread his hands with a helpless expression.

Although the body he created with his authority would surely surpass a normal human's, at most it would be like a small-scale superhuman—the best it could do is dismantle a Gundam barehanded.

There was no way to recreate stigma powers or Herrscher of Thunder abilities.

So choosing independence meant accepting the loss of power. That was an undeniable fact requiring immense resolve. The stronger the power, the harder it is to let go.

"..."

Herrscher Mei fell silent.

She understood now.

Choosing independence meant completely severing ties with Raiden Mei.

She would gain a free body and the chance to stay beside Elias like a normal person.

But she would also lose her strength.

And she would no longer be seen as Raiden Mei, but as a separate, independent person.

That wasn't a good thing for her, because Herrscher Mei was born from the stigma's consciousness, not a real person. She had no friends, no family—nothing.

Nothing except Elias' love…

So this was a huge gamble.

If she chose independence and Elias abandoned her one day, Herrscher Mei would truly have nothing—she might even end up wandering the streets alone.

But...

"It doesn't matter. Let's do it. Losing power is fine. It's not like I've never given up my authority before."

In just a few seconds, she made up her mind.

Herrscher Mei looked directly into Elias eyes.

She was willing to stake her future on the belief that Elias would love her forever—and she had no doubt she would win that bet.

"..." x5

For a moment, all the girls present were deeply moved.

They understood—this Thunder Queen was wagering her crown on the chance that, even after losing everything, the boy she loved would still love her in return.

What immense courage and trust that was!

Elias felt his heartbeat grow heavy as he looked at the queen before him. He desperately wanted to do something to respond to this unconditional trust and love.

"Alright, I'll help you right now…"

But just as he was about to begin creating a new body—

"Elias, wait!"

Suddenly, the primary Raiden Mei personality took over the body and interrupted his action.

Her eyes were firm, as if she had made a significant decision, and she turned to the Herrscher of Thunder.

"The other me, let's compromise."

"What?"

"Let Elias create a body for you that holds your consciousness, but that body must look exactly like me. If you're willing to make that concession, I'll allow you to return to my body anytime."

(…Are you serious?)

Herrscher Mei looked at the main personality in surprise.

The latter was expressing her willingness to continue sharing the identity of Raiden Mei with her.

That meant she wouldn't have to go all-in on severing ties with Mei. Even after getting a physical body, she could still return.

This way, the queen could always reclaim her crown and the power of the Herrscher of Thunder at any time.

(Coward. I don't need your pity.)

"Who's pitying you? This is the best outcome. Elias would want it to end this way too."

Mei turned her head to the side.

It truly wasn't pity—it was respect. Respect for the other self who was willing to risk everything just to stand beside the one she loved.

Because Mei could now use the Herrscher of Thunder's powers, she understood how immense that strength was. And yet, Herrscher Mei had been willing to abandon it so easily.

And this would be her second time giving it up.

Mei also believed that Herrscher Mei would definitely win her gamble.

Because with Elias' personality, he would never abandon a queen who had gone to such lengths just to be with him. He would surely treasure her for life.

But Mei didn't want Herrscher Mei to pay such a steep price to achieve that.

So she chose to compromise.

Just like Herrscher Mei once did. But this time, it was her turn to be willing to share the body, the Herrscher's power, and the boy they both loved.

However…

(No thanks.)

"???"

Just as Mei finally made her heartfelt concession, the queen turned it down with a smug expression.

(As long as I have Elias, that's enough. I don't care about the Herrscher of Thunder's powers. Coward, just watch as I get the perfect body and make Elias mine alone.)

(From now on, there will be two Raiden Meis in this world—but the one he loves most will be me, not you. Hmphahaha~)

Herrscher Mei chose Elias' preferred body over her own powerful abilities, intending to charm him and gradually push her other self out of favor.

Himeko and the others collectively gasped, thinking—What a terrifying woman. She's completely owning this!

"You—!!"

At the same time, Mei exploded in rage.

Her rare act of goodwill had been carelessly rejected. This arrogant queen clearly intended to steal her man—and if that's how it was going to be, then no more mercy!

Sword drawn!

"The other me, I'm done negotiating. I'm ordering you now—threatening you! Accept my proposal!"

Mei's presence soared, exuding dominance.

(Huh? Did your brain get fried? You haven't even separated from me yet and your wings are already stiff? You dare challenge me?)

Herrscher Mei raised her brow in disbelief. Since when did this coward get so bold?

"If you don't accept my proposal, then the moment you get your body… I'll cut you down!"

(…You wouldn't dare!)

"If you don't believe me, go ahead and try it. It's not me who'll lose. Once I cut you down, Elias will be mine—and your power will be mine too. Heh~ Actually, that might be even better. I think I'll go with that."

Mei's voice was full of murderous intent.

"You can bet that Elias will still love you even if you lose your powers. That's a bet you're sure to win."

"But do you dare bet whether I'll kill you or not? For the record, I am very! Very! Angry! right now!"

(...)

Inside the mental space, Herrscher Mei broke out in a cold sweat.

She never imagined that the girl she always called a coward would dare to threaten her like this! And most importantly, she didn't seem to be bluffing at all.

The queen couldn't help but wonder—had she pushed Mei too far? Would she really cut her down the instant she got a new body?

Sure, Elias would definitely protect her, but what about after? What if the coward caught her off guard when Elias wasn't around…?

"Choose, the other me—friend or enemy."

Mei tilted her neck and pressed her weapon, Domain of Sanction, to her own throat.

(Y-you jerk!)

"Hmph. You pushed me first."

Mei responded coolly. Wouldn't it have been better to just get along? This is what happens when you try to sneak off and eat alone—there's a price to pay!

After a long silence—

The queen chose to compromise.

From now on, she would live a free and independent life in the body Elias created.

But whenever necessary, she could return to Mei's body and reclaim the power of the Herrscher of Thunder.

Of course, the body Elias created would be exactly identical to Mei's—no giving the queen any unfair advantages.

"Heh~ Watching two Meis fight over me is kind of nice, but let's not do this again, okay? No more arguments because of me. Try to get along."

In just a few seconds, Elias created a body identical in appearance to Mei's.

The queen's consciousness entered it. When she stood face-to-face with Mei, it was like looking into a mirror.

"As if we could get along. And Elias, you made this way too fast. Did you even put any effort into it? Or did you just wing it?"

"My queen, how could you doubt me? Raiden Mei's body… I know it very well."

"Heh~ That's true."

Elias wrapped an arm around each Mei's waist, pulling them both into his embrace. In his heart, he figured—This technically counts as legally having two girlfriends, right?

He looked fondly at the queen Mei on his left and said.

"Actually, even if Mei hadn't mentioned compromising, I was already planning to make the body identical."

"Huh? Why?!"

"Because in the last chapter, you said I'd shape the body however I liked… But I already love the way Mei is now. I love her just as she is—there's no need to change a thing."

Elias said it with deep affection.

It wasn't just Mei's body he loved… well, okay, he really loved that too.

But more than that, it was Mei as a person he loved.

The body didn't matter. Even if Mei had a flat chest like Bronya's, she would still be the girl who held the most important place in his heart.

Sure, if he'd just explained this clearly from the start, the whole conflict could've been avoided.

But watching the two Meis fight over him had been pretty entertaining.

He didn't expect Mei to go so far, though—resorting to forceful threats. In that moment, her presence truly surpassed that of Queen Mei.

"So basically… I got the short end of the stick?"

Mei said with a helpless smile.

If she'd known earlier that Elias had planned to make the same body anyway, why did she go through all that effort to compromise?

Sigh~ If only he'd said something sooner. She really had fallen for a bad man~

And the result? Elias came out the sole winner!

From now on, he could enjoy the double happiness of two Meis.

Bronya: "What is going on here? All I did was spectate and somehow I gained a new love rival?"

Dark Seele: "Damn it, is it too late for me to ask for a new body? Seele, step it up already!"

Himeko: "Should I inform Theresa that we need to expand the dorms? I have a feeling we won't have enough room in the future… and wasn't this supposed to be my solo villa in the first place?"

Elias: "Alright~ Now that we've cleared the air, let's get back to the cat ear and tail festival we paused earlier!"

As he said that, Elias had already reached out and patted the heads of the two Meis in his arms, making adorable cat ears and tails sprout on them.

Raiden Mei was pure and gentle, Queen Mei was noble and proud.

Like two differently styled purple Angora cats—Elias felt he could snuggle them for a lifetime.

Only Himeko was left.

She insisted that she was too old for this kind of thing, and that catgirls didn't suit her.

But it was too late for that.

Everyone had cat ears and tails already. If she didn't, she'd be the odd one out.

And so, the fiery red beauty grew a pair of red cat ears and a tail, a flawless blend of cuteness, elegance, and maturity—like a stunning aristocratic feline.

"This really is… paradise~~"

Elias felt like his life was now complete.

Kiana-cat, Mei-cat, Bronya-cat, Seele-cat, Himeko-cat… As a devoted cat lover and servant since his previous life, he could die without regrets in this moment.

But just as he was struck with indecision over which catgirl to cuddle first—

He was ambushed by the very catgirls he adored.

"...What are you all trying to do?"

Elias blinked as he looked around at the girls who had surrounded him, using pinning techniques that couldn't actually restrain him, but had nonetheless taken control.

"Nothing much. It's just that since everyone has cat ears and tails now, having one person without them feels a little out of place."

Himeko said with a gentle smile.

"Huh? Who are you talking about? I don't see anyone like that."

"Elias, stop playing dumb! Grow your cat ears and tail already!"

Kiana demanded, hands on her hips as she sat on his stomach.

Elias' face went pale, shaking his head like a rattle drum.

"No no no, absolutely not! I won't do it! A manly man cannot grow cat ears and a tail!"

"Seele really wants to see it. Please, Papa Elias."

"Guh! Even if it's Seele's request…"

Elias' expression twisted with inner conflict. Refusing his precious angel filled him with guilt, but this was a matter of principle—he still resisted.

But then the two Meis leaned in, cheeks slightly flushed, and whispered a few words in his ears.

Elias: "...T-this… okay then!"

Instant capitulation—

It wasn't weakness of will! It's just that even heroes can't resist beautiful women's pleas! And after what they said, refusing would be plain rude—Elias told himself in denial.

With a sigh, he reluctantly raised his hand to his head. The next second, a pair of fluffy white cat ears and a tail appeared.

All the girls: "!!!"

In that instant, their hearts collectively skipped a beat.

He suited the cat ears and tail so perfectly—it was as if this was Elias' true form!

A perfect blend of adorable and handsome! A mix of feral wildness and innocent charm! It was a miraculous sight that instantly floored every single one of them.

Bronya: "Project Bunny, begin recording! Use max resolution! Save hundreds of backup copies!"

Kiana: "Bronya, send me one! I'll trade you my breakfast tomorrow!"

Seele: "T-this is way too perfect! Can I touch it? Papa Elias spoils me, so he's definitely okay with it, right?"

Himeko: "To fight for all that is beautiful in the world—that's a Valkyrie's creed. And now, the most beautiful thing in the world is standing right in front of me!"

Mei: "Purr Looks like tonight is going to be a long one."

Looking at the girls all utterly captivated, Elias sighed helplessly.

"This is exactly why I resisted. And also… I refuse to meow, understood?"

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