I was an Alraune, a plant monster.
Having infiltrated Duke Edelweiss’s mansion in a flowerpot, I had encountered a Sphinx in the courtyard. The Sphinx was a Golem User from the Demon King's Army who controlled Urn Golems. And thanks to her, my lower body had ended up wedged perfectly inside a bizarre urn...
Despair—the word for when all hope and expectation vanished entirely.
For example, when I was betrayed and murdered by my fiancé, the Hero, and my junior Apprentice Saint.
For example, when I was eaten by a flower monster while my limbs were severed.
For example, when I, as an Alraune in the forest, was buried beneath heavy snow.
And now, when my body as a Potted Alraune had gotten stuck inside this bizarre urn...
Believe it or not, I had fused with it—an Urn Golem.
I couldn't hide my resentment at being connected to the very object I had repeatedly called "bizarre." Despite my feelings, the urn was currently moving its arms and legs, seemingly delighted with the situation.
"N-No way..."
This urn was such a perfect fit that I couldn't pull myself out at all! My flowerpot showed no sign of budging. I could have tried to break the urn by force, but I had a feeling the flowerpot would break along with it. My lower body was completely swallowed by the thing.
"U-Um... Kusukusu?"
"My name is Kusukusu! Well? Do you like it? I thought this could serve as a substitute for your legs, Alraune-chan."
"Even if you call them legs... Whoa!?"
Ignoring my confusion, the Urn Golem stood up. This golem didn't just have arms; it had legs too. To my surprise, I felt a small spark of wonder.
"I-I’m walking...?"
As the Urn Golem trotted along, I fell into the illusion that I was walking on my own two feet. The sensation felt nostalgic somehow. Having spent so long as a plant monster with roots firmly in the ground, I had long since forgotten the feeling. Back when I was human—back when I was Saint Iris—walking like this had been a matter of course!
"Hehehe! From the look on your face, Alraune-chan, I’d say you like it!"
It felt like riding a vehicle, which was actually a bit of fun. The only real problem was the fact that my lower half was fused with a bizarre Urn Golem. I could get out later... right?
"I’ve set it to move according to your commands, so you can go wherever you want!"
"Walk right... now left. Stop there... It actually works."
This might actually be convenient. I had been worried about how to navigate Duke Edelweiss’s mansion, so this was quite the upgrade.
"Kusukusu... thank you."
"Don't mention it! Though, I hate to be a buzzkill since you’re enjoying it, but the limit for moving that golem is probably only until tonight..."
Kusukusu’s smile vanished, her expression darkening instantly. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. It was so sudden that it made me worry. I wondered what was wrong.
"Now, Alraune-chan! While I can still control the golems, hurry back to the forest! This city... it’s going to get dangerous."
I had wondered why a member of the Demon Race was infiltrating the mansion all alone. But seeing Kusukusu’s face, I finally understood. She was prepared to die.
—I know, I have a better idea.
I produced a thick layer of nectar and applied it to my vines. Then, I extended one toward Kusukusu.
"As thanks for helping me, I want you to have this."
"This is...?"
"It’s my nectar."
Consider it a return gift for the Urn Golem. It wouldn't be right to just take without giving back. Besides, I had an ulterior motive.
A mission for the Demon King's Army couldn't possibly be good for the House of Duke Edelweiss. It was bound to be disastrous for the city. I didn't know exactly what Kusukusu was planning, but I knew she was looking for Tulpe, the Duke's Proxy. Letting her meet my—Iris’s—older sister would be far too dangerous.
That was where my nectar came in. It was incredibly delicious. In fact, many people who tasted it became so obsessed that they couldn't think of anything else. Even the Flame Dragon Lord had stopped fighting after one taste.
If I could get her to lick the nectar now, she wouldn't be able to think of anything else. I might be able to peacefully derail whatever mission she was on. Despite everything, I had grown somewhat fond of Kusukusu. I didn't want to resort to force. I wanted a peaceful solution.
"...Gulp." Kusukusu swallowed hard. It seemed she desperately wanted it. Her front leg reached toward my vine.
But at that moment—a window in the mansion shattered, and a white dove flew out.
Seeing the bird, Kusukusu whispered, "...It’s the signal."
"T-The signal!?"
Wait, what was with that bird? Why did it come flying out of a broken window? And if that was a signal... then something was definitely happening inside. Breaking glass wasn't normal, and the fact that Kusukusu called it a "signal" meant she had allies lurking in the mansion.
—Rufe and Tulpe were in danger!
I looked toward the wing of the mansion where the Little Witch and Tulpe had been just a short while ago. The shattered window was close to that room.
—But what about Kusukusu?
She likely intended to capture Tulpe. I needed to catch her first... No, if I did that, the enemy inside might reach the others first.
While I was torn, Kusukusu suddenly leaped into the air. She landed on the roof and looked down at me.
"I’m going to cause a commotion in the city! Use the opening to escape, Alraune-chan!"
"...What are you planning to do?"
"I’m going to activate the Urn Golems scattered through the streets. I need a high vantage point to make sure the magical command reaches them all."
"Activate the golems!? To do what?"
"To attack the humans, of course! The city will be in total chaos, so you should be able to slip away unnoticed!"
I remembered the massive stock of bizarre urns I had seen at the Pilz Trading Company. If those were all golems, the city was in for a nightmare.
"I really wanted to go with you... but I don't have much time left. So, Alraune-chan... at least you have to live and be happy."
"Kusukusu...?"
"Well then... bye-bye."
With that, she leaped even higher. She landed on the highest point of the mansion—the spire.
I moved the Urn Golem back into the center of the courtyard and looked up at her.
"What do I do...? I have to stop her first."
If those golems were unleashed, they would tear the city apart. My—Iris's—hometown would be destroyed by the Demon King's Army. I couldn't let that happen.
I looked back at the broken window. There were enemies inside, but fortunately, Katharina the knight was with Tulpe. Besides, the current Rufe was much stronger than she used to be. I didn't think she would be defeated easily.
Just wait a little longer. As soon as I stop Kusukusu, I’ll come for you.
"First, I need to get up to the roof."
I reached my vines toward the eaves. But then, the world shifted.
The sky suddenly darkened as the weather turned sour. Pitch-black rain clouds gathered directly over the mansion. Such an abrupt change wasn't natural. It had to be magic.
"Wait, this feels like... Rufe’s storm magic."
The Little Witch could manipulate the weather. She had a particular fondness for calling down lightning to strike her enemies. She was likely fighting someone inside right now and was preparing her storm magic, Heavenly Thunder (Blitz).
If that was the case, then what came next—
My prediction was spot on. A flash of light tore through the sky, and a bolt of lightning slammed into the mansion’s spire.
An instant later, a roar like the world ending echoed through the air.
—Rumble... BOOM!!!!
"Gyaaaaaah!!"
On the heels of the thunder came a piercing scream.
—Wait. Was that Kusukusu?
Then, I saw her. Kusukusu was falling from the spire. If my eyes weren't deceiving me, she was charred completely black.
As I watched her tumble toward the courtyard, I couldn't help but speak my thoughts aloud.
"No way... did she just get hit by lightning!?"
Next time, Former Saint Alraune.