The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v3c1

Chapter 1: The Tea Party

Within Starry Victoria.

After returning to the Kingdom, Luo Ling shared Victoria’s current state with Fiona, who remained silent for a long time.

Fiona had spent her life as a guardian of Victoria and its connected Boundaries. As a former leader of an Order-side organization, she understood the predicament Victoria now faced.

However, Fiona could still use her abilities, likely due to being within Starry Victoria, indirectly confirming that the past Victoria was essentially a massive Kingdom.

Or rather, Kingdoms were merely crude imitations of Origin Points.

Of course, the Awakened Ones in Victoria hadn’t completely lost their abilities; they still possessed the talent, but to continue using Path abilities… they had to choose a different path.

—Become Apostles of Grotesqueries, or, more palatably, Godchosen.

Thinking about it, the other Origin Points were likely in a similar state; Victoria’s transformation had simply come later.

Becoming a Grotesquery Apostle wasn’t without a price. On the contrary, the cost was terrifying and unbearable. This was one reason why the Harbingers preferred using secret rituals, burning themselves to access these powers, rather than directly following Grotesqueries.

After stepping onto the Grotesquery Path, everything, from body to soul, gradually became more like the Grotesquery itself, their personalities also changing.

Of course, Luo Ling was a special case, not like other Grotesqueries. Therefore, even as her Godchosen, Elsa and the others hadn’t changed much.

…They had changed a little, but these changes weren’t related to the Grotesquery Path, but to Luo Ling herself.

“I see,” Fiona sighed, her expression complex. “At least… they’re still alive.”

Besides the Awakened Ones who had died before Doomsday’s arrival, all others annihilated by It had returned during Transcendence.

As for why those who died before couldn’t return like ordinary people, Luo Ling wasn’t sure, only attributing it to the unique nature of Awakened Ones who walked the Paths within Victoria’s endlessly repeating three-hundred-year cycle.

This was both a blessing and a curse.

“If possible, I want to help the current Victoria as much as I can, of course, discreetly, without revealing the Kingdom’s existence.”

Fiona looked at Luo Ling questioningly. She had established a connection with Starry Victoria, allowing her to use her abilities even in the real world.

Fiona knew about the gazes from above and the other Origin Points beyond Victoria, which worried her.

Having protected Victoria for half her life, she couldn’t simply abandon it.

“Of course,” Luo Ling nodded slightly, a forced smile on her face, unable to completely hide her worry.

Victoria’s current state was inevitable; she had done her best.

Even the Old Man and Philosopher, without the Woman’s interference, couldn’t have prevented this outcome with their methods; it would have been even more disastrous.

But regardless…

Victoria was facing an insurmountable predicament.

“In that case, leave the matters within the Kingdom… to me. I have some understanding of Origin Points and Kingdoms,” Su Wan said softly, having been silently observing everyone.

She curtsied slightly, then looked at Luo Ling with a gentle smile. “Xiao Ling, do as you please. Don’t worry about us. We’re not a burden, but your unwavering support.”

Her sister’s meaning was clear: she didn’t want Luo Ling to hesitate because of them.

“Mmm, I understand.”

Luo Ling’s expression relaxed, but she quickly became serious again.

Just then, a warmth emanated from Luo Ling’s forehead, a summons from the First Seat. Another Tea Party was about to begin.

“The first Tea Party after Victoria’s final hour… won’t be simple,” Luo Ling murmured.

She had always wondered why, with their strength, the Tea Party hadn’t directly intervened in Victoria. Their power was comparable to, even exceeding, the Old Man and Philosopher.

Even a slight intervention would have shattered Victoria’s fragile balance.

Only now did Luo Ling understand that it wasn’t that they didn’t want to intervene, but that they couldn’t. Even Moonflower could only appear in Victoria by borrowing Ms. Nightingale’s body, her abilities limited.

But now, things were different. Victoria, its doors wide open, welcomed all those who coveted its power.

However, she needed to learn about the other Origin Points’ current state and their differences from Victoria. This Tea Party would provide some answers.

If possible, Luo Ling also wanted to visit the other Origin Points.

With Fiona in Victoria, her sister in the Kingdom, and Elsa and the others supporting her, Luo Ling could act without any worries.

Regarding the mysterious First Seat, Luo Ling had thought her sister might know something.

Unfortunately, Su Wan knew nothing about her. She had never met the First Seat, but she was certain that the First Seat was unlike any ordinary Grotesquery.

After making some arrangements, Su Wan took over Fiona’s duties in the Kingdom, while Fiona went to Victoria to maintain order.

The others continued building Starry Victoria, creating a powerful fortress against any future threats.

Just like every Tea Party before, as the warmth on her forehead intensified, Luo Ling transformed into her Amethyst form.

Billowing black fog enveloped her, but this time, the distorted scenery of Victoria didn’t appear, only a silent void.

The previous illusion of entering a Kingdom was just a disguise created by the First Seat, making her garden resemble a Kingdom to deceive them.

Since Luo Ling had already seen through this with her Naraku abilities, the First Seat no longer bothered with the pretense.

As the black fog dispersed, Luo Ling found herself in the familiar grey garden.

Everything in the Lost Kingdom was the same as before, the First Seat sitting elegantly at the head of the table, awaiting the arrival of the other members.

“Miss Amethyst, how does it feel… to have Victoria?”

The First Seat looked up at Luo Ling with a faint smile.

Whether she was referring to “Victoria at the Final Hour” or Victoria itself was unclear.

Luo Ling didn’t answer, instead walking directly towards the table.

But this time, she didn’t sit at her usual seat, furthest from the First Seat, instead taking the seat to the First Seat’s left.

Although the Tea Party members’ seating wasn’t fixed, the seats beside the First Seat usually remained empty.

Partly out of fear and unwillingness to be completely under her control, and partly because of the First Seat’s oppressive presence, despite her usually casual demeanor.

But the problem was, when she casually revealed your deepest, darkest secrets, her languid attitude became even more terrifying.

Of course, Luo Ling’s previous desire to distance herself from the First Seat had a different reason.

But now, she had chosen to sit beside her.

“Hmm?”

The First Seat naturally noticed this change, shifting slightly and seeming to become more attentive.

“I believe… there should be more attendees at this Tea Party… than just me,” Luo Ling said after waiting for a while, not seeing any other members arrive.

“Of course,” the First Seat said, staring intently at Luo Ling, her gaze seductive beneath the mystical aura, her voice tinged with a playful intimacy. “I simply asked them to arrive a little later… to give us some… alone time.”

“Because of Victoria?” Luo Ling asked softly.

“Because of you,” the First Seat chuckled, covering her mouth.

Despite her suggestive tone, Luo Ling could still discern the thoughts of this enigmatic woman.

The First Seat knew Luo Ling’s true identity and her role in Victoria. Her deliberate isolation of Luo Ling from the other Tea Party members, wanting a private conversation, was likely partly due to this.

Of course, regardless, the First Seat was clearly showing favoritism towards Luo Ling, perhaps as a “post-sale service” for their previous transaction.

Luo Ling still owed the First Seat three unconditional uses of her abilities. At least until these were fulfilled, Luo Ling was naturally the First Seat’s closest ally, different from the relatively loose transactional relationships within the Tea Party.

After her usual teasing and flirting with Miss Amethyst, the First Seat finally got down to business. “Victoria at the Final Hour… you haven’t used it yet, have you?”

“No,” Luo Ling nodded slightly.

With so many things happening, she hadn’t had a chance to examine this Kingdom under her complete control.

But Luo Ling wasn’t particularly interested in it. She already had Starry Victoria; she didn’t know what to do with another Kingdom.

Luo Ling had made the deal with the First Seat because she was worried the other Tea Party members would try to bring about Victoria’s end.

But now, with everything settled, there was no point in dwelling on it. “Victoria at the Final Hour” had become a somewhat useless extra.

“I know what you’re thinking, but I must tell you… you’re wrong,” the First Seat shook her head. “‘Victoria at the Final Hour’… is more than just a Kingdom.

“It’s perhaps the only remaining connection to Doomsday among the four Origin Points. The Doomsday followers covet it greatly.

“Even others in the Sequence are interested. Otherwise, why would the other Tea Party members react so strongly when I offered the transaction?

“Oh dear, oh dear, Miss Amethyst, you’ve truly wasted my kindness.”

A hint of resentment appeared in the First Seat’s voice, but when Luo Ling looked up, she only saw an enigmatic smile.

Luo Ling now understood that the First Seat likely wanted to use her, a wielder of the Doomsday Authority, and “Victoria at the Final Hour” for something, hence her interest in this matter.

Even when Luo Ling showed her intention to shelve “Victoria at the Final Hour,” the First Seat had become unusually insistent, worried that Luo Ling wouldn’t use it.

Simply put, she was anxious.

The First Seat’s words, although tempting and suggestive, were just a part of her scheme.

Having been tricked several times, Luo Ling could now read this woman’s mind. The First Seat never offered anything without expecting something in return.

But now, Luo Ling held the advantage.

“I’ll… take a look later,” Luo Ling said vaguely, a slight smile appearing on her lips.

“Miss Amethyst, you really should… carefully consider… my feelings for you,” the First Seat said, resting her chin on her hand, her gaze meaningful.

Luo Ling was unmoved by her teasing, but the First Seat’s mention of “Doomsday followers” intrigued her.

She had initially thought it was just the Woman’s title, but now it seemed… there was a group of people actively pursuing Doomsday’s arrival.

What did Doomsday truly mean?

Luo Ling had thought she understood after witnessing Victoria’s end, but now it seemed… she didn’t know enough.

Now that she held a slight advantage, if she asked the First Seat about this, she would surely answer, as she needed Luo Ling to explore this aspect.

Luo Ling wouldn’t miss this opportunity to gain information from the First Seat.

“Regarding Doomsday… I have a small question,” Luo Ling asked after a moment of thought. “Are there many… who know about it?”

“Only a few, but the Doomsday followers are quite numerous, after all, they’re madmen comparable to Naraku Godchosen,” the First Seat replied, her eyes lighting up upon hearing Luo Ling’s interest.

The First Seat seemed to be enjoying their alone time, not summoning the other members yet, instead patiently answering Luo Ling’s questions.

Before Luo Ling could ask further, the First Seat revealed everything she could. “At least for now, Doomsday hasn’t truly been born, but Its power already envelops the four Origin Points, forming the Seventh Path.

“Doomsday is a nascent deity, Its arrival transcending the limitations of time and space, appearing at any moment, bringing unprecedented disaster.

“Miss Amethyst, after receiving ‘Victoria at the Final Hour,’ you should have seen the being who left the Taboo slate—let’s call it ‘Transcendence.’ It was Transcendence that delayed Doomsday’s arrival. Before being completely corrupted by Doomsday, It divided the world, creating four crucial nodes for Doomsday’s arrival.

“The four Origin Points are the divided world, all endlessly delaying Doomsday’s arrival through Transcendence’s power, hence the centuries-long cycles and the Boundary collapse recovery mechanism.

“But clearly, this fragile balance has its limits. The four Origin Points have failed one after another, Columbia, the worst case, even being completely devoured by Doomsday. Victoria’s survival was fortunate.”

In other words, the four Origin Points weren’t four separate worlds, but originally one.

Luo Ling pondered for a moment, another, more serious question arising.

“First Seat, are you on the side of Doomsday or Transcendence?” Luo Ling stared intently at the First Seat, suspecting her involvement in Victoria’s demise.

But she had no proof.

Moreover, she was supposed to explore the Doomsday Path herself…

It was hard not to be suspicious.

Luo Ling even suspected the First Seat might be Doomsday itself.

“Do you even need to ask? Of course I’m on your side, little Amethyst,” the First Seat said, winking playfully, dodging the question while teasing Luo Ling.

“……”

Luo Ling didn’t respond, having expected this non-answer.

“But Doomsday is so… lifeless… I don’t really like it,” the First Seat said, rubbing her temples and sighing. “If It were like you, I wouldn’t mind supporting It a little.”

Seeing Luo Ling’s skeptical expression, the First Seat shrugged. “Do you remember the first time I asked you for information about the Taboo slate?”

“Hmm?”

Luo Ling raised an eyebrow. Of course, she remembered. That was her first transaction at the Tea Party, earning her a fortune, but also indirectly leading to the Old Man’s death.

“When I said I couldn’t obtain the information, I wasn’t lying. It’s difficult for me to directly access the Burial Ground. Forcing my way in is possible, but unnecessary, as it feels like… digging up an old friend’s grave.”

An old friend…

Could she be referring to Transcendence?

Luo Ling remembered the First Seat saying she resembled an old friend of hers. Could it be Transcendence?

However, before Luo Ling could ask, the First Seat snapped her fingers, and billowing black fog surged forward, several figures, both small and tall, appearing within.

“Our alone time is over,” the First Seat said, her voice tinged with regret. “I wanted to chat with Miss Amethyst a bit longer, such a pity.”

Bullshit.

Luo Ling wanted to reach out and pinch the First Seat’s beautiful face. This woman always knew how to say the most infuriating things.

She had deliberately piqued Luo Ling’s interest, revealing just enough to achieve her goal before hiding her cards.

Luo Ling stared at the First Seat, not because she was beautiful, but because her fingers itched, barely suppressing the urge to pinch her.

Seemingly sensing Luo Ling’s glare, the First Seat feigned a pitiful expression, then quickly returned to her usual languid demeanor, reclining elegantly in her chair.

Because the other Tea Party members had arrived.

First came Snowdrop(Xue Mei), the most taciturn. Upon entering, she ignored both the First Seat and Luo Ling, walking directly to her usual seat and sitting down, resuming her usual silence.

Then came Moonflower(Yuejian), the loli-like old woman, skipping in happily, but her expression turned to shock upon seeing Luo Ling sitting beside the First Seat.

However, she quickly seemed to realize something, closing her mouth and going to her own seat without a word.

Miss Iris, peering curiously, and the gentle Ms. Camellia, needless to say, like Moonflower, were surprised by the unusual intimacy between Amethyst and the First Seat, but they remained silent.

In fact, after the last Tea Party’s abrupt ending, they had all assumed Amethyst, who had dared offend the First Seat, was finished.

Although the First Seat usually seemed agreeable, accepting all transactions and rarely showing anger, always maintaining an indifferent demeanor…

…anyone who had interacted with her knew that this mysterious and powerful woman wasn’t someone to be trifled with. A dormant volcano wasn’t extinct, simply waiting to erupt.

Even the most boisterous Moonflower wouldn’t dare joke too much with the First Seat, immediately groveling at the slightest sign of displeasure.

And Miss Amethyst?

She had dared to use Naraku’s abilities against the First Seat!

And she had even crossed the Tea Party’s bottom line, disrupting the bidding process by practically overturning the table.

Being expelled from the Tea Party under such circumstances would be a mercy, even death would be a relief. The First Seat’s methods were always beyond imagination.

But now, not only hadn’t the First Seat punished Amethyst, their relationship seemed even closer than before, and “Victoria at the Final Hour” had likely already been given to Amethyst.

What kind of special treatment was this?!

What unimaginable price had Amethyst paid to appease the First Seat’s anger and even secure this valuable prize?

Wait, could Miss Amethyst be the First Seat’s long-lost sister?

Or perhaps…

All the Tea Party members except Snowdrop looked at the First Seat and Luo Ling with subtle expressions.

Luo Ling, unaware of their thoughts, looked at Moonflower, her expression complex.

This old woman, appearing as a loli at the Tea Party, had changed the outcome in Victoria with her actions. If not for Moonflower, using Ms. Nightingale’s body, and the Woman’s sudden appearance, the Old Man’s plan might have succeeded.

The Old Man, wielding the complete Hour of Death ability of Fate, would have been powerful enough to stop Philosopher’s ascension, preventing Doomsday’s arrival.

However, there were no “ifs.”

Without Moonflower, the Woman would have found someone else. She was the true mastermind.

Regardless, Moonflower was the biggest winner in this finale, no wonder she had skipped into the Tea Party so happily.

Besides Amethyst, Moonflower was also the center of attention. Camellia(Tu Mi) and Iris, who had been secretly communicating, already knew that Moonflower was the first among them to achieve ascension.

Moonflower now wielded the incomplete Fate Authority, able to use the Hour of Death, and… without any price, only requiring inspiration.

They looked at Moonflower with envy, Iris especially so, practically gnashing her teeth.

Iris had been closest to achieving ascension, but unfortunately, she had been completely fooled by the cunning Yuejian and Tu Mi, giving them all the information she had obtained in Twilight Victoria.

Only after Moonflower’s ascension did Iris realize her mistake, but it was too late. She could only watch helplessly as the opportunity to save “Lord” Jingwei slipped away, filled with regret.

At this Tea Party, Iris was determined to continue her path to godhood, even if it meant bankruptcy.

Because Moonflower’s success had also revealed another crucial fact: the spots for ascension were limited. Not all Authorities, like Fate, offered such opportunities. For example, those who tried to obtain Naraku’s Authority usually met a gruesome end.

Camellia’s focus was on the now exposed Victoria, the Origin Point, a dangerous glint in her eyes beneath the mystical aura, a gentle smile on her lips.

Although everyone remained silent upon entering the Lost Kingdom, the First Seat, with a single glance, knew their thoughts.

…Boring.

The First Seat’s lips curled slightly. The Tea Party members always thought she was aloof and serious, but she simply found their predictable thoughts boring. Even this Tea Party was just a way to pass the time.

But now… things were different.

The First Seat’s gaze shifted slightly, meeting Amethyst’s glare, a smile appearing on her lips.

“The Tea Party… begins.”